Change Physical Activity and School Play Space. Randomized Study Protocol.

Change Physical Activity and School Play Space. Randomized Study Protocol.

Physical activity is a factor that contributes to a motor and cognitive development in early childhood. Currently, childhood obesity has grown steadily in Chile. This study aims to evaluate the impact of a school environmental intervention on the physical activity and cognitive functions in 1st-grade schoolchildren during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study will use a randomized experimental design with a sample of 300 schoolchildren divided into a control and an intervention group (n=150 each group). Sociodemographic characteristics and lifestyle of the schoolchildren will be obtained through a questionnaire answered by parents/guardians. Cognitive function will be evaluated using the TENI test by tablet and physical activity will be measured during 7 consecutive days using accelerometers (Actigraph GT3X and wGT3X-BT). Both groups will receive a lecture aimed at schoolchildren. Teachers of the intervention group will also receive a talk regarding the intervention that will take place in their school environment, which includes a circuit of psychomotor games painted on the recess playground floor. ANCOVA analysis will be performed, adjusted for age and sex; then, a multivariate linear regression model will be applied considering the significant variables and adjustment. The significance level will be p<.05. SPSSv25 and R version 3.14 will be used for the analyses. The intervention is expected to contribute to the increase of physical activity favoring the school environment within a context of vulnerability and with a low-cost initiative

Inclusion Criteria:

• The inclusion criteria for the participating students are a) children enrolled in 1st-grade in municipal schools in the city of Talca; b) without impediments to physical activity; c) able to understand an order considering their age; d) residents in the commune of Talca; and e) with a commitment not to change school or residence during the duration of the project.

Exclusion Criteria:

• The exclusion criteria are presenting any medical condition that prevents the development of the evaluations and/or presenting any behavioral disorder condition.