Physical Training as a Substance Abuse Prevention Intervention for Youth

Abstract

Program evaluation data from school and community applications of a physical fitness drug prevention program is presented. A train-the-trainer methodology was applied to install the program in twenty-two settings within the state of Illinois. The physical training program consisted of exercise and educational modules delivered over a twelve-week time period that focused on learning values and life skills through exercise. Complete pre-post data were obtained on 329 participating youth at six school and community based sites. Significant increases were demonstrated in physical activity and physical fitness (cardiovascular endurance, strength, and flexibility). Youth self-report data indicated significant decreases in risk factors such as low self-concept, poor school attendance, anxiety, depression, and number of friends who use alcohol and drugs. There were significant reductions in the percentage of youth who used cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, and alcohol. It was concluded that a strong relationship was demonstrated for increased fitness leading to lowered risk factors and usage patterns. Likewise, the train-the-trainer model was shown to be an effective installation approach to expand fitness programming within prevention settings.

Aerobic exercise decreases the positive-reinforcing effects of cocaine

“…For instance, a 12-week training program targeting adolescents and focusing on learning values and life skills through exercise reported a significant decrease in several risk factors associated with substance abuse and a concomitant reduction in the percentage of individuals who use cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, and alcohol (Collingwood et al, 2000). Similarly, a drug intervention program targeting at-risk adolescents and including an 8-week structured exercise class reported a significant decrease in anxiety, depression, and substance use in those participants exhibiting an improvement in physical fitness (Collingwood et al, 1991).…”

The association between school-based physical activity, including physical education, and academic performance: A systematic review of the literature

“…2). Two articles in this review presented findings from more than one study that met inclusion criteria; one article described three studies (Pellegrini et al, 1995), and the other reported on six (Collingwood et al, 2000).…”

Physical activity and self-esteem: ‘Jonny’s story’

“…Quender (2002) highlighted that children who took part in less physical activity had lower self-esteem and lower anxiety levels. Collingwood et al (2000) suggested that physical activity raised self-esteem. Trudeau and Shephard (2008) proposed that young people that take part in physical activity have reduced depression, anxiety symptoms and, they also observed a positive association between physical activity and academic improvements in performance.…”

“…It is therefore recommended that primary schools use physical activity interventions especially for those children who are found to have low levels of self-esteem on school well-being measurements, but there would also be the potential for physical activity interventions to help support all children. Collingwood et al (2000) proposed physical activity can raise self-esteem, and following on from the positive results from this case study, the school has decided to continue with physical activity interventions, using a hole s hool app oa h to p o ote a g eate i ol e e t i ph si al a ti it (Rees et al 2001, p.6). These interventions will be particularly for children who are identified as having low self-esteem, especially to help support academic performance as well as a way of raising selfesteem.…”