Extrait

Background and study aims A low level of physical activity in children puts them at risk of obesity, mental health problems and poor development. It has been found that in general children’s physical activity levels are low and get worse as they get older, particularly in rural areas. UK-based data shows that only half of 7-year olds meet physical activity guidelines, while in adolescence physical activity is estimated to decline by 7% per year. FRESH (Families Reporting Every Step to Health) is a family-based programme delivered via an online platform which was developed with families to improve physical activity levels. The programme uses goal setting and rewards in order to encourage family relations by getting families to be active together. It involves children and their families) virtually travelling across the world by accumulating steps throughout the week. Each week children and/or families access the FRESH website to help them set goals, log their steps, and monitor their progress towards virtually reaching a new city. As they achieve their weekly goals they will receive rewards, which include fun facts about the cities they ‘visit’ and other activity challenges. The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of FRESH at promoting physical activities in 8-10 year-old children and their families living in rural Norfolk. Who can participate? Children aged between 8-10 years who live in a rural area of Norfolk and their families. What does the study involve? In the first part of the study, participants are randomly allocated to one of two groups. For those in the first group, all participating family members are given pedometers (step counters) to wear to reach their goals using FRESH. For those in the second group, only children wear the pedometers and receive support from their families to reach their goals. All participants (family members) in both groups are measured at the start of the study and followed up after eight weeks with accelerometers and a range of questionnaires and physical tests. In the second part of the study, participants are randomly allocated to one of three groups. For those in the first group, all participating family members are given pedometers (step counters) to wear to reach their goals using FRESH. For those in the second group, only children wear the pedometers and receive support from their families to reach their goals. For those in the third group (standard care control), participants do not receive access to the FRESH website. All participants (family members) in all three groups are measured at the start of the study and followed up after eight weeks and 1-year with accelerometers and a range of questionnaires and physical tests. At the start of the study and then after eight weeks, participants have their physical activity measured using data collected from the pedometers. What are the possible benefits and risks of participating? Participants may benefit from increasing their levels of physical activity, which could potentially have long term benefits to participants’ health. There are no anticipated risks involved with participating. Where is the study run from? The study is run from University of Cambridge and takes place in the community (UK) When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for? September 2016 to June 2019 Who is funding the study? National Institute for Health Research (UK) Who is the main contact? Dr Esther van Sluijs [email protected]

Critère d'inclusion

• Prevention of disease

Liens

• isrctn