A Classroom-based Intervention to Promote Physical Literacy in Children: ALPHYL Study Protocol

NCT05812118 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: UV1564606
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 285
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

The goal of this study, named the Active Learning for PHYsical Literacy (ALPHYL) study, was to describe a multicomponent class-based physically-active learning randomized control trial (RCT) in primary school children. The main purpose was to promote children's physical literacy, academic achievement and cognitive function. The ALPHYL study is mainly based on physical literacy, active school models and Supportive, Active, Autonomous, Fair and Enjoyable principles.

Conditions

Physical Activity

Keywords

Physical Literacy; Academic Achievement; Cognitive Function; Children; School-based Intervention

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (9)

• Change of the actual motor competence

  Assessment of the actual motor competence using Canadian Agility Movement Skill Assessment test

  Measured at baseline, immediately after the intervention and 8-10 weeks after the intervention

• Change of the physical activity level

  Assessment of the physical activity by accelerometers

  Measured at baseline, immediately after the intervention and 8-10 weeks after the intervention

• Change of the perceived physical literacy

  Assessment of this variable using Physical Literacy for Children Questionnaire. Minimum and maximum response values are from 1 to 4. Higher scores mean a better outcome.

  Measured at baseline, immediately after the intervention and 8-10 weeks after the intervention

• Change of the perceived motor competence

  Assessment of this variable using Pictorial scale of Perceived Movement Skill Competence. Minimum and maximum response values are from 1 to 4. Higher scores mean a better outcome.

  Measured at baseline, immediately after the intervention and 8-10 weeks after the intervention

• Change of the self-determined motivation for physical activity

  Adapted version for children of the Behavioural Regulation Exercise Questionnaire. Minimum and maximum response values are from 1 to 5. Higher scores mean a better outcome.

  Measured at baseline, immediately after the intervention and 8-10 weeks after the intervention

• Change of the perceived social support

  The Physical Activity Family and Friends Support Scale. Minimum and maximum response values are from 1 to 5. Higher scores mean a better outcome.

  Measured at baseline, immediately after the intervention and 8-10 weeks after the intervention

• Change of the academic achievement

  Final grade scores at school

  Measured at baseline, immediately after the intervention and 8-10 weeks after the intervention

• Change of the working memory

  Digit Span test

  Measured at baseline, immediately after the intervention and 8-10 weeks after the intervention

• Change of the executive function

  Stroop test

  Measured at baseline, immediately after the intervention and 8-10 weeks after the intervention

Secondary Outcomes (14)

• Change of the active commuting to/from school

  Measured at baseline, immediately after the intervention and 8-10 weeks after the intervention

• Change of the body Mass Index

  Measured at baseline, immediately after the intervention and 8-10 weeks after the intervention

• Change of the cardiorespiratory fitness

  Measured at baseline, immediately after the intervention and 8-10 weeks after the intervention

• Change of the physical activity participation (self-reported)

  Measured at baseline, immediately after the intervention and 8-10 weeks after the intervention

• Change of the alienation with school

  Measured at baseline, immediately after the intervention and 8-10 weeks after the intervention

Other Outcomes (4)

• School and home macro-scale neighborhood built environments

  Measured at baseline

• School and home micro-scale neighborhood built environments

  Measured at baseline

• Internal physical school characteristics in relation to physical activity

  Measured at baseline

Study Arms (2)

Control group

NO INTERVENTION

Control group

Experimental group

EXPERIMENTAL

Physical active learning intervention

Behavioral: Physical active learning

Interventions

Physical active learning BEHAVIORAL

The intervention will last for 8-10 weeks. The ALPHYL intervention will be conducted in physical education (PE) and non-PE lessons by teachers. In addition to the PE lessons, at least three physically active activities in subjects other than PE will be conducted every day (5 days per week), with a total duration of approximately 30 minutes of light and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per day. The weekly dose of physically active learning will thus be 100-150 minutes, so that a volume of 800-1200 minutes is foreseen during the 8-10 weeks. The PE classes will also be conducted in a mix of cooperative learning, non-linear pedagogy and health-based PE.

Experimental group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 10 Years - 11 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Child (0-17)

You may qualify if:

• Participants enrolled in 5th grade (i.e., 10-11 years old).
• Schools must have at least two groups of primary school 5th grade and the teachers involved in both agree to participate.
• Each class group includes at least 75% of the participants.
• Children must not have taken part in other physical activity promotion interventions in the two previous years.

You may not qualify if:

• None.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Valencia: lead

Study Sites (1)

University of Valencia

Valencia, 46022, Spain

Location

Related Publications (1)

• Romero-Martinez J, Menescardi C, Ortega-Benavent N, Montalt-Garcia S, Barnett LM, Garcia-Masso X, Estevan I. Effects of a classroom-based intervention to promote physical literacy in children: the randomized and controlled ALPHYL Study. J Sci Med Sport. 2025 Oct;28(10):833-839. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2025.05.006. Epub 2025 May 22.

  PMID: 40450427 DERIVED

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Motor Activity

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Behavior

Study Officials

• Isaac Estevan, PhD

  University of Valencia

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: PARTICIPANT
• Masking Details: Participants will not be aware of whether or not they received the intervention.
• Purpose: PREVENTION
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Model Details: A classroom-based randomised controlled trial

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: March 14, 2023
• First Posted: April 13, 2023
• Study Start: May 1, 2022
• Primary Completion: June 21, 2023
• Study Completion: July 31, 2023
• Last Updated: December 6, 2023

Record last verified: 2023-03

Locations

ES (1)