Active and Healthy Schools

Authors

  • Stephen Ball University of Missouri
  • Jessica Kovarik University of Missouri
  • Heather Leidy University of Missouri

Abstract

The Active and Healthy School Program (AHS) can be used to alter the culture and environment of a school to help children make healthier choices. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of AHS to increase physical activity while decreasing total screen time, increase healthy food choices, and improve knowledge about physical activity and nutrition among students. Pedometry quantified physical activity time and steps in 150 children (fifth to eighth grades). Children's Attraction to Physical Activity (CAPA) and Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Survey (YRBSS) dietary behavior questions were also administered. Students participated in 80 ± 10 min of television viewing and/or computer and video game usage per day with no change in behavior observed following the intervention. No differences in step counts at home (prestudy: 5,728 ± 343 steps/day vs. poststudy: 6,583 ± 634 steps/day; p = 0.17) or school (prestudy: 5,405 ± 184 steps/day vs. poststudy: 5,613 ± 533 steps/day; p = 0.17) were observed following the intervention. However, physical activity time during school increased by 10 ± 1 min (p < 0.001) following the intervention. The CAPA score decreased slightly (prestudy: 35.4 ± 1.2 au; poststudy: 33.4 ± 1.4 au, p < 0.01). The frequency of consuming fruit (p < 0.03) and vegetables other than salad (p < 0.03) increased by 31% ± 8% and 43% ± 10%, respectively. AHS is an effective school-based intervention that positively impacts contributing factors of obesity. School administrators should consider implementing many of the AHS components to improve the health of their students.

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Published

2015-03-25

Issue

Vol. 72 No. 2 (2015)

Section

Articles

License

Sagamore Publishing LLC (hereinafter the “Copyright Owner”)

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