Scott B Going

PMID: 12885714;Abstract:

Background: Nationwide data on obesity prevalence in American Indian communities are limited. Objective: We describe the body composition and anthropometric characteristics of schoolchildren from 7 American Indian communities enrolled in the Pathways study, a randomized field trial evaluating a program for the primary prevention of obesity. Design: A total of 1704 children in 41 schools were enrolled in the study. Basic anthropometric measurements included weight, height, and triceps and subscapular skinfold thicknesses. Percentage body fat was estimated from bioelectrical impedance and anthropometric variables with the use of an equation developed and validated for this population. Results: The children's mean (± SD) age was 7.6 ± 0.6 y, and their mean weight and height were 32.1 ± 8.9 kg and 129.8 ± 6.3 cm, respectively. Mean body mass index (BMI; in kg/m ²) was 18.8 ± 3.9, and mean percentage body fat was 32.6 ± 6.8%. With the use of current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reference values, 30.5% of girls and 26.8% of boys were above the 95th percentiles for BMI-for-age, and 21% of girls and 19.6% of boys were between the 85th and 95th percentiles. Although there was a wide range in BMI across study sites and for both sexes, the percentage of children with a BMI above the 95th percentile was consistently higher than the national averages in all communities studied and in both girls and boys. Conclusions: Overweight can be documented in a substantial number of American Indian children by the time they reach elementary school. Despite differences in the prevalence of overweight observed among communities, rates are uniformly high relative to national all-race averages.

Abstract:

The Pathways physical activity intervention is a school-based activity program that promotes children's enjoyment and participation in regular, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity with a long range goal of encouraging lifelong activity to prevent obesity. Recess and physical education (PE) are emphasized. After reviewing existing curricula. Pathways PE was developed from SPARK PE, which was shown to increase activity during PE in other populations. Healthrelated physical activity goals are emphasized while also developing sports-related skills. This approach was taken since adequate skill development contributes to lifelong enjoyment in a variety of physical activities. Cultural relevance was enhanced by adding American Indian games. Recess activity is increased through age-appropriate activity challenges. Two PE classes and three recess sessions per week were set as minimum goals. Pilot studies showed the program was feasible in four Indian communities. Moreover, with adequate training and support, the program may be delivered by either classroom teachers or PE specialists.

PMID: 8422204;Abstract:

Background: Aerobic exercise training is associated with reduced serum concentrations of triglycerides, increased concentrations of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and minimal changes in serum levels of total cholesterol or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. There are few data on the effects of resistance exercise on blood lipid levels. Methods: Premenopausal women were randomly assigned to a supervised resistance exercise training program (n=46) or a control group (n=42) for 5 months. Serum was analyzed for levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides. Body composition and dietary intake were also measured. Results: The exercise group showed a 0.33±0.03-mmol/L (mean±SE) decrease in total cholesterol level and a 0.36±0.001-mmol/L decrease in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level that was significantly different from the control group. No significant changes were noted in serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol or triglyceride levels in either group. Changes in body composition showed no significant correlations with changes in total cholesterol or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. There were no significant differences in nutrient intake between the groups. Conclusion: In healthy, premenopausal women, with normal baseline lipid profiles, 5 months of resistance exercise training was associated with significant decreases in serum total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations.