We found a match
Your institution may have access to this item. Find your institution then sign in to continue.
- Title
A School-based Health Program Focused on Treating and Preventing Obesity.
- Authors
Álvarez-Fariña, Rafael; Franco-Trecu, Valentina; Eunice Rodríguez-Arellano, Martha; Esparza-Romero, Julián; Di Santo, Mario; Valenzuela, Alberto; Granados, Julio; Costa-Urrutia, Paula
- Abstract
Objective: We aimed to develop a program to treat and prevent obesity in schoolchildren, focused on improvements in physical fitness - both cardiorespiratory and musculoskeletal fitness. Methods: We assessed the effects of a school-based program on cardiorespiratory (VO2MAX) and musculoskeletal (Vertical Jump-VJ; Standing Long Jump-SLJ, and Sit-up abdominals-ABS) fitness, and body composition (Body Mass Index-BMI and Waist Circumference-WC). The program was evaluated for 12 weeks, and participants were Mexican children aged from 8 to 12 years attending 4 urban schools. We performed correlations and linear models on baseline data, and non-parametric tests for pairwise comparisons between baseline and after-program measurements. Results: A total of 321 children participated in our study (girls; N = 170, boys; N = 151). At baseline, BMI showed negative effects on physical fitness variables; VO2MAX, VJ and SLJ. After program, children significantly improved WC and all cardiorespiratory and musculoskeletal fitness variables. Boys who met standards of VO2MAX increased its value from 57% to 96% after the program. Conclusions: Mexican children showed important improvements in physical fitness upon completion of the program. This study supports setting up integral school-based programs as a strategy for obesity prevention and treatment.
- Subjects
PHYSICAL fitness; BODY composition; HEALTH programs; OBESITY; CARDIOPULMONARY fitness; MEXICANS; PERSONAL trainers; VOLLEYBALL players
- Publication
Health Behavior & Policy Review, 2020, Vol 7, Issue 3, p207
- ISSN
2326-4403
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.14485/HBPR.7.3.5