A nutrition-physical fitness intervention program for low-income black parents.
An 8-week program taught nutrition and aerobic exercise to obese, low-income black mothers of children under 3 years. A reduction in risk factors for cardiovascular disease in the mothers was anticipated. Culturally adapted aerobic dancing was well-suited for exercise. It was assumed that children would ultimately adopt their parents' changed life style. The program demonstrated a significant reduction in heart rates at rest, but no significant change in heart rates with stress. A significant reduction in body-fat percentage was measured, whereas overall weight reduction was not significant. The consumption of vitamin C, protein, fat, and sodium was reduced. Intake of calcium, iron, carbohydrates, and vitamin A rose significantly. The results indicate the potential effectiveness of such dual intervention programs. Further study would be necessary for more conclusive results and recommendations.
D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D009747:Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D009765:Obesity / Q000628:therapy*; D010809:Physical Fitness; D011203:Poverty; D014481:United States