Synopsis and Appraisal Comprehensive Nursing Essay Example

Synopsis and Appraisal Comprehensive Nursing Essay Example

What known and not known about the topic and what gap in knowledge this study intends to fulfill 

            Studies on middle school students’ activity show that rates of physical activity are below recommended levels. This study used different interventions to measure identified variables. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children in middle school and high school education do not attain the 60-minute daily activity threshold, with 8% not participating in any physical activity. The author notes that other studies have tested technology to improve adults’ physical activity, thus testing the results among children.(Synopsis and Appraisal Comprehensive Nursing Essay Example)

Research design and setting

Pittman (2020) used a quasi-experimental format to examine the impacts of technological interventions on physical activity by studying the effects of a school-based activity tracker, companion social website, and text messaging intervention on exercise, fitness, and physical activity self-efficacy of middle school students. This study was conducted in one middle school in central Texas with 650 students and took place from September to December 2016.(Synopsis and Appraisal Comprehensive Nursing Essay Example)

Sample

The researcher used a stratified random sampling method to obtain a sample size of 102 students through school events, flyers, and class presentations. Eligibility criteria were provided for students aged 11 – 15 years who can read English and access a cell phone with unlimited texting. Likewise, exclusion criteria included students medically excused from participating in physical education. The researcher noted a decrease in participant engagement and physical activity, which affected outcomes. Of the 102 participants, 98 completed the study, while four left prematurely because of declining to participate, medical reasons, or moving away. The study provided participant demographics, including grade, gender, ethnicity, age, and income status.(Synopsis and Appraisal Comprehensive Nursing Essay Example)

Appraisal

The study presented subtle strengths and weaknesses that influenced outcomes. The researcher adopted a diverse study sample and is a significant strength, as it reflects characteristics of the target population. Participant characteristics taken into consideration were ethnicity, gender, age, grade, and economic status. I contend that researcher presence at the school boosted study outcomes as it became easy to bypass student absences and technical issues. It also helped reduce attrition rates caused by lack of adequate engagement and physical activity. The researcher received immense support from teachers, the principal, and the school nurse, resulting in all project activities’ smooth running.(Synopsis and Appraisal Comprehensive Nursing Essay Example)

However, the study faced considerable challenges due to time constraints and related technicalities. Although the researcher initiated rigorous recruitment strategies and limited the study to 10 weeks, a sample size of 102 participants was attained, and this may have contributed to the non-significant results. Additional time-related constraints were based on not involving parents, ack of trust in investigators, and language barriers. Consequently, the school did not have adequate physical activity space, lacked internet connectivity, and relocated the assigned data collection space without the researcher’s knowledge. Technical issues reported were non-working trackers, dead batteries, and syncing difficulties. These challenges affected the study outcomes and posed threats to instrument validity and reliability.(Synopsis and Appraisal Comprehensive Nursing Essay Example)

Pittman (2020) notes the significance of the study to school nursing and school health implications. Child inactivity and obesity are concerns that most school nurses grapple with due to a lack of information and skills. Therefore, despite the challenges experienced, this study provides vast knowledge and skills to educate students on the benefits of healthy physical activity levels. It also adds on existing knowledge resources on the use of technology to improve health among children and inform future nursing interventions.(Synopsis and Appraisal Comprehensive Nursing Essay Example)

References

Pittman, A. F. (2020). Effect of a school-based activity tracker, companion social website, and text messaging intervention on exercise, fitness, and physical activity self-efficacy of middle school students. The Journal of School Nursing, 36(2), 112-120.(Synopsis and Appraisal Comprehensive Nursing Essay Example)

Remmert, J. E., Woodworth, A., Chau, L., Schumacher, L. M., Butryn, M. L., & Schneider, M. (2019). Pilot trial of an acceptance-based behavioral intervention to promote physical activity among adolescents. The Journal of School Nursing, 35(6), 449-461.(Synopsis and Appraisal Comprehensive Nursing Essay Example)

Stookey, A. D., Mealey, L. M., & Shaughnessy, M. (2011). Physical Activity Assessment in Children. Journal of Exercise Physiology Online, 14(5).(Synopsis and Appraisal Comprehensive Nursing Essay Example)

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/