Promoting Physical Activity and Fitness Among Underserved Latino Families Living in U.S.-Mexico Border Regions
San Diego State University
Summary
This study has the goal to increase physical activity and fitness among Latinos in San Diego, California and Mexicali, Baja California (U.S.-Mexico border) since these cities have similar diseases such as high rates of heart disease and obesity. Therefore there is a need to have physical activity programs for children and their families. We will collaborate with community centers to have this program available.
Description
The U.S. and Mexico share similar population disease patterns such as high rates of chronic diseases (e.g.,heart disease and obesity). Individuals residing in border regions often travel back and forth between the U.S. and Mexico, which exposes them to both different and similar obesogenic, socio-cultural, and physical environments. This frequent transnational interaction has led researchers to classify border cities as one region that should be studied as a whole. As such, it is important to systematically study border populations and develop effective interventions and public policy for this…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 6+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: * parents aged ≥18 years * children aged 6-11 years * living in the target community (within 5 miles of one of targeted community centers) Exclusion Criteria: * for the parent or child are presence of a medical or physical condition that is contraindicated to participating in sports/exercise (e.g., negative score on the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q)).
Interventions
- BehavioralPhysical Activity
The 12-month intervention will progressively increase in intensity and complexity to teach parents/children more complex sports skills and behavioral techniques, to prepare them to become future team leaders for nutrition education and sports sessions. In addition, the family Olympics events will take place after every 3-month to reinforce progression, social support; progressive improvements: Phase 1: Beginner (months 0-3) will focus on introductory concepts and basic sports skills and will focus on establishing consistent behavioral patterns and social support. Phase 2: Intermediate (months 4-6) will begin to introduce slightly more complex nutrition behavioral concepts and increase difficulty of sport skills, and reinforce behavioral patterns from phase 1. Phase 4: Advanced (months 10-12) will teach parents and children advanced sports skills ; nutrition knowledge so that they may become team leaders to help implement future activity sessions and nutrition education sessions.
Location
- San Diego State UniversitySan Diego, California