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Physical activity in middle school-aged children participating in a school-based recreation program
C Lawrence Kien1, Andrew R Chiodo
1Children's Research Institute and the Department of Pediatrics, Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, USA. clkien@utmb.edu
Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine
|August 13, 2003
Summary
Organized, noncompetitive outdoor programs significantly boost children's physical activity levels. These programs, including gardening and adventure education, offer a fun alternative to sedentary behaviors, promoting healthier lifestyles for kids.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Exercise Science
- Behavioral Psychology
Background:
- Childhood obesity is rising, linked to increased sedentary behavior and reduced physical activity.
- Children may lack confidence in competitive sports by middle school.
- Noncompetitive, outdoor activities may increase physical engagement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test if noncompetitive, outdoor programs increase physical activity in children.
- To compare physical activity during organized programs versus habitual activities.
- To evaluate the impact of leisure-time programs on energy expenditure and movement.
Main Methods:
- Two experiments involving children aged 10-12 years.
- Experiment 1: Measured energy expenditure (13C tracer) and physical movement (accelerometry) during a summer program vs. watching TV.
- Experiment 2: Measured physical movement (accelerometry) during an after-school program vs. at home.
Main Results:
- Energy expenditure increased by 60% during the program compared to watching TV (P=.02).
- Physical movement increased significantly during the program in both experiments (P=.004 and P=.005).
- Movement was 95% higher in the program compared to at-home activities.
Conclusions:
- Organized, noncompetitive leisure-time programs effectively increase children's physical activity.
- These programs provide a viable strategy to combat sedentary behavior in youth.
- Outdoor and adventure activities show promise in promoting physical engagement.