RecruitingACTRN12611000164998

Screen-time Weight-loss Intervention Targeting Children at Home

A randomised controlled trial to determine the effectiveness of a family-based intervention to decrease screen-based sedentary behaviours compared with usual care in New Zealand overweight children.

Sponsor

Ralph Maddison

Enrollment

270 participants

Start Date

Mar 1, 2011

Study Type

Interventional

Conditions

Reducing screen-based sedentary behaviour

Summary

Despite epidemiological evidence supporting an association between TV watching and obesity, to date few interventions have been undertaken. There has been very little home-based research to date examining the effectiveness of interventions to decrease sedentary behaviours such as TV watching and video game computer use. The proposed trial will implement and evaluate the effectiveness of a family-based intervention to decrease screen-based sedentary behaviour and improve body composition among New Zealand families. Two hundred and seventy children aged 9-12 years and their primary caregivers will be allocated at random to receive a package of information, support and strategies aimed at reducing leisure time screen-based activities over a 24 week period or a control group (usual screen-based activities). Assessments at baseline and 24-weeks will compare BMI, body composition, physical activity, sedentray behaviours, and dietary habits. If effective, this approach has potential to be implemented as part of existing primary care approaches to reduce BMI in children.

Eligibility

Sex: Both males and femalesMin Age: 9 YearssMax Age: 12 Yearss

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

Too much screen time — watching TV, playing video games, and using computers — is linked to weight gain in children. This study is testing a family-based program to help overweight children aged 9 to 12 in New Zealand spend less time in front of screens and improve their health. Families receive information, support, and practical strategies over 24 weeks to cut back on screen-based leisure activities. Researchers will measure children's body weight, physical activity, screen time, and eating habits at the start and end of the program. You may be eligible if: - Your child is between 9 and 12 years old - Your family lives in the greater Auckland area - Your child spends 15 or more hours per week on screens (TV, computer, or video games) at home - Your child is overweight or obese according to international criteria - You (the primary caregiver) are willing to give written consent and your child is willing to participate - Your family speaks and understands English You may NOT be eligible if: - Your child has a medical condition that prevents regular physical activity - Another child from your household has already been enrolled in the study - Your child spends equal amounts of time in two separate households Talk to your doctor about whether this trial might be right for you.

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Interventions

The intervention is a family-based education programme aimed at reducing screen-based sedentary behaviours such as TV watching and video game console use. The intervention is grounded in behavioural

The intervention is a family-based education programme aimed at reducing screen-based sedentary behaviours such as TV watching and video game console use. The intervention is grounded in behavioural economics theory (BET) and social cognitive theory (SCT). Trained culturally appropriate research assistants will deliver the intervention content to participant’s primary caregivers during a one hour face-to-face meeting, within two weeks of the baseline assessment. Meetings will be at the participant’s home and will involve providing the caregiver with skills and strategies to monitor and reduce use of screen-based sedentary activities. The primary caregiver will be responsible for implementing the various strategies of the intervention. Television monitoring devices (Time Machine) will be used as a tool to assist families to budget their TV watching time. The Time Machine controls the amount of time the television can be turned on and is used as a tool for parents to help budget TV watching time and can be used to set screen free times by preventing usage during certain time. A research assistant will visit the participant’s home (face-to-face meeting) to connect the Time Machine to the two devices (television, video game console or computer) most commonly used by the child. Tailored monthly newsletters will also be delivered to primary caregivers outlining additional strategies for reducing screen-based sedentary activities. A website for participants to access will also be provided to support the intervention content. The website includes the information included in the monthly newsletters as well as links to community-based activity programmes that may be of interest to the family. The intervention duration is 20 weeks and parents/caregivers will be encouraged to implement the changes on a daily basis.

Locations(1)

New Zealand

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ACTRN12611000164998