Promoting Healthy Weight and Nutrition Among Children with Developmental Disabilities: A Pilot of the Families-in-Motion Community-Based Intervention

INTRODUCTION: We developed, implemented, and evaluated Families-In-Motion (FIM), a pilot community-based intervention for children with developmental disabilities and their families to promote weight loss, improve nutrition, and increase family interaction.

METHODS: Children ages 6 to 12 with developmental disabilities and their parents living in western Los Angeles County were eligible. FIM was offered twice weekly for 12 weeks and consisted of adaptive physical activity, nutrition and fitness education, and cooking demonstrations. Participant weight, body mass index (BMI), and abdominal girth were measured pre and post intervention. Data on nutritional intake and family interaction were collected.

RESULTS: Ten families completed the program, with 8 overweight and 2 non-overweight children. Children who were overweight decreased their average BMI by 0.47. Average overall loss in abdominal girth was 0.4 inches (range 1 - 4 inches). Half of parents lost weight (range 0.5 - 4 pounds). Among parents with decreased abdominal girth, the average loss was 1.4 inches.

In addition, children decreased consumption of calorie-dense foods (p=0.08) and parents showed increased confidence in their childre's ability to eat balanced diets (p=0.02). Water intake increased significantly among child participants (p=0.008). In addition, families reported spending significantly more fun time together (e.g., playing sports) (p=0.008).

CONCLUSIONS: Participants in the FIM program lost weight and BMI. Families reported significantly improved nutrition and family interaction, demonstrating the feasibility of a community-based intervention for children with developmental disabilities and their families. Additional research should include larger, controlled trials to further demonstrate efficacy.