Fit for Life Boy Scout badge: outcome evaluation of a troop and Internet intervention

Abstract

Background: This study reports the results of a 9-week intervention on the physical activity levels of adolescent males.

Methods: Participants were 473 10- to 14-year-old Houston Boy Scouts (42 troops) with troops randomly assigned to intervention or control conditions. Data were collected in spring (16 troops) and fall (26 troop) waves during 2003. Intervention participants received a 9-week troop and Internet program to increase physical activity skills, self-efficacy and goal-setting. Physical activity was assessed at baseline, end of the intervention (Post#1) and post-6 months (Post#2) by accelerometer. Minutes of sedentary, light and moderate to vigorous physical activity were calculated. Repeated measure analyses were performed to test differences in physical activity over time between groups with participants nested in troops.

Results: A three-way interaction (group * time * wave) that approached significance (P = 0.051) indicated a 12-min reduction in sedentary behavior among spring intervention participants. A significant three-way interaction (P = 0.011) (group * time * wave) indicated a 12-min increase in light intensity activity among the spring intervention group.

Conclusion: Participation in the Fit for Life badge program resulted in a trend towards a small decrease in sedentary behavior and increased light intensity physical activity among spring participants only. There was no effect on moderate to vigorous physical activity.