141st APHA Annual Meeting

In This section

289744
Shanghai, China: Use of a research-based physical education curriculum

Tuesday, November 5, 2013 : 8:50 AM - 9:10 AM

Julie Frank, CHES , The SPARK Programs, San Diego, CA
Xiaozan Wang , College of Physical Education and Health, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
Liu Ji , East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
Lynn Housner , West Virginia University
Feilu Mao , West Virginia University
Yongjian Deng , East China Normal University
Zhifei Chen , Shanghai Luwan Education College
Wei Wei , East China Normal University
In the last few years, the physical fitness of Chinese youth has mirrored that of Americans. Due to the lack of engagement in physical activity, Chinese students have experienced decreases in joint flexibility, muscular strength, and cardiovascular endurance (Zhang, 2008). The decline in the fitness and health of Chinese students caused Chinese physical educators to rethink the curriculum and the role of physical education in the promotion of students. SPARK was selected as the physical education curriculum for the intervention. Research has proven SPARK to increase levels of MVPA, improve fitness and motor skills, and academic achievement (McKenzie, Sallis, & Rosengard, 2009). Two elementary schools from Luwan District of Shanghai were selected as the intervention schools and matched with a non-intervention control school and were compared. SOFIT (System for Observing Fitness Instruction Time), a validated assessment tool, was used to measure the level of MVPA in students in this study. Results: SPARK teachers reduced time spent on class management (pre-test mean=45.3%, SD=11.6% and post-test mean=39.9%, SD 8.9%). MVPA improved in SPARK schools (pre-test mean=35.4%, SD=11.6% and post-test mean=41.1%, SD=10.8%). Amount of game play increased in SPARK schools (pre-test mean=8.9%, SD=10.6% and post-test mean=24.1%, SD 15.9%). In the short amount of time (less than 1 year) SPARK was implemented in the schools the results indicated SPARK was relatively effective in increasing the activity levels of Chinese students and should be further studied.

Learning Areas:
Chronic disease management and prevention
Conduct evaluation related to programs, research, and other areas of practice
Diversity and culture

Learning Objectives:
Compare physical activity levels between intervention and control schools in Shanghai, China.

Keywords: Physical Activity, Evidence Based Practice

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have been employed in the field of physical education/activity for over 10 years. I have been an interventionist and conducted evaluation training using SOFIT on many research projects over 10 years.
Any relevant financial relationships? Yes

Name of Organization Clinical/Research Area Type of relationship
SPARK physical education Employment (includes retainer)

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.