Chris Hopper

The Effects of a Family Fitness Program on the Physical Activity and Nutrition Behaviors of Third-Grade Children

This study examined the efficacy of a school-based exercise and nutrition program with a parent component. Third-grade children (N = 238) from six elementary schools participated in the study, with three schools randomly assigned to a program group and the other three schools to a control group. The program group received a health-related fitness school-based program and a home program that required parents and children to complete activities and earn points for nutrition and exercise activities. The control group received their traditional physical education and nutrition education program. Univariate analysis of variance on pre- and posttest scores were completed on the following variables: height, weight, body mass index, skinfold, blood cholesterol, mile run, exercise and nutrition knowledge, calories, protein, carbohydrates, total fat, saturated fat, dietary cholesterol, fiber, sodium, percentage of calories from carbohydrates, and percentage of calories from fat. At pretest, the treatment and control groups did not significantly differ on the measures using schools as the unit of analysis. Girls scored significantly higher than boys on skinfold and pretest knowledge. At posttest, the treatment group scored significantly higher than the control group on exercise and nutrition knowledge and significantly lower than the control group on total fat intake, using schools as the unit of analysis. There was no improvement in physiological measures, including blood cholesterol. The study demonstrated that schools can adjust curriculum to meet some health needs of students and achieve modest changes in exercise and nutrition knowledge and diet. The family component of the program provided a practical approach to improving physical activity and nutrition behaviors for elementary school teachers who teach many participants in a crowded curriculum.

School-Based Cardiovascular Exercise and Nutrition Programs with Parent Participation

Abstract Two separate studies examined the efficacy of school-based exercise and nutrition programs with parent components. In Study 1, one fifth and one sixth grade class were randomly assigned to each of the three different treatment conditions, a school-and-home condition (n = 45), a school-only condition (n = 43), and a control condition (n = 44). In Study 2, second and fourth grade classrooms were assigned randomly to a school-based treatment group (n = 48) with parent participation and a control group (n = 49). In both studies the school-based education program focused on decreasing fat and cholesterol and increasing physical activity with a parent component. In Study 1, school-and-home children scored significantly higher than the control group on nutrition knowledge and sit-and-reach flexibility. In Study 2, children in the treatment group scored significantly higher and demonstrated greater improvement on fitness/nutrition knowledge and on vegetable and fruit servings. Within the limitations of t...

Relationship of Blood Cholesterol to Body Composition, Physical Fitness, and Dietary Intake Measures in Third-Grade Children and Their Parents

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the United States (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, 1994). Because the development of heart disease has been proposed to begin in childhood (Harrell et aI., 1998), interventions aimed at reducing risk factors in this age group should be beneficial in improving heart health in the adult population. The process of CVD that begins early in life is possibly related to obesity, high serum cholesterol levels, and a diet high in total and saturated fat. Therefore, reducing the intake of foods high in fat and cholesterol early in childhood may delay or reduce the risk ofCVD later in life. Despite considerable education there is evidence that the risk factor status in adolescents is worsening rather than improving, as evidenced by a rise in body mass index over a 10-year period from 1986 to 1996 (Luepker, Jacobs, Prineas, & Sincuiko, 1999). High blood cholesterol clearly plays a role in the development of CVD in adults. However, the causes of hy-

SELF-CONCEPT AND MOTOR PERFORMANCE OF CHILDREN WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES

Students with learning disabilities (11 girls and 16 boys ranging from 11 to 14 years of age) tested with Harters Self-perception Profile scored relatively high on Global Self-worth but scored significantly lower than the standardization group on the Scholastic Competence and Behavioral Conduct subscales. Boys scored significantly higher than girls on the motor proficiency test and on the Athletic Competence subscale of the Self-perception Profile.

The effect of physical activity interventions on youth with autism spectrum disorder: A meta-analysis: Physical activity interventions

The purpose of this meta‐analysis was to examine the effect of physical activity interventions on youth diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Standard meta‐analytical procedures determining inclusion criteria, literature searches in electronic databases, coding procedures, and statistical methods were used to identify and synthesize articles retained for analysis. Hedges g (1988) was utilized to interpret effect sizes and quantify research findings. Moderator and outcome variables were assessed using coding procedures. A total of 29 studies with 30 independent samples (N = 1009) were utilized in this analysis. Results from meta‐analyses indicated an overall moderate effect (g = 0.62). Several outcomes indicated moderate‐to‐large effects (g ≥ 0.5); specifically, moderate to large positive effects were revealed for participants exposed to interventions targeting the development of manipulative skills, locomotor skills, skill‐related fitness, social functioning, and muscular strength and endurance. Moderator analyses were conducted to explain variance between groups; environment was the only subgrouping variable (intervention characteristics) to produce a significant difference (QB = 5.67, P < 0.05) between moderators. While no significant differences were found between other moderators, several trends were apparent within groups in which experimental groups outperformed control groups. Autism Res 2018, 11: 818–833.

Celebrating National Physical Fitness and Sport Month

The promotion of physical activity/fitness and healthy dietary habits for children has become anational public health objective. Healthy People 2000 (United State Department of Health and Human Services, 1990) detailed specific health objectives in physical activity and nutrition that relate to school-based programs. Elementary school teachers can contribute to improving the physical activity/ fitness and nutrition habits of children with specific curricula and a cross-curricular approach (Hopper, Fisher & Munoz, 1996). Elementary school classrooms often communicate the culture and customs of the nation by using calendar events. Specific days, and in some instances months, are designated by organizations to celebrate and acknowledge activities associated with their mission and goals. For example, March is National Nutrition Month, sponsored by the American Dietetic Association, and the first Monday in October is Child Health Day, sponsored by United States Department of Health and Human Services. Physical activity/fitness and nutrition lessons can be developed around these calendar themes . The following lessons are designed around National Physical Fitness & Sports Month in May for upper grade (3-6) elementary school students and focus on physical activity and nutrition concepts. The lessons are designed to instill a sense of personal responsibility through reflection and analysis.

A Family Fitness Program for Children with Learning Disabilities in Remote Rural Regions.

Children with learning disabilities and their parents in a remote rural region were recruited to participate in a school-based family fitness program. Specific lessons in physical fitness and nutrition education were taught in school. Children and their parents participated in home activities designed to increase physical activity levels and to increase knowledge about heart-healthy nutrition. Results indicated program effectiveness. Parent evaluation of the program was generally positive with parents appreciating regular contact by phone to check on progress rather than contacts conducted in weekly meetings.