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Article

Active Breaks in Primary and Secondary School Children and Adolescents: The Point of View of Teachers

1
Department for Life Quality Studies, University of Bologna, 47921 Rimini, Italy
2
Department of Economics, Engineering, Society and Business Organization, University of Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
3
Department of Biochemical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
4
Unit of Hygiene and Public Health Forlì-Cesena, Department of Public Health, Romagna Local Health Authority, 47522 Cesena, Italy
5
Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
6
Department of Education Studies, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
7
Department of Translational Medicine, University of Eastern Piedmont, 28100 Novara, Italy
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Healthcare 2025, 13(19), 2482; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13192482 (registering DOI)
Submission received: 18 July 2025 / Revised: 12 September 2025 / Accepted: 26 September 2025 / Published: 29 September 2025
(This article belongs to the Section Public Health and Preventive Medicine)

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Engaging in regular physical activity (PA) and reducing sedentary behaviors benefits youth health, especially for those with disabilities. However, two-thirds of European children remain insufficiently active. In schools, Active Breaks, brief 5–15 min PA sessions led by teachers during or between lessons, offer a feasible strategy to increase movement. This study investigated teachers’ perceptions of ABs by comparing implementers and non-implementers, examining facilitators and barriers to implementation, and exploring their potential to support the inclusion of students with disabilities. Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted among primary and secondary school teachers in the Emilia-Romagna region (Italy), all of whom had completed a 6 h training course on the implementation of ABs. Data were collected using an ad hoc questionnaire consisting of four sections: sociodemographic data, an adapted Attitudes Toward Physical Activity scale, ABs’ practicality/sustainability, and inclusiveness. Results: Overall, 65% of teachers reported implementing ABs, with higher adoption in primary (69.5%) than secondary schools (58.6%). Implementers reported more positive perceptions and attitudes across individual, classroom, and school-support domains (p < 0.05). In addition, primary teachers consistently scored higher than their secondary counterparts, particularly in terms of class characteristics and benefit perceptions (p < 0.001). Most teachers, especially in primary schools (84.2%), reported no difficulties, although one-third of secondary teachers reported challenges. Exploratory factor analysis on barrier items identified two dimensions (practical/logistical feasibility; institutional/procedural difficulties), but internal consistency was low. Teachers mainly reported using motor activities, with sessions lasting 5–10 min, typically scheduled mid-morning. Inclusion analysis revealed that 60% of teachers had students with disabilities in their classes. While most students participated without adjustments, 25% required occasional or consistent modifications. Conclusions: ABs are a practical and inclusive strategy to reduce SBs in schools. However, not all teachers are currently able to implement them, due to varying contextual constraints, levels of support, and perceived barriers. Primary school settings appear more conducive to their integration, whereas secondary schools may require more tailored support. Fostering teacher confidence, peer collaboration, and inclusive planning can enhance both the implementation and long-term sustainability of educational initiatives.
Keywords: active breaks; teacher perceptions; classroom physical activity; sedentary behavior; learning environment; school environment active breaks; teacher perceptions; classroom physical activity; sedentary behavior; learning environment; school environment

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MDPI and ACS Style

Persiani, M.; Ceciliani, A.; Russo, G.; Dallolio, L.; Senesi, G.; Bragonzoni, L.; Montalti, M.; Sacchetti, R.; Masini, A. Active Breaks in Primary and Secondary School Children and Adolescents: The Point of View of Teachers. Healthcare 2025, 13, 2482. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13192482

AMA Style

Persiani M, Ceciliani A, Russo G, Dallolio L, Senesi G, Bragonzoni L, Montalti M, Sacchetti R, Masini A. Active Breaks in Primary and Secondary School Children and Adolescents: The Point of View of Teachers. Healthcare. 2025; 13(19):2482. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13192482

Chicago/Turabian Style

Persiani, Michela, Andrea Ceciliani, Gabriele Russo, Laura Dallolio, Giulio Senesi, Laura Bragonzoni, Marco Montalti, Rossella Sacchetti, and Alice Masini. 2025. "Active Breaks in Primary and Secondary School Children and Adolescents: The Point of View of Teachers" Healthcare 13, no. 19: 2482. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13192482

APA Style

Persiani, M., Ceciliani, A., Russo, G., Dallolio, L., Senesi, G., Bragonzoni, L., Montalti, M., Sacchetti, R., & Masini, A. (2025). Active Breaks in Primary and Secondary School Children and Adolescents: The Point of View of Teachers. Healthcare, 13(19), 2482. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13192482

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