Process evaluation of an intervention to increase child activity levels in afterschool programs.
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.
University of South Carolina, Arnold School of Public Health, Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Discovery I Room 529, 915 Green Street, Columbia, SC 290208, United States. Electronic address: morganhughey@gmail.com.
S Morgan
SM
Hughey
University of South Carolina, Arnold School of Public Health, Department of Exercise Science, Public Health Research Center, Room 131, 921 Assembly Street, Columbia, SC 29208, United States. Electronic address: weaverrg@mailbox.sc.edu.
R Glenn
RG
Weaver
University of South Carolina, Arnold School of Public Health, Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Discovery I Room 529, 915 Green Street, Columbia, SC 290208, United States. Electronic address: rsaunders@sc.edu.
Ruth
R
Saunders
University of South Carolina, Department of Physical Education and Athletic Training, Blatt PE Center, 1300 Wheat Street Office 218-J, Columbia, SC 29205, United States. Electronic address: websterc@mailbox.sc.edu.
Collin
C
Webster
University of South Carolina, Arnold School of Public Health, Department of Exercise Science, Public Health Research Center, Room 131, 921 Assembly Street, Columbia, SC 29208, United States. Electronic address: beets@mailbox.sc.edu.
Michael W
MW
Beets
D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015444:Exercise; D005178:Faculty; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D007318:Inservice Training / Q000458:organization & administration; D007899:Leisure Activities; D008297:Male; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012574:Schools / Q000458:organization & administration*; D057185:Sedentary Behavior; D012737:Sex Factors
Community; Out-of-school-time; Physical activity