Determining the Optimal Amount of Structured Environments for Healthy Kids

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA · Dec 5, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial, titled "Determining the Optimal Amount of Structured Environments for Healthy Kids," is focused on understanding how summer programs, like day camps, can help prevent weight gain in children aged 5 to 12. Research has shown that many children tend to gain weight during the summer months, regardless of their starting weight. This study aims to find out how much time spent in structured summer activities can make a difference in managing children's body weight.

To participate in this study, children must be in grades K-4 at a partner school and qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, which helps identify those from lower-income families. Parents must also agree to let their child participate. However, children with certain disabilities or those who will be changing summer camps or moving during the study period are not eligible. Participants can expect to take part in various summer programs and contribute to important research that may help improve health outcomes for kids in the future.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • k-4th grader in a partner school
• • eligible for free and reduced price lunch (a widely recognized indicator of
• • socioeconomic level and poverty status)
• • parent that indicates "yes' on an informed consent document for participation in the study
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Diagnosis of an intellectual disability, such as Down Syndrome, Fragile X, Fetal Alcohol
• • a physical disability, such as wheelchair use, that prevents the ability to ambulate without assistance.
• • Families who plan to enroll their children in a summer camp or relocate (i.e., move) during the 14-month period that they participate