Connecting children to recreational activities: results of a cluster randomized trial

Abstract

Purpose: Identify if outreach support increases school-aged children's participation in recreational activities.

Design: Cluster randomized trial.

Setting: Sixteen schools in economically vulnerable neighborhoods were randomized to either an intervention or control group.

Subjects: Children in grades 3 to 5 and their families were invited to participate.

Intervention: Children in intervention schools were assigned a "connector" (outreach worker) to facilitate participation in recreation activities.

Measures: The Children's Assessment of Participation and Enjoyment (CAPE) was the primary measure at baseline, middle, and end of 1 year. Demographics, body mass index, child physical and psychosocial health, coordination, and self-esteem were measured.

Analysis: A generalized linear model was used to test differences between intervention and control groups.

Results: Three hundred and sixty children enrolled, and 306 (85%) completed the study. A greater proportion of children in the intervention group compared with the control group increased participation in physical activity (21% vs. 10%, p = .02). Children who increased their activity were more likely to have higher levels of contact with the connectors (31% vs. 8%, p = .001). Study limitations included (1) 29% of eligible families participated, (2) first use of the CAPE instrument as a longitudinal measure, and (3) connectors were not blinded to group assignment.

Conclusion: Children living in vulnerable neighborhoods benefit from outreach workers to connect them with physical activity programs.