Efficacy of a School-Based Health Promotion Program (T.E.A.M. Mississippi) on Children's Physical Activity and Fitness

Introduction: Up to 35% of American children are currently obese, thus increasing their risk for health risks including diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. The rates are especially high in the southeast region where higher caloric intake and sedentary lifestyles are more commonplace. Although obesity interventions that focus on dietary habits are successful, addressing energy expenditure is equally important because physical activity reduces the risk of obesity and secondary health risks as well. Program Design: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of a school-based health promotion program called T.E.A.M. Mississippi on rural elementary school-age children's physical fitness and activity. First - fourth grade children (N = 450) attending a rural southern elementary school participated in monthly activity events (e.g., parent & children softball throws) organized throughout the school year to promote physical activities among families. Program Evaluation Results: Residualized change scores from pre- to post-intervention revealed a significant increase in the number of physical activities that the children reported that they engaged in on the SPARKS Physical Activity Checklist compared to a control school. The children who participated in the program also showed statistically significant improvement on 2 of 3 fitness tests from the President's Challenge Tests compared to the control school. Discussion: These findings support utilizing a school-based program to help increase physical activities among children living in rural communities that are at risk for a sedentary lifestyle and obesity.