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Virtual umra: an interdisciplinary faith-based pedometer intervention for increasing steps at school.
David Kahan1, Virginie Nicaise
1School of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA.
Journal of Physical Activity & Health
|March 29, 2012
Summary
A tailored physical activity (PA) intervention for Muslim American youth showed modest step count increases in males. Further integration and specific curriculum adjustments may enhance effectiveness for all students.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Pediatric Health
- Exercise Science
Background:
- School-based physical activity (PA) interventions are valuable when policy changes are difficult.
- Targeting minority groups is crucial due to health disparities.
- Religiously tailored interventions for minority groups remain underreported.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a religiously and culturally tailored 8-week pedometer intervention for Muslim American youth.
- To assess the intervention's impact on school-time physical activity levels.
Main Methods:
- An 8-week interdisciplinary pedometer intervention was implemented with 45 Muslim American middle school students.
- Activity was measured using a delayed multiple-baseline ABA design.
- Statistical analyses included visual analysis, repeated-measures ANOVA/ANCOVA, and post hoc contrasts.
Main Results:
- The intervention produced modest increases in step counts for males only.
- Activity gains showed decay starting mid-intervention.
- BMI classification and grade level did not significantly moderate step count changes.
Conclusions:
- Full curricular integration and staff modeling of PA behavior could enhance intervention effects.
- Alternative physical education (PE) curricula for girls may be necessary for greater impact.
- Culturally sensitive interventions show potential for improving youth physical activity.
