Conference Agenda
Overview and details of the sessions of this conference. Please select a date or location to show only sessions at that day or location. Please select a single session for detailed view (with abstracts and downloads if available).
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Daily Overview |
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WR1_2_2: Abstract presentations: Whole-School Approaches to Physical Activity and Health Location: White room 1 Session Chair: Josef Mitáš | |
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12:15pm - 12:18pm
“Every kid should go to PE regardless of ability”: Adapting the Youth-Physical Activity Towards Health (Y-PATH) intervention for post-primary schools in Northern Ireland 1: Centre for Exercise Medicine, Physical Activity and Health, Sport and Exercise Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK; 2: Physical Activity for Health Research Centre (PHARC), Institute for Sport, Physical Education and Health Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9YL, UK; 3: Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK; 4: Trinity Centre for Practice & Healthcare Innovation, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.; 5: School of Education, Physical Education, Sports Studies and Arts Programme, University College Cork; 6: School of Health & Human Performance, Dublin City University Purpose The purpose of this study was to explore how the evidence-based Youth-Physical Activity Towards Health (Y-PATH) programme could be adapted to the Northern Ireland (NI) context. Methods A mixed-methods approach was employed, including an online cross-sectional survey of pupils aged 11-14 years (n=1,541) that measured PA levels, enjoyment and experiences of PE, and preferences for PA. Focus groups (n=17) with 116 pupils aged 11-16 years, and interviews with parents/guardians and teachers (n=19) explored barriers, facilitators, and perceptions of Y-PATH. Survey data were analysed descriptively, while qualitative data were analysed thematically. Results Only 21.2% of adolescents met daily PA guidelines, with boys more likely than girls to meet recommendations (32% vs 13.7%). PA levels and enjoyment of PE declined with age. Most pupils (98%) expressed interest in trying new activities, with team sports (65.9%) and gym-based activities (66%) most popular. Pupils highlighted the importance of variety, autonomy, and social support in PE. Teachers and parents emphasised broadening PE beyond competitive sports, ensuring every pupil participates regardless of ability. Y-PATH NI was viewed as a promising framework to support inclusive engagement and skill development, although implementation challenges included teacher workload, time constraints, and the need for professional development. Conclusions Findings highlight the need for context-specific, whole-school approaches to promote health-related PA and fundamental movement skills during the transition to post-primary education. Adapting Y-PATH for NI schools offers an opportunity to increase participation, enjoyment, and inclusivity in PE, particularly for those less engaged in traditional sports. | |
