Exercise Intervention in Children Living in a Container City

Plain-language summary

Disasters are natural events that deeply affect human life and can lead to psychosocial problems. Major disasters such as earthquakes can also jeopardize children's health both physically and psychologically. Children may suffer neurological, orthopedic, and traumatic injuries, in addition to the trauma of entrapment, displacement, loss of loved ones, and the upheaval of their daily lives during such events. These traumatic experiences can induce mental health issues like anxiety and depression, as well as physical symptoms such as fatigue, sleep disturbances, energy deficiency, and concentration loss. Post-earthquake, there is an observed increase in lifestyle-related illnesses, with individuals in temporary accommodations experiencing reduced physical activity levels, heightening the risk of these conditions. Although the health benefits of physical activity are well-documented, the aftermath of earthquakes can deter motivation for exercise due to housing and environmental challenges. Consequently, specialized strategies are advocated to promote physical activity and enhance individual self-confidence. The unique value of this research project is to explore the psychosocial advantages of physical activity in post-earthquake scenarios for children, emphasize the role of physiotherapists, and develop a model for countries in seismic zones, including our own. The proposal aims to protect and improve the health of children aged 6-10 residing in post-earthquake container cities through a designated station to increase physical activity. This project proposes: * The creation of a physical activity unit in our country's frequently erected temporary housing for disaster victims, which typically lacks facilities to support children's physical and psychosocial health. This unit is envisioned to serve as a model. * The design of a motivating and suitable environmental setting within the proposed unit for children whose activity opportunities have been curtailed post-earthquake. * The role of the unit in safeguarding and enhancing the health of children following a disaster. * The inclusion of child-specific, programmed, and engaging activities within the unit to boost children's physical performance and enable them to spend their free time productively. The research will be conducted in a container city established in Malatya's center following the earthquakes on February 6, 2023, which houses a significant density of children aged 6-10. The study will involve more children than the number determined by power analysis, divided randomly into experimental and control groups. The experimental group will participate in a program at a physical activity and exercise station established in the container city, under the guidance of physiotherapists. The program will feature diverse and individualized exercise models, with suitable environmental modifications and equipment provided at the exercise station to facilitate age-appropriate activities. A 12-week training program is planned for the experimental group, while the control group will not receive any training. Outcome measures will include assessments of the children's psychosocial health and physical fitness, conducted at the program's inception, the 12th week, and subsequently the 24th week. Upon completion, the project is expected to: * Enable children in temporary housing to spend their time beneficially through scientifically guided training programs, thereby assuming a protective role. * Serve as an exemplary model for intervention programs catering to the diverse needs of children requiring physical activity and exercise in temporary housing. * Prepare the ground for integrating physical activity and exercise station units in future temporary housing established in the wake of natural disasters, thus contributing to disaster management. * Ensure the stations are cost-effective, accessible, and financially efficient.

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