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Effectiveness of a one-year multi-component day-camp intervention for overweight children: study protocol of the
Kristian Traberg Larsen1, Tao Huang, Niels Christian Møller
1Centre of Research in Childhood Health, Institute of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, Odense M DK-5230, Denmark. ktlarsen@health.sdu.dk.
Insights
This study evaluated an intensive day-camp intervention for childhood overweight, showing promising long-term health effects. The program combined physical activity, diet education, and family support to combat pediatric obesity.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Public Health Interventions
- Childhood Obesity Research
Background:
- Childhood overweight presents significant psychological, social, and long-term health risks.
- Effective prevention and treatment strategies for pediatric overweight are crucial due to high prevalence.
- Identifying successful interventions is essential for public health initiatives targeting youth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the long-term impact of an intensive day-camp intervention on body mass index (BMI) in overweight children.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a multi-component program combining physical activity, diet, and health education.
- To contribute knowledge on designing and implementing feasible camp settings for childhood overweight prevention.
Main Methods:
- A semi-blinded randomized controlled trial (Odense Overweight Intervention Study) involving overweight children.
- Intervention group: 6-week multi-component day camp + 46 weeks family-based support.
- Control group: 6 weeks of standard care (2 hours/week physical activity training).
- Outcomes measured at baseline, 6 weeks, 52 weeks, and 48 months; analyzed using mixed models.
Main Results:
- The study is designed to provide novel information on the long-term health effects of the intervention.
- Statistical power calculated for detecting a minimum effect of 1.5 BMI points.
- 115 children enrolled (59 intervention, 56 standard care) between 2012-2013.
Conclusions:
- The study is expected to yield significant insights into the long-term health outcomes of intensive day-camp interventions for childhood overweight.
- Findings will enhance understanding of effective strategies for preventing and treating pediatric obesity.
- The research will inform the development of practical and effective camp-based programs for overweight children.
Background:
Childhood overweight has noticeable psychological and social consequences for the child and leads to an increased risk of mortality and morbidity later in life. With the high prevalence of overweight in children and adolescents, it is important to identify effective approaches for the prevention and treatment of overweight in children and young individuals. The primary aim of the study is to assess the effect of an intensive day-camp intervention on body mass index (BMI) in overweight children.
Methods:
The Odense Overweight Intervention Study is a semi-blinded randomized controlled trial. Overweight children from the Municipality of Odense, Denmark, were invited to participate in the trial. Based on power calculations 98 participants were found to be sufficient to randomize in order to find an effect of minimum 1.5 BMI points. Gender-stratified concealed block randomization with a ratio of 1:1 and random block sizes of two, four, and six ensured balance between study arms. The intervention consisted of a six-week multi-component day camp including increased physical activity, healthy diet and health education followed by 46 weeks of family-based habitual intervention. The standard care arm was offered two weekly hours of physical activity training for six weeks. The outcomes were measured at baseline and at six-week and 52-week follow-ups. Furthermore, BMI will be assessed again at 48-month follow-up. Test personnel were kept blinded. The intervention effect will be evaluated using mixed model analyses. During 2012 and 2013, 115 children were enrolled in the study. Fifty-nine children were randomized to the day-camp intervention arm and 56 to the standard intervention arm.
Discussion:
This study will provide novel information about the long-term health effects of an intense day-camp intervention program on overweight children, due to the design and the follow-up period. Moreover, it will add to the knowledge on designing and implementing feasible camp settings for preventing overweight in children.
Trial Registration:
NCT01574352 at http://clinicaltrials.gov on the 8th of March 2012.
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