Promoting Physical Activity in High School Girls
D.Ward, R. Dishman, M. Dowda, G. Felton*, R. Pate, R. Saunders**, L. Shuler, S. Trost, and E. Williams, Departments of Exercise Science and Health Promotion**, School of Public Health and Department of Family and Community Health Nursing, College of Nursing*, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina.
Girls experience a significant decline in physical activity during adolescence, which continues into adulthood. Lifestyle Education for Activity Program (LEAP) is a high school-based four-year longitudinal study to examine the effects of a comprehensive intervention on physical activity among girls. The intervention is being tested in 24 public schools in SC. Although based on the CDC guidelines for School and Community Physical Activity and Kolbe's School Health model, LEAP is a departure from traditional programs. It is gender-segregated, and focuses on healthy changes in the school environment through: 1) Physical education classes for girls; 2) health education classes that increase physical activity knowledge, values, and behavioral skills; 3) teacher and staff wellness programs that promote healthy role models; 4) school health services that promote physical activity and provide information; and 5) changes in school practices and community involvement. We will describe our intervention program, including the LEAP Team concept, teacher and staff training, program implementation, as well as base line and interval measurements of physical and psychosocial variables and process evaluation. The major challenges encountered will be addressed along with process evaluation findings and preliminary analysis of physical activity outcomes on two cohorts of girls.
Learning Objectives: 1. Discuss frequency and intensity of physical activity among adolescent girls. 2. Describe innovative high school-based intervention to promote physical activity and healthy changes in the school. 3. Identify factors and processes that promote physical activity in high schools
Keywords: Physical Activity, School-Based Programs
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.