Citation

Knöpfli, Martin; Kriemler, Susi; Romann, Michael; Roth, Ralf; Puder, Jardena; & Zahner, Lukas (2007). Ein Schulinterventionsprogramm zur Verbesserung der Gesundheit und Fitness bei Kindern im Alter von 6–13 Jahren (Kinder-und Jugendsportstudie [KISS]). Schweizerische Zeitschrift Fur Sportmedizin Und Sporttraumatologie, 55(2), 45-51.

Abstract

A school intervention program for the improvement of health and fitness for 6-13-year-old children (Kinder-Sport-Studie, KISS)
The growing problem of an inactive lifestyle in children is closely linked to major health problems such as cardiovascular disease risk, diabetes mellitus type 2, obesity and bone health. The problem of inactivity often begins in early childhood with the increase in media use, restriction in playgrounds and areas for free play and nutritional changes. The number of overweight children in Switzerland has almost doubled in the last 20 years. The fitness level as well has decreased by about 8–10% during the last 20 years. The prevalence of overweight and a lack of motor skills often lead to even more physical inactivity. Physical activity (PA) interventions in youth are lacking in Switzerland. It is unclear, to what extent PA can be influenced by a school-based PA intervention. To fill this gap, the aim of the study was to influence/increase the PA and fitness as well as health of the children, with an intensive, PA
intervention program. 540 children were randomly selected, after stratification by age (1st and 5th grade), living area (urban vs. rural) and prevalence of migrants (10–30% from other ethnicities), and then randomly allocated to an intervention and a control group. In the intervention group an intensive program of movement promotion was conducted, including daily physical education classes, PA homework, short activity breaks during academic lessons, a continuous teacher education and information given to the parents in form of flyers. Preliminary data show that fitness and body fat was positively influenced by our intervention. This overview shall give an insight into the program and outline possible approaches how PA can be stimulated in the school environment.

URL

http://www.sgsm.ch/fileadmin/user_upload/Zeitschrift/55-2007-2/Intervention_2.07-6_Knoepfli.pdf

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year Published

2007

Journal Title

Schweizerische Zeitschrift Fur Sportmedizin Und Sporttraumatologie

Author(s)

Knöpfli, Martin
Kriemler, Susi
Romann, Michael
Roth, Ralf
Puder, Jardena
Zahner, Lukas