Considering that global physical activity levels in young children continue to decline, planned breaks during the school day provide a unique opportunity to promote the importance of physical activity while also increasing student engagement in movement activities. This article provides information on the benefits of and recommendations for active…

Despite evidence for the importance of playtime for children, the use of the withdrawal of playtime is a sanction that is used throughout schools in the UK. In light of this, there have been recent arguments highlighting the need to explore alternatives to this sanction in order to protect opportunities for playtime. This exploratory action…

Recess is a mainstay in schools. It is assumed recess has positive impacts on the academic, behavioral, and social experiences of youth. In this systematic literature review, we explored empirical studies that examined these areas. We provide a synthesis of the literature to assist researchers and clinicians in designing effective interventions.…

Physical activity is a critical factor in a healthy lifestyle, and research indicates that it can improve student learning. Contemporary trends in neuroscience indicate that physical activity breaks or cognitive activity physical activity sessions (CAPAS) during the school day can enhance students' overall cognitive function by improving memory,…

This study explored the contribution of physical education and recess to children's physical activity (PA) behavior and examined whether they compensate for missed PA opportunities. Participants' (N = 115; age: 9.2 ± 0.6 years) PA was measured using accelerometry across multiple time periods, including data from school days and weekends. Data…

It is the position of the National Association of School Nurses (NASN) that regularly scheduled recess during the school day should be regarded as a childhood right that is necessary for the optimal health and educational growth of all students, and that recess should not be withheld for any student. The registered professional school nurse…

The purpose of this study was to understand why students should set aside time for self-care and take "brain breaks" to promote better mental health. To begin the study, it was important to understand the concepts of what self-care habits students had implemented in their day-to-day preferences, what their current stress levels were, and…

Project RECESS (Review, Evaluate, and Create Effective Strategies and Stations) is a project designed to decrease negative behaviors at recess in a large United States public school district. This brief review summarizes the key literature guiding the development of further data collection and focuses on defining recess, academic, social, and…

Unintentional Falls is the second leading cause of nonfatal injuries in the United States (U.S.). Sedentary behaviors are at an all-time high in schools leading to children not engaging in enough physical activity throughout their school day. Physical education and recess opportunities have decreased in school for the past ten years, leading to…

Background: Recess has been shown to increase total daily energy expenditure, which may favorably impact body mass index by decreasing adiposity. This study examines associations between recess participation and adiposity. Methods: The study sample included male (N = 1434) and female (N = 1409) children 5 to 11 years of age participating in the…

With the inclusion of play as a right, schools are urged to consider whether "all" children can access play opportunities in schoolyards. Refocusing on play as occupation is identified as an important way in which occupational therapists can contribute within schools. Greater knowledges of children's play and teachers' practices, in…

Once a hallmark of the elementary experience, recess time is now being exchanged for increased classroom time as standardized test results drive decision-making. This scoping review examined the impact of recess on school-age students, providing decision-makers valuable evidence to help determine the role recess should play in the academic day.…

It remains unclear if participation in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) differs between children with ASD and typically developing children (TDC). We compared daily MVPA, time spent in MVPA during physical education (PE) and recess, and odds of not meeting MVPA recommendation (60 min/day) between children with ASD and TDC. Nine…

Background: Recess provides an important opportunity for children to be physically active during weekdays. Updated, nationally representative, prevalence estimates of elementary school recess practices in the United States are needed. Methods: Surveys were sent to a nationally representative sample of 1010 public elementary schools in the…

Regular physical activity provides physical, mental and cognitive benefits for children. However, globally, only 20% of children meet the recommended levels of physical activity and, on average, students sit for three-quarters of the school day. Active breaks are a well-tested component of many school-based physical activity interventions, but…