Adolescent girls physical activity, fitness and psychological well-being during a health club physical education approach
European Physical Education Review
Published online on July 18, 2016
Abstract
This pilot project aimed to demonstrate the efficacy and feasibility of an innovative physical education programme, referred to as a health club (HC) approach, in a high school setting. We measured adolescent girls’ moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), components of health-related physical fitness, and perceptions about themselves and physical activity (PA) during a 14-week programme. The HC approach produced high levels of MVPA. Pre/post physical fitness testing variables included height, weight, body mass index, waist measurement, sit and reach, grip strength, push-ups, sit-ups and a 10-minute walk test. Significant differences were found in participants’ flexibility and cardiovascular fitness at the conclusion of the 14-week programme. Participants reported greater perceived control over their PA, improvements in their physical self-concept across several domains, more positive feelings about appearance and strength and more positive global statements about their physical selves at post-test. The results of this study suggest that the HC approach is a promising approach that deserves further study.