Physical Activity
Conditions
Brief summary
The purpose of this study is to examine the feasibility and efficacy of a 12-week afterschool afro-centric dance physical activity program for daughters and mothers on the physical activity level of African-American girls.
Detailed description
Like African-American women, African-American girls suffer disproportionately from obesity and Type 2 diabetes mellitus. One factor strongly associated with the development of obesity and Type 2 diabetes mellitus disparities in children is low physical activity levels. Low physical activity is more prevalent in African-American girls, pointing to the critical need for effective physical activity interventions. For a physical activity intervention message to be effective among African-American girls, the program must be enjoyable and tailored to African-American girls and women. One possibility for an appropriate physical activity intervention is afro-centric dance, which has strong cultural and historical significance in the African-American community. This form of physical activity may provide girls with sustained bouts of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. There appears to be a strong positive correlation between parental and children physical activity levels. In the African-American culture, maternal health behaviors in particular have a strong influence on children's health behaviors. Currently, there are no studies that examine the effects of a daughter-mother Afro-centric dance program on the physical activity levels of African-American girls. Therefore, the purpose of this study will be to examine the feasibility and efficacy of a 12-week physical activity intervention consisting of afro-centric dance and its ability to affect the physical activity levels of African-American girls. If investigators identify afro-centric dance as a sustainable form of physical activity for African-American daughters and mothers, investigators can use this intervention to significantly reduce obesity and Type 2 diabetes mellitus in these groups.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALGirls and mothers Afro-centric dance program
African-American girls and their mom's will participate in an after school Afro-centric dance program for 3 days/week for 12 weeks. Both girls and the mothers will also receive weekly newsletter containing various health information.
BEHAVIORALGirls, alone
African-American girls (without their mom's) will participate in an after school Afro-centric dance program for 3 days/week for 12 weeks. Both girls and the mothers will also receive weekly newsletter containing various health information.
OTHERNewsletter
Both girls and the mothers will receive weekly newsletter containing various health information.
Sponsors
University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
NONE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
FEMALE
Age
7 Years to 11 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
for Girls: * 7 -10 yrs old on the date of randomization * Defined as African-American if her parent/guardian identifies her as such * No inclusion criteria will be used for mothers
Exclusion criteria
* Unable to wear the activity monitor * Unable to participate in physical activity, require oxygen supplementation for exertion, have a developmental or physical disability preventing participation, cannot increase their physical activity for any reason, uncorrected structural heart disease) * If girl and/or mother is unable to read, understand, or complete the informed consent or surveys in English. * Musculoskeletal injuries or disorders that would prevent participation * Taking diabetes (type 1 or 2), renal diseases, eating disorder, pregnancy medication * Take medications affecting growth (e.g., insulin, oral hypoglycemic, thyroid hormone)
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Change from baseline in physical activity level at 12-weeks | Baseline, 6-weeks and 12-weeks after study initiation |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Changes in body mass index, fasting insulin, and psychosocial | Baseline and 12-weeks after the initiation of the study protocol |
Countries
United States
Outcome results
None listed