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Sex differences in fitness outcomes among minority youth after participation in a park-based after-school program.

Publication ,  Journal Article
Messiah, SE; D'Agostino, EM; Patel, HH; Hansen, E; Mathew, MS; Arheart, KL
Published in: Ann Epidemiol
July 2018

PURPOSE: This study aimed to describe sex differences in fitness outcomes after participation in Fit2Play, a park-based after-school health and wellness program. METHODS: Youth who participated in Fit2Play for either 1, 2, or 3 school years between 2010 and 2016 (n = 2129, mean age 9.1 years, 52% Hispanic, 48% non-Hispanic black, 54% male) were tested via a comprehensive fitness battery at the beginning/end of the school year(s). Effects of length of Fit2Play participation on fitness outcomes were assessed via three-level repeated measures analysis stratified by sex and adjusted for child sociodemographics, weight category, area poverty, and year. RESULTS: Significant improvements for boys and girls were found in the Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run (P < .01 for girls, P < .001 for boys), 400 meter run tests (P < .001 for girls, P < .01 for boys), and push-ups (P < .01 for both), with dose-response trends for girls after up to 3 years of Fit2Play participation. From baseline to 1, 2, and 3 years of participation, girls demonstrated 8%, 14%, and 23% mean improvement in 400 meter run times versus 9%, 9%, and 17% for boys, respectively (P < .001 for all). Dose-response improvements were also found in girls for PACER scores and sit-ups. CONCLUSIONS: After-school physical activity programs can improve fitness in all youth, and particularly girls with increased years of participation. Further research should examine sex differences in the effects of park-/community-based programs to reduce sex disparities in fitness, particularly in light of the current youth obesity epidemic.

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Published In

Ann Epidemiol

DOI

EISSN

1873-2585

Publication Date

July 2018

Volume

28

Issue

7

Start / End Page

432 / 439

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • Students
  • Sex Distribution
  • Schools
  • Prospective Studies
  • Physical Fitness
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care
  • Male
  • Humans
  • Hispanic or Latino
  • Health Promotion
 

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Messiah, S. E., D’Agostino, E. M., Patel, H. H., Hansen, E., Mathew, M. S., & Arheart, K. L. (2018). Sex differences in fitness outcomes among minority youth after participation in a park-based after-school program. Ann Epidemiol, 28(7), 432–439. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annepidem.2018.03.020
Messiah, Sarah E., Emily M. D’Agostino, Hersila H. Patel, Eric Hansen, M Sunil Mathew, and Kristopher L. Arheart. “Sex differences in fitness outcomes among minority youth after participation in a park-based after-school program.Ann Epidemiol 28, no. 7 (July 2018): 432–39. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annepidem.2018.03.020.
Messiah SE, D’Agostino EM, Patel HH, Hansen E, Mathew MS, Arheart KL. Sex differences in fitness outcomes among minority youth after participation in a park-based after-school program. Ann Epidemiol. 2018 Jul;28(7):432–9.
Messiah, Sarah E., et al. “Sex differences in fitness outcomes among minority youth after participation in a park-based after-school program.Ann Epidemiol, vol. 28, no. 7, July 2018, pp. 432–39. Pubmed, doi:10.1016/j.annepidem.2018.03.020.
Messiah SE, D’Agostino EM, Patel HH, Hansen E, Mathew MS, Arheart KL. Sex differences in fitness outcomes among minority youth after participation in a park-based after-school program. Ann Epidemiol. 2018 Jul;28(7):432–439.
Journal cover image

Published In

Ann Epidemiol

DOI

EISSN

1873-2585

Publication Date

July 2018

Volume

28

Issue

7

Start / End Page

432 / 439

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • Students
  • Sex Distribution
  • Schools
  • Prospective Studies
  • Physical Fitness
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care
  • Male
  • Humans
  • Hispanic or Latino
  • Health Promotion