The Effects of a Physical Activity Program on Children's Activity Level, Health‐related Fitness, and Self‐Esteem

Abstract

Among the findings of the recent Surgeon General's Report on Physical Activity and Health are that regular physical activity reduces the risks of coronary heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and breast cancer. Consequently, several national organizations have targeted community‐based and school programs to increase children's physical activity and develop self‐management skills necessary for an active lifestyle (eg., goal setting). The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a physical activity program on children's activity level and self‐esteem. Specifically, the researchers examined the children's performance on the mile‐run (including time, average heart rate, and recovery heart rates), one‐minute sit‐ups, sit‐and‐reach and self‐esteem both prior to and after completing a 10‐week activity program. The analyses indicated that participants were in their target heart rate zone 60% of the time and that mile‐run, timed sit‐ups, and sit and reach performances improved significantly from pre‐ to post tests. Mile‐run average heart rates, recovery heart rates, and self‐esteem scores did not change from pre‐ to post tests. Results suggest that a physical activity program is a viable method to address the physical activity needs of elementary school children.

Key words:

• Children
• physical activity
• physical fitness
• self‐esteem