The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped many aspects of education and health interventions, particularly those aimed at increasing physical activity among children. A recent study titled "Adding Family Digital Supports to Classroom-Based Physical Activity Interventions to Target In- and Out-of-School Activity: An Evaluation of the Stay Active Intervention during the COVID-19 Pandemic" sheds light on innovative approaches to enhance student engagement and well-being.
The Stay Active Intervention: A Dual Approach
The study evaluated two versions of a remotely delivered classroom-based physical activity (CBPA) intervention. The first version involved only remote CBPA, while the second added mobile health (mHealth) family supports. This dual approach aimed to increase children's moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) both in and out of school.
Key Findings
- Both intervention arms showed significant increases in MVPA over time.
- The addition of family supports did not result in a statistically significant increase in physical activity compared to CBPA alone.
- Caregivers reported high satisfaction with the family support content.
- The use of Garmin devices for tracking activity levels was effective in both arms.
Implications for Practitioners
For practitioners seeking to implement or improve physical activity programs in schools, this study offers several insights:
1. Remote Delivery is Feasible and Effective
The success of remotely delivered CBPA suggests that schools can leverage technology to reach more students efficiently. This approach reduces the burden on classroom teachers and allows for consistent implementation across multiple schools or classrooms.
2. Family Engagement is Promising but Needs Refinement
While the addition of mHealth family supports did not significantly boost physical activity levels, it was well-received by families and supported sustained engagement with wearable devices. Future interventions could explore more intensive mHealth strategies, such as two-way texting or tailored messaging, to enhance effectiveness.
3. Holistic Approaches are Needed
The study highlights the potential benefits of integrating school-based interventions with family supports to create a multi-level approach. Engaging caregivers can foster a supportive environment for children’s physical activity outside of school hours.
Encouraging Further Research
This study opens up avenues for further research into scalable, cost-effective methods of delivering physical activity interventions. Future studies should explore:
- The impact of remote CBPA during in-person learning environments.
- The optimal dose and delivery method for mHealth family supports.
- Strategies to enhance caregiver-child interaction around physical activity goals.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Adding Family Digital Supports to Classroom-Based Physical Activity Interventions to Target In- and Out-of-School Activity: An Evaluation of the Stay Active Intervention during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Conclusion
The Stay Active Intervention demonstrates that remote delivery models hold promise for increasing children's physical activity levels. By incorporating family digital supports, schools can create a more engaging and holistic approach to student well-being. As we continue to navigate post-pandemic challenges, these findings offer valuable insights for educators and health practitioners alike.
