Citation

Sharpe EK, Forrester S, Mandigo J. J. Phys. Act. Health 2011; 8(Suppl 1): S26-31.

Affiliation

Dept of Recreation and Leisure Studies, Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Human Kinetics Publishers)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

21350259

Abstract

BACKGROUND: This paper evaluates the impact of a large-scale, community agency-driven initiative to increase physical activity (PA) in after-school programs in Ontario. In 2008, the YMCA and Boys and Girls Club (BGC) introduced CATCH Kids Club (CKC) into 330 after-school program sites. METHODS: This study assessed the impact of the intervention on the quality and quantity of PA using a pretest/posttest quasi-experimental research design with a comparison non-CKC group. Data were collected at baseline (September 2008) and postintervention (May/June 2009) using the System for Observing Fitness Instruction Time (SOFIT). RESULTS: Nearly all sites, with the exception of the BGC baseline program (a sports program) achieved greater than 50% of time spent in MVPA. Significant differences were not found between levels of MVPA at CKC and comparison sites (59.3% vs. 64.2%), or at CKC sites at baseline versus postintervention (59.3% vs. 52.1%). BGC sites had significantly higher levels MVPA in CKC programs than in sports programs (70.8% vs. 35.2%). In postimplementation interviews, leaders reported general support but some mixed reactions related to how the program was received by participants. CONCLUSIONS: This paper offers support for PA programs that focus on inclusivity and enjoyment and emphasize the important role of staff competency.

Language: en