Reducing Pediatric Obesity Through After-school Programs

Obesity

obesity, minority, child, physical fitness, school, physical activity

This study will assess the impact of a national, community-based after-school program promoting physical activity (America SCORES) on obesity, fitness and important cardiovascular risk factors among minority children. The investigators central hypothesis is that established community-based programs, such as America SCORES, can reduce obesity and cardiovascular risk among participants. The 1-year study followed 158 children from 6 public schools, 3 of which were randomized to have SCORES and 3 to usual care after-school program. Primary outcomes are change in body mass index (BMI), physical activity (measured by accelerometer), and fitness (aerobic capacity assessed with the 20-meter shuttle test). Cardiovascular outcomes include blood pressure, body composition (assessed using bioelectrical impedance) and waist circumference. The investigators will also measure academic outcomes.

Baseline measures were collected in September 2009; midpoint measures were collected in January 2010; and final measures were collected in May 2010. Repeated measures analyses will compare trajectories for BMI, physical activity, and fitness between students in the SCORES and the usual care arms.