However, recent research has found active play to be associated with moderate to vigorous physical activity, particularly during the after school period, in a sample of UK 10-11 year olds. Active play tends to occur sporadically, with frequent rest periods, which makes it difficult to record. During the primary school years, children are reported to engage in a vigorous form of play termed 'physical activity play', or 'active play'.Īctive play may involve symbolic activity or games with rules the activity may be social or solitary, but the distinguishing features are a playful context, combined with activity that is significantly above resting metabolic rate. There are many different types of play, which vary according to age and setting. Although there is a lack of agreement amongst academics on an overarching definition of 'play', common characteristics of play behaviours are that they are freely chosen, personally directed, intrinsically motivated, spontaneous and pleasurable. Play has been widely acknowledged as an essential part of human development and is recognised by the UN High Commission for Human Rights as a basic right of every child. The benefits of play are wide reaching and extend beyond the health gains from physical activity. A relatively neglected area of research is physical activity obtained through informal play. The majority of the data regarding children's physical activity is limited to sports clubs, adult-organised activities during and after school and active travel. This may be desirable as different types of activity provide different health and social benefits. Most children obtain physical activity from more than one context. The determinants of physical activity are likely to be different for each context. Physical activity in children takes place in a number of contexts, including sports clubs, adult-organised activities during and after school, active travel and informal play. Preventing the decline in physical activity that occurs at this age is therefore a key public health target. Moreover, physical activity levels decline during childhood, with the end of primary school (10-11 years) being a critical stage of change. Despite its health benefits, many children and young people do not meet the current UK guidelines of an hour per day of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) on most days of the week. Regular physical activity in children is associated with lower body mass, blood pressure, insulin levels and improved mental wellbeing. Promoting active play in children's leisure time may increase the physical activity of children, but interventions may need to be tailored according to gender. Finally, boys were more likely to report playing with neighbourhood friends but girls more frequently reported playing with family members. Additionally, boys reported greater independent mobility in their active play compared to girls. Whereas boys frequently reported having a 'kick about' or riding bikes as their preferred forms of active play, girls were less likely to report a specific activity. Children reported that they frequently engaged in active play and valued both the physical and social benefits it provided. ResultsĬhildren's perceptions of play were broad and included both physically active and sedentary behaviours. Data were analysed using a thematic approach. All focus groups were audio-taped and transcribed verbatim. Focus groups examined: 1) children's perceptions of 'play' 2) how much of their play is active play and 3) contexts of children's active play. MethodsĮleven focus groups were conducted with 77, 10-11 year old children from four primary schools in Bristol, UK. We need to build a more informed picture of contemporary children's play before we consider interventions to increase it. Aspired wisdom states that contemporary British children no longer play outdoors, but systematic evidence for this is lacking. Encouraging active play in children's leisure time has potential to increase physical activity levels while promoting optimal child development. Physically active play can make unique contributions to children's development which cannot be obtained from more structured forms of physical activity. Preventing the decline in physical activity which occurs around 10-11 years of age is a public health priority.
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