Translational Health After School Program on Health-Related Knowledge/Behaviors and Exercise Perception

The aim of this study is to examine the effects of a translational health in nutrition and kinesiology (THINK) after school program on physical variables, nutrition and exercise knowledge base/behaviors, and exercise enjoyment and confidence. Partnering with the YMCA investigators in the Kinesiology and Sport Sciences department at the University of Miami will set up the after-school THINK program offered three afternoons per week for nine months in two experimental and two control schools. The schools will consist of minority elementary school students (predominantly Hispanic and Black) in the South Florida area. The control schools will receive baseline, mid-year and follow-up testing nine months later, but will not go through the THINK program. They will instead go through their standard YMCA after school Sports, Play, and Active Recreation for Kids (SPARK) program.