Study Rationale: Currently, a significant proportion of children in Chile do not meet recommended physical activity levels, which may adversely affect their health and development. The school environment provides an ideal setting to promote healthy habits. This study was designed to evaluate whether a school-based program incorporating physical activity, sports, and health education can improve physical fitness and increase the time children dedicate to physical activity practice. Objective: The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of a two-year school-based intervention on physical activity levels, physical fitness (measured by upper body, lower body, and abdominal muscular strength), and sports participation among Chilean schoolchildren. How the study works: This study is a cluster-randomized clinical trial incorporating a control group and a pre-post design. Participating schools were allocated into two groups: Intervention Group: Participated in a specialized program focused on physical activity and the promotion of sports practice throughout two school years. Control Group: Continued with the standard school curriculum and regular physical education classes for the same period. What was measured: At baseline and after the two-year intervention, the following outcomes were assessed: Physical Activity Levels: Measured via accelerometry; Physical Fitness: Assessed through muscular strength tests, including upper limb strength (handgrip strength using a dynamometer), lower limb strength (standing long jump test), and abdominal strength (60-second curl-up test). Sports Participation: Evaluated through self-reports of involvement in organized sports. Researchers compared pre- and post-intervention data between the intervention and control groups to determine if children in the special program showed significantly greater improvements compared to those in the standard routine.
Age range
9 Years – 11 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Change from Baseline in the levels of physical activity.
Timeframe: Baseline (Month 2-3) and End of Intervention (Month 27-30)