Feasibility of SHARK: a physical activity skill-development program for overweight and obese children

This study aimed to assess the feasibility of a community-based physical activity motor development program, called SHARK, among overweight and obese children. Thirteen overweight or obese children aged 8-12 years were recruited to the 10-week program from the Illawarra region of NSW, Australia. Measures at baseline, post-treatment and 9-month follow-up included BMI, motor development, perceived competence, objectively measured physical activity and performance of an activity of daily living. At post-treatment and follow-up motor development, perceived athletic competence and perceived global self-worth had significantly increased. Although recorded minutes in moderate-to-vigorous activity significantly declined at post-treatment and follow-up, activity daily counts did not. The results indicate that community-based activity programs designed to improve the motor development and perceived competence of overweight and obese children are feasible and may have important and sustainable benefits. However, a larger sample size and a comparison group are required to determine whether this approach can impact on activity levels and weight status.