9th Annual WML Academic Symposium

Presenter(s): Jessica Lacy
Title: Changes in Physical Activity and Fitness of Fourth Grade Students Following an 8-week Intervention
Developed under the guidance of Dr. Jennifer Bunn , College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of a teacher-lead physical activity intervention, utilizing activity bursts on fitness and weekly steps. Twenty fourth graders (11 male, 9 female) completed a Fitnessgram evaluation before and after the 8-week intervention. Weekly step counts were recorded for seven weeks using a pedometer. There was a significant decrease in trunk lift (p less than .001), but there was an improvement in the PACER endurance test (p=.027) and aerobic capacity (p=.028). The children gained an average of 1.0±1.2 kg (p=.001). Weekly step averages decreased from the first to the last week (p=.04).