Abstract
This paper describes the implementation and outcomes of the Southeast Colorado Physical Education Academy (SECPEA). The SECPEA intervention aimed to improve the quality of physical education taught by 21 teachers in 19 rural schools in Southeast Colorado over a two-year period by supporting the implementation of an enhanced physical education program (EPE). The System for Observing Fitness Instruction Time was used to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention at baseline, post year one, and post year two. Post year one, a moderate and significant increase was observed in overall MVPA% per lesson. The largest increase was observed in the MVPA% during the first five minutes of lessons. Significant increases were also observed in girls’ MVPA% and for teacher promotion of MVPA. Post year two, significant positive increases were observed in the percentage of vigorous physical activity and energy expenditure rate. The SECPEA was a successful model for implementation of an EPE. Continued testing of the model in diverse settings is warranted.
Highlights
Prevention of childhood obesity is an important public health priority
The Southeast Colorado Physical Education Academy (SECPEA) intervention aimed to improve the quality of physical education taught by 21 teachers in 19 rural schools in Southeast Colorado over a two-year period by supporting the implementation of an enhanced physical education program (EPE)
The purpose of this paper is to describe the implementation of the SECPEA and the extent to which the SECPEA led to improvements in the quality of physical education post year one and post year two
Summary
Children from rural communities are often characterized as “food insecure” because there is no supermarket within 10 miles of their home (Ver Ploeg et al, 2012) and families often rely on convenient sources of fast food that contribute to obesogenic conditions when consumed regularly It is common for children from rural communities to have limited access to physical activity opportunities (e.g., lack of access to public parks, active transportation pathways, lack of street lighting; Warren, Beck, & Delgado, 2019). Given these realities, it should not be surprising that rural children and adults are at greater risk for obesity than their urban counterparts (Johnson & Johnson, 2015)
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