Feasibility study of a physical activity intervention based on the social ecological model

Background and purpose:School-based physical education and physical activity interventions can be made more effective when school policy makers and parents of students are actively involved. Based on the social ecological... [ view full abstract ]

Background and purpose:

School-based physical education and physical activity interventions can be made more effective when school policy makers and parents of students are actively involved. Based on the social ecological model, we designed a physical activity intervention using a multi-component, whole-school approach, targeting students, their parents, and all school teachers and officials. The intervention includes components such as teacher professional development, addition of school activity routines, free sport equipment, student and family activity classes, and free activity trackers to promote self-monitoring of physical activity. A total of 80,000 students, parents, and school staff are expected to take part in this five-year project. With an aim to explore the views from key stakeholders prior to implementation, a feasibility study was conducted with school principals and parents.

Methods:

Principals and parents from five participating schools were invited to individual or focus group interviews, respectively. Semi-structured questions were asked to extract respondents’ views on important considerations during implementation, and factors that may affect overall success of the program in terms of achieving the designated results.

Results:

Results from the interviews suggested that both parents and students may act as important agents to initiate other family members to physical activity. Schools with strong parental support initially will also facilitate such parent-school collaborations.

Conclusion and implications:

The results suggest the whole-school approach adopted is feasible and could likely lead to positive outcomes in terms of engagement from both students and parents. The effectiveness of the trial in terms of accelerometer-measured physical activity outcomes will be examined using a randomized controlled trial. Process evaluation of project components will also be conducted, and the feedback received will be used to modify project contents.