An after-school physical activity program for obesity prevention in children: the Medical College of Georgia FitKid Project.
This article describes the process of setting up a 3-year, school-based after-school physical activity intervention in elementary schools. The primary aim of the study is to determine whether adiposity and fitness will improve in children who are exposed to a fitogenic versus an obesogenic environment. Eighteen schools were randomized to the control (obesogenic) or intervention (fitogenic) group. The study design, program components, and evaluation of the intervention are described in detail. The intervention consists of (a) academic enrichment, (b) a healthy snack, and (c) physical activity in a mastery-oriented environment. Successful implementation would show the feasibility of schools' being able to provide a fitogenic environment. Significant differences between the groups would provide evidence that a fitogenic environment after school has positive health benefits. If feasibility and efficacy are demonstrated, implementing an after-school program like this one in elementary schools could play a major role in preventing and reducing childhood obesity.
Yin
Zenong
Z
Medical College of Georgia, USA. zenong.yin@utsa.edu
Hanes
John
J
Moore
Justin B
JB
Humbles
Patricia
P
Barbeau
Paule
P
Gutin
Bernard
B
D002648:Child; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D005845:Georgia; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010809:Physical Fitness; D016730:Program Development; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012572:School Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*