Evaluation of a Nature Prescription Program in Schools to Increase Nature-Based Physical Activity and Time Spent Outdoors: Implementation of the Kids in Parks TRACK Rx Program by the School Nurse

Abstract

This study assessed the effectiveness of the TRACK Rx program. Track Rx is a program for healthcare professionals to counsel and prescribe outdoor physical activity (PA) to children. The program was implemented by a school nurse to increase children's time spent outdoors, increase a child's nature-based PA, and increase parents’ intention for their child to spend time outdoors. Parents/guardians of children in 1st–3rd grade (intervention = 51; control = 27) completed a baseline and 3-month follow-up survey. Children's nature-based PA significantly increased on the weekend in the intervention group compared to the control group. There was no significant change in the other study variables. Parental trust in the school nurse was similar to parent trust in their child's primary health care provider. School nurses can implement TRACK Rx and other nature and nature-based PA prescription programs throughout the school (classroom, physical education, recess, and after-school programming).