Effect of school-based physical activity interventions on body mass index in children: a meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The prevalence of childhood obesity is increasing at an alarming rate. Many local governments have enacted policies to increase physical activity in schools as a way to combat childhood obesity. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the effect of school-based physical activity interventions on body mass index (BMI) in children.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials up to September 2008. We also hand-searched relevant journals and article reference lists. We included randomized controlled trials and controlled clinical trials that had objective data for BMI from before and after the intervention, that involved school-based physical activity interventions and that lasted for a min

SUBMITTER: Harris KC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2659836 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature