Abstract
This project evaluated the feasibility of a child‐centred 24‐week physical activity intervention. The Play5 strategy encourages children to choose to play vigorously five times a day for about as long as school recess. The seven‐year‐old children were randomised to control (n = 176) or intervention groups (n = 132). Data were collected at baseline and post‐intervention. Programme evaluation included parent questionnaire, teacher records and a seven‐day pedometer record with a sub‐sample of children. The programme was successful in increasing vigorous activity (p = 0.04), but did not impact on moderate or sedentary activities. Young children were able to choose to be active without parent or teacher direction.
Acknowledgement
The authors would like to thank the Telstra Foundation for funding this project.