ARS | Publication request: Rationale, design and methods of the HEALTHY study physical education intervention component

Submitted to: International Journal of Obesity
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: August 1, 2009
Publication Date: September 21, 2009
Citation: McMurray, R., Bassin, S., Jago, R., Bruecker, S., Moe, E., Murray, T., Mazzuto, S., Volpe, S, for the HEALTHY Study Group. 2009. Rationale, design and methods of the HEALTHY study physical education intervention component. International Journal of Obesity. 33(Suppl 4):S37-S43.

Interpretive Summary: The HEALTHY trial was a large middle school based intervention to prevent diabetes and obesity in mostly lower socioeconomic status ethnic minority children. This publication describes the components and processes of the HEALTHY physical education (PE) intervention. Part of the intervention targeted increasing student participation in moderate to vigorous physical activity while meeting state PE guidelines. A PE curriculum was developed and the intervention provided, extensive physical activity equipment for use in the PE classes and a PE aide to assist the PE teachers in increasing student physical activity during PE. The long-term effect of the HEALTHY PE intervention is unknown; however, by showing that PE in middle schools can meet Healthy People 2010 guidelines, the HEALTHY PE intervention component could be used to affect public policy and educational practice.

Technical Abstract: The HEALTHY primary prevention trial was designed to reduce risk factors for type 2 diabetes in middle school students. Middle schools at seven centers across the United States participated in the 3-year study. Half of them were randomized to receive a multi-component intervention. The intervention integrated nutrition, physical education (PE) and behavior changes with a communications strategy of promotional and educational materials and activities. The PE intervention component was developed over a series of pilot studies to maximize student participation and the time (in minutes) spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), while meeting state-mandated PE guidelines. The goal of the PE intervention component was to achieve > or =150 min of MVPA in PE classes every 10 school days with the expectation that it would provide a direct effect on adiposity and insulin resistance, subsequently reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes in youth. The PE intervention component curriculum used standard lesson plans to provide a comprehensive approach to middle school PE. Equipment and PE teacher assistants were provided for each school. An expert in PE at each center trained the PE teachers and assistants, monitored delivery of the intervention and provided ongoing feedback and guidance.