Research underpinning Transform-Us!
Transform-Us! is a simple and easy program that can improve children’s classroom behaviours and their health.
Transform-Us! was developed by an international team of researchers led by Professor Jo Salmon at the Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), Deakin University.1
- It was trialled in 20 Primary schools across Melbourne
- Schools and teachers delivered the program for a 2.5 year period (2010-2012)
- Teachers integrated movement into their class lessons and homework activities and promoted physical activity at recess and lunchtimes
- Over 220 teachers and 1600 students in Grade 3 took part (students were in Grade 5 at the end of the study).
- 595 students enrolled in the assessments to determine changes in physical activity, sedentary (sitting) time and a variety of health markers (including height, weight, waist circumference, blood pressure and blood biomarkers).
The final results were very positive. Compared to a comparison group, students who participated in Transform-Us! had:
33 minute reduction in sitting per day
5 minute increase in moderate to vigorous activity per day
Lower Body Mass Index (BMI), waist circumference and systolic blood pressure
Higher vitamin D levels
of students experienced greater concentration after an active break.
of students improved time-on-task after an active lesson.
of teachers will continue with the active lessons.
of teachers will continue with the active breaks.
of teachers will continue with the active homework strategies.
of teachers will continue using the line markings and equipment.
