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While there is wide consensus regarding the importance of early intervention, health is rarely considered within priorities. Twenty-five children on the autism spectrum (M.sub.age = 4.67, SD = 0.82) participated in a 12-week physical activity intervention. Primary objective was to examine impact of a physical activity intervention on physical activity, fitness and motor competence. Secondary objective was to examine associations between motor behavior and ASD symptoms. Ball skills (p < .001) and isometric push-up performance (p = .02) improved. Autism symptoms were associated with motor skills (r > - .49, p < .05). Study outcomes provide new knowledge regarding design, delivery, and measures for early interventions targeting health disparities in young children on the autism spectrum., Author(s): Leah Ketcheson [sup.1] , Kerri Staples [sup.2] , Edward Andrew Pitchford [sup.3] , Franziska Loetzner [sup.1] Author Affiliations: (1) grid.254444.7, 0000 0001 1456 7807, Department of Kinesiology, Health and [...]

Older children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have high levels of motor impairment, however we are unsure if similar patterns exist in young children. This study aimed to investigate motor competence in four-to-seven-year-old children with (n = 17) and without (n = 17) ASD. A series of ANOVAS indicated children with ASD performed significantly poorer on all measures of motor competence, except MABC-2 manual dexterity and ball skills subscales. Results indicate that moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour (SB) may influence motor competence, regardless of diagnosis. Establishing appropriate levels of engagement in moderate-to-vigorous PA and SB during early school years is important for the development of all children and may be an important early intervention avenue for motor impairment in children with ASD., Author(s): S. Thomas [sup.1] , L. M. Barnett [sup.2] [sup.3] , N. Papadopoulos [sup.1] , N. Lander [sup.4] , J. McGillivray [sup.1] , N. Rinehart [sup.5] Author Affiliations: (1) grid.1021.2, [...]

Objective We examined the association between parent and child fruit and vegetable (F&V) intake, physical activity (PA), and body mass index in an ethnic minority and low-income sample. Methods The study sample consisted of 86 children ages 5-7 years (80% Hispanic) and their parents. Three parent health variables (healthy weight, recommended F&V servings per day, and recommended weekly PA) were used to create a healthy role model index. Associations between the parent index and corresponding child health behaviors and weight were examined. Results Most parents (53.5%) were not healthy role models, 30.2% were limited healthy role models, 16.3% were good role models, and none were excellent role models; most parents and children did not meet guidelines for healthy weight, F&V intake, and PA. Parents who scored higher on the index were more likely to have children with higher levels of F&V. Furthermore, parents who had a healthy weight were 3.7 times more likely to have a child who had a healthy weight. Additionally, parents who were consuming the recommended servings of F&V per day were 10 times more likely to have children who were also consuming the recommended servings of F&V per day compared to parents who were not consuming the recommended servings of F&V per day. Conclusions for Practice These findings suggest the important role of parental modeling of healthy behaviors to their young children among minority/low-income families. Parents may serve as an important mechanism of change for children's health status by increasing their own healthy lifestyle behaviors., Author(s): Jennifer Coto [sup.1] , Elizabeth R. Pulgaron [sup.2] , Paulo A. Graziano [sup.1] , Daniel M. Bagner [sup.1] , Manuela Villa [sup.2] , Jamil A. Malik [sup.3] , Alan [...]

Estimates indicate that 10% to 50% of American Indian and non-Indian children in the U.S. are obese, defined as a body mass index [greater than or equal to] 95th percentile of the NHANES II reference data. Pathways is a two-phase, multi-site study to develop and test a school-based obesity prevention program in American Indian schoolchildren in grades three through five. During Phase I feasibility prior to initiation of the Pathways trial, data were collected related to physical activity patterns, and the supports of, and barriers to, physical activity. Nine schools from communities representing six different tribal groups participated in this study. Multiple measures were used for data collection including direct observation, paired child interviews, and in-depth interviews and focus groups with adults. Students completed the self-administered Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors (KAB) survey, and a Physical Activity Questionnaire (PAQ). Barriers to physical activity at schools included a lack of facilities, equipment, and trained staff persons for PE. Adults were not consistently active with their children, but they were highly supportive of their children's activity level. Children reported a strong enjoyment of physical activity and strong peer support to be physically active. Weather conditions, safety concerns, and homework/chores were common barriers to physical activity reported by children and adult caregivers. The information was used to design culturally and age-appropriate, practical interventions including the five physical activity programs for schoolchildren in the Pathways study. KEY WORDS: obesity prevention; American Indian; physical activity; formative assessment.

Physical education classes given to a group of 46 pupils (27 boys and 19 girls) over a 6-mo. term differed from the usual program (control group of 29 pupils) in identifying individual goals, promoting participative and noncompetitive games, and praising students every chance possible during the classes. The enhancement of self-concept, particularly the physical self-concept, was significant for the experimental group as measured by the Self-description Questionnaire and the Child and Youth Physical Self-perception Profile.

In the U.S., child overweight is on the rise and is implicated in later adult chronic illness. Given that overweight is hardly tractable, prevention as compared to treatment is seen as a better alternative for lowering the risk of long-term health consequences. To increase the success of prevention efforts, many argue that programs must be 'culturally sensitive' and targeted toward specific populations at greater risk. However, there exists a limited understanding of how overweight is distributed across the landscape, among and within populations and groups. This paper reports the prevalence of overweight among 54 school children in a rural, Appalachian community with a high rate of poverty, and it compares boys to girls. Thirty-seven percent of boys and 10.3% of girls are overweight, based on the 90th percentile body mass index (BMI). Analysis of food intake indicates a pattern of food consumption that is high in fatty and sugary foods and low in fruit and vegetable consumption. Analysis of activity indicates that children report more low-intensity activity than high; that overweight children report more episodes of video/computer play compared to nonoverweight children; and that boys spend more time than girls in front of the computer/television screen. Keywords: children; growth; diet; Food Guide Pyramid; macronutrients; Kentucky

Children who enjoy exercise and physical activity may develop lifelong habits that can contribute to good health in adulthood. There is no evidence that exercise or physical fitness in childhood prevents either childhood or adult illness. However, many studies have shown that exercise in adulthood can reduce coronary heart disease, slow functional aging, delay osteoporosis and improve emotional well-being. Therefore, if childhood exercise habits carry over into adulthood, many health benefits may be attained. Promoting physical fitness in children is not as important as fostering enjoyment of physical activity. Physical fitness implies a high level of performance on specific exercise tasks. This has not been shown to have any health benefits, except perhaps preventing musculoskeletal strain from athletics or specific occupations. Encouraging children to engage in fun forms of exercise can result in active, healthy adults.

Although regular physical activity is known to have significant health benefits for adults, few studies have fully explored this issue in children. Previous studies have found that over 20 percent of children in this country do not meet the recommended fitness standards. Other national studies that have been conducted have examined only the physical fitness of children, without taking into account their level of physical activity. To ascertain the relationship between levels of physical activity and physical fitness, a large national sampling of boys and girls aged eight to nine years old was studied. Two fitness tests, the 1.6-km run/walk and the sum of three skinfold measurements (which measure body fat), were used. Parent and teacher questionnaires were also utilized to assess 20 physical activity variables such as extent of participation in physical education classes and community activities such as Cub Scouts and sports leagues. Two multiple regression analyses were used on data from 1,150 boys and 1,202 girls who were a part of the National Children and Youth Fitness Study II. The results indicate a moderate, but significant, correlation between levels of physical activity and physical fitness in the children. These findings have important implications for public health specialists and teachers. Introduction of physical activity intervention programs may enhance the physical fitness of children, and such programs should be examined further. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Objectives: The purpose of this project was to develop a Charter of Physical Activity and Sport for Children and Youth. Its primary purpose is to provide a philosophical framework to support participation, enjoyment and safety in physical activity and sport for all Australian children and youth. Methods: The development of the charter was initiated by The Children's Hospital at Westmead, New South Wales (NSW) and was developed in consultation with 60 parent and community groups, sporting and recreational clubs and organisations, professional associations, schools, local and state government organisations and national sporting bodies. Results: The charter emphasises that physical activity and sport should be a fundamental right of all children and youth; be enjoyable; enhance health and wellbeing; be available for children and youth with disabilities and chronic illness; include those who are geographically isolated; be safe and free from physical and psychological abuse; be free from exploitation for political, commercial or financial gain; avoid elitism; and be encouraged by a wide cross section of the community. Conclusions: Broad consensus has been reached by most organisations with a role or interest in child and youth sport and physical activity on the foundations for participation in these activities by young people living in NSW. Implications: Research and evaluation of practice in Australia is essential and will allow development of evidence-based guidelines for participation in physical activity and sport for young Australians, based on the philosophy of the charter.