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Comparative Study
. 2012 May;9(4):492-9.
doi: 10.1123/jpah.9.4.492. Epub 2011 May 13.

A school-based, peer leadership physical activity intervention for 6th graders: feasibility and results of a pilot study

Daheia J Barr-Anderson  1 , Melissa N Laska, Sara Veblen-Mortenson, Kian Farbakhsh, Bonnie Dudovitz, Mary Story
Affiliations
Comparative Study

A school-based, peer leadership physical activity intervention for 6th graders: feasibility and results of a pilot study

Daheia J Barr-Anderson et al. J Phys Act Health. 2012 May.

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to promote physical activity in 6th graders by developing and testing the feasibility of an enhanced Presidential Active Lifestyle Award (PALA) program comprised of a peer leadership component and innovative exercise resource toolkit including DVDs.

Methods: A racially/ethnically diverse sample of students received the standard PALA program (2 control schools, n = 61) or enhanced PALA+Peers program (2 intervention schools, n = 87) during 2006-2007 academic year.

Results: Compared with the control condition, the intervention was successful in increasing moderate physical activity in all students (P = .02) and moderate and hard physical activity among girls (P = .03 and P = .04, respectively). Teachers and students reported a high level of satisfaction and receptivity with the intervention. All teachers thought the DVDs were well-received, and 87% of students reported that they would recommend the enhanced program to peers.

Conclusion: Coupling peer leadership and DVDs that promote physical activity may be an effective way to increase youth physical activity.

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