Mother–daughter program to boost activity in 8–11-year-old girls

Conmigo: a multi-level mother-daughter physical activity intervention for pre-adolescent girls

['FUNDING_R01'] · SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11189667

A mother-and-daughter program using classes, family coaching, and community supports to help 8–11-year-old girls build regular physical activity habits.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorSAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (SAN DIEGO, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11189667 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

You and your daughter would join a multilevel program delivered in schools and YMCAs that includes physical activity classes for girls, parenting support for mothers, and family strategies to encourage daily activity. The team will randomize 18 schools so some families receive this activity program while others receive a nutrition program as an attention control, and researchers will use wearable activity monitors and surveys to track changes over time. YMCA staff will deliver both programs and the study uses interviews and implementation measures to learn how the program works in real community settings. The project builds on a small pilot that suggested benefits and aims to see if those benefits hold up in a larger, longer trial.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates are girls aged 8–11 and their mothers who attend one of the participating schools or YMCA sites, particularly families seeking extra support to increase physical activity.

Not a fit: Girls outside the 8–11 age range, families unable to attend local in-person sessions, or those already meeting physical activity guidelines may not receive additional benefit.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could help girls develop lasting exercise habits and lower their long-term risk for chronic diseases.

How similar studies have performed: The team’s prior R21 pilot showed promising improvements in mother–daughter activity after a 12-week program, but a larger randomized trial with objective monitoring is still needed.

Where this research is happening

SAN DIEGO, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Chronic Disease

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.