Move & Thrive: Development of a Web-Based Training for Schools About Trauma-Informed Physical Activity

Area of Science:

• Child Psychology
• Sports Science
• Educational Psychology

Background:

• Youth with adverse childhood experiences can benefit from physical activity (PA).
• Current PA delivery in schools may be re-traumatizing, hindering positive experiences.
• There is a need for specialized training to promote trauma-informed PA implementation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and pilot test a role-specific training program on trauma-informed PA.
• To enhance the implementation of trauma-informed physical activity in educational and youth sport settings.

Main Methods:

• Developed "Move & Thrive," a web-based training using intervention mapping.
• Conducted a pilot study with 150 youth sport coaches, parents, and teachers.
• Utilized a pre-posttest design to evaluate training effectiveness.

Main Results:

• The "Move & Thrive" training was highly acceptable across all participant roles.
• Statistically significant increases were observed in knowledge, attitudes, self-efficacy, and perceived support.
• Moderate to large effect sizes indicated substantial improvements in implementation determinants.

Conclusions:

• The pilot results support the feasibility and effectiveness of trauma-informed PA training.
• Findings provide a basis for a larger, randomized controlled trial.
• This research contributes to creating safer and more beneficial physical activity environments for traumatized youth.