Lions Hearts: A Community Approach to Multigenerational Cardiovascular Disease Risk
Penn State University
Summary
This pilot study evaluates the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of Lion Hearts, a community-based, family-centered physical activity intervention designed to improve cardiovascular health among mother-child dyads. Developed through community co-design, the 12-week intervention is delivered in local CrossFit affiliates and includes twice-weekly fitness sessions incorporating functional movement, goal setting, teamwork, and health education. The study aims to assess changes in physical activity, fitness, and cardiovascular health markers, as well as family dynamics and motivation for physical activity. Participants complete baseline, mid-, post-, and 3-month follow-up assessments, including surveys, fitness testing, accelerometry, and optional lab work. Findings will inform the refinement of the intervention for future large-scale trials.
Description
The Lion Hearts study is a three-phase, community-based research project designed to reduce multigenerational cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk through a family-centered physical activity intervention. This record describes Phase 3, a pilot trial evaluating the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of the Lion Hearts intervention among mother-child dyads. The intervention was co-designed during Phase 2 using implementation mapping with mothers, children, certified fitness professionals, and community stakeholders. In Phase 3, the refined intervention will be delivered over…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 10+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: * Mother-child dyad willing to participate together in the full 12-week intervention and assessment activities * Child aged 10-17 years old * Mother (or female caregiver) * Both mother and child must be able to safely engage in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, as determined by pre-participation health screening (e.g., PAR-Q+) * Access to transportation to attend twice-weekly exercise sessions at a local CrossFit affiliate Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of a medical condition that would make participation in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity unsafe, as determi…
Interventions
- BehavioralLion Hearts Family-Based Physical Activity Program
The Lion Hearts Family-Based Physical Activity Program is a 12-week, community-based intervention designed to improve cardiovascular health and physical activity behaviors among mother-child dyads. The program consists of twice-weekly, 60-minute group exercise sessions delivered at local CrossFit affiliates. Each session includes scalable functional movement exercises, strength training, cardiovascular conditioning, and flexibility activities appropriate for both adults and children. In addition to physical activity, sessions incorporate goal-setting, family teamwork activities, and health education components to promote sustainable behavior change. The program was co-designed with community members during earlier study phases and is tailored to support engagement, feasibility, and family bonding.
Location
- Penn State UniversityState College, Pennsylvania