Abstract

ObjectiveTo test the effectiveness of an 8-month school-based multicomponent intervention (MOVI-KIDS) in improving health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in schoolchildren. Study DesignA randomized cluster trial was conducted including 1168 children aged 4-6 years who attended 21 schools in two Spanish provinces (Cuenca and Ciudad Real). MOVI-KIDS study is a multicomponent physical activity intervention, which consisted of (i) 3 x 60-min sessions/week, (ii) educational materials for parents and teachers, and (iii) school playground modifications. The parent's proxy report of the KINDL-R Spanish version (6 subdimensions and a total score), and the KINDL-R self-reported by children (total score) was used to measure HRQoL. Mixed linear regression models were conducted to test differences in each HRQoL dimension between intervention and control groups, controlling for baseline values, cardiorespiratory fitness, and socioeconomic status, by gender. ResultsThe boys in the intervention group presented better scores on total HRQoL than the control group in both the parent (ss = 1.46; 95% CI: 0.23-2.70) and self-reported (ss = 2.13; 95% CI: 0.53-3.74) versions, as well as on the emotional well-being dimension (ss = 2.43; 95% CI: 0.48-4.36). There was no significant effect of the intervention on physical well-being, self-esteem, family, and friends. In girls, no statistically significant differences were found between those who participated in MOVI-KIDS and those who did not. ConclusionOur data support gender differences in the effect of MOVI-KIDS, such that while in boys the intervention was successful in increasing total scores of HRQoL, as well as emotional well-being scores, the intervention was not effective in improving girls' HRQoL.