In a study of obese children, researchers found that when television viewing is contingent on physical activity, the children watch significantly less TV and they lose weight. Details of the study, led by David Allison, Ph.D., professor of biostatistics at UAB, appear in the May 2001 issue of Pediatrics.
The 12-week pilot study of 10 obese children required the children to pedal a stationary cycle in order to watch television.
"Television viewing dropped from an average of 21 hours a week to about one hour a week." The study suggests contingencies designed to increase physical activity while limiting sedentary behavior may be one way to treat childhood obesity.
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Pediatrics, May-2001 (May-2001)
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