Background: Childhood obesity presents a growing health challenge globally, predicted to affect over 50% of children by 2050.1 In Australia, 25% of children are living with overweight or obesity before they commence school.2 Low levels of physical activity, poor sleep and excessive screen-use contribute to obesity in children and young people.3 Multicomponent behavioral family-based obesity treatments are recommended for children living with obesity.4 However, their impact on 24-hour movement behaviours remain inconclusive.3 This study examined the effects of a multicomponent, community-based, family-centred Healthy Lifestyle Program pilot on 24-hour movement behaviors (physical activity, screen time, and sleep) delivered in Perth, Western Australia.5
Methods: A hybrid type-2 effectiveness intervention trial design is being utilised to examine within-subject change in physical activity behaviours, motivation and self-efficacy, sleep and screen-use from baseline at follow-up (>5 to <10 months from baseline) and program completion (>10 months to <15 months from baseline). The intervention consisted of Healthy Lifestyle Checks including individualised goal-setting and 20 hours of nutrition, physical activity and behavior change group sessions delivered to children and their caregivers by a multidisciplinary team. Physical activity and attitudes, screen-use and sleep behaviours were collected using purpose built questionnaires, including a physical activity questionnaire modified from the Children’s Physical Activity Questionnaire (CPAQ).
Expected results: It is expected that the intervention will exert and effect on 24-hour movement behaviours, including an increase in moderate-vigorous physical activity, improvement in physical activity motivation and self-efficacy, increase in sleep duration and a reduction in screen-use post-intervention.
Conclusion: This study will contribute to the evidence base regarding the effects of child- and family-centred healthy lifestyle interventions on 24-hour movement behaviours. It will provide insight into the most impactful aspects of such interventions in reducing childhood obesity.
Keywords: Healthy Lifestyle program, childhood obesity, 24 hour movement behaviours