Australia

In Australia, 2020-21 is the concluding year of the Joy of moving research partnership with Deakin University in Melbourne schools. Co-designed by teachers and psychologists, the program is guided by two core principles: Any movement is good movement and moving helps us feel good. Fieldwork closed earlier than anticipated in July due to COVID requirements, however sufficient statistically significant data was collected to enable documentation of the research.

Three of the eight planned papers as part of the research related to the Australian Joy of moving program have been accepted for publication. These include studies titled:

1. A Preliminary Investigation of the Relationship between Motivation for Physical Activity and Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties in Children Aged 8–12 Years: The Role of Autonomous Motivation
2. Class Time Physical Activity Programs for Primary School Aged Children at Specialist Schools: A Systematic Mapping Review
3. The feasibility and acceptability of a classroom-based physical activity program for children attending specialist schools: A mixed-methods pilot study

Additionally, two of the planned papers are fully drafted and undergoing internal review with the plan to be submitted to journals. These include research titled:

1. The Impact of Brief Classroom-based Physical Activity Interventions on Primary School Aged Children’s Enjoyment and Wellbeing: A Systematic Review
2. A pilot outcome evaluation of the Australian Joy of Moving program with primary school children attending specialist schools

The three remaining planned papers are currently being drafted. These will include research regarding:

1. The acceptability and feasibility of the Australian Joy of moving Program in mainstream schools
2. Changes in teaching practices to improve the amount of movement that children will do in a school day
3. Characterising gait profiles of children with autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability

The first stakeholder presentation of the Kinder Joy of moving Australia research project took place at the Embassy of Italy in Australia. According to presenter Professor Nicole Rinehart, “the research program is exciting because it is exploring tools that provide teachers with a brief, yet comprehensive, approach to help children experience the physical and mental health benefits that come with being active. We know that mental health and physical health are inextricably linked, developing tools that can involve both activity and emotional wellbeing in the classroom, could have important lifelong implications for young people”

Watch the video

The Australian Joy of Moving program supported by Ferrero

Class Time Physical Activity Programs for Primary School Aged Children at Specialist Schools: A Systematic Mapping Review

A Preliminary Investigation of the Relationship between Motivation for Physical Activity and Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties in Children Aged 8–12 Years: The Role of Autonomous Motivation