title: Association of staff behaviors and afterschool program features to physical activity: findings from Movin' After School.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Children's achievement of recommendations for moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in afterschool programs (ASP) is complex. It is unclear what elements of the ASP environment influence children's physical activity (PA). The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship of staff behaviors and ASP features (eg, organized activity, recreational equipment) to MVPA participation in youth attending ASPs.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data were collected in 12 ASPs in the Midwest. Staff behavior and child PA was measured using the System for Observing Play and Leisure Activity in Youth. The percentage of children's MVPA was examined in relation to staff behaviors and ASP features.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Increases in MVPA were observed when staff were directly engaged in PA, verbally promoted MVPA, and when PA was organized and equipment was present. When 3 or more of these characteristics were present, the proportion of children engaged in MVPA increased by 25%-30%. Conversely, MVPA levels decreased when these characteristics were absent and when staff were attending to other ASP duties or were supervising.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study provides evidence about the specific staff behaviors that may influence higher proportions of youth being active during ASP and implies specific skills that need to be incorporated into ASP staff training.
authors: School of Nutrition and Health Promotion, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, USA.
authors: Jennifer L
authors: JL
authors: Huberty
authors: Michael William
authors: MW
authors: Beets
authors: Aaron
authors: A
authors: Beighle
authors: Tom
authors: T
authors: Mckenzie
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D007899:Leisure Activities; D008297:Male; D015146:Midwestern United States; D009042:Motivation; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012574:Schools; D000078329:Workforce