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ABSTRACT: OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of a 12-month school-based multi-component program on adolescent girls' physical activity and sedentary behaviors, and hypothesized mediators of physical activity behavior change. DESIGN: Group randomized controlled trial with 12-month follow-up. METHODS: The intervention, guided by Social Cognitive Theory, involved 357 adolescent girls (13.2±0.5 years) from 12 secondary schools (6 intervention schools, 6 control schools) in low-income communities in the Hunter and Central Coast regions of New South Wales, Australia. The intervention included enhanced school sport, lunchtime physical activity sessions, interactive seminars, student handbooks, nutrition workshops, pedometers, parent newsletters and text messages to encourage physical activity and healthy eating, and a decrease in sedentary behavior. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and 12-months and included: physical activity (accelerometers), sedentary behaviors (questionnaire and accelerometers), and social-cognitive mediators of physical activity (questionnaire). RESULTS: There were significant between group differences in favor of the intervention group for self-reported recreational computer use (-26.0min; 95% CI, -46.9 to -5.1), and sedentary activities summed (-56.4min; 95% CI, -110.1 to -2.7), however objective sedentary behavior showed no differences. There were no group-by-time effects for any of the physical activity outcomes or hypothesized mediators. CONCLUSION: A school-based intervention tailored for adolescent girls from schools located in low-income communities significantly reduced time spent in sedentary activities. However, improvements in physical activity and hypothesized mediators of physical activity behavior were not observed. Future studies are encouraged to explore alternative mechanisms of behavior change derived from integrated and socio-ecological theories.
Journal of science and medicine in sport / Sports Medicine Australia. 03/2013;
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ABSTRACT: Evidence suggests engaging in regular physical activity (PA) can have beneficial outcomes for adults with type 2 diabetes (TD2), including weight loss, reduction of medication usage and improvements in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)/fasting glucose. While a number of clinical-based PA interventions exist, community-based approaches are limited. The objective of this study is to conduct a systematic review with meta-analysis to assess the effectiveness of community-based PA interventions for the treatment of TD2 in adult populations. A search of peer-reviewed publications from 2002 to June 2012 was conducted across several electronic databases to identify interventions evaluated in community settings. Twenty-two studies were identified, and 11 studies reporting HbA1c as an outcome measure were pooled in the meta-analysis. Risk of bias assessment was also conducted. The findings demonstrate community-based PA interventions can be effective in producing increases in PA. Meta-analysis revealed a lowering of HbA1c levels by -0.32% [95% CI -0.65, 0.01], which approached statistical significance (p < 0.06). Our findings can guide future PA community-based interventions in adult populations diagnosed with TD2.
Frontiers in endocrinology. 01/2013; 4:3.
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ABSTRACT: OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of a multi-component school-based physical activity intervention (Fit-4-Fun) on health-related fitness and objectively measured physical activity in primary school children. METHODS: Four Hunter primary schools were recruited in April, 2011 and randomized by school into treatment or control conditions. Participants included 213 children (mean age=10.72years±0.6; 52.2% female) with the treatment group (n=118) completing the 8-week Fit-4-Fun Program. Participants were assessed at baseline and 6-month follow-up, with a 91% retention rate. Cardio-respiratory fitness (CRF) (20m shuttle run) was the primary outcome, and secondary outcomes included body composition (BMI, BMI(Z)), muscular fitness (7-stage sit-up test, Push-up test, Basketball throw test, Standing Jump), flexibility (Sit and Reach) and physical activity (7days pedometry). RESULTS: After 6-months, significant treatment effects were found for CRF. (Adjusted mean difference, 1.14 levels, p<0.001), body composition (BMI mean, -0.96kg/m(2), p<0.001 and BMI z-score mean -0.47 z-scores, p<0.001), flexibility (sit & reach mean, 1.52cm, p=0.0013), muscular fitness (sit-ups) (mean 0.62 stages, p=0.003) and physical activity (mean, 3253 steps/day, p<0.001). There were no group by time effects for the other muscular fitness measures. CONCLUSIONS: A primary school-based intervention focusing on fitness education significantly improved health-related fitness and physical activity levels in children.
Preventive Medicine 10/2012; · 3.22 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: PURPOSE: Evidence suggests sitting time is independently associated with a range of health issues in adults, yet the relationship between sedentary behavior and health indicators in young people is less clear. Age-related increases in sedentary behavior are well-documented; the behavioral patterns of adolescent girls are of particular concern. More than one third of adolescent girls' sedentary behavior time is accumulated through use of recreational screen-based behaviors. The objective of this review was to investigate the association between recreational screen-based sedentary behavior and the physical, behavioral, and psychosocial health indicators for adolescent girls. A secondary objective was to identify studies that have adjusted sedentary behavior indicators for physical activity. METHODS: A structured electronic search of all publication years (through December 2011) was conducted to identify studies in: CINAHL, Communications and Mass Media Complete, ERIC, MEDLINE with Full Text, PsycINFO, and SPORTDiscus with Full Text. Included publications were observational and interventional studies involving adolescent girls (12-18 years) that examined associations between screen-based, sedentary behavior and health indicators (physical, psychosocial, and/or behavioral). The search identified 33 studies that evaluated health indicators of screen-based sedentary behaviors among adolescent girls. RESULTS: Strong evidence for a positive association between screen-based sedentary behavior and weight status was found. A positive association was observed between screen-time and sleep problems, musculoskeletal pain and depression. Negative associations were identified between screen time and physical activity/fitness, screen time and psychological well-being, and screen time and social support. The relationship between screen-based sedentary behavior and diet quality was inconclusive. Less than half of the studies adjusted sedentary behavior indicators for physical activity. CONCLUSIONS: Screen-based sedentary behavior is associated with a range of adverse health consequences, but additional longitudinal studies are needed to better understand the health impacts. In addition, screen-time guidelines for youth should be regularly revised and updated to reflect rapid technological changes.
Journal of Adolescent Health 09/2012; · 3.33 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Purpose. To examine the utility of the theory of planned behavior (TPB) for explaining physical activity (PA) intention and behavior among a large population sample of overweight and obese adolescents (Alberta, Canada), using a web-based survey. Secondary objectives were to examine the mediating effects of the TPB constructs and moderating effects of weight status. Methods. A subsample of 427 overweight and 133 obese participants (n = 560), completed a self-administered web-based questionnaire on health and PA behaviors, including assessment of attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control (PBC), and intention to participate in regular PA. Structural equation models were examined using AMOS 17.0. Results. Overall, 62% of the variance in intention was accounted for by attitude, subjective norm, and PBC; whereas 44% of the variance in PA behavior was explained by PBC and intention. When examining the TPB separately in overweight and obese subsamples, 66% and 56% of the variance for PA intention was explained for overweight and obese subsamples, respectively; and 38% and 56% of the variance in PA behavior were accounted for in the overweight and obese subsamples. Overall, attitude was the strongest predictor of PA intention, whereas PBC was the strongest predictor for PA behavior. Intention was not predictive of PA behavior. Conclusions. These results provide partial support for the utility of TPB in explaining PA behavior in a sample of overweight and obese adolescents. In particular, strong associations regarding attitude and PBC were evident across each subsample. These findings have implications for tailoring PA programs in this population.
Health Education & Behavior 09/2012; · 1.54 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: At least one third of Australian children are insufficiently active to accrue health benefits and physical activity (PA) levels are consistently lower among youth of low socio-economic position. PA levels decline dramatically during adolescence and evidence suggests that competency in a range of fundamental movement skills (FMS) may serve as a protective factor against this trend. METHODS: The Supporting Children's Outcomes Using Rewards Exercise and Skills (SCORES) intervention is a multi-component PA and FMS intervention for primary schools in low-income communities, which will be evaluated using a group randomized controlled trial. The socio-ecological model provided a framework for the 12-month intervention, which includes the following components: teacher professional learning, student leadership workshops (including leadership accreditation and rewards, e.g., stickers, water bottles), PA policy review, equipment packs, parental engagement via newsletters, FMS homework and a parent evening, and community partnerships with local sporting organizations. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline, 6- and 12-months. The primary outcomes are PA (accelerometers), FMS (Test of Gross Motor Development II) and cardiorespiratory fitness (multi-stage fitness test). Secondary outcomes include body mass index [using weight (kg)/height (m2)], perceived competence, physical self-esteem, and resilience. Individual and environmental mediators of behavior change (e.g. social support and enjoyment) will also be assessed. The System for Observing Fitness Instruction Time will be used to assess the impact of the intervention on PA within physical education lessons. Statistical analyses will follow intention-to-treat principles and hypothesized mediators of PA behavior change will be explored. DISCUSSION: SCORES is an innovative primary school-based PA and FMS intervention designed to support students attending schools in low-income communities to be more skilled and active. The findings from the study may be used to guide teacher pre-service education, professional learning and school policy in primary schools. Trial registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry No: ACTRN12611001080910.
BMC Public Health 06/2012; 12(1):427. · 2.00 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Abstract
Objective
The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a school-based physical fitness intervention (Fit-4-Fun) on the physical fitness and physical activity levels of primary school children.
Methods
A group randomized controlled trial with a 3-month wait-list control group was conducted in two primary schools in the Hunter Region, NSW, Australia. Participants (n = 48 students; mean age 10.9 years ±0.7) were randomised by school into the Fit-4-Fun intervention (n = 32 students) or the control (n = 17) conditions. Fit-4-Fun was an 8-week programme that included: 8 x 60min Health and Physical Education (HPE) lessons, a break-time activity programme (recess and lunch) and a home fitness programme. The control group participated in their usual weekly 60min HPE lessons. Assessments were taken at baseline and post-intervention (8-week) to determine changes in health-related fitness (HRF) levels, physical activity (PA) and attitudes towards HRF testing. Objectively measured PA (mean steps/day) was assessed using 7 days of pedometery and HRF was assessed using a battery of tests including: 7-stage sit-up test, push-up test, basketball throw, wall squat, sit and reach, shoulder stretch, 20m shuttle test, and height and weight measurements. A questionnaire was also administered to assess perceptions of physical fitness and physical fitness testing and changes in attitudes to fitness testing. Intervention effects were assessed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and Cohen’s d effect sizes are reported.
Results
Children in the intervention group improved in all HRF measures with significant group x time effects (p <.05) observed in the 7-stage sit-up test (d = 0.9), the sit and reach tests (right leg d = 1.0, left leg d = 0.9, both legs d = 1.1) and the wall squat tests (right leg d = 0.9, left leg d = 0.6). No significant group x time effect was found in the beep test, basketball throw, PA measure or psychological measures. The control group did not display significant within-group effects for any measure.
Conclusions
Results indicate that a multi-component HRF intervention for primary school children that targeted the three areas of a health promoting school (HPS) and incorporated social support for participation in physical fitness activities was feasible and efficacious in improving muscular fitness and flexibility levels of children.
Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy 06/2012;
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ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study was to explore potential moderators and mediators of intervention effects in the Physical Activity Leaders (PALs) obesity prevention program for adolescent boys from disadvantaged secondary schools.
Group randomized controlled trial.
One hundred adolescent boys (mean age=14.3 (0.6) years) from four schools were randomized to the PALs intervention or a control group for the 6-month study period. The primary outcome was change in BMI and secondary outcomes were physical activity assessed using pedometers and constructs from Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) assessed using a questionnaire.
Moderation analyses revealed a significant weight status interaction for BMI (p=0.04), indicating stronger intervention effects for youth classified as overweight/obese at baseline. The intervention had a significant effect on resistance training self-efficacy (p<0.001), but none of the SCT constructs satisfied the criteria for mediation. The number of intervention sessions attended was associated with changes in BMI (r=-0.38, p=0.001), resistance training self-efficacy (r=0.42, p<0.001) and physical activity behavioral strategies (r=0.26, p=0.018). Changes in BMI were also associated with changes in resistance training self-efficacy (r=-0.21, p=0.06) and physical activity behavioral strategies (r=-0.29, p=0.009).
A school-based intervention incorporating student leadership increased adolescent boys' resistance training self-efficacy, but changes in physical activity were not detected and none of the SCT constructs satisfied the criteria for mediation. Baseline weight status was a moderator of intervention effect with the strongest intervention effects observed among overweight and obese adolescent boys.
Journal of science and medicine in sport / Sports Medicine Australia. 05/2012; 15(6):519-25.
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ABSTRACT: OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of a 12-month multicomponent school-based obesity prevention program, Nutrition and Enjoyable Activity for Teen Girls among adolescent girls. DESIGN: Group randomized controlled trial with 12-month follow-up. SETTING: Twelve secondary schools in low-income communities in the Hunter and Central Coast regions of New South Wales, Australia. PARTICIPANTS: Three hundred fifty-seven adolescent girls aged 12 to 14 years. Intervention A multicomponent school-based intervention program tailored for adolescent girls. The intervention was based on social cognitive theory and included teacher professional development, enhanced school sport sessions, interactive seminars, nutrition workshops, lunch-time physical activity sessions, handbooks and pedometers for self-monitoring, parent newsletters, and text messaging for social support. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Body mass index (BMI, calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared), BMI z score, body fat percentage, physical activity, screen time, dietary intake, and self-esteem. RESULTS: After 12 months, changes in BMI (adjusted mean difference, -0.19; 95% CI, -0.70 to 0.33), BMI z score (mean, -0.08; 95% CI, -0.20 to 0.04), and body fat percentage (mean, -1.09; 95% CI, -2.88 to 0.70) were in favor of the intervention, but they were not statistically different from those in the control group. Changes in screen time were statistically significant (mean, -30.67 min/d; 95% CI, -62.43 to -1.06), but there were no group by time effects for physical activity, dietary behavior, or self-esteem. CONCLUSIONS: A school-based intervention tailored for adolescent girls from schools located in low-income communities did not significantly reduce BMI gain. However, changes in body composition were of a magnitude similar to previous studies and may be associated with clinically important health outcomes. Trial Registration anzctr.org.au Identifier: 12610000330044.
Archives of pediatrics & adolescent medicine 05/2012; · 3.73 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Resistance training in untrained adolescents can positively effect health-related fitness as well as improve muscular power and sports performance. The impact of resistance training on adolescent athletes is less clear. The purpose of this review is to determine the effectiveness of resistance training programs on muscular power and sports performance in adolescent athletes.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of previously published studies investigating resistance training in adolescent athlete populations.
A systematic search of Medline, Embase, and SPORTDiscus databases was conducted on 21st March 2011 to identify studies evaluating resistance training programs on power and sports performance in adolescent athletes.
Thirty-four studies were identified. All but two of the studies reported at least one statistically significant improvement in an alactic muscular power outcome. The most common indicators of alactic power were vertical jump (25 studies) and sprint running (13 studies) performance. Fourteen studies provided data to allow for pooling of results in a meta-analysis. A positive effect was detected for resistance training programs on vertical jump performance (mean difference 3.08 [95% CI 1.65, 4.51], Z=4.23 [P<0.0001]).
There is sufficient evidence to conclude that resistance-training interventions can improve muscular power in adolescent athletes. A positive effect on sports performance attributable to participation in resistance training was reported by almost half the included studies, however limited objective evidence to support these claims was found. Improvements in motor performance skills, such as jumping, are widely stated as indicators of improvements in sporting performance.
Journal of science and medicine in sport / Sports Medicine Australia. 04/2012; 15(6):532-40.
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ABSTRACT: A poor understanding of the specific lifestyle behaviors that result in weight loss has hindered the development of effective interventions. The aim of this paper was to identify potential behavioral mediators of weight loss in the Healthy Dads, Healthy Kids (HDHK) intervention for overweight fathers.
The three-month intervention was evaluated in a randomized controlled trial and conducted in Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. Baseline, three month (immediate post-intervention) and six month assessments were conducted. Recruitment and follow-up occurred between October 2008 and May 2009. The study sample included 53 overweight/obese men [mean ( SD) age=40.6( 97.1) years; body mass index (BMI)=33.2 (3.9) kgm-2] and their primary school-aged children [n=71, 54% boys; age=8.2 (2.0) years] who were randomized to HDHK program or a wait-list control group. Physical activity (PA) was assessed using pedometers and dietary behaviors were measured using a validated food frequency questionnaire. The intervention resulted in significant weight loss (5.131.27 kg, P<0.0001) and increased PA among fathers (2769750 steps/day, P<0.001) and their children (1486521 steps/day, P<0.01). Fathers PA mediated weight loss in the intervention (AB=2.31, 95% CI=4.63 to 0.67) and was responsible for 47% of the intervention effect. Changes in dietary behaviors were not statistically significant.
PA was an important mediator of weight loss in the HDHK intervention. Encouraging overweight fathers to be more active with their children appears to be a promising strategy for obesity treatment in men.
International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity 04/2012; 9:45. · 3.83 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Fathers have not been exclusively targeted in family-based lifestyle programmes. The aim was to determine whether dietary intakes of fathers and children can be improved, following an intervention targeting fathers. Overweight and obese fathers (n = 50, 21-65 years, body mass index [mean ± standard deviation] 33.3 ± 4.1) and their children (5-12 years) were recruited. Dietary intake was assessed at baseline and 6 months (n = 35) by food frequency questionnaire. Linear mixed models determined differences by time. Fathers significantly reduced portion size (P = 0.03) but not energy intakes, whereas children reduced energy intakes (kJ) (P = 0.02). There is an opportunity to target fathers as to improve child intakes.
Journal of pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition 04/2012; 55(4):408-11. · 2.18 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: This study aimed to develop and evaluate the reliability and factorial validity, of social-cognitive measures related to adolescent healthy eating behaviors.
A questionnaire was developed based on constructs from Bandura's Social Cognitive Theory and included the following scales: self-efficacy, intentions (proximal goals), situation (perceived environment), social support, behavioral strategies, outcome expectations and expectancies. The questionnaire was administered with a two week test-retest among secondary school students (n = 173, age = 13.72 ± 1.24). Confirmatory factor analysis was employed to examine model-fit for each scale using multiple indices including: chi-square index, comparative-fit index (CFI), goodness-of-fit index (GFI), and the root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA). Reliability properties were also examined (ICC and Cronbach's alpha).
The reliability and factorial validity of each scale is supported: fit indices suggest each model to be an adequate-to-exact fit to the data; internal consistency was acceptable-to-good (α = 0.65-0.79); rank order repeatability was strong (ICC = 0.81-0.89).
Results support the reliability and factorial validity of social cognitive scales relating to healthy eating behaviors among adolescents. As such, the developed scales have utility for identifying potential social cognitive correlates of adolescent dietary behavior, mediators of dietary behavior change and validity testing of theoretical models based on Social Cognitive Theory.
International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity 04/2012; 9:36. · 3.83 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Much of the research on the determinants of dietary behavior has been guided by Bandura's Social Cognitive Theory (SCT), yet few studies have tested the utility of its proposed structural paths. The aim of this paper was to test the capacity of SCT to explain dietary behaviors in a sample of 357 adolescent girls (13.2±0.5 years) from 12 secondary schools located in low-income communities in New South Wales, Australia. Participants completed validated SCT scales assessing nutrition-related self-efficacy, intention, behavioral strategies, family support, situation, outcome expectations, and outcome expectancies. Participants completed a validated food frequency questionnaire, from which, the percentage of total kilojoules from core-foods, non-core foods and saturated fat were calculated. The theoretical models were tested using structural equation modeling in AMOS. The models explained 48-51% and 13-19% of the variance in intention and dietary behavior, respectively. The models provided an adequate fit to the data, and self-efficacy was positively associated with healthy eating and inversely associated with unhealthy eating. However, the pathway from intention to behavior was not statistically significant in any of the models. While this study has demonstrated the utility of SCT constructs to explain behavior in adolescents girls, the proposed structural pathways were not supported. Further study of the role that implementation intentions play in explaining adolescent girls' dietary behaviors is required.
Appetite 04/2012; 58(2):517-24. · 2.59 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Declining levels of physical fitness in children are linked to an increased risk of developing poor physical and mental health. Physical activity programs for children that involve regular high intensity physical activity, along with muscle and bone strengthening activities, have been identified by the World Health Organisation as a key strategy to reduce the escalating burden of ill health caused by non-communicable diseases. This paper reports the rationale and methods for a school-based intervention designed to improve physical fitness and physical activity levels of Grades 5 and 6 primary school children.
Fit-4-Fun is an 8-week multi-component school-based health-related fitness education intervention and will be evaluated using a group randomized controlled trial. Primary schools from the Hunter Region in NSW, Australia, will be invited to participate in the program in 2011 with a target sample size of 128 primary schools children (age 10-13). The Fit-4-Fun program is theoretically grounded and will be implemented applying the Health Promoting Schools framework. Students will participate in weekly curriculum-based health and physical education lessons, daily break-time physical activities during recess and lunch, and will complete an 8-week (3 × per week) home activity program with their parents and/or family members. A battery of six health-related fitness assessments, four days of pedometery-assessed physical activity and a questionnaire, will be administered at baseline, immediate post-intervention (2-months) and at 6-months (from baseline) to determine intervention effects. Details of the methodological aspects of recruitment, inclusion criteria, randomization, intervention program, assessments, process evaluation and statistical analyses are described.
The Fit-4-Fun program is an innovative school-based intervention targeting fitness improvements in primary school children. The program will involve a range of evidence-based behaviour change strategies to promote and support physical activity of adequate intensity, duration and type, needed to improve health-related fitness. TRIAL REGISTRATION NO: Australia and New Zealand Clinical Trials Register (ANZCTR): ACTRN12611000976987.
BMC Public Health 12/2011; 11:902. · 2.00 Impact Factor
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Philip J Morgan, David R Lubans,
Ronald C Plotnikoff,
Robin Callister,
Tracy Burrows,
Richard Fletcher,
Anthony D Okely,
Myles D Young,
Andrew Miller,
Victoria Clay,
Adam Lloyd,
Clare E Collins
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ABSTRACT: The 'Healthy Dads, Healthy Kids' program was designed to help overweight fathers lose weight and positively influence the health behaviors of their children. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the previously established program in a community setting, in a large effectiveness trial.
The Healthy Dads, Healthy Kids community trial consists of three stages: (i) Stage 1 - program refinement and resource development (ii) Stage 2 - community randomized controlled trial (iii) Stage 3 - community effectiveness trial. The program will be evaluated in five Local Government Areas in the Hunter Valley Region of NSW, Australia. For the community randomized controlled trial, 50 overweight/obese men (aged 18-65 years) from one Local Government Area with a child aged between 5-12 years of age will be recruited. Families will be randomized to either the program or a 6-month wait-list control group. Fathers and their children will be assessed at baseline, post-intervention (3-months) and 6-months. Inclusion criteria are: body mass index 25-40 kg/m2; no participation in other weight loss programs during the study; pass a health-screening questionnaire; and access to a computer with Internet facilities. In the community trial, the program will be evaluated using a non-randomized, prospective design in five Local Government Areas. The exclusion criteria is body mass index < 25 kg/m2 or lack of doctor's approval. Measures will be collected at baseline, 3-, 6- and 12-months. The program involves fathers attending seven face-to-face group sessions (three with children) over 3-months. Measures: The primary outcome is fathers' weight. Secondary outcomes for both fathers and children include: waist circumference, blood pressure, resting heart rate, physical activity, sedentary behaviors and dietary intake. Father-only measures include portion size, alcohol consumption, parenting for physical activity and nutrition and parental engagement. Process evaluation will determine the fidelity, dose (delivered and received), reach, recruitment and context of the program.
As a unique approach to reducing obesity prevalence in men and improving lifestyle behaviours in children, our findings will provide important evidence relating to the translation of Healthy Dads, Healthy Kids, which will enable it to be delivered on a larger scale.
Australia and New Zealand Clinical Trials Register (ANZCTR): ACTRN12610000608066.
BMC Public Health 11/2011; 11:876. · 2.00 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: To test the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) in a large population sample of adolescents from Alberta, Canada.
4,073 adolescents completed a self-administered web-based survey related to physical activity (PA).
TPB explained 59% and 43% of the variance for intention and behavior, respectively. Moderating (by gender) and mediating tests were supported.
TPB is useful for understanding PA in this population.
Journal of Adolescent Health 11/2011; 49(5):547-9. · 3.33 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: A poor understanding of behaviour change mechanisms has hindered the development of effective physical activity interventions. The aim of this study was to identify potential mediators of change in a home-based resistance training (RT) program for obese individuals with type 2 diabetes. Obese individuals with type 2 diabetes (N = 48) were randomly allocated to either an RT intervention (n = 27) or a control group (n = 21) for the 16-week study period. The study sample included 16 men and 32 women and the mean age of participants was 54.4 (±11.7) years. Participants in the RT group received a multi-gym and dumbbells and home supervision from a certified personal trainer. RT behaviour was measured using a modified Godin Leisure Time Questionnaire. Social-cognitive constructs were measured and tested in a mediating variable framework using a product-of-coefficients test. The intervention had a significant effect on RT behaviour (p < 0.001) and muscular strength (p < 0.001). The intervention had a significant effect on RT planning strategies (p < 0.01), which mediated the effect of the intervention on RT behaviour. The home-based RT program successfully targeted participants' RT planning strategies which contributed to their exercise adherence.
Psychology & Health 09/2011; 27(12):1388-404. · 1.69 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to examine gender differences in the impact of a school garden and nutrition curriculum on fruit and vegetable intake, willingness to taste, and taste ratings in 127 children (11 to 12 years, 54% boys) in regional New South Wales, Australia. Classes were assigned to wait-list control, nutrition education only (NE), or nutrition education plus garden (NE + G) groups. Carrot taste rating was the only vegetable for which there was a significant gender difference, with girls rating it more highly (p = .04). There were no significant gender differences in fruit and vegetable consumption or willingness to taste scores for any other vegetables. There was a group effect (p < .001) for overall willingness to taste, overall taste rating, and the taste rating of pea and broccoli (p < .001), tomato (p = .03), and lettuce (p = .02). In the post hoc analysis by gender, both boys and girls in NE + G and NE groups were more willing to taste vegetables compared with control boys and girls postintervention (p < .001, p = .02). Boys in the NE + G group were more willing to taste all vegetables overall compared with NE boys at posttest (p = .05) and this approached significance for girls (p = .07). For overall tasting scores, a group effect was seen in girls only (p = .05). No significant treatment-time effect was found for vegetable intake in either gender. Further research is needed to examine whether a school garden, with or without school curriculum components, can be used to optimize fruit and vegetable intakes, particularly in boys.
Health Education & Behavior 09/2011; 39(2):131-41. · 1.54 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Physical activity levels decline markedly among girls during adolescence. School-based interventions that are multi-component in nature, simultaneously targeting curricular, school environment and policy, and community links, are a promising approach for promoting physical activity. This report describes the rationale, design and baseline data from the Girls in Sport group randomised trial, which aims to prevent the decline in moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) among adolescent girls.
A community-based participatory research approach and action learning framework are used with measurements at baseline and 18-month follow-up. Within each intervention school, a committee develops an action plan aimed at meeting the primary objective (preventing the decline in accelerometer-derived MVPA). Academic partners and the State Department of Education and Training act as critical friends. Control schools continue with their usual school programming. 24 schools were matched then randomized into intervention (n = 12) and control (n = 12) groups. A total of 1518 girls (771 intervention and 747 control) completed baseline assessments (86% response rate). Useable accelerometer data (≥ 10 hrs/day on at least 3 days) were obtained from 79% of this sample (n = 1199). Randomisation resulted in no differences between intervention and control groups on any of the outcomes. The mean age (SE) of the sample was 13.6 (± 0.02) years and they spent less than 5% of their waking hours in MVPA (4.85 ± 0.06).
Girls in Sport will test the effectiveness of schools working towards the same goal, but developing individual, targeted interventions that bring about changes in curriculum, school environment and policy, and community links. By using community-based participatory research and an action learning framework in a secondary school setting, it aims to add to the body of literature on effective school-based interventions through promoting and sustaining increased physical activity participation among adolescent girls.
Australia and New Zealand Clinical Trials Register (ANZCTR): ACTRN12610001077055.
BMC Public Health 08/2011; 11:658. · 2.00 Impact Factor
