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System for Observing Fitness Instruction Time
SOFIT (System for Observing Fitness Instruction Time) is a comprehensive tool for assessing physical education classes by providing for the simultaneous collection of data on student activity levels, the lesson context, and teacher behavior. Physical activity engagement is one of the main health-related goals of physical education and it is needed in order for students to become physically fit and physically skilled. Participation in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) during class is highly dependent upon how physical education subject matter is delivered (i.e., lesson context)...
Preschool Outdoor Environment Measurement Scale (POEMS)
Includes a user guide, the scale and scoring protocol (additional Scoring Protocols are sold in a set of 10 separately, reliability and validity information, and a technical assistance manual for program improvement and planning can be found at the weblink below.
Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale – Youth (NEWS-Y)
The tool assesses residential density, land use mix (including indices of proximity and accessibility), street connectivity, infrastructure for walking/cycling, neighborhood aesthetics, and traffic and crime safety. There are separate self-administered versions for parents and adolescents (aged 11 and above).
The NEWS-Y instrument was derived from the NEWS-A, adaptations were made based on interviews with youth and parents, and it was tested in the Active Where? Study.
PIN3 Neighborhood Audit Instrument
The tool was originally developed to assess environments in urban and rural North Carolina. Researchers are encouraged to use the instrument in other geographic areas to confirm their applicability to different locations.
Active Where? Surveys
The Active Where? Study was designed to develop measures to understand how the physical environment impacts physical activity and eating behaviors related to chronic diseases, such as obesity, among children and youth. This study started with individual interviews with children and parents 'in situ', thus allowing researchers to observe and interact with youth while using neighborhood and park environments. This formative work was designed to generate appropriate items.
A set of quantitative survey measures was developed to assess home, neighborhood, park, and school environments to...
Walking Route Audit Tool for Seniors (WRATS)
The main domains addressed by the Walking Route Audit Tool for Seniors (WRATS) are: functionality, safety, aesthetics, and destinations. The tool includes 59 items and most are measured using a 3-point scale.
The Rural Active Living Assessment (RALA) Tools
The Rural Active Living Assessment (RALA) tools include three separate components: 1) Town-Wide (18 town characteristic questions, and inventory of 15 recreational amenities), 2) Program and Policy (20 questions), and 3) Street Segment (28 questions) Assessments. These three assessment instruments are designed to be used together and provide a comprehensive measure addressing many of the unique factors believed to be important to active living in rural communities.
The RALA tools were developed using an evidence-informed framework and substantial input from rural residents, and they...
Behaviors of Eating and Activity for Children’s Health: Evaluation System (BEACHES)
The Behaviors of Eating and Activity for Children’s Health: Evaluation System (BEACHES) is a direct observation system used to simultaneously record children’s physical activity and sedentary behaviors as well as related environmental characteristics and events. The physical activity codes have been validated using heart rate monitors and accelerometers, and the system can be used in homes, schools, and most settings where children might be found.The original system was developed within the framework of behavioral analysis and included coding for 10 separate dimensions. These dimensions...
