Activity Modification Program Research Articles

A home-based exercise and activity modification program in patients with acetabular retroversion and excessive anterior pelvic tilt

A home-based exercise and activity modification program in patients with acetabular retroversion and excessive anterior pelvic tilt

Using the RE-AIM framework to evaluate a community-based summer camp for children with obesity: a prospective feasibility study.

BackgroundIncreasing rates of childhood overweight and obesity highlight a need for the evaluation of lifestyle interventions. The purpose of the study was to determine the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance of a novel family-focused program targeting children with obesity (i.e., the Children’s Health and Activity Modification Program [C.H.A.M.P.]) using the RE-AIM framework, an evaluation tool for community-based health interventions.MethodsA single-centre, single cohort interventional feasibility study was conducted over the course of two years. Children with obesity and their families completed a 4-week group-based lifestyle intervention in Year 1 (n = 15; Mage = 10.6; 53% female) and/or Year 2 (n = 25; Mage = 10.6; 56% female). Outcome variables were measured pre- and post-intervention, as well as 6- and 12-months following completion of the formal program.ResultsOverall, C.H.A.M.P. had high reach in terms of participant representativeness. In addition, participation in the program was associated with significantly improved standardized body mass index (BMI-z), body fat percentage, lean mass percentage, and child- and parent-proxy reported quality of life (QOL; effectiveness/individual maintenance). Furthermore, a number of community partnerships were built, strengthened, and maintained prior to, during, and following implementation of the two-year program (adoption/setting maintenance, respectively). Finally, the intervention was delivered as intended as evidenced by high adherence to the schedule, attendance rates, and cost effectiveness (implementation).ConclusionsBased on RE-AIM metrics, C.H.A.M.P. appears to be a promising childhood obesity program. The findings reported will inform researchers and practitioners on how to design and implement future community-based programs addressing pediatric obesity.Trial registrationISRCTN Registry, Study ID ISRCTN13143236. Registered 27 March 2015.

An Examination of Self-Reported Physical Activity and Physical Activity Self-Efficacy Among Children with Obesity: Findings from the Children’s Health and Activity Modification Program (C.H.A.M.P.) Pilot Study (Análisis de la actividad física autoreportad

An Examination of Self-Reported Physical Activity and Physical Activity Self-Efficacy Among Children with Obesity: Findings from the Children’s Health and Activity Modification Program (C.H.A.M.P.) Pilot Study (Análisis de la actividad física autoreportad

Western Faculty Profile: Dr. Shauna Burke

Dr. Shauna Burke is an Assistant Professor at Western University in the Faculty of Health Sciences. She teaches both undergraduate and graduate level courses and has been recognized several times for her outstanding contributions to teaching. Dr. Burke is a faculty researcher in the Health Promotion Laboratory at Western and was the Principal Investigator of the Children’s Health and Activity Modification Program (“C.H.A.M.P.”), a family based program targeting childhood obesity in London, Ontario. Her current research interests include childhood obesity, health behaviours (physical activity, breastfeeding), and literacy (food, physical, political).

Parental perspectives of a 4-week family-based lifestyle intervention for children with obesity.

Objectives:The childhood obesity epidemic is now recognized as one of the most serious public health challenges of the 21st century. Community-based behaviour modification treatment programs involving both children and their families are warranted. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of parents whose children participated in the Children's Health and Activity Modification Program (C.H.A.M.P.): a 4-week lifestyle program delivered as a day-camp for obese children at risk for type II diabetes and their families. Parents were required to attend four half-day education sessions during the intervention period.Methods:Seven focus groups were conducted immediately following the 4-week interventions offered in August 2008 and 2009. The perspectives of 38 parents representing 32 children aged 8-14 with obesity (i.e., body mass index > the 95th percentile) were shared.Results:Overall, parents were pleased with the impact of the program and proud of their children's accomplishments (e.g., increased physical activity levels, enhanced self-esteem, weight loss). Several facilitators to success (e.g., social support; a positive environment) and barriers to its maintenance (e.g., time management; unsupportive family members) were identified, and recommendations were made for future programs. Although parents found the half-day sessions valuable, post-programmatic bi-monthly booster session adherence declined over the one-year follow-up period.Conclusion:Delivered as a 4-week day-camp, C.H.A.M.P. represents a unique approach to the treatment of childhood obesity. Future family-based interventions should consider avenues for intensifying the parental program component whilst employing strategies to promote parental adherence in service of enhancing long-term sustainability of health behaviour changes.

The Children’s Health and Activity Modification Program (C.H.A.M.P.)

To date, there is a paucity of qualitative research examining the influence of community-based interventions for childhood obesity on the participants themselves. This study explored the experiences of children who participated in the Children's Health and Activity Modification Program (C.H.A.M.P.), a four-week day camp for children with obesity aged 8-14, in order to uncover key program elements for positive behavior change. Following the intervention, children (n = 36) participated in focus groups where they were asked about their experiences pertaining to physical activity and nutrition, what it was like to be part of a team, and how they felt about themselves. Findings revealed that participants perceived C.H.A.M.P. as helpful (e.g. in making healthier food choices, being more active, and feeling more confident and self-aware). This pilot study offers unique insights into the perspectives of children with obesity. Results are discussed with respect to future program development and research for childhood obesity treatment.

108 - The Children's Health and Activity Modification Program: Determining the feasibility of a childhood obesity lifestyle intervention

108 - The Children's Health and Activity Modification Program: Determining the feasibility of a childhood obesity lifestyle intervention

The use of group dynamics strategies to enhance cohesion in a lifestyle intervention program for obese children

BackgroundMost research pertaining to childhood obesity has assessed the effectiveness of preventative interventions, while relatively little has been done to advance knowledge in the treatment of obesity. Thus, a 4-week family- and group-based intervention utilizing group dynamics strategies designed to increase cohesion was implemented to influence the lifestyles and physical activity levels of obese children.Methods/DesignThis paper provides an overview of the rationale for and implementation of the intervention for obese children and their families. Objectives of the intervention included the modification of health behaviors and cohesion levels through the use of group dynamics strategies. To date, a total of 15 children (7 boys and 8 girls, mean age = 10.5) and their families have completed the intervention (during the month of August 2008). Physiological and psychological outcomes were assessed throughout the 4-week intervention and at 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up periods.DiscussionIt is believed that the information provided will help researchers and health professionals develop similar obesity treatment interventions through the use of evidence-based group dynamics strategies. There is also a need for continued research in this area, and it is our hope that the Children's Health and Activity Modification Program (C.H.A.M.P.) will provide a strong base from which others may build.

Effects of an intensive diet and physical activity modification program on the health risks of adults

Background This study assessed the clinical impact of lifestyle change education on chronic disease risk factors within a community. Design Randomized clinical trial. Setting/participants Participants included 337 volunteers age 43 to 81 years from the Rockford, IL, metropolitan area. Intervention The intervention group attended a 40-hour educational course delivered over a 4-week period. Participants learned the importance of making healthful lifestyle choices and how to make improvements in nutrition and physical activity. Main outcome measures Changes in health knowledge, nutrition, and physical activity behavior, and several chronic disease risk factors were assessed at baseline and 6 weeks. Results Beneficial mean changes in scores tended to be significant for the intervention group but not for the control group. Variables with improved scores included health knowledge, percent body fat, total steps per week, and most nutrition variables. Clinical improvements were seen in resting heart rate, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The control group experienced comparatively small but significant improvements in health knowledge, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, glucose, and in some nutrition variables. For almost all variables, the intervention group showed significantly greater improvements. Conclusions This lifestyle modification program is an efficacious nutrition and physical activity intervention in the short term and has the potential to dramatically reduce the risks associated with common chronic diseases in the long term.