Promoting Active Schools in the United States: A Feasibility Study Applying the Interactive Systems Framework

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Educational Interventions
• Childhood Physical Activity

Background:

• Promoting physical activity (PA) in elementary schools is crucial for child health.
• The Interactive Systems Framework for Dissemination and Implementation (ISF) offers a model for integrating evidence-based practices.
• Active Schools provides resources to support school-based physical activity initiatives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of applying the ISF to enhance PA in elementary schools.
• To evaluate the implementation of Comprehensive School Physical Activity Programs (CSPAP) using ISF principles.
• To examine student PA outcomes and identify implementation barriers and facilitators.

Main Methods:

• Convergent parallel mixed-methods design across eight U.S. elementary schools.
• Data collection included surveys (School Wellness Readiness Assessment, CSPAP Policies and Practices Questionnaire, CFIR-based tools) and interviews with 8 champions and 371 students.
• Student PA was measured using the Youth Activity Profile (YAP).

Main Results:

• Schools exhibited moderate readiness (mean SWRA = 3.7) and implemented 64% of CSPAP best practices.
• Student PA averaged 70 minutes/day, exceeding national recommendations, with most activity during school hours.
• Identified barriers included lack of administrative support.

Conclusions:

• Successful implementation of CSPAP was documented, highlighting the utility of ISF and Active Schools resources.
• Challenges included time-intensive professional development and readiness disparities.
• Findings inform future interventions for equitable PA promotion in schools.