Background/Purpose Children's achievement of recommendations for moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in afterschool programs (ASP) is challenging. One facilitator of MVPA opportunities in ASPs is staff. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship of staff behaviors and other ASP features (e.g., equipment) to MVPA participation in youth attending an ASP.
Method Data was collected in 12 ASPs in the Midwest. Instructor behavior and PA was measured by direct observation over 4 days using the System for Observing Play and Leisure Activity in Youth. The proportion of children's MVPA were examined in relation to staff behaviors and other ASP features.
Analysis/Results Increases in MVPA were observed when staff were directly engaged in the activity, verbally promoted MVPA, and when the activity was organized and equipment was present. Conversely, MVPA levels decreased when staff were attending to other ASP duties or were supervising. When 3 or more of these factors were present, the proportion on children engaged in MVPA increased by 25 to 30%.
Conclusions This study provides evidence about the specific staff behaviors that may influence higher proportions of youth being active during ASP and implies specific skills that need to be incorporated into ASP staff training.