Advantages of Gardening as a Form of Physical Activity in an After-School Program

Authors

• Joshua Phelps, Oklahoma State UniversityFollow
• Janice R. Hermann, Oklahoma State UniversityFollow
• Stephany R. Parker, Oklahoma State UniversityFollow
• Barbara Denney, Oklahoma State UniversityFollow

Volume

48

Issue

6

DOI

10.34068/joe.48.06.20

Abstract

Children who normally abstain from physical activity may view gardening as a viable non-competitive alternative. The study reported here evaluated the effect of an Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service after-school gardening program on self-reported physical activity level of children in 3rd through 5th grade using the ACTIVITY self-report instrument. The ACTIVITY instrument described and demonstrated three physical activity levels; non-moving, moving, and fast-moving. A significant difference between pre- and post-test scores of children's self-reported physical activity level was observed. The results of the study indicate gardening was an effective non-competitive way to increase children's self-reported physical activity level in an after-school setting.

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Recommended Citation

Phelps, J., Hermann, J. R., Parker, S. R., & Denney, B. (2010). Advantages of Gardening as a Form of Physical Activity in an After-School Program. Journal of Extension, 48(6), Article 20. https://doi.org/10.34068/joe.48.06.20