Faculty, Staff and Student Publications
Publication Date
12-1-2024
Journal
American Journal of Preventive Medicine
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Schools can support students' participation in physical activity by offering opportunities consistent with a Whole-of-School (WOS) approach; however, the extent to which physical activity opportunities are provided and how school-level characteristics associate with their use remains unclear. This study examined how elementary schools' use a WOS approach to promote physical activity, as well as associations between school-level characteristics and physical activity opportunities provided.
METHODS: Survey data was collected from 162 elementary schools participating in the NFL PLAY 60 FitnessGram Project during the 2022-2023 school year. A WOS index (ranging from 0 to 12) was created from responses by school staff on questions about 6 physical activity practices (physical education, recess, before- and after-school programs, classroom-based approaches, active transport). Multivariable regression models examined associations between school characteristics and WOS index scores. Analyses were completed in Spring 2024.
RESULTS: Fully adjusted models indicated a statistically significant difference between the percentage of economically disadvantaged students served and WOS index score. Schools serving between 20% and 39% (p
CONCLUSIONS: Studies are needed to examine disparities in physical activity practices consistent with a WOS approach to understand the implications on health, academic performance, and other key outcomes. This information can inform the development of strategies to address disparities and ensure youth have equitable access to school-based physical activity opportunities.
Keywords
Humans, Exercise, Child, Schools, United States, Health Promotion, Female, Male, Students, Surveys and Questionnaires, Physical Education and Training, School Health Services
DOI
10.1016/j.amepre.2024.08.003
PMID
39128591
PMCID
PMC11585414
PubMedCentral® Posted Date
12-1-2024
PubMedCentral® Full Text Version
Author MSS
Published Open-Access
yes
