ERIC Number: EJ1443725
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 10
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1932-5037
EISSN: EISSN-2168-3751
Feasibility of an After-School Physical Activity Intervention for Adolescent Girls
Deirdre Dlugonski; Avery Douglas; Jamie Henning; Johanna M. Hoch
American Journal of Health Education, v55 n6 p456-465 2024
Background: Adolescent girls are at an increased risk of low physical activity and the associated health consequences. Girls Can Move!, an after-school intervention guided by social cognitive theory, was designed to increase physical activity. Purpose: To examine the feasibility and initial effectiveness of Girls Can Move! Methods The 8-week pre-post intervention provided low-active adolescent female participants with a variety of physical activities led by active female role models. Attendance, weekly process evaluations, and a post-intervention focus group were used to assess satisfaction and feasibility. At pre- and post-intervention, participants wore an accelerometer for 7 days to measure physical activity. Results: Of the 17 enrolled participants, 13 (11.7 ± 0.7 years, 82% Black/African American or multiracial) completed the intervention. The average attendance rate was 82%. On a scale from 1 to 5, participants reported the sessions were fun (4.5 ± 0.6) and increased their confidence (4.1± 0.5) and physical activity (4.1± 0.5). There were moderate-to-large increases in objectively measured physical activity (d = 0.71). Discussion: Girls Can Move! is feasible and should be tested using a randomized controlled trial design. Translation to Health Education Practice: Girls Can Move! can be implemented in after-school settings with the support of university and community partners to promote physical activity among adolescent girls.
Descriptors: Physical Activities, Females, Physical Activity Level, Adolescents, After School Programs, At Risk Students, Program Effectiveness, Feasibility Studies, Health Promotion, Role Models, Middle School Students, Student Attitudes, Economically Disadvantaged, Minority Group Students, Student Experience
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Junior High Schools; Middle Schools; Secondary Education; Elementary Education; Grade 6; Intermediate Grades; Grade 7; Grade 8
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Kentucky
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A