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Project

Implementation of a movement project and policy in Flemish schools: Investigation of the impact on mental and physical well-being of children and adolescents

A worldwide trend indicates a decrease in physical activity in children and adolescents. Physical inactivity is an important risk factor for mental as well as physical health. Several studies indicate that schools are the ideal setting for promotion of physical activity in children and adolescents, as there is no other institute with a greater influence on the development of children. Moreover, a school setting allows to reach all children in an accessible manner.  Within this project, scientific research is conducted to support the minister of Education in conducting an effective school policy concerning movement and physical activity. Therefore, our research focusses on the implementation and impact of this policy regarding the mental and physical health of children and adolescents. The project consists of two parts. First, we investigate the effect of ‘One Mile a Day’, a school-based physical activity initiative, directed towards primary school children. The goal of this project is to discontinue the inactive hours of a school day, by providing the opportunity to run a mile each day. The impact on mental and physical health indicators is being explored. Second, the impact of another school-based project ‘GeZONtijd’ (start September 2017), aimed at secondary schools, will be investigated.

Date:10 Dec 2016 →  30 Mar 2019
Keywords:children, adolescents, mental health, physical health, self-competence, emotional well-being, School-based physical activity
Disciplines:Education curriculum, Psychiatry and psychotherapy, Nursing, Other paramedical sciences, Clinical and counselling psychology, Other psychology and cognitive sciences