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.
DOI
10.46743/1540-580X/2013.1430
Recommended Citation
McCue MC, Marlatt KL, Sirard J. Examination of Changes in Youth Diet and Physical Activity Over the Summer Vacation Period. The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. 2013 Jan 01;11(1), Article 8.
