A case study of developing and evaluating a comprehensive primary school-based physical activity promotion program

The purpose of this study was to develop and apply an elementary school-based CSPAP and verify its effectiveness. For this purpose, 172 students in the 5th and 6th grades of elementary school and 12 school staff and 6 parents were selected as study participants. This study was conducted by using a mixed method. The students PA levels were collected by the number of steps and physical activity questionnaires(PAQ-C) and it was conducted twice: pre- and post. A paired-samples T-test was conducted using the SPSS 23.0 for WINDOWS program to analyze. In addition, qualitative data collected through in-depth interviews with research participants were analyzed. The results were as follows. First, students who experienced CSPAP showed a significant increase in step counts. Second, regarding the motive for CSPAP participation, the biggest reason for students to continue to participate in CSPAP was 1) to form stable relationships with friends, 2) to relieve stress, anxiety and tension through PA, 3) to improve health and physical strength, and 4) to improve motor skills. Third, students who participated in CSPAP also demonstrated positive behavioral changes, such as improving basic lifestyle habits and improving concentration on class tasks beyond the increase in physical activity.