The Effects of a Comprehensive, Integrated Obesity Prevention Intervention Approach (SuperFIT) on Children’s Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, and BMI Z-Score

Abstract

SuperFIT is a comprehensive, integrated intervention approach aimed at promoting healthy energy balance-related behaviors in 2- to 4-year-old children in the preschool and home settings. A quasi-experimental research design was adopted to evaluate the effects of SuperFIT on physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior (SB) and Body Mass Index (BMI) z-score. Children could participate in the preschool-based and family-based component (full intervention) or only in the preschool-based component (partial intervention). Children’s PA levels and SB were assessed with accelerometers and observations, and height and weight were measured for the BMI z-score. Measurements were performed at baseline and two follow-up time points. Effectiveness was evaluated using linear mixed-model analyses, correcting for relevant covariates. Healthy changes in PA levels occurred within all study groups over time. No significant differences were found in overall PA levels between the intervention groups and control group at both follow-ups. Nevertheless, sedentary behavior decreased more in the full intervention group (effect size (ES): −0.62), and moderate-to-vigorous PA (ES: 0.85) and counts per minute (ES: 0.45) increased more compared to the control group on preschool days at the first follow-up. No effects were found for BMI z-score. The integrated approach of SuperFIT may induce changes in PA of young children, although the effects were small.

Involving Parents in Promoting Healthy Energy Balance-Related Behaviors in Preschoolers: A Mixed Methods Impact and Process Evaluation of SuperFIT

“…In brief, intervention strategies stimulate the formation of supportive environments through group sessions with parents, and the training and coaching of childcare staff. Evaluations of SuperFIT assessed effectiveness of parental involvement on child outcomes such as BMI-z score, physical activity, and dietary intake [ 29 , 30 ]. Effects on child outcomes are limited and seem to manifest on days that children attended childcare [ 29 ].…”

“…Evaluations of SuperFIT assessed effectiveness of parental involvement on child outcomes such as BMI-z score, physical activity, and dietary intake [ 29 , 30 ]. Effects on child outcomes are limited and seem to manifest on days that children attended childcare [ 29 ]. Effects on child outcomes on days at home seem to be lacking, despite extensive efforts to reach and involve parents [ 29 , 30 ].…”

“…Effects on child outcomes are limited and seem to manifest on days that children attended childcare [ 29 ]. Effects on child outcomes on days at home seem to be lacking, despite extensive efforts to reach and involve parents [ 29 , 30 ].…”

Influence of Visual Information and Sex on Postural Control in Children Aged 6–12 Years Assessed with Accelerometric Technology

“…The correct development of postural control includes the development of dynamic and static balance, which allows interacting with the environment in an independent manner [ 5 ]. The development of postural control occurs especially at the age of 6–10 years [ 6 ].…”

Accelerometric Assessment of Postural Balance in Children: A Systematic Review

“…The correct development of postural control (PC) in children is fundamental and necessary to ensure that they fully reach their psychomotor capacities [ 1 ]. This includes the development of dynamic balance and static postural control, which allows a child to interact with the environment in an independent manner and with the lowest possible risk of injury or falling [ 2 ]. The development of PC, although it is present from the first moments of a person’s life, occurs especially at the age of 6–10 years [ 3 ].…”