Systematic observation of physical activity in afterschool programs: Preliminary Findings from Movin' afterschool intervention

Background: National and state organizations have called upon afterschool programs (3-6 PM, ASP) to promote physical activity (PA). Few strategies exist that ASPs can use to increase the PA of children enrolled. This study evaluated a policy-level intervention (Movin' Afterschool, MAS) designed to increase PA through staff implemented policy-level changes and ongoing technical support.

Methods: Twelve preexisting community-based ASPs serving 580 children (5-12 yrs, 57% girls) were invited to take part in MAS. Evaluation of children's PA, staff behaviors (engaged or promote PA, other ASP tasks, general supervising), and environmental features (equipment, organized PA) at baseline (Fall 2010) and postassessment (Spring 2011) were collected using SOPLAY (System for Observing Play and Leisure Activity in Youth) for boys and girls, separately. Random effects models evaluated changes in PA categories (sedentary, walking, vigorous).

Results: The percentage of boys and girls sedentary decreased by 11.8% and 11.4%, respectively. Girls walking increased by 6.9% while boys vigorous PA increased by 6.5%. Greater increases in vigorous activity were observed as postassessment in organized activities for boys and during indoor activities for girls.

Conclusions: Findings indicate a policy-level approach targeting staff training and ongoing technical support can produce notable increases in PA within the ASP setting.