Unstructured play with active equipment enhances moderate-to-vigorous physical activity in children

Authors

  • Nguyen Huu Tri Physical Education Department, Can Tho University, Vietnam.
  • Nguyen Quoc Tram Physical Education Department, Phu Yen University, Vietnam.
  • Trinh Thi Thanh Minh Physical Education Department, Tay Do University, Vietnam.
  • Nguyen Thanh Trung Physical Education Department, Tay Do University, Vietnam.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.6018/sportk.627241
Keywords: Recess, Active Play, School Health Promotion, Sedentary Behavior

Abstract

This study examined the impact of a daily 25-minute unstructured physical activity (PA) break on the PA levels of children aged 7–9 years. Recess periods provide valuable opportunities to boost PA and counteract sedentary behaviors, especially when active play equipment is available. In this randomized controlled trial, 71 children were allocated to either an experimental group (EG; n=39), which participated in daily 25-minute free play sessions with access to sports equipment, or a control group (CG; n=32) following standard recess protocols. Accelerometer measurements indicated a statistically significant increase (p<0.05) in moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) in the EG relative to the CG, aligning with the World Health Organization’s 2020 guidelines on reducing sedentary behavior. These findings suggest that incorporating brief, unstructured PA breaks equipped with active play tools can enhance the effectiveness of school-based PA interventions and promote higher activity levels among children. Future research should explore the long-term benefits of such approaches.

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Published
30-03-2026
How to Cite
Huu Tri, N., Tram, N. Q., Thanh Minh, T. T., & Thanh Trung, N. (2026). Unstructured play with active equipment enhances moderate-to-vigorous physical activity in children. SPORT TK-EuroAmerican Journal of Sport Sciences, 15, 18. https://doi.org/10.6018/sportk.627241
Issue
Vol. 15 (2026)
Section
Articles

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The works and papers that are published in this Journal are subject to the following terms:

1. The Publication Service of the University of Murcia (the publisher) has the Publication Rights (Copyright) to the published papers and works, and favors and permits the reusing of the same under the license indicated in point 2.

© Servicio de Publicaciones, Universidad de Murcia, 2013

2. The papers and works are to be published in the digital edition of the Journal under the license Creative Commons Reconocimiento-No Comercial-Sin Obra Derivada 3.0 España (legal text). The copying, using, spreading, transmitting and publicly displaying of the papers, works or publication are permitted as long as: i) the authors and original sources (Journal, publisher and URL of the publication) are quoted; ii) it is not used for commercial benefit; iii) the existence and specifications of this users license are mentioned.

3. Conditions of Self-Archiving. It is permitted and encouraged that the authors spread electronically the pre-print (before printing) and/or post-print (the revised, evaluated and accepted) versions of their papers or works before their publication since this favors their circulation and early diffusion and therefore can help increase their citation and quotation, and also there reach through the academic community.