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Umbrella review of international evidence for the effectiveness of school-based physical activity interventions

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  • Abdullah Alalawi
  • Lindsay Blank
  • Elizabeth Goyder

Abstract

Background: Obesity and physical inactivity among children and young people are public health concerns. Despite the wide variety of interventions available to promote physical activity, little is known about which interventions are most effective. This review aimed to evaluate the existing literature on school-based interventions that aim to increase physical activity among children and young people aged 6 to 18 years. Methods: A systematic review of reviews was undertaken. We searched for systematic reviews and meta-analyses published between December 2017 and January 2024 using databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and CINAHL. Titles and abstracts were independently screened by two reviewers, who also conducted data extraction and quality assessments. We focused on outcomes like changes in physical activity levels and body mass index to assess the effectiveness of the interventions. Results: A total of 23 reviews examining school-based physical activity interventions met the inclusion criteria, comprising 15 systematic reviews and 8 meta-analyses. All reviews (N = 23) were implemented in the school setting: three in primary schools, seven in secondary schools, and thirteen targeted both primary and secondary schools. The findings demonstrated that six reviews reported a statistical increase in physical activity levels among the target population, and one review found a decrease in body mass index. The most promising interventions focused on physical activity included within the school curriculum and were characterised as long-term interventions. 20 out of 23 reviews assessed the quality of primary studies. Conclusion: Some interventions were promising in promoting physical activity among school-aged children and young people such as Daily Mile, Active Break, and Active transport while multi-component interventions seem to be positively effective in reducing BMI. Future efforts should focus on long-term, theory-driven programmes to ensure sustainable increases in physical activity.

Suggested Citation

  • Abdullah Alalawi & Lindsay Blank & Elizabeth Goyder, 2024. "Umbrella review of international evidence for the effectiveness of school-based physical activity interventions," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 19(6), pages 1-17, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0304513
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304513
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Andoni Carrasco-Uribarren & Anna Ortega-Martínez & Marta Amor-Barbosa & Aida Cadellans-Arróniz & Sara Cabanillas-Barea & Maria Caridad Bagur-Calafat, 2023. "Improvement of In-School Physical Activity with Active School-Based Interventions to Interrupt Prolonged Sitting: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(2), pages 1-13, January.
    2. Alice Mannocci & Valeria D’Egidio & Insa Backhaus & Antonio Federici & Alessandra Sinopoli & Andrea Ramirez Varela & Paolo Villari & Giuseppe La Torre, 2020. "Are There Effective Interventions to Increase Physical Activity in Children and Young People? An Umbrella Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(10), pages 1-11, May.
    3. Archontoula Drouka & Dora Brikou & Céline Causeret & Nur Al Ali Al Malla & Stéphane Sibalo & Concha Ávila & Gabriela Alcat & Anastasia E. Kapetanakou & Patricia Gurviez & Nawel Fellah-Dehiri & Marine , 2023. "Effectiveness of school-based interventions in Europe for promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors in children [Efficacité des interventions en milieu scolaire en Europe pour promouvoir un mode de vie," Post-Print hal-04241325, HAL.
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