Children’s use of time after-school is a public concern, particularly for elementary school youth considered “at-risk” (Halpern, 2003.) Currently in the United States, after-school programs are viewed as a solution for poor academic performance. Lauer, et al. (2004) found low academically performing at risk children improved their reading and math scores after participating in an after school program. In addition, after school programs that focus specifically on sport have the potential to positively enhance self esteem for adolescents (Pederson & Seidman, 2004; Todd & Kent, 2003). However, Colthart (1996) notes that students who are considered at-risk participate in significantly fewer recreation and sporting activities than other students. Obtaining a better understanding of how at risk youth are influenced by recreational activities and the impact this may have on academic performance would benefit youth, practitioners and society as a whole. Therefore, this study examined the academic and social outcomes of an after-school soccer program for at-risk elementary school children, a neglected area in the literature. Pre and post participation data were collected from math and reading scores on the school’s standardized End of-Grade-Testing (EOG) assessment. Teachers rated students using the Walker McConnell Scale of Social Competence and School Adjustment (SSCSA). Students rated themselves with the Social Skills Rating System (Gresham & Elliot, 1990). The 21 students who participated in the soccer program were from third and fourth grades in a public school in southeastern U.S. during 2004 2005. T-tests revealed significant academic improvement on EOG scores and ratings on SSCSA pre and post participation. Teachers reported positive improvement in behaviors such as time management, acceptance of criticism, and cooperation. Students responded favorably stating they felt better about school and making friends. These results indicate participation in after school recreational activities can lead to higher grades and positive academic-related social behaviors, which can lead to a more beneficial learning environment for all. Lastly, participation can have a positive impact on the self-concept of at-risk youth.

Access to document: B17_Hritz.pdf

Organized Recreational Physical Activity is Essential for Overcoming Childhood Obesity, and Promoting Health
Yu-Na Kwon, Il-Young Paik & Sang-Hoon Suh, Yonsei University (Seoul, Korea); Hyun-Wook Chae & Duk-Hee Kim, Yonsei University-Severance Hospital (Seoul, Korea); Youngjun Rhie, Korea University-Ansan Hospital (Ansan, Korea)

Introduction Childhood obesity is progressing at an alarming rate. Since most overweight children become overweight adults, this chronic condition may increase the likelihood of cardiovascular diseases in adulthood as a result of early establishment of risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. To reduce this major health issue, effective childhood interventions are essential. Purpose The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of recreational physical activity on health-related parameters in obese Korean children. Methods Thirty eight obese children [body mass index (BMI) > 95th percentile for age and sex] were recruited and randomly assigned to either a control (n=19) or weight management group (n=19). The control group received weight management counseling, and the weight management group received organized program, including recreational physical activity (~6-7 METs, 70 minutes, 2x/week), dietary education, nd life style modification counseling for 3 months. Recreational physical activities included shuffle run, modified soccer and basketball, badminton, yoga, gymball exercise, healthrobic, floor hockey, orienteering, frisbee, music skipping, circle relay, and so on. Results The health-related parameters were improved significantly with 3-month organized recreational physical activity program. Specifically, these parameters included weight, body mass index, % body fat, fat-free mass, maximal oxygen consumption, handgrip strength, muscular endurance, glucose, insulin, homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, and high sensitive C-reactive protein. Conclusion Organized recreational physical activity used for this study, had beneficial effects on body composition, physical fitness, and risk factors for cardiovascular diseases in obese Korean children. In view of the global childhood obesity epidemic, recreational physical activity should be the focus of strategies aimed at overcoming childhood obesity.