Exploring the feasibility of an occupational therapy after-school program among rural elementary children

Abstract

ABSTRACT Programs that promote physical and social health for children after-school are needed. In this single-group pre-posttest study, we explored the feasibility of an 8-week afterschool program to promote physical activity, social participation, and well-being among rural elementary-age children. Data were collected from time-use activity clocks and self-assessed well-being to determine the amount of time in physical and social activities and to understand participants’ perceptions of their physical health and social relationships. Twenty-three children participated in the program. Results showed no significant change from the pretest to the posttest for total time spent in being active, non-active, and sleeping. Social participation time increased following participation in the after-school program and there was a main effect of time on weekday social participation, χ 2(4) = 12.888, p = .012. This occupational therapy after-school program was feasible to deliver. Additional research exploring after-school programming for outcomes of physical and social health are needed.