Validation of the SOFIT+: Relating physical activity promoting practices to moderate-to-vigorous physical activity in 5–6-year-old children

Oral Presentation B4.4

Authors

  • Matteo Crotti Liverpool John Moores University
  • James Rudd Norwegian School of Sport Sciences
  • Glenn Weaver University of South Carolina
  • Simon Roberts Liverpool John Moores University
  • Laura O'Callaghan Liverpool John Moores University
  • Katie F. Davies Liverpool John Moores University; Coventry University
  • Lawrence Foweather Liverpool John Moores University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.507

Keywords:

Observation Tool, Teacher Behaviours, Physical Education, Physical Activity, Children

Abstract

Background: Teaching behaviours within physical education can affect moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) engagement during lessons. However, no tool has been validated to assess teacher practices promoting MVPA in 5-6 years old children. Purpose: To validate the modified System for Observing Fitness Instruction Time (SOFIT+) in 5 to 6 years old children. Methods: Participants (n=165, 53.3% female, 5-6yrs) were recruited from nine primary schools. Video recordings of 45 PE lessons (3 per class) from 9 teachers/coaches were coded using an age-appropriate modified version of the SOFIT+. Inter-rater reliability was assessed on 30% of coded lessons. A SOFIT+ index score was calculated for each 40 second(s) scan. Children’s moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was estimated using wrist-worn accelerometers. Multinomial logistic regression assessed the relationship of both the SOFIT+ index score and individual MVPA promoting practices with children’s MVPA. Results: Percent agreement was >85.5% for each observed SOFIT+ variable. Compared to engaging in 0-9s of MVPA per 40s scan, a 1 unit increase in the SOFIT+ index score was associated with an increased likelihood for children to engage in 10-19s (OR = 1.43), 20-29s (OR = 1.86) and 30-40s (OR = 2.50) of MVPA. The vast majority of the observed teaching practices were significantly related to children’s MVPA. Conclusions: SOFIT+ can produce valid and reliable data to examine teaching behaviours related to PA promotion. Furthermore, the relationship between individual teaching behaviours and children’s MVPA was generally in line with previous research and could inform practitioners’ PA promotion behaviours.

Published

2021-09-30

How to Cite

Crotti, M., Rudd, J., Weaver, G., Roberts, S., O’Callaghan, L., Davies, K., & Foweather, L. (2021). Validation of the SOFIT+: Relating physical activity promoting practices to moderate-to-vigorous physical activity in 5–6-year-old children: Oral Presentation B4.4. The Health & Fitness Journal of Canada, 14(3). https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.507