Research area

Test

Test venue

Time per test per child

Heart and Blood Vessel Health*

Blood Pressure

Pulse wave velocity

Echocardiograph (ultrasound pictures).

Canberra

Hospital

1 hour

(It is expected each child will miss half day of school) Groups of 4 per two hours.

Bone health & development*

Bone density and shape. Routine scans

•  DXA (density)

•  QCT (shape)

Canberra

Hospital

1 hour

(hospital visit as above) Groups of 4 per two hours.

Blood health indicators

One blood sample, nurses using anaesthetic patch to minimise any discomfort

Mobile blood unit - nurses take the samples at school

20 minutes done in small groups.

Physical Activity

Pedometer

Questionnaire

Home and school. Questionnaire to be filled in by parents

Children wear pedometer for 5 days.

Introduction to schools -

20 minutes per class

Physical Activity Performance

Performance test:

•  Vertical jump

•  Shuttle run

At school

20 minutes but done in small groups

Movement control

Assessment tasks for

•  Balance

•  Coordination

•  Skill

•  Spatial awareness

At school

1 day per class

Psychological characteristics, environmental/family influences

Questionnaires to parents and children assessing:

•  Self-esteem

•  Stress level

•  Self Image

•  Family influences

At school

1 hour

Parents survey sent home

Nutritional intake

1 day Diet record

Completed by parents at home

Completed on designated day at home and checked by phone or meeting with nutritionist

Teaching methodology***

And Movement Education program

characterisation.

Observation of teaching practice.

Questionnaire & interview assessing movement program.

Observation conducted through attendance at program.

Video.

Interview:

½ hour per teacher

Questionnaire:

½ hour per teacher