INTEGRATED CHILDHOOD ACTIVITY AND NUTRITION (ICAN) STUDY
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Summary
This study is a multi-functional integrated research and education project to prevent losses in academic achievement, cognitive function, and behavioral health among at-risk youth. The study tests the effects of a 8-week nutrition and physical activity-based program (Integrated Childhood Activity and Nutrition \[ICAN\]) to prevent summer learning loss. Outcomes include standardized academic achievement as well as executive function among 6-10-year-olds affected by poverty. The nutrition component of the intervention involves daily consumption of a snack containing the carotenoid lutein, typically found in high quantities in green leafy vegetables. The physical activity components will involve group games or activities.
Description
During the summer period it is estimated that children, especially those from impoverished settings, could lose up to 30% of learning gained during the school year. Additionally, the loss in learning accompanied by increased risk for obesity. Children's dietary intake, particularly of nutrient-dense dark green leafy vegetables, has persistently fallen below dietary recommendations. Similarly, there has been a decline in children's aerobic fitness since the 1970s. Despite consistent and widespread efforts, there has been limited progress in improving children's dietary habits, habitual physical…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 6–11 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: * Parental/guardian consent * Child assent * Child participant is between the chronological age of 6-11 years. * Child participant is considered economically or educationally disadvantaged (e.g., eligible for Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program \[SNAP\] and/or qualifies for free-and-reduced lunch. * Child participant must have 20/20 or corrected 20/20 vision. * Child participant absent of cognitive or neurological disorder (e.g., autism spectrum disorder) Exclusion Criteria: * Parental/guardian does not provide consent * Child non-assent * Child participant chron…
Interventions
- Behavioral8-week Physical Activity and Nutrition Program
Participants will be enrolled in an 8-week (Monday-Friday) daily physical activity program where treatment group participants will receive daily physical activity via organized games and daily lutein (6mg/d) snacks.
Location
- Bloomington Public Schools District 87Bloomington, Illinois