Year: 2013
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine weight, diet, and physical activity (PA) changes in youth over summer vacation. Methods: Thirty healthy subjects (19 male, 11 female; mean age + SEM 10.0+0.1 yrs) were assessed before the end of the 2009/2010 school year (baseline), and prior to the start of the 2010/2011 school year (post-test).Results: Significant (p< 0.05) increases in height, weight, body mass index (BMI), and BMI percentile-for-age were observed. Percent time spent in light (p=0.002) and moderate (p=0.014) PA intensities both decreased, while time spent being sedentary significantly (p=0.006) increased. No significant diet changes were reported. Conclusion: This healthy youth population increased time spent being sedentary at the expense of light and moderate PA over summer vacation. The result was an increase in BMI and BMI percentile-for-age. Future studies are needed to examine ways to prevent this decline in PA in youth over summer vacation.
Authors: Meghan McCue, Kara Marlatt, John Sirard
Institutions: University of Minnesota, University of Virginia
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W2097118126