RELATIONS BETWEEN SOCIAL INEQUALITIES AND EFFECTS OF INCREASED AVAILABILITY OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION ON CHILDREN´S HEALTH – A LONGITUDINAL STUDY OF ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
Authors/Creators
- 1. University of Münster, Institute for Sport and Exercise Science, Department of Physical Education, Play and Sport in Childhood
- 2. University of Münster, Institute for Sport and Exercise Science, Department of social science in sports
Description
Abstract
The obesity crisis and health inequalities among children have directed the attention of policymakers to school-based interventions. Accordingly, the state government of North Rhine-Westphalia commissioned a pilot project amongst daily PE classes in primary schools. An evaluation study was conducted testing 520 children from seven project schools and 142 children from non-project schools over a four-year period. Body mass index (BMI) served as an indicator of the children’s health status. Further health-related aspects were measured in terms of motoric capacities. Moreover, sports club participation was measured. The results suggest that the daily PE class does not represent a universal remedy for specific health deficits. However, disadvantaged children - in particular girls - might benefit from school-based interventions.