| Physical activity is a topic that has been given much attention in the recent past. Specifically, the lack of physical activity in American adults is an epidemic that has been recently likened to cigarette smoking. Inactivity and poor diet account for approximately 300,000 (14%) deaths yearly. The proliferation of research on physical activity paints a clear picture regarding the abundant health benefits of increasing levels of physical activity and decreasing inactivity in adults, adolescents, and children. Physical activity intervention programs have been shown to increase physical activity levels. In the present study, the efficacy of a school-based physical activity intervention (P.L.A.Y.--Promoting Lifetime Activity for Youth) was examined. The purpose of this study was two fold: (1) to examine the effects of a school-based physical activity intervention program (P.L.A.Y.) on students' physical activity levels and (2) to examine the effects of this intervention on students' attraction to physical activity. Twenty-eight fourth, fifth, and sixth grade elementary school teachers and their students participated in this study. Treatment group classes (n = 14) received the P.L.A.Y. intervention, consisting of four weeks of additional daily 15 minute physical activity breaks supported by the classroom teacher, followed by eight weeks of recording physical activity in a journal. Control group classes (n = 14) received a placebo, consisting of four weeks of additional daily 15 minute activity breaks (no classroom teacher participation). Participants completed two questionnaires (PAQ-C and CAPA) three times during this study: before the study began, after step one of the program (after 4 weeks), and again at the conclusion of the study (after 12 weeks). Repeated measures ANOVA (.05 level of significance) was used for all analyses. Results indicate that all P.L.A.Y. classes significantly increased physical activity levels. Further, P.L.A.Y. girl participants significantly improved their attraction to physical activity. Control group classes did not significantly increase activity levels or attraction to activity. These findings suggest physical activity levels of boys and girls and girls' attraction to physical activity may be significantly increased through school-based, classroom teacher guided activity interventions. Through participation in the P.L.A.Y. program, participants can increase physical activity levels and girls can increase positive feelings about physical activity. |
