We Move with Windy for Motor Skills
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
The long-term goal of this project is to learn whether a tailored physical activity program is practical, enjoyable, and helpful for families, and whether it has the potential to improve children's physical development and health. Before launching a large study, the research team completed several early phases to make sure the program met families' needs. First, a needs assessment was conducted with mothers to understand barriers to physical activity and what types of support would be most useful. Using this feedback, the program was refined and tested with three mother-child pairs over six weeks. Finally, there was an 18-week pilot randomized trial to examine feasibility and acceptability.
Researchers are now conducting a larger randomized trial with up to 266 families. Half of the families are randomly assigned to receive the physical activity program, and half to a comparison group. The program combines fun, age-appropriate movement activities for children with practical support for parents. Sessions focus on building core movement skills such as jumping, balancing, running, and throwing, while also encouraging confidence, coordination, and enjoyment of being active. Activities can be adapted to each child's ability and home environment, making the program realistic for busy families.
The program includes both in-person sessions and technology-based activities. In-person sessions provide hands-on support for learning new skills. Technology-based activities offer simple ideas families can use at home or during daily routines, such as hopping games, balance challenges, or quick movement breaks.
Because parents in earlier phases wanted nutrition support, in-person sessions also includes a brief, child-friendly exposure to fruits and vegetables, along with simple recipes. A "Tasting Party" at the start of the program allows children to try different foods, and Veggie Meter scans at the beginning and end of the study help track changes in fruit and vegetable intake.
Overall, this study will help determine whether a family-tailored physical activity program is a promising approach to improving physical activity, movement skills, and early health indicators in young children born to mothers with obesity.
Who Is on the Research Team?
Taren Swindle
Principal Investigator
University of Arkansas
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for mother-child pairs where the mom has a BMI over 30 and the child is aged between 3 to 5 years. It's designed to see if a physical activity program can improve children's motor skills and health, especially those born to mothers with obesity.Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Intervention Phase 1
Participants attend fully in-person sessions for 1 hour, twice per week
Intervention Phase 2
Participants attend 1 in-person session and 1 Zoom-based session per week
Intervention Phase 3
Participants attend Zoom sessions twice per week with one in-person session every other week
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in physical activity, motor skills, and health indicators
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- We Move with Windy
Trial Overview
The 'We Move with Windy' program is being tested in this study. Families are split into two groups: one tries out fun movement activities combined with parental support, while the other serves as a comparison group. The program includes both hands-on sessions and at-home exercises.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Children and their moms attend 18 weeks of intervention. The first 6 weeks are fully in person for 1 hour, twice per week. The next 6 weeks are 1 in person 1 hour session and 1 zoom-based session for. The final 6 weeks are 2 sessions per week via zoom for 30-45 minuets with one in person session every other week to maintain engagement. The third phase includes home-based activity suggestions.
Children are encouraged to follow the physical activity recommendations of their physician.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Arkansas Children's Hospital Research Institute
Lead Sponsor
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