Physical activity among 3rd-5th graders in low-income urban schools before and after intervention

BACKGROUND: Because childhood overweight and obesity are major public health challenges, interventions that contribute to increasing and sustaining physical activity (PA) among youth become increasingly relevant to school health. PURPOSE: We examined self-reported PA among 3rd-5th graders before and after the implementation of the evidence-based and incentive-based PA intervention “Scorecard.” SIGNIFICANCE: PA is one of the 10 Leading Health Indicators of Healthy People 2010 yet youth PA levels have not met desired objectives. Research reveals significant declines occur in PA even by the end of elementary school. METHODS: We administered a survey comprised of three widely used PA instruments (PAQ-C, PACES, YRBS PA items) at three elementary schools in low-income, urban neighborhoods with large proportions of minority students (e.g., ~70% African American) before and after intervention, matching pretests and posttests. One school received the full intervention of Scorecard, another Scorecard “light,” and the third received no intervention (control). Researchers read survey items aloud to students to reduce bias from disparate reading levels. RESULTS: Pretest data revealed high PA levels across schools. Among participants completing pretest and posttest (N=310) one year apart, there was a non-statistically significant PA decline at the Scorecard light and control schools, and a non-statistically significant PA increase at the full intervention school. Sedentary behaviors (TV, video game, computer use) remained constant with most students reporting 4+ hours/day of screen time. CONCLUSIONS: Scorecard showed promise in combating declines seen in the light intervention and control schools offering hope that typical drop-offs can be offset with responsive intervention.