Pilot study: EatFit impacts sixth graders' academic performance on achievement of mathematics and english education standards.
OBJECTIVE
Investigate the impact of a nutrition education program on student academic performance as measured by achievement of education standards.


METHODS
Quasi-experimental crossover-controlled study.


METHODS
California Central Valley suburban elementary school (58% qualified for free or reduced-priced lunch).


METHODS
All sixth-grade students (n = 84) in the elementary school clustered in 3 classrooms.


METHODS
9-lesson intervention with an emphasis on guided goal setting and driven by the Social Cognitive Theory.


METHODS
Multiple-choice survey assessing 5 education standards for sixth-grade mathematics and English at 3 time points: baseline (T1), 5 weeks (T2), and 10 weeks (T3).


METHODS
Repeated measures, paired t test, and analysis of covariance.


RESULTS
Changes in total scores were statistically different (P < .05), with treatment scores (T3 - T2) generating more gains. The change scores for 1 English (P < .01) and 2 mathematics standards (P < .05; P < .001) were statistically greater for the treatment period (T3 - T2) compared to the control period (T2 - T1).


CONCLUSIONS
Using standardized tests, results of this pilot study suggest that EatFit can improve academic performance measured by achievement of specific mathematics and English education standards. Nutrition educators can show school administrators and wellness committee members that this program can positively impact academic performance, concomitant to its primary objective of promoting healthful eating and physical activity.
Shilts
Mical Kay
MK
Family and Consumer Sciences Department, California State University, Sacramento, Sacramento, CA, USA.
Lamp
Cathi
C
Horowitz
Marcel
M
Townsend
Marilyn S
MS
D000293:Adolescent; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D002140:California; D002648:Child; D003071:Cognition; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004522:Educational Status; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D015438:Health Behavior; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008433:Mathematics; D009043:Motor Activity; D052756:Nutritional Sciences / Q000193:education*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012574:Schools