After-school Exercise Program Research Articles

Effect of exercise on inhibitory control is dose-dependent for adolescents

Adolescence is an important stage for brain maturation. To investigate the effect of different exercise doses on inhibitory control in adolescents aged 12 to 14-year old, an after-school exercise program was offered 5 days per week for 12 weeks during a school semester. Thirsty-four adolescents (17 boys) from the first six classes were randomly divided into low-dose exercise group (LE group, one 30-min aerobic exercise bout per day, n ​= ​16) and high-dose exercise group (HE group, two 30-min aerobic exercise bouts per day, n ​= ​18), while 23 adolescents (10 boys) in the control group (CON, zero 30-min exercise bout, n ​= ​23) were from the last two classes. All the participants in different classes received the same physical education with the same contents, duration, and intensity at class. All the participants completed flanker tests and cardiorespiratory tests before and after exercise intervention. The HE group showed more significant improvements on inhibitory control and V˙O2peak than CON (p ​< ​0.05). Changes in physical activity (PA) were significantly correlated with changes in interference scores (Spearman rho ​= ​-0.30, p ​< ​0.05), V˙O2peak (Spearman rho ​= ​0.31, p ​< ​0.05), and BF percentage (Spearman rho ​= ​-0.32, p ​< ​0.05). This study demonstrated that effect of exercise on inhibitory control in adolescents is dose-dependent, which highlights the need to focus on the exercise dose in daily life for improving cognition among adolescents.

방과 후 운동프로그램 참여가 과체중 및 비만여고생의 성장관련인자, 인슐린 저항성, 혈중지질에 미치는 영향

방과 후 운동프로그램 참여가 과체중 및 비만여고생의 성장관련인자, 인슐린 저항성, 혈중지질에 미치는 영향

A randomized controlled trial of coordination exercise on cognitive function in obese adolescents

ObjectiveWhether the beneficial effect of coordination exercise on executive function extends to obese adolescents remains understudied and no study to date has examined the effect of exercise on food-cue related executive function. The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to investigate the effects of a coordination exercise program on executive function in obese adolescents. DesignA randomized controlled trial. MethodsEighty obese adolescents were randomly assigned to a 12-week coordination exercise program or a waitlist control group and data from 70 participants (n = 35 for each group) were analyzed. The after-school exercise program involving a multifaceted moderate-intensity jump rope program performed twice weekly for 75 min per session. The primary outcome of normal and food-cue related Stroop task performance was assessed prior to and following the intervention. Secondary outcomes included physical fitness and body mass index (BMI). ResultsThe coordination exercise intervention improved both normal and food-cue related cognitive function. Similar beneficial effects were also found for physical fitness and BMI. However, pre-to-post intervention change in physical fitness and BMI did not significantly mediate enhanced cognitive and executive function performance. ConclusionIn obese adolescents, a coordination exercise intervention is an effective approach to improve multiple aspects of cognitive function while enhancing physical fitness and reducing obesity. These findings also suggest a possible role of cognitive inhibition in exercise-associated weight loss among obese adolescents.

A School-Based Program for Overweight and Obese Adolescents: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Given the dramatic increase in adolescent overweight and obesity, models are needed for implementing weight management treatment through readily accessible venues. We evaluated the acceptability and efficacy of a school-based intervention consisting of school nurse-delivered counseling and an afterschool exercise program in improving diet, activity, and body mass index (BMI) among overweight and obese adolescents. A pair-matched cluster-randomized controlled school-based trial was conducted in which 8 public high schools were randomized to either a 12-session school nurse-delivered cognitive-behavioral counseling intervention plus school-based after school exercise program, or 12-session nurse contact with weight management information (control). Overweight or obese adolescents (N = 126) completed anthropometric and behavioral assessments at baseline and 8-month follow-up. Main outcome measures included diet, activity, and BMI. Mixed effects regression models were conducted to examine differences at follow-up. At follow-up, students in intervention compared with control schools were not different in BMI, percent body fat, and waist circumference. Students reported eating breakfast (adjusted mean difference 0.81 days; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.11-1.52) on more days/week; there were no differences in other behaviors targeted by the intervention. While a school-based intervention including counseling and access to an after-school exercise program is theoretically promising with public health potential, it was not effective in reducing BMI or key obesogenic behaviors. Our findings are important in highlighting that interventions targeted at the individual level are not likely to be sufficient in addressing the adolescent obesity epidemic without changes in social norms and the environment.

Randomized Controlled Trial of Exercise for ADHD and Disruptive Behavior Disorders.

The objective of this study is to test the feasibility and impact of a 10-wk after-school exercise program for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and/or disruptive behavior disorders living in an urban poor community. Children were randomized to an exercise program (n = 19) or a comparable but sedentary attention control program (n = 16). Cognitive and behavioral outcomes were collected pre-/posttest. Intent-to-treat mixed models tested group-time and group-time-attendance interactions. Effect sizes were calculated within and between groups. Feasibility was evidenced by 86% retention, 60% attendance, and average 75% maximum HR. Group-time results were null on the primary outcome, parent-reported executive function. Among secondary outcomes, between-group effect sizes favored exercise on hyperactive symptoms (d = 0.47) and verbal working memory (d = 0.26), and controls on visuospatial working memory (d = -0.21) and oppositional defiant symptoms (d = -0.37). In each group, within-group effect sizes were moderate to large on most outcomes (d = 0.67 to 1.60). A group-time-attendance interaction emerged on visuospatial working memory (F[1,33] = 7.42, P < 0.05), such that attendance to the control program was related to greater improvements (r = 0.72, P < 0.01), whereas attendance to the exercise program was not (r = 0.25, P = 0.34). Although between-group findings on the primary outcome, parent-reported executive function, were null, between-group effect sizes on hyperactivity and visuospatial working memory may reflect adaptations to the specific challenges presented by distinct formats. Both groups demonstrated substantial within-group improvements on clinically relevant outcomes. Findings underscore the importance of programmatic features, such as routines, engaging activities, behavior management strategies, and adult attention, and highlight the potential for after-school programs to benefit children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and disruptive behavior disorder living in urban poverty where health needs are high and services resources few.

Improved Frontoparietal White Matter Integrity in Overweight Children Is Associated with Attendance at an After-School Exercise Program

Aerobic fitness is associated with white matter integrity (WMI) in adults as measured by diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). This study examined the effect of an 8-month exercise intervention on WMI in children. Participants were 18 sedentary, overweight (BMI ≥85th percentile) 8- to 11-year-old children (94% Black), randomly assigned to either an aerobic exercise (n = 10) or sedentary attention control group (n = 8). Each group was offered an instructor-led after-school program every school day for approximately 8 months. Before and after the program, all subjects participated in DTI scans. Tractography was conducted to isolate the superior longitudinal fasciculus and investigate whether the exercise intervention affected WMI in this region. There was no group by time interaction for WMI in the superior longitudinal fasciculus. There was a group by time by attendance interaction, however, such that higher attendance at the exercise intervention, but not the control intervention, was associated with increased WMI. Heart rate and the total dose of exercise correlated with WMI changes in the exercise group. In the overall sample, increased WMI was associated with improved scores on a measure of attention and improved teacher ratings of executive function. This study indicates that participating in an exercise intervention improves WMI in children as compared to a sedentary after-school program.

Profile of oxidant and antioxidant activity in prepubertal children related to age, gender, exercise, and fitness

Tissue damage resulting from oxidative stress induced by a pathological condition might have more serious consequences in children than in adults. Researchers have not yet identified particular markers - alone or in combination with others - of oxidative stress, or their role in pediatric diseases. The aim of this study was to identify gender-based biomarkers for measuring oxidative stress. Oxidative biomarkers were studied in 138 healthy Spanish children (85 boys, 53 girls) 7 to 12 years of age, at the prepubertal (Tanner I) stage, independent of body mass index (BMI), age, fitness (measured by 20-m shuttle run test), and physical activity (measured by participation in an after-school exercise program). The oxidative biomarkers measured were lipid peroxidation products, total nitrites, protein carbonyls, and oxidized glutathione (GSSG). The antioxidant biomarkers measured were total glutathione (TG), reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase activity (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase activity. In the study population, height, weight, waist circumference, and BMI were lower in girls than in boys. For oxidative biomarkers, boys had higher levels of protein carbonyl than girls (p < 0.001). In spite of this, girls had higher levels of GSSG (p < 0.001) and TG (p = 0.001), and a lower GSH/GSSG ratio (p < 0.001) than boys. For the antioxidant response, girls had higher levels of SOD (p = 0.002) than boys. All analyses were adjusted for BMI, age, fitness, and physical activity. In conclusion, prepubertal girls had higher oxidative stress than boys, in addition to higher levels of SOD, independent of age, BMI, fitness, and physical activity.

Prepubertal children with suitable fitness and physical activity present reduced risk of oxidative stress

To assess the impact of fitness status and physical activity on oxidative stress in prepubertal children, we measured selected biomarkers such as protein carbonyls (PC), lipid peroxidation products, and total nitrites, as well as the antioxidant system: total glutathione (TG), oxidized glutathione (GSSG), reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase activity, and glutathione peroxidase. A total of 132 healthy children ages 7–12, at prepubertal stage, were classified into two groups according to their fitness level: low fitness (LF) and high fitness (HF). They were observed while engaged in an after-school exercise program, and a questionnaire was created to obtain information on their physical activity or sedentary habits. Plasma and red blood cells were obtained to analyze biomarkers. Regarding oxidative stress markers, the LF group and the sedentary group showed higher levels of TG and GSSG and a lower GSH/GSSG ratio than the HF group and the children engaged in physical activity. A negative association was found between PC and GSSG and TG and between TG and the GSH/GSSG ratio. Moreover, a negative correlation was found between GSSG and fitness, with a positive correlation with the GSH/GSSG ratio. TG, GSSG, and the GSH/GSSG ratio seem to be reliable markers of oxidative stress in healthy prepubertal children with low fitness or sedentary habits. This research contributes to the recognition that an adequate level of fitness and recreational physical activity in childhood leads to better health and oxidative status.

An after-school exercise program improves fitness, and body composition in elementary school children.

Reduced cardiovascular fitness (CVF) is a risk factor for obesity and cardiovascular disease. It has previously shown that a school-based fitness curriculum can improve CVF, and other health indicators in middle school aged children. Whether an afterschool program improves CVF and other health markers in elementary-school children is unresolved. The objective of this study was therefore to determine whether an on-site afterschool-based fitness program improves body composition, cardiovascular fitness level, in elementary school children. 80 elementary school children were evaluated in a "fitness-oriented" afterschool program managed by the local YMCA. Children underwent evaluation of cardiovascular fitness by maximal VO2 treadmill testing and body composition by dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), at baseline (prior to the school-year) and again at end of the school year. Findings revealed that, at baseline, children had a mean age of 8.8 years, BMI of 18.7± 3, with a maximal VO2 of 40.03 ± 7.6 ml/kg/min, and percent body fat of 28.7 ± 7%. After a 9-month intervention, children maximal VO2 increased to 44.8 ± 7.5 ml/kg/min (p=0.04) and percent body fat decreased to 25.8 ± 6.2% (p=0.033). The study concluded that on-site afterschool programming focusing on fitness improved body composition and cardiovascular fitness, in elementary school children. Combined with prior studies, these data demonstrate that afterschool-based fitness curricula can benefit both obese and non-obese children. It was therefore recommended that, partnerships with schools to promote fitness even outside of school time should be a part of a school approach to improving children's health.

Impact Of An After-school Exercise Program On Fitness And Body Weight In Adolescents With Limited Access To Physical Education: A Pilot Study

Impact Of An After-school Exercise Program On Fitness And Body Weight In Adolescents With Limited Access To Physical Education: A Pilot Study

The Effect of the After-school Rotating Exercise Program on Self-Determination and Sports Performance Abilities of Students with Mild Intellectual Disabilities

이 연구의 목적은 규칙적인 12주간 방과 후 순환운동을 통하여 지적장애 학생의 자기결정력과 운동수행능력의 발달가능성을 규명하고, 학교나 가정, 사회생활 속에서 성숙한 인격적 개체로서 존중받으며, 사회구성원으로서 역할을 성공적으로 수행해 나갈 수 있도록 하는데 있다. 연구대상은 A시에 거주하면서 B특수학교에 재학 중인 남자 경도 지적장애 학생 총 20명으로 참여집단 10명과 통제집단 10명을 단순무선 표본추출(simple random sampling)로 할당하여 순환운동에 참여하였다. 측정도구로 자기결정력은 학생을 자기결정력 평가척도(이영미, 2006), 교사용 자기결정력 평가척도(방명애, 2001) 질문지를 사용하였으며, 운동수행능력 검사도구는 김정권, 권기덕, 최영하(1987_에 의해서 한국에서도 표준화된 오세레츠키 운동능력 검사도구를 사용하였다. 측정된 자료는 PASW Version 18.0K 통계프로그램을 이용하여 집단별 자기결정력과 운동수행능력의 평균과 표준편차를 산출하였고, 측정 시기(사전ㆍ6주경과 후ㆍ사후)에 따른 변화를 반복측정에 의한 변량분석을 사용하였으며, 통계적 유의 수준은 .05로 설정하였다. 방과 후 운동 참여를 통한 자기결정력의 변화에서는 참여집단이 통제집단과 비교하여 자신에 대한 인식, 자신의 가치 존중, 계획의 변화, 실행의 변화, 결과에 대한 평가 및 총점의 변화 비교에서 평균점수가 2배 이상 증가하였으며, 참여집단의 변화는 6주보다 12주가 경과한 후 더 많은 증가 현상이 나타났다. 또한 운동수행능력의 변화에서는 참여집단이 통제집단에 비해 정적, 손동작, 일반동작의 협응 및 운동속도, 동시적 자발동작, 단일동작 수행능력 및 운동연령에 증가하였으며, 참여집단의 변화는 6주보다 12주가 경과한 후 증가 현상이 나타났다. 이상의 결과를 종합해 볼 때, 순환운동을 하면 자기결정력과 운동수행능력은 증가가 되는데, 이러한 긍정적인 결과를 가져오기 위해서는 12주 이상의 운동을 실시하였을 때 긍정적인 효과가 나타난다는 것을 알 수 있었다.

Parent Reactions to a School‐Based Body Mass Index Screening Program

This study assessed parent reactions to school-based body mass index (BMI) screening. After a K-8 BMI screening program, parents were sent a letter detailing their child's BMI results. Approximately 50 parents were randomly selected for interview from each of 4 child weight-classification groups (overweight, at risk of overweight, normal weight, underweight) to assess parent recall of the letter, reactions to BMI screening, and actions taken in response to the child's BMI results. Most parents found the BMI screening letter easy to read and had poor recall of numerical information (eg, the child's BMI percentile) but good recall of the child's weight classification (eg, normal weight or overweight). Most parents, and ethnic-minority parents in particular, supported school-based BMI screening. Parents of children whose weight was outside of the normal range were more likely to recall receiving the letter and talking to the child and the child's doctor about it. Parents who recalled their child as being overweight were more likely to report changing the child's diet and activity level. Most parents, and ethnic-minority parents in particular, wanted their child to participate in an after-school exercise program. An overweight condition in parents, but not children, was associated with an interest in family-based cooking and exercise classes. Most parents, and ethnic-minority parents in particular, viewed school-based BMI screening and after-school exercise programs favorably. Parents reported taking action in response to a BMI result outside of the normal range. Parents who were overweight themselves were particularly interested in family cooking and exercise classes.

The Effect of an After-School Exercise Program on Body Composition and Lipids in Overweight Children

The Effect of an After-School Exercise Program on Body Composition and Lipids in Overweight Children

Effect of an Acute After-School Exercise bout on Percent Body Fat using LBIA in Children

PURPOSE: The purpose of this investigation was to examine the effect of an acute after-school exercise bout on percent body fat (%BF) estimated by leg-to-leg bioelectrical impedance analysis (LBIA) in children. METHODS: Thirty-three children (18 girls; 15 boys; mean age 10.3 ± 0.7 years) that were participants in a one-hour after-school exercise program volunteered for this study. Each exercise bout consisted of a proper warm-up/stretching period, followed by the children rotating through a number of circuit based stations and ended with a dynamic, age appropriate group activity. LBIA measured %BF values were obtained immediately before (PRE) and within 5-minutes of completing (POST) the exercise bout. RESULTS: Significant reductions (p < 0.05) in %BF (29.9 ± 11.0 vs. 28.3 ± 11.3 %), impedance (530.7 ± 67.1 vs. 520.4 ± 59.9 Ω) and fat mass (16.4 ± 8.1 vs. 16.0 ± 8.1 kg) were observed POST in the girls when compared to PRE values. For the boys, only body weight was significantly lower (p < 0.05) POST when compared to PRE (48.6 ± 12.0 vs. 48.4 ± 12.1 kg). For the majority of subjects (girls = 93%; boys = 94%), the alteration of %BF POST was less than ± 2.0 % (mean difference = 0.7 %). Mean heart rates during the exercise bout were significantly higher for the girls when compared to boys (160 ± 12 vs. 148 ± 8 beats/min; p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that a moderate intensity exercise bout, similar to that performed during a physical education class, will most likely have a limited impact on LBIA %BF estimates when the assessment is performed immediately following exercise. Under certain circumstances (i.e. school physical) this magnitude of change may be considered to have little practical significance; however, when precision is critical, consistency in testing procedures such as conducting LBIA assessments prior to physical activity/exercise is recommended to control for possible exercise-induced alterations in body composition measurements.

Correlations of Depression and Total Mood Disturbance with Physical Activity and Self-Concept in Preadolescents Enrolled in an After-School Exercise Program

This preliminary investigation estimated relationships of depression and negative mood with physical activity and self-concept in 9- to 12-yr.-old boys and girls (n=49) enrolled in an after-school exercise program for 12 wk. Multiple regression analyses indicated that a significant portion of the variance in scores on the Profile of Mood States subscales, Depression (R2=.55, F=28.00, p<.01), and Total Mood Disturbance (R2=.40, F= 15.02, p<.01) were accounted for by simultaneously entering self-reported days of moderate-to-vigorous exercise per week and Self-description Questionnaire-I-General Self scores into the equation. A significant reduction on Depression within the treatment group and significantly greater reductions on Depression and Total Mood Disturbance for the treatment group compared to a no-exercise program control (n=41) was also found. Effect sizes (ds=.35 to .53) were somewhat lower than reported for most adult samples. Findings supported social cognitive and self-efficacy theory and an association between physical activity and improved mental health in preadolescents.