Make a difference in PE lesson: Using low organized games to enhance physical activity of school children

Aims: Physical Education (PE) lesson is an ideal occasion for children to participate in physical activity (PA). Previous study had indicated that children’s PA level during PE lessons is greatly influenced by how the lesson is conducted, such as the subject matter and the mode of delivery. The present study designs a Low Organized Games (LOG) based PE class and examines the difference between a PE class conducted using LOG and sports-skill based PE class. Methodology: Sixty children (age 7-9) from two primary schools in ChongQing, China were recruited as participants. They were randomly assigned to the experimental group (with LOG content) or control group (with normal sports-skill based PE class). LOG is physical activity designed with developmentally appropriate games which can be practiced in a simple format. Both groups of children participated in 40-minutes PE class lead by trained PE teachers twice a week for 12 weeks. Children’s PA levels during PE class were measured by pedometers and steps counts were averaged for analysis. Results: The ANOVA results indicated a significant difference [F (2, 57) = 365, p <0.001, η2=0.928]. on children’s PA between experimental (steps count=3755, SD=230) and control group (steps count =2159, SD=227). Conclusion: The use of LOG in PE class provides an alternative teaching content which can enhance children’s PA level. Copyright © 2017 The Education University of Hong Kong.