Physical Activity Preference and Body Mass Index among Adolescent Females

Abstract

<p>Researchers have observed that a dramatic decline in physical activity (PA) occurs during adolescence and that up to one third of high school students fail to meet established physical fitness guidelines (Robbins, Pis, Pender, & Kazanis, 2004). This sedentary trend predisposes teens to obesity. A review of the literature yields many commonalities, notably researchers' concern for future morbidities fostered by youth obesity, including insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension (Lee, Chou, & Lai, 2007). Programs such as Robbins, Gretebeck, Kazanis, and Pender's (2006) Girls on the Move sought to address these concerns. The purpose of this study is to examine whether level of preference for active versus sedentary PA among adolescent females is correlated with their body mass index (BMI). This quantitative, non-experimental, correlational study proposes that a convenience sample of teenage girls (n = 36) who meet inclusion criteria and self-report an active physical activity preference will have a lower BMI. The target population is a Midwest metropolitan area with 31,165 adolescent females. The accessible population is the 1,255 13 to 17 year-old adolescent females enrolled in the pediatric clinic of a Midwestern medical center. The theoretical framework supporting this proposal is Nola Pender's Health Promotion Model, specifically the relationship between the biologic trait of obesity and the behaviorspecific cognition of competing preferences as a barrier. Data collection includes BMI measurement, a demographic questionnaire, and Pender's Immediate Competing Preferences Profile questionnaire (Cronbach's alpha .83). This tool is the least documented of Pender's research instruments, and a tacit goal of this study is to contribute to this body of knowledge. Today there are many sedentary activities that compete with active PA for teenagers' time and attention. Nurses who are aware of adolescent girls' activity preferences can more effectively motivate them toward healthy behaviors.</p><p>This presentation occurred at the Wright State University Campus-Wide Celebration of Research, Scholarship and Creative Activities on April 16, 2010</p>