Introduction
Physical activity (PA) among children is a pressing public health issue, with many industrialized countries reporting that fewer than one in five children meet the recommended 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous daily physical activity (DPA). Schools, as pivotal environments for promoting PA, have the potential to reach children from diverse socio-economic backgrounds and instill healthy behaviors early on. Yet, many school-based PA interventions have struggled to succeed.
In Quebec, Canada, the "Active at School!" program was introduced as a promising initiative to tackle this issue. This blog explores how practitioners can leverage findings from the research article "An evaluation of the ‘bottom-up’ implementation of the Active at school! programme in Quebec, Canada" to enhance their skills and improve PA levels in schools.
Understanding the 'Bottom-Up' Approach
The "Active at School!" program in Quebec adopts a 'bottom-up' implementation strategy, allowing schools to develop tailored activities to meet the government's DPA objective. This approach grants schools the flexibility to create interventions that cater to local needs, potentially leading to more effective and sustainable outcomes.
The research highlights three critical factors that predict successful adherence to the DPA objective:
- Financial Resources per Student: Schools with more financial resources per student were more likely to meet the 60-minute DPA target.
- Shared Vision on PA Benefits: A shared belief among school team members that PA positively impacts learning outcomes significantly contributed to meeting the DPA objective.
- Conducting a Situational Analysis: Schools that conducted a detailed analysis of their PA situation before implementation were more successful in meeting the DPA target, particularly in urban settings.
Implementing the Findings
Practitioners can enhance their skills and improve PA levels in schools by focusing on the following strategies:
- Allocate Resources Wisely: Ensure financial resources are used effectively to support PA initiatives. Consider investing in equipment, staff training, and facilities that promote active lifestyles.
- Foster a Shared Vision: Engage all school team members in understanding the benefits of PA on learning outcomes. This can be achieved through workshops, seminars, and sharing success stories from other schools.
- Conduct Situational Analyses: Before implementing PA programs, conduct thorough analyses to understand the school's unique needs and resources. This will help tailor interventions to maximize impact.
Encouraging Further Research
While the study provides valuable insights, further research is needed to explore the nuances of PA program implementation in different contexts. Practitioners are encouraged to engage in ongoing research and share their findings to contribute to the broader understanding of effective PA interventions.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: An evaluation of the ‘bottom-up’ implementation of the Active at school! programme in Quebec, Canada.
