Promoting family physical activity through social identity formation
Official title: "We Are an Active Family": Promoting Child Physical Activity Through Social Identity Formation in the Family System
Run by University of Victoria · NCT05794789 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 6 Years to 12 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 148 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Victoria Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Vancouver, British Columbia and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 10, 2023 |
| Main results expected | March 31, 2026 |
| Study ends | March 31, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | April 3, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT05794789 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include families with at least one child aged 6 to 12 years who currently engage in less than 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per day.
✕Probably not a fit
Families with children who already meet the physical activity guidelines of 60 minutes per day 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 aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a family-based intervention that focuses on forming a social identity around physical activity to increase children's moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Families will be assigned to either an identity formation condition, which includes education and planning, or a standard education and planning condition. The primary outcome will be the level of child MVPA measured at six months, with secondary outcomes including health-related fitness and the role of parental support. The study will also explore potential differences based on intergenerational, seasonal, or sex factors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could lead to increased physical activity levels in children, potentially reducing the risk of childhood obesity and type 2 diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using social identity formation in family systems is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in promoting physical activity through family engagement.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Participants will be at least one parent with at least one child between the ages of 6 and 12 years. * Families (parents and/or guardians and children) residing in Greater Victoria, Nanaimo, Ladysmith, Duncan, Vancouver, Richmond, Surrey, Burnaby, British Columbia. * Children that participate in \<60 minutes/day of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) Exclusion Criteria: * If child is meeting the current physical activity guidelines \>=60 minutes a day of moderate to vigorous physical activity per day. * If participant does not pass Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PARQ)
Where it's running
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Behavioural Medicine Lab, University of Victoria
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada Recruiting -
Psychology of Exercise, Health, and Physical Activity (PEHPA) Laboratory, University of British Columbia
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Not yet recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Ryan Rhodes, PhD — University of Victoria
- Study coordinator: Evie Streight, MSc.
- Email: bml@uvic.ca
- Phone: 250 472 5288
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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Examining how family habits can improve children's physical activity
This study tests whether changing family habits can help kids be more active and healthier compared to just teaching them about exercise.
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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.