Toward a Trauma-Informed Comprehensive School Physical Activity Program: Specifying Feasible Practices Across the...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Educational Psychology
• Kinesiology

Background:

• Trauma-informed physical activity (PA) can benefit many students, but systematic guidance is lacking.
• School-based PA programs need effective strategies to incorporate trauma-informed practices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To generate a feasible framework for trauma-informed school-based PA.
• To provide guidance for integrating trauma-informed practices into existing school PA programs.

Main Methods:

• A modified Delphi approach was used, involving an exploration and evaluation phase.
• A multidisciplinary working group mapped trauma-informed practices onto the Comprehensive School Physical Activity Program (CSPAP).
• 14 experts provided feedback on the utility and feasibility of identified practices.

Main Results:

• Thirty-three trauma-informed practices met predefined utility and feasibility thresholds.
• Key practice areas included safety, positive communication, empowerment, emotion management, instructor support, and cultural considerations.
• Practices were mapped across CSPAP domains.

Conclusions:

• The developed framework provides a foundation for creating resources to support trauma-informed school-based PA.
• Implementing these practices can help meet the social and emotional needs of trauma-exposed youth.
• This work supports the integration of trauma-informed approaches in school health policy and practice.