Aerobic Exercise Program Reduces Anger Expression among Overweight Children

Abstract

This study tested the effect of a structured aerobic exercise program on anger expression in healthy overweight children. Overweight, sedentary children were randomly assigned to an aerobic exercise program or a no-exercise control condition. All children completed the Pediatric Anger Expression Scale at baseline and posttest. Anger Out and Anger Expression scores were lower for the exercise condition at posttest. Fitness improvements contributed significantly to final models, and points earned for adherence correlated negatively with posttest Anger Out. An aerobic exercise program might be an effective strategy to reduce anger expression, including reduction of aggressive behavior, in overweight children.The number of overweight children in the U.S. is at a record high (29) and these children are more likely than their non-overweight peers to have behavior problems (25). Overweight adolescents are also more likely to be bullies and to be bullied (20), and a handful of studies suggest a positive relationship between overweight status and anger expression (21,26).Psychological states such as anger and hostility have the potential to adversely affect physical health in childhood and adulthood. Anger, defined as the emotional aspect of hostility, has been shown to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease in adults (12). Adolescents who were more hostile were more likely to have metabolic syndrome 3 years later (32). Behaviorally, anger emotionality in 5 year old children has been shown to be predictive of externalizing problem behaviors at home at age 6 1/2, and at school at age 8 (33). In adolescents, high levels Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Dr. Catherine Davis. A preliminary version of this work was presented at the 10 th National Conference on Child Health Psychology in Gainesville, Florida, April 20, 2006. NIH Public Access of anger and impulsivity were associated with high levels of delinquency (7). Thus, anger has been linked with both health outcomes and behavioral competence.There is some literature suggesting a link between anger, physical exercise, and fitness. Physical activity has been shown to improve anxiety and depression in adults (10), adolescents (4), and children (31). Exercise is a component of some anger management treatments (23). An intervention study in adolescents suggested a possible benefit of vigorous exercise on hostility (28). Two studies have reported a relationship of anger with physical fitness level. Stewart et al. highlighted a significant correlation between higher levels of aerobic fitness and desirable scores on an anger survey in adults (35). In a sample of healthy middle aged women, anger scores predicted adverse laboratory values (high cholesterol, triglyceride, and glucose levels), but only for those who were physically unfit (34). Thus, it is possible that exercise can reduce anger and buffer its physical consequences.We examined whether an exercise intervention designed to decrease cardiovascular risk would reduce anger expr...

Physical activity, diet and other behavioural interventions for improving cognition and school achievement in children and adolescents with obesity or overweight

“…self-reported or parent-reported questionnaires) (Gee 2014; Goldfield 2012; Muzaffar 2014; Naar-King 2016; Pentz 2011; Salmoirago-Blotcher 2015; Smith 2015; Wong 2016). …”

The Association of Physical Activity and Academic Behavior: A Systematic Review

“…Two studies used in‐class PA programs that were not combined with an academic lesson . Other interventions included recess or an after‐school program . Two studies included measurements of physical fitness changes in addition to academic behavior outcomes …”

“…Other interventions included recess or an after‐school program . Two studies included measurements of physical fitness changes in addition to academic behavior outcomes …”

Fitness, fatness, cognition, behavior, and academic achievement among overweight children: Do cross-sectional associations correspond to exercise trial outcomes?

“…For most of these children, a graded treadmill test, MRI scans of abdominal adipose tissue, measures of academic achievement, and teacher ratings of behavior were available (see Table 1). Methods and trial results have been reported (Bassali et al, 2010; Davis and Lambourne, 2009; Davis et al, 2007, in press; Meléndez-Ortega et al, 2010; Petty et al, 2009; Tkacz et al, 2008). …”