Abstract
BackgroundLow levels of physical activity in children have been linked to an increased risk of obesity, but many children lack confidence in relation to exercise (exercise self-efficacy). Factors which can impact on confidence include a chronic health condition such as asthma, poor motor skills and being overweight. Increasing levels of physical activity have obvious benefits for children with asthma and children who are overweight, but few activity interventions with children specifically target children with low exercise self-efficacy (ESE). This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of a schools-based activity programme suitable for children with risk factors for adult obesity, including asthma, overweight and low exercise self-efficacy.Methods/DesignA clustered (at the level of school) RCT will be used to compare a targeted, 10 week, stepped activity programme (activity diary, dance DVD, circuit-training and motivational interviewing) designed to promote ESE. We will recruit 20 primary schools to participate in the intervention and 9-11 year old children will be screened for low levels of ESE, asthma and overweight. In order to provide sufficient power to detect a difference in primary outcomes (Body Mass Index-BMI & ESE at 12 month follow-up) between children in the intervention schools and control schools, the target sample size is 396. Assessments of BMI, ESE, waist circumference, peak flow, activity levels and emotional and behavioural difficulties will be made at baseline, 4 months and 12 month follow-up.DiscussionWe aim to increase ESE and levels of physical activity in children with risk factors for adult obesity. The outcomes of this study will inform policy makers about the feasibility, acceptability and effectiveness of delivering targeted health interventions within a school setting.Trial RegistrationISRCTN Register no. ISRCTN12650001
Highlights
Low levels of physical activity in children have been linked to an increased risk of obesity, but many children lack confidence in relation to exercise
Other evidence suggests that chronic health conditions act as a barrier to exercise and are a risk factor for obesity in children and young people [5]
Data from a national survey of mental health in 10,438 children aged 5-15 years showed that children with asthma and in poor health were 3.5 times more likely to receive a diagnosis of depression or anxiety than children without health problems [7]
Summary
Results from the study will show whether a targeted activity intervention is effective and feasible. Acknowledgements and funding The study is funded as part of the NIHR Collaborations in Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care (CLAHRC) Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Lincolnshire, funded by a central grant from the National Institute of Health Research and Nottinghamshire Healthcare Trust, University of Nottingham and other Trusts in CLAHRC. Author details 1School of Community Health Sciences, Division of Psychiatry, University of Nottingham, Derby Road, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK. Competing interests The authors declare that they have no competing interests
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