Does HOPSports Promote Youth Physical Activity in Physical Education Classes?

This study investigated how a technological intervention, HOPSports (HOPS), impacted youth physical activity (PA) in a physical education (PE) class. Research indicates rising levels of youth television watching and video game use, physical inactivity, and related overweight. One approach to increase youth PA is to use technology-based environments, a preferred setting among youth. The purpose of this research was to objectively compare the PA levels of youth engaged in HOPS-based PE classes with those engaged in traditional teacher-led classes. Activity outcomes were measured using Actigraph accelerometers. Youth (n = 387) in Grades 4 to 8 participated in a longitudinal intervention study. Youth were significantly more active, on average, when using HOPS. Findings suggest HOPS may be most effective by promoting diverse, dynamic program options that PE teachers may not otherwise select. With the possibility of increasing PE class sizes due to shrinking budgets, using HOPS may be one viable strategy to increase PA and combat rising youth obesity levels.