Challenges of and Solutions to Collecting Physical Activity Data in Urban Elementary Schools and Afterschool Settings Using the System for Observing Play and Leisure Activity (SOPLAY)

• Activity Number: 549
• Type: Topic Contributed
• Date/Time: Wednesday, August 6, 2014 : 2:00 PM to 3:50 PM
• Sponsor: Social Statistics Section
• Author(s): Kelley Borradaile*+ and Martha Bleeker and William Reeves and Brittany Vas and Nicholas K. Beyler
• Companies: Mathematica Policy Research and Mathematica Policy Research and Mathematica Policy Research and Mathematica Policy Research and Mathematica Policy Research
• Keywords: physical activity ; SOPLAY ; schools ; afterschool settings

Abstract

This presentation focuses on the collection of physical activity data during recess in 29 schools and physical activity breaks in 23 afterschool settings. We will discuss the challenges of using the System for Observing Play and Leisure Activity (SOPLAY) in these different settings and the methods we used to improve our data collection procedures. The specific challenges associated with obtaining an accurate representation of the intensity and variety of activities taking place included: high concentrations of students; small, varied, and geographically dispersed observation spaces; schedule changes; and difficulties defining observation zones.