Journal article
Time-efficient intervention to improve older adolescents' cardiorespiratory fitness: findings from the 'Burn 2 Learn' cluster randomised controlled trial
British journal of sports medicine, Vol.55(13), pp.751-758
21/12/2020
PMID: 33355155
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Abstract
Background: Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is an important marker of current and future health status. The primary aim of our study was to evaluate the impact of a time-efficient school-based intervention on older adolescents' CRF.
Methods: Two-arm cluster randomised controlled trial conducted in two cohorts (February 2018 to February 2019 and February 2019 to February 2020) in New South Wales, Australia. Participants (N=670, 44.6% women, 16.0 +/- 0.43 years) from 20 secondary schools: 10 schools (337 participants) were randomised to the Burn 2 Learn (B2L) intervention and 10 schools (333 participants) to the control. Teachers in schools allocated to the B2L intervention were provided with training, resources, and support to facilitate the delivery of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) activity breaks during curriculum time. Teachers and students in the control group continued their usual practice. The primary outcome was CRF (20 m multi-stage fitness test). Secondary outcomes were muscular fitness, physical activity, hair cortisol concentrations, mental health and cognitive function. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, 6 months (primary end-point) and 12 months. Effects were estimated using mixed models accounting for clustering. Results: We observed a group-by-time effect for CRF (difference=4.1 laps, 95% CI 1.8 to 6.4) at the primary end-point (6 months), but not at 12 months. At 6 months, group-by-time effects were found for muscular fitness, steps during school hours and cortisol.
Conclusions: Implementing HIIT during curricular time improved adolescents' CRF and several secondary outcomes. Our findings suggest B2L is unlikely to be an effective approach unless teachers embed sessions within the school day.
Trial registration number Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12618000293268).
Details
- Title
- Time-efficient intervention to improve older adolescents' cardiorespiratory fitness: findings from the 'Burn 2 Learn' cluster randomised controlled trial
- Creators
- David R. Lubans - University of Newcastle AustraliaJordan J. Smith - University of Newcastle AustraliaNarelle Eather - University of Newcastle AustraliaAngus A. Leahy - University of Newcastle AustraliaPhilip J. Morgan - University of Newcastle AustraliaChris Lonsdale - Australian Catholic UniversityRonald C. Plotnikoff - University of Newcastle AustraliaMichael Nilsson - University of Newcastle AustraliaSarah G. Kennedy - University of Newcastle AustraliaElizabeth G. Holliday - University of Newcastle AustraliaNatasha Weaver - University of Newcastle AustraliaMichael Noetel - Australian Catholic UniversityTatsuya T. Shigeta - Northeastern UniversityMyrto F. Mavilidi - University of Newcastle AustraliaSarah R. Valkenborghs - University of Newcastle AustraliaPrajwal Gyawali - University of Southern QueenslandFrederick R. Walker - University of Newcastle AustraliaSarah A. Costigan - University of Newcastle AustraliaCharles H. Hillman - Northeastern University
- Publication Details
- British journal of sports medicine, Vol.55(13), pp.751-758
- Publisher
- BMJ Publishing Group
- Number of pages
- 9
- Grant note
- The study was funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council (APP1120518) and the New South Wales Department of Education School Sport Unit. DRL is supported by a National Health and Medical Research Council Research Fellowship (APP1154507).
- Identifiers
- 991013334025902368
- Copyright
- © Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2021.
- Academic Unit
- Faculty of Education
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article