Reconstructing schoolyards to boost children's physical activity and address climate change
Official title: Skolgårdsprojketet: Bygga om skolgårdar i Stockholm Med grönska för Att öka Skolbarns Fysisk Aktivitet Och hälsa Samt Mildra klimatförändringarna i städer
Run by Karolinska Institutet · NCT05865782 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if making schoolyards greener can help kids in Stockholm be more active and improve their health over three years.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 8 Years to 13 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 3600 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Karolinska Institutet Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Stockholm) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 22, 2024 |
| Main results expected | May 30, 2027 |
| Study ends | November 30, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | June 20, 2024 |
| Trial ID | NCT05865782 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are schoolchildren aged 8-13 years enrolled in selected Stockholm public schools.
✕Probably not a fit
Children who are not enrolled in the participating schools or do not fall within the specified age range will not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This project aims to enhance physical activity levels among school-aged children by reconstructing schoolyards with greenery in Stockholm. It employs a quasi-experimental stepped-wedge design, evaluating 15 public schoolyards over three years, with schools acting as both intervention and control sites. The study will assess various health outcomes, including physical activity, blood pressure, BMI, mental health, sleep, and sick leave among participating children. Data will be collected at baseline and one year post-intervention to determine the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the schoolyard reconstructions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this initiative could significantly improve physical health and mental well-being among schoolchildren while also contributing to environmental sustainability.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown positive outcomes from similar interventions aimed at increasing physical activity through environmental modifications, suggesting a promising approach.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: On school level: -School selected for schoolyard reconstruction by the City of Stockholm On individual level (schoolchildren): * Enrolled in participating school * 8-13 years old at the time of study start * In 2nd or 5th grade * Parents signed informed consent Exclusion Criteria: On school level: -School not selected for schoolyard reconstruction by the City of Stockholm On individual level (schoolchildren): * Not enrolled in participating school * Outside 8-13 years old age range and/or not in 2nd or 5th grade * Parents declined informed consent
Where it's running
-
Karolinska Institutet
Stockholm, Sweden Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Daniel Berglind, PhD — Karolinska Institutet
- Study coordinator: Daniel Berglind, PhD
- Email: daniel.berglind@ki.se
- Phone: +46703644797
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.