Metodología de evaluación del espacio construido dedicado a la actividad física de niños de 9 a 12 años en escuelas de la ciudad de Cuenca

Abstract

In recent years, physical inactivity among children has raised, increasing overweight and obesity prevalence. Schools are key setting since children spend large periods in there; understanding whether the school built-environment encourages or limits physical activity is crucial. This work aims to establish an observational methodology, based on methodologies found in the scientific literature, adapted and validated for schools in Cuenca for schoolchildren from 9 to 12 years old. Several methodologies were identifies and System for Observing Play and Leisure Activities in Young People (SOPLAY) was selected based on the relevance it presented. SOPLAY collects observational data on the number of students and their physical activity types during play opportunities and leisure time at school in specific areas used for these activities. This methodology was cross-cultural validated using the validation process COSMIN (Consensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments). As a result, a validated methodology was obtained for the city of Cuenca (Ecuador), which could guarantee scientifically valid conclusions not only for this city but also for others with similar characteristics in Ecuador and Latin America. Based on the results of its application, in a determined sample of schools, design criteria were established to increase physical activity in schoolchildren.