Success of Project Energize confirmed
AUT research, led by Professor of Nutrition, Elaine Rush, indicates thousands of Waikato school children are fitter and healthier as a result of a regional health programme.
The findings of Project Energize were announced by Professor Rush in Hamilton on Monday 25 July.
Project Energize, which started in 2005, is a health programme where “Energizers” work with all 244 primary schools in the Waikato to assist each school with a range of healthy eating and physical activity initiatives aligned with the health and physical education curriculum. For example, Team Energize staff may “model” classes and support the usual class teacher with advice and resources
Seven and ten year old children were evaluated in March and April this year for a range of health indicators including weight, waist measurements and running ability. The results were then compared with a control groups from 2004 and 2006 and data collected from national child health surveys between 2001 and 2007.
Fantastic results.
Substantial differences were seen in weight (-0.5 kg for 7year olds, -2 kg in 10 year olds), body mass index (-0.4, -0.6 kg/m2) and waist measurements (-2cm, -4 cm). There was also a significant decrease in the proportion of children classified as overweight and obese and time to run 550 metres.
Professor Rush is delighted with the results. “It’s very exciting. With such positive results and an overall cost of only $40 per child, per year, Project Energize could be adapted to support schools throughout New Zealand.”
“We know poor health is linked with income which is why it was so encouraging to note the particularly good results for Maori children and those in lower decile schools.
“Project Energize will not only benefit our children but also our children’s children. The positive effects of the project could be inter-generational.”
Waikato District Health Board paediatrician Dr David Graham agrees. “We need to continue our research to confirm Project Energize is actually making a difference long-term but certainly these results are heartening,” he said.
“The improved fitness of the children on Project Energize provides real evidence that the programme is having a significant impact,” he added.
Instigated in 2005, the project was initially part of a two year trial that included 62 primary schools and 62 control schools. The control schools enabled Professor Rush and colleagues to measure the success of the project objectively.
At the end of two years, health indicators, like levels of obesity, BMI and running times were so positive that it was soon expanded to include 244 Waikato Primary Schools including all of the control schools. Today, 44,000 children are involved in the project which is approximately 10% of the primary school population of New Zealand.
Pumpkin soup instead of sausage sizzle.
Principal of Te Mata School, Pam Quirke, told the audience that Project Energize had made a real difference. “After a recent cross country, the kids had pumpkin soup. Three years ago before we started the project, they would have been eating sausages.”
The collaboration between Waikato DHB, AUT University, Māori and Pacific health providers and Sport Waikato has proved hugely successful says Professor Rush.
“Waikato DHB has shown some real forethought in funding a project which has not only improved the lives of those involved, but has economic benefits as well.
“When children start living a healthy lifestyle at a young age, it leads to fewer health issues later in life and ultimately, less financial strain on the New Zealand’s health system.”
To get an indication of the perceived benefits, 3030 questionnaires were returned by parents and whānau of children involved in the project. The survey found that 67% believed the children’s nutrition was better and 76% believed that their fitness had improved. In addition, 78% of schools reported increased quality of daily fitness.