A Mixed Methods Evaluation Of The Feasibility Of The InPACT At Home Intervention

INTRODUCTION: The home environment is an understudied component of the Comprehensive School Physical Activity Programs framework and research is needed to promote physical activity for youth in this space. Therefore, the Interrupting Prolonged Sitting with Activity (InPACT) at Home intervention, an evidence-informed intervention utilizing instructor-led exercise videos to promote physical activity for youth in the home was created. PURPOSE: To examine the feasibility of the InPACT at Home intervention to engage children in instructor-led exercise videos and assess parent/child experiences to identify barriers and facilitators to engagement. METHODS: A convergent mixed methods design was used. Children ages 7-12 years engaged in a 20-day intervention and were given a goal to complete three, 8-minute InPACT at Home exercise videos 5 days per week. Informed by the Social Cognitive Theory, individual (child) and environmental (parent) factors were assessed via surveys and semi-structured interviews with children and their parents. Multiple linear regression was used to assess the association between individual and environmental factors and child engagement in videos. The qualitative analysis determined barriers and facilitators to child engagement. RESULTS: Overall, 65% of participants engaged in 2.2 videos per day on average (i.e., approximately 13 min 12 sec of activity). The facilitators of engagement were intervention accessibility, parent support, and child motivation. The barriers of engagement included child fitness level, child perceived video intensity, time and space limitations, and distractions in the home. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that the InPACT at Home instructor-led exercise videos are feasible and have the potential to provide opportunities for youth to be active at home, enhancing the family and community engagement component of the Comprehensive School Physical Activity Program literature. However, tailored adaptations to overcome barriers to adherence and meet families' individual needs are warranted. American College of Sports Medicine Doctoral Student Research Grant