TY - JOUR T1 - Bright spots physical activity investments that work: Youth-Physical Activity Towards Health (Y-PATH) JF - British Journal of Sports Medicine JO - Br J Sports Med SP - 208 LP - 212 DO - 10.1136/bjsports-2018-099745 VL - 53 IS - 4 AU - Sarahjane Belton AU - Wesley O’Brien AU - Jamie McGann AU - Johann Issartel Y1 - 2019/02/01 UR - http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/53/4/208.abstract N2 - Programme cardCountry/locality/coverageRepublic of Ireland, national coverageTarget populationChildren aged 12–15 years; first year to third year postprimary school youthWhat modes/types/domains of physical activity does the programme promote?Total physical activity, moderate to vigorous physical activity and reducing sedentary behaviourWhich of the seven best investments does the programme address?The programme addresses two of the seven investments; Health Education and EducationWhat sectors does it involve?Health Education and EducationEstimated programme reachWith a current average of 62 000 students in each of the 3 years at Junior Cycle, this gives an estimated reach of 186 000 children over this initial 3-year period, and a further estimated 62 000 children (annual first year intake nationally) for each year of commitment after thatWhat is special about this programme?Youth-Physical Activity Towards Health (Y-PATH) is a whole school programme, reaching out to physical education (PE) class, all teachers and parents. Crucially, Y-PATH fully supports delivery of the existing national PE curriculum in schools so does not create additional workload for PE teachers, and has the support of key national agencies for PE teacher education, postprimary education, sports and healthKey contactDr Sarahjane Belton (sarahjane.belton@dcu.ie)Programme website https://www.irishheart.ie/courses/y-path The problem of low levels of youth physical activity (PA) participation in Ireland and internationally is clear and irrefutable.1 2 The Youth-Physical Activity Towards Health (Y-PATH) programme commenced in 2010, with cross-sectional research exploring predisposing and reinforcing factors influencing low levels of Irish youth PA participation (including fundamental movement skill (FMS) proficiency, and attitudes, motivation and knowledge towards PA).3 In consultation with key stakeholders a targeted ‘whole-school’ intervention programme was developed on the … ER -