Traditional Indigenous Games promoting physical activity and cultural connectedness in primary schools ? Cluster Randomised Control Trial

Abstract

Issue addressed: This study investigated the effectiveness of Traditional Indigenous Games (TIG) to improve physical activity and cultural connectedness among primary school students in the community renewal areas of Townsville in North Queensland. Methods: A cluster randomised control trial was conducted in four primary schools in 2007. Baseline and post implementation surveys were conducted in two intervention and two control schools and the results were compared. Results: TIG delivered in primary schools every week over period of three months did not contribute to any statistically significant improvement in intervention and control groups in physical activity levels or cultural connectedness. Conclusions: Further research specifically in terms of intensity and duration of TIG may inform whether physical activity may be improved. Enhancing the Indigenous cultural features of the existing TIG kit might positively influence Indigenous cultural connectedness. Key words: Traditional Indigenous Games, primary schools.