An Analysis of Activity Patterns and Occupations Among Obese and Normal Weight Children
Graduation Date
2009
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Document Form
Degree Name
Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy
Department
Occupational Therapy
Department or Program Chair
Ruth Ramsey, EdD, OTR/L
Thesis Advisor
Stacy Frauwirth, MS, OTR/L
Second Advisor
Colleen Devine, MS, OTR/L
Abstract
Childhood obesity is on the rise and current solutions have fallen short in preventing a continuing rise in this epidemic (Schreiner, 2005). This study investigated patterns of activity and occupation among 4th – 6th graders, from three classes in Northern California, and obesity. Participants height and weight measurements were taken individually for body mass index (BMI) calculation, and classification of participants into two weight categories; normal weight and overweight/obese. Activity journals were completed by die students at least three times a day on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday during one week in September. Incidence of activity was recorded in three categories: vigorous physical activity (VPA), moderate physical activity (MPA) and sedentary activity (SA). The Statistical Package for Social Sciences was used to analyze a) incidence of participation in each type of activity in relation to BMI, as well as b) the diversity of activities participated in and BMI. No statistically significant differences were found between the two groups in either the number of incidents of activity in the three categories or in overall diversity of activity. Trends were apparent as overweight and obese participants reported a greater incidence of participation in sedentary activity that their normal weight peers. Normal weight participants reported participating in a greater diversity of moderate physical activities than their obese and overweight peers. Small sample size and lack of usable data reported on Saturday may have influenced the outcome of this study. Weekday data was similar among overweight/obese and normal weight participants due to the structured school day. There is a need to continue investigating influences on activity patterns and routines of children in all environments and the relationship to obesity.