21 ETHNIC DIFFERENCES IN AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM PARTICIPATION, PHYSICAL ACTIVITY LEVELS AND SEDENTARY BEHAVIORS AMONG 5TH GRADERS

There is alarming population wide prevalence of low adolescent physical activity as this represents a risk factor for later chronic disease development. There is evidence to suggest that schools with strong wellness policies have students that are more frequently active. We designed an intervention to enhance students’ physical activity levels in five majority Latinx, underserved school districts. Evaluation consisted of assessment of written quality of school-district wellness policies; observation of student’s physical activity during leisure times; and after-school program practices and policies. We examined one of these district’s results more closely, the only participating district with a community coalition, and extracted lessons learned. On the physical activity section of the wellness policy, this district covered a moderate extent of recommended content areas using weak language. Compared to previous reports, we identified low vigorous activity levels for girls and boys at baseline (respectively, 12% and 18%). Finally, we identified that of four after school program sites assessed at baseline, no program reported the recommended 50% or more of program time dedicated to physical activity. Based on these evaluation findings, additional strategies are urgently needed to encourage all students and particularly more girls to be physically active throughout the school day.

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Generalizability of an adult-validated model for predicting increased physical activity in after-school program children: Effects of treatment formats on fitness indicators

Evaluation and Program Planning ◽

10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2018.11.008 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 73 ◽

pp. 33-43

Author(s):

James J Annesi

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

After School ◽

School Program ◽

Fitness Indicators ◽

After School Program

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Results from the United States’ 2014 Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth

Journal of Physical Activity and Health ◽

10.1123/jpah.2014-0184 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 11 (s1) ◽

pp. S105-S112 ◽

Cited By ~ 44

Author(s):

Kara N. Dentro ◽

Kim Beals ◽

Scott E. Crouter ◽

Joey C. Eisenmann ◽

Thomas L. McKenzie ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

United States ◽

Sport Participation ◽

Comprehensive Evaluation ◽

The United States ◽

Report Card ◽

Children And Youth ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Sedentary Behaviors ◽

Physical Activity Levels

Background:The National Physical Activity Plan Alliance partnered with physical activity experts to develop a report card that provides a comprehensive assessment of physical activity among United States children and youth.Methods:The 2014 U.S. Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth includes 10 indicators: overall physical activity levels, sedentary behaviors, active transportation, organized sport participation, active play, health-related fitness, family and peers, school, community and the built environment, and government strategies and investments. Data from nationally representative surveys were used to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the physical activity indicators. The Committee used the best available data source to grade the indicators using a standard rubric.Results:Approximately one-quarter of children and youth 6 to 15 years of age were at least moderately active for 60 min/day on at least 5 days per week. The prevalence was lower among youth compared with younger children, resulting in a grade of D- for overall physical activity levels. Five of the remaining 9 indicators received grades ranging from B- to F, whereas there was insufficient data to grade 4 indicators, highlighting the need for more research in some areas.Conclusions:Physical activity levels among U.S. children and youth are low and sedentary behavior is high, suggesting that current infrastructure, policies, programs, and investments in support of children’s physical activity are not sufficient.

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