Effectiveness of an exercise regimen program in decreasing aggressive behavior among primary schoolchildren

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Assistant Prof. of Community health nursing- Faculty of nursing-Zagazig University

2 Assistant Prof. of Community health nursing- Faculty of nursing- Helwane University,

3 Lecturer of Pediatric nursing- Faculty of nursing- Zagazig University

10.12816/0029243

Abstract

Background: The literature links anger, physical exercise, and fitness. The increasing trend
of violent events in schools must draw more attention to interventions targeted to reducing
school violence. Aim: The aim of current study was evaluating the effectiveness of the
implementation of an exercise regimen program on aggressive behavior among primary
schoolchildren. Subjects and methods: Research design: The current study was carried
out using a quasi-experimental design with pre-post assessment. Setting: The study was
carried out using a quasi-experimental design with pre-post assessment in Governmental
primary school in Zagazig district, Sharkia governorate, Egypt. Subjects: It included 110
primary school students selected by stratified random sampling. Tools of data collection: An
interview questionnaire form was used to assess student's aggressive behavior towards self,
others, and properties. The researchers prepared and implemented an exercise regimen and
implemented it in 12 sessions of 60 min each. The program effectiveness was assessed
through immediate and two-month follow-up posttests. Results: Students' age ranged
between 6 and 12 years with slightly more males (54.5%). Statistically significant relations
were shown between students' pre-intervention aggressive behavior and their age (p < 0.001)
and gender (p=0.004). The implementation of the program led to significant improvements in
all types of students' aggressive behavior at both posttests (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis
showed that the study intervention was the only negative statistically significant independent
predictor of the score of aggressive behavior throughout the study intervention. Conclusion:
Aggressive behaviors are prevalent among primary school students, and this can be
ameliorated through application of sporting exercises and collective games.
Recommendations: The developed intervention should be implemented on a wider scale.
Randomized controlled trials are needed for unbiased assessment of the effectiveness of the
program, with longer follow-up.

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