Megan Perdew1, Sam Liu1, Ryan Rhodes1, Geoff D C Ball2, Louise C Mâsse3, Teresa Hartrick4, Karen Strange4, Patti-Jean Naylor1. 1. School of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. 2. Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. 3. Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. 4. Childhood Obesity Foundation, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Abstract
Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a 10-week blended family-based childhood obesity management program, relative to a wait-list control, in improving child body mass index (BMI) z-scores, child lifestyle behaviors, parental support for healthy eating and physical activity, and self-regulation for healthy eating and physical activity support. Methods: This study was registered as a randomized wait-listed controlled trial; however, due to low recruitment and program delivery logistics, this study transitioned into a quasi-experimental design. Families with children 8-12 years of age with a BMI ≥85th percentile for age and sex were recruited (October 2018 to March 2019) in British Columbia, Canada. The intervention provided families 10 weeks of in-person and online support on improving lifestyle behaviors. Results:Children's BMI z-scores were not significantly changed. Intervention group significantly improved their days of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity relative to control (0.75 ± 1.5; p < 0.01; ηp2 = 0.15); however, child dietary behaviors were not significantly changed. Relative to control, intervention group showed significant improvements in parental support for healthy eating (0.13 ± 0.36; p < 0.05; ηp2 = 0.06) and physical activity (1.0 ± 1.6; p < 0.05; ηp2 = 0.09) and self-regulation for healthy eating (2.0 ± 3.5; p < 0.01; ηp2 = 0.11) and physical activity support (2.0 ± 3.2; p < 0.05; ηp2 = 0.28). Conclusions: Preliminary evidence showed that the intervention was not effective in improving child BMI z-scores, but it was effective in promoting children's physical activity and parents' support behaviors. A longer study period may be required to change BMI z-scores. Clinical Trial Registration number: NCT03643341.
RCT Entities:
Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a 10-week blended family-based childhood obesity management program, relative to a wait-list control, in improving child body mass index (BMI) z-scores, child lifestyle behaviors, parental support for healthy eating and physical activity, and self-regulation for healthy eating and physical activity support. Methods: This study was registered as a randomized wait-listed controlled trial; however, due to low recruitment and program delivery logistics, this study transitioned into a quasi-experimental design. Families with children 8-12 years of age with a BMI ≥85th percentile for age and sex were recruited (October 2018 to March 2019) in British Columbia, Canada. The intervention provided families 10 weeks of in-person and online support on improving lifestyle behaviors. Results:Children's BMI z-scores were not significantly changed. Intervention group significantly improved their days of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity relative to control (0.75 ± 1.5; p < 0.01; ηp2 = 0.15); however, child dietary behaviors were not significantly changed. Relative to control, intervention group showed significant improvements in parental support for healthy eating (0.13 ± 0.36; p < 0.05; ηp2 = 0.06) and physical activity (1.0 ± 1.6; p < 0.05; ηp2 = 0.09) and self-regulation for healthy eating (2.0 ± 3.5; p < 0.01; ηp2 = 0.11) and physical activity support (2.0 ± 3.2; p < 0.05; ηp2 = 0.28). Conclusions: Preliminary evidence showed that the intervention was not effective in improving child BMI z-scores, but it was effective in promoting children's physical activity and parents' support behaviors. A longer study period may be required to change BMI z-scores. Clinical Trial Registration number: NCT03643341.