Physical activity, health, and dietary patterns of middle school children

PURPOSE: We sought to characterize the physical activity, health, and dietary patterns of middle school children and examine associations between these factors. Parent-child relationships also were examined. METHODS: Thirty-eight children and parents participated and completed a three-day physical activity recall and 24-hour dietary recall. The Child Health Questionnaire was used to assess child health. Percentage overweight was determined for each participant. RESULTS: Forty-four percent of children did not meet the current recommendation for physical activity. Fat and sodium consumption exceeded recommendations, and intake of key nutrients was inadequate. Youth who spent more time in sedentary activity had poorer general health. There were positive associations between parent and child percentage overweight and physical activity. Parent physical activity explained an additional 46.2% of the variance in child physical activity. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing physical activity and reducing sedentary behaviors through strategies that incorporate parents is an important component of a physical therapy program for school children.