The Resistance Training for Teens (RT for Teens) school-based health-related fitness program for adolescents

RT for Teens is a school-based health-related fitness program for secondary students. It was designed to be delivered over one school term (10-weeks). The intervention was delivered through either: i) compulsory PE; ii) co-curricular school sport; or iii) an elective course known as Physical Activity and Sports Studies (PASS). The intervention was guided by Social Cognitive Theory and Self-Determination Theory (SDT), and included: 1. An interactive student seminar - Teacher delivered (20-30 minutes during week 1). Provided key information regarding the program components. It also provided an overview of the purpose-built smartphone app and its functions. The student seminar was designed to engage the students, integrating videos and websites, student quizzes and opportunities for student input and discussion. 2. An RT focused physical activity program. Teachers encouraged to deliver 1 x session per week for 10 weeks, following the suggested session structure: bodyweight and elastic tubing RT, high intensity resistance training workouts, strength-,flexibility- and aerobic-based activities, and modified game involving fitness infusion. However, given the varied nature of schools, session timing (ranging from 15-90 minutes) and specific inclusions was flexible for teachers. These sessions were focused on improving students' resistance training skills, through body weight and elastic tubing RT instruction, demonstration and practice. 3. Access to a purpose-built smartphone app, designed to promote RT skills in students. App functions include: fitness testing, RT technique assessment, high intensity RT workouts, and exercise library. App usage was encouraged, but not mandated, with usage data collected to assess usage of various components. To enhance program success, the following implementation components were also utilised: school champions, professional learning workshop for teachers (delivered by the research team, at various school locations over the course of the study, over one-day [5 hours], to a maximum of 30 teachers), teacher handbook (designed specifically for the study), session resources, and physical activity session observation and feedback. Teachers were trained to deliver the program during a full-day professional learning workshop. The workshop will introduce teachers to the intervention aims and objectives. It also focused on strategies to promote health-related fitness and physical activity, reduce sedentary behaviour, and improve social and emotional well-being in adolescents. Teachers were provided with opportunities to improve their confidence and competence to model and teach resistance training and fitness skills. The workshop provided teachers with an introduction to the principles of SDT, embedded through the SAAFE (Supportive, Active, Autonomous, Fair and Enjoyable) teaching principles, which were used to guide their teaching during their facilitation of the RT for Teens program. Each school received program resources including circuit and workout cards (which were made specifically for the program), access to the smartphone app, and a teacher handbook to assist with program planning and delivery.