More Evidence Needed to Determine Effectiveness of Classroom-Based Health Education Focused on Information Provision in Increasing Physical Activity

Regular physical activity is associated with a healthier, longer life. Physically active people have a lower risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and some types of cancer. Despite all the benefits of physical activity, most people in this country are sedentary. Given that regular physical activity helps people enjoy better health, an important question is: what strategies work best in helping people become more physically active?

According to the Community Guide rules of evidence, the studies reviewed provided insufficient evidence to determine the effectiveness of classroom-based health education focused on information provision in increasing levels of physical activity or improving fitness because of inconsistent results among studies. This does not mean that these interventions are ineffective, but that additional research is needed to determine their effects.

Background on the Interventions

• Health education classes that provide information and skills related to decision making usually involve multiple components, with the curriculum typically addressing physical activity, nutrition, smoking, and cardiovascular disease. Health education classes taught in elementary, middle, or high schools, are designed to effect behavior change through personal and behavioral factors that provide students with the skills they need for rational decision making. Many of the classes in the studies reviewed had a behavioral skills component (e.g., role-play, goal-setting, contingency planning) but did not add time spent in physical activity to the curriculum. In most cases, comparison groups received the standard health education curriculum.

• Although these studies did not show changes in activity, four of five study arms from three studies showed increases in general health knowledge, exercise-related knowledge, and self-efficacy about exercise. Effects on adiposity were mixed, showing decreases in BMI (body mass index) among both boys and girls but decreases in skinfold measurements among boys only.

Publications:

• American Journal of Preventive Medicine – Am J Prev Med 2002:22(4S);73-107. A report on e vidence and findings.
• MMWR/Recommendations and Reports – October 26, 2001/Vol. 50/No. RR-18. A report on findings.

The findings and conclusions in this report have not been formally disseminated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and should not be construed to represent any agency determination or policy.

The Guide to Community Preventive Services (Community Guide) provides recommendations on population-based interventions to promote health and to prevent disease, injury, disability, and premature death, appropriate for use by communities and healthcare systems. For more information about the Community Guide (including links to publications and a variety of resources) see www.thecommunityguide.org and for more information about the physical activity review see www.thecommunityguide.org/pa/.

This information is in the public domain. Copying and disseminating freely is encouraged. However, citation to source is appreciated.

Updated – January 23, 2008