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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2016 Sep:90:207-15.
doi: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2016.07.002. Epub 2016 Jul 7.

Physical activity outcomes in afterschool programs: A group randomized controlled trial

Michael W Beets  1 , R Glenn Weaver  2 , Gabrielle Turner-McGrievy  2 , Jennifer Huberty  3 , Dianne S Ward  4 , Russell R Pate  2 , Darcy Freedman  5 , Brent Hutto  2 , Justin B Moore  6 , Matteo Bottai  7 , Jessica Chandler  2 , Keith Brazendale  2 , Aaron Beighle  8
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Physical activity outcomes in afterschool programs: A group randomized controlled trial

Michael W Beets et al. Prev Med. 2016 Sep.

Abstract

Introduction: Afterschool programs (ASPs) across the US are working towards achieving the standard of all children accumulating 30min of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) during program time. This study describes the two-year impact of an intervention designed to assist ASPs meeting the 30min/day MVPA standard.

Methods: Using a two-year delayed treatment, group randomized controlled trial, 20 ASPs serving ~1700 children/year (6-12yrs) were randomized to either an immediate (n=10, baseline-2013 and 2yrs intervention fall-2013-to-spring-2015) or delayed group (n=10, baseline 2013-2014 and 1yr intervention fall-2014-to-spring-2015). The intervention, Strategies-To-Enhance-Practice (STEPs), focused on programming MVPA in the daily schedule, training of staff and leaders, and ongoing technical support/assistance. Accelerometry-derived proportion of children meeting the 30min/day MVPA standard was measured in the spring of each year. Mixed model logistic regressions were used to examine the change in the odds of achieving the MVPA standard. Analyses were conducted in 2015. Data were collected in one southeastern US state.

Results: Immediate boys (n=677) and delayed girls (n=658) increased the percent achieving 30min MVPA/day from 35.9% to 47.0% (odds ratio [OR]=1.88, 95% CI 1.18-3.00) and 13.1% to 19.1% (OR=1.42, 95% CI 1.03-1.96). Immediate girls (n=613) and delayed boys (n=687) exhibited a nonsignificant increase from 19.1% to 21.6% (OR=1.20, 95% CI 0.84-1.72) and 29.0% to 31.3% (OR=1.13, 95%CI 0.80-1.58).

Conclusions: STEPs can have an impact on children's MVPA and time spent sedentary, yet was unable to fully achieve the goal of all children accumulating 30minMVPA/day. Additional efforts are need to identify strategies ASPs can use to meet this important public health standard.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02144519.

Keywords: Accelerometer; Intervention; Obesity; School; Standards.

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Conflict of interest statement

Potential conflicts of interest: The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
CONSORT diagram
Figure 2
Figure 2
Minutes spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary for boys and girls and treatment group, separately, across the study’s three measurement occasions (spring 2013, 2014, and 2015). Abbreviations: Sp = Spring
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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    1. First lady announces two new commitments to healthy eating and physical activity afterschool. [ http://www.afterschoolalliance.org/afterschoolsnack/printPage.cfm?idBlog...; http://ahealthieramerica.org/media/news-releases/#5482,news]
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    1. Moore JB, Schneider L, Lazorick S, Shores KA, Beighle A, Jilcott SB, Newkirk J. Rationale and development of the Move More North Carolina: Recommended Standards for After-School Physical Activity. J Public Health Manag Pract. 2010;16:359–366. - PubMed

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