School-Based Intervention to Increase Physical Activity Among Adolescent Females
| Status: | Completed |
|---|---|
| Conditions: | Obesity Weight Loss, Peripheral Vascular Disease |
| Therapuetic Areas: | Cardiology / Vascular Diseases, Endocrinology |
| Healthy: | No |
| Age Range: | 13 - 15 |
| Updated: | 8/4/2016 |
| Start Date: | February 2000 |
| End Date: | May 2005 |
Interventions to Increase Adolescent Physical Activity
Physical inactivity is a major public health problem in the United States. Research has
shown that physical activity levels decline during adolescence, and the decline is greater
in females than males. The purpose of this study is to evaluate a life-skills oriented
physical activity intervention at increasing activity levels and decreasing cardiovascular
risk factors in adolescent females.
shown that physical activity levels decline during adolescence, and the decline is greater
in females than males. The purpose of this study is to evaluate a life-skills oriented
physical activity intervention at increasing activity levels and decreasing cardiovascular
risk factors in adolescent females.
Physical activity levels decline dramatically during adolescence, particularly among
females, with the decline most apparent among African Americans. The health benefits of
regular physical activity are well-known; individuals who are active have lower rates of
obesity and less incidence of cardiovascular disease. Because physical activity behaviors
often develop during childhood, it is important to develop programs specifically for
adolescents to encourage them to adopt and maintain a physically active lifestyle.
Unfortunately, few programs have been developed that specifically focus on adolescents, and
the long-term effectiveness of these programs is unknown. This study will evaluate the
effectiveness of a life-skills oriented Comprehensive Physical Activity Program (CAP) at
increasing activity levels in adolescents. Participants in the CAP program will develop new
behavioral skills, which will assist them to continue a physically active lifestyle once the
program ends. The purpose of this study is to compare CAP versus a standard physical
education (PE) class at increasing physical activity levels and decreasing cardiovascular
risk factors in adolescent African American and Caucasian females.
This study will enroll 9th grade female students who attend a high school in Baltimore,
Maryland. They will be randomly assigned to participate in either a standard PE class or
CAP. Participants in the CAP program will also receive support from a family member to
ensure that they receive encouragement for engaging in exercise. Baseline assessments will
include physical activity level; cardiorespiratory fitness; cardiovascular risk factors,
including blood pressure, lipoproteins, and body mass index (BMI); and psychosocial factors.
Participants will attend follow-up visits at the end of each school year in the 9th, 10th,
and 11th grades.
females, with the decline most apparent among African Americans. The health benefits of
regular physical activity are well-known; individuals who are active have lower rates of
obesity and less incidence of cardiovascular disease. Because physical activity behaviors
often develop during childhood, it is important to develop programs specifically for
adolescents to encourage them to adopt and maintain a physically active lifestyle.
Unfortunately, few programs have been developed that specifically focus on adolescents, and
the long-term effectiveness of these programs is unknown. This study will evaluate the
effectiveness of a life-skills oriented Comprehensive Physical Activity Program (CAP) at
increasing activity levels in adolescents. Participants in the CAP program will develop new
behavioral skills, which will assist them to continue a physically active lifestyle once the
program ends. The purpose of this study is to compare CAP versus a standard physical
education (PE) class at increasing physical activity levels and decreasing cardiovascular
risk factors in adolescent African American and Caucasian females.
This study will enroll 9th grade female students who attend a high school in Baltimore,
Maryland. They will be randomly assigned to participate in either a standard PE class or
CAP. Participants in the CAP program will also receive support from a family member to
ensure that they receive encouragement for engaging in exercise. Baseline assessments will
include physical activity level; cardiorespiratory fitness; cardiovascular risk factors,
including blood pressure, lipoproteins, and body mass index (BMI); and psychosocial factors.
Participants will attend follow-up visits at the end of each school year in the 9th, 10th,
and 11th grades.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Enrolled in 9th grade at the participating high school in Baltimore, Maryland
Exclusion Criteria:
- Has a chronic medical disorder
- Currently taking medications that affect the cardiovascular or metabolic systems
(e.g., beta adrenergic blockers)
- Excused from the State of Maryland's PE requirement
- Planning on leaving the area prior to the end of the study
- Has a sibling enrolled in the study
- Pregnant or breast-feeding
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