Evaluation Of Practice-based Programs To Increase Use Of Trails Among Youth From Under-resourced Communities

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Racial and ethnic disparities exist in physical activity (PA) among youth. Trail use can help children and youth get PA and confer additional health benefits. US Forest Service data shows disparities in trail use by race/ethnicity. The National Collaborative on Childhood Obesity Research set out to address disparities in trail use (and thereby related disparities in PA and obesity). PURPOSE: Originally, this project was twofold: to review the scientific published peer reviewed literature (findings published previously), and non-published “grey” literature (findings reported here) to identify effective programs to increase use of trails among youth from under-resourced communities. Youth trails use programs that were evaluated using experimental methods were not located. METHODS: A review of grey literature for youth trail use programs was conducted searching websites, government/organizational reports, success stories, conference proceedings, and leads from subject matter experts. Internet search terms included trails, programs, youth, low income, under-resourced, race/ethnic groups). Inclusion criteria were that a program must 1. be US based and ongoing ≥3 yrs., 2. focused on youth ≤18 yrs., 3. designed to reach youth from diverse racial/ethnic groups or whose families are low-income, 4. include trail use (walking, hiking, or biking), and 5. have evaluation data (e.g., participation rates by demographic characteristics, program satisfaction, psychosocial outcomes (e.g., self-esteem)). RESULTS: Of 39 programs located, 9 met inclusion criteria. These 9 programs were implemented in diverse communities (low income, under-resourced, some with no parks). Two of the 9 programs were school based (predominantly Title 1) programs. However, 2 are 1-week programs only, 1 was offered during the summer only and 2 during the school year only. Although, all programs included some type of evaluation data, only 1 program that estimated calories burned per bike miles ridden, evaluated health outcomes directly relevant to childhood obesity. CONCLUSIONS: Programs exist for increasing trail use among youth from diverse and under-resourced communities. Research is needed to document program effectiveness, so health professionals can more effectively advance trail use as a health enhancing behavior among youth.

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