Kathy B Knight
1*, Sydney A Devers
1, Meagan Maloney
1, Anne K Bomba
1, Heather Walker
1, Kathy Tucker
2, Scott S. Knight
31 Department of Nutrition and Hospitality Management, University of Mississippi, University, MS, USA
2 Coordinator of Outreach and Innovation, Health Works! North Mississippi, North Mississippi Health Services, Tupelo, MS, USA
3 Director of University of Mississippi Field Station, University of Mississippi, University, MS, USA
Abstract
Background: The purpose was to determine if an 8-week nutrition education and exercise program for families could influence health and fitness parameters, and retention of nutrition knowledge. Methods: Eighteen children (mean age: 10.52 ± 1.26 year; 50% boys, 50% girls; 56% white,25% black, 19% multiracial) participated in the Families in Transformation (FIT) program. Preand post-study anthropocentric, blood pressure, fitness, and nutrition knowledge data was collected. Results: Diastolic blood pressure decreased for the total group (66.63 ± 8.81 to 63.75 ± 11.81mm Hg). Significant (P < 0.05) increases were seen for the group for push-ups (14.31 ± 7.62 to 19.63 ± 6.62) and chair squats (30.50 ± 10.21 to 34.44 ± 7.39). The reinforcing physical activity group performed significantly better on nutrition knowledge quizzes. Conclusion: Although, body mass index (BMI) z-scores did not change, there was a decrease in diastolic blood pressure, increase in fitness parameters, and increased retention of nutrition knowledge.