Promoting family physical activity through social identity formation

"We Are an Active Family": Promoting Child Physical Activity Through Social Identity Formation in the Family System

Not applicable Interventional University of Victoria · NCT05794789

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

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment148 (estimated)
Ages6 Years to 12 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Victoria Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Vancouver, British Columbia and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05794789 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

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.

Not a fit: Families with children who already meet the physical activity guidelines of 60 minutes per day will not benefit from this study.

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 performed: 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.

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 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 this trial is running

Vancouver, British Columbia and 1 other locations

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.
Conditions Physical ActivitySocial IdentityModerate to vigorous physical activityChildhood obesityType 2 DiabetesIdentity formation
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.