Connect through PLAY: a randomized-controlled trial in afterschool programs to increase adolescents' physical...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Behavioral Science
• Pediatric Health

Background:

• Underserved middle school youth often have low levels of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA).
• Addressing social developmental needs is a potential strategy to increase physical activity in this population.
• Existing afterschool programs offer a setting for health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To test a novel 10-week climate-based intervention designed to increase MVPA in underserved middle school youth.
• To evaluate the intervention's impact on social developmental needs and physical activity levels.
• To assess the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention for program staff.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 167 middle school students from 6 schools.
• Participants were randomized to either the Connect through PLAY intervention or a wait-list control group.
• Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was measured using accelerometry.

Main Results:

• The intervention group showed an average increase of 8.17 minutes of daily MVPA compared to the control group.
• This equates to an additional 56 minutes of weekly MVPA.
• Process evaluation indicated high fidelity, ease of implementation, and acceptability by staff.

Conclusions:

• Social-motivational climate-based interventions can effectively increase MVPA in underserved youth.
• The Connect through PLAY intervention is a feasible and acceptable model for school-based health initiatives.
• Findings support the integration of such programs to improve youth physical activity and well-being.