Efficacy of the Athletes for Life Program to Promote Cardiovascular Health

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: Cardiovascular Fitness; Physical Activity

• Registration Number: NCT03761589
• Lead Sponsor: San Diego State University

Brief Summary

The purpose of this study was to test the efficacy of a fitness- and behavioral-focused intervention, Athletes for Life (AFL), to improve cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) among 160 underserved families.

Detailed Description

The Athletes for Life (AFL) study was a 12-week randomized controlled trial designed to promote cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and healthy lifestyle changes among parents and children. The original enrollment target was 160 families. A total of 149 parent-child dyads living in a Southwestern U.S. metropolitan area were enrolled in the study. AFL consisting of 24 structured, twice-weekly 90-min family-based, nutrition and sport/fitness-oriented sessions, and was delivered in a municipal recreation center. Behavior change, including increased physical activity, and adherence were motivated through positive reinforcement techniques. Families were randomized to either the AFL program or a wait-list control group.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2016-07-01
• Primary Completion: 2018-03-31
• Study Completion: 2018-06-30
• Status Verified: 2018-11
• Study First Submitted: 2018-11-28
• Study First Submitted QC: 2018-11-29
• Study First Posted: 2018-12-03
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-04-09
• Last Update Posted: 2025-04-13

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 149

Inclusion Criteria

• Parent ages 18 years and over
• Child ages 6-11 years

Exclusion Criteria

• Presence of a mental or physical condition that was contraindicated to participating in sports/exercise
• Having a chronic condition that limited mobility
• Taking medications that influenced body composition

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Change in cardiovascular fitness (total seconds)	0, 12, and 24 weeks	Child and adult cardiovascular fitness was assessed using a 1-mile run/walk test

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Change in insulin concentration (uIU/mL)	0 and 12 weeks	Child and adult insulin concentrations were measured via lipid panels and analyzed using Cobas automated analyzer.
Change in waist circumference (inches)	0, 12, and 24 weeks	Child and adult waist circumference was measured via a tape measure.
Frequency of dairy food consumption (times per month)	0 and 12 weeks	Child consumption of dairy foods (i.e., cheese, milk and yogurt) within the past month was measured via parental report using a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ).
Change in triglyceride concentrations (mg/dL)	0 and 12 weeks	Child and adult triglyceride concentrations were measured via lipid panels and analyzed using Cobas automated analyzer.
Frequency of fruit and vegetable consumption (times per month)	0 and 12 weeks	Child consumption of fruit and vegetables within the past month was measured via parental report using a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ).
Change in total low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (mg/dL)	0 and 12 weeks	Child and adult LDL cholesterol values were measured via lipid panels and analyzed using Cobas automated analyzer.
Change in total abdominal fat mass (g)	0, 12, and 24 weeks	Child and adult abdominal fat mass was measured via whole body Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) to assess body composition.
Change in total trunk percent fat (%)	0, 12, and 24 weeks	Child and adult trunk percent fat was measured via whole body Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) to assess body composition.
Change in Body Mass Index (BMI) (kg/m^2)	0, 12, and 24 weeks	Child and adult BMI values were calculated using multiple measurements of height (cm) and weight (kg).
Frequency of protein consumption (times per month)	0 and 12 weeks	Child protein consumption (i.e., meat, fish, eggs and beans) within the past month was measured via parental report using a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ).
Frequency of drink consumption (times per month)	0 and 12 weeks	Child consumption of drinks other than milk and 100% fruit juice (i.e., water, soda, and flavored drinks) within the past month was measured via parental report using a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ).
Frequency of fat and sugar consumption (times per month)	0 and 12 weeks	Child consumption of fats and sugars (e.g., butter, potato chips, pastries) within the past month was measured via parental report using a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ).
Frequency of grain consumption (times per month)	0 and 12 weeks	Child consumption of grains (e.g., cereals, brown rice, pasta) within the past month was measured via parental report using a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ).
Change in physical activity (minutes per day of MVPA)	12 weeks	Child and adult 7-day physical activity (i.e., sedentary, moderate/vigorous activity) was measured using GENEActiv accelerometers.
Change in glucose concentration (mg/dL)	0 and 12 weeks	Child and adult glucose concentrations (plasma values) were measured via lipid panels and analyzed using Cobas automated analyzer.
Change in total high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (mg/dL)	0 and 12 weeks	Child and adult HDL cholesterol values were measured via lipid panels and analyzed using Cobas automated analyzer.
Change in average systolic blood pressure (mmHg)	0, 12, and 24 weeks	Child and adult systolic blood pressure was measured by an automated pressure cuff.
Change in total percent body fat (%)	0, 12, and 24 weeks	Child and adult percent body fat was measured via whole body Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) to assess body composition.
Change in average diastolic blood pressure (mmHg)	0, 12, and 24 weeks	Child and adult diastolic blood pressure was measured by an automated pressure cuff.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Institute for Behavioral and Community Health; 🇺🇸 San Diego, California, United States