Effectiveness of a School-Based Fitness Program on Youths' Physical and Psychosocial Health Outcomes

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of an existing physical fitness program (CHAMPIONS) implemented during physical education on health-related indices (BMI percentile, waist circumference, cardiorespiratory endurance), self-perceptions, academic performance, and behavioral conduct...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Pediatric exercise science 2015-11, Vol.27 (4), p.546-557
Main Authors: Weiss, Maureen R, Phillips, Alison C, Kipp, Lindsay E
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Adolescent Behavior
Body Mass Index
Child
Child Behavior
Educational Status
Female
Humans
Male
Middle schools
Obesity
Physical Education and Training - methods
Physical Endurance - physiology
Physical Fitness - physiology
Physical Fitness - psychology
Program Evaluation
Schools
Self Concept
Waist Circumference
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Summary:The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of an existing physical fitness program (CHAMPIONS) implemented during physical education on health-related indices (BMI percentile, waist circumference, cardiorespiratory endurance), self-perceptions, academic performance, and behavioral conduct over a school year. Students in 3 intervention (n = 331) and 3 control (n = 745) middle schools participated in the study that included assessments at pre, mid, and postintervention. Multivariate repeated measures analyses indicated that boys and girls in CHAMPIONS compared favorably (p < .0125) to Controls at postintervention on cardiorespiratory endurance, and boys significantly improved on BMI percentile from pre- to mid- and postintervention (p < .0125). Students in CHAMPIONS maintained healthy BMI percentile and waist circumference values over the year. Findings provide preliminary evidence that CHAMPIONS is effective in improving or maintaining physical health indices among middle school youth.
ISSN:0899-8493
1543-2920
DOI:10.1123/pes.2015-0011