College of Education and Human Development
Study Shows Positive Impact of Girls Running Program
April 20, 2012
A study conducted by Assistant Professor Cindy Waddell shows the positive impact of a girls running program on girls' fitness and self-esteem.
The study surveyed 2,732 third- through sixth-grade girls participating in a Girls on the Run program at schools across Northern Virginia in spring 2011. The findings indicated that participation in the ten-week program had the following statistically significant results:
- Increase in self-esteem
- Increase in physical activity (exercise and sport)
- Increase in social support for physical activity (family and friends)
- Decrease in body size dissatisfaction
The findings were consistent across income levels, race and ethnicities, and number of seasons participating. The overall increase in social support for physical activity also showed the impact on families, friends, and community members who changed their exercise attitudes and behaviors as a result.
"This research presented a unique opportunity to study a popular girls' fitness phenomenon," said Waddell, who teaches at the School of Recreation, Health, and Tourism at George Mason University. "The study's significant sample size added validity to the research findings. Based on the results, participation in the Girls on the Run program has measurable and positive effects on the girls who participate, as well as their friends and families."
The results of the study were announced at the April 19, 2012 Let's Move the Needle on Childhood Obesity conference, co-sponsored by INOVA Health System and the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia.
For additional information:
- Media contact: Catherine Probst Ferraro, cferraro@gmu.edu
- Press release: PR Newswire »
- School of Recreation, Health, and Tourism: rht.gmu.edu
- College of Education and Human Development: cehd.gmu.edu