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University of Western Ontario researchers, in an attempt to address the growing childhood obesity problem, have uncovered some interesting facts about active lifestyles (or more accurately: the lack thereof) of school children.

The study included asking a group of children in London, Ontario, to wear GPS devices (ages ranged from 5^th to 8^th graders). The GPS trackers keep track of each child’s whereabouts, while an accelerometer tracked activity levels. In addition, each student kept a journal documenting their activities.

All of this data helped bring to light some interesting facts. The most important information gained was the design of schoolyard playgrounds – if you picture the ancient metal structures and hard concrete surfaces of the past, you have an idea of what the majority of the schoolyards in Ontario look like.

There are no trees or benches, and the kids are simply bored out of their minds.  No trees: no shade in the heat.  Out-of-date play equipment: no one is actively engaging in play.

The study found roughly two-thirds of the children tracked remained indoors for recess, regardless of the season or weather.

Evergreen, a sort of playground makeover non-profit, is working all over Canada to change playground spaces. This group adds trees, pathways, and up-to-date play equipment to playgrounds in need.

Researchers plan to study the issue further, adding more and more schools to their dataset, and gathering pertinent environmental data. This data includes the size of each town/city in addition to air quality in order to further understand the root of the growing obesity problem. Researchers hope to get Canada’s children outside and moving again before it’s too late.

*Editor’s Note: Even though this research pertains to children in Canada, children in the United States struggle with obesity as well, which makes one wonder whether or not playgrounds in the U.S. invite play or if U.S. playgrounds are as aged as those in Canada?

Article Written by Khristen Foss