Verandering in fysieke activiteit, fysieke fitheid, motivatie en zelfvertrouwen bij kinderen met een chronische medische aandoening na een 10-weekse (voetbal)interventie bij FC Utrecht.

Abstract

Background and aim. Physical activity (PA) has numerous health benefits. In 2022, only 56.8% of Dutch children aged four to twelve years met the physical activity guidelines. Children with a chronic medical condition (CMC) are even less likely to be physically active than healthy children. Therefore, in collaboration with the Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, a training program was developed specifically for children with a CMC. This study (N = 24) investigated changes in physical activity, physical fitness, motivation and self-confidence in children with a CMC after participating in the training program. Method. The intervention consisted of various ball activities and focused on the elements of self-determination theory (autonomy, relatedness, and competence). Objective PA was measured using an accelerometer, self-reported PA and parent-reported PA were assessed using a questionnaire, physical fitness was evaluated through cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) and motivation and self-confidence were assessed with the Canadian Assessment of Physical Literacy Second Edition (CAPL-2) questionnaire. The data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test. Results. The difference between pre- and post-measurements was not significant for objectively measured PA, parent-reported PA, physical fitness and motivation and self-confidence (p >.05), but was significant for self-reported PA (p <.05). Conclusion. The training program did not result in changes in objectively measured PA, parent-reported PA, physical fitness and motivation and self-confidence. However, it did lead to a positive change on self-reported PA. Future studies should increase the population, include parental perceptions, conduct training at least twice a week, and consider the intensity of the training sessions.