Effect of tablet-based circuit training on the attitudes and intentions of primary school students regarding physical activity and exercise

Abstract

Problem statement: The effects of tablet use in school Physical Education (PE) on psychological factors related to pupils’ physical activity and exercise have been little investigated to date. In particular, the potential impact of tablet use during the PE course on pupils’ attitudes and intention towards participation in physical and exercise activities in their free time outside school has not been addressed yet, although, as suggested by the research literature, these attitudes and intentions may positively predict pupils’ actual participation in free-time physical and exercise activities. Purpose: This study aimed at utilizing tablets as a means for conducting a circuit training course in Physical Education, and at investigating its impact on pupils’ attitudes and intention towards participating in sport and physical activities outside school. Methods: Sixty-one pupils (aged 9-10 years) were randomly divided into an experimental group (30 pupils) and a control group (31 pupils). The former participated in a two-hour circuit training course, in which they used tablets, a circuit training mobile application and animations of various exercises. The latter participated in an equivalent conventional circuit training course without tablets. Both courses involved seven stations, and were taught by the same PE teacher. Before and after each course, pupils completed anonymous questionnaires. Results: The data analysis showed that the tablet-based course yielded more positive pupil attitudes and stronger pupil intention towards participating in sport and physical activities outside school than the conventional course. Conclusions: Thus, tablet-based circuit training within school Physical Education may mobilize pupils in relation to getting physically active outside school. © JPES.