Development and Pilot Testing of Active Kids

A Park-Based Afterschool Physical Activity Program for Hispanic Youth

Abstract

Purpose: Physical activity (PA) in children is associated with decreased obesity and risk for preventable diseases. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effectiveness of a twice weekly, 15-week gamesbased afterschool PA intervention at a local park for Hispanic youth. Methods: Pedometers and heart rate (HR) monitors were used to assess PA duration and intensity. Pre- and posttest measures of body mass, waist circumference, skinfolds, cardiovascular fitness, and blood pressure were compared on 18 participants (11 girls, 7 boys, ages 8-11, 45% overweight) who attended the program at least 65% of the sessions. Results: The program provided a mean of 29 minutes of PA of moderate to vigorous intensity (HR > 130 beats/min) each session, averaging 2,043 - 3,370 steps per session. Participants displayed significantly improved cardiovascular fitness pretest to posttest. Over time, body mass index and body mass increased significantly; however, the proportion of overweight youth did not change. There were no significant changes in skinfold thickness, waist circumference, or blood pressure. Conclusion: A community PA intervention with a games-based curriculum meeting twice weekly has the potential to improve cardiovascular fitness, providing benefits of PA consistent with public health recommendations.