This study examined the impact of an existing 7-week summer learning program on children's weight status and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF). METHODS: Using an observational repeated measures within-subjects design, children's (N = 20 mean age = 6.35; 45% female; 80% African American) height, weight, and CRF (i.e., Fitnessgram PACER), were measured during the first and final week of the seven week program. Descriptive statistics were calculated for all variables. Median regression analysis examined estimated the differences in BMI zscore, overweight and obesity prevalence, and CRF during the first week (baseline) compared to the final week (outcome). RESULTS: Of those enrolled initially in the program, 77% attended for more than 4 weeks. When controlling for attendance and sex, no statistically significant changes were observed for, median zBMI (pre: 0.12, post: 0.11) or CRF (pre: 10, post: 13.5 PACER laps). All children except for one maintained the same weight status (e.g. normal weight, overweight) from baseline to outcome. A total of 12 participants increased or maintained the number of PACER laps completed, while 8 participants' PACER laps decreased. CONCLUSION: The results of this natural experiment provides preliminary evidence that participation in a structured summer program can potentially mitigate unhealthy weight gains and fitness loss over the summer for some children. Future studies with larger more representative samples are needed to establish the impact of structured summer programming on children's CRF and weight status.
This study examined the impact of an existing 7-week summer learning program on children's weight status and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF). METHODS: Using an observational repeated measures within-subjects design, children's (N = 20 mean age = 6.35; 45% female; 80% African American) height, weight, and CRF (i.e., Fitnessgram PACER), were measured during the first and final week of the seven week program. Descriptive statistics were calculated for all variables. Median regression analysis examined estimated the differences in BMI zscore, overweight and obesity prevalence, and CRF during the first week (baseline) compared to the final week (outcome). RESULTS: Of those enrolled initially in the program, 77% attended for more than 4 weeks. When controlling for attendance and sex, no statistically significant changes were observed for, median zBMI (pre: 0.12, post: 0.11) or CRF (pre: 10, post: 13.5 PACER laps). All children except for one maintained the same weight status (e.g. normal weight, overweight) from baseline to outcome. A total of 12 participants increased or maintained the number of PACER laps completed, while 8 participants' PACER laps decreased. CONCLUSION: The results of this natural experiment provides preliminary evidence that participation in a structured summer program can potentially mitigate unhealthy weight gains and fitness loss over the summer for some children. Future studies with larger more representative samples are needed to establish the impact of structured summer programming on children's CRF and weight status.
Authors: Tzu-An Chen; Tom Baranowski; Jennette P Moreno; Teresia M O'Connor; Sheryl O Hughes; Janice Baranowski; Deborah Woehler; Rachel T Kimbro; Craig A Johnston Journal: BMC Public Health Date: 2016-07-07 Impact factor: 3.295
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Authors: Robert Glenn Weaver; Ethan Hunt; Bridget Armstrong; Michael W Beets; Keith Brazendale; Gabrielle Turner-McGrievy; Russell R Pate; Alberto Maydeu-Olivares; Brian Saelens; Shawn D Youngstedt; Roddrick Dugger; Hannah Parker; Lauren von Klinggraeff; Alexis Jones; Sarah Burkhart; Layton Ressor-Oyer Journal: Pediatr Obes Date: 2021-03-25 Impact factor: 4.000
Authors: Ethan T Hunt; Lauren von Klinggraeff; Alexis Jones; Sarah Burkart; Rodrick Dugger; Bridget Armstrong; Michael W Beets; Gabrielle Turner-McGrievy; Marco Geraci; R Glenn Weaver Journal: Obes Sci Pract Date: 2021-05-26
Authors: R Dugger; K Brazendale; E T Hunt; J B Moore; G Turner-McGrievy; K Vogler; M W Beets; B Armstrong; R G Weaver Journal: Pilot Feasibility Stud Date: 2020-05-28
Authors: R Glenn Weaver; Bridget Armstrong; Ethan Hunt; Michael W Beets; Keith Brazendale; R Dugger; Gabrielle Turner-McGrievy; Russell R Pate; Alberto Maydeu-Olivares; Brian Saelens; Shawn D Youngstedt Journal: Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act Date: 2020-11-26 Impact factor: 6.457
Authors: Keith Brazendale; Michael W Beets; Bridget Armstrong; R Glenn Weaver; Ethan T Hunt; Russell R Pate; Timothy A Brusseau; Amy M Bohnert; Timothy Olds; Rafael M Tassitano; Maria Cecilia M Tenorio; Jeanette Garcia; Lars B Andersen; Rachel Davey; Pedro C Hallal; Russell Jago; Elin Kolle; Susi Kriemler; Peter L Kristensen; Soyang Kwon; Jardena J Puder; Jo Salmon; Luis B Sardinha; Esther M F van Sluijs Journal: Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act Date: 2021-02-10 Impact factor: 6.457