Motor Skills Intervention for Sedentary Lifestyle in Children

(CHAMP-ASP Trial)

Overseen By Leah E Robinson, PhD

Age: < 18

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Michigan

Disqualifiers: Syndromes, Major illness, Disabilities, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 3

Duration: 19 weeks

264 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

Currently, 10 million children participate in afterschool programs (ASPs) each day, and ASPs provide a great opportunity to enhance children's health outside of the regular school environment, particularly given the decline in physical education. This proposed, randomized cluster, controlled trial will examine the immediate (pre- to post-test) and sustained (1-year post-intervention follow-up) effects of CHAMP-ASP on physical activity (primary outcome), motor performance, perceived motor competence, health-related physical fitness, and weight status. CHAMP-ASP will be implemented by ASP staff and will be conducted in ASPs located in Ypsilanti/Ann Arbor, Michigan. Children (N = 264; CHAMP-ASP=132 and control=132) K-2 graders (typically ages 5-8 years) will participate 35 minutes/day X 3-4 days/week for 19 weeks (dose of 1995 - 2240 minutes). The aims are to: a) examine the immediate and sustained effects of CHAMP-ASP on physical activity, motor performance, and perceived motor competence relative to the control ASP, b) examine the immediate and sustained effects of CHAMP-ASP on secondary health outcomes - health-related physical fitness (cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength), and weight status compared to children in schools randomized to control ASP, and c) determine if perceived motor competence mediates the effect of CHAMP-ASP on moderate-to-vigorous physical activity.

Do I need to stop my child's current medications for this trial?

The trial information does not specify whether children need to stop taking their current medications. It seems focused on physical activity, so it's unlikely that medication changes are required, but please check with the trial organizers to be sure.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Motor Skills Intervention, CHAMP-ASP, Children's Health Activity Motor Program-Afterschool Program for sedentary lifestyle in children?

Research shows that the CHAMP-ASP program can improve physical activity levels, motor skills, and fitness in children, which are important for reducing sedentary behavior. Additionally, similar motor skill interventions have been effective in enhancing motor development and engagement in physical activities, especially in children with obesity and motor delays. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is the Motor Skills Intervention safe for children?

The available research does not provide specific safety data for the Motor Skills Intervention, but it has been used in studies with children to promote physical activity and motor skills without reported safety concerns. ^{1 2 3 6 7}

How is the Motor Skills Intervention treatment different from other treatments for sedentary lifestyle in children?

The Motor Skills Intervention, known as CHAMP-ASP, is unique because it focuses on improving children's motor skills to encourage more physical activity, which is linked to better health outcomes. Unlike other treatments that might focus on diet or reducing screen time, this program specifically targets motor skills development to reduce sedentary behavior. ^{8 9 10 11 12}

Research Team

Leah E Robinson, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Michigan

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for children in grades K-2, typically aged 5-8 years, who are attending afterschool programs (ASPs) in the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti and Lansing/East Lansing areas. It's not for kids with diseases or disabilities that limit physical activity.

Inclusion Criteria

Participants must be attending an ASP in the Ann-Arbor/Ypsilanti and Lansing/East Lansing area

Exclusion Criteria

I have a major illness or disability that limits my physical activity.

Participants diagnosed with syndromes or diseases that affect PA participation

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Children participate in the CHAMP-ASP program for 35 minutes/day, 3-4 days/week for 19 weeks

19 weeks

3-4 visits per week (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for sustained effects on physical activity, motor performance, and health-related outcomes

1 year

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Motor Skills Intervention

Trial Overview The CHAMP ASP study tests a program to increase physical activity among young children. Kids will do motor skills exercises for about 35 minutes per day, several times a week over 19 weeks. The goal is to see if this improves their fitness and reduces sedentary behavior.

Participant Groups

Group I: CHAMP-ASP Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

CHAMP, is a mastery climate motor skills intervention, that provides children the opportunity to establish behaviors that reinforce decision-making while participating in a motor activity tasks. Children will participate in CHAMP for 35 minutes/day 3-4 days per week for 19 weeks. Each 35-min session consists of three parts: 1. 3-5 min of motor skill introductory activity that includes a group motor activity, the teaching of the lesson that includes a demonstration and understanding of developmentally appropriate learning clues; 2. 25 min of motor skill instruction and practice (i.e., 'active motor engagement'), participants will be encouraged to move through 3-4 motor activity stations that align with the TARGET structure; and 3. 3 -5 min motor skill closure activity that involves a review of the lesson and critical elements.

Group II: Control - Standard of Practice Active Control 1 Intervention

The Control (standard of practice) condition will be the school typical ASP and will be implemented according to the existing procedures.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Michigan

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,891

Recruited

6,458,000+

National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR)

Collaborator

Trials

623

Recruited

10,400,000+

Findings from Research

In a study involving 99 children aged around 4 years, those participating in the Children's Health Activity Motor Program (CHAMP) engaged in significantly less light physical activity compared to those in outdoor free play.

However, both groups showed similar levels of moderate, vigorous, and overall moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), suggesting that while CHAMP may limit light activity, it does not compromise higher intensity physical engagement.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Are Gross Motor Skill Interventions an Equitable Replacement for Outdoor Free Play Regarding Children's Physical Activity? Palmer, KK., Farquhar, JM., Chinn, KM., et al.[2023]

The CHAMP-ASP program, involving 264 K-2 graders participating in 35 minutes of physical activity three times a week for 19 weeks, aims to enhance children's physical activity levels and motor competence, with assessments conducted before, immediately after, and one year post-intervention.

The study seeks to determine if improvements in perceived motor competence mediate the program's effects on physical activity, potentially influencing public health policies to promote sustainable physical activity in early childhood.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Protocol for a multicenter-cluster randomized clinical trial of a motor skills intervention to promote physical activity and health in children: the CHAMP afterschool program study. Robinson, LE., Palmer, KK., Santiago-Rodríguez, ME., et al.[2023]

The CHAMPS Motor Skills Protocol (CMSP) was developed and validated as a reliable tool for assessing motor skills in preschool children aged 3-5 years, tested on 297 children across 22 preschools.

The CMSP demonstrated high reliability and validity, with coefficients generally above 0.90, making it suitable for use in large epidemiological studies in field-based settings.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A Field-Based Testing Protocol for Assessing Gross Motor Skills in Preschool Children: The CHAMPS Motor Skills Protocol (CMSP). Williams, HG., Pfeiffer, KA., Dowda, M., et al.[2022]

The Children's Health Activity Motor Program (CHAMP) significantly increased preschoolers' physical activity levels, with more time spent walking and in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity compared to a traditional movement program.

Boys were generally more active than girls in both programs, but CHAMP allowed for more skill practice and less time spent on management tasks, suggesting it is an effective method for enhancing physical activity engagement in young children.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Effect of CHAMP on Physical Activity and Lesson Context in Preschoolers: A Feasibility Study. Robinson, LE., Palmer, KK., Webster, EK., et al.[2022]

A motor skill intervention significantly improved playtime, self-perceptions of social and motor competence, and engagement in physical education among children with obesity and motor delays, indicating enhanced overall health and self-concept.

Children in the intervention group also showed a reduction in BMI and screen time, demonstrating the intervention's effectiveness in promoting healthier lifestyle habits.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Intervention for Children with Obesity and Overweight and Motor Delays from Low-Income Families: Fostering Engagement, Motor Development, Self-Perceptions, and Playtime. Berleze, A., Valentini, NC.[2023]

A six-month randomized controlled trial involving 150 preschool children showed that an educator-led program for gross motor skills and physical activity had small to medium positive effects on children's gross motor skills and physical activity levels, although these were not statistically significant.

The study emphasizes the potential of educator-led interventions in early childhood settings, suggesting that further research is needed to explore their effectiveness and implementation in promoting physical activity and motor skill development.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Promoting gross motor skills and physical activity in childcare: A translational randomized controlled trial. Jones, RA., Okely, AD., Hinkley, T., et al.[2022]

This project aims to identify the essential components of effective interventions that help children with motor impairments participate more in physical play and leisure activities, addressing a significant gap in current treatment approaches.

By following a structured methodology based on WHO guidelines, the project will create a detailed protocol for a new intervention, which, if proven effective, could enhance the well-being and social participation of children with motor difficulties.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Participation in physical play and leisure: developing a theory- and evidence-based intervention for children with motor impairments. Kolehmainen, N., Francis, JJ., Ramsay, CR., et al.[2023]

In a study of 198 preschool children, those with better motor skills were found to engage in significantly more moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and vigorous physical activity (VPA) compared to their peers with poorer motor skills.

Children in the highest tertile for total motor skill scores spent less time being sedentary and more time being active, highlighting the importance of developing motor skills for promoting physical activity and potentially preventing obesity.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Motor skill performance and physical activity in preschool children. Williams, HG., Pfeiffer, KA., O'Neill, JR., et al.[2022]

The 'Join the Healthy Boat' program, involving 1943 primary school children, effectively reduced screen media use among girls and children from low-education backgrounds after one year, highlighting its potential for promoting healthier habits.

The intervention showed that active parental involvement is crucial for success, particularly in reaching children who are typically harder to engage, such as those with parents who have lower educational levels.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Intervention effects of a school-based health promotion programme on obesity related behavioural outcomes. Kobel, S., Wirt, T., Schreiber, A., et al.[2022]

A study involving 145 children aged 9 to 12 found that fundamental movement skills (FMS) are significantly associated with various health indicators, such as body mass index and cardiorespiratory fitness, regardless of the assessment tool used (Passport for Life or PLAYbasic).

Both FMS assessment tools showed similar associations with health indicators, suggesting that improving FMS could potentially enhance children's overall health outcomes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Association between Functional Movements Skills and Health Indicators in Children Aged between 9 and 12 Years Old. Comeau, ME., Bouchard, DR., Levesque, C., et al.[2023]

Teacher-led interventions significantly improved fundamental motor skills (FMS) in preschoolers, with a notable effect on object control and locomotor skills, based on a review of 20 trials involving 4255 children.

While there was a trend towards increased physical activity and reduced sedentary time, these changes were not statistically significant, indicating a need for further research, especially on child-centered interventions.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Interventions to improve fundamental motor skills in pre-school aged children: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Van Capelle, A., Broderick, CR., van Doorn, N., et al.[2022]

In a study of 352 children aged 4-10 from urban Brazil, various factors such as socioeconomic status (SES), school environments, and motor skills were found to influence physical activity (PA) levels differently among children with typical development (TD), those at risk of Developmental Coordination Disorder (r-DCD), and those with DCD.

For all groups, screen time and active play were significant factors associated with body mass index (BMI), highlighting the importance of managing screen time and promoting active play to support healthier weight outcomes in children.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Individual and environmental parameters in children with and without developmental coordination disorder: associations with physical activity and body mass index. Valentini, NC., de Souza, PS., de Souza, MS., et al.[2023]

References

1. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Are Gross Motor Skill Interventions an Equitable Replacement for Outdoor Free Play Regarding Children's Physical Activity? [2023]

2. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Protocol for a multicenter-cluster randomized clinical trial of a motor skills intervention to promote physical activity and health in children: the CHAMP afterschool program study. [2023]

3. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A Field-Based Testing Protocol for Assessing Gross Motor Skills in Preschool Children: The CHAMPS Motor Skills Protocol (CMSP). [2022]

4. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Effect of CHAMP on Physical Activity and Lesson Context in Preschoolers: A Feasibility Study. [2022]

5. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Intervention for Children with Obesity and Overweight and Motor Delays from Low-Income Families: Fostering Engagement, Motor Development, Self-Perceptions, and Playtime. [2023]

6. Australia pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Promoting gross motor skills and physical activity in childcare: A translational randomized controlled trial. [2022]

7. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Participation in physical play and leisure: developing a theory- and evidence-based intervention for children with motor impairments. [2023]

8. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Motor skill performance and physical activity in preschool children. [2022]

9. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Intervention effects of a school-based health promotion programme on obesity related behavioural outcomes. [2022]

10. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Association between Functional Movements Skills and Health Indicators in Children Aged between 9 and 12 Years Old. [2023]

11. Australia pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Interventions to improve fundamental motor skills in pre-school aged children: A systematic review and meta-analysis. [2022]

12. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Individual and environmental parameters in children with and without developmental coordination disorder: associations with physical activity and body mass index. [2023]