Modifying dietary intake and physical activity in preschool children and its influence on nutritional status and physical fitness – methodology of an intervention study in Polish preschoolers

Introduction. Following nutrition recommendations and physical activity guidelines by the whole society would largely solve the problem of the increasing prevalence of diet-related diseases. Aim. The aim was to present the methodology of an intervention study on Polish preschoolers which was focused on the modification of diet and physical activity in preschool children in order to improve nutritional status and physical fitness. Material and methods. Children’s dietary intake was assessed using a seven-day weighed food record. Physical activity was measured using tri-axial accelerometers, ActiGraph GT3X. Body weight, height and BMI were assessed using growth charts. The bioelectrical impedance analyser BIA 101 and the Akern computer programme Bodygram 1.31 were applied to assess body composition. Blood samples were taken to measure biochemical and haematological indices. Blood pressure was measured using BpTRU Vital Signs Monitor, model BPM200. Physical fitness was measured using physical fitness test for 3-7-year-old children. Preschool staff and parents were educated on nutrition recommendations and physical activity guidelines and instructed how to improve their children’s daily diets as well as how to increase physical activity. The kitchen staff was educated how to prepare meals. The recipes used in the preschools were modified and many new recipes were introduced. After seven months of the intervention programme all the measurements were repeated. Results. This section does not apply to this article because it is a methodological article. Conclusions. The methodology of this intervention programme may be used in future research not only in preschool children but also in school children and adults.