Pediatrician prescriptions for outdoor physical activity among children: A pilot study

Abstract

Research indicates that promoting time spent in the outdoors and outdoor physical activity increases children's daily physical activity and improves health. One method showing promise is doctor prescriptions for outdoor physical activity for children; however, no empirical evidence currently exists on prescriptions for children's outdoor physical activity. A pilot study was conducted at one pediatric practice in western North Carolina during 2015 to test the feasibility and potential effectiveness of conducting an outdoor physical activity prescription program for children aged 5–13 years. Three pediatricians wrote prescriptions for children (n = 38), discussed benefits of outdoor physical activity, and provided information packets to parents on nearby places for physical activity. Parents of patients of five pediatricians served as control (n = 32). Prior to seeing a pediatrician, parents completed a baseline survey that asked height and weight, assessed their views of children's physical activity, and their personal and child's physical activity/sedentary behaviors. A nurse measured children's height and weight. Parents were emailed one-month and three-month follow-up surveys that asked the questions listed above. Changes in children's physical activity, outdoor physical activity, time spent in the outdoors, and sedentary activities were not significant between intervention and control groups. About half of parents (49%) viewed prescriptions as beneficial for their children and most used the intervention materials at home (70%). A larger study is needed to assess whether prescriptions increase children's physical activity. A critical examination of the intervention, pilot study design, and suggestions for a larger future study are provided.

The Effects of an Urban Forest Health Intervention Program on Physical Activity, Substance Abuse, Psychosomatic Symptoms, and Life Satisfaction among Adolescents

“…Few studies have been conducted on the impact of intervention programs that aim to encourage physical activity among youth as a preventive measure, strengthening their mental health and reducing risk factors that increase the probability of addiction or other problematic behavior on a personal and social level [ 9 , 10 , 11 , 26 ]. Findings from the present study reinforce the importance of cooperation between organizations devoted to promoting community health and between partnering organizations in the intervention program.…”

“…Physical activity can take place in a variety of environments, including parks that are usually accessible to the public. It is well known and has been established that parks provide good opportunities for promoting physical activity [ 7 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 36 ]. Findings of a recently published review on the association between parks and physical activity indicated a positive relationship between visiting parks and partaking in physical activity [ 36 , 37 ].…”

“…In addition to the health benefits of physical activity, engaging in physical activity in nature settings (e.g., in the forest) has unique benefits [ 6 , 8 ]. One systematic review [ 8 ] that compared indoor and outdoor physical activity found that activities in a natural or green environment contribute positively to the quality of relationships with peers and family, as well as to cognitive functioning and the reduction of risky behaviors [ 9 , 10 , 11 ].…”

A Review of Data Analysis for Early-Childhood Period: Taxonomy, Motivations, Challenges, Recommendation, and Methodological Aspects

“…The articles with intersections begin with an intersection between a mother's dietary patterns during pregnancy period and childhood obesity [202], in addition to mother's depression and its relationship with infant health problems and abuse [2]. Other researchers covered different issues, such as vaccination strategies [203], traffic fatality [204], Oropharyngeal swab in children with cystic fibrosis (CF) [205], predictors of inflammation in infants [206], the association between serum levels of uric acid and blood pressure tracking in childhood [207], kindergarten barefoot policy's effect on preschool children's toes [208], added sugar consumption [209], socioeconomic status (SES) and child injuries [210] and prescriptions for outdoor physical activity among children [211]. The last few articles covered children's health effect on education [212], myotonic dystrophy [213], how household social capital and socioeconomic inequalities can result in child undernutrition [214] and how mother's empowerment relates to children's nutritional status [215].…”

Prescribing Outdoor Physical Activity to Children: Health Care Providers’ Perspectives

“…Although outdoor PA prescription programs are gaining momentum among HCPs, few studies have examined whether these programs effectively increase PA. 20 Of studies that have been conducted, investigations have focused on prescription program’s impact on children, 21 adults, 22 program distribution, 23 and program evaluation. 24 Few studies have investigated the challenges HCPs face incorporating prescription programs in their practice.…”