Dataset for Health Education Journal, 'The promise of teacher-led physical activity strategies informed by pupil data'

The project in which this data comes from was designed to take advantage of the recent introduction of commercially available wearable devices specifically designed for the school environment (Moki Technology Ltd. ©, 2021). The devices used includes a wrist-mounted tri-accelerometer without a screen, so pupils’ access to their data is controlled by the teacher. Accelerometers return data using proprietary algorithms that include estimated step count and moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) averaged over 30-minute blocks. Devices are tapped against a contactless (near-field communication) reader to instantly download data which are displayed on a teacher-facing dashboard. Moki devices have good external validity and represent a good option for school-based research (Sun et al., 2021). This type of system also makes it possible to conduct research remotely (e.g., during COVID-19).

The current study sought to share PA data from school classes with the class teacher so they could develop bespoke strategies aiming to increase PA amongst their pupils. Within-subjects’ in-school PA was measured pre- and post- data-sharing discussions. Pupils in each school aged 8-11 (Year 5-6 pupils) were invited to participate and were provided with participant information sheets for themselves and their parents (N = 489).

The dataset includes physical activity data in the form of step counts (Steps) in 30-minute blocks for each anonymised pupil and teacher (Unique ID), and information about the year and month of birth (Year), (Gender), the date (Date) and (Time) step counts were recorded. The data also details which (School) the pupils come from, whether the data is from a (Teacher), and whether this was during the (Baseline or Intervention) period.