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Parental perception on the efficacy of a physical activity program for preschoolers
Laura Bellows1, Sara Silvernail, Lisa Caldwell
1Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1571, USA. bellows@cahs.colostate.edu
Insights
Childhood obesity interventions are crucial. The Mighty Moves® program successfully increased physical activity in preschool children and their families by addressing home environment barriers.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Childhood obesity is a significant public health issue in the U.S.
- Preschool years are critical for establishing lifelong healthy habits.
- Unmet physical activity needs contribute to rising childhood obesity rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the Mighty Moves® program's effectiveness in increasing physical activity among preschoolers.
- To address home environment barriers impacting physical activity in families.
- To improve gross motor skills and physical activity levels in young children.
Main Methods:
- A group randomized trial was conducted across four Colorado Head Start centers.
- The study utilized the Food Friends®: Get Movin' with Mighty Moves® program and its parent component.
- Quantitative and qualitative evaluation methods assessed message reach and motivation.
Main Results:
- Program materials demonstrated success in increasing physical activity for both children and families.
- The study identified effective messages and materials for motivating the target audience.
- Program materials and dissemination strategies were refined based on evaluation findings.
Conclusions:
- The Mighty Moves® program is an effective intervention for promoting physical activity in preschool-aged children.
- Addressing the home environment and parental involvement is key to successful childhood obesity prevention.
- Social Marketing and Social Learning Theory principles can guide the development of effective health interventions.
Abstract:
Childhood obesity is among the leading health concerns in the United States. The relationship between unmet physical activity needs in young children is of particular interest as the trend in childhood obesity continues to rise and unmet physical activity needs are identified. The preschool years are an influential time in promoting healthful lifestyle habits and early childhood interventions may help establish lifelong healthful behaviors which could help prevent obesity later in life. The Food Friends®: Get Movin' with Mighty Moves® is a preschool physical activity program which aims to improve children's gross motor skills and physical activity levels. The home environment and parental modeling are critical factors related to child physical activity in this population. The parent component, Mighty Moves®: Fun Ways to Keep Families Active and Healthy, was designed to address barriers in the home environment that lead to unmet physical activity needs in preschoolers and their families. The program and materials were designed based on Social Marketing tenets and Social Learning Theory principles. Four Colorado Head Start centers were assigned to an experimental group as part of the Mighty Moves® group randomized trial. Quantitative and qualitative evaluation methods were used to determine what messages and materials reached and motivated the target audience to increase physical activity levels. Results of the study indicated the program's materials helped families and children to be more physically active. Additionally, materials and material dissemination were revised to enhance program goals.
