Evaluation of the ‘Action for Life’ programme at senior cycle in Irish post-primary schools

It is widely accepted that physical inactivity is one of the key threats to worldwide population health and that physical activity levels in childhood and adolescence have long-term effects that influence the health of a person into adulthood. There has been an increase in interest in relation to how school (physical education) curricula can be effective in developing the life styles that may help children to become active adults, and how schools utilize their full potential to promote health and increase active lifestyles (Trudeau & Shephard, 2005; Fox, Cooper & McKenna, 2004; Wallhead & Buckworth, 2004).