• Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity (MVPA)

     

    What is MVPA?

     

    • Moderate physical activity refers to activities equivalent in intensity to brisk walking or bicycling.
    • Vigorous physical activity produces large increases in breathing or heart rate, such as jogging, aerobic dance or bicycling uphill.
    • The goal is a minimum of 50% of class time to be engaged in MVPA.

     

     soccer

     

    Not Enough MVPA:

     

    A recent study of California schools found that students are sedentary most of the time during PE, with only four minutes of every half hour spent in vigorous physical activity.

    Moreover, active PE time decreases with larger class sizes. Students in classes with more than 45 students are half as active as students in smaller class sizes.

    Source: Failing Fitness: Physical Activity and Physical Education in School 

    Benefits of MVPA for a minimum of 50% of class time:

    • Increasing MVPA in PE has the greatest potential for increasing health benefits for most students as it generates more energy expenditure; contributes to obesity prevention and muscular and bone development; reduces anxiety and stress; improves self-esteem, mood and concentration; and reduces the risk of chronic disease.
    • Activity-focused PE can contribute to academic performance, improved attendance and positive classroom behavior.
    • Increasing MVPA in PE provides more opportunities to meet other PE goals such as motor development, increased fitness, skill enhancement and positive social interactions.