Girls benefit from single-sex gym classes

With a decline in physical activity and increasing rates of both obesity and diabetes, it is important to focus on athletic participation in schools. “High school girls exhibit higher levels of vigorous activity if they participate in single-sex, non-traditional gym classes that include aerobics, dance, and other activities tailored to meet their interests...” The researchers looked at students in intervention groups and control groups. Girls in the intervention groups participated in a program called Lifestyle Education for Activity Program (LEAP) created to change instructional practices in gym classes and the overall environment related to health education. The program offers an alternative to the competitive team sports in traditional physical education curriculum. LEAP also included lessons promoting a healthy lifestyle. Girls in the control group attended traditional physical education classes that focused on competitive sports like soccer and basketball. Researchers said that 45% of girls in LEAP reported vigorous activity levels each day compared with 36% of girls in the control group. This study is thought to be the first that shows a school-based intervention can increase physical activity.