Promotion of Physical Activity Among High-School Girls: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Russell R. Pate, PhD,
Dianne S. Ward, EdD,
Ruth P. Saunders, PhD,
Gwen Felton, PhD,
Rod K. Dishman, PhD and
Marsha Dowda, DrPH
Russell R. Pate and Marsha Dowda are with the Department of Exercise Science, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia. Dianne S. Ward is with the Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Ruth P. Saunders is with the Department of Health Promotion, Education and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina. Gwen Felton is with the College of Nursing, University of South Carolina. Rod K. Dishman is with the Department of Exercise Science, University of Georgia, Athens.
Correspondence: Requests for reprints should be sent to Russell R. Pate, PhD, Department of Exercise Science, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 730 Devine St, Columbia, SC 29208 (e-mail: rpate{at}gwm.sc.edu).
Objectives. Many adolescent girls fail to meet national guidelinesfor physical activity, and the prevalence of obesity is increasingamong this group. Our study examined the effects of a comprehensiveschool-based intervention on physical activity among high-schoolgirls.
Methods. A group-randomized controlled field trial was conductedat 24 high schools. A school-based sample of 2744 girls (48.7%African American, 46.7% White) participated in a measurementprotocol when they were in eighth and then ninth grade. A comprehensivephysical activity intervention was designed to change the instructionalprogram and the school environment to increase support for physicalactivity among girls.
Results. At follow-up, 45% of girls in the intervention schoolsand 36% of girls in the control schools reported vigorous physicalactivity during an average of 1 or more 30-minute time blocksper day over a 3-day period.
Conclusions. A comprehensive school-based intervention can increaseregular participation in vigorous physical activity among high-schoolgirls.
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