Is perceived athletic competence in children associated with sustained use and improved physical outcomes through participation in an active dance videogame?


Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

3217.0: Monday, December 12, 2005 - Table 9

Abstract #111222

Sadye Paez, PT, MS¹, Angela Rosenberg, PT, DrPH², Ann E. Maloney, MD³, T.C. Bethea, MD³, Kristine Kelsey, PhD, RD⁴, Julie T. Marks, PhD⁵, and Linmarie Sikich, MD³. (1) Human Movement Science Graduate Program, Division of Physical Therapy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, CB# 7135, Medical School Wing E, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7135, 407-312-4849, sadye.paez@cdl.unc.edu, (2) Division of Physical Therapy, Clinical Center for the Study of Development and Learning and Department of Physical Therapy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, CB# 7135 Medical School Wing E, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7135, (3) Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, 101 Manning Dr. CB #7160, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7160, (4) University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Center for Development and Learning and Department of Nutrition, 1450 NC Raleigh Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27517, (5) Dept. of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Box 7400, Chapel Hill, NC 27599

PURPOSE: One of the most important factors associated with the rise of childhood obesity is a decrease in physical activity and a related increase in sedentary activity (e.g. TV viewing, videogames). Research has shown that self-perception of athletic competence is closely associated with participation, sustained effort, and continued interest in physical activity among youth. The objective of this pilot study was to evaluate a conceptual model associating children's self-perception of athletic/physical competence with participation in Dance Dance Revolution (DDR), an active dance stimulation videogame. We hypothesized that among a random sample of 7-8 year children in North Carolina (n=60) participating in DDR, those participants with perceived high athletic/physical competence would achieve improved rates of sustained participation and/or improved physical outcomes than children with perceived low athletic/physical competence.

METHODS: Baseline (and follow-up measures) for participants included Harter's Self-Perception Profile for Children, pedometer and activity monitor measures, and self-reported DDR participation logs. Participants were then randomized to Control, Basic, or Enhanced conditions and followed over 11 weeks. The Basic (n=18) group received the DDR game, a PlayStation2 game console, and an initial instruction lesson. The Enhanced group (n=21) received the Basic treatment plus four additional weekly home visits for skill building and problem solving. The Control group (n= 21) received the DDR game and console at the end of the 11-week follow-up period.

RESULTS: Results for this study are currently being analyzed.

CONCLUSION: Pending results hypothesize an association between self-perception of athletic/physical competence with sustained participation in an active dance stimulation videogame.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

1.Discuss the relevance of physical activity and decrease in sedentary activity to counter the rise of childhood obesity.
2.Discuss the association between child self-perception in athletic competence with physical activity participation and outcomes among 7-8 year olds.

Keywords: Physical Activity, Self-Efficacy

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

How to Make Health Education Work

The 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition (December 10-14, 2005) of APHA