Abstract
BackgroundSchool-based interventions offer the opportunity to increase physical activity, health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and nutritional behaviours, yet methodological limitations hinder current research, particularly among under-represented children from low socio-economic status (SES). The aim was to determine the effect of a 12-week physical activity programme, Sport for LIFE: All Island (SFL:AI), on physical activity levels, HRQOL, and nutritional attitudes and behaviours in children of low SES across the island of Ireland.MethodsA 2 (groups) × 4 (data collection points) clustered randomised controlled trial was conducted comprising an intervention group who received SFL:AI for 12 weeks, and a waiting-list control condition. In total 740 children (381 boys, 359 girls) aged 8–9 years (mean = 8.7; SD = .50) from 27 schools across four regions of Ireland (Ulster, Leinster, Connacht and Munster) took part. Physical activity was measured by accelerometers, and children completed a validated questionnaire at baseline, mid (i.e. 6-weeks), post-intervention (i.e. 12 weeks) and follow-up (i.e. 3 months post-intervention).ResultsNo significant interaction effects for the intervention were found on any of the study outcomes. Main effects were reported for physical well-being, parental relations and autonomy and financial resources, as well as sweetened beverages, environment and intake, and attitude to vegetables. However, these changes were not statistically attributable to the intervention.ConclusionsIt remains unclear if school-based physical activity interventions can improve HRQOL through physical activity with children from low SES. Logistical and methodological considerations are outlined to explore the null effect of the programme, and to provide suggestions for future research and practice.Trial registrationTrial registration number: ISRCTN76261698.Name of registry: ICRCTN.Date of registration: 23/08/2017.Date of enrolment: September 2014.
Highlights
Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is a multidimensional construct and refers to physical, psychological, social and behavioural components of children’s well-being [1]
Sport for All Island (LIFE):AI is the first ‘All island’ (Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland) collaboration between academic institutions aimed at promoting physical activity to children of low socio-economic status (SES), and the present study addressed some of the logistical and operational challenges of conducting a large-scale intervention
A total of 98 schools eligibility were assessed with 27 schools invited and agreeing to participate
Summary
Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is a multidimensional construct and refers to physical, psychological, social and behavioural components of children’s well-being [1]. 24% of pre-adolescent children in Northern Ireland [9] and 8.6% of boys and 2.9% of girls aged 9 years in England [10] are insufficiently active These statistics are reflected in data from 122 countries [11] that approximately 80% of school youth do not meet the MVPA guidelines for health. Longitudinal evidence suggests that physical activity behaviours developed during childhood decline during adolescence and adulthood [12], and children of low socio-economic status (SES) are at a higher risk of inactivity, and developing subsequent health problems [13]. The aim was to determine the effect of a 12-week physical activity programme, Sport for LIFE: All Island (SFL:AI), on physical activity levels, HRQOL, and nutritional attitudes and behaviours in children of low SES across the island of Ireland
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