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Clinical Trial
. 2005 Sep;95(9):1582-7.
doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2004.045807.

Promotion of physical activity among high-school girls: a randomized controlled trial

Russell R Pate  1 , Dianne S Ward, Ruth P Saunders, Gwen Felton, Rod K Dishman, Marsha Dowda
Affiliations
Clinical Trial

Promotion of physical activity among high-school girls: a randomized controlled trial

Russell R Pate et al. Am J Public Health. 2005 Sep.

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.

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References

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