Summary
This Cochrane systematic review synthesises evidence on the effectiveness of school-based physical activity programmes in promoting physical activity and fitness outcomes among children and adolescents aged 6–18 years. The review evaluates intervention design, implementation strategies, and measured outcomes across eligible studies to inform evidence-based school health policy and practice recommendations. The authors likely assessed heterogeneity in intervention effects and the quality of underlying evidence.
Regional applicability
The findings are directly applicable to UK school health policy and curriculum design, as school-based interventions represent a scalable, equitable approach to child fitness promotion. The review may inform Department for Education and NHS guidance on physical activity integration within primary and secondary education.
Key measures
Physical activity (likely measured by accelerometry, self-report, or proxy measures); cardiorespiratory fitness (e.g. VO₂ max, endurance tests); musculoskeletal fitness (strength, flexibility); intervention duration and intensity; study quality and risk of bias
Outcomes reported
The review measured physical activity levels, cardiorespiratory fitness, and musculoskeletal fitness in children and adolescents following school-based intervention programmes. Outcomes likely included both objective fitness assessments and self-reported physical activity data across included trials.
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