ABSTRACT
More than 11% of United States children ages 6-17 years old are physically inactive (Singh et al., 2008). Inactivity is signicantly higher and physical activity is signicantly lower among females (Pratt et al., 2008; Seabra et al., 2012), ethnic minority groups, children from non-English-speaking households and socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds, and overweight and obese children (Salvy et al., 2012). ese children also have lower perceived physical competence, have less parental support for physical activity, and are less attracted to physical activity (Seabra et al., 2012). Research indicates that, in particular, overweight and obese children and adolescents are less physically active, perceive physical activity more negatively, and nd sedentary activity more reinforcing than physical activity when compared with normal weight youth (Salvy et al., 2012; Sothern et al., 2006). Education studies indicate that physical tness improves students’ self-image and promotes a positive school environment. Children’s feelings of self-worth and self-esteem begin developing in the early elementary years (O’Brien, 1989). Some types of exercise training may improve self-esteem in prepubescent youth (Metcalf & Roberts, 1993). Furthermore, regular physical training may promote the attainment of self-esteem during the elementary years, which may transfer to improved self-worth in the later, more dicult, pubertal and postpubertal years (Haugen, Ommundsen, & Seiler, 2013). Exercise programs must be goal oriented with easily attainable outcomes to ensure individual student success (Sothern et al., 2006). Exercise techniques must be appropriate to the physical development level of the student (Sothern, 2001; Sothern et al., 2001; Sothern et al., 2006; Strong et al., 2005; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services [U.S. DHHS], 2008). Childhood is a critical time when children’s physical activity behaviors are formed and during which they develop healthy attitudes toward physical activity. Physicians and health care professionals can help their overweight and obese pediatric patients adopt a healthier and more physically active lifestyle in several ways (Deforche, Haerens, & de Bourdeauhuij, 2011; McInnis, Franklin, & Rippe, 2003). A thorough understanding of the determinants of exercise initiation and adherence is essential to selecting the best methods to promote physical activity in overweight and obese children and adolescents.
