ORCID Profile
0000-0002-8668-8998
Current Organisation
University of Southern Queensland
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Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2018
DOI: 10.1016/J.PUHE.2018.03.035
Abstract: Fitness industry professionals (personal trainers, group instructors) may have a role in health promotion, particularly when working with subgroups with known health risks (e.g. older adults, obese). The aim of this study is to examine fitness professionals' level of interest in engaging with high-risk populations. Cross-sectional evaluation of a national survey. In 2014, 9100 Australian registered exercise professionals were invited to complete an online survey. Respondents reported their level of interest in engaging with nine health-risk population subgroups. A multivariable logistic regression analysis assessed the odds of being classified as having a 'low level' of interest in training high health-risk subgroups, adjusting for demographic and fitness industry-related factors. Of 1185 respondents (aged 17-72 years), 31.1% reported having a 'high level' of interest in training high health-risk subgroups. The highest level of interest was among 'obese clients' and 'adults (18-64 years) with chronic health conditions'. In the adjusted analysis, males (odds ratio [OR], 1.55, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.06-2.25) and those in urban settings (OR, 2.26, 95% CI: 1.54-3.37) were more likely to have a 'low level' of interest. Fitness professionals have a modest level of interest in training high health-risk subgroups. In addition to the development of strategies to increase interest, research should examine whether fitness professionals are able to safely prescribe exercise to high health-risk subgroups.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 18-04-2019
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 23-06-2021
DOI: 10.1371/JOURNAL.PMED.1003687
Abstract: Obesity is a significant and growing public health problem in high-income countries. Little is known about the relationship between resistance exercise (RE), alone and in combination with aerobic exercise (AE), and the risk of developing obesity. The purpose of this prospective cohort study was to examine the associations between different amounts and frequencies of RE, independent of AE, and incident obesity. Participants were 11,938 healthy adults ages 18–89 years with a BMI 30 kg/m 2 at baseline who completed at least 2 clinical examinations during 1987–2005 as part of the Aerobics Center Longitudinal Study. Self-reported RE participation in minutes/week and days/week was collected from a standardized questionnaire. Incident obesity was defined as a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m 2 at follow-up. Incident obesity was also defined by waist circumference (WC) 102/88 cm for men/women and percent body fat (PBF) ≥ 25%/30% for men/women at follow-up in participants who were not obese by WC ( n = 9,490) or PBF ( n = 8,733) at baseline. During the average 6-year follow-up, 874 (7%), 726 (8%), and 1,683 (19%) developed obesity defined by BMI, WC, or PBF, respectively. Compared with no RE, 60–119 min/wk of RE was associated with 30%, 41%, and 31% reduced risk of obesity defined by BMI (hazard ratio [95% CI], 0.70 [0.54–0.92], p = 0.008), WC (0.59 [0.44–0.81], p 0.001), and PBF (0.69 [0.57–0.83], p 0.001), respectively, after adjusting for confounders including age, sex, examination year, smoking status, heavy alcohol consumption, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, and AE. Compared with not meeting the RE guidelines of ≥2 d/wk, meeting the RE guidelines was associated with 18%, 30%, and 30% reduced risk of obesity defined by BMI (hazard ratio [95% CI], 0.82 [0.69–0.97], p = 0.02), WC (0.70 [0.57–0.85], p 0.001), and PBF (0.70 [0.62–0.79], p 0.001), respectively. Compared with meeting neither guideline, meeting both the AE and RE guidelines was associated with the smallest hazard ratios for obesity. Limitations of this study include limited generalizability as participants were predominantly white men from middle to upper socioeconomic strata, use of self-reported RE, and lack of detailed diet data for the majority of participants. In this study, we observed that RE was associated with a significantly reduced risk of obesity even after considering AE. However, meeting both the RE and AE guidelines was associated with the lowest risk of obesity.
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 27-04-2016
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 18-01-2022
DOI: 10.1080/17461391.2020.1870161
Abstract: German national physical activity guidelines specify adults (≥18 years) should engage in at least: (i) 150 min of aerobic moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity/week (MVPA) and (ii) muscle-strengthening exercise (MSE) 2 days/week. However, the relationship between MVPA and MSE and overweight/obesity has not been examined among German adults. Aim of this study was to examine whether meeting the guidelines for both MVPA and MSE is associated with a lower prevalence of overweight/obesity compared to meeting MVPA or MSE alone or none of them, among a nationally representative s le of German adults. The cross-sectional study drew data from the 2014 German Health Update (GEDA) (n=22,822 ≥18 years). Physical activity (MVPA-MSE), height/weight, socio-demographic, health and lifestyle factors were assessed by self-report via validated questionnaires. Generalized linear models with Poisson regression were used to assess prevalence ratios of Body Mass Index-derived (BMI) overweight/obesity across categories of physical activity guideline adherence (met neither MSE only MVPA only met both). Compared to other physical activity groups, meeting both the MVPA-MSE guidelines was associated with the lowest prevalence rate of overweight/obesity (Adjusted Prevalence Ratios [APR] range: 0.25-0.73). Associations between BMI and physical activity were strongest among Class II obesity (APR range: 0.25-0.45). The associations remained consistent after adjusting sociodemographic and lifestyle factors. Meeting the combined MVPA-MSE guideline, as suggested in the German national physical activity recommendations, showed the lowest overweight/obesity prevalence. Promoting uptake and adherence of both MVPA and MSE at the population level could help to reduce the public health burden of obesity.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 03-07-2018
DOI: 10.1080/02701367.2018.1486965
Abstract: There is currently no standardized testing protocol for assessing clients' fitness/health within the Australian fitness industry. This study examined the perceptions of the feasibility of using a standardized testing protocol among Australian fitness industry professionals. In 2014, 1,206 registered fitness industry professionals (aged 17-69 years) completed an online survey. Perceived feasibility for using a standardized testing protocol was assessed based on responses to 6 items. Respondents were classified as having a high level of perceived feasibility if they reported all 6 items to be "definitely feasible." A multivariate logistic regression analysis, adjusting for demographic and fitness industry-related factors (e.g., qualification/years of experience), assessed the likelihood of having a high level of perceived feasibility. Overall, 25.5% (95% CI [23.1%, 28.0%]) of the s le perceived the use of a standardized testing protocol as highly feasible. Items ranked most often as "definitely feasible" were "undertaking training to use the protocol" (55%) and "conducting follow-up testing every 6 to 12 weeks" (52%). After adjustment for the effect of confounding factors, casually employed professionals (OR = 0.63 95% CI [0.45, 0.90]) and group instructors (OR = 0.58 95% CI [0.41, 0.82]) were less likely to perceive standardized testing protocols as highly feasible. Among a large s le of Australian fitness industry professionals, slightly more than a quarter perceived using a standardized testing protocol to be highly feasible. Group instructors and casual employees perceived lower feasibility. Further research should determine the barriers to implementing a standardized testing protocol across the fitness industry.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 21-09-2017
DOI: 10.1038/S41598-017-09722-Z
Abstract: The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) is essential for the stress response in mammals. We investigated potential non-transcriptional roles of GR in cellular stress response using fission yeast as a model.We surprisingly discovered marked heat stress resistance in yeast ectopically expressing human GR, which required expression of both the N-terminal transactivation domain, and the C-terminal ligand binding domain, but not the DNA-binding domain of the GR. This effect was not affected by GR ligand exposure, and occurred without significant GR nuclear accumulation. Mechanistically, the GR survival effect required Hsp104, and, indeed, GR expression increased Hsp104 expression. Proteomic analysis revealed GR binding to translasome components, including eIF3, a known partner for Sty1, a pattern of protein interaction which we confirmed using yeast two-hybrid studies.Taken together, we find evidence for a novel pathway conferring stress resistance in yeast that can be activated by the human GR, acting by protein-protein mechanisms in the cytoplasm. This suggests that in organisms where GR is natively expressed, GR likely contributes to stress responses through non-transcriptional mechanisms in addition to its well-established transcriptional responses.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 27-11-2021
DOI: 10.1002/HPJA.440
Abstract: Screen time, a highly prevalent behaviour, can be detrimental to adolescent health. To better understand this health‐related behaviour, this study explores the nature of adolescents’ contemporary screen engagement, adding to the currently limited body of qualitative research in this area. Sixteen adolescents (9 girls and 7 boys) aged 13‐17 years from a secondary school in Queensland, Australia participated in semi‐structured one‐on‐one interviews. All interviews were transcribed verbatim, anonymised and thematically analysed using an inductive approach. Smartphone use was ubiquitous, occurring mostly at home, after school, and typically used for social, entertainment and functional activities. Binge‐watching and multi‐screening emerged as common sedentary patterns of contemporary screen engagement, often performed solitary. Screen time appeared to be an important aspect of adolescents’ social lives, while there were also some psychological, physical and behavioural concerns. Family and friends were thought to influence adolescents’ screen time either directly (co‐participation) or indirectly (modelling), while social smartphone notifications were said to prompt habitual, frequent and prolonged screen engagement. This study provided several new insights into the nature, functions, patterns, and benefits and concerns of adolescents’ contemporary screen engagement. On the whole, adolescents engaged in a wide variety of screen‐viewing practices, including newer digital media, mostly as a function to connect with friends and family. It might be desirable for screen time reduction interventions and policies to take into account the underlying social and psychological factors, and habitual nature of contemporary screen engagement among adolescents.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 25-02-2021
DOI: 10.1111/SMS.13922
Abstract: Despite the 2016 German “ National Recommendations for Physical Activity and Physical Activity Promotion ” stating that adults (≥18 years) should engage in: [a] ≥150 minutes of aerobic moderate‐to‐vigorous‐intensity physical activity/week (MVPA) and [b] ≥2 days/week of muscle‐strengthening exercise (MSE), there is limited research on the descriptive epidemiology on the adherence to these guidelines among German adults. This study describes the prevalence and correlates of physical activity guideline adherence among a nationally representative s le of German adults. Data were drawn from the 2014 German Health Update survey, collected via a combination of web‐based and mail surveys. Self‐reported physical activity levels were assessed using the previously validated European Health Interview Survey Physical Activity Questionnaire. Weighted prevalence levels of the s le meeting the aerobic MVPA (≥150 minutes/week), MSE (≥2 times/week), and combined MVPA‐MSE guidelines were calculated. Poisson regressions were used to assess prevalence ratios for physical activity guideline adherence categories across sociodemographic and lifestyle‐related variables. Out of 24,016 participants (response rate = 27.6%), aged ≥ 18 years, 45.3% (95% CI: 44.5%‐46.0%), 29.4% (95% CI: 28.7%‐30.1%), and 22.6% (95% CI: 21.9%‐23.2%) met the aerobic MVPA, MSE, and combined guidelines, respectively. Population sub‐groups less likely to meet the combined guidelines included those with poor self‐rated health, being unemployed, low socioeconomic status, being a current smoker, and those being overweight or obese. Since ~ 80% of German adults do not meet the nationally recommended combined aerobic MVPA‐MSE physical activity guidelines, there is a necessity for large‐scale public health interventions promoting both aerobic MVPA and MSE.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 20-03-2017
DOI: 10.1111/SMS.12863
Abstract: The Finnish recommendations for health-enhancing physical activity (PA) for adults (≥18 years) recommend: (i) ≥150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA) and (ii) activities that develop muscle strength and balance ≥2 days/week. However, adherence to these recommendations among the Finnish adults is currently unknown. This study reports on the self-reported adherence to the PA recommendations and associations with sociodemographic factors among Finnish adults. Data were used from the Finnish "Regional Health and Well-being Study." In 2013-2014, postal questionnaires were sent to 132,560 persons, with 69,032 responding (response rate =52.1%). The weighted proportions adhering to the: (i) MVPA recommendation, (ii) sufficient muscle-strengthening activity (≥2 days/week), (iii) sufficient balance training (≥2 days/week), and (iv) Finnish health-enhancing PA recommendations (Finnish recommendations) were calculated. Associations with sociodemographic variables (eg, age, education level, self-rated health) were assessed using multiple logistic regression analyses. Of 69,032 respondents, 92.6% (n=64,380, response rate =48.6%, 18-98 years) reported on their physical activity levels. A total of 31.2% (95% CI: 30.8%-31.6%) met the aerobic MVPA recommendation, 17.2% (95% CI: 16.9%-17.6%) reported sufficient muscle-strengthening activity, 6.7% (95% CI: 6.4%-6.9%) reported sufficient balance training, and 10.8% (95% CI: 10.5%-11.1%) met the Finnish recommendations. In the adjusted analysis, those with poorer self-rated health, older age, lower education levels, and those classified overweight or obese were independently associated with lower odds of meeting the Finnish recommendations. The vast majority of Finnish adults do not meet the full PA recommendations. Public health action is needed to increase PA in Finland.
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 13-04-2021
DOI: 10.1002/DA.23157
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 24-02-2021
Abstract: utomated wearable cameras present a new opportunity to accurately assess human behavior. However, this technology is seldom used in the study of adolescent’s screen exposure, and the field is reliant on poor-quality self-report data. his study aimed to examine adolescents’ screen exposure by categorizing the type and context of behaviors using automated wearable cameras. dolescents (mean age 15.4 years, SD 1.6 years n=10) wore a camera for 3 school evenings and 1 weekend day. The camera captured an image every 10 seconds. Fieldwork was completed between February and March 2020, and data were analyzed in August 2020. Images were date and time st ed, and coded for screen type, content, and context. ata representing 71,396 images were analyzed. Overall, 74.0% (52,842/71,396) of images contained screens and 16.8% (11,976/71,396) of images contained multiple screens. Most screen exposures involved television sets (25,950/71,396, 36.3%), smartphones (20,851/71,396, 29.2%), and laptop computers (15,309/71,396, 21.4%). The context of screen use differed by device type, although most screen exposures occurred at home (62,455/64,856, 96.3%) and with solitary engagement (54,430/64,856, 83.9%). The immediate after-school period saw high laptop computer use (4785/15,950, 30.0%), while smartphone use (2059/5320, 38.7%) peaked during prebedtime hours. Weekend screen exposure was high, with smartphone use (1070/1927, 55.5%) peaking in the early morning period and fluctuating throughout the day. here was evidence for high screen use during the after-school and weekend period, mostly through solitary engagement, and within the home environment. The findings may inform the basis of larger studies aimed at examining screen exposure in free-living conditions.
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 26-12-2020
DOI: 10.1002/DA.22986
Abstract: Research has shown that regular physical activity is key for the prevention and/or treatment of depression. However, epidemiological studies describing the associations between different physical activity modes (i.e., aerobic vs. muscle-strengthening exercise) with depression are limited. Cross-sectional analyses were conducted on pooled data from four U.S. health surveillance surveys (2011-2017). Validated survey items assessed self-reported moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA) and muscle-strengthening activity (MSA). Twenty groups were created, ranging from (a) "inactive" (0 MVPA min/week & MSA 0 times/week) to (xx) "most active" (≥300 MVPA min/week & MSA ≥4 times/week). Poisson regression with a robust error variance was used to assess prevalence ratios (PRs) of self-reported clinically diagnosed depression (outcome variable) across physical activity groups (exposure variables). The s le contained 1,477,981 adults (≥18 years), of which 286,325 (18.0%) had depression. Compared to the reference group (i.e., no MVPA and no MSA), almost all physical activity combinations were associated with lower depression prevalence. Lowest prevalence of depression was shown for those combining sufficient MVPA-MSA (MVPA ≧300 min/week and MSA ≥2 times/week adjusted prevalence ratio range: 0.54-0.63). All associations remained after stratification and/or adjustment for sociodemographic (age, sex, income, education), lifestyle characteristics (body mass index, self-rated health, smoking, alcohol), comorbidities (e.g., arthritis, diabetes, hypertension), and year of survey. A physical activity routine that includes both aerobic and MSA is likely to be optimal for the prevention of depression. Public health approaches targeting depression should endorse joint aerobic and MSA as key lifestyle modification strategy.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 06-2005
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 11-11-2020
DOI: 10.1002/OBY.22673
Abstract: Both aerobic physical activity and muscle-strengthening exercise are recommended for obesity prevention. However, at the population level, the independent and/or combined associations of these physical activity modalities with obesity are unknown. The aim of this study was to examine the associations between aerobic physical activity and muscle-strengthening exercise with obesity among a representative s le of adults. Data were pooled from four US public health surveillance surveys from 2011 to 2017. Cross-sectional associations between adherence to the aerobic physical activity (≥ 150 min/wk) and muscle-strengthening exercise (≥ 2 times/wk) guidelines with different classes of BMI-defined obesity were examined using Poisson regression. Prevalence ratios are reported as both unadjusted and adjusted for sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics. Data were available for 1,677,108 adults (≥ 18 years old). Compared with meeting neither guideline (reference category), meeting both guidelines was associated with the lowest adjusted prevalence ratios (APRs) for the following: Class I obesity and above (BMI ≥ 30.0 kg/m Among nearly 1.7 million US adults, meeting both aerobic and muscle-strengthening exercise guidelines was associated with a lower obesity prevalence, and associations were more pronounced for higher obesity classes.
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.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2018
DOI: 10.1016/J.AMEPRE.2018.07.022
Abstract: Although muscle-strengthening exercise has multiple independent health benefits, little is known about muscle-strengthening exercise participation and associations with adverse health conditions among U.S. adults. In 2017, data were analyzed from the U.S. 2015 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. During telephone surveys, respondents reported how many times during the past week they engaged in muscle-strengthening exercise. Weighted weekly muscle-strengthening exercise frequencies were calculated for the total s le and across sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics. A multivariable logistic regression assessed the odds of having self-reported adverse health conditions (e.g., diabetes, coronary heart disease) according to weekly muscle-strengthening exercise frequency. Data were available on 397,423 adults (aged 18-80 years). Overall, 30.2% (95% CI=29.9, 30.5) met the muscle-strengthening exercise recommendations (two or more times/week) and 57.8% (95% CI=57.5, 58.2) reported no muscle-strengthening exercise. Older age, insufficient aerobic activity, lower income, lower education, poorer self-rated health, being female, and being overweight/obese were significantly associated with lower odds of meeting the muscle-strengthening exercise recommendations independently of other characteristics. After adjusting for confounders (e.g., age, sex, income, smoking, aerobic activity), when compared with those who did none, muscle-strengthening exercise was associated with lower odds for several adverse health conditions, including prevalent diabetes, cancer (non-skin), poor self-rated health, and obesity. Three in five U.S. adults do not engage in any muscle-strengthening exercise, despite an association for muscle-strengthening exercise with better health conditions. Future muscle-strengthening exercise promotion strategies should target older adults, females, those with low education/income, and those with a poor health status.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 02-2022
DOI: 10.1136/BMJSEM-2021-001225
Abstract: Muscle-strengthening exercise (MSE) has multiple independent health benefits and is a component of global physical activity guidelines. However, the assessment of MSE in health surveillance is often limited to the constructs of frequency (days/week), with little focus on constructs such as MSE type, muscle groups targeted and intensity. This study describes the test–retest reliability and concurrent validity of the Muscle-Strengthening Exercise Questionnaire (MSEQ), which was developed to assess multiple MSE participation constructs. The MSEQ was developed to assess the weekly frequency, session duration and intensity, types of MSE (eg, weight machines, bodyweight exercise) and muscle groups targeted. Two convenience s les of adult participants were recruited. Test–retest reliability was completed online by 85 participants. Concurrent validity was assessed for 54 participants using an online 7-day MSE log. The MSEQ shows high test–retest reliability for frequency, duration and level of intensity for each of the four MSE types (using weight machines, bodyweight exercises, resistance exercises and holistic exercises), and for the four types combined (ρ range 0.76–0.91). For muscle groups targeted, the reliability ranged mostly from moderate-to-substantial for each of the four MSE types (κ range 0.44–0.78) and fair-to-moderate for the four types combined (κ range 0.35–0.51). Concurrent validity for frequency, duration and level of intensity for each of the four MSE types, and the four types combined, was moderate-to-high (ρ range 0.30–0.77). The MSEQ shows acceptable reliability and validity for four key MSE constructs. This new MSEQ survey instrument could be used to assess adults’ MSE.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2018
DOI: 10.1016/J.JSAMS.2017.07.010
Abstract: Assessment and monitoring of client health and fitness is a key part of fitness professionals' practices. However, little is known about prevalence of this practice. This study describes the assessment/monitoring practices of a large s le of Australian fitness professionals. Cross-sectional. In 2014, 1206 fitness professionals completed an online survey. Respondents reported their frequency (4 point-scale: [1] 'never' to [4] 'always') of assessment/monitoring of eight health and fitness constructs (e.g. body composition, aerobic fitness). This was classified as: (i) 'high' ('always' assessing/monitoring ≥5 constructs) (ii) 'medium' (1-4 constructs) (iii) 'low' (0 constructs). Classifications are reported by demographic and fitness industry characteristics. The odds of being classified as a 'high assessor/monitor' according to social ecological correlates were examined using a multiple-factor logistic regression model. Mean age of respondents was 39.3 (±11.6) years and 71.6% were female. A total of 15.8% (95% CI: 13.7%-17.9%) were classified as a 'high' assessor/monitor. Constructs with the largest proportion of being 'always' assessed were body composition (47.7% 95% CI: 45.0%-50.1%) and aerobic fitness (42.5% 95% CI: 39.6%-45.3%). Those with the lowest proportion of being 'always' assessed were balance (24.0% 95% CI: 24.7%-26.5%) and mental health (20.2% 95% CI: 18.1%-29.6%). A perceived lack of client interest and fitness professionals not considering assessing their responsibility were associated with lower odds of being classified as a 'high assessor/monitor'. Most fitness professionals do not routinely assess/monitor client fitness and health. Key factors limiting client health assessment and monitoring include a perceived lack of client interest and professionals not considering this their role.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 24-07-2022
DOI: 10.1177/14034948211031392
Abstract: This study aimed to describe the prevalence and socio-demographic and lifestyle-related correlates of muscle-strengthening activity (MSA strength/resistance training, sit-ups ush-ups, etc.) among a large s le of European adolescents. Data were drawn from the European Health Interview Survey Wave 2 (2013–2014), including 8818 adolescents (15–17 years) from 28 European countries. Self-reported MSA was assessed using a previously validated survey item. Population-weighted prevalence ratios were calculated for (a) ‘none’ (0 days/week), (b) ‘insufficient MSA’ (1–2 days/week) or (c) ‘sufficient MSA’ (⩾3 days/week). Generalised linear models using Poisson regression with robust error variance were used to calculate the prevalence ratios for adolescents reporting sufficient MSA by socio-demographic/lifestyle characteristics and by European region. Overall, 19.4% (95% confidence interval (CI) 18.3–20.7) reported sufficient (⩾3 days/week) MSA and 57.9% (95% CI 56.4–59.6) reported none. Females, adolescents from Southern and Eastern European regions, those not meeting the aerobic guideline and adolescents classified as overweight were significantly associated with a lower likelihood of reporting sufficient MSA, independent of other characteristics. The majority of European adolescents do not meet the MSA guidelines. Future large-scale MSA public-health interventions should target female and currently inactive adolescents, as well as those from Southern and Eastern European regions.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 28-12-2022
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 21-03-2022
DOI: 10.2196/28208
Abstract: Automated wearable cameras present a new opportunity to accurately assess human behavior. However, this technology is seldom used in the study of adolescent’s screen exposure, and the field is reliant on poor-quality self-report data. This study aimed to examine adolescents’ screen exposure by categorizing the type and context of behaviors using automated wearable cameras. Adolescents (mean age 15.4 years, SD 1.6 years n=10) wore a camera for 3 school evenings and 1 weekend day. The camera captured an image every 10 seconds. Fieldwork was completed between February and March 2020, and data were analyzed in August 2020. Images were date and time st ed, and coded for screen type, content, and context. Data representing 71,396 images were analyzed. Overall, 74.0% (52,842/71,396) of images contained screens and 16.8% (11,976/71,396) of images contained multiple screens. Most screen exposures involved television sets (25,950/71,396, 36.3%), smartphones (20,851/71,396, 29.2%), and laptop computers (15,309/71,396, 21.4%). The context of screen use differed by device type, although most screen exposures occurred at home (62,455/64,856, 96.3%) and with solitary engagement (54,430/64,856, 83.9%). The immediate after-school period saw high laptop computer use (4785/15,950, 30.0%), while smartphone use (2059/5320, 38.7%) peaked during prebedtime hours. Weekend screen exposure was high, with smartphone use (1070/1927, 55.5%) peaking in the early morning period and fluctuating throughout the day. There was evidence for high screen use during the after-school and weekend period, mostly through solitary engagement, and within the home environment. The findings may inform the basis of larger studies aimed at examining screen exposure in free-living conditions.
No related grants have been discovered for Jason Bennie.