Weighing physical activity: the impact of a family-based group lifestyle intervention for pediatric obesity on participants' physical activity

J Pediatr Psychol. 2015 Mar;40(2):193-202. doi: 10.1093/jpepsy/jsu077. Epub 2014 Sep 19.

Abstract

Objectives: To examine differences in self-reported physical activity (PA) between participants enrolled in the treatment versus active control condition of a pediatric obesity intervention, and to test associations between parent and child PA.

Methods: Participants (N = 93) included children aged 7-17 years and their parent. Analyses tested whether participants in the treatment condition reported greater PA at postintervention and 12-month follow-up compared with the control condition. Further, researchers examined change in PA across time and whether change in parent PA was associated with change in child PA.

Results: Children in the treatment condition reported greater PA at 12-month follow-up. Parents in the treatment group reported a significant increase in PA between baseline and postintervention. Change in parent PA was associated with changes in child PA across multiple periods.

Conclusions: Family-based obesity interventions may promote long-term change in self-reported PA among youths, and change in parent PA may be a contributing factor.

Keywords: obesity; physical activity; randomized controlled trial.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Child
  • Family Therapy / methods*
  • Female
  • Health Promotion*
  • Humans
  • Life Style*
  • Male
  • Motor Activity*
  • Parents
  • Pediatric Obesity / psychology
  • Pediatric Obesity / therapy*
  • Treatment Outcome