Examining how family habits can improve children's physical activity
Official title: Promoting Habit Formation in Family Physical Activity
Run by University of Victoria · NCT03145688 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether changing family habits can help kids be more active and healthier compared to just teaching them about exercise.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 6 Years to 12 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 240 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Victoria Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Victoria, British Columbia) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 12, 2017 |
| Main results expected | September 2025 |
| Study ends | December 2025 |
| Registry record updated | April 1, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT03145688 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are parents with children aged 6 to 12 who report low family physical activity and whose children do not meet physical activity guidelines.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who are deemed unsafe to participate in physical activity based on the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire will not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study investigates the impact of habit formation in parents on increasing moderate to vigorous physical activity in their children over a six-month period. It compares a habit formation approach to standard education and planning methods to determine which is more effective in promoting physical activity. The study also explores the effects on child health-related quality of life and fitness outcomes, as well as potential mediating factors such as parental support habits. Additionally, it examines differences in outcomes based on intergenerational, seasonal, or gender factors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved physical activity levels and health outcomes for children.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promise in using habit formation techniques to improve physical activity, suggesting this approach may be effective.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * parents with children between the ages of 6 and 12 years * self-report low family physical activity * target child is not meeting Canada's Physical Activity guidelines Exclusion Criteria: • participant is unsafe to participate in physical activity as determined by answers to the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q)
Where it's running
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Behavioural Medicine Lab, University of Victoria
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Ryan Rhodes, PhD — University of Victoria
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Improving family functioning through physical activity
This study is testing whether different ways of encouraging parents and kids to be active together can improve family relationships and help kids get more exercise.
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Promoting family physical activity through social identity formation
This study is testing a new family program that helps kids be more active by building a sense of togetherness around physical activity to see if it makes a difference in how much exercise they get.
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Helping parents and children be active together
This study tests if helping parents build exercise habits can encourage their young kids, ages 3 to 5, to be more active and see if this also improves family life and well-being.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.