Evaluating the impact of policy, environmental and educational changes on physical activity levels

Rates of childhood obesity have more than tripled in the United States over the past twenty-five years. Children who are overweight or obese are at higher risk for heart disease, asthma, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses. As a learning environment, schools are an ideal venue to impact negative behaviors and promote positive behaviors, such as physical activity and nutrition. The purpose of this project was to evaluate the impact of policy, environment and education on physical activity levels in one inner city elementary school. The project consisted of combined multi-disciplinary efforts by academics, businesses, community residents, food marketers, health educators, politicians, the school district, and university students. Activity levels, measured as mean daily pedometer step count, were obtained from elementary students at baseline and post interventions. Mean baseline physical activity levels (n=42) were11,651 steps, with males engaging in higher levels of physical activity (13,520 steps) in comparison to females (9,859 steps). Weekend physical activity levels (11,863 steps) were similar to weekday physical activity levels (11,569 steps). Interventions included changes in district policy regarding food served in the cafeteria, a community build playground, and lessons in basic nutrition, critical media awareness and nutritional science. The weekend build included a health fair with adult health screenings. Post-test results are currently being collected and will be available at the session. The project describes how academics and local communities can work together to reduce health disparities. Results give insight into activity patterns among inner city children.