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Effects of the Girls on the Move randomized trial on adiposity and aerobic performance (secondary outcomes) in low‐income adolescent girls
Author(s) -
Pfeiffer Karin A.,
Robbins Lorraine B.,
Ling Jiying,
Sharma Dhruv B.,
DalimonteMerckling Danielle M.,
Voskuil Vicki R.,
Kaciroti Niko,
Resnicow Kenneth
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
pediatric obesity
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.226
H-Index - 69
eISSN - 2047-6310
pISSN - 2047-6302
DOI - 10.1111/ijpo.12559
Subject(s) - medicine , aerobic exercise , body mass index , physical therapy , randomized controlled trial , psychological intervention , body fat percentage , motivational interviewing , psychiatry
Summary Background Limited, mixed evidence exists regarding the effectiveness of physical activity interventions on adiposity and aerobic performance in adolescent underrepresented populations. Objective To examine effects of Girls on the Move on body mass index z‐scores (BMI‐z), percent (%) body fat, and aerobic performance in fifth‐ to eighth‐grade underrepresented girls. Methods A group randomized trial, involving 12 intervention and 12 control schools in low‐income areas, was conducted. Participants (n = 1519) were low‐active girls. The 17‐week intervention included (a) a physical activity club, (b) two motivational interviewing sessions, and (c) one Internet‐based session. BMI‐z was determined from measured height and weight; % body fat was assessed using bioelectric impedance. Aerobic performance was assessed using a shuttle run. Demographics, physical activity (accelerometer), and pubertal development were assessed. Linear mixed models, adjusting for baseline, were used to examine group differences in postintervention. Results No significant between‐group differences in BMI‐z existed at postintervention, but % body fat increased less among intervention than control group girls (M change = 0.43% vs 0.73%). Aerobic performance decreased less in intervention vs control (M change = −0.39 vs −0.57). Conclusions Although the intervention positively impacted % body fat and aerobic performance in underrepresented girls, more research is necessary to determine optimal implementation for yielding greater effects.