Body Mass Index and Parental Efficacy for Children's Exercise within a Youth Weight Management Program

The present investigation was designed assess the efficacy of parental provision of exercise for children and its relationship to health and fitness in a group of overweight and obese youth. Fourteen parents and children (Male n=5, Female n=9, Age: 11.0+ or -2.0yrs, Height 152.5+ or -12.3cm, BMI 34.75+ or -10.3) volunteered to participate in the present investigation. The youth were tested for cardiovascular fitness via a progressive 20 meter shuttle run, body composition via two site skinfold testing (calf and tricep), body mass index, muscular endurance via curl up and push up tests, and flexibility through back saver sit and reach as well as trunk lift and shoulder flexibility testing. In general the youth in the study were classified in the healthy fitness zone for the flexibility assessments, however, for all body mass or body composition assessments and tests of muscular endurance or aerobic capacity participating youth were below the healthy fitness zone.