Process evaluation of the Bristol girls dance project

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Exercise Science
• Adolescent Health

Background:

• The Bristol Girls Dance Project was a cluster randomized controlled trial.
• Aims to increase moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in 11-12-year-old girls.
• Utilized a dance-based after-school intervention delivered across nine schools.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report findings from a detailed process evaluation of the Bristol Girls Dance Project.
• To assess the effectiveness of a dance intervention on girls' MVPA.
• To identify factors influencing intervention delivery and participation.

Main Methods:

• Collected quantitative and qualitative data from intervention schools.
• Measured intervention dose via attendance registers and instructor fidelity.
• Gathered participant enjoyment and exertion data, and reasons for non-attendance.
• Conducted interviews with instructors and school contacts, and focus groups with participants.

Main Results:

• The intervention did not significantly impact girls' MVPA levels.
• Average attendance was 9.1 girls per school, with declining attendance and fidelity over time.
• Participants reported high enjoyment but low perceived exertion; qualitative data indicated challenges.
• Extraneous factors were primary reasons for low attendance.

Conclusions:

• The dance intervention was enjoyable and provided perceived health and social benefits.
• Low attendance, typical for after-school programs, and fidelity issues limited effectiveness.
• Recommendations include reducing class size and enhancing instructor training for future interventions.