A study protocol for a randomised controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of a dog-facilitated physical activity minimal intervention on young children's physical activity, health and development: the PLAYCE PAWS trial.

摘要: Pet ownership brings many health benefits to individuals. In children developmental can extend improved self-esteem, better social competence and decreased loneliness. The majority of households with own a dog, however only small proportion gain the dog through walking play. There are few intervention studies investigating impact dog-facilitated physical activity in children. PLAYCE PAWS study aims test minimal-contact use mobile (“mhealth”) strategies, i.e. text (SMS) messages, parents encourage their walk play more, evaluate on children’s overall development. will target dog-owning families aged 5 8 years Perth, Western Australia. Approximately 150 be randomly allocated into either one two groups or ‘usual care’ control group. first group receive SMS messages over 4 weeks prompt undertake child. second same plus pedometer personalised ‘dog steps’ diary for child complete. Parent-reported outcome measures include changes play, activity, socio-emotional development, self-regulation, empathy, level attachment dog. appears examine effectiveness low-cost, mhealth increasing young Given high prevalence dogs as family pets, this presents valuable opportunity investigate if mHealth interventions there any associated well-being. If effective, larger trial program could implemented at low-cost wide reach community. ANZCTR, ACTRN12620000288921 . Registered 4th March 2020 - Retrospectively registered.