Effects of Maths on the Move on Children’s Perspectives, Physical Activity, and Maths Performance

Abstract

Purpose To assess the impact of a six-week ‘Maths on the Move’ (MOTM) physically active learning programme on primary school children’s physical activity (PA) levels and maths performance.

Method Randomised control trial. Year 5 children’s PA was assessed using accelerometry for five consecutive school days at baseline and during the final intervention week (final sample: n=97, age M=9.61±0.29, 52.6% female). Two maths performance tests were used; one assessing mathematical content taught during MOTM and one assessing math’s fluency (MASSAT). Both tests were conducted at baseline and following the intervention (week seven). Focus groups were conducted in week seven with intervention children (n=12), randomly choosing an even split of children classified with pre-intervention low or high PA levels.

Results On average, during a typical 45-49 minutes MOTM lesson, children obtained an additional five minutes of moderate-to-vigorous PA and 5.7 minutes of light PA counteracted by a reduction of 9.5 minutes of time spent sedentary compared to children that remained in the classroom (control condition). The maths attainment test performance significantly improved over time for children in the MOTM compared to the control (+6.1 versus +0.9, p≤0.0001, d=1.507). No significant improvements were found in the MASSAT total score. Seven emerging themes were derived from the child focus groups. Children felt the MOTM sessions resulted in social and environmental improvements, which improved learning during the sessions. Children described the MOTM sessions as enjoyable, fun, engaging and invigorating – resulting in positive associations to learning and activity.

Conclusion Collectively, the findings identify the MOTM programme improves pupil’s PA levels, academic outcomes and identifies pupil’s willingness, enjoyment, and engagement.