Sex differences in fitness outcomes among minority youth after participation in a park-based after-school program.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to describe sex differences in fitness outcomes after participation in Fit2Play, a park-based after-school health and wellness program.

METHODS

Youth who participated in Fit2Play for either 1, 2, or 3 school years between 2010 and 2016 (n = 2129, mean age 9.1 years, 52% Hispanic, 48% non-Hispanic black, 54% male) were tested via a comprehensive fitness battery at the beginning/end of the school year(s). Effects of length of Fit2Play participation on fitness outcomes were assessed via three-level repeated measures analysis stratified by sex and adjusted for child sociodemographics, weight category, area poverty, and year.

RESULTS

Significant improvements for boys and girls were found in the Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run (P < .01 for girls, P < .001 for boys), 400 meter run tests (P < .001 for girls, P < .01 for boys), and push-ups (P < .01 for both), with dose-response trends for girls after up to 3 years of Fit2Play participation. From baseline to 1, 2, and 3 years of participation, girls demonstrated 8%, 14%, and 23% mean improvement in 400 meter run times versus 9%, 9%, and 17% for boys, respectively (P < .001 for all). Dose-response improvements were also found in girls for PACER scores and sit-ups.

CONCLUSIONS

After-school physical activity programs can improve fitness in all youth, and particularly girls with increased years of participation. Further research should examine sex differences in the effects of park-/community-based programs to reduce sex disparities in fitness, particularly in light of the current youth obesity epidemic.