Did you know that the majority of kids in Louisiana are not engaging in the recommended amount of physical activity, which puts them at risk for a variety of chronic diseases? As the parent of a child between the ages of 10-12 years at BRCVPA, we want to let you know about a fun, new opportunity for your child to get active! Pennington Biomedical Research Center is offering GameSquad – an in-home physical activity program using active video games.
GameSquad is a 24-week research study that promotes physical activity through video games in the comfort of your own home. Participating children and a parent/guardian will only come to Pennington 3 times, for a screening visit and clinical assessments. Your child will be randomly assigned to one of two groups:
- Exergaming group, where your child will be asked to follow a prescribed exergaming routine at home for 6 months, including 3 hours/week of exergaming and periodic video chat check-ins with a fitness coach.
- Control group, where your child will be asked to continue his/her usual physical activity habits for 6 months.
If you and your child are looking for a fun, exciting way to get active and “gate way” into a healthier lifestyle, join the GameSquad program! Children must be 10-12 years old and meet certain qualifications to participate. To sign up for GameSquad, please visit www.pbrc.edu/gamesquad or call 225-763-3000 to complete the screening process. For more information, feel free to call or email the project manager: Chelsea Hendrick at 225-763-2918 or Chelsea.Hendrick@pbrc.edu .
Thank you so much for your time and we hope you will join us in striving for a healthier and more active Louisiana!
Sincerely,
Amanda E. Staiano, Ph.D.
Department of Preventive Medicine & Healthy Aging
Pennington Biomedical Research Center
Louisiana State University