Cardiovascular Fitness, Physical Activity
Conditions
Keywords
Cardiovascular fitness, Physical Activity, Obesity, Children, Adults
Brief summary
The purpose of this study was to test the efficacy of a fitness- and behavioral-focused intervention, Athletes for Life (AFL), to improve cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) among 160 underserved families.
Detailed description
The Athletes for Life (AFL) study was a 12-week randomized controlled trial designed to promote cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and healthy lifestyle changes among parents and children. The original enrollment target was 160 families. A total of 149 parent-child dyads living in a Southwestern U.S. metropolitan area were enrolled in the study. AFL consisting of 24 structured, twice-weekly 90-min family-based, nutrition and sport/fitness-oriented sessions, and was delivered in a municipal recreation center. Behavior change, including increased physical activity, and adherence were motivated through positive reinforcement techniques. Families were randomized to either the AFL program or a wait-list control group.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALAFL Intervention
The AFL intervention consisted of two 90-minute sessions per week for 12 months for both children and parents. The child physical activity sessions, held separately from the parent sessions, aimed to achieve 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity during each session through structured play activities, athletic drills, and sport exercises. Child dietary behaviors were taught through educational activities in small groups. For the parent program, behavior modification techniques were used to guide parents toward changing their own and their child's behavior. Take-home materials for self-monitoring of behaviors were used for both the child and the parent in order to reinforce concepts discussed in class.
BEHAVIORALWait-List Control
Families that were randomly assigned to the wait-list control group were asked not to change their normal physical activity or dietary behaviors for the duration of the 12-week waiting period. They were asked to participate in the baseline and 12-week evaluations and then they were enrolled to receive the 12-week intervention.
Sponsors
Arizona State University
San Diego State University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
OTHER
Masking
SINGLE (Subject)
Intervention model description
Families (i.e., children and parents/primary caregivers dyads) were randomly assigned to participate in either the intervention group or a wait-list control group. The intervention (AFL) consisted of 24 structured, twice-weekly 90-min family-based, nutrition and sport/fitness-oriented sessions, and was delivered in a municipal recreation center. The wait-list control group received the intervention after all follow-up data had been collected. Data from all participants (both intervention group and wait-list group) were collected in four phases: before the intervention group started the program (week 0) and at 6, 12, and 24 weeks, thereafter.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
6 Years to 11 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Parent ages 18 years and over * Child ages 6-11 years
Exclusion criteria
* Presence of a mental or physical condition that was contraindicated to participating in sports/exercise * Having a chronic condition that limited mobility * Taking medications that influenced body composition
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change in cardiovascular fitness (total seconds) | 0, 12, and 24 weeks | Child and adult cardiovascular fitness was assessed using a 1-mile run/walk test |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change in glucose concentration (mg/dL) | 0 and 12 weeks | Child and adult glucose concentrations (plasma values) were measured via lipid panels and analyzed using Cobas automated analyzer. |
| Change in triglyceride concentrations (mg/dL) | 0 and 12 weeks | Child and adult triglyceride concentrations were measured via lipid panels and analyzed using Cobas automated analyzer. |
| Change in total low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (mg/dL) | 0 and 12 weeks | Child and adult LDL cholesterol values were measured via lipid panels and analyzed using Cobas automated analyzer. |
| Change in total high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (mg/dL) | 0 and 12 weeks | Child and adult HDL cholesterol values were measured via lipid panels and analyzed using Cobas automated analyzer. |
| Change in average systolic blood pressure (mmHg) | 0, 12, and 24 weeks | Child and adult systolic blood pressure was measured by an automated pressure cuff. |
| Change in average diastolic blood pressure (mmHg) | 0, 12, and 24 weeks | Child and adult diastolic blood pressure was measured by an automated pressure cuff. |
| Change in total percent body fat (%) | 0, 12, and 24 weeks | Child and adult percent body fat was measured via whole body Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) to assess body composition. |
| Change in total abdominal fat mass (g) | 0, 12, and 24 weeks | Child and adult abdominal fat mass was measured via whole body Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) to assess body composition. |
| Change in total trunk percent fat (%) | 0, 12, and 24 weeks | Child and adult trunk percent fat was measured via whole body Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) to assess body composition. |
| Change in insulin concentration (uIU/mL) | 0 and 12 weeks | Child and adult insulin concentrations were measured via lipid panels and analyzed using Cobas automated analyzer. |
| Change in Body Mass Index (BMI) (kg/m^2) | 0, 12, and 24 weeks | Child and adult BMI values were calculated using multiple measurements of height (cm) and weight (kg). |
| Frequency of fruit and vegetable consumption (times per month) | 0 and 12 weeks | Child consumption of fruit and vegetables within the past month was measured via parental report using a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). |
| Frequency of dairy food consumption (times per month) | 0 and 12 weeks | Child consumption of dairy foods (i.e., cheese, milk and yogurt) within the past month was measured via parental report using a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). |
| Frequency of protein consumption (times per month) | 0 and 12 weeks | Child protein consumption (i.e., meat, fish, eggs and beans) within the past month was measured via parental report using a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). |
| Frequency of drink consumption (times per month) | 0 and 12 weeks | Child consumption of drinks other than milk and 100% fruit juice (i.e., water, soda, and flavored drinks) within the past month was measured via parental report using a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). |
| Frequency of fat and sugar consumption (times per month) | 0 and 12 weeks | Child consumption of fats and sugars (e.g., butter, potato chips, pastries) within the past month was measured via parental report using a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). |
| Frequency of grain consumption (times per month) | 0 and 12 weeks | Child consumption of grains (e.g., cereals, brown rice, pasta) within the past month was measured via parental report using a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). |
| Change in physical activity (minutes per day of MVPA) | 12 weeks | Child and adult 7-day physical activity (i.e., sedentary, moderate/vigorous activity) was measured using GENEActiv accelerometers. |
| Change in waist circumference (inches) | 0, 12, and 24 weeks | Child and adult waist circumference was measured via a tape measure. |
Countries
United States
Outcome results
None listed