Effectiveness of Structured Physical Activity Intervention on Physical Activity and Body Mass Index Among Adolescents – A Pilot Study

Abstract

Problem Statement: Effectiveness of Structured Physical Activity Intervention on Physical Activity and BMI among adolescents – A Pilot study Report. Introduction: Adolescence is a period of transition from childhood to adulthood, that assumes critical position in the life cycle of human beings. The International Association for the Study of Obesity (IASO) and International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) estimate that 200 million children are either overweight or obese. The main reasons cited are poor dietary habits, inadequate physical activity and increased sedentary behavior. The study was primarily undertaken to assess the Effectiveness of Structured Physical Activity Intervention on Physical Activity and BMI among adolescents. Materials and Methods: A Quantitative research approach with a pre experimental research design was adopted for the study. 30 samples in the age group of 11-14 years were selected by non-probability purposive sampling technique. The study was conducted in a Private English High School, Puducherry Physical Activity Questionnaire- Older Children (PAQ-C) was used to collect the data. Paired t test was used to analyze the data. Results: The results showed that 66.66% of the adolescents engaged in low levels of physical activity. After the structured physical activity practiced by the children for a period of one month the levels of physical activity engaged by the children have been improved which was statistically significant at p less than.05 and the mean BMI in posttest was 23.46kg/m2when compared to pretest BMI which was 23.6kg/m2. Conclusion: The study findings reveal that children who are overweight are less likely to engage in physical activity. There is an utmost need that children should engage in at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily which would definitely prevent overweight and obesity and improve their cardio-metabolic status.