District and school physical education policies: Implications for physical education and recess time

Monica A.F. Lounsbery, Thomas L. McKenzie, James R. Morrow, Shannon M. Monnat, Kathryn A. Holt

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

54 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: The relationship between physical education (PE) policies and children's PE and recess time is not well understood. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to assess the association of district and school PE policies, the PE environment, and PE and recess time. Methods: Key informants in 65 schools from 9 states completed instruments assessing district and school PE policies, the school PE environment, and time in PE and recess. Results: Few significant associations were found between PE policies and PE or recess minutes; no policies were associated with both. A number of PE environmental variables were associated with both policies and time in PE and recess. Conclusions: PE policies, their implementation, and PE environmental variables can have important implications for recess time. Some school PE environment measures designed to improve PE may result in PE time limitations. Deficiencies in PE and recess time are not likely to be effectively addressed through policy adoption alone.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)S131-S141
JournalAnnals of Behavioral Medicine
Volume45
Issue numberSUPPL.1
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2013
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Physical activity policy
  • Physical education
  • Physical education policy
  • Recess
  • School physical activity

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Psychology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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