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. 2025 Jan 7;22(1):67.
doi: 10.3390/ijerph22010067.

Implementation Outcomes and Recommendations of Two Physical Activity Interventions: Results from the Danish ACTIVE SCHOOL Feasibility Study

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Implementation Outcomes and Recommendations of Two Physical Activity Interventions: Results from the Danish ACTIVE SCHOOL Feasibility Study

Lise Sohl Jeppesen et al. Int J Environ Res Public Health. .

Abstract

Physical activity (PA) should be an essential part of all children's lives, as it can promote physical and mental health, enhance general well-being, and positively impact learning outcomes. Schools offer an ideal setting to encourage physical activity during the school day, as nearly all children attend school. However, schools present a complex environment for implementing PA, and sedentary behavior is common in classroom teaching. This study explores the feasibility of two types of school-based physical activity interventions: one based on research in exercise and cognition (Run, Jump & Fun) and another grounded in embodied learning (Move & Learn). Run, Jump & Fun can be conceptualized as extra non-curricular physical activity implemented into the school day while Move & Learn is integrated into curricular time. The 8-week study involved third-grade students and their teachers from seven schools, with educational strategies applied to support adoption. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected before, during, and after the 8-week period. The results indicated that both interventions were feasible to implement, leading to a series of recommendations for further refinement. These recommendations can guide the development of future school-based PA interventions and inspire other researchers to assess and improve their implementation strategies.

Keywords: children; health interventions; learning; primary school; teachers.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest. The funders had no role in the design of the study; in the collection, analyses, or interpretation of data; in the writing of the manuscript; or in the decision to publish the results.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
RJF deliverers’ Usage Rating Profile-Intervention (URP-I) subscale scores.
Figure 2
Figure 2
ML deliverers’ Usage Rating Profile-Intervention (URP-I) subscale scores.
Figure 3
Figure 3
The adoption of RJF by teachers in weeks 1–8. Adoption: Did you implement RJF sessions this week?
Figure 4
Figure 4
Average sessions’ duration for every week in minutes for ML and RJF.
Figure 5
Figure 5
The adoption of ML by teachers in weeks 1–8. Adoption: Did you implement ML sessions this week?

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