GreatFun2Run Intervention: Long-term Effects on Children's Physical Activity and Body Composition
Author Information
Author(s): Gorely Trish, Morris John G, Musson Hayley, Brown Susie, Nevill Alan, Nevill Mary E
Primary Institution: Institute of Youth Sport, School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Loughborough University
Hypothesis
Were the changes in physical activity and body composition maintained 18-20 months after the GreatFun2Run intervention ended?
Conclusion
The positive changes in physical activity levels and body composition observed immediately after the intervention were not sustained over the long term.
Supporting Evidence
- Both control and intervention participants increased their physical activity at follow-up.
- There were significant increases in body composition variables with increasing age.
- Teacher interviews indicated that many did not continue using the intervention resources due to various pressures.
- Changes in physical activity were not sustained after the intervention ended.
Takeaway
The GreatFun2Run program helped kids be more active and healthier for a while, but after it ended, they didn't keep up those good habits.
Methodology
The study involved a 10-month intervention with 589 children from 8 schools, measuring physical activity and body composition at baseline and follow-up using pedometers, accelerometers, and anthropometric measures.
Potential Biases
The intervention group had a lower socioeconomic status than the control group, which may have influenced outcomes.
Limitations
Loss to follow-up was greater in the intervention group, and randomization was not possible due to local media content.
Participant Demographics
Participants were aged 7-11 years, with 287 boys and 302 girls, predominantly of white British ethnicity.
Statistical Information
Statistical Significance
p > 0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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