Feasibility and Efficacy of the "FUNPALs Playgroup" Intervention to Improve Toddler Dietary and Activity Behaviors: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Authors

Aliye B Cepni
Ashley Taylor
Christine Crumbley
Debbe Thompson
Nancy E Moran
Norma Olvera
Daniel P O'Connor
Katherine R Arlinghaus
Craig A Johnston
Tracey A Ledoux

Publication Date

7-23-2021

Journal

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

DOI

10.3390/ijerph18157828

PMID

34360118

PMCID

PMC8345510

PubMedCentral® Posted Date

7-23-2021

PubMedCentral® Full Text Version

Post-print

Published Open-Access

yes

Keywords

Child, Preschool, Diet, Feasibility Studies, Female, Humans, Infant, Life Style, Male, Nutritional Status, Parenting, Pilot Projects, playgroup, early childhood, obesity prevention, diet, activity

Abstract

This study evaluated the feasibility and effects of the Families Understanding Nutrition and Physically Active Lifestyles (FUNPALs) Playgroup on toddler (12–36-month-old) diet and activity behaviors. Parent–toddler dyads were recruited from disadvantaged communities and randomly assigned to receive 10-weekly sessions of the FUNPALs Playgroup (n = 24) or dose-matched health education control group (n = 26). FUNPALs Playgroups involved physical and snack activities, delivery of health information, and positive parenting coaching. The control group involved group health education for parents only. Process outcomes (e.g., retention rate, fidelity) and focus groups determined feasibility and perceived effects. To evaluate preliminary effects, validated measures of toddler diet (food frequency questionnaire and a carotenoid biomarker), physical activity (PA; accelerometers), general and feeding parenting (self-report surveys), and home environment (phone interview) were collected pre and post. The sample comprised parents (84% female) who self-identified as Hispanic/Latino (38%) and/or African American (32%). Retention was high (78%). Parents from both groups enjoyed the program and perceived improvements in their children’s health behaviors. Objective measures demonstrated improvement with large effects (η2 = 0.29) in toddler diet (p < 0.001) but not PA (p = 0.099). In conclusion, the FUNPALs Playgroup is feasible and may improve toddler eating behaviors.