Mentoring Program for Physical Activity and Nutrition

This trial aims to evaluate a school-based mentoring program focused on improving physical activity and nutrition for students in grades 4 through 9. By comparing different groups, the trial will assess the effectiveness of the mentoring program when combined with a recognized healthy school initiative. It is ideal for students eager to become more active and learn about better nutrition, particularly those in Central or East Texas public schools. Participants should be able to read, speak, and write in English.

As an unphased trial, this study provides students with a unique opportunity to enhance their health and well-being through innovative educational programs.

The trial information does not specify whether participants need to stop taking their current medications.

Research has shown that mentoring programs are generally safe and well-received. In one study, most participants remained in the program and actively engaged, indicating it was well-tolerated. Participants also improved their fitness scores, suggesting the program is both safe and effective.

Another study found that young people with mentors experienced positive long-term outcomes, such as earning more money later in life. This suggests that mentoring programs offer lasting benefits without negative effects. Additionally, when trained peer mentors participated, participants achieved better health outcomes compared to following the same curriculum alone. This demonstrates that the mentoring approach is safe and effective for improving health and behavior.

Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores the impact of a mentoring program on physical activity and nutrition, which is different from typical programs that might only provide standard educational materials or general guidance. This study is unique because it pairs participants with mentors, offering personalized support and motivation that could lead to more effective lifestyle changes. By integrating mentorship, the program aims to enhance engagement and adherence, potentially leading to better health outcomes compared to standard interventions. This approach could uncover new ways to promote lasting behavioral changes in physical activity and nutrition.

Research has shown that mentoring programs, one approach tested in this trial, can encourage people to become more active and learn about healthy eating. One study found that overweight or obese individuals increased their activity levels with a peer mentor. Another study revealed that mentored participants improved their physical fitness and significantly enhanced their nutrition knowledge after the program. These findings suggest that mentoring programs could effectively support healthy lifestyle changes in schools.¹³⁶⁷⁸