Impact of Physical Activity on Components of Physical Fitness: A Comparative Cross-Cultural Study of Schoolchildren in the United States, Ghana, and Mexico
A Field Study Proposal
Statement of Intent
The purpose of my proposed project is to identify and measure the effects of various physical activities on posture, body composition (BMI), endurance, and trunk stability of children in rural Mexico. These data will be compared to data already collected on children from Ghana and the United States in order to find a correlation between culture-based physical activities and core strength, endurance, postural stamina and body composition. From this information we will be better able to educate ourselves as well as teachers, doctors, and parents of the types of physical activities that will decrease the risk of spinal injury and back pain as well as increase quality of life for children in their developmental years as well as in adulthood.
Through this study I will be able to answer what types, durations, and intensities of activities affect posture and core-strength by comparing the data collected from each of the different countries. I hypothesize that activities of longer duration and greater intensities such as running and participating in organized sports will correlate will correlate with greater core strength and stability. The tests I will use consist specifically of squat, lunge, hurdle, and plank movements. These tests will specifically measure core strength and stability. I will also distribute accelerometers and pedometers in order to assess daily activity durations and intensities. In addition, I will observe and participate in the activities in order to better understand the movements and intensities that are involved in the activities.
My personal purpose in conducting this field study is linked to bettering my knowledge of healthcare as ameliorating my understanding of different cultures and my capacities to adapt according to the people that I live among. I have lived in many different places throughout my life. Most of my life has been spent in the United States although I did spend 18 months in Europe. I enjoy living among and learning about different cultures. I have never had the opportunity to live in a community like Irapuato, Mexico. There, life is much different than what we find in the United States. The people live off the land. They are a farming culture and spend most of their lives engaged in manual labor. The children walk to school and spend their free time without the same technologies and entertainments that children in the United States have. Being immersed in a culture like this will help me better understand the people and their attitudes toward health, physical activity, and other areas that may or may not be associated with my project. The cultural immersion that I will undergo will not only help me become a better healthcare professional but will give me a broader and more in depth knowledge of the Mexican people and how to fit into their culture.
Background/ Significance
It is well known that obesity is becoming an epidemic throughout the world. Researchers continue to see a steady decline in physical activity among children and adolescents especially in the United States and more developed countries (Carlson, Fulton, Schoenborn, & Loustalot, 2010). The consequences include an increased incidence of obesity and diabetes in children. (National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, 2010.) We hypothesize that factors such as core strength, posture and body composition are also affected.
In recent years there has been a lot of emphasis placed on the importance of health and physical activity in the United States and throughout the world. Numerous types of studies have also emphasized the importance of spinal stability. Backpack load, for instance, has been a highlighted topic for school children for several years. Studies show that increased weight in backpacks causes spinal compression which can lead to serious back pain or injury. (Neuschwander) Many elementary school students in the United States have been affected by problems such as this. In addition, there has been an increased occurrence of sedentary lifestyle with the increase of television programs offering programs for younger viewers, as well as video games and other pass times that require little physical exertion. Children of the same age in rural Mexico do not have these types of activities available to them. Much of their time is spent running and playing organized games like soccer. In addition, walking is the primary mode of transportation in Mexico whereas in the United States most families own cars.
The culture of Mexico also calls for differences in activity levels within the public school systems. One study reported that during school in rural Mexico, children are more active in the classroom. They are not expected to remain seated throughout the day or while doing work. They are given the freedom to socialize and work with other students around the classroom. (Bryan) This differs significantly from schools in the United States where students are obliged to remain seated during instruction and work time. There have been some innovations within the classrooms of the United States in order to provide more opportunities for movement during class time. One example includes a standing desk that was created by a teacher after seeing here students shuffle and shift in their seats in class. The desks allow students to sit or stand and as such, allow for more movement during the day. This seems to mimic the liberty that students in rural Mexico are given to move around more during class time. (Saulny)
The United States has seen an increase in obesity in childhood as well as other chronic diseases that correlate with lack of physical activity. This is one area that Mexico seems to share. In recent studies regarding Mexico (note: these studies were not isolated to rural Mexico, where I will be conducting my research) children as well as adults are following the same obesity trends that exist within the United States. (Uauy) With an increase in BMI and a decrease in trunk stability comes an increased risk of injury and disease during childhood and in later adulthood. Within this same study, however, it is noted that those cultures that live off the land and are more isolated from larger cities do not share this same increase in obesity. The children with whom I will be working live in more rural communities and would be expected to have a lower BMI and therefore lower risk of the chronic diseases that would affect trunk stability.
Methodology/ Procedures
Upon arrival in Mexico, I will first build rapport with the people in the community. I hope to volunteer as an aid within the schools so that I may be able to meet children of the appropriate age (10 to 12 years old.) Once I have found people willing to participate in my study, I will give them consent forms (for the parents of the participants) and assent forms as well as explain the risks and benefits of the study. The children will be given a questionnaire (PDPAR) to assess their physical activity from the previous day. They will also be given a pedometer and an accelerometer to wear for three to five days that will assess their physical activity during those days.
I will then administer fitness tests including a squat test, a lunge test, a push-up test, and a plank test. I will explain these tests as well as show an instructional video to be sure that they understand fully how to perform the tests.
In addition to collecting quantitative data, I will be take qualitative data by observing and participating in the activities of the children. I will also conduct interviews with the children and their parents in order to better assess the activities and daily routines that may affect postural development.
Ethics and Approval
Preliminary Plans for Post-field Application
This project is part of an international cross-sectional study. Therefore, after completing the study phase, I will compare my study’s data with reported data from other regions of the world (Ghana and Provo).The planned outcome will be a publishable primary research article containing the compiled data and findings from the studies. My report will be offered for presentation at the annual BYU Field Studies International Inquiry Conference and at a national physical therapy convention within that year. In addition, I hope that this experience will open other opportunities to work internationally as a healthcare provider. I am pursuing a degree in physical therapy and the knowledge and experience gained from this project will not only help my understanding of physical therapy but also of living in a different culture with the intent of helping them better their quality of life.
Qualifications and Limitations
I am currently a senior at BYU studying Exercise Science and preparing for physical therapy school. Most of my classes focus on the physiological and functional workings of the body. I have completed functional anatomy, exercise physiology, kinesiology, and other specialized classes as well as coursework in statistics, psychology, and ethical considerations in exercise science that will be applied to this study. I am also currently working as an intern in a physical therapy clinic in Provo Utah where I am able to work directly with patients teaching them different exercises in order to improve their health.
I also have experience working with children. As a karate teacher for over three years, I instructed both children (from age 2 up) and adults in the specific stances and positions that were required for correct performance and physical stability. I learned to adapt my teachings based on each student’s particular developmental stages. I routinely instructed them in games and other activities which allowed them to develop their skills and their trust in me, which I hope to accomplish as an aid in the schools in Mexico.
I have experience outside the US. I lived in France and Switzerland for 18 months where I communicated mostly in French but occasionally in Spanish. I continued my studies in Spanish at BYU and am conversationally fluent in that language.
Qualifications of Primary Faculty Mentor
My mentor, Ulrike Mitchell, is a certified Physical Therapist and has practiced physical therapy for over 20 years. She is now an assistant professor in the Exercise Sciences department. She has been working with Dr. Wayne Johnson of the Exercise Science department on this project for several months. Dr. Johnson was the primary faculty mentor for this same project that was conducted in Ghana in 2009. Together they have over 50 years of physical therapy experience as well as numerous years of research experience in the physical therapy field.
Justification of In-field Coursework and Faculty
Schedule
October 2010-April 2011: Continue conducting preparatory research.
January 2011-April 2011: Participate in International Field Study preparatory course. Work as an intern at a physical therapy clinic.
March 2011: Seek IRB approval.
May 2011-August 2011: Travel to Irapuato, Mexico. Volunteer as an aid in the schools. Conduct interviews with parents of schoolchildren with informed consent as well as observe and record physical activity in daily routine. Test fitness levels of students through endurance, strength, and functional tests, as well as accelerometer trials. Return from Mexico to the United States.
August 2011: Begin compilation and analysis of the data and draft a publishable research paper. Prepare to present the project in specific conferences.
Budget
Application Fee: $25
Acceptance Fee: $100
Vaccinations: $?
Plane ticket (round-trip)—Salt Lake City to Mexico City (Round trip): $600.00
HTH Travel Insurance: $120
10 Pedometers at $10 each: $100
Accelerometer: $300
Stopwatch: $15
Compensation for Participants: ?
Living Expenses: ?
Personal Expenses: $200
Sp/Su Tuition: $2210
Subtotal: $3500 +
