Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial Of An Innovative Intervention To Increase Childrens Physical Activity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$505,530.00
Summary
Rates of childhood obesity are increasing and outdoor free play is decreasing. Research suggests that these patterns are inter-related, and that adults perceive outdoor free play to be risky for children. In this study we will reprioritise play, reframe teachers' perceptions of risk and modify the playground environment to increase children's physical activity. We will assess the effectiveness of this simple, cost-effective intervention in a randomised controlled trial.
Assessing Sustainability Of Positive Outcomes In A Successful Child Obesity Prevention Intervention: Follow-up Of The Melbourne InFANT Program
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$882,700.00
Summary
Early intervention may be the most sustainable and effective means of preventing obesity and promoting healthy lifestyle behaviours (obesity preventive behaviours) including diet, physical activity and reduced sedentary behaviours. This project aims to assess whether differences observed between intervention and control groups at the conclusion of a successful obesity prevention program, the Melbourne InFANT Program, (child aged 18-months) are maintained across the important early childhood year ....Early intervention may be the most sustainable and effective means of preventing obesity and promoting healthy lifestyle behaviours (obesity preventive behaviours) including diet, physical activity and reduced sedentary behaviours. This project aims to assess whether differences observed between intervention and control groups at the conclusion of a successful obesity prevention program, the Melbourne InFANT Program, (child aged 18-months) are maintained across the important early childhood years, to 3.5 and 5 years of age.Read moreRead less
Effect Of A Weight Management Program For Overweight And Obese Children: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$430,000.00
Summary
Children who are obese have a higher risk of numerous health problems, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol and joint problems. They also experience reduced self-esteem and discrimination as well as an increased risk of premature death or poor health due to heart disease and Type 2 diabetes in adulthood. Approximately 25% of Australian children are overweight or obese. This prevalence has doubled since the 1980's and is still increasing. Child obesity is a major public health problem ....Children who are obese have a higher risk of numerous health problems, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol and joint problems. They also experience reduced self-esteem and discrimination as well as an increased risk of premature death or poor health due to heart disease and Type 2 diabetes in adulthood. Approximately 25% of Australian children are overweight or obese. This prevalence has doubled since the 1980's and is still increasing. Child obesity is a major public health problem and innovative approaches to solving this problem are urgently needed. A range of factors has been postulated as contributing to the global childhood obesity epidemic, including environmental, psychosocial, physical, nutrition, metabolic and lifestyle factors. However, the major determinants involve a shift away from energy balance through reduced energy expenditure or physical activity and increased energy intake. Conventional weight-management strategies have incorporated restricting energy intake or diet, increasing energy expenditure or physical activity, decreasing sedentary activities, parental involvement, and behaviour modification. However, these strategies have only shown moderate success among children in the medium to long term and very few can be translated into community settings. The purpose of this study, and its original contribution to research, is to determine the impact of a physical activity skill development and parent-centred family weight management program on the weight, cardiovascular health, physical activity, dietary intake, and sedentary behaviours of overweight and obese children.Read moreRead less
Improving School Transition By Improving Child Sleep: A Translational Randomised Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$745,827.00
Summary
A successful transition to school sets a child on a path for life. A poor transition can lead to early drop out, poor peer relationships and poor emotional skills. In 2008/09, we found that a brief sleep intervention for children improved key determinants of a successful transition including social-emotional functioning and parent mental health. We now plan to see if the same intervention, delivered by school nurses, can have a similar effect.
Scheduling Frequent Opportunities For Outdoor Play – A Simple Approach To Increase Physical Activity In Childcare
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$355,955.00
Summary
Australian preschool aged children are not sufficiently active, increasing their risk of a variety of health conditions. When at childcare, previous research has found that children are particularly activity during the first 10-15 minutes of outdoor play. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of changing the scheduling of periods of outdoor play within preschools.
Overweight/obesity, Activity Patterns, And Health In 4-year-olds: The Longitudinal Study Of Australian Children
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$108,800.00
Summary
Levels of overweight and obesity are at an all-time high, but we know little about: - its prevalence in young Australian children - the activity patterns of young children and how this relates to overweight-obesity, at an age when lasting patterns of sedentary behaviour are becoming established. A better understanding of this relationship is important, because low levels of physical activity are probably a major driver in the current epidemic - how overweight-obesity affects very young children ....Levels of overweight and obesity are at an all-time high, but we know little about: - its prevalence in young Australian children - the activity patterns of young children and how this relates to overweight-obesity, at an age when lasting patterns of sedentary behaviour are becoming established. A better understanding of this relationship is important, because low levels of physical activity are probably a major driver in the current epidemic - how overweight-obesity affects very young children - how a familial predisposition to gain weight is translated into excessive weight gain during early childhood The present study will utilise data collected as part of the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (LSAC). In March 2004, LSAC will enrol a nationally-representative cohort including 5000 4-year-olds for comprehensive longitudinal study, with the first wave of data available for analysis in April 2005. A unique feature of LSAC is direct measurement of children's weight and height coupled with detailed data about their use of time and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The availability of these data will enable us for the first time to study the relationship between childhood overweight-obesity, detailed activity patterns of young children, parental overweight-obesity and the relationship between these variables and children's HRQoL. In late 2003, the National Health and Medical Research Council published its evidence-based Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Overweight and Obesity in Children and Adolescents. This application addresses several of its key research recommendations, far more efficiently than could be done if a new study had to be set up specifically for this purpose. The proposal acknowledges the common problem of under-funding for analysis of important large datasets, and seeks to address this issue right from the start of LSAC.Read moreRead less
Enhancing Behaviour Change Via Incentives: Improving Childhood Obesity Outcomes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$62,335.00
Summary
This research will systematically review studies evaluating child-focused incentive-based strategies, and qualitatively evaluate a current goal-setting and rewards scheme. The research will determine the effectiveness of incentives on diet and exercise-related behaviour change in children and adolescents, and provide qualitative data to translate real world research into policy - building the evidence base and inform policy and practice for reducing childhood obesity.
Randomised Controlled Trial Of A Sleep Intervention To Improve Child Behaviour, Quality Of Life And Learning
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$57,760.00
Summary
Nearly 20% of Australian parents report a problem with their preschool child's sleep. Child sleep problems are associated with an increased risk of child behaviour problems, poorer quality of life, and likelihood of a child being diagnosed with ADHD. We want to know if an education program for parents of prep children can reduce child sleep problems. It may represent a feasible way of reducing behaviour problems, improving quality of life and academic performance in these crucial years.
Dental caries (decay) is a significant early childhood chronic disease in Australia, mainly affecting disadvantaged communities and adversely impacting physical, social and emotional wellbeing. This PhD is nested within the VicGen birth cohort, following influences on tooth decay of 450 infants to age 7. This mixed-methods study will examine the relationship between early childhood caries and obesity, exploring caregivers’ views on these factors and translation to policy and practice.