Reconstructing schoolyards to boost children's physical activity and address climate change

Skolgårdsprojketet: Bygga om skolgårdar i Stockholm Med grönska för Att öka Skolbarns Fysisk Aktivitet Och hälsa Samt Mildra klimatförändringarna i städer

Not applicable Interventional Karolinska Institutet · NCT05865782

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

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment3600 (estimated)
Ages8 Years to 13 Years
SexAll
SponsorKarolinska Institutet Academic / other
Locations1 site (Stockholm)
Trial IDNCT05865782 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are schoolchildren aged 8-13 years enrolled in selected Stockholm public schools.

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.

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 performed: Other studies have shown positive outcomes from similar interventions aimed at increasing physical activity through environmental modifications, suggesting a promising approach.

Eligibility criteria

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 this trial is running

Stockholm

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Physical InactivityEnvironmental ExposureMental Health Wellness 1
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.