Increasing physical activity in children 8 to 12 years old: experiences with VERB Summer Scorecard

Percept Mot Skills. 2010 Aug;111(1):240-8. doi: 10.2466/06.10.11.14.PMS.111.4.240-248.

Abstract

Interventions which facilitate physical activity of youth are vital for promoting community health and reducing obesity. This study assessed the results of a community-driven program, VERB Summer Scorecard, as knowledge of exposure to and awareness of community-based interventions for physical activity among youth could inform design and implementation of such interventions. A total of 2,215 youth ages 8 to 12 years responded to a survey about physical activity. Ordinal logistic regression suggested that youth who participated in this program were 1.73 times (95% CI = 1.41, 2.11) more likely to report high physical activity than nonparticipating youth 9 mo. after the intervention's first full-scale application. The program appeared to appeal more to girls than boys. Such results are encouraging for use in communities.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Exercise / psychology*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Health Plan Implementation / methods
  • Health Promotion / methods*
  • Humans
  • Kentucky
  • Male
  • Motor Activity*
  • Obesity / prevention & control*
  • Pilot Projects
  • Social Marketing
  • Token Economy*