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Empowering Youth Through Inclusive Physical Activity Programs

Empowering Youth Through Inclusive Physical Activity Programs

Introduction

Physical activity (PA) is crucial for the healthy development of children and adolescents. Despite its benefits, a significant number of Canadian youth do not meet the recommended 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) daily. School-based programs, such as intramurals, present valuable opportunities to promote PA among youth. A recent study published in BMC Public Health titled "Examining if changes in gender-specific and co-ed intramural programs affect youth physical activity over time: a natural experiment evaluation using school- and student-level data from the COMPASS study" explores the impact of these programs on youth PA over time.

Understanding the Study

The study utilized data from the COMPASS study, which collected information from secondary schools in Ontario over three years. It examined how changes in gender-specific and co-ed intramurals affected youth MVPA. The study found that while participation in intramural, varsity, and community sports was positively associated with youth MVPA, changes in gender-specific and co-ed intramurals were not significantly associated with youth MVPA in the subsequent years.

Key Findings

Implications for Practitioners

For practitioners in schools and organizations like TinyEYE, these findings highlight the importance of maintaining a diverse range of physical activity programs. While the immediate impact of changing intramural formats may not be significant, offering a variety of inclusive and accessible programs can foster a supportive environment for PA. Here are some actionable insights:

Encouraging Further Research

The study suggests that further research is needed to explore the potential benefits of gender-specific intramurals, particularly for female students. Practitioners are encouraged to engage in or support research efforts that examine the long-term effects of these programs on youth PA. By contributing to the body of evidence, practitioners can help shape effective strategies for promoting PA among youth.

Conclusion

While changes in intramural formats alone may not significantly increase youth PA, maintaining a diverse and inclusive range of programs is crucial. Gender-specific intramurals, in particular, may offer a supportive environment that encourages female participation. As practitioners, it's essential to continue exploring and implementing strategies that foster active lifestyles among youth.

To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Examining if changes in gender-specific and co-ed intramural programs affect youth physical activity over time: a natural experiment evaluation using school- and student-level data from the COMPASS study.


Citation: Burns, K. E., Chaurasia, A., Carson, V., & Leatherdale, S. T. (2021). Examining if changes in gender-specific and co-ed intramural programs affect youth physical activity over time: A natural experiment evaluation using school- and student-level data from the COMPASS study. BMC Public Health, 21, 2045. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-021-12090-z
Marnee Brick, President, TinyEYE Therapy Services

Author's Note: Marnee Brick, TinyEYE President, and her team collaborate to create our blogs. They share their insights and expertise in the field of Speech-Language Pathology, Online Therapy Services and Academic Research.

Connect with Marnee on LinkedIn to stay updated on the latest in Speech-Language Pathology and Online Therapy Services.

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Apply Today

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in online therapy apply today!

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