Abstract
The purpose of this randomized controlled study was to investigate the impact of a 12-week physical education (PE) program on the self-efficacy of overweight schoolgirls. We randomly assigned 60 overweight schoolgirls (15–17 years) to either an experimental moderate to vigorous aerobic exercise (∼90 min, three times a week) group (n = 30) or a control group (CG) (n = 30) that received non-specific regular PE lessons with activities chosen by the curricular teacher mainly focused on team games and sports skills that aimed to achieve general psycho-physical wellness (∼90 min, three times a week). To assess the starting level of students and significant changes reached, at baseline and after training, a battery of standardized assessment motor tests and a psychometric scale (generalized self-efficacy scale, GES) were administered. At the end of the intervention, the experimental group reported a considerable decrease in body mass index (BMI) and a large improvement in self-efficacy (p < 0.001). No significant changes were found in the CG. The results suggested that the 12-week moderate to a vigorous aerobic exercise program is an effective weight loss intervention and a vehicle to promote a range of outcomes important to the qualitative growth of adolescents. In fact, it could provide a positive and significant impact on the self-efficacy of overweight schoolgirls.
Highlights
Obesity, namely a state of excess storage of body fat, is a major public health concern in western countries (Esteban-Cornejo et al, 2020)
To extend the understanding of these connections, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of physical education (PE) program on self-efficacy in overweight adolescent girls based on the assumption that exercise could improve it following a brief intervention
They consisted of 36 lessons of moderate to vigorous aerobic exercises for the intervention group and non-specific regular PE lessons with activities chosen by the curricular teacher mainly focused on team games and sports skills that aimed to achieve general psycho-physical wellness for the control group (CG)
Summary
Namely a state of excess storage of body fat, is a major public health concern in western countries (Esteban-Cornejo et al, 2020). It is caused mostly by improper lifestyle, i.e., on one side, unhealthy diet, while on the other, low levels of physical activity (Jakicic and Davis, 2011; Piccinno and Colella, 2017). Even in the latest guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behavior World Health Organization [WHO] (2020) provides recommendations for children and adolescents on the frequency, intensity, and duration of physical activity, required to offer significant physical and mental health benefits
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have