RecruitingACTRN12611000089932

Popping the bubble wrap- unleashing the power of play: an innovative playground intervention to increase children's physical activity

Cluster randomised controlled trial of an innovative intervention to increase children's physical activity

Sponsor

University of Sydney

Enrollment

250 participants

Start Date

May 1, 2009

Study Type

Interventional

Conditions

Social skills and self-esteem Obesity Inactivity

Summary

Disturbing numbers of children in Australia are overweight, bullied or have poor mental health – problems that are often inter-related. Recent decreases in outdoor play may be partly responsible. Outdoor play “pulls for” social interaction and physical activity; indoor play is often sedentary and solitary. Most young children love active outdoor play but parents and teachers fear injury. This project is a school-based intervention to increase outdoor play by: (1) adding 'loose part' materials to the playground and (2) helping adults change their views of risk associated with active play. We expect to demonstrate a significant effect on children’s activity levels, coping and social skills through strategies that are replicable in every school playground in the nation and to contribute to policy regarding play, health, and education.

Eligibility

Sex: Both males and femalesMin Age: 5 YearssMax Age: 7 Yearss

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

Research shows that outdoor play is really good for children — it helps them stay active, make friends, and build resilience. But many schools and parents have become cautious about letting children play freely because of fear of injury. This study is testing a school-based program that adds loose-play materials (like tires, boxes, and ropes) to school playgrounds, and helps teachers and parents feel more comfortable with active, adventurous play. Researchers want to see if this leads to children being more active, better at coping, and more socially connected. You may be eligible if: - You are a child in kindergarten or Year 1 at one of the participating schools - Your parent or guardian has given written consent for you to take part - You have been randomly selected to participate from your school You may NOT be eligible if: - Your parent or guardian has not given consent for you to take part (there are no other exclusion criteria) Talk to your doctor about whether this trial might be right for you.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

- Reprioritising play and reframing risk: one 2 hour workshop with teachers and parents. The adults will examine their beliefs regarding play and risk associated with active play. Discussions will focus on the benefits of play, healthy vs unhealthy risk and the consequences of preventing children from engaging in play and healthy risk taking. - Introduction of unstructured play materials: The play material (e.g. car tyres, milk crates, crash mats etc.) will be present on the school playgrounds during the 13 week intervention and can be used by all the children at the school.