Physical Activity In Adolescent Girls Research Articles

The relationship between primary dysmenorrhea and physical activity in adolescent girls at SMP Negeri 2 Jatinangor in the working area of Cisempur Community Health Center

Adolescents often experience challenges related to reproductive health, especially regarding menstruation which occurs monthly. Menstruation is a natural phenomenon of bleeding from the uterus, indicating the maturity of the reproductive organs. Although common, a large number of young women in Indonesia face issues such as discomfort during menstruation, such as dysmenorrhea. Of course, menstrual pain can be caused by various factors, one of which is physical activity. The physical activities carried out by each young woman are of course different. This study aims to determine the relationship between primary dysmenorrhea and physical activity in adolescent girls at SMP Negeri 2 Jatinangor in the working area of Cisempur Community Health Center. This type of research uses quantitative analytics with a cross-sectional approach. The research sample used a total sampling technique, involving 205 female students as respondents. The tools used in this research included a questionnaire with a Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) and a questionnaire regarding physical activity of adolescent girls with an ordinal scale, which were then analyzed using a univariate approach. Data analysis was carried out by chi-square test, the majority of respondents, namely 96 respondents (46.8%) experienced mild primary dysmenorrhea. Most respondents experienced moderate physical activity, namely 124 respondents (60.1%). Based on the bivariate test, the p value = 0.051 (p <= 0.05). This shows that H0 is accepted so that there is no relationship between primary dysmenorrhea and physical activity at SMP Negeri 2 Jatinangor in 2024. The lighter the level of primary dysmenorrhea, the lighter the physical activity faced by young women at SMP Negeri 2 Jatinangor.

Personality and motivation of physical activity in adolescent girls: effects of perceived parental support and social physical anxiety

In the present study, we investigated the relationship between personality and motivation for physical activity while introducing perceived parental support and social physical anxiety in adolescent girls (N = 318, Mage: 16.19 ± 0.51 years). The present study was a retrospective correlational study that was conducted to analyze of a path model. Dark triad traits: Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy, student’s motivation for physical activity, social physique anxiety, and participants’ perceptions of parents’ behaviors were measured. The findings indicated that psychopathy and Machiavellianism were directly and indirectly associated with motivation for physical activity, but Narcissism could only directly predict the motivation for physical activity. Also, need-thwarting (the most), need-supportive and social physical anxiety could predict motivation for physical activity. This model of the result suggests that among adolescent girls, dark triad personality could, directly and indirectly, predict motivation with need-supportive and need-thwarting and also social physical anxiety. It seems that the sense of importance and more attention to oneself in adolescent girls, which exists in the narcissistic personality, can directly lead to more motivation for physical activity. Also, the duplicitous ways of Machiavellian people in pursuing their motives were confirmed in this research.

S12-2 The effectiveness of a peer-led school-based walking intervention on adolescent girls’ physical activity: the Walking In ScHools (WISH) study

Abstract Purpose Adolescent girls are failing to meet current physical activity (PA) guidelines. PA behaviours track from childhood to adulthood so providing adolescent girls with opportunities to be physically active may have benefits well beyond childhood. The effects of walking interventions on adult health are known, however less is understood about the potential of walking to promote PA in adolescents. Following the WISH pilot feasibility study that reported an increase in light intensity PA, a full trial has been undertaken to evaluate the effectiveness of a novel school-based walking intervention at increasing PA levels of adolescent girls. Methods The WISH study is a clustered randomised controlled trial in which a peer-led, school-based, brisk walking intervention is compared to usual PA in adolescent girls (12-14years). Data was collected at four timepoints over a 13-month period. Following baseline data collection, schools were randomly allocated to intervention (n = 9) or control (n = 9). In intervention schools, older pupils (aged 15-18years) were trained as walk leaders and led younger girls in 10-15min walks before school and at break-times across the school year (20-22weeks). The primary outcome was accelerometer-measured total PA (post-intervention). Secondary outcomes included anthropometry, quality of life and sleep. Results In total, 590 participants (mean(SD) age 12.6(0.6)years) were recruited from 18 schools across Northern Ireland (n = 9) and the Republic of Ireland (n = 9). Within the intervention schools, 149 walk leaders were trained (mean(SD) age 17.1(0.8)years). At baseline (n = 535), mean(SD) time spent in moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) was 39.2(17.1)mins/day and only 66 (12%) girls achieved PA guidelines of 60minutes MVPA per day. Post-intervention interviews were conducted with n = 18 walk leaders and n = 9 teachers. Focus groups (n = 9) were conducted with a mix of high and low attenders. Data analysis is ongoing, and the process evaluation is underway (both will be complete by May 2023). Conclusion To our knowledge, this is the first fully powered trial to investigate the effectiveness of a peer-led brisk walking intervention in adolescent girls. The current study builds on a promising pilot trial which confirmed the feasibility of the intervention. If the intervention increases PA, it has potential to be implemented widely.

Knowledge about Anemia and Physical Activity with the Incidence of Anemia Among Adolescent Girls

Adolescent girls with anemia in Indonesia was still high. Adolescents, especially girls were prone to anemia due to their menstrual cycle every month. This cross-sectional study intended to analyze the relationship between knowledge about anemia and physical activity of adolescent girls with the anemia incidence. This research was conducted in MTs. Fadlurrahman, Bekasi, West Java, Indonesia in 2022. This cross-sectional study with 49 samples used stratified random sampling to determine the subjects. The result showed that 36,7% of subjects had anemia, 69,4% had low knowledge and 65,31% had low activity. Chi-square analysis indicated that knowledge of anemia in adolescent girls significantly (p<0,05) related to anemia incidence, but no significant (p>0,05) relationship between physical activity in adolescent girls with the anemia incidence. These findings indicated that increasing the knowledge was important to prevent anemia. Physical activity did not directly affect anemia incidence and needs further investigation.

Anthropometric characteristics and indicators of protein-­energy metabolism in adolescent girls with dynamic physical activity

Objective — to study the anthropometric characteristics of adolescent girls 12—18 years old, engaged in the have dynamic physical activity, and to determine the indicators of their protein-energy metabolism.
 Materials and methods. Examinations involved 37 girls aged 12—18, who were engaged in the dynamic sports 3­4 times a week for 3—8 years. The comparison group included 34 practically healthy girls of the same age with similar weight and height parameters who were physically inactive. All girls were examined by a pediatrician, an endocrinologist, a gynecologist, and a psychiatrist. The following anthropometric parameters were examined: height, body weight, shoulder width, arm length, arm span, chest girth, leg length, waist circumference, hip circumference, body mass index was calculated. The concentration of urea in blood serum was determined by the fluorometric method, the levels of creatinine, lactate, activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase and creatine kinase in the blood serum were determined by the photometric method. The blood analysis of female athletes was carried out after two days of rest after training. Statistical processing of data was carried out with the help of Exсel, SPSS, Statgrafics programs.
 Results and discussion. Low physical activity of adolescent girls was associated with a higher risk of primary dysmenorrhea (OR 3.75; CI 95 %) and the presence of gallbladder folds and deformities (OR 2.34; CI 95 %). No significant differences were revealed in the anthropometric characteristics of the girls with different physical activity. This may indicate the physiological nature of their training regime. Underweight of girls was 1.31 times more likely to be associated with sports (risk ratio (RR) 1.31; CI 95 %), and overweight was 1.45 times more common in adynamic teenagers (RR 1.45; CI 95 %). Levels of urea, creatinine, lactate, activity of ALT, LDH, creatine kinase were significantly higher in group of athletically active girls aged 12—14 than in group of inactive ones, and for athletic girls aged 15—18, the higher levels of alanine aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase were noticed.
 Conclusions. Engagement in the dynamic sports three times a week during 3­8 years does not lead to significant changes in the anthropometric characteristics of adolescent girls compared to physically inactive ones. Sports girls have higher levels of urea, creatinine, lactate, LDH, ALT and creatine kinase, which indicates the intensity of muscle work and the activation of protein­-energy metabolism.

Contribution of Snacks and Physical Activities to Elevated Blood Pressure of Adolescent Girls in West Java, Indonesia

Introduction: The prevalence of hypertension in Indonesia has continued to increase over the last few years. An unhealthy diet and lack of physical activity can elevate blood pressure, particularly if an unhealthy lifestyle has been followed since adolescence. This study aimed to analyze the correlation between snack consumption and physical activity with blood pressure in adolescent girls. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 349 adolescent girls from seven Islamic boarding schools in West Java, Indonesia. Data on daily food and snack consumption were obtained by the 24-hour recall for 3 non-consecutive days. Blood pressure was measured using a digital blood pressure instrument, and the results were categorized by age, gender, and height. Linear regression analyses were performed to investigate determinants of blood pressure. Results: A total of 120 (34.4%) of the adolescent girls in the study had hypertension. A majority of girls had inadequate daily intake (energy, fat, carbohydrates, and sodium; only total protein intake met Indonesia’s recommended dietary allowance). Snacks were found to be high in protein, fat, and carbohydrates, with consumption levels above 15%. More than half (61.9%) of the subjects’ daily sodium intake came from snacks. Low-fat intake from snacks was associated with an increase in blood pressure in this study. Daily nutritional intake affecting blood pressure included sodium and total fat intake. Lack of physical activity in adolescent girls was not a risk factor for elevated blood pressure. Conclusion: Fat and sodium intake was associated with elevated blood pressure in adolescent girls.

Association between Chronotype and Physical Behaviours in Adolescent Girls.

The aim of this study was to (1) describe accelerometer-assessed physical behaviours by chronotype, and (2) examine the association between chronotype and accelerometer-assessed physical behaviours in a cohort of adolescent girls. Chronotype (single question) and physical behaviours (GENEActiv accelerometer on the non-dominant wrist) were assessed in 965 adolescent girls (13.9 ± 0.8 years). Linear mixed-effects models examined the relationships among chronotype and physical behaviours (time in bed, total sleep time, sleep efficiency, sedentary time, overall, light and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity) on weekdays and weekend days. Over the 24 h day, participants spent 46% sedentary, 20% in light activity, 3% in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, and 31% in 'time in bed'. Seventy percent of participants identified as 'evening' chronotypes. Compared to evening chronotypes, morning chronotypes engaged in less sedentary time (10 min/day) and had higher overall physical activity (1.3 mg/day, ~30 min of slow walking) on weekdays. Most girls identified as evening chronotypes with a large proportion of their day spent sedentary and a small amount in physical activities which may be exacerbated in evening chronotypes on weekdays. The results maybe be important for programmes aiming to promote physical activity in adolescent girls.

The Role of Parental Support and the Students' Opinions in Active Finnish Physical Education Homework.

Prior research indicates that adolescent boys are often more active than girls, implying a need for special attention to increase the physical activity levels of adolescent girls. Adolescents are at an age where they are especially susceptible to environmental and social influences but still have a limited amount of autonomy over their own behaviors. The effective physical activity programs implemented at this age may benefit health into adulthood. The fact that adolescents’ physical activity is influenced by many factors indicates that to achieve any behavioral change, interventions must target several levels across the socio-ecological model. During childhood, the family is the primary factor in socializing and shaping engagement in physical activity. This study is part of the Physical Education (PE) Homework Study project which was implemented in a midsized secondary school in the middle of Finland from 2016 to 2020. The goal was to develop one easily approachable way to prevent the decreasing physical activity of adolescent girls. This was done by increasing physical activity times of adolescent girls outside of the school by giving them active PE assignments. The aim was also to explore students’ and their parents’ perceptions of physically active physical education homework. In this part of the study, there were 43 interviews: 38 student interviews and 5 interviews with parents. The analysis process followed the qualitative content analysis (QCA) strategy by Schreirer. In this study, we combined the views of students and parents, and obtained a broad picture of the PE homework assignments given at school but completed at home. According to students and parents, PE homework assignments should be diverse, interesting, and challenging, they should also be provided at flexible schedules outside of school hours with family support. Physical education homework could be a potential approach to influence the physical activity of the student population by involving school curriculum and families.

S06-5 The Walking In ScHools (WISH) study: Development and evaluation of a peer-led school-based walking intervention in adolescent girls from pilot to fully-powered trial

Abstract Background Walking interventions, delivered within the school setting, have the potential to increase physical activity (PA) in adolescents. Previous research has shown that walking is an acceptable form of PA for adolescent girls, and that walking interventions may be effective at increasing PA in this group. Findings from the Walking In ScHools (WISH) pilot study (n199 female participants) found the intervention was effective in increasing light intensity PA in adolescent girls, but further research is needed to examine the effects of walking on overall PA and the role of peer leaders in delivering school-based interventions. The present study aims to build upon this pilot work and evaluate the effectiveness of a novel, low-cost, peer-led school-based walking intervention, delivered across the school year, at increasing accelerometer-measured PA levels of adolescent girls. Methods The WISH study is a school-based cluster randomised controlled trial targeting adolescent girls (aged 12-14 years) within the post-primary school setting. Data will be collected at four timepoints, baseline, mid-intervention, post-intervention, and 13 months post-baseline. Following baseline data collection, schools were randomly allocated to intervention (n = 9) or control (n = 9). In intervention schools, older pupils (aged 15-18 years) were trained as walk leaders and led the younger girls in 10-15min walks before school, at break, and during lunch, across the school year (20-22 weeks). The primary outcome measure is accelerometer-measured total PA (post-intervention) and secondary outcomes include anthropometry measures, and wellbeing. Results Some 590 participants (mean(SD) age 12.6(0.64)years) were recruited from 18 schools across Northern Ireland (n = 9) and the Border region of the Republic of Ireland (n9). Within the intervention schools, 149 walk leaders were trained. At baseline (n = 535), mean(SD) time spent in moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) was 39.2(17.07)mins/day and 66 (12%) girls achieved PA guidelines of 60 minutes MVPA per day. Data collection and analysis is ongoing. Conclusions This research has outlined the development of a novel, peer-led walking intervention and demonstrated its effectiveness at increasing light intensity PA in adolescent girls. The ongoing fully powered trial will build upon this pilot work and further evaluate the effects of the WISH study on increasing PA in adolescent girls.

S06 Engaging peers, parents and pupils to increase physical activity among adolescents

BackgroundRegular physical activity is associated with physiological and mental health benefits for adolescents including improved fitness and cardiometabolic health, increased muscle and bone strength and reduced risk of obesity. Despite this, globally, many adolescents (81%) fail to meet physical activity guidelines. Physical activity levels decline as children move into adolescence and through to adulthood and may affect the likelihood of developing chronic health conditions. It is recognised that parental support and friendship networks play an important role in attenuating declines in physical activity during adolescence and it is vital that we develop effective interventions to help adolescents stay active.AimThis symposium will engage policymakers, professionals, scientists and stakeholders to discuss research projects on Engaging peers, parents and pupils to increase physical activity among adolescents. The goals of this symposium are to highlight the challenges and ongoing work to address sub-optimal levels of physical activity in this population and disseminate the results of novel physical activity interventions to develop knowledge and understanding. This symposium will share experiences, learning and best practice in Patient and Public Involvement (PPI), transitioning from formative research to feasibility testing and upscaling interventions and it will also allow for debate and to identify gaps and priority areas for physical activity among adolescents.Symposia presentations1. Putting young people at the heart of physical activity research design: The Walking In ScHools (WISH) Study (Professor Marie Murphy, Ulster University)This presentation will outline the importance of youth PPI and demonstrate how PPI can be embedded within research design using the WISH Study Youth Advisory Group as a case study.2. The Girls Active Project (GAP): Co-design and feasibility of an after school-based physical activity intervention (Sara McQuinn, Dublin City University)This presentation will discuss the factors influencing physical activity behaviour in adolescents, outline how using public and patient involvement (PPI) and the behaviour change wheel provided a framework for developing the Girls Active Project, and the results from our feasiblity trial.3. Supporting our lifelong engagement: mothers and teens exercising (SOLE MATES); from formative research to feasibility testing (Dr Elaine Murtagh, University of Limerick).Dr Murtagh will discuss the value of formative research in developing interventions and present findings from a novel mother-daughter multi-component physical activity programme.4. Co-production of the Move Well, Feel Good movement behaviours intervention (Stuart Fairclougt, Edge Hill University)This presentation will describe phase 1 of the Move Well, Feel Good study, which aimed to co-produce and evaluate the feasibility of a primary school physical activity intervention to improve children’s motor competence and mental health.5. The Walking In ScHools (WISH) Study: Development and evaluation of a peer-led school-based walking intervention in adolescent girls from pilot to fully-powered trial (Professor Marie Murphy, Ulster University)Professor Murphy will describe how the WISH pilot study guided the development of a full trial to evaluate the effects of a peer-led walking intervention at increasing physical activity in adolescent girls.

Peer-led physical activity intervention for girls aged 13 to 14 years: PLAN-A cluster RCT

Background Increasing physical activity among girls is a public health priority. Peers play a central role in influencing adolescent behaviour. Peer-led interventions may increase physical activity in adolescent girls, and a feasibility trial had shown that PLAN-A (Peer-led physical Activity iNtervention for Adolescent girls) had evidence of promise to increase physical activity in adolescent girls. Objective The objective was to test whether or not PLAN-A can increase adolescent girls’ physical activity, relative to usual practice, and be cost-effective. Design This was a two-arm, cluster-randomised controlled trial, including an economic evaluation and a process evaluation. Participants State-funded secondary schools in the UK with girls in Year 9 (aged 13–14 years) participated in the trial. All Year 9 girls in participating schools were eligible. Randomisation Schools were the unit of allocation. They were randomised by an independent statistician, who was blinded to school identities, to the control or intervention arm, stratified by region and the England Index of Multiple Deprivation score. Intervention The intervention comprised peer nomination (i.e. identification of influential girls), train the trainers (i.e. training the instructors who delivered the intervention), peer supporter training (i.e. training the peer-nominated girls in techniques and strategies underpinned by motivational theory to support peer physical activity increases) and a 10-week diffusion period. Outcomes The primary outcome was accelerometer-assessed mean weekday minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity among Year 9 girls. The follow-up measures were conducted 5–6 months after the 10-week intervention, when the girls were in Year 10 (which was also 12 months after the baseline measures). Analysis used a multivariable, mixed-effects, linear regression model on an intention-to-treat basis. Secondary outcomes included weekend moderate to vigorous physical activity, and weekday and weekend sedentary time. Intervention delivery costs were calculated for the economic evaluation. Results A total of 33 schools were approached; 20 schools and 1558 pupils consented. Pupils in the intervention arm had higher Index of Multiple Deprivation scores than pupils in the control arm. The numbers randomised were as follows: 10 schools (n = 758 pupils) were randomised to the intervention arm and 10 schools (n = 800 pupils) were randomised to the control arm. For analysis, a total of 1219 pupils provided valid weekday accelerometer data at both time points (intervention, n = 602; control, n = 617). The mean weekday moderate to vigorous physical activity was similar between groups at follow-up. The central estimate of time spent engaging in moderate to vigorous physical activity was 2.84 minutes lower in the intervention arm than in the control arm, after adjustment for baseline mean weekday moderate to vigorous physical activity, the number of valid days of data and the stratification variables; however, this difference was not statistically significant (95% confidence interval –5.94 to 0.25; p = 0.071). There were no between-arm differences in the secondary outcomes. The intervention costs ranged from £20.85 to £48.86 per pupil, with an average cost of £31.16. Harms None. Limitations The trial was limited to south-west England. Conclusions There was no evidence that PLAN-A increased physical activity in Year 9 girls compared with usual practice and, consequently, it was not cost-effective. Future work Future work should evaluate the utility of whole-school approaches to promote physical activity in schools. Trial registration This trial is registered as ISRCTN14539759. Funding This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Public Health Research programme and will be published in full in Public Health Research; Vol. 10, No. 6. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information. This trial was designed and delivered in collaboration with the Bristol Randomised Trials Collaboration (BRTC), a United Kingdom Clinical Research Commission (UKCRC)-registered Clinical Trials Unit that, as part of the Bristol Trials Centre, is in receipt of NIHR Clinical Trials Unit support funding. The sponsor of this trial was University of Bristol, Research and Enterprise Development www.bristol.ac.uk/red/. The costs of delivering the intervention were funded by Sport England.

Kicking goals: Exploring the experiences of girls who play Australian Rules football.

Increasing physical activity of adolescent girls is a key priority for health promotion, as their physical activity levels are generally lower than boys. This study aims to understand the experiences of adolescent girls who play Australian Football League Women's (AFLW) football and to explore girls' pathways to playing football. Understanding how AFLW and gender norms/stereotypes influence girls' experiences and self-perceptions was a key focus. A qualitative description design and purposive sampling were used. Six adolescent girls aged 11-17 that play football in urban Victoria, Australia participated. Short interview survey questions covering demographic and football pathway information were administered prior to online one-on-one interviews. Interviews lasted 30-45minutes. Questions were framed broadly, open-ended and non-directive (some using image prompts). Data were analysed using thematic analysis. The results cover four themes: (a) Self-perception-participants presented with positive self-perceptions, (b) Social support-a supportive team and exposure to women playing football, and family support/involvement, were encouraging factors in pathways to playing football, (c) AFLW role models-were positive influences on participants' experience and self-perceptions and (d) Influence of gender norms/stereotypes-participant self-perceptions displayed conforming and non-conforming features of gender norms/stereotypes. Participants reported exposure to sexist commentary about girls in sport through social media and peers but instead of being discouraged, most used it as motivation or empowerment, while others were dismissive. Findings suggest increased media coverage of AFLW players may be beneficial. Education programs/initiatives which i) involve AFLW role models and ii) encourage family friendly club environments and team bonding spaces are recommended. SO WHAT?: Findings indicate that adolescent girls can thrive in their football experience, which could increase feelings of empowerment and foster positive self-perceptions, contributing to overall health. Further research in this area is recommended to expand on and strengthen our study findings.

Place of residence, physical activity, use of electronic devices and health consequences in girls with scoliosis.

Physical activity has been reduced in the 21st century and is a phenomenon which is now an important problem. The study focuses on the reasons for this lack of physical activity in adolescent girls diagnosed with scoliosis, and the possibility of preventing and effectively promoting a healthy lifestyle. The aim of the study is to investigate the relationship between place of residence (rural and urban) and physical activity in girls with scoliosis. A group of 43 girls aged 16-18 years (x = 16.97 ± 0.88) with AIS (mean Cobb angle = 16.32 ± 3.55) who were rural inhabitants were examined. The control group included 39 young girls in the same age group and AIS who were living in towns (mean Cobb angle = 18.53 ± 4.3). BMI was calculated in percentiles and the IPAQ (International Physical Activity Questionnaire s) was administered. The results showed decreased physical activity and a reduction in total sedentary time each week, which was higher in girls living in the countryside than in those living in towns (P<.001). Electronic devices were commonly used in both groups of girls. The global weekly physical activity in girls living in the countryside was higher than that in girls living in the towns. A lower level of physical activity was noted in the girls exempted from PE at school. Body acceptance and fewer body image issues were noted in girls living in the countryside.

A Qualitative Inquiry into the Eating Behavior and Physical Activity of Adolescent Girls and Boys in Indonesia

Despite the rising double burden of malnutrition, adolescent nutrition has received little attention in Indonesia. Eating and physical activity behaviors established in adolescence are known to track into adulthood and may contribute to chronic diseases in later life. This study aimed to explore the eating behaviors and physical activity of Indonesian adolescents, and their influencing factors. The study, designed as a qualitative study, was conducted in 2 selected districts in Indonesia: Klaten and Lombok Barat. Data were collected through immersion, open and informal discussions, and participant observations with 302 adolescent girls and boys. The eating and physical activity behaviors of adolescent boys and girls are influenced by contextual changes in their family lifestyles and environment. The adolescents in this study only conflate physical activity with participation in sport. Even when a wider view of physical activity is cast, their level of physical activity remains low, especially for adolescent girls. Adolescents and their families generally eat 3 meals a day, with schools an important source of food for adolescents. Adolescents skip breakfast at home, and breakfast and lunch are usually purchased and eaten at school. Fewer families cook and families rarely eat together due to increasingly busy lives, increased mobility, and digital connectivity. The rapid contextual shifts taking place in Indonesia influence the home, school, and peer environment to shape eating behaviors and physical activity among adolescent boys and girls. Gender-responsive multicomponent school-based interventions have the potential to serve as an important entry point for influencing adolescent nutrition.

A study protocol for a clustered randomised controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of a peer-led school-based walking intervention on adolescent girls\u2019 physical activity: the Walking In ScHools (WISH) study

BackgroundAdolescent girls in the UK and Ireland are failing to meet current physical activity guidelines. Physical activity behaviours track from childhood to adulthood and it is important that adolescent girls are provided with opportunities to be physically active. Walking has been a central focus for physical activity promotion in adults and may effectively increase physical activity levels among younger people. Following on from a pilot feasibility trial, the purpose of this cluster randomised controlled trial (c-RCT) is to evaluate the effectiveness of a novel, low-cost, peer-led school-based walking intervention delivered across the school year at increasing physical activity levels of adolescent girls.MethodsThe Walking In ScHools (WISH) Study is a school-based c-RCT conducted with girls aged 12–14 years from eighteen schools across the Border Region of Ireland / Northern Ireland. Following baseline data collection, schools will be randomly allocated to intervention or control group. In intervention schools, female pupils aged 15–18 years will be invited to train as walk leaders and will lead younger pupils in 10–15 min walks before school, at break and lunch recess. All walks will take place in school grounds and pupils will be encouraged to participate in as many walks as possible each week. The intervention will be delivered for the whole school year (minimum 20–22 weeks). The primary outcome measure is accelerometer-measured total physical activity (counts per minute) (end of intervention). Secondary outcomes will include time spent in sedentary behaviour, light, moderate and vigorous intensity physical activity, anthropometry measures, social media usage and sleep. A mixed-methods process evaluation will also be undertaken.DiscussionThe WISH Study will examine the effectiveness of a low-cost, school-based, peer-led walking intervention in increasing physical activity in adolescent girls when delivered across the school year. If the intervention increases physical activity, it would benefit adolescent girls in the defined target area with potential for wider adoption by schools across the UK and Ireland.Trial registrationISRCTN; ISRCTN12847782; Registered 2nd July 2019.

Changes in physical activity of adolescent girls in the context of their perception of the Healthy Me programme.

An assumption was made that results of programme evaluation lead to better understanding for whom this intervention may work. The aim of the article is to compare the changes in physical activity of the intervention programme participants depending on subjective assessment of its impact. The data were obtained from 14- to15-year-old Polish girls (N = 1120) from 48 random selected secondary schools participating in the 1-year Healthy Me programme in the 2017/2018. Schools were randomly assigned to one of two types of intervention or to a control (null) group. Satisfaction with the programme according to 21 criteria was measured retrospectively just after the intervention. Change in MVPA (moderate-to-vigorous physical activity) during the programme implementation was assessed in relation to satisfaction level, and adjusted for initial MVPA. In total, the MVPA did not change significantly comparing pre- and post-intervention surveys (3.94 ± 1.94 vs. 3.87 ± 1.93)-P = 0.093. However, the perceived notable improvement of functioning in 10 out of 21 areas was related to the unquestionable increase in MVPA (P ≤ 0.001). With respect to the four impact areas, an interaction was demonstrated between an intervention group and an improvement in the domain-specific functioning. The beneficial impact of the programme on these areas was associated with the improvement of physical activity only in case of full and null intervention. Indicators related to the implementation process and the results obtained during the Healthy Me programme evaluation could represent a change in motivational and environmental factors that indirectly affects adolescent girl's physical activity.

Impact of school and work status on diet and physical activity in rural Guatemalan adolescent girls: a qualitative study.

In low‐ and middle‐income countries, gender norms and access to energy‐dense, nutrient‐poor foods are well‐studied determinants of food and physical activity choices for adolescent girls. However, most work has been done in urban and school settings. In many settings, a large proportion of the adolescent population is rural or not enrolled in school. We conducted in‐depth interviews with 20 adolescent girls (ages 15–19) in Tecpán, Guatemala, a rural, largely indigenous Maya community. Interviews were coded and themes analyzed for insights into eating habits, food choices, and physical activity. Twelve participants were enrolled in school and eight were employed and not in school. Girls enrolled in school had more disrupted eating schedules and consumed more energy‐dense, nutrient‐poor foods. Girls not enrolled in school had fewer opportunities for physical activity and were more sedentary. To our knowledge, this study is the first in a low‐ and middle‐income country to consider diet and physical activity of adolescent girls enrolled and not enrolled in school. Key implications include (1) the need to reduce exposure to nutrient‐poor foods and promote healthy eating schedules in schools, and (2) the need to create community‐based opportunities for the activity for girls no longer enrolled in school.

Results of a feasibility cluster randomised controlled trial of a peer-led school-based intervention to increase the physical activity of adolescent girls (PLAN-A)

BackgroundMost adolescent girls in the UK do not meet government physical activity recommendations and effective interventions are needed. This study reports the results of a feasibility trial of PLAN-A, a novel school-based peer-led physical activity intervention for adolescent girls.MethodsA two-arm cluster randomised controlled feasibility study was conducted in six English secondary schools (4 intervention & 2 control). Year 8 (age 12-13) girls were eligible and randomisation was at school-level. The intervention involved training Year 8 girls (out of school for two consecutive days, plus one top-up day 5 weeks later), who were identified by their peers as influential, to provide informal support to their friends to increase their physical activity. Feasibility of the intervention and the research was examined, including: recruitment, training attendance and data provision rates, evidence of promise of the intervention to affect weekday moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), intervention cost and estimation of the sample size for a definitive trial. Accelerometer and questionnaire data were collected at the beginning of Year 8 (Time 0), the end of Year 8 (10-weeks after peer-supporter training) and the beginning of Year 9 (Time 2).ResultsFour hundred twenty-seven girls were recruited (95% recruitment rate). 55 girls consented to be a peer-supporter and 53 peer-supporters were trained (97% of those invited). Accelerometer return rates exceeded 85% at each time point and wear time criteria was met by 83%, 71% and 62% participants at Time 0, 1 and 2 respectively. Questionnaire data were provided by >91% of participants at each time point. Complete-case adjusted linear regression analysis showed evidence of a 6.09 minute (95% CI = 1.43, 10.76) between-arms difference in weekday MVPA at Time 2 in favour of the intervention arm. On average PLAN-A cost £2685 per school to deliver (£37 per Year 8 girl). There were no adverse events. A trial involving 20 schools would be adequately powered to detect a between-arms difference in weekday MVPA of at least six minutes.ConclusionsThe PLAN-A intervention adopts a novel peer-led approach, is feasible, and shows evidence of promise to positively affect girls’ physical activity levels. A definitive trial is warranted.Trial registrationISCTRN, ISRCTN12543546, Registered on 28/7/2015, URL of registry record: http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN12543546

Effectiveness of the \u2018Girls Active\u2019 school-based physical activity programme: A cluster randomised controlled trial

BackgroundGlobally, adolescent girls’ physical activity (PA) levels are low. The ‘Girls Active’ secondary school-based programme, developed by the Youth Sport Trust, aims to increase PA in adolescent girls. This paper explores the effectiveness of the ‘Girls Active’ school-based PA programme.MethodsA random sample of girls aged 11–14 from 20 secondary schools (Midlands, UK) participated in a two-arm cluster randomised controlled trial. Ten schools received Girls Active and 10 continued with usual practice. Measurements were taken at baseline, seven- and 14-month follow-up. Primary outcome: wrist-worn accelerometer measured moderate- to vigorous-intensity PA (MVPA). Secondary outcomes: overall PA, light PA, sedentary time, body composition, and psychosocial outcomes. Generalised estimating equations, adjusted for school cluster and potential confounders, were used and A priori subgroup analysis was undertaken. Micro-costing and cost-consequence analyses were conducted using bespoke collection methods on programme delivery information. Outcomes for the cost-consequence analysis were health related quality of life measured by the Child Health Utility-9D and service use.ResultsOverall, 1752 pupils participated, 1211 (69.1%) provided valid 14-month accelerometer data. No difference in MVPA (mins/day; 95% confidence intervals) was found at 14 months (1.7; -0.8 to 4.3), there was at seven months (2.4; 0.1 to 4.7). Subgroup analyses showed significant intervention effects on 14-month in larger schools (3.9; 1.39 to 6.09) and in White Europeans (3.1; 0.60 to 6.02) and in early maturers (5.1; 1.69 to 8.48) at seven months. The control group did better in smaller schools at 14-months (-4.38; -7.34 to -1.41). Significant group differences were found in 14-month identified motivation (-0.09; -0.18 to -0.01) and at seven months in: overall PA (1.39 mg/day; 0.1 to 2.2), after-school sedentary time (-4.7; -8.9 to -0.6), whole day (5.7; 1.0 to 10.5) and school day (4.5; 0.25 to 8.75) light PA, self-esteem. Small, statistically significant, differences in some psychosocial variables favoured control schools. Micro-costing demonstrated that delivering the programme resulted in a range of time and financial costs at each school. Cost-consequence analysis demonstrated no effect of the programme for health related quality of life or service use.ConclusionsCompared with usual practice, ‘Girls Active’ did not affect 14-month MVPA.Trial registrationISRCTN10688342

A grounded theory of how social support influences physical activity in adolescent girls

ABSTRACTPurpose: Adolescent girls are not sufficiently active to achieve health benefits. Social support from friends and family has been positively associated with physical activity in adolescent girls; however it is unclear how social support influences physical activity behaviour. This study aimed to develop a grounded theory of how social support influences physical activity in adolescent girls. Methods: A qualitative, constructivist grounded theory approach was adopted. Individual interviews explored adolescent girls’ perspectives of how significant others’ influenced their physical activity through providing social support, and through modelling physical activity. Results: Participants perceived social support to influence physical activity behaviour through performance improvements, self-efficacy, enjoyment, motivation and by enabling physical activity. Improvements in performance and self-efficacy were also linked to motivation to be active. Girls perceived modelling to influence behaviour through providing opportunities for them to be physically active, and by inspiring them to be active. Conclusion: The grounded theory outlines adolescent girls’ perceptions of how significant others influence their physical activity and provides a framework for future research examining the role of social support on physical activity.