Fitness for life primary: stakeholders' perceptions

Background: Currently, obesity is one major pressing health concern for children, with physical inactivity being one main contributor. Schools are an excellent venue to provide pupils with opportunities for physical activity; however, schools are in need of user-friendly intervention programs that increase pupil activity and healthy behavior knowledge.Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine primary stakeholders' perceptions of a recently developed comprehensive healthy behavior program, Fitness for Life: Elementary. Methods: Parents (N = 342), pupils (N = 328), and school staff (N = 24) completed a previously validated survey questionnaire. A smaller group of school staff (n = 7) also participated in formal interviews.Results: Survey mean data indicated that average reactions from the participating stakeholders were positive. Classroom teachers who chose to participate had mostly positive reflections with three major themes identified: (a) teacher and pupil buy-in, (b) minimal teacher training, and (c) supportive administration.Conclusions: Teacher training and pupil reinforcement were two key factors that positively affected participants' reported fidelity to the program. Although, at first, some classroom teachers chose not to participate, additional classroom teachers joined the project over time. Favorable ratings of the curriculum suggested that busy classroom teachers could implement physical activity programs using ‘wellness weeks’ into the classroom when provided with appropriate materials and support.