Exercise Effects in Native American Adolscents

This longitudinal study will investigate effects of exercise participation in Southwest Native American adolescents, ages 11-17, from the Gila River Indian Community. Vital signs, physical activity participation adherence, physical performance measures, and psychological/social measures will be assessed. Participants will attend one educational presentation for the initial session, explaining the benefits of physical exercise and expectations throughout the program. Baseline measurements for strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular fitness will be taken as well as height, weight and blood pressure. Based on individual performance measures, each participant will be provided a personalized exercise program to complete 3-4 times/week for the duration for the duration of the study. Participants will also be provided an exercise journal to track their adherence to their exercise program each week. At the end of the session parents and adolescents separately will be asked to complete a written survey assessing physical, emotional, social, and school function. Physical performance measures will be taken every other week from the initial education and data collection session through 6 weeks.