Bush CL, Pittman S, McKay S, Ortiz T, Wong WW, Klish WJ. Park-based obesity intervention program for inner-city minority children.
J Pediatr 2007;
151:513-7, 517.e1. [PMID:
17961696 DOI:
10.1016/j.jpeds.2007.04.008]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2006] [Revised: 12/21/2006] [Accepted: 04/09/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To assess an intervention strategy--a 6-week obesity intervention program, Project KidFIT, at 3 Houston, Texas park centers--to address the obesity epidemic in minority children.
STUDY DESIGN
Project KidFIT is a physical fitness and nutrition education program aimed at promoting the benefits of physical activity and improving nutrition knowledge in overweight (body mass index [BMI] > or = 95th percentile) minority children.
RESULTS
A total of 120 minority children (77 boys and 43 girls; mean age, 10.1 years) were enrolled in the program. Approximately 71% of these children were at risk of overweight (BMI > or = 85th percentile), and 54% were overweight. Decreases in body weight (0.3 +/- 0.2 kg [mean +/- standard error]) and BMI (0.1 +/- 0.1 kg/m2) were detected in the overweight children, whereas increases in body weight (0.4 +/- 0.1 kg) and BMI (0.2 +/- 0.1 kg/m2) were observed in the children with normal body weight (BMI < 85th percentile but > 5th percentile). Significant improvements (P < .05) in flexibility, muscular endurance, and muscular strength were detected in all children, regardless of weight status.
CONCLUSIONS
The findings suggest that the city park-based KidFIT program might be effective at promoting stabilization for body weight and BMI and improving physical activity performance and nutrition knowledge in overweight minority children.
Collapse