Changes in Commitment to Physical Activity among 8-to-11-Year-Old Girls Participating in a Curriculum-Based Running Program

Background: Despite findings that support physical activity (PA) as an effective means of improving health and quality of life, PA levels among girls tend to decline with age. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess changes pertaining to PA commitment following a curriculum-based running program designed for 3rd-to-5th-grade girls. Methods: Participants (n=196) were given paper-and-pencil surveys containing an adaptation of the "Feelings about Physical Activity Scale" in addition to items related to demographics, PA behaviors, and curriculum content. Results: Paired-sample t-tests revealed statistically significant differences in overall commitment to PA (p=.006) and attitudes regarding PA (p=.001) from pre-intervention to post-intervention. Results also suggest increases in value of PA. Discussion: The study's findings have important implications for those public health education professionals who develop PA programs for female children and adolescents. Prior to initiating programs to promote PA for girls, it is important to include educational programs that promote positive attitudes toward exercise, the value of PA, and the behaviors necessary to sustain PA. Translation to Health Education Practice: Programs that are designed only to initiate PA among young girls may not be addressing sustainability. It is through regular and sustained PA that associated health benefits can be achieved.