Move to Improve 2: Implementation and scale up of a physical activity service for children with chronic health conditions

Move to Improve is a physical activity intervention co-designed by young people with chronic health conditions, primary caregivers, health professionals, and researchers. An Expert Reference Group comprising health professionals (medical, allied health) and researchers, and interviews with children and primary caregivers informed the co-design process and associated materials. Children with chronic health conditions and their parents participated in four 2-hour workshops delivered over 4 weeks. Workshop activities included facilitated group discussions, interactive brainstorming activities, case studies, and storyboards. Families also reviewed research materials, including assessment protocols and questionnaires. Recommendations and feedback were incorporated into the Move to Improve intervention design and implementation. The Move to Improve intervention is goal-directed, individualised, and delivered by a multidisciplinary team to promote and support active living behaviours for children with chronic health conditions. Participants will receive one 45 minute, one-to-one physical activity session each week for 8 weeks. Physical activity sessions will be delivered by a Senior Exercise Physiologist or Senior Physiotherapist. Support is provided by a Senior Clinical Psychologist and Senior Dietitian as required for participation in physical activity and health and well-being. Each participant will engage in an individualised program designed to progress towards physical activity goals, build knowledge and confidence in being active, and support ongoing physical activity participation. Dependent on participant goals, physical activity sessions may include aerobic and strength exercise, fundamental movement skills, sport-specific skills, participation-focused activities, and/or a combination of these. Intervention sessions may take place at Perth Children’s Hospital, in community settings, or via telehealth (dependent on physical activity goals, program progression, and/or family preference). Family members will be encouraged to be involved in sessions to increase physical activity knowledge and confidence, and to support ongoing physical activity behaviours for the child and family. Intervention adherence will be promoted via goal-setting, family involvement, clinical support, attendance monitoring and follow-up, and tailoring of sessions to participant interests, abilities, and clinical status.