Tabriz University of Medical Sciences Health Promotion Perspectives 2228-6497 8 3 2018 07 07 Physical activity in the Families in Transformation (FIT) weight management program for children 237 242 10.15171/hpp.2018.32 EN Kathy B Knight Sydney A Devers Meagan Maloney Anne K Bomba Heather Walker Kathy Tucker Scott S. Knight Journal Article 10.15171/hpp.2018.32 2017 11 09 2018 04 26 Background: The purpose was to determine if an 8-week nutrition education and exercise program for families could influence health and fitness parameters, and retention of nutrition knowledge. Methods: Eighteen children (mean age: 10.52 ± 1.26 year; 50% boys, 50% girls; 56% white,25% black, 19% multiracial) participated in the Families in Transformation (FIT) program. Preand post-study anthropocentric, blood pressure, fitness, and nutrition knowledge data was collected. Results: Diastolic blood pressure decreased for the total group (66.63 ± 8.81 to 63.75 ± 11.81mm Hg). Significant (P < 0.05) increases were seen for the group for push-ups (14.31 ± 7.62 to 19.63 ± 6.62) and chair squats (30.50 ± 10.21 to 34.44 ± 7.39). The reinforcing physical activity group performed significantly better on nutrition knowledge quizzes. Conclusion: Although, body mass index (BMI) z-scores did not change, there was a decrease in diastolic blood pressure, increase in fitness parameters, and increased retention of nutrition knowledge.