Association of staff behaviors and afterschool program features to physical activity: findings from Movin' After School.
J Phys Act Health
; 10(3): 423-9, 2013 Mar.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-22820417
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Children's achievement of recommendations for moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in afterschool programs (ASP) is complex. It is unclear what elements of the ASP environment influence children's physical activity (PA). The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship of staff behaviors and ASP features (eg, organized activity, recreational equipment) to MVPA participation in youth attending ASPs.METHODS:
Data were collected in 12 ASPs in the Midwest. Staff behavior and child PA was measured using the System for Observing Play and Leisure Activity in Youth. The percentage of children's MVPA was examined in relation to staff behaviors and ASP features.RESULTS:
Increases in MVPA were observed when staff were directly engaged in PA, verbally promoted MVPA, and when PA was organized and equipment was present. When 3 or more of these characteristics were present, the proportion of children engaged in MVPA increased by 25%-30%. Conversely, MVPA levels decreased when these characteristics were absent and when staff were attending to other ASP duties or were supervising.CONCLUSION:
This study provides evidence about the specific staff behaviors that may influence higher proportions of youth being active during ASP and implies specific skills that need to be incorporated into ASP staff training.
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Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Health Promotion
/
Leisure Activities
Type of study:
Clinical_trials
/
Diagnostic_studies
/
Risk_factors_studies
Limits:
Child
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
Country/Region as subject:
America do norte
Language:
En
Journal:
J Phys Act Health
Year:
2013
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
United States