@article{jpar2018315,
author={{Goodrum, Sara A. and Brusseau, Timothy A. and Shaw, Janet M. and Burns, Ryan D.},
title={Relationship between After-School Physical Activity and Dietary Habits with Cardio-metabolic Risk in Low-income Children},
journal={Journal of Physical Activity Research},
volume={3},
number={1},
pages={28--34},
year={2018},
url={http://pubs.sciepub.com/jpar/3/1/5},
issn={2574-4437},
abstract={Childhood obesity is a major focus of public health. The purpose of this study was to determine whether after-school physical activity and dietary habits predict cardio-metabolic risk in a sample of ethnic minority elementary school-aged children from low-income schools. Participants were a convenience sample of 92 children (3<SUP>rd</SUP>-6<SUP>th</SUP> grades) recruited from four Title I schools located in a metropolitan area from the Mountain West region of the United States. Children completed portions of the After School Student Questionnaire (ASSQ) and Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children (PAQ-C) to measure after-school physical activity and nutrition, respectively. Blood pressure, waist circumference and cardio-metabolic blood markers were collected in a fasted state to calculate a continuous metabolic syndrome (MetS) composite score. Predictive relationships were analyzed using a multiple linear regression model. Neither physical activity or nutrition scores were predictive of a MetS score. However, there was a linear, positive, and moderate correlation between physical activity and nutrition scores (r = 0.29, <i>p</i> &lt; 0.05). The findings indicate that cardio-metabolic health cannot be predicted based on self-reported after-school physical activity and nutrition habits. There are many challenges that arise when analyzing cardio-metabolic health in children; however, this is an area of research that needs further analysis. A clearer understanding of these relationships can aid in identifying risk factors for disease at an earlier age and aid in future intervention development.},
doi={10.12691/jpar-3-1-5}
publisher={Science and Education Publishing}
}