SCHOOL-BASED INTERVENTIONS TO PROMOTE A HEALTHY LIFE STYLE AMONG ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract

Objective: To carry out a systematic review analyzing the most efficient school-based intervention models to increase physical activity performance and improve the dietary habits of elementary school students. Material and Methods: Literature searches were performed in PubMed database using the following keywords: school-based intervention; physical activity; physical education; health; nutrition; interventions; children; obesity; school environment; elementary school; intervention; and motor activity. All articles whose intervention was performed outside the school environment; not addressing elementary school students; and published before 2010, were excluded from the analysis. Results: A total of 95 articles were found, of which 14 were selected for analysis after exclusion of duplicates and screening for eligibility criteria. The sample ranged from 40 to 3769 children and the intervention period from 8 to 156 weeks. The increase in physical activity at school was found to be the most commonly used intervention. Seven studies concluded that this intervention improved some health aspects in the students, particularly reduction of body fat percentage. Conclusion: Interventions that increased the performance of physical activity and included a healthy diet at school were valid approaches to improve the health of elementary school students. The inclusion of specific topics relating physical activity and nutrition should be further investigated, in order to verify whether it is a valid strategy to modify behavior in this population group. DESCRIPTORS Motor Activity. School Health. Health. Nutrition.