ParkIndex represents a standardized metric of park access that combines elements of both park availability and quality, which was developed empirically and can be represented spatially. This tool has both practical and conceptual significance for researchers and professionals in diverse disciplines.
Background
Identifying effective strategies in Afterschool programs (ASPs) to increase children's moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in the ASP setting is crucial. This study describes the process evaluation outcomes from an intervention to reduce child sedentary time and increase MVPA in ASPs.
Methods
Four ASPs participated in a quasi-experimental single-group pre-post study targeting child sedentary time and MVPA. The strategies implemented to help ASPs meet Physical Activity Standards consisted of detailed schedules, professional development trainings, on-site booster sessions, and technical assistance. Process evaluation related to staff behaviors was collected via systematic observation to identify the interventions impact on the physical and social environment of the ASP. Random-effects regression models examined the impact of the intervention on boys/girls observed sedentary behavior, MVPA, and changes in staff behaviors.
Results
Increases in MVPA and reductions in sedentary behavior were observed during enrichment, academics, organized and free-play physical activities (PA). Corresponding changes in staff behaviors were observed during these ASP contexts. For example, staff reduced child idle-time during organized PA (38.9%-1.8%) and provided energizers more often during enrichment (0.2%-11.5%).
Conclusions
This study identified changes in staff behavior during ASP contexts that led to increases in child MVPA and decreases in child sedentary behavior.
Background: Attributes of the built environment, such as neighborhood walkability, have been linked to increased physical activity and reduced obesity risk. This relationship, however, has primarily been documented in adults; less is known about neighborhood walkability and youth obesity, as limited prior research has produced mixed findings. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between neighborhood walkability and youth obesity, including differences by urbanicity. Methods: Data were collected in 2013 from youth aged 7-14 years (n = 13,469) in a Southeastern county school district. Height and weight were objectively measured and utilized to calculate body mass index (BMI) z-scores. Youth demographic characteristics and addresses were obtained, and a Walk Score Ò was gathered for each youth's home address. Multilevel linear regression analysis, accounting for nesting within census block groups, was conducted to examine the association between Walk Score and BMI z-score and to test for the moderating effect of urbanicity. Separate multilevel analyses examined Walk Score and BMI z-score among urban, urban-rural mixed, and rural youth subsamples. Results: Overall, as Walk Score increased, youth BMI z-score decreased. Walk Score was positively associated with BMI z-score among urban youth and negatively associated with BMI z-score among rural youth; no relationship was observed between Walk Score and youth in urban-rural mixed areas. Conclusions: Neighborhood walkability may impact youth differently across geographic areas. Further study is warranted about how youth utilize a walkable environment and mechanisms through which walkability influences youth physical activity and obesity risk.
Highlights
Composite measures of park availability, features, and quality are lacking.
Detailed park access and use data were collected in four diverse communities.
Number of parks, total acreage, and average park quality were related to park use.
Simulated addition and renovation of parks increased the probability of park use.
ParkIndex has value for advancing public health and environmental justice.
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