Evaluation of a comprehensive school physical activity program: Be a Champion!

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• School Health
• Physical Activity Promotion

Background:

• Comprehensive School Physical Activity Programs (CSPAPs) are recognized for increasing student physical activity (PA).
• Effective evaluation strategies for CSPAP implementation are currently lacking.
• This report details a comprehensive evaluation and monitoring strategy for CSPAP implementation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a comprehensive evaluation and monitoring strategy for CSPAP implementation.
• To provide a framework for assessing the effectiveness of CSPAPs.
• To inform targeted interventions for improving physical activity in schools.

Main Methods:

• Employed the System for Observing Staff Promotion of Activity and Nutrition (SOSPAN), System for Observing Student Movement in Academic Routines and Transitions (SOSMART), and System for Observing Play and Leisure Activity (SOPLAY) for behavior observation (2642 scans).
• Utilized a CSPAP Policies and Practices questionnaire, incorporating components from established tools like the School Health Index.
• Assessed youth physical activity (minutes/day) using accelerometers.

Main Results:

• Ascertaining PA opportunities and student engagement is challenging yet feasible in school settings.
• Systematic observation, accelerometers, and questionnaires provide a comprehensive view of policies, practices, and behaviors.
• Data gathered can inform the development of targeted PA action items.

Conclusions:

• Developing a rigorous yet flexible evaluation framework for CSPAPs is achievable.
• The framework allows assessment of the physical, social, and policy environments within schools.
• This approach supports answering research questions and streamlining utilization by school teams.