Efficacy of the Athletes for Life Program to Promote Cardiovascular Health

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The purpose of this study was to test the efficacy of a fitness- and behavioral-focused intervention, Athletes for Life (AFL), to improve cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) among 160 underserved families.

Detailed Description
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The Athletes for Life (AFL) study was a 12-week randomized controlled trial designed to promote cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and healthy lifestyle changes among parents and children. The original enrollment target was 160 families. A total of 149 parent-child dyads living in a Southwestern U.S. metropolitan area were enrolled in the study. AFL consisting of 24 structured, twice-weekly 90-min family-based, nutrition and sport/fitness-oriented sessions, and was delivered in a municipal recreation center. Behavior change, including increased physical activity, and adherence were motivated through positive reinforcement techniques. Families were randomized to either the AFL program or a wait-list control group.

Official Title
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Community-Academic Partnership to Promote Cardiovascular Health Among Underserved Children and Families

Conditions
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Cardiovascular Fitness, Physical Activity

Intervention / Treatment
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* Behavioral: AFL Intervention
* Behavioral: Wait-List Control


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Parent ages 18 years and over Child ages 6-11 years Exclusion Criteria: Presence of a mental or physical condition that was contraindicated to participating in sports/exercise Having a chronic condition that limited mobility Taking medications that influenced body composition

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 6 Years
Maximum Age: 11 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Other
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Interventional Model Description: Families (i.e., children and parents/primary caregivers dyads) were randomly assigned to participate in either the intervention group or a wait-list control group. The intervention (AFL) consisted of 24 structured, twice-weekly 90-min family-based, nutrition and sport/fitness-oriented sessions, and was delivered in a municipal recreation center. The wait-list control group received the intervention after all follow-up data had been collected. Data from all participants (both intervention group and wait-list group) were collected in four phases: before the intervention group started the program (week 0) and at 6, 12, and 24 weeks, thereafter.
Masking: Single


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: AFL Intervention Group<br>The AFL intervention consisted of twice a week physical activity and nutrition sessions for children and twice a week educational and physical activity sessions for parents. Each session lasted 90 minutes and all sessions were conducted in a municipal recreation center. The child program was delivered in English while the parent program was delivered in separate English-only or Spanish-only classes. | Behavioral: AFL Intervention<br>* The AFL intervention consisted of two 90-minute sessions per week for 12 months for both children and parents. The child physical activity sessions, held separately from the parent sessions, aimed to achieve 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity during each session through structured play activities, athletic drills, and sport exercises. Child dietary behaviors were taught through educational activities in small groups. For the parent program, behavior modification techniques were used to guide parents toward changing their own and their child's behavior. Take-home materials for self-monitoring of behaviors were used for both the child and the parent in order to reinforce concepts discussed in class.<br>|
| Other: Wait-List Control Group<br>The wait-list control group received the 12-week AFL intervention after all follow-up data had been completed. | Behavioral: Wait-List Control<br>* Families that were randomly assigned to the wait-list control group were asked not to change their normal physical activity or dietary behaviors for the duration of the 12-week waiting period. They were asked to participate in the baseline and 12-week evaluations and then they were enrolled to receive the 12-week intervention.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Change in cardiovascular fitness (total seconds) | Child and adult cardiovascular fitness was assessed using a 1-mile run/walk test | 0, 12, and 24 weeks | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Change in insulin concentration (uIU/mL) | Child and adult insulin concentrations were measured via lipid panels and analyzed using Cobas automated analyzer. | 0 and 12 weeks | 
| Change in glucose concentration (mg/dL) | Child and adult glucose concentrations (plasma values) were measured via lipid panels and analyzed using Cobas automated analyzer. | 0 and 12 weeks | 
| Change in triglyceride concentrations (mg/dL) | Child and adult triglyceride concentrations were measured via lipid panels and analyzed using Cobas automated analyzer. | 0 and 12 weeks | 
| Change in total low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (mg/dL) | Child and adult LDL cholesterol values were measured via lipid panels and analyzed using Cobas automated analyzer. | 0 and 12 weeks | 
| Change in total high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (mg/dL) | Child and adult HDL cholesterol values were measured via lipid panels and analyzed using Cobas automated analyzer. | 0 and 12 weeks | 
| Change in average systolic blood pressure (mmHg) | Child and adult systolic blood pressure was measured by an automated pressure cuff. | 0, 12, and 24 weeks | 
| Change in average diastolic blood pressure (mmHg) | Child and adult diastolic blood pressure was measured by an automated pressure cuff. | 0, 12, and 24 weeks | 
| Change in total percent body fat (%) | Child and adult percent body fat was measured via whole body Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) to assess body composition. | 0, 12, and 24 weeks | 
| Change in total abdominal fat mass (g) | Child and adult abdominal fat mass was measured via whole body Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) to assess body composition. | 0, 12, and 24 weeks | 
| Change in total trunk percent fat (%) | Child and adult trunk percent fat was measured via whole body Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) to assess body composition. | 0, 12, and 24 weeks | 
| Change in waist circumference (inches) | Child and adult waist circumference was measured via a tape measure. | 0, 12, and 24 weeks | 
| Change in Body Mass Index (BMI) (kg/m^2) | Child and adult BMI values were calculated using multiple measurements of height (cm) and weight (kg). | 0, 12, and 24 weeks | 
| Frequency of fruit and vegetable consumption (times per month) | Child consumption of fruit and vegetables within the past month was measured via parental report using a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). | 0 and 12 weeks | 
| Frequency of dairy food consumption (times per month) | Child consumption of dairy foods (i.e., cheese, milk and yogurt) within the past month was measured via parental report using a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). | 0 and 12 weeks | 
| Frequency of protein consumption (times per month) | Child protein consumption (i.e., meat, fish, eggs and beans) within the past month was measured via parental report using a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). | 0 and 12 weeks | 
| Frequency of drink consumption (times per month) | Child consumption of drinks other than milk and 100% fruit juice (i.e., water, soda, and flavored drinks) within the past month was measured via parental report using a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). | 0 and 12 weeks | 
| Frequency of fat and sugar consumption (times per month) | Child consumption of fats and sugars (e.g., butter, potato chips, pastries) within the past month was measured via parental report using a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). | 0 and 12 weeks | 
| Frequency of grain consumption (times per month) | Child consumption of grains (e.g., cereals, brown rice, pasta) within the past month was measured via parental report using a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). | 0 and 12 weeks | 
| Change in physical activity (minutes per day of MVPA) | Child and adult 7-day physical activity (i.e., sedentary, moderate/vigorous activity) was measured using GENEActiv accelerometers. | 12 weeks | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Cardiovascular fitness, Physical Activity, Obesity, Children, Adults