Examining school-based pedometer step counts among children in grades 3 to 6 using different timetables.

Background: Advocates for the implementation of the Balanced School Day (BSD) schedule argue that this schedule will increase opportunities for physical activity. However, the relationship between this scheduling change and its impact on physical activity has not been examined. Thus, this study assessed levels of physical activity in students attending 2 different schools: 1 using the BSD and the other using the Traditional School Day (TSD) schedule.

Methods: Participation of students between grades 3 and 6 was sought. Data were collected over 4 school days using pedometers. Independent Sample t tests and 1-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were performed.

Resutls: A total of 117 students participated. Overall, average daily step counts for boys (6972 ± 1952) were significantly higher than girls (5742 ± 1495; p < .001). These average step counts represent 47% and 48% of the recommended amount of steps needed for health benefits for children between the ages of 6 and 12. The average daily step count for students using the BSD schedule was 6017 (±1666), while the average daily step count for students using the TSD schedule was 6788 (±1987). The difference in steps (771) was statistically significant (p = .03).

Conclusions: These results do not support claims that the BSD offers increased physical activity. In fact, these results suggest that students enrolled in schools using the BSD schedule may have reduced daily physical activity. In addition, these results demonstrate that overall school-based physical activity is less than half of the recommended level; independent of school scheduling.