Process evaluation of a physical activity self-management program for children: SPARK

SPARK is a controlled field study of a multi-component elementary school pr ogram to promote physical activity. One component is a weekly classroom-bas ed self-management program, with the goal of increasing physical activity o utside of school. The curriculum included goal setting, behavioral skills t raining, a reward system, and parent involvement An evaluation of curriculu m implementation and association between process and outcome was conducted using direct observation of lessons, subjective ratings by 24 teachers and 391 parents, and participation records of 549 students. Teachers viewed the self-management curriculum less positively than the physical education cur riculum. Teachers were observed implementing an average of 65% of curriculu m elements, which may have contributed to the limited effects of the self-m anagement program. Student participation in the program, measured by points earned for doing out of school physical activity, was correlated significa ntly with changes in body mass index and multiple psychosocial variables am ong boys but not girls. Barriers to full program implementation were identi fied, and a remaining challenge is to improve self-management curriculum im plementation by teachers.