Nutrition and Fitness Program for Schoolchildren's Health

Age: < 18
Sex: Any
Trial Phase: Academic
Sponsor: Arizona State University
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to determine if a school-based program, Operation ToneUp, can enhance fitness, nutrition knowledge, and blood pressure in children from grades 3 to 6. It will assess whether students participating in these web-based sessions become stronger and gain more knowledge about healthy eating compared to those who do not. The trial includes push-ups, curl-ups, a running test, and online quizzes to evaluate progress. Children in grades 3-6 who attend schools implementing the program and have not been opted out by their parents are suitable participants. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity for children to improve their health and acquire valuable life skills.

What prior data suggests that this program is safe for schoolchildren?

Research has shown that school programs like Operation ToneUp are generally safe for children. These programs, which emphasize better nutrition and physical activity, have been implemented in schools without major safety concerns. Operation ToneUp, for instance, helps reduce childhood obesity by promoting healthy eating and exercise. This interactive program effectively teaches kids about nutrition and fitness in a safe manner.

Studies have found that children respond well to these programs. They often include step-by-step activities that help kids gradually enhance their fitness and nutrition knowledge. This approach allows them to set goals and track their progress safely.

Overall, Operation ToneUp and similar programs aim to make learning about health fun and engaging. This ensures that children enjoy the activities and do not feel overwhelmed. No evidence of significant negative effects has been found, making these programs a safe choice for improving children's health.12345

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about Operation ToneUp because it offers a fresh approach to improving children's health by integrating nutrition and fitness education right in the classroom. Unlike traditional programs that might focus solely on either diet or exercise, this program combines both through interactive web-based activities, making it engaging and easy to fit into a school day. By promoting healthy habits in a fun and accessible way, Operation ToneUp aims to empower students with the knowledge and motivation to make healthier lifestyle choices, potentially leading to long-term benefits in their overall health and wellness.

What evidence suggests that Operation ToneUp is effective for improving schoolchildren's health?

Studies have shown that school programs can help kids become fitter and learn more about healthy eating. In this trial, students in the Operation ToneUp arm will engage in activities aimed at enhancing nutrition knowledge and fitness. Operation ToneUp, previously used in similar contexts, has successfully improved students' nutrition knowledge. Participants in similar programs have shown increased fitness, particularly in arm strength and heart health. These programs also helped lower blood pressure in participants. Overall, research supports that Operation ToneUp can help schoolchildren achieve these health benefits.

Who Is on the Research Team?

AP

Allison Poulos, PhD

Principal Investigator

Arizona State University

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for schoolchildren in grades 3 to 6. Students must be enrolled at participating schools and able to take part in physical education activities and classroom sessions.

Inclusion Criteria

Intervention schools must intend to implement Operation Tone-Up 3 days/week over 8 weeks
Non-intervention schools must not be participating in other fitness related research
I am a boy or girl in 3rd to 6th grade at a participating school.
See 4 more

Exclusion Criteria

Schools that do not serve students in grades 3-6
Students not enrolled in grades 3 through 6
Students with parent/caregiver opt-out

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-2 weeks

Intervention

Participants in the intervention arm complete two 20-minute web-based sessions focused on nutrition and fitness during class time

8 weeks
Sessions conducted during class time

Assessment

Pre- and post-testing including PE-teacher assessed push-ups, curl-ups, PACER test, online self-reported nutrition knowledge assessments, and nurse-recorded blood pressure

8 weeks

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in fitness, nutrition knowledge, and blood pressure after the intervention

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

  • Operation ToneUp

Trial Overview

The study tests a program called Operation ToneUp, which includes two short web-based nutrition and fitness lessons during class time. Researchers will compare students who do the program with those who don't, measuring changes in fitness, nutrition knowledge, and blood pressure.

How Is the Trial Designed?

2

Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: Operation ToneUp ArmExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Group II: Comparison ArmActive Control1 Intervention

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Arizona State University

Lead Sponsor

Trials
311
Recruited
109,000+

Citations

1.

operationtoneup.com

operationtoneup.com/schools

Schools

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