Changes in Daily Step Counts and Health-Related Fitness After a Sports-Based Residential Summer Camp in Boys

Author ORCID Identifier

Zachary Wahl-Alexander:https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6020-2809

Publication Title

SCHOLE: A Journal of Leisure Studies and Recreation Education

ISSN

1937156X

E-ISSN

43885

Document Type

Article

Abstract

Several schoolwide initiatives have been created to combat the rate of obesity in adolescents. However, despite programs showing an ability to advance health-related fitness during the academic year, the summer months contribute to the most accelerated weight gain and health-related fitness (HRF) losses in school aged youth. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of a residential summer camp on health-related fitness markers in adolescents. The participants were 100 male campers aged 10–14. Campers performed body mass index (BMI) and various physical activity assessments aimed to evaluate health-related fitness levels prior to and following their participation in summer camp. Physical activity levels were assessed throughout the summer using pedometers. MANCOVA results revealed significant pretest to post-test improvements on health-related fitness areas of BMI, aerobic fitness, muscular strength and endurance, and flexibility. The results of this study offer preliminary indications that participation in summer camp programing can promote and maintain health-related fitness levels in adolescents over the summer.

First Page

72

Last Page

81

Publication Date

2-24-2020

DOI

10.1080/1937156X.2020.1718039

Keywords

Children, fitness, physical activity, summer camp

Department

Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education (KNPE)

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