Analysis of the involvement of participants in a school-based physical activity promotion programme in adolescence

Abstract

ABSTRACT The objective of this article is to evaluate ‘Sigue la Huella’ (‘Follow the Footprint’), a 2-year Spanish school-based physical activity promotion intervention, taking into account the viewpoints of the different agents involved. The evaluation entails a qualitative analysis of the strengths and weaknesses associated with the agents’ participation, providing recommendations to improve the future application of this and other interventions. We draw on participatory research data collected through six focus groups with 35 participants (11 students, 14 teachers and 10 parents), semi-structured interviews with the two intervention facilitators, and an analysis of the strengths and weaknesses by the community advisory group. The results of this study identify some recommendations that focus on a new policy proposal within the school context, driven by the responsible institutions, for the programme to improve the participation of the different stakeholders in future replication and institutionalisation efforts. In the opinion of all the participants, including stakeholders, the need for an organisational and cultural change in the schools is considered; one that will support Physical Education (PE) teachers in order for them to head this type of interventions and ensure their sustainability. Reference is also made to the need for school education projects, and for the effective collaboration between teachers and students, as well as their empowerment. Furthermore, greater engagement of all agents involved in promoting school physical activity (PA), especially among girls and older teenagers, parents and non-PE teachers, must be achieved.