Date of Award

Spring 5-25-2023

Document Type

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscript

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Department

Nursing

First Advisor

Andrea Bell, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, CPNP-PC

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this evidence based practice project was to increase physical activity (PA) times in pediatric patients who were not meeting the recommended guidelines of 60 minutes per day of activity. The goal was to educate adolescents on the benefits of exercise in order to increase their overall PA, even if it did not meet the recommended 60 minutes per day. The implemented education was also intended to motivate patients to establish healthy habits and minimize risks of poor health outcomes.

Background: Adolescence is characterized by development of neuronal plasticity and establishment of behavioral patterns. PA has been associated with improved academic performance, cognitive function, and general health. Approximately 80% of the adolescent population is not meeting the recommended levels of PA, which is contributing to increased rates of obesity, diabetes, and depression. Therefore, it is vital to promote exercise in a young age to ensure optimal health is achieved for the entirety of the child’s life.

Methods: The San Diego 8 A’s Evidence Based Practice Model was adapted and implemented in this pilot project. The Physical Activity Vital Sign (PAVS) questionnaire was utilized at a well child visit to evaluate exercise times and during reassessment after implementing the intervention. For this project, one participant filled out the PAVS questionnaire, received physical education counseling, and was contacted in one month to complete a follow up PAVS questionnaire.

Results: After individualized education specific to PA was implemented into a well child visit, patient activity time increased from an average of five days per week of 60 minutes per day to an average of six days per week of 60 minutes per day over a one month period.

Evaluation: Providing adolescents with information on PA and its importance on overall health revealed a positive effect on increasing exercise times. Additional data is required to apply the intervention to a larger group of adolescents. Due to unforeseen circumstances at the designated clinic site, only one patient was available for evaluation.

Keywords: PAVS Questionnaire, Adolescent, Physical Activity, Exercise

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