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“iRun”! An Evaluation of the Addition of Nutrition Education and a Fitness Log to an Existing After‐School Fitness Program
Author(s) -
Bell Julia,
Spence Marsha,
Aaron Kindall,
Colby Sarah,
Kavanagh Katie
Publication year - 2016
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.30.1_supplement.895.2
Subject(s) - physical fitness , nutrition education , test (biology) , fitness test , physical education , intervention (counseling) , physical therapy , medicine , physical activity , gerontology , psychology , biology , medical education , paleontology , psychiatry
Objective The primary objective of this project was to evaluate if there were significant differences between pre‐ and post‐outcomes for physical fitness levels, nutrition knowledge, and physical activity self‐efficacy among conventional and experimental intervention groups. Methods This study was a convenience sample, pre‐and post‐test, quasi‐experimental design with between‐subject factors of nutrition education and a fitness log (receive education plus fitness log and do not receive education plus fitness log). Physical fitness was measured using the PACER fitness test; nutrition knowledge and physical activity self‐efficacy were assessed using validated surveys. Results Nutrition knowledge and physical activity self‐efficacy increased significantly in the experimental group (p<.01). Physical fitness significantly increased in the control group (p<.01).The experimental group's nutrition knowledge significantly increased compared to the control from pre‐ to post‐intervention (p<.01). Conclusion The iRun program showed that combining physical activity, nutrition education, and a fuel and fitness log may increase nutrition knowledge, physical fitness, and physical activity self‐efficacy. While the iRun program conventionally implemented without nutrition education increased fitness levels, the addition of nutrition education and fuel and fitness logs, increased the experimental groups’ nutrition knowledge and self‐efficacy for physical activity in addition to increased fitness levels, all of which are important outcomes for childhood obesity prevention programs. Support or Funding Information East Tennessee Children's Hospital