Exploring the seasonal influences on elementary schoolchildren's enjoyment of physical activity during school breaks

The purpose of this study was to explore the seasonal influences on elementary school children's enjoyment of physical activity during school breaks. Methods: The Lunchtime Enjoyment of Activity and Play (LEAP) questionnaire and Physical Activity Children's Enjoyment Scale (PACES) were used to measure children's (N = 80) enjoyment of physical activity longitudinally during school breaks over 4 time points. Separate mixed regression models determined whether children's enjoyment differed by sex and over time. Results: Children's enjoyment of physical activity during school breaks was significantly higher in March (autumn in the southern hemisphere) in comparison with time points later in the school year. Conclusions: The findings suggest strategies could be implemented by schools to maintain and enhance children's enjoyment of physical activity during school breaks later in the year.