School Physical and Social Environment Changes in Relation to Physical Activity in Middle School

Objectives: This study evaluated school physical and social environment interventions on middle school students' physical activity. Methods: The intervention included opportunities for students' physical activity on-campus before, during, and after school hours involving increased access to sports equipment and trained supervisors. Systematic observations were conducted around 151 targeted areas in 24 middle schools over 3 years. Randomized regression models were conducted. Results: Overall intervention effects were statistically non-significant, but increased supervision and sports equipment availability were correlated with increases in observed physical activity. Results showed a significant intervention effect for observed before-school physical activity for girls. Conclusions: Though school environment changes can be difficult to achieve, environmental improvements were associated with greater physical activity.