Effect of physical activity intervention on body composition in young children: influence of body mass index status and gender.

ABSTRACT:

Aim

To fight overweight and obesity in childhood, this study proposes an additional physical activity (PA) in young children aged 6-10 years. The objective was to evaluate the effect of school-based PA on the body composition according to body mass index (BMI) categories (nonobese vs. obese) and gender.

Methods

This 6-month study examined the effect of this intervention on body composition in 425 children in 14 primary schools (2 weekly PA sessions of 1 h each) compared to 5 control schools. Adiposity indices were evaluated or calculated: BMI, BMI z-score, waist circumference, sum of skinfolds and fat-free mass.

Results

No difference in the prevalence of obesity and anthropometric characteristics was found between the intervention and control groups at baseline. In gi

SUBMITTER: Lazaar N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2040215 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature