Physical Activity Patterns and Quality of Life of Overweight Boys: A Preliminary Study

SummaryObjectiveWe compared the physical activity (PA) patterns and the quality of life (QoL) between overweight and normal-weight boys, and examined the relationship between PA and QoL of overweight boys.MethodsEighteen overweight boys (age range: 8–10 years, mean ± standard deviation: 9.36 ± 0.82 years) and 18 age-matched, normal-weight counterparts (age range: 8–10 years, mean ± standard deviation: 9.01 ± 0.65 years) participated in this study. All participants were in the 3rd or 4th grade. Each boy completed a QoL questionnaire and wore an accelerometer on his waist for a week to measure his PA during that period. Independent t tests were used to examine the differences in QoL and PA between the overweight and normal-weight boys. Paired t tests were used to test the differences in PA between weekdays and weekend days for each group. Finally, Pearson correlations were used to analyze the relationships between PA and QoL in overweight boys.ResultsOverweight boys reported a significantly lower QoL, and participated in significantly less PA on weekends than did normal-weight boys. A moderate and marginally significant correlation was found between PA on weekends and QoL in overweight boys.ConclusionOur findings suggest the importance of increasing weekend PA for overweight boys. Occupational therapists should encourage overweight boys to engage in PA that the boys are interested in on weekends, and conduct a PA program for overweight boys.