Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity game design and use in physical education classes: JOYMVPA project

Abstract

Background. According to World Health Organization (WHO), 82% of children worldwide do not meet physical activity guidelines of at least 60 minutes per day to be physically active (Guthold, Stevens, Riley, & Bull, 2020; Lisinskiene & Juskeliene, 2019; World Health Organization, 2016, 2020). In addition, students spend only 30% of physical education time in classesin moderate to vigorous physical activity. Therefore, the aim of our educational research project was to develop moderate-to-vigorous physical activity-based games that are enjoyable for children during physical education class and communicate this process in our presentation. Research methods. The research team across different European countries tested many different skill-based games using heart rate sensors and played in 10 min blocks during regular physical education lessons or in similar situations (e.g., a group of children from a sports club). Heart rate was measured with Polar heart rate sensors with the criteria for MVPA was set as 140 beats or higher. In total, the research team tested and analyzed 100 games. Results and discussion. The outcome of our work is a usable product for PE teachers and coaches with a video and PDF explanation of the teaching game. Conclusions. The final result of this educational research is multi-lingual videos and PDF format games. 100 games were designed and tested across four different European countries. Foundation: Erasmus+: 2019-1-EE01-KA201- 051595.