A Formative Evaluation of the Feel the Power Feel Fit Girls Program (FTPFFGP): A Physical Activity Program for Female Adolescents

Authors

  • Alison Bochsler Lakehead University
  • John M. Dwyer Dept of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition, University of Guelph
  • William J. Montelpare School of Healthcare, University of Leeds

Keywords:

Physical activity, adolescents, intervention, females, health promotion, physical activity involvement, females and activity behaviours

Abstract

A formative evaluation was conducted to determine successes, challenges, and improvement areas within Feel The Power Feel Fit Girls Program (FTPFFGP), a program designed to increase physical activity levels among female adolescents.  Two cohorts were identified within this study of N=121 participants (n1=53, n2= 68).  Key informant interviews, focus groups, and questionnaires were utilized.  The results indicated that various promotion strategies were effective but need to be sustained over time; students enjoyed participating and would like additional activities to be provided; resource constraints in providing activities need to be addressed; participants liked the various incentives for participation; having external funding for the program and staff support were deemed essential to the success of the program.

On a procédé à une évaluation formative pour déterminer les réussites, les défis et éléments à améliorer, de Feel The Power Feel Fit Girls (FTPFFG), un programme ayant pour but d’accroître la pratique d’activité physique chez les adolescentes. Un groupe de 121 adolescentes a été divisé en deux cohortes (n1=53, n2= 68). Les chercheurs ont ensuite interviewé des informatrices clés, mis sur pied des groupes de consultation et distribué des questionnaires. Les résultats ont démontré ce qui suit : il existe diverses stratégies de promotion efficaces, mais ces dernières doivent être maintenues au fil du temps; les étudiantes aiment participer et veulent qu’on leur propose d’autres activités; la pénurie de ressources risque de nuire aux activités et il faut trouver une solution; les participantes aiment les divers incitatifs qui les encouragent à participer; il faut absolument trouver des sources externes pour financer le programme et le personnel. Tous ces éléments sont nécessaires à la réussite du programme.  

Author Biographies

Alison Bochsler, Lakehead University

Alison is a graduate of the Masters of Public Health Program at Lakehead University and is currently a Physical Activity Specialist with the City of Hamilton Public Health Services.

John M. Dwyer, Dept of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition, University of Guelph

Dr. John Dwyer, PhD (Psychology), is currently an Associate Professor in the
Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition at the University of Guelph

William J. Montelpare, School of Healthcare, University of Leeds

Professor William Montelpare is currently a Research Chair for Allied Health Sciences at the University of Leeds, Leeds, UK

He also holds an adjunct Professorship at Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, ON, and can be accessed by either of the following e-mail addresses.

w.j.montelpare@leeds.ac.uk

wmontelp@lakeheadu.ca

 

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Published

2012-07-21

Issue

Vol. 4 No. 2 (2012): Revue phenEPS / PHEnex Journal

Section

Feature Articles / Articles de fond

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