Does an intervention package effectively improve self-determined motivation for physical activity among grade seven school children in Colombo district

Study setting – Type 1AB, 1C and type 2 schools in the Colombo district.

Method of randomization – Of the four educational zones in Colombo district, one educational zone will be selected randomly as to carry out the study. • All the government schools in the selected zone will be stratified according to the selected types (1AB, 1C and type 2) • Out of those schools, 12 schools will be selected randomly (ie. 4 schools from each type) and schools in each stratum will be randomized to intervention and control arms using simple randomization. • From each selected school, one class (with average student number of 30) will be selected randomly out of all grade seven classes.

Intervention This will be conducted targeting teachers, parents and students.

1. Intervention for teachers Teachers of the selected classes in the intervention arm will be trained to deliver the intervention package by principal investigator (MBBS qualified doctor and a sport psychologist) with a consultant psychiatrist

Methods of delivery By conducting four hours (2 hours per day for 2 days) training session which will be facilitated by a training guide.

Description of the interventions

(1) General introduction • Positive effect of physical activity on academic performance • Sedentary behavior among students • Level of physical activity among students

(2) Introduction to the proposed intervention package Components • How to improve motivation for physical activity • Class room based physical activity program • How to incorporate motivational strategies into day today activities • Methods to be active throughout the day at school and out of school • Minimization of sedentary activities

1. Intervention for students This will be delivered by the principal investigator (PI) and the teachers who are trained.

Method of delivery – through demonstrations, activity cards, activity booklet, roleplays and homework activities These activities will be delivered as 20 minutes sessions and 3 sessions will be conducted per week for 4 months for the students in intervention arm.

Description of the intervention • Class room based activity breaks • Organizing of a quiz competition among students related to importance of physical activities PA promotion • A self-assessment booklet will be developed in order to record the daily progress by students • Activities to be done at home to minimize sedentary behavior will be taught to students in intervention arm. • Control group will receive the routine activities which already existing in school setting (morning exercise program and physical education periods) and these activities will also be provided for the intervention arm.

1. Intervention for parents Parents of the children in intervention arm will be educated simultaneously by PI.

Method of delivery • This will be done through Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials, ie. Flash cards and leaflets, which will be developed with the consensus of experts in Health Promotion Bureau. • One 2 hours workshop will be conducted for Parents of the children in intervention arm. Description of the intervention • Why children should be active • How physical activity helps to improve your child’s academic performance • How to support your child to be active

Male and female students who are studying in grade seven in the government schools in Colombo district

• Physically or mentally disabled children • School children with vision or hearing impairment that has not been corrected • School children currently away from physical activities due to illnesses or injuries