Afterschool Programs Up Physical Activity in Girls

Making News:

Afterschool programs that promote moderate- to vigorous-intensity activity have proven a boon for weight management in middle-school girls, states a study published in the March issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine (2008; 34 [3], 173–84). Designed as part of the Trial of Activity for Adolescent Girls (TAAG), the study followed girls from 36 schools in six “geographically diverse” areas of the United States. The 3-year study included such programs as hip-hop dance classes, swimming and surfing. According to the results, those girls participating in physically active afterschool programs avoided weight increases. Study authors are hopeful that such programs can alter the decline in physical activity that typically takes place among girls aged 13–18. “To get and keep girls active, we took a comprehensive approach,” states TAAG researcher Deborah Young. “We developed lessons for teachers on motivation and goal setting. We worked with PE teachers to promote choice, which the girls said they would like.”

For more information on TAAG, visit www.cscc.unc.edu/taag.

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Ryan Halvorson

IDEA Author/Presenter

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Ryan Halvorson is the publications assistant for IDEA Health & Fitness Association. He is a speaker ... moreRyan Halvorson is the publications assistant for IDEA Health & Fitness Association. He is a speaker and regular contributor to health and fitness publications and a certified personal trainer.
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IDEA Fitness Journal, Volume 5, Number 11

November 2008

© 2008 by IDEA Health & Fitness Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited.

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