The Influence of Physical Education on Self-Efficacy in Overweight Schoolgirls: A 12-Week Training Program

Abstract

The purpose of this randomized controlled study was to investigate the impact of a 12-week physical education (PE) program on the self-efficacy of overweight schoolgirls. We randomly assigned 60 overweight schoolgirls (15–17 years) to either an experimental moderate to vigorous aerobic exercise (∼90 min, three times a week) group (n = 30) or a control group (CG) (n = 30) that received non-specific regular PE lessons with activities chosen by the curricular teacher mainly focused on team games and sports skills that aimed to achieve general psycho-physical wellness (∼90 min, three times a week). To assess the starting level of students and significant changes reached, at baseline and after training, a battery of standardized assessment motor tests and a psychometric scale (generalized self-efficacy scale, GES) were administered. At the end of the intervention, the experimental group reported a considerable decrease in body mass index (BMI) and a large improvement in self-efficacy (p < 0.001). No significant changes were found in the CG. The results suggested that the 12-week moderate to a vigorous aerobic exercise program is an effective weight loss intervention and a vehicle to promote a range of outcomes important to the qualitative growth of adolescents. In fact, it could provide a positive and significant impact on the self-efficacy of overweight schoolgirls.

Effectiveness of structured interventional strategy for middle-aged adolescence (SISMA-PA) for preventing atherosclerotic risk factors—A study protocol

“…Parents’ newsletter will be sent monthly once for 3 months which includes strategies for reducing screen-based recreation in the home, and tips for a healthy diet, and potential consequences of excessive screen-use and physical inactivity. We strongly believe that 12 weeks of intervention will yield a 50–75% dosage response based on previous studies [ 34 – 36 ] of minimum clinically important difference.…”

Physical activity and self-efficacy in college students: the mediating role of grit and the moderating role of gender

“…The self-efficacy theory suggests that an individual’s level of Physical activity can influence the development of self-efficacy ( McAuley & Blissmer, 2000 ). A strong positive correlation between PA and self-efficacy has been found in the UK ( Darker et al, 2010 ), Italy ( Latino et al, 2021 ), and the USA ( Wiedenman et al, 2023 ). For example, a six-week walking intervention led to a significant increase in self-efficacy among adult participants ( Darker et al, 2010 ).…”

“…For example, a six-week walking intervention led to a significant increase in self-efficacy among adult participants ( Darker et al, 2010 ). A 12-week study of moderate to vigorous aerobic exercise had a positive and significant impact on the self-efficacy of overweight female students ( Latino et al, 2021 ; Wu, Zhao & Zhao, 2022 ). Similar findings were found in the Chinese university student population ( Wu, Zhao & Zhao, 2022 ; Han et al, 2022 ).…”