MaDOx Blog
Research into physical education activity in children: please sir can I have some more?
Posted 1st March 2010
Carl Heneghan (CEBM)
The 1968 version of Oliver Twist in my mind is a classic. Anyone who has seen the film will remember that classic seen where Oliver asks for more:
The evening arrived; the boys took their places. The master, in his cook's uniform, stationed himself at the copper; his pauper assistants ranged themselves behind him; the gruel was served out; and a long grace was said over the short commons. The gruel disappeared; the boys whispered each other, and winked at Oliver; while his next neighbours nudged him. Child as he was, he was desperate with hunger, and reckless with misery. He rose from the table; and advancing to the master, basin and spoon in hand, said: somewhat alarmed at his own temerity:
'Please, sir, I want some more.'
The master was a fat, healthy man; but he turned very pale. He gazed in stupified astonishment on the small rebel for some seconds, and then clung for support to the copper. The assistants were paralysed with wonder; the boys with fear.
'What!' said the master at length, in a faint voice.
'Please, sir,' replied Oliver, 'I want some more.'
The master aimed a blow at Oliver's head with the ladle; pinioned him in his arm; and shrieked aloud for the beadle.
So, upon reading Susi Kriemler, trial in the BMJ on the Effect of school based physical activity programme (KISS) on fitness and adiposity in primary schoolchildren all I could think of was surely we need more of this type of research in our preventive strategies and less of the poly-pill mentality.
In the study children received a programme that included adding two additional physical activity lessons a week, daily short activity breaks, and physical activity homework. Overall, physical activity and fitness improved and led to reduced adiposity in children.
'Mr. Limbkins, I beg your pardon, sir! Oliver Twist has asked for more!
There was a general start. Horror was depicted on every countenance.
'For MORE!' said Mr. Limbkins. 'Compose yourself, Bumble, and answer me distinctly. Do I understand that he asked for more, after he had eaten the supper allotted by the dietary?'
'He did, sir,' replied Bumble.
'That boy will be hung,' said the gentleman in the white waistcoat. 'I know that boy will be hung.'
What do you think will happen if we ask: physical activity research, please sir can we have some more?
