ARS | Publication request: BOUNCE: An exploratory healthy lifestyle summer intervention for girls

Submitted to: American Journal of Health Behavior
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: December 1, 2009
Publication Date: February 1, 2010
Citation: Olvera, N., Scherer, R., Mcleod, J., Graham, M., Knox, B., Hall, K., Butte, N.F., Bush, J.A., Smith, D.W., Bloom, J. 2010. BOUNCE: An exploratory healthy lifestyle summer intervention for girls. American Journal of Health Behavior. 34(2):144-155.

Interpretive Summary: The purpose of this study was to test if a healthy lifestyle summer program called BOUNCE (Behavior Opportunities Uniting Nutrition Counseling and Exercise), improves physical fitness and physical activity in preadolescent minority girls. We anticipated that minority girls would demonstrate a decrease in body weight, BMI, body fat percentage, and waist circumference, and an increase in the number of laps completed during the 20-Meter Endurance Shuttle Run Test, and minutes engaged in moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) after completion of the program. The intervention resulted in significant changes in girls’ weight, BMI, waist circumference, and fitness and activity. The BOUNCE family-based intervention was effective in promoting fitness and activity in minority girls.

Technical Abstract: Our objective was to assess the efficacy of the Behavior Opportunities Uniting Nutrition Counseling (BOUNCE) parent-daughter intervention in promoting selected physical fitness measures and activity. Thirty-seven Latino and African American parent-daughter pairs participated in the study. The intervention entailed physical activities, nutrition classes, and self-esteem activities. Child's height, weight, waist circumference, body fat %, blood pressure, physical fitness, and activity were assessed pre- and postintervention. A repeated-measures ANOVA yielded significant results [F(4,26) = 793.003, P < 0.001]. Post hoc analyses demonstrated significant (P < 0.05) changes in BMI, waist circumference, physical fitness, and activity. The BOUNCE intervention was effective in promoting fitness and activity in minority girls.