Assessment on acceptance of exercise board game among overweight and obese children in selected primary school in Kuala Lumpur

Abstract

This study aims to assess the acceptance and effectiveness of an exercise board game in improving knowledge of physical activity among overweight and obese children. A quasi-experimental research design was carried out. This study was conducted among 68 overweight and obese children aged 7-11 years old from four primary schools in Kuala Lumpur. Children in the intervention group (n=34) played the exercise board game, while those in the control group (n=34) were given explanations using the Ministry of Heath Malaysia’s physical activity pyramid. Both groups were tested on their knowledge of physical activity using a pre-tested questionnaire before and after the study. The results showed a significant increase in the knowledge of physical activity among both the intervention and control groups. In the intervention group, the total scores before and after intervention were respectively: median (25th – 75th percentile), 8 .0 (6.0 - 9.0) and 8.0 (8.0 – 10.0), p=0.005. In the control group, the total scores before and after intervention were respectively: median (25th – 75th percentile), 9.0 (7.0 – 10.0) and 10.0 (8.8 – 10.0), p=0.005. Overall, the acceptance score of children on the exercise board game was high [7.0 (6.0 – 8.0)] from total score of 8.0. In conclusion, both groups improved their knowledge of physical activity after the intervention sessions. This study confirms the acceptance of the exercise board game among overweight and obese children in primary schools. Further research is needed to evaluate the attitudes and practices of children towards physical activity after playing the exercise board game.