Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Research Protocols
Date Submitted: Feb 8, 2022
Date Accepted: Apr 22, 2022
Move More, Get More Physical Activity and Nutrition Intervention for Middle Schoolers: Protocol for a Quasi-Experimental Study
ABSTRACT
Background:
Physical activity and nutrition behaviors are important to reduce the prevalence of childhood obesity. Previous research identifies school-based interventions as effective strategies to improve physical activity and nutrition. However, results are often mixed and middle schoolers are often under-studied.
Objective:
The proposed study aims to fill this gap by developing an after-school intervention to increase physical activity and fruit and vegetable consumption that is influenced by national guidelines and formative research.
Methods:
The proposed study will be a 9-month after-school quasi-experimental study. Weekly, middle schoolers will be offered 2-4 physical activity sessions and 1 produce kit. Physical activity will be measured using accelerometers and questionnaires. Nutrition behaviors will be assessed using questionnaires, and physical literacy will be assessed using researcher observations. Difference scores will be calculated and analyzed for each outcome variable.
Results:
The intervention started in September of 2021, has an ongoing enrollment, and concludes in May 2022. Study results are expected later in 2022.
Conclusions:
The proposed study expects to increase physical activity and fruit and vegetable consumption. Further, the study expects to reduce BMI. If successful, the study will focus on reach and sustainability. Lastly, this study may serve as a model for improving health outcomes in middle schools.
Citation
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Copyright
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