This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. Objective: The prevalence of childhood overweight obesity is increasing. Modifying behaviors in children that are related to obesity, like physical activity level and dietary habits, may have a significant impact on the subsequent morbidity and mortality of these children through adolescence and adulthood. The goals of this study are 1) to determine if a physical education (PE) class composed of ballroom dance engages children in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) for at least 50% of class time, 2) to assess if a 10 week ballroom dance program results in significant changes in activity patterns, perceived exertion, level of conditioning, and body composition in school age children, and 3) to elucidate the impact of a combined nutrition course and ballroom dance program on changes in activity pattern and food choices. Methods: Study subjects will be children enrolled in the 4th and 5th grade in New York City and participating in the Dancing Classrooms program. A nutrition and physical activity questionnaire will collect descriptive data on nutrition knowledge , eating behavior, and physical activity level. Level of conditioning will be measured by a 6 minute walk test, perceived exertion by the Childrens OMNI scale, and body composition by bioimpedence and BMI. Physical activity level will be measured by continuous HR monitoring during a PE class, with the approximation that 140 beats per minute approximates MVPA and with a lower threshold of aerobic fitness effect set at 50% of heart rate reserve. The System for Observing Fitness Instruction Time (SOFIT) observation method will be used and the energy expenditure rate (kcal/kg/ minute) calculated at 3 time periods during the 10week dance program.
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