1
|
The Impact of an After-School Physical Activity Program on Children's Physical Activity and Well-Being during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Mixed-Methods Evaluation Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19095640. [PMID: 35565035 PMCID: PMC9104064 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19095640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: This study evaluated the impact of the Build Our Kids’ Success (BOKS) after-school program on children’s physical activity (PA) and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Program leaders, children, and their parents were recruited from after-school programs in Nova Scotia, Canada, that delivered BOKS programming in Fall 2020. After participating, Grade 4–6 children (n = 14) completed the Physical Literacy Assessment for Youth Self (PLAYself), Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children (PAQ-C), the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES), and 5 National Institutes of Health (NIH) Patient-Reported Outcomes Measures Information System (PROMIS) scales. Children (n = 7), parents (n = 5), and program leaders (n = 3) completed interviews, which were analyzed for themes inductively. Results: The average PAQ-C score was 2.70 ± 0.48, PLAYself was 68.23 ± 13.12, and PACES was 4.22 ± 0.59 (mean ± SD). NIH PROMIS scores were below standard means (cognitive function, family relationships) or within normal limits (peer relationships, positive affect, and life satisfaction). A thematic analysis of interviews revealed that children’s PA levels were impacted by the pandemic and that BOKS positively impacted children’s physical well-being and integrated well with school-based activities. Conclusions: Participation in BOKS provided an overall positive experience and may have mitigated COVID-19-related declines in PA in well-being. The results of this evaluation can inform future physically-active after-school programming.
Collapse
|
2
|
Caldwell HAT, Miller MB, Tweedie C, Zahavich JBL, Cockett E, Rehman L. The Effect of an After-School Physical Activity Program on Children's Cognitive, Social, and Emotional Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Nova Scotia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:2401. [PMID: 35206588 PMCID: PMC8878628 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19042401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Children's physical activity participation declined during the COVID-19 pandemic, and these negative changes could lead to longer-term impacts on children's cognitive, social, and emotional health. PURPOSE To determine parent/caregivers' perceptions of their children's cognitive function, peer and family relationships, life satisfaction, physical activity, sleep, positive affect, and global health, before and after participating in the Build Our Kids' Success (BOKS) programming at after-school programs in Fall 2020. METHODS Parents of children participating in the BOKS programming at after-school programs in Nova Scotia, Canada, were recruited. At baseline, 159 parents completed the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Patient-Reported Outcomes Measures Information System (PROMIS) parent-proxy questionnaire, and 75 parents completed the measures at follow-up. Independent t-tests were used to determine if there were differences between baseline and follow-up Parent Proxy Questionnaire data. RESULTS All NIH PROMIS outcome variables at baseline and follow-up were within normal limits (Adjusted T-Scores: 46.67 ± 7.15 to 50.04 ± 7.13). There were no significant differences in life satisfaction (t(188) = -1.05, p = 0.30), family relationships (t(189) = 0.31, p = 0.76), cognitive function (t(199) = -1.16, p = 0.25), peer relationships (t(192) = -1.86, p = 0.06), positive affect (t(195) = 0.25, p = 0.81), global health (t(216) = -0.43, p = 0.67), physical activity (t(202) = 0.787, p = 0.732), sleep disturbance (t(193) = 1.72, p = 0.087), or psychological stress (t(196) = 1.896, p = 0.059), from baseline to follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Parent-proxy questionnaires suggested that the BOKS programming had a protective effect on children's health behaviours and cognitive, social, and emotional health as values remained within normal limits and were not impacted by the public health restrictions during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Nova Scotia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hilary A. T. Caldwell
- School of Health and Human Performance, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (H.A.T.C.); (M.B.M.); (C.T.); (J.B.L.Z.); (E.C.)
- Healthy Populations Institute, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 3E2, Canada
| | - Matthew B. Miller
- School of Health and Human Performance, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (H.A.T.C.); (M.B.M.); (C.T.); (J.B.L.Z.); (E.C.)
- School of Kinesiology, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS B4P 2R6, Canada
| | - Constance Tweedie
- School of Health and Human Performance, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (H.A.T.C.); (M.B.M.); (C.T.); (J.B.L.Z.); (E.C.)
| | - Jeffery B. L. Zahavich
- School of Health and Human Performance, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (H.A.T.C.); (M.B.M.); (C.T.); (J.B.L.Z.); (E.C.)
| | - Ella Cockett
- School of Health and Human Performance, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (H.A.T.C.); (M.B.M.); (C.T.); (J.B.L.Z.); (E.C.)
| | - Laurene Rehman
- School of Health and Human Performance, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (H.A.T.C.); (M.B.M.); (C.T.); (J.B.L.Z.); (E.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Factors Related to Physical Activity in Early Childhood: A Systematic Review. J Phys Act Health 2019; 16:925-936. [PMID: 31444315 DOI: 10.1123/jpah.2018-0715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2018] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the relationship between biologico-demographical, sociocultural, and environmental factors and the performance of physical activity in early childhood. METHODOLOGY A systematic search was carried out of the databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and LILACS, as well as Google Scholar, Open Grey, ClinicalTrials.gov, DARE, PROSPERO, Health Technology Assessment, and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, from their first records to June 2018. The selection criteria were previously defined with respect to population age and article theme. No meta-analyses were carried out due to the heterogeneity of the studies. RESULTS The percentage of moderate to vigorous physical activity runs between 3% and 47%. Environmental and sociocultural factors were identified as exerting a greater influence on children's physical activity in early childhood, with the environmental factors being, according to almost all the study authors, the greater of the two. CONCLUSIONS According to the studies included in this research project, the factors identified as associated with moderate to vigorous physical activity are environmental (play in open spaces) and sociocultural (the role of the family and the physical activity of the mother). The evidence is not strong enough to conclude that biologico-demographic factors are significantly influential in the physical activity at this age.
Collapse
|
4
|
Whooten RC, Perkins ME, Gerber MW, Taveras EM. Effects of Before-School Physical Activity on Obesity Prevention and Wellness. Am J Prev Med 2018; 54:510-518. [PMID: 29449135 PMCID: PMC5901979 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2018.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2017] [Revised: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 01/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The effects of Build Our Kids Success-a 12-week, 1-hour before-school physical activity program-on BMI and social-emotional wellness among kindergarten to eighth grade students was examined. STUDY DESIGN This was a nonrandomized trial. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS Participants were from 24 schools in Massachusetts; there were 707 children from kindergarten to eighth grade. INTERVENTION Children registered for Build Our Kids Success in 2015-2016 participated in a 2 days/week or 3 days/week program. Nonparticipating children served as controls. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES At baseline and 12 weeks, study staff measured children's heights/weights; children aged ≥8 years completed surveys. Main outcomes were 12-week change in BMI z-score, odds of a lower BMI category at follow-up, and child report of social-emotional wellness. Analyses were completed in March-June 2017. RESULTS Follow-up BMI was obtained from 67% of children and self-reported surveys from 72% of age-eligible children. Children in the 3 days/week group had improvements in BMI z-score (-0.22, 95% CI= -0.31, -0.14) and this mean change was significantly different than the comparison group (-0.17 difference, 95% CI= -0.27, -0.07). Children in the 3 days/week group also had higher odds of being in a lower BMI category at follow-up (OR=1.35, 95% CI=1.12, 1.62); significantly different than the comparison group (p<0.01). Children in the 2 days/week program had no significant changes in BMI outcomes. Children in the 3 days/week group demonstrated improvement in their student engagement scores (0.79 units, p=0.05) and had nonsignificant improvements in reported peer relationships, affect, and life satisfaction versus comparison. The 2 days/week group had significant improvements in positive affect and vitality/energy versus comparison. CONCLUSIONS A 3 days/week before-school physical activity program resulted in improved BMI and prevented increases in child obesity. Both Build Our Kids Success groups had improved social-emotional wellness versus controls. TRIAL REGISTRATION This study is registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov NCT03190135.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel C Whooten
- Division of General Academic Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Meghan E Perkins
- Division of General Academic Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Monica W Gerber
- Division of General Academic Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Elsie M Taveras
- Division of General Academic Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Boston, Massachusetts; Kraft Center for Community Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zuniga-Teran AA, Orr BJ, Gimblett RH, Chalfoun NV, Guertin DP, Marsh SE. Neighborhood Design, Physical Activity, and Wellbeing: Applying the Walkability Model. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2017; 14:E76. [PMID: 28098785 PMCID: PMC5295327 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph14010076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2016] [Revised: 12/13/2016] [Accepted: 12/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Neighborhood design affects lifestyle physical activity, and ultimately human wellbeing. There are, however, a limited number of studies that examine neighborhood design types. In this research, we examine four types of neighborhood designs: traditional development, suburban development, enclosed community, and cluster housing development, and assess their level of walkability and their effects on physical activity and wellbeing. We examine significant associations through a questionnaire (n = 486) distributed in Tucson, Arizona using the Walkability Model. Among the tested neighborhood design types, traditional development showed significant associations and the highest value for walkability, as well as for each of the two types of walking (recreation and transportation) representing physical activity. Suburban development showed significant associations and the highest mean values for mental health and wellbeing. Cluster housing showed significant associations and the highest mean value for social interactions with neighbors and for perceived safety from crime. Enclosed community did not obtain the highest means for any wellbeing benefit. The Walkability Model proved useful in identifying the walkability categories associated with physical activity and perceived crime. For example, the experience category was strongly and inversely associated with perceived crime. This study provides empirical evidence of the importance of including vegetation, particularly trees, throughout neighborhoods in order to increase physical activity and wellbeing. Likewise, the results suggest that regular maintenance is an important strategy to improve mental health and overall wellbeing in cities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adriana A Zuniga-Teran
- Udall Center for Studies in Public Policy, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85719, USA.
| | - Barron J Orr
- Department of Ecology, University of Alicante, San Vicente del Raspeig 03690, Spain.
- School of Natural Resources and the Environment, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA.
| | - Randy H Gimblett
- School of Natural Resources and the Environment, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA.
| | - Nader V Chalfoun
- College of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85719, USA.
| | - David P Guertin
- School of Natural Resources and the Environment, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA.
| | - Stuart E Marsh
- School of Natural Resources and the Environment, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zuniga-Teran AA, Orr BJ, Gimblett RH, Chalfoun NV, Guertin DP, Marsh SE. Neighborhood Design, Physical Activity, and Wellbeing: Applying the Walkability Model. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2017; 14:ijerph14010076. [PMID: 28098785 DOI: 10.1016/j.foar.2016.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2016] [Revised: 12/13/2016] [Accepted: 12/20/2016] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Neighborhood design affects lifestyle physical activity, and ultimately human wellbeing. There are, however, a limited number of studies that examine neighborhood design types. In this research, we examine four types of neighborhood designs: traditional development, suburban development, enclosed community, and cluster housing development, and assess their level of walkability and their effects on physical activity and wellbeing. We examine significant associations through a questionnaire (n = 486) distributed in Tucson, Arizona using the Walkability Model. Among the tested neighborhood design types, traditional development showed significant associations and the highest value for walkability, as well as for each of the two types of walking (recreation and transportation) representing physical activity. Suburban development showed significant associations and the highest mean values for mental health and wellbeing. Cluster housing showed significant associations and the highest mean value for social interactions with neighbors and for perceived safety from crime. Enclosed community did not obtain the highest means for any wellbeing benefit. The Walkability Model proved useful in identifying the walkability categories associated with physical activity and perceived crime. For example, the experience category was strongly and inversely associated with perceived crime. This study provides empirical evidence of the importance of including vegetation, particularly trees, throughout neighborhoods in order to increase physical activity and wellbeing. Likewise, the results suggest that regular maintenance is an important strategy to improve mental health and overall wellbeing in cities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adriana A Zuniga-Teran
- Udall Center for Studies in Public Policy, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85719, USA.
| | - Barron J Orr
- Department of Ecology, University of Alicante, San Vicente del Raspeig 03690, Spain.
- School of Natural Resources and the Environment, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA.
| | - Randy H Gimblett
- School of Natural Resources and the Environment, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA.
| | - Nader V Chalfoun
- College of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85719, USA.
| | - David P Guertin
- School of Natural Resources and the Environment, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA.
| | - Stuart E Marsh
- School of Natural Resources and the Environment, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA.
| |
Collapse
|