The Measure and Analysis of Physical Fitness and Self-Efficacy of Overweight and Obese Children and Adolescence in a Day Camp Setting

Camp REACH was a pilot study developed and implemented to reduce the prevalence of childhood obesity in Genesee County, Michigan through nutrition and physical education. This study investigates the impact of physical activity among boys and girls ages 9-14 on body mass index (BMI), weight, fitness scores, and fitness selfefficacy. Camp REACH was held twice a week for a period of six weeks. Participant’s self-efficacy on nutrition and fitness was measured using a 25 question Likert scale format, and fitness measures were taken using the President’s Fitness Challenge guide lines for pre and post-testing. The Social Cognitive Theory was the theoretical construct used to develop and create Camp REACH activities. Using a non-randomized convenience sample technique, 34 participants were recruited from Genesee County, Michigan. Complete data on N= 20 subjects was attained. Data indicated an increase in self-efficacy from the baseline data as well as a statistically significant increase in abdominal strength for both male and female participants. Qualitative observation data revealed a large behavioral, emotional, and fitness difference between the younger male and female subjects, ages 9-11, and the older male and female subjects, ages 12-14. This study suggests family involvement, education, and support in helping an overweight or obese child adopt a healthier lifestyle for success and continued permanent behavior change. Daily exercise with peers and family members can be fun and help a child stay healthy with better long term health outcomes. It was concluded that the original Camp REACH format needed to consider the large developmental differences in the ages of the children and plan future programs tailored for the different age groups. Further research and trials are needed to develop a more precise and reliable self-efficacy tool.Master'sSchool of Health Professions and Studies: Health EducationUniversity of Michiganhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/117939/1/Bilionis.pd