Physical Activity on Prescription for Children With Obesity

Physical inactivity is a main cause of childhood obesity which tracks into adulthood obesity, making it important to address early in life. Physical activity on prescription (PAP) is an evidence-based intervention developed in Sweden that has shown good effect on physical activity levels in adults, but has not been evaluated in children with obesity. This clinical study is nested in a larger research project aiming to assess the prerequisites, determinants, and feasibility of implementing PAP adapted to children with obesity in paediatric health care. Children's and parents' experiences of participating in the PAP intervention will also be explored.

In a first, pre-clinical trial, phase, healthcare providers and managers from 26 paediatric clinics in Region Västra Götaland, Sweden, will participate in a web-based survey, and a subset of this sample in a focus group study. Findings from these two data collections will form the basis for further development and adaptation of PAP to the target group and context.

In the project's second phase, this adapted PAP intervention will be evaluated in a clinical study in a sample of approximately 60 children with obesity, between 6 and 12 years of age, and one of their parents/legal guardians. Clinical and implementation outcomes will be assessed pre- and post-intervention, and at 8 and 12 months' follow-up. Clinical outcomes are physical activity level/pattern, BMI, waist circumference, metabolic risk markers (blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose, high- and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, insulin resistance, and triglycerides), quality of life, self-efficacy and motivation for physical activity, and intervention satisfaction. Implementation outcomes are the four core constructs of the Normalization Process Theory; coherence, cognitive participation, collective action, and reflexive monitoring; appropriateness, acceptability and feasibility of the PAP intervention; barriers and facilitators for implementing PAP; recruitment and attrition rates, and intervention fidelity and adherence.

The clinical study is nested in a larger research project employing a hybrid implementation-effectiveness design. Design and analysis of the included studies is guided by the Normalization Process Theory.

Pre-trial phase/healthcare practitioner:

Inclusion criteria

• being a healthcare practitioner or manager involved in the treatment of children with obesity at a paediatric healthcare clinic in Region Västra Götaland

Clinical trial/patients:

Inclusion criteria

• aged 6-12 years
• diagnosed with obesity (age adjusted BMI>ISO-BMI 30)
• having an insufficient physical activity level according to national recommendations
• being willing to participate and perform the chosen activity/-ies
• having a parent who is willing to participate.

Exclusion criteria

• severe psychiatric comorbidity
• severe intellectual or physical disability