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Active children through individual vouchers – evaluation (ACTIVE): A mixed method randomised control trial to improve the cardiovascular fitness and health of teenagers / MICHAELA JAMES
Swansea University Author: MICHAELA JAMES
DOI (Published version): 10.23889/SUthesis.56825
Abstract
To experience the health benefits of physical activity, it is recommended thatchildren and young people take part in at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorousactivity on average per day across the week. In Wales, only 11% of girls and 20% ofboys are reported to meet these government recommendation...
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Swansea
2021
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| Institution: | Swansea University |
| Degree level: | Doctoral |
| Degree name: | Ph.D |
| Supervisor: | Brophy, Sinead; Fry, Richard J. |
| URI: | https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa56825 |
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| Abstract: |
To experience the health benefits of physical activity, it is recommended thatchildren and young people take part in at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorousactivity on average per day across the week. In Wales, only 11% of girls and 20% ofboys are reported to meet these government recommendations with accessibility(e.g., cost and lack of local facilities) cited as the main barrier to participation. Todate, interventions have experienced short-term success. These interventions oftenplace emphasis on policymakers as the leaders, or experts on the matter in question.However, this can result in a disconnect between what is provided and what thegroup receiving the intervention value and need. The Active Children throughIndividual Vouchers – Evaluation Project (ACTIVE), funded by the British HeartFoundation (BHF), aimed to empower teenagers and tackle accessibility barriers toimprove the physical activity, cardiovascular fitness, motivation and heart health ofthose aged 13 – 14 in south Wales. This study was co-produced by teenagers from itsinception to delivery of the ACTIVE intervention and included a multi-componentintervention encompassing a voucher scheme, peer mentoring and support workerengagement. The ACTIVE RCT had a positive impact on cardiovascular fitness andblood pressure as well as perceptions of activity. The findings from observationaldata provide some key predictors of teenage health which can be used to be proactivein promoting healthy behaviours in young people and identifies some protectivefactors which can be promoted to families and first-time parents. The key messagefrom ACTIVE is that young people want to have their say in activity provision sothat they can increase their opportunities to participate in unstructured, fun and socialactivity in their local communities. To improve physical activity, more should bedone to listen to teenagers as to what they want and need. |
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| Item Description: |
ORCiD identifier https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7047-0049 |
| College: |
Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences |