NCT07346300 · Arkansas Children's Hospital Research Institute
We-Move With Windy: Gross Motor Development for Early Childhood
What this study is about
The long-term goal of this project is to learn whether a tailored physical activity program is practical, enjoyable, and helpful for families, and whether it has the potential to improve children's physical development and health. Before launching a large study, the research team completed several early phases to make sure the program met families' needs.
View original scientific description
The long-term goal of this project is to learn whether a tailored physical activity program is practical, enjoyable, and helpful for families, and whether it has the potential to improve children's physical development and health. Before launching a large study, the research team completed several early phases to make sure the program met families' needs. First, a needs assessment was conducted with mothers to understand barriers to physical activity and what types of support would be most useful. Using this feedback, the program was refined and tested with three mother-child pairs over six weeks. Finally, there was an 18-week pilot randomized trial to examine feasibility and acceptability. Researchers are now conducting a larger randomized trial with up to 266 families. Half of the families are randomly assigned to receive the physical activity program, and half to a comparison group. The program combines fun, age-appropriate movement activities for children with practical support for parents. Sessions focus on building core movement skills such as jumping, balancing, running, and throwing, while also encouraging confidence, coordination, and enjoyment of being active. Activities can be adapted to each child's ability and home environment, making the program realistic for busy families. The program includes both in-person sessions and technology-based activities. In-person sessions provide hands-on support for learning new skills. Technology-based activities offer simple ideas families can use at home or during daily routines, such as hopping games, balance challenges, or quick movement breaks. Because parents in earlier phases wanted nutrition support, in-person sessions also includes a brief, child-friendly exposure to fruits and vegetables, along with simple recipes. A "Tasting Party" at the start of the program allows children to try different foods, and Veggie Meter scans at the beginning and end of the study help track changes in fruit and vegetable intake. Overall, this study will help determine whether a family-tailored physical activity program is a promising approach to improving physical activity, movement skills, and early health indicators in young children born to mothers with obesity.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
We Move with Windy
The intervention is an 18-week, family-centered program designed to increase physical activity and gross motor skills in preschool children born to mothers with obesity. Families in the treatment group participate in fun, developmentally appropriate movement activities-such as jumping, balancing, and throwing-through a mix of in-person sessions and technology-delivered activities that can be done at home. Activities are tailored to each child's skill level and each family's environment. Parents learn simple ways to support activity and practice skills in daily routines. Each in-person session also includes a brief fruit-and-vegetable exposure activity and recipe to promote healthy eating habits
Primary outcome measures
Test of Gross Motor Development-2
Time frame: At baseline (prior to intervention initiation) and at post-intervention (approximately 19-25 weeks after baseline).
The Test of Gross Motor Development-2 (TGMD-2)31 was used to assess children's motor skill competence. The TGMD-2 assesses 12 skills: run, gallop, hop, leap, horizontal jump, slide (locomotor skills); striking a stationary ball, stationary dribble, kick, catch, overhand throw, and underhand roll (object control skills). A research team member demonstrates the proficient technique to the child; then, the child is asked to perform the skill twice. Researchers score each attempt to perform the skill based on set criteria. Scores on the TGMD range from 0 to 100 with higher scores reflecting greater gross motor skill proficiency.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Mother-child pair where the mother has
- Body mass index \>30 and
- The child is between 3 and 5 years of age.
Exclusion criteria
- mothers sharing that a doctor has requested that either mother or child not exercise (e.g., asthma).
Where
- Little Rock, Arkansas
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jan 22, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations