Sports, Play, and Active Recreation for Kids (SPARK)
An Evidence-Based Practice
Description
Sports, Play, and Active Recreation for Kids (SPARK) began as an elementary PE program that has expanded to include early childhood programming, middle school PE, high school PE, after school programs for elementary and middle school students, wellness programs for staff, health education, and nutrition services. SPARK programs foster environmental and behavioral change by providing physically active curriculum, on-site teacher training, follow-up support, and equipment. The original SPARK study was based on physical education (PE) classes three days a week to promote physical activity and teach exercise skills. The 30 minute lessons were half health-fitness activities, and half skill-fitness activities. The units included aerobic dance, aerobic games, walking or jogging, and jump rope. The classes progressed in intensity, duration, and complexity of the activities. To keep students motivated, they recorded their fitness levels monthly.
Goal / Mission
The goal of SPARK is to promote physical activity among youth through school-based programs.
Impact
A health-related physical education curriculum can significantly increase physical activity for students in physical education classes.
Results / Accomplishments
The original SPARK program was evaluated using a randomized, controlled trial comparing students in specialist-led and teacher-led PE classes with those in control classes. Students in the program spent significantly more time per week being physically active in the specialist-led (40 min) and teacher-led (33 min) PE classes than in control classes (18 min; p < 0.001). At a two-year follow-up, girls in the specialist-led group had significantly better abdominal strength and endurance (p < 0.001) and cardio-respiratory endurance (p < 0.001) than girls in the control group. The program had no significant effects on physical activity outside of school.
About this Promising Practice
Organization(s)
SPARK
Primary Contact
James F. Sallis, PhD
Active Living Research
Department of Family and Preventive Medicine
University of California, San Diego
3900 5th Avenue, Suite 310
San Diego, CA 92103
619-260-5535
jsallis@ucsd.edu
http://sallis.ucsd.edu/
Active Living Research
Department of Family and Preventive Medicine
University of California, San Diego
3900 5th Avenue, Suite 310
San Diego, CA 92103
619-260-5535
jsallis@ucsd.edu
http://sallis.ucsd.edu/
Topics
Health / Physical Activity
Organization(s)
SPARK
Source
American Journal of Public Health
Date of publication
Aug 1997
Date of implementation
1989
Location
USA
For more details
Target Audience
Children, Teens