Reinforcing an Active Lifestyle and Leadership for Youth

RALLY is a theoretically based program designed to address the growing problem of childhood and adolescent overweight in Bend, Oregon. It aims to provide young people who are at risk for overweight or overweight with an opportunity to improve both their physical and mental health through lifestyle physical activity and social support.

Program characteristics include:

• Lifestyle physical activity sessions 3x per week
• Inclusion of peer mentoring
• An emphasis on improving self-efficacy towards participating in exercise
• Family education evenings

This is an innovative formative study that uses a quasi-experimental design. Participants will be recruited through pediatrician recommendation. Inclusion will be based on at-age BMI scores that fall in the 85th percentile or above. Interventionists are experienced in working with the target population and have extensive knowledge about recreation opportunities in the Bend area. Completion of the RALLY program will leave participants healthier and more aware of the recreation opportunities within their hometown. The information gained as a result of conducting this study will contribute to the further development of effective interventions for overweight and at-risk for overweight youth.

To read all 36 pages of the RALLY plan contact bknowles ‘at’ bendnordic.org or call Brenna at 541-678-3865