The impact of community-based physical activity projects on girls' and young women's engagement in physical activity: findings from an evaluation of the 'Girls on the Move' programme

Abstract

Using findings of an evaluation of the 'Girls on the Move' programme in Scotland, this article assesses the short-term (up to 6 months) impact that community-based projects can have on girls' engagement in physical activity. Attendance, drop out, frequency, duration and intensity of participation in physical activity are considered. The findings indicate that around six-out-of-ten girls maintained their involvement in the projects and that four-out-of-ten girls had high levels of attendance. Although the amount of time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was low (average of 10 min per hour of activity), the findings suggest that girls' activity increased between the beginning and end of projects but remained below healthy reference values. While short-term community-based projects can contribute to daily activity, organised activity sessions need to be supplemented with other forms of physical activity (e.g. physical education, active living) if girls are to attain the recommended 60 min of MVPA per day.