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Optimizing and evaluating an implementation strategy to improve use of classroom-based physical activity approaches in elementary schools

Award Number: R01HL181234
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL HEART, LUNG, & BLOOD INSTITUTE
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 07/01/2026
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 06/30/2031

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Optimizing and evaluating an implementation strategy to improve use of classroom-based physical activity approaches in elementary schools - Physical inactivity is a major public health problem contributing to multiple chronic conditions including cardiovascular disease. Yet, only 42% of children are meeting physical activity guideline recommendations. The U.S. Community Preventive Services Task Force and Healthy People 2030 recommend schools use two evidence-based approaches for physical activity promotion: physically active breaks (short bouts of activity used to complement didactic instruction) and physically active lessons (movement integrated into learning activities as part of an academic lesson). Despite their effectiveness, implementing these approaches is challenging for teachers and schools, particularly in those serving under-resourced communities. Therefore, there is a critical need for implementation strategies to improve the use and sustainment of these two evidence-based approaches. To address this need, our team used Implementation Mapping to develop a novel, multifaceted implementation strategy to promote physically active breaks and lessons in elementary schools. The strategy is designed to address known implementation barriers and to build motivation and capacity for implementation. Preliminary studies indicate the strategy has strong evidence of feasibility, acceptability, and promising evidence to impact implementation outcomes. Thus, the proposed study sets out to optimize the strategy and conduct a rigorous evaluation to understand its impact on implementation and sustainability. The study aims are: 1) optimize the strategy to improve use and sustainment of physically active breaks and lessons; 2) evaluate the impact of the strategy for improving implementation of physically active breaks and lessons; and 3) evaluate the impact of the strategy for improving sustainability of physically active breaks and lessons. Aim 1 will use Implementation Mapping and user-centered design approaches. Aim 2 will use a Type 3 Hybrid approach to examine the impact of the strategy on teacher implementation fidelity. Aim 3 will use a mixed methods approach to examine determinants of sustainment and the sustained use of physically active breaks and lessons after support is no longer provided. This study is highly significant because it addresses a major public health issue: physical inactivity among children. If effective, the implementation strategy has the potential to improve use of physically active breaks and lessons across the U.S., thereby improving children's physical activity levels. The study is innovative because it focuses on real world implementation and sustainment of physically active breaks and lessons. The implementation strategy strategically positions physical activity as a key component of the school day to enhance academic performance, classroom behavior, health, and overall well-being among students. Our study has multiple innovative features, including an innovative implementation strategy and design that is feasible yet rigorous in the school setting. We also use Bayesian statistical methods and mixed methods to address our evaluation aims. Results from this study will enhance the scale up of physically active breaks and lessons in schools.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2026 ( Subtotal = $794,406 )
2026	2026	UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HEALTH SCIENCE CENTER AT HOUSTON	7000 FANNIN ST FL 9	HOUSTON	TX	77030	HARRIS	USA	Translation and Implementation Science Research for Heart, Lung, Blood Diseases, and Sleep Disorders	000	1	7/7/2026	NEW	$794,406
2026	2026	UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HEALTH SCIENCE CENTER AT HOUSTON	7000 FANNIN ST FL 9	HOUSTON	TX	77030	HARRIS	USA	Translation and Implementation Science Research for Heart, Lung, Blood Diseases, and Sleep Disorders	001	1	7/15/2026	NEW	$0
														Subtotal = $794,406

Grand Total All Awards = $794,406

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Optimizing and evaluating an implementation strategy to improve use of classroom-based physical activity approaches in elementary schools

Award Number: R01HL181234

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL HEART, LUNG, & BLOOD INSTITUTE

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 07/01/2026

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 06/30/2031

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