Status:

Healthy Movement Healthy Life Intervention

A pilot intervention was launched in June 2007 using CBPR principles with the following goals:

• increase community awareness of the importance of exercise and good nutrition
• engage youth in an exercise program that includes health and nutrition education
• increase and foster community leadership that will help sustain the project

The Cleveland State University’s Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance Department developed a 12-week intervention with input from all community partners.

Format

The program targets 8-12 year olds and consists of rhythmic movement, wellness, and nutritional components. Participants met three days a week, with family-focused activities twice a month.

Methods

The FitnessGram is a validated tool developed by the Cooper Institute for Aerobics Research. The FitnessGram evaluates fitness performance by using objective, scientific standards that represent a level of fitness necessary for good health. The tests included cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, body mass index was calculated using height and weight. All data was entered into the FitnessGram software for scoring. Lipid profiles and blood glucose measurements were also obtained for screening of type I diabetes and risks for developing cardiovascular disease. The children were also given the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System for Nutrition and Physical Activity and participated in pre-and post-focus groups to assess health beliefs and practices.

Significant Results

73 youth participated throughout the intervention at four local recreation centers that served as intervention sites. Besides height and weight, significance was shown in seven areas of physiological and behavioral change. The average systolic blood pressure decrease significantly but remained in the normal range and the average triglyceride level increased but it was still in the normal range indicating a normal blood pressure and the amount of lipids (fats) in the blood. Increases in the number of laps run in a designated period of time (pacer), in the number of push-ups completed and flexing the right bicep indicate improvements in cardiovascular fitness, upper body strength and endurance. Self-reports of dessert and overall nutrition indicate improvements in nutrition behavior. The long term impact of these findings could lead to healthier lifestyles, lower incidence of obesity, and disease prevention.

Progress Key Evaluation Findings

CBPR Process: Maintained an advisory group (CCHG) * Engaged community stakeholders (32 participants) * Involved residents in collaborative decision-making * Engaged community members through surveys and focus groups * The target of the population and the pilot intervention were chosen by the community * Appreciative inquiry involving 84 participants (35+ youth) * Provided opportunities for leadership development through training * Two community-side town hall meetings were held with over 180 attendees

Process Results: Community members want to be informed and involved * Continual feedback to the community is critical for long term involvement * Obesity prevention may be as important as reducing obesity * More outreach may be necessary to reach those who could benefit most * Community sectors must be recognized and respected * The focus on children produced benefits for families * Limited time posed a challenge in servicing a community as large and diverse as Central * CCHG promoted healthy messages at local grocery stores

Summative Results: Leadership training was beneficial to participants * Youth learned new activities and nutritional insights * Parents and families benefited from fitness and nutrition programs * Community sites are potential locations for similar programs in the future * Availability of affordable and healthy food is a problem in the community * Adults can work cooperatively across geographic divisions for community betterment * The program is needed and has had a beneficial impact on the participants and the community * Residents want information on how to eat nutritiously