ORCID Profile
0000-0001-7253-5766
Current Organisation
KU Leuven
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Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 27-03-2021
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2018
DOI: 10.1016/J.PUHE.2018.03.035
Abstract: Fitness industry professionals (personal trainers, group instructors) may have a role in health promotion, particularly when working with subgroups with known health risks (e.g. older adults, obese). The aim of this study is to examine fitness professionals' level of interest in engaging with high-risk populations. Cross-sectional evaluation of a national survey. In 2014, 9100 Australian registered exercise professionals were invited to complete an online survey. Respondents reported their level of interest in engaging with nine health-risk population subgroups. A multivariable logistic regression analysis assessed the odds of being classified as having a 'low level' of interest in training high health-risk subgroups, adjusting for demographic and fitness industry-related factors. Of 1185 respondents (aged 17-72 years), 31.1% reported having a 'high level' of interest in training high health-risk subgroups. The highest level of interest was among 'obese clients' and 'adults (18-64 years) with chronic health conditions'. In the adjusted analysis, males (odds ratio [OR], 1.55, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.06-2.25) and those in urban settings (OR, 2.26, 95% CI: 1.54-3.37) were more likely to have a 'low level' of interest. Fitness professionals have a modest level of interest in training high health-risk subgroups. In addition to the development of strategies to increase interest, research should examine whether fitness professionals are able to safely prescribe exercise to high health-risk subgroups.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2012
DOI: 10.1016/J.AMEPRE.2011.11.012
Abstract: To develop evidence-based approaches for reducing sedentary behavior, there is a need to identify the specific settings where prolonged sitting occurs, associated factors, and variations. To examine the sociodemographic and health factors associated with mid-aged adults' sitting time in three contexts and variations between weekdays and weekend days. A mail survey was sent to 17,000 adults (aged 40-65 years) in 2007 11,037 responses were received (68.5%) and 7719 were analyzed in 2010. Respondents indicated time spent sitting on a usual weekday and weekend day for watching TV, general leisure, and home computer use. Multivariate linear mixed models with area-level random intercepts were used to examine (1) associations between sociodemographic and health variables and sitting time, and (2) interaction effects of weekday/weekend day with each of gender, age, education, and employment status, on sitting time. For each context, longer sitting times were reported by those single and living alone, and those whose health restricted activity. For watching TV, longer sitting times were reported by men smokers and those with high school or lower education, not in paid employment, in poor health, and with BMI ≥25. For general leisure, longer sitting times were reported by women, smokers, and those not employed full-time. For home computer use, longer sitting times were reported by men and those aged 40-44 years, with university qualifications in the mid-income range and with BMI ≥30. Sitting times tended to be longer on weekend days than weekdays, although the extent of this differed among sociodemographic groups. Sociodemographic and health factors associated with sitting time differ by context and between weekdays and weekend days.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 27-04-2017
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 06-06-2017
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 04-07-2017
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-2017
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 08-2019
Abstract: An understanding of physical activity attitudes, preferences, and experiences in older adults is important for informing interventions. Focus groups were conducted with 46 regionally-based Australian adults aged 65 years and older, who were not currently meeting activity recommendations. Content analysis revealed that participants mainly engaged in incidental activities such as gardening and household chores rather than planned exercise however, leisure-time walking was also mentioned frequently. Although participants valued the physical and mental health benefits of physical activity, they reported being restricted by poor physical health, extreme weather, and fear of injury. Participants were interested in exercise groups and physical activity programs tailored to their existing physical health. The majority of participants reported preferring to be active with others. The findings from this study are useful in for informing future interventions specifically tailored to the needs of older adults in Australia.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 10-10-2013
Abstract: Retirement is a major life transition during which people restructure everyday activities however little is known about this. The primary aim of the Life After Work study is to comprehensively measure changes in time use and patterns of physical activity and sedentary behaviour, and its associations with health and wellbeing, across the retirement transition. A target s le of 120 participants aged 50 years and over will be recruited in two Australian state capital cities, Adelaide and Brisbane. Participants will undertake a battery of assessments approximately 3 months prior to retirement, and 3, 6 and 12 months post-retirement. Measures will include self-reported use of time (using the Multimedia Activity Recall for Children and Adults), objectively assessed physical activity and sedentary behaviour (using Actigraph GT3X+ accelerometers), self-reported health and well-being (using a battery of questionnaires including the Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), Australian Unity Personal Well-being Index (AUPWI), Depression Anxiety Stress Scales 21 (DASS21), Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale, UCLA Loneliness Scale, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale), retirement circumstances and socio-demographic characteristics, objectively assessed anthropometric measures (height, weight and waist circumference), and resting blood pressure. Multivariate mixed models will be used to examine changes in use of time, health and well-being across retirement. The results will provide important new information that will inform the development of lifestyle and policy interventions to address and improve health and well-being in retirement.
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 28-06-2018
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 26-11-2021
DOI: 10.3389/FSPOR.2021.772361
Abstract: Community sport is seen as a suitable setting for physical activity for different population groups. Older adults (aged 50+ years) are a rapidly growing population group. Physical activity is critical for healthy ageing, however sport participation rates for older adults are very low. The aim of this study was to investigate how sporting organisations perceive sport for older adults. This cross-sectional study surveyed 171 representatives from Australian National and State Sporting Organisations. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the results and the three sporting organisation categories' (high, medium, and low participation) responses were compared using non-parametric statistics. Contextualised in the perspective of organisational change, a framework for marketing to the ageing consumer was used to interpret the results. Older adults are not a high priority group for most sporting organisations, however the benefits of engaging older adults were recognised, particularly in context of increasing participation numbers. A lack of age-appropriate programmes was perceived to be a major barrier of engaging older adults. This lack of programmes stems from older adults being deemed as a less attractive segment than other age groups for sporting organisations. Modifications that sports felt they could make to attract and/or retain older adults included specific marketing and age appropriate opportunities. There was widespread consensus across sporting organisations, suggesting that perceptions of older adult sport participation were comparable across the sector, such as increasing participation numbers and engaging their older fan base. In the context of attracting, and retaining, older adults in sport clubs, it was concluded that most sporting organisations are not (yet) ready to build “age friendly” sporting environments. There is very limited literature on the organisational perspective of older adults and sport, meaning this study is unique in the field. Although sport policy encourages organisations to grow their participation, most organisations do not actively and strategically engage older adults. This research provides an understanding of why this untapped market is not a priority target and provides comprehensive insights for policy makers to better engage with this population group.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 22-03-2012
Abstract: The workplace is cited as a promising setting for physical activity (PA) promotion, but workplace PA interventions tend not to specifically target men. The aim of this article was to review the literature on workplace PA interventions for men and to identify key issues for future intervention development. Articles targeting PA at the workplace were located through a structured database search. Information on intervention strategies and PA outcomes were extracted. Only 13 studies (10.5%) reviewed focused on men, of which 5 showed significant increases in PA. These studies used generic, multicomponent, health promotion strategies with a variety of timeframes, self-report PA measures, and PA outcomes. The systematic review identified that evidence on the effectiveness of workplace PA interventions for men is equivocal and highlighted methodological concerns. Future research should use reliable and valid measures of PA and interventions that focus specifically on men’s needs and PA preferences.
Publisher: Mary Ann Liebert Inc
Date: 07-2010
Abstract: Young adult women (18-36 years) are gaining weight at rates higher than women in other age groups. Given its long-term deleterious health effects, it is important to know the determinants of this weight gain. However, other than in relation to pregnancy, little is known about the determinants of weight gain in this population group. Papers examining nonpregnancy weight gain in young women were identified through a literature search in PubMed in August 2008. Subsequently, reference lists of included papers were checked for additional eligible papers. A total of 29 papers were included in this review. They were grouped into five categories on the basis of the main identified determinants of weight gain: contraception (4) dietary behaviors (3) quitting smoking (1) physical activity (PA) (1) and university transition (20 papers). Study duration ranged from 13 days to 15 years. Weight was objectively measured in 25 studies and self-reported in 4 studies. Twenty-seven papers reported weight gain the highest rates were observed with initial exposure to contraceptive use and the first semester of attending a university. Even though young adulthood is a vulnerable time for weight gain in women, the number of studies examining specific determinants of weight gain was small. Those located identified five social and behavioral determinants, with most of the research focusing on the transition to and through a university, and few studies in nonuniversity populations. More studies are needed to assess the concurrent contributions of multiple determinants of weight gain at this life stage, so that appropriate interventions to prevent excess weight gain can be developed.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 04-04-2013
DOI: 10.1007/S00198-013-2346-1
Abstract: Although trials have shown that exercise has positive effects on bone mineral density (BMD), the majority of exercise trials have been conducted in older women. The aim of this study was to systematically review trials examining the effect of weight-bearing and resistance-based exercise modalities on the BMD of hip and lumbar spine of middle-aged and older men. Eight electronic databases were searched in August 2012. Randomised controlled or controlled trials that assessed the effect of weight-bearing and resistance-based exercise interventions on BMD measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, and reported effects in middle-aged and older men were included. Eight trials detailed in nine papers were included. The interventions included walking (n = 2), resistance training (n = 3), walking + resistance training (n = 1), resistance training + impact-loading activities (n = 1) and resistance training + Tai Chi (n = 1). Five of the eight trials achieved a score of less than 50% on the modified Delphi quality rating scale. Further, there was heterogeneity in the type, intensity, frequency and duration of the exercise regimens. Effects of exercise varied greatly among studies, with six interventions having a positive effect on BMD and two interventions having no significant effect. It appears that resistance training alone or in combination with impact-loading activities are most osteogenic for this population, whereas the walking trials had limited effect on BMD. Therefore, regular resistance training and impact-loading activities should be considered as a strategy to prevent osteoporosis in middle-aged and older men. High quality randomised controlled trials are needed to establish the optimal exercise prescription.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2010
DOI: 10.1016/J.AMEPRE.2010.05.024
Abstract: Emerging evidence suggests that sedentary behavior (i.e., time spent sitting) may be negatively associated with health. The aim of this study was to systematically review the evidence on associations between occupational sitting and health risks. Studies were identified in March-April 2009 by literature searches in PubMed, PsycINFO, CENTRAL, CINAHL, EMBASE, and PEDro, with subsequent related-article searches in PubMed and citation searches in Web of Science. Identified studies were categorized by health outcome. Two independent reviewers assessed methodologic quality using a 15-item quality rating list (score range 0-15 points, higher score indicating better quality). Data on study design, study population, measures of occupational sitting, health risks, analyses, and results were extracted. 43 papers met the inclusion criteria (21% cross-sectional, 14% case-control, 65% prospective) they examined the associations between occupational sitting and BMI (n=12) cancer (n=17) cardiovascular disease (CVD, n=8) diabetes mellitus (DM, n=4) and mortality (n=6). The median study-quality score was 12 points. Half the cross-sectional studies showed a positive association between occupational sitting and BMI, but prospective studies failed to confirm a causal relationship. There was some case-control evidence for a positive association between occupational sitting and cancer however, this was generally not supported by prospective studies. The majority of prospective studies found that occupational sitting was associated with a higher risk of DM and mortality. Limited evidence was found to support a positive relationship between occupational sitting and health risks. The heterogeneity of study designs, measures, and findings makes it difficult to draw definitive conclusions at this time.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2018
DOI: 10.1016/J.CTCP.2018.02.011
Abstract: The aim of this study was to compare the characteristics of users of holistic movement practices in Australia to people who were physically active but not using holistic movement practices. A second aim was to compare characteristics of users of specific holistic movement practices (yoga/Pilates and t'ai chi/qigong). We performed a secondary data analysis on pooled data of a nationally-representative physical activity survey conducted yearly 2001-2010 (n = 195,926). Australia-wide Exercise, Recreation, and Sport Survey (ERASS). A range of socio-demographic and participation characteristics were documented and compared between users and non-users of holistic movement practices and between yoga/Pilates and t'ai chi/qigong users, employing descriptive statistics, chi square, and multiple logistic regression analyses. Users of holistic movement practices (n = 6826) were significantly more likely than non-users to be female, older, have fewer children at home, and have higher levels of education, socio-economic background, and physical activity involvement (p < 0.001). Yoga/Pilates (n = 5733) and t'ai chi/qigong (n = 947) users were also found to differ on a number of characteristics, including age, sex, socioeconomic background, and marital status. As a group, Australian users of holistic movement practices differ on a range of characteristics from those Australians active in other types of physical activities. However, differences between yoga/Pilates and t'ai chi/qigong users suggest these practices attract somewhat different sub-populations. To what extent these differences are due to characteristics inherent to the practices themselves or to differences in delivery-related parameters needs to be examined in future research.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 24-09-2018
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 27-04-2012
Abstract: Although physical activity is associated with health-related quality of life (HRQL), the nature of the dose-response relationship remains unclear. To examine the concurrent and prospective dose-response relationships between total physical activity (TPA) and (only) walking with HRQL in two age cohorts of women. Participants were 10 698 women born in 1946-1951 and 7646 born in 1921-1926, who completed three mailed surveys for the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health. They reported weekly TPA minutes (sum of walking, moderate and vigorous minutes). HRQL was measured with the Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form 36 Health Status Survey (SF-36). Linear mixed models, adjusted for socio-demographic and health-related variables, were used to examine associations between TPA level (none, very low, low, intermediate, sufficient, high and very high) and SF-36 scores. For women who reported walking as their only physical activity, associations between walking and SF-36 scores were also examined. Curvilinear trends were observed between TPA and walking with SF-36 scores. Concurrently, HRQL scores increased significantly with increasing TPA and walking, in both cohorts, with increases less marked above sufficient activity levels. Prospectively, associations were attenuated although significant and meaningful improvements in physical functioning and vitality were observed across most TPA and walking categories above the low category. For women in their 50s-80s without clinical depression, greater amounts of TPA are associated with better current and future HRQL, particularly physical functioning and vitality. Even if walking is their only activity, women, particularly those in their 70s-80s, have better HRQL.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.MATURITAS.2017.02.018
Abstract: This study aimed to investigate how daily use of time changes across the retirement transition and how these changes may differ according to socio-demographic characteristics. This longitudinal cohort study was based on interviews with 124 people at pre-retirement and at three, six and 12 months after retirement. The Multimedia Activity Recall for Children and Adults (MARCA), a computer-assisted telephone interview, measured use of time. Random effects mixed modelling (REMM) was used to examine time use changes across retirement, and ANCOVA to investigate the extent of the change by sex, education and health. Apart from the decrease in time spent in work across retirement (-122min/day, p<0.001), less time was also spent in both active and passive transport (-26min/day, p<0.001). There were significant increases in time spent on Chores (+55min/day, p<0.001), Screen time (+32min/day, p<0.001), Sleep (+32min/day, p<0.001), Quiet time (+17min/day, p=0.02), Self-care (+8min/day, p=0.01) and Physical activity (+7min/day, p=0.01). There was little variation in change between sex, education and health sub-groups. Most changes occurred at retirement, with time use patterns fairly stable between three and 12 months post-retirement. The small amount of time spent in physical activity, combined with less time spent in active transport and increased time spent watching television, indicate the need for a more active lifestyle.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.YPMED.2016.09.012
Abstract: Physical activity (PA) is positively associated with health-related quality of life (HRQL) in older adults. It is not evident whether this association applies to older adults with poor mental health. This study examined associations between PA and HRQL in older women with a history of depressive symptoms. Participants were 555 Australian women born in 1921-1926 who reported depressive symptoms in 1999 on a postal survey for the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health. They completed additional surveys in 2002, 2005 and 2008 that assessed HRQL and weekly minutes walking, in moderate PA, and in vigorous PA. Random effects mixed models were used to examine concurrent and prospective associations between PA and each of 10 HRQL measures (eight SF-36 subscales two composite scales). In concurrent models, higher levels of PA were associated with better HRQL (p 3 point differences) were evident for physical functioning, general health, vitality and social functioning. For women in their 70s-80s with a history of depressive symptoms, PA is positively associated with HRQL concurrently, and to a lesser extent prospectively. This study extends previous work by showing significant associations in older women with a history of depressive symptoms. Incorporating PA into depression management of older women may improve their HRQL.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-2016
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2015
Abstract: To describe the total and domain-specific daily sitting time among a s le of Australian office-based employees. In April 2010, paper-based surveys were provided to desk-based employees (n=801) in Victoria, Australia. Total daily and domain-specific (work, leisure-time and transport-related) sitting time (minutes/day) were assessed by validated questionnaires. Differences in sitting time were examined across socio-demographic (age, sex, occupational status) and lifestyle characteristics (physical activity levels, body mass index [BMI]) using multiple linear regression analyses. The median (95% confidence interval [CI]) of total daily sitting time was 540 (531-557) minutes/day. Insufficiently active adults (median=578 minutes/day, [95%CI: 564-602]), younger adults aged 18-29 years (median=561 minutes/day, [95%CI: 540-577]) reported the highest total daily sitting times. Occupational sitting time accounted for almost 60% of total daily sitting time. In multivariate analyses, total daily sitting time was negatively associated with age (unstandardised regression coefficient [B]=-1.58, p<0.001) and overall physical activity (minutes/week) (B=-0.03, p<0.001) and positively associated with BMI (B=1.53, p=0.038). Desk-based employees reported that more than half of their total daily sitting time was accrued in the work setting. Given the high contribution of occupational sitting to total daily sitting time among desk-based employees, interventions should focus on the work setting.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2010
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.JSAMS.2014.02.005
Abstract: To identify the biological, socio-demographic, work-related and lifestyle determinants of physical activity in young adult women. Prospective cohort study. Self-reported data from 11,695 participants (aged 22-27 years in 2000) in the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health were collected over 9 years in 2000, 2003, 2006 and 2009. Generalised Estimating Equations were used to examine univariable and multivariable associations of body mass index, country of birth, area of residence, education, marital status, number of children, occupational status, working hours, smoking, alcohol intake, and stress with physical activity status (active, ≥600 MET·min/week or inactive, <600 MET·min/week, consistent with public health guidelines). All variables were significantly associated with physical activity in univariable models. In the multivariable model, the lowest odds of being active (compared with the relevant reference categories) were for women who: were born in Asia (OR=0.53), had less than 12 years of education (OR=0.79), were married (OR=0.66) or in a de facto relationship (OR=0.79), had at least one child (OR ranging from 0.67 to 0.69), and were classified as non (OR=0.66) or rare drinkers (OR=0.79). These results are among the first to confirm the biological, socio-demographic, work-related and lifestyle determinants of physical activity in women in their twenties and early thirties. These findings may be used to inform and improve the development of strategies, and to identify target groups most in need of intervention effort.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 21-02-2019
DOI: 10.1136/BJSPORTS-2018-100451
Abstract: From 19th to 22nd November 2018, 26 researchers representing nine countries and a variety of academic disciplines met in Snekkersten, Denmark, to reach evidence-based consensus about physical activity and older adults. It was recognised that the term ‘older adults’ represents a highly heterogeneous population. It encompasses those that remain highly active and healthy throughout the life-course with a high intrinsic capacity to the very old and frail with low intrinsic capacity. The consensus is drawn from a wide range of research methodologies within epidemiology, medicine, physiology, neuroscience, psychology and sociology, recognising the strength and limitations of each of the methods. Much of the evidence presented in the statements is based on longitudinal associations from observational and randomised controlled intervention studies, as well as quantitative and qualitative social studies in relatively healthy community-dwelling older adults. Nevertheless, we also considered research with frail older adults and those with age-associated neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, and in a few cases molecular and cellular outcome measures from animal studies. The consensus statements distinguish between physical activity and exercise. Physical activity is used as an umbrella term that includes both structured and unstructured forms of leisure, transport, domestic and work-related activities. Physical activity entails body movement that increases energy expenditure relative to rest, and is often characterised in terms of intensity from light, to moderate to vigorous. Exercise is defined as a subset of structured physical activities that are more specifically designed to improve cardiorespiratory fitness, cognitive function, flexibility balance, strength and/or power. This statement presents the consensus on the effects of physical activity on older adults’ fitness, health, cognitive functioning, functional capacity, engagement, motivation, psychological well-being and social inclusion. It also covers the consensus on physical activity implementation strategies. While it is recognised that adverse events can occur during exercise, the risk can be minimised by carefully choosing the type of activity undertaken and by consultation with the in idual’s physician when warranted, for ex le, when the in idual is frail, has a number of co-morbidities, or has exercise-related symptoms, such as chest pain, heart arrhythmia or dizziness. The consensus was obtained through an iterative process that began with the presentation of the state-of-the-science in each domain, followed by group and plenary discussions. Ultimately, the participants reached agreement on the 30-item consensus statements.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 10-06-2011
Abstract: In the last decade, there has been increasing interest in the health effects of sedentary behavior, which is often assessed using self-report sitting-time questions. The aim of this qualitative study was to document older adults' understanding of sitting-time questions from the International Physical Activity (PA) Questionnaire (IPAQ) and the PA Scale for the Elderly (PASE). Australian community-dwelling adults aged 65+ years answered the IPAQ and PASE sitting questions in face-to-face semi-structured interviews. IPAQ uses one open-ended question to assess sitting on a weekday in the last 7 days 'at work, at home, while doing coursework and during leisure time' PASE uses a three-part closed question about daily leisure-time sitting in the last 7 days. Participants expressed their thoughts out loud while answering each question. They were then probed about their responses. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and coded into themes. Mean age of the 28 male and 27 female participants was 73 years (range 65-89). The most frequently reported activity was watching TV. For both questionnaires, many participants had difficulties understanding what activities to report. Some had difficulty understanding what activities should be classified as 'leisure-time sitting'. Some assumed they were being asked to only report activities provided as ex les. Most reported activities they normally do, rather than those performed on a day in the previous week. Participants used a variety of strategies to select 'a day' for which they reported their sitting activities and to calculate sitting time on that day. Therefore, many different ways of estimating sitting time were used. Participants had particular difficulty reporting their daily sitting-time when their schedules were not consistent across days. Some participants declared the IPAQ sitting question too difficult to answer. The accuracy of older adults' self-reported sitting time is questionable given the challenges they have in answering sitting-time questions. Their responses to sitting-time questions may be more accurate if our recommendations for clarifying the sitting domains, providing ex les relevant to older adults and suggesting strategies for formulating responses are incorporated. Future quantitative studies should include objective criterion measures to assess validity and reliability of these questions.
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 18-06-2021
Abstract: hysical activity is an integral part of healthy aging yet, most adults aged ≥65 years are not sufficiently active. Preliminary evidence suggests that web-based interventions with computer-tailored advice and Fitbit activity trackers may be well suited for older adults. he aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of i Active for Life /i , a 12-week web-based physical activity intervention with 6 web-based modules of computer-tailored advice to increase physical activity in older Australians. articipants were recruited both through the web and offline and were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 trial arms: tailoring+Fitbit, tailoring only, or a wait-list control. The computer-tailored advice was based on either participants’ Fitbit data (tailoring+Fitbit participants) or self-reported physical activity (tailoring-only participants). The main outcome was change in wrist-worn accelerometer (ActiGraph GT9X)–measured moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) from baseline to after the intervention (week 12). The secondary outcomes were change in self-reported physical activity measured by means of the Active Australia Survey at the midintervention point (6 weeks), after the intervention (week 12), and at follow-up (week 24). Participants had a face-to-face meeting at baseline for a demonstration of the intervention and at baseline and week 12 to return the accelerometers. Generalized linear mixed model analyses were conducted with a i γ /i distribution and log link to compare MVPA and self-reported physical activity changes over time within each trial arm and between each of the trial arms. total of 243 participants were randomly assigned to tailoring+Fitbit (n=78, 32.1%), tailoring only (n=96, 39.5%), and wait-list control (n=69, 28.4%). Attrition was 28.8% (70/243) at 6 weeks, 31.7% (77/243) at 12 weeks, and 35.4% (86/243) at 24 weeks. No significant overall time by group interaction was observed for MVPA ( i P /i =.05). There were no significant within-group changes for MVPA over time in the tailoring+Fitbit group (+3%, 95% CI –24% to 40%) or the tailoring-only group (–4%, 95% CI –24% to 30%) however, a significant decline was seen in the control group (–35%, 95% CI –52% to –11%). The tailoring+Fitbit group participants increased their MVPA 59% (95% CI 6%-138%) more than those in the control group. A significant time by group interaction was observed for self-reported physical activity ( i P /i =.02). All groups increased their self-reported physical activity from baseline to week 6, week 12, and week 24, and this increase was greater in the tailoring+Fitbit group than in the control group at 6 weeks (+61%, 95% CI 11%-133%). computer-tailored physical activity intervention with Fitbit integration resulted in improved MVPA outcomes in comparison with a control group in older adults. ustralian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12618000646246 anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?ACTRN=12618000646246
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2011
DOI: 10.1071/HE11038
Abstract: There is increasing interest in the potential association between sedentary behaviour and poor health. This study examined office-based employees' perceptions of the health risks associated with prolonged sitting at work, and strategies to interrupt and reduce occupational sitting time. Four focus groups were conducted with a convenience s le of Australian government personnel (20 women and two men). Open-ended questions concerning health risks and sitting reduction strategies were posed by lead researchers and focus group participants invited to express opinions, viewpoints and experiences. Audio recordings and summary notes of focus group discussions were reviewed by researchers to identify key response themes. Employees associated prolonged occupational sitting with poor health, primarily in terms of musculoskeletal issues, fatigue and de-motivation.This risk was seen as independent of physical activity. Workplace interventions tailored to occupational roles were viewed as important and considered to be the joint responsibility of in iduals and organisations. Strategies included workload planning (interspersing sedentary and non-sedentary tasks), environmental change (e.g. stairwell access, printers away from desks), work tasks on the move (e.g. walking meetings) and purposive physical activity (e.g. periodic breaks, exercise/walking groups).The perception that these strategies would compromise productivity was identified as the primary barrier to implementation team leaders were subsequently considered vital in enabling integration and acceptance of strategies into everyday workplace practices. Prolonged occupational sitting was perceived as detrimental to health. Suggested strategies targeted in iduals, workplaces, organisations and environments.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2016
Abstract: To identify subgroups of Australian adults likely to receive physical activity advice from their general practitioner and to evaluate the content of the advice provided. Participants (n=1,799), recruited from the Australian Health and Social Science panel, completed an online survey. Signal Detection Analysis was used to identify subgroups that were more/less likely to have received physical activity recommendations. Overall, 18% of participants received a physical activity recommendation from their general practitioner in the past 12 months and eight unique subgroups were identified. The subgroup with the highest proportion (54%) of participants reporting that they received a physical activity recommendation was those with poor physical and mental health-related quality of life and an average daily sitting time of <11 hours. Other subgroups with high proportions of in iduals receiving recommendations were characterised by higher weight and/or the presence of co-morbidities. The most commonly prescribed physical activity type was aerobic activity. Few participants received specific physical activity advice. General practitioners are incorporating physical activity promotion into their practice, but primarily as a disease management tool and with limited specificity. Strategies to assist Australian general practitioners to effectively promote physical activity are needed.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2014
DOI: 10.1016/J.YPMED.2014.07.031
Abstract: To (1) compare occupational sitting between different socio-demographic, health-related, work-related and psychosocial categories, (2) identity socio-demographic, health-related, work-related and psychosocial correlates of occupational sitting, and (3) examine the moderating effect of work-related factors in the relation between correlates and occupational sitting. Randomly-selected Australian adults completed a web-based survey assessing socio-demographic (country of birth, gender, age, education, income), health-related (general health, weight, physical activity), work-related (employment status, occupational task, occupational classification) and sedentary-specific psychosocial (social norm, social support, self-efficacy, control, advantages, disadvantage, intention) factors, and occupational sitting-time. t-tests, ANOVAs and multiple linear regression analyses were conducted (in 2013) on a s le of employees (n=993). Respondents sat on average for 3.75 (SD=2.45) h/day during work. Investigated correlates explained 41% of the variance in occupational sitting. More occupational sitting was associated with being male, being younger, higher education and income, part-time and full-time employment, sedentary job tasks, white-collar rofessional occupations, higher BMI, and perceiving more advantages of sitting less at work. Employment status and occupational classification moderated the association between control to sit less and occupational sitting. A lack of control to sit less was associated with higher occupational sitting in part-time and full-time workers, but not in casual workers and in white-collar and professional workers, but not in blue-collar workers. Most important contributors to occupational sitting were work-related and socio-demographic correlates. More research is needed to confirm present results.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 06-06-2010
DOI: 10.1007/S12529-010-9105-X
Abstract: The study of sedentary behavior is a relatively new area in population health research, and little is known about patterns of sitting time on week-days and weekend-days. To compare self-reported week-day and weekend-day sitting time with reported weekly time spent in other activities. Data were from 8,717 women born between 1973 and 1978 ('younger'), and 10,490 women born between 1946 and 1951 ('mid-age') who completed surveys for the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health in 2003 and 2001, respectively. They were asked about time spent sitting on week-days and weekend-days. The women were also asked to report time spent in employment, active leisure, passive leisure, home duties, and studying. Mean week-day and weekend-day sitting times were compared with time-use using analysis of variance. Younger women sat more than mid-aged women, and sitting time was higher on week-days than on weekend-days in both cohorts. There were marked positive associations between week-day and weekend-day sitting times and time spent in passive leisure in both cohorts, and with time spent studying on week-days for the younger women. Week-day sitting time was markedly higher in women who reported >35 h in employment, compared with those who worked <35 h. In contrast, there were inverse associations between sitting time and time spent in home duties. Associations between sitting and active leisure were less consistent. Although week-day sitting time was higher than weekend-day sitting time, the patterns of the relationships between week-day and weekend-day sitting and time-use were largely similar, except for time spent in employment.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2012
DOI: 10.1016/J.YPMED.2012.05.003
Abstract: Associations between the combined effect of physical activity and screen based activities on health related quality of life remain largely undetermined. During 2008-2010, cross-sectional data for self-reported health related quality of life, physical activity, and screen-time were collected for 3796 Australian adults. Logistic regression was conducted to examine associations for six combinations of physical activity (none, insufficient, and sufficient), and screen-time (low and high) on health related quality of life. In comparison to the reference category (sufficient physical activity and low screen-time) men and women who reported no physical activity and either high (OR=4.52, 95% CI 2.82-7.25) or low (OR=2.29, 95% CI 1.37-3.80) screen-time, were significantly more likely to report over 14 unhealthy days. Men reporting either no physical activity and high (OR=3.15, 95% CI 1.92-5.15), or low (OR=2.17, 95% CI 1.30-3.63) screen-time insufficient physical activity and high (OR=1.68, 95% CI 1.08-2.60), or low (OR=1.79, 95% CI 1.14-2.82) screen-time were more likely to rate their health as poor or fair. In women this was significant for those who reported no physical activity and high screen-time (OR=1.98, 95% CI, 1.19-3.31). Results suggest that the combination of no physical activity and high screen-time demonstrated the greatest negative impact on health related quality of life.
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 27-04-2016
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2010
DOI: 10.1016/J.YPMED.2010.08.012
Abstract: To systematically review the effectiveness of workplace interventions for reducing sitting. Studies published up to April 2009 were identified by literature searches in multiple databases. Studies were included if they were interventions to increase energy expenditure (increase physical activity or decrease sitting) were conducted in a workplace setting and specifically measured sitting as a primary or secondary outcome. Two independent reviewers assessed methodological quality of the included studies, and data on study design, s le, measures of sitting, intervention and results were extracted. Six studies met the inclusion criteria (five randomised trials and one pre-post study). The primary aim of all six was to increase physical activity all had reducing sitting as a secondary aim. All used self-report measures of sitting one specifically assessed occupational sitting time the others used measures of general sitting. No studies showed that sitting decreased significantly in the intervention group, compared with a control or comparison group. Currently, there is a dearth of evidence on the effectiveness of workplace interventions for reducing sitting. In light of the growing body of evidence that prolonged sitting is negatively associated with health, this highlights a gap in the scientific literature that needs to be addressed.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 02-2012
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-2015
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 12-2014
DOI: 10.1071/HE14034
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2014
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 2010
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 27-06-2012
DOI: 10.1111/J.1600-0838.2012.01495.X
Abstract: The aim of this systematic review was to summarize the effects of pole walking (PW) programs on physical and psychosocial health. Randomized controlled and controlled trials were identified from literature searches in PubMed, Cochrane library, EMBASE, SPORTdiscuss, CINAHL and PEDRO. A total of 14 articles from 13 studies met the inclusion criteria. Eleven of the included studies had a quality score of 50% or higher. Most studies included mid to older aged men and women in clinical populations with various medical conditions. Only two studies included nonclinical populations. The majority of the PW programs consisted of supervised group sessions performed two to three times weekly for 8 weeks or longer. Most studies investigated the effects of PW on both physical and psychosocial health and the majority examined effects on four to five outcomes. The effects of PW on cardiorespiratory fitness were most extensively studied. The most frequently examined psychosocial measure was quality of life. All studies reported at least one beneficial effect of PW compared with the control group. The results of this systematic review indicate that PW programs have some beneficial effects on both physical and psychosocial health in adults with and without clinical conditions.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 03-06-2022
DOI: 10.1186/S12966-022-01297-X
Abstract: With a rapidly ageing society, healthy ageing has become a key challenge. Engagement in physical activity, and particularly walking, is a key strategy that contributes to healthy ageing amongst older adults. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of a group walking program for older adults that incorporates the 5R Shared Leadership Program (5R S ). By implementing a structure of shared leadership and strengthening peer leaders’ identity leadership, 5R S aims to cultivate a shared social identity amongst participants, which has in other contexts been associated with greater performance and well-being. A cluster randomised controlled trial was conducted to test the efficacy of the 5R S group walking program on group identification, group cohesion, walking activity, and well-being, compared to a regular group walking program for older adults. Nineteen older adult walking groups (i.e., the clusters N = 503 M age = 69.23 years, SD = 6.68) all participated in a 12-week structured group walking program. Nine walking groups ( n = 304) were randomly assigned to the intervention in which participants received the 5R S program in addition to regular group walking. 5R S was successful in strengthening the identity leadership qualities of the appointed peer leaders. Multilevel regressions showed that 5R S succeeded in increasing group cohesion and walking activity to a greater extent than a regular group walking program, while participants’ group identification and well-being increased to a similar extent in both conditions. Furthermore, structural equation modelling revealed that group identification mediated the impact of peer leaders’ identity leadership on group cohesion and well-being (but not walking activity). By harnessing the capacity of the group and its peer leaders, the 5R S program offers a promising intervention to engage older adults in physical activity. The study was retrospectively registered as clinical trial on 9 September 2021 ( NCT05038423 ).
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 22-04-2010
Abstract: This study examines the relevance of the World Health Organization (WHO) optimal range for body mass index (BMI) of 18.5-25 kg/m(2) to morbidity in older women. Data were from 11,553 women who completed five mailed surveys at 3-year intervals between 1996 (age 70-75 years) and 2008 (age 82-87 years). Incidence and prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension, heart disease, and osteoporosis hospital admissions and mortality were assessed. The association between BMI in 1996 and each outcome was examined using logistic regression models with repeated measures and a proportional hazards model for survival. There were consistent associations between increasing BMI and increasing incidence and prevalence of DM, hypertension, and heart disease and between increasing BMI and decreasing risk of osteoporosis. The association with hospital admission was J shaped and lowest for BMI of 22-24 kg/m(2), whereas the association with mortality was U shaped, being lowest for BMI of 25-27 kg/m(2). These associations were not affected by excluding women with cancer or excluding the first 5 years of follow-up. These results illustrate the complexity of determining the optimal BMI range for women who survived to age 70-75 years. Although the WHO recommendation is appropriate for DM, hypertension, heart disease, and hospitalization, a slightly higher BMI range may be optimal for osteoporosis and mortality.
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 02-2012
DOI: 10.1123/JPAH.9.2.270
Abstract: While there is emerging evidence that sedentary behavior is negatively associated with health risk, research on the correlates of sitting time in adults is scarce. Self-report data from 7724 women born between 1973–1978 and 8198 women born between 1946–1951 were collected as part of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health. Linear regression models were computed to examine whether demographic, family and caring duties, time use, health, and health behavior variables were associated with weekday sitting time. Mean sitting time (SD) was 6.60 (3.32) hours/day for the 1973–1978 cohort and 5.70 (3.04) hours/day for the 1946–1951 cohort. Indicators of socioeconomic advantage, such as full-time work and skilled occupations in both cohorts and university education in the mid-age cohort, were associated with high sitting time. A cluster of ‘healthy behaviors’ was associated with lower sitting time in the mid-aged women (moderate/high physical activity levels, nonsmoking, nondrinking). For both cohorts, sitting time was highest in women in full-time work, in skilled occupations, and in those who spent the most time in passive leisure. The results suggest that, in young and mid-aged women, interventions for reducing sitting time should focus on both occupational and leisure-time sitting.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2010
DOI: 10.1016/J.YPMED.2010.07.009
Abstract: Sedentary behaviour may be a contributor to weight gain in today's young adult women, who are gaining weight faster than women in their mothers' generation. The aim was to examine the relationships between sitting time and weight in young women. Data were from women born in 1973-1978 who completed surveys in 2000, 2003 and 2006 for the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health. Associations between concurrent changes in sitting-time and weight, and prospective associations between these variables, were examined using ANOVA and linear regressions, stratified by BMI-category in 2000 (n=5562). Among overweight and obese women, percentage weight change from 2000 to 2006 was higher in those whose sitting time increased (>20%) than in those whose sitting time decreased (>20%) over the same period (p 5%) than in those who lost weight (>5%) (p<0.05). There were no prospective associations between (change in) sitting time and weight change, or between (change in) weight and change in sitting time. The results confirm associations between concurrent changes in weight and changes in sitting time in overweight and obese women, but no prospective relationships were found.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 12-2019
DOI: 10.1136/BMJOPEN-2019-033305
Abstract: Physical activity is an integral part of healthy ageing, yet the majority of older adults 65+ years are not sufficiently active. Web-based physical activity interventions hold much promise to reach older adults. Preliminary evidence suggests that web-based interventions with tailored advice and Fitbits may be well suited for older adults. This study aims to test the effectiveness of ‘Active for Life’, a 12-week computer-tailored web-based physical activity intervention using Fitbits for older adults. We will recruit 300 participants who will be randomly assigned to one of three trial arms: (1) web-based physical activity intervention with tailored advice only, (2) web-based physical activity intervention with tailored advice and Fitbit or (3) a wait-list control. The primary outcome, objective moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and secondary outcomes of objective sedentary behaviour, objective sleep, quality of life, social support, physical function and satisfaction with life will be assessed at baseline and week 12. The secondary outcomes of self-reported physical activity, sitting time and sleep will be assessed at baseline, week 6, 12 and 24. Website usability and participant satisfaction will be assessed at week 12 and website usage and intervention fidelity will be assessed from week 1 to 24. Intention-to-treat linear mixed model analyses will be used to test for group (tailoring only, tailoring +Fitbit, control) differences on changes in the main outcome, MVPA and secondary outcomes. Generalised linear models will be used to compare intervention groups (tailoring only, tailoring +Fitbit) on website usability, participant satisfaction, website usage and intervention fidelity. The study has received ethics approval from the Central Queensland University Human Research Ethics Committee (H16/12-321). Study outcomes will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and academic conferences and used to inform improvements and dissemination of a tailored, web-based physical activity intervention for adults 65+ years. Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry Number: ACTRN12618000646246
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 12-05-2022
DOI: 10.2196/31352
Abstract: Physical activity is an integral part of healthy aging yet, most adults aged ≥65 years are not sufficiently active. Preliminary evidence suggests that web-based interventions with computer-tailored advice and Fitbit activity trackers may be well suited for older adults. The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of Active for Life, a 12-week web-based physical activity intervention with 6 web-based modules of computer-tailored advice to increase physical activity in older Australians. Participants were recruited both through the web and offline and were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 trial arms: tailoring+Fitbit, tailoring only, or a wait-list control. The computer-tailored advice was based on either participants’ Fitbit data (tailoring+Fitbit participants) or self-reported physical activity (tailoring-only participants). The main outcome was change in wrist-worn accelerometer (ActiGraph GT9X)–measured moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) from baseline to after the intervention (week 12). The secondary outcomes were change in self-reported physical activity measured by means of the Active Australia Survey at the midintervention point (6 weeks), after the intervention (week 12), and at follow-up (week 24). Participants had a face-to-face meeting at baseline for a demonstration of the intervention and at baseline and week 12 to return the accelerometers. Generalized linear mixed model analyses were conducted with a γ distribution and log link to compare MVPA and self-reported physical activity changes over time within each trial arm and between each of the trial arms. A total of 243 participants were randomly assigned to tailoring+Fitbit (n=78, 32.1%), tailoring only (n=96, 39.5%), and wait-list control (n=69, 28.4%). Attrition was 28.8% (70/243) at 6 weeks, 31.7% (77/243) at 12 weeks, and 35.4% (86/243) at 24 weeks. No significant overall time by group interaction was observed for MVPA (P=.05). There were no significant within-group changes for MVPA over time in the tailoring+Fitbit group (+3%, 95% CI –24% to 40%) or the tailoring-only group (–4%, 95% CI –24% to 30%) however, a significant decline was seen in the control group (–35%, 95% CI –52% to –11%). The tailoring+Fitbit group participants increased their MVPA 59% (95% CI 6%-138%) more than those in the control group. A significant time by group interaction was observed for self-reported physical activity (P=.02). All groups increased their self-reported physical activity from baseline to week 6, week 12, and week 24, and this increase was greater in the tailoring+Fitbit group than in the control group at 6 weeks (+61%, 95% CI 11%-133%). A computer-tailored physical activity intervention with Fitbit integration resulted in improved MVPA outcomes in comparison with a control group in older adults. Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12618000646246 anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?ACTRN=12618000646246
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 17-04-2014
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2018
DOI: 10.1016/J.JSAMS.2017.07.010
Abstract: Assessment and monitoring of client health and fitness is a key part of fitness professionals' practices. However, little is known about prevalence of this practice. This study describes the assessment/monitoring practices of a large s le of Australian fitness professionals. Cross-sectional. In 2014, 1206 fitness professionals completed an online survey. Respondents reported their frequency (4 point-scale: [1] 'never' to [4] 'always') of assessment/monitoring of eight health and fitness constructs (e.g. body composition, aerobic fitness). This was classified as: (i) 'high' ('always' assessing/monitoring ≥5 constructs) (ii) 'medium' (1-4 constructs) (iii) 'low' (0 constructs). Classifications are reported by demographic and fitness industry characteristics. The odds of being classified as a 'high assessor/monitor' according to social ecological correlates were examined using a multiple-factor logistic regression model. Mean age of respondents was 39.3 (±11.6) years and 71.6% were female. A total of 15.8% (95% CI: 13.7%-17.9%) were classified as a 'high' assessor/monitor. Constructs with the largest proportion of being 'always' assessed were body composition (47.7% 95% CI: 45.0%-50.1%) and aerobic fitness (42.5% 95% CI: 39.6%-45.3%). Those with the lowest proportion of being 'always' assessed were balance (24.0% 95% CI: 24.7%-26.5%) and mental health (20.2% 95% CI: 18.1%-29.6%). A perceived lack of client interest and fitness professionals not considering assessing their responsibility were associated with lower odds of being classified as a 'high assessor/monitor'. Most fitness professionals do not routinely assess/monitor client fitness and health. Key factors limiting client health assessment and monitoring include a perceived lack of client interest and professionals not considering this their role.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 10-2016
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 04-2013
DOI: 10.1111/AJR.12015
Abstract: To describe physical activity participation in three Queensland regional communities. Cross-sectional mail survey of randomly selected residents, stratified by age and sex. Esk, Mareeba and Mount Isa. 1219 (58% women) adults, with a mean age 46.7 (standard deviation 14.7) years. Proportion of people inactive, meeting Australian activity guidelines (a minimum of 150 min week(-1) and five sessions week(-1) ) and walking a dog daily time spent walking and cycling for transport location and type of recreational physical activities. Overall, 18% of respondents were inactive, with the highest proportions among women (22.3%) and older adults in Mount Isa (24.3%). The proportion meeting activity guidelines was 47%, with the lowest proportion among women in Mount Isa (40.4%). Although 63% reported owning a dog, only 22% reported walking a dog daily. Few people reported walking or cycling for transport. The most common types of activities were walking, home-based exercise, running/jogging and swimming, and the most common location was at or near home. Physical activity levels were lower in these regional communities than the state average. The findings indicate a need for physical activity policy and intervention strategies targeting regional and rural areas. This could focus on women and older adults, dog walking and physical activity opportunities in or near the home.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2013
DOI: 10.1016/J.AMEPRE.2013.04.009
Abstract: Associations of sitting-time and physical activity with depression are unclear. To examine concurrent and prospective associations between both sitting-time and physical activity with prevalent depressive symptoms in mid-aged Australian women. Data were from 8950 women, aged 50-55 years in 2001, who completed mail surveys in 2001, 2004, 2007, and 2010. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression questionnaire. Associations between sitting-time (≤ 4 hours/day, >4-7 hours/day, >7 hours/day) and physical activity (none, some, meeting guidelines) with depressive symptoms (symptoms/no symptoms) were examined in 2011 in concurrent and lagged mixed-effect logistic modeling. Both main effects and interaction models were developed. In main effects modeling, women who sat >7 hours/day (OR=1.47, 95% CI=1.29, 1.67) and women who did no physical activity (OR=1.99, 95% CI=1.75, 2.27) were more likely to have depressive symptoms than women who sat ≤ 4 hours/day and who met physical activity guidelines, respectively. In interaction modeling, the likelihood of depressive symptoms in women who sat >7 hours/day and did no physical activity was triple that of women who sat ≤ 4 hours/day and met physical activity guidelines (OR 2.96, 95% CI=2.37, 3.69). In prospective main effects and interaction modeling, sitting-time was not associated with depressive symptoms, but women who did no physical activity were more likely than those who met physical activity guidelines to have future depressive symptoms (OR=1.26, 95% CI=1.08, 1.47). Increasing physical activity to a level commensurate with guidelines can alleviate current depression symptoms and prevent future symptoms in mid-aged women. Reducing sitting-time may ameliorate current symptoms.
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 07-2018
Abstract: Despite the health benefits of sport, the proportion of people participating in sport decreases with age. This qualitative study explored the benefits and barriers regarding older adult community sport participation, from the perspective of national sporting organizations, in addition to older adult sport club and nonsport club members, across eight focus group interviews ( n = 49). Seven benefits were discussed, primarily social and physical health and intergenerational opportunities. Ten barriers were also discussed, including physical health, time constraints, and lack of appropriate playing opportunities. Ensuring access to activities that can benefit social health is of great importance to older adults. As sport can provide participation opportunities across generations, it can be an ideal physical activity option for this age group. However, a major barrier is that sport policy often prioritizes the participation for younger age groups. Policymakers should include a focus on older adults, to derive social health benefits.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 31-03-2017
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 02-09-2019
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 06-11-2019
DOI: 10.1080/17538157.2019.1656210
Abstract: To explore older adults' perceptions and preferences for web-based physical activity interventions. Adults 65+ years were recruited via telephoning randomly selected households in Central Queensland, Australia. Six focus groups were conducted with a total of 46 adults 65+ years. Data were analyzed by qualitative content analysis. This group of older adults liked websites that have links to information and included instructional videos and disliked websites that were hard to navigate. Many participants did not express an initial interest in web-based physical activity programs. The most common reason was that they did not have a computer or adequate internet connection. Some participants said they would be interested if it included a structured exercise program. When asked about preferences for web-based physical activity programs, this group preferred them to be simple and not cluttered, to include personalized advice, to include reminder check-ins and the ability to review goals after illness or injury. The most common preference for personalized advice in web-based interventions was that the information needs to be tailored to their existing injuries and illnesses. The findings from this study will inform the design of future web-based interventions specifically tailored to the needs of older people.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 20-08-2015
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 07-06-2016
Abstract: the aim of this study was to explore the associations between use of time and momentary hedonic affect ('enjoyment') in adults in the peri-retirement period. a total of 124 adults [61 males, 63 females age 62 (4) years] completed a computerised use-of-time recall on 4 days at each of four time points (3-6 months pre-, 3, 6 and 12 months post-retirement), as well as surveys regarding self-reported health, well-being, sleep quality and loneliness. They reported how much they enjoyed each activity on a 0-10 scale. An in idual Enjoyment Index was calculated as the time-weighted average of each participant's enjoyment ratings. Time-weighted enjoyment ratings were also calculated for nine mutually exclusive and exhaustive activity domains (Sleep, Chores, Work, Social, Screen Time, Self-care, Quiet Time, Transport, Physical Activity) and sub-domains. the mean (±SD) Enjoyment Index was 7.43 ± 0.61, and was significantly and positively associated with well-being (P = 0.003 to P < 0.0001) and sleep quality (P = 0.03 to P < 0.0001), and negatively associated with loneliness (P = 0.003 to P < 0.0001). Mean Enjoyment Index values increased significantly (P < 0.0001) from pre-retirement (7.19 ± 0.82) to post-retirement (7.46 ± 0.89, 7.42 ± 0.91 and 7.49 ± 0.89 at 3, 6 and 12 months post-retirement). There were significant differences in enjoyment across domains, with Physical Activity (7.86 ± 1.11) and Social (7.66 ± 0.85) being the most enjoyable, and Work (7.10 ± 0.89) and Chores (7.09 ± 0.85) the least enjoyable. enjoyment of everyday activities increased after retirement and remained elevated for at least 12 months. Work appears to constitute a relative hedonic deficit.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 30-08-2012
DOI: 10.1136/BJSPORTS-2012-091103
Abstract: Although physical activity occurs in leisure, transport, occupational and domestic domains of life, the contribution of house and garden work (HGW) to the association between total physical activity and well-being is not clear. The aim was to describe the contribution of HGW to total physical activity (TPA) in association with well-being in younger, mid-aged and older women. Younger (25-30 years), mid-aged (50-55 years) and older (76-81 years) participants in the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health completed a mailed survey with questions about leisure, transport and house and garden activities. Well-being was assessed using the physical and mental components scores of the SF-36. Cross-sectional associations between the physical activity variables and well-being were modelled using General Additive Modelling. Correlations between HGW and leisure/transport activity (LTA) were low (r<0.3, p<0.001). Positive curvilinear associations were found between LTA and physical and mental well-being in all three cohorts, and between HGW and physical and mental well-being in mid-aged and older women. In the younger women, an inverse relationship was found between HGW and well-being. When HGW and LTA were summed (TPA), the associations between TPA and well-being were attenuated compared with those for LTA alone and well-being. In mid-aged and older women, relationships between HGW and well-being were similar to, but weaker than seen for LTA and well-being. In young women, well-being declined with increasing HGW. Summing HGW to LTA led to attenuated relationships, suggesting that domains of physical activity should not be summed when studying relationships with well-being.
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2012
DOI: 10.1071/HE12101
Abstract: There is limited evaluation on the impact of community-based walking groups on physical activity (PA). This study examined the amount of walking and total PA minutes when adults joined the Just Walk It (JWI) program in Queensland, and changes over time. All adult participants (n=1258) were sent a survey on registration with the JWI program between April 2002 and December 2003, and after 6 and 12 months. Outcomes included self-reported minutes of walking and total PA in the past week and the proportion meeting PA recommendations. Of the 1,258 registrants, 601 returned the 12-month survey 423 of these confirmed they still participated. At baseline, 36 (8.5%) of these were inactive, 280 (66.2%) were insufficiently active to meet PA recommendations and 107 (25.3%) met PA recommendations. Among these groups, the largest 12-month increases in walking and total PA were in participants who were inactive (177 minutes, 95% CI 144-210, p<0.001 and 233 minutes, 95% CI 169-297, p<0.001, respectively) and in participants who were insufficiently active (63 minutes, 95% CI 39-86, p<0.001 and 122 minutes, 95% CI 81-162, p<0.001, respectively). Walking minutes increased more for men (n=92) [100 minutes, 95% CI 51-150] than for women (n=331) [52 minutes, 95% CI 32-72, p=0.044], as did total PA minutes (158 minutes, 95% CI 61-247 compared to 67 minutes, 95% CI 31-103, p=0.038). Furthermore, compared with participants aged 18-44 years (n=41) [-12 minutes, 95% CI -75-50] and 65 and older (n=183) [57 minutes, 95% CI 27-87], walking increased more in those aged 45-64 years (n=199) [83 minutes, 95% CI 56-110, p=0.018). Participation in a community-based walking group for 12 months increased both walking and total PA, especially in men, mid-aged participants and those who were inactive or insufficiently active at registration.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 11-07-2016
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.MATURITAS.2016.05.009
Abstract: How people use their time has health implications, but use of time may be influenced by factors such as age, sex, education and health. This study aimed to provide detailed information on the daily activity patterns of older working people. 139 older Australian adults (aged 50-79 years) undertook comprehensive interviews on their use of time. This paper presents a cross-sectional analysis of the baseline findings from a longitudinal study. Use of time was measured using the Multimedia Activity Recall for Children and Adults (MARCA), administered via computer-assisted phone interview. Activity patterns were described, and compared on the basis of sex, education and health status. The main activities undertaken were sleep (mean 466min/day), work (mean 233min/day) and chores (mean 160min/day), with little time spent on physical activity (mean 13min/day). Women spent more time doing chores (p<0.001) while men spent more time on vigorous activities (p<0.001). Participants with "fair" health spent less time on inside chores (p=0.05) and grooming (p=0.02) than healthier participants. Healthy lifestyle interventions for older workers should aim to increase physical activity levels by targeting specific activities, depending on sex and health status.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 26-11-2018
Publisher: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
Date: 07-02-2022
Abstract: Land use is central to addressing sustainability issues, including bio ersity conservation, climate change, food security, poverty alleviation, and sustainable energy. In this paper, we synthesize knowledge accumulated in land system science, the integrated study of terrestrial social-ecological systems, into 10 hard truths that have strong, general, empirical support. These facts help to explain the challenges of achieving sustainability in land use and thus also point toward solutions. The 10 facts are as follows: 1) Meanings and values of land are socially constructed and contested 2) land systems exhibit complex behaviors with abrupt, hard-to-predict changes 3) irreversible changes and path dependence are common features of land systems 4) some land uses have a small footprint but very large impacts 5) drivers and impacts of land-use change are globally interconnected and spill over to distant locations 6) humanity lives on a used planet where all land provides benefits to societies 7) land-use change usually entails trade-offs between different benefits—"win–wins" are thus rare 8) land tenure and land-use claims are often unclear, overlapping, and contested 9) the benefits and burdens from land are unequally distributed and 10) land users have multiple, sometimes conflicting, ideas of what social and environmental justice entails. The facts have implications for governance, but do not provide fixed answers. Instead they constitute a set of core principles which can guide scientists, policy makers, and practitioners toward meeting sustainability challenges in land use.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2011
DOI: 10.1016/J.JSAMS.2010.11.004
Abstract: The Active Australia Survey (AAS) is used for physical activity (PA) surveillance in the general Australian adult population, but its validity in older adults has not been evaluated. Our aim was to examine the convergent validity of the AAS questions in older adults. The AAS was validated against pedometer step counts as an objective measure of PA, self-reported physical function, and a step-test to assess cardiorespiratory fitness. Participants were community-dwelling adults, aged 65-89 y, with the ability to walk 100 m. They completed a self-administered AAS and the step-test in one interview. One week earlier, they completed the Short Form-36 physical function subscale. Between these two interviews, they each wore a YAMAX Digiwalker SW200 pedometer and recorded daily steps. Using the AAS data, daily walking minutes and total PA minutes (walking, moderate-intensity PA and vigorous-intensity PA) were compared with the validity measures using Spearman rank-order correlations. Fifty-three adults completed the study. Median daily walking minutes were 34.2 (interquartile range [IQR] 17.1, 60.0), and median daily total PA minutes were 68.6 (IQR 31.4, 113.6). Walking and total PA minutes were both moderately correlated with pedometer steps (Spearman correlation r=0.42, p=0.003, for each) but not with step-test seconds to completion (r=-0.11, p=0.44 r=-0.25, p=0.08, respectively). Total PA minutes were significantly correlated with physical function scores (r=0.39, p=0.004), but walking minutes were not (r=0.15, p=0.29). This initial examination of the psychometric properties of the AAS for older adults suggests that this surveillance tool has acceptable convergent validity for ambulatory, community-dwelling older adults.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 26-07-2016
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 2014
Abstract: The aim of this study was to examine older adults’ understanding and interpretation of a validated questionnaire for physical activity surveillance, the Active Australia Survey (AAS). To address this aim, cognitive interviewing techniques were used during face-to-face semistructured interviews with 44 adults age 65–89 years. Qualitative data analysis revealed that participants were confused with questionnaire phrasing, misunderstood the scope of activities to include in answers, and misunderstood the time frame of activities to report. They also struggled to accurately estimate the frequency and duration of their activities. Our findings suggest that AAS questions may be interpreted differently by older adults than intended by survey developers. Findings also suggest that older adults use a range of methods for calculating PA frequency and duration. The issues revealed in this study may be useful for adapting AAS for use in older community-dwelling adults.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.AMEPRE.2014.09.030
Abstract: Physical activity (PA) has a positive association with health-related quality of life (HRQL) in the general population. The association between PA and HRQL in those with poor mental health is less clear. To examine the concurrent and prospective dose-response relationships between total PA (TPA) and walking only with HRQL in women aged 50-55 years with depressive symptoms in 2001. Participants were 1,904 women born in 1946-1951 who completed mailed surveys for the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health in 2001, 2004, 2007, and 2010, and reported depressive symptoms in 2001. At each time point, they reported their weekly minutes of walking, moderate PA, and vigorous PA. A summary TPA score was created that accounted for differences in energy expenditure among the three PA types. Mixed models were used to examine associations between TPA and HRQL (short form-36 [SF-36] component and subscale scores) and between walking and HRQL, for women who reported walking as their only PA. Analyses were conducted in 2013-2014. Concurrently, higher levels of TPA and walking were associated with better HRQL (p<0.05). The strongest associations were found for physical functioning, vitality, and social functioning subscales. In prospective models, associations were attenuated, yet compared with women doing no TPA or walking, women doing "sufficient" TPA or walking had significantly better HRQL over time for most SF-36 scales. This study extends previous work by demonstrating trends between both TPA and walking and HRQL in women reporting depressive symptoms.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 09-2010
DOI: 10.1038/OBY.2009.511
Abstract: The aim of this study was to examine the associations between sitting time, weight, and weight gain in Australian women born in 1946-1951. Data were from 8,233 women who completed surveys for the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health (ALSWH) in 2001, 2004, and 2007. Associations between sitting time and weight, and between sitting time and weight change in each 3-year period were examined using repeated measures modeling. The associations between weight and change in sitting time were also examined. Analyses were stratified for BMI categories: normal weight (18.5 <or= BMI < 25), overweight (25 <or= BMI or= 30). In cross-sectional models, each additional hour of sitting time was associated with 110 g (95% confidence interval (CI): 40-180) and 260 g (95% CI: 140-380) additional weight in overweight and obese women, respectively (fully adjusted model). In prospective analyses, sitting time was not consistently associated with weight change, after adjustment for other variables, and weight was not associated with change in sitting time over successive 3-year periods. In conclusion, although the cross-sectional associations between sitting time and weight were evident in overweight and obese women, there was no consistent association between sitting time and weight gain. A potential explanation is that prospective associations may only be apparent over longer periods of time. These results do not support a role for reducing sitting time as a short-term means of weight control in mid-aged women.
Publisher: The Optical Society
Date: 03-08-2017
DOI: 10.1364/OE.25.019497
No related grants have been discovered for Jannique van Uffelen.