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Physical Activity and Healthy Eating Programming in Schools to Support Student’s Health-Related Fitness: An Observational Study

Author

Listed:
  • Timothy J. Walker

    (Center for Health Promotion and Prevention Research, Department of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health, 7000 Fannin St., Houston, TX 77030, USA)

  • Derek W. Craig

    (Center for Health Promotion and Prevention Research, Department of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health, 7000 Fannin St., Houston, TX 77030, USA)

  • Andjelka Pavlovic

    (Division of Youth Education, The Cooper Institute, 12330 Preston Road, Dallas, TX 75230, USA)

  • Shelby Thiele

    (Division of Youth Education, The Cooper Institute, 12330 Preston Road, Dallas, TX 75230, USA)

  • Breanna Natale

    (Division of Youth Education, The Cooper Institute, 12330 Preston Road, Dallas, TX 75230, USA)

  • Jacob Szeszulski

    (Center for Health Promotion and Prevention Research, Department of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health, 7000 Fannin St., Houston, TX 77030, USA)

  • Laura F. DeFina

    (Division of Youth Education, The Cooper Institute, 12330 Preston Road, Dallas, TX 75230, USA)

  • Harold W. Kohl

    (Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health, Austin Regional Campus, Austin, TX 78701, USA
    Department of Kinesiology and Health Education, The University of Texas at Austin, 1616 Guadalupe, Austin, TX 78701, USA)

Abstract

Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines recommend schools use a coordinated health approach to support healthy eating and physical activity. This study examines whether the number of healthy eating and physical activity programs and activities used by schools and their perceived success relate to students’ health-related fitness. This observational study used data from the Healthy Zone Schools Program. Data (collected in 2017–2019) were integrated from three sources: (1) school surveys, (2) FitnessGram ® , and (3) the Texas Education Agency. Independent variables were the number of health promotion programs and activities and their perceived success; dependent variables were meeting Healthy Fitness Zone Standards (HFZ) for aerobic capacity and body mass index (BMI). We used mixed-effects logistic regression models. Fifty-six schools were in the analytic sample ( n = 15,096 students with aerobic capacity data and n = 19,969 with BMI data). Results indicated the perceived success of physical activity programs/activities was significantly associated with students meeting HFZ standards for aerobic capacity (OR = 1.32, CI = 1.06–1.63). There was a significant direct association between the number of physical activity and healthy eating activities implemented (OR = 1.04, CI = 1.01–1.06) and students meeting HFZ for BMI. Schools using multiple health programs and activities need to balance the number provided with their capacity to maintain success.

Suggested Citation

  • Timothy J. Walker & Derek W. Craig & Andjelka Pavlovic & Shelby Thiele & Breanna Natale & Jacob Szeszulski & Laura F. DeFina & Harold W. Kohl, 2021. "Physical Activity and Healthy Eating Programming in Schools to Support Student’s Health-Related Fitness: An Observational Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(21), pages 1-14, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:21:p:11069-:d:661558
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Gugglberger, Lisa & Dür, Wolfgang, 2011. "Capacity building in and for health promoting schools: Results from a qualitative study," Health Policy, Elsevier, vol. 101(1), pages 37-43, June.
    2. Jessie-Lee D. McIsaac & Kimberley J. Hernandez & Sara F.L. Kirk & Janet A. Curran, 2016. "Interventions to Support System-level Implementation of Health Promoting Schools: A Scoping Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 13(2), pages 1-24, February.
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