Helping parents and children be active together

Parents and Children Active Together: Examining Motivational, Regulatory, and Habitual Intervention Approaches

NA · University of Victoria · NCT03055871

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.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment240 (estimated)
Ages3 Years to 5 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Victoria (other)
Locations1 site (Victoria, British Columbia)
Trial IDNCT03055871 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study examines how forming physical activity habits in parents can lead to increased moderate to vigorous physical activity in their children aged 3 to 5 years over a six-month period. Participants will be assigned to different conditions, including a habit formation intervention, to assess its effectiveness compared to standard education and planning approaches. The study also explores whether improvements in family functioning and quality of life are associated with increased physical activity. Additionally, it investigates potential differences in outcomes based on gender, season, and intergenerational factors.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include parents of children aged 3 to 5 years who are not currently meeting physical activity guidelines.

Not a fit: Parents of children who already meet the physical activity guidelines may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance physical activity levels in young children, promoting healthier lifestyles from an early age.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using habit formation techniques to improve physical activity, suggesting this approach may be effective.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Participants will be at least one parent with at least one child between the ages of 3 and 5 years. Families will reside in greater Victoria, British Columbia. Parents can be single parents or co-parents (i.e. we only require one parent and one child to participate). Families will be included if they have at least one parent who will participate and one child between the ages of 3 and 5 who is not meeting current physical activity guidelines (\>=60 minutes a day of moderate to vigorous physical activity. There will be no delimitations to the sample based on socio-economic or ethnic variables.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Exclusion Criteria: If child is meeting the current physical activity guidelines \>=60 minutes a day of moderate to vigorous physical activity per day.

Where this trial is running

Victoria, British Columbia

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Physical Activity, Behavioural: Family physical activity habit

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.