BackCreating a better playground
Creating a better playground
PremiumPlay ball: For more active kids
Simple playthings such as balls, jump ropes, hula hoops and riding toys do more for encouraging physical activity than swings, jungle gyms and other stationary playground equipment, according to a recent report in the ‘American Journal of Preventive Medicine’.
The findings are important because they show that schools and day-care centres don’t need expensive playground equipment to keep kids active. The data was collected by researchers from the University of North Carolina School of Public Health from 20 childcare centres across North Carolina. The goal of the researchers was to determine the various environmental factors that encourage children to play with greater intensity and for longer periods of time.
Surprisingly, stationary equipment, such as climbing structures, swings and balance beams, were associated with lower-intensity physical activity, researchers said, but are beneficial to other aspects of child development, such as motor and social skills.
Centres with more computer and television equipment actually scored better on activity levels, although it is likely the presence of electronic equipment signalled that a centre had more money to spend overall, which typically means more equipment and staff training.
©2008/The New York Times
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