RESULTS OF AN AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM TO INCREASE SELF-REPORTED PHYSICAL ACTIVITY: PRE-POST & LONGITUDINAL

E. Elsner, K. Rice Eastern Oregon University, La Grande, OR Physical activity (PA) is essential for adolescent health and prevention of chronic diseases. According to the CDC, children who get the recommended amount of PA (60 min/day) are at a reduced risk of developing chronic diseases. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to utilize the area\u27s resources by implementing an outdoor activity after school program to increase self-reported PA over two years. METHODS: A physical activity and health education program called, Get Outside – After School Activity Program (GO-ASAP) was conducted. The program was a 20-week (2 X wk/150-180 mins) program for 2 years aimed at increasing PA in adolescents in rural Oregon. Subjects were recruited from 2 local middle schools. Pre-to-post assessments of self-reported PA were taken using the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children (PAQ-C) as well as longitudinal data over two years. RESULTS: Subjects (male=11, female=10) were 12.9 years of age at baseline. Mean ± SD for pre-to-post first year PA results were: Self-reported baseline PA (2.09±0.6) on a 5-point likert scale. Post test was found that overall PA increased (2.4±0.9) but did not show a statistically significant difference (p=0.06). Over two years there were 7 subjects (male=4, female=3) who participated both years. In the longitudinal group it was found that self-reported baseline data (2.12±0.51). It was found that after two years self-reported PA increased (2.16±0.61) but did not show a statistical significant difference (p=0.47). CONCLUSION: There was no significant change in self-reported PA in both the pre-to-post data as well as the longitudinal data. The program could be effective in increasing PA in self-reported data, but a larger sample size is needed to see a significant difference. The results of the program suggests the need for after school programs involving activities promoting PA into adulthood. Supported by The OHSU Knight Cancer Institute Community Partnership Program and STEM Beyond Schools