The impact of structural interventions to improve physical fitness among adolescents

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Abstract

Schools have long been recognized as potentially effective settings for public health initiatives. This gave rise to the intervention study SPACE with the objective to develop and assess a comprehensive structural intervention.
The SPACE study used a cluster randomized controlled study design. Twenty-one eligible schools in the Region of Southern Denmark were matched and randomized in seven pairs resulting in a total of 14 schools participating in the study. The schools were then randomized in an intervention group and a control group.
In the period 2010 – 2012 a multicomponent intervention was developed and implemented on the seven schools All intervention schools upgraded their outdoor areas (10,000-20,000 €) and established Playspots (65,000-250,000 €). They also implemented school PA policy, kickstarters, mandatory outdoor recess, and school theme week. An improvement of cycling infrastructure and organization of the after school fitness program was implemented in only two local areas.
A process analysis showed that a multicomponent intervention generates synergy but there is an upper limit related to feasibility and external validity of the intervention. Based on two-year follow-up data physical tests did not show significant effect in regard to physical fitness, handgrip strength and waist circumference. On average boys improved their running distance with 59 m, increased their handgrip strength with 11 kg and gained 6.3 cm in waist circumference. For girls the change was 0 m, 5.2 kg and 6.1 cm. Analyses based on accelerometry and survey data will show to what degree the intervention has altered the adolescents' PA and well-being.
OriginalsprogEngelsk
Publikationsdato2014
Antal sider1
StatusUdgivet - 2014
Begivenhed5th International Congress on Physical Activity & Public Health - Rio de Janeiro, Brasilien
Varighed: 8. apr. 201411. apr. 2014
Konferencens nummer: 8

Konference

Konference5th International Congress on Physical Activity & Public Health
Nummer8
Land/OmrådeBrasilien
ByRio de Janeiro
Periode08/04/201411/04/2014

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