CQU Masters student Glenn Austin is coordinating a research project checking the benefits of a PLAY Zone project for children at 10 schools in the Rockhampton Education District.

PLAY is short for Promoting Lifelong Active Youth. A PLAY Zone trial launched in October adopts a successful Canadian model which encourages games and activities during normal school breaks, including special painted play areas on school courts and pavements.

Mr Austin also has a stake in the project in his work capacity as Director Health Promotion for the CQ Population Health Unit (CQPHU) of Queensland Health.

PLAY Zone is a joint research project between CQPHU, CQU and Education Queensland.

Mr Austin said PLAY Zone is based on fundamental movement skills like running, jumping and skipping or "basically good old-fashioned play".

"Playground markings are painted on asphalt or concrete surfaces and some of the games are taught through the regular PE (Physical Education) classes," he said.

Games include various models of hopscotch, circle dodge ball, elastics, skipping and others.

Mr Austin is also part of the Physical Activity Capricorn Taskforce.

Details are available via Glenn_Austin@health.qld.gov.au