A Home-Based Intervention to Improve Adherence to the 24-Hour Movement Guidelines in Young Children: Protocol for a...

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Health
• Behavioral Science
• Digital Health

Background:

• Only 10% of preschoolers (3-4 years) meet all three 24-hour Movement Guidelines.
• These guidelines encompass physical activity, sedentary screen time, and adequate sleep.
• A significant gap exists in promoting healthy movement behaviors in early childhood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a 12-week mobile health (mHealth) home-based intervention.
• The intervention targets preschoolers meeting zero or one guideline.
• The study assesses effectiveness and feasibility of improving 24-hour movement behaviors.

Main Methods:

• A 12-week randomized controlled trial with a wait-list control group.
• 80 families (40 per arm) will participate.
• Intervention content informed by preliminary studies and behavior change theories (transfer theory, multi-process action control framework).
• Primary outcomes: device-based and parent-report measures of 24-hour movement behaviors.
• Secondary outcome: app feasibility and acceptability.
• Exploratory outcomes: cognitive/motor skills, home environment, behavioral control.

Main Results:

• The study is a 2-phase project, with preliminary studies concluding in December 2023.
• IRB approval obtained April 2024; funding began May 2024.
• Registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (October 2024), first participant enrolled January 2025.
• As of October 2025, 39 families enrolled; trial completion anticipated late 2026.

Conclusions:

• This research tests a novel mobile app intervention for improving preschooler movement behaviors at home.
• Findings will inform future interventions and understanding of improving multiple health behaviors.
• The study aims to ultimately enhance preschoolers' overall health outcomes.