UWS RESEARCH SET TO AID SCOTLAND’S FIGHT AGAINST TEENAGE OBESITY
13 November 2009
University of the West of Scotland is undertaking leading research which could have major implications for the fight against teenage obesity in Scotland.
The University is undertaking an eight-week study, the first of its kind in Scotland, which aims to highlight that the intensity rather than the duration of physical education is the key factor in improving fitness levels amongst Scottish children.
The research, which got underway in September, involves the study of over 60 fifth and sixth year pupils at Holy Cross High School, Lanarkshire. The project monitors the change in the pupils’ fitness levels over an eight week period as a result of altering their physical education curriculum. The study aims to enhance our understanding of the relationship between exercise intensity and improved health status, providing a guide to future intervention studies at the individual, family and school level.
The study has seen researchers take baseline measures, which include biochemical measures from blood samples. A blood sample will then be taken at the end of the eight weeks to evaluate biochemical changes as a result of the change in their exercise routine. Samples will be analysed for total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein-cholesterol, low density lipoprotein-cholesterol, triglyceride, insulin, glucose, fibrinogen, adiponectin, hs-C-reactive protein, and interleukin-6. In addition a number of other measures will be taken before each testing session including body mass, body mass index, skinfold measurements and blood pressure.
There is insufficient clinical evidence to confirm that the exercise recommended for this age group - one hour per day moderate activity - has any short or long–term health benefits. This study, by implementing a more intense training regime of shorter duration, aims to investigate how training strategies might affect health status and whether there is a more time-efficient method of improving the health and fitness of Scotland’s young people.
The study sees pupils split into three different groups. Two groups will perform the approved anaerobic shuttle run test at different intensity levels, with one group maintaining their normal PE routine. This will enable UWS researchers to compare a high intensity, short duration exercise routine with what is currently taught in Scottish secondary education.
This research is headed-up by Professor Julien Baker, Head of University of the West of Scotland’s Exercise and Health Sciences Research Unit, who has over 20 years of exercise and sports research experience. Previously, Professor Baker has undertaken research or provided consultancy for a number of high-profile sporting organisations including the Welsh Rugby Union, British Karate team, Welsh Badminton Association and Welsh Swimming Association.
Commenting on the research Julien Baker said: “It is widely accepted that during adolescence there seems to be a rapid decline in the type and intensity of physical activity engaged in. The potential therefore for physical education within schools to affect young people’s physical activity levels should not be underestimated.
“The duration, type, and intensity of exercise needed to get cardiovascular and psychological health benefits in young people remains unclear and as a result of this research we hope to get a better understanding of the best approaches to physical education in Scotland’s secondary schools.
“If, as we predict, a curriculum of higher intensity, shorter duration exercise results in greater health benefits this could ultimately revolutionise the way in which PE is delivered in Scottish schools. This curriculum would not only be easier to deliver by secondary schools but it would also have greater health benefits to pupils. In addition it would also have wider implications with regards the way amateur and professional athletes should train to maximise their fitness levels.”
The £13,000 Scottish Government funded project, is being carried out in two phases with the first phase, which runs for 8 weeks, concluding in December. The second phase will compliment and further the findings of the benefits of exercise on health established in phase one.