Demographic, Physiologic, and Psychosocial Correlates of Physical Activity in Structured Exercise and Sports Among Low-Income, Overweight Children

Abstract

Objective: To describe correlates of physical activity (PA) in structured exercise and structured sports sessions among low-income, overweight children participating in a community-based PA program.

Methods: A total of 93 children (55% male; 91% Hispanic) aged 8-14 years were included. Participants wore pedometers in a sample of 10 of 59 total sessions offered; mean steps per minute were calculated for structured exercise and sports sessions. Separate multivariable regression models tested associations between steps per minute in exercise and sports sessions and 5 potential correlates: baseline body mass index z-score, aerobic fitness (Progressive Aerobic Cardiorespiratory Endurance Run laps), perceived athletic competence (Harter self-perception profile), sex, and age.

Results: Only age (ß = -2.9; P = .02) significantly predicted steps per minute in exercise sessions. Age (ß = -4.3; P = .007), fitness (ß = 0.45; P = .03), and male sex (ß = 8.7; P = .02) significantly predicted steps per minute in sports.

Conclusion and implications: In structured exercise and sports, perceived competence may not influence overweight and obese children's PA. However, girls and older or less fit children may engage less actively, especially in sports.

Keywords: children; obesity; physical activity; physical fitness; psychosocial factors.