Family-Based Physical Activity Program to Improve Motor Skills and Health in Preschool Children Born to Mothers with Obesity

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating a family-centered physical activity program designed to support gross motor skill development, promote enjoyable movement experiences, and encourage healthy eating in preschool-aged children born to mothers with obesity. The study aims to determine if this tailored program is practical, enjoyable, and helpful for families, with the goal of improving childrens physical development and early health indicators. This larger randomized trial follows earlier phases that refined the program based on family feedback and pilot testing. The intervention lasts 18 weeks and combines in-person sessions with technology-based activities. The first 6 weeks involve twice-weekly in-person sessions of one hour each. The following 6 weeks include one in-person session and one Zoom session per week. The final 6 weeks consist of two Zoom sessions per week lasting 30-45 minutes, plus an in-person session every other week. The program focuses on building core movement skills like jumping, balancing, running, and throwing, while also promoting confidence and enjoyment. In-person sessions also include brief fruit and vegetable tasting activities with simple recipes to encourage healthy eating. Participants include mother-child pairs where the child is aged 3 to 5 years and the mother has a body mass index over 30. Families in the study will be assessed at the start and end using tools like the Test of Gross Motor Development-2 and Veggie Meter scans to track physical activity and dietary changes. The study measures feasibility, acceptability, and child-level outcomes including physical activity and motor skills. The total participation time covers the 18-week program with evaluations approximately 19 to 25 weeks after baseline.

We-Move With Windy: Gross Motor Development for Early Childhood