Year: 2016
Type: article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: The Bristol Girls Dance Project was a cluster randomised controlled trial that aimed to increase objectively measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) levels of Year 7 (age 11-12) girls through a dance-based after-school intervention. The intervention was delivered in nine schools and consisted of up to forty after-school dance sessions. This paper reports on the main findings from the detailed process evaluation that was conducted. METHODS: Quantitative and qualitative data were collected from intervention schools. Dose and fidelity were reported by dance instructors at every session. Intervention dose was defined as attending two thirds of sessions and was measured by attendance registers. Fidelity to the intervention manual was reported by dance instructors. On four randomly-selected occasions, participants reported their perceived level of exertion and enjoyment. Reasons for non-attendance were self-reported at the end of the intervention. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with all dance instructors who delivered the intervention (n = 10) and school contacts (n = 9) in intervention schools. A focus group was conducted with girls who participated in each intervention school (n = 9). RESULTS: The study did not affect girls' MVPA. An average of 31.7 girls participated in each school, with 9.1 per school receiving the intervention dose. Mean attendance and instructors' fidelity to the intervention manual decreased over time. The decline in attendance was largely attributed to extraneous factors common to after-school activities. Qualitative data suggest that the training and intervention manual were helpful to most instructors. Participant ratings of session enjoyment were high but perceived exertion was low, however, girls found parts of the intervention challenging. CONCLUSIONS: The intervention was enjoyed by participants. Attendance at the intervention sessions was low but typical of after-school activities. Participants reported that the intervention brought about numerous health and social benefits and improved their dance-based knowledge and skills. The intervention could be improved by reducing the number of girls allowed to participate in each school and providing longer and more in-depth training to those delivering the intervention. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN52882523 Registered 25th April 2013.
Source: BMC Public Health
Authors: S. J. Sebire, M. J. Edwards, J. M. Kesten, T. May, K. J. Banfield, E. L. Bird, K. Tomkinson, P. Blair, J. E. Powell, R. Jago
Institutions: University of Bristol, University of the West of England
Language: English
Topic: Physical Activity and Health
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,290
Funders: Wellcome Trust, United Kingdom Clinical Research Collaboration, Llywodraeth Cymru, Cancer Research UK, National Institute for Health and Care Research, British Heart Foundation, Institut pour la Recherche en Santé Publique, National Institutes of Health, Medical Research Council, Economic and Social Research Council, Public Health Research Programme, Centre for the Development and Evaluation of Complex Interventions for Public Health Improvement
Awards: G2078692078, G2395963644, DECIPHer: Centre for the Development and Evaluation of Complex Interventions for Public Health Improvement, Bristol Girls Dance Project: A cluster randomised controlled trial of an after-school dance programme to increase physical activity among 11-12 year old girls, G3494591977, G3571503278, G3987157617, G4342719566, G5089399674, G5239001972, G6011272932, G6985385257, G7283437851
OpenAlex ID: W2339826565