Evaluation of the Rotterdam Daily Exercise Project.

Prevalences of overweight and obesity in Dutch youth increased the last decades. The prevalences in the city of Rotterdam are even higher than at the national level. In response to this development the city of Rotterdam started the Daily Exercise Project directed at primary schools. Main components of this project are a quantitative and qualitative improvement of the sports curriculum, education of children and parents and promotion of sportfacilities in the neighbourhoods . As part of the project the eurofittest is administered twice a year.
The trial is designed to evaluate the effects of the program on BMI, waist circumference, fitness, attitude and behaviour regarding healthy nutrition and exercise. Schools interested in participating in the project are matched on the socio economic level of their schoolpopulation, neighbourhood and number of pupils with other interested schools. Within each matched pair, schools are randomly assigned to immediate participation in the project or to a control-waitinglist group. Each condition will contain 1200 pupils of grade 3 to 8 (6-12 yrs of age). Data collection will be at the beginning and at the end of schoolyear 2006/2007.

The Rotterdam Daily Exercise Project leads to less overweight, improved fitness, healthier food habits and healthier exercise habits.

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The Rotterdam Daily Exercise Project consist of an intensified school sports curriculum by a proffessional teacher, during and after school hours, education of parents with respect to healthy nutrition and exercise, education of children with respect to healthy nutrition and exercise, as well as promoting sport facilities in the neighbourhood.