Sports Program for Rural Girls

(GirlsPLAY Trial)

Overseen By Ashleigh Johnson, DrPH

Age: < 18

Sex: Female

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: San Diego State University

Disqualifiers: Physical or mental impairment, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to assess how a 12-week sports and physical literacy program affects physical activity in rural girls. The program, called Girls PLAY, encourages participation in various sports to boost physical activity levels. Ideal participants are girls aged 8-10 living in Imperial County, California, who are involved with a local Boys & Girls Club.

As an unphased trial, this study offers participants a unique opportunity to engage in a program designed to enhance their physical activity and sports skills.

Do I need to stop my current medications to join the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What prior data suggests that the Girls PLAY program is safe for rural girls?

Research shows that the Girls PLAY program aims to increase physical activity among girls in rural areas. As this program is not a medical treatment, it presents few safety concerns. It provides a safe space for girls to play sports.

No reports of negative effects have emerged, as activities like sports are generally safe with proper supervision. The program's main goal is to ensure girls feel safe and motivated to participate, which is a positive aspect. Overall, the Girls PLAY program offers a safe way for girls to become active and improve their fitness. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Girls PLAY program because it offers a unique approach to promoting physical activity among rural girls, who often have limited access to sports programs. Unlike standard physical education classes or community sports leagues, this program is specifically designed to be accessible and engaging for girls in rural areas, focusing on their unique needs and interests. By fostering a supportive and inclusive environment, the program aims to increase participation and improve overall health and well-being, potentially leading to long-term benefits in physical fitness and confidence.

What evidence suggests that the Girls PLAY program is effective for increasing physical activity in rural girls?

Research shows that programs like the Girls PLAY program, which participants in this trial will experience, can benefit young girls. One study on a similar program found small but important improvements in body image, nutrition knowledge, and behavior among girls. Another study suggested these programs might aid in the growth and development of young female participants. Additionally, these programs generally achieved their goals, indicating effective implementation. While direct evidence does not specifically link the Girls PLAY program to increased physical activity, similar programs appear to enhance overall well-being and life skills. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for healthy girls aged 8-10 living in Imperial County, California. They must be enrolled at a participating Boys & Girls Club site to join.

Inclusion Criteria

I live in Imperial County, California.

I am enrolled at a participating Boys & Girls Club site.

I identify as female.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Intervention Development

Development and refinement of the 12-week Girls PLAY sport sampling and physical literacy intervention

12 weeks

Intervention Implementation

Implementation of the Girls PLAY program to assess feasibility and impact on physical activity levels

12 weeks

Weekly sessions

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in physical activity, literacy, and related constructs

2 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Girls PLAY program

Trial Overview The study tests the 'Girls PLAY program,' a 12-week sports sampling and physical literacy initiative designed to increase physical activity among rural girls.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Girls PLAY program Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

San Diego State University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

182

Recruited

119,000+

Boys and Girls Clubs of Imperial Valley

Collaborator

Trials

1

Recruited

30+

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)

Collaborator

Trials

3,987

Recruited

47,860,000+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6716893/

Process evaluation of the school-based Girls Active ... There was no statistical evidence that Girls Active was effective in changing MVPA at 14 months [7] in the intervention group compared to the control but there ...

2. jsfd.org jsfd.org/2015/09/20/girls-just-wanna-have-fun-understanding-perceptions-of-effective-strategies-and-outcomes-in-a-female-youth-driven-physical-activity-based-life-skills-programme/

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun: Understanding Perceptions ... Overall, the results provide initial evidence that the programme may be having a positive effect on the development of female youth participants ...

3. researchgate.net researchgate.net/publication/274487719_Making_a_Difference_Evaluating_the_Girls_in_the_Game_GIG_After-School_Program

Evaluating the Girls in the Game (GIG) After-School Program Repeated-measures ANOVAs (analyses of variance) revealed small but significant improvements in body image, nutrition knowledge, and behavior for ...

4. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4138317/

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun: a process evaluation of a female ... Findings from this study indicated that program goals were attained and it appears that the program was implemented, for the most part, as designed. The themes ...

5. girlsinc.org girlsinc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Girls-Inc.-Final-Study-Report_Learning-Central.pdf

The Impact of Girls Inc. on Academic and Behavioral ... The significant outcomes that we found for both years of girls touch on a myriad of topics, including civic efficacy, leadership, standing up for fairness and ...

6. projectplay.org projectplay.org/news/dc-girls-play-sports-and-move-their-bodies-less-than-boys

Girls play sports and move their bodies less than boys Build physically and emotionally safe sports programs. Abuse and harassment in sports deters girls from participating. Implementing policies ...

7. m.imdb.com m.imdb.com/title/tt29516129/parentalguide/?ref_=tt_stry_pg

Girls' Play (TV Mini Series 2024) - Parents guide Sex & Nudity · Violence & Gore · Profanity · Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking · Frightening & Intense Scenes · Certifications · More from this title · More to explore.

8. projectplay.org projectplay.org/news/girls-play-sports-and-move-their-bodies-less-than-boys

Girls play sports and move their bodies less than boys The report assesses the opportunities and barriers for more children to access sports and physical activity in East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana.

9. womenssportsfoundation.org womenssportsfoundation.org/do-you-know-the-factors-influencing-girls-participation-in-sports/

Do You Know the Factors Influencing Girls' Participation in ... Lack of access. Girls have 1.3 million fewer opportunities to play high school sports than boys have. · Safety and transportation issues. · Social stigma.

10. djj.state.fl.us djj.state.fl.us/services/prevention-services/prevention-programs

DJJ Florida Youth Programs A not-for-profit statewide association representing agencies which serve lockouts/homeless, runaway, and troubled youth ages 10 to 17 and their families.