Translational Health After School Program on Health-Related Knowledge/Behaviors and Exercise Perception
Condition: Changes in Physical Fitness; Changes in Diet, Food, and Nutrition Habits; Changes in Child Health
Study type: Interventional

Summary: 
      The aim of this study is to examine the effects of a translational health in nutrition and
      kinesiology (THINK) after school program on physical variables, nutrition and exercise
      knowledge base/behaviors, and exercise enjoyment and confidence.

      Partnering with the YMCA investigators in the Kinesiology and Sport Sciences department at
      the University of Miami will set up the after-school THINK program offered three afternoons
      per week for nine months in two experimental and two control schools. The schools will
      consist of minority elementary school students (predominantly Hispanic and Black) in the
      South Florida area. The control schools will receive baseline, mid-year and follow-up testing
      nine months later, but will not go through the THINK program. They will instead go through
      their standard YMCA after school Sports, Play, and Active Recreation for Kids (SPARK)
      program.
    

Detailed description: 
      Two- thirds of American adults are overweight or obese, and that number continues to rise.
      Thus, it is not surprising that the prevalence of overweight/obesity has more than doubled in
      school children and tripled in adolescents. Concomitant with the rise in obesity has been a
      significant decrease in physical fitness levels (1,2). At least one study has shown the youth
      of today demonstrate lower aerobic fitness levels than their parents (3). Low aerobic fitness
      levels are most prevalent among Hispanic and Black (non-Hispanic) minority youth. No doubt
      the increases in TV viewing, computer time and technology have contributed to the increase in
      sedentary habits and decline in physical activity levels (4).

      The THINK program translates fitness and health-related information into knowledge and skills
      that children can understand and incorporate into their own personal health and lifestyle
      behaviors. The program is unique in that it combines educational and hands-on clinical
      experiences with physical activity and exercise. The goal is to promote healthier, more
      active children of today who demonstrate improved levels of physical fitness, exercise
      knowledge, and enjoyment of tomorrow.

      Each unit in the THINK program has three components: a seminar on the scientific aspects of a
      health-related theme, clinical experiences related to the theme, and related physical
      activities performed in the field. The THINK seminars engage students by getting them up and
      moving, while asking questions that prompt them to think creatively to come up with their own
      answers. Clinical experiences reinforce the educational themes allowing children to learn
      more about their bodies, how it functions, and how it adapts through various movement
      exercises. Finally, games and enjoyable physical activities round out the program
      contributing to enhanced motor skill development and improved physical fitness levels.

      The THINK program will begin with a series of baseline physical assessments comprising both
      heath and performance-related physical fitness. Participants will also receive a quiz on
      nutrition and exercise-related information and two surveys regarding nutritional behaviors
      and physical activity levels. They will be asked to complete one survey on exercise enjoyment
      and self-confidence. Parents will also be asked to complete a survey each on their child's
      nutritional habits. This will be done in two experimental and two control YMCA after school
      programs comprising primarily minority (Hispanic and Black) participants. Testing will again
      take place midway through the program and at the conclusion of the program nine months later.
      The control group will not go through the THINK program but will instead go through the
      traditional SPARK curriculum.

      The purpose of the study is to determine whether the THINK program results in improvements in
      physical fitness, nutrition and exercise knowledge/habits, and exercise enjoyment and
      self-confidence above that of the control group.
    

Intervention name(s): THINK Program
Intervention type(s): Behavioral
Intervention description(s): Lessons and laboratory sessions will be 60 minutes, followed by physical activity sessions lasting 60 minutes. Laboratory activities include assessing heart rate, making healthy meals, learning portion sizes, brain challenges, and more. To improve physical activity participation, a wide selection of developmentally appropriate and multiculturally sensitive activities will be offered, such as sports, games, obstacle courses, and dance.
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)
Primary purpose: Other