Masters Theses

Date of Award

8-2016

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Nutrition

Major Professor

Marsha L. Spence

Committee Members

Sarah E. Colby, Katie Kavanagh

Abstract

Objective: The primary objective of this project was to evaluate if there were significant differences between pre- and post-outcomes for physical fitness levels, nutrition knowledge and preference, physical activity self-efficacy among conventional and experimental intervention groups.

Methods: This study was a convenience sample, pre-and post-test, quasi-experimental design with between-subject factors of nutrition education and a fitness log (receive education plus fitness log and did not receive education plus fitness log). Physical fitness was measured using the PACER fitness test; nutrition knowledge and preference and physical activity self-efficacy were assessed using The Catch nutrition knowledge and preference and physical activity self-efficacy survey.

Results:Nutrition knowledge and preference, physical fitness, and physical activity self-efficacy increased significantly in the experimental group (p

Conclusion: The iRun program showed that combining physical activity, nutrition education, and a fuel and fitness log may increase nutrition knowledge and preference, physical fitness, and physical activity self-efficacy. While the iRun program conventionally implemented without nutrition education increased fitness levels, the addition of nutrition education and fuel and fitness logs, increased the experimental groups’ nutrition knowledge and preference and self-efficacy for physical activity in addition to increased fitness levels, all of which are important outcomes for childhood obesity prevention programs.

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