A multi-modal training programme to improve physical activity, physical fitness and perceived physical ability in obese children

Abstract

Actual and perceived physical abilities are important correlates of physical activity (PA) and fitness, but little research has explored these relationships over time in obese children. This study was designed: (a) to assess the feasibility of a multi-modal training programme promoting changes in PA, fundamental motor skills and real and perceived physical abilities of obese children; and (b) to explore cross-sectional and longitudinal relationships between real and perceived physical competence in boys and girls. Forty-one participants (9.2 ± 1.2 years) were assessed before and after an 8-month intervention with respect to body composition, physical fitness, self-reported PA and perceived physical ability. After treatment, obese children reported improvements in the body mass index, PA levels, gross motor performance and actual and perceived physical abilities. Real and perceived physical competence was correlated in boys, but not in girls. Results indicate that a multi-modal programme focused on actual and perceived physical competence as associated with the gradual increase in the volume of activity might be an effective strategy to improve adherence of the participants and to increase the lifelong exercise skills of obese children.

Keywords:

• body composition, fundamental motor skills, obesity, physical abilities, physical activity

Acknowledgements

This study was financially supported by the Italian Ministry of Education, University and Research in the framework of the Projects of Relevant National Interest (PRIN 2009), according to the Italian Ministerial Decree No. 404/Recognised of 14 July 2011 (2009PMTYTP). The authors would like to thank the parents and children who took part in this study.