Physical Activity and Fitness Markers of Male Campers Participating in a Fitness-Based Sport Education Season

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine health-related fitness levels and physical activity trends of adolescents participating in a fitness-based sport education season in a camp setting. Method: This study was conducted in a residential summer camp. Participants were 71 male campers. Participants were categorized into two groups (i.e., Healthy or Needs Improvement-Needs Improvement Health Risk [NI/NI-Health Risk]). Physical activity and health-related fitness measures were assessed. Data were analyzed with separate 2 x 2 mixed-factorial analyses of variance and follow-up t tests when appropriate. Results: Findings indicated significant decreases in body mass index for both groups with greater decreases for the NI/NI-Heath Risk group. Both groups increased for push-ups, sit-ups, and Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run Test scores with greater improvements in the NI/NI-Health Risk group. Discussion/Conclusion: Youth amassed elevated levels of physical activity during each lesson and achieved significant improvements to muscle strength, cardiovascular endurance, and body mass index. The NI/NI-Health Risk group revealed significant improvements compared to their healthy counterparts.