Aggie Play: A Gender-Relevant Physical Activity Program for Girls.

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Exercise Science
• Youth Physical Activity Promotion
• Gender-Specific Health Interventions

Background:

• Most U.S. children (6-17 years) do not meet daily physical activity recommendations.
• Girls are less likely than boys to meet physical activity guidelines.
• There is a need for gender-relevant physical activity programming for girls.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the impact of the Aggie Play program on girls' self-efficacy and enjoyment of physical activity.
• To assess changes in time spent in various physical activity intensities during free play.
• To evaluate improvements in fitness levels compared to a control group.

Main Methods:

• The Aggie Play program engaged female student athletes as role models for girls in an after-school setting.
• Activities were high-energy and conducted twice weekly over one school year.
• A control group was used for comparison of outcomes.

Main Results:

• Girls in Aggie Play reported higher self-efficacy and enjoyment for physical activity than the control group.
• Aggie Play participants showed greater improvements in muscle endurance compared to the control group.
• The program demonstrated positive effects on physical activity-related psychological and fitness outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Gender-relevant physical activity programming, led by active female role models, is beneficial for girls.
• The Aggie Play model effectively enhances girls' confidence and enjoyment in physical activity.
• This approach supports improved physical fitness and adherence to activity guidelines among adolescent girls.