Author(s): MATHIEU, M.E., GILBERT, J., AHMADI, S., Institution: UNIVERSITÉ DE MONTRÉAL: UNIVERSITY OF MONTREAL, Country: CANADA, Abstract-ID: 917

INTRODUCTION:
The benefits of adopting healthy lifestyle habits are manifold for adolescents. However, only about 24% of Canadian adolescents adhere to physical activity (PA) guidelines, with girls being less active than boys [1]. FitSpirit, a non-profit organization, strives to enhance the motivation and enjoyment of regular PA among adolescent girls in Canada, thereby increasing their awareness of the advantages of an active lifestyle [2]. This study aimed to (1) compare lifestyle habits between adolescents who participated only for a few weeks (Average 5-10 weeks) in FitSpirits interventions (Intervention group) and those who registered but had yet to participate (Control group), and (2) to evaluate the extent to which FitSpirit enhances PA enjoyment and whether this enjoyment is further linked to lifestyle habits among adolescents who terminated their participation (former participants).

METHODS:
Questionnaires used in this study assessed adherence to recommendations for PA levels, recreational screen time, sleep duration, and eating habits regarding vegetable and fruit intake. These assessments used the Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines and Canadas Food Guide. Former participants were divided based on whether FitSpirit participation increased their enjoyment of PA (Enjoyed and Not Enjoyed).

RESULTS:
For our first study aim, 364 girls in the intervention group (age= 14.8±1.4 years) and 215 girls in the control group (age= 14.8±1.4 years) participated. The results indicated only a significant difference in PA levels between groups; the intervention group met PA guidelines significantly more than the Control group (27.5% vs 19.1%, p= 0.023). However, there were no significant differences in the rest of the lifestyle habit variables between groups. Among former participants, 143 girls in the Enjoyed group (age= 18.1±1.6 years), and 298 girls in the Not Enjoyed group (age= 17.5±1.6 years), the Enjoyed group adhered more to recreational screen time guidelines than the Not Enjoyed group (35.7% vs 24.2%, p= 0.012). The enjoyment of PA was not associated with other adherence to recommendations.

CONCLUSION:
The FitSpirit program appears promising in encouraging adolescent girls to adopt a more active lifestyle soon after the beginning of FitSpirit. Also, enjoyment of PA helped to manage screen time more effectively. These findings underscore the importance of continued efforts in similar interventions that aim not only to increase PA but also to cultivate a lasting appreciation for active lifestyles among adolescent girls.

REFERENCES:
1. Roberts KC, Yao X, Carson V, Chaput JP, Janssen I, Tremblay MS. Meeting the Canadian 24-hour movement guidelines for children and youth. Health Rep. 2017;28(10):3–7.
2. Sardin V. FitSpirit Annual Report 2021–2023: A Year of Action. Available online: https://www.fitspirit.ca/about/publications/annual-reports.