RSS Feeds

Earth Science

Space Science

Life Science

Fields of Scientific Study

Nanotechnology

Cancer

Definitions of The Fields of Scientific Study

After-school programs can increase physical activity of adolescent girls

March 14, 2008

Afterschool programs can modestly increase the amount of physical activity among girls in middle school, according to new results from the Trial of Activity for Adolescent Girls (TAAG), a multiple site, community based study supported by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) of the National Institutes of Health.

Results are published in the article, "Promoting Physical Activity in Middle School Girls," in the March issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.

The study found that programs which linked schools in 6 geographic regions of the U.S. with community partners (such as the YMCA or YWCA, local health clubs, and community recreation centers) increased time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity among the middle-school female students by about 2 minutes per day, or 80 calories a week. This finding occurred after three years of the intervention but not after two years. Physical activity was measured using accelerometers (a device for measuring the acceleration of motion), rather than self-reported. The authors write that results suggest this improved level of activity could prevent excess weight gain of about 2 pounds per year (or 0.82 kg per year), which, if sustained, could prevent a girl from becoming overweight as a teenager or adult.

In addition, TAAG showed a reduction of 8.2 minutes of sedentary behavior in girls in the intervention schools. Furthermore, the best results were seen in programs offered between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays, which suggest that afterschool programs are more effective than programs offered at other times, such as morning weekdays and weekends. The study results support the need for schools and community programs to work together to provide opportunities for physical activity programs in afterschool settings.

Researchers have found that as youth, especially girls, become adolescents, their level of physical activity decreases, putting them at risk for becoming overweight.

NIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute

Related Physical Activity Current Events and Physical Activity News Articles

Physical Activity Current Events and Physical Activity News RSS

Daycare may double TV time for young children, study finds
In a new study, the amount of television viewed by many young children in child care settings doubles the previous estimates of early childhood screen time, with those in home-based settings watching significantly more on average than those in center-based daycares.

Playing sport up to the end of pregnancy is healthy for the baby and the mother
Contrary to more conservative customs, exercising up to the end of pregnancy has no harmful effect on the weight or size of the foetus.

Texas Children's discharges first pediatric patient with implanted mechanical heart device
Texas Children's Hospital is the nation's first pediatric hospital to discharge a child while on an intracorporeal ventricular assist device (VAD), a feat previously accomplished only at adult institutions.

Reduced muscle strength associated with risk for Alzheimer's
Individuals with weaker muscles appear to have a higher risk for Alzheimer's disease and declines in cognitive function over time, according to a report in the November issue of Archives of Neurology, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

Indiana U. at APHA: Studies about health education for people with ID, stability balls at work
An Indiana University study involving adults with intellectual disabilities found that the adults increased their personal health knowledge after taking a semi-weekly class for four weeks.

Physical education key to improving health in low-income adolescents
School-based physical education plays a key role in curbing obesity and improving fitness among adolescents from low-income communities, according to a new study led by researchers at the University of California, San Francisco and UC Berkeley.

Energy gap useful tool for successful weight loss maintenance strategy
Americans continue to get heavier. Most weight control methods short of bariatric surgery are generally considered ineffective in preventing obesity or reducing weight.

Health-centered weight control method shows promise
Most weight-control strategies emphasize energy-restricted diets and increased physical activity - and most are not effective over the long term.

Weight Training Boosts Breast Cancer Survivors' Body Image and Satisfaction with Intimate Relationships, Penn Study Shows
In addition to building muscle, weightlifting is also a prescription for self-esteem among breast cancer survivors, according to new University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine research.

Study finds link between childhood physical abuse and arthritis
Adults who had experienced physical abuse as children have 56 per cent higher odds of osteoarthritis compared to those who have not been abused, according to a new study by University of Toronto researchers.

More Physical Activity Current Events and Physical Activity News Articles

	Physical Activity and Health by Claude Bouchard (Author), Steven N. Blair (Author), William Haskell (Author) Sedentary habits have been identified as a major public health problem in many countries. The timely Physical Activity and Health addresses an unmet need by providing a comprehensive treatment of the relationship between physical activity and health outcomes. Physical Activity and Health is the first textbook to bring together the results of the most important studies in this rapidly changing field and offers a detailed yet concise and clear presentation of key concepts. The text provides a conceptual framework to help readers relate results from single studies or collections of studies to the overall paradigm linking physical activity and physical fitness to health. Written by Claude Bouchard and other leading scientists from around the world, this richly illustrated...
	Physical Activity Pyramid (Exercise Chart) Art Poster Print - 24" X 36" by Poster Revolution This poster says at the top "Pysical Activity Pyramid". It shows various types of activities with examples and pictures, along with the frequency during the week. These include: Sedentary, Leisure activities, Stretch and Strengthen, Recreational sports, Aerobic exercise, and Light Activities.
	Research Methods in Physical Activity - 5th Edition by Jerry Thomas (Author), Jack Nelson (Author), Stephen Silverman (Author) Many students fear and loathe research methods classes, which conjure up images of musty, dusty books, boredom, and confusion. Students have a welcome surprise waiting for them with Research Methods in Physical Activity, Fifth Edition, as the text effortlessly guides them through the research process. This latest edition of this internationally recognized textbook does not rest on its laurels as the leading research methods text. The authors have updated the resource in order to provide the following benefits: * Shed new light on the research process, particularly regarding use of library facilities * Enhance students’ understanding of basic statistical calculations and the relevance of their uses * Present a major revision to the chapter on qualitative research and...
	Great Activities for Physical Education: Grades K-2 Starring: Artie Kamiya Directed By: Bill Richardason In this unique program, Artie Kamiya presents several fun physical education activities that promote student fitness and skill development. The DVD provides numerous developmentally appropriate activities for students in Grades K-2. Teachers will be able to save invaluable planning and preparation time. Games and activities included are: Walking through the Jungle, Let s Go Hunting, I See, The Egg Game, Ninja Turtle Tag, Seals and Sharks, The Birdie Dance and Birdie Dance Tag, The Seven Jumps Dance, Cranes and Crows, Odds and Evens, Jellybean Tag, Octopus Tag, Fish Gobbler and People to People. All of these activities can be easily implemented into any curriculum.
	Sandwich Bag Science: 25 Easy, Hands-on Activities That Teach Key Concepts in Physical, Earth, and Life Sciences-and Meet the Science Standards by Steve Tomecek (Author) Find out how an empty sandwich bag can be jam-packed with science in this collection of learning-rich, hands-on activities. Students discover the force of atmospheric pressure, investigate physical and chemical changes in matter, test germination rates of seeds, and so much more. A fun and easy way to meet the National Science Education Standards! For use with Grades 4–8.
	Yookidoo Discovery Playhouse by International Playthings Watch your baby thrill to this adorable playhouse.Offers hours of stimulating funDoubles as a quiet hideawayRoomy enough for multiple childrenActivities on both the inside and outsideIncludes ball play, shape sorting and peek-a-boo gamesEngages the senses with color, light and soundEncourages rewarding, imaginative play and physical developmentFabric construction is sturdy yet lightweight Stable, folding frame for easy storage and portabilityAssembles easilyThere's so much to learn, enjoy and share with this colorful playhouse.
	PHYSICAL ACTIVITY INTERVENTIONS IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS by SportsWorkout.com With modern conveniences and technology always beckoning, todays children are less active and more obese than everwhich leads to an ever-increasing need for more effective interventions to help them become more active. Physical Activity Interventions
	Parachute Activities With Folk Dance Music by Various This recording mixes parachute activities and other routines with folk dance steps. By using the parachute, folk dance steps become more exciting. This fun-filled group activity is ideal for the classroom and physical education teacher.
	Walk4Life MVP Pedometer-Moderate to Vigorious Physical Activity Pedometer by Walk4Life
	Measuring Physical Activity in Youth - DVD by Healthy Learning Measuring Physical Activity in Youth - DVD No matter what type of research an individual is doing, accurate measurement is essential. On the other hand, studying children and adolescents involves special measurement challenges. In Measuring Physical Activity in Youth, a leading researcher of children s physical activity shares information, insights, and ideas about what works and what does not. This comprehensive review emphasizes the newest technologies and provides practical guidance for strategies that work. Among the topics covered: pros and cons of self-reports, at what age are self-reports useful?, heart-rate monitoring, using accelerometers, interpreting accelerometer results, and research challenges. Produced in cooperation with the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM).