The obese child: Motivation as a tool for exercise☆☆☆★★★
Abstract
The purpose of this article is to describe the importance of motivation in enhancing the participation of obese children in exercise activities. Recognizing the different influence that are important determinants of exercise behavior in children may help pediatric nurse practitioners play a significant role in advising parents and others of the need to offer positive, constructive, and immediate feedback without being evaluative, critical, or demanding. By addressing the problems of obesity and low fitness levels early in the child's life, a significant step can be taken toward reversing the negative trends of this unhealthy and potentially dangerous condition. J Pediatr Health Care. (2003). 17, 11-17.
J. Wesley McWhorter is Associate Professor, Department of Physical Therapy, College of Health Sciences, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
☆ Harvey W. Wallmann is Chair, Department of Physical Therapy, College of Health Sciences, University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
☆☆ Patricia T. Alpert is Coordinator, Family Practitioner Program, Department of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
★ Reprint requests: J. Wesley McWhorter, MPT, PhD, Department of Physical Therapy, College of Health Sciences, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, 4505 Maryland Parkway, Box 453029, Las Vegas, NV 89154-3029; email: jmcwhorter@ccmail.nevada.edu.
ABSTRACT
The obese child: Motivation as a tool for exercise