GiochiAMO! The protocol of a school based intervention for the promotion of physical activity and nutrition among children

Background. It is necessary to increase knowledge of healthy eating in children aged 5 to 9 years and their parents and to promote physical activity in order to tackle obesity and overweight in children. Methods. This paper describes the research protocol of a field intervention that aims to: a) increase knowledge of food pyramid; b) change nutritional behavior according to the Mediterranean diet, particularly increasing fruit and vegetable consumption; c) promote physical activity. Children of primary schools will be included and will be randomly allocated to the intervention or the control groups. The intervention will include the use of games (cards and board games) and also physical activities. Conclusion. GiochiAMO represents an innovation in the Italian school panorama, in a context in which it is a priority to create environment and school policies aimed at promoting the Mediterranean diet pattern and physical activity.