Steep fall in implementation of physical activity policy in Ontario schools

Decline in implementation of physical activity guideline mirrors the overall lack of physical activity in children, according to the researchers. (Submitted) - Low on time and confidence, less than a quarter of teachers use DPA guideline, finds survey co-authored by Western researchers Children have become less physically active in school, despite teachers recognizing the importance of daily movement. What explains this? A new study published in BMC Public Health reveals the implementation of Ontario's Daily Physical Activity (DPA) policy is in sharp decline. The study has been co-authored by education professor Barbara Fenesi, Lauren Martyn, Hannah Bigelow, and Deborah Chiodo from the Faculty of Education; Jeffrey Graham from Brock University ; and Michelle Ogrodnik from the University of Waterloo. Space, time and inadequate training are the reasons teachers aren't implementing DPA in their classrooms. I nsufficient training has created a lack of confidence in teachers about how to use it, Fenesi said. Under this provincial policy, all elementary school children must receive at least 20 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity each school day during instructional time.