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Open-loop feedback increases physical activity of youth
James N Roemmich1, Cathy M Gurgol, Leonard H Epstein
1Division of Behavioral Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, State University of New York at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, NY 14214-3000, USA. roemmich@buffalo.edu
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise
|April 6, 2004
Summary
Open-loop feedback significantly increased physical activity in children by 24%. This intervention also reduced television time, potentially minimizing weight gain and helping children meet activity guidelines.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric health
- Behavioral science
- Public health
Background:
- Decreasing physical activity levels in youth are a major public health concern.
- Sedentary behaviors, such as excessive television (TV) time, compete with physical activity.
- Novel interventions are needed to promote activity and reduce sedentary time in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of open-loop feedback combined with reinforcement on physical activity and TV time in children.
- To determine if this intervention can help children meet recommended physical activity guidelines.
Main Methods:
- A small clinical trial randomized children aged 8-12 years into an intervention group (N=11) or a control group (N=7).
- The intervention group received open-loop feedback, where physical activity counts earned TV time via a TV Allowance device.
- The control group received no feedback and had unrestricted TV access.
Main Results:
- The intervention group showed a significant 24% increase in physical activity compared to the control group (P = 0.02).
- TV time decreased by 18% (20 min/day) in the intervention group, while it increased in the control group (not significant).
- Changes in TV time were directly correlated with changes in BMI z-score (r = 0.69, P = 0.002).
Conclusions:
- Open-loop feedback is an effective strategy to increase physical activity in children.
- This intervention shows promise in helping children achieve recommended physical activity levels.
- Reducing TV watching through such feedback mechanisms may help mitigate childhood obesity.