Contribution of PE and Recess towards overall PA of 8-11-year-old children – A Preliminary Study in Northern Ireland.

Children spend a significant amount of time at school (Van Kann et al., 2016), where physical education (PE) lessons provide an important opportunity for children being physically active (Meyer et al., 2013). Physical activity (PA) during recess has also been reported as a major contributor to the daily recommended amount of PA (Nettlefold et al., 2011). Therefore the school environment is a key setting to contribute to children’s PA levels (Ruch et al., 2012). Although, the close relationship between PE, recess and PA is hardly a new concept. It is therefore worth considering how PE and recess (break and lunch) contributes to pupils overall PA.

The purposes of this study were to objectively measure physical activity (PA) in a sample of 8-11 year olds and to establish the proportion of these children who fulfil current PA guidelines to determine to what extent PE and recess (break and lunch times) contributes to children's overall PA, with a focus on age, gender and body composition within Northern Ireland (NI).

Anthropometric and accelerometer measurements were conducted on 61 children (9.3+1.0 years) including 24 boys and 37 girls from 8 randomly selected classes. Data for this study were collected between April to June during the academic year.

Overall, PE and recess (break and lunch time) contributed to almost half (43.5%) of children's total MVPA, which would suggest that the school environment is a viable opportunity to help children meet the recommended PA guidelines and reduce sedentary behaviour.

Keywords: Accelerometer, Children, Physical Activity, Physical Education and Recess.