Scheduled for AAHE RCB Oral Presentations: Nutrition, Weight, Fitness & BMI, Thursday, April 10, 2008, 11:00 AM - 12:15 PM, Convention Center: 203A


Feasibility Study of an After-School Fitness/Nutrition Program

Natalie R. Kosine, Jennifer E. Taylor, Kristina Dunham and Cheryl A. Kolander, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY

This study evaluated the feasibility of an after school program (Fit4Me) for girls in two urban middle schools. The program was designed to address the Practical Living standards established by the Kentucky Department of Education and consists of several modules over a three year time period. Each school site was limited to approximately 30 participants who were recruited with assistance from an onsite supervisor at each school. The program was delivered by a volunteer facilitator along with three or more student athletes who served as mentors to the participants. Sixty-two females participated in the Fit4Me program twice weekly for six weeks. Pre and post-assessments were administered to the participants. The pre-assessment occurred during the first session of the program, prior to engaging in any activities. The post-assessment occurred during the final session. Assessments included the General Perceived Self-Efficacy (GPSE) scale, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSE), the Body Image Scale (BIS), the Body Shape Assessment (BSA), and a nutrition and physical activity knowledge questionnaire. Although program participation was high, only eighteen participants completed the pre and post program assessments due to attrition and some participants starting the program late. According to the nutrition and physical activity assessment results, the participants gained knowledge on several of the concepts from the pre- to the post- assessment. The participant's self-efficacy scores remained relatively stable from the pre- to the post-assessment, with some distinctive positive changes on individual items. Scores on the RSE, BSA and BIS remained relatively stable. Changes have been made to the program that reflects the information gained from this feasibility study. In the future, increased numbers of middle school girls will be assessed and tracked during the upcoming school years with an emphasis on serving minority and low SES populations.
Keyword(s): gender issues, middle school issues, obesity issues

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