BACKGROUND: Cancer is linked to obesity, and Native Hawaiian childhood obesity rates are high. We examined the feasibility of incorporating a physical activity intervention into an afterschool program for elementary school children. METHODS: Anthropometric and fitness measures were taken at baseline and 12 weeks later for 68 students in 2 schools. In one, the supervisor delivered a model curriculum. In the other, a supervisor with physical education training created the curriculum. RESULTS: We found a significant decrease in skinfold thicknesses and increase in distance covered in the 3-minute walk-run test. CONCLUSIONS: Incorporating daily physical activity into afterschool programs is feasible and effective, but teacher interest is critical, and the nonmandatory nature of this venue may limit children's participation.
BACKGROUND:Cancer is linked to obesity, and Native Hawaiian childhood obesity rates are high. We examined the feasibility of incorporating a physical activity intervention into an afterschool program for elementary school children. METHODS: Anthropometric and fitness measures were taken at baseline and 12 weeks later for 68 students in 2 schools. In one, the supervisor delivered a model curriculum. In the other, a supervisor with physical education training created the curriculum. RESULTS: We found a significant decrease in skinfold thicknesses and increase in distance covered in the 3-minute walk-run test. CONCLUSIONS: Incorporating daily physical activity into afterschool programs is feasible and effective, but teacher interest is critical, and the nonmandatory nature of this venue may limit children's participation.
Authors: B A Broussard; A Johnson; J H Himes; M Story; R Fichtner; F Hauck; K Bachman-Carter; J Hayes; K Frohlich; N Gray Journal: Am J Clin Nutr Date: 1991-06 Impact factor: 7.045
Authors: Dennis Chai; Norman Kaluhiokalani; James Little; Ronald Hetzler; Shuqiang Zhang; Judy Mikami; Kwok Ho Journal: Am J Hum Biol Date: 2003 Mar-Apr Impact factor: 1.937
Authors: M H Slaughter; T G Lohman; R A Boileau; C A Horswill; R J Stillman; M D Van Loan; D A Bemben Journal: Hum Biol Date: 1988-10 Impact factor: 0.553