ORCID Profile
0000-0002-4734-6354
Current Organisations
MD Anderson UTHealth Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
,
Deakin University
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Research Topics
In Research Link Australia (RLA), "Research Topics" refer to ANZSRC FOR and SEO codes. These topics are either sourced from ANZSRC FOR and SEO codes listed in researchers' related grants or generated by a large language model (LLM) based on their publications.
Top 5 Research Topics
ANZSRC Field of Research (FoR)
Public Health and Health Services | Epidemiology | Public Health And Health Services Not Elsewhere Classified | Nutrition And Dietetics | Community Child Health | Health Promotion | Nutrition and Dietetics | Endocrinology | Epidemiology | Rehabilitation Engineering | Clinical Nursing: Primary (Preventative) | Health Promotion | Psychology | Preventive Medicine | Public Health and Health Services not elsewhere classified | Sport and Exercise Psychology
ANZSRC Socio-Economic Objective (SEO)
Behaviour and Health | Nutrition | Behaviour and health | Child health | Child Health | Public Health (excl. Specific Population Health) not elsewhere classified | Health related to ageing | Rural health | Health Education and Promotion | Skeletal system and disorders (incl. arthritis) | Preventive medicine | Men's Health |
Related Links
Publications
Which food-related behaviours are associated with healthier intakes of fruits and vegetables among women?
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 03-2007
DOI: 10.1017/S1368980007246798
Abstract: To examine associations between shopping, food preparation, meal and eating behaviours and fruit and vegetable intake among women. Cross-sectional survey. Community-based s le from metropolitan Melbourne, Australia. A s le of 1136 women aged 18–65 years, randomly selected from the electoral roll. Food-related behaviours reflecting organisation and forward-planning, as well as enjoyment of and high perceived value of meal shopping, preparation and consumption were associated with healthier intakes of fruits and vegetables. For ex le, women who more frequently planned meals before they went shopping, wrote a shopping list, enjoyed food shopping, planned in the morning what they will eat for dinner that night, planned what they will eat for lunch, reported they enjoy cooking, liked trying new recipes and who reported they sometimes prepare dishes ahead of time were more likely to consume two or more servings of vegetables daily. Conversely, women who frequently found cooking a chore, spent less than 15 minutes preparing dinner, decided on the night what they will eat for dinner, ate in a fast-food restaurant, ate takeaway meals from a fast-food restaurant, ate dinner and snacks while watching television and who frequently ate on the run were less likely to eat two or more servings of vegetables daily. Practical strategies based on these behavioural characteristics could be trialled in interventions aimed at promoting fruit and vegetable consumption among women.
Validity of a brief self-report instrument for assessing compliance with physical activity guidelines amongst adolescents
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2012
DOI: 10.1016/J.JSAMS.2011.09.003
Abstract: To examine the validity of a brief self-report questionnaire for assessing physical activity, and compliance and non-compliance with moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) recommendations in Australian adolescents against accelerometry. Cross-sectional study. MVPA of 203 adolescents (124 females, 79 males) aged 15-17 years was objectively assessed for 8 consecutive days using uni-axial accelerometers and calculated using age-specific cut-points. Adolescents self-reported the number of days (0-7) they were physically active for a total of at least 60 min/day (1) over the past 7 days and (2) over a typical week. Compliance with physical activity recommendations was defined as (1) 5 and (2) 7 days of self-reported MVPA (of at least 60 min/day), and (3) ≥60 min MVPA per average day, and (4) >60 min MVPA on every day according to accelerometry. Spearman's Rho correlations analysed the association between accelerometry-derived MVPA/day and self-reported MVPA days/week for the whole s le, sex and weight status. Percent agreement determined the proportion of adolescents correctly identified as not meeting physical activity recommendations (specificity) or as meeting physical activity recommendations (sensitivity) according to the self-report questionnaire. Moderate to large correlations were found between the self-report and accelerometer data (0.2-0.51) across population subgroups. The percent agreement between the self-report and accelerometry data was good for specificity however, the sensitivity was low, potentially due to poor compliance with recommendations. Compared to accelerometry, the brief MVPA self-report questionnaire appears to have acceptable validity for measuring non-compliance with physical activity recommendations in 15-17 year old adolescents.
A Parent-Focused Intervention to Reduce Infant Obesity Risk Behaviors: A Randomized Trial
Publisher: American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
Date: 04-2013
Abstract: To assess the effectiveness of a parent-focused intervention on infants’ obesity-risk behaviors and BMI. This cluster randomized controlled trial recruited 542 parents and their infants (mean age 3.8 months at baseline) from 62 first-time parent groups. Parents were offered six 2-hour dietitian-delivered sessions over 15 months focusing on parental knowledge, skills, and social support around infant feeding, diet, physical activity, and television viewing. Control group parents received 6 newsletters on nonobesity-focused themes all parents received usual care from child health nurses. The primary outcomes of interest were child diet (3 × 24-hour diet recalls), child physical activity (accelerometry), and child TV viewing (parent report). Secondary outcomes included BMI z-scores (measured). Data were collected when children were 4, 9, and 20 months of age. Unadjusted analyses showed that, compared with controls, intervention group children consumed fewer grams of noncore drinks (mean difference = –4.45 95% confidence interval [CI]: –7.92 to –0.99 P = .01) and were less likely to consume any noncore drinks (odds ratio = 0.48 95% CI: 0.24 to 0.95 P = .034) midintervention (mean age 9 months). At intervention conclusion (mean age 19.8 months), intervention group children consumed fewer grams of sweet snacks (mean difference = –3.69 95% CI: –6.41 to –0.96 P = .008) and viewed fewer daily minutes of television (mean difference = –15.97: 95% CI: –25.97 to –5.96 P = .002). There was little statistical evidence of differences in fruit, vegetable, savory snack, or water consumption or in BMI z-scores or physical activity. This intervention resulted in reductions in sweet snack consumption and television viewing in 20-month-old children.
How do perceptions of local neighborhood relate to adolescents' walking and cycling?
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 11-2005
DOI: 10.4278/0890-1171-20.2.139
Abstract: To examine how perceptions of the local neighborhood relate to adolescents' walking and cycling. Exploratory cross-sectional study. Birth cohort from the Nepean Hospital, Sydney, Australia. Three hundred forty-seven adolescents (79.1% response rate 49.6% boys mean age = 13.0 ± 0.2 years) and their parents. Self-report and parental-report questionnaires. Multiple linear regressions, adjusted for level of maternal education, revealed that boys who reported having many peers to hang out with locally, cycled for recreation (β = 0.242, p = .006) or for transport (β = 0.141, p = .046) more often, and walked for transport for longer (β = 0.129, p = .024) on weekdays. For girls this variable was related to cycling for recreation on weekends (β = 0.164, p = .006) and walking to school (β = 0.118, p = .002). Adolescents who waved/talked to neighbors walked for transport more often (boys, β = 0.149, p = .037 girls, β = 0.119, p = .012). Girls who perceived local roads to be safe spent more time walking for transport on weekdays (β = 0.183, p = .007) and for exercise on weekends (β = 0.184, p = .034). Parents' perception of heavy traffic was negatively associated with boys' walking for transport (β = −0.138, p = .037) and many aspects of girls' walking and cycling. Social interaction and road safety may be important predictors of adolescents' walking and cycling in their neighborhood. Limitations are the use of self-report and cross-sectional data. Longitudinal studies may clarify these relations.
Effects of a holistic health program on women's physical activity and mental and spiritual health
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2006
DOI: 10.1016/J.JSAMS.2006.06.011
Abstract: Intervention studies aimed at promoting increased physical activity have been trialled in many different settings including primary care, worksites and the community. Churches are also potential settings for physical activity promotion. However, little is known about the effectiveness of this setting for promoting physical activity, particularly in Australia. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a mind, body and spiritually based health promotion program in increasing physical activity and promoting mental and spiritual health. Nineteen women completed the 8-week intervention, and 30 women in a non-health related 8-week program at the same church comprised a comparison group. Pre- and post-program surveys assessed outcome measures. Between-group differences over time were examined using one-way MANOVA's. Physical activity was higher in the intervention group than the comparison group. In contrast to the comparison group, both mental health (depression symptoms) and spiritual health improved significantly more among intervention participants. The data highlight the potential for a church-based setting and holistic approach to health promotion as a successful means of increasing physical activity and promoting mental and spiritual health among Australian women.
Critical Environmental Factors for Transportation Cycling in Children: A Qualitative Study Using Bike-Along Interviews
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 24-09-2014
A school-based intervention incorporating smartphone technology to improve health-related fitness among adolescents: rationale and study protocol for the NEAT and ATLAS 2.0 cluster randomised controll
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 06-2016
Sedentary Behavior and Depression Among Adults: A Review
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 20-02-2010
Is availability of public open space equitable across areas?
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2007
DOI: 10.1016/J.HEALTHPLACE.2006.02.003
Abstract: This study examined whether availability of public open spaces that can be used for recreation varies according to neighbourhood socio-economic disadvantage. Density and area of public open spaces were examined using a geographic information system and postal boundaries were used to define neighbourhoods. Neighbourhood socio-economic status (SES) was stratified into quintiles. Once neighbourhood population and geographic area were considered there were no differences in the number or total area of free-access, restricted access or sporting/recreation open spaces across quintiles of neighbourhood SES. Future research should examine whether the quality of public open spaces differ by neighbourhood SES.
Prospective associations between sedentary behaviour and risk of depression in socio-economically disadvantaged women
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2014
Exploring Australian teachers’ perceptions of physical literacy: a mixed-methods study
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 27-01-2022
Smart-Phone Obesity Prevention Trial for Adolescent Boys in Low-Income Communities: The ATLAS RCT
Publisher: American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
Date: 09-2014
Abstract: The goal of this study was to evaluate the impact of the Active Teen Leaders Avoiding Screen-time (ATLAS) intervention for adolescent boys, an obesity prevention intervention using smartphone technology. ATLAS was a cluster randomized controlled trial conducted in 14 secondary schools in low-income communities in New South Wales, Australia. Participants were 361 adolescent boys (aged 12–14 years) considered at risk of obesity. The 20-week intervention was guided by self-determination theory and social cognitive theory and involved: teacher professional development, provision of fitness equipment to schools, face-to-face physical activity sessions, lunchtime student mentoring sessions, researcher-led seminars, a smartphone application and Web site, and parental strategies for reducing screen-time. Outcome measures included BMI and waist circumference, percent body fat, physical activity (accelerometers), screen-time, sugar-sweetened beverage intake, muscular fitness, and resistance training skill competency. Overall, there were no significant intervention effects for BMI, waist circumference, percent body fat, or physical activity. Significant intervention effects were found for screen-time (mean ± SE: –30 ± 10.08 min/d P = .03), sugar-sweetened beverage consumption (mean: –0.6 ± 0.26 glass/d P = .01), muscular fitness (mean: 0.9 ± 0.49 repetition P = .04), and resistance training skills (mean: 5.7 ± 0.67 units P & .001). This school-based intervention targeting low-income adolescent boys did not result in significant effects on body composition, perhaps due to an insufficient activity dose. However, the intervention was successful in improving muscular fitness, movement skills, and key weight-related behaviors.
Individual, social and home environment determinants of change in children's television viewing: The Switch-Play intervention
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2006
DOI: 10.1016/J.JSAMS.2006.06.018
Abstract: Understanding potential determinants of change in television (TV) viewing among children may enhance the effectiveness of programs targeting this behaviour. This study aimed to investigate the contribution of in idual, social and home environment factors among 10-year-old Australian children to change in TV viewing over a 21-month period. A total of 164 children (49% boys) completed a 19-lesson (9-month) intervention program to reduce TV viewing time. Children completed self-administered surveys four times over 21 months (pre- and post-intervention, 6- and 12-month follow-up). Baseline factors associated with change in TV viewing during the intervention and follow-up periods were: 'asking parents > or =once/week to switch off the TV and play with them' (21.6 min/day more than those reporting <once/week, p=0.007) being able to 'watch just 1h of TV per day' (26.1 min/day less than those who could not, p=0.010) 'watching TV no matter what was on' (36.6 min/day more than those who did not, p<0.001) and 'continuing to watch TV after their program was over' (33.0 min/day more than those who did not, p=0.006). With every unit increase in baseline frequency of TV viewing with family and friends, children spent on average 4.0 min/day more watching TV over the 21-month period (p=0.047). Baseline number and placement of TVs at home did not predict change in children's TV viewing over the 21 months. Greater understanding of the family dynamics and circumstances, as well as the in idual and social determinants of TV viewing, will be required if we are to develop effective strategies for reducing TV viewing in children.
Physical activity and sedentary behavior: a population-based study of barriers, enjoyment, and preference.
Publisher: No publisher found
Date: 2003
Predictors of time spent outdoors among children: 5-year longitudinal findings
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 23-09-2010
Abstract: Given the importance of physical activity for health and age-related declines in physical activity, understanding influences on related behaviours, such as time outdoors, is crucial. This study aimed to understand in idual, social and physical environmental influences on longitudinal changes in urban children's time outdoors. The time children spent outdoors in 2001, 2004 and 2006 (aged 5-6 and 10-12 years at baseline) was reported by their parents (n=421). In 2001, in idual, social and physical environmental factors were self-reported by parents. Generalized estimating equations examined longitudinal relationships between baseline predictors and average change in time outdoors over 5 years. Children's time outdoors significantly declined over time. "Indoor tendencies" inversely predicted time outdoors among younger and older boys, and younger girls. Social opportunities positively predicted time outdoors among younger boys, while "outdoor tendencies" positively predicted time outdoors among older boys. Parental encouragement for activity positively predicted time outdoors among younger and older girls, while lack of adult supervision for active play outdoors after school inversely predicted time outdoors among older girls and older boys. In idual (indoor and outdoor tendencies) and social factors (social opportunities, parental encouragement and parental supervision) predicted children's time outdoors over 5 years. Interventions targeting reduced indoor tendencies, increased outdoor play with others, and increased parental encouragement and supervision are warranted.
The effect of interrupting prolonged sitting time with short, hourly, moderate-intensity cycling bouts on cardiometabolic risk factors in healthy, young adults
Publisher: American Physiological Society
Date: 15-12-2013
DOI: 10.1152/JAPPLPHYSIOL.00662.2013
Abstract: Although detrimental associations of sitting time and health indicators have been observed in young adults, evidence of pathophysiological mechanisms is lacking. Therefore, this study tested the hypothesis that the acute cardiometabolic effects of prolonged sitting can be compensated by hourly interruptions to sitting in healthy, young adults. Additionally, leg muscle activation during sitting and moderate-intensity physical activity interruptions was assessed. Eleven apparently healthy adults (18–24 yr five men/six women) participated in this randomized, crossover study, involving two experimental conditions: 1) 8 h prolonged sitting and 2) 8 h of sitting, interrupted with hourly, 8-min, moderate-intensity cycling exercise bouts. In both conditions, participants consumed two standardized, high-fat mixed meals after 1 and 5 h. Capillary blood s les were collected hourly during each 8-h experimental condition. Muscle activity was measured using electromyography. Muscle activity during cycling was seven to eight times higher compared with rest. Postprandial levels of C-peptide were significantly lower (unstandardized regression coefficient = −0.19 confidence interval = [−0.35 −0.03] P = 0.017) during interrupted sitting compared with prolonged sitting. Postprandial levels of other cardiometabolic biomarkers (e.g., glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol) were not significantly different between conditions. Hourly physical activity interruptions in sitting time, requiring a muscle activity of seven to eight times the resting value, led to an attenuation of postprandial C-peptide levels but not for other cardiometabolic biomarkers compared with prolonged sitting in healthy, young adults. Whether this acute effect transfers to chronic effects over time is unknown.
A systematic review of intervention effects on potential mediators of children’s physical activity
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 23-02-2013
Reallocating sedentary time with total physical activity and physical activity bouts in children: Associations with cardiometabolic biomarkers
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 22-09-2021
Contribution of the After-School Period to Children’s Daily Participation in Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviours
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 30-10-2015
Neighborhood perceptions moderate the association between the family environment and children's objectively assessed physical activity
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2013
DOI: 10.1016/J.HEALTHPLACE.2013.09.012
Abstract: This study aimed to investigate whether parents' perceptions of the neighborhood environment moderate associations between the family environment and children's moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA) outside of school hours. In total, 929 parents of 10-12 year-old children completed a questionnaire concerning the family environment, MVPA levels, and the neighborhood environment. Children wore an Actigraph (AM7164-2.2C) accelerometer. Compared with neighborhood environment factors, the family environment was more frequently associated with children's MVPA. Parental MVPA was positively associated with children's MVPA, but only among children whose parents reported a high presence of sporting venues. Having more restrictive physical activity rules was negatively associated with children's weekday MVPA in neighborhoods with high perceived stranger danger.
Partnerships for progress in active living: From research to action
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2012
Breaking up classroom sitting time with cognitively engaging physical activity: Behavioural and brain responses
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 14-07-2021
DOI: 10.1371/JOURNAL.PONE.0253733
Abstract: Classroom-based active breaks are a feasible and effective way to reduce and break up sitting time, and to potentially benefit physical health in school children. However, the effect of active breaks on children’s cognitive functions and brain activity remains unclear. We investigated the impact of an active break intervention on typically developing children’s cognitive functions and brain activity, sitting/standing/stepping, on-task behaviour, and enjoyment. Up to 141 children, aged between 6 and 8 years (46% girls), were included, although about half of them completed two of the assessments (n = 77, working memory n = 67, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex haemodynamic response). Classrooms from two consenting schools were randomly allocated to a six-week simple or cognitively engaging active break intervention. Classrooms from another school acted as a control group. The main analyses used linear mixed models, clustered at the class level and adjusted for sex and age, to investigate the effects of the interventions on response inhibition, lapses of attention, working memory, event-related brain haemodynamic response (dorsolateral prefrontal cortex). The mediating effects of sitting/standing/stepping on cognition/brain activity were also explored. To test intervention fidelity, we investigated differences by group on the change values in children’s sitting, standing, and moving patterns during class/school time using linear mixed models. Generalized linear mixed models clustered at the in idual level were used to examine on-task behaviour data. For the intervention groups only, we also assessed children’s perceived enjoyment, physical exertion and mental exertion related to the active breaks and compared the results using independent t-tests. There was a significantly greater positive change in the proportion of deoxygenated haemoglobin in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex of children assigned to cognitively engaging active breaks compared to the control group ( B = 1.53 × 10 −07 , 95% CI [0.17 × 10 −07 , 2.90 × 10 −07 ]), which under the same cognitive performance is suggestive of improved neural efficiency. Mixed models showed no significant effects on response inhibition, lapses of attention, working memory. The mediation analysis revealed that the active breaks positively affected response inhibition via a change in sitting and standing time. The sitting, standing, and moving patterns and on-task behaviour were positively affected by the active breaks at end of trial, but not at mid-trial. Children in both intervention groups showed similarly high levels of enjoyment of active breaks. Cognitively engaging active breaks may improve brain efficiency in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, the neural substrate of executive functions, as well as response inhibition, via effects partially mediated by the change in sitting/stepping time. Active breaks can effectively reduce sitting and increase standing/stepping and improve on-task behaviour, but the regular implementation of these activities might require time for teachers to become familiar with. Further research is needed to confirm what type of active break best facilitates cognition.
Correlates of physical activity and screen-based behaviors in Chinese children
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2013
DOI: 10.1016/J.JSAMS.2012.12.011
Abstract: To investigate in idual, behavioral, social and environmental correlates of physical activity (PA) and screen-based behaviors ([SBBs] TV viewing, electronic games playing and Internet use) in Chinese boys and girls in Hong Kong. Cross-sectional study. PA and SBBs were self-reported among 303 children. In idual, behavioral, social and environmental correlates were reported by children and parents. Children's height and weight were measured and population density of residence districts was ided into tertiles. Hierarchical multivariable regression analyses were conducted to determine the contributions of correlates in explaining PA and SBBs. Participation in school sport teams and self-efficacy was positively associated with PA in boys. Girls who reported participation in school sport teams, who perceived more peer support, had a more supportive home PA environment, and spent more time doing homework were more physically active. Family support for PA was negatively and homework was positively, associated with boys' SBBs. Body mass index and parent role modeling of TV was positively associated with TV viewing, whilst more sedentary opportunities in the home were associated with higher Internet use/e-games playing among girls. Sex differences existed among the in idual, behavioral, social and home environmental factors related to PA and SBBs. Interventions should consider multiple and sex-specific factors for promoting an active lifestyle and reducing sedentary time among Chinese children.
Using Manipulated Photographs to Identify Features of Streetscapes That May Encourage Older Adults to Walk for Transport
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 14-11-2014
Association of family environment with children's television viewing and with low level of physical activity
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 11-2005
DOI: 10.1038/OBY.2005.239
Abstract: This study examined associations between the family environment and children's television (TV) viewing and likelihood of being low-active. In 2001, children were recruited from 19 primary schools in Melbourne, Australia. Parents completed a questionnaire about their child's TV viewing and the family environment. Children also completed a questionnaire and wore an accelerometer for 8 days. Movement counts were used to identify low-active children (lowest quartile). Data were analyzed in May 2004. The s le consisted of 878 children (mean age = 11.5 +/- 0.6 yrs). Multiple logistic regression revealed that socioeconomic status [adjusted odds ratios (AOR) = 0.4 boys], frequency families watched TV together (AOR = 2.0 boys), mothers' (AOR = 1.8 boys AOR = 2.5 girls) and fathers' (AOR = 2.6 boys AOR = 2.8 girls) TV viewing, and rules prohibiting TV during mealtimes (AOR = 0.6 boys AOR = 0.6 girls) related to children watching TV >or=2 h/d. Variables associated with low-level physical activity included self-reported enjoyment of Internet use (AOR = 1.7 boys) and preference for watching TV (AOR = 2.3 girls), perception that mother uses computer a lot (AOR = 1.9 boys) and likes using the computer (AOR = 0.6 girls), fathers' reported computer/electronic games use (AOR = 1.7 girls), frequency families used computer together (AOR = 0.4 girls), rules that TV viewing must be supervised (AOR = 1.9 boys AOR = 0.6 girls), and having pay TV (AOR = 0.6 boys) and electronic games at home (AOR = 2.6 boys). These findings suggest that the relationships between the family environment and TV viewing and low-level activity are complex and that these behaviors are distinct.
The Use of Digital Platforms for Adults’ and Adolescents’ Physical Activity During the COVID-19 Pandemic (Our Life at Home): Survey Study
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 02-2021
DOI: 10.2196/23389
Abstract: Government responses to managing the COVID-19 pandemic may have impacted the way in iduals were able to engage in physical activity. Digital platforms are a promising way to support physical activity levels and may have provided an alternative for people to maintain their activity while at home. This study aimed to examine associations between the use of digital platforms and adherence to the physical activity guidelines among Australian adults and adolescents during the COVID-19 stay-at-home restrictions in April and May 2020. A national online survey was distributed in May 2020. Participants included 1188 adults (mean age 37.4 years, SD 15.1 980/1188, 82.5% female) and 963 adolescents (mean age 16.2 years, SD 1.2 685/963, 71.1% female). Participants reported demographic characteristics, use of digital platforms for physical activity over the previous month, and adherence to moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA) and muscle-strengthening exercise (MSE) guidelines. Multilevel logistic regression models examined differences in guideline adherence between those who used digital platforms (ie, users) to support their physical activity compared to those who did not (ie, nonusers). Digital platforms include streaming services for exercise (eg, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook) subscriber fitness programs, via an app or online (eg, Centr and MyFitnessPal) facilitated online live or recorded classes, via platforms such as Zoom (eg, dance, sport training, and fitness class) sport- or activity-specific apps designed by sporting organizations for participants to keep up their skills (eg, TeamBuildr) active electronic games (eg, Xbox Kinect) and/or online or digital training or racing platforms (eg, Zwift, FullGaz, and Rouvy). Overall, 39.5% (469/1188) of adults and 26.5% (255/963) of adolescents reported using digital platforms for physical activity. Among adults, MVPA (odds ratio [OR] 2.0, 95% CI 1.5-2.7), MSE (OR 3.3, 95% CI 2.5-4.5), and combined (OR 2.7, 95% CI 2.0-3.8) guideline adherence were higher among digital platform users relative to nonusers. Adolescents’ MVPA (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.3-4.3), MSE (OR 3.1, 95% CI 2.1-4.4), and combined (OR 4.3, 95% CI 2.1-9.0) guideline adherence were also higher among users of digital platforms relative to nonusers. Digital platform users were more likely than nonusers to meet MVPA and MSE guidelines during the COVID-19 stay-at-home restrictions in April and May 2020. Digital platforms may play a critical role in helping to support physical activity engagement when access to facilities or opportunities for physical activity outside the home are restricted.
Screen-Based Behaviors of Children and Cardiovascular Risk Factors
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.JPEDS.2015.08.067
Abstract: To determine whether the amount of time spent in screen-based behaviors (SBBs television viewing, computer use, and playing electronic games) is independently associated with in idual and clustered cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors among elementary school children. Baseline data were used from 264 children (age 7-10 years) participating in the Transform-Us! cluster-randomized controlled trial. Time (h/d) spent in SBBs was obtained using a parent proxy-report questionnaire. Anthropometrics, blood pressure (BP), and lipids were measured using standard techniques. A clustered CVD risk score was calculated as the average of the standardized values of the subcomponents (waist circumference [WC], systolic BP, diastolic BP, and lipids). After adjusting for sex, parent education, physical activity (accelerometry), diet, and WC (when adiposity was not the outcome), television viewing time was positively associated with body mass index z-score (P = .002), WC (P = .02), and systolic BP (P = .05). Electronic games was positively associated with low density lipoprotein levels (P = .05), and total screen-time was positively associated with body mass index (P = .02). Differential associations were observed between types of SBBs and CVD risk factors, indicating that not all SBBs are adversely associated with obesity and CVD risk. There is a need to differentiate between types of SBBs when evaluating the CVD risk associated with screen behaviors in children. International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial: ISRCTN83725066 Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12609000715279.
Variation in outcomes of the Melbourne Infant, Feeding, Activity and Nutrition Trial (InFANT) Program according to maternal education and age
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2014
DOI: 10.1016/J.YPMED.2013.10.021
Abstract: To assess the effectiveness of the Melbourne Infant Feeding, Activity and Nutrition Trial (InFANT) Program according to maternal education and age. A cluster-randomised controlled trial involving 542 mother/infant pairs from 62 existing first-time parent groups was conducted in 2008 in Melbourne, Australia. The intervention involved 6 × 2-hour dietitian-delivered sessions, DVD and written resources from infant age 4-15 months. Outcomes included infant diet (3 × 24 h diet recalls), physical activity (accelerometry), television viewing and body mass index. We tested for moderation by maternal education (with/without a University degree) and age (< 32 and ≥ 32 years). The trial was registered with the ISRCTN Register (identifier 81847050). Interaction effects with the treatment arm were observed for maternal education and age. The intervention effects on vegetable (positive effect) and sweet snack consumption (negative effect) were greater in children with higher educated mothers while intervention effects on water consumption (positive effect) were greater in infants with lower educated mothers. The intervention was also more effective in increasing both vegetable and water consumption in infants with mothers aged < 32 years. Child obesity prevention interventions may be differentially effective according to maternal education and age. Evidence of differential effects is important for informing more sensitively targeted/tailored approaches.
Efficacy of a referral and physical activity program for survivors of prostate cancer [ENGAGE]: Rationale and design for a cluster randomised controlled trial
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 13-06-2011
Development and reliability of a self-report questionnaire to examine children's perceptions of the physical activity environment at home and in the neighbourhood
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 2006
Psychosocial moderators of associations between life events and changes in physical activity after leaving high school
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.YPMED.2014.12.039
Abstract: To examine 1) associations between life events and changes in leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) in school leavers and 2) whether these associations are moderated by psychosocial factors. Final year students (n=440) from high schools in rural Western Australia completed annual telephone interviews on three occasions baseline (T1), one-year follow-up (T2 n=440) and two-year follow-up (T3 n=374). LTPA was measured using the Minnesota Leisure-time Physical Activity Questionnaire. Life events included moving out of home, working full-time and studying full-time. Psychosocial factors included enjoyment, self-efficacy, outcome expectations, club membership, and support from family and friends. Mixed linear regression models examined the effect of life events on changes in LTPA from T1 to T2 and T1 to T3. A decline in LTPA across all time points was observed. Those who continued full-time education had a smaller LTPA decline than those who did not. Those who were not a member of a sporting club at T1 had greater LTPA decline if they worked full-time at T2. There is a need for interventions to prevent declines in LTPA among school leavers, especially those who do not enter tertiary education. Encouraging sporting club membership during high school might be important.
Associations of sedentary time patterns and TV viewing time with inflammatory and endothelial function biomarkers in children
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 19-06-2016
DOI: 10.1111/IJPO.12045
Socio-demographic characteristics of children experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage who meet physical activity and screen-time recommendations: The READI study
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2012
DOI: 10.1016/J.YPMED.2011.10.019
Abstract: To identify socio-demographic characteristics of children from socioeconomically disadvantaged neighbourhoods who meet physical activity and screen recommendations. Children aged 5-12 years (n=373 45% boys) were recruited in 2007 from socioeconomically disadvantaged urban and rural areas of Victoria, Australia. Children's physical activity, height and weight were objectively measured. Mothers reported their highest level of education, and proxy-reported their child's usual screen-time. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) examined odds of meeting physical activity (>60 minutes/day) and screen (≤ 120 minutes/day) recommendations according to socio-demographic characteristics. Approximately 84% of children met physical activity and 43% met screen recommendations. Age was inversely associated with odds of meeting physical activity and screen recommendations, and overweight/obese status was associated with lower odds of meeting screen recommendations (boys: OR=0.39, 95%CI=0.16-0.95 girls: OR=0.47, 95%CI=0.26-0.83). Among boys, living in a rural area was positively associated with meeting screen recommendations (OR=3.08, 95%CI=1.42-6.64). Among girls, high levels of maternal education were positively associated with meeting screen recommendations (OR=2.76, 95%CI=1.33-5.75). Specific socio-demographic characteristics were associated with odds of meeting physical activity and screen recommendations. Identifying factors associated with such 'resilience' among this group may provide important learnings to inform future physical activity promotion initiatives.
Neighbourhood fast food outlets and obesity in children and adults: the CLAN Study
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 2008
DOI: 10.1080/17477160802113225
Abstract: We examined associations between density of and proximity to fast food outlets and body weight in a s le of children (137 aged 8-9 years and 243 aged 13-15 years) and their parents (322 fathers and 362 mothers). Children's measured and parents' self-reported heights and weights were used to calculate body mass index (BMI). Locations of major fast food outlets were geocoded. Bivariate linear regression analyses examined associations between the presence of any fast food outlet within a 2 km buffer around participants' homes, fast food outlet density within the 2 km buffer, and distance to the nearest outlet and BMI. Each independent variable was also entered into separate bivariate logistic regression analyses to predict the odds of being overweight or obese. Among older children, those with at least one outlet within 2 km had lower BMI z-scores. The further that fathers lived from an outlet, the higher their BMI. Among 13-15-year-old girls and their fathers, the likelihood of overweight/obesity was reduced by 80% and 50%, respectively, if they had at least one fast food outlet within 2 km of their home. Among older girls, the likelihood of being overweight/obese was reduced by 14% with each additional outlet within 2 km. Fathers' odds of being overweight/obese increased by 13% for each additional kilometre to the nearest outlet. While consumption of fast food has been shown to be associated with obesity, this study provides little support for the concept that exposure to fast food outlets in the local neighbourhood increases risk of obesity.
Correlates of sedentary behaviours in preschool children : a review
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 2010
Physical activity in young people—Assessment and methodological issues
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2009
Review of Australian Childhood Obesity Research Funding 2010–2013
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 09-05-2013
DOI: 10.1071/HE13017
Factors in Youth Physical Activity Participation: From Psychological Aspects toEnvironmental Correlates
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 06-01-2010
DOI: 10.1080/15438620903413164
Abstract: Understanding influences on children's physical activity and how these vary by activity and subgroup, such as age and sex of the child, is important for informing the development of effective and targeted interventions. Two cohort studies were conducted across socioeconomic areas of Melbourne, Australia, between 2001 and 2008 among a combined s le of more than 2,700 children aged 5-6 years and 10-12 years at baseline. Data were collected via surveys, and children wore the Actigraph accelerometer for 8 days. Five in idual, 10 social, and 17 physical environmental factors were significantly associated with children's physical activity. Patterns of association varied according to the age and sex of the child and also according to the type of activity. These studies provide some insights into the various levels of influence on children's physical activity. More longitudinal and intervention research is needed to better understand the mechanisms of change in children's physical activity behaviour.
Associations between family circumstance and weight status of Australian children
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 2007
DOI: 10.1080/17477160601148554
Abstract: To examine associations between weight status and multiple indicators of family circumstance in Australian elementary school children. Data were combined from the 2001 Children's Leisure Activities Study (CLAS Study) and 2002/3 Health, Eating and Play Study (HEAP Study), involving 2520 children in Grades Prep (mean age 6 years) and 5-6 (mean age 11 years) in Melbourne, Australia. Children's body mass index (BMI) was calculated from measured height and weight. Weight status (non-overweight or overweight) was determined according to International Obesity Taskforce cut-off points and BMI was transformed to z-scores based on the 2000 US growth chart data. Parents reported family circumstance (number of parents in the home, marital status, presence of siblings, parental education, parental employment status, parental work hours [HEAP Study only]) and parental BMI. Regression analyses were conducted for the s le overall and separately for young girls, young boys, older girls and older boys. Children in single-parent homes, those without siblings, and those with less educated mothers and fathers tended to have higher z-BMIs (p=0.002, p=0.003, p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively) and were more likely to be overweight (p=0.003, p<0.001, p<0.001 and p=0.02, respectively). Associations were stronger for older children. Parental employment and work hours were not consistently associated with child weight status. The multivariable models did not demonstrate a cumulative explanatory effect (R(2)=0.02), except when maternal BMI was included (R(2)=0.07). In idual measures of family circumstance were differentially associated with child weight status and appeared to be largely independent of other measures of family circumstance. Childhood overweight interventions may need to be tailored based on the age, gender, maternal BMI and family circumstances of the target group.
Family and home correlates of television viewing in 12-13 year old adolescents: the Nepean Study.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 2006
Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Across the Lifespan
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 07-07-2011
Are There Common Correlates of Adolescents’ Sport Participation and Screen Time?
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 30-03-2023
The Infant Feeding Activity and Nutrition Trial (INFANT) an early intervention to prevent childhood obesity: Cluster-randomised controlled trial
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 31-03-2008
Abstract: Multiple factors combine to support a compelling case for interventions that target the development of obesity-promoting behaviours (poor diet, low physical activity and high sedentary behaviour) from their inception. These factors include the rapidly increasing prevalence of fatness throughout childhood, the instigation of obesity-promoting behaviours in infancy, and the tracking of these behaviours from childhood through to adolescence and adulthood. The Infant Feeding Activity and Nutrition Trial (INFANT) aims to determine the effectiveness of an early childhood obesity prevention intervention delivered to first-time parents. The intervention, conducted with parents over the infant's first 18 months of life, will use existing social networks (first-time parent's groups) and an anticipatory guidance framework focusing on parenting skills which support the development of positive diet and physical activity behaviours, and reduced sedentary behaviours in infancy. This cluster-randomised controlled trial, with first-time parent groups as the unit of randomisation, will be conducted with a s le of 600 first-time parents and their newborn children who attend the first-time parents' group at Maternal and Child Health Centres. Using a two-stage s ling process, local government areas in Victoria, Australia will be randomly selected at the first stage. At the second stage, a proportional s le of first-time parent groups within selected local government areas will be randomly selected and invited to participate. Informed consent will be obtained and groups will then be randomly allocated to the intervention or control group. The early years hold promise as a time in which obesity prevention may be most effective. To our knowledge this will be the first randomised trial internationally to demonstrate whether an early health promotion program delivered to first-time parents in their existing social groups promotes healthy eating, physical activity and reduced sedentary behaviours. If proven to be effective, INFANT may protect children from the development of obesity and its associated social and economic costs. Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN81847050
A longitudinal study of the family environment and youth physical activity
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 2011
DOI: 10.4278/AJHP.090303-QUAN-93
Abstract: Although the family environment is a potentially important influence on children's physical activity (PA), prospective data investigating these associations are lacking. This study aimed to examine the longitudinal relationship between the family environment and PA among youth. A 5-year prospective cohort study. Nineteen randomly selected public schools in Melbourne, Australia. Families of 5- to 6-year-old (n = 190) and 10- to 12-year-old (n = 350) children. In 2001, parents reported their participation in PA, family-based PA, and support and reinforcement for their child's PA. In 2001, 2004, and 2006, moderate to vigorous intensity PA (MVPA) was assessed among youth using accelerometers. Weekend and “critical window” (after school until 6:00 P.M.) MVPA were examined because we hypothesized that the family environment would most likely influence these behaviors. Generalized estimating equations predicted average change in MVPA over 5 years from baseline family environment factors. Maternal role modeling was positively associated with boys' critical window and weekend (younger boys) MVPA. Paternal reinforcement of PA was positively associated with critical window and weekend MVPA among all boys, and paternal direct support was positively associated with weekend MVPA (older boys). Among girls, maternal coparticipation in PA predicted critical window MVPA, and sibling coparticipation in PA was directly associated with weekend MVPA (younger girls). Longitudinal relationships, although weak in magnitude, were observed between the family environment and MVPA among youth. Interventions promoting maternal role modeling, paternal reinforcement of and support for PA, and maternal and sibling coparticipation in PA with youth are warranted. (Am J Health Promot 2011 [3]:159–167.)
Promoting Physical Activity and Reducing Sedentary Behavior in Disadvantaged Neighborhoods: A Qualitative Study of What Women Want
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 14-11-2012
How Neoliberalism and Ecological Modernization Shaped Environmental Policy in Australia
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 06-2013
Efficacy of an activity tracker-and app intervention to increase physical activity in the entire family: Pilot single-arm intervention study (Preprint)
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 11-12-2019
Abstract: nterventions using activity trackers and smartphone apps have demonstrated their ability to increase physical activity in children and adults. However, they have not been tested in entire families. Further, few family-centred interventions have actively involved both parents, and assessed intervention efficacy separately for children, mothers and fathers. his study aimed to examine the short-term efficacy of an activity tracker and app intervention to increase physical activity in the entire family (children, mothers and fathers). his was a pilot single-arm intervention study with pre-post measures. Between 2017-2018, 40 families (58 children aged 6-10 years, 39 mothers, 33 fathers) participated in the 6-week Step it Up Family program in Queensland, Australia. Using commercial activity trackers combined with apps (Garmin Vivofit Jr for children, Vivofit 3 for adults), the intervention included in idual and family-level goal-setting, self-monitoring, performance feedback, family step challenges, family social support and modelling, weekly motivational text messages, and an introductory session delivered face-to-face or via telephone. Parent surveys were used to assess intervention efficacy measured as pre-post intervention changes in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in children, mothers and fathers. hirty-eight families completed the post intervention survey (95% retention). At post intervention, MVPA had increased in children by 58 min/day (boys: 54 min/day, girls: 62 min/day all P .001). In mothers, MVPA increased by 27 min/day (P .001), and in fathers, it increased by 31 min/day (P .001). Furthermore, the percentage of children meeting Australia’s physical activity guidelines for children (≥60 MVPA min/day) increased from 34% to 89% (P .001). The percentage of mothers and fathers meeting Australia’s physical activity guidelines for adults (≥150 MVPA min/week) increased from 8% to 57% (P .001) in mothers, and from 21% to 68% (P .001) in fathers. indings suggest that an activity tracker and app intervention is an efficacious approach to increasing physical activity in entire families to meet national physical activity guidelines. The Step it Up Family program warrants further testing in a larger, randomised controlled trial to determine its long-term impact. o trial registration as this is not an RCT. It is a pilot single-arm intervention study
Can a school based programme in a natural environment reduce BMI in overweight adolescents?
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2012
DOI: 10.1016/J.MEHY.2012.04.002
Abstract: Current levels of obesity amongst adolescents may be largely attributed to changes in environmental exposures that place vulnerable youth at risk, yet few studies have incorporated environmental approaches to normalising Body Mass Index (BMI). Our hypothesis is that a live-in school based programme in a natural environment can reduce the BMI of overweight children. The pilot study therefore explores the effects of such a programme on the BMI of adolescents in rural Victoria, Australia. Year 9 students (15 year olds, N = 1021) at a rural school with a physically demanding, 10-month, live-in outdoor programme had their BMIs measured at the beginning and end of the programme. Their observed BMI at the end of the programme was compared to expected BMI (based on adjustment of their initial BMI to account for normal growth using international standards). Participation in the programme reduced the BMI of boys who were in the normal to obese range (χ(2) = 8.57, p = 0.014), but not in girls. For the overweight and obese boys BMI decreased by up to 2.5 kg/m(2). These results suggests that school based environmental interventions may be effective in reducing obesity in adolescents, supporting our hypothesis. Our study is limited by its opportunistic observational nature, but it nevertheless suggests that such a live-in school programme in a natural environment may provide a valuable addition to the list of interventions available to combat the obesity epidemic. Although the programme reduced BMI in boys, the equivocal data for girls means that even an intensive programme such as this struggles to achieve a significant change in BMI across all obese adolescents. Our study nevertheless supports the need for further investigation of the possible contribution of school based programmes in natural environments to interventions to fight the obesity epidemic--because there is no magic bullet.
Cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between parents' and preschoolers' physical activity and television viewing: The HAPPY study
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 03-2016
Abstract: Parental modeling has been shown to be important for school-aged children’s physical activity (PA) and television (TV) viewing, yet little is known about its impact for younger children. This study examined cross-sectional and 3-year longitudinal associations between PA and TV viewing behaviors of parents and their preschool children. In 2008–2009 (T1), parents in the Healthy Active Preschool and Primary Years (HAPPY) cohort study (n = 450) in Melbourne, Australia, self-reported their weekly PA and TV viewing and proxy-reported their partner’s PA and TV viewing and their 3- to 5-year-old preschool child’s TV viewing. Children’s PA was assessed via accelerometers. Repeat data collection occurred in 2011–2012 (T2). Mothers’ and fathers’ PAs were associated with PA among preschool girls at T1, but not boys. Parents’ TV viewing times were significant correlates of girls’ and boys’ TV viewing at T1. Longitudinally, mothers’ PA at baseline predicted boys’ PA at T2, whereas sex-specific associations were found for TV viewing, with mothers’ and fathers’ TV viewing at T1 associated with girls’ and boys’ TV viewing respectively at T2. The PA and TV viewing of both parents are significantly associated with these behaviors in preschool children. The influence of the sex-matched parent appears to be important longitudinally for children’s TV viewing.
5-Year Changes in Afterschool Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2013
DOI: 10.1016/J.AMEPRE.2013.01.029
Abstract: The afterschool period holds promise for the promotion of physical activity, yet little is known about the importance of this period as children age. To examine changes in physical activity of children aged 5-6 years and 10-12 years and their sedentary time in the afterschool period over 3 and 5 years, and to determine the contribution of this period to daily physical activity and sedentary behavior over time. Data from two longitudinal studies conducted in Melbourne, Australia, were used. Accelerometer data were provided for 2053 children at baseline (Children Living in Active Neighbourhoods Study [CLAN]: 2001 Health, Eating and Play Study [HEAPS]: 2002/2003) 756 at 3-year follow-up (time point 2 [T2]) and 622 at 5-year follow-up (T3). Light (LPA), moderate (MPA) and vigorous (VPA) physical activity were determined using age-adjusted cut-points. Sedentary time was defined as ≤ 100 counts/minute. Multilevel analyses, conducted in April 2012, assessed change in physical activity and sedentary time and the contributions of the afterschool period to overall levels. Afterschool MPA and VPA decreased among both cohorts, particularly in the younger cohort, who performed less than half of their baseline levels at T3 (MPA: T1=24 minutes T3=11 minutes VPA: T1=12 minutes T3=4 minutes). LPA also declined in the older cohort. Afterschool sedentary time increased among the younger (T1=42 minutes T3=64 minutes) and older cohorts (T1=57 minutes T3=84 minutes). The contribution of the afterschool period to overall MPA and VPA increased in the older cohort from 23% to 33% over 5 years. In the younger cohort, the contribution of the afterschool period to daily MPA and VPA decreased by 3% over 5 years. The importance of the afterschool period for children's physical activity increases with age, particularly as children enter adolescence.
Social and Physical Environmental Correlates of Adults' Weekend Sitting Time and Moderating Effects of Retirement Status and Physical Health
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 19-09-2014
Dog Ownership, Dog Walking, and Children's and Parents' Physical Activity
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 09-2010
DOI: 10.1080/02701367.2010.10599674
Abstract: This study aimed to determine cross-sectional associations of dog ownership, dog walking, and physical activity (PA) among children and their parents. Objective measures of PA were obtained for children ages 5-6 and 10-12 years from 19 primary schools across Melbourne, Australia. Parents self-reported their PA, dog ownership, and frequency of dog walking: 53% of families owned a dog, 41% of children who owned a dog did not walk their dog at all, and 32% reported never or rarely walking their dog as a family. Dog ownership was associated with an additional 29 min/day in PA among younger girls, and 70 and 59 min/week more in PA among mothers of younger boys and older girls, respectively. Among mothers of older girls, dog owners were 1.6 times as likely to meet PA guidelines. Mothers with older boys and girls, and fathers with younger boys, who reported walking the dog regularly as a family, spent more time in PA (105, 90, and 158 more min/week, respectively). Promoting dog ownership and dog walking among children and as a family are potential strategies for increasing PA participation in some families.
Socio-economic disparities in Australian adolescents’ eating behaviours
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 23-10-2013
DOI: 10.1017/S1368980013002784
Abstract: To assess the association between socio-economic position (SEP) and poor eating behaviours in a large representative s le of Australian secondary-school students. Cross-sectional survey of students’ vegetable, fruit, sugar-sweetened beverage and fast-food consumption assessed using validated instruments and collected via a web-based self-report format. Secondary schools across all Australian states and territories. Secondary-school students ( n 12 188 response rate: 54 %) aged 12–17 years participating in the 2009–10 National Secondary Students’ Diet and Activity (NaSSDA) survey. Overall, 25 % of students reported consuming ≤1 serving of vegetables/d and 29 % reported eating ≤1 serving of fruit/d. Fourteen per cent of students reported drinking at least 1–2 cups of sugar-sweetened beverages/d while 9 % reported eating fast food ≥3 times/week. After adjusting for other demographic factors, students of lower-SEP areas were more likely to report low intake of vegetables ( F (4, 231) = 3·61, P = 0·007) and high frequency of consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages ( F (4, 231) = 8·41, P 0·001) and fast food ( F (4, 231) = 4·59, P = 0·001) compared with students of high-SEP neighbourhoods. A positive SEP association was found for fruit consumption among female students only ( F (4, 231) = 4·20, P = 0·003). Those from lower-SEP areas were also more likely to engage in multiple poor eating behaviours ( F (4, 231)=5·80, P 0·001). Results suggest that socio-economic disparities in Australian adolescents’ eating behaviours do exist, with students residing in lower-SEP neighbourhoods faring less well than those from high-SEP neighbourhoods. Reducing social inequalities in eating behaviours among young people should be a key consideration of future preventive strategies.
Exploring activity compensation amongst youth and adults: a systematic review
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-03-2022
DOI: 10.1186/S12966-022-01264-6
Abstract: Globally, significant efforts have focused on increasing physical activity and reducing sedentary behaviour in youth and adults across a range of settings (e.g., schools, workplaces, community, and home). Despite this, interventions have had varied efficacy and typically have failed to sustain changes in behaviours over time. One explanation that has been put forth to explain the mixed success of interventions is activity compensation. However, little is known about activity compensation, including whether compensation occurs, and perceptions and potential mechanisms of activity compensation. Understanding activity compensation would assist in tailoring and targeting of potential intervention strategies. The primary aim of this review was to synthesise research that has investigated activity compensation in youth and adults. The secondary aim was to identify potential reasons for and/or awareness of compensatory changes that may have occurred. An electronic search of the EBSCOhost (via Academic Search Complete, CINAHL Complete, Education Source, Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition, PsycINFO, SPORTdiscus with Full Text), MEDLINE Complete, Global Health, EMBASE, Scopus and Web of Science databases up to May 2021 was conducted. Quality assessment of included quantitative studies used a modified compensation-specific McMaster Quality Assessment Tool. A total of 44 studies met the inclusion criteria (22 = adult populations 22 = youth populations) and were classified as (1) quantitative ( n = 31) (2) combination of quantitative and behavioural ( n = 11) (3) behavioural only ( n = 1) and (4) qualitative ( n = 1). Of the 42 studies that included a quantitative component, 11 (26%) reported compensation occurred. Within the 13 studies examining specific behaviours, 35 behaviours were assessed, and evidence of compensation was inconsistent. Compensation mechanisms included fatigue, time constraints, lack of motivation, drive to be inactive, fear of overexertion, and autonomous motivation. Little evidence of compensation was reported in the included quantitative studies however, inconsistencies between studies makes comparisons difficult. There was considerable variability in the types of behaviours assessed in quantitative studies, and few studies examined potential compensatory mechanisms. Future research, using compensation specific study designs, methods, and analytic techniques, within different population sub-groups, should address these evidence gaps.
Creating Cycling-Friendly Environments for Children: Which Micro-Scale Factors Are Most Important? An Experimental Study Using Manipulated Photographs
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 12-2015
Parental Perspectives of a Wearable Activity Tracker for Children Younger Than 13 Years: Acceptability and Usability Study (Preprint)
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 27-02-2019
Abstract: here is increasing availability of, and interest in, wearable activity trackers for children younger than 13 years. However, little is known about how children and parents use these activity trackers or perceive their acceptability. his study primarily aimed to ascertain parental perspectives on the acceptability and usability of wearables designed to monitor children’s physical activity levels. Secondary aims were to (1) identify practical considerations for future use in physical activity interventions and promotion initiatives (2) determine use of different features and functions incorporated into the accompanying app and (3) identify parents’ awareness of their child’s current physical activity levels. n total, 36 children (18 boys and 18 girls) aged 7-12 years were asked to wear a wrist-worn activity tracker (KidFit) for 4 consecutive weeks and to use the accompanying app with parental assistance and guidance. Each week, one parent from each family (n=25 21 mothers and 4 fathers) completed a Web-based survey to record their child’s activity tracker use, app interaction, and overall experiences. At the end of the 4-week period, a subs le of 10 parents (all mothers) participated in face-to-face interviews exploring perceptions of the acceptability and usability of wearable activity trackers and accompanying apps. Quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed descriptively and thematically, respectively. Thematic data are presented using pen profiles, which were constructed from verbatim transcripts. arents reported that they and their children typically found the associated app easy to use for activity tracking, though only step or distance information was generally accessed and some difficulties interpreting the data were reported. Children were frustrated with not being able to access real-time feedback, as the features and functions were only available through the app, which was typically accessed by, or in the presence of, parents. Parents identified that children wanted additional functions including a visual display to track and self-monitor activity, access to the app for goal setting, and the option of undertaking challenges against schools or significant others. Other barriers to the use of wearable activity trackers included discomfort of wearing the monitor because of the design and the inability to wear for water- or contact-based sports. ost parents reported that the wearable activity tracker was easy for their child or children to use and a useful tool for tracking their children’s daily activity. However, several barriers were identified, which may impact sustained use over time both the functionality and wearability of the activity tracker should therefore be considered. Overall, wearable activity trackers for children have the potential to be integrated into targeted physical activity promotion initiatives.
Deleterious associations of sitting time and television viewing time with cardiometabolic risk biomarkers: Australian Diabetes, Obesity and Lifestyle (AusDiab) study 2004-2005
Publisher: American Diabetes Association
Date: 16-11-2010
DOI: 10.2337/DC09-0493
Abstract: We examined the associations of sitting time and television (TV) viewing time with continuously measured biomarkers of cardio-metabolic risk in Australian adults. Waist circumference, BMI, resting blood pressure, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, fasting and 2-h postload plasma glucose, and fasting insulin were measured in 2,761 women and 2,103 men aged ≥30 years (mean age 54 years) without clinically diagnosed diabetes from the 2004–2005 Australian Diabetes, Obesity and Lifestyle (AusDiab) study. Multivariate linear regression analyses examined associations of self-reported sitting time and TV viewing time (hours per day) with these biomarkers, adjusting for potential confounding variables. For both women and men, sitting time was detrimentally associated with waist circumference, BMI, systolic blood pressure, fasting triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, 2-h postload plasma glucose, and fasting insulin (all P & 0.05), but not with fasting plasma glucose and diastolic blood pressure (men only). With the exception of HDL cholesterol and systolic blood pressure in women, the associations remained significant after further adjustment for waist circumference. TV viewing time was detrimentally associated with all metabolic measures in women and all except HDL cholesterol and blood pressure in men. Only fasting insulin and glucose (men only) remained deleteriously associated with TV viewing time after adjustment for waist circumference. In women and men, sitting time and TV viewing time were deleteriously associated with cardio-metabolic risk biomarkers, with sitting time having more consistent associations in both sexes and being independent of central adiposity. Preventive initiatives aimed at reducing sitting time should focus on both nonleisure and leisure-time domains.
Influences on Preschool Children's Physical Activity
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 2011
Associations between the home food environment and obesity-promoting eating behaviors in adolescence
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 03-2007
DOI: 10.1038/OBY.2007.553
Abstract: This study examines relationships between multiple aspects of the home food environment and obesity-promoting characteristics of 12- to 13-year-old adolescents' diets, specifically frequency of consumption of high-energy fluids, sweet snacks, savory snacks, and take-out foods. This was a cross-sectional study including 347 adolescents 12 to 13 years of age and their parents. Data were collected via self-completed surveys. The adolescents' diets were assessed using a Food Frequency Questionnaire derived from existing age-appropriate National Nutrition Survey data. An extensive range of domains within the home food environment were assessed. Bivariate linear regression analyses were run split by gender. Forced entry multiple linear regression analyses (adjusting for all variables significant in bivariate analyses as well as for maternal education) were also performed, stratified by the sex of the child. The influence of mothers, either as models for eating behaviors or as the providers of food, was pervasive. Mothers' intake of high-energy fluids (p = 0.003), sweet snacks (p = 0.010), savory snacks (p = 0.008), and take-out food (p = 0.007) was positively associated with boys' intake of all these foods. In addition, mothers' intake of high-energy fluids was positively associated with daughters' consumption of these drinks (p = 0.025). Furthermore, availability of unhealthy foods at home was positively associated with girls' sweet snack (p = 0.001), girls' savory snack (p < 0.001), boys' savory snack (p = 0.002), and, in the bivariate analyses, girls' high-energy fluid consumption (p = 0.002). This study of home food environment influences on adolescent diet highlights the pervasive influence of mothers in determining adolescents' obesity-promoting eating, providing direction for obesity prevention strategies and future research.
Increased Cardiometabolic Risk Is Associated with Increased TV Viewing Time
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 08-2010
Preschool Children and Physical Activity
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2008
DOI: 10.1016/J.AMEPRE.2008.02.001
Abstract: Several reviews have summarized the research on correlates of older children's and adolescents' physical activity behaviors, but none have been published on preschool children. Over the past 27 years, a number of studies have investigated the correlates of preschool children's physical activity behaviors. It is timely and necessary to review the extant literature in this area. This paper reviews articles investigating correlates of preschool children's physical activity behaviors published in peer-reviewed journals between 1980 and March 2007. A literature search was conducted to identify studies that investigated correlates of preschool children's physical activity. Data were collected and analyzed in 2007. Twenty-four articles were identified that met the inclusion criteria. From those articles, 39 variables were identified across five domains. Results showed that boys were more active than girls, that children with active parents tended to be more active, and that children who spent more time outdoors were more active than children who spent less time outdoors. Age and BMI were consistently shown to have no association with preschool children's physical activity. Other variables produced largely inconclusive results. The influences on the physical activity behaviors of preschool children are multidimensional. Further research is required to enhance an understanding of these influences.
Does parental accompaniment when walking or cycling moderate the association between physical neighbourhood environment and active transport among 10-12 year olds?
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.JSAMS.2015.01.003
Abstract: To assess whether associations between neighbourhood environmental features and frequency of children's active trips per week are moderated by frequency of parental accompaniment when walking/cycling. Cross-sectional survey Children aged 10-12 years (n=677) were recruited from 19 schools in Melbourne, Australia. Parents reported the number of walking/cycling trips/week usually made by their child to eight local destinations. Environmental variables (i.e. number of cul-de-sacs, intersections, public open spaces (POS) defined as reserves or parks, sport and recreation POS, sport options, population density, length of busy roads and length of walking/cycling tracks) within an 800m buffer around participants' homes were objectively assessed with a Geographic Information System. Associations between neighbourhood features and frequency of active trips were assessed using multilevel linear regressions. Moderating effects of regular parental accompaniment when walking/cycling were examined. Parental co-participation in walking and cycling was positively associated with frequency of overall walking/cycling trips. Number of intersections, sport and recreation POS, sport options and population density were positively associated with walking/cycling trips. Only one significant interaction was found a positive association was found between intersection density and walking/cycling trips among children whose parents did not cycle with them while it was not associated among others. Building supporting and safe neighbourhood environments is needed to support children's active travel behaviours to improve real and perceived safety concerns and provide relevant infrastructure and destinations, regardless of whether or not parents accompany children during walking and cycling. Although little evidence of moderation was found, future research should include co-participation in a broader range of walking behaviours.
Physical environmental factors that invite older adults to walk for transportation
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2014
Physical activity, sedentary behavior and depression among disadvantaged women
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 09-02-2010
DOI: 10.1093/HER/CYQ008
Abstract: This study investigated associations between components of physical activity (PA e.g. domain and social context) and sedentary behaviors (SBs) and risk of depression in women from disadvantaged neighborhoods. A total of 3645 women, aged 18-45 years, from disadvantaged neighborhoods, self-reported their PA, SB and depressive symptoms. Crude and adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for each component of PA, SB and risk of depression using logistic regression analyses, adjusting for clustering by women's neighborhood of residence. Being in a higher tertile of leisure-time PA and transport-related PA was associated with lower risk of depression. No associations were apparent for domestic or work-related PA. Women who undertook a small proportion of their leisure-time PA with someone were less likely to be at risk of depression than those who undertook all leisure-time PA on their own. Women reporting greater time sitting at the computer, screen time and overall sitting time had higher odds of risk of depression compared with those reporting low levels. The domain and social context of PA may be important components in reducing the risk of depression. Reducing time spent in SB may be a key strategy in the promotion of better mental health in women from disadvantaged neighborhoods.
Association of television viewing with fasting and 2-h postchallenge plasma glucose levels in adults without diagnosed diabetes
Publisher: American Diabetes Association
Date: 03-2007
DOI: 10.2337/DC06-1996
Abstract: OBJECTIVE—We examined the associations of television viewing time with fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and 2-h postchallenge plasma glucose (2-h PG) levels in Australian adults. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—A total of 8,357 adults aged & years who were free from diagnosed diabetes and who attended a population-based cross-sectional study (Australian Diabetes, Obesity and Lifestyle Study [AusDiab]) were evaluated. Measures of FPG and 2-h PG were obtained from an oral glucose tolerance test. Self-reported television viewing time (in the previous week) was assessed using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) of insulin sensitivity (HOMA-%S) and β-cell function (HOMA-%B) were calculated based on fasting glucose and insulin concentrations. RESULTS—After adjustment for confounders and physical activity time, time spent watching television in women was positively associated with 2-h PG, log fasting insulin, and log HOMA-%B and inversely associated with log HOMA-%S (P & 0.05) but not with FPG. No significant associations were observed with glycemic measures in men. The β-coefficients across categories of average hours spent watching television per day (& .0, 1.0–1.9, 2.0–2.9, 3.0–3.9, and ≥4.0) for 2-h PG in women were 0 (reference), 0.009, 0.047, 0.473, and 0.501, respectively (P for trend = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS—Our findings highlight the unique deleterious relationship of sedentary behavior (indicated by television viewing time) and glycemic measures independent of physical activity time and adiposity status. These relationships differed according to sex and type of glucose measurement, with the 2-h PG measure being more strongly associated with television viewing. The findings suggest an important role for reducing sedentary behavior in the prevention of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, especially in women.
Wearable Activity Tracker Use Among Australian Adolescents: Usability and Acceptability Study (Preprint)
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 17-10-2017
Abstract: earable activity trackers have the potential to be integrated into physical activity interventions, yet little is known about how adolescents use these devices or perceive their acceptability. he aim of this study was to examine the usability and acceptability of a wearable activity tracker among adolescents. A secondary aim was to determine adolescents’ awareness and use of the different functions and features in the wearable activity tracker and accompanying app. ixty adolescents (aged 13-14 years) in year 8 from 3 secondary schools in Melbourne, Australia, were provided with a wrist-worn Fitbit Flex and accompanying app, and were asked to use it for 6 weeks. Demographic data (age, sex) were collected via a Web-based survey completed during week 1 of the study. At the conclusion of the 6-week period, all adolescents participated in focus groups that explored their perceptions of the usability and acceptability of the Fitbit Flex, accompanying app, and Web-based Fitbit profile. Qualitative data were analyzed using pen profiles, which were constructed from verbatim transcripts. dolescents typically found the Fitbit Flex easy to use for activity tracking, though greater difficulties were reported for monitoring sleep. The Fitbit Flex was perceived to be useful for tracking daily activities, and adolescents used a range of features and functions available through the device and the app. Barriers to use included the comfort and design of the Fitbit Flex, a lack of specific feedback about activity levels, and the inability to wear the wearable activity tracker for water-based sports. dolescents reported that the Fitbit Flex was easy to use and that it was a useful tool for tracking daily activities. A number of functions and features were used, including the device’s visual display to track and self-monitor activity, goal-setting in the accompanying app, and undertaking challenges against friends. However, several barriers to use were identified, which may impact on sustained use over time. Overall, wearable activity trackers have the potential to be integrated into physical activity interventions targeted at adolescents, but both the functionality and wearability of the monitor should be considered.
A cluster-randomized controlled trial to reduce sedentary behavior and promote physical activity and health of 8-9 year olds: The Transform-Us! Study
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 04-10-2011
Street characteristics preferred for transportation walking among older adults: a choice-based conjoint analysis with manipulated photographs.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 16-01-2016
Physical activity and television viewing in relation to risk of undiagnosed abnormal glucose metabolism in adults
Publisher: American Diabetes Association
Date: 11-2004
DOI: 10.2337/DIACARE.27.11.2603
Abstract: OBJECTIVE—The goal of this study was to assess the associations of physical activity time and television (TV) time with risk of “undiagnosed” abnormal glucose metabolism in Australian adults. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—This population-based cross-sectional study using a stratified cluster design involving 42 randomly selected Census Collector Districts across Australia included 8,299 adults aged 25 years or older who were free from new type 2 diabetes and self-reported ischemic disease and did not take lipid-lowering or antihypertensive drugs. Abnormal glucose metabolism (impaired fasting glycemia [IFG], impaired glucose tolerance [IGT], or new type 2 diabetes) was based on an oral glucose tolerance test. Self-reported physical activity time and TV time (previous week) were assessed using interviewer-administered questionnaires. RESULTS—After adjustment for known confounders and TV time, the odds ratio (OR) of having abnormal glucose metabolism was 0.62 (95% CI 0.41–0.96) in men and 0.71 (0.50–1.00) in women for those engaged in physical activity ≥2.5 h/week compared with those who were sedentary (0 h/week). The ORs of having abnormal glucose metabolism were 1.16 (0.79–1.70) in men and 1.49 (1.12–1.99) in women who watched TV & h/week compared with those who watched ≤7.0 h/week. Higher TV viewing (& h/week) was also associated with an increased risk of new type 2 diabetes in men and women and IGT in women compared with those watching & h/week. Total physical activity of ≥2.5 h/week was associated with a reduced risk of IFG, IGT, and new type 2 diabetes in both sexes however, only the association with IGT in women was statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS—These findings suggest a protective effect of physical activity and a deleterious effect of TV time on the risk of abnormal glucose metabolism in adults. Population strategies to reduce risk of abnormal glucose metabolism should focus on reducing sedentary behaviors such as TV time, as well as increasing physical activity.
The association between physical activity and depressive symptoms in young women: A review
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2008
Correlates of dual trajectories of physical activity and sedentary time in youth: The UP & DOWN longitudinal study
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 14-02-2021
DOI: 10.1111/SMS.13927
Abstract: Trajectories of physical activity and sedentary time (SED) may differ between subgroups of youth. The aim of this study was to identify group‐based dual trajectories of physical activity and SED and explore in idual, social, and environmental correlates of these trajectories. Longitudinal data (three time points, baseline 2011‐2012) of Spanish youth (n = 1597, mean age = 11.94 ± 2.52, 50.9% boys) were used. Moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and SED were assessed objectively at each time point, and 21 potential correlates were self‐reported at baseline. Parallel process growth mixture models identified shared categorical latent groups, adjusting for school and age. Multinomial logistic regression models identified baseline correlates of a given trajectory. Four shared categorical latent groups were identified: (1) stable MVPA and decreasing SED (4%) (2) stable MVPA and increasing SED (3%) (3) consistently higher MVPA (18%) and (4) stable low MVPA and slight increase in SED (75%). Multinomial logistic regression models with group 3 as reference found: negative affect (RRR = 0.90, 95% CI 0.84‐0.97), parental screen‐time rules (RRR = 1.15, 95% CI 1.00‐1.33), and household media equipment (RRR = 1.17, 95% CI 1.05‐1.30) predicted likelihood of group 1 membership cons of reducing SED (RRR = 2.70, 95% CI 1.77‐4.10) predicted likelihood of group 2 membership and co‐participation in physical activity with friends (RRR = 0.80, 95% CI 0.69‐0.94), fathers’ modeling of TV viewing (RRR = 1.22, 95% CI 1.02‐1.47), and household media equipment (RRR = 1.16, 95% CI 1.02‐1.31) predicted likelihood of group 4 membership. Results suggest that strategies to improve MVPA and SED behaviors among youth may need to be multifaceted, targeting all levels of influence.
Longitudinal levels and bouts of objectively measured sedentary time among young Australian children in the HAPPY study
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2015
Environmental invitingness for transport-related cycling in middle-aged adults: A proof of concept study using photographs
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2014
Erratum to: Standing Classrooms: Research and Lessons Learned from Around the World
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 26-12-2015
Mismatch between perceived and objective measures of physical activity environments
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2008
DOI: 10.1016/J.YPMED.2008.05.001
Abstract: This study investigated the correspondence between measures of physical activity facilities obtained through self-report and objective audits and identified the socio-demographic, cognitive and behavioral characteristics of those who perceive their physical activity environment to be less supportive than objective measures indicate. Self-report surveys were completed by 1540 women recruited from 45 neighborhoods in Melbourne, Australia. Women reported perceived access to physical activity facilities within 2 km from home, and also socio-demographic, cognitive and behavioral factors. Objective data on physical activity facilities within a 2 km pedestrian catchment area around women's homes were sourced. There was relatively poor agreement between measures of access to physical activity facilities obtained via self-report and objective assessment. Mismatch between perceived and objectively-assessed environments was more common amongst younger and older women, and women of low income, with low self-efficacy for physical activity, who were less active, who reported using fewer facilities and who had lived in the neighborhood for less than 2 years. Future studies of environmental determinants of physical activity should consider incorporating objective indices of access to facilities, or accounting for the systematic bias that may result from relying on self-report perceptions as an indicator of the actual physical activity environment.
Television Viewing Time and 13-year Mortality in Adults with Cardiovascular Disease: Data from the Australian Diabetes, Obesity and Lifestyle Study (AusDiab)
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.HLC.2016.03.006
Abstract: In the general population, excessive sedentary behaviour is associated with increased all-cause mortality. Few studies have examined this relationship in people with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Using a s le of people with CVD who were excluded from an analysis of the Australian Diabetes, Obesity and Lifestyle (AusDiab) study, we examined the relationship between sedentary behaviour and 13-year all-cause mortality. In the original AusDiab study, television viewing time was used as a marker of sedentary behaviour in 609 adults (≥45 years of age) with CVD. During 6,291 person-years of follow-up (median follow-up 13 years), there were 294 deaths (48% of s le). Using the time scale of attained age, the Cox proportional hazards model predicting all-cause mortality adjusted for sex, self-rated general health, leisure-time physical activity, smoking status, education, household income, body mass index, lipid levels, blood pressure, and diabetes mellitus was used. Compared with a TV viewing time of <2hours per day, the fully adjusted hazard ratios for all-cause mortality were 1.18 (95% CI, 0.88 to 1.57) for ≥2 to 4hours per day. Sedentary behaviour was associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality in people with CVD, independent of physical activity and other confounders. In addition to the promotion of regular physical activity, cardiac rehabilitation efforts which also focus on reducing sedentary behaviour may be beneficial.
Understanding determinants of nutrition, physical activity and quality of life among older adults: the Wellbeing, Eating and Exercise for a Long Life (WELL) study
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 2012
More active pre-school children have better motor competence at school starting age: an observational cohort study
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 10-10-2016
The effect of changing micro-scale physical environmental factors on an environment’s invitingness for transportation cycling in adults: an exploratory study using manipulated photographs
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 19-08-2014
Tracking of maternal self-efficacy for limiting young children’s television viewing and associations with children’s television viewing time: a longitudinal analysis over 15-months
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 30-05-2015
Using the Technology Acceptance Model to Explore Adolescents’ Perspectives on Combining Technologies for Physical Activity Promotion Within an Intervention: Usability Study
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 06-03-2020
DOI: 10.2196/15552
Abstract: Wearable activity trackers and social media have been identified as having the potential to increase physical activity among adolescents, yet little is known about the perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness of the technology by adolescents. The aim of this study was to use the technology acceptance model to explore adolescents’ acceptance of wearable activity trackers used in combination with social media within a physical activity intervention. The Raising Awareness of Physical Activity study was a 12-week physical activity intervention that combined a wearable activity tracker (Fitbit Flex) with supporting digital materials that were delivered using social media (Facebook). A total of 124 adolescents aged 13 to 14 years randomized to the intervention group (9 schools) participated in focus groups immediately post intervention. Focus groups explored adolescents’ perspectives of the intervention and were analyzed using pen profiles using a coding framework based on the technology acceptance model. Adolescents reported that Fitbit Flex was useful as it motivated them to be active and provided feedback about their physical activity levels. However, adolescents typically reported that Fitbit Flex required effort to use, which negatively impacted on their perceived ease of use. Similarly, Facebook was considered to be a useful platform for delivering intervention content. However, adolescents generally noted preferences for using alternative social media websites, which may have impacted on negative perceptions concerning Facebook’s ease of use. Perceptions of technological risks included damage to or loss of the device, integrity of data, and challenges with both Fitbit and Facebook being compatible with daily life. Wearable activity trackers and social media have the potential to impact adolescents’ physical activity levels. The findings from this study suggest that although the adolescents recognized the potential usefulness of the wearable activity trackers and the social media platform, the effort required to use these technologies, as well as the issues concerning risks and compatibility, may have influenced overall engagement and technology acceptance. As wearable activity trackers and social media platforms can change rapidly, future research is needed to examine the factors that may influence the acceptance of specific forms of technology by using the technology acceptance model. Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12616000899448 www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=370716
Reliability and validity of psychosocial and environmental correlates measures of physical activity and screen-based behaviors among Chinese children in Hong Kong
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 08-03-2011
Abstract: Insufficient participation in physical activity and excessive screen time have been observed among Chinese children. The role of social and environmental factors in shaping physical activity and sedentary behaviors among Chinese children is under-investigated. The purpose of the present study was to assess the reliability and validity of a questionnaire to measure child- and parent-reported psychosocial and environmental correlates of physical activity and screen-based behaviors among Chinese children in Hong Kong. A total of 303 schoolchildren aged 9-14 years and their parents volunteered to participate in this study and 160 of them completed the questionnaire twice within an interval of 10 days. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), kappa statistics, and percent agreement were performed to evaluate test-retest reliability of the continuous and categorical variables, respectively. Exploratory factor analyses (EFAs) were conducted to assess convergent validity of the emergent scales. Cronbach's alpha and ICCs were performed to assess internal and test-retest reliability of the emergent scales. Criterion validity was assessed by correlating psychosocial and environmental measures with self-reported physical activity and screen-based behaviors, measured by a validated questionnaire. Reliability statistics for both child- and parent-reported continuous variables showed acceptable consistency for all of the ICC values greater than 0.70. Kappa statistics showed fair to perfect test-retest reliability for the categorical items. Adequate internal consistency and test-retest reliability were observed in most of the emergent scales. Criterion validity assessed by correlating psychosocial and environmental measures with child-reported physical activity found associations with physical activity in the self-efficacy scale ( r = 0.25, P 0.05), the peer support for physical activity scale ( r = 0.25, P 0.05) and home physical activity environmental ( r = 0.14, P 0.05). Children's screen-based behaviors were associated with the family support for physical activity scale ( r = -0.22, P 0.05) and parental role modeling of TV ( r = 0.12, P = 0.053). The findings provide psychometric support for using this questionnaire for examining psychosocial and environmental correlates of physical activity and screen-based behaviors among Chinese children in Hong Kong. Further research is needed to develop more robust measures based on the current questionnaire, especially for peer influence on physical activity and parental rules on screen-based behaviors.
Primary School Teachers’ Perceptions of Physical Literacy Assessment: A Mixed-Methods Study
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 10-2023
Abstract: Purpose : Teachers are important stakeholders in supporting children’s physical literacy (PL), yet teachers’ perception of PL assessment is underexplored. Method : Utilizing a mixed-methods design, 122 primary school teachers (of children aged 5–12 years) in Australia completed an online survey, followed by nine interviews. Results : Teachers who favored assessment (58%) tended to report assessing PL in children (χ 2 [1, N = 110] = 7.025, p = .008). Those who reported assessing PL (also 58%) were more confident to do so (χ 2 [2, N = 109] = 10.540, p = .005). Teachers considered movement skills , engagement and enjoyment , relationships , and safety and risk as the most important elements for assessing PL. Qualitative data showed nonsupport for PL assessment stemmed from skepticism regarding relevance of assessment, appropriateness of assessment, and views that the curriculum and PL framework were implicitly linked. Conclusion : Professional development, resources, and suitable PL teacher assessments can upskill teachers’ knowledge, confidence, and reduce barriers in implementing PL assessments.
Objectively measured light-intensity physical activity is independently associated with 2-h plasma glucose
Publisher: American Diabetes Association
Date: 06-2007
DOI: 10.2337/DC07-0114
Abstract: OBJECTIVE—We examined the associations of objectively measured sedentary time, light-intensity physical activity, and moderate- to vigorous-intensity activity with fasting and 2-h postchallenge plasma glucose in Australian adults. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—A total of 67 men and 106 women (mean age ± SD 53.3 ± 11.9 years) without diagnosed diabetes were recruited from the 2004–2005 Australian Diabetes, Obesity, and Lifestyle (AusDiab) study. Physical activity was measured by Actigraph accelerometers worn during waking hours for 7 consecutive days and summarized as sedentary time (accelerometer counts/min & average hours/day), light-intensity (counts/min 100-1951), and moderate- to vigorous-intensity (counts/min ≥1,952). An oral glucose tolerance test was used to ascertain 2-h plasma glucose and fasting plasma glucose. RESULTS—After adjustment for confounders (including waist circumference), sedentary time was positively associated with 2-h plasma glucose (b = 0.29, 95% CI 0.11–0.48, P = 0.002) light-intensity activity time (b = −0.25, −0.45 to −0.06, P = 0.012) and moderate- to vigorous-intensity activity time (b = −1.07, −1.77 to −0.37, P = 0.003) were negatively associated. Light-intensity activity remained significantly associated with 2-h plasma glucose following further adjustment for moderate- to vigorous-intensity activity (b = −0.22, −0.42 to −0.03, P = 0.023). Associations of all activity measures with fasting plasma glucose were nonsignificant (P & 0.05). CONCLUSIONS—These data provide the first objective evidence that light-intensity physical activity is beneficially associated with blood glucose and that sedentary time is unfavorably associated with blood glucose. These objective data support previous findings from studies using self-report measures, and suggest that substituting light-intensity activity for television viewing or other sedentary time may be a practical and achievable preventive strategy to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Reducing sedentary behaviour and increasing physical activity among 10-year-old children: overview and process evaluation of the 'Switch-Play' intervention
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 03-2005
Abstract: Overweight and obesity has doubled among children in Australia. There is an urgent need to develop primary prevention strategies to prevent current and future unhealthy weight gain. The aims of this paper are to describe a randomized controlled trial ('Switch-Play') developed to prevent unhealthy weight gain among 10-year-old children and to report the findings of the process evaluation. Children from three government primary schools were randomized by class to one of four conditions: a behavioural modification group (BM n = 69) a fundamental motor skills group (FMS n = 73) a combined BM and FMS group (n = 90) or a control (usual classroom lessons) group (n = 61). Children in the BM group participated in 19 sessions that encouraged them to reduce screen-based behaviours, and identified physical activity alternatives. The FMS group participated in 19 lessons that focused on mastery of six skills: run, throw, dodge, strike, vertical jump and kick. The combined group participated in all the BM and FMS activities. The intervention specialist teacher reported that the children showed high enjoyment and engagement (88% lessons attended) in most aspects of the programme. At-home tasks were completed by 57-62% of the children, and 92% completed the in-class tasks. Two-thirds of the children in the BM group participated in the behavioural contracting to switch off the TV. Most of the children reported high enjoyment of the programmes, and only a small proportion (7-17%) reported difficulties in switching off their nominated TV shows. More than half the children reported reducing their TV viewing however, less than half reported increasing their physical activity. It was found that most aspects of the intervention arms of the programme were successfully delivered to the majority of children participating in 'Switch-Play' that the programmes were delivered as intended and that the programmes were favourably evaluated by participating children and their parents.
Mediators of Effects on Physical Activity and Sedentary Time in an Activity Tracker and Behavior Change Intervention for Adolescents: Secondary Analysis of a Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 16-08-2022
DOI: 10.2196/35261
Abstract: Adolescence is a critical age where steep declines in physical activity and increases in sedentary time occur. Promoting physical activity should therefore be a priority for short- and long-term health benefits. Wearable activity trackers in combination with supportive resources have the potential to influence adolescents’ physical activity levels and sedentary behavior. Examining the pathways through which such interventions work can inform which mediators to target in future studies. The aim of this paper is to examine the impact of the Raising Awareness of Physical Activity (RAW-PA) intervention on potential mediators of behavior change after intervention, and whether these mediated the intervention effects on physical activity and sedentary time at 6-month follow-up. RAW-PA was a 12-week intervention, grounded in social cognitive theory and behavioral choice theory, aimed at increasing physical activity among inactive adolescents through combining a wearable activity tracker with digital resources delivered via a private Facebook group (n=159 complete cases). The targeted potential mediators were identified from previous studies conducted in adolescents and included self-efficacy, peer support, family support, teacher support, self-regulation strategies, barriers, and enjoyment. Outcomes included sedentary time as well as light- and moderate-to-vigorous–intensity physical activity. A series of mixed linear models were used to estimate intervention effects on physical activity and sedentary behavior at follow-up and on potential mediators after intervention and to test whether there were indirect effects of the intervention on physical activity and sedentary behavior via mediators. Adolescents in the intervention group (n=75) engaged in higher sedentary time and lower light intensity at 6-month follow-up compared to the wait-list controls (n=84). There were no intervention effects for moderate-to-vigorous–intensity physical activity. The intervention group perceived more barriers to physical activity than the wait-list control group at 6-month follow-up (mean adjusted difference=1.77 95% CI 0.19-3.34 P=.03). However, indirect effects for each outcome were not statistically significant, indicating that perceived barriers to physical activity did not mediate intervention effects for physical activity or sedentary time. RAW-PA did not beneficially impact hypothesized mediators in these inactive adolescents, despite strategies being designed to target them. This suggests that the lack of overall intervention effects on physical activity and sedentary time observed in the RAW-PA study could be due to the limited impact of the intervention on the targeted mediators. Future studies should consider different strategies to target theoretically informed potential mediators and identify intervention strategies that effectively target key mediators to improve physical activity among inactive adolescents. Finally, intervention effects according to level of wearable tracker use or level of engagement with the intervention should be explored. This may provide important insights for designing successful wearable activity tracker interventions. Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12616000899448 anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=370716& isReview=true RR2-10.1186/s12889-016-3945-5
Do features of public open spaces vary between urban and rural areas?
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2013
DOI: 10.1016/J.YPMED.2012.11.016
Abstract: Parks are an important setting for physical activity and specific park features have been shown to be associated with park visitation and physical activity. Most park-based research has been conducted in urban settings with few studies examining rural parks. This study examined differences in features of parks in urban compared with rural areas. In 2009/10 a tool was developed to audit 433 urban and 195 rural parks located in disadvantaged areas of Victoria, Australia. Features assessed included: access lighting/safety aesthetics amenities paths outdoor courts/ovals informal play spaces and playgrounds (number, ersity, age appropriateness and safety of play equipment). Rural parks scored higher for aesthetics compared with urban parks (5.08 vs 4.44). Urban parks scored higher for access (4.64 vs 3.89), lighting/safety (2.01 vs 1.76), and ersity of play equipment (7.37 vs 6.24), and were more likely to have paths suitable for walking/cycling (58.8% vs 40.9%) and play equipment for older children (68.2% vs 17.1%). Although the findings cannot be generalized to all urban and rural parks, the results may be used to inform advocacy for park development in rural areas to create parks that are more supportive of physical activity for children and adults.
Assessing Volume of Accelerometry Data for Reliability in Preschool Children
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 12-2012
Effects of a clinician referral and exercise program for men who have completed active treatment for prostate cancer: A multicenter cluster randomized controlled trial (ENGAGE )
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 15-04-2015
DOI: 10.1002/CNCR.29385
Reducing youth screen time: Qualitative metasynthesis of findings on barriers and facilitators.
Publisher: American Psychological Association (APA)
Date: 04-2015
DOI: 10.1037/HEA0000172
Is the Neighbourhood Environment Associated with Sedentary Behaviour Outside of School Hours Among Children?
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 19-02-2011
DOI: 10.1007/S12160-011-9260-6
Abstract: Little is known about neighbourhood environments and children's sedentary behaviour outside school hours. This study aims to examine the associations between public open spaces (POS), parent perceptions of the neighbourhood and children's sedentary behaviours. Parents reported their child's television viewing and computer/electronic game time and their perceptions of the physical and social neighbourhood. Children's sedentary time was objectively assessed. The closest POS was audited. Cross-sectionally, living near a POS with a water feature and greater parental satisfaction with POS quality were negatively associated with computer/e-games greater POS area was negatively associated with TV viewing. Longitudinally, living in a cul-de-sac and greater satisfaction with POS quality were negatively associated with computer/e-games and TV viewing, respectively. A walking path in the POS was positively associated with computer/e-games. Neighbourhood features appear to positively and negatively influence children's sedentary behaviours, highlighting the complexity of urban planning on behaviour. Further age- and context-specific studies are required.
Do features of public open spaces vary according to neighbourhood socio-economic status?
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2008
DOI: 10.1016/J.HEALTHPLACE.2007.11.002
Abstract: This study examined the relations between neighbourhood socio-economic status and features of public open spaces (POS) hypothesised to influence children's physical activity. Data were from the first follow-up of the Children Living in Active Neighbourhoods (CLAN) Study, which involved 540 families of 5-6 and 10-12-year-old children in Melbourne, Australia. The Socio-Economic Index for Areas Index (SEIFA) of Relative Socio-economic Advantage/Disadvantage was used to assign a socioeconomic index score to each child's neighbourhood, based on postcode. Participant addresses were geocoded using a Geographic Information System. The Open Space 2002 spatial data set was used to identify all POS within an 800 m radius of each participant's home. The features of each of these POS (1497) were audited. Variability of POS features was examined across quintiles of neighbourhood SEIFA. Compared with POS in lower socioeconomic neighbourhoods, POS in the highest socioeconomic neighbourhoods had more amenities (e.g. picnic tables and drink fountains) and were more likely to have trees that provided shade, a water feature (e.g. pond, creek), walking and cycling paths, lighting, signage regarding dog access and signage restricting other activities. There were no differences across neighbourhoods in the number of playgrounds or the number of recreation facilities (e.g. number of sports catered for on courts and ovals, the presence of other facilities such as athletics tracks, skateboarding facility and swimming pool). This study suggests that POS in high socioeconomic neighbourhoods possess more features that are likely to promote physical activity amongst children.
Physical Activity Levels and Patterns of 19-Month-Old Children
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 09-2012
Television time and continuous metabolic risk in physically active adults
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 04-2008
Reducing children's classroom sitting time using sit-to-stand desks: findings from pilot studies in UK and Australian primary schools
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 14-06-2015
Workplace Sitting Breaks Questionnaire (SITBRQ): an assessment of concurrent validity and test-retest reliability
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-2014
Encouraging organized active game play in primary school children
Publisher: IEEE
Date: 10-2014
Standardising the ‘after‐school’ period for children's physical activity and sedentary behaviour
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 21-03-2013
DOI: 10.1071/HE12910
Automated Contouring and Planning in Radiation Therapy: What Is ‘Clinically Acceptable’?
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 10-02-2023
DOI: 10.3390/DIAGNOSTICS13040667
Abstract: Developers and users of artificial-intelligence-based tools for automatic contouring and treatment planning in radiotherapy are expected to assess clinical acceptability of these tools. However, what is ‘clinical acceptability’? Quantitative and qualitative approaches have been used to assess this ill-defined concept, all of which have advantages and disadvantages or limitations. The approach chosen may depend on the goal of the study as well as on available resources. In this paper, we discuss various aspects of ‘clinical acceptability’ and how they can move us toward a standard for defining clinical acceptability of new autocontouring and planning tools.
Use of Electronic Games by Young Children and Fundamental Movement Skills?
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 06-2012
DOI: 10.2466/10.13.PMS.114.3.1023-1034
Abstract: This study investigated associations between pre-school children's time spent playing electronic games and their fundamental movement skills. In 2009, 53 children had physical activity (Actigraph accelerometer counts per minute), parent proxy-report of child's time in interactive and non-interactive electronic games (min./week), and movement skill (Test of Gross Motor Development–2) assessed. Hierarchical linear regression, adjusting for age (range = 3–6 years), sex (Step 1), and physical activity (cpm M = 687, SD = 175.42 Step 2), examined the relationship between time in (a) non-interactive and (b) interactive electronic games and locomotor and object control skill. More than half (59%, n = 31) of the children were female. Adjusted time in interactive game use was associated with object control but not locomotor skill. Adjusted time in non-interactive game use had no association with object control or locomotor skill. Greater time spent playing interactive electronic games is associated with higher object control skill proficiency in these young children. Longitudinal and experimental research is required to determine if playing these games improves object control skills or if children with greater object control skill proficiency prefer and play these games.
Perceived influences on and strategies to reduce sedentary behavior in disadvantaged women experiencing depressive symptoms: A qualitative study
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2011
Neighborhood Environmental Attributes and Adults’ Maintenance of Regular Walking
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 06-2015
Assessing the sustained impact of a school-based obesity prevention program for adolescent boys: the ATLAS cluster randomized controlled trial
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 20-08-2016
Physical, policy, and sociocultural characteristics of the primary school environment are positively associated with children's physical activity during class time
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 03-2014
Abstract: The objective of this study was to develop a multidomain model to identify key characteristics of the primary school environment associated with children’s physical activity (PA) during class-time. Accelerometers were used to calculate time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity during class-time (CMVPA) of 408 sixth-grade children (mean ± SD age 11.1 ± 0.43 years) attending 27 metropolitan primary schools in Perth Western Australia. Child and staff self-report instruments and a school physical environment scan administered by the research team were used to collect data about children and the class and school environments. Hierarchical modeling identified key variables associated with CMVPA. The final multilevel model explained 49% of CMVPA. A physically active physical education (PE) coordinator, fitness sessions incorporated into PE sessions and either a trained PE specialist, classroom teacher or nobody coordinating PE in the school, rather than the deputy principal, were associated with higher CMVPA. The amount of grassed area per student and sporting apparatus on grass were also associated with higher CMVPA. These results highlight the relevance of the school’s sociocultural, policy and physical environments in supporting class-based PA. Interventions testing optimization of the school physical, sociocultural and policy environments to support physical activity are warranted.
The neighborhood social environment and body mass index among youth: a mediation analysis
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 2012
Predictors of adherence to a 12‐week exercise program among men treated for prostate cancer: ENGAGE study
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 12-02-2016
DOI: 10.1002/CAM4.639
Total and domain‐specific sitting time among employees in desk‐based work settings in Australia
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2015
Abstract: To describe the total and domain-specific daily sitting time among a s le of Australian office-based employees. In April 2010, paper-based surveys were provided to desk-based employees (n=801) in Victoria, Australia. Total daily and domain-specific (work, leisure-time and transport-related) sitting time (minutes/day) were assessed by validated questionnaires. Differences in sitting time were examined across socio-demographic (age, sex, occupational status) and lifestyle characteristics (physical activity levels, body mass index [BMI]) using multiple linear regression analyses. The median (95% confidence interval [CI]) of total daily sitting time was 540 (531-557) minutes/day. Insufficiently active adults (median=578 minutes/day, [95%CI: 564-602]), younger adults aged 18-29 years (median=561 minutes/day, [95%CI: 540-577]) reported the highest total daily sitting times. Occupational sitting time accounted for almost 60% of total daily sitting time. In multivariate analyses, total daily sitting time was negatively associated with age (unstandardised regression coefficient [B]=-1.58, p<0.001) and overall physical activity (minutes/week) (B=-0.03, p<0.001) and positively associated with BMI (B=1.53, p=0.038). Desk-based employees reported that more than half of their total daily sitting time was accrued in the work setting. Given the high contribution of occupational sitting to total daily sitting time among desk-based employees, interventions should focus on the work setting.
Reliability and validity of the PL-C Quest, a scale designed to assess children’s self-reported physical literacy
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2022
Relationship between the physical environment and physical activity in older adults: A systematic review
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2011
DOI: 10.1016/J.HEALTHPLACE.2010.11.010
Abstract: Previous reviews on children, adolescents and adults have reported consistent relationships between several physical environmental characteristics and physical activity (PA). This systematic review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the literature concerning the relationship between the physical environment and PA in older adults. A systematic literature search resulted in the inclusion of 31 articles. Results were inconsistent but most of the studied environmental characteristics were reported not to be related to PA. More studies in different contexts utilizing longitudinal designs, standardized, reliable and validated PA and environmental measurements and investigating possible moderating effects are definitely warranted.
Design Elements and Feasibility of an Organized Multiplayer Mobile Active Videogame for Primary School-Aged Children
Publisher: Mary Ann Liebert Inc
Date: 12-2014
Abstract: This article describes the design, development, and implementation feasibility of a purpose-built mobile active videogame (M-AVG) named "Pirate Adventure," which was designed for primary school-aged children to engage in physical activity (PA) and fundamental movement skills (FMS), such as hopping, sidestepping, jumping, or running, in an afterschool setting. The design of "Pirate Adventure" was the result of a collaboration between games designers and health researchers. "Pirate Adventure" was designed and developed using Android(®) (Google, Mountain View, CA) phone sensors to respond to player actions within a playground environment. Using an interactive game framework, players solve clues and complete PA and FMS challenges via sensing the physical world through marked-out key game locations. Fourteen primary school-aged children participated in the feasibility evaluation, which took place in four afternoon sessions. The game was evaluated using Android phone telemetry data and a post-gameplay survey for children on their opinions and enjoyment of the game. The "Pirate Adventure" game design facilitated an enjoyable treasure hunt game (average of 11 minutes of activity per game) with narrative elements supporting children's engagement with movement activities. The majority of children (n=9/13) reported that they would like to play the game again. Combining real world and virtual world content through "Pirate Adventure" was moderately successful, with multiple gameplay sessions occurring. Further implementation feasibility testing, under more controlled conditions, needs to be conducted to assert the benefits of using a M-AVG for children's PA and FMS.
Is television viewing time a marker of a broader pattern of sedentary behavior?
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 21-03-2008
DOI: 10.1007/S12160-008-9017-Z
Abstract: Television (TV) viewing time is associated with abnormal glucose metabolism, the metabolic syndrome, and risk of type 2 diabetes associations are stronger and more consistent in women. One explanation of this difference may be that TV viewing is a marker of an overall pattern of sedentary behavior in women. We sought to examine associations of TV viewing time with other sedentary behaviors and with leisure-time physical activity in a large s le of Australian adults. Adults aged between 20 and 65 years (n = 2,046) completed a self-administered questionnaire on TV viewing, five other leisure-time sedentary behaviors, and leisure-time physical activity. Mean adjusted time spent in other sedentary behaviors and in physical activity was compared across TV-time categories previously shown to be associated with abnormal glucose metabolism. After adjustment for body mass index and socio-demographic variables, women's time spent watching TV was associated positively with time in other sedentary behaviors and negatively with leisure-time physical activity, but no such associations were observed in men. TV viewing time may be a robust marker of a sedentary lifestyle in women but not in men. Gender differences in the pattern of sedentary behaviors may explain at least in part the gender differences in the previously reported associations of TV viewing time with biological attributes related to type 2 diabetes.
Physical activity beliefs and behaviours among adults attempting weight control
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 2000
Abstract: To compare the frequency and duration of varying intensities of physical activity performed by adults trying to lose weight, avoid gaining weight and not actively trying to control their weight, and to compare these groups' beliefs about the physical activity they should perform. Random postal survey of 2500 Victorian adults selected from the Australian electoral roll (response rate=42%). One-week physical activity recall (frequency and duration of walking, other moderate activity and vigorous activity), BMI (based on self-reported height and weight) and weight-control behaviour. At the time of the survey, 27% of respondents were actively trying to avoid gaining weight, 23. 9% trying to lose weight and 49.1% undertaking no weight control. Respondents spent a mean time of 4.0 (+/-7.1) h walking, 5.5 (+/-7. 9) h in moderate activity and 3.1(+/-5.9) h in vigorous activity during the week prior to the survey. Women trying to lose weight or avoid gaining weight engaged in vigorous activity more often than women not trying to control their weight. After adjusting for age, education and BMI, women trying to avoid gaining weight were 2.4 times more likely, and women trying to lose weight 2.5 times more likely, to have met current physical activity guidelines than women undertaking no weight control. On average, respondents believed they should spend 5.2 (+/-6.9) h walking, 6.5 (+/-8.2) h in moderate activity and 4.3 (+/-6.5) h in vigorous activity each week. Women trying to lose weight felt they should perform vigorous activity more often than other women. Weight-control behaviour was not associated with physical activity beliefs and behaviours of men. Walking is a common activity among adults attempting weight control. However, many men and women do not fully recognize the value of moderate-intensity physical activity. Future efforts should be directed at promoting the role of moderate-intensity activity in weight control, particularly activity that can be performed outside of planned activity sessions. International Journal of Obesity (2000)24, 81-87
Educational inequalities in women's depressive symptoms: The mediating role of perceived neighbourhood characteristics
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 22-11-2012
Child, family and environmental correlates of children's motor skill proficiency
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2013
DOI: 10.1016/J.JSAMS.2012.08.011
Abstract: To identify factors associated with children's motor skills. Cross-sectional. Australian preschool-aged children were recruited in 2009 as part of a larger study. Parent proxy-report of child factors (age, sex, parent perception of child skill, participation in unstructured and structured activity), self-report of parent factors (confidence in their own skills to support child's activity, parent-child physical activity interaction, parent physical activity) and perceived environmental factors (play space visits, equipment at home) were collected. Moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) (ActiGraph GT1M accelerometer) and motor skills (Test of Gross Motor Development-2) were also assessed. After age adjustment, variables were checked for association with raw object control and locomotor scores. Variables with associations of p<0.20 were entered into two multiple regression models with locomotor/object control as respective outcome variables. Motor skills were assessed for 76 children (42 female), mean [SD] age=4.1 [0.68] 71 completed parent proxy-report and 53 had valid MVPA data. Child age, swimming lessons, and home equipment were positively associated explaining 20% of locomotor skill variance, but only age was significant (β=0.36, p=0.002). Child age and sex, unstructured activity participation, MVPA%, parent confidence, home equipment (all positively associated), and dance participation (inversely associated) explained 32% object control variance. But only age (β=0.67, p<0.0001), MVPA% (β=0.37, p=0.038) and no dance (β=-0.34, p=0.028) were significant. Motor skill correlates differ according to skill category and are context specific with child level correlates appearing more important.
Children's Perceptions of the Use of Public Open Spaces for Active Free-play
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 11-2007
Playing Active Video Games may not develop movement skills: An intervention trial
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2015
Are children’s perceptions of neighbourhood social environments associated with their walking and physical activity?
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2009
DOI: 10.1016/J.JSAMS.2008.07.006
Abstract: This study aimed to examine cross-sectional associations between neighbourhood social environmental factors and physical activity (PA) among Australian primary school children. Baseline data from a large-scale trial among 957 children (48% boys) aged 9-12 years were utilised. Children self-reported their perceptions of the neighbourhood social environment including social networks (e.g. there are lots of other children around to play with), and social capital (e.g. there are lots of people in my area I could go to if I need help). Children also self-reported their weekly walking frequency and PA from which average daily moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) was calculated. Linear regression analyses examined these associations. Boys performed 17 min/day more MVPA than girls (p<0.01), and girls performed one extra trip/week than boys (p<0.001). Children's perceptions of social capital (p<0.0001) and social networks (p<0.01) were both positively associated with MVPA and social capital was positively associated with walking frequency (p<0.05). These associations were not moderated by the child's sex. These findings suggest that children who had positive perceptions of neighbourhood social capital and social networks in the neighbourhood, tended to be more physically active. Longitudinal and experimental studies are required to further test the influence of these factors among children.
People, places and physical activity
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2006
Exploring associations between parental and peer variables, personal variables and physical activity among adolescents: A mediation analysis
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 18-09-2014
The Use of Digital Platforms for Adults’ and Adolescents’ Physical Activity During the COVID-19 Pandemic (Our Life at Home): Survey Study (Preprint)
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 11-08-2020
Abstract: overnment responses to managing the COVID-19 pandemic may have impacted the way in iduals were able to engage in physical activity. Digital platforms are a promising way to support physical activity levels and may have provided an alternative for people to maintain their activity while at home. his study aimed to examine associations between the use of digital platforms and adherence to the physical activity guidelines among Australian adults and adolescents during the COVID-19 stay-at-home restrictions in April and May 2020. national online survey was distributed in May 2020. Participants included 1188 adults (mean age 37.4 years, SD 15.1 980/1188, 82.5% female) and 963 adolescents (mean age 16.2 years, SD 1.2 685/963, 71.1% female). Participants reported demographic characteristics, use of digital platforms for physical activity over the previous month, and adherence to moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA) and muscle-strengthening exercise (MSE) guidelines. Multilevel logistic regression models examined differences in guideline adherence between those who used digital platforms (ie, users) to support their physical activity compared to those who did not (ie, nonusers). igital platforms include streaming services for exercise (eg, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook) subscriber fitness programs, via an app or online (eg, Centr and MyFitnessPal) facilitated online live or recorded classes, via platforms such as Zoom (eg, dance, sport training, and fitness class) sport- or activity-specific apps designed by sporting organizations for participants to keep up their skills (eg, TeamBuildr) active electronic games (eg, Xbox Kinect) and/or online or digital training or racing platforms (eg, Zwift, FullGaz, and Rouvy). Overall, 39.5% (469/1188) of adults and 26.5% (255/963) of adolescents reported using digital platforms for physical activity. Among adults, MVPA (odds ratio [OR] 2.0, 95% CI 1.5-2.7), MSE (OR 3.3, 95% CI 2.5-4.5), and combined (OR 2.7, 95% CI 2.0-3.8) guideline adherence were higher among digital platform users relative to nonusers. Adolescents’ MVPA (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.3-4.3), MSE (OR 3.1, 95% CI 2.1-4.4), and combined (OR 4.3, 95% CI 2.1-9.0) guideline adherence were also higher among users of digital platforms relative to nonusers. igital platform users were more likely than nonusers to meet MVPA and MSE guidelines during the COVID-19 stay-at-home restrictions in April and May 2020. Digital platforms may play a critical role in helping to support physical activity engagement when access to facilities or opportunities for physical activity outside the home are restricted.
Physical activity and likelihood of depression in adults: A review
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2008
DOI: 10.1016/J.YPMED.2008.01.009
Abstract: This review examines original research which has investigated associations between physical activity (PA) dose (i.e. frequency, intensity and duration) and domain and depression or symptoms of depression in adults. A search of electronic databases and authors' own bibliographic libraries was performed between 2006 and 2007 for original research articles investigating associations between PA and depression in adults. A total of 27 observational and 40 intervention studies were included. Of the studies that focused on the association between duration of PA and likelihood of depression, all five observational studies, and five of the seven intervention studies found both shorter and longer durations of PA were associated with reduced likelihood of depression. Of the studies that focused on the association between intensity of PA and likelihood of depression, four of the six observational studies found that vigorous-intensity PA was more strongly associated with decreased likelihood of depression than lower intensities. Most intervention studies showed that both intensities were effective in reducing the likelihood of depression. Two observational studies found a stronger inverse relationship of leisure-time PA with depression than PA in other domains. There is insufficient evidence regarding the importance of the PA setting on depression. Although the dose and domain of physical activity varied across studies reviewed, evidence suggests that even low doses of PA may be protective against depression. Further studies examining the optimal domain of PA for reducing the likelihood of depression are needed.
Effects of classroom‐based active breaks on cognition, sitting and on‐task behaviour in children with intellectual disability: a pilot study
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 15-03-2021
DOI: 10.1111/JIR.12826
Abstract: Classroom‐based active breaks can help typically developing children reduce sitting, increase physical activity and improve cognitive functions and on‐task behaviour. Yet, this strategy has not been tested in children with intellectual disability (ID) – a population who are insufficiently active. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a 5‐week active breaks intervention on cognitive functions and on‐task behaviour in schoolchildren with ID. Twenty‐four children, aged between 8 and 12 years (37.5% girls), were recruited. Children's cognitive functions (response inhibition, lapses of attention, interference and working memory) were measured at baseline and end of trial using computer‐based tests. Sitting, standing and movement patterns were assessed with inclinometers, and on‐task behaviour was directly observed in the classroom before and after active breaks, at baseline, mid‐trial and end of trial. Linear mixed models were used to investigate the intervention effects on cognitive functions and sedentary patterns generalised linear mixed models were used to analyse on‐task behaviour data. A significant time × group interaction was found for working memory favouring the intervention ( B = 11.56, 95% confidence interval [1.92, 21.21]). No significant effects were found in relation to the other measures of children's cognition or on‐task behaviour. Stepping time and bouts of sitting were positively affected. Classroom‐based active breaks can increase physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviour in children with ID and might also benefit their working memory. Further research is required to clarify the effects on cognition and to investigate whether this strategy has other benefits in this population.
Feasibility and Efficacy of a Parent-Focused, Text Message–Delivered Intervention to Reduce Sedentary Behavior in 2- to 4-Year-Old Children (Mini Movers): Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 09-02-2018
DOI: 10.2196/MHEALTH.8573
Associations between young children's perceived and actual ball skill competence and physical activity
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.JSAMS.2014.03.001
Abstract: The relationship between actual and perceived object control competence (ball skills) and the contribution to young children's physical activity is not known. Cross sectional study. The Test Gross Motor Development-2 assessed actual object control competence and a modified version of the Pictorial Scale of Perceived Competence and Social Acceptance for Young Children assessed perceived object control competence. Moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity was measured via accelerometry. Three mixed regression models were performed: (i) object control competence as the predictor and the outcome as perceived object control, (ii) perceived object control competence as the predictor and the outcome moderate to vigorous physical activity and (iii) actual object control as the predictor and the outcome moderate to vigorous physical activity. Models adjusted for school clustering, monitor wear time, sex and age. Interactions between respective predictor variables and sex were performed if warranted. A total of 102 children (56% boys, 44% girls) aged 4-8 years (M 6.3, SD 0.92) completed assessments. Girls had lower perceived and actual object control competence and were less active than boys. Actual object control competence was positively associated with perceived object control competence (B=0.11, t(96)=2.25, p<0.001, p=0.027) and this relationship did not differ by sex (p=0.449) however, neither actual (p=0.092) nor perceived object control competence (p=0.827) were associated with moderate to vigorous physical activity. Young children's perceived ball skill abilities appear to relate to actual competence however, these measures were not associated with physical activity. In older children, object control skill is associated with physical activity so targeting young children's object control skills is an intervention priority.
Tracking of children's body-mass index, television viewing and dietary intake over five-years
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2011
DOI: 10.1016/J.YPMED.2011.07.014
Abstract: To examine the tracking of children's body mass index, television viewing, and dietary intake over five-years. In 2002/3 (T1) parents of children aged 5-6 years (n=175) and 10-12 years (n=121), from Victoria, Australia, completed measures assessing their child's frequency of fruit, vegetable, and energy-dense sweet and savory snack consumption, and their child's television (TV) viewing. Children's height and weight were measured by researchers and sex-age adjusted body mass index (BMI) calculated. All measures were repeated in 2006 (T2) and 2008 (T3). Generalized estimating equations (GEE) (standardized stability coefficients, β) were used to assess tracking and were interpreted as: β 0.6=high. High standardized stability coefficients were found for BMI (β=0.74-0.92), TV viewing (β=0.65-0.73), and frequency of fruit consumption (β=0.73-0.89) among younger and older children. Moderate-to-high standardized stability coefficients were found for frequency of vegetable (β=0.52-0.86), energy-dense sweet (β=0.41-0.65), and savory snack consumption (0.40-0.67) among younger and older children. BMI, TV viewing and dietary intake patterns are moderate-highly stable throughout childhood and into adolescence. Further research that identifies and targets high risk groups to prevent increased BMI, reduce TV viewing and promote healthy dietary behaviors may be justified.
Features of public open spaces and physical activity among children: Findings from the CLAN study
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2008
DOI: 10.1016/J.YPMED.2008.07.015
Abstract: To examine associations between features of public open spaces, and children's physical activity. 163 children aged 8-9 years and 334 adolescents aged 13-15 years from Melbourne, Australia participated in 2004. A Geographic Information System was used to identify all public open spaces (POS) within 800 m of participants' homes and their closest POS. The features of all POS identified were audited in 2004/5. Accelerometers measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) after school and on weekends. Linear regression analyses examined associations between features of the closest POS and participants' MVPA. Most participants had a POS within 800 m of their home. The presence of playgrounds was positively associated with younger boys' weekend MVPA (B=24.9 min/day p< or =0.05), and lighting along paths was inversely associated with weekend MVPA (B=-54.9 min/day p< or =0.05). The number of recreational facilities was inversely associated with younger girls' MVPA after school (B=-2.6 min/day p< or =0.05) and on the weekend (B=-8.7 min/day p< or =0.05). The presence of trees providing shade (5.8 min/day, p< or =0.01) and signage regarding dogs (B=6.8 min/day, p< or =0.05) were positively associated with adolescent girls' MVPA after school. Certain features of POS were associated with participants' MVPA, although mixed associations were evident. Further research is required to clarify these complex relationships.
The correlates of preschoolers' compliance with screen recommendations exist across multiple domains
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2013
DOI: 10.1016/J.YPMED.2013.05.020
Abstract: To investigate the in idual, social and physical environment correlates of preschool children's compliance with Australian/Canadian and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) screen recommendations. An Ecological Model (EM) was used to identify constructs potentially associated with children's screen time. In 2008-2009, parents in Melbourne, Australia, reported their child's screen time and on a range of potential correlates. Children (n = 935 54% boys, mean age 4.54 ± 0.70 years) were assessed as meeting or not meeting each of the screen recommendations. Logistic regression assessed bivariable and multivariable associations. In total, 15 explanatory variables, across the three domains of the EM were associated with boys' and/or girls' compliance with either Australian/Canadian or AAP recommendations. Correlates varied by sex and recommendation. Maternal television viewing time was the only consistent correlate for both boys' and girls' compliance with both recommendations. No demographic groups were identified as being less likely to comply with screen recommendations. Public health programs should take account of the sex-specific nature of correlates of preschool children's screen time. Preschool children across all demographic groups need support to engage in less screen use. Parents may benefit from education and parenting skills to minimize potentially harmful effects of excessive screen time for their child.
A natural experiment to examine the impact of park renewal on park-use and park-based physical activity in a disadvantaged neighbourhood: The REVAMP study methods
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 13-06-2014
What helps children to be more active and less sedentary? Perceptions of mothers living in disadvantaged neighbourhoods
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 11-2011
DOI: 10.1111/J.1365-2214.2011.01321.X
Abstract: Increasing children's participation in physical activity and decreasing time spent in sedentary behaviours is of great importance to public health. Despite living in disadvantaged neighbourhoods, some children manage to engage in health-promoting physical activity and avoid high levels of screen-based activities (i.e. watching TV, computer use and playing electronic games). Understanding how these children manage to do well and whether there are unique features of their home or neighbourhood that explain their success is important for informing strategies targeting less active and more sedentary children. The aim of this qualitative study was to gain in-depth insights from mothers regarding their child's resilience to low physical activity and high screen-time. Semi-structured face-to-face interviews were conducted with 38 mothers of children who lived in disadvantaged neighbourhoods in urban and rural areas of Victoria, Australia. The interviews were designed to gain in-depth insights about perceived in idual, social and physical environmental factors influencing resilience to low physical activity and high screen-time. Themes relating to physical activity that emerged from the interviews included: parental encouragement, support and modelling sports culture in a rural town the physical home and neighbourhood environment child's in idual personality and dog ownership. Themes relating to screen-time behaviours encompassed: parental control and child's in idual preferences. The results offer important insights into potential avenues for developing 'resilience' and increasing physical activity and reducing screen-time among children living in disadvantaged neighbourhoods. In light of the negative effects of low physical activity and high levels of screen-time on children's health, this evidence is urgently needed.
Abdominal obesity, TV-viewing time and prospective declines in physical activity
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2011
DOI: 10.1016/J.YPMED.2011.07.012
Abstract: To examine the prospective associations of baseline abdominal obesity and TV-viewing time with five-year reductions in leisure-time physical activity level. We used data from the Australian Diabetes, Obesity and Lifestyle Study (AusDiab), a nationally representative population-based cohort study with measures collected in 1999-2000 and 2004-2005. Abdominal obesity was determined by waist circumference and TV-viewing time and physical activity level were assessed using established interviewer-administered questionnaires. Among 2,191 men and 2,650 women aged ≥ 25years, odds ratios (ORs) of 5-year reductions from sufficient to insufficient or no physical activity, and from insufficient to no physical activity were estimated with logistic regression. We adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics. The odds of reducing physical levels from baseline to the follow-up survey for obese men (34.2%) and women (38.1%), respectively were 1.40 (1.10-1.79) and 1.44 (1.16-1.80), compared to those with a normal waist circumference. Women, but not men, with higher levels of TV-viewing time had higher odds of reducing physical activity levels (8.6% OR 1.46 1.01-2.11), independent of abdominal obesity. These findings suggest that abdominal obesity is associated with prospective reductions in physical activity level, and that high levels of TV-viewing time might have an additional adverse influence for women.
Increasing central adiposity: the Nepean longitudinal study of young people aged 7-8 to 12-13 y
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 02-08-2005
Abstract: Estimates of the prevalence of overweight and obesity in young people are typically based on body mass index (BMI). However, BMI may not indicate the level of central adiposity. Waist circumference has therefore been recommended to identify young people at risk of morbidity associated with central adiposity. To investigate (a) change in total and central adiposity between 7-8 and 12-13 y (b) agreement between classifying young people as overweight or obese based on total adiposity and central adiposity, and (c) risk factors associated with the development of total and central adiposity. Anthropometric measurements were taken on 342 children in 1996/97 and 5 y later. Risk factors examined included birth weight, physical activity, TV viewing, pubertal status, parental adiposity, diet and socio-economic status. Between 7-8 and 12-13 y indices of central adiposity increased more than total adiposity waist circumference z-score increased by (mean+/-s.d.) 0.74+/-0.92 and BMI z-score increased by 0.18+/-0.67. At 12-13 y there was moderate agreement between the two measures of adiposity (weighted kappa=0.64). However, waist circumference identified a greater number of young people as overweight or obese compared to BMI (41.2 vs 29.3%, P<0.001). Adiposity status at 7-8 y, maternal obesity, and pubertal stage were the strongest predictors of BMI status at 12-13 y. Risk factors associated with increased central adiposity were similar. Overweight and obesity, as measured by waist circumference, is a bigger problem than is currently assessed by BMI. Targeting known risk factors for total adiposity may be an appropriate strategy for preventing increased central adiposity.
Face validity and reliability of a pictorial instrument for assessing fundamental movement skill perceived competence in young children
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.JSAMS.2013.12.004
Abstract: To determine reliability and face validity of an instrument to assess young children's perceived fundamental movement skill competence. Validation and reliability study. A pictorial instrument based on the Test Gross Motor Development-2 assessed perceived locomotor (six skills) and object control (six skills) competence using the format and item structure from the physical competence subscale of the Pictorial Scale of Perceived Competence and Acceptance for Young Children. S le 1 completed object control items in May (n=32) and locomotor items in October 2012 (n=23) at two time points seven days apart. Children were asked at the end of the test-retest their understanding of what was happening in each picture to determine face validity. S le 2 (n=58) completed 12 items in November 2012 on a single occasion to test internal reliability only. S le 1 children were aged 5-7 years (M=6.0, SD=0.8) at object control assessment and 5-8 years at locomotor assessment (M=6.5, SD=0.9). S le 2 children were aged 6-8 years (M=7.2, SD=0.73). Intra-class correlations assessed in S le 1 children were excellent for object control (intra-class correlation=0.78), locomotor (intra-class correlation=0.82) and all 12 skills (intra-class correlations=0.83). Face validity was acceptable. Internal consistency was adequate in both s les for each subscale and all 12 skills (alpha range 0.60-0.81). This study has provided preliminary evidence for instrument reliability and face validity. This enables future alignment between the measurement of perceived and actual fundamental movement skill competence in young children.
Characteristics of Teacher Training in School-Based Physical Education Interventions to Improve Fundamental Movement Skills and/or Physical Activity: A Systematic Review
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 13-06-2016
DOI: 10.1007/S40279-016-0561-6
Abstract: Fundamental movement skill (FMS) competence is positively associated with physical activity (PA). However, levels of both FMS and PA are lower than expected. Current reviews of interventions to improve FMS and PA have shown that many school-based programs have achieved positive outcomes, yet the maintenance of these interventions is variable. Teachers play a central role in the success and longevity of school-based interventions. Despite the importance of teacher engagement, research into the nature and quality of teacher training in school-based PA and FMS interventions has received little attention. The aim of this systematic review was to investigate the type and quantity of teacher training in school-based physical education PA and/or FMS interventions, and to identify what role teacher training had on the intervention outcome. A systematic search of eight electronic databases was conducted. Publication date restrictions were not implemented in any database, and the last search was performed on 1 March 2015. School physical education-based interventions facilitated by a school teacher, and that included a quantitative assessment of FMS competence and/or PA levels were included in the review. The search identified 39 articles. Eleven of the studies measured FMS, 25 studies measured PA and three measured both FMS and PA. Nine of the studies did not report on any aspect of the teacher training conducted. Of the 30 studies that reported on teacher training, 25 reported statistically significant intervention results for FMS and/or PA. It appears that teacher training programs: are ≥ 1 day provide comprehensive subject and pedagogy content are framed by a theory or model provide follow-up or ongoing support and measure teacher satisfaction of the training, are more effective at improving student outcomes in FMS and/or PA. However, the provision of information regarding the characteristics of the teacher training was largely inadequate. Therefore, it was difficult to ascertain which teacher training characteristics were most important in relation to intervention effectiveness. It is clear that whilst teachers are capable of making substantial improvements in student outcomes in PA and FMS, the findings of this review suggest the teacher training component of school-based PA and/or FMS interventions is not only under-reported but is under-studied, and, perhaps as a result, the value of teacher training is not widely understood. What remains unclear, due to poor reporting, is what role teacher training is having on these outcomes.
Walking and Cycling to School. Predictors of Increases Among Children and Adolescents
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2009
DOI: 10.1016/J.AMEPRE.2008.10.011
Abstract: Little is known about what happens to active commuting as children get older, and less is known about influences on changes in this behavior. This study examined predictors of increases in children's and adolescents' active commuting (walking or cycling) to/from school over a 2-year period. Participants were initially recruited and assessed in 2001. Follow-up data were collected in 2004 and 2006 and analyzed in 2008. Participants were 121 children (aged 9.1+/-0.34 years in 2004) and 188 adolescents (aged 14.5+/-0.65 years in 2004) from Melbourne, Australia. Parents and adolescents reported their perceptions of in idual-level factors and of the neighborhood social and physical environment. Weekly active commuting (walking or cycling) to/from school, ranging from 0 to 10 trips/week was also proxy- or self-reported at the initial measurement and again 2 years later. Logistic regression analyses examined predictors of increases in active commuting over time. Children whose parents knew many people in their neighborhood were more likely to increase their active commuting (OR=2.6 CI=1.2, 5.9 p=0.02) compared with other children. Adolescents whose parents perceived there to be insufficient traffic lights and pedestrian crossings in their neighborhood were less likely to increase their active commuting over 2 years (OR=0.4 CI=0.2, 0.8 p=0.01), whereas adolescents of parents who were satisfied with the number of pedestrian crossings were more likely to increase their active commuting (OR=2.4 CI=1.1, 5.4 p=0.03) compared with other adolescents. Social factors and physical environmental characteristics were the most important predictors of active commuting in children and adolescents, respectively.
Physical Inactivity and Other Health Risks Among Australian Males in Less-Skilled Occupations
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 09-1999
DOI: 10.1097/00043764-199909000-00011
Abstract: Male workers in less-skilled occupations have higher rates of cardiovascular disease, compared with higher-skilled workers. A representative population s le of Australian male workers was used to compare physical activity levels and selected cardiovascular disease risk factors in less-skilled versus professional and skilled workers. Workers in the less-skilled occupational categories reported significantly more vigorous work and home-based activity than did those in the professional and skilled categories. In multivariate comparisons, cigarette smoking was the only factor that discriminated between the less-skilled versus the professional and skilled employees. Although worksites can potentially provide health-promoting physical activity options for higher-risk groups, our findings suggest that smoking and possibly overweight are risk factors that are more strongly present in less-skilled occupations.
Age-related patterns of vigorous-intensity physical activity in youth: The International Children's Accelerometry Database
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2016
Maternal correlates of young children's physical activity across periods of the day.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.JSAMS.2016.06.014
Abstract: Associations between maternal correlates and young children's physical activity levels across the whole day and the segmented day were examined. Cross-sectional study METHODS: Participants were 136 mothers and their 1-3 year old children recruited between July 2013 and March 2014. Mothers reported time spent providing physical activity opportunities for their child, co-participating in and modelling physical activity and sedentary behaviours during the morning, afternoon and evening. Participants wore ActiGraph GT3X (mothers) and GT3X+ (children) accelerometers concurrently for seven consecutive days and the time spent in light- (LPA), moderate- to vigorous- (MVPA) and total (LMVPA) physical activity were assessed. Two-level (family recruitment group) multivariate models examined associations between maternal correlates (including maternal objectively-assessed sedentary time [ST] and physical activity) and children's physical activity. Maternal self-reported co-participation in sedentary behaviour and provision of child opportunities for physical activity were associated with children's physical activity associations varied by period and physical activity intensity. During the morning period, mothers' objectively assessed ST was negatively associated with children's MVPA and LMVPA while her LPA was positively associated with children's LPA, MVPA and LMVPA. Mothers' MVPA was negatively associated with children's LPA and LMVPA during the evening period. Maternal correlates of young children's physical activity may be period- and intensity-specific. Programmes promoting physical activity for families may need to consider incorporating strategies to reduce mother-child co-participation in sedentary behaviour, increase mothers' provision of opportunities to be active and increase mothers' own LPA over ST during certain periods of the day.
Is the relationship between sedentary behaviour and cardiometabolic health in adolescents independent of dietary intake? A systematic review
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 22-06-2015
DOI: 10.1111/OBR.12302
Associations of Low- and High-Intensity Light Activity with Cardiometabolic Biomarkers
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 10-2015
Agreement between activPAL and ActiGraph for assessing children's sedentary time
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 2012
Children's television viewing and objectively measured physical activity: Associations with family circumstance
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 2006
Assessing cycling-friendly environments for children: are micro-environmental factors equally important across different street settings?
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 02-05-2015
Perceptions of local neighbourhood environments and their relationship to childhood overweight and obesity
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 07-12-2004
Abstract: To examine associations between parent and child perceptions of the local neighbourhood and overweight/obesity among children aged 5-6 and 10-12 y. Cross-sectional survey. In total, 291 families of 5-6-y-old and 919 families of 10-12-y-old children. Parent's perceptions of local neighbourhood and perceived child access to eight local destinations within walking distance of home 10-12-y-old children's perception of local neighbourhood socio-demographic characteristics (survey). Children's height and weight (measured). No perceptions of the local neighbourhood were associated with weight status among 5-6-y-old children. Among 10-12-y-old children, those whose parents agreed that there was heavy traffic in their local streets were more likely to be overweight or obese (OR=1.4, 95% CI=1.0-1.8), and those whose parents agreed that road safety was a concern were more likely to be obese (OR=3.9, 95% CI=1.0-15.2), compared to those whose parents disagreed with these statements. This study suggests that parental perceptions of heavy traffic on local streets and concern about road safety may be indirect influences on overweight and obesity among 10-12-y-old children. Future work should also consider perceptions of the neighbourhood related to food choice.
Cross-Sectional Associations of Total Daily Volume and Activity Patterns across the Activity Spectrum with Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Children and Adolescents
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 16-06-2020
Abstract: Sedentary and physical activity patterns (bouts/breaks) may be important for cardiometabolic health in early life. This study aimed to examine cross-sectional associations of total daily volume and patterns across the activity spectrum with cardiometabolic risk factors in youth aged 7–13 years. Objectively measured accelerometer and cardiometabolic risk factor data were pooled from two studies (n = 1219 69% valid accelerometry). Total daily volume of sedentary time and light-, moderate-, and vigorous-intensity physical activity was determined. Time in sustained bouts and median bout lengths of all intensities and breaks in sedentary time were also calculated. Outcomes included body mass index, waist circumference, blood pressure, blood lipids, and a cardiometabolic summary score. Regression models revealed beneficial associations between total daily volumes of moderate- and vigorous-intensity physical activity and cardiometabolic risk. Time spent in ≥1 min vigorous-intensity physical activity bouts was beneficially associated with cardiometabolic risk, yet this disappeared after adjusting for total vigorous-intensity physical activity and confounders. Time accumulated in light- (≥1 min ≥5 min) and moderate-intensity (≥1 min) physical activity bouts was detrimentally associated with cardiometabolic risk. Total daily volume and activity patterns may have implications for cardiometabolic risk early in life. Sporadic physical activity may be more beneficial for health than sustained physical activity.
A review of preschool children's physical activity and sedentary time using objective measures
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2014
DOI: 10.1016/J.AMEPRE.2014.05.042
Abstract: Identifying current physical activity levels and sedentary time of preschool children is important for informing government policy and community initiatives. This paper reviewed studies reporting on physical activity and time spent sedentary among preschool-aged children (2-5 years) using objective measures. Databases were searched for studies published up to and including April 2013 that reported on, or enabled the calculation of, the proportion of time preschool children spent sedentary and in light- and moderate to vigorous-intensity physical activity. A total of 40 publications met the inclusion criteria for physical activity and 31 met the inclusion criteria for sedentary time. Objective measures included ActiGraph, Actiwatch, Actical, Actiheart, and RT3 accelerometers, direct observation, and Quantum XL telemetry heart rate monitoring. Data were analyzed in May 2013. Considerable variation in prevalence estimates existed. The proportion of time children spent sedentary ranged from 34% to 94%. The time spent in light-intensity physical activity and moderate to vigorous-intensity physical activity ranged from 4% to 33% and 2% to 41%, respectively. The considerable variation of prevalence estimates makes it difficult to determine the "true" prevalence of physical activity and sedentary time in preschool children. Future research should aim to reduce inconsistencies in the employed methodologies to better understand preschoolers' physical activity levels and sedentary behavior.
Television viewing time and mortality: The australian diabetes, obesity and lifestyle study (ausdiab)
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 26-01-2010
DOI: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.109.894824
Abstract: Background— Television viewing time, the predominant leisure-time sedentary behavior, is associated with biomarkers of cardiometabolic risk, but its relationship with mortality has not been studied. We examined the associations of prolonged television viewing time with all-cause, cardiovascular disease (CVD), cancer, and non-CVD/noncancer mortality in Australian adults. Methods and Results— Television viewing time in relation to subsequent all-cause, CVD, and cancer mortality (median follow-up, 6.6 years) was examined among 8800 adults ≥25 years of age in the Australian Diabetes, Obesity and Lifestyle Study (AusDiab). During 58 087 person-years of follow-up, there were 284 deaths (87 CVD deaths, 125 cancer deaths). After adjustment for age, sex, waist circumference, and exercise, the hazard ratios for each 1-hour increment in television viewing time per day were 1.11 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03 to 1.20) for all-cause mortality, 1.18 (95% CI, 1.03 to 1.35) for CVD mortality, and 1.09 (95% CI, 0.96 to 1.23) for cancer mortality. Compared with a television viewing time of h/d, the fully adjusted hazard ratios for all-cause mortality were 1.13 (95% CI, 0.87 to 1.36) for ≥2 to h/d and 1.46 (95% CI, 1.04 to 2.05) for ≥4 h/d. For CVD mortality, corresponding hazard ratios were 1.19 (95% CI, 0.72 to 1.99) and 1.80 (95% CI, 1.00 to 3.25). The associations with both cancer mortality and non-CVD/noncancer mortality were not significant. Conclusions— Television viewing time was associated with increased risk of all-cause and CVD mortality. In addition to the promotion of exercise, chronic disease prevention strategies could focus on reducing sitting time, particularly prolonged television viewing.
Neighborhood Walkability and TV Viewing Time Among Australian Adults
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2007
DOI: 10.1016/J.AMEPRE.2007.07.035
Abstract: Built-environment attributes of a neighborhood are associated with participation in physical activity and may also influence time spent in sedentary behaviors. Associations of neighborhood walkability (based on dwelling density, street connectivity, land-use mix, and net retail area) and television viewing time were compared in a large, spatially-derived s le of Australian adults. Neighborhood-level variables (walkability and socioeconomic status [SES]) were calculated in 154 Australian census collection districts using Geographic Information Systems. In idual-level variables (TV viewing time, time spent in leisure-time physical activity, height, weight, and sociodemographic variables) were collected from adults living in urban areas of Adelaide, Australia using a mail survey (N=2224) in 2003-2004. Multilevel linear regression analysis was conducted in 2006 separately for men and women to examine variations in TV viewing time across tertiles of walkability. Neighborhood walkability was negatively associated with TV viewing time in women, but not in men. After controlling for neighborhood SES, body mass index, physical activity, and sociodemographic variables, women living in medium- and high-walkable neighborhoods reported significantly less TV viewing time per day (14 minutes and 17 minutes, respectively) compared to those residing in low-walkable neighborhoods. Built-environment attributes of neighborhoods that are related to physical activity also may play an important role in influencing sedentary behavior, particularly among women. Considering the effects of prolonged sedentary time on health risks, which are independent of physical activity, there is the need for further research to explore how environmental characteristics may contribute to the amount of time spent in sedentary behavior.
Trends in children's physical activity and weight status in high and low socio-economic status areas of Melbourne, Victoria, 1985-2001
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2005
DOI: 10.1111/J.1467-842X.2005.TB00204.X
Abstract: To examine trends in active transport to and from school, in school sport and physical education (PE), and in weight status among children from high and low socio-economic status (SES) areas in Melbourne, Victoria, between 1985 and 2001. Cross-sectional survey data and measured height and weight from 1985 (n=557) and 2001 (n=926) were compared for children aged between 9-13 years within high and low SES areas. From 1985 to 2001, the frequency of walking to or from school declined (4.38 +/- 4.3 vs. 3.61 +/- 3.8 trips/wk, p<0.001), cycling to or from school also declined (1.22 +/- 2.9 vs. 0.36 +/- 1.5 trips/wk, p<0.001), and the frequency of PE lessons declined (1.64 +/- 1.1 vs. 1.18 +/- 0.9 lessons/wk, p<0.001). However, the frequency of school sport increased (0.9 +/- 1.22 vs. 1.24 +/- 0.8 sessions/wk, p<0.001). In 1985, 11.7% of children were overweight or obese compared with 28.7% in 2001 (p<0.001). Apart from walking to school and school sport, there were greater relative declines in cycling to school and PE, and increases in overweight and obesity among children attending schools in low SES areas compared with those attending schools in high SES areas. Declines in active school transport and PE have occurred at the same time as increases in overweight and obesity among Australian children. Promoting active school transport and maintaining school sport and PE should be important public health priorities in Australia. Current inequities in school sport and PE and in prevalence of overweight and obesity by area-level SES also need to be addressed.
Mediators of the relationship between sedentary behavior and depressive symptoms amongst disadvantaged women
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2014
Personal, social and environmental determinants of resilience to physical inactivity amongst socioeconomically disadvantaged women
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 29-10-2010
DOI: 10.1093/HER/CYN054
Abstract: While sex and socio-economic disparities in physical activity have been well documented, not all disadvantaged women are inactive. This study aimed to examine correlates of achieving recommended levels of physical activity among women of low socio-economic position. In 2005, a population-based s le of 291 women with low educational attainment provided survey data on leisure time physical activity (LTPA). Participants reported potential personal (enjoyment and self-efficacy barriers intentions guilt and priorities routines and scheduling occupational physical activity television viewing), social (support from family/friends social participation sport/recreation club membership dog ownership) and environmental (aesthetics safety local access footpaths interesting walks busy roads to cross heavy traffic) correlates of physical activity. Nearly 40% of participants achieved recommended LTPA (150 min week(-1)). Multivariable analyses revealed that higher levels of self-efficacy for walking [prevalence ratio (PR) 2.05, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.19-3.53], higher enjoyment of walking (PR 1.48, 95% CI 1.04-2.12), greater intentions to be active (PR 1.97, 95% CI 1.12-3.45) and having set routines for physical activity (PR 1.91, 95% CI 1.18-3.09) were significantly associated with achieving recommended LTPA. Personal factors were the characteristics most strongly associated with achieving recommended levels of LTPA among women from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Early childhood physical activity, sedentary behaviors and psychosocial well-being: A systematic review
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2014
DOI: 10.1016/J.YPMED.2014.02.007
Abstract: Little is known about how health behaviors such as physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviors (SB) may be associated with psychosocial well-being during the crucial early childhood period. The aim of this study was to undertake a systematic review of associations between PA, SB and psychosocial well-being during early childhood. In February 2013, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, SPORTDiscus and Embase electronic databases were searched. Inclusion criteria were: 1. peer-reviewed publication since 1980 in English 2. children aged birth-5 years 3. PA or SB measured during early childhood 4. an indicator of child psychosocial well-being and 5. association between PA/SB and psychosocial well-being reported. Studies could be observational or interventions. Data were extracted by one author and entered into a standardized form in February and March 2013. 19 studies were identified: four examined PA, 13 examined SB and two examined PA and SB. No interventions met the inclusion criteria all included studies were observational. In total, 21 indicators of psychosocial well-being were examined, 13 only once with the remaining eight reported in more than one study. Some dose-response evidence was identified suggesting that PA is positively, and SB inversely, associated with psychosocial well-being. Too few studies exist to draw conclusions regarding associations. Future high-quality cohort and intervention studies are warranted particularly investigating dose-response associations.
Are barriers to physical activity similar for adults with and without abnormal glucose metabolism?
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 05-2010
Abstract: Purpose The purpose of this study was to examine perceived barriers to physical activity among adults with and without abnormal glucose metabolism (AGM), and whether barriers varied according to physical activity status. Methods The 1999 to 2000 Australian Diabetes, Obesity, and Lifestyle Study (AusDiab) was a population-based cross-sectional study among adults aged ≥25 years. AGM was identified through an oral glucose tolerance test. The previous week’s physical activity and in idual, social, and environmental barriers to physical activity were self-reported. Logistic regression analyses examined differences in barriers to physical activity between those with and without AGM, and for those with and without AGM who did and did not meet the minimum recommendation of 150 minutes/week of moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity. Results Of the 7088 participants (47.5 ± 12.7 years 46% male), 18.5% had AGM. Approximately 47.5% of those with AGM met the physical activity recommendation, compared to 54.7% of those without AGM (P .001). Key barriers to physical activity included lack of time, other priorities, and being tired. Following adjustment for sociodemographic and behavioral factors, there were few differences in barriers to physical activity between those with and without AGM, even after stratifying according to physical activity. Conclusions Adults with AGM report similar barriers to physical activity, as do those without AGM. Programs for those with AGM can therefore focus on the known generic adult-reported barriers to physical activity.
Associations among Individual, Social, and Environmental Barriers and Children's Walking or Cycling to School
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 11-2007
DOI: 10.4278/0890-1171-22.2.107
Abstract: To examine associations among in idual, social, and environmental barriers and children's walking or cycling to school. Exploratory cross-sectional study. All eight capital cities in Australia. Parents (N = 720) of school-aged children (4–13 years 27% response rate 49% parents of boys). Multivariate-adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for parental reporting of barriers to their children's walking or cycling to school, based on a computer-assisted telephone interview. Forty-one percent of children walked or cycled to school at least once per week. Multivariable analyses found inverse associations with in idual (“child prefers to be driven” [OR = 0.4, 95% CI = 0.3–0.6], “no time in the mornings” [OR = 0.5, 95% CI = 0.3–0.8]) social (“worry child will take risks” [OR = 0.6, 95% CI = 0.3–0.9], “no other children to walk with” [OR = 0.7, 95% CI = 0.4–0.99], “no adults to walk with” [OR = 0.6, 95% CI = 0.4–0.9]) and environmental barriers (“too far to walk” [OR = 0.1, 95% CI = 0.0–0.1], “no direct route” [OR = 0.4, 95% CI = 0.2–0.7]) and positive associations with “concern child may be injured in a road accident” (OR = 1.9, 95% CI = 1.1–3.1) and active commuting. Working with parents, schools, and local authorities to improve pedestrian skills and environments may help to overcome barriers.
Physical activity during school recess: A systematic review
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2012
DOI: 10.1016/J.AMEPRE.2012.05.019
Abstract: Interest has increased in examining the physical activity levels of young people during school recess. Identifying correlates of their recess physical activity behaviors is timely, and would inform school-based physical activity programming and intervention development. The review examined the correlates of children's and adolescent's physical activity during school recess periods. A systematic search of six electronic databases, reference lists, and personal archives identified 53 studies (47 focused on children) published between January 1990 and April 2011 that met the inclusion criteria. Data were analyzed in 2011. Correlates were categorized using the social-ecological framework. Forty-four variables were identified across the four levels of the social-ecological framework, although few correlates were studied repeatedly at each level. Positive associations were found of overall facility provision, unfixed equipment, and perceived encouragement with recess physical activity. Results revealed that boys were more active than girls. Providing access to school facilities, providing unfixed equipment, and identifying ways to promote encouragement for physical activity have the potential to inform strategies to increase physical activity levels during recess periods.
Too hot to trot? exploring potential links between climate change, physical activity and health
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2003
DOI: 10.1016/S1440-2440(03)80019-1
Abstract: Based on an analysis of existing literature, this paper explores the links between climate change, physical activity and health. It highlights the importance of physical activity for health, explores current understandings of factors influencing participation in sport and physical activity, and develops some hypotheses about the ways in which climate change may impact on the factors influencing physical activity and thereby on the level of participation in physical activity. The paper argues that climate change has the potential to be a barrier to participation in physical activity, particularly in areas where temperatures are already relatively high, and that a reduction in physical activity across the population is likely to have detrimental health impacts. The need for research to clarify the nature and extent of the threat posed to physical activity participation is highlighted, as is the need to take into account the direct and indirect costs of any changes or reductions in physical activity in any assessment of the costs of climate change and/or its mitigation.
Personal, Family, Social, and Environmental Correlates of Active Commuting to School
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2006
DOI: 10.1016/J.AMEPRE.2005.08.047
Abstract: Active commuting to school may be an important opportunity for children to accumulate adequate physical activity for improved cardiovascular risk factors, enhanced bone health, and psychosocial well-being. The purpose of this study was to examine personal, family, social, and environmental correlates of active commuting to school among children. Cross-sectional study of 235 children aged 5 to 6 years and 677 children aged 10 to 12 years from 19 elementary schools in Melbourne, Australia. Self-administered questionnaires were completed by parents, and the older children. The shortest possible routes to school were examined using a geographic information system. Among both age groups, negative correlates of active commuting to school included parental perception of few other children in the neighborhood and no lights or crossings for their child to use, and an objectively assessed busy road barrier en route to school. In younger children, an objectively assessed steep incline en route to school was negatively associated with walking or cycling to school. Good connectivity en route to school was negatively associated with walking or cycling to school among older children. Among both age groups, children were more likely to actively commute to school if their route was <800 meters. There were no associations with perceived energy levels or enjoyment of physical activity, weight status, or family factors. For children, creating child-friendly communities and providing skills to safely negotiate the environment may be important. Environmental correlates of active transport in children and adults may differ and warrant further investigation.
Physical activity correlates in young women with depressive symptoms: a qualitative study
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 18-01-2010
Abstract: Young women are at high risk for developing depression and participation in physical activity may prevent or treat the disorder. However, the influences on physical activity behaviors of young women with depression are not well understood. The aim of this study was to gather in-depth information about the correlates of physical activity among young women with and without depressive symptoms. A s le of 40 young women (aged 18-30 years), 20 with depressive symptoms (assessed using the CES-D 10) and 20 without depressive symptoms participated in one-on-one semi-structured interviews. A social-ecological framework was used, focusing on the in idual, social and physical environmental influences on physical activity. Thematic analyses were performed on transcribed interview data. The results indicated several key themes that were unique to women with depressive symptoms. These women more often described negative physical activity experiences during their youth, more barriers to physical activity, participating in more spontaneous than planned activity, lower self-efficacy for physical activity and being influenced by their friends' and family's inactivity. Interventions designed to promote physical activity in this important target group should consider strategies to reduce/overcome early life negative experiences, engage support from family and friends and plan for activity in advance.
Translatability of a Wearable Technology Intervention to Increase Adolescent Physical Activity: Mixed Methods Implementation Evaluation
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 07-08-2020
DOI: 10.2196/13573
Abstract: Wearable technology interventions combined with digital behavior change resources provide opportunities to increase physical activity in adolescents. The implementation of such interventions in real-world settings is unknown. The Raising Awareness of Physical Activity (RAW-PA) study was a 12-week cluster randomized controlled trial targeting inactive adolescents attending schools in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas of Melbourne, Australia. The aim was to increase moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity using (1) a wrist-worn Fitbit Flex and app, (2) weekly challenges, (3) digital behavior change resources, and (4) email or text message alerts. This paper presents adolescents’ and teachers’ perceptions of RAW-PA in relation to program acceptability, feasibility and perceived impact, adolescent engagement and adherence, and the potential for future scale-up. A mixed methods evaluation of the RAW-PA study assessed acceptability, engagement, feasibility, adherence, and perceived impact. A total of 9 intervention schools and 144 intervention adolescents were recruited. Only adolescents and teachers (n=17) in the intervention group were included in the analysis. Adolescents completed web-based surveys at baseline and surveys and focus groups postintervention. Teachers participated in interviews postintervention. Facebook data tracked engagement with web-based resources. Descriptive statistics were reported by sex. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically. Survey data were collected from 142 adolescents at baseline (mean age 13.7 years, SD 0.4 years 51% males) and 132 adolescents postintervention. A total of 15 focus groups (n=124) and 9 interviews (n=17) were conducted. RAW-PA had good acceptability among adolescents and teachers. Adolescents perceived the intervention content as easy to understand (100/120, 83.3%) and the Fitbit easy to use (112/120 93.3%). Half of the adolescents perceived the text messages to be useful (61/120 50.8%), whereas 47.5% (57/120) liked the weekly challenges and 38.3% (46/120) liked the Facebook videos. Facebook engagement declined over time only 18.6% (22/118) of adolescents self-reported wearing the Fitbit Flex daily postintervention. Adolescents perceived the Fitbit Flex to increase their physical activity motivation (85/120, 70.8%) and awareness (93/119, 78.2%). The web-based delivery facilitated implementation of the intervention, although school-level policies restricting phone use were perceived as potential inhibitors to program roll-out. RAW-PA showed good acceptability among adolescents attending schools in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas and their teachers. Low levels of teacher burden enhanced their perceptions concerning the feasibility of intervention delivery. Although adolescents perceived that RAW-PA had short-term positive effects on their motivation to be physically active, adolescent adherence and engagement were low. Future research exploring the feasibility of different strategies to engage adolescents with wearable technology interventions and ways of maximizing system-level embeddedness of interventions in practice would greatly advance the field.
Predicting healthy lifestyle patterns among retirement age older adults in the WELL study: A latent class analysis of sex differences
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2014
DOI: 10.1016/J.MATURITAS.2013.09.010
Abstract: The aim of this study was to identify subgroups of retirement age older adults with respect to their lifestyle patterns of eating, drinking, smoking, physical activity and TV viewing behaviors, and to examine the association between these patterns and socio-demographic covariates. The s le consisted of 3133 older adults aged 55-65 years from the Wellbeing, Eating and Exercise for a Long Life (WELL) study, 2010. This study used latent class analysis (stratified by sex), with a set of lifestyle indicators and including socio-demographic covariates. Statistical analyses were performed by generalized linear latent and mixed models in Stata. Two classes of lifestyle patterns were identified: Healthy (53% men and 72% women) and less healthy lifestyles. Physical activity, TV-viewing time, and fruit intake were good indicators distinguishing the "Healthier" class, whereas consumption of vegetables, alcohol (men) and fast food (women) could not clearly discriminate older adults in the two classes. Class membership was associated with education, body mass index, and self-rated health. This study contributes to the literature on lifestyle behaviors among older adults, and provides evidence that there are meaningful sex differences in lifestyle behaviors between subgroups of older adults. From a policy perspective, understanding indicators or "markers" of healthy and less healthy lifestyle patterns is important for identifying target groups for interventions.
Park proximity, quality and recreational physical activity among mid-older aged adults: moderating effects of individual factors and area of residence
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 02-04-2015
Adoption and maintenance of gym-based strength training in the community setting in adults with excess weight or type 2 diabetes: a randomized controlled trial
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 25-08-2015
Classroom Standing Desks and Sedentary Behavior: A Systematic Review
Publisher: American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
Date: 02-2016
Abstract: Reducing sedentary behaviors, or time spent sitting, is an important target for health promotion in children. Standing desks in schools may be a feasible, modifiable, and acceptable environmental strategy to this end. To examine the impact of school-based standing desk interventions on sedentary behavior and physical activity, health-related outcomes, and academic and behavioral outcomes in school-aged children. Ovid Embase, Medline, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Global Health, and CINAHL. Full-text peer-reviewed journal publications written in English s les of school-aged youth (5–18 years of age) study designs including the same participants at baseline and follow-up and use of a standing desk as a component of the intervention. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Eight studies satisfied selection criteria and used quasi-experimental (n = 4), randomized controlled trial (n = 3), and pre–post, no control (n = 1) designs. When examined, time spent standing increased in all studies (effect sizes: 0.38–0.71), while sitting time decreased from a range of 59 to 64 minutes (effect sizes: 0.27–0.49). Some studies reported increased physical activity and energy expenditure and improved classroom behavior. One-half of the studies had nonrandomized designs, and most were pilot or feasibility studies. This initial evidence supports integrating standing desks into the classroom environment this strategy has the potential to reduce sitting time and increase standing time among elementary schoolchildren. Additional research is needed to determine the impact of standing desks on academic performance and precursors of chronic disease risk.
How Can Socio-Economic Differences in Physical Activity Among Women Be Explained? A Qualitative Study
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 14-07-2006
Within- and between-day associations between children’s sitting and physical activity time
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 23-09-2015
Should we be concerned about children spending extended periods of time in sedentary pursuits even among the highly active?
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 2008
Children's perceptions of their home and neighborhood environments, and their association with objectively measured physical activity: a qualitative and quantitative study
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 14-07-2004
DOI: 10.1093/HER/CYG095
Breaks in sedentary time - Beneficial associations with metabolic risk
Publisher: American Diabetes Association
Date: 04-2008
DOI: 10.2337/DC07-2046
Abstract: OBJECTIVE—Total sedentary (absence of whole-body movement) time is associated with obesity, abnormal glucose metabolism, and the metabolic syndrome. In addition to the effects of total sedentary time, the manner in which it is accumulated may also be important. We examined the association of breaks in objectively measured sedentary time with biological markers of metabolic risk. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Participants (n = 168, mean age 53.4 years) for this cross-sectional study were recruited from the 2004–2005 Australian Diabetes, Obesity and Lifestyle study. Sedentary time was measured by an accelerometer (counts/minute−1 & 100) worn during waking hours for seven consecutive days. Each interruption in sedentary time (counts/min ≥100) was considered a break. Fasting plasma glucose, 2-h plasma glucose, serum triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, weight, height, waist circumference, and resting blood pressure were measured. MatLab was used to derive the breaks variable SPSS was used for the statistical analysis. RESULTS—Independent of total sedentary time and moderate-to-vigorous intensity activity time, increased breaks in sedentary time were beneficially associated with waist circumference (standardized β = −0.16, 95% CI −0.31 to −0.02, P = 0.026), BMI (β = −0.19, −0.35 to −0.02, P = 0.026), triglycerides (β = −0.18, −0.34 to −0.02, P = 0.029), and 2-h plasma glucose (β = −0.18, −0.34 to −0.02, P = 0.025). CONCLUSIONS—This study provides evidence of the importance of avoiding prolonged uninterrupted periods of sedentary (primarily sitting) time. These findings suggest new public health recommendations regarding breaking up sedentary time that are complementary to those for physical activity.
Mediators of the Relationship Between Maternal Education and Children’s TV Viewing
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2007
DOI: 10.1016/J.AMEPRE.2007.02.039
Abstract: Maternal education is consistently found to be inversely related to children's television viewing and is associated with aspects of the family television environment. This study investigates whether family television environment mediates the relationship between maternal education and children's television viewing. Parents of 1484 children reported maternal education, time their child spends watching television, and 21 aspects of the family television environment (potential mediators) during 2002 and 2003. Separate regression analyses were conducted in 2006 for each potential mediator that met two initial conditions for mediation (associated with both maternal education and children's television viewing (p<0.10)), to assess whether inclusion reduced the association between maternal education and children's television viewing. Multivariable regression assessed the combined impact of all mediators. Twelve of 21 potential mediators met the initial conditions for mediation. Inclusion of each resulted in decreased beta values (3.2% to 15.2%) for the association between maternal education and television viewing. Number and placement of televisions in the home appeared to have the greatest mediating effect, followed by frequency of eating dinner in front of the television with the child and rules about television viewing during mealtimes. Together, the 12 mediators accounted for more than one-third of the association between maternal education and children's television viewing time. This study suggests the strong inverse relationship between maternal education and children's television viewing is partly mediated by aspects of the family television environment.
Family physical activity and sedentary environments and weight change in children
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 2008
DOI: 10.1080/17477160801970385
Abstract: To examine associations between family physical activity and sedentary environment and changes in body mass index (BMI) z-scores among 10-12-year-old children over three years. Design. Longitudinal (three-year follow-up). Subjects. In total, 152 boys and 192 girls aged 10-12 years at baseline. Measured height and weight at baseline and follow-up (weight status, BMI z-scores) aspects of the family physical activity and sedentary environment (parental and sibling modelling, reinforcement, social support, family-related barriers, rules/restrictions, home physical environment) measured with a questionnaire completed by parents at baseline. At baseline, 29.6% of boys and 21.9% of girls were overweight or obese, and mean (standard deviation, SD) BMI z-scores were 0.44 (0.99) and 0.28 (0.89), respectively. There was a significant change in BMI z-score among girls (mean change = 0.19, SD = 0.55, p < 0.001), but not boys. Among boys, the number of items at home able to be used for sedentary behaviour (B = 0.11, p = 0.037) was associated with relatively greater increases in BMI z-score. Among girls, sibling engagement in physical activity at least three times/wk (B = -0.17, p = 0.010) and the number of physical activity equipment items at home (B = -0.05, p = 0.018) were associated with relatively greater decreases in BMI z-score. Sibling physical activity and environmental stimuli for sedentary behaviours and physical activity within the home may be important targets for prevention of weight gain during the transition from childhood to adolescence.
Children's active free play in local neighborhoods: a behavioral mapping study
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 17-11-2007
DOI: 10.1093/HER/CYM074
Abstract: Many Australian children are more sedentary than they should be, and almost one in five are currently overweight or obese. Some children may face difficulties finding opportunities to be active, having poor access to safe public open spaces or having low independent mobility limiting their access to places to play. This study aimed to examine children's access to places in their neighborhood for active free play and how these vary by age, sex and socioeconomic status (SES). Behavioral maps of the local neighborhood were completed by children (8-12 years) from five primary schools across different areas of Melbourne. Children living in low SES outer-urban neighborhoods had to travel greater distances to access local parks compared with those in inner-urban mid and high SES areas. One-third (32%) of children reported an independent mobility range of <100 m from home. In conclusion, for some children opportunities to engage in active free play in the local neighborhood may be limited due to lack of parks in close proximity to home and restricted independent mobility. It is important to collaborate with local governments, urban planners and community groups to improve access to neighborhood parks and to promote a sense of neighborhood safety.
Where do children usually play? A qualitative study of parents’ perceptions of influences on children's active free-play
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2006
DOI: 10.1016/J.HEALTHPLACE.2005.02.009
Abstract: This study explored the perceptions of 78 parents from low, mid and high socio-economic areas in Melbourne, Australia to increase understanding of where children play and why. Using an ecological model interviews with parents revealed that safety and social factors emerged as key social themes, facilities at parks and playgrounds, and urban design factors emerged as important physical environment themes. The children's level of independence and attitudes to active free-play were considered to be important in idual level influences on active free-play. The study findings have important implications for future urban planning and children's opportunities for active free-play.
Associations of objectively measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and sedentary behavior with quality of life and psychological well-being in prostate cancer survivors
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 28-07-2016
School and individual-level characteristics are associated with children's moderate to vigorous-intensity physical activity during school recess
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2012
DOI: 10.1111/J.1753-6405.2012.00914.X
Abstract: The objective of this study was to identify school environmental characteristics associated with moderate to vigorous physical activity during school recess, including morning and lunch breaks. Accelerometry data, child-level characteristics and school physical activity, policy and socio-cultural data were collected from 408 sixth grade children (mean age 11 years) attending 27 metropolitan primary schools in Perth, Western Australia. Hierarchical modelling identified key characteristics associated with children's recess moderate to vigorous physical activity (RMVPA). Nearly 40% of variability in children's RMVPA was explained by school environment and in idual characteristics identified in this study. Children's higher daily RMVPA was associated with newer schools, schools with a higher number of grassed surfaces per child and fewer shaded grassed surfaces, and the physical education coordinator meeting Australian physical activity guidelines. Characteristics of the school physical and social environments are strongly correlated with children's MPVA during recess. The school environment is an ideal target for maximising children's physical activity during recess. Future research could examine the impact of modifying these environmental characteristics on children's school physical activity.
Validity and reliability of a physical activity recall instrument among overweight and non-overweight men and women
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2003
Light-Intensity Physical Activity and Cardiometabolic Biomarkers in US Adolescents
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 09-08-2013
Joint associations of multiple leisure-time sedentary behaviours and physical activity with obesity in Australian adults
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 2008
Objectively measured sedentary behaviour and health and development in children and adolescents: Systematic review and meta-analysis
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 24-02-2016
DOI: 10.1111/OBR.12371
Abstract: Sedentary behaviour has emerged as a unique determinant of health in adults. Studies in children and adolescents have been less consistent. We reviewed the evidence to determine if the total volume and patterns (i.e. breaks and bouts) of objectively measured sedentary behaviour were associated with adverse health outcomes in young people, independent of moderate-intensity to vigorous-intensity physical activity. Four electronic databases (EMBASE MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE, PubMed and Scopus) were searched (up to 12 November 2015) to retrieve studies among 2- to 18-year-olds, which used cross-sectional, longitudinal or experimental designs, and examined associations with health outcomes (adiposity, cardio-metabolic, fitness, respiratory, bone/musculoskeletal, psychosocial, cognition/academic achievement, gross motor development and other outcomes). Based on 88 eligible observational studies, level of evidence grading and quantitative meta-analyses indicated that there is limited available evidence that the total volume or patterns of sedentary behaviour are associated with health in children and adolescents when accounting for moderate-intensity to vigorous-intensity physical activity or focusing on studies with low risk of bias. Quality evidence from studies with robust designs and methods, objective measures of sitting, examining associations for various health outcomes, is needed to better understand if the overall volume or patterns of sedentary behaviour are independent determinants of health in children and adolescents.
Educational inequalities in TV viewing among older adults: a mediation analysis of ecological factors
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 2013
Daylight saving time as a potential public health intervention: an observational study of evening daylight and objectively-measured physical activity among 23,000 children from 9 countries
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 23-10-2014
Wearable Activity Tracker Use Among Australian Adolescents: Usability and Acceptability Study
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 11-04-2018
DOI: 10.2196/MHEALTH.9199
Associations of TV viewing and physical activity with the metabolic syndrome in Australian adults
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 07-10-2005
DOI: 10.1007/S00125-005-1963-4
Abstract: We analysed a s le of Australian adults to determine the strength of associations of TV viewing and participation in physical activity with the metabolic syndrome. This population-based cross-sectional study included 6,241 adults aged > or =35 years who were free from diagnosed diabetes mellitus and self-reported ischaemic disease and were not taking lipid-lowering or antihypertensive drugs. The metabolic syndrome was defined according to the 1999 World Health Organization criteria. Participants self-reported TV viewing time and physical activity time for the previous week. The adjusted odds ratio of having the metabolic syndrome was 2.07 (95% CI 1.49-2.88) in women and 1.48 (95% CI 0.95-2.31) in men who watched TV for >14 h per week compared with those who watched < or =7.0 h per week. Compared with those who were less active ( or =2.5 h per week). Longer TV viewing (>14 h per week) was associated with an increased risk of insulin resistance, obesity and dyslipidaemia in both men and women. A total physical activity time of > or =2.5 h per week was associated with a reduced prevalence of both insulin resistance and dyslipidaemia in both sexes and reduced prevalence of both obesity and hypertension in women. Increased TV viewing time was associated with an increased prevalence of the metabolic syndrome, while physical activity was associated with a reduced prevalence. Population strategies addressing the metabolic syndrome should focus on reducing sedentary behaviours such as TV viewing, as well as increasing physical activity.
What Factors Are Associated with Adolescents' School Break Time Physical Activity and Sedentary Time?
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 13-02-2013
Family Structure and Children's Television Viewing and Physical Activity
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 05-2006
Associations of Children's Perceived Neighborhood Environments with Walking and Physical Activity
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 2007
DOI: 10.4278/0890-1171-21.3.201
Abstract: To examine associations between children's perceptions of the neighborhood environment and walking and physical activity. Cross-sectional study of a school-based s le. Elementary schools in Melbourne, Australia. 280 children aged 10 years (response rate 78%). A self-report survey assessed children's perceptions of the neighborhood physical and social environments and their weekly walking frequency. Physical activity was also objectively measured using accelerometers. Multiple linear regression analyses showed a positive association between walking frequency and the number of accessible destinations in the neighborhood among boys having a neighborhood that was easy to walk/cycle around and perceiving lots of graffiti were positively associated with walking frequency among girls. Perceiving lots of litter and rubbish was positively associated with boys' overall physical activity, but no environmental variables were associated with girls' overall physical activity. Several different environmental factors were associated with walking and physical activity. Perceptions of the neighborhood environment were more strongly associated with girls' walking than with objectively-measured physical activity. Future studies should confirm these findings using objective measures and prospective study designs.
Breaking Up Prolonged Sitting Reduces Postprandial Glucose and Insulin Responses
Publisher: American Diabetes Association
Date: 11-04-2012
DOI: 10.2337/DC11-1931
Abstract: Observational studies show breaking up prolonged sitting has beneficial associations with cardiometabolic risk markers, but intervention studies are required to investigate causality. We examined the acute effects on postprandial glucose and insulin levels of uninterrupted sitting compared with sitting interrupted by brief bouts of light- or moderate-intensity walking. Overweight/obese adults (n = 19), aged 45–65 years, were recruited for a randomized three-period, three-treatment acute crossover trial: 1) uninterrupted sitting 2) seated with 2-min bouts of light-intensity walking every 20 min and 3) seated with 2-min bouts of moderate-intensity walking every 20 min. A standardized test drink was provided after an initial 2-h period of uninterrupted sitting. The positive incremental area under curves (iAUC) for glucose and insulin (mean [95% CI]) for the 5 h after the test drink (75 g glucose, 50 g fat) were calculated for the respective treatments. The glucose iAUC (mmol/L) ⋅ h after both activity-break conditions was reduced (light: 5.2 [4.1–6.6] moderate: 4.9 [3.8–6.1] both P & 0.01) compared with uninterrupted sitting (6.9 [5.5–8.7]). Insulin iAUC (pmol/L) ⋅ h was also reduced with both activity-break conditions (light: 633.6 [552.4–727.1] moderate: 637.6 [555.5–731.9], P & 0.0001) compared with uninterrupted sitting (828.6 [722.0–950.9]). Interrupting sitting time with short bouts of light- or moderate-intensity walking lowers postprandial glucose and insulin levels in overweight/obese adults. This may improve glucose metabolism and potentially be an important public health and clinical intervention strategy for reducing cardiovascular risk.
Wearable Activity Tracker Use Among Australian Adolescents: Usability and Acceptability Study
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 17-10-2017
Personal, social and environmental determinants of educational inequalities in walking: a multilevel study
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 02-2007
Relationship of the Perceived Social and Physical Environment with Mental Health-Related Quality of Life in Middle-Aged and Older Adults: Mediating Effects of Physical Activity
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 23-03-2015
Rationale and study protocol for the ‘Active Teen Leaders Avoiding Screen-time’ (ATLAS) group randomized controlled trial: An obesity prevention intervention for adolescent boys from schools in low-in
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2014
DOI: 10.1016/J.CCT.2013.11.008
Abstract: The negative consequences of unhealthy weight gain and the high likelihood of pediatric obesity tracking into adulthood highlight the importance of targeting youth who are 'at risk' of obesity. The aim of this paper is to report the rationale and study protocol for the 'Active Teen Leaders Avoiding Screen-time' (ATLAS) obesity prevention intervention for adolescent boys living in low-income communities. The ATLAS intervention will be evaluated using a cluster randomized controlled trial in 14 secondary schools in the state of New South Wales (NSW), Australia (2012 to 2014). ATLAS is an 8-month multi-component, school-based program informed by self-determination theory and social cognitive theory. The intervention consists of teacher professional development, enhanced school-sport sessions, researcher-led seminars, lunch-time physical activity mentoring sessions, pedometers for self-monitoring, provision of equipment to schools, parental newsletters, and a smartphone application and website. Assessments were conducted at baseline and will be completed again at 9- and 18-months from baseline. Primary outcomes are body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference. Secondary outcomes include BMI z-scores, body fat (bioelectrical impedance analysis), physical activity (accelerometers), muscular fitness (grip strength and push-ups), screen-time, sugar-sweetened beverage consumption, resistance training skill competency, daytime sleepiness, subjective well-being, physical self-perception, pathological video gaming, and aggression. Hypothesized mediators of behavior change will also be explored. ATLAS is an innovative school-based intervention designed to improve the health behaviors and related outcomes of adolescent males in low-income communities.
Environmental factors influencing older adults’ walking for transportation: a study using walk-along interviews
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 2012
Leisure-Time, Occupational, and Household Physical Activity among Professional, Skilled, and Less-Skilled Workers and Homemakers
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2000
How many days of monitoring are needed to reliably assess SenseWear Armband outcomes in primary school-aged children?
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.JSAMS.2016.02.009
Abstract: To identify the number of hours and days or nights of monitoring required to reliably estimate energy expenditure (EE), steps, waking sedentary time, light- (LPA), moderate- (MPA), vigorous- (VPA), moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA), time in bed and total sleep time using the SenseWear Armband. Cross-sectional study. One hundred and two children (50% boys) aged 8-11 years from six schools wore a SenseWear Armband (BodyMedia Inc, USA) for eight consecutive days (seven consecutive nights). Hourly increments of valid day wear time criteria were examined (days/week 8h/day-14h/day). Intra-class correlation coefficients estimated the reliability for any in idual day for each wear time criteria. The Spearman-Brown prophecy formula was used to determine the number of days/nights of monitoring needed to achieve reliability estimates of 0.7, 0.8 and 0.9. Fewer monitoring days were needed as the valid day criteria became more stringent. For ex le, at least 12h of wear time on at least 2 days was required to achieve a reliability of 0.7 for EE. In contrast, at least 8h/day on 5 days resulted in reliable estimates (0.7) for MPA, VPA and MVPA. Between 6 and 7 nights of monitoring were required to reliably estimate children's time in bed and total sleep time, respectively. A 7-day monitoring protocol in primary school-aged children would provide acceptable reliability for the assessment of EE, waking sedentary time, LPA, MPA, VPA, MVPA, time in bed and total sleep time, as assessed by the SenseWear Armband.
Perceived neighbourhood environmental attributes and prospective changes in TV viewing time among older Australian adults
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 11-04-2015
Are independent mobility and territorial range associated with park visitation among youth?
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 2014
A systematic review of the prevalence of sedentary behavior during the after-school period among children aged 5-18 years
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 22-08-2016
Prevalence, Trends and Environmental Influences on Child and Youth Physical Activity
Publisher: KARGER
Date: 2007
DOI: 10.1159/000101391
Abstract: The purpose of this chapter was to describe prevalence and trends in children's physical activity (PA) and to overview the evidence of relationships between the broader neighborhood social and physical environment and child and youth PA. PA typically declines throughout childhood and adolescence. Few countries describe prevalence estimates of the proportion of children and youth meeting current PA recommendations however, trends suggest declines in population level PA among children, in particular declines in active transport and school physical education. While reasons for these changes are not well-understood, there is an increasing research focus on the influence of the neighborhood social and physical environment as possible determinants of these declines. Literature examining associations between the broader social and physical environment and child and youth PA identified factors such as safety concerns (e.g. road safety, crime and concerns about strangers), social interaction (e.g. child visits with peers, neighborhood relationships, other children live in neighborhood close by), and urban design (e.g. connectivity of streets, access and availability of public open spaces and sports facilities) as important influences. However, much of the evidence is preliminary and context specific. That is, studies that reported null associations with children's PA used global rather than context-specific measures of PA (e.g. walking in the neighborhood). Future research requires better conceptualization of the social and physical environment in which children live and consideration of context-specific behaviors and behavior-specific aspects of the environment relevant to children and youth. Prospective studies are needed to establish temporal relationships between the social and physical environment and child and youth PA.
Encouraging children and adolescents to be more active
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 04-10-2007
A systematic review of the validity and reliability of sedentary behaviour measures used with children and adolescents
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 16-06-2011
Do parents' and children's concerns about sports safety and injury risk relate to how much physical activity children do?
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 18-07-2012
DOI: 10.1136/BJSPORTS-2011-090904
Abstract: To see whether concerns about injury risk relate to children's physical activity (PA). Two cohorts were recruited from 19 Australian schools and assessed in 2001 (T1), 2004 (T2) and 2006 (T3). The younger (n=162) was assessed at 6, 9 and 11years old, and the older (n=259) at 11, 14 and 16 years old. At T1 and T2, parents of the younger cohort reported on fear of child being injured, and whether child would be at risk of injury if they played organised sport the older cohort self-reported injury fear. Accelerometers assessed PA at each time point. Linear regression models examined cross-sectional associations, and also associations between T1 injury fear and risk and T2 PA, and T2 injury fear and risk and T3 PA. In the younger cohort at T2 (9 years), fear and risk were both negatively associated with moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) (β=-0.17, 95% CI -0.30 to -0.03 and β=-0.26, 95% CI -0.41 to -0.10) and also vigorous PA (VPA). Fear was also associated with moderate PA (MPA). For the older cohort at T1, injury fear was negatively associated with MVPA (β=-0.21, 95% CI -0.35 to -0.07) and also MPA and VPA. Parental perception of risk at T1 (6 years) was negatively associated with children's MPA at T2 (9 years) (β=-0.17, 95% CI -0.32 to -0.02). Sex did not moderate any association. Younger children and their parents need to know which sports have low injury risks. Some children may need increased confidence to participate.
The Melbourne Infant Feeding, Activity and Nutrition Trial (InFANT) Program follow-up
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2013
DOI: 10.1016/J.CCT.2012.10.008
Abstract: The Melbourne Infant Feeding, Activity and Nutrition Trial (InFANT) Program, is a community-based, cluster-randomised controlled trial of an obesity prevention intervention delivered to first-time parents of infants from age 4-20 months. Conducted from 2008 to 2010, the program had high uptake and retention and showed positive impacts on some dietary outcomes and television viewing. Funding was secured for a follow-up study of participants two and 3.5 years post intervention (at child ages ~3.5 and 5 years). The follow-up study aims to assess intervention effects, mediators and moderators of effects, and program cost-effectiveness over the longer term. The 492 families still enrolled in the Melbourne InFANT Program at intervention conclusion will be recontacted and renewed consent sought to participate in this follow-up study. No further intervention will occur. Home visit data collections will occur approximately two and 3.5 years post intervention. Main outcomes to be assessed include child body mass index, waist circumference, diet (3 × 24-hour recalls food frequency questionnaire), physical activity (8 days ActiGraph accelerometer data parent reported active play) and sedentary time (8days ActiGraph accelerometer and ActivPAL inclinometer data parent reported screen time). Follow-up of participants of the Melbourne InFANT Program at two and 3.5 years post intervention will allow assessment of longer term intervention effects, investigation of potential mediators and moderators of such effects, and economic evaluation of the longer term outcomes. This information will be valuable to researchers and policy makers in progressing the field of early childhood obesity prevention.
Compensation of Physical Activity and Sedentary Time in Primary School Children
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 08-2014
Prevalence and socio-demographic distribution of eating, physical activity and sedentary behaviours among Australian adolescents
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 2012
DOI: 10.1071/HE12213
Abstract: To examine the prevalence and socio-demographic distribution of adherence to national dietary and physical activity recommendations among Australian secondary school students. Cross-sectional survey of 12,188 students in Years 8 to 11 (aged 12-17 years). Students' self-reported eating, physical activity and sedentary behaviours were assessed using validated instruments administered via an online questionnaire. Less than one-quarter of students (24%) reported meeting the daily requirement of at least four serves of vegetables, while 41% reported consuming the recommended three or more daily serves of fruit. Just 15% of students reported engaging in at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous activity every day, and only one in five students met the recommendation of spending no more than two hours per day in small screen recreation. Males were performing better than females in terms of fruit intake and physical activity, but worse in relation to frequency of consumption of sugary drinks and fast food, and time spent using electronic media. The proportion of students meeting fruit and vegetable recommendations declined with advancing year level, while lower socio-economic position (SEP) students were faring less well than those from high SEP neighbourhoods, particularly with regards to healthy eating. There is considerable scope for improving young people's health behaviours in line with national dietary and physical activity recommendations.
The HAPPY Study: Development and reliability of a parent survey to assess correlates of preschool children's physical activity
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2012
DOI: 10.1016/J.JSAMS.2011.12.009
Abstract: Correlates of preschool children's physical activity across all domains of the social ecological model have previously been reported in the literature. However, there is a scarcity of reliable instruments designed to capture such correlates in preschool-aged children. This study reports the development, and assessment of the test-retest and internal reliability of a comprehensive proxy survey instrument designed to measure correlates of preschool children's physical activity across the three domains of the social ecological model. Study one included data from 47 parents of preschool aged (3-5 years) children who completed the survey on two occasions. Study two included data from 943 participants who completed the survey as part of the larger Healthy Active Preschool Years Study. A comprehensive search of the literature and a series of focus groups were used to identify potential correlates for inclusion in the survey. Study one investigated the test-retest reliability of the survey study two investigated internal reliability. Test-retest reliability was assessed using Kappa statistics and percent agreement for categorical variables, and intraclass correlation for continuous variables. Internal reliability was assessed using Cronbach's alpha. In total, 230 items, summed and composite scores were assessed. Of those items, 190 (83%) showed acceptable reliability. The majority of items in each domain of the social ecological model--in idual (75%), social (81%) and physical environment (90%)--showed acceptable reliability. The Healthy Active Preschool Years parent proxy survey shows good reliability and is appropriate for use with the target population. Future studies should investigate validity of the constructs in the survey.
Translatability of a Wearable Technology Intervention to Increase Adolescent Physical Activity: Mixed Methods Implementation Evaluation (Preprint)
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 04-02-2019
Abstract: earable technology interventions combined with digital behavior change resources provide opportunities to increase physical activity in adolescents. The implementation of such interventions in real-world settings is unknown. The Raising Awareness of Physical Activity (RAW-PA) study was a 12-week cluster randomized controlled trial targeting inactive adolescents attending schools in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas of Melbourne, Australia. The aim was to increase moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity using (1) a wrist-worn Fitbit Flex and app, (2) weekly challenges, (3) digital behavior change resources, and (4) email or text message alerts. his paper presents adolescents’ and teachers’ perceptions of RAW-PA in relation to program acceptability, feasibility and perceived impact, adolescent engagement and adherence, and the potential for future scale-up. mixed methods evaluation of the RAW-PA study assessed acceptability, engagement, feasibility, adherence, and perceived impact. A total of 9 intervention schools and 144 intervention adolescents were recruited. Only adolescents and teachers (n=17) in the intervention group were included in the analysis. Adolescents completed web-based surveys at baseline and surveys and focus groups postintervention. Teachers participated in interviews postintervention. Facebook data tracked engagement with web-based resources. Descriptive statistics were reported by sex. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically. urvey data were collected from 142 adolescents at baseline (mean age 13.7 years, SD 0.4 years 51% males) and 132 adolescents postintervention. A total of 15 focus groups (n=124) and 9 interviews (n=17) were conducted. RAW-PA had good acceptability among adolescents and teachers. Adolescents perceived the intervention content as easy to understand (100/120, 83.3%) and the Fitbit easy to use (112/120 93.3%). Half of the adolescents perceived the text messages to be useful (61/120 50.8%), whereas 47.5% (57/120) liked the weekly challenges and 38.3% (46/120) liked the Facebook videos. Facebook engagement declined over time only 18.6% (22/118) of adolescents self-reported wearing the Fitbit Flex daily postintervention. Adolescents perceived the Fitbit Flex to increase their physical activity motivation (85/120, 70.8%) and awareness (93/119, 78.2%). The web-based delivery facilitated implementation of the intervention, although school-level policies restricting phone use were perceived as potential inhibitors to program roll-out. AW-PA showed good acceptability among adolescents attending schools in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas and their teachers. Low levels of teacher burden enhanced their perceptions concerning the feasibility of intervention delivery. Although adolescents perceived that RAW-PA had short-term positive effects on their motivation to be physically active, adolescent adherence and engagement were low. Future research exploring the feasibility of different strategies to engage adolescents with wearable technology interventions and ways of maximizing system-level embeddedness of interventions in practice would greatly advance the field.
Methods of Measurement in epidemiology: Sedentary Behaviour
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 10-2012
DOI: 10.1093/IJE/DYS118
Too hot to move? Objectively assessed seasonal changes in Australian children's physical activity
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 19-06-2015
Parental concerns about childhood obesity and the strategies employed to prevent unhealthy weight gain in children
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 10-2006
DOI: 10.1017/PHN2005917
Abstract: To describe parental concerns about their child's weight, to determine the proportion of parents taking preventive action to avoid obesity in their children and the predictors of taking preventive action, and to describe the strategies adopted by parents. A cross-sectional survey was conducted. Children's heights and weights were measured, and parents completed a questionnaire that included measures of their own weight status, perceptions of their child's weight, concerns about their child's current weight and future weight as an adolescent and adult, and the strategies used to prevent obesity. The study was conducted in Melbourne, Australia. A total of 291 families of children aged 5–6 years and 919 families of children aged 10–12 years participated. Eighty-nine per cent of parents of overweight 5–6-year-olds and 63% of parents of overweight 10–12-year-olds were unaware their child was overweight. Seventy-one per cent of parents of overweight 5–6-year-olds and 43% of parents of overweight 10–12-year-olds were not concerned about their child's current weight. Although 31% of parents of 5–6-year-olds and 43% of parents of 10–12-year-olds were taking action to prevent unhealthy weight gain in their children, less-educated parents were less likely to do so. Public health programmes are required to raise parental recognition of childhood overweight and of related risk behaviours, and to provide parents with practical strategies to prevent unhealthy weight gain in their children.
How active are people in metropolitan parks? An observational study of park visitation in Australia
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 04-07-2015
Love thy neighbour? Associations of social capital and crime with physical activity amongst women
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2010
DOI: 10.1016/J.SOCSCIMED.2010.04.041
Abstract: Using a multilevel study design, this study examined the associations between social characteristics of in iduals and neighbourhoods and physical activity among women. Women (n = 1405) recruited from 45 Melbourne (Australia) neighbourhoods of varying socioeconomic disadvantage provided data on social factors and leisure-time: physical activity walking and walking in one's own neighbourhood. In idual level social factors were number of neighbours known and social participation. Neighbourhood-level social characteristics (interpersonal trust, norms of reciprocity, social cohesion) were derived by aggregating survey data on these constructs within neighbourhoods. Objective data on crimes within neighbourhoods were obtained from Victoria Police. In bivariable regression models, all social variables at both the in idual and neighbourhood level were positively associated with odds of physical activity, walking, and walking in one's own neighbourhood. Associations with in idual social participation (associated with all three physical activity variables) and neighbourhood interpersonal trust (associated with overall physical activity only) remained significant in multivariable models. Neither neighbourhood crime against the person nor incivilities were associated with any form of physical activity. These results demonstrate that women who participated in local groups or events and, less consistently, women living in neighbourhoods where residents trusted one another, were more likely to participate in leisure-time physical activity. While redressing macro-level social and economic policies that contribute to neighbourhood inequalities remains a priority, public health initiatives aimed at promoting physical activity could consider focusing on fostering social interactions targeting both in iduals and communities. Further investigation of causal mechanisms underlying these associations is required.
Tracking Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior in Childhood
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2013
DOI: 10.1016/J.AMEPRE.2013.03.001
Abstract: To date, no reviews have investigated the evidence of tracking of physical activity and sedentary behavior specifically during early childhood (aged 0-5.9 years) or from early childhood to middle childhood (aged 6-12 years). It is important to review the evidence of tracking of these behaviors to determine their stability during the foundational early years of life. A literature search of studies was conducted in seven electronic databases (January 1980 to April 2012). Studies were compared on methodologic quality and evidence of tracking of physical activity or sedentary behavior. Tracking was defined as the stability (or relative ranking within a cohort) of behaviors, such as physical activity and sedentary behavior, over time. Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria. All studies reporting physical activity outcomes had high methodologic quality 71% of studies reporting sedentary behavior outcomes had high methodologic quality. Of the tracking coefficients for physical activity, 4% were large, 60% were moderate, and 36% were small. Of the tracking coefficients for sedentary behavior, 33% were large, 50% were moderate, and 17% were small. Overall, there was evidence of moderate tracking of physical activity during early childhood, and from early childhood to middle childhood, and of moderate-to-large tracking of sedentary behavior during early childhood and from early childhood to middle childhood. This review highlights the importance of establishing recommended levels of physical activity and sedentary behavior during the early years of life. Based on this review, the following recommendations are made: (1) early childhood should be targeted as a critical time to promote healthy lifestyle behaviors through methodologically sound prevention studies and (2) future tracking studies should assess a broad range of sedentary behaviors using objective measures.
Physical activity and sedentary behavior: A population-based study of barriers, enjoyment, and preference
Publisher: American Psychological Association (APA)
Date: 2003
The longitudinal influence of home and neighbourhood environments on children's body mass index and physical activity over 5 years: the CLAN study
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 30-03-2010
DOI: 10.1038/IJO.2010.57
Abstract: To determine the independent contributions of family and neighbourhood environments to changes in youth physical activity and body mass index (BMI) z-score over 5 years. In 2001, 2004 and 2006, 301 children (10-12 years at baseline) had their height and weight measured (BMI was converted to z-scores using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reference charts see rowthcharts) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) assessed using accelerometers. In 2001, parents reported on the home environment (social support, role modelling, rules and restrictions, physical environment) and perceived neighbourhood environment (local traffic, road safety, sporting venues, public transport), and Geographic Information Systems were used to map features of the neighbourhood environment (destinations, road connectivity, traffic exposure). Generalized estimating equations were used to predict average BMI z-score and MVPA over time from baseline home and perceived and objective neighbourhood environment factors. Among boys, maternal education and heavy traffic were inversely associated, and sibling physical activity, maternal role modelling of MVPA and the presence of dead-end roads were positively associated with MVPA. Having unmarried parents, maternal MVPA role modelling and number of home sedentary items were positively associated with BMI z-score among boys. Among girls, having siblings, paternal MVPA role modelling, physical activity rules and parental physical activity co-participation were positively associated with MVPA. Having unmarried parents and maternal sedentary behaviour role modelling were positively associated, and number of sedentary behaviour rules and physical activity items were inversely associated with BMI z-score among girls. The home environment seems more important than the neighbourhood environment in influencing children's physical activity and BMI z-score over 5 years. Physical activity and weight gain programmes among youth should focus on parental role modelling, rules around sedentary and active pursuits, and parental support for physical activity. Intervention studies to investigate these strategies are warranted.
Validity and reliability of measures of television viewing time and other non-occupational sedentary behaviour of adults: a review
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 23-12-2009
Effects of school-based before-school physical activity programmes on children’s physical activity levels, health and learning-related outcomes: a systematic review
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 23-11-2022
DOI: 10.1136/BJSPORTS-2021-104470
Abstract: To review and evaluate the impact of school-based, before-school physical activity (PA) programmes on children’s PA levels, health and learning-related outcomes. Systematic review. PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, Embase and ERIC were searched in January 2021. (1) Original research published in English, (2) s le included typically developing school-age children and/or adolescents, (3) examined school-based PA programmes delivered before school, (4) included a comparator and (5) reported associations with PA, physical health, learning-related and/or psychosocial outcomes. Studies examining before-school active transport or sport were excluded. Thirteen articles representing 10 studies were included (published 2012–2020) seven conducted in primary schools. Programmes ranged between 3 weeks and 6 months, primarily operating daily and for 25–40 min. One study examined a programme informed by theory six incorporated fidelity measures. Data synthesis, considering consistency of findings, showed indeterminate associations for the domains of physical health, learning-related and psychosocial outcomes. Among subdomains, synthesis showed positive associations with before-school and daily PA, cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness, readiness to learn and an inverse association with adiposity. Risk of bias was high/serious or insufficiently detailed across studies and outcome domains, except PA, which included moderate-risk studies. There is limited available evidence on school-based, before-school PA programmes, with some positive associations at domain and subdomain levels. Continued research is justified to understand the role of before-school programmes for facilitating PA. Future research should follow recommended practice for intervention design and process evaluation, and address under-represented contexts, including secondary schools. CRD42020181108.
Association between food marketing exposure and adolescents' food choices and eating behaviors
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2012
DOI: 10.1016/J.APPET.2011.09.020
Abstract: The present study examined associations between food marketing exposure and adolescents' food choices and reported consumption of energy-dense and nutrient-poor (EDNP) foods. A cross-sectional survey of 12,188 Australian secondary students aged 12-17 years was conducted, using a web-based self-report questionnaire. Measures included students' level of exposure to commercial television and non-broadcast types of food marketing, whether they had tried a new product or requested a product they had seen advertised, and their reported consumption of fast food, sugary drinks and sweet and salty snacks. Results indicated greater exposure to commercial television, print/transport/school food marketing and digital food marketing were all independently associated with students' food choices. High commercial television viewers (>2h/day) were more likely to report higher consumption of EDNP foods (ORs ranged from 1.31 for fast food to 1.91 for sweet snacks). Some associations between digital food marketing exposure and students' eating behaviors were found however, print/transport/school food marketing was only related to sweet snack consumption. These study results suggest that cumulative exposure to television food advertising and other food marketing sources are positively linked to adolescents' food choices and eating behaviors. Policy changes to restrict food marketing to young people should include both television and non-broadcast media.
Piloting the feasibility and effectiveness of print- and telephone-mediated interventions for promoting the adoption of physical activity in Australian adults
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2005
DOI: 10.1016/S1440-2440(05)80004-0
Abstract: This study examined the feasibility and effectiveness for increasing physical activity of a print-based intervention, and a print- plus telephone-mediated intervention among mid-life and older Australian adults. A randomised controlled trial study design was used. In mid-2002, 66 adults (18 men, 48 women) aged 45-78 years, who identified themselves as underactive, were recruited through advertisements and word-of-mouth at two sites (Melbourne and Brisbane), and randomised to either the print or print-plus-telephone mediated intervention group. Participants in both groups attended an initial briefing session, and over the 12-week intervention period received an instructional newsletter and use of a pedometer (both groups), and in idualised telephone calls (print-plus-telephone group only). Self-reported physical activity data were collected at baseline, 12 and 16 weeks. Measures of self-reported global physical activity, moderate-vigorous intensity activity and walking all showed increases between baseline and 12 weeks for both intervention groups. These increases were generally maintained by 16 weeks, although participants in the print-plus-telephone group maintained slightly higher levels of global reported activity and walking (by approximately 30 mins/wk) than those in the print group. These interventions show potential for promoting initial increases in physical activity among mid-life and older Australian adults, and should be evaluated across more extended time periods.
The making of a city campus
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 02-10-2020
Scaling-up an efficacious school-based physical activity intervention: Study protocol for the 'Internet-based Professional Learning to help teachers support Activity in Youth' (iPLAY) cluster randomized controlled trial and scale-up implementation evaluation
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 24-08-2016
Tracking of accelerometry-measured physical activity during childhood: ICAD pooled analysis
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 2012
Correlates of socio-economic inequalities in women's television viewing: a study of intrapersonal, social and environmental mediators
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 2012
Associations between physical activity and depressive symptoms in women
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 06-05-2008
Abstract: The high prevalence of depression in women is an increasing public health concern. Although studies have found associations between physical activity (PA) and depression, little is known about the optimal domain, dose and social context of PA for reducing the risk of depression. This study aimed to investigate associations between specific components of PA (domain, dose and social context) and odds of depressive symptoms in women. The s le included 1,501 women, aged 18–65. Analyses were performed using cross-sectional data collected from a mail-out survey in 2004. The survey included self-report measures of PA behaviours and depressive symptoms. Crude and adjusted (age, marital status and physical health) odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for each component of PA and odds of depressive symptoms using logistic regression analyses. Those who reported more than 3.5 hours leisure-time PA per week had lower odds of depressive symptoms when compared to those who undertook less than this. No other domains of PA (eg. work-related, transport-related or domestic activity) were associated with odds of depressive symptoms. Odds of depressive symptoms were lower among women who reported more than 1.5 hours of moderate-intensity (OR = 0.67, CI = 0.45–0.98) or more than 1.75 hours vigorous-intensity (OR = 0.60, CI = 0.42–0.84) leisure-time PA per week. Being discouraged to be active by others was associated with higher odds of depressive symptoms (OR = 2.28, CI = 1.00–5.16), whilst being active with a family member was associated with lower odds of depressive symptoms (OR = 0.61, CI = 0.43–0.87). Acknowledging the cross-sectional design, these findings suggest that the domain and social context of PA may be more important for mental health among women than simply the total dose of PA.
Changes in Families’ Leisure, Educational/Work and Social Screen Time Behaviours before and during COVID-19 in Australia: Findings from the Our Life at Home Study
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 28-10-2021
Abstract: This study aimed to understand differences in leisure, educational/work and social screen time behaviours experienced by parents and children due to COVID-19 lockdown restrictions, which may inform behaviour change strategies and policy in the transition to a COVID-normal life. Participants in the “Our Life at Home” study (n = 218 parents from Australia, 43.4 ± 6.8 years, 88% female) completed a cross-sectional online survey in April/May 2020. Parents recalled their own and their child (8.7 ± 2.0 years, 42% female) or adolescents (15.0 ± 1.5 years, 50% female) participation in nine screen time behaviours in the past month (during lockdown) and retrospectively for February 2020 (pre-lockdown), providing data on 436 in iduals. Screen time behaviours included leisure (computer/laptop and tablet/smartphone for leisure, TV/videos/DVDs and game consoles) education/work (computer/laptop and tablet/smartphone for work/education) and social screen time (computer/tablet/smartphone for social communication with friends, family and work (parents only)). Wilcoxon signed-rank tests and effect sizes (r) compared the time spent in each behaviour pre-lockdown and during lockdown. Large differences were observed in social (parents: r = 0.41–0.57 children: r = 0.55–0.65 adolescents: r = 0.28–0.43) and education (children: r = 0.50–0.65 and adolescents: r = 0.25–0.37) behaviours. There were small or no differences in leisure time screen use. COVID-19 lockdown restrictions have impacted parent’s and children’s screen time, and future research and policy should consider strategies to support families to manage screen time.
The correlates of after-school sedentary behavior among children aged 5–18 years: a systematic review
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-2015
Outcomes of a group-randomized trial to prevent excess weight gain, reduce screen behaviours and promote physical activity in 10-year-old children: Switch-Play
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 05-02-2008
Abstract: To evaluate the effectiveness of an intervention to prevent excess weight gain, reduce time spent in screen behaviours, promote participation in and enjoyment of physical activity (PA), and improve fundamental movement skills among children. In 2002, 311 children (78% response 49% boys), average age 10 years 8 months, were recruited from three government schools in low socioeconomic areas of Melbourne, Australia. Group-randomized controlled trial. Children were randomized by class to one of the four conditions: a behavioural modification group (BM n=66) a fundamental movement skills group (FMS n=74) a combined BM/FMS group (BM/FMS n=93) and a control (usual curriculum) group (n=62). Data were collected at baseline, post intervention, 6- and 12-month follow-up periods. BMI data were available for 295 children at baseline and 268 at 12-month follow-up. After adjusting for food intake and PA, there was a significant intervention effect from baseline to post intervention on age- and sex-adjusted BMI in the BM/FMS group compared with controls (-1.88 kg m(-2), P<0.01), which was maintained at 6- and 12-month follow-up periods (-1.53 kg m(-2), P<0.05). Children in the BM/FMS group were less likely than controls to be overweight/obese between baseline and post intervention (adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=0.36, P<0.05) also maintained at 12-month follow-up (AOR=0.38, P<0.05). Compared with controls, FMS group children recorded higher levels and greater enjoyment of PA and BM children recorded higher levels of PA and TV viewing across all four time points. Gender moderated the intervention effects for participation in and enjoyment of PA, and fundamental movement skills. This programme represents a promising approach to preventing excess weight gain and promoting participation in and enjoyment of PA. Examination of the mediators of this intervention and further tailoring of the programme to suit both genders is required.
Clustering of Obesity-Related Risk Behaviors in Children and Their Mothers
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2011
DOI: 10.1016/J.ANNEPIDEM.2010.11.001
Abstract: To examine the clustering and patterns of obesity-related behaviors in children and their mothers and the concordance between mother and child pairs. Primary school-aged children and their mothers in Victoria, Australia, participated (data from 549 mothers, 352 children, and 304 mother/child pairs). Examination of behavior patterns included 1) assessment of the overlap in national physical activity, screen-time, and fruit and vegetable consumption guidelines being met and 2) cluster analysis of positive (consumption of fruits and vegetables) and negative (consumption of energy dense food/drink) dietary behaviors, sedentary behavior/screen-time, and physical activity. Only partial overlap was observed between groups meeting national recommendations for sedentary behavior and consumption of fruit and vegetables and energy-dense food. Less than 40% of mothers and children were meeting sedentary behavior guidelines. In both mothers and children five clusters were identified. With the exception of a single cluster in children with high levels of physical activity, clusters of healthy and unhealthy behavior were concordant in mothers and their children (p < .0001), particularly those defined by sedentary behaviors and consumption of energy-dense food/drink. Complex patterns of obesity-related behaviors exist in children and their mothers. The concordance of clusters between children and their mothers suggests that modeling of sedentary behavior and creation of a child's eating environment by parents may be particularly important influences on children's behavior.
Construct validity of the pictorial scale of Perceived Movement Skill Competence
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2016
Eating Behaviours and the Food Environment
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 30-07-2010
Insufficiently Active Australian College Students: Perceived Personal, Social, and Environmental Influences
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 1999
Abstract: A sustainable pattern of participation in physical activity is important in the maintenance of health and prevention of disease. College students are in transition from an active youth to a more sedentary adult behavior pattern. We assessed self-reported physical activity and other characteristics in a s le of 2,729 male and female students (median age was 20 years) recruited from representative courses and year levels at four Australian College c uses. They were categorized as sufficiently or insufficiently active, using estimates of energy expenditure (kcal/week) derived from self-reported physical activity. Personal factors (self-efficacy, job status, enjoyment), social factors (social support from family/friends), and environmental factors (awareness of facilities, gym membership) were also assessed. Forty-seven percent of females and 32% of males were insufficiently active. For females, the significant independent predictors of being insufficiently active were lower social support from family and friends, lower enjoyment of activity, and not working. For males, predictors were lower social support from family and friends, lower enjoyment of activity, and being older. Factors associated with physical activity participation (particularly social support from family and friends) can inform physical activity strategies directed at young adults in the college setting.
Associations between fruit and vegetable intake, leisure-time physical activity, sitting time and self-rated health among older adults: cross-sectional data from the WELL study
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 25-07-2012
Abstract: Lifestyle behaviours, such as healthy diet, physical activity and sedentary behaviour, are key elements of healthy ageing and important modifiable risk factors in the prevention of chronic diseases. Little is known about the relationship between these behaviours in older adults. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between fruit and vegetable (F& V) intake, leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) and sitting time (ST), and their association with self-rated health in older adults. This cross-sectional study comprised 3,644 older adults (48% men) aged 55–65 years, who participated in the Wellbeing, Eating and Exercise for a Long Life (“WELL”) study. Respondents completed a postal survey about their health and their eating and physical activity behaviours in 2010 (38% response rate). Spearman’s coefficient (rho) was used to evaluate the relationship between F& V intake, LTPA and ST. Their in idual and shared associations with self-rated health were examined using ordinal logistic regression models, stratified by sex and adjusted for confounders (BMI, smoking, long-term illness and socio-demographic characteristics). The correlations between F& V intake, LTPA and ST were low. F& V intake and LTPA were positively associated with self-rated health. Each additional serving of F& V or MET-hour of LTPA were associated with approximately 10% higher likelihood of reporting health as good or better among women and men. The association between ST and self-rated health was not significant in the multivariate analysis. A significant interaction was found (ST*F& V intake). The effect of F& V intake on self-rated health increased with increasing ST in women, whereas the effect decreased with increasing ST in men. This study contributes to the scarce literature related to lifestyle behaviours and their association with health indicators among older adults. The findings suggest that a modest increase in F& V intake, or LTPA could have a marked effect on the health of older adults. Further research is needed to fully understand the correlates and determinants of lifestyle behaviours, particularly sitting time, in this age group.
Objectively Measured Sedentary Time, Physical Activity, and Metabolic Risk The Australian Diabetes, Obesity and Lifestyle Study (AusDiab)
Publisher: American Diabetes Association
Date: 02-2008
DOI: 10.2337/DC07-1795
Abstract: OBJECTIVE—We examined the associations of objectively measured sedentary time and physical activity with continuous indexes of metabolic risk in Australian adults without known diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—An accelerometer was used to derive the percentage of monitoring time spent sedentary and in light-intensity and moderate-to-vigorous–intensity activity, as well as mean activity intensity, in 169 Australian Diabetes, Obesity and Lifestyle Study (AusDiab) participants (mean age 53.4 years). Associations with waist circumference, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, resting blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose, and a clustered metabolic risk score were examined. RESULTS—Independent of time spent in moderate-to-vigorous–intensity activity, there were significant associations of sedentary time, light-intensity time, and mean activity intensity with waist circumference and clustered metabolic risk. Independent of waist circumference, moderate-to-vigorous–intensity activity time was significantly beneficially associated with triglycerides. CONCLUSIONS—These findings highlight the importance of decreasing sedentary time, as well as increasing time spent in physical activity, for metabolic health.
Associations of Class-Time Sitting, Stepping and Sit-to-Stand Transitions with Cognitive Functions and Brain Activity in Children
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 26-04-2019
Abstract: Previous research showed that children’s physical activity is positively related to executive functions, whilst screen time shows negative associations. However, it is unclear how school-based sitting time and transitions from sitting to standing relate to cognition. We investigated the relationship between class time sitting/stepping/sit-to-stand transitions and cognitive functions in Grade 1–2 children. Overall, 149 children (7.7 ± 0.6 years old, 54% boys) participated. Measures included class time sitting/stepping/sit-to-stand transitions and: (i) response inhibition (i.e., response time and accuracy) (ii) lapses of attention (iii) working memory and (iv) brain activity (cortical haemodynamic response). Linear mixed-models, adjusting for age, sex, and clustering at the classroom level, found that more sitting time was associated with higher lapses of attention (β = 0.12, p 0.05). Children who stepped more had quicker inhibition response time (β = −0.95, p 0.01) however, they were less accurate in their responses (β = −0.30, p 0.05) and this was also observed with sit-to-stand transitions (β = −0.26, p 0.05). No associations were found with brain activity. In conclusion, reducing and breaking up sitting may help keep children focused, but the evidence regarding response inhibition is unclear.
PREDICTING THE COURSE OF MELANCHOLIC AND NONMELANCHOLIC DEPRESSION - A NATURALISTIC COMPARISON STUDY
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 11-1992
DOI: 10.1097/00005053-199211000-00003
Abstract: We assessed improvement patterns and predictors of outcome over a 1-year period, in a s le of depressed patients receiving treatment from a specialized mood disorders unit. Patients with melancholia had a differential improvement pattern from the nonmelancholics in the first 20 weeks, but case rates and severity levels were comparable at 20 weeks and at 1 year. Only three variables (older age at first episode, less severe depression and extraversion) were predictors of improvement in both groups. Improvement was predicted by less psychomotor disturbance, absence of personality disorder, and higher social functioning in the melancholic patients. A reported absence of timidity and shyness in childhood, a briefer duration of depression, and receipt of in idual psychotherapy predicted a better outcome in the nonmelancholic patients. Although significant predictors were few overall, the suggested differential relevance for most of the isolated predictors argues for outcome studies that examine melancholic and nonmelancholic depressive disorders separately.
Promoting Physical Activity Participation among Children and Adolescents
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 02-05-2007
Abstract: With global increases in the prevalence of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents, there has never been a more urgent need for effective physical activity programs. The aim of this narrative review is to summarize the evidence of the effectiveness of interventions that report physical activity outcomes in children aged 4-12 years and adolescents aged 13-19 years. A systematic search of electronic databases identified 76 interventions. Most interventions were delivered via the school setting (57 interventions), nine through the family setting, six via primary care, and four in community- or Internet-based settings. Children's physical activity interventions that were most effective in the school setting included some focus on physical education, activity breaks, and family strategies. Interventions delivered in the family setting were not highly effective, but many were pilot studies. The use of motivationally tailored strategies and program delivery in the primary care setting showed promise among adolescents. Many studies had methodological and reporting flaws (e.g., no baseline data, poor study design, physical activity measures of unknown reliability and validity, and poor reporting of s le size, response rates, attrition/retention, compliance, year of intervention, and duration of intervention). Publications reporting the results of evaluations of intervention studies should follow the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials guidelines or, for nonrandomized studies, should follow the Transparent Reporting of Evaluations with Nonrandomized Designs guidelines. Further evidence of the effectiveness of interventions promoting young people's physical activity in family and community settings is needed.
Standing Classrooms: Research and Lessons Learned from Around the World
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-2015
DOI: 10.1007/S40279-015-0436-2
Abstract: Children spend between 50 and 70 % of their time sitting while at school. Independent of physical activity levels, prolonged sitting is associated with poor health outcomes in adulthood. While there is mixed evidence of health associations among children and adolescents, public health guidelines in the USA, UK, Australia and Canada now recommend young people should break up long periods of sitting as frequently as possible. A potentially effective approach for reducing and breaking up sitting throughout the day is changing the classroom environment. This paper presents an overview of a relatively new area of research designed to reduce youth sitting time while at school by changing the classroom environment (n = 13 studies). Environmental changes included placement of height-adjustable or stand-biased standing desks/workstations with stools, chairs, exercise balls, bean bags or mats in the classroom. These 13 published studies suggest that irrespective of the approach, youth sitting time was reduced by between ~44 and 60 min/day and standing time was increased by between 18 and 55 min/day during classroom time at school. Other benefits include increased energy expenditure and the potential for improved management of students' behaviour in the classroom. However, few large trials have been conducted, and there remains little evidence regarding the impact on children's learning and academic achievement. Nevertheless, with an increasing demand placed on schools and teachers regarding students' learning outcomes, strategies that integrate moving throughout the school day and that potentially enhance the learning experience and future health outcomes for young people warrant further exploration.
Correlates of Preschool Children's Physical Activity
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2012
DOI: 10.1016/J.AMEPRE.2012.04.020
Abstract: Physical activity is important for children's health, and identifying factors associated with their physical activity is important for future interventions and public health programs. This study sought to identify multidimensional correlates of preschool children's physical activity. The social-ecological model (SEM) was used to identify constructs potentially associated with preschool children's physical activity. Data were collected from 1004 preschool children, aged 3-5 years, and parents in 2008-2009, and analyzed in 2010-2011. Physical activity was measured over 8 days using ActiGraph accelerometers. Parents completed a comprehensive survey. Generalized linear modeling was used to assess associations between potential correlates and percentage of time spent in physical activity. Correlates of physical activity were found across all the domains of the SEM and varied between boys and girls and week and weekend days. Age was the only consistent correlate, with children spending approximately 10% less time in physical activity for each advancing year of age. Some modifiable correlates that were related to more than one physical activity outcome were rules restricting rough games inside and usual daily sleep time for boys. For girls, a preference to play inside/draw/do crafts rather than be active, and child constraints, was associated with more than one of the physical activity outcomes. A novel finding in this study is the counterintuitive association between parental rules restricting rough games inside and boys' higher physical activity participation levels. Potential strategies for promoting children's physical activity should seek to influence children's preference for physical activity and parent rules. Gender-specific strategies also may be warranted.
Cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between parenting style and adolescent girls’ physical activity
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 2012
Individual, social and physical environmental correlates of children's active free-play: a cross-sectional study
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 2010
Do Logbooks Influence Recall of Physical Activity in Validation Studies?
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 07-2004
DOI: 10.1249/01.MSS.0000132268.74992.D8
Abstract: To examine whether physical activity logbooks influence estimates of validity of 7-d recall physical activity questionnaires. A convenience s le of 551 adults aged 18-75 yr wore an MTI accelerometer for seven consecutive days and were then randomly administered two of four 7-d recall physical activity questionnaires that varied in length and format (Active Australia Survey (AAS), long and short International Physical Activity Questionnaires (IPAQ-L and IPAQ-S), and Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS)). A subs le of 75% concurrently completed a physical activity logbook. Correlations (rho) between self-reported and measured duration of moderate- and vigorous-intensity activity and total activity were similar among participants who received a logbook and those who did not for each of the four instruments. There was also no interaction between assessment method (survey, accelerometer) and the assignment of a logbook. For the IPAQ-L, however, variability in the difference between accelerometer data and responses to the vigorous items was smaller among those assigned a logbook (F = 4.128, df = 260, P = 0.043). Overall, there were no differences in percent agreement or kappa for participation in sufficient levels of physical activity according to receipt of a logbook for any of the surveys. The process of self-monitoring through completion of a logbook does not appear to influence estimates of validity for brief or long questionnaires with global questions. Whereas the magnitude of error in accuracy of recall of particular types of activity may be reduced by completion of a logbook that is similar in structure to the survey being validated, this does not appear to influence overall estimates of validity.
What helps children to move more at school recess and lunchtime? Mid-Intervention results from Transform-Us! Cluster-randomised controlled trial
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 11-10-2014
DOI: 10.1136/BJSPORTS-2013-092466
Abstract: To investigate the interpersonal and physical environment mediators of the Transform-Us! mid-intervention effects on physical activity (PA) during recess and lunchtime. Transform-Us! is a clustered randomised school-based intervention with four groups: sedentary behaviour intervention (SB-I), PA intervention (PA-I), combined PA+SB-I and control group. All children in grade 3 from 20 participating primary schools in Melbourne, Australia were eligible to complete annual evaluation assessments. The outcomes were the proportion of time spent in moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) and light PA (LPA) during recess and lunchtime assessed by accelerometers. Potential mediators included: perceived social support from teachers perceived availability of line markings perceived accessibility of sports equipment and perceived school play environment. Generalised linear models were used and mediation effects were estimated by product-of-coefficients (a·b) approach. 268 children (8.2 years, 57% girls at baseline) provided complete data at both time points. A significant intervention effect on MVPA during recess in the SB-I and PA-I groups compared with the control group (proportional difference in MVPA time 38% (95% CI 21% to 57%) and 40% (95% CI 20% to 62%), respectively) was found. The perceived school play environment was significantly positively associated with MVPA at recess among girls. An increase in perceived social support from teachers suppressed the PA+SB-I effect on light PA during recess (a·b= -0.03, 95% CI -0.06 to -0.00). No significant mediating effects on PA during recess and lunchtime were observed. A positive perception of the school play environment was associated with higher MVPA during recess among girls. Future studies should conduct mediation analyses to explore underlying mechanisms of PA interventions.
Objectively measured physical activity and sedentary time in youth: the International children’s accelerometry database (ICAD)
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 17-09-2015
Park Improvements and Park Activity
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2012
DOI: 10.1016/J.AMEPRE.2012.02.015
Abstract: Parks are an important setting for leisure-time physical activity. Understanding how to attract residents to parks and encourage park users to be physically active is an important public health initiative. Natural experiments are a research priority for investigating whether changes to the physical environment affect physical activity however, natural experiments involving parks have rarely been conducted. This natural experiment examined whether improvements to a park in Victoria, Australia, increased its use and park-based physical activity of users. Observational data were collected on park use and park-based activity among park users at the intervention park and a control park at three time points baseline (T1, August 2009) post-improvement (T2, March 2010) and 12 months after baseline (T3, August 2010). At each time point, observations were undertaken during three 1.5-hour periods each day on 9 days. Analyses were conducted in 2011. In the intervention park, there were significant increases from pre- to post-improvement in the number of park users (T1=235, T3=985) and the number of people observed walking (T1=155, T3=369) and being vigorously active (T1=38, T3=257). At the control park, counts of usage decreased over the same period and no differences in walking or vigorous activity were observed. Improving the features of a local neighborhood park may lead to increased usage and physical activity.
Physical Activity, Television Viewing Time, and 12-Year Changes in Waist Circumference
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 04-2016
Associations of Strength Training with Impaired Glucose Metabolism
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 02-2013
Environmental correlates of physical activity in Australian workplaces
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 30-03-2010
Count‐ versus MAD‐based accelerometry‐assessed movement behaviors and associations with child adiposity and fitness
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 24-09-2021
DOI: 10.1111/SMS.14051
Abstract: Estimations of time spent sedentary and in various physical activity intensities may vary according to data reduction methods applied. This study compared associations between children's accelerometer data and adiposity and fitness markers using open source (mean litude deviation, MAD) and proprietary (counts) data reduction methods. Complete‐case accelerometer, adiposity (Body Mass Index z‐score, waist circumference), and fitness (cardiorespiratory, musculoskeletal) data from 118 children (10.4 ± 0.6 years, 49% girls) were analyzed. Estimates of sedentary behavior, light‐, moderate‐, vigorous‐ (VPA), and moderate‐ to vigorous‐intensity (MVPA) physical activity were calculated using count‐ and MAD‐based data reduction methods. Linear regression models between time in movement behaviours and fitness and adiposity markers were conducted. Significant differences in estimates of time spent in all intensities were observed between MAD‐based and count‐based methods. Both methods produced evidence to suggest that sedentary behavior was detrimentally, and physical activity (any intensity) was beneficially, associated with waist circumference. MVPA and VPA were beneficially associated with fitness markers using both data reduction measures. Overall, findings suggest that estimates of sedentary time and physical activity were not comparable. However, the strength and direction of the associations obtained between the different data reduction methods and adiposity and fitness outcomes were fairly comparable, with both methods finding stronger associations for VPA compared to MVPA. This suggests that future studies may be able to pool data using different data reduction approaches when examining associations between activity and health risk factors, albeit with caution.
Erratum
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 05-2007
Criterion validity of the activPAL™ and ActiGraph for assessing children's sitting and standing time in a school classroom setting.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 07-07-2016
Associations between social ecological factors and self-reported short physical activity breaks during work hours among desk-based employees
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2011
DOI: 10.1016/J.YPMED.2011.05.015
Abstract: To examine the associations between potential social ecological correlates and self-reported short physical activity breaks during work hours (defined as any interruption in sitting time during a typical work hour) among a s le of employees who commonly sit for working tasks. 801 employed adults aged 18-70 years from metropolitan Melbourne, Australia were surveyed in 2009 about their short physical activity breaks from sitting during work hours and potential social ecological correlates of this behaviour. Men reported significantly more short physical activity breaks per work hour than did women (2.5 vs. 2.3 breaks/h, p=0.02). A multivariable linear regression analysis adjusting for clustering and meeting the public health physical activity recommendations showed that the factors associated with frequency of short physical activity breaks per work hour were perceptions of lack of time for short physical activity breaks for men (-0.31 breaks/h, 95% confidence intervals [CI] -0.52, -0.09) and lack of information about taking short physical activity breaks for women (-0.20 breaks/h, CI -0.47, -0.05). These findings suggest that providing male employees with support for short physical activity breaks during work hours, and female employees with information on benefits of this behaviour may be useful for reducing workplace sedentary time.
Adolescents’ ratings of features of parks that encourage park visitation and physical activity
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 04-07-2016
A prospective examination of children's time spent outdoors, objectively measured physical activity and overweight
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 14-10-2008
DOI: 10.1038/IJO.2008.171
Abstract: This study aimed to determine whether time spent outdoors was associated with objectively measured physical activity, body mass index (BMI) z-score and overweight in elementary-school aged children, cross-sectionally and prospectively over 3 years. Three-year cohort study with data collected during 2001 and 2004. Nineteen randomly selected state elementary schools across Melbourne, Australia. One hundred and eighty eight 5-6-year-old and 360 10-12-year-old children. Baseline parent reports of children's time spent outdoors during warmer and cooler months, on weekdays and weekends. At baseline and follow-up, children's moderate and vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was objectively assessed by accelerometry, and BMI z-score and overweight was calculated from measured height and weight. Cross-sectionally, each additional hour outdoors on weekdays and weekend days during the cooler months was associated with an extra 27 min week(-1) MVPA among older girls, and with an extra 20 min week(-1) MVPA among older boys. Longitudinally, more time outdoors on weekends predicted higher MVPA on weekends among older girls and boys (5 min week(-1)). The prevalence of overweight among older children at follow-up was 27-41% lower among those spending more time outdoors at baseline. Encouraging 10-12-year-old children to spend more time outdoors may be an effective strategy for increasing physical activity and preventing increases in overweight and obesity. Intervention research investigating the effect of increasing time outdoors on children's physical activity and overweight is warranted.
Prevalence and stability of active play, restricted movement and television viewing in infants
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 28-10-2014
Are parental concerns for child TV viewing associated with child TV viewing and the home sedentary environment?
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 2011
Three year follow-up of an early childhood intervention: is movement skill sustained?
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 22-10-2012
Abstract: Movement skill competence (e.g. the ability to throw, run and kick) is a potentially important physical activity determinant. However, little is known about the long-term impact of interventions to improve movement skills in early childhood. This study aimed to determine whether intervention preschool children were still more skill proficient than controls three years after a 10 month movement skill focused intervention: ‘Tooty Fruity Vegie in Preschools’. Children from 18 intervention and 13 control preschools in NSW, Australia were assessed at ages four (Time1), five (T2) and eight years (T3) for locomotor (run, gallop, hop, leap, horizontal jump, slide) and object control proficiency (strike, bounce, catch, kick, overhand throw, underhand roll) using the Test of Gross Motor Development-2. Multi-level object control and locomotor regression models were fitted with variables time, intervention (yes/no) and a time*intervention interaction. Both models added sex of child and retained if significant, in which case interactions of sex of child with other variables were modelled and retained. SPSS (Version 17.0) was used. Overall follow-up rate was 29% (163/560). Of the 137 students used in the regression models, 53% were female (n = 73). Intervention girls maintained their object control skill advantage in comparison to controls at T3 ( p = .002), but intervention boys did not ( p = .591). At T3, there were no longer intervention/control differences in locomotor skill ( p = .801). Early childhood settings should implement movement skill interventions and more intensively target girls and object control skills.
Parental influences on preschoolers' TV viewing Time: Mediation analyses on australian and belgian data
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 09-2015
Abstract: Television viewing is highly prevalent in preschoolers (3–5 years). Because of the adverse health outcomes related to this behavior, it is important to investigate associations and mediators of young children’s television viewing time. This study investigated whether parental rules regarding television viewing time and parental concerns about screen viewing activities mediated the association between parents’ and preschoolers’ television viewing time. Mediation analyses were performed with the product-of-coefficient test on data derived from the Australian HAPPY study (n = 947) and the Belgian s le of the ToyBox-study (n = 1527). Parents reported their own and their child’s television viewing time, their rules regarding television viewing and concerns about their child’s screen viewing activities. Parents’ television viewing time was directly associated with preschoolers’ television viewing time and parental rule for television viewing time mediated this association in both s les (14.4% and 8.1% in the Australian and Belgian s les, respectively). This study is unique in examining the mediating pathway of parental television viewing and a rule limiting TV viewing time and whether this is consistent in different s les. Due to the consistent importance, both parents’ television viewing time and rules should be targeted in interventions to decrease preschoolers’ television viewing time.
Endorsement of physical activity recommendations for children and youth in Australia
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2004
Socioecological correlates associated with muscle-strengthening exercise at home during COVID-19 among adolescents: the our life at home study
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 21-01-2022
DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2022.2028964
Abstract: This study examined adolescent muscle-strengthening exercise (MSE) participation at home and associated socioecological correlates during Australia's initial COVID-19 lockdown restrictions. Adolescents (N = 731, M
Is park visitation associated with leisure-time and transportation physical activity?
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2013
DOI: 10.1016/J.YPMED.2013.08.001
Abstract: The aim of this study was to examine whether frequency of park visitation was associated with time spent in various domains of physical activity among adults living in a disadvantaged neighbourhood of Victoria, Australia. In 2009, participants (n=319) self-reported park visitation and physical activity including: walking and cycling for transport, leisure-time walking, leisure-time moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity, and total physical activity. The mean number of park visits per week was 3.3 (SD=3.8). Park visitation was associated with greater odds of engaging in high (as compared to low) amounts of transportation physical activity, leisure-time walking, leisure-time moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA) and total physical activity. Each additional park visit per week was associated with 23% greater odds of being in the high category for transportation physical activity, 26% greater odds of engaging in high amounts of leisure-time walking, 11% greater odds of engaging in MVPA, and 40% greater odds of high total physical activity. Acknowledging the cross-sectional study design, the findings suggest that park visitation may be an important predictor and/or destination for transportation and leisure-time walking and physical activity. Findings highlight the potentially important role of parks for physical activity.
Examination of mid-intervention mediating effects on objectively assessed sedentary time among children in the Transform-Us! cluster-randomized controlled trial
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 20-05-2013
Abstract: The optimal targets and strategies for effectively reducing sedentary behavior among young people are unknown. Intervention research that explores changes in mediated effects as well as in outcome behaviors is needed to help inform more effective interventions. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the mid-intervention mediating effects on children’s objectively assessed classroom and total weekday sedentary time in the Transform-Us! intervention. The results are based on 293 children, aged 7- to 9-years-old at baseline, from 20 schools in Melbourne, Australia. Each school was randomly allocated to one of four groups, which targeted reducing sedentary time in the school and family settings (SB n = 74), increasing or maintaining moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity in the school and family settings (PA n = 75), combined SB and PA (SB + PA n = 80), or the current practice control (C n = 64). Baseline and mid-intervention data (5–9 months) were collected in 2010 and analyzed in 2012. Classroom and total weekday sedentary time was objectively assessed using ActiGraph accelerometers. The hypothesized mediators including, child enjoyment, parent and teacher outcome expectancies, and child perceived access to standing opportunities in the classroom environment, were assessed by questionnaire. The SB + PA group spent 13.3 min/day less in weekday sedentary time at mid-intervention compared to the control group. At mid-intervention, children in the SB group had higher enjoyment of standing in class (0.9 units 5-unit scale) and all intervention groups had more positive perceptions of access to standing opportunities in the classroom environment (0.3-0.4 units 3-unit scale), compared to the control group. However, none of the hypothesized mediator variables had an effect on sedentary time thus, no mediating effects were observed. While beneficial intervention effects were observed on some hypothesized mediating variables and total weekday sedentary time at mid-intervention, no significant mediating effects were found. Given the dearth of existing information, future intervention research is needed that explores mediated effects. More work is also needed on the development of reliable mediator measures that are sensitive to change overtime. ACTRN12609000715279 ISRCTN83725066
Development of a self-report scale to assess children’s perceived physical literacy
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 22-12-2022
Perceptions about the local neighborhood and walking and cycling among children
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2004
DOI: 10.1016/J.YPMED.2003.09.026
Abstract: This study examined associations between perceptions of the local neighborhood and walking and cycling among children. Children aged 5-6 years (n=291) and 10-12 years (n=919) were recruited from 19 Australian primary schools. Parents reported their child's usual walking or cycling to local destinations and their perceptions of their neighborhood. Ten- to twelve-year-olds were asked their perceptions of traffic, strangers, road safety and sporting venues, and their perceptions of their parent's views on these issues. Five- to six-year-old boys whose parents believed there was heavy traffic in their area were 2.8 times more likely (95%CI=1.1-6.8), and 5- to 6-year-old girls whose parents owned more than one car were 70% less likely (95%CI=0.1-0.8), and whose parents believed that public transport was limited in their area were 60% less likely (95%CI=0.2-0.9) than other children to walk or cycle at least three times per week. Parental belief that there were no lights or crossings was associated with walking or cycling among 10- to 12-year-old boys (OR=0.4, 95%CI=0.2-0.7). Among older girls, parent's belief that their child needed to cross several roads to reach play areas (OR=0.4, 95%CI=0.2-0.8) and that there is limited public transport in their area (OR=0.7, 95%CI=0.4-0.97), and child's belief that there were no parks or sports grounds near home (OR=0.5, 95%CI=0.3-0.8) were associated with a lower likelihood of walking or cycling. Perceptions of the local neighborhood may influence children's physical activity.
Associations between the perceived environment and physical activity among adults aged 55-65 years: Does urban-rural area of residence matter?
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 2015
Abstract: This study aimed to determine whether associations between the perceived environment and physical activity are moderated by urban-rural status among midolder aged adults. Environmental (safety, aesthetics, physical activity environment) and physical activity (total, leisure, transport) data from 3,888 adults (55 to 65 years) from urban and rural areas of Victoria, Australia, were analyzed. Multinomial logistic regression examined interactions between urban-rural status and environments in associations with physical activity. Significant ( P .05) interactions were evident and indicated positive associations only among older rural adults for both safety and aesthetics with total and transport physical activity (e.g., rural adults reporting higher safety were 91% to 118% more likely to have higher activity than rural adults reporting low safety). In contrast, the physical activity environment was positively associated with leisure activity among only urban adults. Findings suggest that some tailoring of physical activity promotion strategies targeting the environment may be required for urban and rural midolder aged adults.
Combined associations of sitting time and physical activity with obesity in young adults
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 2014
Abstract: We investigated associations of total sedentary behavior (SB) and objectively-measured and self-reported physical activity (PA) with obesity. Data from 1662 adults (26–36 years) included daily steps, self-reported PA, sitting, and waist circumference. SB and PA were dichotomized at the median, then 2 variables created (SB/self-reported PA SB/objectively-measured PA) each with 4 categories: low SB/high PA (reference group), high SB/high PA, low SB/low PA, high SB/low PA. Overall, high SB/low PA was associated with 95 –168% increased obesity odds. Associations were stronger and more consistent for steps than self-reported PA for men (OR 2.68, 95% CI 1.36–5.32 and OR 1.95, 95% CI 1.01–3.79, respectively) and women (OR 2.66, 95% CI 1.58–4.49 and OR 2.00, 95% CI 1.21–3.31, respectively). Among men, obesity was higher when daily steps were low, irrespective of sitting (low SB/low steps OR 2.07, 95% CI 1.03–4.17 high SB/low steps OR 2.68, 95% CI 1.36–5.32). High sitting and low activity increased obesity odds among adults. Irrespective of sitting, men with low step counts had increased odds of obesity. The findings highlight the importance of engaging in physical activity and limiting sitting.
Correlates of pedometer-measured and self-reported physical activity among young Australian adults
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2011
DOI: 10.1016/J.JSAMS.2011.04.006
Abstract: Accurately quantifying physical activity is important for investigating relations with potential correlates, but past studies have mostly relied on self-report measures, which may be susceptible to error and biases, limiting interpretability. This study aimed to examine correlates of pedometer-determined physical activity and compare them with correlates of self-reported physical activity. Cross-sectional data were taken from 2017 Australian adults (aged 26-36 years) who were involved in the Childhood Determinants of Adult Health follow-up study during 2004-2006. Daily steps were recorded for seven days using Yamax pedometers and physical activity (total min/week) was reported via the long International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Demographic, biological, behavioral, psychological, social and environmental factors were assessed. Lower education, blue collar occupation and higher mental health score (men) and low-moderate alcohol intake (women) were positively associated with self-report and pedometer-measured activity. Among men, body mass index (BMI) was inversely and physical health score was positively associated with pedometer-measured activity while smoking, low to moderate alcohol intake, higher general health and urban area of residence were positively associated with self-reported activity. Among women, age and general health status were positively associated and number of live births inversely associated with pedometer-measured activity, while lower education, blue collar occupation, part time employment, smoking, diet, higher physical health score and higher mental health score were positively associated and white collar occupation inversely associated with self-reported activity. Many physical activity correlates differed depending on the measure employed researchers should be mindful of these differences when selecting measures of physical activity.
Health Risks, Correlates, and Interventions to Reduce Sedentary Behavior in Young People
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2011
DOI: 10.1016/J.AMEPRE.2011.05.001
Abstract: Opportunities for young people to be sedentary have increased during leisure time, study time, and transportation time. This review paper focuses on sedentary behaviors among young people aged 2-18 years and includes evidence of the relationship between sedentary behavior and health risk indicators, an overview of public health recommendations, the prevalence of key sedentary behaviors, evidence of correlates of sedentary behavior and the effectiveness of interventions to reduce sedentary behaviors. Although this is a narrative style review and not systematic, where possible, findings from relevant review papers were summarized and a search of more recent literature was performed using computer-based databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, ERIC, PsycINFO, Social Science Index, SportDiscus, and Health Reference Center - Academic. Young people spend 2-4 hours per day in screen-based behaviors and 5-10 hours per day sedentary. Ethnicity, sociodemographic status, having a TV set in the bedroom, and parental behavior appear to be the most consistent correlates of TV viewing time however, few recent studies aiming to reduce TV viewing or sedentary time among young people have been successful. A growing body of evidence supports the development of public health recommendations to limit the time spent in screen-based behaviors. More research is needed to examine the prospective and experimental evidence of associations between overall sedentary time and health, determinants of sedentary behaviors other than screen-based behaviors, and interventions to reduce overall sedentary time or even alternative sedentary behaviors, such as transport- or education-related sitting time.
Validity, reliability, and feasibility of physical literacy assessments designed for school children
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 21-06-2023
DOI: 10.1007/S40279-023-01867-4
Abstract: While the burgeoning researcher and practitioner interest in physical literacy has stimulated new assessment approaches, the optimal tool for assessment among school-aged children remains unclear. The purpose of this review was to: (i) identify assessment instruments designed to measure physical literacy in school-aged children (ii) map instruments to a holistic construct of physical literacy (as specified by the Australian Physical Literacy Framework) (iii) document the validity and reliability for these instruments and (iv) assess the feasibility of these instruments for use in school environments. This systematic review (registered with PROSPERO on 21 August, 2022) was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement. Reviews of physical literacy assessments in the past 5 years (2017 +) were initially used to identify relevant assessments. Following that, a search (20 July, 2022) in six databases (CINAHL, ERIC, GlobalHealth, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, SPORTDiscus) was conducted for assessments that were missed/or published since publication of the reviews. Each step of screening involved evaluation from two authors, with any issues resolved through discussion with a third author. Nine instruments were identified from eight reviews. The database search identified 375 potential papers of which 67 full text papers were screened, resulting in 39 papers relevant to a physical literacy assessment. Instruments were classified against the Australian Physical Literacy Framework and needed to have assessed at least three of the Australian Physical Literacy Framework domains (i.e., psychological, social, cognitive, and/or physical). Instruments were assessed for five aspects of validity (test content, response processes, internal structure, relations with other variables, and the consequences of testing). Feasibility in schools was documented according to time, space, equipment, training, and qualifications. Assessments with more validity/reliability evidence, according to age, were as follows: for children, the Physical Literacy in Children Questionnaire (PL-C Quest) and Passport for Life (PFL). For older children and adolescents, the Canadian Assessment for Physical Literacy (CAPL version 2). For adolescents, the Adolescent Physical Literacy Questionnaire (APLQ) and Portuguese Physical Literacy Assessment Questionnaire (PPLA-Q). Survey-based instruments were appraised to be the most feasible to administer in schools. This review identified optimal physical literacy assessments for children and adolescents based on current validity and reliability data. Instrument validity for specific populations was a clear gap, particularly for children with disability. While survey-based instruments were deemed the most feasible for use in schools, a comprehensive assessment may arguably require objective measures for elements in the physical domain. If a physical literacy assessment in schools is to be performed by teachers, this may require linking physical literacy to the curriculum and developing teachers’ skills to develop and assess children’s physical literacy.
Parents' and children's views on whether active video games are a substitute for the 'real thing'
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 26-06-2014
Feasibility and Efficacy of�a Parent-Focused, Text Message�Delivered Intervention to�Reduce Sedentary Behavior in 2- to 4-Year-Old Children (Mini Movers): Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 27-07-2017
A translational research intervention to reduce screen behaviours and promote physical activity among children: Switch-2-Activity
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 22-12-2010
Abstract: Translational or implementation research that assesses the effectiveness of strategies to promote health behaviours among children that have been previously tested under 'ideal' conditions is rarely reported. Switch-2-Activity aimed to examine the effectiveness of an abbreviated programme delivered by teachers targeting children's television viewing, computer use, physical activity and potential mediators of behaviour change. Fifteen schools from disadvantaged areas in Melbourne, Australia agreed to participate in the study (43% school-level response rate). Out of the 1566 Grades 5 and 6 (9-12 year old) children invited to take part in the study, 1048 (67% response rate) provided informed consent. Schools were randomized to either an intervention or wait-list control condition. Teachers delivered six lessons, which included strategies such as self-monitoring, behavioural contracting and budgeting of screen time. Children completed a self-report survey at baseline and post-intervention examining screen-based behaviours, physical activity, self-efficacy and behavioural capability. Teachers reported implementation of and attitudes to the programme. Seventy-one per cent of teachers delivered at least four of the six lessons. Most teachers reported that the materials were easy to follow and deliver however, many teachers reported modifying the materials in some way. Among boys, there were favourable small intervention effects on weekend screen time [(coefficient = -0.62, 95% 95% confidence interval: -1.15, -0.10, p = 0.020)]. The intervention also had significant positive effects on children's self-efficacy for reducing television viewing and on behavioural capability (television viewing styles). Future studies that assess the translation of efficacious programmes and that test whether such programmes are equally effective in different settings (e.g. in the family setting) are urgently required.
Are Parental Concerns About Children's Inactivity Warranted, and Are They Associated With a Supportive Home Environment?
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 09-2008
DOI: 10.1080/02701367.2008.10599491
Abstract: This paper explores parental concern about children's activity levels and whether parents who are concerned about their child's activity provide a supportive environment. A s le of 615 parents of 5-6-year-old children and 947 parents of 10-12-year-old children completed a questionnaire. Just over 50% of parents reported they were concerned their child was not getting enough activity. Children of concerned parents were less active than those whose parents were not concerned. These findings suggest that parents who are concerned about their child's physical activity levels provided a less supportive environment for physical activity than parents who are not concerned. The challenge for public health will be to harness parental concerns and translate them into action.
Understanding the impact of the installation of outdoor fitness equipment and a multi-sports court on park visitation and park-based physical activity: A natural experiment
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2021
The Effectiveness of School-Based Interventions on Obesity-Related Behaviours in Primary School Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 08-06-2021
Abstract: School-based interventions are promising for targeting a change in obesity-related behaviours in children. However, the efficacy of school-based interventions to prevent obesity remains unclear. This review examined the effectiveness of school-based interventions at changing obesity-related behaviours (increased physical activity, decreased sedentary behaviour and improved nutrition behaviour) and/or a change in BMI/BMI z-score. Following PRISMA guidelines, seven databases were systematically searched from 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2020. Two review authors independently screened studies for eligibility, completed data extraction and assessed the risk of bias of each of the included studies. Forty-eight studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in a narrative synthesis. Thirty-eight studies were eligible for inclusion in a meta-analysis. The findings demonstrate that interventions in children when compared to controls resulted in a small positive treatment effect in the control group (2.14 95% CI = 0.77, 3.50). There was no significant effect on sedentary behaviour, energy intake and fruit and vegetable intake. Significant reductions were found between groups in BMI kg/m2 (−0.39 95% CI = −0.47, −0.30) and BMI z-score (−0.05 95% CI = −0.08, −0.02) in favour of the intervention. The findings have important implications for future intervention research in terms of the effectiveness of intervention components and characteristics.
Identifying Subgroups of U.S. Adults at Risk for Prolonged Television Viewing to Inform Program Development
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2010
DOI: 10.1016/J.AMEPRE.2009.08.032
Abstract: Although adverse health effects of prolonged TV viewing have been increasingly recognized, little population-wide information is available concerning subgroups at greatest risk for this behavior. This study sought to identify, in a U.S. population-derived s le, combinations of variables that defined subgroups with higher versus lower levels of usual TV-viewing time. A total of 5556 adults from a national consumer panel participated in the mail survey in 2001 (55% women, 71% white, 13% black, and 11% Hispanic). Nonparametric risk classification analyses were conducted in 2008. Subgroups with the highest proportions of people watching >14 hours/week of TV were identified and described using a combination of demographic (i.e., lower household incomes, orced/separated) health and mental health (i.e., poorer rated overall health, higher BMI, more depression) and behavioral (i.e., eating dinner in front of the TV, smoking, less physical activity) variables. The subgroup with the highest rates of TV viewing routinely ate dinner while watching TV and had lower income and poorer health. Prolonged TV viewing also was associated with perceived aspects of the neighborhood environment (i.e., heavy traffic and crime, lack of neighborhood lighting, and poor scenery). The results can help inform intervention development in this increasingly important behavioral health area.
2nd International Conference on Ambulatory Monitoring of Physical Activity and Movement (Glasgow Caledonian University, UK, 24–27 May 2011)
Publisher: IOP Publishing
Date: 31-10-2012
Objectively measured physical activity and academic performance in school‐aged youth: The UP&DOWN longitudinal study
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 29-08-2021
DOI: 10.1111/SMS.14036
Abstract: To examine the longitudinal relationships between objectively measured total volume and specific intensities of physical activity (PA) with academic performance in a large s le of youth aged 6‐18 years. A longitudinal study of 1046 youth (10.04 ± 3.10 years) from Spain was followed over 2 years. PA (volume and intensity) was measured by accelerometry. Academic performance was assessed through grades reported on the transcript at the end of the academic year (Mathematics, Language, an average of these two core subjects, and grade point average [GPA]). Longitudinal relationships between PA and four indicators of academic performance were examined using covariance and regression analyses, adjusted for a variety of confounders. Youth Quartile 2 for PA volume at baseline obtained better scores than those who participated in Quartiles 1 or 4 volumes of PA in GPA 2 years later ( p = 0.006). There were generally no longitudinal associations between specific PA intensities and any of the academic performance indicators (all p 0.170). However, a change in light PA over 2 years was inversely associated with three academic indicators in youth (β range , ‐.103 to ‐ 090 all P 040). Findings suggest that participants in Quartile 2 volume of PA had a better GPA in comparison with Quartiles 1 and 4 volumes of PA during youth, but there was no association with changes in PA volume over time. PA intensity was generally unrelated to academic performance during youth. However, there was an inverted u‐shape relationship between light PA changes and GPA.
The validity and reliability of an instrument to assess children's outdoor play in various locations
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2009
DOI: 10.1016/J.JSAMS.2008.09.001
Abstract: The aim of this study was to develop and test the reliability and validity of survey items that examine the frequency with which primary school-aged children play in particular outdoor locations. Parents reported the number of days their child spent playing in specified outdoor locations (i.e., yard at home, own street/court/footpath, and park layground) out-of-school hours on weekdays and weekend days during a typical week. To test the reliability of these items, the survey was administered on two occasions, 2 weeks apart, to a s le of 53 parents of children attending primary schools located in metropolitan Melbourne. The validity study involved the completion of a log book by 46 parents of primary school children over a 1-week period. Two weeks later, the same s le of parents completed the survey items. The test-retest reliability of in idual items was determined using intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC). The kappa statistic and percent agreement between responses were used to assess validity by comparing the information provided in the log book with that provided in the survey. Results from the two studies suggest that the survey was generally a reliable and valid instrument for assessing the frequency with which children play in particular locations especially at home or in the street. Evidence of the reliability and validity of items assessing where children play is novel and important considering the need to promote children's physical activity in a variety of settings.
A hitchhiker's guide to assessing young people's physical activity: Deciding what method to use
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2009
DOI: 10.1016/J.JSAMS.2008.09.007
Abstract: Researchers and practitioners interested in assessing physical activity in children are often faced with the dilemma of what instrument to use. While there is a plethora of physical activity instruments to choose from, there is currently no guide regarding the suitability of common assessment instruments. The purpose of this paper is to provide a user's guide for selecting physical activity assessment instruments appropriate for use with children and adolescents. While recommendations regarding specific instruments are not provided, the guide offers information about key attributes and considerations for the use of eight physical activity assessment approaches: heart rate monitoring accelerometry pedometry direct observation self-report parent report teacher report and diaries/logs. Attributes of instruments and other factors to be considered in the selection of assessment instruments include: population (age) s le size respondent burden method/delivery mode assessment time frame physical activity information required (data output) data management measurement error cost (instrument and administration) and other limitations. A decision flow chart has been developed to assist researchers and practitioners to select an appropriate method of assessing physical activity. Five real-life scenarios are presented to illustrate this process in light of key instrument attributes. It is important that researchers, practitioners and policy makers understand the strengths and limitations of different methods of assessing physical activity, and are guided on selection of the most appropriate instrument/s to suit their needs.
Preschoolers’ Physical Activity, Screen Time, and Compliance with Recommendations
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 03-2012
Transform-Us! cluster RCT: 18-month and 30-month effects on children’s physical activity, sedentary time and cardiometabolic risk markers
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 25-11-2022
DOI: 10.1136/BJSPORTS-2022-105825
Abstract: To test the efficacy of the Transform-Us! school- and home-based intervention on children’s physical activity (PA), sedentary behaviour (SB) and cardiometabolic risk factor profiles. A 30-month 2×2 factorial design cluster randomised controlled trial delivered in 20 primary schools (148 Year 3 classes) in Melbourne, Australia (2010–2012), that used pedagogical and environmental strategies to reduce and break up SB, promote PA or a combined approach, compared with usual practice. Primary outcomes (accelerometry data n=348) were assessed at baseline, 18 and 30 months. Secondary outcomes included body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) (n=564), blood pressure (BP) (n=537) and biomarkers (minimum n=206). Generalised linear mixed models estimated the interactive effects of the PA and SB interventions on the outcomes. If there was no interaction, the main effects were assessed. At 18 months, there were intervention effects on children’s weekday SB (−27 min, 95% CI: −47.3 to −5.3) for the PA intervention, and on children’s average day PA (5.5 min, 95% CI: 0.1 to 10.8) for the SB intervention. At 30 months, there was an intervention effect for children’s average day SB (−33.3 min, 95% CI: −50.6 and −16.0) for the SB intervention. Children’s BMI (PA and SB groups) and systolic BP (combined group) were lower, and diastolic BP (PA group) was higher. There were positive effects on WC at both time points (SB intervention) and mixed effects on blood parameters. The Transform-Us! PA and SB interventions show promise as a pragmatic approach for reducing children’s SB and adiposity indicators but achieving substantial increases in PA remains challenging. ISRCTN83725066 ACTRN12609000715279.
Scale-up of the Internet-based Professional Learning to help teachers promote Activity in Youth (iPLAY) intervention: a hybrid type 3 implementation-effectiveness trial
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-2022
DOI: 10.1186/S12966-022-01371-4
Abstract: Whole-of-school programs have demonstrated success in improving student physical activity levels, but few have progressed beyond efficacy testing to implementation at-scale. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the scale-up of the ‘Internet-based Professional Learning to help teachers promote Activity in Youth’ (iPLAY) intervention in primary schools using the RE-AIM framework. We conducted a type 3 hybrid implementation-effectiveness study and collected data between April 2016 and June 2021, in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. RE-AIM was operationalised as: (i) Reach: Number and representativeness of students exposed to iPLAY (ii) Effectiveness: Impact of iPLAY in a sub-s le of students ( n = 5,959) (iii) Adoption: Number and representativeness of schools that received iPLAY (iv) Implementation: Extent to which the three curricular and three non-curricular components of iPLAY were delivered as intended (v) Maintenance: Extent to which iPLAY was sustained in schools. We conducted 43 semi-structured interviews with teachers ( n = 14), leaders ( n = 19), and principals ( n = 10) from 18 schools (11 from urban and 7 from rural locations) to determine program maintenance. Reach: iPLAY reached ~ 31,000 students from a variety of socio-economic strata (35% of students were in the bottom quartile, almost half in the middle two quartiles, and 20% in the top quartile). Effectiveness: We observed small positive intervention effects for enjoyment of PE/sport (0.12 units, 95% CI: 0.05 to 0.20, d = 0.17), perceptions of need support from teachers (0.26 units, 95% CI: 0.16 to 0.53, d = 0.40), physical activity participation (0.28 units, 95% CI: 0.10 to 0.47, d = 0.14), and subjective well-being (0.82 units, 95% CI: 0.32 to 1.32, d = 0.12) at 24-months. Adoption: 115 schools received iPLAY. Implementation: Most schools implemented the curricular (59%) and non-curricular (55%) strategies as intended. Maintenance: Based on our qualitative data, changes in teacher practices and school culture resulting from iPLAY were sustained. iPLAY had extensive reach and adoption in NSW primary schools. Most of the schools implemented iPLAY as intended and effectiveness data suggest the positive effects observed in our cluster RCT were sustained when the intervention was delivered at-scale. ACTRN12621001132831.
How is active transport associated with children's and adolescents' physical activity over time?
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 2011
Response to letters regarding article, television viewing time and mortality: The Australian diabetes, obesity and lifestyle study (AusDiab)
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 28-09-2010
Five-year changes in school recess and lunchtime and the contribution to children's daily physical activity.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 19-05-2012
Abstract: To investigate the longitudinal changes in children's recess and lunchtime physical activity levels and in the contribution of recess and lunchtime to daily physical activity levels over 5 years among 5-6- and 10-12-year olds. Data were drawn from two longitudinal studies that were conducted in metropolitan Melbourne, Australia. Boys and girls (n=2782) aged 5-6 years and 10-12 years participated in baseline (T0) measures. Physical activity (n=2490) was measured every 60 s for eight consecutive days using hip-mounted accelerometry. Subsequent measurements were taken at 3-year (T1 n=773) and 5-year (T2 n=634) follow-up. Physical activity intensities were derived using age-adjusted cut-points. Sedentary time was defined as 100 counts/min. Longitudinal data were analysed using three-level (time, child, school) multilevel analyses, stratified by sex and cohort, and adjusted for potential confounding variables. Significant decreases in recess and lunchtime moderate and vigorous physical activity were observed (p<0.001), with larger decreases occurring in the older cohort. Associated increases were observed in sedentary time over time (p<0.01). Although the contribution of recess to daily moderate intensity physical activity increased in the younger cohort over time (p<0.001), significant decreases were observed in the older cohort (p<0.001). Physical activity levels during recess and lunchtime decreased in both cohorts over time. Decreases in the contribution of recess and lunchtime to older children's daily physical activity were also observed. Interventions are needed in both primary and secondary schools to promote physical activity levels during recess and lunchtime, particularly during the early years of secondary school.
Parental Perspectives of a Wearable Activity Tracker for Children Younger Than 13 Years: Acceptability and Usability Study
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 04-11-2019
DOI: 10.2196/13858
Abstract: There is increasing availability of, and interest in, wearable activity trackers for children younger than 13 years. However, little is known about how children and parents use these activity trackers or perceive their acceptability. This study primarily aimed to ascertain parental perspectives on the acceptability and usability of wearables designed to monitor children’s physical activity levels. Secondary aims were to (1) identify practical considerations for future use in physical activity interventions and promotion initiatives (2) determine use of different features and functions incorporated into the accompanying app and (3) identify parents’ awareness of their child’s current physical activity levels. In total, 36 children (18 boys and 18 girls) aged 7-12 years were asked to wear a wrist-worn activity tracker (KidFit) for 4 consecutive weeks and to use the accompanying app with parental assistance and guidance. Each week, one parent from each family (n=25 21 mothers and 4 fathers) completed a Web-based survey to record their child’s activity tracker use, app interaction, and overall experiences. At the end of the 4-week period, a subs le of 10 parents (all mothers) participated in face-to-face interviews exploring perceptions of the acceptability and usability of wearable activity trackers and accompanying apps. Quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed descriptively and thematically, respectively. Thematic data are presented using pen profiles, which were constructed from verbatim transcripts. Parents reported that they and their children typically found the associated app easy to use for activity tracking, though only step or distance information was generally accessed and some difficulties interpreting the data were reported. Children were frustrated with not being able to access real-time feedback, as the features and functions were only available through the app, which was typically accessed by, or in the presence of, parents. Parents identified that children wanted additional functions including a visual display to track and self-monitor activity, access to the app for goal setting, and the option of undertaking challenges against schools or significant others. Other barriers to the use of wearable activity trackers included discomfort of wearing the monitor because of the design and the inability to wear for water- or contact-based sports. Most parents reported that the wearable activity tracker was easy for their child or children to use and a useful tool for tracking their children’s daily activity. However, several barriers were identified, which may impact sustained use over time both the functionality and wearability of the activity tracker should therefore be considered. Overall, wearable activity trackers for children have the potential to be integrated into targeted physical activity promotion initiatives.
Effects of strategies to promote children's physical activity on potential mediators
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 04-2009
DOI: 10.1038/IJO.2009.21
Abstract: The aim of this paper is to review evidence of the effectiveness of interventions that present physical activity outcomes and potential mediators of behavioural change among 4-12-year-old children. A systematic search of electronic databases for original research articles published in peer-review journals between January 1985 and the end of June 2006 was carried out. A total of 19 studies that reported intervention effects on physical activity and mediators of behavioural change were identified. The most common mediators reported included physical activity knowledge or beliefs (11 studies) self-efficacy (8 studies) and enjoyment or preference for physical activity (6 studies). Less frequently reported mediators included attitudes, behavioural capability, intentions, outcome expectancies, social norms, social support and self-concept. Seven of the 11 interventions that reported intervention effects on knowledge/beliefs stated positive changes in this mediator. Four of the eight studies that reported intervention effects on self-efficacy had significant improvements however, only two out of six interventions reported significant improvements in physical activity enjoyment or preference. None of the studies reviewed reported whether changes in these constructs mediated changes in children's physical activity behaviours. Although more than half of the studies reviewed reported a positive intervention effect on children's physical activity, no study carried out a mediating analysis to attempt to identify the mechanisms of change. Future research should more clearly identify the mediators of behavioural change that are being targeted and whether this explains intervention effects.
Sedentary behaviour and health: mapping environmental and social contexts to underpin chronic disease prevention
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 10-01-2014
DOI: 10.1136/BJSPORTS-2013-093107
Abstract: The time that children and adults spend sedentary-put simply, doing too much sitting as distinct from doing too little physical activity-has recently been proposed as a population-wide, ubiquitous influence on health outcomes. It has been argued that sedentary time is likely to be additional to the risks associated with insufficient moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. New evidence identifies relationships of too much sitting with overweight and obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, some cancers and other adverse health outcomes. There is a need for a broader base of evidence on the likely health benefits of changing the relevant sedentary behaviours, particularly gathering evidence on underlying mechanisms and dose-response relationships. However, as remains the case for physical activity, there is a research agenda to be pursued in order to identify the potentially modifiable environmental and social determinants of sedentary behaviour. Such evidence is required so as to understand what might need to be changed in order to influence sedentary behaviours and to work towards population-wide impacts on prolonged sitting time. In this context, the research agenda needs to focus particularly on what can inform broad, evidence-based environmental and policy initiatives. We consider what has been learned from research on relationships of environmental and social attributes and physical activity provide an overview of recent-emerging evidence on relationships of environmental attributes with sedentary behaviour argue for the importance of conducting international comparative studies and addressing life-stage issues and socioeconomic inequalities and we propose a conceptual model within which this research agenda may be addressed.
Family influences on children's physical activity and fruit and vegetable consumption
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 2009
Do School-Based Interventions Focusing on Physical Activity, Fitness, or Fundamental Movement Skill Competency Produce a Sustained Impact in These Outcomes in Children and Adolescents? A Systematic Re
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-10-2013
DOI: 10.1007/S40279-013-0099-9
Abstract: The aim of this systematic review was to determine whether typically developing children and adolescents (aged 3-18 years) who have participated in school-based interventions have sustained outcomes in PA, fitness, and/or FMS. A systematic search of six electronic databases (CINAHL® Plus with Full Text, Ovid MEDLINE®, SPORTDiscus™, Scopus, PsycINFO® and ERIC) was conducted from 1995 to 26 July 2012. Included studies were school-based studies (including randomized controlled trials, longitudinal cohort, quasi-experimental, and experimental) that had a positive effect at post intervention in at least one variable and had a follow-up PA, fitness, or FMS assessment at least 6 months after the post-intervention assessment. Risk of bias assessment was guided by the "Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses" statement. The search identified 14 articles, and some studies addressed multiple outcomes: 13 articles assessed PA three assessed fitness and two assessed FMS. No study in this review met four key methodological criteria that have been shown to influence results, i.e., clarity on the randomization process, assessor blinding, analyzing participants in their original groups, and retaining sufficient participants through the entire study. Three-quarters (ten of 13) of the studies addressing PA, reported PA behavior change maintenance. The length of follow-up ranged from 6 months to 20 years, and the degree of PA difference reported was between 3 and 14 min per day. Only one of the three studies assessing fitness reported a sustained impact, whilst both studies that assessed FMS reported maintenance of effects. It is likely that PA is a sustainable outcome from interventions in children and adolescents, and there is reasonable evidence that interventions of longer than 1 year and interventions that utilize a theoretical model or framework are effective in producing this sustained impact. It would seem probable that FMS are a sustainable outcome in children and adolescents however, this finding should be viewed with caution given the lack of studies and the risk of bias assessment. More research is needed to assess the sustainability of fitness interventions as this review only included a handful of studies that addressed fitness and only one of these studies found a sustained impact.
International Physical Activity and Built Environment Study of adolescents: IPEN Adolescent design, protocol and measures
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 2021
DOI: 10.1136/BMJOPEN-2020-046636
Abstract: Only international studies can provide the full variability of built environments and accurately estimate effect sizes of relations between contrasting environments and health-related outcomes. The aims of the International Physical Activity and Environment Study of Adolescents (IPEN Adolescent) are to estimate the strength, shape and generalisability of associations of the community environment (geographic information systems (GIS)-based and self-reported) with physical activity and sedentary behaviour (accelerometer-measured and self-reported) and weight status (normal/overweight/obese). The IPEN Adolescent observational, cross-sectional, multicountry study involves recruiting adolescent participants (ages 11–19 years) and one parent/guardian from neighbourhoods selected to ensure wide variations in walkability and socioeconomic status using common protocols and measures. Fifteen geographically, economically and culturally erse countries, from six continents, participated: Australia, Bangladesh, Belgium, Brazil, Czech Republic, Denmark, Hong Kong SAR, India, Israel, Malaysia, New Zealand, Nigeria, Portugal, Spain and USA. Countries provided survey and accelerometer data (15 countries), GIS data (11), global positioning system data (10), and pedestrian environment audit data (8). A s le of n=6950 (52.6% female mean age=14.5, SD=1.7) adolescents provided survey data, n=4852 had 4 or more 8+ hours valid days of accelerometer data, and n=5473 had GIS measures. Physical activity and sedentary behaviour were measured by waist-worn ActiGraph accelerometers and self-reports, and body mass index was used to categorise weight status. Ethical approval was received from each study site’s Institutional Review Board for their in-country studies. Informed assent by adolescents and consent by parents was obtained for all participants. No personally identifiable information was transferred to the IPEN coordinating centre for pooled datasets. Results will be communicated through standard scientific channels and findings used to advance the science of environmental correlates of physical activity, sedentary behaviour and weight status, with the ultimate goal to stimulate and guide actions to create more activity-supportive environments internationally.
Early childhood predictors of toddlers' physical activity: Longitudinal findings from the Melbourne InFANT Program
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 2013
Equating accelerometer estimates among youth: The Rosetta Stone 2
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2016
Conceptualizing, Defining, and Measuring Before-School Physical Activity: A Review With Exploratory Analysis of Adolescent Data
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 06-2023
Abstract: Physical activity (PA) among children and adolescents is often reported by time segments centered around the school day, including before school. However, there is no consistent approach to defining the before-school segment, to accurately capture PA levels and facilitate synthesis of results across studies. Therefore, this study aimed to (a) examine how studies with children and adolescents have defined the before-school segment, and (b) compare adolescents’ before-school PA using various segment definitions. We conducted a systematic search and review of literature from six databases, and subsequently analyzed accelerometer data from Australia ( n = 472, mean age 14.9 years, 40% male), to compare PA across five before-school definitions. Our review found 69 studies reporting before-school PA, 59 of which used device-based measures. Definitions ranged widely, but justifications were rarely reported. Our empirical comparison of definitions resulted in a range of participants meeting wear time criteria (≥3 days at % of segment length) from the latest-starting definition (30 min prior to school n = 443) to the earliest-starting definition (6:00 a.m.–school start n = 155), implying that for many participants, accelerometer wear was low in the early hours due to sleep or noncompliance. Statistically significant differences in light and moderate-to-vigorous PA (mean minutes/school day, proportion of segment length, and proportion of wear time) were found between definitions, indicating that before-school PA could potentially be underestimated depending on definition choice. We recommend that future studies clearly report and justify segment definition, apply segment-specific wear time criteria, and collect wake time data to enable in idualized segment start times and minimize risk of data misclassification.
Population approaches to increasing physical activity and reducing sedentary behaviour among children and adults
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Date: 09-09-2010
Acute effects of advertisements on children's choices, preferences, and ratings of liking for physical activities and sedentary behaviours: A randomised controlled pilot study
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2008
DOI: 10.1016/J.JSAMS.2007.07.008
Abstract: The acute decision prompting effects of social marketing via television (TV) advertisements promoting physical activity to children are unknown. This pilot study aimed to determine the acute effects of an Australian government-sponsored TV advertisement (called 'Get Moving'), promoting more physical activity and less sedentary behaviour, on children's choices, preferences, and ratings of liking for physical activities and sedentary behaviours. Thirty-one children aged 10-12 years were recruited from a single public school, and randomised to one of two treatment groups or two control groups (Solomon four-group design). Treatment participants watched an episode of The Simpsons embedded every 10min with three 30s Get Moving advertisements plus standard advertisements. Control participants watched the same episode plus standard advertisements, but without the Get Moving advertisements. The following dependent variables were assessed immediately before and/or after exposure: activity preference (participants selected either verbally or by pointing to one of eight picture cards depicting four physical activities and four sedentary behaviours) ratings of liking (participants rated how much they liked or disliked each of these activities/behaviours either verbally or by pointing to one of nine values with an adjacent smile or frown on a Likert-type scale) and time spent in physical activities was assessed by direct observation during a 10min free-time session. No significant effects or trends were seen for any of the dependent variables. Further research is needed to determine whether different content and/or higher doses of exposure to physical activity promoting advertisements are needed to influence children's activity choices.
Teachers’ Perceptions of a Fundamental Movement Skill (FMS) Assessment Battery in a School Setting
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 19-10-2015
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