SF FUERTE: physical outcomes and fitness measures in a multi-disciplinary approach to youth and adolescent obesity

Includes bibliographical references (pages 49-52)Youth and adolescents are increasing body composition measures, increasing sedentary behaviors and decreasing their levels of physical activity. These factors are contributing to childhood obesity and may lead to type II diabetes and other preventable chronic diseases. The City of San Fernando has a high rate of overweight youth and adolescents and lack of resources for physical activity and nutrition education. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether a multi-disciplinary intervention will improve physical outcomes and fitness measures among youth and adolescents in a predominantly Latino community. We conducted pre and post physical fitness evaluations using the Cooper Institute FITNESSGRAM test battery, among 59 Latino, male and female, youth and adolescents. Primary outcomes were body composition, aerobic capacity, muscular fitness, and flexibility. Results were statistically insignificant due to a final sample size of 5 youth and adolescents. In conclusion, more research needs to be done to determine whether an 8-week multidisciplinary intervention will have positive results in preventing obesity within low-income Latino youth and adolescents