State and national examples of disseminating effective physical activity programs

Given the physical, psychological, developmental and social benefits of physical activity for children, it is prudent to implement proven approaches using innovative intervention channels. Keeping students engaged in physical activity (PA) after school can improve health and decrease delinquency, risky health behaviors, and social problems that are likely to occur during after-school hours. An example of a successful dissemination of a program promoting physical activity in after-school programs is Fun 5—which includes SPARK (Sports, Play and Active Recreation for Kids) Active Recreation. Fun 5 has grown over the past 4 years from a 13 sites pilot, to the first and second year of dissemination with 72 and 96 sites, respectively. In the current year, Fun 5 has expanded to over 150 of the 182 public elementary after-school sites (>80%) across the state of Hawaii. Disseminating proven programs can take several forms. This session describes how effective physical activity programs can take several forms. This session describes how effective physical activity programs are being disseminated within the state of Hawaii (through Fun 5) and nationally. Topics covered include: How to evaluate if dissemination is successful; how to maintain staff motivation; removing communication hierarchies; minimizing on site paperwork; systems change for long-term sustainability; community partnerships; and funding issues. With increasing childhood obesity and related risks, and decreasing physical education, after-school programs become a real opportunity to promote health behaviors such as physical activity.