Abstract

SANCHEZ-MENDEZ, Martha Isabel  and  HERNANDEZ-ELIZONDO, Jessenia. Effect of an educational intervention on anthropometric and physical activity habits of Costa Rican families of the the central region in 2012. Educación [online]. 2016, vol.40, n.1, pp.19-38. ISSN 2215-2644.  http://dx.doi.org/10.15517/revedu.v40i1.21695.

The study was proposed with the aim of (1) assessing the effect of anthropometric values in Costa Rican mothers and preschool children after an educational intervention with multimedia material, (2) assessing the effect of physical activity energy expenditure rate (GETs) of mothers when performing daily physical activity (AFC) and sports (AFD) after administering the treatment. The intervention was applied for 8 weeks in 50 families (mothers & preschool children) who completed anthropometric measurements. In addition sociodemographics and PA habits data were obtained. We used a randomized Research design with three comparison groups, and statistical analysis of variance. No significant interactions were found (p> 0.05) in any of the variables analyzed. The only significant difference in GET (p ≤0.05) was found between those mothers who do and those who do not do AFD. On average mothers engage in 6.93 + 6.505 minutes of daily AFD, with GETs 0.14 + 0.249 METs. Mothers involved in AFD obtained a higher GET when they socialize and do household chores, in contrast to those that do not do AFD (p=0.038; p=0.050, respectively). On average the GET by AFC of the mothers was 39.29 daily METs. Lack of time and the lack of commitment were the main limitations reported by the mothers in the AF intervention. It seems important to include in the interventions elements of behavior modification in families, specifically to encourage parents to commit to daily exercise.

Keywords : assessment of energy expenditure; education; preschool; mothers.

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