Campaigns and Informational Approaches to Increase Physical Activity: Classroom-Based Health Education Focused on Providing Information

Task Force Finding*

Health education classes that provide information and skills related to decision making are usually multicomponent, with curriculum typically addressing physical inactivity, nutrition, tobacco use, and alcohol and drug misuse. Health education classes, taught in elementary, middle, or high school, are designed to effect behavior change through personal and behavioral factors that provide children or adolescents with the skills they need for rational decision making. The classes in this review did not include physical education (PE) but sometimes included behavioral instruction. (For recommendations on classes involving PE, see School-based PE section.)

The Task Force identified six qualifying studies that evaluated the effect of classroom-based health education on students’ physical activity levels and physical fitness. Because results were inconsistent across the body of evidence, insufficient evidence exists to make a conclusion about the effectiveness of classroom-based health education focused on information provision in improving physical activity levels and physical fitness. It is important to note, however, that such classes may provide other benefits, including increased knowledge, more supportive attitudes for physical activity initiatives, or changes in other health-related behaviors.

*From the following publication:

Task Force on Community Preventive Services. Recommendations to increase physical activity in communities. [PDF - 70KB] Am J Prev Med 2002;22 (4S):67-72.

Review completed: October 2000