“A Piece of Sanity in the Midst of Insane Times”: Girls on the Run Programming to Promote Physical Activity and Psychosocial Well-Being During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Afterschool programs have the potential to promote social, emotional, and physical health outcomes among youth participants. The positive youth development (PYD) framework argues that acquiring desirable attitudes and behaviors occurs when skill-building opportunities are explicitly provided within a safe and supportive climate guided by caring, competent, and compassionate instructors. Girls on the Run (GOTR) is a PYD program that uses running, motor skills, and other physical activities as a platform for promoting positive psychosocial outcomes and life skills learning among elementary- and middle school-aged girls. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic challenged GOTR to modify lessons, coach training, and program delivery (in-person, virtual, or hybrid) to accommodate public health guidelines. The purpose of this study was to assess caregivers' and coaches' perceptions of program effectiveness in light of these changes. Following the Fall 2020 season, caregivers (n = 1,617) and coaches (n = 991) from 1,077 teams and 39 councils completed an online survey about program experiences. Both stakeholder groups positively rated program impact regardless of delivery mode, although in-person mode was rated higher for satisfaction with the end-of-season event. Thematic analysis of open-ended responses revealed that caregivers and coaches identified increased physical activity opportunities and life skills learning as well as improved social, psychological, and emotional development as a result of participating. Both stakeholders noted GOTR provided a sense of normalcy during this time of great need. Findings using mixed methods provide evidence of program effectiveness and recommendations for youth programming during challenging times.

Use of Frame Running for Adolescent Athletes With Movement Challenges: Study of Feasibility to Support Health and Participation

“…It was feasible for one coach to lead several athletes. In addition, we were not limited by the physical distances of where athletes and coaches were located and athletes could participate from their own home, which lead to high convenience as has been shown in other studies (Rowland et al, 2016 ; Astley et al, 2021 ; Calcaterra et al, 2021 ; Weiss et al, 2021 ). However, it was difficult at times to fully engage remote athletes in a way that was both safe and challenging without anyone close by to supervise for their specific movement challenges.…”

Inspiring IDEA: Girls on the Run’s developmental approach to and assessment of inclusion, diversity, equity, and access programming

“…Girls on the Run is an evidence-based PA-PYD program, offering access and equity for diverse and underserved youth and demonstrating efficacy in promoting social, emotional, and behavioral competencies (Jones et al, 2017(Jones et al, , 2021U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2019;Weiss et al, 2019Weiss et al, , 2020Weiss et al, , 2021. The program's mission, vision, and core values embrace an IDEA lens and the organization engages in continuous efforts to revise programming to sustain that commitment.…”

“…GOTR annually serves about 200,000 girls in ~175 Councils spanning all 50 United States, District of Columbia, and Canada. Evaluation research shows evidence of positive and sustained impact on social and emotional skills and physical activity levels (e.g., Bean et al, 2012;Ullrich-French and Cole, 2018;Weiss et al, 2019Weiss et al, , 2020Weiss et al, , 2021.…”

“…We conducted a secondary data analysis of the survey and focus group/interview data collected by MAEC; discuss how findings align with GOTR's goals for sustaining an IDEA lens; and propose how study findings and related research can assist afterschool programs with strategies for prioritizing IDEA in programming consistent with PYD and SEL approaches. Based on studies evaluating the effectiveness of Girls on the Run in promoting socioemotional development (e.g., Ullrich-French and Cole, 2018;Weiss et al, 2020Weiss et al, , 2021Jones et al, 2021), and the program's sustained commitment to a culturally responsive curriculum for all participants, we hypothesized that respondents of diverse identities will favorably appraise their experiences in the program as inclusive, equitable, and accessible.…”

Combatting Sedentary Behaviors by Delivering Remote Physical Exercise in Children and Adolescents with Obesity in the COVID-19 Era: A Narrative Review

“…Calcaterra et al [79] proposed an online exercise training intervention through the online platform "LAMAJunior" supported by sport science specialists to counteract a sedentary lifestyle in children. Weiss et al [176] promoted "Girls on the Run", an effective program to promote PA and psychosocial well-being during the COVID-19 emergency.…”