Graduate Research Papers
Availability
Open Access Graduate Research Paper
Abstract
It is known that obesity increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Studies have shown that the amount of physical activity (PA) from adolescence to adulthood does impact adult obesity (Laitinen et. al., 2004). Laitinen found that low levels of physical activity in adolescence increased the prevalence of obesity in adulthood. Therefore it is critical that youths are active in early childhood through adulthood. Barbeau et al (2004) reviewed interventions designed to prevent obesity in youths. Their review found that physical training, with no dietary aide, has positive effects on total body mass fat and visceral fat, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular fitness particularly in obese black girls.
The Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) summer fitness programs involve activities similar to after-school exercise programs. The goal is to expose children to physical activity in a social and semi-competitive atmosphere in hopes of increasing their current and future PA level. After-school exercise and league sports are two ways to increase PA but other alternatives are needed. This approach (non-traditional modes of exercise) would be one way to increase PA levels in children during non-school months. Exposing children to non-traditional modes of exercise during a summer YMCA fitness program could in theory influence the child's lifestyle habits.
The purpose of this research paper is to review factors considered in the design of an eight week long summer YMCA program to enhance physical activity in youth. The paper will present the theories for behavioral change, the overall goals and outcomes of the YMCA program, details of the program design, and evaluation tools used. The information provided in this paper is to be shared with administrators and fellow program directors with similar interest in program design and implementation.
Year of Submission
2009
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
School of Health, Physical Education, and Leisure Services
First Advisor
Kevin Finn
Date Original
2009
Object Description
1 PDF file (40 pages)
Copyright
©2009 Cody Bisher
Language
en
Recommended Citation
Bisher, Cody, "Program Design Consideration for a 8-Week YMCA Youth Fitness Program" (2009). Graduate Research Papers. 4445.
https://scholarworks.uni.edu/grp/4445
Comments
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