Parent-targeted Mobile Phone Based Intervention to Increase Physical Activity in Children (P-Mobile)

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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This study is designed to determine if parents can deliver an intervention that will help increase physical activity in their children. The parents will be given the intervention through their mobile phones.

Detailed Description
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Most children engage in insufficient amounts of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. These low levels of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity are associated with adverse health consequences including increased risk for obesity, and cardiovascular and diabetes risk factors. Therefore, there is a need for studies that can increase physical activity levels in children. Mobile phones are a way to deliver behavioral interventions. Mobile phones are portable, allow for real-time data collection, and can potentially reach large numbers of people. Text messages can also be utilized to promote behavior change. Few mobile phone based interventions have specifically targeted child physical activity. The aims of this pilot study were to determine the feasibility and efficacy of a physical activity promotion program targeting 6-10 year old children that is delivered to parents through mobile phones.

Official Title
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Parent-targeted Mobile Phone Based Intervention to Increase Physical Activity in Children (P-Mobile)

Conditions
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Physical Activity

Intervention / Treatment
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* Behavioral: Intervention: limited behavioral strategies
* Behavioral: Intervention: advanced behavioral strategies


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Parent must own a mobile phone. Parent must use the text (SMS)messaging service on their mobile phone. Parent can access the internet on their mobile phone. Exclusion Criteria: Child is 6 through 10 years old. Child does not engage in regular physical activity. Chile is physically capable of exercising.

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 6 Years
Maximum Age: 10 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: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Active Comparator: Mobile phone intervention: minimal<br>Intervention: limited behavioral strategies | Behavioral: Intervention: limited behavioral strategies<br>* Parents are given access to a website, formatted for a mobile phone. The website provides parents with a target steps/day goal for their child and parents are instructed to use their mobile phone to access the study website to record their child's step count each night. Parents are also sent monthly healthy nutrition tips via text message targeting the child in order to provide these families with potentially health promoting information.<br>|
| Experimental: Mobile phone intervention: intensive<br>Intervention: advanced behavioral strategies | Behavioral: Intervention: advanced behavioral strategies<br>* Parents are given access to a website, formatted for a mobile phone. The website provides parents with a target steps/day goal for their child and parents are instructed to use their mobile phone to access the study website to record their child's step count each night. Parents also receive additional behavioral strategies based on the Social Cognitive Theory. The strategies are delivered through weekly articles posted on the website. Text messages are designed to prompt parents to encourage their child's physical activity, remind parents of behavioral concepts presented in the articles (article tip), and motivate parents to foster behavioral change in their child.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Step counts | Physical activity will be measured by utilizing pedometers. | 3 Months | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Waist circumference, body mass index, blood pressure | Physical measurements will be assessed by waist circumference, body mass index, height, weight, percent body fat, and blood pressure. Questionnaires will assess mood and physical activity enjoyment. | 3 Months | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Children, physical activity