How to design an effective school based intervention program

Abstract

School have a crucial role in providing opportunities for children to engage in physical activity, thus im
proving physical fitness (Story et al., 2006; Lee et al., 2007) and, serve as an ideal setting for school based 
intervention (Kriemler et al., 2011; Lee et al., 2007; Pate et al., 2006; Dobbins et al., 2009). Conclusions 
from a study by Saris et al. (2003) show that kindergarten and schools are the best place for the implementation of intervention programs. School for the children is an environment where they have the possibility to play freely especially those children with limited or no access to play areas (McKenzie et al., 1996) and finally school is an environment where different children at different risk groups can interact with each other (Harrell et al., 1996; WHO, 2004). 
Research studies suggest that the best primary strategy for improving the long-term health of children and adolescents through exercise may be creating a lifestyle pattern of regular physical activity that will carry over to the adult years (Freedson and Rowland, 1992). This implies as a primary importance to identify approaches that will be effective in increasing and sustaining activity levels of children.