Improving physical activity in kindergartens

Combating Physical Inactivity Pandemic by Promoting Physical Fitness Education and Physical Activity-Embedded Curriculum in Kindergartens

NA · The University of Hong Kong · NCT05521490

This study is testing whether adding extra physical activity time in kindergartens can help preschool kids aged 5-6 get fitter and more active.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment3300 (estimated)
Ages5 Years to 6 Years
SexAll
SponsorThe University of Hong Kong (other)
Locations1 site (Hong Kong)
Trial IDNCT05521490 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study examines the effects of a kindergarten-based intervention that involves parents to enhance physical activity and fitness among preschool children aged 5-6 years. It is designed as a two-arm cluster randomized controlled trial where kindergartens are divided into a usual care group and an intervention group. The intervention group will receive an additional 2.5 hours of physical activity per week on top of the standard 30 minutes mandated by the government. Outcomes will be measured at baseline, after 10 months, and at a 16-month follow-up to assess the impact of the enhanced curriculum.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are children aged 5-6 years who can communicate in Chinese and participate in physical activities in a standard kindergarten setting.

Not a fit: Children with serious diseases, mental illnesses, physical disabilities, or cognitive deficits that limit their ability to participate in physical activities will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve physical activity levels and cardiorespiratory fitness in preschool children, potentially reducing childhood obesity rates.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown success with similar interventions aimed at increasing physical activity in preschool settings, indicating a promising approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria

1. Children aged 5-6 years (limited number of children may be between 4-5 and 6-7 years)
2. Able to communicate in Chinese
3. Able to participate in physical activity in a standard kindergarten setting

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Inherent or serious disease limiting participation in physical activity (e.g., congenital heart disease, pediatric cancer, Down syndrome).
2. Diagnosed mental illness impairing daily behavior and performance (e.g., anxiety disorder, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, psychotic disorders, autism spectrum disorder).
3. Physical disability (e.g., physical handicap, assistive device to walk).
4. Visual or hearing impairment.
5. Cognitive deficit or intellectual disability that requires special care and educational needs (e.g., handicapped children with learning difficulties).

Where this trial is running

Hong Kong

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, Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Childhood Physical Inactivity, Childhood Obesity

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.