Journals Information
Universal Journal of Public Health Vol. 13(5), pp. 1410 - 1418
DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2025.130532
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Understanding How Outdoor Play Activities Are a Determinant of Children's Health
Heru Andika 1, Gusril Gusril 2, Anton Komaini 2,*, Yanuar Kiram 3, Firunika Intan Cahyani 3
1 Doctoral Program of Sports Science, Faculty of Sports Science, Universitas Negeri Padang, Indonesia
2 Department of Health & Recreation, Faculty of Sports Science, Universitas Negeri Padang, Indonesia
3 Department of Coaching, Faculty of Sports Science, Universitas Negeri Padang, Indonesia
ABSTRACT
Outdoor play plays a crucial role in supporting the health and development of elementary school-aged children, yet global trends show a decline in children's physical activity levels. Previous studies have indicated an increase in obesity, decreased physical fitness, and impaired emotional well-being in children, partly due to reduced time spent actively playing outdoors. Low levels of physical activity in children are a serious problem with long-term impacts on the quality of future human resources. This study aims to examine the relationship between outdoor play and child health indicators, such as Body Mass Index (BMI), physical fitness, and the frequency of minor illnesses. This study used a mixed methods approach, with quantitative data obtained through questionnaires and physical measurements of 75 children aged 7鈥�12 years, and qualitative data through in-depth interviews and observations of teachers and students. The results showed that the frequency and duration of outdoor play were positively correlated with physical fitness and ideal BMI, and negatively correlated with the frequency of minor illnesses. Qualitative findings confirm that outdoor activities support children's gross motor development, positive emotions, social interactions, and readiness to learn. However, challenges such as limited play space, parental concerns, and academic pressures limit the consistency of these activities. Therefore, collaborative efforts are needed between schools, parents, and policymakers to create an environment that supports children to be physically active through outdoor play activities.
KEYWORDS
Outdoor Play Activities, Children, Health, Teachers, Education
Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Heru Andika , Gusril Gusril , Anton Komaini , Yanuar Kiram , Firunika Intan Cahyani , "Understanding How Outdoor Play Activities Are a Determinant of Children's Health," Universal Journal of Public Health, Vol. 13, No. 5, pp. 1410 - 1418, 2025. DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2025.130532.
(b). APA Format:
Heru Andika , Gusril Gusril , Anton Komaini , Yanuar Kiram , Firunika Intan Cahyani (2025). Understanding How Outdoor Play Activities Are a Determinant of Children's Health. Universal Journal of Public Health, 13(5), 1410 - 1418. DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2025.130532.