Effects of a physical activity and nutritional intervention in overweight and obese children through an educational and recreational camp.

BACKGROUND:: Educational camps have hosted millions of children around the world. However, few studies have described their benefits on weight control and health promotion for overweight and obese children. AIM:: To investigate the impact of a health educational program for children composed of 5 days of camp and a 12-week follow up on the physical activity level, sedentary behaviour, anthropometric data and food intake in overweight and obese children. METHODS:: 12 children attended the Health Educational Program for Children divided into two phases. Phase 1 consisted of pre-assessments and Phase 2 corresponded to 12 weeks of follow up. Physical activity level, sedentary behaviour and food intake were assessed throughout the questionnaire. RESULTS:: After the follow up, 25% of the children became active (>1500 and <3000 Metabolic Equivalent of Tasks per week). In contrast, the number of sedentary children (<600 Metabolic Equivalent of Tasks per week) decreased by 15% and insufficiently active (600-1500 Metabolic Equivalent of Tasks per week) increased by 15%. The physical activity level of leisure time increased significantly throughout weekdays (26.0%) and weekends (14.1%) after the follow up compared to before the camp. Sedentary behaviour showed a significant reduction of 177.14 and 41.43 minutes on weekdays and weekends, respectively. Before the camp, the consumption of sugar and sweets was out of control (100% inadequate), and after the intervention, 58.4% started to consume these foods in a balanced way. CONCLUSIONS:: The Health Educational Program for Children (5-day camp and the 12 weeks of follow up) contributed to an increase in the physical activity level and a reduction in the sedentary behaviour and anthropometric measures in overweight and obese children.

Análise do período predominante de ingresso, faixa etária e gênero de novos alunos em programas de condicionamento físico em Londrina-PR / Analysis of the predominant period of entry, age and gender of new clients in physical conditioning programs in Londrina-PR

Objetivo: analisar o período predominante de ingresso e a faixa etária de novos alunos em programas de condicionamento físico de Londrina-PR. Metodologia: foram analisados os cadastros de matrículas na academia no período de um ano, de janeiro a dezembro de 2013, totalizando1.015 novos alunos. Posteriormente o período analisado foi dividido em seis bimestres, de forma a facilitar a visualização dos novos ingressantes por período. Os indivíduos foram posteriormente divididos de acordo com a faixa etária. Resultados: das 1015 novas matrículas realizadas, 40,49% (n=411) foram de alunos do sexo masculino e 59,50% (n=604) do sexo feminino. A maior quantidade de matrículas aconteceu no quinto bimestre, que compreende os meses de setembro e outubro. Ademais, durante todos os meses do ano, o grupo etário mais jovem (20 a 29 anos) representou maior número de matrículas. Conclusão: Os meses que antecedem o período de férias se mostraram como os mais atrativos para o ingresso em academias. A população mais jovem se mostrou mais propensa em iniciar a prática de exercícios. As mulheres se revelaram mais incentivadas em iniciar um programa de atividade física do que os homens.(AU)

Objective: The purpose of this study was to analyze the predominant period of admission and the range of age for new clients in a fitness program in Londrina-PR. Methods: the records of enrollment to the physical conditioning programs were evaluated during one year, from January to December of 2013, totaling 1,015 new clients. Subsequently, this period was divided into six periods of two months, in order to make the visualization of new admissions per season easier. Then, subjects were divided into groups according to age. Results: of 1015 new registrations held, 40.49% (n = 411) were male and 59.50% (n = 604) female. The largest amount of admissions took place in the fifth quarter, comprising the months of September and October. Moreover, during all months of the year, the youngest age group (20-29 years) represented the higher number of admissions. Conclusion: the months preceding leading up to the vacation period were the most attractive for the admission in physical conditioning programs. Furthermore, the younger population was more likely to initiate the practice of exercise. Women were more inclinable to start a physical activity program in than men.(AU)