Progress 10/01/18 to 09/30/19
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416): Perform research and establish research subawards as deemed appropriate, that addresses the cause and effects of obesity and obesity related disorders as well as develop and evaluate strategies to prevent obesity and obesity related diseases. A research plan encompassing the specific research described below is authorized. This research is to be accomplished over a multi-year period as resources are available. Project 1. Determine the "Effects of Obesity on Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, and Cardiometabolic Health in African American and White Children and Adolescents" Objective 1. Determine the effect of severe obesity on physical activity, sedentary behavior, and cardiometabolic risk factors during childhood and adolescence and whether these associations are modified by race. Objective 2. Investigate the contribution of (total, regional, and depot- specific) fat accumulation on changes in physical activity, sedentary behavior, and cardiometabolic risk factors during childhood and adolescence. Objective 3. Determine barriers and facilitators of physical activity that are related to obesity, including environmental and socio-emotional factors. Project 2. Determine the "Relationship of Physical Activity and Diet with Socio-Demographic, Environmental, and Metabolic Factors in Arkansas Public School Children" Objective 1. Characterize the amounts and types of physical activities AR children engage in, and the types and quantities of selected foods they consume, to evaluate the relationship of these activities to BMI. Objective 2. Characterize the activity-related household, environmental and sociodemographic variables that could potentially affect children's physical activity and obesity levels. Objective 3. Measure physical activity (PA), physical fitness (PF), and metabolic variables in a subsample of 7-10 year old Arkansas children to determine the impact of PA and PF per se, independent of obesity status, on overall metabolic health. Project 3. Accomplish research focusing on "An After-school Program for Preventing Obesity in Under-resourced Minority Children" Objective 1. Measure knowledge, skills, and self-efficacy in children aged 8-14 years gained from the SPARK Plus Program in a 4 month intervention, followed by another 6 months of follow-up through use of pre/post validated youth instruments to measure diet, physical activity, and other relevant endpoints, along with anthropometric indicators and blood pressure. Objective 2. Assess the impact of SPARK Plus on physical activity and food choices in children from the target population. Objective 3. Assess the impact of the parental engagement component on children's food behaviors, activity levels and weight. Approach (from AD-416): USDA-ARS and Baylor College of Medicine are both interested in the significant public health problem caused by obesity in the United States. The rise in obesity is the result of multiple factors with different degrees of impact. A clearer understanding is needed in the integrated roles of physical activity, diet and dietary components in energy metabolism, eating behavior and timing, satiety, and health outcomes. Research efforts will be taken that addresses individual variation in maintaining body weight, achieving a healthy body weight, preventing the development of obesity and its related diseases, and other health associated factors. A better understanding is needed of the scientific, social, environmental, and cultural processes that guide people to adopt and sustain healthful food choices, eating behaviors and physical activity patterns in the Lower Mississippi Delta Region and the south central US. To achieve these research objectives, Baylor College of Medicine and as appropriate, in cooperation with specific institutions from the three states of Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi (via the use of subawards), will conduct research associated with addressing the obesity epidemic in the south central U.S. This specifically includes conducting a prospective epidemiological study and necessarily analyses to determine the effect of severe obesity on physical activity, sedentary behavior, and cardiometabolic risk factors among African American and White children and adolescents; identify and test key socio-demographic, environmental and other factors that influence activity levels and sedentary behaviors in children that potentially affect their physical fitness and subsequent metabolic health and design a more in-depth surveys; and evaluate the effectiveness of using a research-based physical activity program, (SPARK) that will be combined with nutrition education and parental involvement components with the goal of reducing weight gain and obesity related risk factors. Project 1: Data cleaning and analysis of the baseline (Year 0) data were completed, and a final baseline dataset and data dictionary were made available to all investigators in October 2018. Since the final dataset was available, 11 oral or poster presentations have been accepted and delivered at various scientific conferences and seminars within the U.S. and internationally. Three scientific peer-reviewed manuscripts that utilize the baseline data are in review/revision at academic journals, and several more are in development. One pilot project has been submitted for funding using baseline data. There are three ancillary studies that have been completed or are ongoing during this year that have supported junior investigators. The first study included 30 of the participants and successfully completed ancillary baseline measures of cardiorespiratory fitness and food intake. The ancillary study has now completed three of the follow-up visits and is ongoing. The second ancillary study involved qualitative data collection using interviews among a sub-set of parents of TIGER Kids participants, and manuscripts are currently being written from the results. The third ancillary study is currently analyzing baseline data, including telomere length in the archived blood samples from baseline visits. Analysis of baseline samples will be completed by June 2019. The data obtained from this ancillary study will serve as the basis of a PhD dissertation. Project 2: This year we have completed the data collection of all direct measures of physical fitness, physical activity, diet, and metabolic health in a sample of 226 children. We have completed analysis for Medical History, School Demographics, Sleep History, Neighborhood and Home Environment Survey Data, National Survey of Children's Health, and Youth Risk Behavior Survey, Neighborhood, Nutritional data, Physical Activity Questionnaire, and accelerometer data in our cross-sectional cohort of 226 children. We have generated several test versions of the individual parent reports using an automated process, and we are currently in the process of finalizing the format of these reports. The programming codes to analyze anthropometric, physical fitness and metabolic measures have been completed. Several of the analyses of blood samples have been completed (e.g., glucose, insulin, some lipoproteins, etc.), while several others are ongoing or pending (e.g., sex hormones and other hormones, immune markers, complete lipid panel, etc.). Analyses of urine and stool samples are also pending. We added a "home school" cohort of children that was not included in the original study design. They are included in the total sample of 226 participants (199 traditional school children; 27 home schooled children). Sub-analyses by traditional school vs home school for all variables are being created now. Multiple manuscripts are under development. Project 3: For Objective 1, this study designed to evaluate the effectiveness of the SPARK PLUS Intervention in the Big Buddy After- school Program involved children and one parent/guardian of these enrolled children. The pre/post trial included two Big Buddy Program sites enrolling youth ages 8-14 years of age. The curriculum included nutrition education, physical activity and a container garden activity. During the 90-minute intervention sessions, nutrition education content was alternated with the physical activity routine. Control children received the "Healthy Children: Healthy Futures Handbook" which is a collection of information on health, safety and coping information. Our research team experienced several challenges in year three of the project which impacted the implementation of the project. One intervention program site withdrew from the Big Buddy Program. The program sites were reduced to two intervention program sites and one control program site. Implementation of the intervention curriculum continued in Year 3. For Objective 2, the implementation activities continued and focused on the evaluation of the impact of the nutrition and physical activity curriculum in children 8-14 years of age developed in Objective 1. All data collection instruments were used to evaluate the study endpoints of diet and physical activity behaviors. Pre/post data are being prepared for statistical analysis For Objective 3, the implementation activities continued for The SPARK PLUS parent engagement component integrating electronic communication which encourages parents to model healthy eating and a physically active lifestyle. SPARK PLUS ONLINE was implemented using the Moodle online learning management system. The project retention strategies were implemented in order to retain parent involvement. Accomplishments 01 Blood pressure and fitness in children. Elevated blood pressure, an important risk factor for heart problems, is becoming more prevalent in children. Cooperating researchers in Little Rock, Arkansas (via a sub- agreement with Baylor College of Medicine Houston, Texas) conducted a study in children 7 to 10 years old who underwent peak fitness testing, and found that among children with obesity, those with lower fitness were 8 times more likely to have elevated blood pressure, and in normal weight children diastolic blood pressure was higher among those with lower fitness. The results support that physical activity and fitness is beneficially associated with heart health independent of obesity status in children. These findings are important for parents, schools, and the health care system, as the data support the importance of encouraging physical activity in young children. 02 Cardiovascular health and platelet mitochondrial function. Functional mitochondria serve as the powerhouse of cells and researchers have found that the mitochondrial function of specific tissues such as skeletal muscle is affected by obesity status yet studying this in children is difficult due to the invasiveness of tissue biopsies. Cooperating researchers in Little Rock, Arkansas (via a sub-agreement with Baylor College of Medicine Houston, Texas) conducted studies of mitochondria function in circulating platelets (small cell fragments in the blood) of children 7 to 10 years of age. The capacity that enables the production of energy in response to cellular stress of platelet mitochondria was higher among children with obesity. Also, fat oxidation and maximal respiration of platelet mitochondria increased as blood pressure and abdominal obesity increased. These results provide new knowledge about this critical cell component in relationship to obesity and can help better design interventions to prevent or treat obesity in children. These results are important for researchers as they work towards discovering the processes underlying development of obesity and the body's responses to obesity.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
|
Progress 10/01/17 to 09/30/18
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416): Perform research and establish research subawards as deemed appropriate, that addresses the cause and effects of obesity and obesity related disorders as well as develop and evaluate strategies to prevent obesity and obesity related diseases. A research plan encompassing the specific research described below is authorized. This research is to be accomplished over a multi-year period as resources are available. Project 1. Determine the "Effects of Obesity on Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, and Cardiometabolic Health in African American and White Children and Adolescents" Objective 1. Determine the effect of severe obesity on physical activity, sedentary behavior, and cardiometabolic risk factors during childhood and adolescence and whether these associations are modified by race. Objective 2. Investigate the contribution of (total, regional, and depot- specific) fat accumulation on changes in physical activity, sedentary behavior, and cardiometabolic risk factors during childhood and adolescence. Objective 3. Determine barriers and facilitators of physical activity that are related to obesity, including environmental and socio-emotional factors. Project 2. Determine the "Relationship of Physical Activity and Diet with Socio-Demographic, Environmental, and Metabolic Factors in Arkansas Public School Children" Objective 1. Characterize the amounts and types of physical activities AR children engage in, and the types and quantities of selected foods they consume, to evaluate the relationship of these activities to BMI. Objective 2. Characterize the activity-related household, environmental and sociodemographic variables that could potentially affect children's physical activity and obesity levels. Objective 3. Measure physical activity (PA), physical fitness (PF), and metabolic variables in a subsample of 7-10 year old Arkansas children to determine the impact of PA and PF per se, independent of obesity status, on overall metabolic health. Project 3. Accomplish research focusing on "An After-school Program for Preventing Obesity in Under-resourced Minority Children" Objective 1. Measure knowledge, skills, and self-efficacy in children aged 8-14 years gained from the SPARK Plus Program in a 4 month intervention, followed by another 6 months of follow-up through use of pre/post validated youth instruments to measure diet, physical activity, and other relevant endpoints, along with anthropometric indicators and blood pressure. Objective 2. Assess the impact of SPARK Plus on physical activity and food choices in children from the target population. Objective 3. Assess the impact of the parental engagement component on children's food behaviors, activity levels and weight. Approach (from AD-416): USDA-ARS and Baylor College of Medicine are both interested in the significant public health problem caused by obesity in the United States. The rise in obesity is the result of multiple factors with different degrees of impact. A clearer understanding is needed in the integrated roles of physical activity, diet and dietary components in energy metabolism, eating behavior and timing, satiety, and health outcomes. Research efforts will be taken that addresses individual variation in maintaining body weight, achieving a healthy body weight, preventing the development of obesity and its related diseases, and other health associated factors. A better understanding is needed of the scientific, social, environmental, and cultural processes that guide people to adopt and sustain healthful food choices, eating behaviors and physical activity patterns in the Lower Mississippi Delta Region and the south central US. To achieve these research objectives, Baylor College of Medicine and as appropriate, in cooperation with specific institutions from the three states of Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi (via the use of subawards), will conduct research associated with addressing the obesity epidemic in the south central U.S. This specifically includes conducting a prospective epidemiological study and necessarily analyses to determine the effect of severe obesity on physical activity, sedentary behavior, and cardiometabolic risk factors among African American and White children and adolescents; identify and test key socio-demographic, environmental and other factors that influence activity levels and sedentary behaviors in children that potentially affect their physical fitness and subsequent metabolic health and design a more in-depth surveys; and evaluate the effectiveness of using a research-based physical activity program, (SPARK) that will be combined with nutrition education and parental involvement components with the goal of reducing weight gain and obesity related risk factors. Project 1: The focus of the past year was completing recruitment of the study participants, which involved significant outreach to the community through a variety of means as described below. The team also completed 99% of the Year 0 visits with the final visits scheduled to occur by early August 2018, thereby completing enrollment of our full sample of 340 participants. With the preliminary data, the Project Lead presented an oral symposium at the International Society of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity in Hong Kong in June 2018. Three scientific abstracts were also accepted and will be presented at The Obesity Society's annual conference in Nashville in November 2018. Finally, an abstract was submitted to the Society of Clinical Research Associates' annual conference. Our team delivered interactive presentations to local schools that educated youth on pediatric obesity, physical activity promotion, and careers in scientific research, with interactive physical activity demonstrations. Flyers were distributed to all health and physical education classes in the city and flyers, email listservs, and website posts were distributed by the East Baton Rouge school system, Zachary school system, and several independent schools. Interactive presentations were given to all children at Louisiana State University summer camps and YMCA summer camps, including over 25 camps and approximately 2,500 children. The study was presented to over 2,000 students at a local LSU agricultural event and to local Boy Scout and Girl Scout Troops and two local 5K events. Additional outreach activities included emails sent to over 26,000 people in the community to inform them of the study. Paid advertisements were placed on social media and in Baton Rouge Parents� Magazine, and staff attended monthly youth nights at libraries to promote children's physical activity. Articles on strategies to increase children's physical activity were posted to two local parent blogs. The Project Lead participated in several interviews on children�s physical activity promotion and obesity prevention for the local media, including local TV stations and the Louisiana Public Radio Network, which distributes content state-wide. The Project Lead presented on childhood obesity treatment and physical activity promotion to the pediatric residents with a local hospital group, several pediatricians' offices, and 4 pediatric dentist offices. Project 2: To date, we have completed all secondary analyses related to the two national surveys (the National Survey of Children�s Health and The Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System). Key socio-demographic, environmental and other factors that influence activity levels and sedentary behaviors in children that potentially affect their physical fitness and subsequent metabolic health were identified and tested. A corresponding manuscript is being prepared for journal submission. We have also completed designing a more in-depth lifestyle survey of key candidate obesity-contributing factors and administer(ing) that survey in a sample (n=200) of 7-10 year old pre-pubescent children. We will complete data collection of direct measures of physical fitness and metabolic health in the same sample of 7-10 year old children by the end of August 2018. The final year of the study will focus on the remaining objectives outlined in the research project plan. Project 3: For Objective 1, the Southern University A&M College project team experienced several challenges in implementing year two of the project which impacted the proposed starting dates of several activities for this period. There was a reduction in the number of Big Buddy After- school Program Sites for the academic year which affected the recruitment goals. Big Buddy Program staff and Project staff were trained to conduct the physical activity routine by a certified SPARK consultant. After screening, eligible subjects were enrolled in the study following completion of the informed consent and assent form. Baseline data were collected following training of Project staff using the data collection training manual. Demographic data were collected at baseline. The baseline assessment included food intake (24-hour recall), anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, and physical activity (accelerometer). This study designed to evaluate the effectiveness of the SPARK PLUS Intervention in the Big Buddy After-school Program involved children and one parent/guardian of these enrolled children. The pre/post trial included four Big Buddy Program sites enrolling youth ages 8-14 years of age. The anticipated number of program sites was reduced due to a reduction in the number of participating Big Buddy After-school Program sites. Four program sites were randomized into Intervention (3 sites) and Control (1 site). The intervention curriculum includes nutrition education, physical activity and a container garden activity. During the 90-minute intervention sessions, nutrition education content was alternated with the physical activity routine. Control children received the "Healthy Children: Healthy Futures Handbook" which is a collection of information on health, safety and coping information. In Objective 2, the ongoing activities are focused on the evaluation of the impact of the nutrition and physical activity curriculum in children 8-14 years of age developed in Objective 1. All data collection instruments were used to evaluate the study endpoints of diet and physical activity behaviors. In Objective 3, the SPARK PLUS parent engagement component integrating electronic communication was implemented which encourages parents to model healthy eating and a physically active lifestyle. SPARK PLUS ONLINE was implemented using the Moodle online learning management system. The SU Project Team anticipates challenges during the next period related to retention of study participants in order to complete the post 6-month follow-up assessment. Consequently, the retention strategies where appropriate will be aggressively followed as outlined in the Project Proposal. Periodic meetings will be held with the Big Buddy Program staff to assist with student retention and to encourage parent participation to completion.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
|
Progress 10/01/16 to 09/30/17
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416): Perform research and establish research subawards as deemed appropriate, that addresses the cause and effects of obesity and obesity related disorders as well as develop and evaluate strategies to prevent obesity and obesity related diseases. A research plan encompassing the specific research described below is authorized. This research is to be accomplished over a multi-year period as resources are available. Project 1. Determine the "Effects of Obesity on Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, and Cardiometabolic Health in African American and White Children and Adolescents" Objective 1. Determine the effect of severe obesity on physical activity, sedentary behavior, and cardiometabolic risk factors during childhood and adolescence and whether these associations are modified by race. Objective 2. Investigate the contribution of (total, regional, and depot- specific) fat accumulation on changes in physical activity, sedentary behavior, and cardiometabolic risk factors during childhood and adolescence. Objective 3. Determine barriers and facilitators of physical activity that are related to obesity, including environmental and socio-emotional factors. Project 2. Determine the "Relationship of Physical Activity and Diet with Socio-Demographic, Environmental, and Metabolic Factors in Arkansas Public School Children" Objective 1. Characterize the amounts and types of physical activities AR children engage in, and the types and quantities of selected foods they consume, to evaluate the relationship of these activities to BMI. Objective 2. Characterize the activity-related household, environmental and sociodemographic variables that could potentially affect children's physical activity and obesity levels. Objective 3. Measure physical activity (PA), physical fitness (PF), and metabolic variables in a subsample of 7-10 year old Arkansas children to determine the impact of PA and PF per se, independent of obesity status, on overall metabolic health. Project 3. Accomplish research focusing on "An After-school Program for Preventing Obesity in Under-resourced Minority Children" Objective 1. Measure knowledge, skills, and self-efficacy in children aged 8-14 years gained from the SPARK Plus Program in a 4 month intervention, followed by another 6 months of follow-up through use of pre/post validated youth instruments to measure diet, physical activity, and other relevant endpoints, along with anthropometric indicators and blood pressure. Objective 2. Assess the impact of SPARK Plus on physical activity and food choices in children from the target population. Objective 3. Assess the impact of the parental engagement component on children's food behaviors, activity levels and weight. Approach (from AD-416): USDA-ARS and Baylor College of Medicine are both interested in the significant public health problem caused by obesity in the United States. The rise in obesity is the result of multiple factors with different degrees of impact. A clearer understanding is needed in the integrated roles of physical activity, diet and dietary components in energy metabolism, eating behavior and timing, satiety, and health outcomes. Research efforts will be taken that addresses individual variation in maintaining body weight, achieving a healthy body weight, preventing the development of obesity and its related diseases, and other health associated factors. A better understanding is needed of the scientific, social, environmental, and cultural processes that guide people to adopt and sustain healthful food choices, eating behaviors and physical activity patterns in the Lower Mississippi Delta Region and the south central US. To achieve these research objectives, Baylor College of Medicine and as appropriate, in cooperation with specific institutions from the three states of Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi (via the use of subawards), will conduct research associated with addressing the obesity epidemic in the south central U.S. This specifically includes conducting a prospective epidemiological study and necessarily analyses to determine the effect of severe obesity on physical activity, sedentary behavior, and cardiometabolic risk factors among African American and White children and adolescents; identify and test key socio-demographic, environmental and other factors that influence activity levels and sedentary behaviors in children that potentially affect their physical fitness and subsequent metabolic health and design a more in-depth surveys; and evaluate the effectiveness of using a research-based physical activity program, (SPARK) that will be combined with nutrition education and parental involvement components with the goal of reducing weight gain and obesity related risk factors. Project 1: The focus of the past year was on the recruitment of the study participants, which involved significant outreach to the community through a variety of means as described below. In addition to recruitment, we also conducted detailed baseline assessment visits on 166 children. Our team delivered interactive presentations to 11 local schools that educated youth on pediatric obesity, physical activity promotion, and careers in scientific research, with interactive physical activity demonstrations. Flyers were distributed to all health and P.E. classes, as well as to school nurses during their annual training sessions. Flyers, email listservs, and website posts were conducted by the East Baton Rouge school system and Zachary school system. Interactive presentations were given to all children at Louisiana State University summer camps and YMCA summer camps. These presentations covered over 25 camps and reached approximately 2,500 children. The study was presented to over 2,000 students at a local agricultural event hosted by Louisiana State University as well as to local Boy Scout and Girl Scout Troops and two local 5K events. Additional outreach activities included three emails sent to over 26,000 community residents to inform them of the study and invite their participation. Paid advertisements were placed on social media and in Baton Rouge Parents' Magazine, and flyers were placed at all local public libraries, and staff attended monthly youth nights to promote children's physical activity. Articles on strategies to increase children's physical activity were posted to the Baton Rouge Mom's blog and Red Stick Mom's blog. The Project Lead participated in several interviews on children's physical activity promotion and obesity prevention for the local media, including 7 earned news stories on 3 local TV stations and the Louisiana Public Radio Network, which distributes content state-wide. The Project Lead presented on childhood obesity treatment and physical activity promotion to the pediatric residents with a local hospital group, several pediatricians' offices, and 4 pediatric dentist offices, and distributed resources and flyers through local pediatricians' offices. Large posters and signs were posted in pediatrician waiting rooms and exam rooms. The Project Lead also presented on childhood obesity and the study to 100 local community leaders at the Pennington Biomedical Scientific Dinner series. Project 2: For Objective 1, and the secondary data for Objective 2, we obtained the National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH) and Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) data and compiled descriptive profiles of the populations under study. The profiles include frequency distributions of demographic, physical activity, and sedentary behavior variables by state (Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana) and year, overall and broken out by obese and non-obese categories. All analyses were conducted and accounted for the complex survey designs. Results were summarized and circulated to study investigators for discussion. Using software obtained specifically for this project, we used models to determine the predictors and correlates of obesity in Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana children. Our research findings are permitting the development of a peer- review manuscript. For Objective 3, and primary data for objective 2, we established and tested all biological sampling procedures and lab measurements, including strength tests to be measured with a dynamometer. The protocol was approved by the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Institutional Review Board and the use of DXA (Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry) was approved by the Arkansas Department of Health. In addition, questionnaires were selected and/or developed to collect behavioral and environmental data to determine whether these factors modify the effects of physical activity on fitness and metabolic health. Existing instruments include questions from the NSCH and YRBS, the Block Food Screener for Ages 2-17, and the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire. The Medical History, School Demographics, Neighborhood and Home Environment, and Activity Questionnaires were all developed by our team using selected scales and variables identified in the literature. Data for Objectives 2 and 3 will be collected and managed using Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) hosted by the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Translational Research Institute (NCATS/NIH Grant UL1 RR029884). This year, we built and tested a complex REDCap database featuring a streamlined process from subject recruitment to study exit. Study forms were organized in a longitudinal database to allow multiple forms to be used at different time points for each participant. Upon the completion of the REDCap database, two volunteers in our target age range completed a trial run of the lab visit to test the protocol and study instruments. Subject recruitment is in process. The first subject will be measured in June. Project 3: Following full activation of the project in July 2016, activities were initiated for implementation of project objectives. This included receipt of The Institutional Review Board (IRB) for Protection of Human Subjects approval, recruitment of project staff, and meetings with Big Buddy Program staff. For Objective 1, the team prepared the: children's nutrition education and physical activity curriculum; SPARK (Sports, Play and Active Recreation for Kids) Plus parent engagement component; curriculum manuals for the control group parents and children; manual of procedures; and the healthy lifestyles promoter manual. Study questionnaires and forms were modified and pretested. Training of project staff included collection of study information and curriculum implementation. The schedule of data collection and data entry system were established. Project equipment was purchased. A research subaward was initiated with a vendor to conduct SPARK physical activity training of project research staff and Big Buddy Program staff. Project staff completed recruitment, screening, and selection of study participants for the pilot/preliminary study. The pilot/preliminary study was conducted for 4 weeks to evaluate study procedures. Data were collected at three assessment periods, at baseline, four weeks post-intervention, and one month following the intervention. Project staff is reconciling pilot study data and revisions are being made to all training and curriculum manuals. In Objective 2, the activities implemented focused on the evaluation of the impact of the nutrition and physical activity curriculum in children 8-14 years of age developed in Objective 1. All data collection instruments were used to evaluate the study endpoints of diet and physical activity behaviors. For Objective 3, activities focused on the preparation of the SPARK Plus parent engagement component which encourages parents to model healthy eating and a physically active lifestyle. Parent engagement sessions, including empowerment activities, were held during the four week pilot study with a one-month follow-up. This component integrated technology including text messaging using the cell phone, smartphone apps and traditional newsletters. Investigators established the SPARK Plus Virtual Classroom using the Moodle online learning management system with the assistance of the Southern University Division of Information Technology. Revisions are being made to the Parents Engagement curriculum. Our project team anticipates several challenges during the next period of recruitment and retention of study participants. Consequently, the Recruitment Plan will be aggressively followed as outlined in the project plan. Meetings will be held with school principals and staff in July and August in order to encourage parent participation to completion.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
|
Progress 10/01/15 to 09/30/16
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416): Perform research and establish research subawards as deemed appropriate, that addresses the cause and effects of obesity and obesity related disorders as well as develop and evaluate strategies to prevent obesity and obesity related diseases. A research plan encompassing the specific research described below is authorized. This research is to be accomplished over a multi-year period as resources are available. Project 1. Determine the "Effects of Obesity on Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, and Cardiometabolic Health in African American and White Children and Adolescents" Objective 1. Determine the effect of severe obesity on physical activity, sedentary behavior, and cardiometabolic risk factors during childhood and adolescence and whether these associations are modified by race. Objective 2. Investigate the contribution of (total, regional, and depot- specific) fat accumulation on changes in physical activity, sedentary behavior, and cardiometabolic risk factors during childhood and adolescence. Objective 3. Determine barriers and facilitators of physical activity that are related to obesity, including environmental and socio-emotional factors. Project 2. Determine the "Relationship of Physical Activity and Diet with Socio-Demographic, Environmental, and Metabolic Factors in Arkansas Public School Children" Objective 1. Characterize the amounts and types of physical activities AR children engage in, and the types and quantities of selected foods they consume, to evaluate the relationship of these activities to BMI. Objective 2. Characterize the activity-related household, environmental and sociodemographic variables that could potentially affect children's physical activity and obesity levels. Objective 3. Measure physical activity (PA), physical fitness (PF), and metabolic variables in a subsample of 7-10 year old Arkansas children to determine the impact of PA and PF per se, independent of obesity status, on overall metabolic health. Project 3. Accomplish research focusing on "An After-school Program for Preventing Obesity in Under-resourced Minority Children" Objective 1. Measure knowledge, skills, and self-efficacy in children aged 8-14 years gained from the SPARK Plus Program in a 4 month intervention, followed by another 6 months of follow-up through use of pre/post validated youth instruments to measure diet, physical activity, and other relevant endpoints, along with anthropometric indicators and blood pressure. Objective 2. Assess the impact of SPARK Plus on physical activity and food choices in children from the target population. Objective 3. Assess the impact of the parental engagement component on children's food behaviors, activity levels and weight. Approach (from AD-416): USDA-ARS and Baylor College of Medicine are both interested in the significant public health problem caused by obesity in the United States. The rise in obesity is the result of multiple factors with different degrees of impact. A clearer understanding is needed in the integrated roles of physical activity, diet and dietary components in energy metabolism, eating behavior and timing, satiety, and health outcomes. Research efforts will be taken that addresses individual variation in maintaining body weight, achieving a healthy body weight, preventing the development of obesity and its related diseases, and other health associated factors. A better understanding is needed of the scientific, social, environmental, and cultural processes that guide people to adopt and sustain healthful food choices, eating behaviors and physical activity patterns in the Lower Mississippi Delta Region and the south central US. To achieve these research objectives, Baylor College of Medicine and as appropriate, in cooperation with specific institutions from the three states of Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi (via the use of subawards), will conduct research associated with addressing the obesity epidemic in the south central U.S. This specifically includes conducting a prospective epidemiological study and necessarily analyses to determine the effect of severe obesity on physical activity, sedentary behavior, and cardiometabolic risk factors among African American and White children and adolescents; identify and test key socio-demographic, environmental and other factors that influence activity levels and sedentary behaviors in children that potentially affect their physical fitness and subsequent metabolic health and design a more in-depth surveys; and evaluate the effectiveness of using a research-based physical activity program, (SPARK) that will be combined with nutrition education and parental involvement components with the goal of reducing weight gain and obesity related risk factors. Project 1: This report only covers three months due to delays in subcontracts. The protocol and survey instruments were developed and finalized, IRB approved the study, and recruitment efforts are underway. Recruitment reached over 20,000 local residents in our email listserv, and additional marketing/outreach activities are scheduled. Thus far, 44 participants were scheduled for Orientation and 4 completed baseline visit. Our activities have focused on recruitment initiatives. The following is an example of the presentations that have been made to recruit for the study, with more scheduled in the coming months. Childhood obesity initiatives, Junior League of Baton Rouge, March, 2016: Junior League meeting to select a Collective Impact theme to focus volunteer and fundraising efforts which occurred at the East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Participants included Junior League members including local residents, community leaders, and mothers and a presentation was provided on evidence-based community strategies to prevent obesity. The Junior League selected the childhood obesity theme as their Collective Impact topic and will work with the Pennington Biomedical theme to identify community strategies for the prevention of childhood obesity. This is an ongoing recruiting opportunity for the study. Building a toolbox to combat childhood obesity. Region 9 Healthy Communities Coalition, March, 2016: Participation at a monthly meeting of the Healthy Communities Coalition in Hammond Permits Building, Hammond, Louisiana. Those in attendance included state and community leaders including from the Department of Health, universities, and non-profit organizations in the health sector. A presentation on prevalence of severe obesity and evidence-based community strategies to tackle obesity was provided and this was a recruiting opportunity for the study. Recruiting Presentation, May and July, 2016, Recruiting and informational meeting to educate community leaders on the study (TIGER Kids) held at Pennington Biomedical Research Center and Lee High School. Those in attendance included the director of the Baton Rouge Health District and the principal of Lee High School and Baton Rouge High School. We provided study flyers and recruitment materials. Our relationships represent significant recruiting opportunities, youth involvement in the research trial, and future dissemination opportunities related to physical activity promotion and screen-time reduction. Project 2: Our project period has only really just begun (one month). Work has been started on all components of Objective 1. We have also initiated work on building the data collection database for Objective 3. Project 3: Our project was only recently established and has been in placed for approximately one month. University campus activation is ongoing.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
|
Progress 10/01/14 to 09/30/15
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416): Perform research and establish research subawards as deemed appropriate, that addresses the cause and effects of obesity and obesity related disorders as well as develop and evaluate strategies to prevent obesity and obesity related diseases. Approach (from AD-416): USDA-ARS and Baylor College of Medicine are both interested in the significant public health problem caused by obesity in the United States. The rise in obesity is the result of multiple factors with different degrees of impact. A clearer understanding is needed in the integrated roles of physical activity, diet and dietary components in energy metabolism, eating behavior and timing, satiety, and health outcomes. Research efforts will be taken that addresses individual variation in maintaining body weight, achieving a healthy body weight, preventing the development of obesity and its related diseases, and other health associated factors. A better understanding is needed of the scientific, social, environmental, and cultural processes that guide people to adopt and sustain healthful food choices, eating behaviors and physical activity patterns in the Lower Mississippi Delta Region and the south central US. To achieve these research objectives, Baylor College of Medicine and as appropriate, in cooperation with specific institutions from the three states of Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi (via the use of subawards), will conduct research associated with addressing the obesity epidemic in the south central U.S. Various university research teams have developed research plans to address obesity prevention in the southern US where obesity is prevalent. These plans are currently undergoing the ARS - Office of Scientific Quality Review (OSQR) for scientific review. More details will be shared in next year's report.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
|
|