Feasibility, acceptability and potential efficacy of a virtual physical activity program in primary and secondary schools in New South Wales, Australia: A quasi-experimental study.

ABSTRACT:

Issue addressed

Child and youth participation in physical activity (PA) is fundamental for healthy development and obesity prevention. Government policy requires schools to offer 150 minutes of PA each week, however compliance is low. Race around Australia (RAA) is a New South Wales (NSW) Department of Education, virtual PA program aimed at assisting schools in meeting the PA guidelines.

Methods

A pre- and post-intervention, quasi-experimental study was conducted using a mixed-methods approach comprising teacher interviews, a student questionnaire and a 1.6 kilometre (km) timed run. Data were collected from April to September 2021 among students and teachers in Grades 5 to 8, from 10 schools in NSW, Australia.

Results

The analytical sample included data from 918 stude

SUBMITTER: Elliott K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10087342 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature