A Physical Activity Intervention and Changes in Body Mass Index at a Middle School With a Large American Indian Population, Oklahoma, 2004-2009

Prev Chronic Dis. 2016 Dec 1:13:E163. doi: 10.5888/pcd13.150495.

Abstract

School-based interventions can reach children and adolescents and aid in reducing the prevalence of childhood obesity. A physical education class that engaged middle school students in a daily 1-mile walk or run and other team sports was developed in a rural school in southwestern Oklahoma with a large American Indian population. Body mass index z scores decreased among boys and were stable among girls in the intervention group compared with students who did not participate in the intervention. A daily required walk or run may help to establish a physical activity habit with all of its associated benefits.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Body Mass Index*
  • Child
  • Exercise*
  • Female
  • Health Promotion*
  • Humans
  • Indians, North American*
  • Male
  • Oklahoma
  • Pediatric Obesity / epidemiology
  • Pediatric Obesity / prevention & control*
  • Schools
  • Students