Evaluating the effectiveness of housework as exercise for overweight and obese Filipino teenagers

Considering the concerning increase in overweight and obesity rates among Filipino youth, this study seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of a housework-based exercise program. This program capitalizes on the inherent familiarity of traditional household chores, transforming them into structured exercise routines designed to improve the physical fitness levels of overweight and obese Filipino adolescents. A one-group pretest-posttest design was employed. The intervention transformed traditional household chores into structured exercise routines. Fitness parameters, including Body Mass Index (BMI), cardiovascular endurance, flexibility, and muscular strength & endurance, were assessed before and after the intervention. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS software version 29, with Q-Q plots used to confirm the normality of the data. Paired sample t-tests evaluated pre- and post-intervention changes, while independent sample –t-tests determined gender differences. Findings showed that males experienced a greater reduction in BMI (+13.37%, p < .001, effect size = 1.393), while females showed more improvement in cardiovascular endurance (+8.82%, p < .001, effect size = 2.354) and flexibility (left: −46.12%, p < .001, right: −8.31%, p < .001). Both sexes achieved similar gains in muscular strength and endurance (push-up: −35.33%, p < .001, plank: −30.77%, p < .001). This research supports the value of everyday activities beyond structured exercise programs, highlighting the potential of a culturally sensitive approach that utilizes familiar household chores. The program promotes physical activity in a way that resonates with Filipino adolescents and their families, offering a promising, cost-effective intervention to address childhood obesity within the Filipino community.