Getting Active Together: A Family Fitness Program for Latino Families on the U.S.-Mexico Border
Promoting Physical Activity and Fitness Among Underserved Latino Families Living in U.S.-Mexico Border Regions
A 12-month family-centered program to help Latino parents and children (ages 0–11) near the San Diego–Mexicali border become more active and build healthier habits.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | San Diego State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Diego, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11257733 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You and your child would join activities offered at community recreation centers in San Diego or Mexicali as part of a group program called Athletes for Life. Eight centers are randomized so some centers will deliver the AFL program led by study staff while others continue their usual recreation classes run by center staff. About 290 parent-child pairs will take part and the program includes a 12-month intervention plus a 1-year sustainability phase. The project will track physical activity, fitness, program acceptability, and whether centers can keep the program going over time.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Latino parent-child dyads living near the San Diego–Mexicali border with a child aged 0–11 who can attend regular in-person sessions at a participating recreation center.
Not a fit: Children older than 11, families who live far from the participating centers, or those unable to attend in-person sessions are unlikely to join or benefit from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could help families increase regular physical activity, improve child fitness and body image, and support lasting healthy routines in border communities.
How similar studies have performed: Other family-based physical activity programs have shown modest gains in child activity and weight outcomes, but sustaining benefits long-term and delivering programs across border settings remains less proven.
Where this research is happening
San Diego, United States
- San Diego State University — San Diego, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Crespo, Noe Cuauhtemoc — San Diego State University
- Study coordinator: Crespo, Noe Cuauhtemoc
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.