Effectiveness of School Built Environment on Physical Activity in Children: a Systematic Review

Abstract

Physical inactivity in children has become a major public health issue today. School is an important and preferred environment for promoting physical activity (PA). The aim of the study was to review the effectiveness of various schools built environment on the level of PA in children and identified efficacious intervention components. The review covered publications between July 2007 and August 2012. Through a systematic search, 28 articles were retrieved for the review. Study design, methodology, built-environment variables, and effectiveness of the intervention on the levels of PA in children were analyzed. Most studies examined motor performance and physical environment pertaining to PA; while 3 studies included body-mass-index (BMI) as a variable. Interventions effect were influenced by the intervention type. Children who attended schools with larger yards, more facilities and recreational space, sports policies, and active setting were physically more active than children in traditional schools. There is an evidence for the long-term effectiveness intervention to increase PA in children by active setting in school built environment. Future research should use appropriate and higher methodologies quality and clarify the extent to which school-built environment intervention can positively influence children’s PA levels. It is recommended that specific schools policies should be implemented in order to enhance and improve the built environment for physical activity that is likely to be beneficial for health and well-being.