Investigating Children's Experiences and Participation in a Free Community-Based Physical Activity Program: The Grade 5 ACT-i-Pass
Abstract
Physical activity is an important component of children’s health and development; however, a majority of Canadian children are not meeting the physical activity recommendations. This thesis aimed to identify the factors that influenced children’s enrollment and participation in a free community-based physical activity program, the Grade 5 ACT-i-Pass (G5AP). This thesis consisted of two individual, but interrelated studies. First, focus groups with G5AP participants were used to explore the factors that influenced children’s perceived physical activity levels and participation in the program. Second, a spatially-targeted promotional campaign was developed and implemented to help evaluate the impact of promotions on program registrations, with particular interest in low-uptake areas of London, Ontario. The results indicated that various aspects of accessibility affected children’s involvement in the program. Findings from this thesis provide suggestions for future research, as well as implications for caregivers, policymakers, program co-ordinators and health care professionals for future health promotion initiatives.