Abstract:
Classroom-based physical activity (PA) interventions have received considerable attention
due to improvements seen in academic achievement, classroom behaviors, and attitude toward PA.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Brain Breaks®Physical Activity
Solutions in changing children’s attitudes toward PA. Students (N = 3036) aged 8–11 years from
schools in Croatia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Serbia, South Africa, and Turkey were
randomly assigned to either a control or an experimental group. The experimental group received
Brain Breaks®videos during classroom sessions throughout the four months of intervention. Student
attitudes toward PA were measured using the Attitudes toward Physical Activity Scale (APAS) before
and after the intervention. Repeated measures ANOVA indicated a time interaction effect for all
APAS variables except fitness. Time-by-group interaction effects with different effect sizes were found
for most APAS variables, with the greatest gain effect noted in the experimental group for self-efficacy followed by learning from the videos concerning PA benefits, exercise importance, and enjoyment
from engaging in PA. This study provides evidence supporting Brain Breaks®in terms of learning
experience, attitudes towards PA, and personal motivation. Using exercise videos is recommended as
an interactive, technology-based PA solution that can be easily integrated into the school setting.
