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Refined Feasibility Testing of an 8-Week Sport and Physical Activity Intervention in a Rural Middle School

Author

Listed:
  • Janette M. Watkins

    (Department of Kinesiology, School of Public Health-Bloomington, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
    Program in Neuroscience, College of Arts and Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA)

  • Janelle M. Goss

    (Department of Kinesiology, School of Public Health-Bloomington, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA)

  • McKenna G. Major

    (School of Medicine, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA)

  • Megan M. Kwaiser

    (Department of Kinesiology, School of Public Health-Bloomington, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA)

  • Andrew M. Medellin

    (Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health-Bloomington, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA)

  • James M. Hobson

    (White River Valley Middle School, Lyons, IN 47443, USA)

  • Vanessa M. Martinez Kercher

    (Department of Health & Wellness Design, School of Public Health-Bloomington, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA)

  • Kyle A. Kercher

    (Department of Kinesiology, School of Public Health-Bloomington, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA)

Abstract

This study examines how the 8-week Hoosier Sport program impacts cardiovascular disease (CVD) risks by promoting physical activity (PA) among rural, low-income children. Using a human-centered participatory co-design approach, the program aimed to increase PA levels (e.g., total PA, daily steps) in at-risk children. The present study explored the feasibility of the intervention as well as physiological and psychological changes across the intervention using a hybrid type 2 design (a model that evaluates both the effectiveness of an intervention and its implementation in real-world settings). Favorable feasibility indicators like attendance, acceptability, and compliance, with a 23.3% recruitment rate and 94.3% retention rate, were observed. Moreover, participants attended over 80% of sessions across the 8 weeks. Accelerometers (AX3) tracked daily steps and total PA for 7 days before and after the intervention, revealing increased PA levels throughout. At post-intervention, notable improvements were observed in psychological factors such as autonomy, social competence, and global self-worth. This study highlights the importance of tailored PA interventions in schools, emphasizing their potential to improve PA levels among rural, low-income children.

Suggested Citation

  • Janette M. Watkins & Janelle M. Goss & McKenna G. Major & Megan M. Kwaiser & Andrew M. Medellin & James M. Hobson & Vanessa M. Martinez Kercher & Kyle A. Kercher, 2024. "Refined Feasibility Testing of an 8-Week Sport and Physical Activity Intervention in a Rural Middle School," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(7), pages 1-16, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:21:y:2024:i:7:p:913-:d:1434242
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Marlene Rosager Lund Pedersen & Thomas Viskum Gjelstrup Bredahl & Karsten Elmose-Østerlund & Anne Faber Hansen, 2022. "Motives and Barriers Related to Physical Activity within Different Types of Built Environments: Implications for Health Promotion," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(15), pages 1-12, July.
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