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Use of music therapy to improve children's dietary and exercise habits: a pilot study
Author(s) -
MoriInoue Satoko,
Standley Jayne M,
Ilich Jasminka Z
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.24.1_supplement.732.6
Subject(s) - calisthenics , medicine , percentile , physical therapy , obesity , music therapy , intervention (counseling) , singing , weight management , weight loss , statistics , mathematics , management , psychiatry , economics
Obesity in children is rising steadily. Both unhealthy diet and/or lack of exercise are the problems. The objective of this study was to assess the music program tailored to improve children's dietary and exercise habits. The participants included 7 children ages 6–9 (7.4±1.3; Mean±SD) y. The intervention took 6 weeks, 3 times/week for 45 min/session. The activities included singing and drumming combined with jumping, walking, running, and calisthenics. Weight and height were recorded. Blood pressure and heart rates were monitored for safety and remained within normal limits. Although the height slightly increased (from 127.3±7.7 to 128.6±7.0 cm), BMI‐for‐age score and percentile indicated slight decrease. The BMI‐for‐age in one child who was obese (>99 percentile) decreased from 31.3 to 30.5 kg/m2. Children's attitudes about exercise and healthy eating became more positive during the intervention as assessed by verbal and written questionnaires. They displayed better knowledge/understanding about food choices and regular exercise. To our knowledge, this is the first study to use a specifically tailored music therapy in children for their diet and exercise improvement. Although there were minor effects on weight in children, the music activities showed to be useful and motivational. Future research and implementation of this program in participants with identified weight problems is warranted.