title: Long-term effects of a lifestyle modification exercise program on the fitness of sedentary, obese children.
abstract: We studied the effects of a lifestyle modification and exercise program on the fitness of 12 sedentary and obese children who were physician-referred into a 1-month YMCA lifestyle modification program. These variables were measured at entry, at the program's conclusion, and 1 and 4 months following conclusion: weight (lbs), sum of 2 skinfolds (mm), number of sit-ups, 9-minute run (total distance in yds), sit-and-reach for flexibility (cm). Total serum cholesterol (mg/dl) was measured only at entry and 4 months following conclusion. We found a NS decrease in weight (124 to 117 lbs) and sum of skinfolds (54 to 40 mm); a significant (p less than 0.01) increase in sit-ups (23 to 35); a significant (p less than 0.05) increase in 9 minute run distance (1201 to 1419 yds); no change in flexibility; and a NS decrease in total serum cholesterol (178 to 155 mg/dl). It was concluded that, while good changes were made, a longer period of time would be required to significantly reduce weight, sum of skinfolds, and total serum cholesterol.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Education, Western Illinois University, Macomb.
authors.forename: C J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Cohen
authors.forename: C S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: McMillan
authors.forename: D R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Samuelson
mesh_terms: D001521:Behavior Therapy; D002648:Child; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000517:prevention & control; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000628:therapy*; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology*; D012885:Skinfold Thickness; D015431:Weight Loss