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Grade-Specific Effects of Recess HIIT and MICT on Classroom Attention-Related Behavior in Primary School Children
Sponsor: Shanghai University of Sport
Summary
This randomized controlled trial evaluated whether structured exercise during school recess could improve observable classroom attention-related behavior in primary school children and whether the effects differed between grade levels. A total of 144 third- and fifth-grade students were randomly assigned to one of three groups: high-intensity interval training (HIIT), moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT), or routine recess activity. The intervention lasted 6 weeks and was conducted three times per week during scheduled school recess. Each structured exercise session lasted 15 minutes, including warm-up, a 9-minute main exercise component, and cool-down. Observable classroom attention-related behavior was assessed before and after the intervention using an automated video-based behavioral analysis system. The system evaluated observable indicators including head posture, eye gaze, eye opening or closing, and facial detection persistence. The study compared changes among the three groups and examined whether the effects of HIIT and MICT differed between third- and fifth-grade students.
Official title: Grade-Specific Effects of HIIT and MICT During School Recess on Observable Classroom Attention-Related Behavior in Primary School Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
8 Years - 12 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
144
Start Date
2024-07-23
Completion Date
2024-09-20
Last Updated
2026-08-03
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Interventions
High-Intensity Interval Training During School Recess
Participants completed a structured high-intensity interval training program during scheduled school recess for 6 weeks, with three sessions per week and 18 sessions in total. Each 15-minute session included a 3-minute warm-up, a 9-minute main exercise component, and a 3-minute cool-down. The main component consisted of jumping jacks, cross jumps, vertical jumps, and burpees. Each movement was performed for 30 seconds followed by 30 seconds of recovery, using a 1:1 work-to-rest ratio. The sequence was completed twice, with a 1-minute rest between sets. Exercise intensity was monitored using heart rate monitors, and the target intensity during the main component was at least 85% of age-predicted maximal heart rate.
Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training During School Recess
Participants completed a structured moderate-intensity continuous training program during scheduled school recess for 6 weeks, with three sessions per week and 18 sessions in total. Each 15-minute session included a 3-minute warm-up, 9 minutes of continuous aerobic running, and a 3-minute cool-down. Exercise intensity was monitored using heart rate monitors, and the target intensity during the continuous running component was maintained at 60% to 69% of age-predicted maximal heart rate. Running speed and rhythm were adjusted according to real-time heart rate responses and participant tolerance.
Locations (1)
Shanghai University of Sport
Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality, China