PLAYshop Randomized Controlled Trial: Efficacy and Implementation of a Virtually Delivered Parent-Focused Physical...

Purpose Examine the efficacy of a virtually delivered, parent-focused physical literacy (PL) intervention for early childhood called PLAYshop and examine the level of and factors that influenced implementation. Methods A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 122 preschool-aged children (3-5 years) and their parents from western Canada. PLAYshop included a virtual workshop, educational and material resources, and follow-up support via an app with four booster lessons (1, 3, 5, 7 weeks post-workshop). Primary and secondary efficacy outcomes were measured at baseline and 2-month follow-up. Tertiary efficacy outcomes were also measured post-workshop (intervention group)/1-week post baseline questionnaire (control group). Tertiary implementation outcomes were measured via parental questionnaire and explored via parent and workshop leader interviews. Repeated measures Analysis of Covariance/Analysis of Variance and Generalized Estimating Equations were conducted. Results Intervention efficacy was not observed for children's PL (fundamental movement skills, motivation, enjoyment, confidence; primary outcome) or physical activity (PA; secondary outcome). Increases in other secondary and tertiary outcomes were observed in the intervention group, compared to the control group, including parent-child co-participation in PA (partial η² = 0.062), parental PA modeling (partial η² = 0.049) as well as parental capability (partial η² = 0.039), opportunity (partial η² = 0.089), and motivation (partial η² = 0.026-0.045) to support children's PL development. High usefulness (87%) and satisfaction (96%) were reported by parents. Several themes were identified supporting the implementation of the intervention. Booster lesson completion was low (17%-30%). Conclusion Efficacy was observed for some parent but not child outcomes. Implementation was highly feasible at the delivery level but parent engagement in boosters had challenges. Trail Registration: NCT05255250 (Version 1: February 24, 2022; Version 3: December 7, 2022).