Mothers and teenage daughters respond positively to community-based or home-based physical activity program

(1.) Randsdell et al. (2003). Daughters and mothers exercising together: effects of home-and community-based programs. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 35, 286-296.

Target Group: 13-17 year old adolescent girls and their mothers

Program Name: DAMET (Daughters and Mothers Exercising Together)

Location: United States

Study Objective: To compare the effectiveness of home and community based physical activity interventions that target mothers and daughters to increase physical activity and improve health-related fitness.

Study Design:
- randomized trial; mother-daughter pairs were randomly assigned to the community-based or home-based intervention; each group started with 10 mother-daughter pairs (40 participants total)
- before and after the intervention, amount of daily physical activity was assessed using a validated physical activity questionnaire (Fitnessgram)

Intervention or Program:
- both groups participated in a 12-week intervention; 3 weekly activity sessions each - both groups met for two classroom sessions at beginning of intervention to discuss amounts of physical activity, components of health-related fitness, goal setting, and positive self-talk
- community-based group participated in Instructor-led sessions at a fitness facility at a local university; home-based participants participated in activity session in or close to their home
- instructor-lead sessions for community-based intervention ran approximately 60-75minutes in length and included warm-up, aerobic activity, weight training, stretching and abdominal activities.
- the home-based intervention group received a detailed packet containing a calendar of recommended activities, pictures of various activities and stretches, and tips for overcoming barriers; these activities were very similar to the activities of the community-based group
- home-based intervention group were asked to record their activity and send or fax their log book to investigators every two weeks

Impact on Physical Activity:
- participation in various types of physical activity (aerobic, muscular strength, flexibility) increased significantly in mothers and daughters from both groups
- daughters in the community-based and home-based interventions significantly increased their weekly participation in aerobic physical activity (>30minutes of moderate or vigorous activity/ day) by two days per week and one day per week respectively.
- mothers in the community-based and home-based interventions significantly increased their weekly participation in aerobic physical activity ( >30 minutes/day) by 3 days per week, and 2 days per week respectively