The Daily Mile: What factors are associated with its implementation success?

GR Ryde, JN Booth, NE Brooks, RA Chesham, CN Moran, Trish Gorely

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

33 Citations (Scopus)
129 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Background
Despite the known benefits of a physically active lifestyle, there are few examples of interventions that have been successfully implemented at a population level over a long period of time. One such example is The Daily Mile, a school based physical activity initiative, where a teacher takes their class out daily during class time for a short bout of ambulatory activity. At one school, this activity appears has been sustained over a long period (6 years), has the whole school participating and is now incorporated into its daily routine. The aim of this paper was to understand how The Daily Mile was implemented in primary schools and to assess factors associated with its successful implementation.

Methods
Semi-structured interviews with school staff who had a significant role in implementing The Daily Mile were conducted at four primary schools in central Scotland. Interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed using thematic analysis and descriptive analysis and interpretation of data undertaken. Details regarding the school grounds and facilities were also noted during the interviews.

Results
Having simple core intervention components, flexible delivery that supports teacher autonomy and being adaptable to suit the specific primary school context appear to be key aspects of The Daily Mile that are related to its implementation success. Other factors relating to how The Daily Mile was developed, trialled and rolled out might also have contributed towards its successful implementation.

Conclusion
The Daily Mile appears to have several factors which may relate to its implementation success. These are important considerations for others looking to implement The Daily Mile effectively in their primary school or in other contexts.
Original languageEnglish
Article numbere0204988
Pages (from-to)1-14
Number of pages14
JournalPLoS ONE
Volume13
Issue number10
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 4 Oct 2018

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The Daily Mile: What factors are associated with its implementation success?'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this