Effect of increasing the choice of active options on children's physically active play

ObjectivesTo determine whether increasing the choice of physical activity options increases the duration and intensity of children's physically active play.DesignThis cross-sectional laboratory study included gender (male and female) and choice group [single toy (no choice), three toys (low choice), five toys (high choice)] as between participant factors.MethodsBoys and girls (n = 36, 8–12 y) were stratified, randomly assigned to a choice group that always provided access to each participant's most liked active toy(s), and allowed 60 min of free time. The same sedentary alternatives were freely available to all participants. Physical activity outcomes were measured by accelerometry, heart rate, and direct observation.ResultsThe number of active toys the children played with increased (p < 0.001) across each choice group. Minutes spent in MPA were greater in the low choice (p < 0.05) and high choice (p < 0.02) groups than the no choice group. Active playtime was greater (p < 0.01) in the low choice (79%) and high choice (95%) groups compared to the no choice group. Girls in the low and high choice groups had greater (p < 0.05) percent heart rate reserve when compared to girls in the no choice group. There was no difference in the boys’ percent heart rate reserve between the no choice, low choice and high choice groups.ConclusionsIncreasing the choice of active toys increases both the duration and intensity of physically active play, especially in girls.