Influence of Physically Active Leisure Participation on Obesity in Youth with Spina Bifida

Childhood obesity and resulting secondary complications in youth with disabilities are occurring in epidemic proportions, due in part to a trend of physical inactivity. The purpose of this study is to report the prevalence of overweight, the leisure time activity patterns, and the association between frequency of physically active leisure participation and body mass index for age, in a sample of 50 youth with spina bifida, ages 4.5 to 17.9 years. Results indicate that 52% of the sample are classified as at risk of overweight or overweight; 36% were male and 16% were female. The top five leisure time activities and team sport participation are identified. Subjects who did not use a wheelchair for ambulation participated significantly more in physically active leisure than subjects who used a wheelchair. Future research and rationale for physically active leisure as an intervention for youth with spina bifida are discussed.

Grantor dc:publisher

University of North Texas

Year dc:date

2004

Author dc:creator

• McCabe, Erin

Contributors dc:contributor

• Hodges, Jan
• Collins, John
• McKenzie, Sharon

• Spina bifida.
• Youth with disabilities.
• Physical fitness for people with disabilities.
• Obesity.
• therapeutic recreation
• disability
• physical activity
• leisure
• spina bifida
• obesity

Statement dc:rights

• Public
• Copyright
• McCabe, Erin
• Copyright is held by the author, unless otherwise noted. All rights reserved.

Language dc:language

English

Identifier

oclc: 58796389
https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc4690/
ark: ark:/67531/metadc4690

OAI identifier oai:identifier

info:ark/67531/metadc4690