PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, PERCEIVED PHYSICAL ABILITY, AND BODY IMAGE IN NONOVERWEIGHT AND OVERWEIGHT CHILDREN

This study aimed at examining the relationships among pedometer-measured PA levels, perceived physical ability, and body image (BI) in nonoverweight (NOW) and overweight or obese (OW/OB) sixth grade students. Methods. Participants were 30 boys and 30 girls (11.3±0.5 yrs) equally divided (n=15) into NOW and OW/OB groups according to BMI cut-off points. The Yamax pedometer hooked on at the waist was used to measure vertical movement as counts (steps) during Physical Education hours (2 times.week-1) for 4 consecutive school weeks. Perception of personal strength, speed, and agility was assessed by the Perceived Physical Ability Scale (PPAS), while difference between perceived and ideal BI (body discrepancy, BD) was measured through Collins’ Child Figure Drawings.Results. A 2×2 ANOVA (sex by group) revealed significant differences in mean step counts over the 4 weeks, with boys and NOW children accumulated more steps than their respective counterparts did (both F1,56=10.02, p<.003). Differences also emerged in the PPAS, with girls and OW/OB participants reporting lower physical self-efficacy mean scores compared to boys and NOW children respectively (both F1,56=6.29, p<.015). Conclusions. Findings confirm that overweight status is inversely related to PA participation, and an increase in BMI is strongly associated with a desire to have a thinner body size.