Recorded presentation

Erin Floyd-Bann, EdD, School of Applied Health and Educational Psychology, Oklahoma State University, 434 Willard, Stillwater, OK 74078, 405-744-1811, bannee@okstate.edu

The United States currently faces an epidemic of obesity. The changing structure of the environment in which many young people live, including the proliferation of sedentary leisure activities such as video games, combined with a lack of school fitness programs, is seen in many communities. Research indicates that along with a lack of physical fitness, these young people are also likely to record high stress scores on objective psychological measures, especially among students enrolled in Alternative School programs. Objectives: The primary objective was to develop a needs-based fitness curriculum for use in an alternative school setting. Methods: Needs assessment was accomplished using Intervention Mapping and the students were asked to complete pre-post fitness testing following ACSM guidelines for age and fitness levels, and pre-post mood was assessed using the Profile of Mood States questionnaire. Results: The needs assessment data indicated that there were three main components that the students desired in a fitness program: weight training, nutrition information, and cardiovascular fitness. The pre-post fitness testing indicated that there were significant strength and cardiovascular gains from onset to completion of the curriculum among the participating students, although weight measurement produced mixed results that were not statistically significant. Mood states improved among a statistically significant number of the students at the completion of the curriculum. Conclusions: Needs-based curriculum development in an alternative school setting may give students who are marginalized a higher degree of ownership and motivation. The need for fitness curriculum in alternative school settings continues to be a high priority.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

• Describe the steps necessary in developing fitness curriuculum using needs-based criteria.
• Identify the barriers inherent to a successful fitness program in an alternative school setting.
• Articulate the benefits to the students and the community that accrue from the implementation of a fitness program in an alternative school setting.

Keywords: Adolescent Health, Exercise

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Recorded presentation