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Promoting Physical Activity through Games and
Play Involving Innovative Pedagogical Approaches
Amy S.C. Ha
by Professor

Associate Dean for Research
Professor, Department of Sports Science and Physical Education
and beyond physical education classes. Hong Kong
students typically considered in-class fitness activities
dull, boring, and generally useless. In view of this
claim, simple tools and games are developed to
make fitness training fun and enjoyable. In particular,
the research team endeavoured to ensure that these
tools and games can be applied in nearly any school
setting. They also designed strategies to increase
students’ engagement and self-initiation in physical
activities beyond class. The effectiveness of the
programme will be evaluated with a randomised
controlled experimental approach.

Nonetheless, given increased parental involvement
after school hours, an alternative approach may be
appropriate for younger, primary school children.
Consequently, Professor Ha not only targeted
children but also their parents, siblings, and even
29 grandparents in the project entitled “Active Hong 30
29
Kong, Healthy Citizens,” which was funded by the
Knowledge Transfer Fund. This one-year programme
included family activity workshops, parent seminars
on physical activity and nutrition, and fitness and
The health benefits of physical activity (PA) are encourage sustained changes. Based on Professor motor skill testing for children. Another highlight
increasingly recognised to improve both physical and Ha’s personal experiences as a physical educator of the project was that all participating families
psychological well-being. These advantages cover and on information from contemporary motivation received an exercise toolkit containing a set of activity
all age groups, including children and adolescents. theories, it is believed that students will fully immerse equipment. The tools in this kit were specifically
Research on health indicators has also indicated that themselves in physical activity only if they consider designed to promote activity behaviors across
physical activity may enhance cognitive function in it fun and engaging. Therefore, “play” may be the multiple generations.
youths, and many researchers and medical doctors solution to the aforementioned issue. In fact, the
regard such activity as a cure to many global health United Nations highlights the importance of this Professor Ha is a strong believer in physical
issues, such as diabetes and obesity. Nonetheless, activity as a child’s right, which underscores the fact activity as an indispensable part of child and youth
despite the well-accepted reasons for being physically that “play” should be regarded as an integral part development. She will continue to extend her research
active, large proportions of both local and overseas of children’s health, and well-being. One of her key endeavours to understanding and enhancing physical
children fail to meet the PA levels recommended by research areas is the design of programmes and activity behaviors in children. Furthermore, she aims
the World Health Organization. tools that facilitate “play”-based physical activity for to provide an “East Meets West” platform for the
youths. collaboration of researchers in a specific field and to
Many health promoters, doctors, researchers, apply research principles in real-life settings.
parents, and even students themselves have One such youth-focused programme was funded by
determined that changing and sustaining health the Research Grants Council of Hong Kong - General
behavior changes is extremely difficult, with this Research Fund. In this on-going programme,
conclusion typically drawn following an arduous Professor Ha and her international collaborators
experience. Therefore, an important yet challenging designed a school-based intervention to increase the
part of designing effective PA interventions is to activity levels of secondary school students during