Linking energizers to academic performance in rural elementary schools

The Foundation's Active Living Research program was designed to support investigator-initiated research to identify and assess structural, environmental, and policy changes with the potential to increase population levels of physical activity. The primary aim of this study, Linking Energizers to Academic Performance (Project LEAP), is to determine the immediate impact of a classroom-based physical activity program (Energizers) on young students' classroom learning and behavior. Data will be collected in three first-grade and three second-grade classrooms (student N= 150) in a rural county-wide school district in central Pennsylvania. From a public policy standpoint, providing further evidence that increased moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) enhances, rather than detracts from, academic outcomes may provide the impetus for increased daily MVPA within public schools. Results of this project have the potential to inform and shape physical education and educational policies at both the state and federal levels. Specific deliverables will include publication in an academic journal and dissemination of results to appropriate policy and decision makers with assistance from the Foundation's Childhood Obesity Team communications staff and consultants.