Perceptions of a School-Based Physical Activity Program Promoting Active Lifestyle in Independence County, AR

Regular physical activity has been associated with prevention of overweight and obesity. Epidemiological studies have linked the quality of recreational facilities to the use of the facilities and the intensity of physical activity. Independence County, AR established a joint use agreement with four school districts to provide improved access to school resources to promote increased physical activity for underserved and low income communities. The aim of the evaluation was to investigate how the program to promote physical activity was perceived by participants. A retrospective pretest-posttest survey instrument adapted from the International Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to measure participant perception of program outcomes. The results show that participants increased the number of days they engaged in vigorous activity by an average of 2.27 days per week. Moderate and light physical activity increased by 1.98 and 1.65 days per week, respectively. In addition, the time participants engaged in physical activity increased by an average of 66.5 minutes per week for vigorous physical activity while the average for moderate and light physical activity increased by 67.2 and 58 minutes per week, respectively. The results were subjected to a paired t-test of means and were found to be statistically significant. In addition, more than 95 percent of the respondents believed the program provided new knowledge about healthy lifestyle and that participation in the program had influenced their healthy lifestyle choices. The Independence County program appears to be promoting an active and healthy lifestyle choices among participants in the community and was positively received.