title: Self-perception and attitude toward physical activity in overweight/obese adolescents: the "martial fitness" study.
abstract: This randomized, placebo-exercise controlled trial found that 6-months of Kung Fu training improved enjoyment of physical activity more than the placebo-exercise intervention, while both groups improved perceptions of behavioral conduct and changed strategies for physical activity. Importantly, family support for physical activity declined in subjects who had more visits to health care professionals, which is worrisome, as this represents another risk factor for sedentary behavior in this vulnerable cohort that must be overcome for successful, sustained behavioral change. Programs supporting positive attitudes of both adolescents and their families toward physical activity will be necessary to optimize exercise adoption and adherence as a means to combat the obesity epidemic in childhood and adolescence.
authors.affiliation: Exercise, Health & Performance Faculty Research Group, Faculty of Health Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia. tracey.tsang@sydney.edu.au
authors.forename: Tracey W
authors.initials: TW
authors.lastname: Tsang
authors.forename: Michael R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Kohn
authors.forename: Chin Moi
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Chow
authors.forename: Maria Fiatarone
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Singh
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002648:Child; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D015444:Exercise / Q000523:psychology*; D005195:Family Relations; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016139:Martial Arts / Q000523:psychology*; D009765:Obesity / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D050177:Overweight / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012649:Self Concept; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D026302:Tai Ji / Q000523:psychology; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D061217:Weight Reduction Programs / Q000379:methods*