Afterschool physical activity program to reduce obesity-related cancer risk: a feasibility study.
BACKGROUND
Cancer is linked to obesity, and Native Hawaiian childhood obesity rates are high. We examined the feasibility of incorporating a physical activity intervention into an afterschool program for elementary school children.


METHODS
Anthropometric and fitness measures were taken at baseline and 12 weeks later for 68 students in 2 schools. In one, the supervisor delivered a model curriculum. In the other, a supervisor with physical education training created the curriculum.


RESULTS
We found a significant decrease in skinfold thicknesses and increase in distance covered in the 3-minute walk-run test.


CONCLUSIONS
Incorporating daily physical activity into afterschool programs is feasible and effective, but teacher interest is critical, and the nonmandatory nature of this venue may limit children's participation.
DeRenne
Coop
C
Department of Kinesiology and Leisure Science, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA. Coop@hawaii.edu
Maeda
Julienne K
JK
Chai
Dennis X
DX
Ho
Kwok
K
Kaluhiokalani
Norman
N
Braun
Kathryn L
KL
D000886:Anthropometry; D001824:Body Constitution; D003479:Curriculum; D015444:Exercise; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009765:Obesity / Q000517:prevention & control*; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012307:Risk Factors; D012572:School Health Services