Strength exercises during physical education classes in secondary schools improve body composition: a cluster randomized controlled trial.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Metabolic health in people with obesity is determined by body composition. In this study, we examined the influence of a combined strength exercise and motivational programme -embedded in the school curriculum- on adolescents body composition and daily physical activity.

Methods

A total of 695 adolescents (11-15y) from nine Dutch secondary schools participated in a one year cluster randomised controlled trial (RCT). In the intervention schools, physical education teachers were instructed to spend 15-30 min of all physical education lessons (2× per week) on strength exercises. Monthly motivational lessons were given to stimulate students to be more physically active. Control schools followed their usual curriculum. The primary outcome measure was body composition a

SUBMITTER: Ten Hoor GA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6156874 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature