scholarly journals Leveraging Family Dynamics to Increase the Effectiveness of Incentives for Physical Activity: The FIT-FAM Randomized Controlled Trial

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric Finkelstein ◽  
Robyn Su May Lim ◽  
Dianne Stanton Ward ◽  
Kelly R. Evenson
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Parents And Children ◽  
Family Based ◽  
Intent To Treat ◽  
Computer Literate ◽  
Parent Child

Abstract Background In Singapore, 37% of adults are insufficiently active despite widespread opportunities for physical activity (PA). Research shows that PA can be increased by use of group-based extrinsic incentives. This study evaluates whether a novel incentive design linking children’s incentives to both their own and their parent’s PA (measured via pedometers) can increase parents’ PA without compromising children’s PA. Methods We conducted a two-arm, parallel, open-labelled randomized controlled trial where parent-child dyads were randomly assigned to either (1) rewards to the child contingent on child’s PA (child-based) or (2) rewards to the child contingent on both child’s and parent’s PA (family-based). Parents had to be English-speaking, computer-literate, non-pregnant, full-time employees, aged 25–65 years, and with a participating child aged 7–11 years. Parent-child dyads were randomized within strata (self-reported low vs high weekly PA) into study arms in a 1:1 ratio. Participants were given pedometers to assess daily steps. The primary outcome was the between-arm difference in the change from baseline in parent’s mean steps/day measured by accelerometry at months 6 and 12. Results 159 and 157 parent-child dyads were randomized to the child-based or family-based arms, respectively, and all with outcomes evaluated an intent-to-treat perspective. At month 6, there was a statistically significant 613 steps/day (95% CI: 54–1171) differential in favour of family-based parents. At month 12, the differential was reduced to 369 steps/day (95% CI: -88–1114) and no longer statistically significant. Conclusions Our findings provide evidence that family-based incentive strategies have the potential to improve outcomes at no additional cost but also indicate that more research is needed to identify strategies that encourage long-term behavior change for both parents and children.

scholarly journals Leveraging family dynamics to increase the effectiveness of incentives for physical activity: the FIT-FAM randomized controlled trial

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric Andrew Finkelstein ◽  
Robyn Su May Lim ◽  
Dianne Stanton Ward ◽  
Kelly R. Evenson
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Primary Endpoint ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Physical Activity Levels ◽  
Family Based ◽  
Parent Child

Abstract Background Insufficient physical activity is a global public health concern. Research indicates incentives can increase physical activity levels of children but has not tested whether incentives targeted at children can be leveraged to increase physical activity levels of their parents. This study evaluates whether a novel incentive design linking children’s incentives to both their and their parent’s physical activity levels can increase parent’s physical activity. Methods We conducted a two-arm, parallel, open-labelled randomized controlled trial in Singapore where parent-child dyads were randomly assigned to either (1) rewards to child contingent on child’s physical activity (child-based) or (2) rewards to child contingent on both child’s and parent’s physical activity (family-based). Parents had to be English-speaking, computer-literate, non-pregnant, full-time employees, aged 25–65 years, and with a participating child aged 7–11 years. Parent-child dyads were randomized within strata (self-reported low vs high weekly physical activity) into study arms in a 1:1 ratio. Participants were given activity trackers to assess daily steps. The outcome of interest was the between-arm difference in the change from baseline in parent’s mean steps/day measured by accelerometry at months 6 and 12 (primary endpoint). Results Overall, 159 and 157 parent-child dyads were randomized to the child-based or family-based arms, respectively. Outcomes were evaluated on an intent-to-treat basis. At month 6, there was a 613 steps/day (95% CI: 54–1171) differential in favour of family-based parents. At month 12, our primary endpoint, the differential was reduced to 369 steps/day (95% CI: − 88–1114) and was no longer statistically significant. Conclusions Our findings suggest that novel incentive designs that take advantage of group dynamics may be effective. However, in this design, the effectiveness of the family-based incentive to increase parent’s physical activity was not sustained through one year. Trial registration NCT02516345 (ClinicalTrials.gov) registered on August 5, 2015.

scholarly journals Leveraging Family Dynamics to Increase the Effectiveness of Incentives for Physical Activity: The FIT-FAM Randomized Controlled Trial

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric Finkelstein ◽  
Robyn Su May Lim ◽  
Dianne Stanton Ward ◽  
Kelly R. Evenson
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Primary Endpoint ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Physical Activity Levels ◽  
Family Based ◽  
Parent Child

Abstract Background: Insufficient physical activity is a global public health concern. Research indicates incentives can increase physical activity levels of children but has not tested whether incentives targeted at children can be leveraged to increase physical activity levels of their parents. This study evaluates whether a novel incentive design linking children’s incentives to both their and their parent’s physical activity levels can increase parent’s physical activity.Methods: We conducted a two-arm, parallel, open-labelled randomized controlled trial in Singapore where parent-child dyads were randomly assigned to either (1) rewards to child contingent on child’s physical activity (child-based) or (2) rewards to child contingent on both child’s and parent’s physical activity (family-based). Parents had to be English-speaking, computer-literate, non-pregnant, full-time employees, aged 25–65 years, and with a participating child aged 7–11 years. Parent-child dyads were randomized within strata (self-reported low vs high weekly physical activity) into study arms in a 1:1 ratio. Participants were given activity trackers to assess daily steps. The outcome of interest was the between-arm difference in the change from baseline in parent’s mean steps/day measured by accelerometry at months 6 and 12 (primary endpoint).Results: Overall, 159 and 157 parent-child dyads were randomized to the child-based or family-based arms, respectively. Outcomes were evaluated on an intent-to-treat basis. At month 6, there was a 613 steps/day (95% CI: 54–1171) differential in favour of family-based parents. At month 12, our primary endpoint, the differential was reduced to 369 steps/day (95% CI: -88–1114) and was no longer statistically significant.Conclusions: Our findings suggest that novel incentive designs that take advantage of group dynamics may be effective. However, in this design, the effectiveness of the family-based incentive to increase parent’s physical activity was not sustained through one year.Trial registration: NCT02516345 (ClinicalTrials.gov) registered on August 5, 2015

scholarly journals Improving children’s fundamental movement skills through a family-based physical activity program: results from the “Active 1 + FUN” randomized controlled trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy S. Ha ◽  
Chris Lonsdale ◽  
David R. Lubans ◽  
Florrie F. Ng ◽  
Johan Y. Y. Ng
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Trial Registration ◽  
Movement Skills ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Fundamental Movement Skills ◽  
Family Based ◽  
Experimental Group

Abstract Background Physical activity is related to many positive health outcomes, yet activity levels of many children are low. Researchers have suggested that family-based interventions may improve physical activity behaviors of both children and their parents. In this study, we evaluated the “Active 1 + FUN” program, which was designed based on tenets of self-determination theory. Intervention components included free sporting equipment, ten coach-led workshops and activity sessions, and one booster session. Methods We evaluated the intervention program using a randomized controlled trial. One hundred seventy-one families were randomly allocated to either an experimental group or a wait-list control group. Participants were exposed to program contents over a nine-month period, while families in the control did not receive any form of intervention. Measured constructs included moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, co-physical activity behaviors, fundamental movement skills, BMI, and several self-reported questionnaire outcomes. Hierarchical linear modeling was used to compare changes in measured outcomes across the two groups. Results No significant intervention effects were found for children’s and parents’ accelerometer-measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, or their co-physical activity. However, in terms of children’s fundamental movement skills, a significant Time*Group interaction (B = 0.52, 95% CI [0.07, 0.96] for Times 1 to 2; B = 0.24, 95% CI [0.01, 0.48] for Times 1 to 3) in favor of the experimental group was found. Conclusions Results suggested that the “Active 1 + FUN” program was effective in improving children’s fundamental movement skills. Additional research is needed to examine how family-based initiatives could effectively improve physical activity behaviors too. Trial registration ANZCTR, ACTRN12618001524280. Registered 11 September 2018, https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=375660.

scholarly journals Family-Based Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial Enhancing Physical Activity and Motor Competence in 4–7-Year-Old Children

PLoS ONE ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. e0141124 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arto Laukkanen ◽  
Arto Juhani Pesola ◽  
Risto Heikkinen ◽  
Arja Kaarina Sääkslahti ◽  
Taija Finni
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Motor Competence ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Family Based ◽  
Cluster Randomized

scholarly journals Perspectives and Impact of a Parent-Child Intervention on Dietary Intake and Physical Activity Behaviours, Parental Motivation, and Parental Body Composition: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (18) ◽  
pp. 6822
Author(s):  
Shazya Karmali ◽  
Danielle S. Battram ◽  
Shauna M. Burke ◽  
Anita Cramp ◽  
Andrew M. Johnson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Body Composition ◽  
Dietary Intake ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Parental Motivation ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Parent Child

Adults and children in Canada are not meeting physical activity guidelines nor consuming sufficient nutrient-rich foods. High engagement in these unhealthy behaviours can lead to obesity and its associated diseases. Parent-child interventions aimed at obesity prevention/treatment have assisted families with making positive changes to their nutrition and physical activity behaviours. Given that the home environment shapes early health behaviours, it is important to target both parents and children when addressing diet and physical activity. One method that has been shown to improve health outcomes is co-active coaching. The current study explored the impact of a three-month co-active coaching and/or health education intervention on the dietary intake and physical activity behaviours of parents with overweight/obesity and their children (ages 2.5–10; of any weight). Body composition (i.e., body mass index [BMI] and waist circumference), changes in parental motivation with respect to physical activity and dietary behaviours, and parental perceptions of program improvements were collected. A concurrent mixed methods study comprised of a randomized controlled trial and a descriptive qualitative design was utilized. Fifty parent-child dyads were recruited and randomly assigned to the control (n = 25) or intervention (n = 25) group. Assessments were completed at baseline, mid-intervention (six weeks), post-intervention (three months), and six-month follow-up. A linear mixed effects model was utilized for quantitative analysis. Inductive content analysis was used to extract themes from parent interviews. No significant results were observed over time for the dependent measures. Parents in both control and intervention groups reported varied program experiences, including developing changes in perspective, increased awareness of habits, and heightened accountability for making positive changes in themselves, and consequently, their families. Parents also shared barriers they faced when implementing changes (e.g., time, weather, stress). Qualitatively, both groups reported benefitting from this program, with the intervention group describing salient benefits from engaging in coaching. This research expands on the utility of coaching as a method for behaviour change, when compared to education only, in parents with overweight/obesity and their children.

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