ORCID Profile
0000-0002-9166-6195
Current Organisation
The University of Newcastle
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Research Topics
In Research Link Australia (RLA), "Research Topics" refer to ANZSRC FOR and SEO codes. These topics are either sourced from ANZSRC FOR and SEO codes listed in researchers' related grants or generated by a large language model (LLM) based on their publications.
Top 5 Research Topics
ANZSRC Field of Research (FoR)
Transport Planning | Urban And Regional Planning | Health Promotion | Urban and Regional Planning | Public Health and Health Services | Human Geography | Transportation Not Elsewhere Classified | Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety | Health Promotion | Urban and Regional Studies (excl. Planning) | Biological Psychology (Neuropsychology, Psychopharmacology, Physiological Psychology) |
ANZSRC Socio-Economic Objective (SEO)
Urban planning | Behaviour and Health | Health education and promotion | Child health | Road safety | Other road transport | Occupational Health | Multimodal transport
Related Links
Publications
Sociodemographic and behavioral correlates of insufficient sleep in Australian adults
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.SLEH.2018.06.002
Abstract: Insufficient sleep is being increasingly recognized as a public health issue. There is a need to identify correlates of insufficient sleep to guide future preventative health interventions. This study aims to determine the sociodemographic and behavioral correlates of frequent perceived insufficient sleep in the Australian population. Pooled analyses of two cross-sectional, self-report national telephone surveys were conducted in 2015 (July-August) and 2016 (June-August). Adults living in Australia. Data from participants (age 18 years and over) of both surveys were pooled for analysis (2015 n = 1041 2016 n = 1170), with 2211 participants being included in the current study. Participants self-reported their age, gender, education and employment level, language spoken at home, urbanization, chronic disease, and height and weight to calculate BMI. Self-reported physical activity, sitting time, smoking, and consumption of fruit, vegetables, fast food, alcohol and frequency of perceived insufficient sleep were also assessed. Binary logistic regression analysis examined the relationship between insufficient sleep (≥14 days out of 30), sociodemographic and behavioral variables. The overall prevalence of insufficient sleep was 24%. Female gender, obesity, >8 h/d sitting time, smoking, and frequent consumption of fast food were positively associated with frequent insufficient sleep (P < .05). Higher levels of physical activity and being aged 51 years or older were negatively associated with frequent insufficient sleep (P < .05). The sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics associated with frequent perceived insufficient sleep can be used to guide the development of future interventions to reduce sleep insufficiency.
The effect of local neighbourhood park redevelopments on park visitations and user physical activity levels: a pe–post test evaluation
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 20-01-2021
Barriers and Enablers to Modifying Sleep Behavior in Adolescents and Young Adults: A Qualitative Investigation
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 09-01-2019
DOI: 10.1080/15402002.2016.1266489
Abstract: Many young adults obtain less than the recommended sleep duration for healthy and safe functioning. Behavior change interventions have had only moderate success in increasing sleep duration for this cohort. This may be because the way young adults think about sleep, including their willingness and ability to change sleep behavior, is unknown. The purpose of the present study was to determine what changes, if any, young adults are willing to make to their sleep behavior, and to identify factors that may enable or prevent these changes. Fifty-seven young adults (16-25 years 57% female) took part in focus groups addressing (a) willingness to change, (b) desired outcomes of change, and (c) barriers to change in regards to sleep behavior. An inductive approach to data analysis was employed, involving data immersion, coding, categorization, and theme generation. Participants were willing to change sleep behavior, and had previously employed strategies including advancing bedtime and minimizing phone use, with limited success. Desired changes were improved waking function, advanced sleep onset, optimized sleep periods, and improved sleep habits. Barriers to making these changes included time demands, technology use, difficulty switching off, and unpredictable habits. Young adults want to improve sleep behavior and waking function this is an important first step in modifying behavior. Notably, participants wanted more efficient and better quality sleep, rather than increasing sleep duration. The reported barriers to sleep, particularly using technology for social purposes, will require innovative and specialized strategies if they are to be overcome.
Validity of muscular fitness self-assessments in the ecofit smartphone application (Preprint)
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 02-11-2021
Abstract: obile health apps that promote physical activity are being developed at a rapid rate. App-based interventions have the potential for wide reach and therefore, may be a useful tool in up-scaling physical activity interventions. In larger scale interventions, face-to-face assessments are less cost effective, and researchers often rely on surveys or built-in activity trackers to assess ongoing efficacy/effectiveness of outcomes. While there are valid means of assessing aerobic activity via smartphone apps, there is limited evidence of valid muscular fitness assessments that can be self-administered within mHealth. o evaluate the concurrent validity of upper and lower body muscular fitness that have been independently assessed by participants via the ecofit app, and face-to-face assessments conducted by a trained researcher. his study compared baseline data from the ecofit two-armed randomised controlled trial and self-assessed data collected via the ecofit smartphone app. As part of baseline assessment in a larger community-based physical activity intervention ‘ecofit’, participants undertook the validated 90-degree push-up and the 60-second sit-to-stand test face-to-face with a trained researcher. Those allocated to the intervention group received access to the ecofit app and were instructed to complete the self-assessed fitness tests within 14-days of receiving access to the app. To assess the concurrent validity, the self-assessed push-up and sit-to-stand tests were correlated using Spearman’s correlation coefficient against the research-assessed results. Bland-Altman plots were also used to allow visualisation of the differences between the self- and research-assessed tests. ifty-four participants completed at least one of the two muscular fitness self-assessments within 14-days of receiving the app, of these 24.1% and 100% completed the push-up and the sit-to-stand test respectively. The results found a strong significant correlation for the push-up test (0.83, p .001) and a moderate significant correlation for the sit-to-stand test (0.63, p .001). his study provides support for the concurrent validity of self-reported upper and lower body muscular fitness assessments (i.e., the push-up and sit-to-stand tests) in mHealth. While these tests may be a feasible option for large scale physical activity interventions, more research is needed to determine the generalisability of these results. he ecofit trial is registered with the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry (ANZCTR): ACTRN12619000868189.
Socio-economic differences in public opinion regarding water fluoridation in Queensland
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2007
DOI: 10.1111/J.1753-6405.2007.00082.X
Abstract: To describe public opinion relating to the fluoridation of drinking water in a s le of the Queensland population. Data were collected by means of a computer-assisted telephone interview survey from a s le of the Queensland population. Descriptive statistics and logistical regression were used to examine associations between variables. Seventy per cent of the total s le supported water fluoridation of their local supply. More than 71% of the total s le agreed that water fluoridation was safe. People living in areas of higher socio-economic/relative socio-economic advantage were more likely to support the addition of fluoride to local drinking water and agree that it was safe. Opinions about fluoridation varied by respondent age and gender. General support was found in this s le of the Queensland population for fluoridation of drinking water. In Queensland, fluoridation of the water supply is now a political decision. Information about public opinion on fluoridation may assist decision makers in the final determination.
The bidirectional association between sleep and physical activity: A 6.9 years longitudinal analysis of 38,601 UK Biobank participants
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2021
Sleep, diet, activity, and incident poor self-rated health: A population-based cohort study.
Publisher: American Psychological Association (APA)
Date: 04-2021
DOI: 10.1037/HEA0001066
The Prospective Association Between Physical Activity, Insomnia Symptoms, and Productivity in an Australian Population-Based Cohort
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 23-11-2021
DOI: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000002439
Abstract: To investigate the joint, prospective associations of physical inactivity and insomnia symptoms and productivity using the 2013 and 2014 household income and labor dynamics in Australia Survey panel data. The association between (i) presenteeism (yes/no, n = 5864) and (ii) absenteeism (sick leave days, n = 4324) and the mutually exclusive groups “active without insomnia,” “active with insomnia,” “inactive without insomnia,” and “inactive with insomnia” was assessed. Participants “active with insomnia” or “inactive with insomnia” had greater odds of presenteeism than those “active without insomnia” (odds ratio [OR] = 1.41, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.07 to 1.85 and OR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.14 to 1.83, respectively). Participants “inactive with insomnia” had a greater incidence of absenteeism than participants “active without insomnia” (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 1.28, 95% CI: 1.07 to 1.54). Findings suggest improving physical activity levels and insomnia symptoms concurrently may improve productivity by reducing presenteeism and sick leave.
A systematic review of workplace behavioral interventions to promote sleep health in men
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2020
Engineering nano-cellulose bio-composites to improve protein delivery for oral vaccination
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2023
Patterns of physical activity, sitting time, and sleep in Australian adults: A latent class analysis
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2020
Effects of an Activity Tracker and App Intervention to Increase Physical Activity in Whole Families—The Step It Up Family Feasibility Study
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 20-10-2020
Abstract: (1) Background: Interventions using activity trackers and smartphone apps have demonstrated their ability to increase physical activity in children and adults. However, they have not been tested in whole families. Further, few family-centered interventions have actively involved both parents and assessed physical activity effects separately for children, mothers and fathers. Objective: To examine the feasibility and short-term effects of an activity tracker and app intervention to increase physical activity in the whole family (children, mothers and fathers). (2) Methods: This was a single-arm feasibility study with pre-post intervention measures. Between 2017–2018, 40 families (58 children aged 6–10 years, 39 mothers, 33 fathers) participated in the 6-week Step it Up Family program in Queensland, Australia. Using commercial activity trackers combined with apps (Garmin Vivofit Jr for children, Vivofit 3 for adults Garmin Australasia Pty Ltd., Sydney, Australia), the intervention included in idual and family-level goal-setting, self-monitoring, performance feedback, family step challenges, family social support and modelling, weekly motivational text messages and an introductory session. Parent surveys were used to assess physical activity effects measured as pre-post intervention changes in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in children, mothers and fathers. Objective Garmin activity tracker data was recorded to assess physical activity levels (steps, active minutes) during the intervention. (3) Results: Thirty-eight families completed the post intervention survey (95% retention). At post intervention, MVPA had increased in children by 58 min/day (boys: 54 min/day, girls: 62 min/day all p 0.001). In mothers, MVPA increased by 27 min/day (p 0.001) and in fathers, it increased by 31 min/day (p 0.001). The percentage of children meeting Australia’s physical activity guidelines for children (≥60 MVPA min/day) increased from 34% to 89% (p 0.001). The percentage of mothers and fathers meeting Australia’s physical activity guidelines for adults (≥150 MVPA min/week) increased from 8% to 57% (p 0.001) in mothers and from 21% to 68% (p 0.001) in fathers. The percentage of families with ‘at least one child and both parents’ meeting the physical activity guidelines increased from 0% to 41% (p 0.001). Objective activity tracker data recorded during the intervention showed that the mean (SD) number of active minutes per day in children was 82.1 (17.1). Further, the mean (SD) steps per day was 9590.7 (2425.3) in children, 7397.5 (1954.2) in mothers and 8161.7 (3370.3) in fathers. (4) Conclusions: Acknowledging the uncontrolled study design, the large pre-post changes in MVPA and rather high step counts recorded during the intervention suggest that an activity tracker and app intervention can increase physical activity in whole families. The Step it Up Family program warrants further efficacy testing in a larger, randomized controlled trial.
Should I sit or stand: likelihood of adherence to messages about reducing sitting time
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 03-07-2019
Exploring the Interplay Between Message Format, Need for Cognition and Personal Relevance on Processing Messages About Physical Activity: a Two-Arm Randomized Experimental Trial
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 10-06-2022
DOI: 10.1007/S12529-022-10107-4
Abstract: According to the Elaboration Likelihood Model, persuasion can occur via two different routes (the central route and peripheral route), with the route utilized dependent on factors associated with motivation and ability. This study aimed to explore the moderating role of need for cognition (NFC) and perceived relevance on the processing of physical activity messages designed to persuade via either the central route or the peripheral route. Participants ( N = 50) were randomized to receive messages optimized for central route processing or messages optimized for peripheral route processing. Eye-tracking devices were used to assess attention, which was the primary outcome. Message perceptions and the extent of persuasion (changes in physical activity determinants) were also assessed via self-report as secondary outcomes. Moderator effects were examined using interaction terms within mixed effects models and linear regression models. There were no detected interactions between condition and NFC for any of the study outcomes (all p s .05). Main effects of personal relevance were observed for some self-report outcomes, with increased relevance associated with better processing outcomes. An interaction between need for cognition and personal relevance was observed for perceived behavioral control ( p = 0.002) greater relevance was associated with greater perceived behavioral control for those with a higher need for cognition. Matching physical activity messages based on NFC may not increase intervention efficacy. Relevance of materials is associated with greater change in physical activity determinants and may be more so among those with a higher NFC.
The effectiveness of a web 2.0 physical activity intervention in older adults - a randomised controlled trial
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-01-2018
Sleep Health in Male-dominated Workplaces: A Qualitative Study Examining the Perspectives of Male Employees
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 12-04-2022
DOI: 10.1080/15402002.2021.1909594
Abstract: The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore working men's perspectives about sleep health and the intersecting influences of gender and work, describing participant's views on current and potential programming and organizational support to promote sleep health. Twenty men employed in male-dominated industries in the north-central region of Alberta, Canada, participated in 4 consultation group discussions addressing motivators, facilitators and barriers to sleep health. Participants reported sleeping an average of 6.36 (SD ±1.1) hours per night, and the majority worked more than 40 hours per week. Data were analyzed using an inductive approach. The findings provided important insights. In normalizing sleep deprivation and prioritizing the need to "just keep going" on six or less hours of sleep, the men subscribed to masculine ideals related to workplace perseverance, stamina and resilience. Workplace cultures and practices were implicated including normative dimensions of overtime and high productivity and output, amid masculine cultures constraining emotions and conversations about sleep, the sum of which muted avenues for discussing, let alone promoting sleep. Challenges to good sleep were primarily constructed around time constraints, and worry about meeting work and home responsibilities. Men's preferences for workplace support included providing and incentivizing the use of sleep health resources, designing work for sleep health (e.g., shift schedules, overtime policies) and getting advice from experienced coworkers and experts external to the workplace organization. These findings hold potential for informing future gender-sensitive programming and organizational practices to support sleep health among working men.
Clusters of health behaviours in Queensland adults are associated with different socio-demographic characteristics
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 13-03-2018
Abstract: The co-occurrence of unhealthy lifestyles, calls for interventions that target multiple health behaviours. This study investigates the clustering of health behaviours and examines demographic differences between each cluster. In total, 934 adults from Queensland, Australia completed a cross-sectional survey assessing multiple health behaviours. A two-step hierarchical cluster analysis using multiple iterations identified the optimal number of clusters and the subset of distinguishing health behaviour variables. Univariate analyses of variance and chi-squared tests assessed difference in health behaviours by socio-demographic factors and clusters. Three clusters were identified: the ‘lower risk’ cluster (n = 436) reported the healthiest profile and met all public health guidelines. The ‘elevated risk’ cluster (n = 105) reported a range of unhealthy behaviours such as excessive alcohol consumption, sitting time, fast-food consumption, smoking, inactivity and a lack of fruit and vegetables. The ‘moderate risk behaviour’ cluster (n = 393) demonstrated some unhealthy behaviours with low physical activity levels and poor dietary outcomes. The ‘elevated risk’ cluster were significantly younger and more socio-economically disadvantaged than both the ‘lower and moderate risk’ clusters. Younger people who live in more deprived areas were largely within the ‘elevated risk’ cluster and represent an important population for MHBC interventions given their wide range of unhealthy behaviours.
Diabetes self-management smartphone application for adults with type 1 diabetes: Randomized controlled trial
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 13-11-2013
DOI: 10.2196/JMIR.2588
A Pilot Study of the Feasibility of an Internet-based Electronic Outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation (eOCR) Program in Rural Primary Care
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2013
DOI: 10.1016/J.HLC.2012.11.005
Abstract: Interventions that facilitate access to cardiac rehabilitation and secondary prevention programs are in demand. This pilot study used a mixed methods design to evaluate the feasibility of an Internet-based, electronic Outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation (eOCR). Patients who had suffered a cardiac event and their case managers were recruited from rural primary practices. Feasibility was evaluated in terms of the number of patients enrolled and patient and case manager engagement with the eOCR website. Four rural general practices, 16 health professionals (cardiologists, general practitioners, nurses and allied health) and 24 patients participated in the project and 11 (46%) completed the program. Utilisation of the website during the 105 day evaluation period by participating health professionals was moderate to low (mean of 8.25 logins, range 0-28 logins). The mean login rate for patients was 16 (range 1-77 logins), mean time from first login to last (days using the website) was 51 (range 1-105 days). Each patient monitored at least five risk factors and read at least one of the secondary prevention articles. There was low utilisation of other tools such as weekly workbooks and discussion boards. It was important to evaluate how an eOCR website would be used within an existing healthcare setting. These results will help to guide the implementation of future internet based cardiac rehabilitation programs considering barriers such as access and appropriate target groups of participants.
Prevalence and correlates of resistance training in a regional Australian population
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 04-07-2010
Abstract: The core components of physical activity, cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, balance and flexibility can provide many health benefits and potentially slow declines associated with aging. Aerobic exercise message to the public has been widely promoted by national health authorities, although the promotion of resistance training has received far less attention. In this research, the prevalence of resistance training in a s le of adults living in regional Australia was primarily assessed. A computer-assisted telephone interview survey (n=1230) was conducted by the Population Research Laboratory at Central Queensland University on Queensland adults in October to November 2006. Respondents were asked to report the frequency with which they engaged in resistance training. Respondents were 18 years or older that could be contacted by direct-dialled, land-based telephone service. A telephone database using a computer program to select, with replacement, a simple random s le of phone numbers selected respondents. Almost 14% of the population did some form of gym-based resistance training in the week before the survey. There was a significant (p<0.05) reduction in participation levels with age. Participation was highest amongst the youngest 18-34-year-olds (23.8%), steadily declining with age to a low of 7% in the 55 years and older age group. There was no significant association between sexes and participation in resistance training. The findings underscore the need to increase overall education on the benefits of resistance training with an emphasis among targeted adult populations to increase participation in resistance training.
Psychosocial and environmental factors associated with physical activity among city dwellers in regional Queensland
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2005
DOI: 10.1016/J.YPMED.2004.06.017
Abstract: Research has recently adopted the use of social-ecological models in the study of physical activity. Few studies, however, have addressed the influence of the environment on activity using Geographic Information System (GIS)-derived measures of environmental attributes and self-report ratings of other environmental attributes. Even fewer have examined walking behaviors. Self-report measures of physical activity, social support, self-efficacy, and perceived neighborhood environment were obtained by means of a Computer-Assisted-Telephone-Interview (CATI) survey of 1,281 residents of Rockh ton, Queensland. Over 94% (1,215) of respondents' residential locations were successfully geocoded into the existing city council GIS database. The self-report data, along with GIS-derived measures, were used to determine the relationships among selected variables of the neighborhood environment for each geocoded location. GIS-derived measures of street connectivity and proximity to parkland, the number of active people in a 1-km radius, and self-reported perceptions of neighborhood cleanliness showed associations with the likelihood of achieving sufficient levels of physical activity when adjusting for selected psychosocial variables. GIS-derived Euclidian distance to footpath networks, number of dogs in 0.8-km radius, network distance to newsagents, and perceptions of footpath condition were significantly associated with the likelihood of participating in any recreational walking. Environmental characteristics were found to have differential influences on the two selected measures of physical activity. Aesthetics and safety appear to be important influences of physical activity, whereas proximal footpaths showed increased likelihood of participation in recreational walking. It is proposed that the strength of association between the environmental and physical activity may be improved if future research utilizes a Geographic Information System approach to the study of restricted geographical areas.
Applying GPS to enhance understanding of transport-related physical activity
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2009
DOI: 10.1016/J.JSAMS.2008.10.010
Abstract: The purpose of the paper is to review the utility of the global positioning system (GPS) in the study of health-related physical activity. The paper draws from existing literature to outline the current work performed using GPS to examine transport-related physical activity, with a focus on the relative utility of the approach when combined with geographic information system (GIS) and other data sources including accelerometers. The paper argues that GPS, especially when used in combination with GIS and accelerometery, offers great promise in objectively measuring and studying the relationship of numerous environmental attributes to human behaviour in terms of physical activity and transport-related activity. Limitations to the use of GPS for the purpose of monitoring health-related physical activity are presented, and recommendations for future avenues of research are discussed.
Interest and preferences for using advanced physical activity tracking devices: results of a national cross-sectional survey
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 07-2016
Moderate-intensity physical activity reduces systemic inflammation and maintains cardiorespiratory function following chronic particulate matter2.5 exposure in rats
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2020
8-year trends in physical activity, nutrition, TV viewing time, smoking, alcohol and BMI: A comparison of younger and older Queensland adults
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 03-2017
The impact of exercise environments on adolescents’ cognitive and psychological outcomes: A randomised controlled trial
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2020
Impact of COVID-19 on Physical Activity Among 10,000 Steps Members and Engagement With the Program in Australia: Prospective Study
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 25-01-2021
DOI: 10.2196/23946
Abstract: Physical activity is an important health behavior, due to its association with many physical and mental health conditions. During distressing events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a concern that physical activity levels may be negatively impacted. However, recent studies have shown inconsistent results. Additionally, there is a lack of studies in Australia on this topic. The aim of this study is to investigate changes in physical activity reported through the 10,000 Steps program and changes in engagement with the program during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data between January 1, 2018, and June 30, 2020, from registered members of the 10,000 Steps program, which included 3,548,825 days with step data, were used. The number of daily steps were logged manually by the members or synced automatically from their activity trackers connected to the program. Measures on program usage were the number of new registered members per day, the number of newly registered organizations per day, the number of steps logged per day, and the number of step entries per day. Key dates used for comparison were as follows: the first case with symptoms in Wuhan, China the first case reported in Australia the implementation of a 14-day ban for noncitizens arriving in Australia from China the start of the lockdown in Australia and the relaxing of restrictions by the Australian Government. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used to test for significant differences in number of steps between subgroups, between engagement measures in 2019 versus 2020, and before and after an event. A decrease in steps was observed after the first case in Australia was reported (1.5% P=.02) and after the start of the lockdown (3.4% P .001). At the time that the relaxing of restrictions started, the steps had already recovered from the lockdown. Additionally, the trends were consistent across genders and age groups. New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, and Victoria had the greatest step reductions, with decreases of 7.0% (P .001), 6.2% (P=.02), and 4.7% (P .001), respectively. During the lockdown, the use of the program increased steeply. On the peak day, there were more than 9000 step entries per day, with nearly 100 million steps logged per day in addition, more than 450 new users and more than 15 new organizations registered per day, although the numbers decreased quickly when restrictions were relaxed. On average per day, there were about 55 new registered users (P .001), 2 new organizations (P .001), 25.6 million steps (P .001), and 2672 log entries (P .001) more in 2020 compared to the same period in 2019. The pandemic has had negative effects on steps among Australians across age groups and genders. However, the effect was relatively small, with steps recovering quickly after the lockdown. There was a large increase in program usage during the pandemic, which might help minimize the health impact of the lockdown and confirms the important role of physical activity programs during times of distress and lockdowns.
The influence of sleep health on dietary intake: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of intervention studies
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 10-2020
DOI: 10.1111/JHN.12813
Abstract: Poor dietary intake increases disease risk, and poor sleep influences diet. This systematic review and meta-analysis of intervention studies aimed to evaluate the effect of sleep health on dietary intake in adults. Five online databases were used to identify studies published between 1970 and 2019. Included studies were interventions that modified sleep and reported dietary outcomes. Fifty four full texts were assessed and 24 publications were included. Following risk of bias appraisal, data were narratively summarised and a sub-group of studies (n = 15) was meta-analysed to determine the effect of sleep on dietary intake. One intervention modified sleep timing and 23 modified duration. Sleep duration was partially restricted (≤5.5 h night Partial sleep restriction with duration of ≤5.5 h day
Association of neighbourhood residence and preferences with the built environment, work-related travel behaviours, and health implications for employed adults: Findings from the URBAN study
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2012
Effectiveness of a Web 2.0 Intervention to Increase Physical Activity in Real-World Settings: Randomized Ecological Trial
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 13-11-2017
DOI: 10.2196/JMIR.8484
10,000 steps Australia: A community-wide eHealth physical activity promotion programme
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 04-09-2018
Efficacy of an activity tracker-and app intervention to increase physical activity in the entire family: Pilot single-arm intervention study (Preprint)
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 11-12-2019
Abstract: nterventions using activity trackers and smartphone apps have demonstrated their ability to increase physical activity in children and adults. However, they have not been tested in entire families. Further, few family-centred interventions have actively involved both parents, and assessed intervention efficacy separately for children, mothers and fathers. his study aimed to examine the short-term efficacy of an activity tracker and app intervention to increase physical activity in the entire family (children, mothers and fathers). his was a pilot single-arm intervention study with pre-post measures. Between 2017-2018, 40 families (58 children aged 6-10 years, 39 mothers, 33 fathers) participated in the 6-week Step it Up Family program in Queensland, Australia. Using commercial activity trackers combined with apps (Garmin Vivofit Jr for children, Vivofit 3 for adults), the intervention included in idual and family-level goal-setting, self-monitoring, performance feedback, family step challenges, family social support and modelling, weekly motivational text messages, and an introductory session delivered face-to-face or via telephone. Parent surveys were used to assess intervention efficacy measured as pre-post intervention changes in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in children, mothers and fathers. hirty-eight families completed the post intervention survey (95% retention). At post intervention, MVPA had increased in children by 58 min/day (boys: 54 min/day, girls: 62 min/day all P .001). In mothers, MVPA increased by 27 min/day (P .001), and in fathers, it increased by 31 min/day (P .001). Furthermore, the percentage of children meeting Australia’s physical activity guidelines for children (≥60 MVPA min/day) increased from 34% to 89% (P .001). The percentage of mothers and fathers meeting Australia’s physical activity guidelines for adults (≥150 MVPA min/week) increased from 8% to 57% (P .001) in mothers, and from 21% to 68% (P .001) in fathers. indings suggest that an activity tracker and app intervention is an efficacious approach to increasing physical activity in entire families to meet national physical activity guidelines. The Step it Up Family program warrants further testing in a larger, randomised controlled trial to determine its long-term impact. o trial registration as this is not an RCT. It is a pilot single-arm intervention study
Examining commute routes: applications of GIS and GPS technology
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 20-03-2010
Efficacy of a Multi-Component m-Health Diet, Physical Activity, and Sleep Intervention on Dietary Intake in Adults with Overweight and Obesity: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 19-07-2021
DOI: 10.3390/NU13072468
Abstract: This three-arm randomised controlled trial evaluated whether (1) a multi-component weight loss intervention targeting diet, physical activity (PA), and sleep was effective at improving dietary intake over six months and 12 months, compared with a control, and (2) the enhanced diet, PA, and sleep intervention was more effective at improving dietary intake than the traditional diet and PA intervention. A total of 116 adults (70% female, 44.5 years, BMI 31.7 kg/m2) were randomised to either traditional diet and PA intervention enhanced diet, PA, and sleep intervention or wait-list control. To examine between-group differences, intervention groups were pooled and compared with the control. Then, the two intervention groups were compared. At six months, the pooled intervention group consumed 1011 fewer kilojoules/day (95% CI −1922, −101), less sodium (−313.2 mg/day 95% CI −591.3, −35.0), and higher %EI from fruit (+2.1%EI 95% CI 0.1, 4.1) than the controls. There were no differences in intake between the enhanced and traditional groups at six months. At 12 months, the pooled intervention and control groups reported no significant differences. However, compared to the traditional group, the enhanced reported higher %EI from nutrient-dense foods (+7.4%EI 95% CI 1.3, 13.5) and protein (+2.4%EI 95% CI 0.1, 4.6), and reduced %EI from fried/takeaway foods (−3.6%EI 95% CI −6.5, −0.7), baked sweet products (−2.0%EI 95% CI −3.6, −0.4), and packaged snacks (−1.1%EI 95% CI −2.2, −0.3). This weight loss intervention reduced total energy and sodium intakes as well as increased fruit intake in adults at six months. The enhanced intervention group reported improved dietary intake relative to the traditional group at 12 months.
The Association Between Physical Activity, Sitting Time, Sleep Duration, and Sleep Quality as Correlates of Presenteeism
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 03-2015
Examining the efficacy of a multicomponent m-Health physical activity, diet and sleep intervention for weight loss in overweight and obese adults: randomised controlled trial protocol
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 10-2018
DOI: 10.1136/BMJOPEN-2018-026179
Abstract: Traditional behavioural weight loss trials targeting improvements in physical activity and diet are modestly effective. It has been suggested that sleep may have a role in weight loss and maintenance. Improving sleep health in combination with physical activity and dietary behaviours may be one strategy to enhance traditional behavioural weight loss trials. Yet the efficacy of a weight loss intervention concurrently targeting improvements in physical activity, dietary and sleep behaviours remains to be tested. The primary aim of this three-arm randomised controlled trial is to examine the efficacy of a multicomponent m-Health behaviour change weight loss intervention relative to a waitlist control group. The secondary aims are to compare the relative efficacy of a physical activity, dietary behaviour and sleep intervention (enhanced intervention), compared with a physical activity and dietary behaviour only intervention (traditional intervention), on the primary outcome of weight loss and secondary outcomes of waist circumference, glycated haemoglobin, physical activity, diet quality and intake, sleep health, eating behaviours, depression, anxiety and stress and quality of life. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, 6 months (primary endpoint) and 12 months (follow-up). The multicomponent m-Health intervention will be delivered using a smartphone/tablet ‘app’, supplemented with email and SMS and in idualised in-person dietary counselling. Participants will receive a Fitbit, body weight scales to facilitate self-monitoring, and use the app to access educational material, set goals, self-monitor and receive feedback about behaviours. Generalised linear models using an analysis of covariance (baseline adjusted) approach will be used to identify between-group differences in primary and secondary outcomes, following an intention-to-treat principle. The Human Research Ethics Committee of The University of Newcastle Australia provided approval: H-2017–0039. Findings will be disseminated via publication in peer-reviewed journals, conference presentations, community presentations and student theses. ACTRN12617000735358 UTN1111-1219-2050.
Effectiveness of a web- and mobile phone-based intervention to promote physical activity and healthy eating in middle-aged males: randomized controlled trial of the ManUp Study
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 12-06-2014
DOI: 10.2196/JMIR.3107
Does a physically active lifestyle attenuate the association between alcohol consumption and mortality risk? Findings from the UK biobank
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2020
DOI: 10.1016/J.YPMED.2019.105901
Abstract: Alcohol consumption is common across Western culture, despite its associations with adverse health outcomes, including cancer and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Physical activity (PA) has beneficial effects on many alcohol related outcomes, with data suggesting PA may offset the association between alcohol consumption and mortality. This study examined the joint associations of PA and alcohol on all-cause, CVD and cancer mortality. Participants were recruited between 2006 and 2010 in the United Kingdom. Alcohol consumption was categorised based on current UK guidelines (14 units/week). PA was categorised based on the Metabolic Task Equivalent of PA as low, moderate and high. Data were analysed using Cox proportional-hazard models. The final analysis, conducted in 2019, included 297,988 adults aged ≥40. Over an average follow-up of 6.9 years, 6079 deaths were recorded, including 1219 CVD deaths and 3112 cancer deaths. We observed greater point estimates for risk of all-cause mortality among low PA in iduals who consumed alcohol at the same level as active in iduals. For ex le, low PA participants who reported alcohol consumption ≥double guidelines had a greater HR (1.55, 95% CI 1.25, 1.93) than active in iduals (moderate PA HR 1.21, 95% CI 0.95, 1.54 high PA HR 1.21, 95% CI 1.00, 1.46). Considering CVD, we observed a similar trend with lower point estimates of risk of mortality among active in iduals. We found some evidence that PA modified the associations of alcohol and all-cause and CVD mortality in this large population s le of British adults.
Individual characteristics associated with physical activity intervention delivery mode preferences among adults
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 2014
The Effectiveness of a Computer-Tailored Web-Based Physical Activity Intervention Using Fitbit Activity Trackers in Older Adults (Active for Life): Randomized Controlled Trial
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
Associations of muscle-strengthening and aerobic exercise with self-reported components of sleep health among a nationally representative sample of 47,564 US adults
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2021
DOI: 10.1016/J.SLEH.2020.08.004
Abstract: Evidence demonstrates that physical activity is favorably associated with indicators of sleep health. However, population-based studies rarely examine the relationship between different physical activity modalities (ie, aerobic exercise vs muscle-strengthening exercise) with components of sleep health. Cross-sectional analyses were conducted on the US 2017 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Validated items assessed self-reported moderate-to-vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity (MVPA), muscle-strengthening exercise (MSE), sleep duration, difficulties and disorders. Poisson regression assessed prevalence ratios (PR) of 5 components of detrimental sleep health (short sleep long sleep poor quality sleep observed snoring and observed breathing stoppage) separately for adults 18-64 years and ≥65 years, across 4 categories of physical activity guideline adherence (met neither [reference] MSE only MVPA only met both). The s le comprised 47,564 adults (mean age: 48.4 years ±1.4 51.6% female). Among those 18-64 years, with the exception of short sleep (4-6 hours), for all other detrimental sleep health components, the lowest PRs were observed among those meeting both MVPA-MSE guidelines. Among those aged ≥65 years, for all 5 detrimental sleep health components, compared to the other physical activity categories, the lowest PRs were observed among those meeting both MVPA-MSE guidelines. All associations remained after adjusting for potential confounders (sex, education, income, smoking, alcohol, depression, hypertension, diabetes). A physical activity routine that includes both MVPA and MSE is likely to be beneficial for better sleep health. Longitudinal studies are needed to establish the temporal relationships between MVPA/MSE guideline adherence and sleep health.
Chronic disease risks and use of a smartphone application during a physical activity and dietary intervention in Australian truck drivers
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2016
Abstract: This study examined chronic disease risks and the use of a smartphone activity tracking application during an intervention in Australian truck drivers (April-October 2014). Forty-four men (mean age=47.5 [SD 9.8] years) completed baseline health measures, and were subsequently offered access to a free wrist-worn activity tracker and smartphone application (Jawbone UP) to monitor step counts and dietary choices during a 20-week intervention. Chronic disease risks were evaluated against guidelines weekly step count and dietary logs registered by drivers in the application were analysed to evaluate use of the Jawbone UP. Chronic disease risks were high (e.g. 97% high waist circumference [≥ 94 cm]). Eighteen drivers (41%) did not start the intervention smartphone technical barriers were the main reason for drop out. Across 20-weeks, drivers who used the Jawbone UP logged step counts for an average of 6 [SD 1] days/week mean step counts remained consistent across the intervention (weeks 1-4=8,743[SD 2,867] steps/day weeks 17-20=8,994[SD 3,478] steps/day). The median number of dietary logs significantly decreased from start (17 [IQR 38] logs/weeks) to end of the intervention (0 [IQR 23] logs/week p<0.01) the median proportion of healthy diet choices relative to total diet choices logged increased across the intervention (weeks 1-4=38[IQR 21]% weeks 17-20=58[IQR 18]%). Step counts were more successfully monitored than dietary choices in those drivers who used the Jawbone UP. Smartphone technology facilitated active living and healthy dietary choices, but also prohibited intervention engagement in a number of these high-risk Australian truck drivers.
Validation of a pouch-mounted activPAL3 accelerometer
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2014
DOI: 10.1016/J.GAITPOST.2014.07.024
Abstract: The activPAL accelerometer is a commonly used device for the assessment of physical activity in cross-sectional and intervention research. These devices are usually attached directly to the skin however, recent studies report problems such as skin irritation associated with this attachment method and therefore adequate alternate methods are needed. The aim of this study was to validate the use of an elasticised pouch to secure an activPAL3c (PAL Technologies, Glasgow, UK) accelerometer for the assessment of sedentary and physical activity behaviours during laboratory and free-living conditions. Twenty-eight healthy adults wore two activPAL3c accelerometers, one secured in an elasticised pouch, and one directly attached to the skin, on the anterior surface of the right thigh during laboratory-based walking at a self-selected pace, treadmill walking at 0.89 ms(-1), 1.56 ms(-1) and running at 2.2 ms(-1), and during free-living conditions. Paired s les t-tests and intraclass correlation coefficients were used to investigate the difference and agreement between accelerometer outputs. No statistically significant difference in step count between pouch-mounted and skin-mounted activPAL3c accelerometers was evident during walking at any speed under laboratory conditions. No statistically significant difference in step count, upright time, sitting time or postural transitions was found between pouch-mounted and skin-mounted activPAL3c accelerometers during free-living conditions. Intraclass correlation coefficients showed a high to very high level of agreement between pouch-mounted and skin-mounted activPAL3c accelerometers for each outcome variable. The use of an elasticised pouch to secure the activPAL3c accelerometer appears to be a valid method of attachment and may offer advantages over direct skin mounting.
Socio-demographic factors and neighbourhood social cohesion influence adults’ willingness to grant children greater independent mobility: A cross-sectional study
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 22-07-2015
Diet and sleep health: a scoping review of intervention studies in adults
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 27-01-2020
DOI: 10.1111/JHN.12709
Abstract: Recent research has demonstrated an association between dietary intake and sleep health that can influence chronic disease risk factors. A scoping review of research studies investigating dietary intake and sleep was undertaken to determine the extent and scope of research in laboratory-based, free-living and mixed settings. Additionally, this review determines how well subpopulations and geographical locations are represented and the methodologies used to assess outcome measures. Five online databases were used to identify papers published between 1970 and 2017. Included studies were those conducted in adults and reported both outcomes of interest: (i) sleep health, including sleep restriction and sleep hygiene and (ii) dietary outcomes, including altered nutrients, dietary patterns and supplements. In total, 129 publications were included with the majority being dietary interventions investigating sleep outcomes (n = 109) with fewer being sleep interventions investigating and reporting dietary outcomes (n = 20). Dietary interventions were most often carried out in free-living environments, in contrast to sleep interventions that were most often carried out in laboratory-based environments. The majority of dietary interventions investigated use of a supplement (n = 66 studies), which was predominantly caffeine (n = 49). Sleep interventions investigated sleep duration only, with the majority (n = 17) investigating the effect of partial sleep restriction under 5.5 h per night on dietary intake, while three studies investigating total sleep deprivation. Investigating broader aspects of dietary such as overall diet quality and dietary patterns and other components of sleep health such as quality, timing and sleep hygiene are important aspects for future research.
Mediators of aggression in a school-based physical activity intervention for low-income adolescent boys
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2018
Physical activity and sleep are inconsistently related in healthy children: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2020
Agreement between activPAL3c accelerometers placed at different thigh positions
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.GAITPOST.2016.06.013
Abstract: ActivPAL3c triaxial accelerometers are increasingly used to assess physical activity and sedentary behaviours. However, little is known how attachment site (left vs. right or upper vs. lower thigh) affects activPAL3c accelerometer outcomes. Twenty-eight adults wore four activPAL3c accelerometers attached 2cm above and below the midpoint of the left and right thigh during five minutes of laboratory-based walking at a self-selected pace, treadmill walking at 0.89 and 1.56m/s, and treadmill running at 2.22m/s, and during approximately seven hours of free-living conditions. One-way ANOVA revealed no statistically significant differences in accelerometer output between ActivPAL3c accelerometers at these locations during both laboratory-based, and free-living conditions. Intraclass correlation coefficients showed a high level of agreement between activPAL3c accelerometers during laboratory and free living activities (ICC(2,1) 0.76-1.00). The attachment sites used in this study do not appear to significantly influence outcomes for step count, sitting or walking time, or number of postural transitions from triaxial activPAL3c accelerometers during laboratory-based walking or free-living conditions. Therefore if necessary, to enhance participant compliance during monitoring periods, these sites could be used interchangeably. Studies of longer duration incorporating additional laboratory and recreational activities are needed to confirm these findings.
Development and psychometric testing of an instrument to assess psychosocial determinants of sleep hygiene practice
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 05-12-2019
Abstract: This study examined the psychometric properties of a newly developed instrument to assess psychosocial determinants of sleep hygiene. Baseline data ( n = 160) from an m-health physical activity and sleep intervention were analyzed to examine scale validity. Additional participants ( n = 20) were recruited to compute test–retest reliability. Four of seven constructs correlated significantly with sleep hygiene practice ( r = −0.17 to −0.36). The scales generally displayed unidimensional component structures. Internal consistency was good to excellent ( α = 0.76–0.92). Test–retest reliability was good to excellent (ICC = 0.61–0.84). Though satisfactory, these findings warrant replication in larger s les.
A gut reaction: the combined influence of exercise and diet on gastrointestinal microbiota in rats
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 16-05-2017
DOI: 10.1111/JAM.13442
Abstract: Intestinal microbiota modulates the development of clinical conditions, including metabolic syndrome and obesity. Many of these conditions are influenced by nutritional and exercise behaviours. This study aimed to investigate the ability of exercise to re-shape the intestinal microbiota and the influence of the diet on the process. A rat model was used to examine the intestinal microbiota responses to four activity conditions, including: high-intensity interval training (HIIT), light-intensity training (LIT), sedentary and normal control, each containing two nutritional conditions: high-fat high-fructose diet (HF) and standard chow (SC) diet. No significant differences in microbiota were apparent between activity conditions in rats fed a HF diet but changes in the presence/absence of phylotypes were observed in the LIT and HIIT groups. In rats fed SC, significant differences in intestinal microbiota were evident between exercised and nonexercised rats. Both LIT and HIIT induced significant differences in intestinal microbiota in SC-fed rats compared to their respective SC-fed controls. Characterization of the exercise-induced bacterial phylotypes indicated an increase in bacteria likely capable of degrading resistant polysaccharides and an increase in short chain fatty acid producers. While a significant effect of exercise on microbiota composition occurred in SC-fed rats, the HF-fed rats microbiota showed little response. These data suggest that a HF diet prevented microbiota differentiation in response to exercise. The importance of diet-exercise interaction is extended to the level of intestinal bacteria and gut health.
Using smartphone technology to monitor physical activity in the 10,000 steps program: A matched case-control trial
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 20-04-2012
DOI: 10.2196/JMIR.1950
Greater bed- and wake-time variability is associated with less healthy lifestyle behaviors: a cross-sectional study
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 20-10-2015
Associations of children's independent mobility and active travel with physical activity, sedentary behaviour and weight status: A systematic review
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2013
DOI: 10.1016/J.JSAMS.2012.11.001
Abstract: Health benefits from children's independent mobility and active travel beyond school travel are largely unexplored. This review synthesized the evidence for associations of independent mobility and active travel to various destinations with physical activity, sedentary behaviour and weight status. Systematic review. A systematic search in six databases (PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, SportDiscus, PsychInfo, TRIS) for papers published between January 1990 and March 2012 was undertaken, focussing on children aged 3-18 years. Study inclusion and methodological quality were independently assessed by two reviewers. 52 studies were included. Most studies focussed solely on active travel to and/or from school, and showed significant positive associations with physical activity. The same relationship was detected for active travel to leisure-related places and independent mobility with physical activity. An inverse relationship between active travel to school and weight status was evident but findings were inconsistent. Few studies examined correlations between active travel to school and self-reported screen-time or objectively measured sedentary behaviour, and findings were unclear. Studies on independent mobility suggested that children who have the freedom to play outdoors and travel actively without adult supervision accumulate more physical activity than those who do not. Further investigation of children's active travel to leisure-related destinations, measurement of erse sedentary behaviour beyond simply screen-based activities, and consistent thresholds for objectively measured sedentary behaviour in children will clarify the inconsistent evidence base on associations of active travel with sedentary behaviour and weight status.
The Discrepancy between Knowledge of Sleep Recommendations and the Actual Sleep Behaviour of Australian Adults
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 25-01-2021
Association between TV viewing and heart disease mortality
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 20-01-2020
Abstract: Sedentary behaviour (particularly television (TV) viewing) is thought to be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. We employed a negative control outcome to explore whether the association between TV viewing and heart disease mortality is explained by confounding. The s le was drawn from the UK Biobank study and comprised 479 658 participants (aged 56.5±8.0 years 45.7% men) followed up over a mean of 10.4 years. TV viewing was measured from self-report. There were 1437 ischaemic heart disease (IHD) deaths, and 214 accidental deaths (employed as the negative control outcome). TV viewing was related to the following confounding variables: age, smoking, alcohol, diet, obesity, physical inactivity, cardiovascular disease and education. The confounding structures were similar for both outcomes. TV viewing (per hour/d) was associated with IHD (hazard ratio (HR)=1.30, 95% CI, 1.27 to 1.33) and accidental death (HR=1.15, 95% CI, 1.07 to 1.24) in unadjusted models. Associations were attenuated for both outcomes and were considerably converged after adjustment for confounders IHD (HR=1.09, 95% CI, 1.06 to 1.12) and accidental death (HR=1.06, 95% CI, 0.98 to 1.15). The pattern of results for TV with an implausible outcome mirrored that of IHD, suggesting that observed associations between TV and heart disease are likely to be driven by confounding.
The impact of an m-Health financial incentives program on the physical activity and diet of Australian truck drivers
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 18-05-2017
Mediating effects of sleep on mental health in older adolescents: Findings from the Burn 2 Learn randomized controlled trial
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 09-08-2023
DOI: 10.1111/SMS.14463
Abstract: Our study explored the mediating effect of sleep‐related variables on older adolescents' mental health in the context of a school‐based physical activity intervention. We evaluated the Burn 2 Learn (B2L) intervention using a cluster randomized controlled trial, which included two cohorts. Participants for this sub‐study were from the second cohort, which included 292 older adolescents (16.0 ± 0.5 years) from 10 secondary schools in New South Wales, Australia. Teachers at intervention schools delivered two high‐intensity activity breaks (approximately 10 mins) per week to students during academic lessons. Participants completed measures of mental health (i.e., perceived stress and internalizing problems) and hypothesized mediators (i.e., sleep duration, sleep latency, awakenings, and daytime sleepiness) at baseline (February–April 2019) and post‐intervention (August–September 2019). Single mediation analyses were conducted to explore the potential mediating effects of sleep variables on mental health outcomes using a product‐of‐coefficient test. We observed a small statistically significant effect for perceived stress ( β = −0.11, SE = 0.034, p = 0.002), but not for internalizing problems ( β = 0.02, SE = 0.051, p = 0.760). There were no significant intervention effects for sleep‐related variables. Several sleep‐related variables were associated with mental health outcomes but no mediated effects were found. The B2L intervention had a small beneficial effect on perceived stress, however our mediation analyses suggest this was not explained by changes in sleep‐related variables. Markers of sleep were associated with mental health constructs, highlighting the importance of sleep for good psychological health. However, in the context of a physical activity intervention, effects on mental health may be driven by other behavioral, neurobiological, or psychosocial mechanisms.
The prevalence and performance of resistance exercise training activities in an Australian population in relation to health authority guidelines
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2018
DOI: 10.1016/J.JSAMS.2017.09.018
Abstract: Resistance training research highlights the importance of training intensity to resistance exercise training (RET) and the associated benefits to health and function for healthy and at-risk populations. The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recommend specific intensities, frequencies, repetitions, and number of exercises of RET to be performed to maintain health. The primary aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of achieving recommended levels of RET in relation to ACSM guidelines for intensity, frequency, repetitions, and number of exercises in a regional Australian population. A Computer-Assisted-Telephone-Interview (CATI) survey (n=1237) was conducted to determine RET participation. Participants were 18 years plus, residing in Central Queensland, Australia. The prevalence of respondents performing 'No RET', 'insufficient RET' and 'sufficient RET' were 79.6.0%, 15.2% and 5.2% respectively. Significantly higher proportions of younger adults adhered to all RET guidelines for intensity (19.2 vs 8.1%), frequency (19.9 vs 11.6%), repetitions (17.8 vs 6.3%), and number of exercises (8.2 vs 3.6%) (p 15 years), and in iduals engaging in sufficient levels of aerobic exercise training (AET) engaged in sufficient levels of RET (p<0.05). The prevalence of Australian's participating in regular RET programs is low and only a small proportion of participants meet ACSM guidelines for the quantity and quality of RET that is likely to provide health benefits. This has implications for public health policy and the future development and promotion of population-level RET guidelines.
Recruitment and Retention of Children in Behavioral Health Risk Factor Studies: REACH Strategies
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 03-10-2013
DOI: 10.1007/S12529-013-9347-5
Abstract: Children are a common target group in behavioral health research. Yet their recruitment into community setting studies poses challenges to researchers and little guidance exists on recruitment and retention methods. This study aims to present successful strategies for the recruitment and retention of children into behavioral health risk factor studies. Firstly, a literature search in various databases was undertaken for papers published 1990-2012, focusing on recruitment and retention methods used in community-based studies with children aged 3-18 years. Secondly, a Delphi study was conducted in 2012 with 27 international experts in the fields of child-related behavioral health risk factors to gather expertise and consensus on successful recruitment and retention strategies applicable in children. The literature review and Delphi study yielded a set of successful child recruitment and retention strategies, and ex les for implementation. These are presented as strategies to Recruit, Engage and retAin Children in behavioral Health risk factor studies (REACH). Recognized strategies for successful recruitment and retention included building trustful relationships between researchers and study partners, parents, and children having project ch ions optimizing consent and follow-up procedures offering incentives to study partners, children, and parents minimizing participant burden and designing feasible studies with cohesive research teams. Using multiple REACH strategies is most promising for maximizing response rates and minimizing attrition of children in cross-sectional, longitudinal, and behavioral intervention studies in community settings such as schools, child care centers, and other youth-related organizations. Researchers can select the most suitable strategies based on their specific study design and requirements.
κ-Carrageenan Gel Modified Mesoporous Gold Chronocoulometric Sensor for Ultrasensitive Detection of MicroRNA
Publisher: The Chemical Society of Japan
Date: 15-01-2022
Is There a Link between Different Types of Alcoholic Drinks and Obesity? An Analysis of 280,183 UK Biobank Participants
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 17-07-2020
Abstract: Understanding the associations between types of alcoholic drinks and adiposity has public health relevance, considering that adult overweight and obesity prevalence are increasing worldwide. We aimed to evaluate the association between overall alcohol consumption and types of alcohol drinks with markers of adiposity from the UK Biobank baseline data (n = 280,183, 48.3% female). Generalized linear models were used to examine the associations between alcohol consumption with body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage. Those drinking within the public health guidelines had a lower BMI by 1.34 kg/m2 (95% CI 1.42, 1.26 kg/m2) compared to never drinkers. Association between alcohol consumption and body fat percentage were not statistically significant. Compared to those who never drink wines (red wine, ch agne and fortified wine), drinkers of these alcoholic beverages had lower BMI (difference of −0.75 kg/m2, 95% CI −0.78, −0.72 kg/m2 −0.48 kg/m2, 95% CI −0.52, −0.45 kg/m2 and −0.24 kg/m2, 95% CI −0.29, −0.18 kg/m2, respectively). Beer and spirits drinkers had higher BMI compared to never drinkers of beer and spirits (difference of 0.18 kg/m2, 95% CI 0.14, 0.22 kg/m2 and 0.64 kg/m2, 95% CI 0.61, 0.68 kg/m2, respectively). Our data did not find a link between alcohol drinking and higher risk of obesity.
Prevalence, Trends, and Correlates of Joint Patterns of Aerobic and Muscle-Strengthening Activity and Sleep Duration: A Pooled Analysis of 359,019 Adults in the National Health Interview Survey 2004–2
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 04-2022
Abstract: Background : Physical activity (PA) and sleep duration have established associations with health outcomes in idually but tend to co-occur and may be better targeted jointly. This study aimed to describe the cross-sectional prevalence, trends, and population characteristic correlates of activity-sleep patterns in a population-representative s le of US adults from the National Health Interview Survey (2004–2018). Methods : Participants (N = 359,019) self-reported aerobic and muscle-strengthening activity and sleep duration. They were categorized as “meeting both”/“meeting PA only”/“meeting sleep only”/“meeting neither” of the 2018 US PA guidelines and age-based sleep duration recommendations. Trends in activity-sleep patterns were analyzed using weighted multinomial logistic regression, and correlates were identified using weighted binary Poisson regressions, with P ≤ .001 considered significant. Results : “Meet sleep only” was most prevalent (46.4%) by 2018, followed by “meet neither” (30.3%), “meet both” (15.6%), and “meet PA only” (7.7%). Many significant sociodemographic, biological, and health-behavior correlates of the activity-sleep groups were identified, and the direction and magnitude of these associations differed between groups. Conclusions : Public health c aigns should emphasize the importance of both sufficient PA and sleep target women and older adults, current smokers, and those with lower education and poorer physical and mental health and consider specific barriers experienced by minority ethnic groups.
What Kinds of Website and Mobile Phone–Delivered Physical Activity and Nutrition Interventions Do Middle-Aged Men Want?
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 09-2013
DOI: 10.1080/10810730.2013.768731
Abstract: Within a health context, men in Western societies are a hard-to-reach population who experience higher rates of chronic disease compared with women. Innovative technology-based interventions that specifically target men are needed however, little is known about how these should be developed for this group. This study aimed to examine opinions and perceptions regarding the use of Internet and mobile phones to improve physical activity and nutrition behaviors for middle-aged men. The authors conducted 6 focus groups (n = 30) in Queensland, Australia. Their analyses identified 6 themes: (a) Internet experience, (b) website characteristics, (c) Web 2.0 applications, (d) website features, (e) self-monitoring, and (f) mobile phones as delivery method. The outcomes indicate that men support the use of the Internet to improve and self-monitor physical activity and dietary behaviors on the condition that the website-delivered interventions are quick and easy to use, because commitment levels to engage in online tasks are low. Participants also indicated that they were reluctant to use normal mobile phones to change health behaviors, although smartphones were perceived to be more acceptable. This pilot study suggests that there are viable avenues to engage middle-aged men in Internet- or in mobile-delivered health interventions. This study also suggests that to be successful, these interventions need to be tailor-made especially for men, with an emphasis on usability and convenience. A wider quantitative study would bring further support to these findings.
Behavioural mediators of reduced energy intake in a physical activity, diet, and sleep behaviour weight loss intervention in adults
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2021
Impact of a Social Media Campaign on Reach, Uptake, and Engagement with a Free Web- and App-Based Physical Activity Intervention: The 10,000 Steps Australia Program
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 12-12-2019
Abstract: Social media c aigns provide broad-reach and convenience for promoting freely-available health programs. However, their effectiveness and subsequent engagement of new users is unknown. This study aimed to assess the reach and new member registration rates resulting from a dedicated 10,000 Steps social media c aign (SMC) and to compare program engagement and time to non-usage attrition of new users from the SMC with other users. SMC reach (using Facebook, Instagram, and display advertisements engagement metrics), new-user numbers, engagement (usage of the website and its features), and time to non-usage attrition were assessed using generalized linear regression, binary logistic regression, and Cox proportion hazards regression models. During the SMC, Instagram and display advertisement impressions, Facebook reach and new daily registrations were significantly higher compared with six weeks and one year prior. There were no between-group differences in the average usage of most website rogram features. Risk of non-usage attrition was higher among new users from the SMC than new users from one year prior. The SMC was effective in promoting awareness of the 10,000 Steps program. Further research to identify long-term engagement strategies and the most effective combination of social media platforms for promotion of, and recruitment to, health programs is warranted.
Using Health Information Technology to Prevent and Treat Diabetes
Publisher: Mary Ann Liebert Inc
Date: 02-2015
Joint association of physical activity and sleep difficulties with the incidence of hypertension in mid-age Australian women
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2021
Microalgal nanocellulose – opportunities for a circular bioeconomy
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2021
Relationships of Land Use Mix with Walking for Transport: Do Land Uses and Geographical Scale Matter?
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 09-2010
Validity and responsiveness to change of the Active Australia Survey according to gender, age, BMI, education, and physical activity level and awareness
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 15-04-2019
Addictive Eating and Its Relation to Physical Activity and Sleep Behavior
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 04-10-2018
DOI: 10.3390/NU10101428
Abstract: The obesity epidemic has led to the exploration of factors contributing to its etiology. Addictive eating, physical activity, and sleep behaviors have all been independently associated with obesity, and recent research suggests plausible interrelationships between food addiction, physical activity, and sleep. This study aims to investigate the relationship between food addiction with physical activity and sleep behavior. Australian adults were invited to complete an online survey which collected information including: demographics, food addiction symptoms, physical activity, sitting time and sleep behavior items. The s le comprised 1344 in iduals with a mean age of 39.8 ± 13.1 years (range 18–91), of which 75.7% were female. Twenty-two percent of the s le met the criteria for a diagnosis of food addiction as per the Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS 2.0) criteria, consisting of 0.7% with a “mild” addiction, 2.6% “moderate”, and 18.9% classified as having a “severe” food addiction. Food-addicted in iduals had significantly less physical activity (1.8 less occasions walking/week, 32 min less walking/week, 58 min less moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA)/week p 0.05), reported sitting for longer on weekends (83 min more on weekends/week p 0.001), and reported significantly more symptoms of poorer-quality sleep (more likely to snore, more likely to have fallen asleep while driving, reported more days of daytime falling asleep p 0.05) compared to non-food-addicted in iduals. These differences were also observed in those with a “severe” food addiction classification. The present study suggests frequency and duration of physical activity, time spent sitting and sleep duration are associated with food addiction.
Impact of COVID-19 on Physical Activity Among 10,000 Steps Members and Engagement With the Program in Australia: Prospective Study (Preprint)
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 28-08-2020
Abstract: hysical activity is an important health behavior, due to its association with many physical and mental health conditions. During distressing events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a concern that physical activity levels may be negatively impacted. However, recent studies have shown inconsistent results. Additionally, there is a lack of studies in Australia on this topic. he aim of this study is to investigate changes in physical activity reported through the 10,000 Steps program and changes in engagement with the program during the COVID-19 pandemic. ata between January 1, 2018, and June 30, 2020, from registered members of the 10,000 Steps program, which included 3,548,825 days with step data, were used. The number of daily steps were logged manually by the members or synced automatically from their activity trackers connected to the program. Measures on program usage were the number of new registered members per day, the number of newly registered organizations per day, the number of steps logged per day, and the number of step entries per day. Key dates used for comparison were as follows: the first case with symptoms in Wuhan, China the first case reported in Australia the implementation of a 14-day ban for noncitizens arriving in Australia from China the start of the lockdown in Australia and the relaxing of restrictions by the Australian Government. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used to test for significant differences in number of steps between subgroups, between engagement measures in 2019 versus 2020, and before and after an event. decrease in steps was observed after the first case in Australia was reported (1.5% i P /i =.02) and after the start of the lockdown (3.4% i P /i & .001). At the time that the relaxing of restrictions started, the steps had already recovered from the lockdown. Additionally, the trends were consistent across genders and age groups. New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, and Victoria had the greatest step reductions, with decreases of 7.0% ( i P /i & .001), 6.2% ( i P /i =.02), and 4.7% ( i P /i & .001), respectively. During the lockdown, the use of the program increased steeply. On the peak day, there were more than 9000 step entries per day, with nearly 100 million steps logged per day in addition, more than 450 new users and more than 15 new organizations registered per day, although the numbers decreased quickly when restrictions were relaxed. On average per day, there were about 55 new registered users ( i P /i & .001), 2 new organizations ( i P /i & .001), 25.6 million steps ( i P /i & .001), and 2672 log entries ( i P /i & .001) more in 2020 compared to the same period in 2019. he pandemic has had negative effects on steps among Australians across age groups and genders. However, the effect was relatively small, with steps recovering quickly after the lockdown. There was a large increase in program usage during the pandemic, which might help minimize the health impact of the lockdown and confirms the important role of physical activity programs during times of distress and lockdowns.
A RE-AIM Evaluation of a Workplace Physical Activity Microgrant Initiative: The 10,000 Steps Workplace Challenge
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 09-2019
The Effectiveness of a Computer-Tailored Web-Based Physical Activity Intervention Using Fitbit Activity Trackers in Older Adults (Active for Life): Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)
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
WALK 2.0: Examining the effectiveness of Web 2.0 features to increase physical activity in a 'real world' setting: An ecological trial protocol
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 10-2014
DOI: 10.1136/BMJOPEN-2014-006374
Abstract: Low levels of health-enhancing physical activity require novel approaches that have the potential to reach broad populations. Web-based interventions are a popular approach for behaviour change given their wide reach and accessibility. However, challenges with participant engagement and retention reduce the long-term maintenance of behaviour change. Web 2.0 features present a new and innovative online environment supporting greater interactivity, with the potential to increase engagement and retention. In order to understand the applicability of these innovative interventions for the broader population, ‘real-world’ interventions implemented under ‘everyday conditions’ are required. The aim of this study is to investigate the difference in physical activity behaviour between in iduals using a traditional Web 1.0 website with those using a novel Web 2.0 website. In this study we will aim to recruit 2894 participants. Participants will be recruited from in iduals who register with a pre-existing health promotion website that currently provides Web 1.0 features ( www.10000steps.org.au ). Eligible participants who provide informed consent will be randomly assigned to one of the two trial conditions: the pre-existing 10 000 Steps website (with Web 1.0 features) or the newly developed WALK 2.0 website (with Web 2.0 features). Primary and secondary outcome measures will be assessed by self-report at baseline, 3 months and 12 months, and include: physical activity behaviour, height and weight, Internet self-efficacy, website usability, website usage and quality of life. This study has received ethics approval from the University of Western Sydney Human Research Ethics Committee (Reference Number H8767) and has been funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council (Reference Number 589903). Study findings will be disseminated widely through peer-reviewed publications, academic conferences and local community-based presentations. Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry Number: ACTRN12611000253909, WHO Universal Trial Number: U111-1119-1755
Practical Nutrition Knowledge Mediates the Relationship Between Sociodemographic Characteristics and Diet Quality in Adults: A Cross-Sectional Analysis
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 02-10-2020
Abstract: To investigate the direct and indirect effects of sociodemographic/health factors on diet quality through practical nutrition knowledge (PNK) about how to compose a balanced meal. A cross-sectional study using data from an online survey of the 10 000 Steps cohort (data collected November-December 2016). Australia. Adults (n = 8161). Response rate was 16.7%. Self-reported lifestyle, health, and sociodemographic characteristics, including diet quality and PNK. The PROCESS macro for SPSS was used to conduct the mediation analyses. Better diet quality was associated with being female, older, more highly educated, and having a lower body mass index. Mediation analysis showed that PNK significantly mediated the associations between sex (a*b = 0.54, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.39-0.70) and education (vocational education: a*b = 0.22, 95% CI = 0.12-0.35, university: a*b = 0.48, 95% CI = 0.35-0.64), and diet quality. Practical nutrition knowledge suppressed the association between age and diet quality (a*b = −0.03, 95% CI = −0.04 to −0.03). Variations in diet quality between sociodemographic groups were partially explained by differences in PNK, suggesting that focusing public health efforts on increasing this specific knowledge type might be promising.
Sleep and physical activity in relation to all-cause, cardiovascular disease and cancer mortality risk
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 29-06-2021
DOI: 10.1136/BJSPORTS-2021-104046
Abstract: Although both physical inactivity and poor sleep are deleteriously associated with mortality, the joint effects of these two behaviours remain unknown. This study aimed to investigate the joint association of physical activity (PA) and sleep with all-cause and cause-specific mortality risks. 380 055 participants aged 55.9 (8.1) years (55% women) from the UK Biobank were included. Baseline PA levels were categorised as high, medium, low and no moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) based on current public health guidelines. We categorised sleep into healthy, intermediate and poor with an established composited sleep score of chronotype, sleep duration, insomnia, snoring and daytime sleepiness. We derived 12 PA–sleep combinations, accordingly. Mortality risks were ascertained to May 2020 for all-cause, total cardiovascular disease (CVD), CVD subtypes (coronary heart disease, haemorrhagic stroke, ischaemic stroke), as well as total cancer and lung cancer. After an average follow-up of 11.1 years, sleep scores showed dose-response associations with all-cause, total CVD and ischaemic stroke mortality. Compared with high PA-healthy sleep group (reference), the no MVPA-poor sleep group had the highest mortality risks for all-cause (HR (95% CIs), (1.57 (1.35 to 1.82)), total CVD (1.67 (1.27 to 2.19)), total cancer (1.45 (1.18 to 1.77)) and lung cancer (1.91 (1.30 to 2.81))). The deleterious associations of poor sleep with all outcomes, except for stroke, was lified with lower PA. The detrimental associations of poor sleep with all-cause and cause-specific mortality risks are exacerbated by low PA, suggesting likely synergistic effects. Our study supports the need to target both behaviours in research and clinical practice.
Understanding occupational sitting: Prevalence, correlates and moderating effects in Australian employees
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.
Men’s Physical Activity and Sleep Following a Workplace Health Intervention: Findings from the POWERPLAY STEP Up challenge
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 2021
Abstract: The workplace provides an important delivery point for health promotion, yet many programs fail to engage men. A gender-sensitive 8-week team challenge-based intervention targeting increased physical activity was delivered at a petrochemical worksite. The purpose of this study was to examine men’s pre–post physical activity and sleep following the intervention, as well as to explore program acceptability and gather men’s recommendations for health promotion. Pre–post surveys assessed physical activity, sleep, program exposure, acceptability, and suggestions for continued support. Overall, 328 men completed baseline surveys and 186 (57%) completed follow-up surveys. Walking increased by 156.5 min/week, 95% confidence interval (61.2, 251.8), p = .001. Men with higher program exposure increased moderate and vigorous activity 49.4 min more than those with low exposure ( p = .026). Sleep duration and quality were higher postintervention, though changes were modest. Program acceptability was high as was intention to maintain physical activity. Men’s suggestions to enable physical activity involved workplace practices/resources, reducing workload, and leadership support. These findings suggest that a gender-sensitive physical activity workplace intervention showed promise for improving physical activity and sleep among men. The men’s suggestions reflected workplace health promotion strategies, reinforcing the need for employers to support ongoing health promotion efforts.
Correlates of resistance training in post-treatment breast cancer survivors
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 08-05-2014
DOI: 10.1007/S00520-014-2273-5
Abstract: To explore demographic, health, social-cognitive and behavioural correlates of resistance training among post-treatment breast cancer survivors. A s le of 330 post-treatment breast cancer survivors recruited from across Australia completed a mailed questionnaire. A multivariate logistical regression model was used to test associations between independent variables and meeting the resistance training guidelines. Less than a quarter of the participants were meeting the resistance training guidelines of at least two sessions of resistance training per week. Higher task self-efficacy for resistance training (p < 0.01) and greater goal-setting behaviour (p < 0.05) were identified as significant predictors of meeting the resistance training guidelines, with a one unit increase in task self-efficacy and goal setting, increasing the odds of meeting the resistance training guidelines by a factor of approximately 1.2 (odds ratio (OR) task self-efficacy = 1.23, 95 % confidence interval (CI) = 1.05-1.43 goal-setting OR = 1.20, 95 % CI = 1.04-1.38). No other variables significantly predicted meeting the resistance training guidelines in the multivariate analysis. Strategies targeting task self-efficacy and goal-setting behaviours are likely to be important intervention components in resistance training interventions for breast cancer survivors. The findings of this study will be useful for informing the development of evidence-based interventions aiming to promote resistance training among this group.
Diet quality and depressive symptoms. Assessing the direction of the association in a population-based cohort study.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2020
A time-based visualization for web user classification in social networks
Publisher: ACM
Date: 05-08-2014
Designing more engaging computer-tailored physical activity behaviour change interventions for breast cancer survivors: lessons from the iMove More for Life study
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 17-06-2017
DOI: 10.1007/S00520-017-3786-5
Abstract: Participating in regular physical activity is a recommended cancer recovery strategy for breast cancer survivors. However, tailored support services are not widely available and most survivors are insufficiently active to obtain health benefits. Delivering tailored programs via the Internet offers one promising approach. However, recent evaluations of such programs suggest that major improvements are needed to ensure programs meet the needs of users and are delivered in an engaging way. Understanding participants' experiences with current programs can help to inform the next generation of systems. The purposes of this study are to explore breast cancer survivor's perspectives of and experiences using a novel computer-tailored intervention and to describe recommendations for future iterations. Qualitative data from a sub-s le of iMove More for Life study participants were analysed thematically to identify key themes. Participants long-term goals for participating in the program were explored by analysing open-ended data extracted from action plans completed during the intervention (n = 370). Participants negative and positive perceptions of the website and recommendations for improvement were explored using data extracted from open-ended survey items collected at the immediate intervention follow-up (n = 156). The majority of participants reported multi-faceted goals, consisting of two or more outcomes they hoped to achieve within a year. While clear themes were identified (e.g. 'being satisfied with body weight'), there was considerable variability in the scope of the goal (e.g. desired weight loss ranged from 2 to 30 kg). Participants' perceptions of the website were mixed, but clear indications were provided of how intervention content and structure could be improved. This study provides insight into how to better accommodate breast cancer survivors in the future and ultimately design more engaging computer-tailored interventions.
Validity and reliability of measures assessing social-cognitive determinants of physical activity in low-active Australian adults
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 13-04-2018
Associations between children׳s active travel and levels of physical activity and sedentary behavior
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2015
Using Web 2.0 applications to promote health-related physical activity: findings from the WALK 2.0 randomised controlled trial
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 03-01-2017
Examining participant engagement in an information technology-based physical activity and nutrition intervention for men: the ManUp randomized controlled trial
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 03-01-2014
DOI: 10.2196/RESPROT.2776
A systematic review and meta-analysis of cognitive and behavioral interventions to improve sleep health in adults without sleep disorders
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2018
DOI: 10.1016/J.SMRV.2017.12.003
Abstract: Many adults without a diagnosed sleep disorder report poor sleep health, which is defined by dissatisfactory levels of sleep duration, sleep quality, or the timing of sleep. No previous review has summarized and described interventions targeting poor sleep health in this population. This meta-analysis aimed to quantify the efficacy of behavioral and cognitive sleep interventions in adults with poor sleep health, who do not have a sleep disorder. Electronic databases (Medline, Embase, PsycInfo, Cinahl) were searched with restrictions for age (18-64 y) and English language full-text, resulting in 18,009 records being screened and 592 full-texts being assessed. Eleven studies met inclusion criteria, seven of which reported a measure of overall sleep health (Pittsburgh sleep quality index [PSQI]). Following appraisal for risk of bias, extracted data were meta-analyzed using random-effects models. Meta-analyses showed interventions had a medium effect on sleep quality (Hedge's g = -0.54, [95% confidence interval (CI)] -0.90 to -0.19, p < 0.01). Baseline sleep health was the only significant effect moderator (p = 0.01). The most frequently used intervention components were stress management and relaxation practice, stimulus control, sleep hygiene, and exercise. Interventions targeting cognitive and behavioral self-regulation improve sleep quality in adults without clinical sleep disorder.
Examining an Australian physical activity and nutrition intervention using RE-AIM
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 25-02-2016
Abstract: Translating evidence-based interventions into community practice is vital to health promotion. This study used the RE-AIM framework to evaluate the larger dissemination of the ManUp intervention, an intervention which utilized interactive web-based technologies to improve the physical activity and nutrition behaviors of residents in Central Queensland, Australia. Data were collected for each RE-AIM measure (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance) using (i) computer-assisted telephone interview survey (N = 312) with adults (18 years and over) from Central Queensland, (ii) interviews with key stakeholders from local organizations (n = 12) and (iii) examination of project-related statistics and findings. In terms of Reach, 47% of participants were aware of the intervention Effectiveness, there were no significant differences between physical activity and healthy nutrition levels in those aware and unaware Adoption, 73 participants registered for the intervention and 25% of organizations adopted some part of the intervention Implementation, 26% of participants initially logged onto the website, 29 and 17% started the web-based physical activity and nutrition challenges, 33% of organizations implemented the intervention, 42% considered implementation and 25% reported difficulties Maintenance, an average of 0.57 logins and 1.35 entries per week during the 12 week dissemination and 0.27 logins and 0.63 entries per week during the 9-month follow-up were achieved, 22 and 0% of participants completed the web-based physical activity and nutrition challenges and 33.3% of organizations intended to continue utilizing components of the intervention. While this intervention demonstrated good reach, effectiveness, adoption and implementation warrant further investigation.
Patterns of Diet, Physical Activity, Sitting and Sleep Are Associated with Socio-Demographic, Behavioural, and Health-Risk Indicators in Adults
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 04-07-2019
Abstract: Our understanding of how multiple health-behaviours co-occur is in its infancy. This study aimed to: (1) identify patterns of physical activity, diet, sitting, and sleep and (2) examine the association between sociodemographic and health-risk indicators. Pooled data from annual cross-sectional telephone surveys of Australian adults (2015–2017, n = 3374, 51.4% women) were used. Participants self-reported physical activity, diet, sitting-time, sleep/rest insufficiency, sociodemographic characteristics, smoking, alcohol use, height and weight to calculate body mass index (BMI), and mental distress frequency. Latent class analysis identified health-behaviour classes. Latent class regression determined the associations between health-behaviour patterns, sociodemographic, and health-risk indicators. Three latent classes were identified. Relative to a ‘moderate lifestyle’ pattern (men: 43.2%, women: 38.1%), a ‘poor lifestyle’ pattern (men: 19.9%, women: 30.5%) was associated with increased odds of a younger age, smoking, BMI ≥ 30.0 kg/m2, frequent mental distress (men and women), non-partnered status (men only), a lower Socioeconomic Index for Areas centile, primary/secondary education only, and BMI = 25.0–29.9 kg/m2 (women only). An ‘active poor sleeper’ pattern (men: 37.0%, women: 31.4%) was associated with increased odds of a younger age (men and women), working and frequent mental distress (women only), relative to a ‘moderate lifestyle’ pattern. Better understanding of how health-behaviour patterns influence future health status is needed. Targeted interventions jointly addressing these behaviours are a public health priority.
Comparing motivational, self-regulatory and habitual processes in a computer-tailored physical activity intervention in hospital employees - protocol for the PATHS randomised controlled trial
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 26-05-2017
Feasibility and Preliminary Efficacy of an m-Health Intervention Targeting Physical Activity, Diet, and Sleep Quality in Shift-Workers
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 10-10-2019
Abstract: Poor health behaviors are prevalent in shift-workers, but few multiple health-behavior interventions consider their unique needs. This study aimed to (1) evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of an existing app-based intervention to improve physical activity, diet, and sleep quality in a shift-worker population, (2) estimate intervention effect in a four-week pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) (ACTRN12618001785291). Shift-workers (18–65 years old) were randomized to intervention (n = 20) or wait-list (n = 20) groups. Outcomes included recruitment, engagement, attrition, usefulness ratings, System Usability Scale (SUS), qualitative interviews, and estimation of treatment effect (minutes of physical activity, diet quality, and sleep quality) using mixed model analysis. Recruitment took one week. App-use at week four was 55% (11/20), 85% (34/40) completed the four-week follow-up questionnaire, and 20% (4/20) of the intervention group completed the qualitative interview. The intervention was rated as slightly to moderately useful by 76.9% (10/13) of participants on a five-point scale. The SUS score was 62.7 (12.7) out of 100. Diet quality improved for the intervention (4.5 points 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.1, 8.9 p = 0.047) vs. the wait-list group, but not physical activity or sleep quality. Qualitative interviews found that a more tailored intervention, more accessible information, and interactive features were desired. The intervention was feasible in terms of recruitment, but modifications to increase engagement are needed.
Development and reliability testing of a self-report instrument to measure the office layout as a correlate of occupational sitting
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 2013
Effects of high-intensity interval training on cardiometabolic health: a systematic review and meta-analysis of intervention studies
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 20-10-2016
DOI: 10.1136/BJSPORTS-2015-095841
Abstract: The current review clarifies the cardiometabolic health effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) in adults. A systematic search (PubMed) examining HIIT and cardiometabolic health markers was completed on 15 October 2015. Sixty-five intervention studies were included for review and the methodological quality of included studies was assessed using the Downs and Black score. Studies were classified by intervention duration and body mass index classification. Outcomes with at least 5 effect sizes were synthesised using a random-effects meta-analysis of the standardised mean difference (SMD) in cardiometabolic health markers (baseline to postintervention) using Review Manager 5.3. Short-term (ST) HIIT (<12 weeks) significantly improved maximal oxygen uptake (VO
Comparative efficacy of simultaneous versus sequential multiple health behavior change interventions among adults: A systematic review of randomised trials
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.YPMED.2016.06.012
Abstract: Growing evidence points to the benefits of addressing multiple health behaviors rather than single behaviors. This review evaluates the relative effectiveness of simultaneous and sequentially delivered multiple health behavior change (MHBC) interventions. Secondary aims were to identify: a) the most effective spacing of sequentially delivered components b) differences in efficacy of MHBC interventions for adoption/cessation behaviors and lifestyle/addictive behaviors, and c) differences in trial retention between simultaneously and sequentially delivered interventions. MHBC intervention trials published up to October 2015 were identified through a systematic search. Eligible trials were randomised controlled trials that directly compared simultaneous and sequential delivery of a MHBC intervention. A narrative synthesis was undertaken. Six trials met the inclusion criteria and across these trials the behaviors targeted were smoking, diet, physical activity, and alcohol consumption. Three trials reported a difference in intervention effect between a sequential and simultaneous approach in at least one behavioral outcome. Of these, two trials favoured a sequential approach on smoking. One trial favoured a simultaneous approach on fat intake. There was no difference in retention between sequential and simultaneous approaches. There is limited evidence regarding the relative effectiveness of sequential and simultaneous approaches. Given only three of the six trials observed a difference in intervention effectiveness for one health behavior outcome, and the relatively consistent finding that the sequential and simultaneous approaches were more effective than a usual/minimal care control condition, it appears that both approaches should be considered equally efficacious. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42015027876.
Associations of overall sitting time and sitting time in different contexts with depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2014
Efficacy of a computer-tailored web-based physical activity intervention using Fitbits for older adults: a randomised controlled trial protocol
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
Associations between Changes in Activity and Sleep Quality and Duration over Two Years
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 12-2018
DOI: 10.1249/MSS.0000000000001715
Abstract: Insufficient physical activity (PA) and inadequate sleep quality (SQ) and sleep duration (SD) are highly prevalent behaviors that increase the risk of developing many chronic health conditions. Evidence regarding bidirectional relationships between PA, SQ, and SD is inconsistent. As changes in one of these behaviors may impact on the other, it is important to understand the nature of the bidirectional relationship between PA and sleep. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the relationship between changes in PA, SQ, and SD over a 2-yr period in middle-age adults. Participants were adults age 42 to 72 yr from Brisbane, Australia. Mail surveys were used to assess PA, SQ, SD, sociodemographic and health characteristics in 2011 and 2013 ( n = 3649). Multinomial logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the relationships between patterns of change in PA, SQ, and SD over the 2 yr. Improving or maintaining good SQ was associated with increasing or maintaining PA and maintaining PA was associated with maintaining or increasing SQ ( P 0.05). Changes in PA were not associated with changes in SD. A bidirectional relationship between PA and SQ was identified however, no evidence of a relationship in any direction between PA and SD was found. Multibehavior interventions targeting both PA and SQ are warranted. Middle-age adults with poor SQ may benefit from increasing PA and improving SQ may promote higher levels of activity.
Can you elaborate on that? Addressing participants’ need for cognition in computer-tailored health behavior interventions
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 02-10-2018
DOI: 10.1080/17437199.2018.1525571
Abstract: Computer-tailored interventions, which deliver health messages adjusted based on characteristics of the message recipient, can effectively improve a range of health behaviours. Typically, the content of the message is tailored to user demographics, health behaviours and social cognitive factors (e.g., intentions, attitudes, self-efficacy, perceived social support) to increase message relevance, and thus the extent to which the message is read, considered and translated into attitude and behaviour change. Some researchers have suggested that the efficacy of computer-tailored interventions may be further enhanced by adapting messages to suit recipients' need for cognition (NFC) - a personality trait describing how in iduals tend to process information. However, the likely impact of doing so, especially when tailored in conjunction with other variables, requires further consideration. It is possible that intervention effects may be reduced in some circumstances due to interactions with other variables (e.g., perceived relevance) that also influence information processing. From a practical point of view, it is also necessary to consider how to optimally operationalise and measure NFC if it is to be a useful tailoring variable. This paper aims to facilitate further research in this area by critically examining these issues based on relevant theories and existing evidence.
Controversies in the science of sedentary behaviour and health: Insights, perspectives and future directions from the 2018 queensland sedentary behaviour think tank
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 27-11-2019
Abstract: The development in research concerning sedentary behaviour has been rapid over the past two decades. This has led to the development of evidence and views that have become more advanced, erse and, possibly, contentious. These include the effects of standing, the breaking up of prolonged sitting and the role of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in the association between sedentary behaviour and health outcomes. The present aim is to report the views of experts (n = 21) brought together (one-day face-to-face meeting in 2018) to consider these issues and provide conclusions and recommendations for future work. Each topic was reviewed and presented by one expert followed by full group discussion, which was recorded, transcribed and analysed. The experts concluded that (a). standing may bring benefits that accrue from postural shifts. Prolonged (mainly static) standing and prolonged sitting are both bad for health (b). ‘the best posture is the next posture’. Regularly breaking up of sitting with postural shifts and movement is vital (c). health effects of prolonged sitting are evident even after controlling for MVPA, but high levels of MVPA can attenuate the deleterious effects of prolonged sitting depending on the health outcome of interest. Expert discussion addressed measurement, messaging and future directions.
Efficacy of interventions that use apps to improve diet, physical activity and sedentary behaviour: a systematic review
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-2016
The Association Between Logging Steps Using a Website, App, or Fitbit and Engaging With the 10,000 Steps Physical Activity Program: Observational Study
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 18-06-2021
DOI: 10.2196/22151
Abstract: Engagement is positively associated with the effectiveness of digital health interventions. It is unclear whether tracking devices that automatically synchronize data (eg, Fitbit) produce different engagement levels compared with manually entering data. This study examines how different step logging methods in the freely available 10,000 Steps physical activity program differ according to age and gender and are associated with program engagement. A subs le of users (n=22,142) of the free 10,000 Steps physical activity program were classified into one of the following user groups based on the step-logging method: Website Only (14,617/22,142, 66.01%), App Only (2100/22,142, 9.48%), Fitbit Only (1705/22,142, 7.7%), Web and App (2057/22,142, 9.29%), and Fitbit Combination (combination of web, app, and Fitbit 1663/22,142, 7.51%). Generalized linear regression and binary logistic regression were used to examine differences between user groups’ engagement and participation parameters. The time to nonusage attrition was assessed using Cox proportional hazards regression. App Only users were significantly younger and Fitbit user groups had higher proportions of women compared with other groups. The following outcomes were significant and relative to the Website Only group. The App Only group had fewer website sessions (odds ratio [OR] −6.9, 95% CI −7.6 to −6.2), whereas the Fitbit Only (OR 10.6, 95% CI 8.8-12.3), Web and App (OR 1.5, 95% CI 0.4-2.6), and Fitbit Combination (OR 8.0 95% CI 6.2-9.7) groups had more sessions. The App Only (OR −0.7, 95% CI −0.9 to −0.4) and Fitbit Only (OR −0.5, 95% CI −0.7 to −0.2) groups spent fewer minutes on the website per session, whereas the Fitbit Combination group (OR 0.2, 95% CI 0.0-0.5) spent more minutes. All groups, except the Fitbit Combination group, viewed fewer website pages per session. The mean daily step count was lower for the App Only (OR −201.9, 95% CI −387.7 to −116.0) and Fitbit Only (OR −492.9, 95% CI −679.9 to −305.8) groups but higher for the Web and App group (OR 258.0, 95% CI 76.9-439.2). The Fitbit Only (OR 5.0, 95% CI 3.4-6.6), Web and App (OR 7.2, 95% CI 5.9-8.6), and Fitbit Combination (OR 15.6, 95% CI 13.7-17.5) groups logged a greater number of step entries. The App Only group was less likely (OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.46-0.94) and other groups were more likely to participate in Challenges. The mean time to nonusage attrition was 35 (SD 26) days and was lower than average in the Website Only and App Only groups and higher than average in the Web and App and Fitbit Combination groups. Using a Fitbit in combination with the 10,000 Steps app or website enhanced engagement with a real-world physical activity program. Integrating tracking devices that synchronize data automatically into real-world physical activity interventions is one strategy for improving engagement.
Depressive symptoms associated with psychological correlates of physical activity and perceived helpfulness of intervention features
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2015
A comparison of correlates associated with adult physical activity behavior in major cities and regional settings.
Publisher: American Psychological Association (APA)
Date: 2014
DOI: 10.1037/HEA0000027
Abstract: People living outside of urban areas are at higher risk for physical inactivity. Understanding physical activity correlates in different settings is important for understanding this risk. This study compared psychological, demographic, and health-related correlates of activity among adults living in major cities (urban areas) and regional (low-population density) towns and whether there were significant differences in how these potential determinants related to physical activity. Participants (n = 756) were male and female adults who were members of the Australian Health and Social Science panel. Participant characteristics and physical activity were assessed using standardized measures via an online survey. Differences in the strength of the relation between the physical activity correlates were tested using equality of regression coefficient tests. Few differences in physical activity determinants between major cities and regional settings were observed. For major city and regional areas, self-efficacy and outcome expectations were the most strongly related correlates to physical activity. The strength of associations between the correlates and physical activity did not differ between areas, with the exception of working status. Not working was associated with lower odds of meeting physical activity guidelines for major city residents but not for regional residents. Physical activity correlates were generally similar for people living in major city and regional areas. This suggests that physical activity interventions targeting personal factors do not need to tailor to a person's level of urbanization. Studies examining the interaction between psychological correlates of physical activity and environmental factors are needed.
Links between Children's Independent Mobility, Active Transport, Physical Activity and Obesity
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 23-04-2010
Associations between quality of life and duration and frequency of physical activity and sedentary behaviour: Baseline findings from the WALK 2.0 randomised controlled trial
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 29-06-2017
Geographical location and sunburn in Queensland adults
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 06-2008
Cue Consistency Associated with Physical Activity Automaticity and Behavior
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 25-07-2015
DOI: 10.1080/08964289.2015.1017549
Abstract: Physical activity is partly regulated by automatic processes such as habits (ie, well-learned responses to cues), but it remains unclear what cues trigger these processes. This study examined the relations of physical activity automaticity and behavior with the consistency of people, activity, routine, location, time, and mood cues present upon initiation of physical activity behavior. Australian adults (N = 1,244, 627 female, M age = 55 years) reported their physical activity automaticity, behavior, and the degree of consistency of these cues each time they start a physical activity behavior. Multiple regression models, which accounted for gender and age, revealed that more consistent routine and mood cues were linked to more physical activity automaticity whereas more consistent time and people cues were linked to more physical activity behavior. Interventions may more effectively translate into long-lasting physical activity habits if they draw people's attention to the salient cues of time, people, routine, and mood.
Effect of different intensities of physical activity on cardiometabolic markers and vascular and cardiac function in adult rats fed with a high-fat high-carbohydrate diet
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2018
Utility of global positioning system to measure active transport in urban areas
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 10-2007
Objectively measured waist circumference is most strongly associated in father–boy and mother–girl dyads in a large nationally representative sample of New Zealanders
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 11-11-2020
DOI: 10.1038/S41366-020-00699-W
Abstract: The prevalence of children with elevated weight or obesity is concerning for public health due to associated comorbidities. This study investigates associations between parental adiposity, physical activity (PA), fruit and vegetable consumption, and child adiposity and moderation by both child and parent gender. Cross-sectional nationally representative data from the New Zealand Health Survey were pooled for the years 2013/14-2016/17. Parent and child surveys were matched resulting in 13,039 child (2-14 years) and parent (15-70 years) dyads. Parent and child, height (cm), weight (kg) and waist circumference (WC) were measured objectively. Height and weight were used to calculate BMI. Linear regression, accounting for clustered s les (b [95% CI]) investigated associations between parental characteristics and child BMI z-score and WC. Interactions and stratification were used to investigate effect moderation by parent gender, child gender, and parent adiposity. Parental PA and fruit and vegetable consumption were unrelated to child adiposity. Overall, higher parent BMI was related to a higher child BMI z-score (b = 0.047 [0.042, 0.052]) and higher parental WC was related to a higher child WC (0.15 [0.12, 0.17]). A three-way interaction revealed no moderation by parent gender, child gender, and parent BMI for child BMI z-score ((b = 0.005 [-0.017, 0.027], p = 0.318). However, a three-way interaction revealed moderation by parent gender, child gender, and parent WC for child WC (b = 0.13 [0.05, 0.22]). The slightly stronger associations were seen between father-son WC (b = 0.20 [0.15, 0.24]) and mother-daughter WC (b = 0.19 [0.15, 0.22]). The findings are highly relevant for those wishing to understand the complex relationships between child-parent obesity factors. Findings suggest that family environments should be a key target for obesity intervention efforts and show how future public health interventions should be differentiated to account for both maternal and paternal influences on child adiposity.
Associations between children’s independent mobility and physical activity
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 29-01-2014
Associations between occupational indicators and total, work-based and leisure-time sitting: A cross-sectional study
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-2013
Cross-sectional associations between multiple lifestyle behaviours and excellent well-being in Australian adults
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2018
Associations of health-behavior patterns, mental health and self-rated health
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.YPMED.2018.11.017
Abstract: Diet quality, physical activity, alcohol use, smoking, sleep and sitting-time are behaviors known to influence health. The aims of this study were to identify how these behaviors co-occur to form distinct health-behavior patterns, and to investigate the relationship between these patterns, and mental and self-rated health. Members of the Australian 10,000 Steps project were invited to participate in an online survey in November-December 2011. The participants self-reported demographic and behavioral characteristics (fruit and vegetable intake, fast food, soft drink and alcohol consumption, smoking, physical activity, sitting-time and sleep), frequency of mental distress and self-rated health. Latent Class Analysis was used to identify health-behavior patterns. Latent class regression was used to examine relationships between behavior patterns, mental and self-rated health, and socio-demographic and economic factors. Data were analyzed in October 2017. Complete datasets were obtained from 10,638 participants. Four latent classes were identified, characterized by 'Low-Risk Behavior', 'Poor Sleep, Low-Risk Daytime Behavior', 'Sound Sleep, High-Risk Daytime Behavior' and 'High-Risk Behavior'. The latter two classes, both characterized by high-risk daytime behaviors, were associated with poor self-rated health. Participants in classes with high-risk daytime behaviors were more likely to be younger, non-partnered, non-university educated, from lower income households and work longer hours. Classes characterized by poor sleep quality were associated with higher frequency of mental distress. Findings suggest that experiencing poor sleep is partly independent of daytime behaviors, demographic and socioeconomic factors, but has a strong association with mental health.
Associations between social capital and health status in an Australian population
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 08-2008
DOI: 10.1080/13548500701694235
Abstract: This study investigated the association between social capital and health related quality of life in a s le of Australian adults. Information was collected from a s le of adults in Queensland, Australia relating to health status, health related quality of life and related social determinants of health by computer-assisted-telephone-interview survey. Significant associations were observed between social capital and physical health when adjusting for selected demographic measures. No significant association was observed between social capital and mental health. The research produced equivocal results regarding the associations between social capital and the selected measures of health-related quality of life. Evidence is presented in support of the association between social capital and physical health status, whereas no associations were observed between mental health status and social capital. The role and relationship between health and social capital remains elusive. More work is required to clearly support social capital's role in physical and mental health and well-being.
Effectively enhancing topical delivery of agrochemicals onto plant leaves with nanocelluloses
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2023
DOI: 10.1039/D3GC02995F
WALK 2.0 - Using Web 2.0 applications to promote health-related physical activity: A randomised controlled trial protocol
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 03-05-2013
Does matching a personally tailored physical activity intervention to participants’ learning style improve intervention effectiveness and engagement?
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 28-11-2022
DOI: 10.1177/13591053221137184
Abstract: This study aims to compare the effectiveness, engagement, usability, and acceptability of a web-based, computer-tailored physical activity intervention (provided as video or text) between participants who were matched or mismatched to their self-reported learning style (visual and auditory delivery through video or text-based information). Generalised linear mixed models were conducted to compare time (baseline, 3 months) by group (matched, mismatched) on ActiGraph-GT3X+measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and steps. Generalised linear models were used to compare group (matched and mismatched) on session completion, time-on-site, usability, and acceptability. MVPA and steps improved from baseline to 3-months, however this did not differ between participants whose learning styles were matched or mismatched to the intervention they received. Session completion, time-on-site, usability, and acceptability did not differ between matched and mismatched participants. Therefore, aligning intervention delivery format to learning style is unlikely to influence intervention effectiveness or engagement.
The Effectiveness of a Web-Based Computer-Tailored Physical Activity Intervention Using Fitbit Activity Trackers: Randomized Trial
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 18-12-2018
DOI: 10.2196/11321
Bidirectional associations of sleep and discretionary screen time in adults: Longitudinal analysis of the UK biobank
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 16-09-2022
DOI: 10.1111/JSR.13727
Abstract: The direction of the association between discretionary screen time (DST) and sleep in the adult population is largely unknown. We examined the bidirectional associations of DST and sleep patterns in a longitudinal s le of adults in the general population. A total of 31,361 UK Biobank study participants (52% female, 56.1 ± 7.5 years) had two repeated measurements of discretionary screen time (TV viewing and leisure‐time computer use) and self‐reported sleep patterns (five sleep health characteristics) between 2012 and 2018 (follow‐up period of 6.9 ± 2.2 years). We categorised daily DST into three groups (low, h/day medium, 3–4 h/day and high, h/day), and calculated a sleep pattern composite score comprising morning chronotype, adequate sleep duration (7–8 h/day), never or rare insomnia, never or rare snoring, and infrequent daytime sleepiness. The overall sleep pattern was categorised into three groups (healthy: ≥ 4 intermediate: 2–3 and poor: ≤ 1 healthy sleep characteristic). Multiple logistic regression analyses were applied to assess associations between DST and sleep with adjustments for potential confounders. Participants with either an intermediate (OR: 1.40 95% CI: 1.15, 1.71) or a poor (OR: 1.16 95% CI: 1.10, 1.24) sleep pattern at baseline showed higher odds for high DST at follow‐up, compared with those with a healthy baseline sleep pattern. Participants with medium (OR: 1.40 95% CI: 1.14, 1.71) or high DST (OR: 1.62 95% CI: 1.30, 2.00) at baseline showed higher odds for poor sleep at follow‐up, compared with participants with a low DST. In conclusion, our findings provide consistent evidence that a high DST at baseline is associated with poor sleep over a nearly 7 year follow‐up period, and vice versa.
How do different occupational factors influence total, occupational, and leisure-time physical activity?
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 02-2015
Abstract: A better understanding of how occupational indicators influence physical activity levels will aid the design of workplace interventions. Cross-sectional data were collected from 1194 participants through a telephone interview in Queensland, Australia. The IPAQ-long was used to measure physical activity. Multiple logistic regression was applied to examine associations. Of participants, 77.9% were employed full-time, 32.3% had professional jobs, 35.7% were engaged in shift work, 39.5% had physically-demanding jobs, and 66.1% had high physical activity levels. Participants with a physicallydemanding job were less likely to have low total (OR = 0.25, 95% CI = 0.17 to 0.38) and occupational (OR = 0.17, 95% CI = 0.12 to 0.25) physical activity. Technical and trade workers were less likely to report low total physical activity (OR = 0.44, 95% CI = 0.20 to 0.97) compared with white-collar workers. Part-time (OR = 1.74, 95% CI = 1.15 to 2.64) and shift workers (OR = 1.86, 95% CI = 1.21 to 2.88) were more likely to report low leisure-time activity. Overall, the impact of different occupational indicators on physical activity was not strong. As expected, the greatest proportion of total physical activity was derived from occupational physical activity. No evidence was found for compensation effects whereby physically-demanding occupations lead to less leisure-time physical activity or vice versa. This study demonstrates that workplaces are important settings to intervene, and that there is scope to increase leisure-time physical activity irrespective of occupational background.
Are health behaviors associated with academic performance among tertiary education students? A systematic review of cohort studies
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 12-05-2022
Associations of object control motor skill proficiency, game play competence, physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness among primary school children
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 18-06-2018
DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2018.1488384
Abstract: This study investigated if object control relates to children's game play competence, and examined these competencies as correlates of physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness. Game play (Game Performance Assessment Instrument), object control (The Test Gross Motor Development-3), moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (Accelerometry), and cardiorespiratory fitness (20-metre shuttle) assessments were completed for 107 children (57% Female, 43% Male) aged 9-12 years (M 10.53, SD 0.65). Two-level regression of object control on game play competence, and object control and game play competence on physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness assessed associations. Object control competence was positively associated with game play competence (Std. B = 0.25, t (104.77) = 2.38, p = 0.001). Game play competence (Std. B = 0.33, t (99.81) = 5.21, p < 0.000) was more strongly associated with moderate-to-vigorous physical activity than object control competence (Std. B = 0.20, t (106.93) = 2.96, p = 0.003). Likewise, game competence (Std. B = 0.39, t (104.41) = 4.36, p < 0.000) was more strongly associated with cardiorespiratory fitness than object control competence (Std. B = 0.22, t (106.69) = 2.63, p = 0.002). Object control and game competence are both important as correlates of physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness in children.
Healthy mind, healthy body: A randomized trial testing the efficacy of a computer-tailored vs. interactive web-based intervention for increasing physical activity and reducing depressive symptoms
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2016
Examining the use of evidence-based and social media supported tools in freely accessible physical activity intervention websites
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 17-08-2014
Effectiveness and reporting of nutrition interventions in cardiac rehabilitation programmes: a systematic review.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 08-06-2022
Abstract: Dietary modification is essential for the secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. However, there are limited published evidence syntheses to guide practice in the cardiac rehabilitation (CR) setting. This systematic review's objective was to assess effectiveness and reporting of nutrition interventions to optimize dietary intake in adults attending CR. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of nutrition interventions within CR were eligible for inclusion and had to have measured change in dietary intake. MEDLINE, Embase, Emcare, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Scopus, and The Cochrane Library were searched from 2000 to June 2020, limited to publications in English. Evidence from included RCTs was synthesized descriptively. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool. This review is registered on PROSPERO CRD42020188723. Of 13 048 unique articles identified, 11 were eligible. Randomized controlled trials were conducted in 10 different countries, included 1542 participants, and evaluated 29 distinct dietary intake outcomes. Five studies reported statistically significant changes in diet across 13 outcomes. Most nutrition interventions were not reported in a manner that allowed replication in clinical practice or future research. There is a gap in research testing high-quality nutrition interventions in CR settings. Findings should be interpreted in the light of limitations, given the overall body of evidence was heterogenous across outcomes and study quality 6 of 11 studies were conducted more than 10 years old. Future research should investigate strategies to optimize and maintain nutrition improvements for patients attending CR. PROSPERO CRD42020188723.
TaylorActive – Examining the effectiveness of web-based personally-tailored videos to increase physical activity: a randomised controlled trial protocol
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 05-10-2015
GIS or GPS? A Comparison of Two Methods For Assessing Route Taken During Active Transport
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2007
DOI: 10.1016/J.AMEPRE.2007.02.042
Abstract: Current methods of assessing routes taken during active transport rely on subjective recall of trip length and barriers encountered enroute or the utilization of objective measures (Geographic Information Systems -[GIS]) that may not represent actual travel patterns. This study examined the utility of Global Positioning Systems (GPS) to measure actual routes taken compared with GIS-estimated travel distance and barriers encountered. Comparisons between GPS and GIS routes were performed for 59 of 75 children who wore a GPS during the journey to school on a single occasion. Home and school addresses were reported by parents and geocoded in GIS. Children were provided with a GPS and were instructed to travel their normal route to and from school. Data were collected between March and November 2005 and exported to the GIS to determine travel distance, number of busy streets crossed, and the ratio of busy streets to the total streets traveled on. Data analysis was performed in August 2006. No differences were observed between GPS-measured journeys to and from school on any of the examined variables. No differences were observed between GIS and GPS measures of travel distance (p>0.05). GIS-estimated travel routes crossed a significantly (p<0.05) higher number of busy streets (GIS: 1.68+/-0.12 vs GPS: 1.19+/-0.11) and traveled on a higher ratio of busy streets to total streets traveled on (GIS: 0.46+/-0.03 vs GPS: 0.35+/-0.04) (p<0.05) compared with GPS-measured actual travel routes. Geographic Information Systems provides estimates of travel distance similar to GPS-measured actual travel distances. Travel routes estimated by GIS are not representative of actual routes measured by GPS, which indicates that GIS may not provide an accurate estimate of barriers encountered. The continued use of GPS in active transport research in encouraged.
Interdevice baseline signal magnitude variability of the ActivPAL3 activity monitor
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2014
DOI: 10.1016/J.GAITPOST.2013.06.013
Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the interdevice variability in baseline signal magnitude of the ActivPAL3 (PALTechnologies, Glasgow, UK) activity monitor. Twenty consecutively numbered ActivPAL3 triaxial physical activity monitors were assessed for baseline signal magnitudes oriented in the X (vertical standing), Y (side lying), and Z (lying flat) planes. Data was recorded for 60s in each orientation and the three orthogonal axes were analysed for baseline signal magnitude each orientation. Our batch of devices demonstrated approximately 6.6% difference in raw acceleration calibration values compared to manufacturer specifications. Analysis of interdevice variability revealed three devices which exhibited baseline signal variability greater than 1.96 SD of the group mean. The impact of interdevice variability in baseline signal magnitude on data collection is unknown, however, supports the argument in the literature for the systematic checking of interdevice variability as routine maintenance.
A meta-meta-analysis of the effect of physical activity on depression and anxiety in non-clinical adult populations
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 03-07-2015
DOI: 10.1080/17437199.2015.1022901
Abstract: Amidst strong efforts to promote the therapeutic benefits of physical activity for reducing depression and anxiety in clinical populations, little focus has been directed towards the mental health benefits of activity for non-clinical populations. The objective of this meta-meta-analysis was to systematically aggregate and quantify high-quality meta-analytic findings of the effects of physical activity on depression and anxiety for non-clinical populations. A systematic search identified eight meta-analytic outcomes of randomised trials that investigated the effects of physical activity on depression or anxiety. The subsequent meta-meta-analyses were based on a total of 92 studies with 4310 participants for the effect of physical activity on depression and 306 study effects with 10,755 participants for the effect of physical activity on anxiety. Physical activity reduced depression by a medium effect [standardised mean difference (SMD) = -0.50 95% CI: -0.93 to -0.06] and anxiety by a small effect (SMD = -0.38 95% CI: -0.66 to -0.11). Neither effect showed significant heterogeneity across meta-analyses. These findings represent a comprehensive body of high-quality evidence that physical activity reduces depression and anxiety in non-clinical populations.
Effect of a physical activity and sleep m-health intervention on a composite activity-sleep behaviour score and mental health: a mediation analysis of two randomised controlled trials
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 25-03-2021
DOI: 10.1186/S12966-021-01112-Z
Abstract: To examine if a composite activity-sleep behaviour index (ASI) mediates the effects of a combined physical activity and sleep intervention on symptoms of depression, anxiety, or stress, quality of life (QOL), energy and fatigue in adults. This analysis used data pooled from two studies: Synergy and Refresh. Synergy: Physically inactive adults (18–65 years) who reported poor sleep quality were recruited for a two-arm Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) (Physical Activity and Sleep Health (PAS n = 80), or Wait-list Control (CON n = 80) groups). Refresh: Physically inactive adults (40–65 years) who reported poor sleep quality were recruited for a three-arm RCT (PAS ( n = 110), Sleep Health-Only (SO n = 110) or CON ( n = 55) groups). The SO group was omitted from this study. The PAS groups received a pedometer, and accessed a smartphone/tablet “app” using behaviour change strategies (e.g., self-monitoring, goal setting, action planning), with additional email/SMS support. The ASI score comprised self-reported moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity, resistance training, sitting time, sleep duration, efficiency, quality and timing. Outcomes were assessed using DASS-21 (depression, anxiety, stress), SF-12 (QOL-physical, QOL-mental) and SF-36 (Energy & Fatigue). Assessments were conducted at baseline, 3 months (primary time-point), and 6 months. Mediation effects were examined using Structural Equation Modelling and the product of coefficients approach (AB), with significance set at 0.05. At 3 months there were no direct intervention effects on mental health, QOL or energy and fatigue (all p 0.05), and the intervention significantly improved the ASI (all p 0.05). A more favourable ASI score was associated with improved symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, QOL-mental and of energy and fatigue (all p 0.05). The intervention effects on symptoms of depression ([AB 95%CI] -0.31 − 0.60,-0.11), anxiety (− 0.11 − 0.27,-0.01), stress (− 0.37 − 0.65,-0.174), QOL-mental (0.53 0.22, 1.01) and ratings of energy and fatigue (0.85 0.33, 1.63) were mediated by ASI. At 6 months the magnitude of association was larger although the overall pattern of results remained similar. Improvements in the overall physical activity and sleep behaviours of adults partially mediated the intervention effects on mental health and quality of life outcomes. This highlights the potential benefit of improving the overall pattern of physical activity and sleep on these outcomes. Australian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry: ACTRN12617000680369 ACTRN12617000376347 . Universal Trial number: U1111–1194-2680 U1111–1186-6588. Human Research Ethics Committee Approval: H-2016-0267 H-2016–0181.
Geographic location, physical activity and perceptions of the environment in Queensland adults
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2009
DOI: 10.1016/J.HEALTHPLACE.2008.04.006
Abstract: This study examines how physical activity and perceptions of the built environment differ by degree of urbanisation in Queensland, Australia. A statewide s le of adults (n=1208) completed a CATI survey assessing physical activity and perceptions of the environment in July-August 2005. Results indicate that residents in metropolitan areas were more likely to report the presence of shops and services, footpaths, heavy traffic and physical activity facilities than non-metropolitan residents. Although geographic location was not associated with achievement of sufficient levels of physical activity or walking, a notable interaction in the associations between both physical activity measures and the presence of footpaths in metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas was observed. This finding suggests the presence of a differential mechanism in terms of the relationships between physical activity and environmental supports by geographical location. Such effects require future investigation in terms of replication and understanding.
A mobile phone enabled health promotion program for middle-aged males.
Publisher: IEEE
Date: 07-2013
A cross-sectional cluster analysis of the combined association of physical activity and sleep with sociodemographic and health characteristics in mid-aged and older adults
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.MATURITAS.2017.05.013
Abstract: This study aimed to identify how different patterns of physical activity, sleep duration and sleep quality cluster together, and to examine how the identified clusters differ in terms of socio-demographic and health characteristics. Participants were adults from Brisbane, Australia, aged 42-72 years who reported their physical activity, sleep duration, sleep quality, socio-demographic and health characteristics in 2011 (n=5854). Two-step Cluster Analyses were used to identify clusters. Cluster differences in socio-demographic and health characteristics were examined using chi square tests (p<0.05). Four clusters were identified: 'Poor Sleepers' (31.2%), 'Moderate Sleepers' (30.7%), 'Mixed Sleepers/Highly Active' (20.5%), and 'Excellent Sleepers/Mixed Activity' (17.6%). The 'Poor Sleepers' cluster had the highest proportion of participants with less-than-recommended sleep duration and poor sleep quality, had the poorest health characteristics and a high proportion of participants with low physical activity. Physical activity, sleep duration and sleep quality cluster together in distinct patterns and clusters of poor behaviours are associated with poor health status. Multiple health behaviour change interventions which target both physical activity and sleep should be prioritised to improve health outcomes in mid-aged adults.
How do different delivery schedules of tailored web-based physical activity advice for breast cancer survivors influence intervention use and efficacy?
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 06-08-2016
DOI: 10.1007/S11764-016-0565-0
Abstract: The purpose of the study is to investigate the impact of differing delivery schedules of computer-tailored physical activity modules on engagement and physical activity behaviour change in a web-based intervention targeting breast cancer survivors. Insufficiently active breast cancer survivors (n = 492) were randomly assigned to receive one of the following intervention schedules over 12 weeks: a three-module intervention delivered monthly, a three-module intervention delivered weekly or a single module intervention. Engagement with the website (number of logins, time on site, modules viewed, action plans completed) was measured using tracking software. Other outcomes (website acceptability, physical activity behaviour) were assessed using online surveys. Physical activity outcomes were analysed using regression models for both study completers and when applying intention-to-treat (using multiple imputation). Completers allocated to the monthly module group rated the intervention higher (b = 2.2 95 % CI = 0.02-4.53) on acceptability and had higher levels of resistance-training (IRR = 1.88, 95 % CI = 1.16-3.04) than those in the single module group. When accounting for missing data, these differences were no longer significant. The completion of at least two action plans was higher among those allocated to the monthly module group compared to those in the weekly module group (53 vs 40 %, p = 0.02) though the completion of at least two modules was higher in the weekly module group compared to the monthly module group (60 vs 46 % p = 0.01). There were no other significant between group differences observed. This study provides preliminary evidence that web-based computer-tailored interventions can be used to increase physical activity among breast cancer survivors. Further, there were some outcome differences based on how the tailored modules were delivered, with the most favourable outcomes observed in the monthly delivery group. This study will be useful for informing the design of future web-based interventions targeting breast cancer survivors.
Physical activity trends in Queensland (2002 to 2008): Are women becoming more active than men?
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2010
DOI: 10.1111/J.1753-6405.2010.00521.X
Abstract: Regular monitoring of population levels of physical activity is an effective way to assess change over time towards meeting public health recommendations. The objective of this study was to determine physical activity trends in Central Queensland over the period 2002 to 2008. Data was obtained from the Central Queensland Social Survey (CQSS) conducted annually from 2002 to 2008. A total s le of 8,936 adults aged 18 and over participated in seven cross-sectional surveys. Physical activity was measured using the Active Australia Questionnaire. Binary logistic regression was used to examine trends in sufficient physical activity. Averaged over all survey years 46.5% of study participants met national physical activity guidelines. A small significant upward trend was found for meeting physical activity recommendations across all years (OR=1.03 95%CI=1.01-1.05), indicating that the odds of meeting the guidelines increased by an average of 3% per year from 2002 to 2008. Slightly more men than women met the activity guidelines (ns) however a significant positive trend in achieving sufficient activity levels was present in women only (4%). Although an increasing trend for sufficient physical activity was observed, overall physical activity levels in Central Queensland remain suboptimal and more efforts to increase physical activity are needed. The gender differences in physical activity trends indicate that men and women might need to be targeted differently in health promotion messages. The continuous monitoring of population levels of physical activity in Australia, which allow both state specific and international comparisons, is needed.
Implementation of health and wellbeing policies and programs for students: Views of Australian universities
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 13-09-2023
DOI: 10.1002/HPJA.808
Focus on the ‘E’ in SEM: Sports Medicine Australia invites you to the Sunshine Coast on 23–26 October 2019
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 29-03-2019
Activity Trackers Implement Different Behavior Change Techniques for Activity, Sleep, and Sedentary Behaviors
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 14-08-2017
DOI: 10.2196/IJMR.6685
Associations of physical activity and screen-time on health related quality of life in adults
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.
Are prolonged sitting and sleep restriction a dual curse for the modern workforce? a randomised controlled trial protocol
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 07-2020
DOI: 10.1136/BMJOPEN-2020-040613
Abstract: Prolonged sitting and inadequate sleep are a growing concern in society and are associated with impairments to cardiometabolic health and cognitive performance. However, the combined effect of prolonged sitting and inadequate sleep on measures of health and cognitive performance are unknown. In addition, the circadian disruption caused by shiftwork may further impact workers’ cardiometabolic health and cognitive performance. This protocol paper outlines the methodology for exploring the impact of simultaneous exposure to prolonged sitting, sleep restriction and circadian disruption on cardiometabolic and cognitive performance outcomes. This between-subjects study will recruit 208 males and females to complete a 7-day in-laboratory experimental protocol (1 Adaptation Day, 5 Experimental Days and 1 Recovery Day). Participants will be allocated to one of eight conditions that include all possible combinations of the following: dayshift or nightshift, sitting or breaking up sitting and 5 hour or 9 hour sleep opportunity. On arrival to the laboratory, participants will be provided with a 9 hour baseline sleep opportunity (22:00 to 07:00) and complete five simulated work shifts (09:00 to 17:30 in the dayshift condition and 22:00 to 06:30 in the nightshift condition) followed by a 9 hour recovery sleep opportunity (22:00 to 07:00). During the work shifts participants in the sitting condition will remain seated, while participants in the breaking up sitting condition will complete 3-min bouts of light-intensity walking every 30 mins on a motorised treadmill. Sleep opportunities will be 9 hour or 5 hour. Primary outcome measures include continuously measured interstitial blood glucose, heart rate and blood pressure, and a cognitive performance and self-perceived capacity testing battery completed five times per shift. Analyses will be conducted using linear mixed models. The CQUniversity Human Ethics Committee has approved this study (0000021914). All participants who have already completed the protocol have provided informed consent. Study findings will be disseminated via scientific publications and conference presentations. This study has been registered on Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (12619001516178) and is currently in the pre-results stage.
Efficacy of a Multi-component m-Health Weight-loss Intervention in Overweight and Obese Adults: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 26-08-2020
Abstract: Background: This study compared the efficacy of two multi-component m-health interventions with a wait-list control group on body weight (primary outcome), and secondary outcomes of cardiovascular risk factors, lifestyle behaviours, and mental health. Methods: Three-arm randomised controlled trial (Enhanced: physical activity, diet, sleep, Traditional: physical activity, diet, Control) with assessments conducted at baseline, 6 and 12 months. Participants (n = 116) were overweight or obese adults aged 19–65 (M = 44.5 [SD = 10.5]). The 6-month intervention was delivered via a smartphone app providing educational materials, goal-setting, self-monitoring and feedback, and also included one face-to-face dietary consultation, a Fitbit and scales. The trial was prospectively registered and conducted between May 2017 and September 2018. Group differences on primary and secondary outcomes were examined between the Pooled Intervention groups (Pooled Intervention = Enhanced and Traditional) and Control groups, and then between Enhanced and Traditional groups. Results: Nineteen participants (16.4%) formally withdrew from the trial. Compared with the Control group, average body weight of the Pooled Intervention group did not differ at 6 (between-group difference = −0.92, (95% CI −3.33, 1.48)) or 12 months (0.00, (95% CI −2.62, 2.62)). Compared with the Control group, the Pooled Intervention group significantly increased resistance training (OR = 7.83, (95% CI 1.08, 56.63)) and reduced energy intake at 6 months (−1037.03, (−2028.84, −45.22)), and improved insomnia symptoms at 12 months (−2.59, (−4.79, −0.39)). Compared with the Traditional group, the Enhanced group had increased waist circumferences (2.69, (0.20, 5.18)) and sedentary time at 6 months (105.66, (30.83, 180.48)), and improved bed time variability at 12 months (−1.08, (−1.86, −0.29)). No other significant differences were observed between groups. Conclusions: Relative to Controls, the Pooled Intervention groups did not differ on body weight but improved resistance training, and reduced energy intake and insomnia symptom severity. No additional weight loss was apparent when targeting improvements in physical activity, diet and sleep in combination compared with physical activity and diet.
Development and validation of the diet-related beliefs of exercisers scale
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 04-2021
Abstract: Many exercise-based weight-loss interventions result in considerably less weight loss than predicted. One possible explanation could be that people have certain beliefs about the interplay of exercise and food that also influence their eating behavior, such as the belief that food is a reward for exercise. The current research outlines a systematic multiphase process to develop a psychometrically sound scale to assess these beliefs. In Study 1, regular exercisers ( N = 520) completed an exploratory questionnaire on their beliefs related to diet and exercise. In Study 2 ( N = 380), the factor structure of the newly developed scale was corroborated by confirmatory factor analysis. In addition, a test–retest ( N = 166) was used to confirm reliability and stability. In sum, the Diet-Related Beliefs of Exercisers Scale with its four subscales (“Refrain from Eating,” “Food as Reward,” “Healthy Eating,” and “Nutritional Replenishment”) represents a valid and reliable measure of exercisers’ diet-related beliefs.
Identifying correlates of breaks in occupational sitting: a cross-sectional study
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 09-06-2015
Measuring children's independent mobility: comparing objective and self-report approaches
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 05-2011
Validity of the Stages of Change in Steps instrument (SoC-Step) for achieving the physical activity goal of 10,000 steps per day
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 30-11-2015
Latent Class Analysis of Multiple Health Risk Behaviors among Australian University Students and Associations with Psychological Distress
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 28-01-2021
DOI: 10.3390/NU13020425
Abstract: University students have high rates of health risk behaviors and psychological distress. This study explores patterns of health behaviors among a s le of Australian university students, and determines whether patterns of health behaviors are associated with psychological distress and demographic characteristics. Cross-sectional data from the University of Newcastle Student Healthy Lifestyle Survey 2019 were analyzed. Fruit and vegetable intake, sugar-sweetened beverage intake, physical activity, sitting time, smoking, alcohol intake, drug use, sleep and psychological distress were assessed. Latent class analysis (LCA) was used to identify patterns of health risk behaviors, and latent class regression to explore associations between psychological distress and demographic characteristics with health behavior classes. Analysis included 1965 students (mean age 25.8 ± 8.6 years, 70.7% female). Three patterns of health behaviors were identified: healthier (48.6%), moderate (40.2%) and unhealthy (11.2%) lifestyle classes. Students in the moderate and unhealthy lifestyle classes had higher odds of moderate (OR 1.43 and 2.37) and high/very high psychological distress risk (OR 2.71 and 11.69). Students in the unhealthy and moderate lifestyle classes had a higher odds of being male, younger, enrolled in transition to university and English language courses, Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent and to report some financial difficulty. Study findings may be used to inform the design of mental health interventions for university students that target key health risk behaviors.
Too far from home? Adult attitudes on children's independent mobility range
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 08-12-2016
Perceptions of air pollution during the work-related commute by adults in Queensland, Australia
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2009
Facile Tuning of the Surface Energy of Cellulose Nanofibers for Nanocomposite Reinforcement
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 27-11-2018
Comparison of adult shift and non-shift workers’ physical activity and sleep behaviours: cross-sectional analysis from the Household Income and Labour Dynamics of Australia (HILDA) cohort
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 15-08-2022
DOI: 10.1007/S10389-022-01738-8
Abstract: This study compares the pattern of physical activity and sleep between shift and non-shift workers using a novel physical activity–sleep index. By drawing from a erse occupational population, this research aims to reduce any occupational specific biases which are prevalent in shift-work research. Current data included 7607 workers (shift workers n = 832) from the Household Income and Labour Dynamics of Australia cohort study. The combined physical activity–sleep index comprised three physical activity components and three sleep health components: achieving moderate (1pt) or high (2pts) IPAQ classification accruing ≥30% of physical activity as vigorous intensity (1pt) meeting sleep duration recommendations on a work night (1pt) and non-work night (1pt) and reporting no insomnia symptoms (1pt) (higher score = healthy behaviour, max. 6). Generalised linear modelling was used to compare behaviours of shift and non-shift workers. Findings showed shift workers reported significantly lower activity–sleep scores (3.59 vs 3.73, p 0.001), lower sleep behaviour sub-score (2.01 vs. 2.22, p 0.001) and were more likely to report insomnia symptoms ( p 0.001) compared to non-shift workers. No difference was reported for overall physical activity (shift = 1.58 vs. non-shift = 1.51, p = 0.383). When viewed in conjunction using the combined activity–sleep index, shift workers displayed significantly poorer combined behaviours when compared to non-shift workers.
Examining moderators of the effectiveness of a web- and video-based computer-tailored physical activity intervention
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2021
Research combining physical activity and sleep: a bibliometric analysis
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 25-11-2020
Abstract: This study used a bibliometric analysis through the Scopus database to examine papers that combined physical activity and sleep, published between 1979 and 2018. Bibliometric indicators of productivity included publication volume and citation distribution, top 10 authors, average authors per paper, single- and multicountry collaboration, collaborative index, top 10 countries, leading journals, highly cited papers and network visualization for coauthorship, international collaboration, and co-occurrence of author keywords. The initial search identified 1,509 papers, of which 607 passed through comprehensive screening and were included in the final analysis. Most of the papers were research articles (90.8%) and published in English (90.8%). Most papers (81.4%) were published within the past decade, 2009–2018. The mean number of papers published per year was 15.2, the mean number of citations per paper was 257.3, and the mean number of authors per paper was 5.5. International collaboration was evident for 21.6% of the papers, and 95.6% of papers were multiauthored. The most prolific publishing institutions and authors were from the United States, Canada, Australia, Switzerland, and Brazil. Keyword analysis suggested that almost all age groups and study designs were covered, but most papers focus on noncommunicable diseases. Although there has been a rise in scientific production on combined physical activity and sleep research in recent years, future work in this area should include researchers from developing countries.
Letter to the Editor [response]
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2013
Impact of increasing social media use on sitting time and body mass index
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 28-10-2016
DOI: 10.1071/HE16026
Descriptive epidemiology of outdoor gym use in an Australian regional setting
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 19-04-2022
Investigating the relationship between leader behaviours and group cohesion within women's walking groups
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2011
DOI: 10.1016/J.JSAMS.2011.03.005
Abstract: Early research has shown that leadership behaviour is viewed as a crucial factor in successfully developing team cohesion, effectively resulting in greater team satisfaction and more positive team outcomes. However, little is understood if these same factors have an impact on physical activity groups. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between leader behaviours and group cohesiveness within women's physical activity groups. Participants (N = 95) included a sub-s le of adult women who were previously involved in a women's physical activity/walking program. Participants assessed their groups' leader behaviour using items pertaining to enthusiasm, motivation, instruction and availability, and their groups' cohesiveness using the Physical Activity Group Environment Questionnaire (PAGEQ). Canonical correlation analysis was used to determine the strength of association between the four concepts of group cohesion (ATG-T, ATG-S, GI-T and GI-S) and the four items pertaining to leadership behaviour. A significant multivariate relationship was revealed between group cohesion and leadership behaviour, Wilks' lambda = 0.43, F(16,170) = 5.16, p < 0.001. The canonical correlation for this function was R(C) = 0.74, indicating a strong relationship. Simply stated, group leaders who were perceived as being highly enthusiastic, have the ability to motivate, are able to provide personal instruction and who are available outside of the group's regular activities were associated with higher levels of group cohesion. Although a cause-effect relationship cannot be determined, the current study can serve as a valuable template in guiding future research in examining potential mechanisms that may assist with physical activity sustainability.
Portable Global Positioning System Receivers
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2013
DOI: 10.1016/J.AMEPRE.2012.10.013
Abstract: GPS receivers are becoming increasingly common as an objective measure of spatiotemporal movement in free-living populations however, research into the effects of the surrounding physical environment on the accuracy of off-the-shelf GPS receivers is limited. The goal of the current study was to (1) determine the static validity of seven portable GPS receiver models under erse environmental conditions and (2) compare the battery life and signal acquisition times among the models. Seven GPS models (three units of each) were placed on six geodetic sites subject to a variety of environmental conditions (e.g., open sky, high-rise buildings) on three separate occasions. The observed signal acquisition time and battery life of each unit were compared to advertised specifications. Data were collected and analyzed in June 2012. Substantial variation in positional error was observed among the seven GPS models, ranging from 12.1 ± 19.6 m to 58.8 ± 393.2 m when averaged across the three test periods and six geodetic sites. Further, mean error varied considerably among sites: the lowest error occurred at the site under open sky (7.3 ± 27.7 m), with the highest error at the site situated between high-rise buildings (59.2 ± 99.2 m). While observed signal acquisition times were generally longer than advertised, the differences between observed and advertised battery life were less pronounced. Results indicate that portable GPS receivers are able to accurately monitor static spatial location in unobstructed but not obstructed conditions. It also was observed that signal acquisition times were generally underestimated in advertised specifications.
A systematic review of cognitive assessment in physical activity research involving children and adolescents
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2020
DOI: 10.1016/J.JSAMS.2019.12.020
Abstract: To summarise the reporting, administrative requirements and psychometric properties of cognitive measures used in experimental physical activity research conducted with school-aged youth. Systematic review. Five databases (CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, Medline, Embase, and Psychinfo) were searched from inception to October, 2018. Studies meeting the following criteria were eligible for inclusion: experimental study design apparently healthy youth aged 5-18 years use of physical activity and use of a performance-based cognitive test. Reporting, administration requirements, reliability, and validity of the included cognitive measures was extracted. Included studies (n=109) used 60 unique cognitive tests. Across the 109 included studies, a total of 181 tests were reported on. Test format (e.g. pen and paper, computer) was specified for 166 (91.7%) administration type (in idual or group) for 108 (59.7%) and administration time for 49 (27.1%) of the tests. Of the 181 tests reported on, 72 (39.8%) provided information on either test-retest reliability or internal consistency, and 82 (45.3%) provided at least one form of test validation. A lack of reporting of test administration time, as well as information on the reliability and validity of included cognitive tasks are notable limitations of studies included in this review. Agreement on a smaller number of tests should be sought to improve the interpretability of future research. The summary provided by this systematic review can be used to inform the selection of performance-based cognitive measures in future physical activity research.
Efficacy of an m-Health Physical Activity and Sleep Intervention to Improve Sleep Quality in Middle-Aged Adults: The Refresh Study Randomized Controlled Trial
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 14-01-2020
DOI: 10.1093/ABM/KAZ064
Abstract: Poor sleep health is highly prevalent. Physical activity is known to improve sleep quality but not specifically targeted in sleep interventions. To compare the efficacy of a combined physical activity and sleep intervention with a sleep-only intervention and a wait-list control, for improving sleep quality in middle-aged adults without a diagnosed sleep disorder. Three-arm randomized controlled trial (Physical Activity and Sleep Health (PAS), Sleep Health Only (SO), Wait-list Control (CON) groups 3-month primary time-point, 6-month follow-up) of 275 (PAS = 110, SO = 110, CON = 55) inactive adults (40–65 years) reporting poor sleep quality. The main intervention component was a smartphone/tablet “app” to aid goal setting and self-monitoring physical activity and/or sleep hygiene behaviors (including stress management), and a pedometer for PAS group. Primary outcome was Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) global score. Secondary outcomes included several self-reported physical activity measures and PSQI subcomponents. Group differences were examined stepwise, first between pooled intervention (PI = PAS + SO) and CON groups, then between PAS and SO groups. Compared with CON, PI groups significantly improved PSQI global and subcomponents scores at 3 and 6 months. There were no differences in sleep quality between PAS and SO groups. The PAS group reported significantly less daily sitting time at 3 months and was significantly more likely to report ≥2 days/week resistance training and meeting physical activity guidelines at 6 months than the SO group. PIs had statistically significantly improved sleep quality among middle-aged adults with poor sleep quality without a diagnosed sleep disorder. The adjunctive physical activity intervention did not additionally improve sleep quality. Australian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry: ACTRN12617000680369 Universal Trial number: U1111-1194-2680 Human Research Ethics Committee, Blinded by request of journal: H-2016-0267.
The association between short sleep and obesity after controlling for demographic, lifestyle, work and health related factors
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2013
DOI: 10.1016/J.SLEEP.2012.12.007
Abstract: The relationship between short sleep and obesity remains unclear, and a possible explanation is that many studies have not included sufficient control variables in the analyses. We examined the association between sleep and being overweight or obese after adjusting for the confounding contributions of 17 variables. A random s le of 1162 Australian adults from three regional cities in central Queensland, Australia, participated in a telephone survey. A series of increasingly complex multinomial logistic regression models were employed to assess the association between short sleep ( or = 30 kg/m2), while controlling for several demographic, lifestyle, work, and health-related variables. The results suggested obesity was significantly associated with short sleep, age, male gender, lower education level, less physical activity, more sitting time, working longer hours, drinking more alcohol, having diabetes mellitus (DM), and having hypertension. Being overweight was significantly associated with age, male gender, smoking, and working more than 43hours per week. After adjustment of several confounding variables, a significant association between short sleep and obesity was obtained, but there was no association between short sleep and being overweight. Additional studies applying comprehensive analytic models and stronger research designs are needed to confirm our findings.
Temporal trends in and relationships between screen time, physical activity, overweight and obesity
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-2012
Light-intensity and high-intensity interval training improve cardiometabolic health in rats
Publisher: Canadian Science Publishing
Date: 09-2016
Abstract: Physical activity has the potential to reduce cardiometabolic risk factors but evaluation of different intensities of physical activity and the mechanisms behind their health effects still need to be fully established. This study examined the effects of sedentary behaviour, light-intensity training, and high-intensity interval training on biometric indices, glucose and lipid metabolism, inflammatory and oxidative stress markers, and vascular and cardiac function in adult rats. Rats (12 weeks old) were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 groups: control (CTL no exercise), sedentary (SED no exercise and housed in small cages to reduce activity), light-intensity trained (LIT four 30-min exercise bouts/day at 8 m/min separated by 2-h rest period, 5 days/week), and high-intensity interval trained (HIIT, four 2.5-min work bouts/day at 50 m/min separated by 3-min rest periods, 5 days/week). After 12 weeks of intervention, SED had greater visceral fat accumulation (p 0.01) and slower cardiac conduction (p = 0.04) compared with the CTL group. LIT and HIIT demonstrated beneficial changes in body weight, visceral and epididymal fat weight, glucose regulation, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol, and mesenteric vessel contractile response compared with the CTL group (p 0.05). LIT had significant improvements in insulin sensitivity and cardiac conduction compared with the CTL and SED groups whilst HIIT had significant improvements in systolic blood pressure and endothelium-independent vasodilation to aorta and mesenteric artery compared with the CTL group (p 0.05). LIT and HIIT induce health benefits by improving traditional cardiometabolic risk factors. LIT improves cardiac health while HIIT promotes improvements in vascular health.
Influence of Different Nanocellulose Additives on Processing and Performance of PAN-Based Carbon Fibers
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 04-06-2019
Travel perceptions, behaviors, and environment by degree of urbanization
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2008
DOI: 10.1016/J.YPMED.2008.01.021
Abstract: This study examines how engagement in transport-related physical activity (TPA), perceptions of the commute route, actual travel distance, and perceptions of travel distance vary by degree of urbanization in rural and remote areas of Central Queensland, Australia. A random, cross-sectional s le of 1230 adults aged 18 years and over residing in rural and remote Central Queensland were surveyed by telephone in October-November 2006. Engagement in and attitudes towards TPA, perceptions of the commute route, actual travel distances, and perceived appropriate travel distances for TPA were assessed. For this study 765 adults were eligible for the analysis as they traveled to an occupation. Overall, 86% of the s le commuted to their occupation by motorized modes, 71% of in iduals recognized 5 km or less as an appropriate distance to travel via TPA modes, and 45% of respondents reported travel distances less than five kilometers (km) to reach their workplace. Participants from small rural and remote settings more frequently traveled greater than 20 km to reach their occupation, reported fewer sidewalks and shops, and less heavy traffic enroute compared to respondents in large rural settings. Infrastructure for, and participation in TPA varies according to degree of urbanization. Future work in this area should target the substantial population that recognizes they could engage in TPA. As such, increasing TPA participation in these settings likely requires a cultural shift and infrastructure improvements.
The Association Between Logging Steps Using a Website, App, or Fitbit and Engaging With the 10,000 Steps Physical Activity Program: Observational Study (Preprint)
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 06-07-2020
Abstract: ngagement is positively associated with the effectiveness of digital health interventions. It is unclear whether tracking devices that automatically synchronize data (eg, Fitbit) produce different engagement levels compared with manually entering data. his study examines how different step logging methods in the freely available 10,000 Steps physical activity program differ according to age and gender and are associated with program engagement. subs le of users (n=22,142) of the free 10,000 Steps physical activity program were classified into one of the following user groups based on the step-logging method: Website Only (14,617/22,142, 66.01%), App Only (2100/22,142, 9.48%), Fitbit Only (1705/22,142, 7.7%), Web and App (2057/22,142, 9.29%), and Fitbit Combination (combination of web, app, and Fitbit 1663/22,142, 7.51%). Generalized linear regression and binary logistic regression were used to examine differences between user groups’ engagement and participation parameters. The time to nonusage attrition was assessed using Cox proportional hazards regression. pp Only users were significantly younger and Fitbit user groups had higher proportions of women compared with other groups. The following outcomes were significant and relative to the Website Only group. The App Only group had fewer website sessions (odds ratio [OR] −6.9, 95% CI −7.6 to −6.2), whereas the Fitbit Only (OR 10.6, 95% CI 8.8-12.3), Web and App (OR 1.5, 95% CI 0.4-2.6), and Fitbit Combination (OR 8.0 95% CI 6.2-9.7) groups had more sessions. The App Only (OR −0.7, 95% CI −0.9 to −0.4) and Fitbit Only (OR −0.5, 95% CI −0.7 to −0.2) groups spent fewer minutes on the website per session, whereas the Fitbit Combination group (OR 0.2, 95% CI 0.0-0.5) spent more minutes. All groups, except the Fitbit Combination group, viewed fewer website pages per session. The mean daily step count was lower for the App Only (OR −201.9, 95% CI −387.7 to −116.0) and Fitbit Only (OR −492.9, 95% CI −679.9 to −305.8) groups but higher for the Web and App group (OR 258.0, 95% CI 76.9-439.2). The Fitbit Only (OR 5.0, 95% CI 3.4-6.6), Web and App (OR 7.2, 95% CI 5.9-8.6), and Fitbit Combination (OR 15.6, 95% CI 13.7-17.5) groups logged a greater number of step entries. The App Only group was less likely (OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.46-0.94) and other groups were more likely to participate in Challenges. The mean time to nonusage attrition was 35 (SD 26) days and was lower than average in the Website Only and App Only groups and higher than average in the Web and App and Fitbit Combination groups. sing a Fitbit in combination with the 10,000 Steps app or website enhanced engagement with a real-world physical activity program. Integrating tracking devices that synchronize data automatically into real-world physical activity interventions is one strategy for improving engagement.
Codesigning Parks for Increasing Park Visits and Physical Activity in a Low-Socioeconomic Community: The Active By Community Design Experience
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 22-02-2020
Abstract: The purpose of the Active By Community Design (ABCD) project was to engage residents in the redesign of two public open spaces to increase park visits and park-based physical activity (PBPA). It was anticipated that by adding local preferences to park design considerations along with collected data and available evidence, the study would achieve increased levels of community engagement and subsequent increases in park visits and PBPA. This study summarizes two case studies outlining the community engagement and research translation process. Utilizing a pre–post evaluation design, baseline measures were completed with a series of validated tools for park use and park quality. Baseline data, evidence, community and stakeholder input were synthesized and presented to a “design subcommittee” to translate into “real-world” park redesigns. Park audits, a household survey, and park open days identified the spaces were not designed for the activities residents wanted, while park observations identified usage was low, and those observed were mostly children and adults walking. Park redesigns focused on maximizing access, infrastructure to enable physical activity (PA), PA programs and enhancements to improve aesthetics and safety concerns. The ABCD project successfully demonstrated a process of combining data and community and stakeholder engagement input to translate evidence into the creation of more supportive environments for PA. Stakeholder and resident input to the redesign processes contributed to satisfaction and ownership that residents reported on the redesigned parks, which may increase the likelihood of increased park usage and park-based physical activity.
Cross-sectional associations between multiple lifestyle behaviors and health-related quality of life in the 10,000 steps cohort
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 08-04-2014
Learning from community-led and co-designed m-health interventions
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2019
Mediating relationship between body mass index and the direct measures of the Theory of Planned Behaviour on physical activity intention
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 03-2008
DOI: 10.1080/13548500701426737
Abstract: This research examines (a) the interrelationships between body mass index (BMI), the direct measures of the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) and physical activity intention and (b) the potential mediation effects of the direct measures of the TPB in the relationship between BMI and physical activity intention in a s le of Australian adults. A total s le of 1,062 respondents participated in a computer-assisted telephone-interview (CATI) survey comprised of a standardised introduction questions regarding TPB and physical activity and standard demographic questions. BMI for each participant was calculated from self-reported height and weight. Separate regression analyses were performed to examine the mediating effects of each of the direct measures of the TPB on the predictive relationship between the BMI and physical activity intention, as proposed by Baron and Kenny (Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 51(6), 1173 - 1182, 1986). Findings indicated that the direct measure of attitude and perceived behavioural control mediated the relationship between BMI and physical activity intention. However, the direct measure of subjective norm failed to act as a mediating mechanism. To date there has been no research that has examined the mechanism by which body mass may affect physical activity behaviour. Given the current focus for health promotion specialists on promoting physical activity as a strategy for reducing overweight and obesity, a theoretical understanding of weight-related barriers to physical activity may aid in the development of future interventions and community physical activity programs, particularly those targeting overweight and obese populations.
Associations between aerobic and muscle-strengthening physical activity, sleep duration, and risk of all-cause mortality: A prospective cohort study of 282,473 US adults
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2022
DOI: 10.1016/J.JSHS.2022.07.003
Abstract: To examine the joint associations between meeting guidelines for physical activity (PA) and sleep duration and all-cause mortality risk among adults. Participants were adults (n = 282,473) aged 18-84 years who participated in the 2004-2014 U.S. National Health Interview Survey. Mortality status was ascertained using the National Death Index through December 2015. Self-reported PA (Active: meeting both aerobic (AER) and muscle-strengthening (MSA) guidelines, AER only (AER), MSA only, or not meeting either AER or MSA (Inactive)) and sleep duration (Short, recommended (Rec), or Long) were classified according to guidelines, and 12 PA-sleep categories were derived. Adjusted hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals for all-cause mortality risk were estimated using Cox proportional hazards regression models. A total of 282,473 participants (55% female) were included 18,793 deaths (6.7%) occurred over an average follow-up of 5.4 years. Relative to the Active-Rec group, all other PA-sleep groups were associated with increased mortality risk except for the Active-Short group (hazard ratio = 1.08 95% confidence interval: 0.92-1.26). The combination of long sleep with either MSA or Inactive appeared to be synergistic. For a given sleep duration, mortality risk progressively increased among participants classified as AER, MSA, and Inactive. Within each activity level, the mortality risk was greatest among adults with long sleep. Relative to adults meeting guidelines for both PA and sleep duration, adults who failed to meet guidelines for both AER and muscle strengthening PA and who also failed to meet sleep duration guidelines had elevated all-cause mortality risks. These results support interventions targeting both PA and sleep duration to reduce mortality risk.
Engagement and nonusage attrition with a free physical activity promotion program: The case of 10,000 steps Australia
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 15-07-2015
DOI: 10.2196/JMIR.4339
A systematic review of outdoor gym use: Current evidence and future directions.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.JSAMS.2019.08.003
Abstract: While outdoor gyms are being rapidly installed around the globe, little is known about their implications on physical activity, and fitness and other health-related outcomes. The primary objective of this systematic review was to examine the effects of outdoor gyms on physical activity, fitness and other health-related outcomes. Secondary objectives were to describe outdoor gym characteristics, user characteristics, and outdoor gym usage. Systematic review. Peer-reviewed papers published in English were obtained through online database searches of the following databases EBSCO, SPORTdiscus, Medline, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Scopus and Informit. Searches covered the periods from database inception to January 2019. Studies that reported on the efficacy of outdoor gym use for physical activity, health-related outcomes or descriptive aspects of outdoor gyms and their users were eligible for inclusion. There was some support that outdoor gyms may improve physical activity, fitness and other health-related outcomes, however few experimental studies have been conducted. There was no consistency between outdoor gyms in terms types and number of installed equipment for each facility. Further, this review found discrepancies of whom were the most likely users of outdoor gyms and when they were mainly used. This review contributes to the limited evidence on the impact and characteristics of outdoor gyms on physical activity and fitness and health-related outcomes.
Differences in health-related quality of life between three clusters of physical activity, sitting time, depression, anxiety, and stress
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 20-10-2014
Identifying population subgroups at risk for underestimating weight health risks and overestimating physical activity health benefits
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 18-03-2011
Abstract: People may incorrectly perceive that their body weight or Physical Activity (PA) meets health recommendations this provides an obstacle for change. In this study self-reported BMI and PA were assessed in relation to questions regarding perception of meeting weight and PA recommendations. Signal detection analysis was used to identify population subgroups. Study outcomes showed that 34.4 per cent of the 2535 adult participants underestimated weight health risks low income, male participants who believed they were sufficiently active underestimated weight health risks the most (52.6%). A total of 23.7 per cent of participants overestimated PA health benefits older age, low educated participants who did not believe their body weight was a health risk overestimated PA health benefits the most (58.3%). In conclusion, as weight and PA misperceptions are high, efforts are needed to reduce these misperceptions, so that behaviour change initiatives can be more effective.
A randomised controlled trial to test the efficacy of an m-health delivered physical activity and sleep intervention to improve sleep quality in middle-aged adults: The Refresh Study Protocol
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2018
DOI: 10.1016/J.CCT.2018.08.007
Abstract: Poor sleep health is common and has a substantial negative health impact. Physical activity has been shown to improve sleep health. Many sleep interventions do not explicitly target physical activity, potentially limiting changes in activity and also sleep. Few intervention target those with poor sleep health but without a diagnosed disorder. This study aims to examine the efficacy of a combined physical activity and sleep intervention to improve sleep quality in middle-aged adults and its effect on physical activity, depression and quality of life. A three-arm randomised trial with a three-month primary time-point, will be conducted. Adults (N = 275) aged 40-65 years, who report physical inactivity and poor sleep quality, will be randomly allocated to either a combined Physical Activity and Sleep Health, a Sleep Health-Only or a Wait List Control group. The multi-component m-health intervention will be delivered using a smartphone/tablet "app", supplemented with email and SMS. Participants will use the app to access educational material, set goals, self-monitor and receive feedback about behaviours. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, three-month primary time-point and six-month follow-up. Generalized linear models using an ANCOVA (baseline-adjusted) approach, will be used to identify between-group differences in sleep quality, following an intention-to-treat principle. This study will determine whether the addition of a physical activity intervention enhances the effectiveness of a sleep intervention to improve sleep quality, relative to a sleep-only intervention, in physically inactive middle-aged adults who report poor sleep health, but without a sleep disorder.
More real-world trials are needed to establish if web-based physical activity interventions are effective
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 03-07-2018
The Effectiveness of a Web-Based Computer-Tailored Physical Activity Intervention Using Fitbit Activity Trackers: Randomized Trial (Preprint)
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 18-06-2018
Abstract: eb-based interventions that provide personalized physical activity advice have demonstrated good effectiveness but rely on self-reported measures of physical activity, which are prone to overreporting, potentially reducing the accuracy and effectiveness of the advice provided. his study aimed to examine whether the effectiveness of a Web-based computer-tailored intervention could be improved by integrating Fitbit activity trackers. articipants received the 3-month TaylorActive intervention, which included 8 modules of theory-based, personally tailored physical activity advice and action planning. Participants were randomized to receive the same intervention either with or without Fitbit tracker integration. All intervention materials were delivered on the Web, and there was no face-to-face contact at any time point. Changes in physical activity (Active Australia Survey), sitting time (Workforce Sitting Questionnaire), and body mass index (BMI) were assessed 1 and 3 months post baseline. Advice acceptability, website usability, and module completion were also assessed. total of 243 Australian adults participated. Linear mixed model analyses showed a significant increase in total weekly physical activity (adjusted mean increase=163.2 95% CI 52.0-274.5 P=.004) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (adjusted mean increase=78.6 95% CI 24.4-131.9 P=.004) in the Fitbit group compared with the non-Fitbit group at the 3-month follow-up. The sitting time and BMI decreased more in the Fitbit group, but no significant group × time interaction effects were found. The physical activity advice acceptability and the website usability were consistently rated higher by participants in the Fitbit group. Non-Fitbit group participants completed 2.9 (SD 2.5) modules, and Fitbit group participants completed 4.4 (SD 3.1) modules. ntegrating physical activity trackers into a Web-based computer-tailored intervention significantly increased intervention effectiveness. ustralian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12616001555448 www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=371793 (Archived by WebCite at 3ioTxQX2)
Acceptability, usefulness, and satisfaction with a web-based video-tailored physical activity intervention: The TaylorActive randomized controlled trial
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2022
Examining the Correlates of Online Health Information–Seeking Behavior Among Men Compared With Women
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 18-05-2016
Abstract: This study aimed to identify and compare the demographic, health behavior, health status, and social media use correlates of online health-seeking behaviors among men and women. Cross-sectional self-report data were collected from 1,289 Australian adults participating in the Queensland Social Survey. Logistic regression analyses were used to identify the correlates of online health information seeking for men and women. Differences in the strength of the relation of these correlates were tested using equality of regression coefficient tests. For both genders, the two strongest correlates were social media use (men: odds ratio [ OR] = 2.57, 95% confidence interval [CI: 1.78, 3.71] women: OR = 2.93, 95% CI [1.92, 4.45]) and having a university education (men: OR = 3.63, 95% CI [2.37, 5.56] women: OR = 2.74, 95% CI [1.66, 4.51]). Not being a smoker and being of younger age were also associated with online health information seeking for both men and women. Reporting poor health and the presence of two chronic diseases were positively associated with online health seeking for women only. Correlates of help seeking online among men and women were generally similar, with exception of health status. Results suggest that similar groups of men and women are likely to access health information online for primary prevention purposes, and additionally that women experiencing poor health are more likely to seek health information online than women who are relatively well. These findings are useful for analyzing the potential reach of online health initiatives targeting both men and women.
Qualitative Exploration of the Feasibility and Acceptability of Workplace-Based Microgrants to Improve Physical Activity
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 08-2018
Physical activity screening to recruit inactive randomized controlled trial participants: how much is too much?
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 08-10-2015
Resistance training in addition to aerobic activity is associated with lower likelihood of depression and comorbid depression and anxiety symptoms: A cross sectional analysis of Australian women
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.YPMED.2019.105773
Abstract: The mental health benefits of resistance training (RT) alone or beyond those provided by aerobic physical activity (PA) are unclear. This study aimed to determine the association between meeting recommendations for aerobic PA and/or RT, and symptoms of depression and/or anxiety. Participants were Australian female members of the 10,000 Steps project (n = 5180, 50.0 ± 11.5 years). Symptoms of depression and anxiety were determined using the Depression Anxiety Stress Score. Participants were grouped as 'depression only', 'anxiety only', 'co-occurring depression and anxiety' or 'neither depression nor anxiety' based on relevant subscale score (cut-points: depression≥14 points, anxiety≥10 points). The International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Long Form questionnaire was used to determine PA with an additional item to specify RT frequency. Participants were classified as adhering to 'aerobic PA only' (≥150 min PA/week), 'RT only' (RT ≥ 2 days/week), 'aerobic PA + RT' (≥150 min PA/week+RT ≥ 2 days/week), or 'neither aerobic PA nor RT' (<150 min PA/week+RT < 2 days/week). Adjusted relative risk ratios (RRR [95%CI]) were estimated using multinomial logistic regression models. Relative to the 'neither PA nor RT' (n = 2215), the probabilities of 'depression only' (n = 317) and 'co-occurring depression and anxiety' (n = 417) were lower for the 'aerobic PA only' (n = 1590) (RRR = 0.74 [0.56-0.97] and RRR = 0.76 [0.59-0.97] respectively), and 'both PA + RT' (n = 974) groups (RRR = 0.61 [0.43-0.86] and RRR = 0.47 [0.33-0.67] respectively). There were no associations between adhering to one or both recommendations and 'anxiety only' (n = 317), or between 'RT only' (n = 401) and depression and/or anxiety. Prevention and treatment strategies including both aerobic PA and RT may provide additional benefits for depression with or without comorbid anxiety.
Effect of resistance training on HbA1c in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus and the moderating effect of changes in muscular strength: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 03-2022
DOI: 10.1136/BMJDRC-2021-002595
Abstract: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) accounts for approximately 90% of diabetes cases globally. Regular physical activity is regarded as one of the key components in T2DM management. Aerobic exercise was traditionally recommended however, there is a growing body of research examining the independent effect of resistance training (RT) on glycemic control. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to conduct an update on the effects of RT on glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in adults with T2DM and examine the moderating effects of training effect (ie, muscular strength improvements), risk of bias and intervention duration. Peer-reviewed articles published in English were searched across MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Scopus and SPORTDiscus from database inception until January 19, 2021. Each online database was systematically searched for randomized controlled trials reporting on the effects of RT on HbA1c in in iduals with T2DM. Twenty studies (n=1172) were included in the meta-analysis. RT significantly reduced HbA1c compared with controls (weighted mean difference=−0.39, 95% CI −0.60 to −0.18, p .001, I 2 =69.20). Training effect significantly (p .05) moderated the results, with larger improvements in muscular strength leading to greater reductions in HbA1c (β=−0.99, CI −1.97 to −0.01). Intervention duration and risk of bias did not significantly moderate the effects. As a secondary analysis, this study found no significant differences in HbA1c when comparing RT and aerobic training (p=0.42). This study demonstrates that RT is an effective strategy to decrease HbA1c in in iduals with T2DM. Importantly, RT interventions that had a larger training effect appeared more effective in reducing HbA1c, compared with interventions producing medium and small effects. PROSPERO registration number CRD42020134046.
Do singles or couples live healthier lifestyles? Trends in Queensland between 2005-2014
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 28-02-2018
Perceived environment and physical activity: a meta-analysis of selected environmental characteristics
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 05-09-2005
Abstract: Several narrative reviews have been conducted on the literature examining environmental correlates of physical activity (PA). To date these reviews have been unable to provide definitive summaries of observed associations. This study utilizes meta-analytical techniques to calculate summaries of associations between selected environmental characteristics and PA. Published studies were identified from electronic databases and searches of personal files. Studies were examined to determine the environmental constructs most frequently studied. Included studies (N = 16) examined at least one identified construct and determined associations between perceived environmental constructs and PA using logistic regression. Data were analyzed separately for crude and adjusted ORs using general-variance based fixed effect models. No significant associations emerged between environmental characteristics and PA using crude OR. The perceived presence of PA facilities (OR 1.20, 95% 1.06–1.34), sidewalks (OR 1.23, 95% 1.13–1.32), shops and services (OR 1.30, 95% 1.14–1.46) and perceiving traffic not to be a problem (OR 1.22, 95% 1.08–1.37) were positively associated with activity using adjusted ORs. Variance in PA accounted for by significant associations ranged from 4% (heavy traffic not a problem) to 7% (presence of shops and services). Results of the meta-analysis support the relevance of perceived environmental characteristics for understanding population PA. These results should encourage the use of comprehensive ecological models that incorporate variables beyond basic demographic information.
What is the impact of obtaining medical clearance to participate in a randomised controlled trial examining a physical activity intervention on the socio-demographic and risk factor profiles of included participants?
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-2016
Balanced: a randomised trial examining the efficacy of two self-monitoring methods for an app-based multi-behaviour intervention to improve physical activity, sitting and sleep in adults
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 30-07-2016
Physical activity recommendations from general practitioners in Australia. Results from a national survey
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.
Quantitative analysis of sport development event legacy: an examination of the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 26-03-2015
Are web-based personally tailored physical activity videos more effective than personally tailored text-based interventions? Results from the three-arm randomised controlled TaylorActive trial
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 03-11-2020
DOI: 10.1136/BJSPORTS-2020-102521
Abstract: Some online, personally tailored, text-based physical activity interventions have proven effective. However, people tend to ‘skim’ and ‘scan’ web-based text rather than thoroughly read their contents. In contrast, online videos are more engaging and popular. We examined whether web-based personally tailored physical activity videos were more effective in promoting physical activity than personally tailored text and generic information. 501 adults were randomised into a video-tailored intervention, text-tailored intervention or control. Over a 3-month period, intervention groups received access to eight sessions of web-based personally tailored physical activity advice. Only the delivery method differed between intervention groups: tailored video versus tailored text. The primary outcome was 7-day ActiGraph-GT3X+ measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) assessed at 0, 3 and 9 months. Secondary outcomes included self-reported MVPA and website engagement. Differences were examined using generalised linear mixed models with intention-to-treat and multiple imputation. Accelerometer-assessed MVPA increased 23% in the control (1.23 (1.06, 1.43)), 12% in the text-tailored (1.12 (0.95, 1.32)) and 28% in the video-tailored (1.28 (1.06, 1.53)) groups at the 3-month follow-up only, though there were no significant between-group differences. Both text-tailored (1.77 (1.37, 2.28]) and video-tailored (1.37 (1.04, 1.79)) groups significantly increased self-reported MVPA more than the control group at 3 months only, but there were no differences between video-tailored and text-tailored groups. The video-tailored group spent significantly more time on the website compared with text-tailored participants (90 vs 77 min, p=0.02). The personally tailored videos were not more effective than personally tailored text in increasing MVPA. The findings from this study conflict with pilot study outcomes and previous literature. Process evaluation and mediation analyses will provide further insights. ACTRN12615000057583
Australian children's independent mobility levels: secondary analyses of cross-sectional data between 1991 and 2012
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 11-09-2201
Integrating smartphone technology, social support and the outdoor built environment to promote community-based aerobic and resistance-based physical activity: Rationale and study protocol for the 'ecofit' randomized controlled trial.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2019
Sitting Time, Physical Activity and Sleep by Work Type and Pattern—The Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 10-03-2017
Which population groups are most unaware of CVD risks associated with sitting time?
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2014
DOI: 10.1016/J.YPMED.2014.05.009
Abstract: Prolonged sitting is an emerging risk factor for poor health yet few studies have examined awareness of the risks associated with sitting behaviours. This study identifies the population subgroups with the highest levels of unawareness regarding the cardiovascular disease (CVD) risks associated with sitting behaviours. Adults (n=1256) living in Queensland, Australia completed a telephone-based survey in 2011, analysis conducted in 2013. The survey assessed participant's socio-demographic characteristics, physical activity, sitting behaviours and awareness of CVD risks associated with three sitting behaviours: 1) sitting for prolonged periods, 2), sitting for prolonged periods whilst also engaging in regular physical activity, and 3) breaking up periods of prolonged sitting with short activity breaks. Population sub-groups with the highest levels of unawareness were identified based on socio-demographic and behavioural characteristics using signal detection analysis. Unawareness ranged from 23.3% to 67.0%. Age was the most important variable in differentiating awareness levels younger adults had higher levels of unawareness. Body mass index, physical activity, TV viewing, employment status and time spent at work also identified population sub-groups. Unawareness of CVD risk for prolonged sitting was moderately high overall. Younger adults had high levels of unawareness on all of the outcomes examined.
Prospective associations between joint categories of physical activity and insomnia symptoms with onset of poor mental health in a population-based cohort.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2022
DOI: 10.1016/J.JSHS.2022.02.002
Abstract: Physical inactivity and insomnia symptoms are independently associated with increased risk of depression and anxiety however, few studies jointly examine these risk factors. This study aimed to prospectively examine the joint association of physical activity (PA) and insomnia symptoms with onset of poor mental health in adults. Participants from the 2013-2018 annual waves of the Household Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia panel study who had good mental health (Mental Health Inventory-5 >54) in 2013, and who completed at least one follow-up survey (2014-2018), were included (n = 10,977). Poor mental health (Mental Health Inventory-5 ≤ 54) was assessed annually. Baseline (2013) PA was classified as high/moderate/low, and insomnia symptoms (i.e., trouble sleeping) were classified as no insomnia symptoms/insomnia symptoms, with six mutually exclusive PA-insomnia symptom groups derived. Associations of PA-insomnia symptom groups with onset of poor mental health were examined using discrete-time proportional-hazards logit-hazard models. There were 2322 new cases of poor mental health (21.2%). Relative to the high PA/no insomnia symptoms group, there were higher odds (odds ratio, 95% confidence interval (95%CI)) of poor mental health among the high PA/insomnia symptoms (OR = 1.87, 95%CI: 1.57-2.23), moderate PA/insomnia symptoms (OR = 1.93, 95%CI: 1.61-2.31), low PA/insomnia symptoms (OR = 2.33, 95%CI: 1.96-2.78), and low PA/no insomnia symptoms (OR = 1.14, 95%CI: 1.01-1.29) groups. Any level of PA combined with insomnia symptoms was associated with increased odds of poor mental health, with the odds increasing as PA decreased. These findings highlight the potential benefit of interventions targeting both PA and insomnia symptoms for promoting mental health.
Toughening of natural rubber nanocomposites by the incorporation of nanoscale lignin combined with an industrially relevant leaching process
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2021
PREPRINT: The associations between physical activity, sleep and sedentary behaviour, with mortality and health outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies
Publisher: Center for Open Science
Date: 30-11-2022
Abstract: Background: Physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep are interrelated and may have a synergistic impact on health. This systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies aimed to evaluate the combined influence of different combinations of these behaviours on mortality risk and incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD), cancer, diabetes, and mental health. Methods: Four online databases were used to identify studies from database inception to 2022. Prospective cohort studies that examined how different combinations of physical activity, sedentary and sleep behaviours were associated with mortality and health outcomes were included. Random effects meta-analyses using the Der Simonian and Laird method were conducted.Results: Assessment of 4490 records result in twelve studies being included. Studies were qualitatively summarised and a sub-group of studies (n=5) were meta-analysed. The most frequent combination of behaviours was duration of leisure time physical activity and sleep (n=9), with all-cause mortality (n=16), CVD mortality (n=9) and cancer mortality (n=7) the most frequently examined outcomes. Meta-analysis revealed that relative to High physical activity & Mid sleep, High physical activity and Short sleep was not associated with risk of all-cause mortality (RR=1.05, 95% CI=0.97, 1.14), however Low physical activity and Short Sleep (RR = 1.42, 95% CI = 1.24, 1.63), Low physical activity and Mid Sleep (RR = 1.30, 95% CI = 1.12, 1.52), High physical activity and Long Sleep (RR = 1.16, 95% CI = 1.01, 1.32), and Low physical activity and Long Sleep were associated with risk of all-cause mortality (RR = 1.63, 95% CI = 1.21, 2.20).Conclusions: High levels of physical activity may offset all-cause mortality risks associated with short sleep duration. Low levels of physical activity combined with short sleep duration and any level of physical activity with long sleep duration appear to increase mortality risk. Currently there is limited evidence regarding how dimensions of physical activity, sedentary and sleep behaviours other than duration (e.g., quality, timing, type) are associated with future health status.
Design, Development, and Formative Evaluation of a Smartphone Application for Recording and Monitoring Physical Activity Levels: The 10,000 Steps iStepLog
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 13-09-2013
Abstract: Objectives. Limited research exists addressing the development of health-related smartphone apps, a new and potentially effective health promotion delivery strategy. This article describes the development and formative evaluation of a smartphone app associated with a physical activity promotion website. Methods. A combination of qualitative and quantitative techniques (performance measures, direct observation, and subjective participant preferences) were implemented during two usability testing sessions (pre- and postmodification) while participants were completing tasks using the app. Results. Design improvements to the app resulted in a reduction in the problems experienced and a decrease in the time taken to complete tasks. Four usability themes emerged from the data: design, feedback, navigation, and terminology. Conclusion. This study demonstrates the relevance of usability testing to the design and modification of a smartphone app related to a health promotion website. This study resulted in an app with much higher usability, which might increase usage and maintenance of health behavior change in the long term. Practical implications. This study demonstrates the need for formative evaluation in health-related smartphone apps. Attention should be given to basic design principles as well as feedback, navigation, and terminology in order to ensure utility and ease of use of future smartphone app designs.
The associations between physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and sleep with mortality and incident cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and mental health in adults: a systematic review and met
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 04-09-2023
Efficacy of an m-Health Physical Activity and Sleep Health Intervention for Adults: A Randomized Waitlist-Controlled Trial
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.AMEPRE.2019.05.009
Abstract: Interventions that improve both physical activity and sleep quality may be more effective in improving overall health. The purpose of the Synergy Study is to test the efficacy of a mobile health combined behavior intervention targeting physical activity and sleep quality. Randomized, waitlist-controlled trial. This study had an app-based delivery mode, Australia-wide. The participants were 160 adults who reported insufficient physical activity and poor sleep quality in an eligibility survey. The intervention was a mobile app providing educational resources, goal setting, self-monitoring, and feedback strategies. It included 12 weeks of personalized support including weekly reports, tool sheets, and prompts. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, 3 months (primary), and 6 months (secondary endpoint). Self-reported minutes of moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity and sleep quality were co-primary outcomes. Resistance training sitting time sleep hygiene sleep timing variability insomnia severity daytime sleepiness quality of life and depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms were secondary outcomes. Data were collected between June 2017 and February 2018 and analyzed in August 2018. At 3 months, between-group differences in moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity were not statistically significant (p=0.139). Significantly more participants in the intervention group engaged in ≥2 days/week (p=0.004) of resistance training. The intervention group reported better overall sleep quality (p=0.009), subjective sleep quality (p=0.017), sleep onset latency (p=0.013), waketime variability (p=0.018), sleep hygiene (p=0.027), insomnia severity (p=0.002), and lower stress symptoms (p=0.032) relative to waitlist controls. At 6 months, group differences were maintained for sleep hygiene (p=0.048), insomnia severity (p=0.002), and stress symptoms (p=0.006). Differences were observed for bedtime variability (p=0.023), sleepiness (p<0.001), daytime dysfunction (p=0.039), and anxiety symptoms (p=0.003) at 6 months, but not 3 months. This remotely delivered intervention did not produce statistically significant between-group differences in minutes of moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity. Significant short-term differences in resistance training and short- and medium-term differences in sleep health in favor of the intervention were observed. This study is registered at anzctr.org.au ACTRN12617000376347.
A Review of the Effectiveness of Physical Activity Interventions for Adult Males
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 04-2012
DOI: 10.2165/11597220-000000000-00000
Abstract: Physical inactivity is one of the main modifiable risk factors for a range of noncommunicable diseases. Of particular interest are adult males, a hard-to-reach population group for health promotion interventions. The purpose of this review is to provide a critical evaluation of the published health-related physical activity interventions that have targeted adult males. A comprehensive search of MEDLINE, CINAHL®, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, PsycINFO, the Cochrane Library, and SPORTDiscus™ was conducted for intervention studies published in English, between January 1990 and August 2010. Studies including community-dwelling adult men (≥ 18 years), or including both males and females where data on male participants could be extracted and examined, were included in this review. Studies assessing changes in levels of physical activity, physical fitness or changes in biomarkers of disease risk relevant to physical activity (e.g. body weight, waist circumference, lipids, blood pressure) were the primary focus. A total of 14 studies focusing on physical activity only and nine combined physical activity and nutrition studies were also included in this review. Ten of the 14 physical activity only studies and four of the nine combined physical activity and nutrition studies demonstrated significant increases in physical activity outcomes. Face-to-face, group-based and print-based methods were most commonly employed in these interventions. Within each mode of delivery, a number of elements including regular feedback, access to self-monitoring tools, elements of social support, variety in activities and a degree of friendly competition, were revealed as positive inclusions for this population group. Males are generally under-represented in health-promotion interventions and should therefore be targeted specifically, and while results of the included studies are encouraging, there is a lack of intervention studies targeting adult males. Further research into this population group is therefore required.
Examining mediators of intervention efficacy in a randomised controlled m-health trial to improve physical activity and sleep health in adults
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 27-05-2020
Tensions and Paradoxes of Scaling Up: A Critical Reflection on Physical Activity Promotion
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 11-2022
Abstract: Background: Achieving system-level, sustainable ‘scale-up’ of interventions is the epitome of successful translation of evidence-based approaches in population health. In physical activity promotion, few evidence-based interventions reach implementation at scale or become embedded within systems for sustainable health impact. This is despite the vast published literature describing efficacy studies of small-scale physical activity interventions. Research into physical activity scale-up (through case-study analysis evaluations of scale-up processes in implementation trials and mapping the processes, strategies, and principles for scale-up) has identified barriers and facilitators to intervention expansion. Many interventions are implemented at scale by governments but have not been evaluated or have unpublished evaluation information. Further, few public health interventions have evaluations that reveal the costs and benefits of scaled-up implementation. This lack of economic information introduces an additional element of risk for decision makers when deciding which physical activity interventions should be supported with scarce funding resources. Decision-makers face many other challenges when scaling interventions which do not relate to formal research trials of scale-up Methods: To explore these issues, a multidisciplinary two-day workshop involving experts in physical activity scale-up was convened by the University of Newcastle, Australia, and the University of Ottawa, Canada (February 2019) Results: In this paper we discuss some of the scale-up tensions (challenges and conflicts) and paradoxes (things that are contrary to expectations) that emerged from this workshop in the context of the current literature and our own experiences in this field. We frame scale-up tensions according to epistemology, methodology, time, and partnerships and paradoxes as ‘reach without scale’, ‘planned serendipity’ and ‘simple complexity’. We reflect on the implications of these scale-up tensions and paradoxes, providing considerations for future scale-up research and practice moving forward Conclusions: In this paper, we delve deeper into stakeholders’ assumptions, processes and expectations of scaling up, and challenge in what ways as stakeholders, we all contribute to desired or undesired outcomes. Through a lens of ‘tensions’ and ‘paradoxes’, we make an original contribution to the scale-up literature that might influence current perspectives of scaling-up, provide future approaches for physical activity promotion, and contribute to understanding of dynamic of research-practice partnerships.
Trends in the production of cellulose nanofibers from non-wood sources
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 09-11-2020
Is preference for mHealth intervention delivery platform associated with delivery platform familiarity?
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 22-07-2016
A Qualitative Study Exploring People’s Experience With the Multicomponent Community-Based Physical Activity Intervention ecofit During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 03-2022
Abstract: Background: The COVID-19 global pandemic greatly impacted lifestyles and physical activity routines. This study explored how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted participant experience and motivation in ecofit , a large, community-based, multicomponent intervention that supports aerobic and resistance-based physical activity using publicly available, outdoor exercise facilities and smartphone technology. Methods: Fifteen participants from the intervention arm of the study were interviewed. Audiotaped telephone interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed by a researcher uninvolved in the intervention. Through an inductive thematic approach, data were coded and organized into themes. The quantitative measure of participant smartphone application engagement was used as a classification during analysis. Results: Several themes representing participants’ experience of the COVID-19 pandemic in their engagement with ecofit , overall physical activity levels, motivation to exercise, and perception and usage of outdoor gym facilities were identified. Conclusion: The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on clinical trials is beginning to emerge. Although the present study showed a mixed impact of the pandemic on participation in the ecofit program, the overall implications for the intervention are yet to be determined. Interestingly, although a large review found a negative impact of COVID-19 on physical activity, this s le reported an overall increase.
Active lifestyles related to excellent self-rated health and quality of life: cross sectional findings from 194,545 participants in The 45 and Up Study
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 13-11-2013
Effects of Light Intensity Activity on CVD Risk Factors: A Systematic Review of Intervention Studies
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 2015
DOI: 10.1155/2015/596367
Abstract: The effects of light intensity physical activity (LIPA) on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors remain to be established. This review summarizes the effects of LIPA on CVD risk factors and CVD-related markers in adults. A systematic search of four electronic databases (PubMed, Academic Search Complete, SPORTDiscus, and CINAHL) examining LIPA and CVD risk factors (body composition, blood pressure, glucose, insulin, glycosylated hemoglobin, and lipid profile) and CVD-related markers (maximal oxygen uptake, heart rate, C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and tumor necrosis factor receptors 1 and 2) published between 1970 and 2015 was performed on 15 March 2015. A total of 33 intervention studies examining the effect of LIPA on CVD risk factors and markers were included in this review. Results indicated that LIPA did not improve CVD risk factors and CVD-related markers in healthy in iduals. LIPA was found to improve systolic and diastolic blood pressure in physically inactive populations with a medical condition. Reviewed studies show little support for the role of LIPA to reduce CVD risk factors. Many of the included studies were of low to fair study quality and used low doses of LIPA. Further studies are needed to establish the value of LIPA in reducing CVD risk.
Sitting Time in Adults 65 Years and Over: Behavior, Knowledge, and Intentions to Change
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 04-2018
Abstract: This study examined sitting time, knowledge, and intentions to change sitting time in older adults. An online survey was completed by 494 Australians aged 65+. Average daily sitting was high (9.0 hr). Daily sitting time was the highest during TV (3.3 hr), computer (2.1 hr), and leisure (1.7 hr). A regression analysis demonstrated that women were more knowledgeable about the health risks of sitting compared to men. The percentage of older adults intending to sit less were the highest for TV (24%), leisure (24%), and computer (19%) sitting time. Regression analyses demonstrated that intentions varied by gender (for TV sitting), education (leisure and work sitting), body mass index (computer, leisure, and transport sitting), and physical activity (TV, computer, and leisure sitting). Interventions should target older adults' TV, computer, and leisure time sitting, with a focus on intentions in older males and older adults with low education, those who are active, and those with a normal weight.
Do participants' preferences for mode of delivery (text, video, or both) influence the effectiveness of a Web-based physical activity intervention?
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 29-02-2012
DOI: 10.2196/JMIR.1998
Cellulose Nanofibers as Rheology Modifiers and Enhancers of Carbonization Efficiency in Polyacrylonitrile
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 07-03-2017
Moderate intensity physical activity prevents increased blood glucose concentrations, fat pad deposition and cardiac action potential prolongation following diet-induced obesity in a juvenile-adolescent rat model
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 20-08-2014
Associations between multiple positive health behaviours and cardiometabolic risk using three alternative measures of physical activity: NHANES 2005-2006.
Publisher: Canadian Science Publishing
Date: 06-2020
Abstract: The study aimed to investigate the association between clustered cardiometabolic risk (CCMR) and health-behavior indices comprising 3 different measures of physical activity, screen time, diet and sleep in NHANES 2005–2006. CCMR was calculated by standardizing and summarizing measures of blood pressure, fasting glucose, triglycerides, insulin, high-density lipoprotein and waist circumference to create a z score. Three health behavior indices were constructed with a single point allocated to each of the following lower risk behaviors: muscle strengthening activity, healthy eating score, sleep disorder/disruption, sleep duration, screen time and physical activity (self-reported moderate-to-vigorous physical activity [MVPA] (Index Score-SR), accelerometer-measured MVPA (Index Score-MVPA) or accelerometer-measured steps Index Score-Steps). Linear regression models explored associations between index scores and CCMR. In the s le (n = 1537, 52% male, aged 45.5 [SE: 0.9] years), reporting 0–5 vs. 6 health behaviors using Index Score-SR and Index Score-MVPA, and 0–4 vs. 6 health behaviors using Index Score-Steps, were associated with a significantly higher CCMR. The beta (β [95% CI]) for zero vs. 6 behaviors were Index Score-SR (2.86 [2.02, 3.69], Index Score-MVPA (2.41 [1.49, 3.33] and Index Score-Steps (2.41 [1.68, 3.15]). Irrespective of the measure of physical activity, engaging in fewer positive health behaviors was associated with greater CCMR. Novelty: Physical activity, screen time, diet and sleep may exert synergistic/cumulative effects on clustered cardiometabolic risk. A greater number of positive health behaviors was associated with a lower clustered cardiometabolic risk factor score. The reduction in cardiometabolic risk was similar irrespective of which physical activity measure was used.
VO2peak and 24‐hour sleep, sedentary behavior, and physical activity in Australian truck drivers
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 11-05-2021
DOI: 10.1111/SMS.13965
Abstract: This study assessed cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and 24‐h sleep, sedentary behavior (SB), and physical activity (PA) in Australian truck drivers. Participants ( n = 37 men) attended clinic sessions for an exercise test to exhaustion to establish CRF and wore an accelerometer (Actigraph GT3X+) to estimate sleep, SB, and PA. Relative to normative values, CRF was “below percentile 25” in 51% of drivers (mean [SD] VO 2peak=30 .1 [7.6] mL.kg‐1.min‐1). Accelerometer data indicated that total vigorous‐intensity (3.5–4.5 min/day) and sustained moderate‐ to vigorous‐intensity PA ( min 0.5–1.6 bouts/day) were limited. The findings show there is a need to design and test PA interventions that can improve poor levels of CRF in truck drivers.
UWALK: the development of a multi-strategy, community-wide physical activity program
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 09-06-2017
Daily steps and diet, but not sleep, are related to mortality in older Australians
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.JSAMS.2019.09.018
Abstract: Supporting healthy ageing is a key priority worldwide. Physical activity, diet quality and sleep are all associated with health outcomes, but few studies have explored their independent associations with all-cause mortality in an older population in the same model. The study aim was to examine associations between step-count, self-reported diet quality, restless sleep, and all-cause mortality in adults aged 55-85 years. A prospective cohort study of adults in Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. Data were from 1697 participants (49.3% women baseline mean age 65.4 ± 7.1 years). Daily steps (measured by pedometer), diet quality (from a modified Australian Recommended Food Score), and frequency of restless sleep (by self-report) were assessed in relation to all-cause mortality using Cox proportional hazard regression with adjustment for sex, age, household income and smoking. Baseline data were collected between January 2005 and April 2008, and last follow-up was in March 2017 (median follow-up 9.6 years). Higher step count (HR: 0.93, 95%CI: 0.88-0.98 per 1000-step increment) and higher diet quality (HR: 0.86, 95%CI: 0.74-0.99 per 8-point increment in diet quality score) were associated with reduced mortality risk. Restless sleep for ≥3 nights/week was not associated with mortality risk (HR: 1.03, 95%CI: 0.78-1.39). Sensitivity analyses, adjusting for chronic disease and excluding deaths <1 year after baseline, did not change these estimates. Increased daily steps and consumption of a greater variety of nutrient-dense foods every week would result in substantial health benefits for older people. Future research should include a greater variety of sleep measures.
Randomised controlled trial using a theory-based m-health intervention to improve physical activity and sleep health in adults: The Synergy Study protocol
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 02-2018
DOI: 10.1136/BMJOPEN-2017-018997
Abstract: There is a need to reduce physical inactivity and poor sleep health in the adult population to decrease chronic disease rates and the associated burden. Given the high prevalence of these risk behaviours, effective interventions with potential for wide reach are warranted. The aim of this two-arm RCT will be to test the effect of a three month personalised mobile app intervention on two main outcomes: minutes of moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity and overall sleep quality. In addition, between-group changes in health-related quality of life and mental health status will be assessed as secondary outcomes. The pre-specified mediators and moderators include social cognitive factors, the neighbourhood environment, health (BMI, depression, anxiety, stress), sociodemographic factors (age, gender, education) and app usage. Assessments will be conducted after three months (primary endpoint) and six months (follow-up). The intervention will provide access to a specifically developed mobile app, through which participants can set goals for active minutes, daily step counts, resistance training, sleep times and sleep hygiene practice. The app also allows participants to log their behaviours daily and view progress bars as well as instant feedback in relation to goals. The personalised support system will consist of weekly summary reports, educational and instructional materials, prompts on disengagement and weekly facts. The Human Research Ethics Committee of The University of Newcastle, Australia granted full approval: H-2016–0181. This study will assess the efficacy of a combined behaviour intervention, mechanisms of behaviour change and gather high-quality process data, all of which will help refine future trials. Dissemination of findings will include publication in a peer-reviewed journal and presentation at national or international conferences. Participants will receive a plain English summary report of results. ACTRN12617000376347 Pre-results.
What a Man Wants
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 19-04-2012
Abstract: Little attention has been paid to the physical activity (PA) and nutrition behaviors of middle-aged men thus, the aim of this study was to gather information and gain insight into the PA and nutrition behaviors of these men. Six focus group sessions were undertaken with middle-aged men ( N = 30) from regional Australia to explore the challenges and motivations to PA participation and healthy eating. Men had a good understanding of PA and nutrition however, this was sometimes confounded by inconsistent media messages. Work commitments and family responsibilities were barriers to PA, while poor cooking skills and abilities were barriers to healthy eating. Disease prevention, weight management, and being a good role model were motivators for PA and healthy eating. By understanding what a man wants, PA and nutrition interventions can be designed and delivered to meet the needs of this hard-to-reach population.
Recruitment, screening, and baseline participant characteristics in the WALK 2.0 study: A randomized controlled trial using web 2.0 applications to promote physical activity
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2016
Experience and Satisfaction with a Family-Based Physical Activity Intervention Using Activity Trackers and Apps: A Qualitative Study
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 14-02-2023
Abstract: Wearable activity trackers and smartphone apps have been shown to increase physical activity in children and adults. However, interventions using activity trackers and apps have rarely been tested in whole families. This study examined the experience and satisfaction with an activity tracker and app intervention (Step it Up Family) to increase physical activity in whole families. Telephone interviews were conducted with Queensland-based families (n = 19) who participated in the Step it Up Family intervention (N = 40, single-arm, pre ost feasibility study) in 2017/2018. Using commercial activity trackers combined with apps, the intervention included an introductory session, in idual and family-level goal setting, self-monitoring, family step challenges, and weekly motivational text messages. Qualitative content analysis was conducted to identify themes, categories and sub-categories. In summary, parents reported that children were engaged with the activity tracker and app features to reach their daily step goals. Some technical difficulties were experienced with app navigation, syncing of activity tracker data, and tracker band discomfort. Although families liked that the weekly text messages reminded them to be active, they did not find them very motivating. Using text messages for physical activity motivation in families requires further testing. Overall, the intervention was well-received by families for increasing physical activity motivation.
Photoacoustic signal enhancements from gold nano-colloidal suspensions excited by a pair of time-delayed femtosecond pulses.
Publisher: The Optical Society
Date: 03-08-2017
DOI: 10.1364/OE.25.019497
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