Promoting physical activity in middle school girls: Trial of Activity for Adolescent Girls.
BACKGROUND
Physical activity is important for weight control and good health; however, activity levels decline in the adolescent years, particularly in girls.


METHODS
Group randomized controlled trial.


METHODS
Middle school girls with English-speaking skills and no conditions to prevent participation in physical activity in 36 schools in six geographically diverse areas of the United States. Random, cross-sectional samples were drawn within schools: 6th graders in 2003 (n=1721) and 8th graders in 2005 (n=3504) and 2006 (n=3502).


METHODS
A 2-year study-directed intervention (fall 2003 to spring 2005) targeted schools, community agencies, and girls to increase opportunities, support, and incentives for increased physical activity. Components included programs linking schools and community agencies, physical education, health education, and social marketing. A third-year intervention used school and community personnel to direct intervention activities.


METHODS
The primary outcome, daily MET-weighted minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MET-weighted MVPA), was assessed using accelerometry. Percent body fat was assessed using anthropometry.


RESULTS
After the staff-directed intervention (pre-stated primary outcome), there were no differences (mean= -0.4, 95% CI= -8.2 to 7.4) in adjusted MET-weighted MVPA between 8th-grade girls in schools assigned to intervention or control. Following the Program Champion-directed intervention, girls in intervention schools were more physically active than girls in control schools (mean difference 10.9 MET-weighted minutes of MVPA, 95% CI=0.52-21.2). This difference is about 1.6 minutes of daily MVPA or 80 kcal per week. There were no differences in fitness or percent body fat at either 8th-grade timepoint.


CONCLUSIONS
A school-based, community-linked intervention modestly improved physical activity in girls.
Webber
Larry S
LS
Department of Biostatistics, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112, USA. lwebber@tulane.edu
Catellier
Diane J
DJ
Lytle
Leslie A
LA
Murray
David M
DM
Pratt
Charlotte A
CA
Young
Deborah R
DR
Elder
John P
JP
Lohman
Timothy G
TG
Stevens
June
J
Jobe
Jared B
JB
Pate
Russell R
RR
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior; D000886:Anthropometry; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D018670:Monitoring, Ambulatory / Q000295:instrumentation; D010809:Physical Fitness; D015397:Program Evaluation; D013997:Time Factors; D014481:United States