scholarly journals Evaluating OzHarvest’s primary-school Food Education and Sustainability Training (FEAST) program in 10–12-year-old children in Australia: protocol for a pragmatic cluster non-randomized controlled trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Karpouzis ◽  
R. Lindberg ◽  
A. Walsh ◽  
S. Shah ◽  
G. Abbott ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Primary School ◽  
Nutrition Education ◽  
Process Evaluation ◽  
Food Waste ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
School Based ◽  
Food Education

Abstract Background The promotion of healthy eating is a public health priority. Poor dietary behaviours, including low fruit and vegetable (F&V) consumption are of particular concern among children. Novel nutrition promotion strategies are needed to improve F&V consumption. Sustainability education could be used to support nutrition education within the school context. The purpose of this paper is to report the protocol for impact and process evaluation of the school-based Food Education and Sustainability Training (FEAST) program, designed to educate children about sustainability, food waste and nutrition, using hands-on cooking activities. Methods A pragmatic, parallel, cluster non-randomized controlled trial with pre- and post-measures, will be implemented among 20 primary schools (10 intervention vs 10 wait-list-control) within NSW, Australia, involving children in Grades 5–6. FEAST is a curriculum-aligned program, delivered as a 1.5-h lesson/week, for a 10-week unit of inquiry, incorporating theory and cooking. FEAST was developed using theoretical frameworks which included Social Cognitive Theory and the Precede-Proceed Planning model. Primary outcomes include children’s self-reported F&V intakes (serves/day). Food literacy constructs such as: nutrition knowledge, food preparation and cooking skills, self-efficacy and behaviours, food waste knowledge and behaviours and food production knowledge, will be assessed as secondary outcomes. Process evaluation will assess program reach, adoption, implementation, maintenance, satisfaction and perceived benefits by teachers and students. An online survey (including quantitative and qualitative questions) was developed for administration at baseline (impact evaluation) and immediately post-intervention (impact and process evaluation). Intervention effects on quantitative study outcomes will be estimated with ​generalised linear mixed models, including random effects and will follow the intention-to-treat principles. Open-ended questions embedded within the surveys will be analysed qualitatively using content and thematic analyses. Discussion Results from this trial will provide valuable information on the value of adding environmental sustainability strategies to nutrition education in schools. Results will inform the design of future research and programs focused on primary-school children’s nutrition, sustainability-related behaviours and experiential school-based interventions. Trial registration Trial registered 14th December 2020 with the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12620001347954).

scholarly journals School-Based Multicomponent Intervention to Promote Physical Activity and Reduce Sedentary Time of Disadvantaged Children Aged 6-10 Years: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

10.2196/17815 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. e17815
Author(s):  
Caroline Maite Marie Bernal ◽  
Lena Lhuisset ◽  
Nicolas Fabre ◽  
Julien Bois
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Academic Achievement ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Motor Skills ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Sedentary Time ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
School Based Intervention ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
School Based

Background In our modern society, physical activity (PA) is decreasing and sedentary time (ST) is increasing, especially for children from disadvantaged neighborhoods. School-based interventions to promote PA and decrease ST are therefore required among this population in order to change children’s lifestyle habits. Moreover, attentional capacities and academic achievement can be enhanced by chronic PA during childhood. The relationships between these variables have been poorly studied with this population. Objective The objective of this study is to present the rationale and methods for a randomized controlled trial among 6-10-year-old children with low socioeconomic status that will (1) evaluate the effectiveness of a school-based intervention designed to promote PA and reduce ST and (2) study the relationships between PA, ST, motor skills, attentional capacities, and academic achievement. Methods A randomized controlled trial was conducted in 2 eligible primary schools. During academic year 2016-2017, 1 school was randomly assigned as the experiment one and the other was assigned as the control one. Five assessments times were used: baseline (T1 [November 2016] to T2 [June 2017]), follow-up (T3 [November 2017] to T4 [June 2018]), and final assessment (T5 [June 2019]). The school-based intervention included various components on different levels of the socioecological model: (1) curriculum-based program for children; (2) sensitization workshops and newsletters for parents; (3) training workshops for teachers; (4) environmental adaptation of playgrounds and reorganization of recess time; (5) time adaptation of lunch breaks; and (6) collaboration with political groups. PA, ST, motor skills, and attentional capacities were evaluated and academic achievement was recorded. Results The presented intervention and its different assessments have been successfully implemented. In order to achieve the 2 objectives of this randomized controlled trial, data analyses are about to be completed. Conclusions The implementation of this randomized controlled trial can help to determine effective strategies to promote PA in the context of increasing prevalence of physical inactivity among children with sedentary lifestyle which will be useful for researchers, stakeholders, and public policy makers. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03983447; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03983447 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) RR1-10.2196/17815

scholarly journals A primary-school-based study to reduce the prevalence of childhood obesity – the EdAl (Educació en Alimentació) study: a randomized controlled trial

Trials ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 58 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucia Tarro ◽  
Elisabet Llauradó ◽  
Rosa Albaladejo ◽  
David Moriña ◽  
Victoria Arija ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Childhood Obesity ◽  
Primary School ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
School Based

scholarly journals School-Based Multicomponent Intervention to Promote Physical Activity and Reduce Sedentary Time of Disadvantaged Children Aged 6-10 Years: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline Maite Marie Bernal ◽  
Lena Lhuisset ◽  
Nicolas Fabre ◽  
Julien Bois
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Academic Achievement ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Motor Skills ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Sedentary Time ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
School Based Intervention ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
School Based

BACKGROUND In our modern society, physical activity (PA) is decreasing and sedentary time (ST) is increasing, especially for children from disadvantaged neighborhoods. School-based interventions to promote PA and decrease ST are therefore required among this population in order to change children’s lifestyle habits. Moreover, attentional capacities and academic achievement can be enhanced by chronic PA during childhood. The relationships between these variables have been poorly studied with this population. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study is to present the rationale and methods for a randomized controlled trial among 6-10-year-old children with low socioeconomic status that will (1) evaluate the effectiveness of a school-based intervention designed to promote PA and reduce ST and (2) study the relationships between PA, ST, motor skills, attentional capacities, and academic achievement. METHODS A randomized controlled trial was conducted in 2 eligible primary schools. During academic year 2016-2017, 1 school was randomly assigned as the experiment one and the other was assigned as the control one. Five assessments times were used: baseline (T1 [November 2016] to T2 [June 2017]), follow-up (T3 [November 2017] to T4 [June 2018]), and final assessment (T5 [June 2019]). The school-based intervention included various components on different levels of the socioecological model: (1) curriculum-based program for children; (2) sensitization workshops and newsletters for parents; (3) training workshops for teachers; (4) environmental adaptation of playgrounds and reorganization of recess time; (5) time adaptation of lunch breaks; and (6) collaboration with political groups. PA, ST, motor skills, and attentional capacities were evaluated and academic achievement was recorded. RESULTS The presented intervention and its different assessments have been successfully implemented. In order to achieve the 2 objectives of this randomized controlled trial, data analyses are about to be completed. CONCLUSIONS The implementation of this randomized controlled trial can help to determine effective strategies to promote PA in the context of increasing prevalence of physical inactivity among children with sedentary lifestyle which will be useful for researchers, stakeholders, and public policy makers. CLINICALTRIAL ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03983447; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03983447 INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT RR1-10.2196/17815

scholarly journals Feasibility and Effect of the Exergame BOOSTH Introduced to Improve Physical Activity and Health in Children: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

10.2196/24035 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. e24035
Author(s):  
Gabrielle ten Velde ◽  
Guy Plasqui ◽  
Maartje Willeboordse ◽  
Bjorn Winkens ◽  
Anita Vreugdenhil
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Primary School ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Cardiovascular Health ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Primary School Children ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Retinal Microvasculature ◽  
Cluster Randomized

Background Despite the well-known beneficial health effects of physical activity (PA), the majority of Dutch primary school children do not meet the recommended PA guidelines. Although there is growing evidence on the effectiveness of exergames for PA in children, there is limited evidence on their effect on health outcomes, such as cardiovascular health and health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and on factors influencing their effectiveness and feasibility. The exergame BOOSTH uses a wrist-worn activity tracker to measure steps per day. As a reward for the performed PA, children can unlock levels in the online BOOSTH game. In addition, “BOOSTH battle” enables competition between groups. Objective This protocol describes a cluster randomized controlled trial in 16 primary schools in the Netherlands investigating the effect of BOOSTH on moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) using accelerometry. Secondary aims are to investigate the feasibility of BOOSTH (mixed methods: questionnaires and focus group interviews) and its effect on cardiovascular risk factors (anthropometrics, blood pressure, and retinal microvasculature) and HRQOL. Methods Stratification variables and relevant variables related to outcomes (such as BMI [z-score], sex, age, and parenting style) and/or missingness will be taken into account. Measurements will be performed at baseline and after 3, 6, and 12 months. Results The study has received funding from Province Limburg (SAS-2015-04956) and received ethical approval from the Medical Ethics Committee of Maastricht University Medical Centre (METC172043/NL64324.068.17). The results of the analyses are expected to be published in 2021. Conclusions With this study, the ability of the exergame BOOSTH to increase PA and improve health in children of primary school age will be investigated. The insights into effectiveness and feasibility will result in scientific and societal recommendations, which could potentially contribute to widespread implementation of exergames for children. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03440580; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03440580. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/24035

scholarly journals Feasibility and Effect of the Exergame BOOSTH Introduced to Improve Physical Activity and Health in Children: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabrielle ten Velde ◽  
Guy Plasqui ◽  
Maartje Willeboordse ◽  
Bjorn Winkens ◽  
Anita Vreugdenhil
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Primary School ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Cardiovascular Health ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Primary School Children ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Retinal Microvasculature ◽  
Cluster Randomized

BACKGROUND Despite the well-known beneficial health effects of physical activity (PA), the majority of Dutch primary school children do not meet the recommended PA guidelines. Although there is growing evidence on the effectiveness of exergames for PA in children, there is limited evidence on their effect on health outcomes, such as cardiovascular health and health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and on factors influencing their effectiveness and feasibility. The exergame BOOSTH uses a wrist-worn activity tracker to measure steps per day. As a reward for the performed PA, children can unlock levels in the online BOOSTH game. In addition, “BOOSTH battle” enables competition between groups. OBJECTIVE This protocol describes a cluster randomized controlled trial in 16 primary schools in the Netherlands investigating the effect of BOOSTH on moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) using accelerometry. Secondary aims are to investigate the feasibility of BOOSTH (mixed methods: questionnaires and focus group interviews) and its effect on cardiovascular risk factors (anthropometrics, blood pressure, and retinal microvasculature) and HRQOL. METHODS Stratification variables and relevant variables related to outcomes (such as BMI [z-score], sex, age, and parenting style) and/or missingness will be taken into account. Measurements will be performed at baseline and after 3, 6, and 12 months. RESULTS The study has received funding from Province Limburg (SAS-2015-04956) and received ethical approval from the Medical Ethics Committee of Maastricht University Medical Centre (METC172043/NL64324.068.17). The results of the analyses are expected to be published in 2021. CONCLUSIONS With this study, the ability of the exergame BOOSTH to increase PA and improve health in children of primary school age will be investigated. The insights into effectiveness and feasibility will result in scientific and societal recommendations, which could potentially contribute to widespread implementation of exergames for children. CLINICALTRIAL ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03440580; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03440580. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT DERR1-10.2196/24035

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