Abstract
No study to date has examined the effect of a multicomponent school-based physical activity program on health behavior knowledge in a large sample of low-income children from the US. The purpose of this study was to explore the change in physical activity and nutrition knowledge during a Comprehensive School Physical Activity Program (CSPAP) in children. Participants were a convenience sample of 789 children recruited from the 4th to 6th grades from five low-income Title I schools located within the Mountain West Region of the US. Students completed two questionnaires consisting of a physical activity and a nutrition knowledge assessment. Questionnaires were administered at baseline before the commencement of CSPAP and at a 36-week follow-up. Data were analyzed using a 3 × 2 × 2 doubly MANOVA test. Physical activity knowledge scores significantly improved from pretest to posttest during the intervention (p = 0.045, Cohen's d = 0.18). Grade level modified the time effects, with older children in grades 5 and 6 displaying greater improvements in physical activity knowledge than younger children in grade 4 (p = 0.044, Cohen's d = 0.33). There were no significant improvements in nutrition knowledge scores during the CSPAP (p = 0.150). These findings demonstrate that improvements in physical activity knowledge can occur during a multicomponent school-based intervention. Improvements in physical activity knowledge may translate to improvements in habitual physical activity behaviors and positively influence children's health outcomes, especially in older children.
Highlights
Childhood obesity is a significant public health issue in the United States
Obesity rates in children ages 6–11 have increased from 7% in 1980 to 18% in 2012 [1] adolescent obesity rates for ages 12–19 have increased from 5% in 1980 to 21% in 2012 [1]
Using information from the school district website, 91% of children were of an ethnic minority and 60% of children were from low-income families [28]
Summary
Childhood obesity is a significant public health issue in the United States. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 17% of children and adolescents ages 2–19 are obese [1]. Obesity is associated with an increased risk of high cholesterol, high blood pressure, pre-diabetes, bone and joint problems, physiological and social problems, and sleep apnea [2]. Childhood overweight and obesity often predicts adult obesity and its associated morbidity [3]. Carey et al [4] found that obese children were significantly more likely to have school absences, school-related problems, and lower involvement in school activities, as compared to normal weight children
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
