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- Title
Effects of a daily school based physical activity intervention program on muscle development in prepubertal girls.
- Authors
Stenevi-Lundgren, Susanna; Daly, Robin M; Lindén, Christian; Gärdsell, Per; Karlsson, Magnus K
- Abstract
This 12-month prospective controlled intervention evaluated the effect of a general school based physical activity program on muscle strength, physical performance and body composition in prepubertal girls. Fifty-three girls aged 7-9 years involved in a school based exercise program [40 min/day of general physical activity per school day (200 min/week)] were compared with 50 age-matched girls who participated in the general Swedish physical education curriculum (mean 60 min/week). Body composition (DXA), isokinetic peak torque (PT) of the knee extensors and flexors at 60 and 180 degrees /s, and vertical jump height (VJH) were assessed at baseline and 12 months. The annual gain in weight was similar between the groups, but there was a greater increase in total body and regional lean mass (P < 0.05) and fat mass (P < 0.01) in the exercise group. Mean gains in knee extensor PT at 60 and 180 degrees /s were 7.0-7.6% greater in the exercise group (P ranging <0.05-<0.001). No significant differences were detected in VJH. In conclusion, increasing school based physical education to at least 3 h/week provides a feasible strategy to enhance the development of muscle strength and lean mass in prepubertal girls.
- Publication
European journal of applied physiology, 2009, Vol 105, Issue 4, p533
- ISSN
1439-6327
- Publication type
Journal Article
- DOI
10.1007/s00421-008-0932-2