Sami Yli-Piipari1^1,* , Mika Manninen¹, Bennett L Smith², Casey Hollibaugh³ , Heather Chambliss⁴, Jon Udwadia⁵

• ¹ Department of Kinesiology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
• ² Pinellas County School District, Pinellas County, Florida
• ³ Department of Kinesiology and Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia
• ⁴ St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
• ⁵ Augusta University & University of Georgia Medical Partnership, Athens, Georgia
• ^* Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Abstract

This study examined the effectiveness of a physical activity (PA) intervention among obese Hispanic children delivered by a free mobile phone game application (app) recommended by a pediatrician. A sample of 40 (age M=10.16[2.01] years) children participated in this pilot study. Pre- and posttest data were collected on participants’ PA attitudes, intention, and objectively measured PA. The intervention was a game-based exercise prescription to engage in at least 20 minutes daily for seven days in moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) delivered by their primary care pediatrician. The results showed a statistically significant decrease in sedentary time (SED) (t(26)=3.03, p=.007, d=.66) and an increase in moderate PA (MPA) (t(26)=3.19, p=.005, d=-.69), vigorous PA (VPA) (t(26)=-5.74, p<.001, d=-1.25), and MVPA (t(26)=-9.09, p<.001, d=-1.89). In addition, the study showed increase in PA attitudes (t(26)=-3.63, p<.001, d=-1.10) and PA intention (t(20)=-3.13, p=.001, d=-.94) after the intervention. This study provides evidence that a mobile app gaming-based exercise prescription may help to engage obese Hispanic children in health enhancing PA.

Keywords:children, Hispanic, mHealth, physical activity, sedentariness, Treasure Dash, technology

Category: Fitness, Health, and Nutrition .

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