ORCID Profile
0000-0002-9058-3435
Current Organisations
Flinders University
,
University of South Australia
,
Deakin University
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Publisher: Mary Ann Liebert Inc
Date: 07-2023
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 19-09-2017
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 03-02-2015
Abstract: Given the short- and long-term health implications associated with overweight and obesity plus the likelihood of overweight or obesity to continue into adulthood, addressing the causes of overweight and obesity in childhood is a significant public health concern. One underlying cause of overweight and obesity is insufficient physical activity. The Department of Health and Aging recommends children engage in at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) per day however, these recommendations are met less frequently with increasing age, and girls less often meet these recommendations than boys. School lunch times have been identified as an ideal time for maximizing children’s physical activity (PA), but studies have shown variable levels of PA among children during this time and research indicates that during school lunch times, girls are consistently less active than boys. Understanding influences on girls’ participation in PA during this time may help to increase levels of PA for this demographic. Two South Australian schools, one government and one independent, were included in the s le. Four focus groups (three or four participants per group: total 13 participants) focusing on girls’ perceptions of PA during the lunch break were conducted. Transcripts and field notes were analyzed using a social constructionist framework and thematic content analysis. The expectation to participate in activities considered “gender appropriate”, maturation, and bullying/teasing were identified as explicit barriers to participation in lunch time play. Other important barriers included a “girls’” school uniform and feelings of inadequate competency. The ability to renegotiate gender stereotypes, a unisex school uniform, and perceived high competency were important facilitators of lunch time PA. Low levels of lunch time PA evident in many young adolescent girls may be due to many complex social factors. Therefore, these barriers may need to be addressed before any environmental interventions are likely to be effective.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 26-08-2020
Abstract: Previous research has examined associations between in idual activity behaviors and academic achievement. Yet activity behaviors should be analyzed together because they are codependent parts of the 24-hour day. This study aims to explore the associations between all daily activity behaviors (sleep, sedentary time, light physical activity [LPA], and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity [MVPA]) and academic achievement using compositional data analysis. Participants for this study were drawn from two cohorts: the Australian arm of the cross-sectional International Study of Childhood Obesity, Lifestyle and the Environment ( n = 452 mean age 10.7 years ( SD = 0.4) 54% female) and CheckPoint ( n = 1278 mean age 12 years [ SD = 0.4] 50% female), a cross-sectional study nested between Waves 6 and 7 of the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children. Objective daily activity behavior data (sleep, sedentary time, LPA, and MVPA) were collected using 8-day, 24-hour accelerometry. Academic achievement was assessed using a nationally administered standardized test in literacy (spelling, grammar and punctuation, writing and reading) and numeracy. Compositional models (adjusted for age, sex, socioeconomic position, and pubertal development) regressed academic scores against isometric log ratios of activity behaviors. We used the models to estimate academic achievement for observed daily activity mixes. Estimated outcomes were plotted against time spent in each in idual activity domain, and loess curves were fitted. In two different cohorts using two different accelerometers, lower LPA was related to better numeracy and literacy and higher sedentary time to better literacy (relative to time spent in other domains). Discussion and conclusion. LPA likely “drains time” from other movement behaviors, which are beneficial for academic achievement.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 21-09-2022
DOI: 10.1111/IJPO.12975
Abstract: Evidence for longitudinal associations between childhood weight status and academic achievement remains unclear due to considerable heterogeneity in study design, measures of academic achievement and appropriate categorization of weight status. To examine longitudinal associations between childhood weight status (underweight, healthy weight, overweight/obese) and academic achievement in the transition from preschool to primary (elementary) school among Australian school children. Data were from the Healthy Active Preschool and Primary Years study. Height and weight, for calculating BMI were measured at baseline (preschool age 3–5 years 2008/9) and follow‐up (primary school age 6–8 years 2011/12). Academic achievement was measured at age 9 years. No associations between BMI z ‐score or weight category in the preschool years and later NAPLAN scores were found for boys. For girls, having a higher BMI z ‐score ( B = −13.68, 95%CI: −26.61, −0.76) and being affected by overweight ( B = −33.57, 95%CI: −61.50, −5.24) in preschool was associated with lower language scores. Remaining affected by overweight from preschool to primary school was associated with lower numeracy ( B = −25.03, 95%CI: −49.74, −0.33), spelling ( B = −33.5, 95%CI: −63.43, −3.58), language ( B = −37.89, 95%CI: −72.75, −3.03) and total achievement scores ( B = −24.24, 95%CI: −44.85, −3.63) among girls. For boys, becoming affected by overweight was associated with lower spelling ( B = −38.76, 95%CI: −73.59, −3.93) and total achievement scores ( B = −27.70, 95%CI: −54.81, −0.58). Associations between being affected by overweight/obesity and poorer academic achievement were more pronounced in girls than boys, indicating potentially inequitable impacts of excess weight and highlighting the greater need for intervention among girls. However, stronger study designs are needed to confirm our findings.
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 02-01-2019
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 21-03-2202
DOI: 10.1111/IJPO.13029
Abstract: Evidence shows children gain more weight during the summer holidays versus the school year. To examine within‐child differences in activity and diet behaviours during the summer holidays versus the school year. Children (mean age 9.4 years 37% male) wore accelerometers (GENEActiv n = 133), reported activities (Multimedia Activity Recall for Children and Adolescents n = 133) and parents reported child diet ( n = 133) at five timepoints over 2 years capturing school and summer holiday values. Mixed‐effects models were used to compare school and summer holiday behaviours. Children spent less time in moderate‐ to vigorous‐physical activity (−12 min/day p = 0.001) and sleep (−12 min/day p 0.001) and more time sedentary (+27 min/day p 0.001) during summer holidays versus the school year. Screentime (+70 min/day p 0.001), domestic/social activities (+43 min/day p = .001), self‐care (+24 min/day p 0.001), passive transport (+22 min/day p = 0.001) and quiet time (+16 min/day p = 0.012) were higher during the summer holidays, compensating for less time in school‐related activities (−164 min/day p 0.001). Diet quality was lower (−4 points p 0.001) and children consumed fewer serves of fruit (−0.4 serves p 0.001) during the summer holidays versus the school year. Children are displaying poorer activity and diet behaviours during the summer holidays, which may contribute to accelerated weight gain over the holiday period.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 22-03-2015
DOI: 10.1111/DMCN.12736
Abstract: This study aimed to investigate fatigue, and its correlates, in children and adolescents with physical disabilities. Sixty-five young people aged 8 to 17 years (35 males, 30 females mean age 13y 2mo, SD 2y 8mo) with mild to moderate physical disabilities (Gillette Functional Assessment Questionnaire levels 7-10) were recruited. Self-reported fatigue was measured using the PedsQL Multidimensional Fatigue Scale. Physical activity was measured using 7-day hip-worn accelerometer. Associations between fatigue, physical activity, and socio-demographic characteristics were examined using analysis of covariance, with significance (α) set at 0.05. Results were compared with normative data from other paediatric populations. Among children with physical disabilities, fatigue was associated with being physically inactive (F-statistic=4.42, p=0.040), female (F=4.37, p=0.042), and of low socio-economic status (F=3.94, p=0.050). Fatigue was not associated with age, weight status, or functional impairment. Young people with physical disabilities experienced high levels of fatigue compared with other paediatric health populations, and comparable to the paediatric cancer population. Fatigue is an important issue for young people with physical disabilities. Clinicians and researchers working with this group should be mindful that fatigue is likely to impact on an in idual's ability to undertake new treatment regimens or interventions. Interventions aimed at reducing fatigue are warranted. Increasing physical activity might play a role in reducing fatigue.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 16-02-2023
DOI: 10.1136/BJSPORTS-2022-106195
Abstract: To synthesise the evidence on the effects of physical activity on symptoms of depression, anxiety and psychological distress in adult populations. Umbrella review. Twelve electronic databases were searched for eligible studies published from inception to 1 January 2022. Systematic reviews with meta-analyses of randomised controlled trials designed to increase physical activity in an adult population and that assessed depression, anxiety or psychological distress were eligible. Study selection was undertaken in duplicate by two independent reviewers. Ninety-seven reviews (1039 trials and 128 119 participants) were included. Populations included healthy adults, people with mental health disorders and people with various chronic diseases. Most reviews (n=77) had a critically low A MeaSurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews score. Physical activity had medium effects on depression (median effect size=−0.43, IQR=−0.66 to –0.27), anxiety (median effect size=−0.42, IQR=−0.66 to –0.26) and psychological distress (effect size=−0.60, 95% CI −0.78 to –0.42), compared with usual care across all populations. The largest benefits were seen in people with depression, HIV and kidney disease, in pregnant and postpartum women, and in healthy in iduals. Higher intensity physical activity was associated with greater improvements in symptoms. Effectiveness of physical activity interventions diminished with longer duration interventions. Physical activity is highly beneficial for improving symptoms of depression, anxiety and distress across a wide range of adult populations, including the general population, people with diagnosed mental health disorders and people with chronic disease. Physical activity should be a mainstay approach in the management of depression, anxiety and psychological distress. CRD42021292710.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 25-10-2023
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2022
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 03-07-2023
DOI: 10.1186/S44167-023-00023-7
Abstract: How much time children spend sleeping, being sedentary and participating in physical activity affects their health and well-being. To provide accurate guidelines for children’s time use, it is important to understand the differences between device-measured and self-reported use-of-time measures, and what may influence these differences. Among Australian primary school-aged children, this study aimed to describe the differences between device-measured and self-reported sleep, sedentary behaviour, light-intensity physical activity (LPA), and moderate-vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA), and to explore how sociodemographic and personal characteristics were associated with these differences. Participants (n = 120, 67% female, age 9–11 years) were drawn from the Life on Holidays cohort study. Device measured use of time was from 7-day accelerometry worn over five timepoints in a 2-year period, and self-reported use of time was from 2-day Multimedia Activity Recall for Children and Adults (MARCA), conducted at the same timepoints. For each participant and measurement method, average daily time spent in sleep, sedentary time, LPA and MVPA was derived for any overlapping days (that had both types of measurement) across the study period. Participant characteristics were either obtained from baseline parental survey (age, sex, parental education, puberty) or derived from the average of direct measurements across the study timepoints (aerobic fitness from shuttle run, body mass index from anthropometric measurements, academic performance from national standardised tests). Differences between device-measured and self-reported use of time were described using Bland-Altmann plots. Compositional outcome linear-regression models were used to determine which participant characteristics were associated with differences by use-of-time measurement type. Relative to device-measured, self-reported daily LPA was underestimated by 83 min (35% difference), whilst sleep (+ 37 min 6% difference), MVPA (+ 34 min 33% difference) and sedentary time (+ 12 min 3% difference) were overestimated. Characteristics underpinning the differences between measurement types were sex (χ 2 = 11.9, p = 0.008), parental education (χ 2 = 23.0, p = 0.001), aerobic fitness (χ 2 = 10.7, p = 0.01) and academic performance (χ 2 = 15.9, p = 0.001). Among primary school-aged children, device-measured and self-reported use-of-time measurements should not be used interchangeably as there are systematic biases and differences relative to socio-demographic characteristics.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 25-08-2017
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 24-05-2019
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.JSAMS.2018.09.232
Abstract: To assess the feasibility and efficacy of a 6-week pilot active break program (ACTI-BREAK) on academic achievement, classroom behaviour and physical activity. Pilot cluster randomised controlled trial. 374 children in Year 3 and 4 (74% response) were recruited from six schools across Melbourne, Australia. Schools were randomised to the ACTI-BREAK intervention or usual teaching practice. The intervention involved teachers incorporating 3×5min active breaks into their classroom routine daily. Academic achievement was assessed using 1-min tests in reading and mathematics classroom behaviour at the in idual and whole class level was observed by teachers and physical activity levels were assessed using accelerometers. Multilevel mixed effects linear regression models were conducted using intention to treat (ITT) and per protocol (PP) analyses. Significant intervention effects were found for classroom behaviour at the in idual level (ITT B=16.17 95% CI: 6.58, 25.76) effects were stronger for boys (B=21.42 95% CI: 10.34, 32.49) than girls (B=12.23 95% CI: 1.52, 22.92). No effect was found for classroom behaviour at the whole class level, reading, math or physical activity. PP findings were similar. Implementing active breaks during class time may improve classroom behaviour, particularly for boys. There was no evidence to suggest that implementing active breaks had any adverse effect on academic achievement or classroom behaviour, which may encourage classroom teachers to incorporate active breaks into their routine.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 23-06-2023
DOI: 10.1038/S41746-023-00856-1
Abstract: Chatbots (also known as conversational agents and virtual assistants) offer the potential to deliver healthcare in an efficient, appealing and personalised manner. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the efficacy of chatbot interventions designed to improve physical activity, diet and sleep. Electronic databases were searched for randomised and non-randomised controlled trials, and pre-post trials that evaluated chatbot interventions targeting physical activity, diet and/or sleep, published before 1 September 2022. Outcomes were total physical activity, steps, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), fruit and vegetable consumption, sleep quality and sleep duration. Standardised mean differences (SMD) were calculated to compare intervention effects. Subgroup analyses were conducted to assess chatbot type, intervention type, duration, output and use of artificial intelligence. Risk of bias was assessed using the Effective Public Health Practice Project Quality Assessment tool. Nineteen trials were included. S le sizes ranged between 25–958, and mean participant age ranged between 9–71 years. Most interventions ( n = 15, 79%) targeted physical activity, and most trials had a low-quality rating ( n = 14, 74%). Meta-analysis results showed significant effects (all p 0.05) of chatbots for increasing total physical activity (SMD = 0.28 [95% CI = 0.16, 0.40]), daily steps (SMD = 0.28 [95% CI = 0.17, 0.39]), MVPA (SMD = 0.53 [95% CI = 0.24, 0.83]), fruit and vegetable consumption (SMD = 0.59 [95% CI = 0.25, 0.93]), sleep duration (SMD = 0.44 [95% CI = 0.32, 0.55]) and sleep quality (SMD = 0.50 [95% CI = 0.09, 0.90]). Subgroup analyses showed that text-based, and artificial intelligence chatbots were more efficacious than speech/voice chatbots for fruit and vegetable consumption, and multicomponent interventions were more efficacious than chatbot-only interventions for sleep duration and sleep quality (all p 0.05). Findings from this systematic review and meta-analysis indicate that chatbot interventions are efficacious for increasing physical activity, fruit and vegetable consumption, sleep duration and sleep quality. Chatbot interventions were efficacious across a range of populations and age groups, with both short- and longer-term interventions, and chatbot only and multicomponent interventions being efficacious.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 10-03-2020
DOI: 10.1186/S12966-020-00935-6
Abstract: Several countries have released movement guidelines for children under 5 that incorporate guidelines for sleep, physical activity and sedentary behavior. This study examines prospective associations of preschool children’s compliance with the 24-Hour Australian movement guidelines (sleep, physical activity, screen time) and physiological, psychosocial and educational outcomes during primary school. Data were from the Healthy Active Preschool and Primary Years Study (Melbourne, Australia n = 471 3–5 years 2008/9). Follow-ups occurred at 3 (2011/12 6–8 years), 6 (2014/15 9–11 years) and 7 (2016 10–12 years) years post baseline. Multiple regression models assessed associations between compliance with guidelines at baseline and later outcomes. Children were 4.6 years at baseline (53% boys 62% high socio-economic families). Most children met physical activity (89%) and sleep (93%) guidelines 23% met screen-time guidelines and 20% met all guidelines at baseline. Meeting all of the three guidelines was associated with lower BMI z-scores at 9–11 years of age (b = − 0.26, 95%CI -0.47, − 0.05). Meeting physical activity guidelines was associated with higher total body bone mineral density (b = 0.64, 95%CI 0.15, 1.13), and total body bone mineral content (b = 183.19, 95%CI 69.92, 296.46) at 10–12 years of age. Meeting sleep guidelines was associated with better reading (b = 37.60, 95%CI 6.74, 68.46), spelling (b = 34.95, 95%CI 6.65, 63.25), numeracy (b = 39.09, 95%CI 11.75, 66.44), language (b = 44.31, 95%CI 11.77, 76.85) and writing (b = 25.93, 95%CI 0.30, 51.57) at 8–9 years of age. No associations were evident for compliance with screen-time guidelines or for psychosocial outcomes. Compliance with different movement behavior guidelines was associated with different outcomes. Strategies to support children in meeting all of the guidelines are warranted to maximize health and educational outcomes. Future research investigating dose-response associations, and potential mechanisms, is necessary.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 13-07-2021
DOI: 10.1186/S12889-021-11298-3
Abstract: Time spent in daily activities (sleep, sedentary behaviour and physical activity) has important consequences for health and wellbeing. The amount of time spent varies from day to day, yet little is known about the temporal nature of daily activity patterns in adults. The aim of this review is to identify the annual rhythms of daily activity behaviours in healthy adults and explore what temporal factors appear to influence these rhythms. Six online databases were searched for cohort studies exploring within-year temporal patterns (e.g. season effects, vacation, cultural festivals) in sleep, sedentary behaviour or physical activity in healthy 18 to 65-year-old adults. Screening, data extraction, and risk of bias scoring were performed in duplicate. Extracted data was presented as mean daily minutes of each activity type, with transformations performed as needed. Where possible, meta-analyses were performed using random effect models to calculate standardised mean differences (SMD). Of the 7009 articles identified, 17 studies were included. Studies were published between 2003 and 2019, representing 14 countries and 1951 participants, addressing variation in daily activities across season ( n = 11), Ramadan ( n = 4), vacation ( n = 1) and daylight savings time transitions ( n = 1). Meta-analyses suggested evidence of seasonal variation in activity patterns, with sleep highest in autumn (+ 12 min) sedentary behaviour highest in winter (+ 19 min) light physical activity highest in summer (+ 19 min) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity highest in summer (+ 2 min) when compared to the yearly mean. These trends were significant for light physical activity in winter (SMD = − 0.03, 95% CI − 0.58 to − 0.01, P = 0.04). Sleep appeared 64 min less during, compared to outside Ramadan (non-significant). Narrative analyses for the impact of vacation and daylight savings suggested that light physical activity is higher during vacation and that sleep increases after the spring daylight savings transition, and decreases after the autumn transition. Research into temporal patterns in activity behaviours is scarce. Existing evidence suggests that seasonal changes and periodic changes to usual routine, such as observing religious events, may influence activity behaviours across the year. Further research measuring 24-h time use and exploring a wider variety of temporal factors is needed.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 23-10-2019
DOI: 10.1186/S12889-019-7671-7
Abstract: Emerging evidence suggests that children become fatter and less fit over the summer holidays but get leaner and fitter during the in-school period. This could be due to differences in diet and time use between these distinct periods. Few studies have tracked diet and time use across the summer holidays. This study will measure rates of change in fatness and fitness of children, initially in Grade 4 (age 9 years) across three successive years and relate these changes to changes in diet and time use between in-school and summer holiday periods. Grade 4 Children attending Australian Government, Catholic and Independent schools in the Adelaide metropolitan area will be invited to participate, with the aim of recruiting 300 students in total. Diet will be reported by parents using the Automated Self-Administered 24-h Dietary Assessment Tool. Time use will be measured using 24-h wrist-worn accelerometry (GENEActiv) and self-reported by children using the Multimedia Activity Recall for Children and Adults (e.g. chores, reading, sport). Measurement of diet and time use will occur at the beginning (Term 1) and end (Term 4) of each school year and during the summer holiday period. Fitness (20-m shuttle run and standing broad jump) and fatness (body mass index z -score, waist circumference, %body fat) will be measured at the beginning and end of each school year. Differences in rates of change in fitness and fatness during in-school and summer holiday periods will be calculated using model parameter estimate contrasts from linear mixed effects model. Model parameter estimate contrasts will be used to calculate differences in rates of change in outcomes by socioeconomic position (SEP), sex and weight status. Differences in rates of change of outcomes will be regressed against differences between in-school and summer holiday period diet and time use, using compositional data analysis. Analyses will adjust for age, sex, SEP, parenting style, weight status, and pubertal status, where appropriate. Findings from this project may inform new, potent avenues for intervention efforts aimed at addressing childhood fitness and fatness. Interventions focused on the home environment, or alternatively extension of the school environment may be warranted. Australia New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, identifier ACTRN12618002008202 . Retrospectively registered on 14 December 2018.
No related grants have been discovered for Amanda Watson.