Fitness Research

At PlayCore, our studies of the role of play in childhood development are ongoing. The knowledge we gain from this research helps us set the direction for the innovative solutions we develop for a variety of play situations. Our research efforts are enhanced through our partnerships with leading thought leaders and academics in the field of childhood education and development. Following are some of the programs where this research is taking place.

Comparisons of Physical Activity on a Play Structure Between Age Groups Over 20 Weeks

A PlayCore-sponsored study conducted by Dr. Louis Bowers, Distinguished University Professor Emeritus of the University of South Florida at Tampa.

This 20-week study focused on play behavior and caloric expenditure of children from pre-kindergarten through third grade during 30 minutes of supervised free play on a PlayCore play structure. The data collected showed a “meaningful expenditure of calories for 30 minutes of play” by all participating age groups over the research period; sustained or increased activity levels in all age groups; improvement in the ability of the pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students to use the trapeze rings; and the overall popularity of climbing and sliding activities, as well as use of trapeze rings.

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National Evaluative Study of Play On!: Playground Activities for Youth Fitness Developed in Partnership with PlayCore and AAPAR

A PlayCore sponsored study for children’s physical activity and fitness

Researchers from Western Michigan University analyzed Play On!, a physical education program developed in partnership with AAPAR and PlayCore which uses playground activities to help kids meet national physical education standards. The program emphasizes fun activities around six elements of play: balancing, swinging, sliding, climbing, brachiating (hand to hand overhead travel), and spinning. The research evaluated the program’s role in getting kids moving and having fun. It included pre- and post-intervention surveys and qualitative measurements from children, parents, and teachers. More than 6,000 children from 14 beta sites in five states participated in the research, administered by the American Association for Physical Activity and Recreation (AAPAR).

Findings:

91% of teachers reported that playground use increased
90% of teachers plan to use the program in the future
100% rated the program 4 or 5 on a 5-point scale, with 5 denoting “super easy” to use
25% of parents participated in more family physical activity after the Play On! program was initiated
100% of students reported having fun engaging in Play On! activities
90%–100% of teachers reported that Play On! motivated students to participate in regular, vigorous, enjoyable physical activity in a safe and supervised environment

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"We support the implementation of the Play On! curriculum as a means of maintaining and improving regular and fun participation in physical activity for young children." – Dr. Yuanlong Liu and Dr. Suzan F. Ayers, Western Michigan University