Author(s)

Louisa R. Peralta^*, Donna O’Connor, Wayne G. Cotton, Andrew Bennie

The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.

The primary aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a community and school sport program (SCP) on Indigenous adolescents’ life skills and physical activity levels within program sessions. A secondary aim was to determine the acceptability of the SCP. Participants in the SCP (n = 34; 89%) participated in a 10-week case study (age = 13.7 ± 1.16; 58% girls). Systematic observations of SCP sessions were conducted to determine physical activity levels and a life skills questionnaire was implemented. Acceptability measures included retention, implementation, attendance rates, and interviews with participants [n = 18] and key stakeholders [n = 6]. Systematic observations indicated that Indigenous students were engaged in MVPA for 58% of lesson time. Participants’ life skills remained unchanged (p = 0.93). Interview data showed that Indigenous students and key stakeholders believed the SCP was acceptable. This study highlights the need for partnerships between Indigenous community organisations and schools to design sport-based programs to promote Indigenous adolescents’ MVPA.

School Sport, Physical Education, Indigenous, Life Skills, Comprehensive Physical Activity Programs, Adolescents

Peralta, L. , O’Connor, D. , Cotton, W. and Bennie, A. (2014) The Effects of a Community and School Sport-Based Program on Urban Indigenous Adolescents’ Life Skills and Physical Activity Levels: The SCP Case Study. Health, 6, 2469-2480. doi: 10.4236/health.2014.618284.