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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2013 Jan-Feb;67(1):28-36.
doi: 10.5014/ajot.2013.005777.

Effectiveness of a physical activity intervention for Head Start preschoolers: a randomized intervention study

Laura L Bellows  1 , Patricia L Davies, Jennifer Anderson, Catherine Kennedy
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Effectiveness of a physical activity intervention for Head Start preschoolers: a randomized intervention study

Laura L Bellows et al. Am J Occup Ther. 2013 Jan-Feb.

Abstract

Objectives: The level of children's motor skill proficiency may be an important determinant of their physical activity behaviors. This study assessed the efficacy of an intervention on gross motor skill performance, physical activity, and weight status of preschoolers.

Method: The Food Friends: Get Movin' With Mighty Moves(®) program was conducted in four Head Start centers. Measurements included the Peabody Developmental Motor Scales, pedometer counts, and body mass index (BMI) z scores.

Results: The intervention led to significant changes in gross motor skills in the treatment group (n = 98) compared with the control group (n = 103) and was a strong predictor of overall gross motor performance (gross motor quotient), locomotor, stability, and object manipulation skills. No intervention effect was found for physical activity levels or weight status.

Conclusion: The intervention dose was adequate for enhancing gross motor skill performance but not for increasing physical activity levels or reducing BMI.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Pretest-to-posttest change in gross motor quotient (GMQ), by treatment condition. Note. No significant differences existed between groups at pretest in quotient normative score. Mean ± standard deviation = 100 ± 15. Higher scores reflect more advanced gross motor skills.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

    1. Bellows L. Development and evaluation of Food Friends Get Movin’ With Mighty Moves: A physical activity program to prevent obesity in low-income preschoolers. Fort Collins: Colorado State University; 2007. Unpublished doctoral dissertation. - PubMed
    1. Bellows L., Anderson J., Davies P., Kennedy C. Integration of social marketing elements in the design of a physical activity program for preschoolers. Social Marketing Quarterly. 2009;15:2–21. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/15245000802695190 .
    1. Bellows L., Anderson J., Gould S. M., Auld G. Formative research and strategic development of a physical activity component to a social marketing campaign for obesity prevention in preschoolers. Journal of Community Health. 2008;33:169–178. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10900-007-9079-z . - PubMed
    1. Bellows L., Silvernail S., Caldwell L., Bryant A., Kennedy C., Davies P., Anderson J. Parental perception on the efficacy of a physical activity program for preschoolers. Journal of Community Health. 2011;36:231–237. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10900-010-9302-1 . - PubMed
    1. Cardon G., De Bourdeaudhuij I. Comparison of pedometer and accelerometer measures of physical activity in preschool children. Pediatric Exercise Science. 2007;19:205–214. - PubMed

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