A Multiple Targeted Research Protocol for a Quasi Experimental Trial in Primary School Children Based on an Active Break Intervention: The Imola Active Breaks (I MOVE) Study
Background: Children and adolescents should perform, according to the World Health Organization guidelines, at least 60 min of moderate to vigorous physical activity per day in order to avoid the risk of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. The school represents a fundamental setting to conduct interventions to promote physical activity (PA) and contrast sedentary behaviors. Active breaks (ABs) bouts of 10 min of PA conducted inside the classroom, seem to be a good strategy to promote PA and improve classroom behavior. The aim of this study protocol is to describe the design and the assessment of the Imola Active Breaks I MOVE study. Methods: The I MOVE study is a school based intervention trial, with a quasi experimental design, performed in a primary school. It involves one experimental group performing the intervention, focused on ABs, and one control group. Nine main outcomes are evaluated: PA and sedentary behaviors; health related fitness; motor control development; dietary patterns; anthropometric evaluation; sociodemographic determinants; cognitive function; time on task behavior and quality of life. Conclusions: Results from the I MOVE study will help to clarify the effects of incorporating ABs in the Italian school curriculum as a new public health strategy and an innovative school model oriented to the well being of children and teachers for the best quality of school life.
International journal of environmental research and public health