Club Fit!: A Physical Activity, Education, and Mentoring Service Learning Program

Abstract

INTRO: In the United States, obesity affects about 12.7 million children and adolescents, with minority and low-income populations at an increased risk. Development of a positive association and regular engagement in physical activity at a young age promotes the transition of these habits into adulthood. School-based physical activity programs benefit communities as well as students and schools. The implementation of a physical activity based service learning program provides a mutually beneficial partnership between pre-service teachers and the elementary students. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a 9-week fitness intervention and education program for under-served 5th grade students. METHODS: Club Fit! consists of a 9-week program with bi-weekly 60-minute exercise sessions. Physical Education Teacher Education pre-service teachers (n=21) served as mentors to 5th grade students (n=35) enrolled at a local elementary school. The pre-service teacher/mentor to student/mentee ratio was 1:1 - 1:2. Pre-service teachers alternated leading lessons focused on health and skill-related physical fitness components, such as paddle tennis, yoga, jumping rope, and locomotor skills. Basic educational concepts from the components of physical fitness were incorporated, including comparing heart rate before and after activity and distinguishing between muscular strength and endurance. Each session concluded with journal questions reflective of the day’s concepts and activities. Prior to the program, pre-service teachers trained to use the FitnessGram assessment protocols and Healthy Fitness Zone standards (HFZ). Four FitnessGram Performance Standards were assessed pre- and post-program: Back Saver Sit and Reach, One Mile Run, Curl-Ups, and Push-Ups. Paired t-tests were used to asses the pre and post values for all four FitnessGram Performance Standards. RESULTS: Students improved performance in all measured FitnessGram components: Back Saver Sit and Reach (Left: p = 0.00922=, Right: p = 0.00319); One Mile Run (p = 2.279E-7); Curl-Ups (p = 0.000261); Push-Ups (p = 0.00159). CONCLUSION: Students improved in all four FitnessGram components and HFZ standards were met for all comparable components. The fitness intervention increased levels of health-related fitness.