Physical Activity and Teenage Health (PATH) Program

An Evidence-Based Practice

Description

The Physical Activity and Teenage Health (PATH) Program is a school-based intervention for adolescents to prevent risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease. The program is implemented in 30-minute sessions, five days a week, for 12 weeks and replaces regular physical education classes. Each session begins with discussion on a relevant cardiovascular health topic and suggestions are made for modifying health behaviors. The remainder of each session is devoted to vigorous physical exercise, alternating aerobic activities with resistance exercises for strength training. Discussion topics include diet, exercise, stress, and smoking. The program is available to adolescents aged 14 to 19 years, and classes contain students in grades 9 through 12.

Goal / Mission

The goal of the PATH Program is to improve knowledge of cardiovascular health and reduce risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease.

Results / Accomplishments

When compared to a control group participating in traditional physical education classes, PATH participants have significantly improved health knowledge and test scores (p < 0.006). Girls participating in the program significantly improved dietary habits (p < 0.05), reduced cholesterol (p < 0.004), and had higher estimated lung capacity (p < 0.0001) when compared to the control group.

About this Promising Practice

Organization(s)
Queens College Department of Urban Studies
Primary Contact
Marcia Bayne-Smith
Department of Urban Studies
Powdermaker Hall, Room 250 R
Queens College, CUNY
65-30 Kissena Blvd.
Flushing, NY 11367
marcia_smith@qc.edu
http://rtips.cancer.gov/rtips/programDetails.do?pr...
Topics
Health / Adolescent Health
Health / Physical Activity
Organization(s)
Queens College Department of Urban Studies
Source
Journal of Adolescent Health
Date of publication
1996
Date of implementation
1994
Geographic Type
Urban
Location
New York, NY
For more details
Target Audience
Teens