ORCID Profile
0000-0003-4014-0705
Current Organisation
Deakin University
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Publisher: Wiley
Date: 11-08-2014
DOI: 10.1002/OBY.20853
Abstract: To examine the extent to which characteristics of the neighborhood built environment explain the association between adiposity and educational qualifications in Australian women. A community s le of 1,819 women (aged 18-66) from the Melbourne SESAW study provided information regarding their body mass index (BMI) and level of education. Objective measures of participants' residential neighborhood built environments were obtained using a Geographic Information System. Compared with women with a high school degree or above, women who did not complete high school had higher average BMI, which was partially explained by lower density of sports facilities and living less proximally to the coastline and to supermarkets. In a multiple mediator model, which explained 16.6% of the educational disparity in BMI, the number of sports facilities and presence of the coastline within 2 km of participants' homes were significant mediators of the observed socioeconomic disparity in BMI. The residential neighborhood environment may help to explain socioeconomic patterning of overweight and obesity in Australian women. These results provide further support for considering the built environment in obesity prevention initiatives, suggesting a potential role in decreasing social inequalities in obesity.
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.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 25-08-2017
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 06-2021
DOI: 10.1007/S00431-021-04134-8
Abstract: Very few early childhood interventions have observed sustained effects regarding television viewing and none have examined the mechanisms behind sustained intervention effects at long-term follow-ups. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate potential mechanisms relating to the maintained intervention effect on television viewing at two long-term follow-ups in the Melbourne Infant Feeding Activity and Nutrition Trial (INFANT). INFANT was a cluster-randomised controlled trial. At the 2- and 3.5-year follow-ups, a total of 262 infant/mother pairs had complete information. Television viewing was assessed via a questionnaire at both follow-ups and six potential mediators were measured post-intervention (i.e. 15 months after baseline). Causal mediation analysis was conducted. At the 2- and 3.5-year follow-ups, the positive impacts of INFANT on maternal television viewing knowledge were maintained (B = 0.34 units 95% confidence interval (CI 95 ): 0.21, 0.48). An indirect effect of the intervention on reducing children’s television viewing time was observed at the 2- and 3.5-year follow-ups (B = −11.73 min/day CI 95 : −22.26, −3.28 and B = −4.78 min/day CI 95 : −9.48, −0.99, respectively) via improved maternal television viewing knowledge. Conclusion : The positive impacts of INFANT on maternal television viewing knowledge were maintained at both follow-ups, with better maternal knowledge associated with less television viewing time in their children. These results have implications for paediatricians and healthcare professionals as educating new parents early on regarding screen time may lead to the development of healthier screen time habits that are sustained through to the pre-school years. What is Known: • Lifestyle behaviours inclusive of screen time have been found to be established before the pre-school years and track. • Few trials have evaluated the long-term mechanisms related to maintained intervention effectiveness. What is New: • This study shows the positive impacts of a low-dose intervention on maternal television viewing knowledge at two long-term follow-ups. • Better maternal television viewing knowledge was associated with less television viewing time in their children.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 03-03-2016
DOI: 10.3109/10253890.2016.1160282
Abstract: Disadvantaged communities provide adverse psychosocial exposures that have been linked to high levels of stress, and this may provide one explanatory pathway linking socioeconomic disadvantage to obesity. This study used hair cortisol analysis to quantify associations between stress and body mass index (BMI), and between hair cortisol and perceived psychological stress levels, in women and children living in socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhoods. Participants were a volunteer s le of 70 women from the Resilience for Eating and Activity Despite Inequality study, including 30 maternal-child pairs. Women self-reported body weight, height and perceived psychological stress using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and provided hair s les for themselves and their child. Children's body weight and height were measured. Following extraction, hair cortisol levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Multiple linear regression models examined associations between stress and BMI, and between hair cortisol and perceived stress levels in women and children. Women's hair cortisol levels were not associated with their BMI or PSS scores. Women's PSS scores were positively associated with their BMI (p = 0.015). Within maternal-child pairs, mothers and children's hair cortisol levels were strongly positively associated (p = 0.006). Maternal hair cortisol levels and PSS scores were unrelated to their child's zBMI. Children's hair cortisol levels were not associated with their zBMI or with their mother's PSS score. Findings suggest that cortisol-based and perceived psychological measures of stress may be distinct among women and children living in disadvantaged neighborhoods. Perceived psychological measures may be more important predictors of weight-related risk.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2013
DOI: 10.1016/J.APPET.2013.07.006
Abstract: Evidence suggests that mothers' nutrition knowledge and home food availability (HFA) are directly and independently associated with children's food intakes. In this study we test the hypothesis that HFA mediates the association between maternal nutrition knowledge and child diet. In this cross-sectional study of Australian women living in socioeconomically disadvantaged neighbourhoods in Melbourne, Australia, mothers with dependent children (aged 5-12 years) provided data on their child's diet, HFA, nutrition knowledge and a range of sociodemographic characteristics. To test our hypothesis we assessed associations between nutrition knowledge and HFA, and between HFA and child food intake (adjusting for nutrition knowledge and child age). In all instances significant associations were found. HFA was found to mediate relationships between mother's nutrition knowledge and children's intake of fruit, vegetables, salty foods and soft drink. Our analyses showed that HFA was a mediator of the associations between maternal nutrition knowledge and child's diet in this population. This supports a focus on nutrition education that expands mothers' understanding of what foods to buy, prepare and serve. Further exploration of these associations will provide a stronger evidence base upon which to inform 'best bets' for parent-focussed nutrition promotion seeking to promote children's healthy eating.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 13-05-2020
DOI: 10.1186/S12966-020-00969-W
Abstract: The association between the residential fast food environment and diet has gained growing attention. However, why the food environment affects food consumption is under-examined. This study aimed to investigate neighbourhood social norms with respect to fast food consumption as a potential mediating pathway between residential fast food outlet exposure and residents’ fast food consumption. A correlational study was conducted in which a nationwide s le of 1038 respondents living across The Netherlands completed a survey. Respondents reported their fast food consumption (amount/week) as well as perceived descriptive and injunctive norms regarding fast food consumption in their neighbourhood. Fast food outlet exposure was measured by the average count of fast food outlets within a 400 m walking distance buffer around the zip-codes of the respondents, using a retail outlet database. Regression models were used to assess associations between residential fast food outlet exposure, fast food consumption, and social norm perceptions, and a bootstrapping procedure was used to test the indirect -mediation- effect. Separate analyses were performed for descriptive norms and injunctive norms. There was no overall or direct association between residential fast food outlet exposure and residents’ fast food consumption. However, fast food outlet exposure was positively associated with neighbourhood social norms (descriptive and injunctive) regarding fast food consumption, which in turn were positively associated with the odds of consuming fast food. Moreover, results of the bootstrapped analysis provided evidence of indirect effects of fast food outlet exposure on fast food consumption, via descriptive norms and injunctive norms. In neighbourhoods with more fast food outlets, residents were more likely to perceive fast food consumption in the neighbourhood as more common and appropriate. In turn, stronger neighbourhood social norms were associated with higher fast food consumption. Acknowledging the correlational design, this study is the first that implies that neighbourhood social norms may be a mediating pathway in the relation between the residential fast food environment and fast food consumption. Future research may examine the role of neighbourhood social norms in other contexts and explore how the changing food environment may shift our consumption norms.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2014
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 17-12-2021
DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000003924
Abstract: Lindsay, A, Abbott, G, Ingalls, CP, and Baumann, CW. Muscle strength does not adapt from a second to third bout of eccentric contractions: A systematic review and meta-analysis of the repeated bout effect. J Strength Cond Res 35(2): 576–584, 2021—The greatest muscle strength adaptations to repeated bouts of eccentric contractions (ECC) occur after the initial injury, with little to no change in subsequent bouts. However, because of the disparity in injury models, it is unknown whether three or more bouts provide further adaptation. Therefore, we performed a systematic review of the literature to evaluate whether a third bout of skeletal muscle ECC impacts immediate strength loss and rate of strength recovery compared with a second bout. A search of the literature in Web of Science, SCOPUS, Medline, and the American College of Sports Medicine database was conducted between May and September 2019 using the keywords eccentric contraction or lengthening contraction and muscle and repeated or multiple, and bout. Eleven studies with 12 experimental groups, using 72 human subjects, 48 mice, and 11 rabbits, met the inclusion criteria. A meta-analysis using a random effects model and effect sizes (ESs Hedges' g) calculated from the standardized mean differences was completed. Calculated ESs for immediate strength loss provided no evidence that a third bout of ECC results in greater loss of strength compared with a second bout (ES = −0.12, 95% confidence interval [CI] = −0.41 to 0.17). Furthermore, the rate of strength recovery was not different between a second and third bout (ES = −0.15, 95% CI = −1.01 to 0.70). These results indicate a third bout of skeletal muscle ECC does not improve indices of strength loss or rate of strength recovery compared with a second bout. Therefore, coaches and athletes should expect some level of persistent weakness after each of their initial training sessions involving ECC, and the faster recovery of strength deficits in the second bout documented by previous research is not different from a third bout.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 02-06-2022
Abstract: Background: Physical activity health benefits are widely known. However, the association between physical activity, physical fitness, executive function, and academic performance need further investigation. Additionally, one of the literature gaps reveals scarce and mixed findings on what mediators of physical activity may affect academic achievement. Purpose: This investigation aims to provide knowledge about the mediation role of physical fitness and executive function in the association of physical activity with academic achievement in a cohort of Spanish schoolchildren using a structural equation modelling approach. Methods: The data for this cross-sectional study were collected from a convenience s le of children from Spain (Balearic Islands) aged between 9 and 13 years. Physical activity levels were self-reported with the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children physical fitness was assessed using the International Fitness Scale executive function was assessed with the Trail Making Test, and children’s achievements were collected from the school records. Structural equation modelling was used to explore the relationship between physical activity, physical fitness, executive function, and academic achievement. Findings: Statistically significant positive direct associations were observed between physical activity and physical fitness (β = 0.46, 95% CI [0.29, 0.64]), physical fitness and executive function (β = 0.28, 95% CI [0.04, 0.52]), and executive function and academic achievement (β = 0.46, 95% CI [0.28, 0.65]), while adjusting for the confounding effects of sex and body mass index. Furthermore, indirect associations were observed between physical activity and executive function mediated by physical fitness (β = 0.13, bias-corrected 95% CI [0.02, 0.31]) and between physical fitness and academic achievement through executive function (β = 0.13, bias-corrected 95% CI [0.03, 0.32]). Conclusions: This investigation adds to the literature with evidence supporting the idea that regular PA leads to improvements in physical fitness and may support cognitive skills and academic performance in children.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 05-10-2022
DOI: 10.3390/NU14194133
Abstract: Poor diet quality exacerbates risks for acute and chronic conditions. People experiencing food insecurity have an increased likelihood of lower diet quality however, this has not been investigated in the Australian context. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to examine whether the diet quality of Australian adults differed according to their household food security status. Data were analysed from a nationally representative s le (≥19 years n = 9115) collected as part of the National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey 2011-12. Household food security status and socio-demographic and health characteristics were assessed using data from an 18-module health interview. A 24 h dietary recall was used to estimate food and nutrient intakes and to calculate the Dietary Guidelines Index (DGI). DGI is a food-based score (0 to 130) that assesses adherence to the 2013 Australian Dietary Guidelines. Survey-weighted linear regression models, adjusted for age and sex, were used to examine diet quality (total DGI and component scores), and total energy and nutrient intake by food security status. Adults from food-insecure households had a mean total DGI score 3.5 points lower (95% CI −5.57, −1.46) than food-secure adults (p = 0.001). Adults from households experiencing food insecurity, when compared to those who were food-secure, had several lower DGI component scores including for dietary variety (1.6 vs. 2.3, p = 0.009), fruit (3.8 vs. 5.0, p = 0.001) and vegetables (3.7 vs. 4.4, p = 0.010). Adults from food-insecure households consumed on average more carbohydrates (45.6 vs. 43.3, p = 0.004) and total sugar (21.8 vs. 19.0, p = 0.003) as a percentage of daily energy and less protein (18.5 vs. 17.2, p = 0.004), mono-unsaturated fats (11.2 vs. 11.8, p = 0.026) as a percentage of daily energy, and fibre (20.1 vs. 23.0, p = 0.003), than food-secure adults. Sub-optimal diet may be one of the contributing factors to, or outcomes of, poorer health in food-insecure populations. Food security interventions are required to better address nutrition in food-insecure households and should be tailored to the health and socio-demographic characteristics of this population.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 26-01-2023
DOI: 10.1186/S12884-022-05336-0
Abstract: In utero environments can be highly influential in contributing to the development of offspring obesity. Specifically, vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy is associated with adverse maternal and child health outcomes, however its relationship with offspring obesity remains unclear. We assessed maternal vitamin D status across pregnancy, change in plasma vitamin D concentrations and associations with neonatal birthweight, macrosomia and large for gestational age. Women ( n = 221) aged 18–40 years with singleton (low-risk) pregnancies, attending antenatal clinics at a tertiary-level maternity hospital were recruited at 10–20 weeks gestation. Medical history, maternal weight and blood s les at three antenatal clinic visits were assessed early (15 ± 3 weeks), mid (27 ± 2 weeks) and late (36 ± 1 weeks) gestation. Maternal 25(OH)D was analysed from stored plasma s les via liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). Neonatal growth parameters were collected at birth. Unadjusted and adjusted linear and logistic regression assessed associations of maternal vitamin D with birthweight, macrosomia and large for gestational age. Mean plasma 25(OH)D increased from early (83.8 ± 22.6 nmol/L) to mid (96.5 ± 28.9 nmol/L) and late (100.8 ± 30.8 nmol/L) gestation. Overall 98% of women were taking vitamin D-containing supplements throughout their pregnancy. Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (25(OH)D 50 nmol/L) was 6.5%, 6.3% and 6.8% at early, mid and late pregnancy respectively. No statistically significant association was found between 25(OH)D or vitamin D deficiency at any timepoint with neonatal birthweight, macrosomia or large for gestational age. Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was low in this cohort of pregnant women and likely related to the high proportion of women taking vitamin D supplements during pregnancy. Maternal 25(OH)D did not impact offspring birth weight or birth size. Future studies in high-risk pregnant populations are needed to further assess maternal vitamin D status and factors in utero which promote early life obesity.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.YPMED.2017.07.005
Abstract: This study aimed to investigate the bi-directional relationship between different domains of physical activity (PA), sedentary behaviour (SB) and depressive symptoms among women living in socioeconomically disadvantaged neighbourhoods in Victoria, Australia. Women (n=1033), aged 18-46years at Wave 1 (2007/08), completed self-report measures of PA (leisure-time, transport, occupational, domestic), SB (TV viewing, computer use, overall sitting time) and depressive symptoms (CES-D 10) at each study time-point (Wave 2: 2010/11, Wave 3: 2012/13). Separate linear mixed models were fitted to examine if change in depressive symptoms differed dependent on each of the baseline PA or SB measures. Similarly, baseline depressive symptoms were used as a predictor of change in PA and SB. In secondary analyses, associations between baseline PA or SB and odds of becoming 'at risk' of depression among those not 'at risk' at baseline were examined using logistic regression. There was no evidence that change in depressive symptoms differed depending on PA or SB at baseline. In general, there was also no evidence that change in PA or SB differed depending on baseline depressive symptoms. One exception was change in leisure-time PA, which declined more among those with heightened depressive symptoms at baseline (Interaction: β=-0.003, 95% CI=-0.007, -0.0003). Transport-related PA (adjusted OR=1.06, 95% CI=1.013, 1.101) and domestic PA (adjusted OR=1.02, 95% CI=1.003, 1.040) were associated with greater odds of becoming at risk of depression at wave 3. There was limited evidence of a bi-directional relationship between PA, SB and depressive symptoms in women living in socioeconomically disadvantaged neighbourhoods.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 27-11-2021
DOI: 10.3390/NU13124283
Abstract: To examine associations of unhealthy lifestyle and genetics with risk of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality, myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke. We used data on 76,958 adults from the UK Biobank prospective cohort study. Favourable lifestyle included no overweight/obesity, not smoking, physical activity, not sedentary, healthy diet and adequate sleep. A Polygenic Risk Score (PRS) was derived using 300 CVD-related single nucleotide polymorphisms. Cox proportional hazard ratios (HR) were used to model effects of lifestyle and PRS on risk of CVD and all-cause mortality, stroke and MI. New CVD (n = 364) and all-cause (n = 2408) deaths, and stroke (n = 748) and MI (n = 1140) events were observed during a 7.8 year mean follow-up. An unfavourable lifestyle (0–1 healthy behaviours) was associated with higher risk of all-cause mortality (HR: 2.06 95% CI: 1.73, 2.45), CVD mortality (HR: 2.48 95% CI: 1.64, 3.76), MI (HR: 2.12 95% CI: 1.65, 2.72) and stroke (HR:1.74 95% CI: 1.25, 2.43) compared to a favourable lifestyle (≥4 healthy behaviours). PRS was associated with MI (HR: 1.35 95% CI: 1.27, 1.43). There was evidence of a lifestyle-genetics interaction for stroke (p = 0.017). Unfavourable lifestyle behaviours predicted higher risk of all-cause mortality, CVD mortality, MI and stroke, independent of genetic risk.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 04-06-2020
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.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2022
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 30-01-2019
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2022
DOI: 10.1016/J.NBD.2021.105559
Abstract: Skeletal muscle dysfunction may contribute to the progression and severity of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In the present study, we characterized the skeletal muscle pathophysiology in an inducible transgenic mouse model (rNLS8) that develops a TAR-DNA binding protein (TDP-43) proteinopathy and ALS-like neuropathology and disease progression representative of >90% of all familial and sporadic ALS cases. As we previously observed elevated levels of miR-23a in skeletal muscle of patients with familial and sporadic ALS, we also investigated the effect of miR-23a suppression on skeletal muscle pathophysiology and disease severity in rNLS8 mice. Five weeks after disease onset TDP-43 protein accumulation was observed in tibialis anterior (TA), quadriceps (QUAD) and diaphragm muscle lysates and associated with skeletal muscle atrophy. In the TA muscle TDP-43 was detected in muscle fibres that appeared atrophied and angular in appearance and that also contained β-amyloid aggregates. These fibres were also positive for neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM), but not embryonic myosin heavy chain (eMHC), indicating TDP-43/ β-amyloid localization in denervated muscle fibres. There was an upregulation of genes associated with myogenesis and NMJ degeneration and a decrease in the MURF1 atrophy-related protein in skeletal muscle. Suppression of miR-23a impaired rotarod performance and grip strength and accelerated body weight loss during early stages of disease progression. This was associated with increased AchRα mRNA expression and decreased protein levels of PGC-1α. The TDP-43 proteinopathy-induced impairment of whole body and skeletal muscle functional performance is associated with muscle wasting and elevated myogenic and NMJ stress markers. Suppressing miR-23a in the rNLS8 mouse model of ALS contributes to an early acceleration of disease progression as measured by decline in motor function.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.SOCSCIMED.2016.04.015
Abstract: Pricing strategies are a promising approach for promoting healthier dietary choices. However, robust evidence of the cost-effectiveness of pricing manipulations on dietary behaviour is limited. We aimed to assess the cost-effectiveness of a 20% price reduction on fruits and vegetables and a combined skills-based behaviour change and price reduction intervention. Cost-effectiveness analysis from a societal perspective was undertaken for the randomized controlled trial Supermarket Healthy Eating for Life (SHELf). Female shoppers in Melbourne, Australia were randomized to: (1) skill-building (n = 160) (2) price reductions (n = 161) (3) combined skill-building and price reduction (n = 161) or (4) control group (n = 161). The intervention was implemented for three months followed by a six month follow-up. Costs were measured in 2012 Australian dollars. Fruit and vegetable purchasing and consumption were measured in grams/week. At three months, compared to control participants, price reduction participants increased vegetable purchases by 233 g/week (95% CI 4 to 462, p = 0.046) and fruit purchases by 364 g/week (95% CI 95 to 633, p = 0.008). Participants in the combined group purchased 280 g/week more fruits (95% CI 27 to 533, p = 0.03) than participants in the control group. Increases were not maintained six-month post intervention. No effect was noticed in the skill-building group. Compared to the control group, the price reduction intervention cost an additional A$2.3 per increased serving of vegetables purchased per week or an additional A$3 per increased serving of fruit purchased per week. The combined intervention cost an additional A$12 per increased serving of fruit purchased per week compared to the control group. A 20% discount on fruits and vegetables was effective in promoting overall fruit and vegetable purchases during the period the discount was active and may be cost-effective. The price discount program gave better value for money than the combined price reduction and skill-building intervention. The SHELf trial is registered with Current Controlled Trials Registration ISRCTN39432901.
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.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 09-2009
DOI: 10.1038/IJO.2009.167
Abstract: To investigate sociodemographic and behavioural characteristics associated with weight status among women with children living in socioeconomically disadvantaged neighbourhoods. A total of 1680 women aged 18-46 years, living in socioeconomically disadvantaged neighbourhoods with dependent children (aged 0-18 years), provided self-report data on height and weight and a range of sociodemographic and behavioural (for ex le, dietary intake, physical activity and time spent sitting) characteristics. Half of the women were classified as having a healthy weight (body mass index=18.5-25). Bivariable ordinal logistic regression analyses indicated that a healthy weight status was associated with a range of sociodemographic and behavioural characteristics. In a multivariable model, a healthy weight status among women was associated with being younger and unmarried, speaking a language other than English at home, having a medium or high level of education, and a partner with a high level of education, having a high household income, spending more time engaged in leisure-time physical activity and less time spent sitting, and having a lower consumption of soft drink. The present findings highlight that a considerable proportion of women with children living in disadvantaged neighbourhoods manage to maintain a healthy weight. Acknowledging the cross-sectional nature of this study, strategies aimed at helping women with children in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas to maintain their weight should focus on increasing physical activity, and reducing sitting time and soft drink consumption.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 22-05-2021
DOI: 10.1186/S12889-021-10302-0
Abstract: The promotion of healthy eating is a public health priority. Poor dietary behaviours, including low fruit and vegetable (F& V) consumption are of particular concern among children. Novel nutrition promotion strategies are needed to improve F& V consumption. Sustainability education could be used to support nutrition education within the school context. The purpose of this paper is to report the protocol for impact and process evaluation of the school-based Food Education and Sustainability Training (FEAST) program, designed to educate children about sustainability, food waste and nutrition, using hands-on cooking activities. A pragmatic, parallel, cluster non-randomized controlled trial with pre- and post-measures, will be implemented among 20 primary schools (10 intervention vs 10 wait-list-control) within NSW, Australia, involving children in Grades 5–6. FEAST is a curriculum-aligned program, delivered as a 1.5-h lesson/week, for a 10-week unit of inquiry, incorporating theory and cooking. FEAST was developed using theoretical frameworks which included Social Cognitive Theory and the Precede-Proceed Planning model. Primary outcomes include children’s self-reported F& V intakes (serves/day). Food literacy constructs such as: nutrition knowledge, food preparation and cooking skills, self-efficacy and behaviours, food waste knowledge and behaviours and food production knowledge, will be assessed as secondary outcomes. Process evaluation will assess program reach, adoption, implementation, maintenance, satisfaction and perceived benefits by teachers and students. An online survey (including quantitative and qualitative questions) was developed for administration at baseline (impact evaluation) and immediately post-intervention (impact and process evaluation). Intervention effects on quantitative study outcomes will be estimated with generalised linear mixed models, including random effects and will follow the intention-to-treat principles. Open-ended questions embedded within the surveys will be analysed qualitatively using content and thematic analyses. Results from this trial will provide valuable information on the value of adding environmental sustainability strategies to nutrition education in schools. Results will inform the design of future research and programs focused on primary-school children’s nutrition, sustainability-related behaviours and experiential school-based interventions. Trial registered 14th December 2020 with the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ( ACTRN12620001347954 ).
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 2013
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2021
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2013
DOI: 10.1016/J.PSYCHRES.2013.03.005
Abstract: Recent research suggests that the emotion recognition difficulties seen in schizophrenia may also be present to a lesser degree in non-clinical in iduals who report attenuated expressions of schizophrenia-like symptoms (schizotypy). However, evidence in non-clinical s les primarily comes from studies employing static facial emotion tasks, and it is not clear whether poorer emotion recognition in schizotypy persists when people have access to a broader range of emotional cues more representative of typical face-to-face social interactions. A community s le of 151 adults completed measures of schizotypal traits, IQ, and a task that assessed emotion recognition using dynamic video-based stimuli. Global schizotypy and positive schizotypal traits were each associated with poorer emotion recognition. Negative schizotypy was not associated with emotion recognition overall, but was associated with errors in recognising positive emotions. It appears that poorer emotion recognition in schizotypy is not limited to single-channel stimuli, but can be seen even when multiple emotional cues are available. Thus, in iduals with high levels of schizotypal traits, and positive features in particular, may have greater difficulty when it comes to 'reading' the emotions of others in everyday social interactions.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 10-03-2020
DOI: 10.1186/S12966-020-00940-9
Abstract: Longitudinal changes in child and adolescent active school transport (AST), and the mediating role of different intensities of daily physical activity (PA) levels in relation to AST and physical fitness and adiposity indicators is unclear. This study aimed to: 1) describe longitudinal changes in AST, light PA (LPA), moderate- to vigorous-intensity PA (MVPA), physical fitness and adiposity indicators over three time-points and 2) investigate the mediating role of LPA and MVPA levels on associations between AST and physical fitness and adiposity indicators over three time-points among children and adolescents. This longitudinal study comprised 1646 Spanish children and adolescents (48.8% girls, mean age 12.5 years ±2.5) at baseline, recruited from schools in Cádiz and Madrid. Mode of commuting to school was self-reported at baseline (T0, 2011–12), 1-year (T1) and 2-year follow-up (T2). PA was assessed using accelerometers. Handgrip strength, standing long jump and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) assessed physical fitness. Height, weight, body mass index, waist circumference, and triceps and subscapular skinfold thickness were measured. Multilevel linear regression analyses assessed changes in AST, PA levels, physical fitness and adiposity indicators over three time-points (T0-T1-T2). Additionally, longitudinal path analysis ( n = 453 mean age [years] 12.6 ± 2.4) was used to test the mediating effects of LPA and MVPA levels on the association between AST and physical fitness and adiposity indicators. Multilevel analyses observed decreases in LPA between T0-T1 (β = − 11.27 p 0.001) and T0-T2 (β = − 16.27 p 0.001) and decreases in MVPA between T0-T2 (β = − 4.51 p = 0.011). Moreover, changes over time showed increases in handgrip between T0-T1 (β = 0.78 p = 0.028) and T0-T2 (β = 0.81 p = 0.046). Path analyses showed that AST was directly positively associated with MVPA at T1 (all, β ≈ 0.33 p 0.001). MVPA at T1 mediated associations between AST and CRF at T2 (β = 0.20 p = 0.040), but not the other outcomes. LPA did not mediate any associations. Results from longitudinal path analysis suggest that participation in more AST may help attenuate declines in MVPA that typically occur with age and improve CRF. Therefore, we encourage health authorities to promote AST, as a way to increase MVPA levels and CRF among youth.
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 16-03-2017
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 21-11-2017
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 25-01-2018
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 20-06-2020
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 04-07-2015
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 10-01-2012
DOI: 10.1017/S1368980011003430
Abstract: Maternal nutrition knowledge has frequently been identified as an important target for nutrition promotion interventions. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether maternal nutrition knowledge is more strongly associated with the mother's own diet or that of her child. Cross-sectional multivariate linear regression with interactions analyses of survey data. Socio-economically disadvantaged neighbourhoods in Victoria, Australia. Five hundred and twenty-three mothers and their children who participated in the Resilience for Eating and Physical Activity Despite Inequality (READI) study, a cross-sectional survey study conducted in 2009 among women and their children residing in socio-economically disadvantaged neighbourhoods. In adjusted models, for three (vegetable, chocolate/lollies and soft drink consumption) out of the seven dietary outcomes assessed, there was a significant association between maternal nutrition knowledge and maternal diet, whereas for the children's diets none of the seven outcomes were associated with maternal nutrition knowledge. Statistical comparison of regression coefficients showed no difference between the maternal nutrition knowledge–maternal diet association and the maternal nutrition knowledge–child diet association. Promoting maternal nutrition knowledge may represent an important avenue for improving diet in mothers from socio-economically disadvantaged neighbourhoods, but more information is needed on how and when this knowledge is translated to benefits for their children's diet.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 17-09-2022
DOI: 10.1186/S12966-022-01354-5
Abstract: TransformUs was a four-arm school-based intervention to increase physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviour among primary school children. Pedagogical and environmental strategies targeted the classroom, school grounds and family setting. The aims of this study were to evaluate program fidelity, dose, appropriateness, satisfaction and sustainability, and associations between implementation level and outcomes among the three intervention arms. At baseline, 18-months (mid-intervention) and 30-months (post-intervention), teachers, parents and children completed surveys, and children wore GT3X ActiGraph accelerometers for 8 days at each time point to determine physical activity and sedentary time. Implementation data were pooled across the three intervention groups and teachers were categorised by level of implementation: (i) ‘Low’ ( 33% delivered) (ii) ‘Moderate’ (33–67% delivered) and (iii) ‘High’ ( 67% delivered). Linear and logistic mixed models examined between group differences in implementation, and the association with children’s physical activity and sedentary time outcomes. Qualitative survey data were analysed thematically. Among intervention recipients, 52% ( n = 85) of teachers, 29% ( n = 331) of parents and 92% ( n = 407) of children completed baseline evaluation surveys. At 18-months, teachers delivered on average 70% of the key messages, 65% set active/standing homework, 30% reported delivering 1 standing lesson/day, and 56% delivered active breaks per day. The majority of teachers (96%) made activity/sports equipment available during recess and lunch, and also used this equipment in class (81%). Fidelity and dose of key messages and active homework reduced over time, whilst fidelity of standing lessons, active breaks and equipment use increased. TransformUs was deemed appropriate for the school setting and positively received. Implementation level and child behavioural outcomes were not associated. Integration of TransformUs into existing practices, children’s enjoyment, and teachers’ awareness of program benefits all facilitated delivery and sustainability. This study demonstrated that intervention dose and fidelity increased over time, and that children’s enjoyment, senior school leadership and effective integration of interventions into school practices facilitated improved intervention delivery and sustainability. Teacher implementation level and child behavioural outcomes were unrelated, suggesting intervention efficacy was achieved irrespective of implementation variability. The potential translatability of TransformUs into practice contexts may therefore be increased. Findings have informed scale-up of TransformUs across Victoria, Australia. International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number ISRCTN83725066 Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry Number ACTRN12609000715279. Registered 19 August 2009. Available at: www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=308387& isReview=true
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 10-2019
DOI: 10.1017/S1368980019002830
Abstract: The present study aimed to identify whether discretionary food consumption declined in an intervention focused primarily on promoting fruit and vegetable consumption. We also aimed to identify potential mediators explaining intervention effects on discretionary food consumption. Secondary analysis of data from the ShopSmart study, a randomised controlled trial involving a 6-month intervention promoting fruit and vegetable consumption. Linear regression models examined intervention effects on discretionary food consumption at intervention completion (T2). A half-longitudinal mediator analyses was performed to examine the potential mediating effect of personal and environmental factors on the association between the intervention effects and discretionary food consumption. Indirect (mediated) effects were tested by the product of coefficients method with bootstrapped se using Andrew Hayes’ PROCESS macro for SPSS. Women were recruited via the Coles FlyBuys loyalty card database in socio-economically disadvantaged suburbs of Melbourne, Australia. Analyses included 225 women (116 intervention and 109 control). Compared with controls, intervention participants consumed fewer discretionary foods at T2, after adjusting for key confounders ( B = −0·194, 95 % CI −0·378, −0·010 servings/d P = 0·039). While some mediators were associated with the outcome (taste, outcome expectancies, self-efficacy, time constraints), there was no evidence that they mediated intervention effects. The study demonstrated that a behavioural intervention promoting fruit and vegetable consumption among socio-economically disadvantaged participants was effective in reducing discretionary food intake. Although specific mediators were not identified, researchers should continue searching for mechanisms by which interventions have an effect to guide future programme design.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 31-03-2023
DOI: 10.1186/S13063-023-07199-Y
Abstract: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and analgesics are used frequently by athletes either prophylactically for the prevention of pain, or to accelerate recovery following an injury. However, these types of pain management strategies have been shown to inhibit signalling pathways (e.g., cyclooxygenase-2) that may hinder muscular adaptations such as hypertrophy and strength. Nutraceuticals such as palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) have analgesic properties that act via different mechanisms to NSAIDS/analgesics. Furthermore, PEA has been shown to have a positive effect on sleep and may contribute positively to muscle hypertrophy via PKB activation. Although PEA has not been widely studied in the athletic or recreationally active population, it may provide an alternative solution for pain management if it is found not to interfere with, or enhance training adaptations. Therefore, the study aim is to investigate the effects of daily PEA supplementation (Levagen + ®) with resistance training on lean body mass, strength, power and physical performance and outcomes of recovery (e.g., sleep) compared to placebo. This double-blind, randomised controlled study will take place over an 11-week period (including 8-weeks of progressive resistance training). Participants for this study will be 18–35 years old, healthy active adults that are not resistance trained. Participants will attend a familiarisation (week 0), pre-testing (week 1) and final-testing (week 11). At the pre-testing and final-testing weeks, total lean body mass (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry DXA), total mid-thigh cross sectional area (pQCT), maximal muscular strength (1 repetition maximum bench press, isometric mid-thigh pull) and power (countermovement jump and bench throw) will be assessed. Additionally, circulating inflammatory cytokines and anabolic hormones, sleep quality and quantity (ActiGraph), pain and subjective wellbeing (questionnaires) will also be examined. This study is designed to investigate the effects that PEA may have on pre-to post intervention changes in total body and regional lean muscle mass, strength, power, sleep, subjective wellbeing, and pain associated with resistance training and menstruation compared with the placebo condition. Unlike other NSAIDs and analgesics, which may inhibit muscle protein synthesis and training adaptations, PEA which provides analgesia via alternative mechanisms may provide an alternative pain management solution. It is therefore important to determine if this analgesic compound interferes with or enhances training adaptations so that athletes and active in iduals can make an informed decision on their pain management strategies. Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR: ACTRN12621001726842p).
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 22-06-2021
DOI: 10.3389/FENDO.2021.692677
Abstract: Body composition (fat, skeletal muscle and bone mass) is an important determinant of overall health and risk of endocrine disorders such as type 2 diabetes and osteoporosis. Although diet and physical activity are strongly implicated, body composition is also heritable. We conducted a discovery genome-wide association study on 31 phenotypes from the three-compartment body composition model (fat, lean and bone mass) in a set of 4 386 in iduals (n = 2 109 males, n = 2 294 females) from the UK Biobank pilot imaging enhancement program that underwent a dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan for assessment of body composition and genetic screening. From 6 137 607 imputed single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) we identified 17 body composition loci (P& .0 x 10-8). GWAS from the combined dataset identified four statistically significant SNPs (rs7592270, rs145972737, rs13212044, rs77772562). In sex-stratified GWAS, 10 male specific SNPs across all traits were identified and five female specific SNPs. Of the 17 SNPs, six were in or close to a gene where there was a plausible functional connection. Three SNPs (rs7592270, rs77772562 and rs7552312) were correlated with obesity phenotypes, one SNP (rs2236705) with lean phenotypes and two with bone mass phenotypes (rs112098641 and rs113380185). These results highlight candidate genes and biological pathways related to body composition, including glucose metabolism and estrogen regulation, that are of interest to replicate in future studies.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 25-07-2020
DOI: 10.1186/S12966-020-00994-9
Abstract: The few health behavior interventions commencing in infancy have shown promising effects. Greater insight into their longer-term benefits is required. This study aimed to assess post-intervention effects of the Melbourne INFANT Program to child age 5y on diet, movement and adiposity. Two and 3.5y post-intervention follow-up (2011–13 analyses completed 2019) of participants retained in the Melbourne INFANT Program at its conclusion (child age ~ 19 m 2008–10) was conducted. The Melbourne INFANT Program is a 15-month, six session program delivered within first-time parent groups in Melbourne, Australia, between child age 4-19 m. It involves strategies to help parents promote healthy diet, physical activity and reduced sedentary behavior in their infants. No intervention was delivered during the follow-up period reported in this paper. At all time points height, weight and waist circumference were measured by researchers, children wore Actigraph and activPAL accelerometers for 8-days, mothers reported children’s television viewing and use of health services. Children’s dietary intake was reported by mothers in three unscheduled telephone-administered 24-h recalls. Of those retained at program conclusion (child age 18 m, n = 480 89%), 361 families (75% retention) participated in the first follow-up (2y post-intervention age 3.6y) and 337 (70% retention) in the second follow-up (3.5y post-intervention age 5y). At 3.6y children in the intervention group had higher fruit (adjusted mean difference [MD] = 25.34 g CI 95 :1.68,48.99), vegetable (MD = 19.41 CI 95 :3.15,35.67) and water intake (MD = 113.33 CI 95 :40.42,186.25), than controls. At 5y they consumed less non-core drinks (MD = -27.60 CI 95 :-54.58,-0.62). Sweet snack intake was lower for intervention children at both 3.6y (MD = -5.70 CI 95 :-9.75,-1.65) and 5y (MD = -6.84 CI 95 :-12.47,-1.21). Intervention group children viewed approximately 10 min/day less television than controls at both follow-ups, although the confidence intervals spanned zero (MD = -9.63 CI 95 :-30.79,11.53 MD = -11.34 CI 95 :-25.02,2.34, respectively). There was no evidence for effect on zBMI, waist circumference z-score or physical activity. The impact of this low-dose intervention delivered during infancy was still evident up to school commencement age for several targeted health behaviors but not adiposity. Some of these effects were only observed after the conclusion of the intervention, demonstrating the importance of long-term follow-up of interventions delivered during early childhood. ISRCTN Register ISRCTN81847050 , registered 7th November 2007.
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
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2016
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.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 07-06-2016
DOI: 10.1111/CCH.12359
Abstract: It is important to assess young children's perceived Fundamental Movement Skill (FMS) competence in order to examine the role of perceived FMS competence in motivation toward physical activity. Children's perceptions of motor competence may vary according to the culture/country of origin therefore, it is also important to measure perceptions in different cultural contexts. The purpose was to assess the face validity, internal consistency, test-retest reliability and construct validity of the 12 FMS items in the Pictorial Scale for Perceived Movement Skill Competence for Young Children (PMSC) in a Portuguese s le. Two hundred one Portuguese children (girls, n = 112), 5 to 10 years of age (7.6 ± 1.4), participated. All children completed the PMSC once. Ordinal alpha assessed internal consistency. A random subs les (n = 47) were reassessed one week later to determine test-retest reliability with Bland-Altman method. Children were asked questions after the second administration to determine face validity. Construct validity was assessed on the whole s le with a Bayesian Structural Equation Modelling (BSEM) approach. The hypothesized theoretical model used the 12 items and two hypothesized factors: object control and locomotor skills. The majority of children correctly identified the skills and could understand most of the pictures. Test-retest reliability analysis was good, with an agreement ration between 0.99 and 1.02. Ordinal alpha values ranged from acceptable (object control 0.73, locomotor 0.68) to good (all FMS 0.81). The hypothesized BSEM model had an adequate fit. The PMSC can be used to investigate perceptions of children's FMS competence. This instrument can also be satisfactorily used among Portuguese children.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 08-03-2019
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 22-09-2022
DOI: 10.1249/MSS.0000000000003000
Abstract: Female athletes sleep less and report more sleep problems than their male counterparts. Inadequate sleep reduces maximal strength in male athletes however, little is known about the impact of sleep restriction (SR) on the quantity and quality of resistance exercise performed by female athletes. This study investigated the effect of nine nights of moderate SR on repeated resistance exercise performance, hormonal responses, and perceived fatigue in females. Ten healthy, resistance-trained, eumenorrheic females age 18–35 yr underwent nine nights of SR (5-h time in bed) and normal sleep (NS ≥7-h time in bed) in a randomized, crossover fashion with a minimum 6-wk washout. Participants completed four resistance exercise sessions per trial, with blood s les collected before and after exercise. Exercise performance was assessed using volume load, reactive strength index, and mean concentric velocity with rating of perceived exertion recorded after exercise. Participants completed awakening saliva s ling and the Multi-component Training Distress Scale daily. Volume load decreased trivially ( %, P 0.05) with SR. Mean concentric velocity per set was slower during SR for the lower-body (up to 15%, P 0.05), but not the upper-body, compound lifts. Intraset velocity loss was up to 7% greater during SR for back squats ( P 0.05). SR increased salivary cortisol area under the curve (by 42%), total training distress (by 84%), and session perceived exertion (by 11%). Sustained SR reduces markers of resistance exercise quality (bar velocity) more than quantity (volume load) and increases perceived effort at the same relative intensity in resistance-trained females. Markers of exercise quality and internal load may be more sensitive than volume load, to advise coaches to the decline in lifting performance for female athletes experiencing SR.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 26-04-2022
DOI: 10.1111/LIV.15264
Abstract: Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is predominantly managed by lifestyle intervention, in the absence of effective pharmacotherapies. Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) is the recommended diet, albeit with limited evidence. To compare an ad libitum MedDiet to low‐fat diet (LFD) in patients with NAFLD for reducing intrahepatic lipids (IHL) by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy ( 1 H‐MRS). Secondary outcomes include insulin resistance by homeostatic model of assessment (HOMA‐IR), visceral fat by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), liver stiffness measurement (LSM) and other metabolic outcomes. In this parallel multicentre RCT, subjects were randomised (1:1) to MedDiet or LFD for 12 weeks. Forty‐two participants (25 females [60%], mean age 52.3 ± 12.6 years) were included, 23 randomised to LFD and 19 to MedDiet. 39 completed the study. Following 12 weeks, there were no between‐group differences. IHL improved significantly within the LFD group (−17% [log scale] p = .02) but not within the MedDiet group (−8%, p = .069). HOMA‐IR reduced in the LFD group (6.5 ± 5.6 to 5.5 ± 5.5, p .01) but not in the MedDiet group (4.4 ± 3.2 to 3.9 ± 2.3, p = .07). No differences were found for LSM (MedDiet 7.8 ± 4.0 to 7.6 ± 5.2, p = .429 LFD 11.8 ± 14.3 to 10.8 ± 10.2 p = .99). Visceral fat reduced significantly in both groups LFD (−76% [log scale], p = .0005), MedDiet (−61%, p = .0005). There were no between‐group differences for hepatic and metabolic outcomes when comparing MedDiet to LFD. LFD improved IHL and insulin resistance. Significant improvements in visceral fat were seen within both groups. This study highlights provision of dietary interventions in free‐living adults with NAFLD is challenging.
Publisher: American Physiological Society
Date: 03-2023
DOI: 10.1152/JAPPLPHYSIOL.00637.2021
Abstract: Intramuscular lipid (IMCL) utilization during exercise was controversial as numerous studies did not observe a decline in IMCL content post-exercise when assessed in muscle biopsies using biochemical techniques. Contemporary techniques including immunofluorescence microscopy and 1 H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy ( 1 H-MRS) offer advantages over biochemical techniques. The primary aim of this systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression was to examine the net degradation of IMCL in response to an acute bout of cycling exercise in humans, as assessed with different analytical approaches. A secondary aim was to explore the factors influencing IMCL degradation including feeding status, exercise variables, and participant characteristics. A total of 44 studies met the inclusion criteria using biochemical, immunofluorescence, and 1 H-MRS techniques. A meta-analysis was completed using a random effects model and percentage change in IMCL content calculated from the standardized mean difference. Cycling exercise resulted in a net degradation of IMCL regardless of technique (total effect −23.7%, 95% CI = −28.7 to −18.7%) and there was no difference when comparing fasted versus fed-state exercise ( P 0.05). IMCL degradation using immunofluorescence techniques detected larger effects in type I fibers compared with whole muscle using biochemical techniques ( P = 0.003) and in type I fibers compared with type II fibers ( P 0.001). Although IMCL degradation was associated with exercise duration, V̇o 2max , and BMI, none of these factors independently related to the change in IMCL content. These findings provide strong evidence that the analytical approach can influence the assessment of IMCL degradation in human skeletal muscle in response to exercise.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 30-10-2021
DOI: 10.1186/S12877-021-02555-6
Abstract: Falls are a major health burden for older adults with Parkinson’s disease (PD), but there is currently no reliable questionnaire to capture the circumstances and consequences of falls in older adults with PD. This study aimed to develop a PD-specific falls questionnaire and to evaluate its test-retest reliability in older adults with PD. A novel PD-specific falls questionnaire (PDF-Q) was developed in two modes (online and paper-based version) and used to assess falls and near-falls events over the past 12-months. Questions were agreed upon by an expert group, with the domains based on previous falls-related questionnaires. The questions included the number and circumstances (activities, location and direction) of falls and near-falls, and consequences (injuries and medical treatment) of falls. The PDF-Q was distributed to 46 older adults with PD (online n = 30, paper n = 16), who completed the questionnaire twice, 4 weeks apart. Kappa (κ) statistics were used to establish test-retest reliability of the questionnaire items. Pooled results from both questionnaires for all participants were used to assess the overall test-retest reliability of the questionnaire. Questions assessing the number of falls ( κ = 0.41) and the number of near-falls ( κ = 0.51) in the previous 12-months demonstrated weak agreement, while questions on the location of falls ( κ = 0.89) and near-falls ( κ = 1.0) demonstrated strong to almost perfect agreement. Questions on the number of indoor ( κ = 0.86) and outdoor ( κ = 0.75) falls demonstrated moderate to strong agreement, though questions related to the number of indoor ( κ = 0.47) and outdoor ( κ = 0.56) near-falls demonstrated weak agreement. Moderate to strong agreement scores were observed for the most recent fall and near-fall in terms of the direction (indoor fall κ = 0.80 outdoor fall κ = 0.81 near-fall κ = 0.54), activity (indoor fall κ = 0.70 outdoor fall κ = 0.82 near-fall κ = 0.65) and cause (indoor fall κ = 0.75 outdoor fall κ = 0.62 near-fall κ = 0.56). The new PDF-Q developed in this study was found to be reliable for capturing the circumstances and consequences of recent falls and near-falls in older adults with PD.
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.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 26-06-2020
DOI: 10.1186/S12889-020-09112-7
Abstract: Recent evidence suggests that work-related physical activity may not have the same mental health benefits as leisure-time physical activity. Further, work-related physical activity is likely to include a variety of different behaviours for people with different occupations. As such, the aim of this study was to determine if occupation type moderated the association between work-related physical activity and psychological distress. A randomly selected s le of 1080 women from Melbourne, Australia completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-30), and reported their current occupation. Linear regression analyses indicated that occupation significantly moderated the association between work-related walking and psychological distress (F [8, 55] = 2.26, p = .036). Given evidence of moderation, we fitted linear regression models to test the associations between work-related physical activity and psychological distress for three separate groups professionals, sales and services workers, and tradespersons. Female tradespersons who engaged in a low (B = − 3.81, p = .006) or high amount of work-related walking (B = − 3.23, p = .029), had significantly lower psychological distress symptoms than those who engaged in no work-related walking. There were no significant associations between work-related physical activity of any intensity and psychological distress for professionals, or sales and service workers. Given the relationship does not exist across all occupations, work-related physical activity should not be promoted above and beyond leisure-time physical activity. However, walking at work may be important in reducing psychological distress for some people and should therefore, not be discounted.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.JAND.2017.03.016
Abstract: High consumption of protein has been associated with accelerated growth and adiposity in early childhood. To describe intake, food sources, correlates, and tracking of protein in young children. Secondary analysis of Melbourne Infant Feeding Activity and Nutrition Trial (InFANT). Dietary data were collected using three 24-hour dietary recalls at ages 9 and 18 months as well as 3.5 and 5 years. First-time mothers and their child (n=542) participated in an 18-month intervention to prevent childhood obesity and the cohort was followed-up with no intervention when children were aged 3.5 and 5 years. Protein intake, food sources, correlates, and tracking of protein. Child and maternal correlates of protein intake were identified using linear regression and tracking of protein intake was examined using Pearson correlations of residualized protein scores between time points. Mean protein (grams per day) intake was 29.7±11.0, 46.3±11.5, 54.2±13.8, and 60.0±14.8 at 9 and 18 months and 3.5 and 5 years, respectively. Protein intakes at all ages were two to three times greater than age-appropriate Australian recommendations. The primary source of protein at 9 months was breast/formula milk. At later ages, the principal sources were milk/milk products, breads/cereals, and meat/meat products. Earlier breastfeeding cessation, earlier introduction of solids, high dairy milk consumption (≥500 mL), and high maternal education were significant predictors of high protein intake at various times (P<0.05). Slight tracking was found for protein intakes at 9 months, 18 months, and 5 years (r=0.16 to 0.21 P<0.01). This study provides unique insights into food sources and correlates of young children's high protein intakes, and confirms that early protein intakes track slightly up to age 5 years. These finding have potential to inform nutrition interventions and strategies to address high protein intakes and protein-related obesity risk.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 17-11-2022
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 28-10-2014
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2023
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 28-09-2011
Abstract: Perceptions that fruit and vegetables are expensive are more common among the socio-economically disadvantaged groups and are linked to poor dietary outcomes. Such perceptions may be exacerbated in countries recently affected by natural disasters, where devastation of fruit and vegetable crops has resulted in increase in prices of fruit and vegetables. Examining the associations of perceptions of fruit and vegetable affordability and children's diets can offer insights into how the high prices of fruit and vegetables might have an impact on the diets of children. We analysed the data from 546 socio-economically disadvantaged mother-child pairs to assess the relationship between maternal perceptions of fruit and vegetable affordability and the diets of their children. Fruit consumption was lower among children whose mothers felt the cost of fruit was too high. Maternal perceptions of fruit and vegetable affordability were not associated with any other aspect of child's diet. Our results suggest a possible role for maternal perceptions of fruit affordability in children's diet, though further research is warranted.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2019
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 07-11-2021
Abstract: Identifying correlates of behavioural patterns are important to target population sub-groups at increased health risk. The aim was to investigate correlates of behavioural patterns comprising four behavioural domains in children. Data were from the HAPPY study when children were 6–8 years (n = 335) and 9–11 years (n = 339). Parents reported correlate and behavioural data (dietary intake, physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and sleep). Behavioural data were additionally captured using accelerometers. Latent profile analysis was used to derive patterns. Patterns were identified as healthy, unhealthy, and mixed at both time points. Multinomial logistic regression tested for associations. Girls were more likely to display healthy patterns at 6–8 years and display unhealthy and mixed patterns at 9–11 years than boys, compared to other patterns at the corresponding ages. Increased risk of displaying the unhealthy pattern with higher age was observed at both timepoints. At 9–11 years, higher parental working hours were associated with lower risk of displaying mixed patterns compared to the healthy pattern. Associations observed revealed girls and older children to be at risk for unhealthy patterns, warranting customisation of health efforts to these groups. The number of behaviours included when deriving patterns and the in idual behaviours that dominate each pattern appear to be drivers of the associations for child level, but not for family level, correlates.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2015
Abstract: Fiscal strategies are increasingly considered upstream nutrition promotion measures. However, few trials have investigated the effectiveness or cost effectiveness of pricing manipulations on diet in real-world settings. We assessed the effects on fruit, vegetable, and beverage purchasing and consumption of a 20% price-reduction intervention, a tailored skills-based behavior-change intervention, and a combined intervention compared with a control condition. The Supermarket Healthy Eating for Life trial was a randomized controlled trial conducted over 3 mo [baseline (time 1) to postintervention (time 2) with a 6-mo follow-up (time 3)]. Female primary household shoppers in Melbourne, Australia, were randomly assigned to a 1) skill-building (n = 160), 2) price-reduction (n = 161), 3) combined skill-building and price-reduction (n = 160), or 4) control (n = 161) group. Supermarket transaction data and surveys were used to measure the following study outcomes: fruit, vegetable, and beverage purchases and self-reported fruit and vegetable consumption at each time point. At 3 mo (time 2), price reduction-alone participants purchased more total vegetables and frozen vegetables than did controls. Price reduction-alone and price reduction-plus-skill-building participants purchased more fruit than did controls. Relative to controls, in the price-reduction group, total vegetable consumption increased by 233 g/wk (3.1 servings or 15% more than at baseline), and fruit purchases increased by 364 g/wk (2.4 servings 35% more than at baseline). Increases were not maintained 6 mo postintervention (time 3). Price reduction-alone participants showed a tendency for a slight increase in fruit consumption at time 2 (P = 0.09) that was maintained at time 3 (P = 0.014). No intervention improved purchases of bottled water or low-calorie beverages. A 20% price reduction in fruit and vegetables resulted in increased purchasing per household of 35% for fruit and 15% for vegetables over the price-reduction period. These findings show that price modifications can directly increase produce purchases. The Supermarket Healthy Eating for Life trial was registered at Current Controlled Trials Registration as ISRCTN39432901.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 09-03-2020
DOI: 10.3390/NU12030724
Abstract: Traditional approaches to understanding the behavioural determinants of adiposity have considered diet, physical activity and sedentary behaviour in isolation. Although integrative approaches have identified a variety of lifestyle patterns in children at preschool-age or older, along with some variability by socio-economic positions, this has rarely been examined in younger cohorts. We aimed to identify lifestyle patterns at 1.5, 3.5 and 5 years, including dietary intake, outdoor time and television viewing time, to assess associations with maternal education (as a proxy for socio-economic position), and to investigate their persistence between toddlerhood and preschool age. Participants were 417 and 293 children aged 1.5 y from the Melbourne Infant Feeding Activity and Nutrition Trial (InFANT) and InFANT Extend Programs, respectively. Data were collected using questionnaires at child ages 1.5, 3.5 and 5 y (InFANT) and 1.5 and 3.5 y (InFANT Extend). Principal component analysis was undertaken at each time point on the separate and pooled datasets. Associations between the lifestyle patterns scores and maternal education were assessed with multivariable regression analysis. Two lifestyle patterns (“Discretionary consumption and TV” and “Fruit, vegetables and outdoor”) were identified as early as 1.5 y. They remained consistent across ages and were evident in both datasets. These patterns were inversely and positively associated with maternal education, respectively. Such early clustering of obesity related energy balance behaviours and tracking during early childhood suggests there may be shared antecedents common to the in idual behaviours that could be targeted for intervention. Our findings provide support for interventions targeting multiple behaviours and tailored to the level of family socio-economic disadvantage.
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 10-2018
Abstract: Perceived motor competence is a subdomain of perceived physical competence that is related to the practice of physical activity and motor skills. The Pictorial Scale of Perceived Movement Skill Competence (PMSC) assesses perceived motor competence (locomotor, object control, and active play skills) in children. The purpose of the present study was twofold: first, to translate the PMSC into Spanish and to test the reliability (internal consistency and test-retest) and construct validity of the aforementioned scale in a Spanish s le second, to analyze children’s perception of motor competence according to gender. Two hundred and forty-seven typically developed children (51% boys) between 5 and 11 years old participated in the study. Internal consistency reliability was acceptable. Children’s test-retest reliability was between high and excellent. A Bayesian Structural Equation approach showed the original hypothesized three-factor model was a poor fit, but a two-factor model (i.e., locomotion and object control) was an adequate fit. Boys reported higher perception in the object control and overall motor competence, but similar perception in locomotor skills to girls. The PMSC can provide a useful way to study the nature and impact of motor competence perception in young children of Spanish-speaking communities.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 04-2021
DOI: 10.1136/BMJOPEN-2020-045362
Abstract: To examine associations of three diet quality indices and a polygenic risk score with incidence of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality, myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke. Prospective cohort study. UK Biobank, UK. 77 004 men and women (40–70 years) recruited between 2006 and 2010. A polygenic risk score was created from 300 single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with CVD. Cox proportional HRs were used to estimate independent effects of diet quality and genetic risk on all-cause mortality, CVD mortality, MI and stroke risk. Dietary intake (Oxford WebQ) was used to calculate Recommended Food Score (RFS), Healthy Diet Indicator (HDI) and Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS). New all-cause (n=2409) and CVD (n=364) deaths and MI (n=1141) and stroke (n=748) events were identified during mean follow-ups of 7.9 and 7.8 years, respectively. The adjusted HR associated with one-point higher RFS for all-cause mortality was 0.96 (95% CI: 0.94 to 0.98), CVD mortality was 0.94 (95% CI: 0.90 to 0.98), MI was 0.97 (95% CI: 0.95 to 1.00) and stroke was 0.94 (95% CI: 0.91 to 0.98). The adjusted HR for all-cause mortality associated with one-point higher HDI and MDS was 0.97 (95% CI: 0.93 to 0.99) and 0.95 (95% CI: 0.91 to 0.98), respectively. The adjusted HR associated with one-point higher MDS for stroke was 0.93 (95% CI: 0.87 to 1.00). There was little evidence of associations between HDI and risk of CVD mortality, MI or stroke. There was evidence of an interaction between diet quality and genetic risk score for MI. Higher diet quality predicted lower risk of all-cause mortality, independent of genetic risk. Higher RFS was also associated with lower risk of CVD mortality and MI. These findings demonstrate the benefit of following a healthy diet, regardless of genetic risk.
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.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 28-02-2013
DOI: 10.1111/J.1751-7893.2012.00346.X
Abstract: Deficits in facial affect recognition are well established in schizophrenia, yet relatively little research has examined facial affect recognition in hypothetically psychosis-prone or 'schizotypal' in iduals. Those studies that have examined social cognition in psychosis-prone in iduals have paid little attention to the association between facial emotion recognition and particular schizotypal personality features. The present study therefore sought to investigate relationships between facial emotion recognition and the different aspects of schizotypy. Facial affect recognition accuracy was examined in 50 psychiatrically healthy in iduals assessed for level of schizotypy using the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire. This instrument provides a multidimensional measure of schizophrenia proneness, encompassing 'cognitive-perceptual', 'interpersonal' and 'disorganized' features of schizotypy. It was hypothesized that the cognitive-perceptual and interpersonal aspects of schizotypy would be associated with difficulties identifying facial expressions of emotion during a forced-choice recognition task using a standardized series of colour photographs. As predicted, interpersonal aspects of schizotypy (particularly social anxiety) were associated with reduced accuracy on the facial affect recognition task, but there was no association between affect recognition accuracy and cognitive-perceptual features of schizotypy. These results suggest that subtle deficits in facial affect recognition in otherwise psychiatrically healthy in iduals may be related to the vulnerability for interpersonal communication difficulties, as seen in schizophrenia.
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 27-07-2021
DOI: 10.1371/JOURNAL.PONE.0255203
Abstract: Behavioural patterns are typically derived using unsupervised multivariate methods such as principal component analysis (PCA), latent profile analysis (LPA) and cluster analysis (CA). Comparability and congruence between the patterns derived from these methods has not been previously investigated, thus it’s unclear whether patterns from studies using different methods are directly comparable. This study aimed to compare behavioural patterns derived across diet, physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep domains, using PCA, LPA and CA in a single dataset. Parent-report and accelerometry data from the second wave (2011/12 child age 6-8y, n = 432) of the HAPPY cohort study (Melbourne, Australia) were used to derive behavioural patterns using PCA, LPA and CA. Standardized variables assessing diet (intake of fruit, vegetable, sweet, and savoury discretionary items), physical activity (moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity [MVPA] from accelerometry, organised sport duration and outdoor playtime from parent report), sedentary behaviour (sedentary time from accelerometry, screen time, videogames and quiet playtime from parent report) and sleep (daily sleep duration) were included in the analyses. For each method, commonly used criteria for pattern retention were applied. PCA produced four patterns whereas LPA and CA each generated three patterns. Despite the number and characterisation of the behavioural patterns derived being non-identical, each method identified a healthy, unhealthy and a mixed pattern. Three common underlying themes emerged across the methods for each type of pattern: (i) High fruit and vegetable intake and high outdoor play (“healthy”) (ii) poor diet (either low fruit and vegetable intake or high discretionary food intake) and high sedentary behaviour (“unhealthy”) and (iii) high MVPA, poor diet (as defined above) and low sedentary time (“mixed”). Within this s le, despite differences in the number of patterns derived by each method, a good degree of concordance across pattern characteristics was seen between the methods. Differences between patterns could be attributable to the underpinning statistical technique of each method. Therefore, acknowledging the differences between the methods and ensuring thorough documentation of the pattern derivation analyses is essential to inform comparison of patterns derived through a range of approaches across studies.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 2014
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 23-03-2010
Abstract: Socioeconomically disadvantaged mothers are at high risk of obesity, yet the aetiology of obesity in this group remains poorly understood. The aim of this study was to examine the perceived personal, social and physical environmental factors associated with resilience to obesity among mothers from socioeconomically disadvantaged neighbourhoods. Survey data were provided by a cohort of 1840 women aged 18-46 years with dependent children (aged 0-18 years) from 40 urban and 40 rural socioeconomically disadvantaged neighbourhoods across Victoria, Australia. Mothers responded to a number of questions relating to personal, social and environmental influences on their physical activity and eating habits. Mothers' weight status was classified as healthy weight (BMI: 18.5-24.99), overweight (BMI: 25-29.99) or obese (BMI: 30+). Mothers' weight status was bivariably associated with factors from all three domains (personal, social and physical environmental). In a multivariable model, mothers' perceived ability to make time for healthy eating (OR = 1.34) and physical activity (OR = 1.11) despite family commitments, and the frequency with which families ate healthy low-fat foods with mothers (OR = 1.28) remained significantly positively associated with healthy weight status. The frequency with which families encouraged eating healthy low-fat foods remained negatively associated (OR = 0.81) with weight status ie greater encouragement was associated with less healthy weight status. Drawing on the characteristics of mothers resilient to obesity might assist in developing intervention strategies to help other mothers in socioeconomically disadvantaged neighbourhoods to manage their weight. Such strategies might focus on planning for and prioritising time for healthy eating and physical activity behaviours, and including family members in and encouraging family mealtimes.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 09-2021
DOI: 10.1136/BMJOPEN-2021-051665
Abstract: Low muscle mass and low muscle attenuation (radiodensity), reflecting increased muscle adiposity, are prevalent muscle abnormalities in people with lung cancer receiving curative intent chemoradiation therapy (CRT) or radiation therapy (RT). Currently, there is a limited understanding of the magnitude, determinants and clinical significance of these muscle abnormalities in the lung cancer CRT/RT population. The primary objective of this study is to identify the predictors of muscle abnormalities (low muscle mass and muscle attenuation) and their depletion over time in people with lung cancer receiving CRT/RT. Secondary objectives are to assess the magnitude of change in these parameters and their association with health-related quality of life, treatment completion, toxicities and survival. Patients diagnosed with lung cancer and planned for treatment with CRT/RT are invited to participate in this prospective observational study, with a target of 120 participants. The impact and predictors of muscle abnormalities (assessed via CT at the third lumbar vertebra) prior to and 2 months post CRT/RT on the severity of treatment toxicities, treatment completion and survival will be assessed by examining the following variables: demographic and clinical factors, weight loss, malnutrition, muscle strength, physical performance, energy and protein intake, physical activity and sedentary time, risk of sarcopenia (Strength, Assistance in walking, Rise from a chair, Climb stairs, Falls history (SARC-F) score alone and with calf-circumference) and systemic inflammation. A s le of purposively selected participants with muscle abnormalities will be invited to take part in semistructured interviews to understand their ability to cope with treatment and explore preference for treatment strategies focused on nutrition and exercise. The PREDICT study received ethics approval from the Human Research Ethics Committee at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre (HREC/53147/PMCC-2019) and Deakin University (2019-320). Findings will be disseminated through peer review publications and conference presentations.
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 25-04-2018
DOI: 10.2196/MHEALTH.9303
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 13-07-2023
DOI: 10.1093/IJE/DYAC142
Abstract: Behavioural patterns help to understand the influence of multiple health behaviours on childhood outcomes. Behavioural patterns derived using different data reduction techniques can be non-identical and may differentially associate with childhood outcomes. This study aimed to compare associations of behavioural patterns derived from three methods with three childhood outcomes. Data were from the Healthy Active Preschool and Primary Years study when children were 6–8 years old (n = 432). Cluster analysis (CA), latent profile analysis (LPA) and principal component analysis (PCA) were used to derive behavioural patterns from children’s diet, physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep data. Behavioural data were obtained through parent report and accelerometry. Children’s height, weight and waist circumference were measured by trained study staff. Health-related quality of life data were obtained using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory and academic performance scores were from a national test. Associations between derived patterns from each method and each of the outcomes were tested using linear regression (adjusted for child age and sex and parent education). Three patterns were each derived using CA and LPA, and four patterns were derived using PCA. Each method identified a healthy, an unhealthy and a mixed (comprising healthy and unhealthy behaviours together) pattern. Differences in associations were observed between pattern groups from CA and LPA and pattern scores from PCA with the three outcomes. Discrepancies in associations across pattern derivation methods suggests that the choice of method can influence subsequent associations with outcomes. This has implications for comparison across studies that have employed different methods.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 13-05-2021
DOI: 10.1038/S41598-021-89232-1
Abstract: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between endogenous testosterone concentrations and lean mass and handgrip strength in healthy, pre-menopausal females. Testosterone has been positively associated with lean mass and strength in young and older males. Whether this relationship exists in pre-menopausal females is unknown. Secondary data from the 2013–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were used to test this relationship. Females were aged 18–40 (n = 716, age 30 ± 6 years, mean ± SD) and pre-menopausal. Multivariate linear regression models were used to examine associations between total testosterone, lean mass index (LMI) and handgrip strength. Mean ± SD testosterone concentration was 1.0 ± 0.6 nmol L −1 and mean free androgen index (FAI) was 0.02 ± 0.02. In pre-menopausal females, testosterone was not associated with LMI (β = 0.05 95%CI − 0.04, 0.15 p = 0.237) or handgrip strength (β = 0.01 95%CI − 0.11, 0.12 p = 0.926) in a statistically significant manner. Conversely, FAI was associated with LMI (β = − 0.03 95%CI − 0.05, − 0.02 p = 0.000) in a quadratic manner, meaning LMI increases with increasing FAI levels. Handgrip strength was not associated with FAI (β = 0.06 95%CI − 0.02, 0.15 p = 0.137) . These findings indicate that FAI, but not total testosterone, is associated with LMI in pre-menopausal females. Neither FAI nor total testosterone are associated with handgrip strength in pre-menopausal females when testosterone concentrations are not altered pharmacologically.
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 29-10-2017
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 24-01-2020
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.HEALTHPLACE.2017.02.003
Abstract: This study examined two year changes in children's active transport and independent mobility and prospective associations between in idual, social and physical environmental predictors of interest and these behaviors two years later. Overall, 43.5% of children (12.0±2.1 years) used active transport on the school journey at T1 and at T2 (p=0.77), and 35.3% engaged in independent mobility on the school journey at T1 and 29.6% at T2 (p=0.07). Enjoyment, parental safety concerns, and proximity to walking tracks were associated with independent mobility on the school journey. Road safety and social norms were associated with active transport and independent mobility to local destinations. These factors provide potential targets for interventions.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 18-12-2021
DOI: 10.1186/S12966-021-01233-5
Abstract: There is growing evidence that diet is associated with both depressive symptoms and clinical depression, likely through biological mechanisms. However, it is also plausible that depression impacts diet, for ex le by impairing the personal drivers of healthy eating behaviors such as self-efficacy. This study is one of the first to explore the association of depressive symptoms with healthy eating self-efficacy over time. Data was drawn from the Resilience for Eating and Activity Despite Inequality (READI) longitudinal study, a prospective cohort study of socioeconomically disadvantaged Australian women. This analysis includes a sub-s le of 1264 women. Linear mixed models, with random intercepts for suburb of residence, were performed to explore the relationships between total healthy eating self-efficacy at 5-years follow-up and depressive symptoms over time, whilst adjusting for potential confounders. To assess different trajectories of depressive symptoms over time, four categories were created 1. no depressive symptoms ( n = 667) , 2. resolved depressive symptoms ( n = 165), 3. new depressive symptoms ( n = 189), and 4. persistent depressive symptoms ( n = 243). There was very strong evidence of a difference in total healthy eating self-efficacy at follow-up between the four depressive symptoms trajectory categories (F(3,235) = 7.06, p .0001), after adjusting for potential confounders. Pairwise comparisons indicated strong evidence of higher healthy eating self-efficacy among in iduals with no depressive symptoms compared to in iduals with persistent depressive symptoms (B = 1.97[95%CI: 0.60,3.33], p = .005). Similarly, there was evidence of higher healthy eating self-efficacy in in iduals with resolved depressive symptoms than those with persistent depressive symptoms (B = 1.95[95%CI: 0.18,3.72], p = .031). This study provides new insights demonstrating differences in total healthy eating self-efficacy at 5-year follow-up according to trajectory of depressive symptoms over time. Future interventions should focus on strategies that enhance self-efficacy among in iduals with or at risk of depressive symptoms for supporting healthier dietary practices, which in turn, may contribute to reducing the highly burdensome mental health condition.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2021
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 10-04-2020
DOI: 10.1186/S12937-020-00540-0
Abstract: Depression is the single largest contributor to global disability. There is growing evidence that a healthy diet is associated with reduced depression risk. However, beyond the Mediterranean diet, few longitudinal studies have explored the relationship between adherence to national dietary guidelines and depression. Hence, this study investigates the relationship between adherence to Australian Dietary Guidelines and depressive symptoms. Data was drawn from the READI longitudinal study, a prospective cohort study of socioeconomically disadvantaged Australian women. This analysis includes a sub-s le of 837 women. A generalized linear model was used to explore whether baseline diet (assessed using the Dietary Guideline Index (DGI-2013 score range 0 to 85)) was associated with risk of developing depressive symptoms (measured by the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D)) at 5 years follow-up, whilst adjusting for potential confounders. A fixed-effects model was used to assess associations between concurrent changes in diet quality and depressive symptoms from baseline to 5 years follow-up. An association between baseline diet quality and risk of developing depressive symptoms at follow-up was observed, where a 10 unit increase in DGI-2013 score was associated with an estimated 12% lower risk of developing heightened depressive symptoms (RR = 0.875, 95%CI 0.784 to 0.978, p = 0.018). The fixed-effects model indicated that an increase in DGI score over 5 years follow-up was associated with a lower (improved) CES-D score (B = -0.044, 95% CI − 0.08 to − 0.01, p = 0.024). Our results provide evidence that better adherence to the Australian Dietary Guidelines may result in improved depressive symptoms. The growing high-quality evidence regarding the diet-depression relationship provides us with a rationale for developing strategies for supporting dietary behaviour change programs to lower depression rates.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2012
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2021
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.HEALTHPLACE.2015.12.004
Abstract: This study examined relationships between three measures of park availability and self-reported physical activity (PA), television viewing (TV) time, and overweight/obesity among women from Australia and the United States. Having more parks near home was the only measure of park availability associated with an outcome. Australian women (n=1848) with more parks near home had higher odds of meeting PA recommendations and lower odds of being overweight/obese. In the US s le (n=489), women with more parks near home had lower odds of watching >4h TV per day. A greater number of parks near home was associated with lower BMI among both Australian and US women. Evidence across erse contexts provides support to improve park availability to promote PA and other health behaviors.
Publisher: Inderscience Publishers
Date: 2022
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 28-04-2023
DOI: 10.1007/S00394-023-03157-1
Abstract: To assess the association between nut and seed consumption, both combined and separately, and metabolic syndrome and its components, including fasting glucose, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, central obesity, and blood pressure. This cross-sectional analysis used data from 22,687 adults (aged ≥ 18 years) involved in seven cycles (2005–2018) of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Habitual nut and seed intakes were estimated by the Multiple Source Method using data from two 24-h dietary recalls. Metabolic syndrome was ascertained using biochemical data and self-reported medication use. Sex-specific effect estimates were obtained using logistic and linear regressions adjusting for lifestyle and socioeconomic confounders. Compared to non-consumers, female, but not male, habitual consumers of either nuts or seeds had lower odds of having metabolic syndrome (OR: 0.83, 95% CI 0.71, 0.97). Both nut intake alone and seed intake alone were inversely associated with high fasting glucose and low HDL-cholesterol in females compared to non-consumers. When restricted to habitual consumers only, the combined intake of nuts and seeds at 6 g/day was associated with the lowest triglycerides and highest HDL-cholesterol in females. Combined consumption of nuts and seeds up to one ounce-equivalent (15 g) per day, but not in higher intake levels, was inversely associated with metabolic syndrome, high fasting glucose, central obesity, and low HDL-cholesterol in females. Nut and seed consumption, both separately or combined, below 15 g/day was inversely associated with metabolic syndrome and its component conditions in females but not males.
Publisher: Revista Internacional de Ciencias del Deporte (RICYDE)
Date: 2019
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 24-02-2016
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2022
DOI: 10.1016/J.CLNU.2022.07.005
Abstract: Diet and genetic predisposition to adiposity are independent predictors of body composition, yet few cohort studies have examined the association between overall diet quality indices, genetic risk and body composition. This study examined the prospective association of three diet quality indices and a polygenic risk score (PRS) with trunk fat mass, total fat mass, lean mass and bone mineral content. Adults from UK Biobank cohort were included. Dietary intake was assessed using the Oxford WebQ and three diet quality indices calculated: Recommended Food Score (RFS) Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS) Healthy Diet Indicator (HDI). Bioimpedance data were available for trunk fat, total fat and lean mass (kg). Trunk fat mass (kg), total fat mass (kg) and lean mass (kg) were assessed using bioelectrical impedance (BIA) in 17,478 adults. Bone mineral content (g) was available from dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans in 11,887 participants. Linear regression analyses, adjusted for demographic and lifestyle confounders, were used to estimate prospective associations between each diet quality index and body composition outcomes. A PRS created from 97 adiposity-related single nucleotide polymorphisms was used to examine interaction effects. A total of 17,478 adults (M = 55.9, SD 7.5 years) were followed up for up to 10 years. RFS, HDI and MDS were inversely associated with trunk fat (RFS: B -0.29 95% CI: -0.33, -0.25 HDI: -0.23 -0.27, -0.19 MDS: -0.22 -0.26, -0.18), total fat (RFS: B -0.49 95% CI: -0.56, -0.42 HDI: -0.38 -0.45, -0.32 MDS: -0.38 -0.44, -0.32) and lean (RFS: B -0.10 95% CI: -0.14, -0.06 HDI: -0.07 -0.11, -0.03 MDS: -0.07 -0.11, -0.04) mass. Diet quality was positively associated with bone mineral content (RFS: B 8.23 95% CI: 2.14, 14.3 HDI: 6.77 1.00, 12.5). There was evidence of non-linear associations between diet quality (RFS and HDI only) and trunk fat (p < 0.01) and total fat mass (p < 0.05). There was limited evidence PRS was associated with body composition, with interaction effects of PRS and HDI (p-interaction = 0.039) and MDS (p-interaction = 0.031) on total fat mass. Higher diet quality was associated with lower trunk fat, total fat and lean mass, regardless of the diet quality index examined (RFS, HDI or MDS), while higher diet quality (RFS and HDI only) was associated with higher bone mineral content. The benefit of higher diet quality on reducing total fat mass was most evident in in iduals with higher generic risk of adiposity. These findings underscore the importance of a high-quality diet for maintaining optimal body composition, particularly in in iduals with genetic pre-disposition to adiposity.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2016
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2021
DOI: 10.1093/JN/NXAB106
Abstract: Our understanding of meal choices is limited by methodologies that do not account for the complexity of food choice behaviors. Discrete choice experiments (DCEs) rank choices in a decision-making context. This study aimed to rank the relative importance of influences on meal choices in young adults and examine interactions by subgroups. Adults (18-30 y) living in Australia were recruited via social media to complete an Internet-based DCE and survey. Participants were presented with 12 choice sets about a typical weekday meal, consisting of 5 attributes (taste, preparation time, nutrition content, cost, and quality). Diet quality (Dietary Guideline Index) was calculated from brief dietary questions. Conditional logit models ranked meal attributes, including interactions by sex, education, area-level disadvantage, diet quality, and weight status. In total, 577 adults (46% female, mean ± SD age 23.8 ± 3.8 y) completed the DCE and survey. Nutrition content was the most important influence on meal choice (B: 1.48 95% CI: 1.31, 1.64), followed by cost (B: -0.75 95% CI: -0.87, -0.63), quality (B: 0.58 95% CI: 0.49, 0.67), taste (B: 0.55 95% CI: 0.45, 0.65), and preparation time (B: -0.42 95% CI: -0.52, -0.31). Females, those with higher diet quality, and those with a BMI (in kg/m2) <25 had higher preferences for better nutrition content. Females had higher preferences for better taste and lower preferences for higher-cost meals. Participants with higher education had higher preferences for better nutrition content. Participants living in higher area-level disadvantage areas had higher preferences for longer preparation time. Nutrition content was the most important influence on young adults' meal choices. Preferences differed by sex, socioeconomic position, diet quality, and weight status. Findings show the suitability of DCEs for understanding food choice behaviors in young adults and support the need for meal-based interventions to be tailored according to demographic and health characteristics.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-2020
DOI: 10.1186/S12966-020-01059-7
Abstract: The diet of young adults is poor, yet little is known about the relative importance of influences on healthy eating in a decision-making context. The aim of this exploratory study was to understand the relative ranking of influences on meal choices in young adults and to investigate interactions between meal preferences and demographic and health characteristics. Adults aged 18–30 years ( n = 92, mean age: 23.9 (SD 3.4) years) completed an online discrete choice experiment. Participants were presented with 12 choice sets reflecting a typical weekday meal and were asked to choose between four meal options. Each meal consisted of a combination of five meal attributes (preparation time, cost, taste, familiarity and nutrition content) that each had three attribute levels. Data were analysed using conditional logit models. Subgroup analyses were performed by sex, education, income, weight status and meeting fruit and vegetable recommendations. Comparing the highest and lowest attribute levels, meal preferences were higher for better taste (B = 0.38 95% CI: 0.12, 0.63), familiarity (B = 0.37 95% CI: 0.21, 0.54) and nutrition content (B = 1.11 95% CI: 0.81, 1.41) and lower for increased preparation times (B = −0.33 95% CI: − 0.53, − 0.12) and cost (B = −0.50 95% CI: − 0.75, − 0.24). Nutrition content was the most important influence on meal choice. Cost was the second most important, followed by taste, familiarity and preparation time. Compared to males, females had a higher preference for better nutrition content, taste and familiarity and a lower preference for increased cost. Higher educated participants had a higher preference for better nutrition content, familiarity and taste compared to lower educated participants. Young adults who met recommendations for fruit and vegetable intake had a higher preference for better nutrition content compared to participants who did not meet recommendations. Nutrition content was the most important influence on young adults’ meal choices, followed by cost, taste, familiarity and preparation time. Preferences varied by demographics and health characteristics, suggesting that the focus of dietary interventions may benefit from being tailored to specific young adult groups.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 12-2010
DOI: 10.3109/17477161003777425
Abstract: This cross-sectional study aimed to describe parents' views regarding self-efficacy to influence children's eating and sedentary behaviours at two time points in early childhood, and to examine associations between these views and children's eating and sedentary behaviours. Mothers of 1-year (n=60) and 5-year-old children (n=80) were recruited through Maternal and Child Health Centres and kindergartens in Victoria, Australia. Mothers reported children's dietary intake, television viewing and perceptions of their self-efficacy regarding children's eating and sedentary behaviours. Overall, 5-year-old children consumed significantly more energy-dense food and drink and spent significantly more time viewing TV/DVD and video. Mothers of 1-year-olds were significantly more likely to report they felt confident to limit child's consumption of non-core foods/drinks, and to limit screen access (p<0.001). Measures of maternal self-efficacy were directly associated with 5-year-old children's water (p<0.05), and fruit and vegetable consumption (p<0.005), and with 1-year-old children's vegetable consumption (p<0.05), and were inversely associated with cordial and cake consumption (p<0.05). Maternal self-efficacy to limit viewing time was inversely associated with screen-time exposure in both age groups (p<0.01). This study suggests that mother's self-efficacy regarding limiting non-core foods/drinks and limiting screen-time exposures may decline during the first few years of a child's life. Higher maternal self-efficacy was associated with children having more obesity protective eating and sedentary behaviours at both ages. Interventions to support the development of healthy lifestyle behaviours may be most effective if they target mothers' self-efficacy in these domains early in their child's life.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 11-09-2013
Abstract: There is an increased risk of obesity amongst socioeconomically disadvantaged populations and emerging evidence suggests that psychological stress may be a key factor in this relationship. This paper reports the results of cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses of relationships between perceived stress, weight and weight-related behaviours in a cohort of socioeconomically disadvantaged women. This study used baseline and follow-up self-report survey data from the Resilience for Eating and Activity Despite Inequality study, comprising a cohort of 1382 women aged 18 to 46 years from 80 of the most socioeconomically disadvantaged neighbourhoods in Victoria, Australia. Women reported their height (baseline only), weight, sociodemographic characteristics, perceived stress, leisure-time physical activity, sedentary and dietary behaviours at baseline and three-year follow-up. Linear and multinomial logistic regression were used to examine cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between stress (predictor) and weight, and weight-related behaviours. Higher perceived stress in women was associated with a higher BMI, and to increased odds of being obese in cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses. Cross-sectional and longitudinal associations were found between stress and both less leisure-time physical activity, and more frequent fast food consumption. Longitudinal associations were also found between stress and increased television viewing time. The present study contributes to the literature related to the effects of stress on weight and weight-related behaviours. The findings suggest that higher stress levels could contribute to obesity risk in women. Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms underlying these associations. However, interventions that incorporate stress management techniques might help to prevent rising obesity rates among socioeconomically disadvantaged women.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2012
DOI: 10.1016/J.PSYCHRES.2011.08.013
Abstract: One hundred and thirty-nine university students completed measures of schizotypy and subjective well-being (SWB). Inverse associations were found between schizotypy and SWB scores. These results provide evidence that diminished SWB is characteristic along the schizophrenia continuum. Further research is required to determine the mechanisms by which schizotypal in iduals experience reduced life satisfaction.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2019
Publisher: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Date: 06-08-2020
DOI: 10.1101/2020.08.04.20168542
Abstract: Testosterone is a naturally occurring hormone that has been positively associated with lean mass and strength in males. Whether endogenous testosterone is related to lean mass and strength in females is unknown. To examine the relationship between endogenous testosterone concentration and lean mass and handgrip strength in healthy, pre-menopausal females. Secondary data from the 2013-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES)were used. Females were aged 18-40 (n=753, age 30 ± 6 yr, mean ± SD) and pre-menopausal. Multivariate linear regression models were used to examine associations between total testosterone, height-adjusted lean mass and handgrip strength. Mean ± SD testosterone concentration was 1.0 ± 0.6 nmol·L -1 and mean free androgen index (FAI) was 0.02 ± 0.02. Mean fat-free mass index (FFMI) was 16.4 ± 3.0 kg·m -2 and mean handgrip strength was 61.7 ± 10.5 kg. In females, testosterone was not associated with FFMI (β=0.08 95%CI: −0.02, 0.18 p=0.11) or handgrip strength (β=0.03 95%CI: −0.11, 0.17 p=0.67) in a statistically significant manner. Conversely, FAI was positively associated with FFMI (β=0.17 95%CI: 0.01, 0.33 p=0.04 ) but not handgrip strength (β=0.19 95%CI: −0.02, 0.21 p=0.10 ). These findings indicate that FAI, but not total testosterone, is associated with FFMI in females. The small coefficients however suggest that FAI only accounts for a minor proportion of the variance in FFMI, highlighting the complexity of the regulation of lean mass in female physiology. FAI nor total testosterone are associated with handgrip strength in females when testosterone concentrations are not altered pharmacologically.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 10-2022
DOI: 10.1136/BMJDRC-2022-002950
Abstract: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is highly prevalent (~75%) in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Since exercise and weight loss (WL) are recommended for the management of both NAFLD and T2D, this study examined whether progressive resistance training (PRT) plus WL could lead to greater improvements in the fatty liver index (FLI), an indicator of NAFLD, compared with WL alone in older adults with T2D. This study represents a secondary analysis of a 12-month, two-arm randomised controlled trial including 36 overweight and obese adults (60–80 years) with T2D randomly allocated to supervised PRT plus WL (hypocaloric diet) (n=19) or WL plus sham (stretching) (n=17) for 6 months (phase I), followed by 6-months home-based training with ad libitum diet (phase II). FLI, which is an algorithm based on waist circumference, body mass index, triglycerides and gamma-glutamyl transferase, was assessed at baseline and every 3 months. Linear mixed models were used to analyse between-group differences over time, adjusting for baseline values. At baseline, the mean±SD FLI was 76.6±18.5 and the likelihood of NAFLD (FLI ) in all participants was 86%. Following phase I, both groups had similar statistically significant improvements in FLI (mean change (95% CI): PRT+WL, −12 (−20 to –4) WL, −9 (−15 to –4)), with no significant between-group difference. After the subsequent 6-month home-based phase, the improvements in FLI tended to persist in both groups (PRT+WL, −7 (−11 to –2) WL, −4 (−10 to 1)), with no between-group differences. In older overweight adults with T2D, PRT did not enhance the benefits of WL on FLI, a predictor of NAFLD. ACTRN12622000640707.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2014
DOI: 10.1016/J.PSYCHRES.2014.05.040
Abstract: Autism spectrum and schizophrenia spectrum disorders are classified separately in the DSM-5, yet research indicates that these two disorders share overlapping features. The aim of the present study was to examine the overlap between autistic and schizotypal personality traits and whether anxiety and depression act as confounding variables in this relationship within a non-clinical population. One hundred and forty-four adults completed the Autism Spectrum Quotient and the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21. A number of associations were seen between autistic and schizotypal personality traits. However, negative traits were the only schizotypal feature to uniquely predict global autistic traits, thus highlighting the importance of interpersonal qualities in the overlap of autistic and schizotypal characteristics. The inclusion of anxiety and depression did not alter relationships between autistic and schizotypal traits, indicating that anxiety and depression are not confounders of this relationship. These findings have important implications for the conceptualisation of both disorders.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2018
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2022
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 02-06-2021
Abstract: Background: Understanding the mechanisms (mediators) of behavior change is crucial to designing more effective interventions. However, this is rarely reported. This paper investigates the mechanisms that explain the lack of intervention effect on physical activity and the significant effect on television viewing time from an early childhood trial. Methods: Secondary analyses were undertaken of data from a cluster randomized controlled trial. The Melbourne Infant Feeding, Activity and Nutrition Trial (INFANT) was a 15-month group program promoting obesity-protective behaviors from the age of 4 months. Outcomes relevant to the current study were child physical activity (accelerometer), television viewing time (maternal report) and 12 potential mediator scales (maternal report). Linear regression models used the product of coefficients method with a joint significance test. Results: Complete data were from 398 mother-child dyads. Despite weak evidence of an intervention effect on the mother’s physical activity knowledge and optimism, there was no effect on children’s physical activity, and no clear mechanisms were identified. An intervention effect was observed for the mothers’ television knowledge (unstandardized regression coefficient for a path (a) = 0.34, 95% confidence interval (CI95) = 0.22, 0.45), with weak evidence for maternal efficacy (a = 0.11, CI95 = −0.02, 0.24) and the use of television (a = −0.10, CI95 = −0.22, 0.01). The intervention impact on television knowledge explained 75% of the difference between the intervention and control groups in children’s television viewing. Conclusions: In the very early childhood period, as mothers are commencing their parenting journey, improving their behavioral knowledge appears to be the biggest contributor to reducing child television viewing, constituting a relatively simple strategy that could be implemented across clinical and public health settings. In contrast, it remains unclear what mechanisms may increase physical activity levels in this age group.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2016
Abstract: Behavioral interventions show potential for promoting increased fruit and vegetable consumption in the general population. However, little is known about their effectiveness or cost-effectiveness among socioeconomically disadvantaged groups, who are less likely to consume adequate fruit and vegetables. This study investigated the effects and costs of a behavior change intervention for increasing fruit and vegetable purchasing and consumption among socioeconomically disadvantaged women. ShopSmart 4 Health was a randomized controlled trial involving a 3-mo retrospective baseline data collection phase [time (T) 0], a 6-mo intervention (T1-T2), and a 6-mo no-intervention follow-up (T3). Socioeconomically disadvantaged women who were primary household shoppers in Melbourne, Australia, were randomly assigned to either a behavior change intervention arm (n = 124) or a control arm (n = 124). Supermarket transaction (sales) data and surveys measured the main outcomes: fruit and vegetable purchases and self-reported fruit and vegetable consumption. An analysis of supermarket transaction data showed no significant intervention effects on vegetable or fruit purchasing at T2 or T3. Participants in the behavior change intervention arm reported consumption of significantly more vegetables during the intervention (T2) than did controls, with smaller intervention effects sustained at 6 mo postintervention (T3). Relative to controls, vegetable consumption increased by ∼0.5 serving · participant(-1) · d(-1) from baseline to T2 and remained 0.28 servings/d higher than baseline at T3 among those who received the intervention. There was no intervention effect on reported fruit consumption. The behavior change intervention cost A$3.10 (in Australian dollars) · increased serving of vegetables(-1) · d(-1)CONCLUSIONS: This behavioral intervention increased vegetable consumption among socioeconomically disadvantaged women. However, the lack of observed effects on fruit consumption and on both fruit and vegetable purchasing at intervention stores suggests that further investigation of effective nutrition promotion approaches for this key target group is required. The ShopSmart 4 Health trial was registered at www.isrctn.com as ISRCTN48771770.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 06-02-2021
DOI: 10.1186/S12889-021-10339-1
Abstract: There is substantial scope for enhancing population health through increased park visits and active use of parks however, a better understanding of factors that influence park visitation is needed. This cross-sectional study examined how parent-reported satisfaction and perceived availability of parks were associated with adults’ physical activity and children’s physical activity and time spent outdoors, and whether these associations were mediated by park visitation. Self-reported surveys were completed by adults living within 5 km of two parks located in Melbourne, Australia. Participants reported their satisfaction with neighbourhood park quality, walking duration from home to the nearest park, and park visitation in the past 7 days. Participants with a child aged 2–15 years also answered similar questions in relation to their child. The primary outcome variable for adults was leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) and for children was proxy-reported time spent outside. The secondary outcome for adults was combined transportation and LTPA and for children (5–15 years) was the number of days physical activity recommendations were met in the past 7 days. Significant positive associations between park availability and park visitation in the past 7 days, and between park visitation and the outcome variables were observed among both adults ( n = 1085, M age = 48.9, SD 13.4) and children ( n = 753, M age = 8.8, SD = 3.7). The association between park satisfaction and park visitation was only significant among adults. Park visitation mediated associations between park availability and park satisfaction and the outcome variables among both adults and children. Improving park availability and users’ satisfaction with parks may increase visitation and consequently increase physical activity and time spent outdoors.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 2010
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 09-04-2015
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 14-01-2023
Abstract: Excess free sugars intake contributes to dental caries and obesity in children. Food frequency questionnaires (FFQ) that assess free sugars intake in young children are limited. This study evaluated the utility of a 68-item FFQ to assess free sugars intake in Australian young children against three 24-h recalls at ages 1.5, 3.5, and 5.0 years. Free sugars intakes estimated from two methods were compared using group- and in idual-level validation tests. Group-level tests revealed that mean free sugars intakes estimated from two methods were similar and Bland-Altman tests revealed no presence of proportional bias at age 1.5 years. For ages 3.5 and 5.0 years, the FFQ underestimated the free sugars intake compared to the recalls, and Bland-Altman tests revealed proportional bias. For in idual-level tests, the deattenuated correlation (R) between free sugars intakes estimated from two methods exhibited good agreement across three time-points (R: 0.54–0.62), as were the percentage agreement (68.5–73.6%) and weighted kappa (Kw: 0.26–0.39). The FFQ showed good validity at age 1.5 years. For ages 3.5 and 5.0 years, the FFQ showed good validity for in idual-level tests only. The FFQ provided stronger validity in the ranking of in iduals according to free sugars intake than comparing absolute free sugars intake at group level.
No related grants have been discovered for Gavin Abbott.