Addressing Disparities in Children's Physical Fitness: Creating Equitable Opportunities Through a Comprehensive Intervention Program

• In Event: Thursday Roundtable Session 4:20 pm
  In Roundtable Session: Interventions and Teacher Socialization (Table 19)

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the long-term effects of physical activity restrictions on children, especially those from marginalized backgrounds with limited access to programs and facilities. This study addresses these concerns by developing a needs-based physical activity program for children. A comprehensive needs analysis informed the program design, tailored for school and home settings. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the program's effectiveness was assessed, with a specific focus on children's physical fitness, revealing positive impacts on their overall well-being. To create educational spaces that are free from various forms of injustice, including racial and socioeconomic disparities, these findings emphasize the need to establish easily accessible physical activity programs specifically designed to cater to marginalized populations.

Authors

• Beyza Aksu-Dunya, Bartin University

• Fatma Ünal, Bartin University

• Hatice Yildiz Durak, Bartin University

• Ayça Genç, Bartin University

• Yasemin Büyükşahin, Bartin University

• Mehmet Can Demir