Fitness Improves Thinking in Kids (FITKids)
About the Intervention
Fitness Improves Thinking in Kids (FITKids) is an afterschool program designed to increase physical fitness and executive control for preadolescent students ages 7-9. The program runs for 2 hours after each school day for 150 days of the school year at a recreational facility. Each session includes three components: a 30-minute fitness component with 4-6 activity stations focused on cardiovascular endurance and muscular strength; a rest period with a healthy snack and nutrition education centered on weekly themes; and a 45-55 minute session of low-organizational games like tag and active rock-paper-scissors centered on skill themes. Students average 70 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per session.
Statistical Findings
Positive effect: on attentional inhibition congruent trials response accuracy
Positive effect: on aerobic fitness
Positive effect: on body mass index
More Intervention Details
Focus Areas
N/APrograms & Services
Extended Day / Child Care ServicesDelivery Methods
Face-to-FaceDisability Support
N/ATarget Groups
Student(s)Citation
(2015). WWC Review of the Report "Effects of the FITKids Randomized Controlled Trial on Executive Control and Brain Function." What Works Clearinghouse Single Study Review (ED560750). ERIC. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED560750.pdf.
Study Demographics
These charts show the demographic makeup and geographic setting of the research study that evaluated this intervention's efficacy. When assessing the fit of an intervention, consider whether it was found effective in a context similar to your own.
Participant Race
What was the racial breakdown of this study's data sample?
Participant Gender
What was the gender breakdown of this study's data sample?
Other Participant Characteristics
Geographical Setting
What was the setting of this study?