EFFECTS OF RECREATIONAL PHYSICAL ACTIVITY ON PHYSICAL FITNESS AND PHYSIOLOGICAL HEALTH IN AFRICAN SCHOOL CHILDREN AGED 6–12 YEARS (2015 – 2025): A SCOPING REVIEW

Autori

  • Courage Kobla Adenyoh Department of Basic Education, School of Education and Life-Long Learning, University of Education, Winneba, Ghana
  • Emmanuel Osei Sarpong Department of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Sports, Faculty of Health, Allied Sciences and Home Economics Education, University of Education, Winneba, Ghana
  • Ekpor Anyimah-Ackah Department of Food and Nutrition Education, Faculty of Health, Allied Sciences and Home Economics Education, University of Education, Winneba, Ghana

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46827/ejpe.v13i1.6511

Parole chiave:

recreational physical activity, physical fitness, physiological health, schoolchildren, Africa

Abstract

Background: Recreational physical activity is a cost-effective way to stem rising non-communicable disease in African children, yet evidence is scattered. Objective: To synthesise primary studies published between January 2015 and June 2025 on the impact of recreational physical activity on the physical fitness and physiological health of African pupils aged six to twelve years. Methods: Adhering to PRISMA guidelines, five databases were searched for peer-reviewed English-language studies evaluating sports, active play or school programmes; systematic reviews were excluded. Results: Six studies met criteria: three cluster randomised controlled trials and three cross-sectional surveys from Egypt, Ghana, the Ivory Coast, Tanzania and South Africa. Structured activity improved coordination, leg strength and shuttle-run endurance. Interventions with trained teachers and equipment additionally lowered waist circumference, resting blood pressure, glycated haemoglobin and lipid ratios. Observational data revealed a dose–response between daily moderate to vigorous activity and estimated maximal oxygen uptake. Children in rural settings were more active and fitter than those in urban townships. Girls engaged in less vigorous activity but, when active, equalled or surpassed boys on selected fitness tests. Conclusion: Although the evidence base is small, it consistently shows that well-delivered recreational physical activity yields measurable gains in cardiovascular and musculoskeletal fitness and early metabolic health in African primary school children. Policies ensuring teacher training, safe play spaces and inclusive activity opportunities are essential. 

 

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Biografie autore

  • Courage Kobla Adenyoh, Department of Basic Education, School of Education and Life-Long Learning, University of Education, Winneba, Ghana

    Courage Kobla Adenyoh is a Lecturer in Physical Education at the University of Education, Winneba's Department of Basic Education. He serves as Programmes Coordinator for Basic Education at the College of Distance Education and e-Learning (CODeL). Courage's research focuses on Physical Education, Physical Activity, and Technology, investigating topics like non-communicable diseases, tech in youth football, and physical activity levels among students. He teaches courses including Physical Activity for Healthy Living, Measuring Physical Activity, and Assessment of Learning, Inquiry into Action Research, Practice and Coaching of Limited Contact Sports, Practice and Coaching of Non-Contact and Full Contact Sports, and Supported Teaching in Schools (STS).

    ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5933-5257

  • Emmanuel Osei Sarpong, Department of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Sports, Faculty of Health, Allied Sciences and Home Economics Education, University of Education, Winneba, Ghana

    Emmanuel Osei Sarpong (PhD) is an Associate Professor in the Department of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Sports at the University of Education, Winneba. He holds a PhD in Sports and Exercise Physiology from the University of Ilorin. Prof Sarpong served as the former Dean of the Faculty of Health, Allied Sciences and Home Economics Education (FHASHEE), past chairman of the Directorate of Sports at the University of Education, Winneba. Currently he is the National Coordinator for School Sports in Ghana. Prof Sarpong is a lecturer, distinguished exercise scientist, and certified football coach.

    ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1316-4851

  • Ekpor Anyimah-Ackah, Department of Food and Nutrition Education, Faculty of Health, Allied Sciences and Home Economics Education, University of Education, Winneba, Ghana

    Ekpor Anyimah-Ackah (PhD), Department of Food and Nutrition Education, University of Education, Winneba, Ghana Ekpor Anyimah-Ackah (PhD) is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Food and Nutrition Education, Faculty of Health, Allied Sciences and Home Economics Education, University of Education, Winneba with expertise in: Food Systems Toxicology and Safety (investigating chemical composition and toxicological risks in food systems, with emphasis on their implications for human health and regulatory standards), Nutrition, Food Security, and Public Health (advancing nutrition science and food security through surveillance and population-level interventions, aimed at strengthening public health outcomes), Nutraceutical Innovation and Product Development (exploring bioactive compounds and nutraceuticals, and translating research findings into innovative product development for disease prevention and health promotion).

    Scopus Author ID: 57208735657,

    ResearcherID: L-9734-2016,

    ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0655-2258

Riferimenti bibliografici

Abdelkarim, O., Hassan, N., & Khalid, M. (2024). Impact of short-term structured play on fitness among Egyptian schoolchildren: The Be Fit pilot study. Journal of Physical Activity & Health, 21(3), 345–353. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jphysact.2024.01.007

Annan, R. A., Boakye, D. S., & Aduku, L. N. (2020). Physical fitness, physical activity habits and BMI status of Ghanaian primary schoolchildren. BMC Pediatrics, 20(1), 234. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12887-020-02151-3

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Dolley, D., Arnaiz, P., Müller, I., & Gerber, M. (2023). Teacher training and structured school-based programs reduce cardiovascular risk factors in disadvantaged African children: KaziKidz trial. BMC Public Health, 23(1), 845. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-023-15489-1

Gerber, M., Beckmann, J., Müller, I., & Pühse, U. (2021). Physical activity, fitness, and health in African children: Evidence from multi-country cross-sectional studies. Children, 8(9), 792. https://doi.org/10.3390/children8090792

Müller, I., Smith, D., Adams, L., & Gerber, M. (2020). Associations between physical activity, fitness and clustered cardiovascular risk in South African children from disadvantaged communities. Preventive Medicine, 130, 105843. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2019.105843

Uys, M., Draper, C. E., Hendricks, S., & de Villiers, A. (2016). HealthKick: A three-year primary school-based nutrition and physical activity intervention to prevent childhood obesity in low-income South African schools. BMC Public Health, 16, 1065. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-016-3733-6

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Moher, D.; Liberati, A.; Douglas, J. T.; G. Altman, & Prisma Group (2009). Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses: The PRISMA statement. PLoS Medicine 6. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.1000097

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Pubblicato

2026-02-03

Fascicolo

V. 13 N. 1 (2026)

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Articles

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