Introduction
Physical activity is crucial for the healthy development of youth, contributing to disease prevention, improved academic performance, and mental well-being. Despite these benefits, many Canadian youth, especially females, are not meeting the recommended physical activity guidelines. The research article titled "A School-Level Examination of the Association between Programs and Policies and Physical Activity Outcomes among Females from the COMPASS Study" explores how school-level programs and policies can influence physical activity outcomes among female students. This blog aims to help practitioners improve their skills by implementing the research outcomes or encouraging further research.
Understanding the Gender Gap in Physical Activity
The COMPASS study highlights a significant gender gap in physical activity among Canadian youth. Males are more likely to meet the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP) guidelines, engage in more strength training days, and accumulate more minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) compared to females. This disparity underscores the need for targeted interventions to promote physical activity among female students.
Key Findings from the COMPASS Study
The study examined data from 136 schools and identified several school-level programs and policies positively associated with female physical activity outcomes:
- Varsity Sports: Schools offering more female varsity sports teams had higher percentages of female students meeting CSEP guidelines, engaging in strength training, and achieving daily MVPA.
- Community Partnerships: Partnerships with external fitness facilities offering reduced-cost memberships were linked to higher physical activity levels among female students.
- Fitness Ambassadors: The presence of fitness ambassadors, who promote physical activity within schools, was associated with increased physical activity among female students.
Implementing Effective School-Level Strategies
Practitioners can leverage these findings to enhance physical activity programs and policies in schools:
- Expand Varsity Sports: Increasing the number of female varsity sports teams can provide more opportunities for female students to engage in physical activity.
- Foster Community Partnerships: Establish partnerships with local fitness centers to offer affordable memberships, encouraging female students to participate in physical activities outside school hours.
- Introduce Fitness Ambassadors: Implement fitness ambassador programs to motivate and support female students in becoming more physically active.
Encouraging Further Research
While the COMPASS study provides valuable insights, further research is needed to explore the long-term impact of these programs and policies on female physical activity. Practitioners are encouraged to conduct longitudinal studies to assess the sustainability and effectiveness of these interventions over time.
Conclusion
Addressing the gender gap in physical activity requires targeted school-level strategies that promote supportive environments for female students. By implementing programs such as varsity sports, community partnerships, and fitness ambassadors, schools can create a positive impact on female physical activity outcomes. Practitioners are urged to consider these findings and explore further research to enhance physical activity among female youth.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: A School-Level Examination of the Association between Programs and Policies and Physical Activity Outcomes among Females from the COMPASS Study.
