Changes in sport and physical activity behavior after participation in easily accessible sporting programs.

Introduction: The Dutch government stimulates sport and physical activity opportunities in the neighborhood to make it easier for people to adopt a physically active lifestyle. Seven National Sports Federations (NSFs) were funded to develop easily accessible sporting programs, targeted at groups with low sport participation levels. A total of eight programs were implemented during a one-year implementation period. The aim of this study was to assess changes in sport and physical activity behavior of participants of these programs. Methods: Sport and physical activity behavior were assessed at the start of the programs and directly after completing the programs, by means of an (online) questionnaire. Compliance with Dutch sport and physical activity norms was used as an outcome measure for sport and physical activity behavior, respectively. Changes in sport and physical activity behavior were tested with McNemar tests. Results: Participants of three sporting programs increased their sport and physical activity behavior significantly according to Dutch norms. As one program had no participants, changes in sport and physical activity behavior could not be evaluated. The remaining four programs did not lead to changes in sport and physical activity behavior. Discussion: The results indicate that some easily accessible sporting programs can lead to positive changes in sport and physical activity behavior. As sporting organizations have an important role in the community, they could play a major role in promoting physical activity. However, before making definite statements, further research is needed in which long-term changes are evaluated in comparison with a control group