The evaluation of the “Up Your Game” intervention with adolescents living in rural areas
Abstract Overview
Background:
Rural living adolescents show a steeper decline in physical activity (PA) than urban living adolescents.
Purpose:
The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of the ‘Up Your Game’ intervention on PA, mental health and social connectedness in school going adolescents.
Methods:
Two focus groups (n= 26) were conducted in Dalby, a regional town in Queensland, Australia.
A pre-post pilot trial was conducted. Participants (n=23) were enrolled in the intervention group. The intervention occurred once a week for 1 hour (45min Volleyball or touch football and 15min of food and social engagement).
The primary outcome was PA (measured by ActiGraph GT3X). Accelerometers were worn for 7 consecutive days. Secondary outcomes were body composition (BMI z-scores), cardiovascular fitness (20m multistage fitness test), mental health (Revised Children’s Anxiety and Depression Scale), and social connectedness (social connectedness scale). Outcomes were assessed at baseline and 10 weeks. Feasibility outcomes included retention, compliance, adherence fidelity and satisfaction. Independent sample T-test and reliable change index were calculated.
Results: Adolescents reported they preferred a sport-based intervention, linked to a community organisation, and delivered after school during the during the school term.
Participants (16% female) were aged 13.4 (±1.5 years). There were no changes in PA post intervention. Mental health improvement was demonstrated in separation anxiety (mean=55.30 ± 11.0–53.56 ± 11.5, p=0.774), generalised anxiety (mean=47.13 ± 9.0–46.94 ± 11.5, p=0.286), and obsessive-compulsive tests (mean=49.22 ± 9.6–46.83 ± 10.2, p=0.681). Participants attended 90% of sessions with 78% retention. Participants reported enjoying the program and would attend again.
Conclusions: The preliminary results demonstrate most rural living adolescents were already meeting PA guidelines. The trial appeared to be feasible and effective.
Practical Implications:
Sport based interventions show promising results to improve mental health in rural living adolescents.
Funding:
Funding support from Queensland Government ActiveKIT Round 2.
Additional Authors
Name: Melainie Cameron
Affiliation: School of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Southern Queensland, Ipswich, Australia; Research Unit for Physical Activity, Sport, and Recreation (PhASRec), North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Centre of Health Research, University of Southern Queensland, Springfield, Australia.
Presenting Author: no
Name: Alexander Hohn
Affiliation: Better Movement Clinic, Toowoomba, Australia
Presenting Author: no
Name: Sonja March
Affiliation: School of Psychology and Wellbeing, University of Southern Queensland, Springfield, Australia; Centre of Health Research, University of Southern Queensland, Springfield, Australia; Manna Institute, Australian Government Department of Education, Australia.
Presenting Author: no
Name: Tracy Kolbe-Alexander
Affiliation: School of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Southern Queensland, Ipswich, Australia; UCT Research Centre for Health through Physical Activity, Lifestyle and Sport (HPALS), Division of Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Centre of Health Research, University of Southern Queensland, Springfield, Australia; Manna Institute, Australian Government Department of Education, Australia
Presenting Author: yes
Information
Study Type: Intervention
Subtheme: Mental Health
Population Group: Adolescents
Setting: Sport
Submitting Author
John Dennehy
PHD Student
University of Southern Queensland
Australia