Current Pediatric Research

Background: Regular physical activity is associated with enhanced health and wellness outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an 8-week virtually supervised home-based physical activity program on the functional performance and self-efficacy of healthy adolescents aged between 10 and 18 years. Methods: Ten participants (five males and five females) were enrolled in the study. The participants underwent a daily 60-minute exercise program for duration of eight weeks. The participants also had weekly phone calls or virtual sessions with physical therapists to monitor their progress and respond to their questions. Functional performance and self-efficacy scores were recorded before and after the program. Results: The 8-week intervention program had a statistically significant positive influence on timed Sit-To-Stand (STS) (p=0.027), the 6-Minute Walk Test (6-MWT) (p=<0.001), and the Timed-Up-and- Go (TUG) test (p=0.006) scores. Self-efficacy and Godin leisure-time exercise scores also showed substantial improvement (p=<0.001). Conclusion: We conclude that the virtually supervised 8-week exercise program demonstrated the ability to improve functional performance in school-going adolescents.

Author(s): Asma Alonazi, Afnan Gmmash, Afnan Alkhateeb, Ohud Sabir, Muataz Almaddah, Samiah Alqabbani*

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