GAME squad- sponsored by pennington biomedical research center

Dear Parent,
 
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: 

1. 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.
2. Control group, where your child will be asked to continue his/her usual physical activity habits for 6 months.

If enrolled in the Exergaming group, your child will receive an Xbox 360+, Kinect, and various exergames to play throughout the program – and your child will get to keep all of this equipment after the program ends!  If enrolled in the control group, your child will receive an Xbox 360+, Kinect, and various exergames to play once the study is complete.
 
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