Family-Based Physical Activity and Nutrition Intervention Study
The Importance of Early Intervention
A recent study emphasizes the advantages of implementing a family-oriented physical activity and nutrition program. Abnormal changes that contribute to heart disease can begin in childhood. In the United States, approximately one in five children exhibits at least one abnormal cholesterol level. Research indicates that many adults with heart disease may have had untreated cholesterol issues during their childhood. Establishing a solid foundation of physical activity and nutrition in early childhood may help prevent heart disease later in life.
Research Overview
Researchers from the University of Eastern Finland explored the effects of a personalized, family-centered physical activity and nutrition plan on low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels in children. LDL cholesterol, often referred to as ‘bad’ cholesterol, is associated with an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. The findings, published in the European Journal of Nutrition, come from a two-year follow-up study involving over 500 Finnish children aged 6 to 8 years.
Study Design
The Physical Activity and Nutrition Study in Children (PANIC) divided participants into two groups: an intervention group and a control group. The control group received verbal and written guidance on physical activity and nutrition without any active intervention, while the intervention group participated in six counseling sessions focused on physical activity and nutrition over the two-year period. Each session addressed specific topics such as reducing screen time, minimizing sedentary behavior, increasing physical activity, and providing nutritional advice. Families received fact sheets, information about local exercise opportunities, some exercise equipment for indoor use, and encouragement to engage in after-school physical activities. Each family benefited from tailored counseling sessions.
Results of the Intervention
The lifestyle intervention led to a decrease in plasma LDL cholesterol levels within the intervention group, unlike the control group. A significant finding was that increasing the intake of high-fat vegetable oil spreads while reducing butter-based spreads played a crucial role in lowering LDL cholesterol. Additionally, a reduction in dietary fat and an increase in physical activity contributed to this decrease in ‘bad’ cholesterol.
Future Research Directions
The study underscores the need for future research to focus on enhancing the quality of dietary fats and promoting greater amounts of physical activity rather than merely increasing intensity. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends regular cholesterol monitoring for all children to identify those with abnormal cholesterol levels. Implementing individualized physical activity and nutrition plans within local healthcare services could be a proactive measure to prevent the onset of heart disease in the long term.
References
Cdc.gov. 2020. [online] Available at: [Accessed 4 June 2020].
Daniels, S., Arnett, D., Eckel, R., Gidding, S., Hayman, L., Kumanyika, S., Robinson, T., Scott, B., St. Jeor, S., and Williams, C., 2005. Overweight in Children and Adolescents. Circulation, 111(15), pp.1999-2012.
Eloranta, A., Sallinen, T., Viitasalo, A., Lintu, N., Väistö, J., Jalkanen, H., Tompuri, T., Soininen, S., Haapala, E., Kiiskinen, S., Schnurr, T., Kilpeläinen, T., Mikkonen, S., Savonen, K., Atalay, M., Brage, S., Laaksonen, D., Lindi, V., Ågren, J., Schwab, U., Jääskeläinen, J., and Lakka, T., 2020. The effects of a 2-year physical activity and dietary intervention on plasma lipid concentrations in children: the PANIC Study. European Journal of Nutrition.
EurekAlert!. 2020. Dietary And Physical Activity Intervention Reduces LDL Cholesterol Level In Children. [online] Available at: [Accessed 4 June 2020].