Brock's Centre for Healthy Youth Development through Sport (CHYDS) and the YMCA of Niagara are collaborating to help local children build healthier, more active futures.
The two organizations hosted a town hall meeting at the Niagara Centre YMCA in Welland on Nov. 25 to showcase collaborative research project focused on advancing physical literacy in children and youth.
Physical literacy is development of skills, knowledge and motivation to engage in movement, which can lead to lifelong engagement in physical activity and improved health outcomes.
During the ongoing multi-year study, researchers from Brock's Faculty of Applied Health Sciences will assess the community organization's Kid Fit programs, which are designed to help children and youth develop physical literacy.
The researchers and YMCA team piloted the full implementation of Physical Literacy Assessment for Youth (PLAYbasic) - which measures fundamental movement skills such as hopping, throwing and walking backward - to evaluate both the impact of the programs and the use of PLAYbasic to streamline the YMCA's assessment process.
"Collecting reliable data is important for organizations like the YMCA, as it ensures consistency in evaluating kids' skills across different programs," says Nicole Chimera, CHYDS Co-Director and Associate Professor of Kinesiology.
PLAYbasic data collected from April 2023 to Aug. 2024 showed significant improvements in physical competence and confidence among participants who completed the assessment both before and after participating in a Kid Fit program.
As well as highlighting the impact of the programs, Chimera said the research found the PLAYbasic tool to be reliable based on ratings from reviewers with a range of professional backgrounds.
"By strengthening our understanding of how children develop physical literacy through community-based programs, we can inform future program development and expand opportunities for kids to build essential movement skills," said Chimera. "Our ultimate goal is to create sustainable, evidence-based programs that promote lifelong health and well-being for children across the Niagara region."
The YMCA's four different Kid Fit programs are offered at all three Niagara region branches, ensuring accessibility and diversity in programming.
"The YMCA's commitment to offering multiple streams of activity ensures kids find programs they enjoy, which is crucial for developing physical literacy and a love of being active," Chimera said.
As well as supporting the well-being of local families, the provides Brock students with valuable hands-on experience in sport science and health promotion, bridging educational opportunities, academic research and community needs.
"The YMCA's Kid Fit programs provide an incredible platform to put our research into action," said Associate Professor of Kinesiology Nathan Hall, a co-researcher on the project. "Together, we're helping youth develop the foundational skills they need to lead active and healthy lives."
The project is supported by a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council Partnership Engage Grant, which are funded by the Government of Canada.
