PROJECT LEGEP (LET’S GET PHYSICAL): AN INTERVENTION TO

SEDENTARY LIFESTYLE OF GRADE 9 STUDENTS OF LLORENTE

NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

An Action Research

Submitted by:

Eugenio C. Dialino Jr.

January 2022
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

Background of the Study 1-3

Review of Related Literature 4-5

Theoretical Framework 6-9

Conceptual Framework 10

Research Paradigm 10-13

Statement of the Problem 14-15

Hypotheses 15-16

Significance of the Study 16-17

Scope and Limitations of the Study 17

Definition of Terms 17-18

References 18-19

Annex A: Survey Questionnaire 20-21

CHAPTER I

i
 Background of the Study

COVID-19 is causing a global pandemic with a high number of deaths and

infected people. To contain the diffusion of the COVID-19 virus, Governments

have enforced restrictions on outdoor activities or even collective quarantine on

the population. A critical consequence of quarantine is a lifestyle change:

reduced physical activity and an unhealthy diet. Physical fitness is a general

state of health and well-being and, more specifically, performing aspects of

sports, occupations, and daily activities (Cooper, 2020). Physical fitness is

generally achieved through proper nutrition, moderate-vigorous physical

exercise, physical activity, and sufficient rest (Guijarro-Romero et al., 2021). This

means that health is a resource to support an individual's function in wider

society. Together with the unhealthy diet, the reduction of physical activity will

contribute to weight gain. Strategies to further increase home-based physical

activity and to follow a healthy diet should be implemented. In all its forms,

Malnutrition includes undernutrition (wasting, stunting, underweight), inadequate

vitamins or minerals, overweight, obesity, and resulting diet-related non-

communicable diseases. The pace of life and food changes worldwide have

caused various ailments, including thinness, overweight, and obesity. As obesity

and thinness, along with unhealthy eating, have become increasingly serious

problems globally, in recent times, there has been an increase in research

studying ways to encourage the adoption of a healthy eating lifestyle (Leung et al.,

2018). Although this effort, the literature finds low levels of nutrition knowledge in

adolescents and their home environments. In this sense, a significant increase in

1
primary nutrition education needs to understand a “healthy" diet' if a person has a

higher degree of health consciousness, he or she is more willing to engage in

physical activities directly related to health, such as consuming natural foods,

maintaining good health, and living a balanced life (i.e., attentive to a healthy

lifestyle). In contrast, we cannot expect those people who have a low degree of

health consciousness to lead a healthy lifestyle. In other words, those consumers

who are never concerned about their health often engage in few activities related

to a healthy lifestyle.

Consequently, they show little interest in the healthiness of their food

choices, health maintenance, and balanced life (Choi & Reid, 2018). Some food

manufacturers, concerned about consumers' welfare, begin to launch campaigns

that encourage proper nutrition, having developed awareness of the beneficial

effect of increased physical activity. However, the food industry must engage in

more actions and campaigns to introduce innovative, healthy, and nutritious

alternatives and reformulate the existing products (Rimmer, 2018). Every country

in the world is affected by one or more forms of Malnutrition. Combating

Malnutrition in all its forms is one of the most significant global health challenges.

Using WHO Malnutrition Classification systems, 38.7 % of the children were

found to be malnourished (Walls et al., 2016). It was concluded that Malnutrition

among children could be linked to changing food habits and lifestyles from

nomadic to sedentary living.

Despite physical activity being defined, guidelines do not contain home-

based physical activity indications. The WHO has just released guidance to "Stay

2
physically active during self-quarantine" to improve healthy behavior during

quarantine. Today there are thousands of workout videos available on the

Internet. The goal is to assist people in performing these workouts independently

on their own. A common observation is that even people who visit the gym

regularly find it difficult to perform all steps (body pose alignments) in a workout

accurately. By continuously doing an exercise incorrectly may eventually cause

severe long-term injuries (Leung et al., 2018).

 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
3
In this chapter, the Researcher review the current health problem, physical

fitness, and activity among children and adolescences; Researcher look into the

definitions of health, physical activity, and the relationship between health and

physical activity. World health is in transition—an increasing number of people

are practicing a sedentary lifestyle and eating unhealthy diets.

Filipino children are more malnourished than ever (Aquino, N. 2016). 1.8

million children suffer from severe malnourishment. Those children that suffer

from malnourishment are more prone to illnesses. The government responded

and launched a feeding program to address the problem of undernutrition among

public school students who are more at risk of Malnutrition (Demilew & Nigussie,

2020).

We must promote physical activity at home. Little information is available

on the effects of home-based physical activity on different diseases. Malnutrition

in the Philippines affects children's emotional development and the capacity to

cope with stress. Regular physical activity is mandatory to maintain health status.

Llorente National High School, Llorente District , was able to develop a study on

how to increase physical fitness and fitness attitudes through choices of fitness

activities and student-designed fitness activities. Physical activity and exercise

can have immediate and long-term health benefits.

 Most importantly, regular activity can improve the quality of life and

Revitalize all the different aspects of life; physical, mental, social, and emotional.

The school designed a program entitled: "LEGEP, LET'S GET PHYSICAL, An

Intervention to Student’s Sedentary Lifestyle " which aim to support students'

physical activity at home from Grades 9 students

4
who are less physically active

and permits the experience of consistent activity through scheduled online

exercises."

In conducting the program, the participants will be given an exercise video

every MWFSat as part of their weekly routine from 7;30-8:00 every morning

before proceeding to their academic obligations of answering their modules.

Students will follow the exercises online given by the researchers. There will be

monthly monitoring of their Body Mass Index to check if there are improvements

while the intervention is given to the participants. In this manner, their lifestyle will

become more active even they are just staying at home. Coordination with the

parent's participation towards this intervention should also be given attention.

 THEORITICAL FRAMEWORK

With the development of information and communication technology,

5
various sports and physical education programs have been improved in our

modern time. Innovative education is the extension and expansion of quality

education, and it is a vital way to cultivate creative talents with high quality.

Project LEGEP (Let's Get Physical) An Intervention to student’s sedentary

lifestyle" a program which does not base on sports alone but on positive

movement opportunities that enhance self-esteem, worth, dignity, and self-

discipline. The LEGEP program is designed to be more comprehensive,

dynamic, and enjoyable than traditional physical education classes. It helps

students hunt for physical activity and develop a lifetime commitment to wellness.

It also Implements physical activities and sports that children enjoy and will

continue to seek out their own. "A child can capitalize on their strengths and learn

from their weaknesses when they comprehend how to work with others in a

variety of settings. That is what physical education and play are all about (Hoyte

et al., 2015)."

Innovative physical fitness means meeting students at their level,

providing guidance to strengthen skills, and instilling a lifetime love of movement

(Cooper, 2020). As we researchers look to the future, including these innovative

lessons in their curriculum can pave the way for students to embrace physical

education. The benefits of physical activity are well known and well-publicized.

Healthy people have determined that physical activity is one of the critical

interventions to improve health.

The Department of Education had its information campaign "Exercise

Muna Bago Aral," which explains that exercising before studying had short-term

and long-term effects. Exercising helps the sympathetic nervous system of our

body to become more active. It also helps send blood to our brain with oxygen

and nutrients that help make "life-saving decisions" that can also be used in

learning.

The Researchers of Llorente National High School will perform a

prospective cohort study on 15 to evaluate the effects of physical activity in their

respective homes. To improve physical activity rates from Grade 9, participants

will be performing online exercises through a video demonstration concentrating

on the different exercise routines every month. The video will focus on endurance

training exercises, strength training exercises, static stretching exercises, and

aerobic exercises. It is important to utilize several workouts to attain and sustain

positive results through physical activity. The researcher will give the participants

a timetable fitness activity program that they will follow during the duration of the

study.

• 6:00 - 6:20 – Wake up, pray & make the bed

• 6:20 - 6:30 – Personal Hygiene (Wash the face, Brush the teeth)

• 6:30 – 7:00 –Breakfast (prepare and eat nutritious food)

• 7:00 -- 7:10 – Wash plates or utensils used

• 7:10 – 7:30 - Morning Walking

• 7:30 – 8:00 – Exercise Program (Warm -up, Routine, Cool Down)

• 8:00-- 8:30 - Household task

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• 8:30 – 10:30 – Learning for Fun (Do academic responsibility)

• 10:30-10:45 - Break time

• 10:00 – 12:00 – Learning for Fun

• 12:00 – 1:00 – Eating Healthy Lunch

• 1:00-3:00 – Learning for Fun

• 3:00 -- 4:00 – Family Time/ Household Chores

• 4:00 – 5:00 – Self Care

• 6:00 – 7:00 – Prepare Dinner & Dinner Time

• 7:00 – 7:20 – Washing of plates

• 7:20 – 7:30 – Watching TV

• 7;30 – 8:00 – Review academic lesson

• 8:00 – Sleeping Time

Vital signs will be given to students based on their previous records from

last school year, 2020- 2021, and they will be compared to present records to

see if there are changes in the program's implementation.

The conduct of this Action Research has to consider the following:

1. Coordinate with the School Nurse about the result of the BMI of students
2. Schedule the conference with the school administrator about the conduct of

the study.

3. Have a consultation with the PE and Health teachers and Advisers for the

assistance needed in the conduct of this study.

4. Identify the participants based on the criterion of the study

8
5. Inform the participants' parents by sending them a letter that their student is

part of the action research.

6. Inform the participants through an online conference that the Action Research

will be conducted involving them as participants, and the results of their

performances and feedback will be utilized for the success of the study

7. Seek permission from the parents for their assistance and cooperation

throughout the conduct of the study.

8. Seek full support from the school administrators and other stakeholders for

providing needed materials for the study.

9. Notify the timetable of the Action Research

10. Enlighten the benefit of the intervention program to the school administrators,

teachers, and most especially to the parents/guardians.

11. Inform the possible positive result to the participants of the Action Research

12. Seek school administrators, Physical Education and Health teachers,

advisers, and School Nurse a consent for the signing of the covenant of support

for the success of the study

13. Inform the participant about the confidentially of the data collected
14. Release of the result for transparency and further enhancement and

modification as needed.

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

This action research aims to develop more effective intervention programs

9
designed to help students become physically active during pandemics.

Specifically, it will seek to answer the following questions.

1. What is the level of body mass index of the students before the intervention?

2. What is the level of body mass index of the students' malnourishment

resulting from a sedentary lifestyle after the intervention?

3. Is there a significant difference between the level of body mass index of the

students before and after the intervention?

RESEARCH PARADIGM

The research will be using a quantitative technique in the collection of

data. It should describe how each objective of the research will be achieved. The

researcher will make sure to provide enough detail and mention the significance

of the data collected in the research and its effectiveness. The researcher will

anticipate the possible process in collecting data knowing that it entails

cooperation from the participants. For the researcher to appropriately collect the

data needed for the study, the research will have an explicit criterion for the

selection. The researchers must ensure that the data collected is consistent,

reliable, and correct information so that the purpose of the conduct of the study
 can be achieved. Finally, the instruments to collect data must suit the research

goal, which is to promote health and wellness through online exercise, especially

with learners' sedentary lifestyle caused by the COVID- 19 pandemic.

ACTION RESEARCH WORK PLAN AND TIMELINE

The action research work plan and timelines are shown below during this
study's pre-implementation, implementation, and post-implementation phases.

Table 2. Plan of Action

Objectives Strategies/ Time Persons Output Success

Frame Involved Indicator
Activities

Pre-Implementation Phase

Secure Securing 2nd week Researcher Letter of Approved

permission permission to of permission letter of
to conduct conduct the January School Head permission
the study study 2022

Draft a Drafting a 2nd week Researcher Research The research

researcher- researcher- of instrument instrument
made made January Panel of validation was validated
instrument instrument to 2022 experts result and obtained
to be be validated
validated by by experts
experts

Submit the Administer the 3rd week Researcher Established The research
instrument instrument to a of reliability instrument
for reliability group of January index of the obtained a
test participants to 2022 instrument high-reliability
obtain the Sample index
reliability of the participants
instrument

Reproduce Reproducing 3rd week Researcher Reproduced Researcher-

the the of researcher- made
instrument researcher- January made instrument
made 2022 questionnaire
questionnaire

Implementation Phase
Conduct Conducting 4th week Researcher An Pre-
pre- the pre- of accomplished assessment
assessment assessment to January Students researcher- conducted
to identified identified 2022 made
participants participants instrument
with scores

Gather, Gathering, 4th week Researcher Recorded Pretest result

record, and recording, and of data was gathered
interpret the interpreting the January and recorded
data data 2022

Orient Conducting 2nd week Researcher Gathered Written

parents and parents’ of parents’ consent from
secure orientation and February Parents consent each parent
informed securing 2022 was gathered
consent informed
consent

Prepare or Preparing or 2nd week Researcher Intervention Prepared

obtain obtaining of materials intervention
intervention intervention February materials
materials materials 2022– the
third
week Stakeholders
of March
2022

Administer Administering 3rd week Researcher Successful The

the the of March administration intervention
intervention intervention 2022– the Students of the program was
program program second
program administered
week of successfully.
April
2022

Conduct Conducting 3rd week Researcher Accomplished Post-

post- post- of April post- assessment
assessment assessment to 2022 Students assessment was
assess the on numeracy conducted
level of
numeracy

Collect and Collecting and 3rd week Researcher Recorded Post-

record recording of April data assessment
results of the results of the 2022 results were
post- post- gathered and
assessment assessment recorded
Analyze and Analysis and 3rd week Researcher Analyzed and Results were
interpret the interpretation of April interpreted analyzed and
data of data 2022 data interpreted

Post-Implementation Phase

Finalize the Finalization of 4th week Researcher Final paper Bounded

paper for the paper for of May ready for action paper
binding binding 2022 binding

Disseminate Disseminating 4th week Researcher Disseminated Results were

results the results of May Teacher research disseminated
2022 School Head results

Cost Estimates

Shown below are the estimated expenses12

throughout this action research.

Table 5
Cost Estimates for Supplies and Materials
Unit Quantity Description Unit Cost Amount
ream 4 Short Bond paper 169 676
ream 2 A4 Bond paper 223 446
bottle 1 Ink L3110 black 275 275
pcs 15 Ballpen for Participants 6 90
TOTAL 1, 487

Table 6
Cost Estimate for Travel expenses for the Submission of Action Research
Proposal to the Division
Purpose of Destination Transportation Amount
Travel School to SDO PUJ 200.00
SDO to School PUJ 200.00
 TOTAL 400.00

Table 7
Cost Estimates for Other Expenses
Quantit
Unit Description Unit Cost Amount
y
Bound 1 Binding 350 350
Person 15 Snacks for the Participants 30 450
Internet and Communication Load
Person 15 100 1,500
Allowance
piece 1 Weighing Scale 500 500
Total 2, 750

Table 8
Summary of Expenses
Description Amount
A. Supplies and Material     Php 1, 487.00
B. Travel Expenses
        B.1  Submission of Action Research Proposal to the                 400.00
Division

C. Other Expenses             2, 750.00

                                                                                      Grand Total    Php 4, 637.00

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

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The researchers wrote and asked permission from the School Principal of

the proposed study to be conducted to the selected learners of the school in

terms of their lifestyle that significantly affects their BMI before and after the

intervention program. The action research participants will be the selected Grade

9, sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, who are officially enrolled as regular students of Llorente

National High School, the School Year 2021-2022. There shall be 15

respondents and it shall be distributed among the sections mentioned. The

distribution of respondents is enumerated as follows:

Table I. Distribution of the number of respondents

Grade Level Section Number

Grade 9 1 3

Grade 9 2 3

Grade 9 3 3

Grade 9 4 3

Grade 9 5 3

Total 15

In selecting participants for this study, the researchers will sit down with

the Section Advisers, PE and Health teachers, School Nurse, and the School

Principal to identify the malnourished learners based on the school health

records. Furthermore, students' health information, specifically Body Mass Index

(BMI), will be retrieved from the designated school nurse. It will be forwarded to

each participant through the advisers to determine the previous and recent health

records before and after implementing the program. After the team's deliberation
14
based on the previous school year's BMI, 15 identified malnourished learners

would be the participants.

Additionally, a letter for the learners' parents will be crafted to inform them

of the said activity or program. Thus, the excellent cooperation and follow-up of

the parents is an essential factor in making this program a success. A self-made

survey questionnaire will be used in the collection of data.

 HYPOTHESIS

This study aims to enhance further the learners' BMI or Body Mass Index

in terms of students' malnourishment resulting in a sedentary lifestyle through

online exercise. The researchers will use the BMI results given by the School

Nurse as the basis inclusion to be participated by total enumeration of 15

students from Grade 9 students. To interpret the quantitative data gathered in

this study, the researchers will use the following statistical tools:

For problem number 1, What is the level of body mass index of the

students' malnourishment resulting from a sedentary lifestyle through online

exercise before and after the intervention? Mean scores will be used.

For question number 2, mean scores will be used for the participants'

lifestyles before and after the intervention.

For question number 3, Is there a significant difference between the level

of body mass index of the students' malnourishment resulting from a sedentary

lifestyle through online exercise before and after the intervention? A T-test will be
15
used.

The post-assessment should be done every quarter to assess the

effectiveness of the innovation. The duration of the study will start from January

2022- April 2022

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

 The research result is significant to the teachers, parents, and students. It

will be used as the basis for further study and reference to implement strategies,

create curriculum and plan instruction, specifically in Physical Education and

Health. That is why it must be disseminated carefully through the following

means:

a. Attend division-wide or district-wide research conferences, research forums,

and policy forums from where we can present and discuss the output and

recommendations to other research enthusiasts. We can ask these peers

from these academic conferences to review our paper.

b. Publish to research journals and bulletins so that teachers, researchers, and

practitioners with similar interests in Health, Nutrition, and Physical Education

will be aware of the new knowledge in the field. It will help them advance

their knowledge and its application.

c. Incorporate in School Improvement Plan and Annual Implementation Plan to

allocate sufficient budget

There shall be discussions through LAC16sessions or In-service Training where

we can serve as speakers. We can also be invited to speak in other In-Service

Training to echo the knowledge and help teachers from other schools improve

their teaching-learning strategies.

SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY

To ensure high ethical standards throughout this research, the

researchers assure permission from authorities such as the school principal.

Certificate of voluntary participation and informed consent among participants

and their parents or guardian shall also be secured. All information and data

provided, including name, shall be treated with confidentiality. Moreover, all

related literature of this research will be properly cited and acknowledged in the

References section.

DEFINITION OF TERMS

Intervention – is all about learning what treatments or strategies work best to

improve outcomes. It is introduced immediately after the baseline period with the

aim of affecting an outcome especially to sedentary lifestyle of Grade 9 students

of Llorente National High School.

Lifestyle – is the way in which a person lives. In times of pandemic, most

students have been into couch potato leading to sedentary lifestyle. An ideal

lifestyle is that getting involve in physical activities and eating healthy as habit.

Project LEGEP – “Let's Get Physical”, An Intervention to student’s sedentary

17
lifestyle" a program which does not base on sports alone but on positive

movement opportunities that enhance self-esteem, worth, dignity, and self-

discipline

Sedentary – means inactive. It is a lifestyle in which a person has little or no

physical activity and exercises done.

REFERENCES
Andres, A. (2017). Physical education of students, considering their physical fitness

level. Physical Education of Students, 21(3), 103.

https://doi.org/10.15561/20755279.2017.0301

Choi, H., & Reid, L. N. (2018). Promoting Healthy Menu Choices in Fast Food

Restaurant Advertising: Influence of Perceived Brand Healthiness, Brand

Commitment, and Health Consciousness. Journal of Health Communication,

23(4), 387–398. https://doi.org/10.1080/10810730.2018.1455769

Cooper, S. L. (2020). PROMOTING PHYSICAL ACTIVITY FOR MENTAL WELL-

BEING. ACSM’S Health & Fitness Journal, 24(3), 12–16.

https://doi.org/10.1249/fit.0000000000000569

Demilew, Y. M., & Nigussie, A. A. (2020). The relationship between school meals with

thinness and stunting among primary school students, in Meket Wereda, Ethiopia:

comparing schools with feeding and non-feeding program. BMC Nutrition, 6(1).

18
https://doi.org/10.1186/s40795-020-00358-3

Guijarro-Romero, S., Mayorga-Vega, D., Casado-Robles, C., & Viciana, J. (2021).

School physical education-based reinforced program through moderate-to-

vigorous physical activity improves and maintains schoolchildren’s

cardiorespiratory fitness: A cluster-randomized controlled trial. Science & Sports.

Published. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scispo.2020.12.011
Hoyte, F., Degotardi, S., & Torr, J. (2015). What it is all about: topic choices in young

children’s play. International Journal of Play, 4(2), 136–148.

https://doi.org/10.1080/21594937.2015.1060566

Leung, S. L., Barber, J. A., Burger, A., & Barnes, R. D. (2018). Factors associated with

healthy and unhealthy workplace eating behaviours in individuals with

overweight/obesity with and without binge eating disorder. Obesity Science &

Practice, 4(2), 109–118. https://doi.org/10.1002/osp4.151

Richmond, L. M. (2019). Punitive Discipline May Work in Short Term But May Cause

Long-Term Emotional Damage. Psychiatric News, 54(6).

https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.pn.2019.3a19

Rimmer, A. (2018). Industry must cut calories in savoury food products by 20%, says

Public Health England. BMJ, k1067. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.k1067

Walls, H. L., Kadiyala, S., & Smith, R. D. (2016). Research and policy for addressing

malnutrition in all its forms. Obesity, 24(10), 2032.

https://doi.org/10.1002/oby.21636

Annex A
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Survey Questionnaire

Name: _______________________________ Grade & Section: _____________

Date: ___________________
Direction: Please indicate the level of your agreement with each of the
statements. Kindly mark check " " in the box of your answer.

Survey Scale: 1 = Strongly Disagree; 2 = Disagree; 3 = Neither Agree or

Disagree; 4 = Agree; 5 = Strongly Agree

Physical Activities 1 2 3 4 5
1 I go for a walk all the time

2 I always turn on some music and dance.

Housework and gardening are excellent ways

3
to get physical.
It takes a bit to be more creative, to find ways
4
to get exercise.
5 I always recruit an exercise buddy.

Eating Habits 1 2 3 4 5
1 I make sure to eat a healthy diet

2 Vegetables should always be part of my meal.

3 I eat whole-grain and high-fiber foods.

4 Fruit always makes my day.

I will always be careful to limit my

5 consumption of sugars and foods that are high
in fat.

Daily Water intake 1 2 3 4 5

1 I drink plenty of water to stay hydrated

2 I avoid soda and drinks with caffeine.

I drink a glass of water first thing in the

3 morning, with every meal, and before you go
to bed.
4 I drink 8 to 12 glasses of water every day.

I believe that dehydration can cause many

5 20
health problems.
 Psychosocial Activities 1 2 3 4 5
1 Spending time outdoors reduces stress
I always love and promote physical
2
fitness.
Fresh air and sunshine are great for lifting
3
your spirits.
The supply of Vitamin D to our body
4
boosts my immune system.
5 I take a short walk or sit on the porch.

Eating Habits 1 2 3 4 5
1 I always get enough sleep

2 To feel well-rested, I need more sleep.

I limit or, better yet, eliminate my intake

3
of caffeine.
To calm my mind, I turn off the TV, put
4 down my phone while and be heading to
bed.
I have a healthy pattern of sleeping and
5
awake.

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