Work

Promotion of Physical Activity Among High-School Girls: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Year: 2005

Type: article

Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial

Abstract: OBJECTIVES: Many adolescent girls fail to meet national guidelines for physical activity, and the prevalence of obesity is increasing among this group. Our study examined the effects of a comprehensive school-based intervention on physical activity among high-school girls. METHODS: A group-randomized controlled field trial was conducted at 24 high schools. A school-based sample of 2744 girls (48.7% African American, 46.7% White) participated in a measurement protocol when they were in eighth and then ninth grade. A comprehensive physical activity intervention was designed to change the instructional program and the school environment to increase support for physical activity among girls. RESULTS: At follow-up, 45% of girls in the intervention schools and 36% of girls in the control schools reported vigorous physical activity during an average of 1 or more 30-minute time blocks per day over a 3-day period. CONCLUSIONS: A comprehensive school-based intervention can increase regular participation in vigorous physical activity among high-school girls.

Source: American Journal of Public Health

DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2004.045807

Authors: Russell R. Pate, Dianne S. Ward, Ruth P. Saunders, Gwen Felton, Rod K. Dishman, Marsha Dowda

Institutions: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, University of South Carolina

Language: English

Topic: Physical Activity and Health

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Quality education

Open Access status: green

Funders: University of South Carolina, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute