Implementing Classroom-based Physical Activity: Methodological Challenges In Provider Time Assessment

PURPOSE: Integrating physical activity (PA) into the school day through interventions like InPACT (Interrupting Prolonged sitting with ACTivity) is essential for children’s well-being. However, schools often cite limited teacher time as a barrier to implementation. This study examines task-specific time allocation for key classroom activities, including PA, to understand the impact of incorporating PA into school schedules. Accurately measuring teacher time allocation in classroom-based PA interventions is critical for making informed decisions about resource allocation. Obtaining reliable data, however, presents methodological challenges. METHODS: This mixed methods study included 20 elementary school teachers. In April 2023, teachers completed daily activity logs over four weeks (quantitative data), tracking time spent on PA breaks, instruction, and classroom management. Additionally, we collected qualitative data through open-ended questions to explore teachers' experiences and perceptions of implementing InPACT and any changes they observed in time spent on specific tasks. We integrated these data to assess convergence and divergence points and provide explanations. RESULTS: Data from activity logs showed significant variability in the time allocated to PA, instruction, and classroom management. For example, teachers in School 1 reported 17.8% of their time on PA (M = 40 min, SD = 22.5), while teachers in School 2 reported 15.1% (M = 38.4 min, SD = 27.5). Similar variability was noted in other activities. Qualitative findings suggested that factors such as atypical school days (e.g., assemblies, field trips), ongoing behavior challenges, data collection timing (spring semester), and competing demands like test preparation influenced time allocation. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the challenges in accurately assessing teacher time allocation for classroom-based PA. While teacher self-reports are valuable, the burden may have limited reporting precision. Future research should explore methods to improve data accuracy, such as using objective measures like accelerometers or structured observations alongside self-reports. Striking a balance between methodological rigor and minimizing participant burden is essential to advance research in this area. Supported by: Funding: Michigan Health Endowment Fund (R-2204-150254) AI: ChatGPT was used to edit the sentence structure and grammar of this abstract.