The objective of this 3-year randomized controlled study is to examine the effectiveness of web-based classroom physical activity breaks and technology-enhanced QPE on improving daily MVPA, physical fitness (i.e., cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength/endurance, and BMI), motor skill development, and intrinsic motivation for PA in children across groups at-risk for physical inactivity. The study will include three study arms, which will be randomly assigned at the school-level (12 schools):

1) web-based activity breaks and technology-enhanced QPE;

2) web-based activity breaks and QPE; and

3) QPE alone.

Our specific aim #1 will examine effectiveness of 1) web-based activity breaks and technology-enhanced QPE and 2) web-based activity breaks and QPE in increasing daily MVPA, physical fitness, motor skill competency, and intrinsic motivation for PA in children compared to QPE alone (control group). Our specific aim #2 will examine the modifying effects of gender, skill level, weight status, and learning ability on the effectiveness of the interventions on daily MVPA, physical fitness, motor skill competency, and intrinsic motivation for PA. Four outcome measures will be conducted at three time points: baseline, immediate post-intervention, and 12-months post-intervention. The positive impact of this project is to demonstrate innovative intervention strategies for preventing and managing overweight and obesity among school-aged children.

NIH funding is pending