The effect of diet and strength training on obese children's physical self-concept.

Abstract

AIM:

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of a 6-week diet and exercise program, with emphasis on strength training, on the physical self-concept, body composition, and physical fitness of young overweight and obese children.

METHODS:

Eighty-two overweight and obese children aged 8-11 years were randomized into a diet-only or a diet-and-strength training group. Self-concept, body composition and physical fitness were measured before and after the 6-week study period using the Physical Self Description Questionnaires (PSDQ), dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and standard fitness tests. Dietary intake was assessed with a food frequency questionnaire. Total daily energy intake was significantly reduced in both groups with a trend of more reduction in the diet-only group.

RESULTS:

Both groups developed greater confidence in strength. Those in the diet-and-strength training group also improved their endurance self-concept. Body Mass Index (BMI) decreased significantly in both groups. Lean mass increased significantly in both groups but significantly more in the diet-and-strength training group (+0.8 kg vs +0.3 kg, P<0.05). Handgrip, shuttle run, sit-up, and push-up were significantly improved in both groups, to a significantly greater extent in the diet-and-strength training group.

CONCLUSION:

These findings confirm the 6-week program of either diet-only or diet-and-strength training improved overweight/obese children's self-perception of muscular strength and body composition. With the diet-and-strength training program, self-concept in endurance also improved and the gain in lean body mass was more than double that of the diet only group.

• Authors: C C W Yu, R Y T Sung, K T Hau, P K W Lam, E A S Nelson, R C H So
• Journal: The Journal of sports medicine and physical fitness (J Sports Med Phys Fitness) Vol. 48 Issue 1 Pg. 76-82 (Mar 2008) ISSN: 0022-4707 [Print] Italy
• PMID: 18212713 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Topics

• Body Composition
• Child
• Child Welfare
• Diet
• Exercise (psychology)
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Muscle Contraction
• Muscle Strength
• Nutritional Status
• Obesity (physiopathology, psychology)
• Overweight
• Physical Fitness
• Program Development
• Program Evaluation
• Psychological Tests
• Psychometrics