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Abstract

In order to promote physical activity and healthy lifestyles, a summer course (ﾃ｢ﾂ?ﾂ?Playing to Gain Healthﾃ｢ﾂ?ﾂ�) was designed and implemented during three weeks in a playful, carefree and non-violent atmosphere. The physical activity program in this model included 30 min of moderate and 15 min of light physical activity as well as educational sessions on physical activity topics. A group of young people aged 18-22 years provided an emotionally and physically safe ambiance for development of the program. A questionnaire about physical activity concepts was applied before and after the program including items on four categories: Knowledge, preferences, auto-efficacy and resource availability. The program was applied twice 2010 and 2011 and 91 children (5-13 y) participated. After the course, a greater proportion of children answered satisfactorily to questions in all the four categories but only significant changes were found in the knowledge dimension (paired t-test; p=0.00). We consider that the observation period is not long enough to detect changes in other dimensions. Further observations should analyze if acquired knowledge can impact preferences and attitudes at long term.

Biography

Email: anabertha.perez@ibero.mx