Study protocol: effects of school gardens on children's physical activity.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Childhood obesity is an epidemic. Strategies are needed to promote children's healthy habits related to diet and physical activity. School gardens have the potential to bolster children's physical activity and reduce time spent in sedentary activity; however little research has examined the effect of gardens on children's physical activity. This randomized controlled trial (RCT) examines the effect of school gardens on children's overall physical activity and sedentary behavior; and on children's physical activity during the school day. In addition, physical activity levels and postures are compared using direct observation, outdoors, in the garden and indoors, in the classroom.

Methods/design

Twelve New York State schools are randomly assigned to receive the scho

SUBMITTER: Wells NM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4322466 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature