Move & Thrive: Development of a Web-Based Training for Schools About Trauma-Informed Physical Activity

BACKGROUND

Youth who have experienced trauma or other adverse childhood events have the potential to uniquely benefit from physical activity (PA). However, how PA is administered in schools can be re-traumatizing and fail to create positive experiences through movement. We sought to develop role-specific training to help increase the implementation of trauma-informed PA.

METHODS

Guided by intervention mapping methodology, we developed “Move & Thrive”—a brief web-based training about trauma-informed PA. We then conducted a pilot evaluation of this training using a pre-posttest design with no control group in a sample of youth sport coaches, parents of school-aged children, and teachers (n = 150) recruited from an online opt-in non-probability panel.

RESULTS

Mixed methods feedback found that “Move & Thrive” was highly acceptable. Across all roles (coaches, teachers, and parents/guardians) there were statistically significant increases in all targeted implementation determinants (knowledge, attitudes, self-efficacy, and perceived resources/support), with moderate to large effect sizes.

CONCLUSIONS

These results provide the foundation for a larger, adequately powered trial with randomization and follow-up to assess the implementation of trauma-informed PA.