Download full-text (Open Access)Abstract
-
Background: Adolescence is an established period of physical activity decline. Multi-component school-based interventions have the potential to slow the decline in adolescents' physical activity; however, few interventions have been conducted in schools located in low-income or disadvantaged communities. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of a multi-component school-based intervention in reducing the decline in physical activity among students attending secondary schools located in disadvantaged communities.
Methods/Design:
The cluster randomised trial will be conducted with 10 secondary schools located in selected
regions of New South Wales, Australia. The schools will be selected from areas that have a level of socio-economic
status that is below the state average. Five schools will be allocated to receive an intervention based on the Health
Promoting Schools framework, and will be supported by a part-time physical activity consultant placed in
intervention schools who will implement a range of intervention adoption strategies. Study measures will be taken
at baseline when students are in Year 7 (12
–
13 years) and again after 12- and 24-months. The primary outcome,
minutes of moderate- to-vigorous- intensity physical activity per day and percentage of time in moderate- to
vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA), will be objectively assessed using accelerometers (Actigraph GT3x+).
Group allocation and intervention delivery will commence after baseline data collection. The intervention will
continue during school terms through to 24-month follow-up.
Discussion:
The study will provide evidence regarding the effectiveness of a multi-component school-based
intervention that includes an in-school physical activity consultant targeting the physical activity levels of
adolescents in disadvantaged Australian secondary schools.