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At Least Five A Week. Evidence on the Impact of Physical Activity and Its Relationship to Health
Abstract
First Chief Medical Officer's (England) report on physical activity and public health
... However, performativity culture demands several implicit attributes that are more associated with masculine than feminine. For instance, notions of unyielding competitiveness and "ruthless" efficiency are historically coded as masculine in gender ideology, and people who excel in meeting these demands are typically expected to be men (Bourdieu, 2000;Connell, 2005). Furthermore, when physical performance is required, and some qualities as speed, strength, or toughness are specially valued, specific performative contexts like sport (and sometimes PE) remain under a more explicitly male dominated. ...
... Connell further argues that for hegemony to be maintained there needs to be some "correspondence between cultural ideal, institutional power, collective if not individual" (2001, p. 39). Moreover, if, as a social practice, gender constantly refers to bodies and what bodies do (Connell, 2005), then men and boys come to embody hegemonic masculinity through practices that actively and symbolically dominate others. In this way, "The shape, size and deportment of bodies, the ways they are positioned in relation to each other and their occupation of space all communicate powerful social and cultural meaning" (Light & Kirk, 2000, p. 164). ...
... In the extended literature that has emerged on this topic, certain embodied features have repeatedly been found to define hegemonic masculinity in sports culture and PE, for instance, the practical and symbolic significance of a muscular athletic (mesomorphic) body, heterosexuality, physical strength, toughness, power, competence, success, emotional neutrality, competitiveness, individuality, and rationality. At the same time, according to the principle of alterity, hegemonic masculinity distances itself from physical weakness, emotion, dependency, cooperation, empathy, compassion, and certain affiliated behaviors (Brown, 1999;Connell, 2005;Kenway & Fitzclarence, 1997). ...
This article analyses negative experiences in physical education and sport reported during qualitative interviews of a group of inactive adolescent Spanish boys and girls. The purpose of this analysis is twofold. First and most important, it seeks to give voice to these young people reporting negative experiences and connect them to contexts of physical activity and sport in which they occurred in order to show how, ironically, inactivity is an unintended consequence. Second, the authors attempt to connect inactivity through negative experiences by drawing on conceptual notions of a gendered performativity culture, and symbolic violence. The authors conclude by commenting on how these insights may be useful to critically reflect on physical activity programs, which are too often considered an unquestionable good for all pupils who experience them.
... The health consequences of insufficient lifespan physical activity (PA) have been widely reported [1] and strongly associated with increased all-cause mortality [2] and non-communicable diseases [3] such as cardio-vascular disease [4,5], Type II diabetes [6], depression [7], osteoporosis [8] and specific cancers [9], through elevated risk factors such as hypertension, blood glucose, poor cardio-respiratory fitness and adiposity [10][11][12]. Increased PA is associated with promoting improved energy balance [5,13], bone density [14] and functional movement skills [15]. ...
... The health consequences of insufficient lifespan physical activity (PA) have been widely reported [1] and strongly associated with increased all-cause mortality [2] and non-communicable diseases [3] such as cardio-vascular disease [4,5], Type II diabetes [6], depression [7], osteoporosis [8] and specific cancers [9], through elevated risk factors such as hypertension, blood glucose, poor cardio-respiratory fitness and adiposity [10][11][12]. Increased PA is associated with promoting improved energy balance [5,13], bone density [14] and functional movement skills [15]. ...
Background
Increased physical activity (PA) has been associated with a reduction in non-communicable disease risk factors and outcomes. However, interventions to increase childhood PA typically produce small to negligible effects. Recent reviews are limited due to lack of post-intervention follow-up measurement. This review aimed to examine measured effects at least six months post-intervention.
Methods and Findings
We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsychINFO, ScienceDirect, SportDiscus and Google Scholar between 1st January 1991 and 1st November 2014 for controlled studies reporting six-month post-intervention measurement for children aged 5 to 18 years. 14 studies met inclusion criteria; 12 reported moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) (n = 5790) and 10 reported total PA (TPA) (n = 4855). We calculated overall effect estimates and 95% CI’s using random effects modelling with inverse variance weighting. Mean difference was calculated for MVPA, with standardised mean difference calculated to TPA due to measurement variation. Meta-regression assessed heterogeneity by continuous level variables. Negligible mean difference in MVPA existed in favour of the intervention group, amounting to 1.47 (95% CI -1.88, 4.82) mins/day compared to controls, while no difference was recorded on TPA. Sub-group analyses revealed males (2.65 mins/day: 95% CI 2.03, 3.27) reported higher levels of MVPA than females (-0.42 mins/day: 95% CI -7.77, 6.94), community settings (2.67 mins/day: 95% CI 2.05, 3.28) were more effective than school settings (1.70 mins/day: 95% CI -4.84, 8.25), and that treatment (4.47 mins/day: 95% CI -0.81, 9.76) demonstrated greater effects than population approaches (1.03 mins/day: 95% CI -2.54, 4.60). Meta-regression revealed no significant differences by factor on pooled effects. Significant heterogeneity existed between studies and potential for small study effects was present.
Conclusions
Improved PA levels subsequent to intervention were not maintained six month post-intervention. A potentially useful avenue of future research is to specifically explore community treatment of high risk individuals.
Review Registration
PROSPERO CRD42014007545
... The UK's population is ageing and this requires a coherent policy around physical activity participation. For older people, it is essential that increased life expectancy is accompanied by extended healthy life expect- ancy (Deeming, 2009;Osmond, 2010). Free swimming represents a small but nevertheless potentially important contribution to this. ...
... If governments are serious about meeting national physical activity targets (DoH et al., 2011) and attempting to reduce older people's dependency on social care and health services, this agenda is not optional. Importantly, there needs to be a focus on those least likely to participate because those groups who have the most to gain from increased levels of activity are those who are often marginalised and 'hardest to reach' (Collins & Kay, 2003;Deeming, 2009), and thus tend to be disre- garded or overlooked. who supported the evaluation research. ...
There is a well-established link between ageing and declining health, and this is exacerbated in areas of socio-economic deprivation. Being physically active can alleviate many of the major health problems for older people, yet participation in this demographic category remains low. This study is part of a larger programme of research concerned with a major national public health intervention, the Free Swimming Initiative. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to address local implementation of the national policy imperative in Wales and explored the views of non-users (n = 20) and community leisure providers (n = 7). The research was based in Abertillery – a traditional mining town in the South Wales Valleys with higher than average levels of social deprivation. Findings revealed a series of weaknesses in the delivery of this public policy intervention. They are (i) a lack of partnership infrastructure, (ii) insufficient participant involvement, (iii) an evidence gap and (iv) disjointed multiple aims.
... Regular engagement in physical activity offers many well-established health benefits, including reduced risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and some cancers [1]. According to previous national and international guidelines, adults should accumulate at least 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity on 5 or more days of the week in order to derive such benefits (current guidelines encourage adults to engage in moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity for at least 150 minutes per week) [2-4]. Public health campaigns have been implemented to educate the general population about the wide-ranging benefits of physical activity and to increase awareness of the guidelines [5,6]. ...
... Self-rated physical activity was then measured by asking participants to indicate whether they think they achieved this level of activity over the preceding month. We then classified participants’ objective physical activity as either inactive (PAL < 1.7) or active (PAL ≥ 1.7) in line with physical activity guidelines [2,3]. An habitual PAL ≥ 1.7 is associated with reduced risk of overweight, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, and is approximately equivalent to 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per day at least 5 days of the week [3]. ...
Background
Interventions to promote physical activity have had limited success. One reason may be that inactive adults are unaware that their level of physical activity is inadequate and do not perceive a need to change their behaviour. We aimed to assess awareness of physical activity, defined as the agreement between self-rated and objective physical activity, and to investigate associations with sociodemographic, biological, behavioural, and psychological factors.
Methods
We conducted an exploratory, cross-sectional analysis of awareness of physical activity using baseline data collected from 453 participants of the Feedback, Awareness and Behaviour study (Cambridgeshire, UK). Self-rated physical activity was measured dichotomously by asking participants if they believed they were achieving the recommended level of physical activity. Responses were compared to objective physical activity, measured using a combined accelerometer and heart rate monitor (Actiheart®). Four awareness groups were created: overestimators, realistic inactives, underestimators, and realistic actives. Logistic regression was used to assess associations between awareness group and potential correlates.
Results
The mean (standard deviation) age of participants was 47.0 (6.9) years, 44.4% were male, and 65.1% were overweight (body mass index ≥ 25). Of the 258 (57.0%) who were objectively classified as inactive, 130 (50.4%) misperceived their physical activity by incorrectly stating that they were meeting the guidelines (overestimators). In a multivariable logistic regression model adjusted for age and sex, those with a lower body mass index (Odds Ratio (OR) = 0.95, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 0.90 to 1.00), higher physical activity energy expenditure (OR = 1.03, 95% CI = 1.00 to 1.06) and self-reported physical activity (OR = 1.13, 95% CI = 1.07 to 1.19), and lower intention to increase physical activity (OR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.48 to 0.99) and response efficacy (OR = 0.53, 95% CI = 0.31 to 0.91) were more likely to overestimate their physical activity.
Conclusions
Overestimators have more favourable health characteristics than those who are realistic about their inactivity, and their psychological characteristics suggest that they are less likely to change their behaviour. Personalised feedback about physical activity may be an important first step to behaviour change.
... Regular physical activity (PA) reduces the risks on multiple health problems which often become more prevalent when people age [1-3]. Furthermore, regular PA enables older adults to maintain their mobility and independence, and to improve muscle strength, cognitive functioning, and emotional well-being, and it may thereby improve quality of life [1,4-7]. ...
... Regular physical activity (PA) reduces the risks on multiple health problems which often become more prevalent when people age [1-3]. Furthermore, regular PA enables older adults to maintain their mobility and independence, and to improve muscle strength, cognitive functioning, and emotional well-being, and it may thereby improve quality of life [1,4-7]. Because of the aging population in the Netherlands, stimulating PA among people over 50 years of age is of major relevance. ...
This study provides insight into the long-term efficacy (i.e. 12 month results) of the Web-based or print-delivered tailored Active Plus intervention (with and without environmental approach) to promote physical activity (PA) among the over-fifties. Differences in effect among subgroups are studied as well.
Intervention groups (i.e. print-delivered basic (PB; N = 439), print-delivered environmental (PE; N = 435), Web-based basic (WB; N = 423), Web-based environmental (WE; N = 432)) and a waiting list control group (N = 411) were studied in a clustered randomized controlled trial. Intervention participants received tailored advice three times within 4 months. Long-term effects (12 months after the intervention has started, i.e. 8 months after the intervention was completed) on PA (i.e. self-reported weekly minutes and days of sufficient PA) were tested using multilevel linear regression analyses. Participants' age, gender, BMI, educational level, PA intention and the presence of a chronic physical limitation were considered to be potential moderators of the effect.
Overall, the Active Plus intervention was effective in increasing weekly days of sufficient PA (B=0.49; p=.005), but ineffective in increasing weekly minutes of PA (B=84.59; p=.071). Per intervention condition analysis showed that the PB-intervention (Bdays=0.64; p=.002; Bmin=111.36; p=.017) and the PE-intervention (Bdays=0.70; p=.001; Bmin=157.41; p=.001) were effective in increasing days and minutes of PA. Neither Web-based conditions significantly increased PA, while the control group decreased their PA. In contrast to the intervention effect on minutes of PA, the effect on weekly days of PA was significantly moderated by the participants' baseline intention to be sufficiently physically active.
In general, after 12 months the print-delivered interventions resulted in stronger effects than the Web-based interventions. The participants' baseline intention was the only significant moderator of the intervention effect. All other assessed user characteristics did not significantly moderate the effect of the intervention, which might indicate that the intervention is sufficiently tailored to the different participant characteristics. Additional efforts should be taken to increase the sustainability of Web-based interventions.
Dutch Trial Register: NTR2297.
... Incluso, se ha demostrado que la actividad física también incide en el bienestar psicológico 7,8 . Diversos trabajos han puesto de manifiesto que la condición física se relaciona positivamente con la auto-percepción general de la salud 9 , los estados de ánimo positivos y la disminución de sentimientos negativos 10 , la autoestima 11 , y se relaciona negativamente con la ansiedad 12 y el estrés percibido 5 . ...
Introduction: Lack of physical activity is a major problem for physical, mental and occupational health. From occupational nursing we must ensure to promote and to protect the worker health to obtain optimal levels of well-being. Objective: To assess whether there is an improvement in the level of physical activity of HRUM workers through interventions by occupational nursing. Method: This study is a randomized clinical trial consisting of an intervention and control group. The population will be the professionals of the Hospital and the sample will be randomized with a systematic rule, following the order of arrival at the occupational medical examinations. Sociodemographic data will be asked and the level of physical activity will be assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire IPAQ, the aptitude to exercise with the PAR-Q Questionnaire and the degree of motivation to change. The nursing intervention will be a prescription of physical exercise through motivacional advice.
... As cities transform to accommodate population growth and rapid urbanisation [23], whether through urban densification or lateral expansion, walking and cycling access to destinations such as health services, public open spaces, jobs, education, retail, and public transportation is critical for developing less car-dominated cities. There is a strong association between the built environment's urban design qualities and residents' physical activity, with well-connected, accessible street networks supporting walking for transportation and enjoyment [24,25]. Cities that encourage walking have been found to decrease the prevalence of non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes [26,27]. ...
Half the world’s population now lives in cities, and this figure is expected to reach 70% by 2050. To ensure future cities offer equity for multiple age groups, it is important to plan for spatially inclusive features such as pedestrian accessibility. This feature is strongly related to many emerging global challenges regarding health, an ageing population, and an inclusive society, and should be carefully considered when designing future cities to meet the mobility requirements of different groups of people, reduce reliance on cars, and encourage greater participation by all residents. Independent travel to public open spaces, particularly green spaces, is widely considered a key factor that affects human health and well-being and is considered a primary motivation for walking. At the same time, unfavourable steepness and restrictive access points to open spaces can limit accessibility and restrict the activities of older adults or people with mobility impairments. This paper introduces a novel open access proximity modelling web application, PedestrianCatch, that simulates pedestrian catchments for user-specified destinations utilising a crowd-source road network and open topographic data. Based on this tool, we offer a multi-criteria evaluation approach that considers travel speed, time, urban topography, and visualisation modes to accommodate various simulation needs for different urban scenarios. Two case studies are conducted to demonstrate the technical feasibility and flexibility using the proposed evaluation approach, and explain how new renewal strategies can be tested when designing a more inclusive neighbourhood. This evaluation tool is immediately relevant to urban designers, health planners, and disability communities, and will be increasingly relevant to the wider community as populations age, while the corresponding analysis approach has a huge potential to contribute to the pre-design and design process for developing more walkable and accessible communities for all.
... Physical activity recommendations for children and teenagers recommend that all young people engage in at least one hour of moderate-intensity physical activity every day (McKee et al., 2007). Increasing people's levels of physical activity has been regarded as an key aspect of any future public health plan (Fox et al., 2004). ...
The study’s purpose was to conduct a comparison of selected physiological measures among students who commute to school via three different modes of transportation (Bicycling, Walking, and Motor Vehicles). Initially, a total of 600 school-going boys (N = 600) were chosen as study participants. Class VIII to XII grade school male students aged 14 to 18 years were purposefully selected as study subjects from seven secondary schools in the Birbhum district of West Bengal, India. Each group had 200 participants: N = 200 for walking, N = 200 for bicycling, and N = 200 for motor vehicles. A category-wise number of subjects were selected from the different schools. The data was calculated by descriptive statistics. For all independent variables, which were computed by using SPSS, one way ANOVA test followed by t-tests were used. As a result, students traveling to school by motor vehicle, as non-active commuters, had a significantly higher Body Mass Index (21.81) and percent Body Fat (16.03) than the other two active commuters, namely the walking and bicycling groups. According to current researchers, students who commute from their homes to school each day may use walking as their main form of transportation. The researchers also concur that if the school is reasonably close to the home, walking is a great form of transportation for students.
... The extensive use of cars in urban areas significantly contributes to climate change, local air contamination, pedestrian accidents and cityscaping. Additionally, the habitual use of cars to carry out most daily trips results in physical inactivity, which augments the danger of many chronic illnesses such as coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes and cancer of the colon [1]. Therefore, the promotion of the use of travel mode alternatives to cars, particularly cycling and walking, to carry out habitual trips, could have positive effects on reducing pollution, accidents and increase the health of citizens. ...
The main objective of the present study is to analyse the effect of a Travel Behaviour Change Program (TBCP) based on health improvement actions, in relation to a potential for an increase in walking and cycling, with reference to particular groups of people defined according to sociodemographics. A TBCP consisting of three persuasion actions based on health improvements was planned and executed in Valencia (Spain). A two-wave panel survey was used to study the effects of taking part in the TBCP. The panel survey collected data related to activity-travel scheduling process before and after the execution of the TBCP. To study the influence of participating in the TBCP, respondents were separated into two groups: those directly implicated in the TBCP and those who were not involved in any action (CG), which were formed on the basis of sociodemographic similarity. We developed descriptive and explanatory analyses and predictive models, to study the effect of the TBCP with reference to particular groups of people defined according to sociodemographics. Results indicate that being involved in the TBCP affects more males than females, those who share their household and do not live with their parents during weekdays, those with lower car availability, those willing to reduce car use and students. Several implications for research and transport policy are derived from these results.
... Importancia de la percepción de competencia y de la motivación en la salud mental de deportistas universitarios Isabel Castillo, Dra en Psic, (1) Javier Molina-García, Dr en C de la Act Fís y Dep, (2) Octavio Álvarez, Dr en Psic. (3) (1) Facultad de Psicología. ...
OBJECTIVE. This research analyzes the direct and indirect relationships among self-motivation, perceived competition and psychological well-being and ill-being. MATERIAL AND METHODS. Data from 491 Spanish college students (299 men and 192 women) who practice sports were collected using a cross-sectional design. Statistical analyses were carried out using structural equation modeling. RESULTS. Psychological well-being was directly fostered by perceived competition and indirectly by self- motivation. Furthermore, perceived competition was negatively associated with psychological ill-being. CONCLUSIONS. Perceived competition and self-motivation are important to the psychological well-being of college students and to avoiding ill-being.
... Physical inactivity and obesity are leading risk factors for global mortality [1] [2]. Recent epidemiological studies utilising valid measures of PA have demonstrated stronger associations between PA and health benefits than have been observed previously [3] [4]. ...
... Session 1 (week 1): Participants received a 30–45 minute one-to-one session with a dietician advisor trained in the study protocol. The advisor provided tailored feedback on the participant's current habits (referring to Actigraph data, and dietary records) as they relate to current health guidelines [49]. Discussion focused on aspects of diet and activity that the participant would consider changing, with a particular emphasis on identifying opportunities for small but significant modification that would fit within their existing lifestyle (i.e., achievable but meaningful changes). ...
Background:
Physical inactivity and a poor diet predict lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain types of cancer. Marked declines in physical activity occur during late adolescence, coinciding with the point at which many young people leave school and enter the workforce and begin to take greater control over their lifestyle behaviours. The work outlined within this paper sought to test a theoretically-informed intervention aimed at supporting increased engagement in physical activity and healthy eating habits in young people at the point of transition from school to work or work-based learning. As actively engaging young people in initiatives based on health messages is challenging, we also tested the efficacy of financial incentives in promoting initial engagement with the programme.
Methods/design:
A three-arm cluster-randomised design was used. Participants were school pupils from Year 11 and 13 (i.e., in their final year of study), aged 16-18 years. To reduce contamination effects, the unit of randomisation was school. Participants were randomly allocated to receive (i) a 12-week behavioural support intervention consisting of six appointments, (ii) a behavioural support intervention plus incentives (totalling £40), or (iii) an information-only control group. Behavioural support was provided by fitness advisors at local leisure centres following an initial consultation with a dietician. Sessions focused on promoting habit formation through setting implementation intentions as part of an incremental goal setting process. Consistent with self-determination theory, all advisors were trained to provide guidance in an autonomy-supportive manner so that they were equipped to create a social context supportive of autonomous forms of participant motivation. The primary outcome was objectively assessed physical activity (via GT1M accelerometers). Secondary outcome measures were diet, motivation and habit strength. Data were collected at baseline, post-intervention (12 weeks) and 12 months.
Discussion:
Findings of this trial will provide valuable insight into the feasibility of promoting autonomous engagement in healthy physical activity and dietary habits among school leavers. The research also provides much needed data and detailed information related to the use of incentives for the initial promotion of young peoples' behaviour change during this important transition.
Trial registration:
The trial is registered as Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN55839517.
The physical activity of middle-aged persons is an
important factor for every person belonging to this group.
The most important positive effects of physical activity
and physical exercise affect the psychophysical balance of
7
man, and its role in socialization and in relation to the
natural environment is classified into the contents
deserved for the general condition of man, and therefore
for health. The understanding of the content of physical
activity is determined by socio-economic conditions,
acquired habits and needs of the population, as well as
educational, educational, cultural and other factors. The
main aim of the research is focused on the identification of
modeling characteristics of the "average" medium-age
recreational in the Republic of Srpska and comparisons
with people who are not engaged in regular physical
activities. The empirical study included 1628 inhabitants
from several regions / towns in the Republic of Srpska
(916 - 56.3% men and 712 - 43.7% of women). The
sample was stratified and consisted of middle-aged
persons (according to the WHO criterion, UN: WHO,
1982), the age range ranging between 40 and 65 years.In
order to understand the nature of the relationships between
the selected research variables, the research instrument
was created through four units, which sought to identify:
(1) the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents,
(2) the basic characteristics of the work (characteristics of
the workplace), (3) the characteristics of physical activity
and (4) life habits and lifestyles. In the study, we obtained
results indicating that the proportion of male and female
respondents is different and that the largest number of
male respondents. Regarding gender differentiation, it is
noted that there is significantly more "non-sex" among
men, while among middle-aged people regularly engaged
in sports-recreational activities, there is almost no
difference in terms of full representation. Also, in terms of
age structure, the expected difference between examinees
of different age groups is evident, where the age groups
8
are clearly differentiated in which significant differences
are visible. This primarily relates to persons aged between
40 and 49 with the largest number of "non-recreational
athlete" (this is the period of man's life where the most
significant work and existential potentials are manifested),
while the smallest difference among respondents who are
saturated from 60 years. By applying a specially
constructed questionnaire, with the application of
appropriate statistical procedures, the dominant perception
of the presence of power and reputation as a lifestyle is
determined, where sports and recreational activities are
not a significant determinant of everyday physical activity
in middle-aged people. The fact that pupils are aware of
the need and importance of physical exercise for their
health is encouraging, and this kind of thinking will surely
be influenced by positive campaigns of promoting healthy
life
We developed an interactive sonification system that lets users listen to their own hand/arm movement and bicep muscle signals as sonic feedback during biceps curls exercise. The system aims to improve the exercise quality and user motivation. Based on two studies, we found that the sonification was more effective in providing temporal cues to slow down the repetition but not as effective as hoped in extending the vertical movement range and increasing repetition amount. The studies provide some design guidelines for multivariate sonification and also reflect a wider potential for applications that include general fitness, physiotherapy, and sports training.
Many children are insufficiently active for good health. Factors affecting childhood physical activity and sedentary behaviour levels have been identified, including residential and school factors. Three schools in Sheffield, UK were recruited. Data were collected from children aged 12-13 years on their physical activity and sedentary behaviours using the Youth Physical Activity Questionnaire. Data were analysed using univariate (t-test), non-parametric (X 2 , Krusall Wallis), and regression models adjusted for school type, sex and residential deprivation score. Children (n=189) attending the independent schools had higher MVPA levels (p<0.008; 95% CI 348-2289 extra minutes per week), and were more likely to meet the physical activity guidelines; this association was particularly strong for boys (boys at independent schools 7.8x more likely). Sex and residential deprivation score were not statistically significantly associated with MVPA or meeting physical activity guidelines. Children in affluent areas had the highest sedentary behaviour levels (p=0.021; 95% CI-1171 to-98). School type and sex were not statistically significantly associated with sedentary behaviour, after adjusting for the other factors. This study found that independent school children, particularly boys, were more active across the whole day, when compared with their state school counterparts. They were also more likely to meet the government's physical activity guidelines. There was no significant difference in the amount of time girls and boys spent in sedentary activities, but the types of sedentary activity differed between sexes. Children from less deprived areas reported more time spent in sedentary activities.
Progressive increase in the influx of privately owned vehicles and a decrease in the modal share of public transport over the years become a city-based phenomenon. Over-dependence on cars encouraged a sedentary lifestyle, an obesity epidemic, social exclusion and increased carbon footprint. Deficiencies in urban planning have created a spatial separation between employment centres and residential areas. The research focused on investigating how people construct the meaning attributed to commuting mode of travel to work. Using multiple embedded case study research approach, this research focuses on 19 semistructured interviews with employees from two neighbouring but contrasting case study areas of Kuala Lumpur. Synthesis of the employees’ experiences on their travel behaviour exposed replication logic on the way they perceived walking as part of the transportation mode of travelling to work. The implicit understanding of the walking to work includes; definition of walking to work by the communities, specific walking stages and its’ characteristic during am-pm rush hours, the travel pattern and modes of transportation from the origin point (home) to the office, and the understanding of walking benefits to their economy, environment, health and social. These results provide possibility of understanding the needs of people and to promote walking to work as part of transportation mode for commuting in order to overcome the current urban challenges.
Hypertension is a serious stress related disorder, typically requiring pharmacology in combination with various methods of health promotion including diet, specific lifestyle and psychophysiological techniques. This case study describes the effective treatment of a hypertensive crisis in a 63 year old woman with special reference to relevant, optimal, physical exercise and psychophysiological, heart rhythm variability, biofeedback interventions. Quantitative findings and client's experiential descriptions provided convergent support for the hypothesis that these interventions would be associated with blood pressure reductions. The single case study is instructive with regard to the typically holistic, multifactorial nature of aetiology, diagnosis and treatment, especially with regard to such common disorders as essential hypertension.
Objectives:
To provide an experimental test of control theory to promote physical activity.
Design:
Parallel groups, simple randomized design with an equal chance of allocation to any group.
Methods:
Participants not meeting recommended levels of physical activity but physically safe to do so (N = 124) were recruited on a UK university campus and randomized to goal-setting + self-monitoring + feedback (GS + SM + F, n = 40), goal-setting + self-monitoring (GS + SM, n = 40), or goal-setting only (GS, n = 44) conditions that differentially tapped the key features of control theory. Accelerometers assessed physical activity (primary outcome) as well as self-report over a 7-day period directly before/after the start of the intervention.
Results:
The participants in the GS + SM + F condition significantly outperformed those in the GS condition, d = 0.62, 95% CI d = 0.15-1.08, and marginally outperformed those in the GS + SM condition in terms of total physical activity at follow-up on the accelerometer measure, d = 0.33, 95% CI d = -0.13 to 0.78. The feedback manipulation (GS + SM + F vs. GS + SM and GS) was most effective when baseline intentions were weak. These patterns did not emerge on the self-report measure but, on the basis of this measure, the feedback manipulation increased the risk that participants coasted in relation to their goal in the first few days of the intervention period.
Conclusions:
Using behaviour change techniques consistent with control theory can lead to significant short-term improvements on objectively assessed physical activity. Further research is needed to examine the underlying theoretical principles of the model. Statement of contribution What is already known on this subject? Interventions incorporating more techniques that are consistent with control theory are associated with larger positive changes in health behaviours and related outcomes (see reviews by Dombrowski et al., ; Michie et al., ). However, none of the studies included in these reviews were explicitly based on control theory (see Prestwich et al., ). What does this study add? This study is the first experimental test of the cumulative effects of behaviour change techniques as proposed by control theory. Intervening on all aspects of the feedback loop noted by control theory leads to more change; however, the risk that some participants coast in relation to their set goal is significant. This approach increased physical activity more in those with weaker intentions pre-intervention.
All data available in the last years reveal a gradual deterioration of the quality diet ingested in all Europe as well as an insufficient practice of physical activity with the consequent increase of overweight and obesity in the population. Scientifically, it has been possible to demonstrate the relationship between diet, physical activity and health, in regard to its role in the appearance of certain chronic pathologies. In the near future, it is possible to wait for its increase and the reduction of quality of life. The fundamental determinants of risk factors are the changes produced in the diet, leading to a greater energy density, the increase of hydrogenated fat and saturated fat ingestion, the reduction of fiber and some carbohydrates as well as a reduction of the ingestion of fruits and vegetables. The prevention could be very effective if all the population adapts its lifestyles (diet, tobacco, physical activity) to the recommendations. In Spain, stresses the evolution of the people who are overweight and obesity: 45.4 per cent in 1995 and 53.3 per cent in 2006, so that in a decade the prevalence of persons with body mass index higher than the advised rose almost 8 per cent. The follow-up of balanced as well as the promotion of physical activity are essential tools for improving expectancy life of the population. The contents of the dietary guidelines should be transferred to the population through different models or patterns based on food, being also necessary to harness and to perfect the programs of information and nutricional education of the population. With this aim, Dietetic Recommendations for a balanced diet have been elaborated from the Spanish Dietetic Society.
Physical activity and exercise guidelines for weight management call for at least 60 min of daily activity. However, these documents fail to acknowledge that almost no obese adults meet this target and that non-adherence and dropout are even higher among obese individuals than the general population. The reasons for this level of activity avoidance among obese individuals remain poorly understood, and there are no evidence-based methods for addressing the problem. Opinions among exercise scientists are polarized. Some advocate moderate intensity and long duration, whereas others call for high intensity and shorter duration. The latter approach attributes the inactivity and high dropout to limited discretionary time and the slow accrual of visible benefits. However, higher intensity has been associated with non-adherence and dropout, whereas longer duration has not. A conceptual model is then proposed, according to which obesity interacts with intensity, causing physical activity and exercise to be associated with reduced pleasure among obese individuals. We theorize that, in turn, repeated experiences of reduced pleasure lead to avoidance. On this basis, we call for a research agenda aimed at identifying the causes of activity-associated and exercise-associated displeasure in obesity and, by extension, the causes of the extreme physical inactivity among obese individuals.
The purpose of this study was to examine physical activity (PA) levels and body mass index (BMI) of secondary education students in central Greece and more specifically to determine the percentage of students that meet the criterion for participation in moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) for 60 minutes per day, body mass index (BMI) of participants and possible differences in PA and BMI due to sex and age. The sample consisted of 19 students and 21 female students (n=40) of a private school in Thessaly, aged 12-16 years (M age: 13.20 ± 1.24 years), who participated voluntarily and wore an accelerometer (Actigraph GT3X plus; Actigraph, Pensacola, FL) on their waist for at least three days of eight hours each day. Results showed that students had on average 87.19 ± 28.89 minutes / day in MVPA, 15.968, 42 ± 4.312,90 steps/ day and spent 492.24 ± 71.19 minutes / day in sedentary time activities. The 17.5% of participants did not meet the criterion of 60 minutes per day in MVPA, while 82.5% of students participated in MVPA for more than 60 minutes per day. Boys and younger age students (12-13 years) had higher levels of PA compared with girls and older age students (14-16 years), respectively. Also, 77.5% of participants had normal BMI and 22.5% of participants were overweight or obese. Finally, there were no significant differences in BMI z scores between sex and age. These results set a benchmark for further evaluation of students' PA and BMI in secondary education.
The A-CLASS Project is a unique multi-disciplinary project, which consists of multi-sports activity coaches who will be responsible for running after school and community sports clubs, and four research coaches who will analyse the effects of these programmes on the physical activity levels of Liverpool school children.
Objectives: To estimate the proportion and numbers of cancers occurring in Australia in 2010 attributable to insufficient levels of physical activity.Methods: We estimated the population attributable fraction (PAF) of cancers causally associated with insufficient physical activity (colon, post-menopausal breast and endometrium) using standard formulae incorporating prevalence of insufficient physical activity (<60 minutes at least 5 days/week), relative risks associated with physical activity and cancer incidence. We also estimated the proportion change in cancer incidence (potential impact fraction [PIF]) that may have occurred assuming that everyone with insufficient activity levels increased their exercise by 30 minutes/week.Results: An estimated 1,814 cases of colon, post-menopausal breast and endometrial cancer were attributable to insufficient levels of physical activity: 707 (6.5%) colon; 971 (7.8%) post-menopausal breast; and 136 (6.0%) endometrial cancers. If those exercising below the recommended level had increased their activity level by 30 minutes/week, we estimate 314 fewer cancers (17% of those attributable to insufficient physical activity) would have occurred in 2010.Conclusions: More than 1,500 cancers were attributable to insufficient levels of physical activity in the Australian population.Implications: Increasing the proportion of Australians who exercise could reduce the incidence of several common cancers.
AimPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most prevalent endocrine disorder in women and confers a substantial health burden. It is important to explore modifiable extrinsic factors that contribute to disease risk. The aim of the present study was to compare the dietary intake, physical activity and physiological characteristics of women with PCOS with those of controls to identify lifestyle behaviours associated with known cardiometabolic risk factors.MethodsA seven-day food and activity diary was completed and anthropometric and biomarkers of type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease risk were measured in 38 women with PCOS, and 30 controls, matched for age and body mass index.ResultsSimilar energy intakes and activity levels were observed between groups. Percentage energy intakes from total, saturated and monounsaturated fats were significantly higher (P = 0.008, P = 0.012 and P = 0.003, respectively) and % energy from carbohydrate was significantly lower (P < 0.001) in participants with PCOS compared with controls (P < 0.001). Insulin levels, two hours after a glucose challenge, were significantly higher in PCOS participants compared with controls (P = 0.029). Increased dietary glycaemic index appeared to be associated with a more negative biochemical profile in women with PCOS compared to controls, being significantly associated with an increased waist circumference and LDL-cholesterol and decreased HDL-cholesterol.Conclusions
The present study has identified suboptimal dietary patterns in women with PCOS, and highlighted dietary factors associated with cardiometabolic risk factors that warrant monitoring in both lean and obese women with PCOS.
Unlabelled:
This study examined the effects of an acute bout of exercise of low-intensity on food intake and energy expenditure over four days in women taking oral contraceptives. Twenty healthy, active (n = 10) and inactive (n = 10) pre-menopausal women taking oral contraceptives completed two conditions (exercise and control), in a randomised, crossover fashion. The exercise experimental day involved cycling for one hour at an intensity equivalent to 50% of maximum oxygen uptake and two hours of rest. The control condition comprised three hours of rest. Participants arrived at the laboratory fasted overnight; breakfast was standardised and an ad libitum pasta lunch was consumed on each experimental day. Participants kept a food diary to measure food intake and wore an Actiheart to measure energy expenditure for the remainder of the experimental days and over the subsequent 3 days. There was a condition effect for absolute energy intake (exercise vs.
Control:
3363 ± 668 kJ vs. 3035 ± 752 kJ; p = 0.033, d = 0.49) and relative energy intake (exercise vs.
Control:
2019 ± 746 kJ vs. 2710 ± 712 kJ; p <0.001, d = -1.00) at the ad libitum lunch. There were no significant differences in energy intake over the four days in active participants and there was a suppression of energy intake on the first day after the exercise experimental day compared with the same day of the control condition in inactive participants (mean difference = -1974 kJ; 95% CI -1048 to -2900 kJ, p = 0.002, d = -0.89). There was a group effect (p = 0.001, d = 1.63) for free-living energy expenditure, indicating that active participants expended more energy than inactive participants during this period. However, there were no compensatory changes in daily physical activity energy expenditure. These results support the use of low-intensity aerobic exercise as a method to induce a short-term negative energy balance in inactive women taking oral contraceptives.
Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to argue that playing computer games for lengthy periods of time, even in a manner that will force the player to forgo certain other activities normally seen as more important, can be an integral part of human flourishing.
Design/methodology/approach
– The authors' claim is based on a modern reading of Aristotle's Nichomacean Ethics. It should be emphasized that the authors do not argue that computer gaming and other similar online activities are central to all people under all circumstances; but only seek to show that the claim holds true for some people under some circumstances and the authors try to spell out the relevant circumstances in detail.
Findings
– The authors provide a list of situations in which playing computer games for lengthy periods of time, in a manner that will force the player to forgo certain other activities normally seen as more important, is an integral part of human flourishing.
Originality/value
– The paper puts some novel pressure on the widely‐held belief that playing computer games for lengthy periods of time, in a manner that will force the player to forgo certain other activities normally seen as more important. The paper claims that playing some computer games and partaking in some forms of online activities could be highly conducive to what it actually means in practice to take care of oneself and, to paraphrase Aristotle, to be eager for fine actions.
Research findings on the relationship between the psychosocial work environment and leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) are equivocal. This might partly be due to studies having focused on a restricted set of psychosocial dimensions, thereby failing to capture all relevant domains.
To examine cross-sectional associations between seven psychosocial work environment domains and LTPA in a large sample of UK civil servants and to profile LTPA and consider this in relation to UK government recommendations on physical activity.
In 2012 Northern Ireland Civil Service employees completed a questionnaire including measures of psychosocial working conditions (Management Standards Indicator Tool) and LTPA. We applied bivariate correlations and linear regression analyses to examine relations between psychosocial working conditions and LTPA.
Of 26000 civil servants contacted, 5235 (20%) completed the questionnaire. 24% of men and 17% of women reported having undertaken 30min or more of physical activity on five or more days in the past week. In men, job control (-0.08) and peer support (-0.05) were weakly but significantly negatively correlated with LTPA, indicating that higher levels of exposure to these psychosocial hazards was associated with lower levels of LTPA. Job role (-0.05) was weakly but significantly negatively correlated with LTPA in women. These psychosocial work characteristics accounted for 1% or less of the variance in LTPA.
Longitudinal research to examine cause-effect relations between psychosocial work characteristics and LTPA might identify opportunities for psychosocial job redesign to increase employees' physical activity during leisure time.
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Renal physiotherapists are well placed to assess, counsel and prescribe exercise for patients at all stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Sharlene Greenwood describes the various areas in which physiotherapists have become involved to provide physical activity for patients with CKD.
Physical activity is associated with good physical and mental health. Current recommendations suggest that people should achieve 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity most days of the week to gain health benefits. This activity may be accumulated in leisure time, in active commuting, at work or in the home. Here we look at the cross-sectional relationship between physical activity and mental health as measured by the HAD S anxiety and depression scores in a sample of 1,742 participants from a Scottish general population survey. The participants were men and women in three age cohorts aged around 24, 44 and 64 years who, in 1995, were interviewed face to face and also self-completed the HADS depression and anxiety scale. Respondents reported their levels of physical activity at work, in the home and in leisure time; the intensities of activity were also determined. Physical activity was related to depression scores but not to anxiety scores. There was no relationship between work physical activity and depression score. Among women, depression score increased with each additional episode of vigorous home activity. In both sexes, depression score decreased with each additional episode of vigorous leisure activity, but among men the decrease in depression score with moderate leisure activity was reversed if a lot of moderate activity was undertaken. We have found a variable relationship between depression scores and various settings for physical activity. Researchers, policymakers and practitioners who are interested in the relationship between physical activity and mental health should take into account the setting for activity as well as frequency, duration and intensity of activity.
Regular physical activity has long been regarded as an important component of a healthy lifestyle. Despite this evidence and the public's apparent awareness of the importance of physical activity, millions of children and adolescents remain sedentary leading to the development of numerous diseases of lifestyle, such as obesity. Clinical management and public health strategies to combat the problem of childhood obesity have been overtaken by the speed and scale of the epidemic. However, there is a mismatch between the scale of the problem and comparatively weak and belated strategies for dealing with childhood obesity. As such, the increasing prevalence and serious consequences of childhood obesity has prompted calls for broad public health solutions that reach beyond clinical settings. In this regard, the present study identified the determinants of child and adolescent participation in physical activity. A systematic review of the literature was undertaken based primarily on the PubMed/CINAHL/PsycINFO/ProQuest databases. Previously, a typology for understanding the multitude of factors which may influence child and adolescent physical activity patterns has been proposed that considers determinants at four levels, namely; physiological, psychological, socio-cultural and ecological. Although more studies investigating the determinants of child and adolescent participation in physical activity are needed, current evidence suggests that within each of these four determinants, numerous factors such as physical maturation and age, gender differences, ethnicity, self-efficacy, family factors, peer factors, socio-economic status and the school setting can and do act as barriers to child and adolescent participation in physical activity possibly explaining the increasing prevalence of childhood obesity.
Rates of physical inactivity continue to rise in North America and throughout the world. Preventable health related illnesses associated with inactivity and the financial costs associated with treating these illnesses should be of concern. Many individuals believe they are active and achieve the present recommendation of 150 minutes of activity per week. However, many do not recognize that in achieving the present activity standard, there are between 12.25 to 14.25 waking hours of light-intensity activity or inactivity. Further, most people do not realize that being inactive significantly increases the risk of coronary artery disease, stroke, hypertension, colon cancer, breast cancer (in women only), type 2 diabetes, and osteoporosis. Perhaps most importantly, people need to understand the meaning of a sedentary lifestyle and how this will impact on their independent way of life, especially after the retirement age.
Background and objectives:
Referring clinicians' experiences of exercise referral schemes (ERS) can provide valuable insights into their uptake. However, most qualitative studies focus on patient views only. This paper explores health professionals' perceptions of their role in promoting physical activity and experiences of a National Exercise Referral Scheme (NERS) in Wales.
Design:
Qualitative semi-structured group interviews.
Setting:
General practice premises.
Methods:
Nine semi-structured group interviews involving 46 health professionals were conducted on general practice premises in six local health board areas. Purposive sampling taking into account area deprivation, practice size and referral rates was employed. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using the Framework method of thematic analysis.
Results:
Health professionals described physical activity promotion as important, although many thought it was outside of their expertise and remit, and less important than other health promotion activities such as smoking cessation. Professionals linked decisions on whether to advise physical activity to patients to their own physical activity levels and to subjective judgements of patient motivation. While some described ERS as a holistic alternative to medication, with potential social benefits, others expressed concerns regarding their limited reach and potential to exacerbate inequalities. Barriers to referral included geographic isolation and uncertainties about patient selection criteria, medico-legal responsibilities and a lack of feedback about patient progress.
Conclusion:
Clinicians' concerns about expertise, priority setting and time constraints should be addressed to enhance physical activity promotion in primary care. Further research is needed to fully understand decision making relating to provision of physical activity advice and use of ERS.
Background:
Physical inactivity is a significant predictor of several chronic diseases, becoming more prevalent as people age. Since the aging population increases demands on healthcare budgets, effectively stimulating physical activity (PA) against acceptable costs is of major relevance. This study provides insight into long-term health outcomes and cost-effectiveness of a tailored PA intervention among adults aged over fifty.
Methods:
Intervention participants (N = 1729) received tailored advice three times within four months, targeting the psychosocial determinants of PA. The intervention was delivered in different conditions (i.e. print-delivered versus Web-based, and with or without additional information on local PA opportunities). In a clustered RCT, the effects of the different intervention conditions were compared to each other and to a control group. Effects on weekly Metabolic Equivalents (MET)-hours of PA obtained one year after the intervention started were extrapolated to long-term outcomes (5-year, 10-year and lifetime horizons) in terms of health effects and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and its effect on healthcare costs, using a computer simulation model. Combining the model outcomes with intervention cost estimates, this study provides insight into the long-term cost-effectiveness of the intervention. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were calculated.
Results:
For all extrapolated time horizons, the printed and the Web-based intervention resulted in decreased incidence numbers for diabetes, colon cancer, breast cancer, acute myocardial infarctions, and stroke and increased QALYs as a result of increased PA. Considering a societal Willingness-to-Pay of €20,000/QALY, on a lifetime horizon the printed (ICER = €7,500/QALY) as well as the Web-based interventions (ICER = €10,100/QALY) were cost-effective. On a 5-year time horizon, the Web-based intervention was preferred over the printed intervention. On a 10-year and lifetime horizon, the printed intervention was the preferred intervention condition, since the monetary savings of the Web-based intervention did no longer outweigh its lower effects. Adding environmental information resulted in a lower cost-effectiveness.
Conclusion:
A tailored PA intervention in a printed delivery mode, without environmental information, has the most potential for being cost-effective in adults aged over 50.
Trial registration:
The current study was registered at the Dutch Trial Register (NTR2297; April 26th 2010).
Objective:
While an increasing number of randomised controlled trials report impacts of exercise referral schemes (ERS) on physical activity, few have investigated the mechanisms through which increases in physical activity are produced. This study examines whether a National Exercise Referral Scheme (NERS) in Wales is associated with improvements in autonomous motivation, self-efficacy and social support, and whether change in physical activity is mediated by change in these psychosocial processes.
Methods:
A pragmatic randomised controlled trial of NERS across 12 LHBs in Wales. Questionnaires measured demographic data and physical activity at baseline. Participants (N = 2160) with depression, anxiety or CHD risk factors were referred by health professionals and randomly assigned to control or intervention. At six months psychological process measures were collected by questionnaire. At 12 months physical activity was assessed by 7 Day PAR telephone interview. Regressions tested intervention effects on psychosocial variables, physical activity before and after adjusting for mediators and socio demographic patterning.
Results:
Significant intervention effects were found for autonomous motivation and social support for exercise at 6 months. No intervention effect was observed for self-efficacy. The data are consistent with a hypothesis of partial mediation of the intervention effect by autonomous motivation. Analysis of moderators showed significant improvements in relative autonomy in all subgroups. The greatest improvements in autonomous motivation were observed among patients who were least active at baseline.
Discussion:
The present study offered key insights into psychosocial processes of change in an exercise referral scheme, with effects on physical activity mediated by autonomous motivation. Findings support the use of self-determination theory as a framework for ERS. Further research is required to explain socio-demographic patterning in responses to ERS, with changes in motivation occurring among all sub-groups of participants, though not always leading to higher adherence or behavioural change. This highlights the importance of socio-ecological approaches to developing and evaluating behaviour change interventions, which consider factors beyond the individual, including conditions in which improved motivation does or does not produce behavioural change.
Trial register number:
ISRCTN47680448.
This study provides insight in the effectiveness of a print-delivered and a Web-based physical activity (PA) intervention
(with or without additional environmental information on local PA possibilities) among people aged over 50. Intervention groups
(print-delivered basic [PB; n = 439], print-delivered environmental [PE; n = 435], Web-based basic [WB; n = 423], Web-based environmental [WE; n = 432]) and a control group (n = 411) were studied in a clustered randomized controlled trial. Participants received three times tailored advice within
four months, targeting the psychosocial determinants of PA, and additional environmental information (in two conditions).
Outcome measures include weekly minutes and days of sufficient PA 6 months after the start, considering age, gender, educational
level, body mass index, the presence of a chronic physical limitation and PA intentions as possible effect moderators. The
results showed that the PB (B = 192.47; 95% CI = 75.24–309.71; P = 0.003), the PE (B = 229.31; 95% CI = 108.73–349.89; P = 0.001) and the WB-intervention condition (B = 214.25; 95% CI 88.65–339.85; P = 0.002) resulted in significantly increased weekly minutes of PA. Only the printed conditions resulted in increased days
of sufficient PA (PB: B = 0.63; 95% CI = 0.35–0.92; P < 0.001; PE: B = 0.55; 95% CI = 0.26–0.85; P = 0.001). Additional environmental information did not increase intervention effects. Differences in effect were found between
age and gender subgroups. In conclusion, both printed and Web-based interventions can be effective in increasing PA in adults
aged over 50.
AimsTo synthesize evidence from randomized and non-randomized studies of physical activity interventions in children and young people with Type 1 diabetes so as to explore clinically relevant health outcomes and inform the promotion of physical activity.Method
We conducted a search of CINAHL Plus, the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, SCOPUS, SportDiscus and Web of Science between October and December 2012. Eligible articles included subjects aged ≤18 years with Type 1 diabetes and a physical activity intervention that was more than a one-off activity session. Physiological, psychological, behavioural or social outcomes were those of interest.ResultsA total of 26 articles (10 randomized and 16 non-randomized studies), published in the period 1964–2012, were reviewed. Although there was heterogeneity in study design, methods and reporting, 23 articles reported at least one significant beneficial health outcome at follow-up. Meta-analyses of these studies showed potential benefits of physical activity on HbA1c (11 studies, 345 participants, standardized mean difference -0.52, 95% CI -0.97 to -0.07; P = 0.02), BMI (four studies, 195 participants, standardized mean difference -0.41, 95% CI -0.70 to -0.12; P = 0.006) and triglycerides (five studies, 206 participants, standardized mean difference -0.70, 95% CI -1.25 to -0.14; P = 0.01).The largest effect size was for total cholesterol (five studies, 206 participants, standardized mean difference -0.91, 95% CI -1.66 to -0.17; P = 0.02).Conclusions
Physical activity is important for diabetes management and has the potential to delay cardiovascular disease, but there is a lack of studies that are underpinned by psychological behaviour change theory, promoting sustained physical activity and exploring psychological outcomes. There remains a lack of knowledge of how to promote physical activity in people with Type 1 diabetes.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Studies that investigated the impacts of sedentary behavior (SB) on health are recent, especially in children. The aim of this study was to investigate factors associated with SB in a Brazilian school in the city of Uberaba, State of Minas Gerais. This is an epidemiological study using cross-sectional probability sample (n=649). We collected and considered as independent variables: anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, biochemical, time spent in physical activity (PA). SD was considered the dependent variable, characterized by screen time (ST), and verified associated factors using Poisson regression analysis. Girls had higher skinfold, triglycerides and HDL-c, and boys have higher blood glucose concentration, attended more to the recommendation 60 min PA/day and higher SB. The TT > 2 h/day was prevalent in 76,9 % of the sample. SB was not associated with sociodemographic, health nor behavioral variables in 9- to 12-year-old school children. More research is necessary to identify the complex interrelationships between ST and associated factors.
This study evaluated the effectiveness of the physical activity level (PAL), engagement in physical activity of moderate to vigorous intensity (MVPA) and number of steps/day as prediction of cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) in children. We measured anthropometric parameters, body composition, blood pressure, blood glucose, HDL-c and triglycerides. The PAL and engagement in MVPA were obtained using a questionnaire and computing number steps/days with a pedometer. Participants were 187 children, with a mean age of 9.90 (± 0.7) years. The PAL showed a significant area under the ROC curve as a predictir of obesity, high body fat %, and high blood pressure (HBP) in girls. The PAL accurately predicted obesity and metabolic syndrome (MS), and MVPA accurately predicted MS and HBP in boys. Boys who achieved the recommended 13.000 steps/day were protected from MS and low HDL-c. Achieving the recommendations of engagement in MVPA and number of steps were protection against CVRFfactors in children.
Objectives:
This study explored whether self-esteem would moderate the effectiveness of a self-affirmation manipulation at increasing openness to personally relevant health-risk information.
Design:
The study employed a prospective experimental design.
Method:
Participants (N = 328) completed either a self-affirmation manipulation or a control task, prior to reading information detailing the health-related consequences of taking insufficient exercise. They then completed a series of measures assessing their cognitions towards exercise and their derogation of the information. Exercise behaviour was assessed at 1-week follow-up.
Results:
Self-esteem moderated the impact of self-affirmation on the majority of outcomes. For participants with low self-esteem, the self-affirmation manipulation resulted in more positive attitudes and intentions towards exercise, together with lower levels of derogation of the health-risk information. By contrast, there was no effect of the self-affirmation manipulation on outcomes for participants with high self-esteem.
Conclusion:
Findings suggest that self-affirmation manipulations might be of particular benefit for those with low self-esteem in terms of promoting openness towards health-risk information. This is promising from a health promotion perspective, as individuals with low self-esteem often represent those most in need of intervention. Statement of contribution What is already known on this subject? Self-affirmation has been shown to result in more open processing of personally relevant health-risk information. Individuals low in self-esteem tend to process such information more defensively than those high in self-esteem. What does this study add? It explores whether self-esteem moderates the impact of self-affirmation on responses to health-risk information. Findings suggest that individuals with low self-esteem benefit most from the self-affirmation manipulation. This has important applied implications, as individuals with low self-esteem may be most in need of intervention.
Socioeconomic gradients in walking are well documented but the underlying reasons remain unclear. We examined the contribution of objective measures of the physical environment at residence to socioeconomic gradients in walking in 3363 participants (50–74 years) from the Whitehall II study (2002–2004). Individual-level socioeconomic position was measured as most recent employment grade. The contribution of multiple measures of the physical environment to socioeconomic position gradients in self-reported log transformed minutes walking/week was examined by linear regression. Objective measures of the physical environment contributed only to a small extent to socioeconomic gradients in walking in middle-aged and older adults living in Greater London, UK. Of these, only the number of killed and seriously injured road traffic casualties per km of road was predictive of walking. More walking in areas with high rates of road traffic casualties per km of road may signal an effect not of injury risk but of more central locations with multiple destinations within short distances (‘compact neighbourhoods’). This has potential implications for urban planning to promote physical activity.
Policy efforts directed at encouraging physical activity have had minimal success to date. Drawing on Bourdieu's theory of practice, we suggest that a social practice framing might provide useful ways of thinking about why and how some practices do and could change. This article takes three case studies of transformations in mobility practices to explore conditions of possibility for change, using a secondary analysis of qualitative data from studies on cycling in London and fell running in the English Lake District. Three modes of transformation: unthinkable, thwarted and resisted, are rooted in differential interrelationships of field, habitus and doxa in these contrasting cases. We suggest that the notion of tacit, practical knowledge is more useful to understanding why change is thinkable or unthinkable than participants' reasoned accounts of their practice; that where new social fields are available that are congruent with habitus, change is possible and that where field and habitus are tightly aligned, the conditions of possibility for change are reduced. Efforts directed at changing practice might usefully focus not on behaviour or environments but on identifying the social fields in which mobility practices are likely to be malleable. The sociology of public health needs to focus less on health behaviour and more on social practice.
Adapting behavior change interventions to meet the needs of racial and ethnic minority populations has the potential to enhance their effectiveness in the target populations. But because there is little guidance on how best to undertake these adaptations, work in this field has proceeded without any firm foundations. In this article, we present our Tool Kit of Adaptation Approaches as a framework for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers interested in delivering behavior change interventions to ethnically diverse, underserved populations in the United Kingdom.
We undertook a mixed-method program of research on interventions for smoking cessation, increasing physical activity, and promoting healthy eating that had been adapted to improve salience and acceptability for African-, Chinese-, and South Asian-origin minority populations. This program included a systematic review (reported using PRISMA criteria), qualitative interviews, and a realist synthesis of data.
We compiled a richly informative data set of 161 publications and twenty-six interviews detailing the adaptation of behavior change interventions and the contexts in which they were undertaken. On the basis of these data, we developed our Tool Kit of Adaptation Approaches, which contains (1) a forty-six-item Typology of Adaptation Approaches; (2) a Pathway to Adaptation, which shows how to use the Typology to create a generic behavior change intervention; and (3) RESET, a decision tool that provides practical guidance on which adaptations to use in different contexts.
Our Tool Kit of Adaptation Approaches provides the first evidence-derived suite of materials to support the development, design, implementation, and reporting of health behavior change interventions for minority groups. The Tool Kit now needs prospective, empirical evaluation in a range of intervention and population settings.
ProblemDespite calls for physical activity (PA) to be prescribed to individuals with Bipolar Disorder (BD) as a means of improving physical and mental health there has been no systematic review of the potential health risks and benefits of increased PA for individuals with BD. This paper presents the first such review.Method
Systematic searches of six databases were conducted from database inception until January 2009, using a range of search terms to reflect both PA and BD. Studies were subsequently considered eligible if they reported on quantitative studies investigating the effect of PA upon some aspect of physical or mental health in individuals with BD.ResultsOf the 484 articles retrieved, six studies met the inclusion criteria.DiscussionFew studies have considered how PA may impact on the physical and mental health of people with BD. Nevertheless existing studies do suggest that physical activity interventions may be feasible and have a role in promoting mental health in this population. We discuss methodological, practical and ethical challenges to research in this area, and outline three research questions that future work should seek to address.Conclusions
Research into the efficacy and safety of PA as an intervention in BD is required to support the development of detailed, population-specific guidelines.
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