Program to increase physical activity in Northern Ireland schools

Developing and Feasibility Testing the Youth - Physical Activity Towards Health Intervention in Post-primary Schools in Northern Ireland

NA · University of Ulster · NCT06242990

This study is testing a program in Northern Ireland schools to see if teaching kids about physical activity and helping them develop movement skills can get them to be more active.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment400 (estimated)
Ages10 Years to 14 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Ulster (other)
Locations1 site (Derry / Londonderry)
Trial IDNCT06242990 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

The Y-PATH NI program is designed to enhance physical activity levels among adolescents in Northern Ireland by implementing an evidence-based intervention that has previously shown success in the Republic of Ireland. This program focuses on educating students about the importance of physical activity for health and developing fundamental movement skills such as catching, throwing, and running. The initiative will be tested for feasibility in post-primary schools with Year 8 classes, aiming to create a model that can be adapted for local contexts. The program involves collaboration with schools, teachers, and parents to ensure comprehensive engagement.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this program are Year 8 students in post-primary schools in Northern Ireland with access to qualified PE teachers.

Not a fit: Students in primary schools or those not enrolled in Year 8 classes will not benefit from this program.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly improve physical activity levels among adolescents, leading to better health outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous implementations of similar programs in the Republic of Ireland have shown success in increasing physical activity among school children.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Schools

* Post-primary schools in NI with at least one Year 8 class group commencing in the academic year 2023 will be eligible to take part in the study.
* Schools must have a minimum of one PE period/week timetabled for incoming Year 8 pupils,
* have an indoor sports hall (to facilitate intervention delivery)
* employ a qualified PE teacher (with at least 1 years' experience) to teach PE to the Year 8 class group.

Pupils

• All pupils (male and female) in the Year 8 classes identified by the school, who can take part in PE classes, will be eligible to participate in the study.

Teachers

* Male and female school staff
* PE specialist teachers (with at least 1 years' experience)
* Staff need to be over 18 years old.

Parents/Guardians

* Male and female parents/guardians
* aged over 18 years old
* with at least one child participating in the Y-PATH NI intervention.

Exclusion Criteria:

Schools

* Primary schools
* Schools which do not provided a minimum of one PE period/week timetabled for incoming Year 8 pupils,
* Schools without an indoor sports hall (to facilitate intervention delivery)
* Schools that do not employ a qualified PE teacher (with at least 1 years' experience) to teach PE to the Year 8 class group.

Pupils

* Pupils in Year 9 and above
* Pupils who do not take part in PE class (determined by the school)

Teachers

• Teachers not involved with the Y-PATH NI intervention

Parents/Guardians

• Not having at least one child who participated in the Y-PATH NI intervention

Where this trial is running

Derry / Londonderry

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Physical Inactivity, Physical Activity, Physical Education, Children, Adolescents

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.