Factors Associated with Tweens’ Intentions to Sustain Participation in an Innovative Community-Based Physical Activity Intervention

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by Grenda

Participation in free-time play is a critical pathway for youth physical activity patterns that carry into adulthood. The VERB Summer Scorecard (VSS) initiative targets 8–13-year-olds during summer when sedentary behavior may increase, raising weight gain risk and further inactivity. This cross-sectional study (n=1,063) examined factors linked to intentions to participate in VSS among tweens previously exposed to the program. Female status, trying new activities, wanting to participate without current out-of-school activity, and physical activity self-monitoring showed significant associations, suggesting VSS can motivate adoption and continued engagement.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages9

Reading Time23 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Background

Purpose

Methods

Results

Discussion

Translation to Health Education Practice

Background

Importance of physical activity for youth

Definitions and developmental context of tweens

Preferences, motivations, and gender differences in activity

Research Article Factors Associated with Tweens’ Intentions to Sustain Participation in an Innovative Community-Based Physical Activity Intervention Rita D. DeBate, Robert J. McDermott, Julie A. Baldwin, CarolA. Bryant, Anita H. Courtney, David L. Hogeboom, Jen Nickelson, Leah M. Phiilips, and Moya L. Alfonso ABSTRACT Background: Participation in free-time play, including individual and group activities, is important during youth as patterns of physical activity established then persist into adulthood. The VERB Summer Scorecard (VSS) intervention is an innovative physical activity promotion initiative that offers tweens (8-13 year-olds) opportunities to be active during the summer months when increased sedentariness can occur, leading to weight gain and a predisposition for further inactivity. Purpose: This study identified factors associated with intentions to participate in VSS among tweens previously exposed to the intervention. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 1,063 middle school youth using a 39-item survey and performed a multi-level analysis. Results: Being female (OR=1.43), having tried a new physical activity (OR=1.59), not currently participating in out-of-school activities but wanting to (OR=2.60), and self-monitoring of physical activity (OR=4.42 to 7.50) were associated with future intention to participate in VSS. Discussion: Adoption of the VSS seemed to inspire some tweens to initiate and sustain activity. VSS appealed to tween girls, an especially important priority audience because of the observed tendency of girls’ physical activity to decline during the teen years. Moreover, VSS offered youth the opportunity for trying a variety of games, sports, and other activities. Additionally, the tangible practice of monitoring physical activity (via the scorecard) appeared to have a favorable impact on intention to participate again in VSS. Translation to Health Education Practice: Implications for school and community based physical activity interventions include structures that incorporate trialabilty andobservability as mechanisms for increasing likelihood of intervention adoption. DeBate RD, McDermott RJ, Baldwin JA, Bryant CA, Courtney AH, Hogeboom Dl, et al. Factors associated with tweens’ intentions to sustain participation in an innovative community-based physical activity intervention. Am J Health Educ. 2009;40(3):130-138. This paper was submitted to the Journal on October 20, 2008, revised and accepted on December 23, 2008. BACKGROUND Physical activity is essential for good health and proper growth and development among children and youth.1 Numerous studies have correlated higher levels of physical activity with health benefits during youth, including weight control, improved cardiovascular fitness and muscular strength, and increased bone mass.1-8 Physical activity also contributes to psychological well-being4,9,10 and academic achievement.4,7,11-15 Converse- ly, physical inactivity is a leading modifiable risk factor for several chronic diseases and Rita D. DeBate ([redebate@health.usf.edu](redebate@health.usf.edu)) is associate professor, Robert J. McDermott is professor, Julie A. Baldwin is professor, and CarolA. Bryant is professor, all atthe University of South Florida College of Public Health, MDC 056, Tampa, FL 33612; Anita H. Courtney is a VERB Summer Scorecard Specialist and consultant in Lexington, KY 40504; David L. Hogeboom is results in many long-term consequences.4,16 Physical inactivity is associated with over- technology director at the University of South Florida College of Public Health; Jen Nickelson is assistant professor at the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487; Leah M. Phillips is program coordinator for the Florida Prevention Research Center and Moya L. Alfonso is research assistant professor, both at the University of South Florida College of Public Health. Rita D. DeBate, Robert J. McDermott, Julie A. Baldwin, CarolA. Bryant, Anit

FAQs

What is the VERB Summer Scorecard (VSS) intervention intended to do?

VSS is an innovative physical activity promotion initiative that gives tweens opportunities to be active during summer months when sedentary behavior can increase.

What factors were associated with tweens’ future intention to participate in VSS?

Being female, trying a new physical activity, not currently participating in out-of-school activities but wanting to, and self-monitoring physical activity were associated with stronger future intentions.

How might VSS influence sustained participation?

VSS appears to encourage tweens to initiate and sustain activity by appealing to tween girls, enabling trying a variety of games and sports, and using scorecard-based monitoring to positively shape intention to participate again.

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by Grenda