ORCID Profile
0000-0001-5713-3515
Current Organisation
University of South Australia
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Public Health and Health Services not elsewhere classified | Public Health and Health Services | Gene Expression | Oncology And Carcinogenesis | Protein Targeting And Signal Transduction | Genetics
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Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 20-09-2019
Abstract: Girls are typically less active in the schoolyard during recess than boys. It is therefore necessary to understand influences on girls’ recess activity in schoolyards. The aim of this qualitative study was to investigate girls’ perceptions of physical environmental factors influencing recess physical activity in re-designed schoolyards and to compare the perceptions of girls from different age groups. In 2018, 50 girls from five Danish schools were interviewed using photo-elicitation. The girls were from Grade 4 (n = 28, age 10–11) and Grade 6 (n = 22, age 12–13). Data were analysed using pen profiles constructed from verbatim transcripts. Ten factors emerged: variety, accessibility, size, designated spaces, greenery, playground markings, active play facilities, sports facilities, play equipment, and speakers. Play facilities (tr olines, obstacle courses, dancing and gymnastic appliances) were favoured over traditional sport facilities. Designated spaces, greenery and speakers were important for feeling comfortable within the schoolyard. Although similar factors were raised by the two age groups, some factors were perceived as enablers by the youngest and as barriers by the oldest girls, highlighting the complexity of designing schoolyards that cater to all ages. A greater understanding of how different designs and facilities may be perceived by girls of different ages is important for the design of future schoolyards.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2012
DOI: 10.1016/J.JSAMS.2011.09.003
Abstract: To examine the validity of a brief self-report questionnaire for assessing physical activity, and compliance and non-compliance with moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) recommendations in Australian adolescents against accelerometry. Cross-sectional study. MVPA of 203 adolescents (124 females, 79 males) aged 15-17 years was objectively assessed for 8 consecutive days using uni-axial accelerometers and calculated using age-specific cut-points. Adolescents self-reported the number of days (0-7) they were physically active for a total of at least 60 min/day (1) over the past 7 days and (2) over a typical week. Compliance with physical activity recommendations was defined as (1) 5 and (2) 7 days of self-reported MVPA (of at least 60 min/day), and (3) ≥60 min MVPA per average day, and (4) >60 min MVPA on every day according to accelerometry. Spearman's Rho correlations analysed the association between accelerometry-derived MVPA/day and self-reported MVPA days/week for the whole s le, sex and weight status. Percent agreement determined the proportion of adolescents correctly identified as not meeting physical activity recommendations (specificity) or as meeting physical activity recommendations (sensitivity) according to the self-report questionnaire. Moderate to large correlations were found between the self-report and accelerometer data (0.2-0.51) across population subgroups. The percent agreement between the self-report and accelerometry data was good for specificity however, the sensitivity was low, potentially due to poor compliance with recommendations. Compared to accelerometry, the brief MVPA self-report questionnaire appears to have acceptable validity for measuring non-compliance with physical activity recommendations in 15-17 year old adolescents.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 08-2015
DOI: 10.2466/10.25.PMS.121C14X0
Abstract: This cross-sectional study examined fundamental movement skill competency among deprived preschool children in Northwest England and explored sex differences. A total of 168 preschool children (ages 3–5 yr.) were included in the study. Twelve skills were assessed using the Children's Activity and Movement in Preschool Motor Skills Protocol and video analysis. Sex differences were explored at the subtest, skill, and component levels. Overall competence was found to be low among both sexes, although it was higher for locomotor skills than for object-control skills. Similar patterns were observed at the component level. Boys had significantly better object-control skills than girls, with greater competence observed for the kick and overarm throw, while girls were more competent at the run, hop, and gallop. The findings of low competency suggest that developmentally appropriate interventions should be implemented in preschool settings to promote movement skills, with targeted activities for boys and girls.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 10-03-2023
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 05-2011
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 2013
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 07-07-2022
DOI: 10.1186/S12966-022-01314-Z
Abstract: It is unknown if and how children’s movement behaviour accumulation patterns change as a result of physical activity and/or sedentary behaviour interventions. It is important to establish the effectiveness of interventions targeting changes in such accumulation patterns. This study aimed to investigate the effect of the Transform-Us! school- and home-based intervention program on children’s movement behaviour accumulation patterns, focusing on sporadic accumulation versus time in bouts. Baseline and post-intervention (18 months) accelerometer data from the Transform-Us! 2 × 2 factorial design cluster randomised controlled trial was used (Melbourne, 2010–2012 analytical s le n = 267 aged 8–9 years). Linear mixed models were fitted to examine effects of three different interventions (targeting increases in physical activity [PA-I], reductions in sedentary time [SB-I], or both [PA + SB-I]) compared to a usual practice (control) group on post-intervention movement behaviour accumulation compositions with eight components, including sporadic time and bouts of sedentary time, and light-, moderate- and vigorous-intensity physical activity. Intervention effects on distribution of time in the post-intervention waking movement behaviour accumulation composition (adjusted for baseline composition) were small and not significant. However, visual inspection of the change in compositions over time revealed that only groups with a sedentary behaviour intervention component (SB-I and PA + SB-I) reduced time in sedentary bouts, compared to the overall s le compositional mean. In addition, the SB-I group was the only group with an increase in vigorous-intensity physical activity. The combined intervention group (PA + SB-I) was characterized by the largest proportional increase in MPA bouts. The usual practice group was characterized by the largest proportional increases in both sporadic and bouts of sedentary time. This study showed some early evidence to suggest that the “break up your sitting” message may result in greater impact than the “move more” message. Future research, including larger s le sizes, should investigate if this type of messaging is indeed more effective in changing movement behaviours and ultimately child health. International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number ISRCTN83725066 Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry Number ACTRN12609000715279 .
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 22-09-2021
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 02-2011
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Date: 2015
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 20-12-2007
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 10-2023
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 02-2021
DOI: 10.2196/23389
Abstract: Government responses to managing the COVID-19 pandemic may have impacted the way in iduals were able to engage in physical activity. Digital platforms are a promising way to support physical activity levels and may have provided an alternative for people to maintain their activity while at home. This study aimed to examine associations between the use of digital platforms and adherence to the physical activity guidelines among Australian adults and adolescents during the COVID-19 stay-at-home restrictions in April and May 2020. A national online survey was distributed in May 2020. Participants included 1188 adults (mean age 37.4 years, SD 15.1 980/1188, 82.5% female) and 963 adolescents (mean age 16.2 years, SD 1.2 685/963, 71.1% female). Participants reported demographic characteristics, use of digital platforms for physical activity over the previous month, and adherence to moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA) and muscle-strengthening exercise (MSE) guidelines. Multilevel logistic regression models examined differences in guideline adherence between those who used digital platforms (ie, users) to support their physical activity compared to those who did not (ie, nonusers). Digital platforms include streaming services for exercise (eg, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook) subscriber fitness programs, via an app or online (eg, Centr and MyFitnessPal) facilitated online live or recorded classes, via platforms such as Zoom (eg, dance, sport training, and fitness class) sport- or activity-specific apps designed by sporting organizations for participants to keep up their skills (eg, TeamBuildr) active electronic games (eg, Xbox Kinect) and/or online or digital training or racing platforms (eg, Zwift, FullGaz, and Rouvy). Overall, 39.5% (469/1188) of adults and 26.5% (255/963) of adolescents reported using digital platforms for physical activity. Among adults, MVPA (odds ratio [OR] 2.0, 95% CI 1.5-2.7), MSE (OR 3.3, 95% CI 2.5-4.5), and combined (OR 2.7, 95% CI 2.0-3.8) guideline adherence were higher among digital platform users relative to nonusers. Adolescents’ MVPA (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.3-4.3), MSE (OR 3.1, 95% CI 2.1-4.4), and combined (OR 4.3, 95% CI 2.1-9.0) guideline adherence were also higher among users of digital platforms relative to nonusers. Digital platform users were more likely than nonusers to meet MVPA and MSE guidelines during the COVID-19 stay-at-home restrictions in April and May 2020. Digital platforms may play a critical role in helping to support physical activity engagement when access to facilities or opportunities for physical activity outside the home are restricted.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.JPEDS.2015.08.067
Abstract: To determine whether the amount of time spent in screen-based behaviors (SBBs television viewing, computer use, and playing electronic games) is independently associated with in idual and clustered cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors among elementary school children. Baseline data were used from 264 children (age 7-10 years) participating in the Transform-Us! cluster-randomized controlled trial. Time (h/d) spent in SBBs was obtained using a parent proxy-report questionnaire. Anthropometrics, blood pressure (BP), and lipids were measured using standard techniques. A clustered CVD risk score was calculated as the average of the standardized values of the subcomponents (waist circumference [WC], systolic BP, diastolic BP, and lipids). After adjusting for sex, parent education, physical activity (accelerometry), diet, and WC (when adiposity was not the outcome), television viewing time was positively associated with body mass index z-score (P = .002), WC (P = .02), and systolic BP (P = .05). Electronic games was positively associated with low density lipoprotein levels (P = .05), and total screen-time was positively associated with body mass index (P = .02). Differential associations were observed between types of SBBs and CVD risk factors, indicating that not all SBBs are adversely associated with obesity and CVD risk. There is a need to differentiate between types of SBBs when evaluating the CVD risk associated with screen behaviors in children. International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial: ISRCTN83725066 Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12609000715279.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 2019
DOI: 10.1249/MSS.0000000000001770
Abstract: Cycling is widely practiced as a mode of transportation, a leisurely pursuit, and a competitive sport. Approximately half of cyclists experience low back pain. Yet, there has been limited study of spine tissue adaptations due to cycling. To investigate potential risk factors for spinal pain, we compared 18 high-volume cyclists ( km·wk −1 for ≥5 yr) to 18 height-matched nonsporting referents. Participants had no history of spinal pathology. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to quantify intervertebral disc (IVD) morphology and hydration, and psoas, erector spinae, quadratus lumborum, and multifidus muscle size and fat content. Endurance of trunk muscles (flexors and extensors) was measured, and physical activity levels were assessed objectively using accelerometry. Cyclists’ IVD showed prolonged T2 time (+10.0% ± 17.3% P = 0.021), implying better IVD hydration and glycosaminoglycan content, compared with referents. Lower thoracic and upper lumbar IVD T2 time were longer in cyclists ( P ≤ 0.029) but not at the lower lumbar spine. T2 time differences were larger in the nucleus pulposus compared with the annulus fibrosus. Cyclists showed larger psoas muscles with less fat content compared with referents. Cyclists also exhibited longer isometric trunk endurance times ( P ≤ 0.036) and higher physical activity levels (osteogenic index, P = 0.038). Despite previous studies reporting higher than average prevalence of back pain in cyclists, the high-volume road cyclists in our cohort showed no anatomical or functional deficiency in spinal structures. By contrast, we found evidence for beneficial adaptations to the IVD and psoas muscles in high-volume cyclists compared with referents. These data support the notion that cycling is not detrimental to the spine, rather, by contrast, may be associated with beneficial changes at the spine.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 17-02-2022
DOI: 10.1038/S41598-022-06672-Z
Abstract: Postnatal care (PNC) is an essential component of maternity care. Appropriate and timely care immediately after childbirth can save lives and help to prevent or treat comorbidities resulting from pregnancy and childbirth. Despite its importance, PNC coverage is still low in Bangladesh. The aim of this study was to analyse the trends, inequalities, and factors associated with PNC for mothers in Bangladesh. Data from the last five Bangladesh Demographic and Health Surveys (BDHS) were used. Descriptive statistics were used to report PNC outcome rates and trends across six inequality indicators. Modified Poisson regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with PNC use in the most recent BDHS. A total of 21,240 women were included for the analysis. The rate of PNC by ‘medically trained provider’ within 2 days of birth increased between 2004 and 2017, from 16 to 52%. There were wide inequalities across socio-demographic factors. The regression analyses found women giving birth at home, women from the poorest wealth quintile and women receiving no antenatal care (ANC) were least likely to receive PNC. The findings emphasize the need to improve public health programs supporting women who have the least access to PNC. The identified inequalities can inform policy formulation to ensure more equitable provision of PNC to women in Bangladesh.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 19-06-2016
DOI: 10.1111/IJPO.12045
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 08-10-2013
DOI: 10.1093/HER/CYT097
Abstract: Early childhood is a critical time for promoting physical activity. Few studies have investigated the effect of interventions in this population. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a school-based active play intervention on preschool children's sedentary time and physical activity. Preschool children were recruited from randomly selected preschools. Schools were randomly assigned to an intervention or comparison group. One teacher per intervention school received training from active play professionals in the delivery of a 6-week active play programme. Comparison schools continued their usual practice. Children wore a uni-axial accelerometer for 7 days at baseline, immediately after and at 6-month post-intervention. No significant intervention effects were observed for sedentary time or physical activity. However, sex and hours spent at school were significant predictors of physical activity. Children who spent fewer hours (half-day children) at school were significantly more active than their full-day counterparts. Physical activity during the intervention classes was high even though neither daily physical activity nor sedentary time changed. Notably children who spent more time at preschool were less active suggesting that preschool was not as conducive to physical activity engagement as other environments.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2023
Publisher: Routledge
Date: 11-09-2008
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 06-2021
Abstract: Background : The authors assessed agreement between participant diaries and two automated algorithms applied to activPAL (PAL Technologies Ltd, Glasgow, United Kingdom) data for classifying awake wear time in three age groups. Methods : Study 1 involved 20 youth and 23 adults who, by protocol, removed the activPAL occasionally to create nonwear periods. Study 2 involved 744 older adults who wore the activPAL continuously. Both studies involved multiple assessment days. In-bed, out-of-bed, and nonwear times were recorded in the participant diaries. The CREA (in PAL processing suite) and ProcessingPAL (secondary application) algorithms estimated out-of-bed wear time. Second- and day-level agreement between the algorithms and diary was investigated, as were associations of sedentary variables with self-rated health. Results : The overall accuracy for classifying out-of-bed wear time as compared with the diary was 89.7% (Study 1) to 95% (Study 2) for CREA and 89.4% (Study 1) to 93% (Study 2) for ProcessingPAL. Over 90% of the nonwear time occurring in nonwear periods min was detected by both algorithms, while % occurring in periods ≤165 min was detected. For the daily variables, the mean absolute errors for each algorithm were generally within 0–15% of the diary mean. Most Spearman correlations were very large (≥.81). The mean absolute errors and correlations were less favorable for days on which any nonwear time had occurred. The associations between sedentary variables and self-rated health were similar across processing methods. Conclusion : The automated awake wear-time classification algorithms performed similarly to the diary information on days without short (≤2.5–2.75 hr) nonwear periods. Because both diary and algorithm data can have inaccuracies, best practices likely involve integrating diary and algorithm output.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2020
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 10-05-2012
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 16-08-2018
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2013
DOI: 10.1016/J.AMEPRE.2013.01.029
Abstract: The afterschool period holds promise for the promotion of physical activity, yet little is known about the importance of this period as children age. To examine changes in physical activity of children aged 5-6 years and 10-12 years and their sedentary time in the afterschool period over 3 and 5 years, and to determine the contribution of this period to daily physical activity and sedentary behavior over time. Data from two longitudinal studies conducted in Melbourne, Australia, were used. Accelerometer data were provided for 2053 children at baseline (Children Living in Active Neighbourhoods Study [CLAN]: 2001 Health, Eating and Play Study [HEAPS]: 2002/2003) 756 at 3-year follow-up (time point 2 [T2]) and 622 at 5-year follow-up (T3). Light (LPA), moderate (MPA) and vigorous (VPA) physical activity were determined using age-adjusted cut-points. Sedentary time was defined as ≤ 100 counts/minute. Multilevel analyses, conducted in April 2012, assessed change in physical activity and sedentary time and the contributions of the afterschool period to overall levels. Afterschool MPA and VPA decreased among both cohorts, particularly in the younger cohort, who performed less than half of their baseline levels at T3 (MPA: T1=24 minutes T3=11 minutes VPA: T1=12 minutes T3=4 minutes). LPA also declined in the older cohort. Afterschool sedentary time increased among the younger (T1=42 minutes T3=64 minutes) and older cohorts (T1=57 minutes T3=84 minutes). The contribution of the afterschool period to overall MPA and VPA increased in the older cohort from 23% to 33% over 5 years. In the younger cohort, the contribution of the afterschool period to daily MPA and VPA decreased by 3% over 5 years. The importance of the afterschool period for children's physical activity increases with age, particularly as children enter adolescence.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 22-07-2023
DOI: 10.1186/S12966-023-01491-5
Abstract: Combinations of movement behaviors (i.e., physical activity, sedentary behavior, sleep) are associated with health and developmental outcomes in youth. Youth vary in how they accumulate these behaviors, both in volume and specific domains (e.g., sedentary time spent on recreational screen activities vs homework). The aim of this study was to examine how youth’s combined general and domain-specific movement trajectories differ by socioeconomic position. We conducted a longitudinal, group-based multi-trajectory analysis to identify general and domain-specific movement trajectory profiles for 2457 youth from age 10 to 14 years from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children from 2014–2018. We used multinomial logistic regression to test if socioeconomic position predicted profile membership. We identified three general movement trajectory profiles for both sexes, four domain-specific profiles for males, and five for females. For general movement trajectories, females from lower socioeconomic positions were more likely to be a combination of less active and more sedentary than females from higher socioeconomic positions. Males across socioeconomic positions spend similar amounts of time in physical activity, sedentary time, and sleep. For domain-specific movement trajectories, youth from lower socioeconomic positions were likely to spend a combination of less time in education-based sedentary behavior and more time in recreational screen activities than their higher socioeconomic position peers. Our results indicate that socioeconomic position predicted in which domains youth accumulate their movements. Future observational research and interventions targeting different socioeconomic groups should therefore consider domain-specific movement trajectories.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-03-2022
DOI: 10.1186/S12966-022-01264-6
Abstract: Globally, significant efforts have focused on increasing physical activity and reducing sedentary behaviour in youth and adults across a range of settings (e.g., schools, workplaces, community, and home). Despite this, interventions have had varied efficacy and typically have failed to sustain changes in behaviours over time. One explanation that has been put forth to explain the mixed success of interventions is activity compensation. However, little is known about activity compensation, including whether compensation occurs, and perceptions and potential mechanisms of activity compensation. Understanding activity compensation would assist in tailoring and targeting of potential intervention strategies. The primary aim of this review was to synthesise research that has investigated activity compensation in youth and adults. The secondary aim was to identify potential reasons for and/or awareness of compensatory changes that may have occurred. An electronic search of the EBSCOhost (via Academic Search Complete, CINAHL Complete, Education Source, Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition, PsycINFO, SPORTdiscus with Full Text), MEDLINE Complete, Global Health, EMBASE, Scopus and Web of Science databases up to May 2021 was conducted. Quality assessment of included quantitative studies used a modified compensation-specific McMaster Quality Assessment Tool. A total of 44 studies met the inclusion criteria (22 = adult populations 22 = youth populations) and were classified as (1) quantitative ( n = 31) (2) combination of quantitative and behavioural ( n = 11) (3) behavioural only ( n = 1) and (4) qualitative ( n = 1). Of the 42 studies that included a quantitative component, 11 (26%) reported compensation occurred. Within the 13 studies examining specific behaviours, 35 behaviours were assessed, and evidence of compensation was inconsistent. Compensation mechanisms included fatigue, time constraints, lack of motivation, drive to be inactive, fear of overexertion, and autonomous motivation. Little evidence of compensation was reported in the included quantitative studies however, inconsistencies between studies makes comparisons difficult. There was considerable variability in the types of behaviours assessed in quantitative studies, and few studies examined potential compensatory mechanisms. Future research, using compensation specific study designs, methods, and analytic techniques, within different population sub-groups, should address these evidence gaps.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2018
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 20-07-2017
DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2017.1356026
Abstract: High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) may be effective for accumulating VPA. However, the contribution of HIIT to overall physical activity is unknown. Our primary aim was to explore the impact of school-based HIIT on physical activity. The secondary aim was to explore within-in idual changes in physical activity after participating in HIIT. Participants [n = 65 15.8(0.6)years] were randomized to a HIIT or control group. Intervention groups participated in three HIIT sessions/week. GENEActiv accelerometers assessed objective physical activity at baseline and week-one, to detect changes in MPA and VPA. Intervention effects were examined using linear mixed models and evidence of a change in physical activity (i.e., compensation) were examined using multilevel linear regression models. The group-by-time interaction effects for MPA and VPA were small and moderate, respectively. Adjusted difference between groups for VPA was 1.70 min/day, 95%CI -1.96 to 5.36 p = 0.354 d = 0.55). Embedding HIIT within the school-day had a moderate effect on VPA compared to controls. Compensation analyses (i.e., in idual level) suggested that adolescents were more active on days when they participated in HIIT. Further studies are needed to test the effects of HIIT on adolescents' physical activity over extended time periods.
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 23-11-2016
DOI: 10.2196/MHEALTH.6540
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 14-05-2019
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 05-2015
Abstract: There are currently no studies available reporting intervention effects on breaking up children’s sedentary time. This study examined the UP4FUN intervention effect on objectively measured number of breaks in sedentary time, number of sedentary bouts ( 10 mins) and total and average amount of time spent in those sedentary bouts among 10- to 12-year-old Belgian children. The total s le included 354 children (mean age: 10.9 ± 0.7 years 59% girls) with valid ActiGraph accelerometer data at pre- and posttest. Only few and small intervention effects were found, namely on total time spent in sedentary bouts immediately after school hours (4-6PM β = -3.51mins) and on average time spent in sedentary bouts before school hours (6-8.30AM β = -4.83mins) and immediately after school hours in favor of children from intervention schools (β = -2.71mins). Unexpectedly, girls from intervention schools decreased the number of breaks during school hours (8.30AM-4PM β = -23.45breaks) and increased the number of sedentary bouts on a weekend day (β = +0.90bouts), whereas girls in control schools showed an increase in number of breaks and a decrease in number of bouts. In conclusion, UP4FUN did not have a consistent or substantial effect on breaking up children’s sedentary time and these data suggest that more intensive and longer lasting interventions are needed.
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 27-02-2019
Abstract: here is increasing availability of, and interest in, wearable activity trackers for children younger than 13 years. However, little is known about how children and parents use these activity trackers or perceive their acceptability. his study primarily aimed to ascertain parental perspectives on the acceptability and usability of wearables designed to monitor children’s physical activity levels. Secondary aims were to (1) identify practical considerations for future use in physical activity interventions and promotion initiatives (2) determine use of different features and functions incorporated into the accompanying app and (3) identify parents’ awareness of their child’s current physical activity levels. n total, 36 children (18 boys and 18 girls) aged 7-12 years were asked to wear a wrist-worn activity tracker (KidFit) for 4 consecutive weeks and to use the accompanying app with parental assistance and guidance. Each week, one parent from each family (n=25 21 mothers and 4 fathers) completed a Web-based survey to record their child’s activity tracker use, app interaction, and overall experiences. At the end of the 4-week period, a subs le of 10 parents (all mothers) participated in face-to-face interviews exploring perceptions of the acceptability and usability of wearable activity trackers and accompanying apps. Quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed descriptively and thematically, respectively. Thematic data are presented using pen profiles, which were constructed from verbatim transcripts. arents reported that they and their children typically found the associated app easy to use for activity tracking, though only step or distance information was generally accessed and some difficulties interpreting the data were reported. Children were frustrated with not being able to access real-time feedback, as the features and functions were only available through the app, which was typically accessed by, or in the presence of, parents. Parents identified that children wanted additional functions including a visual display to track and self-monitor activity, access to the app for goal setting, and the option of undertaking challenges against schools or significant others. Other barriers to the use of wearable activity trackers included discomfort of wearing the monitor because of the design and the inability to wear for water- or contact-based sports. ost parents reported that the wearable activity tracker was easy for their child or children to use and a useful tool for tracking their children’s daily activity. However, several barriers were identified, which may impact sustained use over time both the functionality and wearability of the activity tracker should therefore be considered. Overall, wearable activity trackers for children have the potential to be integrated into targeted physical activity promotion initiatives.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 05-06-2021
DOI: 10.1007/S00421-021-04731-3
Abstract: Detailed exploration of physical activity accumulation with fine grading along the intensity spectrum has indicated the potential pragmatic utility of such an approach. However, it is currently unclear what sorts of accumulation patterns along particular intensity bands are found in the children and adult populations. Therefore, we conducted a comparison of activity accumulation in specific intensity bands between four distinct populations: children, adults with sedentary lifestyles, habitual joggers, habitual marathon runners. Free-living waist-worn accelerometry records from 28 children aged 7 to 11, and 61 adults aged 25 to 35 were analysed. Activity intensity was evaluated in 5 s non-overlapping epochs as mean litude deviation (MAD) and normalised to acceleration intensities corresponding to walking at 3 metabolic equivalents of a task (METs). Adult data were normalised to 0.091 g MAD based on literature, and data from children to 0.170 g MAD based on laboratory experimentation. The normalised epoch values were ided into 100 intensity gradations. Children accumulated more activity in 0.74 to 1.58 normalised acceleration intensities (all p 0.005) compared to adults. Adult joggers/runners accumulated more activity in normalised acceleration intensities from 7.1 to 11.1 compared to the other groups ( p 0.008). The primary bulk of children’s free-living activities are of relatively low intensity not likely to provoke cardiometabolic improvement. These sorts of explorations could be used in informing intervention development aiming at optimising healthy development. Evidence is mounting to justify randomised controlled trials based on intervention targets identified based on exploring the intensity spectrum.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.JSAMS.2015.05.002
Abstract: Actual and perceived object control (commonly ball) skill proficiency is associated with higher physical activity in children and adolescents. Active video games (AVGs) encourage whole body movement to control lay the electronic gaming system and therefore provide an opportunity for screen time to become more active. The purpose of this study was to determine whether playing sports AVGs has a positive influence on young children's actual and perceived object control skills. Two group pre ost experimental design study. Thirty-six children aged 6-10 years old from one school were randomly allocated to a control or intervention condition. The Test of Gross Motor Development-3 assessed object control skill. The Pictorial Scale of Perceived Competence for Young Children assessed perceived object control skill. The intervention consisted of 6×50min lunchtime AVG sessions on the Xbox Kinect. Two to three sport games were chosen for participants to play each session. General linear models with either perceived object control or actual object control skill as the outcome variables were conducted. Each base model adjusted for intervention status and pre-score of the respective outcome variable. Additional models adjusted for potential confounding variables (sex of child and game at home). No significant differences between the control and intervention groups were observed for both outcomes. This study found that playing the Xbox Kinect does not significantly influence children's perceived or actual object control skills, suggesting that the utility of the Xbox Kinect for developing perceived and actual object control skill competence is questionable.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 04-2015
DOI: 10.2466/10.25.PMS.120V18X2
Abstract: Given that children with low movement skill competence engage in less physical activity, it is important to understand how children's perceptions relate to actual movement competence. This study examined relationships between (i) children's self-perception and objective assessments of their movement skills (object control and locomotor) and (ii) parents' perceptions of the children's movement skills and objective assessment. Children's skill perceptions were assessed using the Pictorial Scale of Perceived Movement Skill Competence for Young Children. Parent perceptions of their child's skills were assessed using a modified version of this instrument. The Test of Gross Motor Development–2nd edition assessed children's skills objectively. Participants were 136 Australian children (51% boys M = 6.5 yr., SD = 1.1) and 133 parents. Regression analyses (by sex) examined the relationship between perceptions and children's scores for actual skilled performance. Boys' perceptions were associated with their actual object control ability. Parents accurately perceived boys' object control ability and girls' locomotor ability, but not the reverse. This suggests interventions aiming to improve children's movement skills could target parents and be designed to teach parents how to recognize good and poor skill performance in their children.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 25-12-2018
DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2017.1420452
Abstract: The World Health Organisation's (WHO) physical activity guidelines recommend 150min/week of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA) accumulated in 10 min bouts. To see whether people performing habitual exercise for recreation meet these guidelines, 25 long-distance runners [mean 67 km/wk], 25 joggers [mean 28 km/wk], and 20 sedentary adults wore an ActiGraph GT3X+ accelerometer for 7 days. Sedentary time and bouts were similar in runners and sedentary adults (p > 0.46). Sedentary adults performed 20 ± 16 min/day of MVPA (usual bout duration (W50%): 9.53 ± 3.45min), with joggers and runners performing 45 ± 31min (W50%: 16.92 ± 9.53min) and 83 ± 58min (W50%: 20.35 ± 8.85min), respectively (p ≤ 0.001 versus sedentary group). Data showed that 65% of the sedentary group, 32% of joggers and 4% of long-distance runners did not meet the WHO guideline for MVPA. Failure to meet the guideline was most prominent in, but not restricted to, runners who reported ≤50km running per week. Self-reported running does not ensure adults meet physical activity guidelines or offset daily sedentary behaviours. On the other hand, the sedentary group was very close in accumulating recommended bouts of MVPA in incidental activities. Future studies should assess whether modification of work and leisure physical activity would be more fruitful than encouraging recreational exercise per se in meeting physical activity guidelines.
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 17-10-2017
Abstract: earable activity trackers have the potential to be integrated into physical activity interventions, yet little is known about how adolescents use these devices or perceive their acceptability. he aim of this study was to examine the usability and acceptability of a wearable activity tracker among adolescents. A secondary aim was to determine adolescents’ awareness and use of the different functions and features in the wearable activity tracker and accompanying app. ixty adolescents (aged 13-14 years) in year 8 from 3 secondary schools in Melbourne, Australia, were provided with a wrist-worn Fitbit Flex and accompanying app, and were asked to use it for 6 weeks. Demographic data (age, sex) were collected via a Web-based survey completed during week 1 of the study. At the conclusion of the 6-week period, all adolescents participated in focus groups that explored their perceptions of the usability and acceptability of the Fitbit Flex, accompanying app, and Web-based Fitbit profile. Qualitative data were analyzed using pen profiles, which were constructed from verbatim transcripts. dolescents typically found the Fitbit Flex easy to use for activity tracking, though greater difficulties were reported for monitoring sleep. The Fitbit Flex was perceived to be useful for tracking daily activities, and adolescents used a range of features and functions available through the device and the app. Barriers to use included the comfort and design of the Fitbit Flex, a lack of specific feedback about activity levels, and the inability to wear the wearable activity tracker for water-based sports. dolescents reported that the Fitbit Flex was easy to use and that it was a useful tool for tracking daily activities. A number of functions and features were used, including the device’s visual display to track and self-monitor activity, goal-setting in the accompanying app, and undertaking challenges against friends. However, several barriers to use were identified, which may impact on sustained use over time. Overall, wearable activity trackers have the potential to be integrated into physical activity interventions targeted at adolescents, but both the functionality and wearability of the monitor should be considered.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 02-2012
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 20-03-2013
DOI: 10.1007/S40279-013-0024-2
Abstract: The benefits of physical activity to maintain optimal health and well-being in children and adolescents are undisputed. The school environment offers opportunities for children to be physically active. The aim of this review is to systematically examine the effects of recess-based interventions on the physical activity (PA) levels of school-aged children and adolescents. A systematic literature search was conducted to identify papers reporting interventions to promote PA during school recess and/or lunchtime periods. The search was conducted in six databases (PubMed, SPORTDiscus™, Web of Science, Proquest, Cochrane and Scopus) for papers published between January 2000 and April 2011. Articles were included in the review if (i) they reported the findings of an intervention targeting PA levels of children and/or adolescents during school recess and/or lunchtime (ii) have a measure of PA as an outcome variable (iii) participants were aged between 5 and 18 years and (iv) were published in English. Two authors independently searched the literature using the same search strategies to identify papers reporting interventions that promote PA during school recess and lunchtime periods. Methodological quality was assessed using an adapted eight item assessment scale. The effects of the interventions were assessed with a rating system used in a recent review of interventions in youth. The search originally retrieved 2,265 articles. Nine published peer-reviewed journal articles met the inclusion criteria for this review. Eight studies used randomized controlled trials and one was a controlled trial. Three studies demonstrated high methodological quality (33%). None of the studies adequately reported the randomization procedure or used power calculations. Few studies reported potential confounders and three studies had less than a 6 week follow-up. Five studies demonstrated a positive intervention effect on children's PA levels, with four reporting statistically significant increases and two reporting significant decreases in recess PA. The summary of the levels of evidence for intervention effects found inconclusive results for all intervention types, though promising strategies that require further investigation were identified. Whilst every effort was made to ensure that this review was as encompassing as possible, it may be limited by its search terms especially if there were studies with unclear titles or abstracts. In addition, only manuscripts published in English were considered, eliminating any possible studies published in other languages. All of the studies used an objective measure to assess PA outcomes, although several criteria were consistently absent from the studies. The levels of evidence were not sufficient to establish conclusive intervention effects on children's recess PA. This could be due to the small number of published studies. There is a need for higher-quality intervention research to strengthen published findings to inform recess PA interventions. Intervention research is needed in adolescents due to the absence of school recess intervention research in this population.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 27-09-2018
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 04-2018
Abstract: Little is known about whether physical activity compensation occurs. This study experimentally explored the activitystat hypothesis by investigating children's short-term responses to imposed or restricted physical activity. A total of 156 children (46 boys mean age = 11.3 y) from 9 schools wore an ActiGraph accelerometer for 5 days (Monday-Friday) across 2 consecutive weeks. In addition, 145 children (49% boys) simultaneously wore a SenseWear Armband. Schools were randomized to participate in 1 of the 3 experimental conditions that took place on 1 occasion: additional moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (3 schools), additional light-intensity physical activity (3 schools), or restriction of light-intensity physical activity and moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (3 schools). Multilevel linear regression models were conducted to examine associations between the day the condition took place and the following day and week (baseline and experiment) for each condition. There was no evidence of a difference between children's activity levels on the day after the experiment condition compared with their usual activity for that day. The findings suggest that children do not compensate their sedentary time and/or physical activity levels following imposed or restricted physical activity in the short term.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2007
DOI: 10.1016/J.YPMED.2007.01.009
Abstract: The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of a playground redesign intervention across time on children's recess physical activity levels using combined physical activity measures and to evaluate the potential influence of covariates on the intervention effect. Fifteen schools located in areas of high deprivation in one large city in England each received 20,000 pounds through a national 10 million pounds Sporting Playgrounds Initiative to redesign the playground environment based on a multicolored zonal design. Eleven schools served as matched socioeconomic controls. Physical activity levels during recess were quantified using heart rate telemetry and accelerometry at baseline, 6 weeks and 6 months following the playground redesign intervention. Data were collected between July 2003 and January 2005 and analyzed using multilevel modeling. Statistically significant intervention effects were found across time for moderate-to-vigorous and vigorous physical activity assessed using both heart rate and accelerometry. The results suggest that a playground redesign, which utilizes multicolor playground markings and physical structures, is a suitable stimulus for increasing children's school recess physical activity levels.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 26-12-2015
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 22-05-2017
DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2017.1328126
Abstract: Little is known about whether physical activity compensation occurs and, if so, what are potential moderators of such responses. This study examined whether children's physical activity, sedentary time and energy expenditure on one day was associated with these behaviours the following day, and what factors may moderate observed associations. One hundred and twenty-seven children (8-11 years) wore an ActiGraph accelerometer for eight days. Time spent in sedentary time and physical activity was obtained. Daily energy expenditure was also assessed using a SenseWear Armband (n=98). Moderators examined were sex, age, BMI, fitness, and fundamental movement skills (FMS). Multilevel analyses were conducted using generalized mixed models. On any given day, every additional 10 minutes spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was associated with 9.3 minutes less MVPA the following day. Every additional 10kcal expended on one day was associated with 2.9 fewer kcal expended the following day. Additional time spent sedentary on any given day was associated with less light physical activity the following day in children with lower FMS. The results are largely consistent with the compensation hypothesis, with children appearing to compensate their activity between days. Strategies to minimise potential compensatory changes may be needed for children overall rather than for specific population sub-groups.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 02-11-2017
DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2017.1398892
Abstract: This study examined how children's physical activity levels during recess and lunchtime and the contribution of recess and lunchtime to daily physical activity differed across seasons. Three hundred and twenty-six children aged 8-11 years from Australia participated. Physical activity was measured every 15-seconds using hip-mounted ActiGraph accelerometers for 7 consecutive days during the winter (n = 246), spring (n = 211), summer (n = 161) and autumn terms (n = 139). Data were collected 2012-2013. Time spent in light- (LPA) moderate- (MPA), vigorous- (VPA), and moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA) during recess and lunchtime were calculated. Longitudinal data were analysed using multilevel analyses and adjusted for potential confounders. The results showed that compared to winter, children engaged in significantly less MVPA and VPA in spring and summer during lunchtime (p < 0.05). No significant changes were observed during recess. The contribution of lunchtime to VPA and MVPA significantly decreased in spring and summer compared to winter (p < 0.05). Children's lunchtime physical activity levels decreased between winter and spring and summer, with greater declines observed in VPA. Strategies to increase physical activity levels in every season are needed during lunchtime, with a greater emphasis on warmer months.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 31-01-2022
DOI: 10.1007/S00394-021-02791-X
Abstract: The global prevalence of overweight remains high effective strategies that consider patterns of body weight changes to identify periods when adults are susceptible to weight gain are warranted. This systematic review aimed to investigate body weight patterns, and how they were associated with dietary intake and/or dietary behaviours (Prospero CRD42020161977). Systematic literature search was conducted in the Medline, Embase, and CINAHL databases until November 2020. Observational studies in adults (18 years and over) that reported at least two measurements of weight and dietary intake in a year were included. Risk of bias was conducted using the Evidence Analysis Library by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics tool. This review included 16 unique studies after title, abstract, and full-text screening, and findings were narratively synthesised. Of the six studies conducted in the farming populations, five were conducted in countries with two seasons (dry vs. rainy seasons) and all studies observed higher body weight during the dry season (up to 3.1 kg difference between seasons). The remaining study was conducted in a sub-tropical country and did not observe temporal weight patterns. Higher dietary intake was also reported during the dry season in the tropical countries. In non-farming populations (n = 10), temporal patterns were also seen, where higher body weight and adiposity was observed during colder seasons (autumn and winter). However, the opposite was found in a study conducted in Iran, where higher weight was seen in summer. Concurrent with higher body weight, higher energy, fat, carbohydrate and soda consumption, and lower fiber and vegetable intake were observed. Temporal weight and dietary patterns exist, and they were country- and context-specific these patterns were also related to factors such as activity levels, seasons and occupation. Future interventions should consider temporal patterns in the design and delivery of timely and tailored dietary interventions to promote optimal body weight. PROSPERO Registration: CRD42020161977.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 18-10-2016
Abstract: Predisposing factors of perceived physical education (PE) ability and perceived PE worth within the Youth Physical Activity Promotion Model are positively associated with young people’s daily physical activity. The aim of this study was to qualitatively investigate the origins of students’ perceived PE ability (perceived competence and self-esteem) and perceived PE worth (attitude and enjoyment). Fifty-three PE students, aged 12–14 years (mean = 13.18), participated in semi-structured focus group interviews, which were recorded, transcribed and analysed inductively and deductively and represented as pen profiles. Analysis revealed three higher order themes relating to perceived PE ability (external feedback, perceptions of (in)competence and comparison against peers), and three higher order themes underpinning perceived PE worth (PE teachers, expectancy–value relationship and the physical experience of PE). PE should be perceived as interesting, relevant and meaningful by students and provide appropriate opportunities for success so as to influence lifetime physical activity habits.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 30-05-2015
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 06-03-2020
DOI: 10.2196/15552
Abstract: Wearable activity trackers and social media have been identified as having the potential to increase physical activity among adolescents, yet little is known about the perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness of the technology by adolescents. The aim of this study was to use the technology acceptance model to explore adolescents’ acceptance of wearable activity trackers used in combination with social media within a physical activity intervention. The Raising Awareness of Physical Activity study was a 12-week physical activity intervention that combined a wearable activity tracker (Fitbit Flex) with supporting digital materials that were delivered using social media (Facebook). A total of 124 adolescents aged 13 to 14 years randomized to the intervention group (9 schools) participated in focus groups immediately post intervention. Focus groups explored adolescents’ perspectives of the intervention and were analyzed using pen profiles using a coding framework based on the technology acceptance model. Adolescents reported that Fitbit Flex was useful as it motivated them to be active and provided feedback about their physical activity levels. However, adolescents typically reported that Fitbit Flex required effort to use, which negatively impacted on their perceived ease of use. Similarly, Facebook was considered to be a useful platform for delivering intervention content. However, adolescents generally noted preferences for using alternative social media websites, which may have impacted on negative perceptions concerning Facebook’s ease of use. Perceptions of technological risks included damage to or loss of the device, integrity of data, and challenges with both Fitbit and Facebook being compatible with daily life. Wearable activity trackers and social media have the potential to impact adolescents’ physical activity levels. The findings from this study suggest that although the adolescents recognized the potential usefulness of the wearable activity trackers and the social media platform, the effort required to use these technologies, as well as the issues concerning risks and compatibility, may have influenced overall engagement and technology acceptance. As wearable activity trackers and social media platforms can change rapidly, future research is needed to examine the factors that may influence the acceptance of specific forms of technology by using the technology acceptance model. Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12616000899448 www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=370716
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 06-2022
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 06-2016
Abstract: This study sought to ascertain the energy expenditure (EE) associated with different sedentary and physically active free-play activities in primary school-aged children. Twenty-eight children (13 boys 11.4 ± 0.3 years 1.45 ± 0.09 m 20.0 ± 4.7 kg·m -2 ) from 1 primary school in Northwest England engaged in 6 activities representative of children’s play for 10 minutes (drawing, watching a DVD, playground games and free-choice) and 5 minutes (self-paced walking and jogging), with 5 minutes rest between each activity. Gas exchange variables were measured throughout. Resting energy expenditure was measured during 15 minutes of supine rest. Child (Schofield-predicted) MET values for watching a DVD, self-paced jogging and playing reaction ball were significantly higher for girls ( P .05). Utilizing a field-based protocol to examine children’s free-living behaviors, these data contribute to the scarcity of information concerning children’s EE during play to update the Compendium of Energy Expenditures for Youth .
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: MDPI AG
Date: 08-06-2021
Abstract: Wearable activity trackers (wearables) embed numerous behaviour change techniques (BCTs) that have previously been shown to increase adult physical activity (PA). With few children and adolescents achieving PA guidelines, it is crucial to explore ways to increase their PA. This systematic review examined the acceptability, feasibility, and effectiveness of wearables and their potential mechanisms of action for increasing PA in 5 to 19-year-olds. A systematic search of six databases was conducted, including data from the start date of each database to December 2019 (PROSPERO registration: CRD42020164506). Thirty-three studies were included. Most studies (70%) included only adolescents (10 to 19 years). There was some—but largely mixed—evidence that wearables increase steps and moderate-to-vigorous-intensity PA and reduce sedentary behaviour. There were no apparent differences in effectiveness based on the number of BCTs used and between studies using a wearable alone or as part of a multi-component intervention. Qualitative findings suggested wearables increased motivation to be physically active via self-monitoring, goal setting, feedback, and competition. However, children and adolescents reported technical difficulties and a novelty effect when using wearables, which may impact wearables’ long-term use. More rigorous and long-term studies investigating the acceptability, feasibility, and effectiveness of wearables in 5 to 19-year-olds are warranted.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2022
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 15-09-2020
Abstract: Background: Sedentary behaviour guidelines recommend that in iduals should regularly break up sitting time. Accurately monitoring such breaks is needed to inform guidelines concerning how regularly to break up sitting time and to evaluate intervention effects. We investigated the concurrent validity of three “UP4FUN child questionnaire” items assessing the number of breaks in sitting time among children and adolescents. Methods: Fifty-seven children and adolescents self-reported number of breaks from sitting taken at school, while watching TV, and during other screen time activities. Participants also wore an activPAL monitor (PAL Technologies, Glasgow, UK) to objectively assess the number of sitting time breaks (frequency/hour) during the school period and the school-free period (which was ided in the periods “after school” and “during the evening”). Concurrent validity was assessed using Spearman rank correlations. Results: Self-reported number of breaks/hour at school showed good concurrent validity (ρ = 0.676). Results were moderate to good for self-reported number of breaks/hour while watching TV (ρ range for different periods: 0.482 to 0.536) and moderate for self-reported number of breaks/hour in total screen time (ρ range for different periods: 0.377 to 0.468). Poor concurrent validity was found for self-reported number of breaks/hour during other screen time activities (ρ range for different periods: 0.157 to 0.274). Conclusions: Only the questionnaire items about number of breaks at school and while watching TV appear to be acceptable for further use in research focussing on breaks in prolonged sitting among children and adolescents.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 05-2017
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 09-2012
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 28-11-2020
DOI: 10.1093/NAR/GKZ1082
Abstract: i-Motifs are widely used in nanotechnology, play a part in gene regulation and have been detected in human nuclei. As these structures are composed of cytosine, they are potential sites for epigenetic modification. In addition to 5-methyl- and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine modifications, recent evidence has suggested biological roles for 5-formylcytosine and 5-carboxylcytosine. Herein the human telomeric i-motif sequence was used to examine how these four epigenetic modifications alter the thermal and pH stability of i-motifs. Changes in melting temperature and transitional pH depended on both the type of modification and its position within the i-motif forming sequence. The cytosines most sensitive to modification were next to the first and third loops within the structure. Using previously described i-motif forming sequences, we screened the MCF-7 and MCF-10A methylomes to map 5-methylcytosine and found the majority of sequences were differentially methylated in MCF7 (cancerous) and MCF10A (non-cancerous) cell lines. Furthermore, i-motif forming sequences stable at neutral pH were significantly more likely to be epigenetically modified than traditional acidic i-motif forming sequences. This work has implications not only in the epigenetic regulation of DNA, but also allows discreet tunability of i-motif stability for nanotechnological applications.
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2018
DOI: 10.1071/WF17109
Abstract: Wildland firefighters perform physical work while being subjected to multiple stressors and adverse, volatile working environments for extended periods. Recent research has highlighted sleep as a significant and potentially modifiable factor impacting operational performance. The aim of this review was to (1) examine the existing literature on firefighters’ sleep quantity and quality during wildland firefighting operations (2) synthesise the operational and environmental factors that impact on sleep during wildland firefighting and (3) assess how sleep impacts aspects of firefighters’ health and safety, including mental and physical health, physical task performance, physical activity and cognitive performance. Firefighters’ sleep is restricted during wildfire deployments, particularly when shifts have early start times, are of long duration and when sleeping in temporary accommodation. Shortened sleep impairs cognitive but not physical performance under simulated wildfire conditions. The longer-term impacts of sleep restriction on physiological and mental health require further research. Work shifts should be structured, wherever possible, to provide regular and sufficient recovery opportunities (rest during and sleep between shifts), especially in dangerous working environments where fatigue-related errors have severe consequences. Fire agencies should implement strategies to improve and manage firefighters’ sleep and reduce any adverse impacts on firefighters’ work.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 2007
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 21-01-2020
DOI: 10.1249/MSS.0000000000002275
Abstract: This cross-sectional study aimed to i) identify and characterize youth according to distinct physical activity (PA) and sedentary (SED) accumulation patterns, and ii) investigate associations of these derived patterns with cardiometabolic risk factors. ActiGraph accelerometer data from 7- to 13-yr-olds from two studies were pooled ( n = 1219 843 (69%) with valid accelerometry included in analysis). Time accumulated in ≥5- and ≥10-min SED bouts, ≥1- and ≥5-min bouts of light, and ≥1-min bouts of moderate and vigorous PA was calculated. Frequency of breaks in SED was also obtained. Latent profile analysis was used to identify groups of participants based on their distinct accumulation patterns. Linear and logistic regression models were used to test associations of group accumulation patterns with cardiometabolic risk factors, including adiposity indicators, blood pressure, and lipids. Total PA and SED time were also compared between groups. Three distinct groups were identified: “prolonged sitters” had the most time in sustained SED bouts and the least time in vigorous PA bouts “breakers” had the highest frequency of SED breaks and lowest engagement in sustained bouts across most PA intensities and “prolonged movers” had the least time accumulated in SED bouts and the most in PA bouts across most intensities. Although breakers engaged in less time in PA bouts compared with other groups, they had the healthiest adiposity indicators. No associations with the remaining cardiometabolic risk factors were found. Youth accumulate their daily activity in three distinct patterns (prolonged sitters, breakers, and prolonger movers), with those breaking up sitting and least time in prolonged PA bouts across the day having a lower adiposity risk. No relationships with other cardiometabolic risk factors were identified.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 14-06-2015
Publisher: IEEE
Date: 10-2014
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 16-01-2018
DOI: 10.1002/JBMR.3357
Abstract: Marrow adipose tissue (MAT) accumulation with normal aging impacts the bone, hemopoiesis, and metabolic pathways. We investigated whether exercise was associated with lower MAT, as measured by vertebral marrow fat fraction (VFF) on magnetic resonance imaging. A total of 101 healthy in iduals (54 females) aged 25 to 35 years without spine or bone disease but with distinct exercise histories were studied. Long-distance runners (67 km/wk, n = 25) exhibited lower mean lumbar VFF (27.9% [8.6%] versus 33.5% [6.0%] p = 0.0048) than non-sporting referents (n = 24). In habitual joggers (28 km/wk, n = 30), mean lumbar VFF was 31.3% (9.0%) (p = 0.22 versus referents) and 6.0 percentage points lower than referents at vertebrae T
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 06-04-2018
DOI: 10.1007/S00420-018-1304-9
Abstract: To examine the effects of sleep restriction on firefighters' physical task performance, physical activity, and physiological and perceived exertion during simulated hot wildfire conditions. 31 firefighters were randomly allocated to either the hot (n = 18, HOT 33 °C, 8-h sleep opportunity) or hot and sleep restricted (n = 13, HOT + SR 33 °C, 4-h sleep opportunity) condition. Intermittent, self-paced work circuits of six firefighting tasks were performed for 3 days. Firefighters self-reported ratings of perceived exertion. Heart rate, core temperature, and physical activity were measured continuously. Fluids were consumed ad libitum, and all food and fluids consumed were recorded. Urine volume and urine specific gravity (USG) were analysed and sleep was assessed using polysomnography (PSG). There were no differences between the HOT and HOT + SR groups in firefighters' physical task performance, heart rate, core temperature, USG, or fluid intake. Ratings of perceived exertion were higher (p < 0.05) in the HOT + SR group for two of the six firefighting tasks. The HOT group spent approximately 7 min more undertaking moderate physical activity throughout the 2-h work circuits compared to the HOT + SR group. Two nights of sleep restriction did not influence firefighters' physical task performance or physiological responses during 3 days of simulated wildfire suppression. Further research is needed to explore firefighters' pacing strategies during real wildfire suppression.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 26-09-2020
Abstract: Traditional classroom furniture dictates that children predominantly sit during class time. This study evaluated the impact of providing standing desks within a deprived UK primary school setting over 8 months using mixed-method approaches. All children within a Year 5 class (9–10-year-olds, n = 30) received an adjustable sit–stand desk, while another Year 5 class (n = 30) in a nearby school retained traditional furniture as a control classroom. At baseline, 4 months, and 8 months, activPAL monitors (PAL Technologies, Glasgow, UK) were worn for 7 days to provide time spent sitting and standing. Behavior-related mental health, musculoskeletal discomfort surveys, and a cognitive function test battery were also completed at all three timepoints. Intervention experiences from pupils and the teacher were captured using focus groups, interviews, and classroom observations. At both 4 months and 8 months, multi-level models revealed a reduction in class time sitting in the intervention group compared to the control group ((β (95%CI) 4 months −25.3% (−32.3, −18.4) 8 months −19.9% (−27.05, −12.9)). Qualitative data revealed challenges to teaching practicalities and a gradual decline in behavior-related mental health was observed (intervention vs. control: 4 months +5.31 (+2.55, +8.08) 8 months +7.92 (+5.18, +10.66)). Larger trials within similar high-priority settings are required to determine the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of providing standing desks to every child in the classroom.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 11-05-2018
DOI: 10.1080/07420528.2018.1466789
Abstract: This pilot study investigated the impact of breaking up prolonged sitting with light-intensity walking on postprandial glucose responses and sleep architecture. In a randomized, counterbalanced, crossover design, six healthy males completed a sitting condition and an active condition (sitting interrupted with light-intensity walking) for three consecutive days, following 5-h sleep opportunities at night. Postprandial glucose response and sleep (time spent in all stages) was assessed. Breaking up prolonged sitting with light-intensity walking did not affect postprandial glucose responses in sleep-restricted participants however a small increase (~9 min) in slow-wave sleep was observed.
Publisher: Canadian Science Publishing
Date: 03-2017
Abstract: The directionality of the relationship between children’s physical activity and sleep is unclear. This study examined the temporal and bidirectional associations between objectively measured physical activity, energy expenditure, and sleep in primary school-aged children. A subgroup of children (n = 65, aged 8–11 years) from the Fitness, Activity and Skills Testing Study conducted in Melbourne, Australia, had their sleep and physical activity assessed using the SenseWear Pro Armband for 8 consecutive days. Outcome measures included time spent in light-intensity physical activiy (LPA), moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA), activity energy expenditure (AEE), time in bed, total sleep time, and sleep efficiency. Multilevel analyses were conducted using generalized linear latent mixed models to determine whether physical activity on 1 day was associated with sleep outcomes that night, and whether sleep during 1 night was associated with physical activity the following day. No significant associations were observed between time in bed, total sleep time, and sleep efficiency with LPA, MVPA, and AEE in either direction. This study found no temporal or bidirectional associations between objectively measured physical activity, AEE, and sleep. Future research is needed to understand other sleep dimensions that may impact on or be influenced by physical activity to provide potential intervention targets to improve these outcomes.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2020
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 20-09-2018
Publisher: Mary Ann Liebert Inc
Date: 12-2014
Abstract: This article describes the design, development, and implementation feasibility of a purpose-built mobile active videogame (M-AVG) named "Pirate Adventure," which was designed for primary school-aged children to engage in physical activity (PA) and fundamental movement skills (FMS), such as hopping, sidestepping, jumping, or running, in an afterschool setting. The design of "Pirate Adventure" was the result of a collaboration between games designers and health researchers. "Pirate Adventure" was designed and developed using Android(®) (Google, Mountain View, CA) phone sensors to respond to player actions within a playground environment. Using an interactive game framework, players solve clues and complete PA and FMS challenges via sensing the physical world through marked-out key game locations. Fourteen primary school-aged children participated in the feasibility evaluation, which took place in four afternoon sessions. The game was evaluated using Android phone telemetry data and a post-gameplay survey for children on their opinions and enjoyment of the game. The "Pirate Adventure" game design facilitated an enjoyable treasure hunt game (average of 11 minutes of activity per game) with narrative elements supporting children's engagement with movement activities. The majority of children (n=9/13) reported that they would like to play the game again. Combining real world and virtual world content through "Pirate Adventure" was moderately successful, with multiple gameplay sessions occurring. Further implementation feasibility testing, under more controlled conditions, needs to be conducted to assert the benefits of using a M-AVG for children's PA and FMS.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 02-08-2023
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 08-2014
Abstract: Identifying periods of the day which are susceptible to varying levels of physical activity (PA) may help identify key times to intervene and potentially change preschool children’s PA behaviors. This study assessed variability of objectively measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) during weekdays and weekend days among preschool children. One hundred and eighty-eight children (aged 3 to 5 years 53.2% boys) from a northwest English city wore uni-axial accelerometers for 7 consecutive days. Higher levels of MVPA were recorded in boys, particularly those who attended preschool for a half day. Children who attended preschool for a full day engaged in 11.1 minutes less MVPA than children who attended for a half day. After-school hours were characterized by a decrease in activity for all groups. Patterns of activity during the weekend were smoother with less variability. This study identified discrete segments of the week, specifically afterschool and during the weekend, when preschoolers engage in low levels of PA. Higher levels of MVPA among children who attended preschool for less time each day suggests that the structured preschool environment is related to decreased activity. Consequently, there is a need for interventions in young children to focus on school and home environments.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 07-07-2012
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 02-01-2018
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2015
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 11-08-2020
Abstract: overnment responses to managing the COVID-19 pandemic may have impacted the way in iduals were able to engage in physical activity. Digital platforms are a promising way to support physical activity levels and may have provided an alternative for people to maintain their activity while at home. his study aimed to examine associations between the use of digital platforms and adherence to the physical activity guidelines among Australian adults and adolescents during the COVID-19 stay-at-home restrictions in April and May 2020. national online survey was distributed in May 2020. Participants included 1188 adults (mean age 37.4 years, SD 15.1 980/1188, 82.5% female) and 963 adolescents (mean age 16.2 years, SD 1.2 685/963, 71.1% female). Participants reported demographic characteristics, use of digital platforms for physical activity over the previous month, and adherence to moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA) and muscle-strengthening exercise (MSE) guidelines. Multilevel logistic regression models examined differences in guideline adherence between those who used digital platforms (ie, users) to support their physical activity compared to those who did not (ie, nonusers). igital platforms include streaming services for exercise (eg, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook) subscriber fitness programs, via an app or online (eg, Centr and MyFitnessPal) facilitated online live or recorded classes, via platforms such as Zoom (eg, dance, sport training, and fitness class) sport- or activity-specific apps designed by sporting organizations for participants to keep up their skills (eg, TeamBuildr) active electronic games (eg, Xbox Kinect) and/or online or digital training or racing platforms (eg, Zwift, FullGaz, and Rouvy). Overall, 39.5% (469/1188) of adults and 26.5% (255/963) of adolescents reported using digital platforms for physical activity. Among adults, MVPA (odds ratio [OR] 2.0, 95% CI 1.5-2.7), MSE (OR 3.3, 95% CI 2.5-4.5), and combined (OR 2.7, 95% CI 2.0-3.8) guideline adherence were higher among digital platform users relative to nonusers. Adolescents’ MVPA (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.3-4.3), MSE (OR 3.1, 95% CI 2.1-4.4), and combined (OR 4.3, 95% CI 2.1-9.0) guideline adherence were also higher among users of digital platforms relative to nonusers. igital platform users were more likely than nonusers to meet MVPA and MSE guidelines during the COVID-19 stay-at-home restrictions in April and May 2020. Digital platforms may play a critical role in helping to support physical activity engagement when access to facilities or opportunities for physical activity outside the home are restricted.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 12-2013
DOI: 10.2466/03.25.PMS.117X28Z4
Abstract: This article presents a direct observational tool for assessing children's body movements and movement skills during active video games. The Observation Tool of Active Gaming and Movement (OTGAM) was informed by the Test of Gross Motor Development-2. 18 elementary school children (12 boys, 6 girls M age = 6.1 yr., SD = 0.9) were observed during Nintendo Wii® game play. Using the OTAGM, researchers were able to capture and quantify the children's body movements and movement skills during active play of video games. Furthermore, the OTAGM captured specific components of object control skills: strike, throw, and roll. Game designers, health promotion practitioners, and researchers could use this information to enhance children's physical activity and movement skills.
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 11-2016
Abstract: Two years on from the inaugural Active Healthy Kids Australia (AHKA) Physical Activity Report Card, there has been little to no change with the majority of Australian children still insufficiently active. The 2016 AHKA Report Card was developed using the best available national- and state-based physical activity data, which were evaluated by the AHKA Research Working Group using predetermined weighting criteria and benchmarks to assign letter grades to the 12 Report Card indicators. In comparison with 2014, Overall Physical Activity Levels was again assigned a D - with Organized Sport and Physical Activity Participation increasing to a B (was B -) and Active Transport declining to a C - (was C ). The settings and sources of influence again performed well ( A - to a C +), however Government Strategies and Investments saw a decline ( C + to a D ). The traits associated with physical activity were also graded poorly ( C - to a D ). Australian youth are insufficiently active and engage in high levels of screen-based sedentary behaviors. While a range of support structures exist, Australia lacks an overarching National Physical Activity Plan that would unify the country and encourage the cultural shift needed to face the inactivity crisis head on.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2005
DOI: 10.1016/J.YPMED.2004.10.023
Abstract: Physical activity guidelines recommend children should engage in 60 min of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) a day. School recess presents an opportunity for children to be physically active during the school day. Limited research has investigated children's activity levels during recess and its contribution to physical activity recommendations. Moreover, no target for physical activity during recess has been set. One hundred sixteen boys and 112 girls (aged 5-10 years) from 23 schools had their physical activity during recess quantified using a uniaxial accelerometer during three recess breaks on one school day. The percentage of time spent engaged in moderate, high, and very high intensity activity was calculated using existing thresholds. Boys engaged in more moderate, high, and very high intensity activity than girls. On average, boys and girls spent 32.9% and 23% of recess engaged in physical activity, respectively. Boys engaged in higher intensity activities than girls. The results suggest that recess can contribute 28 min for boys and 21.5 min for girls toward the accumulation of recommended daily physical activity. However, the physical activity intensities that children engaged in were low during recess. On average, children in this study did not achieve 50% of recess time in physical activity. Interventions for increasing the physical activity of children in the playground are warranted.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.JSAMS.2014.03.001
Abstract: The relationship between actual and perceived object control competence (ball skills) and the contribution to young children's physical activity is not known. Cross sectional study. The Test Gross Motor Development-2 assessed actual object control competence and a modified version of the Pictorial Scale of Perceived Competence and Social Acceptance for Young Children assessed perceived object control competence. Moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity was measured via accelerometry. Three mixed regression models were performed: (i) object control competence as the predictor and the outcome as perceived object control, (ii) perceived object control competence as the predictor and the outcome moderate to vigorous physical activity and (iii) actual object control as the predictor and the outcome moderate to vigorous physical activity. Models adjusted for school clustering, monitor wear time, sex and age. Interactions between respective predictor variables and sex were performed if warranted. A total of 102 children (56% boys, 44% girls) aged 4-8 years (M 6.3, SD 0.92) completed assessments. Girls had lower perceived and actual object control competence and were less active than boys. Actual object control competence was positively associated with perceived object control competence (B=0.11, t(96)=2.25, p<0.001, p=0.027) and this relationship did not differ by sex (p=0.449) however, neither actual (p=0.092) nor perceived object control competence (p=0.827) were associated with moderate to vigorous physical activity. Young children's perceived ball skill abilities appear to relate to actual competence however, these measures were not associated with physical activity. In older children, object control skill is associated with physical activity so targeting young children's object control skills is an intervention priority.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.JSAMS.2017.03.003
Abstract: Possessing positive physical perceived competence is important for physical activity in older children. Young children are primarily physically active through play-based behaviour rather than through organised sports and activities, so understanding how play perceptions might influence physical activity behaviour is important. The study purpose was to assess if perceived active play competence is associated with young children's physical activity. Cross sectional study. This paper uses two different s les drawn from the same Australian city, both collected in 2013. The first s le included 152 children (49% boys) aged 4-5 years (M=4.7, SD=0.47), the second s le included 78 children (55% boys) aged 5-8 years (M=6.6, SD=0.93). The Pictorial Scale of Perceived Movement Skill Competence was used to assess children's perceived competence in six skill-related play activities. Moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA) was assessed for 8 consecutive days via accelerometers. A general linear model with the mean minutes in MVPA per day as the outcome, perceived play competence as the independent variable and adjusting for relevant confounders was performed in each s le. Perceived active play competence was not related to MVPA min/day (B=0.44, p=0.323) in the younger s le, but was in the older s le (B=1.53, p=0.026), explaining 24% of adjusted variance. Positive findings in the older s le show school-aged children need exposure to play based activities in order to develop the positive self-perception needed to engage in MVPA every day.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2022
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.JSAMS.2013.12.004
Abstract: To determine reliability and face validity of an instrument to assess young children's perceived fundamental movement skill competence. Validation and reliability study. A pictorial instrument based on the Test Gross Motor Development-2 assessed perceived locomotor (six skills) and object control (six skills) competence using the format and item structure from the physical competence subscale of the Pictorial Scale of Perceived Competence and Acceptance for Young Children. S le 1 completed object control items in May (n=32) and locomotor items in October 2012 (n=23) at two time points seven days apart. Children were asked at the end of the test-retest their understanding of what was happening in each picture to determine face validity. S le 2 (n=58) completed 12 items in November 2012 on a single occasion to test internal reliability only. S le 1 children were aged 5-7 years (M=6.0, SD=0.8) at object control assessment and 5-8 years at locomotor assessment (M=6.5, SD=0.9). S le 2 children were aged 6-8 years (M=7.2, SD=0.73). Intra-class correlations assessed in S le 1 children were excellent for object control (intra-class correlation=0.78), locomotor (intra-class correlation=0.82) and all 12 skills (intra-class correlations=0.83). Face validity was acceptable. Internal consistency was adequate in both s les for each subscale and all 12 skills (alpha range 0.60-0.81). This study has provided preliminary evidence for instrument reliability and face validity. This enables future alignment between the measurement of perceived and actual fundamental movement skill competence in young children.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 19-06-2018
Abstract: The aim of this study was to determine the face validity and the reliability of a pictorial scale to assess preschool children's perceived movement skills. The pictorial scale examines the perceptions of the 12 fundamental movement skills presented in the Test of Gross Motor Development-2 (six locomotor and six object control skills) and six active play skills (e.g. cycling). A total of 91 Australian children aged four to five years from 14 preschools completed the scale on two occasions to determine test-retest reliability. Internal consistency was determined for all 18 items and for each subscale. After the second test, participants were asked open-ended questions to gain insight into their understanding of what was happening in the pictures to determine the face validity. Overall, children demonstrated a better understanding of object control and play skills compared to locomotor skills. Test-retest reliability values were good for object control (intra-class correlation, ICC = 0.75), locomotor (ICC = 0.78), active play skills (ICC = 0.80) and all 18 skills combined (ICC = 0.77). Internal consistency was acceptable for locomotor (Test 1 0.64, Test 2 0.75), object control (0.71, 0.76), active play skills (0.76, 0.74) and for all 18 skills combined (0.88, 0.90). Overall, this instrument demonstrated an acceptable reliability in preschool children and has provided preliminary information for examining the perceptions of movement skills. This age group presents a key target area for occupational therapists, who can assist preschool children to further develop fundamental movement skills, integrate these skills in their roles and occupations and increase engagement in meaningful physical activity in the long term.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 26-08-2022
DOI: 10.1186/S12966-022-01349-2
Abstract: Hip-worn accelerometer cut-points have poor validity for assessing children’s sedentary time, which may partly explain the equivocal health associations shown in prior research. Improved processing/classification methods for these monitors would enrich the evidence base and inform the development of more effective public health guidelines. The present study aimed to develop and evaluate a novel computational method (CHAP-child) for classifying sedentary time from hip-worn accelerometer data. Participants were 278, 8–11-year-olds recruited from nine primary schools in Melbourne, Australia with differing socioeconomic status. Participants concurrently wore a thigh-worn activPAL (ground truth) and hip-worn ActiGraph (test measure) during up to 4 seasonal assessment periods, each lasting up to 8 days. activPAL data were used to train and evaluate the CHAP-child deep learning model to classify each 10-s epoch of raw ActiGraph acceleration data as sitting or non-sitting, creating comparable information from the two monitors. CHAP-child was evaluated alongside the current practice 100 counts per minute (cpm) method for hip-worn ActiGraph monitors. Performance was tested for each 10-s epoch and for participant-season level sedentary time and bout variables (e.g., mean bout duration). Across participant-seasons, CHAP-child correctly classified each epoch as sitting or non-sitting relative to activPAL, with mean balanced accuracy of 87.6% (SD = 5.3%). Sit-to-stand transitions were correctly classified with mean sensitivity of 76.3% (SD = 8.3). For most participant-season level variables, CHAP-child estimates were within ± 11% (mean absolute percent error [MAPE]) of activPAL, and correlations between CHAP-child and activPAL were generally very large ( 0.80). For the current practice 100 cpm method, most MAPEs were greater than ± 30% and most correlations were small or moderate (≤ 0.60) relative to activPAL. There was strong support for the concurrent validity of the CHAP-child classification method, which allows researchers to derive activPAL-equivalent measures of sedentary time, sit-to-stand transitions, and sedentary bout patterns from hip-worn triaxial ActiGraph data. Applying CHAP-child to existing datasets may provide greater insights into the potential impacts and influences of sedentary time in children.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2022
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.JSAMS.2016.06.014
Abstract: Associations between maternal correlates and young children's physical activity levels across the whole day and the segmented day were examined. Cross-sectional study METHODS: Participants were 136 mothers and their 1-3 year old children recruited between July 2013 and March 2014. Mothers reported time spent providing physical activity opportunities for their child, co-participating in and modelling physical activity and sedentary behaviours during the morning, afternoon and evening. Participants wore ActiGraph GT3X (mothers) and GT3X+ (children) accelerometers concurrently for seven consecutive days and the time spent in light- (LPA), moderate- to vigorous- (MVPA) and total (LMVPA) physical activity were assessed. Two-level (family recruitment group) multivariate models examined associations between maternal correlates (including maternal objectively-assessed sedentary time [ST] and physical activity) and children's physical activity. Maternal self-reported co-participation in sedentary behaviour and provision of child opportunities for physical activity were associated with children's physical activity associations varied by period and physical activity intensity. During the morning period, mothers' objectively assessed ST was negatively associated with children's MVPA and LMVPA while her LPA was positively associated with children's LPA, MVPA and LMVPA. Mothers' MVPA was negatively associated with children's LPA and LMVPA during the evening period. Maternal correlates of young children's physical activity may be period- and intensity-specific. Programmes promoting physical activity for families may need to consider incorporating strategies to reduce mother-child co-participation in sedentary behaviour, increase mothers' provision of opportunities to be active and increase mothers' own LPA over ST during certain periods of the day.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 10-2015
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 19-08-2020
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 2012
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 23-03-2018
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 09-12-2016
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 05-2010
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 16-06-2020
Abstract: Sedentary and physical activity patterns (bouts/breaks) may be important for cardiometabolic health in early life. This study aimed to examine cross-sectional associations of total daily volume and patterns across the activity spectrum with cardiometabolic risk factors in youth aged 7–13 years. Objectively measured accelerometer and cardiometabolic risk factor data were pooled from two studies (n = 1219 69% valid accelerometry). Total daily volume of sedentary time and light-, moderate-, and vigorous-intensity physical activity was determined. Time in sustained bouts and median bout lengths of all intensities and breaks in sedentary time were also calculated. Outcomes included body mass index, waist circumference, blood pressure, blood lipids, and a cardiometabolic summary score. Regression models revealed beneficial associations between total daily volumes of moderate- and vigorous-intensity physical activity and cardiometabolic risk. Time spent in ≥1 min vigorous-intensity physical activity bouts was beneficially associated with cardiometabolic risk, yet this disappeared after adjusting for total vigorous-intensity physical activity and confounders. Time accumulated in light- (≥1 min ≥5 min) and moderate-intensity (≥1 min) physical activity bouts was detrimentally associated with cardiometabolic risk. Total daily volume and activity patterns may have implications for cardiometabolic risk early in life. Sporadic physical activity may be more beneficial for health than sustained physical activity.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 19-04-2017
DOI: 10.1038/SREP45975
Abstract: There is currently no evidence that the intervertebral discs (IVDs) can respond positively to exercise in humans. Some authors have argued that IVD metabolism in humans is too slow to respond anabolically to exercise within the human lifespan. Here we show that chronic running exercise in men and women is associated with better IVD composition (hydration and proteoglycan content) and with IVD hypertrophy. Via quantitative assessment of physical activity we further find that accelerations at fast walking and slow running (2 m/s), but not high-impact tasks, lower intensity walking or static positions, correlated to positive IVD characteristics. These findings represent the first evidence in humans that exercise can be beneficial for the IVD and provide support for the notion that specific exercise protocols may improve IVD material properties in the spine. We anticipate that our findings will be a starting point to better define exercise protocols and physical activity profiles for IVD anabolism in humans.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 04-01-2017
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 2010
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 12-11-2019
DOI: 10.1097/J.PAIN.0000000000001441
Abstract: The way people with musculoskeletal disorders deal with pain influences their prognosis. Psychosocial factors that influence outcomes include fear of movement, coping, self-efficacy, and catastrophizing. A 3-round modified Delphi study was conducted with the aim to reach consensus on the most appropriate questionnaires to assess these 4 psychosocial factors in patients at risk of developing persistent musculoskeletal pain. The panel consisted of 36 experts, with track records in medicine, psychology, and allied health. To be considered an expert, a minimum number of authorships were required on research articles using self-administered questionnaires to assess these psychosocial factors in relevant patient populations. In round 1, the experts proposed 30 questionnaires to assess the 4 factors. In round 2, experts rated the questionnaires on suitability, considering clinimetric properties, content, feasibility, personal experiences, and expertise. The highest ranked questionnaires (maximally 5 per factor) were retained for round 3, in which the experts made a final assessment of the questionnaires and provided their positive and negative experiences with the questionnaires. Consensus was reached for the following questionnaires to assess (1) fear of movement: Fear Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire and T a Scale (full version or 11-item version) (2) coping: Coping Strategies Questionnaire (initial or revised version) and Chronic Pain Coping Index (3) self-efficacy: Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (full version or 2-item version) and (4) catastrophizing: Pain Catastrophizing Scale and the revised version of the Coping Strategies Questionnaire. Although other questionnaires can be considered in specific circumstances, these questionnaires are recommended in people with musculoskeletal pain.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 21-02-2014
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2020
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 06-04-2018
DOI: 10.1007/S00586-018-5567-3
Abstract: Low back pain is a major public health issue. Identifying factors associated with better intervertebral disc (IVD) characteristics gives insight into IVD metabolism and highlights intervention targets for improvement of IVD health. This cross-sectional study investigates whether IVD T2-relaxation time on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is associated with vertebral fat fraction (VFF to quantify marrow adipose tissue), trunk muscle cross-sectional area (CSA), muscle function and physical activity (PA). Seventy-nine healthy subjects (35 males, 44 females) without history of spinal disease were included. Lumbar IVDs T2-relaxation time, lumbar VFF and CSA of multifidus, erector spinae, quadratus lumborum, and psoas muscles were quantified via MRI. Isometric trunk flexion and extension endurance times as well as habitual PA levels and exposure to occupational spine risk factors were documented. Pearson-partial correlations adjusted for anthropometric differences by controlling for vertebral body height. Higher IVD T2-time correlated with: (a) lower VFF (r = - 0.27, p < 0.05), (b) greater trunk extensor muscle endurance (r = 0.37, p < 0.01), and (c) greater trunk flexor muscle endurance (r = 0.30, p < 0.01) but not with muscle CSA. Lower VFF also correlated with greater extensor muscle endurance (r = - 0.26, p < 0.05) and habitual PA (MET-mins per week) (r = - 0.24, p < 0.05). This is the first study to show that better IVD hydration is associated with lower VFF and that greater physical activity is associated with favourable levels of vertebral marrow adipose tissue in young healthy in iduals. Reduced vertebral marrow adipose tissue may specifically improve IVD hydration via improved nutrient supply. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 13-01-2013
Abstract: Little research has investigated children’s physical activity levels during school recess and the contribution of recess to school day physical activity levels by weight status. The aims of this study were to examine non-overweight and overweight children’s physical activity levels during school recess, and examine the contribution of recess to school day physical activity. Cross-sectional. Four elementary schools located in Nebraska, United States of America (USA). Two hundred and seventeen children (99 boys, 118 girls 47.9% overweight) wore a uni-axial accelerometer for five consecutive school days during autumn 2009. The proportion of time spent engaged in sedentary (SED), light (LPA), moderate (MPA) and vigorous (VPA) intensity physical activity during recess was determined using age-specific accelerometer thresholds. Overweight children engaged in more %MPA and less %VPA than non-overweight children, respectively. No differences were found between overweight and healthy weight children’s moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Recess contributed 16.9% and 16.3% towards non-overweight and overweight children’s school day %MVPA, respectively. Examining %MVPA as an outcome variable may mask differences in recess physical activity levels between non-overweight and overweight children. Future research is needed to establish why healthy weight and overweight children engage in differing levels of %MPA and %VPA during recess.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2012
DOI: 10.1016/J.AMEPRE.2012.05.019
Abstract: Interest has increased in examining the physical activity levels of young people during school recess. Identifying correlates of their recess physical activity behaviors is timely, and would inform school-based physical activity programming and intervention development. The review examined the correlates of children's and adolescent's physical activity during school recess periods. A systematic search of six electronic databases, reference lists, and personal archives identified 53 studies (47 focused on children) published between January 1990 and April 2011 that met the inclusion criteria. Data were analyzed in 2011. Correlates were categorized using the social-ecological framework. Forty-four variables were identified across the four levels of the social-ecological framework, although few correlates were studied repeatedly at each level. Positive associations were found of overall facility provision, unfixed equipment, and perceived encouragement with recess physical activity. Results revealed that boys were more active than girls. Providing access to school facilities, providing unfixed equipment, and identifying ways to promote encouragement for physical activity have the potential to inform strategies to increase physical activity levels during recess periods.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 02-11-2022
Publisher: Annual Reviews
Date: 06-04-2018
DOI: 10.1146/ANNUREV-PUBLHEALTH-040119-094201
Abstract: In developed and developing countries, social, economic, and environmental transitions have led to physical inactivity and large amounts of time spent sitting. Research is now unraveling the adverse public health consequences of too much sitting. We describe improvements in device-based measurement that are providing new insights into sedentary behavior and health. We consider the implications of research linking evidence from epidemiology and behavioral science with mechanistic insights into the underlying biology of sitting time. Such evidence has led to new sedentary behavior guidelines and initiatives. We highlight ways that this emerging knowledge base can inform public health strategy: First, we consider epidemiologic and experimental evidence on the health consequences of sedentary behavior second, we describe solutions-focused research from initiatives in workplaces and schools. To inform a broad public health strategy, researchers need to pursue evidence-informed collaborations with occupational health, education, and other sectors.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 25-07-2023
DOI: 10.1186/S12966-023-01482-6
Abstract: Despite significant interest in assessing activity patterns in different populations, there has been no consensus concerning the definition and operationalisation of this term. This has limited the comparability, interpretability, and synthesis of study findings to date. The aim of this study was to establish a consensus regarding the way in which activity patterns and activity pattern components are defined and reported. The activity patterns literature was searched to identify experts to be invited to participate and to develop a proposed definition of activity patterns and activity pattern components. A three-round modified Delphi survey was conducted online (November 2021 to May 2022). In Round 1, participants were asked to rate their agreement with a proposed activity patterns definition, which also included six activity pattern components (e.g., activity intensity, activity bout, transitions), six ex les of activity patterns (e.g., frequency of postural transitions in discrete time periods) and eight items for reporting activity patterns in future research (n = 21 items). Open-ended questions enabled participants to provide further comments and suggestions for additional items. Consensus was defined a priori as ≥ 80% participants rating their agreement with an item. In Round 2, participants were asked to rate their agreement with 25 items (13 original items, eight amended, and four new). In Round 3, participants rated their agreement with 10 items (five original items, four amended, and one new). Twenty experts in activity patterns research participated in Round 1, with response rates of 80% and 60% in Rounds 2 and 3, respectively. The proposed activity pattern definition, all activity pattern components definitions, four of the six activity pattern ex les, and 10 items in the activity patterns reporting framework achieved consensus. The removal of one activity component item between Rounds 1 and 2 achieved consensus. This modified Delphi study achieved consensus for defining and reporting activity patterns for the first time. This consensus definition enables standardisation of activity patterns terminology, which is important given the significant interest in quantifying how in iduals accumulate their physical activity and sedentary behaviour across the lifespan to inform the development of future public health guidelines and interventions efforts.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2009
DOI: 10.1016/J.YPMED.2009.08.008
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine physical activity levels and patterns of physical activity across daily school recess periods, and the contribution of recess to daily physical activity. Ninety-eight children (61% boys) from three schools in Hungary had their physical activity quantified using uni-axial accelerometry every 5 s for three consecutive school days (Wednesday to Friday). The proportion of time spent in sedentary, light, moderate-to-vigorous, and vigorous physical activity during 5 daily school recess periods was determined using existing age-appropriate cut-points. The relative contribution of recess to daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was also determined. Data were collected between May and October 2008. Boys engaged in significantly more light (30.6+/-5.2% 27.7+/-5.1%), moderate-to-vigorous (24.9+/-8.9% 17.5+/-5.2%) and vigorous physical activity (7.6+/-4.7% 4.3+/-2.9%) than girls during recess. Girls (54.8+/-8.1%) engaged in more sedentary activity than boys (44.5+/-10.2%). Physical activity levels were generally similar across multiple recess periods. Recess contributed more moderate-to-vigorous physical activity towards weekday physical activity for boys (13.1%) than girls (10.8%). Since sedentary activity accounted for the largest proportion of recess, interventions may be needed across all recess periods to promote physical activity during the school day.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2022
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2018
DOI: 10.1016/J.JSAMS.2017.10.030
Abstract: Prolonged sitting is a health risk factor which is ubiquitous to the workplace, and breaking up prolonged sitting is widely recommended. This study evaluated the test-retest reliability and concurrent validity of a self-report measure of duration of sitting and breaks from sitting in the workplace. Cross-sectional study. Fifty-nine workers who reported spending most of their work time sitting wore an activPAL inclinometer and the ActiGraph accelerometer for eight consecutive days, and completed single-item measures of duration of sitting (min/work hour) and breaks from sitting (frequency er work hour), twice, seven days apart. Participants reported sitting at work for a median of 420min/day (Interquartile Range=360-450min/day) and taking one break (Interquartile Range=1.0-2.0) from sitting per work hour. For reported duration of workplace sitting, test-retest reliability was adequate (Intra-Class Correlations=0.78, 95% Confidence Intervals [CI]=0.65, 0.86), and concurrent validity fair against the activPAL (Spearman's Rho=0.24, CI-1.0,0.47) and the ActiGraph (Rho=0.39, CI=0.15, 0.68). For reported breaks from sitting (frequency er work hour), test-retest reliability was adequate (Intra-Class Correlations=0.65, CI=0.48, 0.78) and concurrent validity fair against the activPAL (Spearman's Rho=0.39, CI=0.25, 0.74) and the ActiGraph (Spearman's Rho=0.30, CI=0.15, 0.69). Self-reported duration of sitting was biased toward over-reporting compared to the activPAL (median=45.4min) and under-reporting compared to the ActiGraph (median=21.7min). This study found adequate reliability and fair validity for self-reported duration of sitting (min/work day) and breaks from sitting (frequency er work hour). Further validity research is needed using the inclinometer.
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 07-08-2020
DOI: 10.2196/13573
Abstract: Wearable technology interventions combined with digital behavior change resources provide opportunities to increase physical activity in adolescents. The implementation of such interventions in real-world settings is unknown. The Raising Awareness of Physical Activity (RAW-PA) study was a 12-week cluster randomized controlled trial targeting inactive adolescents attending schools in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas of Melbourne, Australia. The aim was to increase moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity using (1) a wrist-worn Fitbit Flex and app, (2) weekly challenges, (3) digital behavior change resources, and (4) email or text message alerts. This paper presents adolescents’ and teachers’ perceptions of RAW-PA in relation to program acceptability, feasibility and perceived impact, adolescent engagement and adherence, and the potential for future scale-up. A mixed methods evaluation of the RAW-PA study assessed acceptability, engagement, feasibility, adherence, and perceived impact. A total of 9 intervention schools and 144 intervention adolescents were recruited. Only adolescents and teachers (n=17) in the intervention group were included in the analysis. Adolescents completed web-based surveys at baseline and surveys and focus groups postintervention. Teachers participated in interviews postintervention. Facebook data tracked engagement with web-based resources. Descriptive statistics were reported by sex. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically. Survey data were collected from 142 adolescents at baseline (mean age 13.7 years, SD 0.4 years 51% males) and 132 adolescents postintervention. A total of 15 focus groups (n=124) and 9 interviews (n=17) were conducted. RAW-PA had good acceptability among adolescents and teachers. Adolescents perceived the intervention content as easy to understand (100/120, 83.3%) and the Fitbit easy to use (112/120 93.3%). Half of the adolescents perceived the text messages to be useful (61/120 50.8%), whereas 47.5% (57/120) liked the weekly challenges and 38.3% (46/120) liked the Facebook videos. Facebook engagement declined over time only 18.6% (22/118) of adolescents self-reported wearing the Fitbit Flex daily postintervention. Adolescents perceived the Fitbit Flex to increase their physical activity motivation (85/120, 70.8%) and awareness (93/119, 78.2%). The web-based delivery facilitated implementation of the intervention, although school-level policies restricting phone use were perceived as potential inhibitors to program roll-out. RAW-PA showed good acceptability among adolescents attending schools in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas and their teachers. Low levels of teacher burden enhanced their perceptions concerning the feasibility of intervention delivery. Although adolescents perceived that RAW-PA had short-term positive effects on their motivation to be physically active, adolescent adherence and engagement were low. Future research exploring the feasibility of different strategies to engage adolescents with wearable technology interventions and ways of maximizing system-level embeddedness of interventions in practice would greatly advance the field.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2011
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 08-07-2008
DOI: 10.1007/S00421-008-0813-8
Abstract: Little research documents the contribution of upper limb and total body movement to energy expenditure (EE) during active video gaming. To address this, EE, heart rate (HR), and, upper limb and total body movement were assessed in 11- to 17-year-old adolescents whilst playing three active (Nintendo Wii) and one sedentary (XBOX 360) video games. Non-dominant upper limb activity, EE and HR were significantly greater during Wii Sports boxing [mean 267.2 (SD 115.8) J kg(-1) min(-1) 136.7 (24.5) beats min(-1)] than tennis or bowling (P or = 0.53), with two-measure models of HR and single-site activity data, and multi-site activity data, similarly explaining the variance in EE (R (2) > or = 0.64). The physiological cost of upper-body orientated active video games increased when movement of both upper limbs was encouraged. Improvements in EE explanatory power provide support for multi-site activity monitoring during unique, non-ambulatory activities.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 23-09-2015
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 08-2015
Abstract: The purpose was to determine the reliability of an instrument designed to assess young children’s perceived movement skill competence in 2 erse s les. A pictorial instrument assessed 12 perceived Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS) based on the Test of Gross Motor Development 2nd edition. Intra-Class Correlations (ICC) and internal consistency analyses were conducted. Paired s le t tests assessed change in mean perceived skill scores. Bivariate correlations between the intertrial difference and the mean of the trials explored proportional bias. S le 1 (S1) were culturally erse Australian children (n = 111 52% boys) aged 5 to 8 years (mean = 6.4, SD = 1.0) with educated parents. S le 2 (S2) were racially erse and socioeconomically disadvantaged American children (n = 110 57% boys) aged 5 to 10 years (mean = 6.8, SD = 1.1). For all children, the internal consistency for 12 FMS was acceptable (S1 = 0.72, 0.75, S2 = 0.66, 0.67). ICCs were higher in S1 (0.73) than S2 (0.50). Mean changes between trials were small. There was little evidence of proportional bias. Lower values in S2 may be due to differences in study demographic and execution. While the instrument demonstrated reliability/internal consistency, further work is recommended in erse s les.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 31-05-2011
DOI: 10.1007/S00421-011-2011-3
Abstract: Some evidence suggests that sedentary behaviour is independently associated with cardiovascular (CV) risk. Endothelial dysfunction is the earliest detectable manifestation of CVD and a strong independent predictor of CV events. No previous study has examined the relationship between sedentary behaviour and endothelial function. We assessed the basal association between conduit artery endothelial function and sedentary behaviour in children, along with the correlation between changes in sedentary behaviour and endothelial function. We studied 116 children (70♀: 10.7 ± 0.3 46♂: 10.7 ± 0.3 years) on two occasions in the summer (June) and late autumn (November). We assessed endothelial function via flow-mediated dilation (FMD) using high-resolution Doppler ultrasound. Sedentary behaviour (SB) was assessed using objective uni-axial accelerometry. At baseline, there were no significant differences between girls and boys for any measured variables with the exception of total physical activity time. FMD was not associated with sedentary behaviour in either group or in the cohort as a whole. Although FMD decreased (10.0 ± 4.3-7.9 ± 3.9%, P < 0.001) and SB increased (499.1 ± 103.5-559 ± 81.6 min/day, P < 0.001) between the seasons, no relationship existed between changes in these variables. Our data suggest that sedentary behaviour and changes in sedentary behaviour are not associated with endothelial function in children.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 10-12-2016
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2023
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 24-06-2021
Abstract: This study aimed to examine the associations between play behaviors during preschool recess and foundational movement skills (FMS) in typically developing preschool children. One hundred and thirty-three children (55% male mean age 4.7 ± 0.5 years) from twelve preschools were video-assessed for six locomotor and six object-control FMS using the Ch s Motor Skill Protocol. A modified System for Observing Children’s Activity and Relationships during Play assessed play behaviors during preschool recess. Associations between the composition of recess play behaviors with FMS were analyzed using compositional data analysis and linear regression. Results: Relative to time spent in other types of play behaviors, time spent in play without equipment was positively associated with total and locomotor skills, while time spent in locomotion activities was negatively associated with total and locomotor skills. No associations were found between activity level and group size play behavior compositions and FMS. The findings suggest that activity type play behaviors during recess are associated with FMS. While active games without equipment appear beneficial, preschool children may need a richer playground environment, including varied fixed and portable equipment, to augment the play-based development of FMS.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 12-02-2017
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 12-11-2018
DOI: 10.1111/VOXS.12471
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 09-08-2013
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 24-02-2016
DOI: 10.1111/OBR.12371
Abstract: Sedentary behaviour has emerged as a unique determinant of health in adults. Studies in children and adolescents have been less consistent. We reviewed the evidence to determine if the total volume and patterns (i.e. breaks and bouts) of objectively measured sedentary behaviour were associated with adverse health outcomes in young people, independent of moderate-intensity to vigorous-intensity physical activity. Four electronic databases (EMBASE MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE, PubMed and Scopus) were searched (up to 12 November 2015) to retrieve studies among 2- to 18-year-olds, which used cross-sectional, longitudinal or experimental designs, and examined associations with health outcomes (adiposity, cardio-metabolic, fitness, respiratory, bone/musculoskeletal, psychosocial, cognition/academic achievement, gross motor development and other outcomes). Based on 88 eligible observational studies, level of evidence grading and quantitative meta-analyses indicated that there is limited available evidence that the total volume or patterns of sedentary behaviour are associated with health in children and adolescents when accounting for moderate-intensity to vigorous-intensity physical activity or focusing on studies with low risk of bias. Quality evidence from studies with robust designs and methods, objective measures of sitting, examining associations for various health outcomes, is needed to better understand if the overall volume or patterns of sedentary behaviour are independent determinants of health in children and adolescents.
Publisher: Akademiai Kiado Zrt.
Date: 09-2011
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 03-11-2021
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 11-04-2018
DOI: 10.2196/MHEALTH.9199
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 22-05-2012
Abstract: The study purpose was to investigate predictive associations between adolescent girls’ motivational predispositions to physical education (PE) and habitual physical activity. Two hundred girls (age 13.1 ± 0.6 years) completed the Physical Education Predisposition Scale and the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children. ANCOVAs revealed that girls with the highest Perceived PE Worth and Perceived PE Ability scores were the most habitually active groups ( p .0001). Significant predictors of physical activity identified by hierarchical regression were Perceived PE Ability and body mass index, which accounted for 17% and 3% of variance, respectively. As Perceived PE Ability was strongly associated with physical activity, the correlates of this construct should be further established to inform future school and PE-based interventions.
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 13-02-2013
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 2022
DOI: 10.1136/BMJOPEN-2021-050808
Abstract: Psychosocial factors predict recovery in patients with spinal pain. Several of these factors are modifiable, such as depression and anxiety. However, primary care physiotherapists who typically manage these patients indicate that they do not feel sufficiently competent and equipped to address these factors optimally. We developed an eHealth intervention with a focus on pain education and behavioural activation to support physiotherapists in managing psychosocial factors in patients with spinal pain. This paper describes the protocol for a pragmatic randomised clinical trial, which evaluates the effectiveness of this eHealth intervention blended with physiotherapy compared with physiotherapy alone. Participants with non-specific low back pain and/or neck pain for at least 6 weeks who also have psychosocial risk factors associated with the development or maintenance of persistent pain will be recruited in a pragmatic multicentre cluster randomised clinical trial. The experimental intervention consists of physiotherapy blended with six online modules of pain education and behavioural activation. The control intervention consists of usual care physiotherapy. The primary outcomes are disability (Oswestry Disability Index for low back pain and Neck Disability Index for neck pain) and perceived effect (Global Perceived Effect). Outcomes will be assessed at baseline and at 2, 6 and 12 months after baseline. The results will be analysed using linear mixed models. The study is approved by the Medical Ethical Committee of VU Medical Center Amsterdam, The Netherlands (2017.286). Results will be reported in peer-reviewed journals, at national and international conferences, and in erse media to share the findings with patients, clinicians and the public. NL 5941 The Netherlands Trial Register.
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 17-10-2017
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.JSAMS.2015.07.002
Abstract: To determine the associations between young children's actual and perceived object control and locomotor skills and physical activity and whether associations differ by sex. Cross sectional study. A total of 136 children consented. Children had actual skill (Test of Gross Motor Development-2), perceived skill (Pictorial Scale of Perceived Movement Skill Competence for Young Children), and moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA) (accelerometers) assessed. Independent t-tests assessed sex differences. A regression (with MVPA as the outcome) was performed with all predictor variables (i.e. Actual Object Control, Actual Locomotor, Perceived Object Control, and Perceived Locomotor). Model 2 also adjusted for age, sex, accelerometer wear time and whether the child was from an English speaking background. Interaction terms between the respective actual or perceived skill factor and sex were added to assess sex differences. Analyses were conducted on 109 children (59 boys, 50 girls mean age=6.5 years, SD=1.0). Boys had higher actual and perceived object control skill and were more active by an average of 19min per day. There were no sex differences in locomotor skills. There were no associations between skill factors and MVPA, except for girls, where locomotor skill was a significant predictor of MVPA (B=3.66, p=0.016). Actual rather than perceived skill competence was more important to MVPA in this s le. Locomotor skill competence may be more important than object control skill competence for girls as they may engage in types of physical activity that do not require object control mastery.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.JSAMS.2014.09.014
Abstract: To examine associations between fundamental movement skills and weekday and weekend physical activity among preschool children living in deprived communities. Cross-sectional observation study. Six locomotor skills and 6 object-control skills were video-assessed using The Children's Activity and Movement in Preschool Study Motor Skills Protocol. Physical activity was measured via hip-mounted accelerometry. A total of 99 children (53% boys) aged 3-5 years (M 4.6, SD 0.5) completed all assessments. Multilevel mixed regression models were used to examine associations between fundamental movement skills and physical activity. Models were adjusted for clustering, age, sex, standardised body mass index and accelerometer wear time. Boys were more active than girls and had higher object-control skill competency. Total skill score was positively associated with weekend moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (p = 0.034) but not weekday physical activity categories (p > 0.05). When subdomains of skills were examined, object-control skills was positively associated with light physical activity on weekdays (p = 0.008) and with light (p = 0.033), moderate-to-vigorous (p = 0.028) and light- and moderate-to-vigorous (p = 0.008) physical activity at weekends. Locomotor skill competency was positively associated with moderate-to-vigorous physical activity on weekdays (p = 0.016) and light physical activity during the weekend (p = 0.035). The findings suggest that developing competence in both locomotor and object-control skills may be an important element in promoting an active lifestyle in young children during weekdays and at weekends.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.JSAMS.2016.02.009
Abstract: To identify the number of hours and days or nights of monitoring required to reliably estimate energy expenditure (EE), steps, waking sedentary time, light- (LPA), moderate- (MPA), vigorous- (VPA), moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA), time in bed and total sleep time using the SenseWear Armband. Cross-sectional study. One hundred and two children (50% boys) aged 8-11 years from six schools wore a SenseWear Armband (BodyMedia Inc, USA) for eight consecutive days (seven consecutive nights). Hourly increments of valid day wear time criteria were examined (days/week 8h/day-14h/day). Intra-class correlation coefficients estimated the reliability for any in idual day for each wear time criteria. The Spearman-Brown prophecy formula was used to determine the number of days/nights of monitoring needed to achieve reliability estimates of 0.7, 0.8 and 0.9. Fewer monitoring days were needed as the valid day criteria became more stringent. For ex le, at least 12h of wear time on at least 2 days was required to achieve a reliability of 0.7 for EE. In contrast, at least 8h/day on 5 days resulted in reliable estimates (0.7) for MPA, VPA and MVPA. Between 6 and 7 nights of monitoring were required to reliably estimate children's time in bed and total sleep time, respectively. A 7-day monitoring protocol in primary school-aged children would provide acceptable reliability for the assessment of EE, waking sedentary time, LPA, MPA, VPA, MVPA, time in bed and total sleep time, as assessed by the SenseWear Armband.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2009
DOI: 10.1016/J.ATHEROSCLEROSIS.2008.09.004
Abstract: The prevalence of obesity and physical inactivity in Western countries has increased rapidly. Both are modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Atherosclerosis begins in childhood and endothelial dysfunction is its earliest detectable manifestation. We assessed flow-mediated dilation (FMD) in 129 children (75 female 10.3+0.3 yrs 54 male 10.4 0.3 yrs). FMD was normalised for differences in the eliciting shear rate stimulus between subjects (SR(AUC)). Fitness was assessed as peak oxygen uptake during an incremental treadmill exercise test (V O(2)peak). Body composition was measured using a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan. Physical activity (PA) was assessed using Actigraph accelerometers. The cohort was split into tertiles according to FMD% and also FMD% corrected for SR(AUC) to gain insight into the determinants of vascular function. Across the cohort, significant correlations were observed between FMD%/SR(AUC) and DEXA percentage fat (r=-0.23, p=0.009) and percentage lean mass (r=0.21, p=0.008), and also with PA performed at moderate-to-high intensity (r=0.363, p=0.001). For children in the lowest FMD%/SR(AUC) tertile, a stronger relationship with all PA measures was observed, particularly with high intensity PA (r=0.572, P=0.003). Regression analysis revealed that high intensity PA was the only predictor of impaired FMD%/SR(AUC). These data suggest that traditional risk factors for CHD in adult populations impact upon vascular function in young people. Furthermore, it appears that in iduals with impaired FMD may benefit from performing high intensity PA, whereas no relationships exist between FMD and lower intensities of PA or between PA and FMD in those subjects who possess preserved vascular function a priori.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.IJNURSTU.2017.05.006
Abstract: Nurses' physical performance at work has implications both for nurses' occupational health and patient care. Although nurses are the largest healthcare workforce, are present 24-hours a day, and engage in many physically demanding tasks, nurses' occupational physical activity levels are poorly understood. The aim of this systematic review was to examine nurses' occupational physical activity levels, and explore how nurses accumulate their physical activity during a shift. This narrative systematic review was guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) Statement. EBSCOHost (MEDLINE, CINAHL, Age Line, Academic Search Complete, Global Health, Health Business Centre, Health Policy Reference Centre, Health Source (Consumer and Nursing/Academic Edition) and SPORTDiscus), Embase, Informit, ProQuest Health and Medical, Science Direct, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. A systematic search of seven databases were completed to locate peer-reviewed journal articles documenting nurses' occupational physical activity levels from January 1990. Papers were included if they were original research papers measured physical activity objectively and/or subjectively reported nurses' occupational physical activity and were published in English. Articles were excluded if nurses' data were not reported separately from other professional groups. Two researchers independently screened the articles, extracted data, and undertook the methodological quality assessments. Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Nursing work predominantly comprised of light-intensity physical activity. In nine studies how nurses' accumulated occupational physical activity were documented and showed that the majority of a nurses' shift was spent standing or walking whilst completing direct patient care tasks. However, the definition of the nursing populations studied were often poorly reported, and few researchers reported the validity and the reliability of the measurement tools used. Nurses' occupational physical activity levels largely consist of light-intensity physical activity interspersed with moderate-intensity tasks. It is not known whether physical activity during one shift affects the activity levels in the following shift. This systematic review is the first step towards understanding the physical demands of nursing work, and how nurses' physical activity may impact workplace wellbeing and patient safety. A meta-analysis was not possible due to the variability in how physical activity outcomes were presented. Several studies had heart rate outcomes that were converted, where possible, by the authors into physical activity outcomes. This systematic review is registered with PROSPERO Registration number: CRD42016045427.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2022
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-04-2021
DOI: 10.1186/S12966-021-01110-1
Abstract: There has been increasing interest in using wearable activity trackers to promote physical activity in youth. This study examined the short- and longer-term effects of a wearable activity tracker combined with digital behaviour change resources on the physical activity of adolescents attending schools in socio-economically disadvantaged areas. The Raising Awareness of Physical Activity (RAW-PA) Study was a 12-week, multicomponent intervention that combined a Fitbit Flex (and accompanying app), and online digital behaviour change resources and weekly challenges delivered via Facebook. RAW-PA was evaluated using a cluster-randomised controlled trial with 275 adolescents (50.2% female 13.7 ± 0.4 years) from 18 Melbourne secondary schools (intervention n = 9 wait-list control group n = 9). The primary outcome was moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA), measured using hip-worn ActiGraph accelerometers. The secondary outcome was self-reported physical activity. Data were collected at baseline, 12-weeks (immediately post-intervention), and 6-months post-intervention (follow-up). Multilevel models were used to determine the effects of the intervention on daily MVPA over time, adjusting for covariates. No significant differences were observed between intervention and wait-list control adolescents’ device-assessed MVPA immediately post-intervention. At 6-months post-intervention, adolescents in the intervention group engaged in 5 min (95% CI: − 9.1 to − 1.0) less MVPA per day than those in the wait-list control group. Males in the intervention group engaged in 11 min (95% CI: − 17.6 to − 4.5) less MVPA than males in the wait-list control group at 6-months post-intervention. No significant differences were observed for females at either time point. For self-reported physical activity, no significant effects were found at 12-weeks and 6-months post-intervention. Combining a wearable activity tracker with digital behaviour change resources and weekly challenges did not increase inactive adolescents’ accelerometer-derived and self-reported physical activity levels immediately post-intervention. This contrasts previous research that has suggested wearable activity tracker may increase youth physical activity levels in the short-term. Lower engagement in MVPA 6-months post-intervention was observed for males but not for females, though it is unclear why this finding was observed. The results suggest wearable activity trackers, in combination with supporting materials, may not be effective for increasing physical activity levels in adolescents. ACTRN12616000899448 . Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry. Registered 7 July 2016.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2013
DOI: 10.1016/J.YPMED.2013.07.019
Abstract: Playground interventions offer an opportunity to enhance school recess physical activity. We aimed to assess the effects of playground marking on objectively measured school recess physical activity in French children. Participants were four hundred and twenty children (6-11years old) from 4 primary schools in Nord-Pas de Calais, France. Children's physical activity (PA) was measured with a uniaxial accelerometer twice a day (morning and afternoon recess) during a 4-day school week in April and May 2009. Two experimental schools (EG) received a recess-based intervention (playground markings) and two others served as controls (CG). Percentage of time spent on the following intensities of physical activity during school recess was measured before and after intervention: sedentary (SED), light physical activity (LPA), moderate physical activity (MPA), vigorous physical activity (VPA), very high physical activity (VHPA) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). At baseline, school recess PA among children from CG was significantly (p<0.001) higher than that among EG children. No interaction was observed between the recess-based intervention and gender. After the intervention, the EG spent significantly (p<0.05) more time in MPA, VPA and MVPA with a concomitant significant decrease in SED (p<0.05) compared to baseline, while the PA in CG remained unchanged. Painted playground markings had a positive short-term effect on school recess physical activity levels.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 07-2011
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 23-08-2022
DOI: 10.1186/S12889-022-14007-W
Abstract: Managing children’s screen time is challenging for most families. Interventions have had limited success in reducing screen time, potentially due to a lack of understanding of the experiences, needs and recommendations of families. This study aimed to 1) understand the screen time experiences of families, particularly during COVID-19 lockdowns and 2) explore parent and child suggestions for the design, components, and content of a screen time management program. Parents and children from 30 families living in Victoria, Australia completed a semi-structured interview (63 interviews) via Zoom in October–November 2021. Parents were m aged 40.8 (± 8.9) years and predominantly female (90%). Children were m aged 11.4 (± 2.4) years and 47% female. The interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using inductive thematic analysis combined with a summative content analysis approach. Three themes under Aim 1 emerged. Theme 1) ‘Screen time management experiences and practices’, including rules and strategies, challenges, and the impact of COVID-19 lockdowns. Theme 2) ‘Impact of screens on family interaction and communication’ including conflicts within the family, reduced face-to-face interactions, and negative impact on child’s behaviour and wellbeing. Theme 3) ‘Benefits of increased screen time due to COVID-19 lockdowns’ including continuation of social interactions, extracurricular activities, improved technology skills and using screens as a ‘babysitter’. Findings from Aim 2 suggest that families want a screen time management program delivered online to parents and children, which includes static and interactive content that incorporates health information, alternative activities, cyber-safety information, tips for goal setting and rewards, screen monitoring tools, links to reputable information, and parent social connections. Reminders via text message or through the online platform would help maintain engagement in the program. Families are experiencing challenges in managing the complex balance between the increased need for screens and the impact it has on the family. These findings provide valuable parent and child insights to assist in developing screen time management programs that are created with an understanding of the needs and challenges of families.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 08-2014
Publisher: American Medical Association (AMA)
Date: 03-2022
Publisher: Routledge
Date: 07-04-2020
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 04-02-2019
Abstract: earable technology interventions combined with digital behavior change resources provide opportunities to increase physical activity in adolescents. The implementation of such interventions in real-world settings is unknown. The Raising Awareness of Physical Activity (RAW-PA) study was a 12-week cluster randomized controlled trial targeting inactive adolescents attending schools in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas of Melbourne, Australia. The aim was to increase moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity using (1) a wrist-worn Fitbit Flex and app, (2) weekly challenges, (3) digital behavior change resources, and (4) email or text message alerts. his paper presents adolescents’ and teachers’ perceptions of RAW-PA in relation to program acceptability, feasibility and perceived impact, adolescent engagement and adherence, and the potential for future scale-up. mixed methods evaluation of the RAW-PA study assessed acceptability, engagement, feasibility, adherence, and perceived impact. A total of 9 intervention schools and 144 intervention adolescents were recruited. Only adolescents and teachers (n=17) in the intervention group were included in the analysis. Adolescents completed web-based surveys at baseline and surveys and focus groups postintervention. Teachers participated in interviews postintervention. Facebook data tracked engagement with web-based resources. Descriptive statistics were reported by sex. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically. urvey data were collected from 142 adolescents at baseline (mean age 13.7 years, SD 0.4 years 51% males) and 132 adolescents postintervention. A total of 15 focus groups (n=124) and 9 interviews (n=17) were conducted. RAW-PA had good acceptability among adolescents and teachers. Adolescents perceived the intervention content as easy to understand (100/120, 83.3%) and the Fitbit easy to use (112/120 93.3%). Half of the adolescents perceived the text messages to be useful (61/120 50.8%), whereas 47.5% (57/120) liked the weekly challenges and 38.3% (46/120) liked the Facebook videos. Facebook engagement declined over time only 18.6% (22/118) of adolescents self-reported wearing the Fitbit Flex daily postintervention. Adolescents perceived the Fitbit Flex to increase their physical activity motivation (85/120, 70.8%) and awareness (93/119, 78.2%). The web-based delivery facilitated implementation of the intervention, although school-level policies restricting phone use were perceived as potential inhibitors to program roll-out. AW-PA showed good acceptability among adolescents attending schools in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas and their teachers. Low levels of teacher burden enhanced their perceptions concerning the feasibility of intervention delivery. Although adolescents perceived that RAW-PA had short-term positive effects on their motivation to be physically active, adolescent adherence and engagement were low. Future research exploring the feasibility of different strategies to engage adolescents with wearable technology interventions and ways of maximizing system-level embeddedness of interventions in practice would greatly advance the field.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 06-2007
Publisher: International Society of Global Health
Date: 03-02-2023
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 12-03-2012
Abstract: The purpose of the present study was to assess children’s physical activity, social play behaviour, activity type and social interactions during elementary school recess using a pre-validated systematic observation system. Cross-sectional. Two elementary schools located in Merseyside, England. Fifty-six elementary school children (27 boys, 29 girls) were systematically observed during recess over a three-month period using a standardized physical activity observation instrument. The results revealed the boys were engaged in significantly higher levels of physical activity during recess than girls. The boys were also involved in more sport-specific activities and participated in larger group sizes. Positive associations between physical activity and availability of equipment during recess were also reported. This study has confirmed recess as a valuable opportunity for elementary school children to increase their levels of physical activity. However, further studies with larger s le sizes need to identify and explore the relationship between physical activity (PA) and availability of equipment.
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 02-2022
Abstract: Aside from total time spent in physical activity behaviors, how time is accumulated is important for health. This study examined associations between sitting, standing, and stepping bouts, with cardiometabolic health markers in older adults. Participants from the Mitchelstown Cohort Rescreen Study ( N = 221) provided cross-sectional data on activity behaviors (assessed via an activPAL3 Micro) and cardiometabolic health. Bouts of ≥10-, ≥30-, and ≥60-min sitting, standing, and stepping were calculated. Linear regression models were fitted to examine the associations between bouts and cardiometabolic health markers. Sitting (≥10, ≥30, and ≥60 min) and standing (≥10 and ≥30 min) bouts were detrimentally associated with body composition measures, lipid markers, and fasting glucose. The effect for time spent in ≥60-min sitting and ≥30-min standing bouts was larger than shorter bouts. Fragmenting sitting with bouts of stepping may be targeted to benefit cardiometabolic health. Further insights for the role of standing need to be elicited.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 19-06-2015
Publisher: American Institute of Mathematical Sciences (AIMS)
Date: 2016
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.JSAMS.2019.08.019
Abstract: Increasing physical activity is a priority worldwide, including for older adults who may have difficulty performing traditional forms of exercise, and for whom retention of muscle mass is an important consideration. Water-based exercise may provide an alternative if benefits are comparable. We compared the impact on body composition of 24-week water- versus land-walking interventions in healthy but inactive older adults. Randomised, controlled trial. 72 participants (62.5±6.8yr) were randomised to a land-walking (LW), water-walking (WW) or control (C) group in a supervised centre-based program. The exercise groups trained 3 times/week at matched intensity (%HRR), increasing from 40-45% to 55-65% heart rate reserve (HRR). Height, weight, body mass index (BMI), waist and hip girths were recorded dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) provided fat and lean tissue masses. Participants were re-assessed 24 weeks after completion of the intervention. There were no significant changes in body mass or BMI following either exercise protocol, however central adiposity was reduced in both exercise groups, and the WW group increased lower limb lean mass. These benefits did not persist over the follow-up period. Exercise can confer beneficial effects on body composition which are not evident when examining weight or BMI. Both WW and LW improved body composition. Water walking can be recommended as an exercise strategy for this age group due to its beneficial effects on body composition which are similar to, or exceed, those associated with land-walking. For benefits to persist, it appears that exercise needs to be maintained.
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: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2020
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2022
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 19-02-2016
Publisher: International Global Health Society
Date: 23-04-2022
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 08-11-2017
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 28-10-2021
Abstract: This study aimed to understand differences in leisure, educational/work and social screen time behaviours experienced by parents and children due to COVID-19 lockdown restrictions, which may inform behaviour change strategies and policy in the transition to a COVID-normal life. Participants in the “Our Life at Home” study (n = 218 parents from Australia, 43.4 ± 6.8 years, 88% female) completed a cross-sectional online survey in April/May 2020. Parents recalled their own and their child (8.7 ± 2.0 years, 42% female) or adolescents (15.0 ± 1.5 years, 50% female) participation in nine screen time behaviours in the past month (during lockdown) and retrospectively for February 2020 (pre-lockdown), providing data on 436 in iduals. Screen time behaviours included leisure (computer/laptop and tablet/smartphone for leisure, TV/videos/DVDs and game consoles) education/work (computer/laptop and tablet/smartphone for work/education) and social screen time (computer/tablet/smartphone for social communication with friends, family and work (parents only)). Wilcoxon signed-rank tests and effect sizes (r) compared the time spent in each behaviour pre-lockdown and during lockdown. Large differences were observed in social (parents: r = 0.41–0.57 children: r = 0.55–0.65 adolescents: r = 0.28–0.43) and education (children: r = 0.50–0.65 and adolescents: r = 0.25–0.37) behaviours. There were small or no differences in leisure time screen use. COVID-19 lockdown restrictions have impacted parent’s and children’s screen time, and future research and policy should consider strategies to support families to manage screen time.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 08-2021
DOI: 10.1136/BMJOPEN-2021-052212
Abstract: Tuberculosis (TB) continues to be a significant health burden, most commonly affecting the lungs and referred to as pulmonary TB (PTB). Diagnostic techniques of PTB primarily rely on expectorated sputum s les. However, the diagnostic yields are often hindered due to insufficient volume and quality of the sputum specimens. Moreover, some in iduals are unable to provide sputum s les due to scanty sputum production or difficulty in coughing up and require an invasive procedure to obtain a respiratory s le, such as bronchoscopic or gastric aspiration. Thus, challenges in the acquisition of respiratory specimens warrant an alternate specimen. Therefore, this systematic review aims to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of a stool specimen for the diagnosis of PTB in adults. We will search MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), Web of Science and Cochrane database from inception to April 2021 using a comprehensive search strategy. Two reviewers will independently perform screening, data extraction and quality assessment. The risk of bias assessment and applicability of results of eligible studies will be performed using the Quality of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 tool. Bivariate random-effects models will be performed to calculate pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio and negative likelihood ratio and diagnostic odds ratio along with 95% CI of stool specimen for each reported diagnostic method against any of the reference standard test (ie, mycobacterial culture or smear microscopy or Xpert assay using respiratory specimens). Heterogeneity between studies will be assessed by I 2 statistics and Q statistic of the χ 2 test. The results will be disseminated through publishing in a peer-reviewed medical journal and public presentations in relevant national and international conferences. As this is a systematic review of publicly available data, ethics approval is not required. CRD42021245203.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2016
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-2015
DOI: 10.1007/S40279-015-0436-2
Abstract: Children spend between 50 and 70 % of their time sitting while at school. Independent of physical activity levels, prolonged sitting is associated with poor health outcomes in adulthood. While there is mixed evidence of health associations among children and adolescents, public health guidelines in the USA, UK, Australia and Canada now recommend young people should break up long periods of sitting as frequently as possible. A potentially effective approach for reducing and breaking up sitting throughout the day is changing the classroom environment. This paper presents an overview of a relatively new area of research designed to reduce youth sitting time while at school by changing the classroom environment (n = 13 studies). Environmental changes included placement of height-adjustable or stand-biased standing desks/workstations with stools, chairs, exercise balls, bean bags or mats in the classroom. These 13 published studies suggest that irrespective of the approach, youth sitting time was reduced by between ~44 and 60 min/day and standing time was increased by between 18 and 55 min/day during classroom time at school. Other benefits include increased energy expenditure and the potential for improved management of students' behaviour in the classroom. However, few large trials have been conducted, and there remains little evidence regarding the impact on children's learning and academic achievement. Nevertheless, with an increasing demand placed on schools and teachers regarding students' learning outcomes, strategies that integrate moving throughout the school day and that potentially enhance the learning experience and future health outcomes for young people warrant further exploration.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 08-2013
DOI: 10.1071/HE13042
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 10-2018
Abstract: This study aimed to examine the contribution of objective measures of physical fitness (musculoskeletal and cardiorespiratory), physical activity, and motor skill to motor perception. A total of 122 children (63 boys) aged 8–11 years were assessed. Independent t -tests assessed sex differences in all variables. Two linear mixed models adjusted for sex and age were performed with perceived object control and locomotor skills (Pictorial Scale of the Perceived Movement Skill Competence for Young Children) as outcomes. Aerobic (multi-stage fitness test) and muscular fitness (long jump, grip strength), moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (ActiGraph accelerometry), movement skill (Test of Gross Motor Development-2), age, and sex were predictors. Boys had higher object control skills (actual and perceived) and fitness. Age (decreasing) and long jump distance (positive) explained 16% of locomotor skill perception variance. Sex (boys) explained 13% of object control skill perception variance. Children’s skill self-perception may be influenced by fitness attributes as these are more evident to them. The fact that girls have lower actual object control competence and fitness than boys suggests girls may be an intervention target.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 16-12-2021
DOI: 10.1111/SMS.13879
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2022
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 11-10-2014
DOI: 10.1136/BJSPORTS-2013-092466
Abstract: To investigate the interpersonal and physical environment mediators of the Transform-Us! mid-intervention effects on physical activity (PA) during recess and lunchtime. Transform-Us! is a clustered randomised school-based intervention with four groups: sedentary behaviour intervention (SB-I), PA intervention (PA-I), combined PA+SB-I and control group. All children in grade 3 from 20 participating primary schools in Melbourne, Australia were eligible to complete annual evaluation assessments. The outcomes were the proportion of time spent in moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) and light PA (LPA) during recess and lunchtime assessed by accelerometers. Potential mediators included: perceived social support from teachers perceived availability of line markings perceived accessibility of sports equipment and perceived school play environment. Generalised linear models were used and mediation effects were estimated by product-of-coefficients (a·b) approach. 268 children (8.2 years, 57% girls at baseline) provided complete data at both time points. A significant intervention effect on MVPA during recess in the SB-I and PA-I groups compared with the control group (proportional difference in MVPA time 38% (95% CI 21% to 57%) and 40% (95% CI 20% to 62%), respectively) was found. The perceived school play environment was significantly positively associated with MVPA at recess among girls. An increase in perceived social support from teachers suppressed the PA+SB-I effect on light PA during recess (a·b= -0.03, 95% CI -0.06 to -0.00). No significant mediating effects on PA during recess and lunchtime were observed. A positive perception of the school play environment was associated with higher MVPA during recess among girls. Future studies should conduct mediation analyses to explore underlying mechanisms of PA interventions.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 17-11-2022
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 12-2015
DOI: 10.2466/25.10.PMS.121C24X5
Abstract: Active video games (AVGs) may be useful for movement skill practice. This study examined children's skill execution while playing Xbox Kinect™ and during movement skill assessment. Nineteen children (10 boys, 9 girls M age = 7.9yr., SD = 1.4) had their skills assessed before AVG play and then were observed once a week for 6 wk. while playing AVGs for 50min. While AVG play showed evidence of correct skill performance (at least 30–50% of the time when playing table tennis, tennis, and baseball), nearly all skills were more correctly performed during skill assessment (generally more than 50% of the time). This study may help researchers to better understand the role AVGs could play in enhancing real life movement skills.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 24-09-2021
DOI: 10.1111/SMS.14051
Abstract: Estimations of time spent sedentary and in various physical activity intensities may vary according to data reduction methods applied. This study compared associations between children's accelerometer data and adiposity and fitness markers using open source (mean litude deviation, MAD) and proprietary (counts) data reduction methods. Complete‐case accelerometer, adiposity (Body Mass Index z‐score, waist circumference), and fitness (cardiorespiratory, musculoskeletal) data from 118 children (10.4 ± 0.6 years, 49% girls) were analyzed. Estimates of sedentary behavior, light‐, moderate‐, vigorous‐ (VPA), and moderate‐ to vigorous‐intensity (MVPA) physical activity were calculated using count‐ and MAD‐based data reduction methods. Linear regression models between time in movement behaviours and fitness and adiposity markers were conducted. Significant differences in estimates of time spent in all intensities were observed between MAD‐based and count‐based methods. Both methods produced evidence to suggest that sedentary behavior was detrimentally, and physical activity (any intensity) was beneficially, associated with waist circumference. MVPA and VPA were beneficially associated with fitness markers using both data reduction measures. Overall, findings suggest that estimates of sedentary time and physical activity were not comparable. However, the strength and direction of the associations obtained between the different data reduction methods and adiposity and fitness outcomes were fairly comparable, with both methods finding stronger associations for VPA compared to MVPA. This suggests that future studies may be able to pool data using different data reduction approaches when examining associations between activity and health risk factors, albeit with caution.
Publisher: Routledge
Date: 27-02-2011
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 06-2007
DOI: 10.1038/OBY.2007.179
Abstract: This study aimed to compare moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and vigorous physical activity (VPA) in normal-weight and overweight boys and girls during school recess. Four hundred twenty children, age 6 to 10 years, were randomly selected from 25 schools in England. Three hundred seventy-seven children completed the study. BMI was calculated from height and weight measurements, and heart rate reserve thresholds of 50% and 75% reflected children's engagement in MVPA and VPA, respectively. There was a significant main effect for sex and a significant interaction between BMI category and sex for the percent of recess time spent in MVPA and VPA. Normal-weight girls were the least active group, compared with overweight boys and girls who were equally active. Fifty-one boys and 24 girls of normal weight achieved the 40% threshold of these, 30 boys and 10 girls exceeded 50% of recess time in MVPA. Eighteen overweight boys and 22 overweight girls exceeded the 40% threshold, whereas 8 boys and 8 girls exceeded the 50% threshold. Overweight boys were significantly less active than their normal-weight male counterparts this difference did not hold true for girls. Even though nearly double the number of normal-weight children achieved the 40% of MVPA during recess compared with overweight children, physical activity promotion in school playgrounds needs to be targeted not only at overweight but at other health parameters, as 40 overweight children met the 40% MVPA target proposed for recess.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 07-07-2016
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 30-09-2016
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 16-02-2019
DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2019.1574543
Abstract: Physical activity (PA) is a key element in Cystic Fibrosis (CF) treatment strategies, yet little is known as to whether activity compensation occurs. This study examined whether PA and/or sedentary time on one day were temporally associated with time spent in these intensities the following day in youth with CF. Time spent sedentary and in different PA intensities were objectively-measured for seven consecutive days in 50 youth (22 boys 12.0 ± 2.7 years) 25 with mild-to-moderate CF and 25 age- and sex-matched controls. Multilevel analyses (day and child) were conducted using generalised linear latent and mixed models. On any given day, every additional 10 minutes spent in sedentary time or moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) were associated with 1.9 (95%CI: -3.6 to -1.2) and 12.4 (95%CI: -22.1 to -2.9) minutes less sedentary time the following day, respectively. These temporal associations were also observed when split by group (3.1 vs. 1.9 minutes for healthy and CF, respectively). These findings indicate that youth do not compensate their PA, irrespective of disease status, between days, but may compensate their sedentary time between days. Experimental studies are warranted to fully elucidate whether compensatory responses to PA and sedentary time occur, which is fundamental for informing PA promotion strategies.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-2012
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 04-2023
DOI: 10.1136/BMJOPEN-2022-062135
Abstract: To assess the diagnostic accuracy of stool specimens to diagnose pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) in adults. Systematic review. MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), Web of Science and the Cochrane database were searched from inception to 9 March 2023–10 March 2023 using a comprehensive search strategy reference lists of selected articles and relevant review articles were manually searched. Studies in English reporting diagnostic performance of stool specimens against respiratory specimens using mycobacterial culture or smear microscopy or Xpert assay to diagnose PTB in adults were eligible for this systematic review. Two reviewers independently screened the retrieved citations and extracted data. The risk of bias and applicability of results were assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 tool. Narrative data synthesis was performed. A total of 1658 citations were screened, and 28 full-text articles were assessed. Nine studies met the inclusion criteria. The reported sensitivity and specificity of stool culture varied between 21.4% and 63.9%, and 61.5% and 100%, respectively. In stool smear microscopy, sensitivities and specificities ranged from 12.1% to 53.9%, and from 79.5% to 100%, respectively. The reported sensitivities of PCR assays, including Xpert assays, ranged from 69.7% to 100%, with specificities ranging from 69.8% to 100%. Most of the studies had a low risk of bias and a low applicability concern in all domains. This systematic review could not conclude on the diagnostic accuracy of stool specimens for PTB diagnosis in adults. Further studies are required to evaluate the accuracy of stool specimens in adults to enable meta-analyses in updates of this review as well as other systematic reviews. CRD42021245203.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 11-08-2011
DOI: 10.1111/J.1746-1561.2011.00625.X
Abstract: School recess provides a daily opportunity for physical activity engagement. The purpose of this study was to examine physical activity levels during recess by gender, ethnicity, and grade, and establish the contribution of recess to daily school physical activity levels. Two hundred and ten children (45% boys) from grades 3 to 6 in 4 elementary schools had their physical activity during school quantified using uni-axial accelerometry every 5 seconds for 5 consecutive school days. Data were collected in fall 2009. The proportion of time spent engaged in physical activity during daily school recess was determined using existing age-appropriate cutpoints. The relative contribution of recess to school day physical activity was also determined. Boys were more active than girls during recess. Girls engaged in more sedentary activity than boys. No main effects for ethnicity were observed. Children in grades 3 and 5 were more active than children in grades 4 and 6. Recess contributed 17.9% and 15.5% toward boys' and girls' school day moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, respectively. Children engaged in physical activity during recess, though interventions may be needed to increase the intensity of activity in this context.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2017
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 21-01-2022
DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2022.2028964
Abstract: This study examined adolescent muscle-strengthening exercise (MSE) participation at home and associated socioecological correlates during Australia's initial COVID-19 lockdown restrictions. Adolescents (N = 731, M
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2020
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 10-01-2017
Abstract: This study examined the effectiveness of an active play intervention on fundamental movement skills of 3- to 5-year-old children from deprived communities. In a cluster randomized controlled trial design, six preschools received a resource pack and a 6-week local authority program involving staff training with help implementing 60-minute weekly sessions and postprogram support. Six comparison preschools received a resource pack only. Twelve skills were assessed at baseline, postintervention, and at a 6-month follow-up using the Children’s Activity and Movement in Preschool Study Motor Skills Protocol. One hundred and sixty-two children (Mean age = 4.64 ± 0.58 years 53.1% boys) were included in the final analyses. There were no significant differences between groups for total fundamental movement skill, object-control skill or locomotor skill scores, indicating a need for program modification to facilitate greater skill improvements.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 20-05-2013
Abstract: The optimal targets and strategies for effectively reducing sedentary behavior among young people are unknown. Intervention research that explores changes in mediated effects as well as in outcome behaviors is needed to help inform more effective interventions. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the mid-intervention mediating effects on children’s objectively assessed classroom and total weekday sedentary time in the Transform-Us! intervention. The results are based on 293 children, aged 7- to 9-years-old at baseline, from 20 schools in Melbourne, Australia. Each school was randomly allocated to one of four groups, which targeted reducing sedentary time in the school and family settings (SB n = 74), increasing or maintaining moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity in the school and family settings (PA n = 75), combined SB and PA (SB + PA n = 80), or the current practice control (C n = 64). Baseline and mid-intervention data (5–9 months) were collected in 2010 and analyzed in 2012. Classroom and total weekday sedentary time was objectively assessed using ActiGraph accelerometers. The hypothesized mediators including, child enjoyment, parent and teacher outcome expectancies, and child perceived access to standing opportunities in the classroom environment, were assessed by questionnaire. The SB + PA group spent 13.3 min/day less in weekday sedentary time at mid-intervention compared to the control group. At mid-intervention, children in the SB group had higher enjoyment of standing in class (0.9 units 5-unit scale) and all intervention groups had more positive perceptions of access to standing opportunities in the classroom environment (0.3-0.4 units 3-unit scale), compared to the control group. However, none of the hypothesized mediator variables had an effect on sedentary time thus, no mediating effects were observed. While beneficial intervention effects were observed on some hypothesized mediating variables and total weekday sedentary time at mid-intervention, no significant mediating effects were found. Given the dearth of existing information, future intervention research is needed that explores mediated effects. More work is also needed on the development of reliable mediator measures that are sensitive to change overtime. ACTRN12609000715279 ISRCTN83725066
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 19-04-2019
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 18-01-2016
DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2015.1107626
Abstract: The aim of this study was to examine the associations between firefighters' physical activity levels across consecutive wildfire suppression shifts and to determine whether sleep duration moderated these associations. Forty volunteer firefighters (31 males, 9 females) wore an activity monitor to concurrently measure physical activity and sleep duration. Sedentary time and time spent in light- (LPA), moderate- (MPA), and vigorous-intensity physical activity (VPA) during each shift were determined using monitor-specific cut points. During any given shift, every additional 60 min spent in LPA was associated with 7.2 min more LPA and 27.6 min MPA the following shift. There were no other significant positive or negative associations. No significant moderating effect of total sleep time was observed. Firefighters are able to maintain and/or increase their physical activity intensity between consecutive shifts. Further research is needed to understand firefighters pacing and energy conservation strategies during emergency wildfire deployments. Practitioner Summary: To examine associations between firefighters' physical activity levels across consecutive shifts during a multi-day emergency wildfire and determine whether sleep duration moderated these associations. Firefighters are able to maintain and/or increase their physical activity intensity between consecutive shifts. No significant moderating effect of total sleep time was observed.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 21-06-2023
DOI: 10.1007/S40279-023-01867-4
Abstract: While the burgeoning researcher and practitioner interest in physical literacy has stimulated new assessment approaches, the optimal tool for assessment among school-aged children remains unclear. The purpose of this review was to: (i) identify assessment instruments designed to measure physical literacy in school-aged children (ii) map instruments to a holistic construct of physical literacy (as specified by the Australian Physical Literacy Framework) (iii) document the validity and reliability for these instruments and (iv) assess the feasibility of these instruments for use in school environments. This systematic review (registered with PROSPERO on 21 August, 2022) was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement. Reviews of physical literacy assessments in the past 5 years (2017 +) were initially used to identify relevant assessments. Following that, a search (20 July, 2022) in six databases (CINAHL, ERIC, GlobalHealth, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, SPORTDiscus) was conducted for assessments that were missed/or published since publication of the reviews. Each step of screening involved evaluation from two authors, with any issues resolved through discussion with a third author. Nine instruments were identified from eight reviews. The database search identified 375 potential papers of which 67 full text papers were screened, resulting in 39 papers relevant to a physical literacy assessment. Instruments were classified against the Australian Physical Literacy Framework and needed to have assessed at least three of the Australian Physical Literacy Framework domains (i.e., psychological, social, cognitive, and/or physical). Instruments were assessed for five aspects of validity (test content, response processes, internal structure, relations with other variables, and the consequences of testing). Feasibility in schools was documented according to time, space, equipment, training, and qualifications. Assessments with more validity/reliability evidence, according to age, were as follows: for children, the Physical Literacy in Children Questionnaire (PL-C Quest) and Passport for Life (PFL). For older children and adolescents, the Canadian Assessment for Physical Literacy (CAPL version 2). For adolescents, the Adolescent Physical Literacy Questionnaire (APLQ) and Portuguese Physical Literacy Assessment Questionnaire (PPLA-Q). Survey-based instruments were appraised to be the most feasible to administer in schools. This review identified optimal physical literacy assessments for children and adolescents based on current validity and reliability data. Instrument validity for specific populations was a clear gap, particularly for children with disability. While survey-based instruments were deemed the most feasible for use in schools, a comprehensive assessment may arguably require objective measures for elements in the physical domain. If a physical literacy assessment in schools is to be performed by teachers, this may require linking physical literacy to the curriculum and developing teachers’ skills to develop and assess children’s physical literacy.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 26-06-2014
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 17-10-2020
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 2006
DOI: 10.2165/00007256-200636040-00005
Abstract: School represents a suitable setting for intervention programmes aiming to promote physical activity to benefit health. During the school day, physical education and school playtime offer children regular opportunities to engage in physical activity. However, there is growing concern that, internationally, curricular time allocated to physical education is not meeting statutory guidelines. The effectiveness of the playground environment to promote physical activity has been considered as a complementary setting to physical education. Physical activity guidelines state that children should engage in at least 1 hour of moderate intensity physical activity a day. Currently no empirically tested guidelines exist for physical activity levels during playtime. However, studies cited in this article indicate that playtime can contribute between 5-40% of recommended daily physical activity levels when no interventions have been utilised. The limited school-based investigations that have been reported in the literature suggest that boys engage in more physical activity during playtime than girls. Studies that have implemented intervention strategies in order to promote physical activity levels indicate that playtime can substantially contribute towards daily optimal physical activity guidelines. Energy expenditure and physical activity levels have increased during playtime following the implementation of playtime-based interventions. In order to advance knowledge of children's physical activity during playtime, a number of key issues for consideration in future research are detailed. Research on children's use of playtime to be physically active and the extent of the contribution of playtime to daily physical activity guidelines is warranted.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2006
DOI: 10.1016/J.YPMED.2006.01.017
Abstract: Children's physical activity levels are difficult to establish on a day-to-day or season-to-season basis. Most studies have attempted to measure reliability in habitual settings. This study investigated the variability in children's physical activity during recess. Fifteen boys and 19 girls (aged 6 to 11 years) from 2 schools in North West England wore heart rate monitors for 5 consecutive days in summer and winter terms to assess day-to-day and seasonal variability during school recess. Data were collected in 2004. Repeated measures ANOVA's and intraclass correlations (ICC) analysed the day-to-day and seasonal variability in children's moderate-to-vigorous (MVPA) and vigorous physical activity (VPA) data. There were no significant differences in children's MVPA and VPA across days and seasons. ICCs for MVPA across 2 days ranged from 0.75 to 0.85 in summer, and from 0.53 to 0.81 in winter. Three-day MVPA ICCs were 0.83 in summer and 0.71 in winter. The results revealed no significant variation in children's recess physical activity levels across days and seasons. Whilst children were free to choose their recess activities in school, the results suggested that children were relatively consistent in their choices, limiting physical activity variability.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 06-06-2012
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 14-03-2017
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 25-11-2022
DOI: 10.1136/BJSPORTS-2022-105825
Abstract: To test the efficacy of the Transform-Us! school- and home-based intervention on children’s physical activity (PA), sedentary behaviour (SB) and cardiometabolic risk factor profiles. A 30-month 2×2 factorial design cluster randomised controlled trial delivered in 20 primary schools (148 Year 3 classes) in Melbourne, Australia (2010–2012), that used pedagogical and environmental strategies to reduce and break up SB, promote PA or a combined approach, compared with usual practice. Primary outcomes (accelerometry data n=348) were assessed at baseline, 18 and 30 months. Secondary outcomes included body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) (n=564), blood pressure (BP) (n=537) and biomarkers (minimum n=206). Generalised linear mixed models estimated the interactive effects of the PA and SB interventions on the outcomes. If there was no interaction, the main effects were assessed. At 18 months, there were intervention effects on children’s weekday SB (−27 min, 95% CI: −47.3 to −5.3) for the PA intervention, and on children’s average day PA (5.5 min, 95% CI: 0.1 to 10.8) for the SB intervention. At 30 months, there was an intervention effect for children’s average day SB (−33.3 min, 95% CI: −50.6 and −16.0) for the SB intervention. Children’s BMI (PA and SB groups) and systolic BP (combined group) were lower, and diastolic BP (PA group) was higher. There were positive effects on WC at both time points (SB intervention) and mixed effects on blood parameters. The Transform-Us! PA and SB interventions show promise as a pragmatic approach for reducing children’s SB and adiposity indicators but achieving substantial increases in PA remains challenging. ISRCTN83725066 ACTRN12609000715279.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 21-12-2019
DOI: 10.1111/CEN.13905
Abstract: Low endogenous sex hormones and low physical activity (PA) levels have been associated with CVD risk. Whether these interact to influence CVD outcomes remains unclear. We assessed whether sex hormone concentrations and PA were additively associated with lower central adiposity and CVD risk. 3351 community-dwelling men, mean age 77 years. Baseline testosterone (T), dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and oestradiol (E2) were assayed. Levels of PA were ascertained by questionnaire. Men were stratified using median splits into high hormone + high PA (H/H), high hormone + low PA (H/L) low hormone + high PA (L/H) and low hormone + low PA (L/L) groups. A total of 865 CVD events and 499 CVD deaths occurred during 10-year mean follow-up. Men with higher T, DHT or SHBG and higher PA had the lowest BMI, waist circumference and risk of metabolic syndrome. Men with higher T had the lowest risk of incident CVD events, irrespective of PA level. Men with higher T or DHT and higher PA had the lowest risk of dying from CVD (eg, hazard ratios for T/PA H/H 0.76 P = 0.031 H/L 0.85 P = 0.222 L/H 0.80 P = 0.075 L/L 1.00). Higher circulating androgens and higher PA were associated with less central adiposity at baseline and fewer CVD deaths during follow-up. These findings are consistent with a potential additive effect of androgens and PA on cardiometabolic outcomes in older men.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 21-03-2011
DOI: 10.1093/HER/CYR014
Abstract: School playtime (recess) provides children an opportunity to engage in a range of active and sedentary play behaviors on a daily basis. However, little data have investigated changes in playtime behaviors over time. The aim of this study was to investigate how children's physical activity levels, the size of their social group, play behaviors and social interactions changed over one academic year (Study 1), and during the transition from Year 5 (aged 9-10 years) to Year 6 (aged 10-11 years Study 2). Primary school children were directly observed during school playtime using the System for Observing Children's Activity and Relationships during Play. Results revealed children engaged in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity for at least half of the intervals observed. Incidents of physical antisocial behavior significantly decreased, while incidents of verbal antisocial behavior and time spent alone increased across Study 1. Incidents of verbal antisocial behavior, time spent alone and engagement in playground games significantly decreased across Study 2. The data suggest that children are highly physically active during school playtime, and while their play behaviors and activity levels fluctuate, these fluctuations were generally small over one academic year and in the transition between Year 5 and Year 6.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 2011
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 19-05-2012
Abstract: To investigate the longitudinal changes in children's recess and lunchtime physical activity levels and in the contribution of recess and lunchtime to daily physical activity levels over 5 years among 5-6- and 10-12-year olds. Data were drawn from two longitudinal studies that were conducted in metropolitan Melbourne, Australia. Boys and girls (n=2782) aged 5-6 years and 10-12 years participated in baseline (T0) measures. Physical activity (n=2490) was measured every 60 s for eight consecutive days using hip-mounted accelerometry. Subsequent measurements were taken at 3-year (T1 n=773) and 5-year (T2 n=634) follow-up. Physical activity intensities were derived using age-adjusted cut-points. Sedentary time was defined as 100 counts/min. Longitudinal data were analysed using three-level (time, child, school) multilevel analyses, stratified by sex and cohort, and adjusted for potential confounding variables. Significant decreases in recess and lunchtime moderate and vigorous physical activity were observed (p<0.001), with larger decreases occurring in the older cohort. Associated increases were observed in sedentary time over time (p<0.01). Although the contribution of recess to daily moderate intensity physical activity increased in the younger cohort over time (p<0.001), significant decreases were observed in the older cohort (p<0.001). Physical activity levels during recess and lunchtime decreased in both cohorts over time. Decreases in the contribution of recess and lunchtime to older children's daily physical activity were also observed. Interventions are needed in both primary and secondary schools to promote physical activity levels during recess and lunchtime, particularly during the early years of secondary school.
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 04-11-2019
DOI: 10.2196/13858
Abstract: There is increasing availability of, and interest in, wearable activity trackers for children younger than 13 years. However, little is known about how children and parents use these activity trackers or perceive their acceptability. This study primarily aimed to ascertain parental perspectives on the acceptability and usability of wearables designed to monitor children’s physical activity levels. Secondary aims were to (1) identify practical considerations for future use in physical activity interventions and promotion initiatives (2) determine use of different features and functions incorporated into the accompanying app and (3) identify parents’ awareness of their child’s current physical activity levels. In total, 36 children (18 boys and 18 girls) aged 7-12 years were asked to wear a wrist-worn activity tracker (KidFit) for 4 consecutive weeks and to use the accompanying app with parental assistance and guidance. Each week, one parent from each family (n=25 21 mothers and 4 fathers) completed a Web-based survey to record their child’s activity tracker use, app interaction, and overall experiences. At the end of the 4-week period, a subs le of 10 parents (all mothers) participated in face-to-face interviews exploring perceptions of the acceptability and usability of wearable activity trackers and accompanying apps. Quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed descriptively and thematically, respectively. Thematic data are presented using pen profiles, which were constructed from verbatim transcripts. Parents reported that they and their children typically found the associated app easy to use for activity tracking, though only step or distance information was generally accessed and some difficulties interpreting the data were reported. Children were frustrated with not being able to access real-time feedback, as the features and functions were only available through the app, which was typically accessed by, or in the presence of, parents. Parents identified that children wanted additional functions including a visual display to track and self-monitor activity, access to the app for goal setting, and the option of undertaking challenges against schools or significant others. Other barriers to the use of wearable activity trackers included discomfort of wearing the monitor because of the design and the inability to wear for water- or contact-based sports. Most parents reported that the wearable activity tracker was easy for their child or children to use and a useful tool for tracking their children’s daily activity. However, several barriers were identified, which may impact sustained use over time both the functionality and wearability of the activity tracker should therefore be considered. Overall, wearable activity trackers for children have the potential to be integrated into targeted physical activity promotion initiatives.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 27-10-2011
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 02-2018
Abstract: Regular physical activity (PA) is increasingly recognized as important in the care of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), but there is a dearth of evidence regarding physical activity levels or how these are accrued in those with CF. PA was measured by a hip-worn accelerometer for 7 consecutive days in 18 children [10 boys 12.4 (2.8) y] with mild to moderate CF and 18 age- and sex-matched controls [10 boys 12.5 (2.7) y]. Both children with CF and healthy children demonstrated similar physical activity levels and patterns of accumulation across the intensity spectrum, with higher levels of PA during weekdays in both groups. Forced expiratory volume in 1 second was predicted by high light PA in children with CF compared with low light PA in healthy children. These findings highlight weekends and light PA as areas warranting further research for the development of effective intervention strategies to increase PA in the youth CF population.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 20-10-2018
Abstract: There is insufficient evidence of sitting time in UK children from validated objective measures. This study explored sitting patterns in primary school children from Bradford, UK, using the validated activPAL inclinometer. Overall, 79 children (9.8 (SD 0.3) years old, 52% boys 70% South Asian) wore activPALs for 7 days. Total sitting time, sitting time accumulated in different bout lengths, and the proportion of wear time spent in these variables were explored and compared across different periods of the week. Children spent 614 ± 112 (median ± IQR) min/day on school days and 690 ± 150 min/day on weekend days sitting. The proportion of time spent sitting was significantly higher on weekend days compared to school days (mean±SD: 74 ± 10% versus 68 ± 8%,P & 0.001), as was the proportion of time accumulated in & min sitting bouts (mean±CI: 28 ± 27–33% versus 20 ± 20–22%, P & 0.001). The proportion of time spent sitting after school was significantly higher than during school time (mean±SD: 70 ± 8.4% versus 63 ± 8.3%,P & 0.001), as was the proportion of time spent in prolonged (& min) sitting bouts (mean±CI: 19 ± 16–22% versus 11 ± 10–14%, P & 0.001). Children spent large proportions of their waking day sitting, often accumulated in prolonged uninterrupted bouts and particularly after school and on weekends. Interventions to reduce sitting time in children are urgently needed.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 2010
DOI: 10.1080/02640410903334780
Abstract: The aim of this study was to examine the influence of maturity status on primary school children's physical activity and physical self-perceptions. Altogether, 175 children (97 girls, 78 boys) aged 10.6 +/- 0.3 years completed the Children and Youth Physical Self-Perception Profile and wore an ActiGraph accelerometer for five consecutive days to assess moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Anthropometric measures were completed to estimate maturity status. A two-level, multi-level analysis was used to assess the influence of maturity status on moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and physical self-perceptions. Boys performed more moderate-to-vigorous physical activity than girls (P girls, P = 0.02 to 0.0001). When maturity status was added to the model, significant differences were no longer apparent for each sub-domain, with the exception of perceived strength. Significant interactions between gender and maturity status revealed that boys' physical self-perceptions improved with more advanced maturity status, whereas girls' self-perceptions decreased (P = 0.07 to 0.002). Significant differences between the sexes in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and some domains of physical self-perceptions were reduced or no longer evident when the effect of maturity status was controlled. Maturity status may differentially influence boys' and girls' physical self-perceptions.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 2013
Location: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Location: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Start Date: 2009
End Date: 11-2013
Amount: $360,000.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 05-2017
End Date: 05-2021
Amount: $265,500.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 03-2012
End Date: 06-2015
Amount: $375,000.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded Activity