Title
Effect of aerobic exercise on anthropometric parameters among Indian primary school children
Authors
B. Mahalakshmi1, Chaudhary Anjana Jagashibhai1, Amita Shilpa Gottlieb2, N. Sivasubramanian3, *, Padmavathi Parthasarathy4, G.Ramalakshmi5 & P. Jamunarani6
Affiliation
1Department of Paediatric Nursing, Nootan College of Nursing, Sankalchand Patel University, Visnagar, Gujarat - 384315, India; 2Department of obstetric and gynaecological Nursing, Graphic Era College of Nursing, Graphic Era Deemed to be University, Dehradun, Uttrakhand - 248002, India; 3Department of Psychiatric Nursing, Nootan College of Nursing, Sankalchand Patel University,Visnagar,Gujarat - 384315; India; 4Department of Biochemistry, Nootan Medical College & Research Centre, Sankalchand Patel University, Visnagar,, Gujarat, India; 5Department of Community health Nursing, College of Nursing, S.G.R.R University, Dehradun, Uttarkhand - 248001, India; 6Department of Psychiatric Nursing, KMCH College of Nursing, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu - 641048; India;; India; *Corresponding author
B Mahalakshmi - E-mail: mb.fn@spu.ac.in
Chaudhary Anjana Jagashibhai - Email: Chaudharyanjana 999@gmail.com
Amita Shilpa Gottlieb - E-mail: shilpa.2007.mscn81@gmail.com
N Sivasubramanian - E-mail: sn.fn@spu.ac.in
Padmavathi parthasarathy - E-mail: ppadmavathi05@gmail.com
G. Ramalakshmi - E-mail: dean.sn@sgrru.ac.in
P. Jamunarani - E-mail: jamunarani2008@gmail.com
Article Type
Research Article
Date
Received February 1, 2024; Revised February 29, 2024; Accepted February 29, 2024, Published February 29, 2024
Abstract
Childhood obesity is a global public health concern with significant implications for long-term health. This study addresses the rising rates of obesity among school-age children (10-12 years) and investigates the effectiveness of aerobic exercise interventions in improving anthropometric parameters, specifically focusing on BMI and mid-arm circumference (MAC). The study emphasizes the role of schools in shaping children's behaviors and aims to contribute empirical evidence to inform health promotion strategies for this demographic. The research employs a quasi-experimental design, involving 60 school-age children in Visnagar, Gujarat, India. The 12-week aerobic exercise intervention, conducted three times a week, comprises activities like running, jumping jacks, and dance routines. Data collection includes sociodemographic information, BMI, and MAC measurements. The study design, participant criteria, and intervention details are carefully outlined. Socio-demographic variables such as age and monthly family income significantly influence BMI, highlighting the importance of considering these factors in interventions. Pretest results show 80% of children classified as overweight, reducing to 58.3% post-intervention. The mean BMI significantly decreases from 24.41 to 22.84 (p < 0.05), indicating the positive impact of aerobic exercise. The study also explores the association between BMI, MAC, and socio-demographic variables through chi-square tests. Data shows the prevalence of overweight and obesity among school-age children and demonstrates the effectiveness of a 12-week aerobic exercise program in improving BMI. Findings align with existing literature on the positive impact of physical activity on weight management in children.
Keywords
Childhood obesity, aerobic exercise, BMI, mid-arm circumference, school-based intervention.
Citation
Mahalakshmi et al. Bioinformation 20(2): 170-174 (2024)
Edited by
P Kangueane
ISSN
0973-2063
Publisher
License
This is an Open Access article which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly credited. This is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License.
