In response to increasing rates of obesity, dieting, and disordered eating in children, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta developed FIT KIDS, an eight-week non-diet, fitness and nutrition program for above-average weight six to twelve year olds and their parents. Baseline testing was administered to 248 children entering the program. The components of the assessment included push-ups, curl-ups, back extension, sit and reach, and the pacer test using the FITNESSGRAM (Cooper Institute). Results showed boys (n=80), and girls (n=168) to be within the range of the Cooper Institute’s Standards on push-ups, curl-ups, back extension, and sit and reach. The Cooper Institute’s Standards on the pacer test are only measured for boys and girls 10-12 years of age. When comparing results with Cooper Institute’s Standards, 10 year old girls scored in the bottom 4% of the standard range. All others were below the standard. The average score for girls ages 11-12 years was 45% and 39% of the standard respectively. The average score for boys ages 10-12 years was 53%, 56%, and 27% of the standard respectively. These results suggest that endurance levels for above-average weight children ages 10-12 years may not be within the standard for their age, putting them at risk for cardiovascular disease in the future. Developers of programs for above-average weight children should consider including a fitness component designed to improve the cardiovascular health of these participants.
Learning Objectives: Program developers will be able to identify the potential risk factors in the cardiovascular health of above-average weight children 6-12 years old. Program developers will be able to recognize the lack of endurance in above-average weight children 10-12 years old.
Keywords: Children's Health,
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Children's Healthcare of Atlanta
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.