Physical activity is a major risk factor for CVD and is associated with CVD risk factors in children. While physical education (PE) is a potentially valuable method of providing children with physical activity, this potential is not being realized. Previous attempts to provide health-related PE have been characterized by failure and have not addressed the critical issue of maintenance. The primary purpose of the proposed demonstration and education study is to develop and evaluate a model elementary PE program (named SPARK) that is designed to increase physical activity both in and out of school. Intervention components include health-related activities in PE classes, continuing self- management skills training, family involvement and an incentive program. Since different states have different structures for PE, two levels of intervention will be compared to a control condition. In one condition, classroom teachers will be thoroughly trained to implement the program, and in the other condition, PE specialists will implement SPARK. Since previous research has indicated that the program is not fully implemented the first year, two cohorts of (initially) fourth graders will receive to years of intervention. An additional year of follow-up data will be collected n both cohorts. Four schools will be randomly assigned to each of the three conditions, for a total of twelve schools. Unlike all previous programs, SPARK systematically programs and assesses maintenance of physical activity over weekends, holidays, summers, and one full year. SPARK is designed to provide the motivation and skills needed to lay the foundation for lifelong exercise. Physical activity is the primary outcome, and it will be assessed by both self-report and objective measures on numerous occasions. Cognitive and physiological outcomes will also be assessed, and the process of implementation will be continually monitored.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01HL044467-04
Application #
3363241
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (SRC)
Project Start
1989-07-01
Project End
1994-06-30
Budget Start
1992-07-01
Budget End
1993-06-30
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
1992
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
San Diego State University
Department
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
073371346
City
San Diego
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
92182
Sallis, J F; McKenzie, T L; Kolody, B et al. (1999) Effects of health-related physical education on academic achievement: project SPARK. Res Q Exerc Sport 70:127-34
Marshall, S J; Sarkin, J A; Sallis, J F et al. (1998) Tracking of health-related fitness components in youth ages 9 to 12. Med Sci Sports Exerc 30:910-6
Armstrong, C A; Sallis, J F; Alcaraz, J E et al. (1998) Children's television viewing, body fat, and physical fitness. Am J Health Promot 12:363-8
McKenzie, T L; Sallis, J F; Kolody, B et al. (1997) Long-term effects of a physical education curriculum and staff development program: SPARK. Res Q Exerc Sport 68:280-91
Sallis, J F; McKenzie, T L; Alcaraz, J E et al. (1997) The effects of a 2-year physical education program (SPARK) on physical activity and fitness in elementary school students. Sports, Play and Active Recreation for Kids. Am J Public Health 87:1328-34
Kolody, B; Sallis, J F (1995) A prospective study of ponderosity, body image, self-concept, and psychological variables in children. J Dev Behav Pediatr 16:1-5
Zakarian, J M; Hovell, M F; Hofstetter, C R et al. (1994) Correlates of vigorous exercise in a predominantly low SES and minority high school population. Prev Med 23:314-21
Sallis, J F; Condon, S A; Goggin, K J et al. (1993) The development of self-administered physical activity surveys for 4th grade students. Res Q Exerc Sport 64:25-31
Sallis, J F (1993) Epidemiology of physical activity and fitness in children and adolescents. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 33:403-8
Sallis, J F; McKenzie, T L; Alcaraz, J E (1993) Habitual physical activity and health-related physical fitness in fourth-grade children. Am J Dis Child 147:890-6

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