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GameTime demonstrates a special interest in research on child development and seeks to enhance play value as well as safety for their products. We extend compliments and gratitude for their continuing concern for safe, creative play for children Frost, Brown, Wisneski & Sutterby Oct 2003
Our research studies include:
by Dr. Louis Bowers, Distinguished University Professor Emeritus of the University of South Florida at Tampa. |
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This study focused on play behavior and caloric expenditure of pre-kindergarten through third grade aged children over a twenty-week period during 30 minutes of supervised free play on a GameTime PowerScape play structure. The data collected showed the advanced benefits gained in 30 minutes of outdoor play, increased skill in key overhead events, sustained or increased activity levels in all age groups over the twenty weeks of the study, and the advancement of the overall caloric burn as measured by the Bio Trainer devices worn by the children in the study.
Click here to view a full summary of the study.
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by Joe L. Frost, EdD, LHD; Pei-San Brown, MA; John A. Sutterby, PhD; James A. Terrell, PhD; and Candra D. Thornton, PhD.
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The primary intent of this study was to determine the relevance of height on children’s playground equipment. In pursuing this intent, several sub topics were explored, including children’s desire to climb, the value of height in play, a history of playground height, and the correlation between height and the risk of injury in falls. The study included an extensive review and analysis of existing literature, including both professional and research data. The study showed that children are motivated to climb by a wide variety of factors, and while “a reasonable degree of risk on playgrounds is essential for healthy child development, certain steps can be taken to minimize hazards while maintaining novelty and challenge.” |
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by Joe L. Frost, EdD, LHD; Pei-San Brown, MA; John A. Sutterby, PhD; and Candra D. Thornton, PhD.
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This study examined the developmental progression of climbing, differences in children’s climbing behaviors across various types of climbing equipment. The study utilized thirteen different types of climbers on a GameTime playground, used daily by kindergarten, first, second, and third grade children. The study showed us how a variety of climbers will encourage children to engage in specific types of climbing behaviors. It also noted the importance of providing a developmental continuum of climbing, as children will seek new and more challenging climbing skills to master. The study assisted GameTIme with the development of new and varied climbers that encourage a variety of climbing behaviors at all stages of development.
Click here to view a full summary of the study.
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by Joe L. Frost, EdD; Pei-San Brown, MA; John A. Sutterby, PhD; and Debora Wisneski, PhD.
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The purpose of this study was to examine which types of swings were the most popular choice for children, and to evaluate their relevance in overall conditioning and development. This study examined the unique benefits and experience that swinging provides, as well as children’s motivations for playing on swings. Results of the study showed that swings are a very important tool in physical, emotional, and social development. The study allowed us to gather important data to share with ou customers so that the time honored swing continues to be an important part of the playground landscape.
Click here to view a full summary of the study.
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by Joe L. Frost, EdD, LHD; Pei-San Brown, MA; John A. Sutterby, PhD; James A. Therrell, PhD; and Candra D. Thornton, PhD. |
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This study examined the benefits of overhead ladders and the benefits of brachiation ( the activity of swinging from one hand to another.) The study examined the general state of children’s upper body strength, developmental milestones in acquiring the skills needed for overhead apparatus use, as well as grip and movement patterns during skill development stages. All of the data collected was evaluated and used in the development of GameTime’s Upper Body Trainer, the only overhead brachiation device designed for beginners, with more closely spaced rungs, lower overall height, and easier mount and dismount options.
Click here to view a full summary of the study. |
by Joe L. Frost, EdD, LHD; Seunghwa Jwa Kim PhD; James A. Therrell, PhD; and Candra D. Thornton, PhD |
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This study focused on the free play behaviors of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers on playground equipment to determine the scope of their social, cognitive, and other play behaviors. Observations were made on GameTime’s KidTime equipment, designed for crawlers, toddler, and walkers, in order to elevate the products to a greater level of relevance and benefit for the target groups. As a result of the study, the KidTime line was updated with more targeted social, ability, and challenge based equipment, to help younger players develop age appropriate levels of skill. |
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by Joe L. Frost, EdD, Betty Frost; John A. Sutterby, PhD
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The purpose of this study was to evaluate new and modified playground equipment resulting from earlier recommendations of the research team. Their earlier study of Xscape recommended the further integration with traditional playground equipment to facilitate linked, circular configurations to support game play, increased variety of motor or exercise options, and increasing elements that moved or were flexible. The second study observed the benefits of adding destination climbers like the Heliocentrix and Triton to support gathering, as well as successful play by larger children. Linkage was observed to be greatly enhanced by the addition of the X-Pod step, which allows shorter children to reach overhead events, and supports resting between events, allowing children to grow by increments their ability to traverse overhead components. This is a perfect example of how GameTime research studies with independent experts allow us to continue product improvements and offer the most relevant, appropriate products on the market. |
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by Pei-San Brown, John A. Sutterby, James A. Therrell, Candra D. Thornton
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Play involves the whole child. Thinking, creative expression of thoughts and feelings, and physical demands all interact in the dynamic process of play. This research illustrates the types of play, and the many ways it develops the child. We need to insure that children’s free play activities include opportunities for all these elements that are essential to their growth and success. Providing ample, healthy play opportunities fosters the unique potential of each child to learn and develop skills, concepts, and character in a way that only play can provide. Click here to get the executive summary.
Click here to view a full summary of the study.
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