https://youtu.be/emHy-OgmMaQ

CP3 - Broadening the Understanding of Exercise through Attendees of Fit Kids

Poster Type: Research

Category: A. T. Still University

Research Objectives: There is a significant lack of understanding of exercise considerations for children. Children should be educated that there are many activities outside of lifting weights and running that count as exercise. Providing a more comprehensive awareness of what constitutes exercise will provide a foundation for living a healthier lifestyle.

Study Design/Methods: We worked with a population of 26 attendees from The FitKids fitness program in Flagstaff, AZ who were given a seven-question survey to capture a baseline level of their definition of exercise and their attitudes toward exercise. After completing the survey, the same attendees were educated on how everyday tasks, like washing cars and lifting weights are considered exercise. The same attendees were given three intervention options to perform for fifteen minutes: potato sack racing, playing catch, and dancing. Afterward, the same attendees were asked to complete the same seven-question survey to capture changes in their understanding of exercise considerations.

Principal Findings and Quantitative/Qualitative Results: The pre-intervention survey found that of the 26 attendees, 34.6% and 38.5% considered ‘scraping snow off a car’ and ‘washing a car’ exercise. The post-survey captured 80.8% attendees selecting, ‘scraping snow off a car’ and ‘washing a car,’ to be exercise. Survey questions regarding participant attitudes to exercise showed a positive increase in perception. Question 3, ‘I am good at exercise’ had an increase of 30.8% to 53.8% answering ‘strongly agreeing.’ Question 5, ‘I feel motivated to go be active and exercise’ had an increase of 46.2% to 61.5% answering ‘strongly agreeing.’

Conclusions on Impact on Health Centers: In conclusion, the intervention accomplished its goal by broadening the understanding of the attendees' exercise considerations. The results of the research program revealed that educating children on what it means to exercise not only improves their classification of exercise but also improves their motivation. These techniques are important for expanding the foundation of children’s understanding of a healthy lifestyle.

Author(s):

Krupa Shah, OMS-II, A.T. Still University School of Medicine Arizona - Flagstaff CHC

Stephen Raab, MD, MD, A.T. Still University School of Medicine Arizona - Flagstaff CHC

Shipra Bansal, MD, MD, A.T. Still University School of Medicine Arizona

Kate Whelihan, MPH, CPH, COPC and Public Health Research Specialist, Department of Public Health, A T Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine

Joy H. Lewis, DO, PhD, FACP, Professor, Medicine and Public Health Chair, SOMA Dept. of Public Health, A T Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine