SPARK is a research-based, public health organization dedicated to creating, implementing, and evaluating programs that promote lifelong wellness.
SPARK strives to improve the health of children, adolescents, and adults by disseminating evidence-based Physical Education, After School, Early Childhood, and Coordinated School Health programs to teachers and recreation leaders serving Pre-K through 12th grade students. http://www.sparkpe.org/
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The SPARK surveys were used in the original NHLBI-funded study, 1989-1995. The survey covers physical activity and psychosocial mediators.
Main Citations:
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Sallis, J.F., McKenzie, T.L., Alcaraz, J.E., Kolody, B., Faucette, N., and Hovell, M.F. (1997). The effects of a 2-year physical education program (SPARK) on physical activity and fitness in elementary school students. American Journal of Public Health, 87 , 1328-1334.
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Sallis, J.F., Alcaraz, J.E., McKenzie, T.L., and Hovell, M.F. (1999). Predictors of change in children’s physical activity over 20 months: Variations by gender and level of adiposity. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 16, 222-229.
Description of survey administration and scoring techniques.
Means (SD) and intraclass reliabilities of SPARK items and scales, Spring 1993
Self-report survey of students' physical activity in- and outside of school.
Parent-completed survey of their child and family's physical activity.
Student-completed survey of their feelings about physical activity and preferences for active vs. sedentary behavior.
Self-report survey of students' physical activity in- and outside of school during the past day.
Translation by laboratory of Jeanne Freeland-Graves, PhD, RD., The University of Texas at Austin. Please direct questions to jfg@mail.utexas.edu or 512-471-0657.