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The Influence of a 9-Week Movement Program on the Body Composition of 7- to 8-Year-Old Schoolchildren in the Eastern Cape of South Africa

Author

Listed:
  • Mere Idamokoro

    (Focus Area of Physical Activity, Sport and Recreation (PhASRec), Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2531, South Africa)

  • Anita E. Pienaar

    (Focus Area of Physical Activity, Sport and Recreation (PhASRec), Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2531, South Africa)

  • Barry Gerber

    (Focus Area of Physical Activity, Sport and Recreation (PhASRec), Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2531, South Africa)

  • Maria M. van Gent

    (Department of Human Movement Sciences, University of Fort Hare, Alice 5700, South Africa)

Abstract

Pediatric obesity has become a growing global epidemic which has negative health consequences, including for South African children. This study aimed to determine the immediate and sustainable influences of a 9-week movement program on the body composition of 7 to 8-year-old school children in a rural area of South Africa. A two group, pre-test, post-test and re-test after six months experimental design was used to compare anthropometric measurements of the intervention group (IG) and control group (CG). Ninety-three schoolchildren (IG = 57; CG = 36) participated in the study. A 9-week movement program was followed twice a week for 30 min during school hours with an emphasis on improving BMI. Hierarchical Linear Modelling (HLM) was used to analyze the data with time, sex and group as predictors. Effect sizes was computed based on the Cohen’s d to assess the practical significance of findings. The intervention positively changed the waist circumference. The subscapular skinfold and BMI showed statistical and practically significant sustainable changes because of the intervention, although gender influenced these effects. School based movement interventions, focusing on improving fundamental movement skills (FMS), have the potential to contribute to a healthier BMI, skinfold thickness and circumferences among young children.

Suggested Citation

  • Mere Idamokoro & Anita E. Pienaar & Barry Gerber & Maria M. van Gent, 2023. "The Influence of a 9-Week Movement Program on the Body Composition of 7- to 8-Year-Old Schoolchildren in the Eastern Cape of South Africa," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(3), pages 1-19, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:3:p:1762-:d:1039789
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. George Kambondo & Benn Sartorius, 2018. "Risk Factors for Obesity and Overfat among Primary School Children in Mashonaland West Province, Zimbabwe," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(2), pages 1-14, February.
    2. Hidayet Suha Yuksel & Fatma Neşe Şahin & Nebojsa Maksimovic & Patrik Drid & Antonino Bianco, 2020. "School-Based Intervention Programs for Preventing Obesity and Promoting Physical Activity and Fitness: A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(1), pages 1-22, January.
    3. Sibusiso Cyprian Nomatshila & Sikhumbuzo A. Mabunda & Thandi Puoane & Teke R. Apalata, 2022. "Prevalence of Obesity and Associated Risk Factors among Children and Adolescents in the Eastern Cape Province," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(5), pages 1-15, March.
    4. Makama Andries Monyeki & Adedapo Awotidebe & Gert L. Strydom & J. Hans De Ridder & Ramoteme Lesly Mamabolo & Han C. G. Kemper, 2015. "The Challenges of Underweight and Overweight in South African Children: Are We Winning or Losing the Battle? A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 12(2), pages 1-18, January.
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    1. Stanley Kagunda Kinuthia & Gareth Stratton & Lucy Joy Wachira & Victor Okoth & George Evans Owino & Sophie Ochola & Amie Bethan Richards & Festus Kiplamai & Vincent Onywera & Nils Swindell, 2025. "Differences Between Health- and Skill-Related Physical Fitness Profiles of Kenyan Children from Urban and Rural Areas: The Kenya-LINX Project," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 22(4), pages 1-16, April.

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