Soccer Gets Obese Kids Moving
Soccer, being a vigorous sport has been found by researchers from California to raise the levels of physical activity of children who are overweight and obese, according to a study that was recently posted online in the journal JAMA Pediatrics.
The study involved more than 150 students from six schools. Researchers implemented the soccer program of America SCORES (an urban youth development program) in three of the schools. The aim of the study was to find out the effect the program would have on the physical activity, weight and fitness of students in a large, urban school district.
A significant increase in physical activity was found among overweight and obese students. However, the program did not lead to a substantial change in physical activity, weight or fitness among all the students involved in the study, according to Dr. Kristine Madsen and colleagues. The team therefore concluded that low-income youth especially those at risk of developing diseases related to obesity or overweight can increase physical activity through existing community-based programs such as SCORES.
There are many benefits that can be gained by children who are physically fit or active such as stronger muscles and bones, leaner body, maintain normal weight, lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes, lower blood cholesterol levels and blood pressure. Moreover, children have better sleep, better outlook in life and are better in handling physical and emotional changes.
Source:
HealthDay News. Soccer Kicks Up Activity Level of Overweight Kids: Study.
Posted in: Exercise, Kid's Health, News Briefs, Obesity, Overweight, Parenting
