A school-based intervention to promote physical activity among adolescent girls: Rationale, design, and baseline data from the Girls in Sport group randomised controlled trial
2011

Promoting Physical Activity Among Adolescent Girls

Sample size: 1518 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Okely Anthony D, Cotton Wayne G, Lubans David R, Morgan Philip J, Puglisi Lauren, Miller Judy, Wright Jan, Batterham Marijka J, Peralta Louisa R, Perry Janine

Primary Institution: University of Wollongong

Hypothesis

Can a school-based intervention prevent the decline in physical activity among adolescent girls?

Conclusion

The intervention aims to prevent a decline in physical activity levels among adolescent girls by implementing tailored strategies in schools.

Supporting Evidence

  • Physical activity levels decline markedly among girls during adolescence.
  • School-based interventions targeting multiple components are promising for promoting physical activity.
  • Only 1.5% of participants met the recommended 60 minutes of MVPA daily.

Takeaway

This study is trying to help girls be more active in school by making sports and activities more fun and engaging for them.

Methodology

A group randomized controlled trial with 24 matched schools, where 12 schools implemented the intervention and 12 served as control.

Potential Biases

Potential bias in self-reported measures and the influence of school staff on participation.

Limitations

The study may not generalize to all schools due to the specific context of the participating schools.

Participant Demographics

Adolescent girls, mean age 13.6 years, with a sample of 1518 girls from various schools.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2458-11-658

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