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0000-0001-9093-4509
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University of Queensland
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Publisher: BMJ
Date: 04-01-2012
DOI: 10.1136/BJSPORTS-2011-090529
Abstract: Regular physical activity is associated with reduced risk of mortality in middle-aged adults however, associations between physical activity and mortality in older people have been less well studied. The objective of this study was to compare relationships between physical activity and mortality in older women and men. The prospective cohort design involved 7080 women aged 70-75 years and 11 668 men aged 65-83 years at baseline, from two Australian cohorts - the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health and the Health in Men Study. Self-reported low, moderate and vigorous intensity physical activity, socio-demographic, behavioural and health characteristics were assessed in relation to all-cause mortality from the National Death Index from 1996 to 2009 the median follow-up of 10.4 (women) and 11.5 (men) years. There were 1807 (25.5%) and 4705 (40.3%) deaths in women and men, respectively. After adjustment for behavioural risk factors, demographic variables and self-reported health at baseline, there was an inverse dose - response relationship between physical activity and all-cause mortality. Compared with women and men who reported no activity, there were statistically significant lower hazard ratios for women who reported any activity and for men who reported activities equivalent to at least 300 metabolic equivalent.min/week. Risk reductions were 30-50% greater in women than in men in every physical activity category. Physical activity is inversely associated with all-cause mortality in older men and women. The relationship is stronger in women than in men, and there are benefits from even low levels of activity.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 2003
DOI: 10.1002/NAU.10023
Abstract: The objectives of the current study were (1) to measure type and severity of urinary leakage and (2) to investigate the association between these factors and age-related life events and conditions in three groups of Australian women with a history of urinary leakage. Five hundred participants were randomly selected from women in the young (aged 18-22 in 1996), mid-age (45-50), and older (70-75) cohorts of the Australian Longitudinal Study of Women's Health (ALSWH) who had reported leaking urine in the 1996 baseline survey. Details about leaking urine (frequency, severity, situations) and associated factors (pregnancy, childbirth, body mass index [BMI]) were sought through self-report mailed follow-up surveys in 1999. Response rates were 50, 83, and 80% in the young, mid-age, and older women, respectively. Most women confirmed that they had leaked urine in the past month, and the majority of these were cases of "mixed" incontinence. Incontinence severity tended to increase with BMI for women of all ages, and increased severity scores were associated with having urine that burns or stings. Additional independent risk factors for increasing incontinence severity were heavy smoking in young women, past or present use of hormone replacement therapy in older women, and BMI and history of hysterectomy in mid-age women.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 27-01-2010
DOI: 10.1111/J.1532-5415.2009.02677.X
Abstract: To examine in an older population all-cause and cause-specific mortality associated with underweight (body mass index (BMI) or =30.0). Cohort study. The Health in Men Study and the Australian Longitudinal Study of Women's Health. Adults aged 70 to 75, 4,677 men and 4,563 women recruited in 1996 and followed for up to 10 years. Relative risk of all-cause mortality and cause-specific (cardiovascular disease, cancer, and chronic respiratory disease) mortality. Mortality risk was lowest for overweight participants. The risk of death for overweight participants was 13% less than for normal-weight participants (hazard ratio (HR)=0.87, 95% CI=0.78-0.94). The risk of death was similar for obese and normal-weight participants (HR=0.98, 95% CI=0.85-1.11). Being sedentary doubled the mortality risk for women across all levels of BMI (HR=2.08, 95% CI=1.79-2.41) but resulted in only a 28% greater risk for men (HR=1.28 (95% CI=1.14-1.44). These results lend further credence to claims that the BMI thresholds for overweight and obese are overly restrictive for older people. Overweight older people are not at greater mortality risk than those who are normal weight. Being sedentary was associated with a greater risk of mortality in women than in men.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2005
Publisher: Elsevier
Date: 2004
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2005
DOI: 10.1016/S1440-2440(05)80060-X
Abstract: The aim of this study was to explore the feasibility of an exercise scientist (ES) working in general practice to promote physical activity (PA) to 55 to 70 year old adults. Participants were randomised into one of three groups: either brief verbal and written advice from a general practitioner (GP) (G1, N=9): or in idualised counselling and follow-up telephone calls from an ES, either with (G3, N=8) or without a pedometer (G2, N=11). PA levels were assessed at week 1, after the 12-wk intervention and again at 24 weeks. After the 12-wk intervention, the average increase in PA was 116 (SD=237) min/wk: N=28, p<0.001. Although there were no statistically significant between-group differences, the average increases in PA among G2 and G3 participants were 195 (SD=207) and 138 (SD=315) min/wk respectively, compared with no change (0.36, SD=157) in G1. After 24 weeks, average PA levels remained 56 (SD=129) min/wk higher than in week 1. The small numbers of participants in this feasibility study limit the power to detect significant differences between groups, but it would appear that in idualised counselling and follow-up contact from an ES, with or without a pedometer, can result in substantial changes in PA levels. A larger study is now planned to confirm these findings.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2012
DOI: 10.1016/J.YPMED.2011.10.012
Abstract: This study assessed the use of standing 'hot' desks in an open plan office and their impact on sedentary work time. Australian employees (n=11 46.9 [9.8] years BMI 25.9 [3.5 kg/m(2)]) wore an armband accelerometer for two consecutive working weeks (November-December 2010). In the second week, employees were encouraged to use a pod of four standing 'hot' desks to stand and work as often as possible. Desk use was recorded using time logs. The percentages of daily work time spent in sedentary ( 3 METs) intensity categories were calculated for each week, relative to the total daily time at work. Paired s le t tests were used to compare weekly differences. Employees spent 8:09 ± 0:31h/day at work and 'hot' desk use ranged from zero to 9:35 h for the week. There were no significant changes in mean time spent in sedentary (difference of -0.1%), light (difference of 0.8%) and moderate+ (-0.7%) intensity categories. However, in idual changes in sedentary work time ranged from -5.9 to 6.4%. Volitional use of standing 'hot' desks varied and while in idual changes were apparent, desk use did not alter overall sedentary work time in this s le.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 22-06-2017
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 19-07-2017
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-1999
DOI: 10.1016/S0001-4575(99)00009-3
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine factors which affect driving behaviour and accident rates in women in Australia. Two groups of women (aged 18-23 and 45-50 years) participating in the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health, completed a mailed questionnaire on driver behaviour and road accidents. Self reported accident rates in the last 3 years were 1.87 per 100,000 km for the young drivers (n = 1199) and 0.59 per 100,000 km for the mid-age drivers (n = 1564) most accidents involved damage only, not injury. Mean scores for lapses obtained using the Driver Behaviour Questionnaire, were similar in the two age groups and similar to those found in other studies. In contrast, scores for errors and violations for the young women were higher than for the mid-age group and previous reports using the same instruments. Riskier driving behaviour among young women was associated with stress and habitual alcohol consumption. In the mid-age group, poorer driver behaviour scores were related to higher levels of education, feeling rushed, higher habitual alcohol consumption and lower life satisfaction scores. Accident rates in both groups were significantly related to lapses. Women born in non-English speaking countries had significantly higher risk of accidents compared to Australian-born women: relative risk = 3.40, 95% confidence interval (1.93, 5.98) for the young drivers relative risk = 1.77, 95% confidence interval (1.11, 2.83) for mid-age drivers. These findings support the need for road safety c aigns targeted at young women to reduce dangerous driving practices, such as speeding, 'tail gating' and overtaking on the inside. There is also a need for further research to understand how lifestyle characteristics are associated with higher risk of accidents and to explore factors which might account for the higher risk for women drivers who were born overseas.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2000
DOI: 10.1111/J.1467-842X.2000.TB00503.X
Abstract: To compare estimates of population levels of 'adequate activity' for health benefit in different age and sex groups using two different measures--kilocalories (kcals) and Mets.mins. 10,464 mid-age women (47-52 years) from the second survey of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health (ALSWH, 1998) and 2,500 men and women (18-75 years) from the 1997 Active Australia national survey, answered questions about physical activity. Kcals and Mets.mins were calculated from self-reported time spent in walking, moderate and vigorous activity, and self-reported body weight. 'Adequate activity' was defined as a minimum of 800 kcals or 600 Mets.mins. There were differences in the estimates of 'adequate activity' using the two methods among women participants in both surveys, but not among the male participants in the Active Australia survey. A significant proportion of the women in both surveys (6.4% of the ALSWH women and 8.5% of the Active Australia women, mean weight 60 kg) were classified as 'inactive' when the kcals method was used despite reporting levels of activity commensurate with good health. Fewer than 1% (mean weight 105 kg) were classified as 'active' using kcals when reporting lower than recommended levels of activity. Agreement between the two methods was better among men only 3% were misclassified because of low or very high weight. The Mets.mins method of estimating 'adequate' activity assesses physical activity independently of body weight and is recommended for use in future population surveys, as it is less likely to under-estimate the prevalence of physical activity in women. Women and men aged 45-59 and women aged > 60 should be the target of specific health promotion strategies to increase population levels of physical activity.
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 02-2016
DOI: 10.1123/KR.2015-0057
Abstract: The Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health (ALSWH) commenced in Australia in 1996 when researchers recruited approximately 40,000 women in three birth cohorts: 1973–1978, 1946–1951, and 1921–1926. Since then participants have completed surveys on a wide range of health issues, at approximately three-year intervals. This overview describes changes in physical activity (PA) over time in the mid-age and older ALSWH cohorts, and summarizes the findings of studies published to date on the determinants of PA, and its associated health outcomes in Australian women. The ALSWH data show a significant increase in PA during mid-age, and a rapid decline in activity levels when women are in their 80s. The study has demonstrated the importance of life stages and key life events as determinants of activity, the additional benefits of vigorous activity for mid-age women, and the health benefits of ‘only walking’ for older women. ALSWH researchers have also drawn attention to the benefits of activity in terms of a wide range of physical and mental health outcomes, as well as overall vitality and well-being. The data indicate that maintaining a high level of PA throughout mid and older age will not only reduce the risk of premature death, but also significantly extend the number of years of healthy life.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2018
DOI: 10.1016/J.JSAMS.2017.10.022
Abstract: The aim was to examine the associations between level of physical activity (PA) and non-hospital medical costs, and between physical activity and hospitalisations in older women from 1999 to 2013. Longitudinal observational study. Data were collected from participants in the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health, who completed surveys in 1999 (aged 73-78 years), 2002, 2005, 2008 and 2011. Annual cost data (from the Medicare Benefits Schedule) were available for 1999-2013 and hospital admissions data were available for 2002-2010. Costs were expressed in 2013 Australian dollars (AUD). Prospective associations between self-reported physical activity (categorised as inactive, low, moderate or high) and costs/admissions were examined using quantile regression (for costs) and logistic regression fitted with generalised estimating equations (for hospitalisation). Median annual costs were AUD122 (95% confidence interval [CI]=199, 45), AUD284 (CI=363, 204) and AUD316 (CI=385, 247) lower in low, moderate and highly active women, respectively, than in those who were inactive [AUD1890 (interquartile range=1107-3296)]. Odds of hospitalisation were also lower in the low (odds ratio [OR]=0.88, CI=0.80-0.96), moderate (OR=0.77, CI=0.70-0.85) and highly active (OR=0.78, CI=0.71-0.85) women, than in the inactive group. In inactive older Australian women, a small increase in physical activity may be sufficient to obtain substantial cost savings for the health system and to reduce hospital admissions.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 20-02-2017
DOI: 10.1071/HE16085
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 03-12-2008
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 30-06-2015
DOI: 10.1093/IJE/DYV110
Abstract: In 1996 the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health recruited a nationally representative s le of more than 40,000 women in three age cohorts, born in 1973-78, 1946-51 and 1921-26. At least six waves of 3-yearly surveys have been completed. Although the focus remains on factors affecting the health and well-being of women and their access to and use of health services across urban, rural and remote areas of Australia, the study has now been considerably expanded by linkage to other health data sets. For most women who have ever participated in the study, linked records are now available for: government-subsidized non-hospital services (e.g. all general practitioner visits) pharmaceutical prescriptions filled national death index, including codes for multiple causes of death aged care assessments and services cancer registries and, for most states and territories, hospital admissions and perinatal data. Additionally, a large cohort of women born in 1989-95 have been recruited. The data are available to approved collaborators, with more than 780 researchers using the data so far. Full details of the study materials and data access procedures are available at [www.alswh.org.au/].
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 19-07-2017
DOI: 10.1136/BJSPORTS-2016-097210
Abstract: Sedentary time (ST) is an important risk factor for a variety of health outcomes in older adults. Consensus is needed on future research directions so that collaborative and timely efforts can be made globally to address this modifiable risk factor. In this review, we examined current literature to identify gaps and inform future research priorities on ST and healthy ageing. We reviewed three primary topics:(1) the validity/reliability of self-report measurement tools, (2) the consequences of prolonged ST on geriatric-relevant health outcomes (physical function, cognitive function, mental health, incontinence and quality of life) and(3) the effectiveness of interventions to reduce ST in older adults. A trained librarian created a search strategy that was peer reviewed for completeness. Self-report assessment of the context and type of ST is important but the tools tend to underestimate total ST. There appears to be an association between ST and geriatric-relevant health outcomes, although there is insufficient longitudinal evidence to determine a dose-response relationship or a threshold for clinically relevant risk. The type of ST may also affect health some cognitively engaging sedentary behaviours appear to benefit health, while time spent in more passive activities may be detrimental. Short-term feasibility studies of in idual-level ST interventions have been conducted however, few studies have appropriately assessed the impact of these interventions on geriatric-relevant health outcomes, nor have they addressed organisation or environment level changes. Research is specifically needed to inform evidence-based interventions that help maintain functional autonomy among older adults.This consensus statement has been endorsed by the following societies: Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy, Exercise & Sports Science Australia, Canadian Centre for Activity and Aging, Society of Behavioral Medicine, and the National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine.
Publisher: Mary Ann Liebert Inc
Date: 10-1996
Publisher: Mary Ann Liebert Inc
Date: 06-1999
Abstract: More than 41,000 women aged 18-23, 45-50, and 70-75 years in 1996 are participating in the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health (Women's Health Australia). Baseline surveys were conducted for all three cohorts in 1996, and the first follow-up survey of the mid-age group in 1998 has achieved a response rate exceeding 90%. The main findings so far reflect the large differences in the life experiences of the three cohorts. The young women report high levels of stress. The physical and mental health of those with young children is worse than for those without children, but confounding by sociodemographic characteristics may account for the differences. Two thirds of young women in the healthy weight or underweight range would like to weigh less, and early onset of dieting is associated with poorer physical and mental health. Most of the women in the mid-age group have multiple roles--in paid work, home duties, and caring for children and other dependents. The potential of the study to investigate the long-term impact of such busy lives on health outcomes is considerable. At this stage, the main health issues for these women relate to tiredness, weight gain, and menopause. The older cohort presents a picture of positive aging. These women are heavier users of health services than the mid-age and younger women, and they are also more satisfied with these services. Although their physical health is poorer, their mental health is better, and they report less stress than women in the other two cohorts. The follow-up survey of this group, planned for 1999, will focus on the coping strategies used by these women. An overall goal of the project is to understand the interactions among social roles, life events, and women's health in order to provide a basis for improved health policies and services. Analysis of these interactions, which relies on both quantitative and qualitative data, poses many challenges that will be addressed as the longitudinal data become available.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 17-01-2018
DOI: 10.1093/AJE/KWX390
Abstract: Natural experiments, such as longitudinal observational studies that follow-up residents as they relocate, provide a strong basis to infer causation between the neighborhood environment and health. In this study, we examined whether changes in the level of neighborhood disadvantage were associated with changes in body mass index (BMI) after residential relocation. This analysis included data from 928 residents who relocated between 2007 and 2013, across 4 waves of the How Areas in Brisbane Influence Health and Activity (HABITAT) study in Brisbane, Australia. Neighborhood disadvantage was measured using a census-derived composite index. For in idual-level data, participants self-reported their height, weight, education, occupation, and household income. Data were analyzed using multilevel, hybrid linear models. Women residing in less disadvantaged neighborhoods had a lower BMI, but there was no association among men. Neighborhood disadvantage was not associated with within-in idual changes in BMI among men or women when moving to a new neighborhood. Despite a growing body of literature suggesting an association between neighborhood disadvantage and BMI, we found this association may not be causal among middle-aged and older adults. Observing associations between neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage and BMI over the life course, including the impact of residential relocation at younger ages, remains a priority for future research.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2013
DOI: 10.1016/J.AMEPRE.2013.05.018
Abstract: Prolonged, uninterrupted sitting time is associated with poor health outcomes. As most sitting time occurs at work, accurate, objective measurement of occupational sitting patterns is required to fully understand its effects on employee health. The purpose of this study was to examine associations of desk-based sitting patterns with waist circumference (WC) and BMI. Participants were full-time, office-based employees (N=105 mean age 40.9±11.5 years BMI 26.1±3.9 65% women). Sitting patterns (total desk-based sitting time and number of times employees got up from their desk) were assessed for 5 days using an objective measure of desk-based sitting: the sitting pad. WC, height, and weight were measured, and BMI was calculated. Associations of sitting patterns with WC and BMI were tested using logistic regression models. Data were collected and analyzed in 2011-2012. Those with high levels of sitting time at their desk were 2.7 times (95% CI=1.3, 6.3) more likely to have WC ≥94 cm (men) and ≥80 cm (women), and 9.0 times (95% CI=1.9, 41.9) more likely to have BMI ≥30 than those with lower sitting time. There were no associations between the number of times employees got up from sitting at their desk and WC or BMI. High levels of desk-based sitting time were associated with an increased likelihood of negative weight-related health outcomes, whereas frequency of getting up from sitting at the desk was not.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 05-2001
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 2009
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2007
DOI: 10.1016/J.AMEPRE.2007.07.029
Abstract: This narrative review updates evidence from the last 10 years on physical activity (PA) and the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer in women. A literature search was conducted to identify prospective cohort studies published from January 1997 to February 2006. There were significant reductions in risk in 12 of 17 studies of cardiovascular outcomes (risk reductions ranging from 28% to 58%), in seven of eight studies of diabetes (14% to 46%), in seven of ten studies of breast cancer (11% to 67%), in two of two studies of endometrial cancer (68% to 90%), and in one of three studies of colorectal cancer (31% to 46%). There was mixed evidence for PA preventing gestational diabetes (three studies) and a range of other cancers (13 studies). Protective benefits for cardiovascular disease and diabetes were reported with as little as 60 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week (240 Metabolic Equivalent (MET) minutes or 4 MET hours), with walking and moderate-intensity physical activity providing risk reductions comparable to those for the equivalent energy expenditure from more vigorous-intensity physical activity. There is strong evidence of a role for PA in the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and some cancers in women. There was no evidence of additional health benefits from vigorous-intensity PA, over and above those achieved from walking or moderate-intensity PA. This may be because, in most studies, there was limited reporting of vigorous PA by women. For some health outcomes, the amount of PA required for health benefits in middle-aged and older women might be lower than current national recommendations.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 12-2002
DOI: 10.1097/00005768-200212000-00020
Abstract: To review and update the evidence relating to the personal, social, and environmental factors associated with physical activity (PA) in adults. Systematic review of the peer-reviewed literature to identify papers published between 1998 and 2000 with PA (and including exercise and exercise adherence). Qualitative reports or case studies were not included. Thirty-eight new studies were located. Most confirmed the existence of factors already known to be correlates of PA. Changes in status were noted in relation to the influence of marital status, obesity, smoking, lack of time, past exercise behavior, and eight environmental variables. New studies were located which focused on previously understudied population groups such as minorities, middle and older aged adults, and the disabled. The newly reported studies tend to take a broader "ecological" approach to understanding the correlates of PA and are more focused on environmental factors. There remains a need to better understand environmental influences and the factors that influence different types of PA. As most of the work in this field still relies on cross-sectional studies, longitudinal and intervention studies will be required if causal relationships are to be inferred.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2003
DOI: 10.1016/S0749-3797(03)00119-3
Abstract: Physical activity (PA) patterns are likely to change in young adulthood in line with changes in lifestyle that occur in the transition from adolescence to adulthood. The aim of this study was to ascertain whether key life events experienced by young women in their early twenties are associated with increasing levels of inactivity. This was a 4-year follow-up of 7281 participants (aged 18 to 23 years at baseline) in the Australian Longitudinal Study of Women's Health, with self-reported measures of PA, life events, body mass index (BMI), and sociodemographic variables. The cross-sectional data indicated no change in PA between baseline (57% "active") and follow-up (56% "active"). However, for almost 40% of the s le, PA category changed between baseline and follow-up, with approximately 20% of the women changing from being "active" to "inactive," and another 20% changing from being "inactive" to "active." After adjustment for age, other sociodemographic variables, BMI, and PA at baseline, women who reported getting married, having a first or subsequent child, or beginning paid work were more likely to be inactive at follow-up than those who did not report these events. The results suggest that life events such as getting married, having children, and starting work are associated with decreased levels of PA in young adult women. Strategies are needed to promote maintenance of activity at the time when most women experience these key life-stage transitions.
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2004
DOI: 10.1071/HE04078
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 09-2000
DOI: 10.1080/02701367.2000.10608901
Abstract: This paper explores the association between moderate levels of physical activity (PA) and health benefits in well being and symptoms such as tiredness, back pain, and constipation. Participants in the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health, 14,502 young women (ages 18-23 years), 13,609 middle-age women (45-50 years), and 11,421 older women (ages 70-75 years), answered questions about vigorous and less vigorous exercise (used to determine a physical activity score), well being (SF-36), symptoms, and medical conditions. There were significant associations between the PA score and SF-36 in each cohort. Odds ratios (OR) for a range of symptoms and conditions were lower for women who reported low to moderate activity than for sedentary women, for ex le, for young women or for constipation = 0.76 (CI, 0.65-0.89), for middle-age women or for tiredness = 0.70 (0.63-0.78). There was no threshold of PA at which health benefits increased significantly. Although cross-sectional, the findings suggest that low-to-moderate levels of exercise are associated with a range of health benefits for women of all ages. These preliminary findings will be followed up during the longitudinal study.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 22-11-2014
DOI: 10.1007/S13679-013-0077-4
Abstract: Recent estimates suggest that 35.3 % of adult Australians are overweight and a further 27.5 % are obese. The Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health (ALSWH) is a prospective study of women's health that commenced in Australia in 1996. The study recruited approximately 40,000 women in three birth cohorts, 1973-1978, 1946-1951 and 1921-1926, who have since been followed up approximately every three years using self-report surveys. Six surveys have been completed to date. This review aims to describe the changes in weight and weight status over time in the three ALSWH cohorts, and to review and summarise the published findings to date relating to the determinants and health consequences of weight gain, overweight and obesity. Future plans for the ALSWH include on-going surveys for all cohorts, with a seventh survey in 2013-2015, and establishment of a new cohort of women born in 1990-1995, which is currently being recruited.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 2001
DOI: 10.1002/ERV.388
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2010
DOI: 10.1111/J.1753-6405.2010.00618.X
Abstract: To assess the accuracy of body mass index (BMI) estimated from self-reported height and weight from a mailed survey, in a population-based s le of mid-aged Australian women. One hundred and fifty nine women (age 54-59 years) were recruited from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health (ALSWH). Participants provided height and weight data in a mailed survey and were then measured (Brisbane, Australia 2005). Differences between self-reported and measured data were examined by plotting against the measured values and using paired t-tests and kappa statistics. Factors associated with biased reporting were assessed using regression models. Both self-reported height and weight tended to be underestimated, with a mean difference of 0.67 cm (95% CI 0.26 to 1.08 cm) and 0.95 kg (95% CI 0.44 to 1.47 kg) respectively. Reported height and derived BMI was more accurate among married women than single women (average difference of 1.28 cm, 95% CI 0.19 to 2.37 cm and -1.00 kg/m², 95%CI -1.69 to -0.30, respectively). Women with BMI 18.5-24.9 kg/m² reported weight more accurately than obese women (average difference of 2.26 kg, 95% CI 0.14 to 4.38 kg). There was 84% agreement between BMI categories derived from self-reported and measured data, with 85%, 73% and 94% of women correctly classified as obese, overweight, and healthy BMI using self-reported data and kappa=0.81. There is substantial agreement between self-reported and measured height and weight data for mid-aged women, especially among married and healthy weight women. Population-based studies among mid-aged women in Australia can use self-reported data obtained from mailed surveys to derive BMI estimates.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2010
DOI: 10.1016/J.YPMED.2010.08.012
Abstract: To systematically review the effectiveness of workplace interventions for reducing sitting. Studies published up to April 2009 were identified by literature searches in multiple databases. Studies were included if they were interventions to increase energy expenditure (increase physical activity or decrease sitting) were conducted in a workplace setting and specifically measured sitting as a primary or secondary outcome. Two independent reviewers assessed methodological quality of the included studies, and data on study design, s le, measures of sitting, intervention and results were extracted. Six studies met the inclusion criteria (five randomised trials and one pre-post study). The primary aim of all six was to increase physical activity all had reducing sitting as a secondary aim. All used self-report measures of sitting one specifically assessed occupational sitting time the others used measures of general sitting. No studies showed that sitting decreased significantly in the intervention group, compared with a control or comparison group. Currently, there is a dearth of evidence on the effectiveness of workplace interventions for reducing sitting. In light of the growing body of evidence that prolonged sitting is negatively associated with health, this highlights a gap in the scientific literature that needs to be addressed.
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 28-06-2020
Abstract: stepped-down program is one in which clients transition from the care of a health professional to self-managed care. Very little is known about the effectiveness of stepped-down physical activity (PA) programs for military service veterans. his study will test Active Choices, a stepped-down behavioral support program designed to help Australian Defence Force veterans and their dependents who are clients of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, transition from treatment by an exercise physiologist or physiotherapist to self-managed PA. he study is a parallel-group, randomized trial, with city-based exercise physiology or physiotherapy practices that recruit eligible Department of Veterans’ Affairs clients assigned to Active Choices or a comparison program. The study aims to recruit 52 participants (26 in each group). The Active Choices program will consist of 2 face-to-face (Weeks 1, 12) and 2 telephone (Weeks 4 and 8) consultations. During these sessions, the participant and Active Choices consultant will utilize an evidence-based resource booklet to review the key benefits of an active lifestyle, build an action plan for PA preferences, set and review goals, self-monitor progress relative to set goals, and discuss strategies to overcome PA barriers. Linking participants to local PA communities to overcome social isolation will be a program priority. The comparison program will consist of 2 consultations (Weeks 1 and 12) and use fewer behavioral support strategies (education, self-monitoring, and action planning only) than Active Choices. Outcome measures will be administered at baseline, end-intervention (12 weeks), and follow-up (24 weeks) to assess changes in moderate intensity self-managed PA, psychological well-being, and social connectedness. We will also measure health service utilization and costs as well as PA choices across the intervention period. End-intervention interviews will capture participant experiences. ue to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on human research activities in Australia, participant recruitment will commence when it is safe and feasible to do so. indings will provide valuable pilot data to support up-scaling of the program and larger effectiveness trials with regional and rural as well as city-based Australian Defence Force veterans and their dependents. ustralian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR): ACTRN12620000559910 www.anzctr.org.au/ACTRN12620000559910.aspx RR1-10.2196/21911
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 04-09-2018
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.JSAMS.2018.12.004
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine the number of monitoring days needed to reliably measure weekly activity behaviours with the ActivPAL (AP) monitor in adults. Cross-sectional study. Participants (90 adults (51.1% men) age=39.1±12.43 years) wore an AP for 7 consecutive days. Mean time spent sitting/lying, standing and stepping per day, and mean number of transitions from sitting to standing per day were calculated for each participant using 7 days of monitoring (reference). Estimates for these activities were also derived from a combination of randomly selected days (from 1 to 6 days), and randomly selected weekdays and weekend days, and compared with the reference using ANOVA, correlation coefficients and Bland-Altman methods Spearman-Brown Prophecy Formula, based on Intraclass correlation of 0.8, was used to predict the minimum number of days needed to represent activity behaviours as measured with the AP. At least five days of monitoring were necessary to achieve a reliability of 0.8 for all postures and transitions. Correlation coefficients between estimates derived from any combination of 5 days and the reference were high (rho=0.96-0.98). When using a combination of weekdays and weekend days, mean biases were comparable with those shown by any combination of days, but 95% limits of agreement were narrower. When using the AP for a week, data from a combination of any 5 days provided reliable estimates of all activities and transitions per day, but more precise estimates were achieved if at least 1 weekend day was included.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 28-04-2016
Publisher: AMPCo
Date: 11-2005
DOI: 10.5694/J.1326-5377.2005.TB07159.X
Abstract: Physical activity can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, some forms of cancer, osteoporosis, obesity, falls and fractures, and some mental health problems. While the benefits of physical activity are clear, there is a slightly increased risk of sudden death while exercising (compared with while sedentary), especially in untrained people undertaking unaccustomed vigorous activity. Routine exercise testing yields a significant number of false-positive results, and has not been shown to prevent exercise-related acute cardiac events. There is no convincing evidence that exercise is itself associated with osteoarthritis, but significant joint injury which occurs during sport is associated with an increased risk of subsequent development of osteoarthritis.
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2003
DOI: 10.1071/HE03095
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 27-06-2012
DOI: 10.1111/J.1600-0838.2012.01495.X
Abstract: The aim of this systematic review was to summarize the effects of pole walking (PW) programs on physical and psychosocial health. Randomized controlled and controlled trials were identified from literature searches in PubMed, Cochrane library, EMBASE, SPORTdiscuss, CINAHL and PEDRO. A total of 14 articles from 13 studies met the inclusion criteria. Eleven of the included studies had a quality score of 50% or higher. Most studies included mid to older aged men and women in clinical populations with various medical conditions. Only two studies included nonclinical populations. The majority of the PW programs consisted of supervised group sessions performed two to three times weekly for 8 weeks or longer. Most studies investigated the effects of PW on both physical and psychosocial health and the majority examined effects on four to five outcomes. The effects of PW on cardiorespiratory fitness were most extensively studied. The most frequently examined psychosocial measure was quality of life. All studies reported at least one beneficial effect of PW compared with the control group. The results of this systematic review indicate that PW programs have some beneficial effects on both physical and psychosocial health in adults with and without clinical conditions.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2016
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 04-08-2010
Abstract: The aim of this study was to assess the major dietary patterns of two age cohorts of women, to determine to the extent to which the dietary patterns differ between the cohorts and to assess whether they vary according to sociodemographic and behavioural characteristics and patterns of nutrient intake. Dietary intake was assessed using an 80-item food frequency questionnaire for women aged 50-55 years (n=10 150 'middle age') in 2001 and aged 25-30 years (n=7371 'young') in 2003, from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health. Factor analysis using principal component extraction was used to identify dietary patterns, and a pattern score was calculated from the consumption of the food items identified with each dietary pattern. Associations between the dietary pattern scores and sociodemographic and behavioural characteristics and nutrient intakes were investigated using regression analysis. Six dietary patterns were identified and were labelled: cooked vegetables fruit Mediterranean-style processed meat, meat and takeaway reduced fat dairy and high-fat and sugar foods. Regression analysis revealed that healthier dietary patterns were significantly associated with other favourable health-related behaviours, higher socioeconomic status and living in urban areas (P-values <0.05). In spite of differences in the level of consumption of in idual food items, the similarity in dietary patterns across two generations of women suggests that policies and interventions to improve diet should focus on social and economic factors and general health-related behaviour rather than different age groups.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 1996
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 2014
DOI: 10.1155/2014/271532
Abstract: Introduction . There is debate as to whether physical activity counteracts the adverse effect of weight on health outcomes. We investigated how physical activity modifies the effect of body mass index (BMI) on hypertension risk. Methods . BMI, physical activity, and hypertension were measured at baseline and at three-year interval for 14 years (from 1996 to 2010), in 10,339 participants in the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health. Generalised estimating equation models for binary repeated measures were performed to determine the in idual and joint effects of BMI and physical activity on incident hypertension. Results . At baseline (mean age 47.6 ± 1.5 SD), 57% were healthy weight, 28% overweight, and 14% obese. Increasing BMI and decreasing physical activity were associated with increased risk of hypertension. Physical activity attenuated the positive association between weight and risk of hypertension, especially for obese women. Compared to healthy weight high active women, risk of hypertension in obese high active women was 3.4 times greater (OR 3.43, 95% CI 2.68, 4.39) and in obese inactive women 4.9 times greater (OR 4.91, 95% CI 3.92, 6.13). Conclusions . Both physical activity and maintenance of a healthy body weight are associated with lower risk of hypertension. Physical activity reduced but did not remove the effect of obesity on hypertension risk.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 10-2003
DOI: 10.1046/J.1360-0443.2003.00525.X
Abstract: To estimate the prevalence of illicit drug use in young Australian women, determine their patterns of drug use and identify associated risk factors. Data were collected in 2000 as part of the second survey of the youngest cohort in the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health (n = 9512). Among women aged 22-27 years, 58% reported having used an illicit drug at some time with most (57%) having used cannabis. Amphetamines (16%), ecstasy/designer drugs (15%) and LSD (14%) were the next three most commonly used drugs. Four different patterns of drug use were identified: past users of cannabis only (39%) current users of cannabis only (17%) past multiple drug users (13%) and current multiple drug users (31%). Living in a de-facto relationship or never being married, living with non-family members, a history of physical abuse, sexual intercourse, smoking and binge drinking were associated significantly with exclusive use of cannabis and with use of multiple drugs compared to never using illicit drugs. Living with a partner, experience of sexual or emotional abuse, pregnancy, diagnosis of depression and taking sleeping medication were associated significantly with being a multiple drug user, but not for exclusive cannabis use. Multiple drug users had, on average, used cannabis 2-3 years before using any other drug. Given the strong association found between smoking, heavy drinking and drug use of varied patterns, public health initiatives targeted at preventing young women from smoking and drinking should additionally target illicit drug use.
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.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 19-09-2018
DOI: 10.1111/OBR.12756
Abstract: The purpose of this review and meta-analysis was to evaluate overweight and obesity as risk factors for urinary incontinence in young to mid-aged women. Understanding these relationships during this life stage is important as early onset increases the risk for developing severe and persistent incontinence. A systematic search resulted in 497 citations, 14 of which were retained for review. Data were analysed by overweight and obesity and by subtype of urinary incontinence - stress, urge, mixed and severe. When compared with 'normal' body mass index, overweight was associated with a one-third increase in risk of urinary incontinence (relative risk = 1.35, 95% confidence interval = 1.20-1.53), while the risk was doubled in women with obesity (relative risk = 1.95, 95% confidence interval = 1.58-2.42). When estimates were pooled according to urinary incontinence subtype, there was no statistical difference in risk. Overweight and obesity are strong predictors of urinary incontinence, with a significantly greater risk observed for obesity. Clinical advice to young women at risk of, or presenting with, obesity should not be limited to metabolic health only but should emphasize the role of excess weight on pelvic floor weakening and subsequent risk of incontinence.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2014
DOI: 10.1016/J.JSAMS.2013.02.008
Abstract: Men living in regional and remote areas of Australia have higher prevalence of chronic disease and are less likely to meet physical activity (PA) guidelines compared to their major city counterparts. The study aimed to identify the characteristics of men living in a regional area of Australia who are at risk of not meeting PA guidelines and may benefit from workplace strategies to promote PA. Cross-sectional study. 1722 men from 130 worksites participated in a workplace health-screening program in Ipswich and West Moreton (South East Queensland, Australia) from 2005 to 2011. Self-reported data on demographic characteristics, lifestyle choices, medical history, and PA levels were collected. Univariable and multivariable Poisson loglinear regression were used to estimate relative risks (RR) for not meeting PA guidelines. A post hoc analysis was performed to identify the characteristics of men who were most at risk of not meeting PA guidelines. The univariable model showed that men >40 years had 20% higher risks of not meeting PA guidelines than men <40 years (RR=1.20, CI=1.08-1.33). The multivariable model showed that men 40 years and not educated beyond high school had the highest risk of not meeting PA guidelines (RR=1.91). Older and less educated men were most likely not to meet PA guidelines. PA promotion efforts in this region of Australia should target men with these characteristics, through tailored workplace intervention strategies.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 15-06-2013
Abstract: What is the contribution of diet, physical activity and sedentary behaviour to body mass index (BMI) in women with and without polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)? PCOS status, higher energy intake and glycaemic index and lower physical activity were independently associated with BMI. Obesity worsens the clinical features of PCOS and women with PCOS have an elevated prevalence of overweight and obesity. It is not known whether there is a contribution of lifestyle factors such as dietary intake, physical activity or sedentary behaviour to the elevated prevalence of obesity in PCOS. This study is a population-based observational study with data currently collected at 13 year follow-up. The study commenced in 1996. For this analysis, data are analysed at one time point corresponding to the Survey 5 of the cohort in 2009. At this time 8200 participants remained (58% retention of baseline participants) of which 7466 replied to the questionnaire 409 self-reported a diagnosis of PCOS and 7057 no diagnosis of PCOS. Australian women born in 1973-1978 from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health. Mean BMI was higher in women with PCOS compared with non-PCOS (29.3 ± 7.5 versus 25.6 ± 5.8 kg/m(2), P < 0.001). Women with PCOS reported a better dietary intake (elevated diet quality and micronutrient intake and lower saturated fat and glycaemic index intake) but increased energy intake, increased sitting time and no differences in total physical activity compared with non-PCOS. PCOS status, higher energy intake and glycaemic index and lower physical activity, as well as age, smoking, alcohol intake, occupation, education and country of birth, were independently associated with BMI. The weaknesses of this study include the self-reported diagnosis of PCOS, and the women not reporting PCOS not having their control status clinically verified which is likely to underrepresent the PCOS population. We are also unable to determine if lifestyle behaviours contributed to the PCOS diagnosis or were altered in response to diagnosis. The strengths of this study include the community-based nature of the s le which minimizes selection bias to include women with a variety of clinical presentations. These results are therefore generalizable to a broader population than the majority of research in PCOS examining this research question which are performed in clinic-based populations. This study is in agreement with the literature that PCOS is independently associated with elevated BMI. We provide new insights that diet quality is subtly improved but that sedentary behaviour is elevated in PCOS and that PCOS status, higher energy intake and glycaemic index and lower physical activity are independently associated with BMI. L.J.M. was supported by a South Australian Cardiovascular Research Development Program (SACVRDP) Fellowship (AC11S374) a program collaboratively funded by the National Heart Foundation of Australia, the South Australian Department of Health and the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, S.A.M. was funded by an Australian Research Council Future Fellowship (FT100100581), S.Z. was funded by a Heart Foundation Career Development Fellowship (ID CR10S5330) and H.J.T. was funded by an NHMRC fellowship (ID 545888). None of the authors has any conflict of interest to declare. Not applicable.
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 07-2006
DOI: 10.1123/JPAH.3.3.257
Abstract: The aims of this study were to describe the amount of non-ambulatory physical activity (PA) undertaken by a s le of Australian workers, and to evaluate different methods of accounting for non-ambulatory activities when using pedometers to measure physical activity. Adults age 18 to 64 y ( N = 204) wore a pedometer and recorded steps and non-step activity in a logbook for 7 d. Non-ambulatory activity was recorded by 28% of the participants ( N = 52) with cycling and swimming the most frequently reported. The mean time reported for non-ambulatory activities was 82.8 (standard deviation 80.0) min/wk. On average, participants recorded 8873 (standard deviation 2757) steps/d. Time in non-ambulatory activities was converted to steps equivalents using three different conversion methods. Use of the three methods added 333 to 721 steps/d in the whole s le, but 1153 to 2566 steps/d for those who reported non-ambulatory activity. Suggestions are provided for accounting for non-ambulatory activities in interventions which rely on step count measures.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2006
DOI: 10.1016/J.JSAMS.2006.02.005
Abstract: A recent editorial raised several issues about the role of exercise physiologists in the fight against physical inactivity in Australia. This opinion piece argues that we must strive to work together in multidisciplinary groups to improve our understanding of the mechanisms which link PA and health and the ways to persuade people to become more active. Prescription of specific exercise programs supported by exercise physiologists is one strategy for helping to activate Australians, but it is unlikely that that this alone will have a significant impact on population health. If we are to activate the 10,000,000 Australians who are currently insufficiently active for health benefit, we will need the combined efforts of governments, NGOs, teachers, planners, marketing experts, veterinarians, and ALL our health professionals, to combine forces to activate Australia.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2016
Publisher: American Diabetes Association
Date: 02-2004
Abstract: OBJECTIVE—To assess the concurrent validity of fasting indexes of insulin sensitivity and secretion in obese prepubertal (Tanner stage 1) children and pubertal (Tanner stages 2–5) adolescents using estimates from the modified minimal model frequently s led intravenous glucose tolerance test (FSIVGTT) as a criterion measure. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Eighteen obese children and adolescents (11 girls and 7 boys, mean age 12.2 ± 2.4 years, mean BMI 35.4 ± 6.2 kg/m2, mean BMI-SDS 3.5 ± 0.5, 7 prepubertal and 11 pubertal) participated in the study. All participants underwent an insulin-modified FSIVGTT on two occasions, and 15 repeated this test a third time (mean 12.9 and 12.0 weeks apart). Si measured by the FSIVGTT was compared with homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), quantitative insulin-sensitivity check index (QUICKI), fasting glucose-to-insulin ratio (FGIR), and fasting insulin (estimates of insulin sensitivity derived from fasting s les). The acute insulin response (AIR) measured by the FSIVGTT was compared with HOMA of percent β-cell function (HOMA-β%), FGIR, and fasting insulin (estimates of insulin secretion derived from fasting s les). RESULTS—There was a significant negative correlation between HOMA-IR and Si (r = −0.89, r = −0.90, and r = −0.81, P & 0.01) and a significant positive correlation between QUICKI and Si (r = 0.89, r = 0.90, and r = 0.81, P & 0.01) at each time point. There was a significant positive correlation between FGIR and Si (r = 0.91, r = 0.91, and r = 0.82, P & 0.01) and a significant negative correlation between fasting insulin and Si (r = −90, r = −0.90, and r = −0.88, P & 0.01). HOMA-β% was not as strongly correlated with AIR (r = 0.60, r = 0.54, and r = 0.61, P & 0.05). CONCLUSIONS—HOMA-IR, QUICKI, FGIR, and fasting insulin correlate strongly with Si assessed by the FSIVGTT in obese children and adolescents. Correlations between HOMA-β%, FGIR and fasting insulin, and AIR were not as strong. Indexes derived from fasting s les are a valid tool for assessing insulin sensitivity in prepubertal and pubertal obese children.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 22-11-2017
Abstract: Interpretation of changes in health and health care utilization patterns across the life span depends on an understanding of the effects of age, period, and cohort. The purpose of this article is to illustrate differences among three generations of women in demographic factors, health risk factors, and health status indicators from 1996 to 2008. The article examines data from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health, a broad-ranging project funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing (DoHA) and involving three age groups of women (born in the periods 1973—1978, 1946—1951, and 1921—1926) who were first surveyed in 1996 and will be surveyed every 3 years until at least 2015. Patterns in selected demographic factors (marital status and level of educational qualification), health risk factors (smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity, and body mass index [BMI]), and health status indicators (asthma, hypertension, diabetes and depression physical functioning and mental health scores from the SF-36) were examined to illustrate ex les of biological age, generational differences, or period effects that affect all age groups and generations simultaneously. The results can be used to inform the development of responsive and effective models for both prevention and management of chronic disease, including health and aged-care systems that will meet the needs of different generations of women across their life span.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2010
Publisher: Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health
Date: 16-12-2017
DOI: 10.5271/SJWEH.3700
Abstract: Objectives The aim of this review was to assess the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) events associated with shift work and determine if there is a dose-response relationship in this association. Method Electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) were searched for cohort or case-control control study designs in any population, reporting exposure to shift work as the main contributing factor to estimate CVD risk. For each study, adjusted relative risk (RR) ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were extracted, and used to calculate the pooled RR using random-effect models. Meta-regression analysis was conducted to explore potential heterogeneity sources. Potential non-linear dose-response relationships were examined using fractional polynomial models. Results We included 21 studies with a total of 173 010 unique participants. The majority of the studies were ranked low-to-moderate risk of bias. The risk of any CVD event was 17% higher among shift workers than day workers. The risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) morbidity was 26% higher (1.26, 95% CI 1.10-1.43, I
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 12-2000
DOI: 10.1518/001872000779697971
Abstract: The current study was designed to confirm that female drivers sit closer to the steering wheel than do male drivers and to investigate whether this expected difference in sitting position is attributable to differences in the physical dimensions of men and women. Driver body dimensions and multiple measures of sitting distance from the steering wheel were collected from a s le of 150 men and 150 women. The results confirmed that on average, women sit closer to the steering wheel than men do and that this difference is accounted for by variations in body dimensions, especially height. This result suggests that driver height may provide a good surrogate for sitting distance from the steering wheel when investigating the role of driver position in real-world crash outcomes. The potential applications of this research include change to vehicle design that allows independent adjustment of the relative distance among the driver's seat, the steering wheel, and the floor pedals.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2004
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 08-2011
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 05-2010
DOI: 10.1080/13548501003758710
Abstract: Despite many studies on the characteristics associated with resilience, there is little research on interventions to promote resilience in adults. The aims of this study were to gather preliminary information regarding the feasibility of implementing a group psychosocial resilience training program (REsilience and Activity for every DaY, READY) in a workplace setting, and to assess if program would potentially promote well-being. The program targets five protective factors identified from empirical evidence: Positive emotions, cognitive flexibility, social support, life meaning, and active coping. Resilience enhancement strategies reflect core acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) processes and cognitive behavior therapy strategies. Sessions involve psychoeducation, discussions, experiential exercises, and home assignments. Sixteen participants completed 11 x two h group sessions over 13 weeks. Baseline and post-intervention assessment included self-administered questionnaires, pedometer step counts, and physical and hematological measures. Data were analyzed using standardized mean differences and paired t-tests. There was a significant improvement between baseline and post intervention scores on measures of mastery (p = 0.001), positive emotions (p = 0.002), personal growth (p = 0.004), mindfulness (p = 0.004), acceptance (p = 0.012), stress (p = 0.013), self acceptance (p = 0.016), valued living (p = 0.022), autonomy (p = 0.032) and total cholesterol (p = 0.025). Participants rated the program and materials very highly. These results indicate that the READY program is feasible to implement as a group training program in a workplace setting to promote psychosocial well-being.
Publisher: WHO Press
Date: 09-2013
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2003
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 12-02-2019
Abstract: Introduction: With two thirds of adults in paid employment and one third physically inactive, workplaces are an important setting for promoting more physical activity. We explored the attitudes and practices of employees and managers from different industries towards sitting and moving at work, to inform the development of acceptable solutions for encouraging businesses to adopt activity-promoting workplaces. Method: We conducted focus groups with employees and structured interviews with upper/middle managers from 12 organisations in a range of industries (e.g., education, healthcare, manufacturing, construction, insurance, mining). Topics focused on past and current workplace health and wellness initiatives, workplace culture and environment related to physical activity, responsibility for employee physical activity patterns at work, and enablers of/barriers to activity promoting workplaces. Results: Physical activity was not an explicit priority in existing occupational health and wellness initiatives. Instead, there was a strong focus on education about preventing and managing injuries, such as manual handling among non-office workers and desk-based ergonomics for office workers. Physical activity was viewed as a strategy for maintaining work ability and preventing injury, particularly in blue-collar staff, rather than for chronic disease prevention. Managers noted structural/organisational barriers/enablers to promoting physical activity at work (e.g., regulations, costs, competing concerns), while employees tended to focus on in idual constraints such as time and geographic location. The issues of "initiative overload" and making physical activity a part of “business as usual” emerged as strong themes from employees and managers. Conclusions: While there is stakeholder enthusiasm for creating activity-promoting workplaces, multi-level support is needed to make physical activity an integral part of day-to-day business. The synergism between occupational health and safety priorities could be leveraged to facilitate the creation of activity-promoting workplaces.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 09-1994
DOI: 10.1207/S15327558IJBM0103_1
Abstract: Health promotion programs aimed at the general community often fail to reach Australians of non-English speaking background (NESB) because of language and cultural barriers. A 12-week minimal-intervention heart health program, designed for women of European background, was piloted with 43 women from a Polish social group, with a further 30 women serving as a comparison group. Assessments of the intervention group before and after the 12-week program indicated significant decreases in exercising heart rate and in resting blood pressure, which were not evident in the comparison group. Twelve-week follow-up data indicated that these gains had been well maintained. When the comparison group was invited to participate in a similar program, there were also significant improvements on these variables. This pilot study suggests that health promotion programs aimed at NESB Australians can be effective in modifying risk factors for cardiovascular disease if an effort is made lo address language and cultural barriers.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 05-2010
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2013
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 21-02-2006
Abstract: To establish the prevalence of weight change in mid-aged women over a 2-year period, and to assess the relationship between weight change and physical and mental well-being (SF36) in order to begin debate about the need for quantified standards of weight gain. Prospective study of weight change and well-being over a 2-year period among mid-aged women participating in a large national survey. Seven thousand two hundred and seventy women without surgical menopause aged between 45 and 50 years (termed mid-aged), enrolled in the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health. Weight change (self-reported weight at two time points) and physical and mental well-being (SF-36) explored using linear regression, while adjusting for potential confounders. Only half the women maintained their weight within 2.25 kg, and one-third gained more than this amount in a 2-year period. While weight gain (> or = 2.25 kg) was negatively associated with physical well-being, both weight loss and weight gain were associated with poorer mental well-being. This is the first prospective study using a large, population-based cohort to demonstrate that small changes in weight are associated with changes in well-being in mid-aged Australian women. It provides further evidence of the need for public health messages to specify the actual amount that constitutes weight gain, but further research is needed to establish these standards for the entire population.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.JSAMS.2016.01.009
Abstract: This efficacy study assessed the added impact real time computer prompts had on a participatory approach to reduce occupational sedentary exposure and increase physical activity. Quasi-experimental. 57 Australian office workers (mean [SD] age=47 [11] years BMI=28 [5]kg/m Workers spent close to three quarters of their work time sedentary, mostly sitting at desks (mean [SD] total desk sitting time=371 [71]min/day longest bout spent desk sitting=104 [43]min/day). Intervention effects were four times greater in workers who used real time computer prompts (8% decrease in work time sedentary behaviour and increase in light intensity physical activity p<0.01). Respective mean differences between baseline and intervention total time spent sitting at desks, and the longest bout spent desk sitting, were 23 and 32min/day lower in prompt than in non-prompt workers (p<0.01). In this s le of office workers, real time computer prompts facilitated the impact of a participatory approach on reductions in occupational sedentary exposure, and increases in physical activity.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 18-04-2019
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.MAYOCP.2016.03.008
Abstract: To examine the effects of overall level and timing of physical activity (PA) on changes from a healthy body mass index (BMI) category over 12 years in young adult women. Participants in the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health (younger cohort, born 1973-1978) completed surveys between 2000 (age 22-27 years) and 2012 (age 34-39 years). Physical activity was measured in 2000, 2003, 2006, and 2009 and was categorized as very low, low, active, or very active at each survey, and a cumulative PA score for this 9-year period was created. Logistic regression was used to examine relationships between PA accumulated across all surveys (cumulative PA model) and PA at each survey (critical periods PA model), with change in BMI category (from healthy to overweight or healthy to obese) from 2000 to 2012. In women with a healthy BMI in 2000, there were clear dose-response relationships between accumulated PA and transition to overweight (P=.03) and obesity (P<.01) between 2000 and 2012. The critical periods analysis indicated that very active levels of PA at the 2006 survey (when the women were 28-33 years old) and active or very active PA at the 2009 survey (age 31-36 years) were most protective against transitioning to overweight and obesity. These findings confirm that maintenance of very high PA levels throughout young adulthood will significantly reduce the risk of becoming overweight or obese. There seems to be a critical period for maintaining high levels of activity at the life stage when many women face competing demands of caring for infants and young children.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 10-06-2011
Abstract: In the last decade, there has been increasing interest in the health effects of sedentary behavior, which is often assessed using self-report sitting-time questions. The aim of this qualitative study was to document older adults' understanding of sitting-time questions from the International Physical Activity (PA) Questionnaire (IPAQ) and the PA Scale for the Elderly (PASE). Australian community-dwelling adults aged 65+ years answered the IPAQ and PASE sitting questions in face-to-face semi-structured interviews. IPAQ uses one open-ended question to assess sitting on a weekday in the last 7 days 'at work, at home, while doing coursework and during leisure time' PASE uses a three-part closed question about daily leisure-time sitting in the last 7 days. Participants expressed their thoughts out loud while answering each question. They were then probed about their responses. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and coded into themes. Mean age of the 28 male and 27 female participants was 73 years (range 65-89). The most frequently reported activity was watching TV. For both questionnaires, many participants had difficulties understanding what activities to report. Some had difficulty understanding what activities should be classified as 'leisure-time sitting'. Some assumed they were being asked to only report activities provided as ex les. Most reported activities they normally do, rather than those performed on a day in the previous week. Participants used a variety of strategies to select 'a day' for which they reported their sitting activities and to calculate sitting time on that day. Therefore, many different ways of estimating sitting time were used. Participants had particular difficulty reporting their daily sitting-time when their schedules were not consistent across days. Some participants declared the IPAQ sitting question too difficult to answer. The accuracy of older adults' self-reported sitting time is questionable given the challenges they have in answering sitting-time questions. Their responses to sitting-time questions may be more accurate if our recommendations for clarifying the sitting domains, providing ex les relevant to older adults and suggesting strategies for formulating responses are incorporated. Future quantitative studies should include objective criterion measures to assess validity and reliability of these questions.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2008
DOI: 10.1111/J.1753-6405.2008.00305.X
Abstract: To assess the test-retest reliability and validity of a modified self-administered version of the Active Australia physical activity survey. One hundred and fifty-nine mid-age women (54-59 years) completed a mailed physical activity questionnaire before recording daily pedometer step counts for seven consecutive days. A random subs le (n=44) also wore an accelerometer during this period. Participants then completed the physical activity questionnaire again. Spearman's rho and per cent agreement were used to assess test-retest reliability. Self-reported physical activity data (time 2) were compared with pedometer and accelerometer data using box plots and Spearman's correlations to assess validity. Median time between surveys was 13 days. Median frequency and duration of moderate and vigorous physical activity were the same at both surveys, but median walking frequency was slightly higher at time 2 than time 1. Reliability coefficients for frequency/time in each domain of physical activity ranged from 0.56-0.64 and per cent agreement scores ranged from 40% to 65% for the physical activity categories agreement was 76% for 'meeting guidelines'. Correlations (p) between self-reported physical activity and 1) weekly pedometer steps and 2) accelerometer data for duration of at least moderate intensity physical activity were 0.43 and 0.52 respectively. The measurement properties of this modified self-administered physical activity survey are similar to those reported for the original computer assisted telephone interview survey. This modified version of the Active Australia survey is suitable for use in self-administered format.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 2007
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.JSAMS.2019.06.010
Abstract: Lack of physical activity (PA) and prolonged sitting time (ST) are associated with increased risk of mortality and chronic illnesses, including depression. While there have been claims that the two risks are 'independent', their joint and stratified effects are unclear. The aim of this study was to explore the combined effects of physical activity and sitting time on the 12year risk of depressive symptoms (DS) in young women. Cohort-9061 young participants in the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health completed triennial surveys from 2000 (age 22-27), to 2012. Generalised Estimating Equation models were used to calculate the joint effects of PA and ST on DS, with 4, 6 and 8h/day and reported doing no PA. In every physical activity category, women who sat for ≥10h/day were at highest risk of DS (OR for lowest physical activity quartile, 1.72 [95% CI=1.38-2.14] OR for highest physical activity quartile, 1.49 [95% CI=1.16-1.91]). After stratification by ST, odds of DS were reduced in women who reported any physical activity (compared with none), except when ST was >10h/day. After stratification by physical activity, the increased risk of sitting 8-10h/day was attenuated by any physical activity, but there was no reduction in risk of depressive symptoms with increasing PA levels in women who sat for ≥10h per day. These data suggest that there are both joint and stratified effects of too little activity and too much sitting on the risk of depressive symptoms in young women. High levels of PA are protective against the hazards of high ST at this life stage, except in women with very high levels of sitting.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.JOCA.2014.06.040
Abstract: To examine the influence of long-term exposure and timing of physical activity (PA) on new joint pain/stiffness in mid-age women. Data were from 5105 participants (born 1946-51) in the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health (ALSWH) who completed survey items on PA (1998, 2001 and 2004) and joint pain/stiffness (2007 and 2010). PA was categorized in five levels at each survey and summed into a cumulative PA score (CPA, range 0-12). Associations were analysed using logistic regression, with separate models for the cumulative model (using CPA), the sensitive periods model (i.e., PA measured at each survey in one regression model) and the critical periods model (i.e., separate regression models for PA at each survey). 951 (18.6%) participants reported new-onset joint pain/stiffness. In the cumulative model, CPA was associated joint pain/stiffness when included as a continuous variable (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 0.97, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.95-0.99), but not when included as a categorical variable. In both the sensitive periods and critical periods models, low to high levels of PA in 2001 and 2004 had stronger inverse associations with joint pain/stiffness than PA levels in 1998. The model fit was better for the sensitive periods than the cumulative or critical periods models. In mid-age women, PA between the ages 47 and 58 was associated with a lower risk of joint pain/stiffness 9 years later. Associations were stronger for PA in the last 6 years than for earlier PA.
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 2014
Abstract: Interventions addressing chronic disease through physical activity are h ered by the low evidence base from rural areas. The purpose of the study was to provide information which may contribute to the development of future policy and strategy applicable to rural Queensland. Six erse rural shires were chosen. A mixed-method design included more than 100 interviews with community representatives surveys to 3000 community members audits of facilities, amenities, and other relevant resources in each shire and detailed observation during repeated site visits. Half the respondents failed to meet Australian physical activity guidelines and 1 in 5 reported no activity. Queensland’s rural communities offer good access to a wide variety of structured and nonstructured activities. Some barriers to physical activity (eg, family commitments) are similar to those reported from urban areas however, others including climate, culture of exercise, and community leadership are unique to the rural environment. Unique characteristics of rural environments and populations affect engagement in physical activity. Promotion of healthy lifestyle in rural environments need to be informed by local context and not merely extrapolated from urban situations. Attention must be paid to specific local circumstances which may affect implementation, adoption and participation.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2018
Abstract: Interventions to promote physical activity for sedentary patients seen in general practice may be a way to reduce the burden of chronic disease. Coaching by an exercise physiologist is publicly funded in Australia, but cost effectiveness has not been documented. In a three-arm randomised controlled trial, face-to-face coaching and telephone coaching over 12 weeks were compared with a control group using the outcome of step count for one week at baseline, three months and twelve months. Program costs and time-based costs were considered. Quality of life was measured as a secondary outcome. At 12 months, the intervention groups were more active than controls by 1,002 steps per day (95%CI 244, 1,759). This was achieved at a cost of AUD$245 per person. There was no change in reported quality of life or utility values. Coaching achieved a modest increase in activity equivalent to 10 minutes walking per day, at a cost of AUD$245 per person. Face-to-face and telephone counselling were both effective. Implication for public health: Persistence of increases nine months after the end of coaching suggests it creates long-term change and is a good value health intervention.
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 10-2016
Abstract: We evaluated feasibility of physical activity measurement by accelerometry among older Malay adults living in semi-rural areas in Malaysia. Results showed that 95% of 146 participants (aged [ SD ] 67.6 [6.4] years) were compliant in wearing the accelerometer for at least five days. Fifteen participants were asked for re-wear the accelerometer because they did not have enough valid days during the first assessment. Participants wore the accelerometer an average of 15.3 hr in a 24-hr day, with 6.5 (1.2) valid wear days. No significant difference in valid wear day and time was found between men and women. Participants who are single provide more valid wear days compared with married participants ( p .05), and participants with higher levels of education provide longer periods of accelerometer wearing hours ( p .01). Eighty-seven percent of participants reported ‘no issues’ with wearing the meter. This study suggests that accelerometry is a feasible method to assess the physical activity level among older Malay adults living in semi-rural areas.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 2008
DOI: 10.1097/GME.0B013E31804B418C
Abstract: Many women experience health problems when going through menopause, and these health problems may result in a substantial reduction in quality of life. There are some indications that physical activity may play a role in ameliorating menopausal symptoms, but there is conflicting evidence about this. To assess the relationship between changes in physical activity and self-reported vasomotor, somatic, and psychological symptoms. Data from the third (2001) and fourth (2004) surveys of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health were used. Data from 3,330 middle-aged women were included in the analyses. In linear regression models, the relationships between changes in physical activity of at least moderate intensity and total menopausal, vasomotor, somatic, and psychological symptoms were determined. Physical activity was not associated with total menopausal symptoms, vasomotor or psychological symptoms. A weak association with somatic symptoms (B = -0.003 95% CI: -0.005 to -0.001) was found. Weight gain was associated with increased total, vasomotor, and somatic symptoms. Weight loss was associated with a reduction in total and vasomotor symptoms. Changes in physical activity were not related to vasomotor or psychological symptoms and only marginally to somatic symptoms. Changes in weight showed a stronger relationship with menopausal symptoms. The relationship between weight change and menopausal symptoms merits further exploration.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 22-06-2015
DOI: 10.1038/IJO.2015.116
Abstract: Maintaining a healthy weight is important for the prevention of many chronic diseases. Little is known about the strategies used by young women to manage their weight, or the effectiveness of these in preventing weight gain. We aimed to identify clusters of weight control strategies used by women and to determine the average annual weight change among women in each cluster from 2000 to 2009. Latent cluster analysis of weight control strategies reported by 8125 participants in the Australian Longitudinal Study of Women's Health. Analyses were performed in March-November 2014. Weight control strategies were used by 79% of the women, and four unique clusters were found. The largest cluster group (39.7%) was named dieters as 90% had been on a diet in the past year, and half of these women had lost 5 kg on purpose. Women cut down on size of meals, fats and sugars and took part in vigorous physical activity. Additionally 20% had used a commercial programme. The next largest cluster (30.2%) was the healthy living group who followed the public health messages of 'eat less and move more'. The do nothing group (20%) did not actively control their weight whereas the perpetual dieters group (10.7%) used all strategies, including unhealthy behaviours. On average women gained 700 g per year (over 9 years) however, the perpetual dieters group gained significantly more weight (210 g) than the do nothing group (P<0.001). Most women are actively trying to control their weight. The most successful approach was to follow the public health guidelines on health eating and physical activity.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 21-10-2022
DOI: 10.1186/S12889-022-14333-Z
Abstract: Raw data from accelerometers can provide valuable insights into specific attributes of physical activity, such as time spent in intensity-specific activity. The aim of this study was to describe physical activity assessed with raw data from triaxial wrist-worn accelerometers in mid-age Australian adults. Data were from 700 mid-age adults living in Brisbane, Australia (mean age: 60.4 SD:7.1 years). Data from a non-dominant wrist worn triaxial accelerometer (Actigraph wGT3X-BT), expressed as acceleration in gravitational equivalent units (1 mg = 0.001 g ), were used to estimate time spent in moderate-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA m g ) using different bout criteria (non-bouted, 1-, 5-, and 10-min bouts), and the proportion of participants who spent an average of at least one minute per day in vigorous physical activity. Mean acceleration was 23.2 mg (SD: 7.5) and did not vary by gender (men: 22.4 women: 23.7 p-value: 0.073) or education (p-value: 0.375). On average, mean acceleration was 10% (2.5 m g ) lower per decade of age from age 55y. The median durations in non-bouted, 1-min, 5-min and 10-min MVPA bouts were, respectively, 68 (25th -75th : 45–99), 26 (25th -75th : 12–46), 10 (25th -75th : 3–24) and 8 (25th -75th : 0–19) min/day. Around one third of the s le did at least one minute per day in vigorous intensity activities. This population-based cohort provided a detailed description of physical activity based on raw data from accelerometers in mid-age adults in Australia. Such data can be used to investigate how different patterns and intensities of physical activity vary across the day/week and influence health outcomes.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.JSAMS.2015.04.007
Abstract: Based on self-reported measures, sedentary time has been associated with chronic disease and mortality. This study examined the validity of the wrist-worn GENEactiv accelerometer for measuring sedentary time (i.e. sitting and lying) by posture classification, during waking hours in free living adults. Fifty-seven participants (age=18-55 years 52% male) were recruited using convenience s ling from a large metropolitan Australian university. Participants wore a GENEActiv accelerometer on their non-dominant wrist and an activPAL device attached to their right thigh for 24-h (00:00 to 23:59:59). Pearson's Correlation Coefficient was used to examine the convergent validity of the GENEActiv and the activPAL for estimating total sedentary time during waking hours. Agreement was illustrated using Bland and Altman plots, and intra-in idual agreement for posture was assessed with the Kappa statistic. Estimates of average total sedentary time over 24-h were 623 (SD 103) min/day from the GENEActiv, and 626 (SD 123) min/day from the activPAL, with an Intraclass Correlation Coefficient of 0.80 (95% confidence intervals 0.68-0.88). Bland and Altman plots showed slight underestimation of mean total sedentary time for GENEActiv relative to activPAL (mean difference: -3.44min/day), with moderate limits of agreement (-144 to 137min/day). Mean Kappa for posture was 0.53 (SD 0.12), indicating moderate agreement for this s le at the in idual level. The estimation of sedentary time by posture classification of the wrist-worn GENEActiv accelerometer was comparable to the activPAL. The GENEActiv may provide an alternative, easy to wear device based measure for descriptive estimates of sedentary time in population s les.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 30-10-2016
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 08-2018
Abstract: Residents of more socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhoods are more likely to report poorer physical function, although the reasons for this remain unknown. It is possible that neighborhood-level perceptions of safety from crime contribute to this relationship through its association with walking for recreation. Data were obtained from the fourth wave (collected in 2013) of the HABITAT (How Areas in Brisbane Influence HealTh and AcTivity) multilevel longitudinal study of middle- to older-aged adults (46-74 y) residing in 200 neighborhoods in Brisbane, Australia. The data were analyzed separately for men (n = 2190) and women (n = 2977) using multilevel models. Residents of the most disadvantaged neighborhoods had poorer physical function, perceived their neighborhoods to be less safe from crime, and do less walking for recreation. These factors accounted for differences in physical function between disadvantaged and advantaged neighborhoods (24% for men and 25% for women). This study highlights the importance of contextual characteristics, through their associations with behaviors, that can have in explaining the relationship between neighborhood disadvantage and physical function. Interventions aimed at improving neighborhood safety integrated with supportive environments for physical activity may have positive impact on physical function among all socioeconomic groups.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.APERGO.2018.12.006
Abstract: The aim of this study was to compare the feasibility and impact of sit-stand workstations plus advice, with or without exercise, on back pain and sitting time in office workers at risk of low back pain (LBP). Eligible participants (n = 29/169 17% overall) were randomized to receive a sit-stand workstation and advice with (n = 16) or without (n = 13) progressive resistance exercise training for 4-weeks. Feasibility (recruitment, acceptability, adherence) and impact (LBP severity during a standardized standing task, workplace-sitting time) were assessed. Intervention acceptability (87.5% very satisfied) was good and adherence (60% completed all 12 exercise sessions) was satisfactory. Maximum LBP severity (mean difference of -1.3 (-2.0, -0.6) and workplace sitting time (82.7-99.3 min/8-hr workday reduction) were similarly reduced in both groups. The introduction of a sit-stand workstation with advice was feasible and achieved similar outcomes for LBP and workplace sitting time when administered with or without exercise.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 12-1973
DOI: 10.1113/JPHYSIOL.1973.SP010394
Abstract: 1. In decerebrate cats, passive movements of one hind limb led to increases in arterial blood pressure, heart rate and ventilation. When both limbs were moved the magnitude of the changes was approximately doubled.2. Section of the nerves to the limb abolished the responses to movement. The responses are, therefore, dependent on a reflex originating in the moving limb.3. The magnitude of the cardiovascular responses was significantly reduced following section of the sensory nerve fibres from the knee joint, in an otherwise partially denervated limb. This indicates that part of the reflex changes associated with limb movement arise from sensory endings in the joints.4. Electrical stimulation of articular nerves led to similar cardiovascular responses. The afferent fibres involved were identified as those having conduction velocities below 18 m/sec, whose terminations are classified as the type IV joint receptors. The possibility that these subserve some other function than pain is discussed.
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 03-2011
DOI: 10.1123/JPAH.8.3.340
Abstract: Physical activity (PA) is recommended for managing osteoarthritis (OA). However, few people with OA are physically active. Understanding the factors associated with PA is necessary to increase PA in this population. This cross-sectional study examined factors associated with leisure-time PA, stretching exercises, and strengthening exercises in people with OA. For a mail survey, 485 in iduals, aged 68.0 years (SD = 10.6) with hip or knee OA, were asked about factors that may influence PA participation, including use of non-PA OA management strategies and both psychological and physical health-related factors. Associations between factors and each PA outcome were examined in multivariable logistic regression models. Non-PA management strategies were the main factors associated with the outcomes. Information/education courses, heat/cold treatments, and paracetamol were associated with stretching and strengthening exercises ( P .05). Hydrotherapy and magnet therapy were associated with leisure-time PA using orthotics and massage therapy, with stretching exercises and occupational therapy, with strengthening exercises ( P .05). Few psychological or health-related factors were associated with the outcomes. Some management strategies may make it easier for people with OA to be physically active, and could be promoted to encourage PA. Providers of strategies are potential avenues for recruiting people with OA into PA programs.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-2015
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 02-04-2008
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 02-2012
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 09-2012
Abstract: To test the validity of a sitting pad (SP) to measure desk based sitting time and transitions, against camera derived direct observation and to compare the data with those from inclinometers in the ActivPAL(3) (AP) and ActiGraph GT3X+ (AG). Australian employees (n=13 9 women mean age 30 ± 6.5 years) were provided with a SP, AG and AP in 2011. A camera recorded chair based transitions during a prescribed and a free living protocol. Mean sitting time and transitions were calculated for each device and intra-class correlations (ICCs) and mean differences between (a) the SP and the camera and (b) the AP, AG and camera, were compared. During the prescribed protocol, the smallest mean differences compared with the camera were for the SP sitting time 0.30 ± 0.21 minutes, transitions -0.46 ± 0.78. During free living, both the SP and AP (set to record events greater than 3 seconds) showed excellent levels of agreement with the camera for sitting time (0.999 and 0.990 respectively) and transitions (0.997 and 0.928 respectively). Agreement between the camera and the AG was poor for both sitting time and transitions (0.257 and 0.033 respectively). The SP is a highly accurate measure of desk based sitting time and transitions and provides novel measurement and intervention opportunities for research into occupational sitting.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2020
DOI: 10.1016/J.HEALTHPLACE.2020.102308
Abstract: Studies of parks and physical activity rarely identify the actual spaces participants use. Using data from the HABITAT project, a longitudinal cohort of mid-to older-aged (40-70 years) respondents (n = 11,036) living in Brisbane Australia, this study examined (1) the demographic characteristics of users and non-users of parks (2) the park used and the characteristics and features of the most popular reported spaces and (3) the level of physical activity undertaken in the reported parks and whether users had higher total physical activity levels than non-users. Park use was significantly higher (p < 0.01) among dog walkers, couples (over 40) living with children, and those living in least disadvantaged areas. Regular park use was significantly higher among users of larger-sized neighbourhood and district-catchment parks. Park users were 35% more likely to meet the physical activity guidelines (OR = 1.35, 95%CI 1.21-1.50, p < 0.001) compared with those who indicated they did nto regularly use a park. The size of the park used was positively associated with participation in physical activity. Users of larger-sized parks spent more time doing vigorous activity and engaged in more activity sessions than non-users. Future data obtained from large populations, including spatial examination of the actual parks used and their characteristics, are essential to facilitate planning for park provision, optimising the use of these spaces for recreation and physical activity by mid-to older-aged adults, and creating healthy communities.
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.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2018
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 02-2014
Abstract: An emerging area of interest in workplace health is presenteeism the measurable extent to which physical or psychosocial symptoms, conditions and disease adversely affect the work productivity of those who choose to remain at work. Given established links between presenteeism and health, and health and physical activity, presenteeism could be an important outcome in workplace physical activity research. This study provides a narrative review of questionnaires for use in such research. Eight self-report measures of presenteeism were identified. Information regarding development, constructs measured and psychometric properties was extracted from relevant articles. Questionnaires were largely self-administered, had 4–44 items, and recall periods ranging from 1 week to 1 year. Items were identified as assessing work performance, physical tolerance, psychological well-being and social or role functioning. S les used to test questionnaires were predominantly American male employees, with an age range of 30–59 years. All instruments had undergone psychometric assessment, most commonly discriminant and construct validity. Based on instrument characteristics, the range of conceptual foci covered and acceptable measurement properties, the Health and Work Questionnaire, Work Ability Index, and Work Limitations Questionnaire are suggested as most suitable for further exploring the relationship between physical activity and presenteeism.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2007
DOI: 10.1016/J.AMEPRE.2007.07.037
Abstract: Currently there is a great deal of interest in multistrategy community-based approaches to changing physical activity or health behaviors. The aim of this article is to describe the effectiveness of the physical activity promotion project "10,000 Steps Ghent" after 1 year of intervention. A multistrategy community-based intervention was implemented in 2005 with follow-up measurements in 2006 to promote physical activity to adults. A local media c aign, environmental approaches, the sale and loan of pedometers, and several local physical activity projects were concurrently implemented. In 2005, 872 randomly selected subjects (aged 25 to 75), from the intervention community Ghent and 810 from a comparison community, participated in the baseline measurements. Of these, 660 intervention subjects and 634 comparison subjects completed the follow-up measurements in 2006. Statistical analyses were performed in 2006. After one year there was an increase of 8% in the number of people reaching the "10,000 steps" standard in Ghent, compared with no increase in the comparison community. Average daily steps increased by 896 (95% CI=599-1192) in the intervention community, but there was no increase in the comparison community (mean change -135 [95% CI= -432 to 162]) (F time x community=22.8, p<0.001). Results are supported by self-reported International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) data. The "10,000 steps/day" message reached the Ghent population and the project succeeded in increasing pedometer-determined physical activity levels in Ghent, after 1 year of intervention.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 03-12-2018
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 20-01-2012
DOI: 10.1136/BJSPORTS-2011-090554
Abstract: Strategies to promote physical activity may be more successful if they reflect people's interests. To explore physical activity contexts preferred by three adult groups at risk of inactivity: older adults, those with low income and those with high body mass index (BMI). Cross-sectional data were from a mail survey of 7873 adults aged 42-67 years. Respondents indicated the extent of disagreement or agreement with a preference for each of 14 contexts relating to format (eg, vigorous), location (eg, outdoors) and social setting (eg, done alone). Data were analysed using multilevel multinomial logistic regression. Adjusted OR and 95% CI are reported. Those aged 60-67 (vs 42-49) years had significantly higher odds to prefer activities with people of same age, and significantly lower odds to prefer activities that are at a fixed time with scheduled sessions, competitive, team-based or vigorous. Adults with low (vs high) income had significantly higher odds to prefer activities that are low cost, not just about exercise, team-based, supervised, skill-based or that can be done alone, and significantly lower odds to prefer vigorous or outdoor activities. Adults with BMI 30+ (vs<25) had significantly higher odds to prefer activities that are supervised, with people the same sex, team-based, with people the same age, or at a fixed time with scheduled sessions. These three groups had distinct preferences for how, where and with whom the physical activity is done. This information could be used by those who promote, design, deliver and evaluate physical activity opportunities.
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 05-2016
Abstract: The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of using questionnaires and accelerometers to measure physical activity and sedentary behavior among inpatient adults with mental illness. Participants completed a physical activity and sitting time questionnaire and wore an accelerometer for 7 consecutive days. Feasibility was assessed in terms of participant engagement, self-reported ease/difficulty of completing study components, extreme self-report data values and adherence to accelerometer wear time criteria. Ease/difficulty ratings were examined by level of distress. 177 inpatients were invited to the study, 101 completed the questionnaires and 36 provided valid accelerometry data. Participants found it more difficult to complete sitting time and physical activity questionnaires than to wear the accelerometer during waking hours (z = 3.787, P .001 z = 2.824, P = .005 respectively). No significant differences were found in ease/difficulty ratings by level of distress for any of the study components. Extreme values for self-reported sitting time were identified in 27% of participants. Inpatient adults with mental illness can engage with self-report and objective methods of measuring physical activity and sedentary behavior. They were initially less willing to participate in objective measurement, which may however be more feasible than self-report measures.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.YPMED.2015.11.030
Abstract: Although regular physical activity is an effective secondary prevention strategy for patients with a chronic disease, it is unclear whether patients change their daily physical activity after being diagnosed. Therefore, the aims of this study were to (1) describe changes in levels of physical activity in middle-aged women before and after diagnosis with a chronic disease (heart disease, diabetes, asthma, breast cancer, arthritis, depression) and to (2) examine whether diagnosis with a chronic disease affects levels of physical activity in these women. Data from 5 surveys (1998-2010) of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health (ALSWH) were used. Participants (N=4840, born 1946-1951) completed surveys every three years, with questions about diseases and leisure time physical activity. The main outcome measure was physical activity, categorized as: nil/sedentary, low active, moderately active, highly active. At each survey approximately half the middle-aged women did not meet the recommended level of physical activity. Between consecutive surveys, 41%-46% of the women did not change, 24%-30% decreased, and 24%-31% increased their physical activity level. These proportions of change were similar directly after diagnosis with a chronic disease, and in the years before or after diagnosis. Generalized estimating equations showed that there was no statistically significant effect of diagnosis with a chronic disease on levels of physical activity in women. Despite the importance of physical activity for the management of chronic diseases, most women did not increase their physical activity after diagnosis. This illustrates a need for tailored interventions to enhance physical activity in newly diagnosed patients.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 09-2013
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2011
DOI: 10.1016/J.JSAMS.2010.11.004
Abstract: The Active Australia Survey (AAS) is used for physical activity (PA) surveillance in the general Australian adult population, but its validity in older adults has not been evaluated. Our aim was to examine the convergent validity of the AAS questions in older adults. The AAS was validated against pedometer step counts as an objective measure of PA, self-reported physical function, and a step-test to assess cardiorespiratory fitness. Participants were community-dwelling adults, aged 65-89 y, with the ability to walk 100 m. They completed a self-administered AAS and the step-test in one interview. One week earlier, they completed the Short Form-36 physical function subscale. Between these two interviews, they each wore a YAMAX Digiwalker SW200 pedometer and recorded daily steps. Using the AAS data, daily walking minutes and total PA minutes (walking, moderate-intensity PA and vigorous-intensity PA) were compared with the validity measures using Spearman rank-order correlations. Fifty-three adults completed the study. Median daily walking minutes were 34.2 (interquartile range [IQR] 17.1, 60.0), and median daily total PA minutes were 68.6 (IQR 31.4, 113.6). Walking and total PA minutes were both moderately correlated with pedometer steps (Spearman correlation r=0.42, p=0.003, for each) but not with step-test seconds to completion (r=-0.11, p=0.44 r=-0.25, p=0.08, respectively). Total PA minutes were significantly correlated with physical function scores (r=0.39, p=0.004), but walking minutes were not (r=0.15, p=0.29). This initial examination of the psychometric properties of the AAS for older adults suggests that this surveillance tool has acceptable convergent validity for ambulatory, community-dwelling older adults.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 09-1996
DOI: 10.1177/096914139600300308
Abstract: –The main objective of this project was to evaluate a collaborative nurse and general practitioner approach to improve screening for cervical cancer. Design—Multiple group time series design. –Six postal areas in the Hunter Valley of New South Wales, Australia, chosen as intervention sites because of very low Pap test rates compared with the rest of NSW (fewer than 50% of women screened). Six regions of similar size and with similar baseline screening levels were selected as comparison sites. Subjects—All women selected in the resident postal areas. –Women's health nurses worked in collaboration with general practitioners within the communities selected from within the Hunter area to prond provide screening for cervical cancer. –Qualitative information on initial expectations and impressions of the collaborative processes were collected at the start of the project period. Process data on client characteristics and Pap test results were obtained from minimum data collections client satisfaction was assessed from client surveys. Outcome data on the increase in the number of women in each community who were screened for cervical cancer were obtained from Health Insurance Commission claims for screening Pap tests (and from nurses' records where Pap tests were examined under block funding arrangements). –This project showed that nurses and general practitioners can collaborate to provide appropriate and highly acceptable cervical cancer screening services for women. Many of the women screened by the nurses were in the high risk age range for cervical cancer (40 years and older) and had only basic education levels, thus representing women who are most likely to have poor screening rates. Further, 33.1% of the women screened had not had a Pap test in the past four years or had never been screened. The number of women having a Pap test during the first six months of the project, compared with the number expected from preintervention patterns, was significantly greater in four intervention areas (P 0.01). No corresponding increase was seen in comparison areas with similar screening rates at baseline. –There is great potential for nurses to work in collaboration with general practitioners to improve the availability and coverage of community cervical cancer screening programmes.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2006
DOI: 10.1016/J.JSAMS.2006.03.001
Abstract: The effective evaluation of physical activity interventions for older adults requires measurement instruments with acceptable psychometric properties that are sufficiently sensitive to detect changes in this population. To assess the measurement properties (reliability and validity) of the Community Healthy Activities Model Program for Seniors (CHAMPS) questionnaire in a s le of older Australians. CHAMPS data were collected from 167 older adults (mean age 79.1 S.D. 6.3 years) and validated with tests of physical ability and the SF-12 measures of physical and mental health. Responses from a sub-s le of 43 older adults were used to assess 1-week test-retest reliability. Approximately 25% of participants needed assistance to complete the CHAMPS questionnaire. There were low but significant correlations between the CHAMPS scores and the physical performance measures (rho=0.14-0.32) and the physical health scale of the SF-12 (rho=0.12-0.24). Reliability coefficients were highest for moderate-intensity (ICC=0.81-0.88) and lowest for vigorous-intensity physical activity (ICC=0.34-0.45). Agreement between test-retest estimates of sufficient physical activity for health benefits (> or =150min and > or =5 sessions per week) was high (percent agreement=88% and Cohen's kappa=0.68). These findings suggest that the CHAMPS questionnaire has acceptable measurement properties, and is therefore suitable for use among older Australian adults, as long as adequate assistance is provided during administration.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 09-2010
DOI: 10.1038/OBY.2009.511
Abstract: The aim of this study was to examine the associations between sitting time, weight, and weight gain in Australian women born in 1946-1951. Data were from 8,233 women who completed surveys for the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health (ALSWH) in 2001, 2004, and 2007. Associations between sitting time and weight, and between sitting time and weight change in each 3-year period were examined using repeated measures modeling. The associations between weight and change in sitting time were also examined. Analyses were stratified for BMI categories: normal weight (18.5 <or= BMI < 25), overweight (25 <or= BMI or= 30). In cross-sectional models, each additional hour of sitting time was associated with 110 g (95% confidence interval (CI): 40-180) and 260 g (95% CI: 140-380) additional weight in overweight and obese women, respectively (fully adjusted model). In prospective analyses, sitting time was not consistently associated with weight change, after adjustment for other variables, and weight was not associated with change in sitting time over successive 3-year periods. In conclusion, although the cross-sectional associations between sitting time and weight were evident in overweight and obese women, there was no consistent association between sitting time and weight gain. A potential explanation is that prospective associations may only be apparent over longer periods of time. These results do not support a role for reducing sitting time as a short-term means of weight control in mid-aged women.
Publisher: American Medical Association (AMA)
Date: 06-2015
DOI: 10.1001/JAMAINTERNMED.2015.0541
Abstract: Few studies have examined how different proportions of moderate and vigorous physical activity affect health outcomes. To examine whether the proportion of total moderate to vigorous activity (MVPA) that is achieved through vigorous activity is associated with all-cause mortality independently of the total amount of MVPA. We performed a prospective cohort study with activity data linked to all-cause mortality data from February 1, 2006, through June 15, 2014, in 204,542 adults aged 45 through 75 years from the 45 and Up population-based cohort study from New South Wales, Australia (mean [SD] follow-up, 6.52 [1.23] years). Associations between different contributions of vigorous activity to total MVPA and mortality were examined using Cox proportional hazards models, adjusted for total MVPA and sociodemographic and health covariates. Different proportions of total MVPA as vigorous activity. Physical activity was measured with the Active Australia Survey. All-cause mortality during the follow-up period. During 1,444,927 person-years of follow-up, 7435 deaths were registered. Compared with those who reported no MVPA (crude death rate, 8.34%), the adjusted hazard ratios for all-cause mortality were 0.66 (95% CI, 0.61-0.71 crude death rate, 4.81%), 0.53 (95% CI, 0.48-0.57 crude death rate, 3.17%), and 0.46 (95% CI, 0.43-0.49 crude death rate, 2.64%) for reporting 10 through 149, 150 through 299, and 300 min/wk or more of activity, respectively. Among those who reported any MVPA, the proportion of vigorous activity revealed an inverse dose-response relationship with all-cause mortality: compared with those reporting no vigorous activity (crude death rate, 3.84%) the fully adjusted hazard ratio was 0.91 (95% CI, 0.84-0.98 crude death rate, 2.35%) in those who reported some vigorous activity (but <30% of total activity) and 0.87 (95% CI, 0.81-0.93 crude death rate, 2.08%) among those who reported 30% or more of activity as vigorous. These associations were consistent in men and women, across categories of body mass index and volume of MVPA, and in those with and without existing cardiovascular disease or diabetes mellitus. Among people reporting any activity, there was an inverse dose-response relationship between proportion of vigorous activity and mortality. Our findings suggest that vigorous activities should be endorsed in clinical and public health activity guidelines to maximize the population benefits of physical activity.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2011
DOI: 10.1016/J.JSAMS.2010.09.002
Abstract: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) complicates approximately 3-11% of pregnancies and increases the risk on prenatal morbidity and later development of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Physical activity and sedentary behaviour are thought to play a role in the development of GDM, independent of overweight and obesity. The aim of this study was to examine the relationships between physical activity, sedentary behaviour and the development of GDM using a population-based prospective cohort study. Data from the youngest (1973-1978) cohort of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health (n=2913) were used to determine the influences of self-reported physical activity, and sedentary behaviour in 2000 and 2003 on the development of GDM over subsequent three year periods, with adjustment for socio-demographic and lifestyle factors. In this cohort of Australian women, physical activity and sedentary behaviour in 2000 and 2003 were not associated with the development of GDM in the subsequent three years. In adjusted models, odds ratios for the development of GDM were 1.92 (95% CI 1.25-2.96) for overweight women (BMI 25-30 kg/m2) and 3.11 (1.92-5.03) for obese women (BMI≥30 kg/m2) compared with normal weight women. Those with lower education and women born in an Asian country also had higher risk of developing GDM than more highly educated and Australian born women, respectively. In conclusion, pre-pregnancy physical activity and sedentary behaviour appear to be less important in the development of GDM in this cohort than overweight and obesity.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2012
DOI: 10.1016/J.AMEPRE.2011.11.012
Abstract: To develop evidence-based approaches for reducing sedentary behavior, there is a need to identify the specific settings where prolonged sitting occurs, associated factors, and variations. To examine the sociodemographic and health factors associated with mid-aged adults' sitting time in three contexts and variations between weekdays and weekend days. A mail survey was sent to 17,000 adults (aged 40-65 years) in 2007 11,037 responses were received (68.5%) and 7719 were analyzed in 2010. Respondents indicated time spent sitting on a usual weekday and weekend day for watching TV, general leisure, and home computer use. Multivariate linear mixed models with area-level random intercepts were used to examine (1) associations between sociodemographic and health variables and sitting time, and (2) interaction effects of weekday/weekend day with each of gender, age, education, and employment status, on sitting time. For each context, longer sitting times were reported by those single and living alone, and those whose health restricted activity. For watching TV, longer sitting times were reported by men smokers and those with high school or lower education, not in paid employment, in poor health, and with BMI ≥25. For general leisure, longer sitting times were reported by women, smokers, and those not employed full-time. For home computer use, longer sitting times were reported by men and those aged 40-44 years, with university qualifications in the mid-income range and with BMI ≥30. Sitting times tended to be longer on weekend days than weekdays, although the extent of this differed among sociodemographic groups. Sociodemographic and health factors associated with sitting time differ by context and between weekdays and weekend days.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2010
DOI: 10.1016/J.CTRV.2009.11.003
Abstract: Cancer is increasingly being viewed as a chronic illness requiring long-term management, and there is a growing need for evidence-based rehabilitation interventions for cancer survivors. Previous reviews have evaluated the benefits of exercise interventions for patients undergoing cancer treatment and long-term survivors, but none have investigated the role of exercise during cancer rehabilitation, the period immediately following cancer treatment completion. This systematic review summarises the literature on the health effects of exercise during cancer rehabilitation and evaluates the methodological rigour of studies in this area to date. Relevant studies were identified through a systematic search of PubMed and Embase to April 2009. Data on study design, recruitment strategy, participants, exercise intervention, adherence rates, and outcomes were extracted. Methodological rigour was assessed using a structured rating system. Ten studies were included. Breast cancer patients were the predominate patient group represented. Most interventions were aerobic or resistance-training exercise programmes, and exercise type, frequency, duration and intensity varied across studies. Improvements in physical functioning, strength, physical activity levels, quality of life, fatigue, immune function, haemoglobin concentrations, potential markers of recurrence, and body composition were reported. However, all studies were limited by incomplete reporting and methodological limitations. Although the methodological limitations of studies in this new field must be acknowledged, initial evidence indicates that exercise is feasible and may provide physiological and psychological benefits for cancer survivors during the rehabilitation period. Future studies with rigorous study designs are now required to advance the field.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2007
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 28-06-2018
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 03-2014
Abstract: Patient-group specific preferences can be used to design physical activity programs. This study compared physical activity context preferences between (1) people with musculoskeletal conditions (ie, arthritis and/or osteoporosis) and people without these conditions, and (2) people with arthritis only and people with osteoporosis only. Data were from 1684 participants (57.2 ± 6.6 years) with self-reported arthritis and/or osteoporosis and 4550 participants (52.9 ± 6.9 years) without these conditions. Participants indicated the extent to which they disagreed/agreed with a preference for each of 14 contexts. Marginal means and 95% confidence intervals are presented, differences were tested with ANCOVA. Compared with participants without musculoskeletal conditions, those with arthritis and/or osteoporosis indicated a slightly stronger preference for activities that are not just about exercise [3.55 (3.51–3.59) vs. 3.49 (3.46–3.52), P = .02], and a weaker preference for vigorous activities [3.02 (2.97–3.06) vs. 3.08 (3.06–3.11), P = .02], and activities with a set routine or format [3.29 (3.24–3.33) vs. 3.35 (3.32–3.38), P = .02]. Participants with arthritis only [n = 1063, 2.64, (2.59–2.70)] had a stronger preference against supervision than those with osteoporosis only [n = 146, 2.84 (2.69–2.99) P = .02]. Only small differences were found in the activity context preferences between people with and without musculoskeletal conditions, and between people with osteoporosis and people with arthritis. The context of physical activity interventions for people with arthritis and/or osteoporosis does not have to be different from those for people without these conditions.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 18-05-2018
DOI: 10.1002/ACR.23430
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2010
DOI: 10.1016/J.AMEPRE.2010.05.024
Abstract: Emerging evidence suggests that sedentary behavior (i.e., time spent sitting) may be negatively associated with health. The aim of this study was to systematically review the evidence on associations between occupational sitting and health risks. Studies were identified in March-April 2009 by literature searches in PubMed, PsycINFO, CENTRAL, CINAHL, EMBASE, and PEDro, with subsequent related-article searches in PubMed and citation searches in Web of Science. Identified studies were categorized by health outcome. Two independent reviewers assessed methodologic quality using a 15-item quality rating list (score range 0-15 points, higher score indicating better quality). Data on study design, study population, measures of occupational sitting, health risks, analyses, and results were extracted. 43 papers met the inclusion criteria (21% cross-sectional, 14% case-control, 65% prospective) they examined the associations between occupational sitting and BMI (n=12) cancer (n=17) cardiovascular disease (CVD, n=8) diabetes mellitus (DM, n=4) and mortality (n=6). The median study-quality score was 12 points. Half the cross-sectional studies showed a positive association between occupational sitting and BMI, but prospective studies failed to confirm a causal relationship. There was some case-control evidence for a positive association between occupational sitting and cancer however, this was generally not supported by prospective studies. The majority of prospective studies found that occupational sitting was associated with a higher risk of DM and mortality. Limited evidence was found to support a positive relationship between occupational sitting and health risks. The heterogeneity of study designs, measures, and findings makes it difficult to draw definitive conclusions at this time.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 12-06-2018
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 07-2001
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 12-02-2010
DOI: 10.1111/J.1753-6405.1995.TB00306.X
Abstract: Offering Pap tests to hospital inpatients could increase cervical screening rates. A survey to examine the acceptability of this concept was conducted with female inpatients in a rural public hospital. A large majority reported that they would find hospital Pap tests acceptable. Acceptability was not related to Pap test status, attitudes, or knowledge of cervical cancer. This strategy may provide access to cervical screening for underscreened groups.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.YPMED.2016.09.012
Abstract: Physical activity (PA) is positively associated with health-related quality of life (HRQL) in older adults. It is not evident whether this association applies to older adults with poor mental health. This study examined associations between PA and HRQL in older women with a history of depressive symptoms. Participants were 555 Australian women born in 1921-1926 who reported depressive symptoms in 1999 on a postal survey for the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health. They completed additional surveys in 2002, 2005 and 2008 that assessed HRQL and weekly minutes walking, in moderate PA, and in vigorous PA. Random effects mixed models were used to examine concurrent and prospective associations between PA and each of 10 HRQL measures (eight SF-36 subscales two composite scales). In concurrent models, higher levels of PA were associated with better HRQL (p 3 point differences) were evident for physical functioning, general health, vitality and social functioning. For women in their 70s-80s with a history of depressive symptoms, PA is positively associated with HRQL concurrently, and to a lesser extent prospectively. This study extends previous work by showing significant associations in older women with a history of depressive symptoms. Incorporating PA into depression management of older women may improve their HRQL.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.MATURITAS.2017.02.018
Abstract: This study aimed to investigate how daily use of time changes across the retirement transition and how these changes may differ according to socio-demographic characteristics. This longitudinal cohort study was based on interviews with 124 people at pre-retirement and at three, six and 12 months after retirement. The Multimedia Activity Recall for Children and Adults (MARCA), a computer-assisted telephone interview, measured use of time. Random effects mixed modelling (REMM) was used to examine time use changes across retirement, and ANCOVA to investigate the extent of the change by sex, education and health. Apart from the decrease in time spent in work across retirement (-122min/day, p<0.001), less time was also spent in both active and passive transport (-26min/day, p<0.001). There were significant increases in time spent on Chores (+55min/day, p<0.001), Screen time (+32min/day, p<0.001), Sleep (+32min/day, p<0.001), Quiet time (+17min/day, p=0.02), Self-care (+8min/day, p=0.01) and Physical activity (+7min/day, p=0.01). There was little variation in change between sex, education and health sub-groups. Most changes occurred at retirement, with time use patterns fairly stable between three and 12 months post-retirement. The small amount of time spent in physical activity, combined with less time spent in active transport and increased time spent watching television, indicate the need for a more active lifestyle.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 29-12-2010
DOI: 10.1111/J.1741-6612.2010.00498.X
Abstract: To review findings from the Men, Women and Ageing (MWA) longitudinal studies and consider their implications for national health guidelines. Guidelines for good health for older adults in the areas of body mass index (BMI), physical activity, alcohol consumption and smoking behaviours are compared with MWA findings. Findings from MWA suggest that current BMI guidelines may be too narrow because BMI in the overweight range appears to be protective for both older men and women. Across all levels of BMI, even low levels of physical activity decrease mortality risk compared with being sedentary. Our findings suggest that consideration should be given to having different alcohol guidelines for older men and women and should include recommendations for alcohol-free days. The benefit of quitting smoking at any age is apparent for both women and men. Current national guidelines in the areas discussed in this paper should be reviewed for older people.
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 09-2014
Abstract: Prolonged occupational sitting is related to poor health outcomes. Detailed data on sitting time at desks are required to understand and effectively influence occupational sitting habits. Full-time office employees were recruited (n = 105 mean age 40.9 ± 11.5 years BMI 26.1 ± 3.9, 65% women). Sitting at the desk and in other work contexts was measured using a sitting pad and ActivPAL for an entire working week. Employees used a diary to record work hours. Time spent at work, sitting at work and at the desk number of sit to stand transitions at the desk and number of bouts of continuous sitting at the desk 20 and 60 minutes, were calculated. Average time spent at work was 8.7 ± 0.8 hours/day with 67% spent sitting at the desk (5.8 ± 1.2 hours/day), and 4% in other workplace settings. On average, employees got up from their desks 3 times/hour (29 ± 13/day). Sitting for more than 60 consecutive minutes occurred infrequently (0.69 ± 0.62 times/day), with most sit to stands (80% 23 ± 14) occurring before 20 minutes of continual sitting. The findings provide highly detailed insights into desk-based sitting habits, highlighting large proportions of time spent sitting at desks, but with frequent interruptions.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 08-2012
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2019
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 08-01-2017
Abstract: Do weight management practices differ in women with and without PCOS? Women in the general population with self-reported PCOS are more likely to be using healthy weight management practices and alternative non-lifestyle measures for weight management than women without PCOS. Lifestyle management is the first-line treatment in PCOS. However, the specific weight management practices used by women with PCOS and their effect on diet and physical activity are unclear. The study was a population-based observational cross-sectional study involving women in the 1973-1978 cohort (n = 7767 total n = 556 with PCOS, n = 7211 without PCOS). Women with and without self-reported PCOS were included. Self-reported outcome measures included healthy lifestyle-related or alternative non-lifestyle-related (e.g. laxatives or smoking) weight management practices, dietary intake and physical activity. Women with PCOS were more likely to be following both healthy [reducing meal or snack size (odds ratio (OR) 1.50, 95% CI 1.14, 1.96, P = 0.004) and reducing fat or sugar intake (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.03, 1.69, P = 0.027) or following a low glycaemic index diet (OR 2.88, 95% CI 2.30, 3.59, P < 0.001)] and alternative [smoking (OR 1.60, 95% CI 1.02, 2.52, P = 0.043) or use of laxative, diet pills, fasting or diuretics (OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.07, 1.97, P = 0.017)] weight management practices than women without PCOS. In PCOS, the use of a range of healthy weight management practices was associated with increases in physical activity (P < 0.001), diet quality (P < 0.001), percentage protein intake (P < 0.001) and decreases in glycaemic index (P < 0.001), and percentages of fat (P = 0.001), saturated fat (P < 0.001) or fibre (P = 0.003). Use of alternative weight management practices was associated with decreases in diet quality. Limitations include the use of self-reported data for PCOS, height, weight, diet, physical activity and weight management behaviours. In PCOS, we should focus on improving healthy weight practices across both diet quality and quantity, and on assessing alternative weight practices and their potential adverse effect on dietary intake. L.M. is supported by a South Australian Cardiovascular Research Development Program Fellowship (ID AC11S374) a program collaboratively funded by the National Heart Foundation, the South Australian Department of Health and the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute. H.T. is supported by the NHMRC. S.A.M. is supported by an NHMRC Career Development Fellowship Level 2, ID1104636 and was previously supported by an ARC Future Fellowship (2011-2015, FT100100581). The authors declare no conflict of interest. Not applicable.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 25-08-2020
DOI: 10.1111/SMS.13795
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 30-08-2019
Abstract: To explore whether there was a difference in objectively measured physical activity and study participation between people who received their preferred study group allocation (matched) and those who did not receive their preferred study group (mismatched). Secondary data from the NewCOACH randomized controlled trial. Insufficiently active patients in the primary care settings in Sydney and Newcastle, Australia. One hundred seventy-two adults aged 20 to 81 years. Participants indicated their intervention preference at baseline for (1) five face-to-face visits with an exercise specialist, (2) one face-to-face visit and 4 telephone follow-ups with an exercise specialist, (3) written material, or (4) slight-to-no preference. Participants were then allocated to an intervention group and categorized as either “matched” or “mismatched” based on their indications. Participants who reported a slight-to-no preference was categorized as “matched.” Daily step count as measured by pedometers and study participation. Mean differences between groups in daily step count at 3 and 12 months (multiple linear regression models) and study participation at baseline, 3 months, and 12 months (χ 2 tests). Preference for an intervention group prior to randomization did not significantly (all P’s .05 using 95% confidence interval) impact step counts (differences of steps/day between groups) or study participation. Future research should continue to address whether the strength of preferences influence study outcome and participation and whether the study preferences change over time.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 25-04-2006
Abstract: To examine (1) the inter-relationships between socio-economic status (SES), physical activity, three different domains of sitting time (weekday, weekend day and leisure-time sitting), and being overweight or obese (body mass index>/=25 kg/m(2)) and (2) the potential mediation effects of sitting time in the relationship between socio-economic factors and being overweight or obese in working Australian adults. Observational epidemiological study. One thousand forty eight working adults. Using a multistage s ling design on neighbourhood SES, participants were from high and low SES neighbourhoods of an Australian capital city. Neighbourhood SES was assessed using census data in idual SES was based on self-reported educational attainment and household income. There were three sitting time variables: sitting time on weekdays, weekend days and in leisure time. Overweight and obesity were determined using self-reported body weight and height. Gender, age, neighbourhood SES, education, working hours and physical activity were independently associated with weekday, weekend day and leisure-related sitting time. With the exception of education and working hours, these variables were also independently associated with being overweight or obese. Leisure-time sitting was found to be a mediator in the relationships between gender, education and being overweight or obese. Strategies to promote less sitting in leisure time are required to combat overweight and obesity in Australian adults, especially among those from low SES neighbourhoods, and among those with high levels of education and income who work long hours.
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.
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 07-2014
Abstract: This study was designed to compare theoretical strategies for changing physical activity (PA) in terms of their potential to reduce the incidence of chronic conditions in midage women: (1) whole population : +30 minutes/week in all, (2) high-risk : +60 minutes/week in the lowest 25% of the PA distribution, and (3) middle road : shift all those not meeting guidelines to a level commensurate with meeting guidelines. 10,854 participants (50–55 years in 2001) in the Australian Longitudinal Study of Women’s Health completed mail surveys in 2001, 2004, 2007, and 2010. PA was calculated as MET·minutes/week spent in walking, moderate and vigorous PA in the previous week. Incidence rates per 1000 person-years for diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, cancer, and depression were calculated for the actual distribution and after modeled shifts in PA. The incidence rates were 10.6 for diabetes, 7.0 for heart disease, 30.7 for hypertension, 8.0 for cancer, and 28.4 for depression. Greater reductions in incidence were found for the middle road strategy than for the whole population and high-risk strategies, with reductions ranging from –6.3% for cancer to –12.3% for diabetes. This theoretical modeling showed that a middle road strategy to increasing PA was superior to the whole population and high-risk strategies, in terms of reducing incidence rates of chronic conditions in middle-aged women.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 12-2008
Abstract: To examine the prospective dose-response relationships between both leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) and walking with self-reported arthritis in older women. Data came from women aged 73-78 years who completed mailed surveys in 1999, 2002 and 2005 for the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health. Women reported their weekly minutes of walking and moderate to vigorous physical activities. They also reported on whether they had been diagnosed with, or treated for, arthritis since the previous survey. General estimating equation analyses were performed to examine the longitudinal relationship between LTPA and arthritis and, for women who reported walking as their only physical activity, the longitudinal relationship between walking and arthritis. Women who reported arthritis or a limited ability to walk in 1999 were excluded, resulting in data from 3613 women eligible for inclusion in these analyses. ORs for self-reported arthritis were lowest for women who reported "moderate" levels of LTPA (OR 0.78 95% CI 0.67 to 0.92), equivalent to 75 to <150 minutes of moderate-intensity LTPA per week. Slightly higher odds ratios were found for women who reported "high" (OR 0.81 95% CI 0.69 to 0.95) or "very high" (OR 0.84 95% CI 0.72 to 0.98) LTPA levels, indicating no further benefit from increased activity. For women whose only activity was walking, an inverse dose-response relationship between walking and arthritis was seen. The results support an inverse association between both LTPA and walking with self-reported arthritis over 6 years in older women who are able to walk.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 2010
DOI: 10.1186/AR2932
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-2014
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.AMEPRE.2017.06.016
Abstract: Primary care physicians are well placed to offer physical activity counseling, but insufficient time is a barrier. Referral to an exercise specialist is an alternative. In Australia, exercise specialists are publicly funded to provide face-to-face counseling to patients who have an existing chronic illness. This trial aimed to (1) determine the efficacy of primary care physicians' referral of insufficiently active patients for counseling to increase physical activity, compared with usual care, and (2) compare the efficacy of face-to-face counseling with counseling predominantly via telephone. Three-arm pragmatic RCT. Two hundred three insufficiently active (<7,000 steps/day) primary care practice patients (mean age 57 years 70% female) recruited in New South Wales, Australia, in 2011-2014. (1) Five face-to-face counseling sessions by an exercise specialist, (2) one face-to-face counseling session followed by four telephone calls by an exercise specialist, or (3) a generic mailed physical activity brochure (usual care). The counseling sessions operationalized social cognitive theory via a behavior change counseling framework. Change in average daily step counts between baseline and 12 months. Data were analyzed in 2016. Forty (20%) participants formally withdrew completion rates at 3 and 6 months were 64% and 58%, respectively. Intervention attendance was high (75% received five sessions). The estimated mean difference between usual care and the combined intervention groups at 12 months was 1,002 steps/day (95% CI=244, 1,759, p=0.01). When comparing face-to-face with predominantly telephone counseling, the telephone group had a non-significant higher mean daily step count (by 619 steps) at 12 months. Provision of expert physical activity counseling to insufficiently active primary care patients resulted in a significant increase in physical activity (approximately 70 minutes of walking per week) at 12 months. Face-to-face only and counseling conducted predominantly via telephone were both effective. This trial provides evidence to expand public funding for expert physical activity counseling and for delivery via telephone in addition to face-to-face consultations. This trial is registered at www.anzctr.org.au/ ACTRN12611000884909.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 17-04-2014
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2001
DOI: 10.1016/S1440-2440(01)80046-3
Abstract: Leaking urine is frequently mentioned (anecdotally) by women as a barrier to physical activity. The aim of this paper was to use results from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health (ALSWH) to explore the prevalence of leaking urine in Australian women, and to ascertain whether leaking urine might be a barrier to participation for women. More than 41,000 women participated in the baseline surveys of the ALSWH in 1996. More than one third of the mid-age (45-50 years) and older (70-75) women and 13% of the young women (18-23) reported leaking urine. There was a cross-sectional association between leaking urine and physical activity, such that women with more frequent urinary leakage were also more likely to report low levels of physical activity. More than one thousand of those who reported leaking urine at baseline participated in a follow-up study in 1999. Of these, more than 40% of the mid-age women (who were aged 48-53 in 1999), and one in seven of the younger (21-26 years) and older (73-79 years) women reported leaking urine during sport or exercise. More than one third of the mid-age women and more than one quarter of the older women, but only 7% of the younger women said they avoided sporting activities because of leaking urine. The data are highly suggestive that leaking urine may be a barrier to physical activity, especially among mid-age women. As current estimates suggest that fewer than half of all Australian women are adequately active for health benefit, health professionals could be more proactive in raising this issue with women and offering help through non-invasive strategies such as pelvic floor muscle exercises.
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 11-2015
Abstract: Sedentary behavior is continuing to emerge as an important target for health promotion. The purpose of this study was to determine the validity of a self-report use of time recall tool, the Multimedia Activity Recall for Children and Adults (MARCA) in estimating time spent sitting/lying, compared with a device-based measure. Fifty-eight participants (48% female, [mean ± standard deviation] 28 ± 7.4 years of age, 23.9 ± 3.05 kg/m2) wore an activPAL device for 24-h and the following day completed the MARCA. Pearson correlation coefficients ( r ) were used to analyze convergent validity of the adult MARCA compared with activPAL estimates of total sitting/lying time. Agreement was examined using Bland-Altman plots. According to activPAL estimates, participants spent 10.4 hr/day [standard deviation (SD) = 2.06] sitting or lying down while awake. The correlation between MARCA and activPAL estimates of total sit/lie time was r = .77 (95% confidence interval = 0.64–0.86 P .001). Bland-Altman analyses revealed a mean bias of +0.59 hr/day with moderately wide limits of agreement (–2.35 hr to +3.53 hr/day). This study found a moderate to strong agreement between the adult MARCA and the activPAL, suggesting that the MARCA is an appropriate tool for the measurement of time spent sitting or lying down in an adult population.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 26-05-2011
DOI: 10.1007/S12529-011-9168-3
Abstract: Although there are recommendations for the management of osteoarthritis (OA), little is known about how people with OA actually manage this chronic condition. The aims of this study were to identify the non-pharmacological and pharmacological therapies most commonly used for the management of hip or knee OA, in a community-based s le of adults, and to compare these with evidence-based recommendations. A questionnaire was mailed to 2,200 adult members of Arthritis Queensland living in Brisbane, Australia. It included questions about OA symptoms, management therapies, and demographic characteristics. Of the 485 participants (192 men, 293 women) with hip or knee OA who completed the questionnaire, most had mild to moderate symptoms. Ninety-six percent of participants (aged 27-95 years) reported using at least one non-pharmacological therapy, and 78% reported using at least one pharmacological therapy. The most common currently used non-pharmacological strategy was range-of-motion exercises (men 52%, women 61%, p = 0.05) and the most common frequently used pharmacological strategy was glucosamine/chondroitin (men 51%, women 60%, ns). For the most highly recommended strategies, 65% of men and 54% of women had never attended an information/education course (p = 0.04), and fewer than half (46% of women and 42% of men, p = 0.03) were frequent users of anti-inflammatory agents. The findings suggest that many people with knee or hip OA do not follow the most highly endorsed of the Osteoarthritis Research Society International recommendations for management of OA. Health professionals should be encouraged to recommend evidence-based therapies to their patients.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 2000
DOI: 10.1002/1520-6777(2000)19:5<595::AID-NAU6>3.0.CO;2-Q
Abstract: Although there is a high prevalence of leaking urine among Australian women, there are currently no standardized procedures for screening patients for incontinence in the primary care setting (known in Australia as general practice). In response to this, an incontinence screening questionnaire (ISQ) was developed and evaluated for use in general practice. Eighty-nine women completed an original compilation of 33 items that asked about situations associated with leaking urine, avoidance of leakage, and concern about leakage. Each item was assessed according to its acceptability for the population of female general practice patients, discriminative value, and test-retest reliability. These patients also underwent an objective test of incontinence, the 48-hour pad test, so that the screening items could be validated against an objective classification of incontinence. The study included women who had bladder control problems and those who did not. Eight items on the ISQ were shown to be acceptable to patients, discriminative, reliable, and valid indicators of objective incontinence. Five items were capable of predicting almost 70% of patients who showed objective leakage of urine and misclassified fewer than 15% of these patients. Those five items were selected for inclusion in the (refined) ISQ.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 08-05-2014
DOI: 10.1136/BJSPORTS-2013-093090
Abstract: Recent estimates suggest that high body mass index (BMI), smoking, high blood pressure (BP) and physical inactivity are leading risk factors for the overall burden of disease in Australia. The aim was to examine the population attributable risk (PAR) of heart disease for each of these risk factors, across the adult lifespan in Australian women. PARs were estimated using relative risks (RRs) for each of the four risk factors, as used in the Global Burden of Disease Study, and prevalence estimates from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health, in 15 age groups from 22-27 (N=9608) to 85-90 (N=3901). RRs and prevalence estimates varied across the lifespan. RRs ranged from 6.15 for smoking in the younger women to 1.20 for high BMI and high BP in the older women. Prevalence of risk exposure ranged from 2% for high BP in the younger women to 79% for high BMI in mid-age women. In young adult women up to age 30, the highest population risk was attributed to smoking. From age 31 to 90, PARs were highest for physical inactivity. From about age 30, the population risk of heart disease attributable to inactivity outweighs that of other risk factors, including high BMI. Programmes for the promotion and maintenance of physical activity deserve to be a much higher public health priority for women than they are now, across the adult lifespan.
Publisher: Mary Ann Liebert Inc
Date: 10-2019
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 05-2014
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 02-05-2011
Abstract: The aim of this study was to examine the association between time spent in sedentary leisure and physical activity level in mid-aged men and women. Data were from the 2007 HABITAT study in Brisbane, Australia. A mail survey sent to 17 000 adults (40-65 years) provided 11 037 responses (68.5%), and 9121 (82.6%) were analysed. Sedentary leisure was quantified as hours/day spent sitting watching television, in home computer use, in general leisure, and overall, on a usual week and weekend day. Physical activity level (no activity, low, recommended, high, very high) included walking, moderate and vigorous activity combined into a measure of MET.min/week. Data were analysed separately for men and women using multilevel multinomial logistic regression with adjustment for sociodemographic and health variables. The only significant negative associations were between watching television on a week day and high activity in men (0.91 0.83-0.98), and home computer use on a weekend day and very high activity in men (0.89 0.81-0.98). For both men and women, there were significant positive associations between overall sedentary leisure time on a week day and very high activity (men: 1.07, 1.02-1.13 women: 1.10, 1.04-1.16), home computer use on a week day and very high activity (men: 1.11, 1.01-1.22 women: 1.15, 1.04-1.27) and general leisure on a week day and most activity levels. Sedentary leisure is mainly independent of physical activity and does not preclude meeting physical activity recommendations.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-2002
Abstract: To investigate the prevalence and predictors of weight maintenance over time in a large s le of young Australian women. This population study examined baseline and 4 y follow-up data from the cohort of young women participating in the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health. A total of 8726 young women aged 18-23 y at baseline. Height, weight and body mass index (BMI) physical activity time spent sitting selected eating behaviours (eg dieting, disordered eating, takeaway food consumption) cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption parity and sociodemographic characteristics. Only 44% of the women reported their BMI at follow-up to be within 5% of their baseline BMI (maintainers) 41% had gained weight and 15% had lost weight. Weight maintainers were more likely to be in managerial or professional occupations to have never married to be currently studying and not to be mothers. Controlling for sociodemographic factors, weight maintainers were more likely to be in a healthy weight range at baseline, and to report that they spent less time sitting, and consumed less takeaway food, than women who gained weight. Fewer than half the young women in this community s le maintained their weight over this 4 y period in their early twenties. Findings of widespread weight gain, particularly among those already overweight, suggest that early adulthood, which is a time of significant life changes for many women, may be an important time for implementing strategies to promote maintenance of healthy weight. Strategies which encourage decreased sitting time and less takeaway food consumption may be effective for encouraging weight maintenance at this life stage.
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2012
DOI: 10.1071/HE12101
Abstract: There is limited evaluation on the impact of community-based walking groups on physical activity (PA). This study examined the amount of walking and total PA minutes when adults joined the Just Walk It (JWI) program in Queensland, and changes over time. All adult participants (n=1258) were sent a survey on registration with the JWI program between April 2002 and December 2003, and after 6 and 12 months. Outcomes included self-reported minutes of walking and total PA in the past week and the proportion meeting PA recommendations. Of the 1,258 registrants, 601 returned the 12-month survey 423 of these confirmed they still participated. At baseline, 36 (8.5%) of these were inactive, 280 (66.2%) were insufficiently active to meet PA recommendations and 107 (25.3%) met PA recommendations. Among these groups, the largest 12-month increases in walking and total PA were in participants who were inactive (177 minutes, 95% CI 144-210, p<0.001 and 233 minutes, 95% CI 169-297, p<0.001, respectively) and in participants who were insufficiently active (63 minutes, 95% CI 39-86, p<0.001 and 122 minutes, 95% CI 81-162, p<0.001, respectively). Walking minutes increased more for men (n=92) [100 minutes, 95% CI 51-150] than for women (n=331) [52 minutes, 95% CI 32-72, p=0.044], as did total PA minutes (158 minutes, 95% CI 61-247 compared to 67 minutes, 95% CI 31-103, p=0.038). Furthermore, compared with participants aged 18-44 years (n=41) [-12 minutes, 95% CI -75-50] and 65 and older (n=183) [57 minutes, 95% CI 27-87], walking increased more in those aged 45-64 years (n=199) [83 minutes, 95% CI 56-110, p=0.018). Participation in a community-based walking group for 12 months increased both walking and total PA, especially in men, mid-aged participants and those who were inactive or insufficiently active at registration.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2003
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 09-2015
DOI: 10.1111/INM.12158
Abstract: The life expectancy of adults with mental illness is worse than that of the general population and is largely due to poor physical health status. Physical activity has been consistently recommended for the prevention and management of many chronic physical health conditions and can also have benefits for mental health. This cross sectional study assessed the attitudes towards and preferences for physical activity among inpatient adults with mental illness, and differences by distress and gender. Self-report questionnaires were completed by 101 patients. Findings indicated that inpatient adults with mental illness are interested in doing physical activity while in hospital, primarily to maintain good physical health and improve emotional wellbeing. Fewer than half of participants agreed that physical activity has benefits for serious mental illness. Participants indicated a preference for walking and physical activity that can be done alone, at a fixed time and with a set routine and format. Major barriers were fatigue and lack of motivation. Females were more likely than males to prefer activities done with others of the same gender (P = 0.001) and at the same level of ability (P < 0.001). There were no significant differences by level of distress. These findings can inform physical activity intervention programming in hospital settings, which may contribute to decreasing the chronic disease burden and improve the psychological wellbeing in adults with mental illness.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2004
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2008
DOI: 10.1111/J.1753-6405.2008.00192.X
Abstract: This study examined the relationships between combined categories of physical activity (PA) and Body Mass Index (BMI) with health care costs in women and assessed the potential cost savings of improving PA and BMI in sedentary mid-age women. Cross-sectional analysis of 2001 survey data linked to health service use data for the same year from 7,004 mid-age women (50-55 years) participating in the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health. The mean (median interquartile range) annual cost of Medicare-subsidised services was $542 (355 156-693) per woman. Costs were 17% higher in obese than in healthy-weight women and 26% higher in sedentary than in moderately active women. For sedentary obese women, mean costs were 43% higher than in healthy weight, moderately active women. After adjustment for potential confounders, the relative risk of 'high' claims (>or=15 claims per year) for overweight women who reported 'moderate' or 'high' PA were lower than for women with healthy BMI who reported no PA. Lower PA and higher BMI are both associated with higher health care costs, but costs are lower for overweight active women than for healthy-weight sedentary women. At the population level these data suggest that there would be significant cost savings if all sedentary mid-age women could achieve at least 'low' levels of PA (60-150 minutes a week).
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2008
DOI: 10.1016/J.YPMED.2008.05.012
Abstract: To assess whether the "10,000 Steps Ghent" intervention had any effect on self-reported sitting time. A multi-strategy community-based intervention was implemented in 2005 to promote physical activity (PA) to adults living in Ghent, Belgium. In 2005, 648 randomly selected participants (aged 25 to 75) from the intervention community Ghent and 592 from a comparison community, completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and a pedometer log. Of these, 440 intervention participants and 426 comparison participants completed the follow-up measurements in 2006. A decrease of 12 min in total daily sitting time was found in the intervention community, compared with an increase of 18 min/day in the comparison community (F=9.5, p=0.002). The effect was seen for both weekday (p=0.044) and weekend day (p<0.001) sitting times. In the intervention community, total daily sitting time decreased more in the participants who increased their step counts (-18 min/day t=2.5 p=0.012), than in those who did not (no change t=0.8, ns). After 1 year of intervention, total, weekday, and weekend day sitting times were reduced in the intervention community, while sitting time increased in the comparison community.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2005
DOI: 10.1016/J.AMEPRE.2005.04.003
Abstract: One of the major immediate and long-term health issues in modern society is the problem of overweight and obesity. This paper examines the role of the workplace in the problem by studying the association between occupational sitting time and overweight and obesity (body mass index [BMI] > or =25) in a s le of adult Australians in full-time employment. Data on age, gender, occupation, physical activity, occupational sitting time, and BMI were collected in September 2003 from a s le of 1579 adult men and women in full-time employment at the time of the survey. Logistic regression was used to examine the association between occupational sitting time and overweight and obesity. Mean occupational sitting time was >3 hours/day, and significantly higher in men (209 minutes) than in women (189 minutes, p=0.026). Univariate analyses showed significant associations between occupational sitting time and BMI of > or =25 in men but not in women. After adjusting for age, occupation, and physical activity, the odds ratio for BMI > or =25 was 1.92 (confidence interval: 1.17-3.17) in men who reported sitting for >6 hours/day, compared with those who sat for <45 minutes/day. Occupational sitting time was independently associated with overweight and obesity in men who were in full-time paid work. These results suggest that the workplace may play an important role in the growing problem of overweight and obesity. Further research is needed to clearly understand the association between sitting time at work and overweight and obesity in women.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 02-05-2017
DOI: 10.1111/INM.12343
Abstract: The life expectancy of adults with mental illness is significantly less than that of the general population, and this is largely due to poor physical health. Behavioural counselling can improve physical health indicators among people with non-communicable disease. This repeated-measures, single-group intervention trial evaluated the effects of a 19-week behavioural counselling programme on metabolic health indicators and physical activity levels of outpatient adults with mental illness. Sixteen participants completed the intervention that comprised in idual face-to-face counselling sessions with a registered nurse every 3 weeks, and progress reviews with a medical practitioner every 6 weeks. Assessment included self-report and objective measurement of physical activity, and measures of blood pressure and anthropometry. Statistically-significant changes were demonstrated between baseline and post intervention for participants' waist circumference (P = 0.035) and waist-to-height ratio (P = 0.037). Non-significant improvements were demonstrated in weight and physical activity. The findings indicated that adults with mental illness can engage in a nurse-led behavioural counselling intervention, with improvements in some metabolic health measures after 19 weeks. It is recommended that behavioural counselling programmes for adults with mental illness be sustained over time and have an 'open door' policy to allow for attendance interruptions, such as hospitalization.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2009
DOI: 10.1016/J.YPMED.2008.11.009
Abstract: To evaluate three strategies for promoting physical activity (PA) in a primary care setting. Data were collected between 2002 and 2004 from 136 patients attending two general practices in Brisbane, Australia. Inactive patients (50-70 years) were randomly allocated to one of three hierarchical intervention groups: the general practitioner (GP) group received 'brief' advice the GP+ES group also received behavior change advice from an exercise scientist (ES) and the GP+ES+P group also received a pedometer. Self-reported PA and its determinants were measured at baseline and weeks 12 and 24. Cardio-respiratory variables were measured at baseline and week 12. Overall, mean PA time increased by 84 and 128 min/week at weeks 12 and 24 (p<.01) with no significant group differences. Small improvements in blood pressure and post-exercise heart rate were observed. At week 24, the GP+ES+P group were more likely to report meeting PA guidelines than the GP group (OR=2.39 95% CI: 1.01, 5.64). PA levels can be increased in mid- to older-age adults, either by brief advice from motivated GPs alone, or from collaboration between GPs and ESs. The most intense intervention (GP+ES+P) showed the most promising results.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 17-08-2012
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2001
DOI: 10.1016/S1440-2440(01)80047-5
Abstract: There is currently some debate about whether the energy expenditure of domestic tasks is sufficient to confer health benefits. The aim of this study was therefore to measure the energy cost of five activities commonly undertaken by mothers of young children. Seven women with at least one child younger than five years of age spent 15 minutes in each of the following activities: sitting quietly, vacuum cleaning, washing windows, walking at moderate pace (approx 5km/hour), walking with a stroller and grocery shopping in a supermarket. Each of the six 'trials' was completed on the same day, in random order. A carefully calibrated portable gas analyser was used to measure oxygen uptake during each activity, and data were converted to units of energy expenditure (METS). Vacuum cleaning, washing windows and walking with and without a stroller were found to be 'moderate intensity activities' (3 to 6 METs), but supermarket shopping did not reach this criterion. The MET values for these activities were similar to those reported in the Compendium of Physical Activities (Ainsworth et al., 2000). However, the energy expenditures of walking, both with and without a stroller, were higher than those reported in the Compendium. The findings suggest that some of the tasks associated with domestic caring duties are conducted at an intensity which is sufficient to confer some health benefit. Such benefits will only accrue however if the daily duration of these activities is sufficient to meet current guidelines.
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.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 2001
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 27-04-2012
Abstract: Although physical activity is associated with health-related quality of life (HRQL), the nature of the dose-response relationship remains unclear. To examine the concurrent and prospective dose-response relationships between total physical activity (TPA) and (only) walking with HRQL in two age cohorts of women. Participants were 10 698 women born in 1946-1951 and 7646 born in 1921-1926, who completed three mailed surveys for the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health. They reported weekly TPA minutes (sum of walking, moderate and vigorous minutes). HRQL was measured with the Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form 36 Health Status Survey (SF-36). Linear mixed models, adjusted for socio-demographic and health-related variables, were used to examine associations between TPA level (none, very low, low, intermediate, sufficient, high and very high) and SF-36 scores. For women who reported walking as their only physical activity, associations between walking and SF-36 scores were also examined. Curvilinear trends were observed between TPA and walking with SF-36 scores. Concurrently, HRQL scores increased significantly with increasing TPA and walking, in both cohorts, with increases less marked above sufficient activity levels. Prospectively, associations were attenuated although significant and meaningful improvements in physical functioning and vitality were observed across most TPA and walking categories above the low category. For women in their 50s-80s without clinical depression, greater amounts of TPA are associated with better current and future HRQL, particularly physical functioning and vitality. Even if walking is their only activity, women, particularly those in their 70s-80s, have better HRQL.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2003
DOI: 10.1111/J.1467-842X.2003.TB00384.X
Abstract: To determine whether awareness of the moderate physical activity message and prevalence of participation changed among Australian adults between 1997 and 1999, and if changes differed across Australia. Data were compared on awareness of the moderate physical activity message and on physical activity participation from identical national physical activity surveys in 1997 and 1999. In 1999, following integrated public health efforts, recognition of the Active Australia c aign was substantially higher in NSW/ACT (61.7%) than elsewhere (29.3%). Knowledge about benefits of moderate activity increased between 1997 and 1999, more so in States with public health c aigns. National participation in 'sufficient physical activity' declined between 1997 and 1999, from 63% to 57%, but the decline was smaller in NSW/ACT (4.4%) than in the other States (6.0%). Declining trends in physical activity in Australia require increased public health investments, including strategic planning and public education, such as occurred in NSW (1997/98).
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2007
DOI: 10.1016/J.YPMED.2006.09.012
Abstract: Using a randomised control trial design, this study assessed the impact of two walking interventions, on the work day step counts and health of UK academic and administrative, university employees. A convenience s le of 58 women (age 42+/-10 years) and 6 men (age 40+/-11 years) completed baseline and intervention measures for step counts, % body fat, waist circumference and systolic/diastolic blood pressure, during a ten-week period (October to December, 2005). Before intervention, baseline step counts (five working days) were used to randomly allocate participants to a control (maintain normal behaviour, n=22) and two treatment groups ("walking routes", n=21 "walking in tasks", n=21). Intervention effects were evaluated by calculating differences between pre-intervention and intervention data. A one-way ANOVA analysed significant differences between groups. A significant intervention effect (p<0.002) was found for step counts, with mean differences indicating a decrease in steps for the control group (-767 steps/day) and increases in the "walking routes" (+926 steps/day) and "walking in tasks" (+997 steps/day) groups. Small, non-significant changes were found in % body fat, waist circumference and blood pressure. Findings have implications for work-based physical activity promotion and the development of walking interventions within the completion of work-based tasks.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 16-10-2008
Abstract: To evaluate the feasibility, acceptability and effects of a Tai Chi and Qigong exercise programme in adults with elevated blood glucose. A single group pre-post feasibility trial with 11 participants (3 male and 8 female aged 42-65 years) with elevated blood glucose. Participants attended Tai Chi and Qigong exercise training for 1 to 1.5 h, 3 times per week for 12 weeks, and were encouraged to practise the exercises at home. Indicators of metabolic syndrome (body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol) glucose control (HbA1c, fasting insulin and insulin resistance (HOMA)) health-related quality of life stress and depressive symptoms. There was good adherence and high acceptability. There were significant improvements in four of the seven indicators of metabolic syndrome including BMI (mean difference -1.05, p<0.001), waist circumference (-2.80 cm, p<0.05), and systolic (-11.64 mm Hg, p<0.01) and diastolic blood pressure (-9.73 mm Hg, p<0.001), as well as in HbA1c (-0.32%, p<0.01), insulin resistance (-0.53, p<0.05), stress (-2.27, p<0.05), depressive symptoms (-3.60, p<0.05), and the SF-36 mental health summary score (5.13, p<0.05) and subscales for general health (19.00, p<0.01), mental health (10.55, p<0.01) and vitality (23.18, p<0.05). The programme was feasible and acceptable and participants showed improvements in metabolic and psychological variables. A larger controlled trial is now needed to confirm these promising preliminary results.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2000
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2007
DOI: 10.1016/J.AMEPRE.2006.12.007
Abstract: Pedometers have been identified as a potential motivational aid for increasing physical activity, but their efficacy has not been demonstrated in a community-based, nonclinical s le. A randomized controlled trial was conducted from August to December 2005. Analysis was completed in June 2006. Inactive adults aged 30-65 years (n=369) recruited from the community. Comparison of a theoretically based self-help walking program (WP) and weekly diaries (sent by mail) the same walking program with a pedometer (WPP) (also by mail) and a no-treatment control group (C). Change in self-reported leisure time in any sports/recreation in the last 3 months, and all-purpose walking (APW) for exercise, recreation, and travel, and other moderate, vigorous physical activity in the last week. Proportions meeting physical activity recommendations (equal to or greater than 150 minutes and equal to or greater than five sessions/week(-1)) were determined. A 3-month follow-up interview was conducted with 314 (85%) participants. Intention-to-treat analyses indicated significance within-group increases of APW and leisure-time walking (LTW), but mean and median sessions and minutes changes were greatest in the WPP group. There were no significant between-group differences in regular LTW (walked equal to or greater than 5 sessions/week(-1) for at least 30 minutes/session), but the WPP group increased significantly participation in other sports/recreations and was more likely than the control group to meet physical activity recommendations by all leisure-time physical activity (adjusted odds ratio=2.40, 95% CI=1.17-4.93), by APW (adjusted odds ratio=1.75 95% CI=0.92-3.34) and all physical activity (adjusted odds ratio=1.59 95% CI=0.92-2.79) in the last week. Pedometers enhanced the effects of the self-help walking program. This low-cost intervention should be tested for sustainability.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2019
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2010
DOI: 10.1071/HE10222
Abstract: evidence that regular moderate-intensity physical activity confers substantial health benefits has been available for more than a decade. Recent studies suggest that the availability of evidence is in itself insufficient for the development of evidence-based public policy and that comprehensive translation mechanisms are needed. This paper explores the current sources of information about effective interventions among physical activity professionals, their awareness and uptake of evidence reviews, their use of the national physical activity network AusPANet and their beliefs about evidence-based policy and practice in physical activity. this Physical Activity Policy and Practice in Australia (PAPPA) study reports data from a survey of 115 key physical activity professionals attending the Sixth National Physical Activity Conference in Adelaide, Australia, October 2007. Respondents answered questions about awareness and use of evidence sources and about their beliefs regarding policy and practice in physical activity. only 37% of respondents could accurately identify the main policy messages on 'physical activity and health' as defined in the seminal US Surgeon General's report 48% reported using the current 'Be Active Australia' national strategic framework on more than two occasions and just over 35% reported using the most recent national evidence synthesis 'Getting Australia Active II'. the study identifies gaps in knowledge about physical activity and health, gaps in understanding contemporary policy and gaps in translation strategies. Notwithstanding the possible limitations of evidence reviews and syntheses as a determinant of policy and practice, it is apparent that the dissemination of physical activity guidelines and evidence summaries has been less than optimal in Australia.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 24-01-2018
Abstract: Few studies have examined the causal relationship between transport mode and body mass index (BMI). We examined between-person differences and within-person changes in BMI by transport mode over four time points between 2007 and 2013. Data were from the How Areas in Brisbane Influence HealTh and AcTivity project, a population-representative study of persons aged 40–65 in 2007 (baseline) residing in 200 neighbourhoods in Brisbane, Australia. The analytic s le comprised 9931 respondents who reported on their main transport for all travel purposes (work-related and non-work-related). Transport mode was measured as private motor vehicle (PMV), public transport, walking and cycling. Self-reported height and weight were used to derive BMI. Sex-specific analyses were conducted using multilevel hybrid regression before and after adjustment for time-varying and time-invariant confounders. Independent of transport mode and after adjustment for confounders, average BMI increased significantly and linearly across the four time points for both men and women. Men and women who walked or cycled had a significantly lower BMI than their counterparts who used a PMV. BMI was nearly always lower during the time men and women walked or cycled than when they used a PMV however, few statistically significant differences were observed. For women, BMI was significantly higher during the time they used public transport than when using a PMV. The findings suggest a causal association between transport mode and BMI and support calls from health authorities to promote walking and cycling for transport as a way of incorporating physical activity into everyday life to reduce the risk of chronic disease.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2018
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-2015
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 16-02-2012
DOI: 10.1111/J.1741-6612.2011.00582.X
Abstract: Current recommendations suggest that older Australians (defined here as ≥65 years of age) should, for health benefits, accumulate 30 minutes of at least moderate intensity physical activity on most days each week. The aim of this study was to determine the proportion who meets this recommendation. Systematic review of scholarly journals published between 1 January 2000 and 5 October 2010. Of 357 potentially relevant papers, 22 met the study criteria. Estimates from the 15 studies with s les >500 suggest that between 25% and 55% of Australians ≥65 years were meeting guidelines, but in these studies definitions, measures and age ranges of participants varied widely. Because of the heterogeneity of s les, measures and definitions, it is not possible to estimate with confidence the proportion of older adults in Australia who meet current physical activity recommendations.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2014
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2019
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 30-07-2016
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2009
DOI: 10.1016/J.YPMED.2008.10.016
Abstract: To assess whether combinations of leisure-time physical activity (PA) and occupational sitting were associated with steps/day and objectively measured body mass index (BMI) in women aged 54-59 years. In 2005, 158 women (age=56.4+/-1.4) living in Brisbane, Australia, were measured for height and weight, wore a pedometer for 7 days, and reported frequency and duration of leisure-time PA and extent of occupational sitting. Four groups were formed: (1) sufficiently active and some/little/no occupational sitting (n=52) (2) sufficiently active and mostly/all occupational sitting (n=29) (3) insufficiently active and some/little/no occupational sitting (n=43) and (4) insufficiently active and mostly/all occupational sitting (n=34). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to examine group differences in mean steps/day and BMI. Mean+/-standard deviation (SD) steps/day for each group (indicated by numerical order above) was: (1) 9997+/-2854 (2) 9424+/-3120 (3) 8995+/-2965 (4) 7276+/-2816 [F(3,154)=6.139, p=.001]. BMI (kg/m(2)) was: (1) 25.5+/-3.9) (2) 26.9+/-4.1 (3) 26.5+/-4.7 (4) 29.7+/-7.9 [F(3,154)=4.57, p=.004]. Mean steps/day were significantly lower, and BMI significantly higher, in group 4 than in all other groups. No other differences were significant. These cross-sectional data suggest that it might be important to consider both leisure-time PA and occupational sitting when considering strategies to increase steps/day and promote healthy BMI in mid-age women.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2001
Abstract: The Australian Iron Status Advisory Panel advocates dietary intervention as the first treatment option for mild iron deficiency [serum ferritin (SF) = 10-15 microg/L]. However, there appear to be no studies on the efficacy of dietary treatment for iron deficiency. We compared the effects of iron supplementation and of a high-iron diet on serum ferritin (SF) and hemoglobin in iron-deficient women of childbearing age. Forty-four iron-deficient women (SF <15 microg/L or SF = 15-20 microg/L plus serum iron 68 micromol/L) and 22 iron-replete women (hemoglobin > or =120 g/L and SF >20 microg/L) matched for age and parity categories were enrolled and completed 7-d weighed food records at baseline. The iron-deficient women were randomly allocated to receive iron supplementation (105 mg/d supplement group) or a high-iron diet (recommended intake of absorbable iron: 2.25 mg/d diet group) for 12 wk. Hematologic and dietary assessments were repeated at the end of the intervention and again after a 6-mo follow-up. Mean SF in the supplement group increased from 9.0 +/- 3.9 microg/L at baseline to 24.8 +/- 10.0 microg/L after the intervention and remained stable during follow-up (24.2 +/- 9.8 microg/L), whereas the diet group had smaller increases during the intervention (8.9 +/- 3.1 to 11.0 +/- 5.9 microg/L) but continued to improve during follow-up (to 15.2 +/- 9.5 microg/L). Mean hemoglobin tended to improve in both intervention groups, but the change was only significant in the supplement group. In iron-deficient women of childbearing age, a high-iron diet produced smaller increases in SF than did iron supplementation but resulted in continued improvements in iron status during a 6-mo. follow-up.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.CCT.2019.01.007
Abstract: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a global public health concern. Aerobic physical activity (PA) and resistance training (RT) play significant roles in the prevention and management of T2DM. The aim of this pilot trial is to determine the preliminary efficacy and confirm feasibility of referral to exercise physiologists, psychologists, and provision of a technology-based behavior change support package to promote aerobic PA and RT in school teachers 'at risk' of or diagnosed with T2DM. The SMART (Support, Motivation and Physical Activity Research for Teachers') Health pilot study will be evaluated using a three-arm randomized controlled trial. The intervention will be guided by Social Cognitive Theory, Health Action Process Approach Model and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy strategies. The participants will be randomly allocated to one of three study groups: Group 1: wait-list control group Group 2: 5 face-to-face visits with a psychologist and exercise specialist over 3 months and Group 3: same as Group 2 plus technology-based behavior change support package for an additional 6 months. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, 3-, 9- (primary time-point) and 18-months post-baseline. The primary outcome will be PA measured with pedometers. SMART Health is an innovative, multi-component intervention, that integrates referral to exercise specialists, psychologists and provision of a technology-based behavior support package to promote PA and RT in adults diagnosed with T2DM or 'at risk' of T2DM. The findings will be used to guide future PA interventions and to develop effective community-based diabetes prevention and treatment programs. Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry No: ACTRN12616001309471.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 19-08-2013
Abstract: Introduction. Women attain numerous benefits from physical activity during pregnancy. However, because of physical changes that occur during pregnancy, special precautions are also needed. This review summarizes current guidelines for physical activity among pregnant women worldwide. Methods. We searched PubMed (MedLINE) for country-specific governmental and clinical guidelines on physical activity during pregnancy through the year 2012. We cross-referenced with articles referring to guidelines, with only the most recent included. An abstraction form was used to extract key details and summarize. Results. In total, 11 guidelines were identified from 9 countries (Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Japan, Norway, Spain, United Kingdom, United States). Most guidelines supported moderate-intensity physical activity during pregnancy (10/11) and indicated specific frequency (9/11) and duration/time (9/11) recommendations. Most guidelines provided advice on initiating an exercise program during pregnancy (10/11). Six guidelines included absolute and relative contraindications to exercise. All guidelines generally ruled-out sports with risks of falls, trauma, or collisions. Six guidelines included indications for stopping exercise during pregnancy. Conclusion. This review contrasted pregnancy-related physical activity guidelines from around the world, and can help inform new guidelines as they are created or updated and facilitate the development of a worldwide guideline.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2011
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 12-10-2016
DOI: 10.1136/BJSPORTS-2016-096810
Abstract: This is Part 2 of 5 in the series of evidence statements from the IOC expert committee on exercise and pregnancy in recreational and elite athletes. Part 1 focused on the effects of training during pregnancy and on the management of common pregnancy-related symptoms experienced by athletes. In Part 2, we focus on maternal and fetal perinatal outcomes.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 15-12-2012
DOI: 10.1136/BJSPORTS-2012-091676
Abstract: Studies of mid-aged adults provide evidence of a relationship between sitting-time and all-cause mortality, but evidence in older adults is limited. The aim is to examine the relationship between total sitting-time and all-cause mortality in older women. The prospective cohort design involved 6656 participants in the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health who were followed for up to 9 years (2002, age 76-81, to 2011, age 85-90). Self-reported total sitting-time was linked to all-cause mortality data from the National Death Index from 2002 to 2011. Cox proportional hazard models were used to examine the relationship between sitting-time and all-cause mortality, with adjustment for potential sociodemographic, behavioural and health confounders. There were 2003 (30.1%) deaths during a median follow-up of 6 years. Compared with participants who sat <4 h/day, those who sat 8-11 h/day had a 1.45 times higher risk of death and those who sat ≥11 h/day had a 1.65 times higher risk of death. These risks remained after adding sociodemographic and behavioural covariates, but were attenuated after adjustment for health covariates. A significant interaction (p=0.02) was found between sitting-time and physical activity (PA), with increased mortality risk for prolonged sitting only among participants not meeting PA guidelines (HR for sitting ≥8 h/day: 1.31, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.61) HR for sitting ≥11 h/day: 1.47, CI 1.15 to 1.93). Prolonged sitting-time was positively associated with all-cause mortality. Women who reported sitting for more than 8 h/day and did not meet PA guidelines had an increased risk of dying within the next 9 years.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 08-04-2010
DOI: 10.1007/S12529-010-9087-8
Abstract: Physical activity can provide psychological benefits, but there is little research on psychologists' promoting activity as part of psychological treatment. This study assessed psychologists' attitudes to and frequency of providing activity advice and counseling. A mail questionnaire sent to 620 psychologists provided 236 responses (38%). Items assessed frequency of providing activity advice and counseling, confidence to provide activity advice and counseling, perceived efficacy of activity for managing physical and psychological conditions, acceptability of activity advice and counseling, knowledge of national activity guidelines, exposure to training in activity promotion, and practice and sociodemographic characteristics. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression analyses. Among respondents, 83% reported often recommending activity, 67% often provided activity advice, and 28% often did activity counseling. There was a high level of acceptability for physical activity promotion as part of psychological treatment. Over 80% of respondents were confident to provide general activity advice, discuss activity options, and problem solve barriers to activity, but less than half were confident to monitor activity levels or to tailor advice. Factors significantly associated with providing activity advice and counseling were: if the psychologist reported doing regular exercise, confidence to provide general activity advice, high acceptability, working in private practice, and clients presenting with general health and well-being issues (p < 0.05). Seventy-two percent of respondents were interested in attending a workshop on providing activity advice and counseling. Many psychologists are willing and potentially able to promote physical activity as part of psychological treatment and would be likely to participate in relevant professional development.
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.
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 27-06-2021
Abstract: uidelines for physical activity and exercise during pregnancy recommend that all women without contraindications engage in regular physical activity to improve both their own health and the health of their baby. Many women are uncertain how to safely engage in physical activity and exercise during this life stage and are increasingly using mobile apps to access health-related information. However, the extent to which apps that provide physical activity and exercise advice align with current evidence-based pregnancy recommendations is unclear. his study aims to conduct a systematic search and content analysis of apps that promote physical activity and exercise in pregnancy to examine the alignment of the content with current evidence-based recommendations delivery, format, and features of physical activity and exercise instruction and credentials of the app developers. ystematic searches were conducted in the Australian App Store and Google Play Store in October 2020. Apps were identified using combinations of search terms relevant to pregnancy and exercise or physical activity and screened for inclusion (with a primary focus on physical activity and exercise during pregnancy, free to download or did not require immediate paid subscription, and an average user rating of ≥4 out of 5). Apps were then independently reviewed using an author-designed extraction tool. verall, 27 apps were included in this review (Google Play Store: 16/27, 59%, and App Store: 11/27, 41%). Two-thirds of the apps provided some information relating to the frequency, intensity, time, and type principles of exercise only 11% (3/27) provided this information in line with current evidence-based guidelines. Approximately one-third of the apps provided information about contraindications to exercise during pregnancy and referenced the supporting evidence. None of the apps actively engaged in screening for potential contraindications. Only 15% (4/27) of the apps collected information about the user’s current exercise behaviors, 11% (3/27) allowed users to personalize features relating to their exercise preferences, and a little more than one-third provided information about developer credentials. ew exercise apps designed for pregnancy aligned with current evidence-based physical activity guidelines. None of the apps screened users for contraindications to physical activity and exercise during pregnancy, and most lacked appropriate personalization features to account for an in idual’s characteristics. Few involved qualified experts during the development of the app. There is a need to improve the quality of apps that promote exercise in pregnancy to ensure that women are appropriately supported to engage in exercise and the potential risk of injury, complications, and adverse pregnancy outcomes for both mother and child is minimized. This could be done by providing expert guidance that aligns with current recommendations, introducing screening measures and features that enable personalization and tailoring to in idual users, or by developing a recognized system for regulating apps.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 2003
Abstract: To measure changes in physical and mental health in six groups of women defined by menopausal status or use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Longitudinal study with 2 years follow-up. Eight thousand six hundred and twenty three women participating in the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health, aged 45-50 years in 1996. Changes in the eight dimensions of the Short Form General Health Survey (SF-36) adjusted for baseline scores, lifestyle, behavioural and demographic factors. At baseline, mean scores for five of the eight dimensions of the SF-36 were highest (indicating better state of health or well-being) in premenopausal women. There were declines (that is, worsening health) in the SF-36 dimensions in most groups of women. Declines were largest in physical functioning (adjusted mean change of -4.9, standard error (SE) 0.7) and physical role limitation (-5.7, SE: 1.3) in women who remained peri-menopausal throughout the study period and in women taking HRT at the time of either survey (physical functioning: -5.3 (0.7), role physical limitation: -7.5 (1.2)). They were smallest in women who remained pre-menopausal (physical functioning: -3.2 (0.7) role physical limitation: -2.1 (1.1)). Physical aspects of general health and well-being decline during the menopausal transition. Sensitive measures and careful analysis are needed to understand why these changes are worse for peri-menopausal women and those taking HRT.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 22-04-2010
Abstract: This study examines the relevance of the World Health Organization (WHO) optimal range for body mass index (BMI) of 18.5-25 kg/m(2) to morbidity in older women. Data were from 11,553 women who completed five mailed surveys at 3-year intervals between 1996 (age 70-75 years) and 2008 (age 82-87 years). Incidence and prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension, heart disease, and osteoporosis hospital admissions and mortality were assessed. The association between BMI in 1996 and each outcome was examined using logistic regression models with repeated measures and a proportional hazards model for survival. There were consistent associations between increasing BMI and increasing incidence and prevalence of DM, hypertension, and heart disease and between increasing BMI and decreasing risk of osteoporosis. The association with hospital admission was J shaped and lowest for BMI of 22-24 kg/m(2), whereas the association with mortality was U shaped, being lowest for BMI of 25-27 kg/m(2). These associations were not affected by excluding women with cancer or excluding the first 5 years of follow-up. These results illustrate the complexity of determining the optimal BMI range for women who survived to age 70-75 years. Although the WHO recommendation is appropriate for DM, hypertension, heart disease, and hospitalization, a slightly higher BMI range may be optimal for osteoporosis and mortality.
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 02-2012
DOI: 10.1123/JPAH.9.2.270
Abstract: While there is emerging evidence that sedentary behavior is negatively associated with health risk, research on the correlates of sitting time in adults is scarce. Self-report data from 7724 women born between 1973–1978 and 8198 women born between 1946–1951 were collected as part of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health. Linear regression models were computed to examine whether demographic, family and caring duties, time use, health, and health behavior variables were associated with weekday sitting time. Mean sitting time (SD) was 6.60 (3.32) hours/day for the 1973–1978 cohort and 5.70 (3.04) hours/day for the 1946–1951 cohort. Indicators of socioeconomic advantage, such as full-time work and skilled occupations in both cohorts and university education in the mid-age cohort, were associated with high sitting time. A cluster of ‘healthy behaviors’ was associated with lower sitting time in the mid-aged women (moderate/high physical activity levels, nonsmoking, nondrinking). For both cohorts, sitting time was highest in women in full-time work, in skilled occupations, and in those who spent the most time in passive leisure. The results suggest that, in young and mid-aged women, interventions for reducing sitting time should focus on both occupational and leisure-time sitting.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2010
DOI: 10.1016/J.YPMED.2010.07.009
Abstract: Sedentary behaviour may be a contributor to weight gain in today's young adult women, who are gaining weight faster than women in their mothers' generation. The aim was to examine the relationships between sitting time and weight in young women. Data were from women born in 1973-1978 who completed surveys in 2000, 2003 and 2006 for the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health. Associations between concurrent changes in sitting-time and weight, and prospective associations between these variables, were examined using ANOVA and linear regressions, stratified by BMI-category in 2000 (n=5562). Among overweight and obese women, percentage weight change from 2000 to 2006 was higher in those whose sitting time increased (>20%) than in those whose sitting time decreased (>20%) over the same period (p 5%) than in those who lost weight (>5%) (p<0.05). There were no prospective associations between (change in) sitting time and weight change, or between (change in) weight and change in sitting time. The results confirm associations between concurrent changes in weight and changes in sitting time in overweight and obese women, but no prospective relationships were found.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2017
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.JSAMS.2015.07.017
Abstract: To assess physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour (SB) in non-institutionalised adults with mental illness, using a combination of self-report and objective measures. Cross-sectional Participants completed PA questionnaires (time spent walking for transport, walking for recreation, gardening, vigorous-, and moderate-intensity activities), and SB questionnaires (time spent sitting for TV, travel, work, computer use, and reclining). Participants also wore an accelerometer for 7 days. Accelerometry estimates of time spent in SB, light activity, and moderate-to-vigorous activity (MVPA), bout durations, and, breaks in sedentary time, were calculated. 142 participants completed the questionnaires. The median time spent in self-reported MVPA and SB was 4.5h/week and 10.7h/day, respectively. Walking for transport, and sitting to watch TV, contributed most to self-report estimates time spent reclining was an important contributor to SB. Ninety-nine participants completed the accelerometry. The median time spent in accelerometer-derived MVPA and SB was 26min/day and 9.2h/day respectively 7% of MVPA time was in bouts of 10min or more, and 34% of SB time was in bouts of over 20min. A high proportion of participants reported activity levels consistent with physical activity guidelines however, a small proportion of activity was accumulated in bouts of 10min or more. Participants also had high levels of SB, about one-third of which was accumulated in bouts over 20min. PA and SB interventions for this group could target increasing recreational walking, and reducing television time.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 05-2006
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 23-10-2015
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 04-2013
DOI: 10.1111/AJR.12015
Abstract: To describe physical activity participation in three Queensland regional communities. Cross-sectional mail survey of randomly selected residents, stratified by age and sex. Esk, Mareeba and Mount Isa. 1219 (58% women) adults, with a mean age 46.7 (standard deviation 14.7) years. Proportion of people inactive, meeting Australian activity guidelines (a minimum of 150 min week(-1) and five sessions week(-1) ) and walking a dog daily time spent walking and cycling for transport location and type of recreational physical activities. Overall, 18% of respondents were inactive, with the highest proportions among women (22.3%) and older adults in Mount Isa (24.3%). The proportion meeting activity guidelines was 47%, with the lowest proportion among women in Mount Isa (40.4%). Although 63% reported owning a dog, only 22% reported walking a dog daily. Few people reported walking or cycling for transport. The most common types of activities were walking, home-based exercise, running/jogging and swimming, and the most common location was at or near home. Physical activity levels were lower in these regional communities than the state average. The findings indicate a need for physical activity policy and intervention strategies targeting regional and rural areas. This could focus on women and older adults, dog walking and physical activity opportunities in or near the home.
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 13-11-2013
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 10-2000
Abstract: To explore relationships between body mass index (BMI, kg/m2) and indicators of health and well-being in young Australian women. Population based cohort study--baseline cross sectional data. 14,779 women aged 18-23 who participated in the baseline survey of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health in 1996. Self-reported height, weight, medical conditions, symptoms and SF-36. The majority of women (68%) had a BMI in the range 18.5- <25 12% had a BMI <18.5 14% had a BMI in the range 25- or =30. After adjustment for area of residence, age, education, smoking and exercise, women in the highest BMI category (> or =30) were more likely to report hypertension, asthma, headaches, back pain, sleeping difficulties, irregular periods, and more visits to their medical practitioner. They were also more likely to have given birth at least once, and less likely to report 'low iron'. Women with low BMI (<18.5) were more likely to report irregular periods and 'low iron'. Mean scores on the SF-36 sub-scales for physical functioning, general health and vitality were highest for women with BMI in the range 18.5-25. Acknowledging the limits of the cross-sectional nature of the data, the results show that the deleterious effects of overweight can be seen at a comparatively young age, and that BMI <25 is associated with fewer indicators of morbidity in young women. However, as BMI <18.5 is associated with low iron and irregular periods, care should be taken when developing strategies to prevent overweight in young women, not to encourage women with healthy weight to strive for a lower BMI.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 27-08-2020
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 03-2007
DOI: 10.4278/0890-1171-21.4.225
Abstract: To evaluate the prevalence and characteristics of patients who received physical activity counseling from a general practitioner. Data presented are from a cross-sectional survey of approximately 2000 Queensland (Australia) adults conducted as part of a multi-strategy, community-based, physical activity intervention (10,000 Steps Rockh ton). The survey included self-reported receipt of general practitioner advice on physical activity as well as demographic, medical, and physical activity questions. Receipt of advice on physical activity was reported by 24.2% of respondents, with advice more likely to be given to males, overweight/obese people, those with chronic conditions, and those more frequently visiting their general practitioners. Rates of physical activity advice and characteristics of patients receiving advice are similar to those reported overseas and suggest that while there is room for improvement, general practitioners are targeting their advice to patients most in need.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 05-2006
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.APPET.2017.02.013
Abstract: The concept of food addiction is increasingly used in the academic literature and popular media to explain some forms of overweight and obesity. However, there is limited evidence on how this term is understood by and impacts overweight and obese in iduals. This qualitative study investigated the views of overweight and obese in iduals on food addiction, and its likely impact upon stigma, treatment-seeking, and support for public policies to reduce overeating. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 23 overweight and obese in iduals (M
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 07-06-2016
Abstract: the aim of this study was to explore the associations between use of time and momentary hedonic affect ('enjoyment') in adults in the peri-retirement period. a total of 124 adults [61 males, 63 females age 62 (4) years] completed a computerised use-of-time recall on 4 days at each of four time points (3-6 months pre-, 3, 6 and 12 months post-retirement), as well as surveys regarding self-reported health, well-being, sleep quality and loneliness. They reported how much they enjoyed each activity on a 0-10 scale. An in idual Enjoyment Index was calculated as the time-weighted average of each participant's enjoyment ratings. Time-weighted enjoyment ratings were also calculated for nine mutually exclusive and exhaustive activity domains (Sleep, Chores, Work, Social, Screen Time, Self-care, Quiet Time, Transport, Physical Activity) and sub-domains. the mean (±SD) Enjoyment Index was 7.43 ± 0.61, and was significantly and positively associated with well-being (P = 0.003 to P < 0.0001) and sleep quality (P = 0.03 to P < 0.0001), and negatively associated with loneliness (P = 0.003 to P < 0.0001). Mean Enjoyment Index values increased significantly (P < 0.0001) from pre-retirement (7.19 ± 0.82) to post-retirement (7.46 ± 0.89, 7.42 ± 0.91 and 7.49 ± 0.89 at 3, 6 and 12 months post-retirement). There were significant differences in enjoyment across domains, with Physical Activity (7.86 ± 1.11) and Social (7.66 ± 0.85) being the most enjoyable, and Work (7.10 ± 0.89) and Chores (7.09 ± 0.85) the least enjoyable. enjoyment of everyday activities increased after retirement and remained elevated for at least 12 months. Work appears to constitute a relative hedonic deficit.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 06-2009
DOI: 10.1007/S12160-009-9099-2
Abstract: The impact of life events on physical activity (PA) is little understood. The purpose of this study is to examine relationships between specific life events and changes in PA in three cohorts of Australian women. Young (N = 7,173 age 22-27 years), mid-age (N = 8,762 51-56 years), and older (N = 6,660 73-78 years) participants in the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health completed surveys on two occasions, 3 years apart. About one third of the young and mid-age women and one quarter of the older women were "active" at both times. Decreasing PA was associated with marriage and childbirth in young women and with declining health in older women. Increasing PA was associated with retirement and death of spouse in the mid-age women. Stressful events such as orce, harassment at work, and violence were also associated with changing PA. There were significant associations between age-specific life events and PA changes. Understanding these relationships could inform interventions for preventing declines in activity at specific life stages.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 06-10-2004
Abstract: This study reports on the distributions of food and nutrient intakes by socio-demographic factors for a large population s le of mid-aged Australian women participating in the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health. This cross-sectional population-based study used the Cancer Council of Victoria food frequency questionnaires to derive estimates of food and nutrient intakes. Nationwide community-based survey. A total of 10561 women aged 50-55 y, at the time of the survey in 2001. Analysis showed favourable patterns of food intake, with frequent consumption of many foods that are promoted as components of a healthy diet (eg, fresh fruit, leafy green and other vegetables, bread, cereals, milk and meat). Intakes of both foods and nutrients varied significantly across socio-demographic groups, with unmarried women, and women in 'labouring' occupations (eg, cleaner, factory worker, kitchenhand) having poorer nutrient intake. Although many mid-aged women in this s le had generally healthful diets, women in certain socio-demographic groups (particularly unmarried women and those in labouring occupations) had nutrient intakes of concern. As well as helping to address the dearth of current data on dietary intakes in the Australian population, the results highlight the need for continued targeted public health strategies aimed at improving diet of women from the various socio-economic backgrounds.
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 2014
Abstract: The aim of this study was to examine older adults’ understanding and interpretation of a validated questionnaire for physical activity surveillance, the Active Australia Survey (AAS). To address this aim, cognitive interviewing techniques were used during face-to-face semistructured interviews with 44 adults age 65–89 years. Qualitative data analysis revealed that participants were confused with questionnaire phrasing, misunderstood the scope of activities to include in answers, and misunderstood the time frame of activities to report. They also struggled to accurately estimate the frequency and duration of their activities. Our findings suggest that AAS questions may be interpreted differently by older adults than intended by survey developers. Findings also suggest that older adults use a range of methods for calculating PA frequency and duration. The issues revealed in this study may be useful for adapting AAS for use in older community-dwelling adults.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2014
DOI: 10.1016/J.FERTNSTERT.2014.02.014
Abstract: To estimate the influence of prior oral contraceptive pill (OCP) use on future diagnosis of endometriosis in young women. Prospective cohort study, the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health. Community-based s le. 9,585 women age 18-23 at study onset. None. Risk of self-reported endometriosis estimated with Cox proportional-hazards regression with time-dependent covariates. Compared with never users, endometriosis hazard ratios in nulliparous women with <5 years and ≥ 5 years of OCP use (preceding diagnosis) were 1.8 (95% CI, 1.30-2.53) and 2.3 (95% CI, 1.59-3.40), respectively. Similar risk was seen in both women reporting infertility and unsure fertility. In parous women with <5 years of use, the hazard ratio for endometriosis was 0.41 (95% CI, 0.15-0.56) and for ≥ 5 years of use was 0.45 (95% CI, 0.16-1.23). Women reporting early noncontraceptive OCP use had a twofold higher risk (odds ratio 2.07 95% CI, 1.72-2.51). Prior OCP exposure reduces the risk of diagnosis of endometriosis in parous women but increases it among nulliparous women these associations appear unaffected by fertility status. An increased risk of endometriosis diagnosis seen in women reporting early noncontraceptive OCP use may explain some of the positive OCP risk seen in nulliparous women.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 08-1999
DOI: 10.1046/J.1440-1584.1999.00236.X
Abstract: Over 14,000 women aged 45-50 are participating in the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health, which is designed to track the health of Australian women for 20 years, and to understand lifestyle and healthcare factors that influence women's health. The study deliberately overrepresents women from rural and remote areas. This analysis of baseline data from the study compares the responses of women living in urban areas (capital city, other metropolitan), large rural centres, small rural centres, other rural areas and remote areas (remote centres, other remote areas) of Australia. The data show that while women in this age group who live in rural and remote areas have similar levels of self-rated health, they have significantly fewer visits to general practitioners and specialists (P < 0.001) and more visits to alternative healthcare providers than women living in urban areas. Rural and remote area women were also more likely to undergo gynaecological surgery than women living in urban areas (P < 0.001). Other results suggest that being overweight is more common among women from rural and remote areas, and that these women also report lower levels of stress than women from urban areas (P < 0.001). Further follow up will allow any ergence in health and healthcare equity to be explored as these women get older.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2006
DOI: 10.1016/J.JSAMS.2006.06.015
Abstract: This paper describes the use of a web-site for the dissemination of the community-based '10,000 steps' program which was originally developed and evaluated in Rockh ton, Queensland in 2001-2003. The website provides information and interactive activities for in iduals, and promotes resources and programs for health promotion professionals. The dissemination activity was assessed in terms of program adoption and implementation. In a 2-year period (May 2004-March 2006) more than 18,000 people registered as users of the web-site (logging more than 8.5 billion steps) and almost 100 workplaces and 13 communities implemented aspects of the 10,000 steps program. These data support the use of the internet as an effective means of disseminating ideas and resources beyond the geographical borders of the original project. Following this preliminary dissemination, there remains a need for the systematic study of different dissemination strategies, so that evidence-based physical activity programs can be translated into more widespread public health practice.
Publisher: Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Date: 11-05-2016
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 07-11-2014
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate associations between vasomotor menopausal symptoms (VMS), i.e. hot flushes and night sweats, and the incidence of coronary heart disease (CHD). A prospective cohort study. 11 725 women, aged 45-50 years at baseline in 1996, were followed up at 3-year intervals for 14 years. Self-reported VMS and incident CHD were measured at each survey. We determined the association between VMS and CHD at the subsequent survey, using generalised estimating equation analysis, adjusting for time-varying covariates. At baseline, 14% reported rarely, 17% reported sometimes, and 7% reported often having night sweats. During follow-up, 187 CHD events occurred. In the age-adjusted analysis, women who reported their frequency of experiencing hot flushes and night sweats as 'often' had a greater than two-fold increased odds of CHD (OR hot flushes 2.18, 95% CI 1.49-3.18 OR night sweats 2.38, 95% CI 1.62-3.50) compared with women with no symptoms (P trend < 0.001 for frequency of symptoms). Adjustment for menopausal status, lifestyle factors, body mass index, diabetes, and hypertension attenuated the associations (OR hot flushes 1.70, 95% CI 1.16-2.51, P trend = 0.01 OR night sweats 1.84, 95% CI 1.24-2.73), P trend = 0.004). Women who report having hot flushes or night sweats 'often' have an increased risk of developing CHD over a period of 14 years, even after taking the effects of age, menopause status, lifestyle, and other chronic disease risk factors into account.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 18-06-2019
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 12-2012
DOI: 10.1080/08870446.2012.695020
Abstract: To investigate how the effects of a group-based intervention program (MoVo-LISA) on exercise behaviour were mediated by cognitive variables. Different causal models mapping the short-term (adoption) and long-term (maintenance) intervention effects were tested using path analyses. N = 220 in-patients of a rehabilitation clinic were assigned to an usual care or intervention group (quasi-experimental design). Questionnaire-based assessment was conducted at baseline discharge and at six weeks, six months and 12 months post discharge. The potential mediator variables were outcome expectations, self-efficacy, strength of goal intention (intention strength), self-concordance, action planning and barrier management. Observed intervention effects on exercise behaviour (p < 0.05) were mediated by intention strength at the adoption and maintenance stages, by action planning only at the adoption, and by barrier management only at the maintenance stage. Self-efficacy and outcome expectations were only indirectly involved in these mediations by affecting intention strength and self-concordance. This is the first study to track the cognitive mediation processes of intervention effects on exercise behaviour over a long time-period by differentiating the adoption and maintenance stages of behaviour change. The findings emphasise the importance of deconstructing intervention effects (modifiability vs. predictive power of a mediator) to develop more effective interventions.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 10-10-2013
Abstract: Retirement is a major life transition during which people restructure everyday activities however little is known about this. The primary aim of the Life After Work study is to comprehensively measure changes in time use and patterns of physical activity and sedentary behaviour, and its associations with health and wellbeing, across the retirement transition. A target s le of 120 participants aged 50 years and over will be recruited in two Australian state capital cities, Adelaide and Brisbane. Participants will undertake a battery of assessments approximately 3 months prior to retirement, and 3, 6 and 12 months post-retirement. Measures will include self-reported use of time (using the Multimedia Activity Recall for Children and Adults), objectively assessed physical activity and sedentary behaviour (using Actigraph GT3X+ accelerometers), self-reported health and well-being (using a battery of questionnaires including the Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), Australian Unity Personal Well-being Index (AUPWI), Depression Anxiety Stress Scales 21 (DASS21), Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale, UCLA Loneliness Scale, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale), retirement circumstances and socio-demographic characteristics, objectively assessed anthropometric measures (height, weight and waist circumference), and resting blood pressure. Multivariate mixed models will be used to examine changes in use of time, health and well-being across retirement. The results will provide important new information that will inform the development of lifestyle and policy interventions to address and improve health and well-being in retirement.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 12-02-2010
DOI: 10.1111/J.1753-6405.1995.TB00446.X
Abstract: The aim of the study was to establish the extent and severity of domestic violence experienced by women attending the accident and emergency department of a large teaching hospital in Newcastle. The data were collected over a five-week period in 1992. All women between 17 and 80 years, attending the emergency or ambulatory areas between 8 a.m. and midnight, were asked to complete a confidential structured interview. A total of 401 women participated in the study, representing 82 per cent of eligible women approached. Each participant was asked if she had ever been physically hurt by someone close to her. Questions were asked to determine the relationship to the perpetrator, the type and cause of injury, treatment necessary and help sought. Seven (1.7 per cent, 95 per cent confidence interval (CI) 0.46 to 3.02) of the women surveyed were attending the hospital as a direct result of an incident of domestic violence, and 100 women (25 per cent, CI 21 to 29) had experienced domestic violence at some time. Bruising, fractures and cuts were the most common forms of injury, with the most common locations being the head, face and chest. Weapons, such as guns and knives, were used in 20 per cent of the incidents. A considerable number of the women (68 per cent) did not seek help at the time of their injuries. As a substantial proportion of women have experienced domestic violence in their lives, accident and emergency workers should receive training in recognising and assisting victims of domestic violence.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2010
DOI: 10.1016/J.JSAMS.2008.10.003
Abstract: This is one of the first studies to explore known preventive behaviours for type 2 diabetes (T2DM) among women with recent gestational diabetes (GDM), and the first to do so in a representative population s le. The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of health-enhancing physical activity (PA) and explore its association with psychosocial and sociodemographic factors, in postnatal women with recent GDM. Cross-sectional telephone surveys were conducted among Queensland women with a recent history (>or=6 months and <or=3 years since diagnosis) of GDM (N=331), which included measures on PA behaviour, social support and self-efficacy for regular PA. The prevalence of health-enhancing PA among women with recent GDM was 37.2%. In multivariate analysis, both social support (OR=1.06, 95% CI 1.03-1.09) and self-efficacy (OR=1.04, 95% CI 1.004-1.07) were significantly associated with health-enhancing PA. The findings from this study demonstrate the need for postnatal follow-up to increase PA levels in women with recent GDM as this may reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in this at-risk population. Strategies that address social support and self-efficacy for PA may be effective in increasing health-enhancing PA among women with recent GDM.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 19-11-2008
Abstract: To reflect on whole community intervention approaches to promoting physical activity, using experiences from the 10,000 Steps Rockh ton project. Many studies are quasi-experimental with single site intervention and comparison communities. Whole communities. Coordinated multiple strategies designed to address in idual, interpersonal and environmental determinants of physical activity. Physical activity There are many challenges to conducting whole community interventions. Developing community partnerships and coalitions, reaching socially disadvantaged groups, and developing effective evaluation methods are identified as specific concerns. Despite the challenges, the whole community approach still offers tremendous potential for developing the social and cultural change which will be required for sustained improvements in population physical activity.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 05-2016
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2019
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.JSAMS.2015.09.002
Abstract: The aim of this study was to assess levels and patterns of physical activity and sedentary behaviour among inpatient adults with mental illness. Cross-sectional. 101 participants completed questionnaires on time spent in walking, moderate- and vigorous-intensity activity in the past week and domain specific sitting time on a usual weekday and weekend day. 36 participants also provided valid accelerometry data. Regression analyses were used to explore associations between MVPA and sedentary behaviour and explanatory variables of gender, age, education, body mass index and psychological distress. Self-report data indicated median of 32min/day (IQR: 14.46-85.71) in weighted MVPA and a median of 761min/day (12.7h) (IQR: 552.43-917.14) in sedentary behaviour. Accelerometry data indicated an average of 115min/day in light activity, 37min/day in MVPA and 664min/day (11.1h) in sedentary behaviour. Bivariate analyses indicated no significant associations between explanatory variables and MVPA and sedentary behaviour. Inpatient adults with mental illness can be physically active, with walking comprising the major component of MVPA time. Inpatient adults with mental illness spend a significant amount of time sitting intervention strategies could focus on reducing the time spent sitting in general relaxation and doing nothing.
Publisher: Universidad de Costa Rica
Date: 25-10-2023
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 26-04-2017
DOI: 10.1002/ACR.22982
Abstract: Back pain causes greater disability worldwide than any other condition, with women more likely to experience back pain than men. Our aim was to identify modifiable risk factors for back pain in middle-aged women. Women born between 1946 and 1951 were randomly selected from the national health insurance scheme database to participate in The Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health. Self-reported data on back pain in the last 12 months, and on weight, physical activity, and other sociodemographic factors, were collected in 1998, 2001, 2004, 2007, 2010, and 2013. In 1998, a total of 12,338 women completed the survey and 10,011 (74%) completed the 2013 survey. At baseline, median (range) age was 49.5 years (44.6-53.5 years), and 54% reported back pain. In multivariate analysis, baseline weight and depression were positive predictors of back pain over each 3-year survey interval and over the following 15 years, whereas participation in vigorous physical activity was protective. The effects of weight on back pain were most marked in women with a body mass index of ≥25 kg/m Back pain is common in middle-aged women. Increased weight, weight gain, and depression were independent predictors of back pain over 15 years, whereas participation in vigorous physical activity was protective. Targeting these lifestyle factors is an important area for future research on reducing the burden of back pain in middle-aged women.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.WOMBI.2019.01.007
Abstract: While the physical health risks of obesity during pregnancy for women are well understood, little is known about the mental health implications. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and symptoms of antenatal depression and anxiety. Secondary analysis of cross-sectional data contributed by the younger cohort (born 1973-78) of the Australian Longitudinal Study of Women's Health who were pregnant at the time of the survey (Waves 4-6: aged 28-39years). Primary outcomes were symptoms of depression (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale 10 score≥10) and anxiety (Goldberg Anxiety Scale score≥6). BMI was assessed using self-reported pre-pregnancy weight and height. Demographic characteristics, psychosocial factors, health behaviors and reproductive history were assessed using study-specific and standardized measures. Multivariable regression models were used to examine the associations between predictors and outcome scores. The mean pre-pregnancy BMI of the 1621 women included in the analysis was 24.9kg/m High pre-pregnancy BMI is significantly associated with an increased risk of antenatal depression and anxiety. Consistent with clinical practice guidelines, women with high pre-pregnancy BMI should be screened and assessed for depression and anxiety, and where appropriate provided with clinical referral pathways and support.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 24-11-2017
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 05-2023
DOI: 10.1186/S44167-023-00018-4
Abstract: Pedometers have been shown to be effective for increasing physical activity, however the potential additional effects of activity trackers, and their added capacity to simultaneously modify sedentary behaviour, has not been thoroughly explored. This study aimed to explore the comparative effectiveness of two activity trackers and a pedometer for improving daily step count and moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and reducing sedentary behaviour in inactive adults. 48 inactive participants were allocated to one of three groups based on their workplace. Each group randomly received either a Fitbit ONE, Jawbone UP or Digi-Walker SW200 pedometer (PED) for 8-weeks and an orientation session to their respective device. Participants were informed about the study aims and were provided with their respective devices and where applicable, the associated Apps. Participants intentionally received no other active intervention components to simulate as closely as possible the experience of purchasing a device ‘off the shelf’. Step count, MVPA and time in sedentary behaviour were measured using accelerometry (Actigraph GT3X+) at baseline and four-, eight- and 16-weeks. Analyses were conducted using linear mixed-effect regression models to compare changes from baseline. Post-hoc tests of model estimates compared each activity tracker group to the pedometer group. Model estimates are reported for baseline-16 week follow-up. At baseline, average (standard deviation) step count, MVPA and time spent sedentary was 6557 (2111) steps/day, 23 (13) minutes/day and 10.3 (1.0) hours/day in the PED group, 7156 (1496) steps/day, 26 (12) minutes/day and 9.3 (1.2) hours/day in the ONE group and 6853 (1281) steps/day, 29 (10) minutes/day and 10.1 (1.0) hours/day in the UP group. At 16-weeks, based on estimates from the linear mixed-effect regression model, the ONE and UP groups increased step count by 129 steps/day (95% CI − 1497, 1754) and 504 steps/day more (95% CI − 1120, 2130), respectively, than the PED group. For MVPA, the ONE and UP groups increased by 2.3 min/day (95% CI − 10.9, 15.4) and 2.7 min/day more (95% CI − 10.5, 15.8), respectively, than the PED group. For sedentary behaviour, the ONE group had 34 min/day more in time spent sedentary than the PED group (95% CI − 35, 104), while the UP group had 53 min/day more in time spent sedentary than the PED group (95% CI − 18, 123). All three groups demonstrated an increase in steps and MVPA, and a decrease in time spent in sedentary behaviour, however there was substantial in idual variation in these outcomes indicating considerable uncertainty about the relative effectiveness of activity trackers and pedometers in improving PA and sedentary behaviour. Randomised controlled trials with adequate s le sizes are indicated. ACTRN12623000027617 (retrospectively registered 11/1/2023).
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 26-09-2008
DOI: 10.1108/17538350810926516
Abstract: Awareness of potential health impact and variations in key risk factors for chronic disease are important considerations in multi‐site, workplace physical activity interventions. This study seeks to examine associations and site variations between workday step counts, sitting times, waist circumference and blood pressure in three universities. Participants were white‐collar, university employees (172 women and 44 men aged 41.0±10.3 years) from Barcelona, Spain ( n =81), Brisbane, Australia ( n =71) and Leeds, UK ( n =64). Workday step counts and sitting times (five days) and waist circumference and blood pressure were assessed and compared against health‐related thresholds. Step counts were classified into tertiles and differences in sitting time, waist circumference and blood pressure were compared across tertiles using ANOVA, as were site variations in key variables. Daily step counts were inversely associated with sitting times ( p .05), women's waist circumference ( p .05) and systolic ( p .01) and diastolic ( p .05) blood pressure. Activity rates – relative to the public health criterion of 10,000 daily steps – were lower in Brisbane (16 per cent) and Leeds (15 per cent), compared with Barcelona (47 per cent). Barcelona employees also sat less ( p .001), had lower men's and women's waist circumference ( p .01) and lower women's diastolic blood pressure ( p .001). The small number of male participants precluded meaningful analyses for men. The findings evidence the health benefits of workplace walking in the s les and highlight the need to account for variations in multi‐site, multi‐national interventions.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 10-2013
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 04-10-2007
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2002
DOI: 10.1111/J.1467-842X.2002.TB00367.X
Abstract: To assess differences among the menopausal transitions and symptoms experienced by women participating in the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health, according to their countries of birth. Data from 8,466 women aged 45-50 in 1996, who responded to surveys in 1996 and 1998 and had not had a hysterectomy, were analysed. Women were categorised by country of birth and cross-sectionally by menopausal status at Survey 1 and 2, as well as longitudinally by transition through menopause between Surveys 1 and 2. Four endocrine-related and 10 general symptoms were assessed. Women bom in Asia were twice as likely as Australian-bom women to be post-menopausal at Survey 1, twice as likely to become post-menopausal between surveys, less likely to remain peri-menopausal, and less likely to report hot flushes and night sweats. Odds ratios for each symptom at Survey 2 were near unity for all country of birth groups compared with Australian bom women, with or without adjustment for symptoms at Survey 1, menopausal transition category, behaviour, lifestyle and demographics. Asian-born women entered menopause earlier and passed through it more quickly, but once this was taken into account all women showed the same prevalences of symptoms. There may be differences between ethnic groups that influence the timing of menopause, but the subjective experience appears similar. The timing of menopause may be affected by biological or dietary differences. Asian-bom women's lower reported prevalence of symptoms may be explained by a more rapid peri-menopausal transition. With increasing numbers of Asian-Australian women reaching menopause, an understanding of country-of-birth differences has implications for public health.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-1998
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2018
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 07-2009
DOI: 10.1123/JPAH.6.4.520
Abstract: This paper aimed to use the Delphi technique to develop a consensus framework for a multinational, workplace walking intervention. Ideas were gathered and ranked from eight recognized and emerging experts in the fields of physical activity and health, from universities in Australia, Canada, England, the Netherlands, Northern Ireland, and Spain. Members of the panel were asked to consider the key characteristics of a successful c us walking intervention. Consensus was reached by an inductive, content analytic approach, conducted through an anonymous, three-round, e-mail process. The resulting framework consisted of three interlinking themes defined as “design, implementation, and evaluation.” Top-ranked subitems in these themes included the need to generate research capacity (design), to respond to group needs through different walking approaches (implementation), and to undertake physical activity assessment (evaluation). Themes were set within an underpinning domain, referred to as the “institution” and sites are currently engaging with subitems in this domain, to provide sustainable interventions that refect the practicalities of local contexts and needs. Findings provide a unique framework for designing, implementing, and evaluating walking projects in universities and highlight the value of adopting the Delphi technique for planning international, multisite health initiatives.
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.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.YPMED.2018.12.008
Abstract: The overall aim of this study was to examine the association of physical activity (PA) and screen time (ST) on indicators of cardio-metabolic risk during adolescence, by examining the combined association of PA and ST at ages 11, 15 and 18 on cardio-metabolic risk factors at 18 years. Data from the 1993 Pelotas (Brazil) Birth Cohort Study (N = 3613) were analysed in 2017. Self-reported PA and ST data were collected at 11, 15 and 18 years. Cardio-metabolic risk factors (fat mass index, waist circumference, triglycerides, blood glucose, non-HDL cholesterol and resting diastolic blood pressure) were examined at age 18. Multivariate linear regression was used to examine the associations between four mutually exclusive PA/ST groups: 1) active (≥1 h/day PA) and low ST (<5 h/day ST) 2) active (≥1 h/day PA) and high ST (≥5 h/day ST) 3) inactive (<1 h/day PA) and low ST (<5 h/day ST) 4) inactive (<1 h/day PA) and high ST (≥5 h/day ST) at each age, and outcomes at age 18. There were no significant associations between PA/ST at ages 11 and 15 with outcomes at 18 years. In the cross-sectional analyses, adolescents in the most active group had significantly better levels of all the outcomes, regardless of ST. Inactive participants with high ST had the highest levels of glucose and non-HDL-C. For diastolic blood pressure, values were higher among inactive participants. Overall, higher levels of physical activity appeared to be more important than low levels of ST for cardio-metabolic health in adolescents.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 2010
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2016
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2002
DOI: 10.1016/S1440-2440(02)80296-1
Abstract: The aims of this paper are (1) to comment on the evidence relating to the health risks and benefits of physical activity (PA) for pregnant women and their unborn foetuses. and (2) to discuss the public health benefits of participation in appropriate physical activity during pregnancy. Evidence from recent original research and review papers suggests that there are potential benefits of appropriate PA in terms of maternal weight control and fitness, which are likely to have significant long term public health benefits. Concerns about the potential ill-effects of PA during pregnancy, such as hyperthermia, shortened gestational age and decreased birth weight are not supported by the most recent scientific reviews. The physiological adaptations to exercise during pregnancy appear to protect the foetus from potential harm and, while an upper level of safe activity has not been established, the benefits of continuing to be active during pregnancy appear to outweigh any potential risks. All decisions about participation in physical activity during pregnancy should however be made by women in consultation with their medical advisers.
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 07-09-2016
DOI: 10.2196/JMIR.5531
Abstract: Activity trackers are increasingly popular with both consumers and researchers for monitoring activity and for promoting positive behavior change. However, there is a lack of research investigating the performance of these devices in free-living contexts, for which findings are likely to vary from studies conducted in well-controlled laboratory settings. The aim was to compare Fitbit One and Jawbone UP estimates of steps, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and sedentary behavior with data from the ActiGraph GT3X+ accelerometer in a free-living context. Thirty-two participants were recruited using convenience s ling 29 provided valid data for this study (female: 90%, 26/29 age: mean 39.6, SD 11.0 years). On two occasions for 7 days each, participants wore an ActiGraph GT3X+ accelerometer on their right hip and either a hip-worn Fitbit One (n=14) or wrist-worn Jawbone UP (n=15) activity tracker. Daily estimates of steps and very active minutes were derived from the Fitbit One (n=135 days) and steps, active time, and longest idle time from the Jawbone UP (n=154 days). Daily estimates of steps, MVPA, and longest sedentary bout were derived from the corresponding days of ActiGraph data. Correlation coefficients and Bland-Altman plots with examination of systematic bias were used to assess convergent validity and agreement between the devices and the ActiGraph. Cohen's kappa was used to assess the agreement between each device and the ActiGraph for classification of active versus inactive (≥10,000 steps per day and ≥30 min/day of MVPA) comparable with public health guidelines. Correlations with ActiGraph estimates of steps and MVPA ranged between .72 and .90 for Fitbit One and .56 and .75 for Jawbone UP. Compared with ActiGraph estimates, both devices overestimated daily steps by 8% (Fitbit One) and 14% (Jawbone UP). However, mean differences were larger for daily MVPA (Fitbit One: underestimated by 46% Jawbone UP: overestimated by 50%). There was systematic bias across all outcomes for both devices. Correlations with ActiGraph data for longest idle time (Jawbone UP) ranged from .08 to .19. Agreement for classifying days as active or inactive using the ≥10,000 steps/day criterion was substantial (Fitbit One: κ=.68 Jawbone UP: κ=.52) and slight-fair using the criterion of ≥30 min/day of MVPA (Fitbit One: κ=.40 Jawbone UP: κ=.14). There was moderate-strong agreement between the ActiGraph and both Fitbit One and Jawbone UP for the estimation of daily steps. However, due to modest accuracy and systematic bias, they are better suited for consumer-based self-monitoring (eg, for the public consumer or in behavior change interventions) rather than to evaluate research outcomes. The outcomes that relate to health-enhancing MVPA (eg, "very active minutes" for Fitbit One or "active time" for Jawbone UP) and sedentary behavior ("idle time" for Jawbone UP) should be used with caution by consumers and researchers alike.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-1996
DOI: 10.1111/J.1753-6405.1996.TB01809.X
Abstract: A random door knock survey was conducted in five metropolitan postcode areas with a high proportion of low-income households to establish: 1. the health problems experienced by women, 2. the problems with which women would have liked more help, and 3. women's perceptions of how their health care experiences might have been improved. In all, 214 women were interviewed. Across all age groups the most common problems were tiredness, premenstrual syndrome, stress, being overweight and disturbed sleep. Premenstrual syndrome, tiredness and arthritis were the most commonly experienced problems among younger, middle-aged and older women respectively. In general, women were satisfied with the help available to them for their health problems, but one in five would have liked more help to cope with stress, and one in six said they would like help to address the issue of quality of medical care. In relation to health care services, suggestions for improvement included the provision of better health information from doctors and other health care professionals, and more opportunities for counselling and self-help. The project findings will be used to influence the development of local policies and services, and will form the focus for local women's health promotion programs.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 24-04-2018
DOI: 10.1002/OBY.22174
Abstract: In longitudinal studies, women gain significant amounts of weight during young adulthood, pointing to pregnancy as an important trigger for weight gain. Studies examining the effect of parity vary in their findings and are complicated by multiple potential confounders. This study examines the association between parity and long-term weight gain in a cohort of young women participating in the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health (ALSWH). A s le of 8,009 parous and nulliparous women was drawn from this cohort and allocated to one of six parity groups (0-5+). Weight gain and factors associated with BMI ≥ 25 over a 16-year period were identified by using generalized linear equations. Median BMI increased by between 2.95 and 4.9 units over 16 years, with women of parity 5 + showing the biggest gain. Associations between several variables and a BMI ≥ 25 (controlling for multiple demographic and behavioral factors) demonstrated no effect for parity but significant effects for survey year, no paid job, and depression. University education and high levels of physical activity were protective. In this s le, parity was not associated with a BMI ≥ 25 over a 16-year period.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 07-05-2013
Abstract: In Westernised societies adults are increasingly spending many hours each day in sedentary, low energy expenditure activities such as sitting. Although there is growing evidence on the relationship between television/screen time and increased cardiovascular disease mortality, very little is known about the association between total sitting time (in different domains) and cardiovascular disease incidence. We investigated this in a population-based cohort of mid-aged women in Australia. Data were from 6154 participants in the 1946–51 birth cohort of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health who were free of cardiovascular disease at baseline. Survival analysis was used to determine the association between self-reported sitting time and cardiovascular disease incidence, determined through hospital diagnoses and cause of death data. During a mean (± SD) follow-up time of 9.9 ± 1.2 years, 177 cases of cardiovascular disease occurred. Mean sitting time (± SD) was 5.4 ± 2.6 hours a day. Sitting time was not associated with incident cardiovascular disease (adjusted hazard ratio 0.97, 95% CI 0.92 to 1.03). We found no interaction between physical activity and sitting time and cardiovascular disease. In mid-aged women sitting time does not appear to be associated with cardiovascular disease incidence. These findings are contrary to expectations, given the growing evidence of a relationship between sitting time and cardiovascular disease mortality. Research in this area is scarce and additional studies are needed to confirm or refute these findings.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 23-10-2003
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2011
DOI: 10.1016/J.AMEPRE.2011.04.007
Abstract: Previous studies have shown that qi-gong, a form of mind-body movement therapy, may be beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes however, no controlled studies have been conducted to examine the predictors and mediators of qi-gong effects on indicators of diabetes control. This study examined the effects of qi-gong on diabetes control and identified the predictors and mediators of these effects. RCT. The study included forty-one participants (16 men and 25 women aged 41-71 years) with elevated blood glucose levels. Participants were randomized to qi-gong intervention or a usual medical care control group. Physical and hematologic measures were assessed at baseline and after 12 weeks. The outcomes were indicators of diabetes control (HbA1c, insulin resistance, fasting blood glucose and insulin, and 2-hour blood glucose and insulin) and potential mediators of these (body weight, waist circumference, and leg strength). Data were collected in 2006 and analyzed in 2007 to 2009. Linear regression analyses showed significant between-group differences in favor of the intervention group in weight (p<0.01) waist circumference (p<0.01) leg strength (p<0.01) HbA1c (p<0.05) insulin resistance (p<0.01) and fasting blood insulin (p<0.01) at 12 weeks. Logistic regression analyses showed that the qi-gong intervention was a significant predictor of reduced weight (odds for decreasing by -2 kg=11.14, p<0.01) waist circumference (by -5 cm=22.50, p<0.01) insulin resistance (by -0.2 unit=3.75, p<0.05) and improved leg strength (odds for increasing by 4 stands in 30 seconds=7.00, p<0.01). The effect of the qi-gong intervention on improved insulin resistance was mediated by reduced weight. The qi-gong intervention was associated with improvements in weight, waist circumference, leg strength, and insulin resistance. The mediation analyses highlight the importance of weight reduction in the control of diabetes. TRIAL REGISTRATION #: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12607000528459.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 05-03-2009
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 09-08-2007
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 09-2008
Abstract: To compare the effectiveness of home- and group-based, progressive resistance training programs and a group walking program in improving functional performance in older adults. A quasi-experimental trial, in which retirement villages were assigned to one of three groups: home-based resistance training, group-based resistance training and group-based walking. One hundred sixty-seven retirement village residents aged 65 to 96 years. Nine resistance training exercises, using graded exercise bands and body weight, two balance exercises, and 10 stretches. Home-based participants were given an exercise booklet, 8 hours of instruction, and telephone support. Instructors supervised the group-based resistance training and walking programs. Each group exercised twice weekly for 20 weeks. Functional performance (strength, aerobic endurance, flexibility, and agility/dynamic balance) was assessed using the Senior Fitness Test. Intervention effects were evaluated using mixed-model, repeated measures analysis of variance. Significant between-group differences were observed only for the lower-body flexibility test. Group resistance training participants improved, but home resistance training and walking participants did not. However, strength, lower-body flexibility, and agility/dynamic balance improved in the group-based resistance training participants, and strength and upper-body flexibility improved in the home-based participants. No improvements were observed in the walking group. Findings support the implementation of both home- and group-based resistance training programs in retirement villages. Encouraging residents to adopt and maintain a resistance training program remains a research priority.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.YPMED.2017.09.017
Abstract: Despite a body of evidence on the relationship between neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage and body mass index (BMI), few studies have examined this relationship over time among ageing populations. This study examined associations between level of neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage and the rate of change in BMI over time. The s le included 11,035 participants aged between 40 and 65years at baseline from the HABITAT study, residing in 200 neighborhoods in Brisbane, Australia. Data were collected biennially over four waves from 2007 to 2013. Self-reported height and weight were used to calculate BMI, while neighborhood disadvantage was measured using a census-based composite index. All models were adjusted for age, education, occupation, and household income. Analyses were conducted using multilevel linear regression models. BMI increased over time at a rate of 0.08kg/m
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 24-01-2014
Abstract: Sitting is associated with health risks. Factors that influence sitting are however not well understood. The aim was to examine the biological, socio-demographic, work-related and lifestyle determinants of sitting time (including during transport, work and leisure) in young adult Australian women. Self-reported data from 11,676 participants (aged 22–27 years in 2000) in the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health were collected over 9 years in 2000, 2003, 2006 and 2009. Generalised Estimating Equations were used to examine univariable and multivariable associations of body mass index (BMI), country of birth, area of residence, education, marital status, number of children, occupational status, working hours, physical activity, smoking, alcohol intake and stress with week- and weekend-day sitting time. Compared with women in the respective referent categories, (1) women with higher BMI, those born in Asia, those with less than University level education, doing white collar work, working 41–48 hours a week, current smokers, non, rare or risky/high risk drinkers and those being somewhat stressed had significantly higher sitting time and (2) women living in rural and remote areas, partnered women, those with children, those without a paid job and blue collar workers, those working less than 34 hours a week, and active women had significantly lower sitting time. Among young adult Australian women, those with higher BMI, those born in Asia, those with higher level occupations and long working hours, were most at risk of higher sitting time. These results can be used to identify at-risk groups and inform intervention development.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 2014
Publisher: Dialectical Publishing
Date: 12-2007
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 25-09-2017
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 30-08-2012
DOI: 10.1136/BJSPORTS-2012-091103
Abstract: Although physical activity occurs in leisure, transport, occupational and domestic domains of life, the contribution of house and garden work (HGW) to the association between total physical activity and well-being is not clear. The aim was to describe the contribution of HGW to total physical activity (TPA) in association with well-being in younger, mid-aged and older women. Younger (25-30 years), mid-aged (50-55 years) and older (76-81 years) participants in the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health completed a mailed survey with questions about leisure, transport and house and garden activities. Well-being was assessed using the physical and mental components scores of the SF-36. Cross-sectional associations between the physical activity variables and well-being were modelled using General Additive Modelling. Correlations between HGW and leisure/transport activity (LTA) were low (r<0.3, p<0.001). Positive curvilinear associations were found between LTA and physical and mental well-being in all three cohorts, and between HGW and physical and mental well-being in mid-aged and older women. In the younger women, an inverse relationship was found between HGW and well-being. When HGW and LTA were summed (TPA), the associations between TPA and well-being were attenuated compared with those for LTA alone and well-being. In mid-aged and older women, relationships between HGW and well-being were similar to, but weaker than seen for LTA and well-being. In young women, well-being declined with increasing HGW. Summing HGW to LTA led to attenuated relationships, suggesting that domains of physical activity should not be summed when studying relationships with well-being.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 05-2013
DOI: 10.4278/AJHP.120404-LIT-187
Abstract: To conduct a systematic review to assess recruitment rates in workplace physical activity (PA) intervention studies and describe characteristics of studies with high recruitment rates. Electronic and manual searches were conducted. Workplace PA intervention studies that reported the number of employees invited to participate and the number who responded were included. Studies with recruitment rates of ≥ 70% were categorized as high with the remaining studies ( 70%) used as comparison. Key study characteristics were assessed. An approach called positive deviance was used to identify the extent to which study characteristics were unique to high recruitment rate. Seventy-six percent of studies failed to report recruitment rates (n= 30 included for review). Studies with high recruitment rates (n = 8) tended to have longer study duration (mean 1.6 years) and target smaller cohorts of employees (mean n = 199) than comparison studies (3.9 months n = 1241). For recruitment strategies and intervention components of high studies, involvement of employees was driven by the organization, with PA interventions provided as part of the working day in paid time. These findings suggest a potential to improve recruitment through targeting small cohorts of employees, incorporating PA as a long-term strategy, facilitating organizationally driven employee involvement, and providing PA interventions during paid time.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.MAYOCP.2015.04.006
Abstract: To examine patterns of the incidence of diabetes, hypertension, and mortality by single units of body mass index (BMI) and 5-year age groups using longitudinal data from middle-aged and older women. Middle-aged (born between 1946 and 1951 N = 13,715) and older (born between 1921 and 1926 N = 12,432) participants in the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health completed surveys in 1996 and at approximately 3-year intervals thereafter until 2011. Proportions of women with diabetes, hypertension, and mortality over 3-year intervals were estimated for each unit of BMI and 5-year age group (45 to < 50, 50 to < 55, 55 to < 60, 70 to < 75, 75 to < 80, and 80 to < 85 years) using generalized additive modeling with adjustment for time-varying covariates. Three-year incidence of diabetes (1.2%-3.6%), hypertension (5.2%-17.8%), and death (0.4%-9.5%) increased with age. For both diabetes and hypertension, the associations with BMI were curvilinear in middle-aged women and became almost linear in older women. With increasing age, the slope became steeper, and the increase started at lower BMI values. For hypertension, there was a marked increase in intercept from 75 years onward. In contrast, mortality risks were highest for low BMI (≤ 20) in all age groups. A clear U-shaped curve was observed only in the oldest age group. The shapes of the relationships between BMI and incidence of diabetes, hypertension, and mortality change with age, suggesting that weight management interventions should be tailored for different age groups.
Publisher: IGI Global
Date: 2004
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-59140-132-2.CH016
Abstract: The 10,000 Steps Rockh ton project is a community-based, multi-strategy health promotion program focussing on physical activity and the social determinants of health in a regional Australian setting. As yet there is no available literature about the process of constructing health promotion Web sites. The chapter describes the processes involved in the construction and evaluation of a physical activity health promotion site. The static side of the site gives health promotion information and messages related to physical activity, along with contact information and registration information for the project. The dynamic side of the site allows online tracking of daily-accumulated physical activity.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 18-05-2017
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 03-2019
Abstract: The purpose was to assess metabolic equivalent (MET) values of common daily activities in middle-age and older adults in free-living environments and compare these with MET values listed in the compendium of physical activities (CPA). Sixty participants (mean age = 71.5, SD = 10.8) completed a semistructured protocol of sitting, lying, self-paced walking, and 4 self-selected activities in their residences. Oxygen consumption was measured using portable indirect calorimetry, to assess METs for each activity relative to VO Measured METs for sitting, walking, sweeping, trimming, and laundry were significantly different from the CPA values. Measured MET values for sedentary activities were lower in all age groups, and those for walking and household activities were higher in the youngest age group, than the CPA values. For gardening activities, there was a significant decline in measured METs with age. Some measured MET values in older people differed from those in the CPA. The values reported here may be useful for future research with younger, middle-age, and older-old people.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 15-03-2022
DOI: 10.1111/COB.12519
Abstract: People with type 2 diabetes (T2D) are at a greater risk of cardiovascular disease than the general population. Both non‐modifiable (age) and modifiable (low aerobic fitness, high body fatness) factors are separately predictive of cardiovascular risk, although they often occur concomitantly. This study aimed to examine the (1) association between age and arterial stiffness, a subclinical marker of cardiovascular risk and (2) effects of body fatness and aerobic fitness on age‐related increases in arterial stiffness in people with T2D. Data from 64 in iduals with T2D (age 59.8 ± 8.7 years, 40% female, HbA 1c 8.4 ± 1.6%) were included in this cross‐sectional analysis. Carotid‐femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) was used to quantify arterial stiffness. Aerobic fitness (relative V̇O 2peak ) was determined via indirect calorimetry during maximal exercise testing. Central body fatness was determined using waist circumference. Data were analysed using hierarchical multiple regressions. After adjustment for sex and duration of T2D, each one standard deviation (SD) increase in age (8.68 years) was associated with a 0.63 m·s −1 increase in cfPWV ( β = 0.416, p = 0.001). Following adjustment for aerobic fitness and body fatness, the standardized β was unchanged (0.417). A one SD increase in waist circumference (13.9 cm) and relative V̇O 2peak (5.3 ml·kg −1 ·min −1 ) were associated with a similar magnitude of difference in cfPWV (0.47 m·s −1 and −0.44 m·s −1 , respectively). Therefore, age is a significant correlate of increased arterial stiffness in T2D, with higher aerobic fitness attenuating, and higher body fatness exacerbating, this increase. Interventions aimed at improving cardiovascular outcomes in people with T2D should target both increased aerobic fitness and reduced body fatness.
Publisher: Mary Ann Liebert Inc
Date: 05-2007
Abstract: To review the evidence relating to the effectiveness of qigong in the management of diabetes. We performed a systematic literature review of qigong intervention studies published in English or Chinese since 1980, retrieved from English-language databases and Chinese journals. Qigong intervention studies conducted with adults with diabetes, which reported both preintervention and postintervention measures of fasting blood glucose and/or hemoglobin A(1c)(HbA(1c)) were included. S le characteristics, intervention frequency/duration, and metabolic outcomes were reviewed. Sixty-nine intervention studies were located. Of these, only 11 met the criteria for inclusion. There were consistent and statistically significant positive associations between participation in qigong and fasting and 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test results, blood glucose, and triglycerides and total cholesterol. Effects on insulin and HbA(1c) were inconsistent. There was no evidence of any effect of qigong on weight. Most of the studies were of short duration, involved small s les, and did not include a control group. Although qigong has beneficial effects on some of the metabolic risk factors for type 2 diabetes, methodologic limitations make it difficult to draw firm conclusions about the benefits reported. Randomized controlled trials are required to confirm the potential beneficial effects of qigong on the management of type 2 diabetes.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 03-2002
DOI: 10.1207/S15327558IJBM0901_04
Abstract: This article analyzes physical symptoms experienced by mid-age Australian women in different stages of the menopause transition. A total of 8,623 women, aged 45 to 50 years in 1996, who participated the mid-age cohort of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health, completed Survey 1 in 1996 and Survey 2 in 1998. Women were assigned to 1 of 6 menopause groups according to their menopausal status at Surveys 1 and 2, and compared on symptoms experienced at Surveys 1 and 2, adjusted for lifestyle, behavioral and demographic factors. At Survey 1, the most commonly reported symptoms were headaches, back pain, stiff joints, tiredness, and difficulty sleeping. Perimenopausal women were more likely than premenopausal or postmenopausal women to report these symptoms. Hot flushes and night sweats were more common among postmenopausal women. Compared with those who remained premenopausal, women who were in the early stages of menopause or perimenopausal were more likely to report tiredness, stiff joints, difficulty sleeping, and hot flushes at Survey 2. Women who remained perimenopausal were also more likely to report back pain and leaking urine. Compared with premenopausal women, odds ratios for night sweats increased for women in consecutive stages of the menopause transition and remained high in the postmenopausal women.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 06-2019
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2004
DOI: 10.1111/J.1467-842X.2004.TB00925.X
Abstract: To compare the level of agreement in results obtained from four physical activity (PA) measurement instruments that are in use in Australia and around the world. 1,280 randomly selected participants answered two sets of PA questions by telephone. 428 answered the Active Australia (AA) and National Health Surveys, 427 answered the AA and CDC Behavioural Risk Factor Surveillance System surveys (BRFSS), and 425 answered the AA survey and the short International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Among the three pairs of survey items, the difference in mean total PA time was lowest when the AA and NHS items were asked (difference=24) (SE:17) minutes, compared with 144 (SE:21) mins for AA/BRFSS and 406 (SE:27) mins for AA/IPAQ). Correspondingly, prevalence estimates for 'sufficiently active' were similar for AA and NHS (56% and 55% respectively), but about 10% higher when BRFSS data were used, and about 26% higher when the IPAQ items were used, compared with estimates from the AA survey. The findings clearly demonstrate that there are large differences in reported PA times and hence in prevalence estimates of 'sufficient activity' from these four measures. It is important to consistently use the same survey for population monitoring purposes. As the AA survey has now been used three times in national surveys, its continued use for population surveys is recommended so that trend data over a longer period of time can be established.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2000
DOI: 10.1111/J.1467-842X.2000.TB00520.X
Abstract: To assess the validity of the Anti Cancer Council of Victoria food frequency questionnaire (ACCVFFQ) relative to seven-day weighed food records (WFRs) in 63 women of child-bearing age. 63 women completed WFRs to assess iron intake as part of a study on iron deficiency. These women also completed the ACCVFFQ. Nutrient intakes were computed independently for the WFRs and FFQs. Intakes were compared as group means, by correlation and by quintile classification, adjusting for day-to-day variation in intakes, and for energy intake. In idual differences in results were also examined. The strongest associations between WFR and FFQ results were energy-adjusted, log-transformed and adjusted for day-to-day variability in intake. Correlation coefficients ranged from 0.28 for vitamin A to 0.78 for carbohydrate. Mean intakes from the WFRs and FFQs were within +/- 20% for 21 of 27 nutrients. Poor agreement between FFQs and WFRs for retinol intake was due to the inclusion of liver in two WFRs, an item which is not included in the FFQ. The ACCVFFQ performs as well as other FFQs for which validation data are available. The relatively poor measurement of retinol is consistent with other data, and with the limited number of foods in which this nutrient is abundant. The availability of an optically scannable valid instrument for assessing dietary intake will facilitate epidemiological studies of diet and disease, an area of current research priority.
Publisher: Dialectical Publishing
Date: 12-2007
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2005
DOI: 10.1016/J.AMEPRE.2005.06.009
Abstract: Although many studies support an inverse association between physical activity (PA) and depressive symptoms, prospective relationships between these variables have been confounded by pre-existing psychological and physical health problems. This study examined the dose-response relationships between self-reported PA and depressive symptoms, using cross-sectional and prospective data from a population-based cohort of middle-aged women who participated in the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health (ALSWH) between 1996 and 2001. Participants completed three mailed surveys (S1, 1996 S2, 1998 S3, 2001), which included questions about time spent in walking, moderate- and vigorous-intensity PA, and measures of psychological health (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale [CESD-10], and Mental health [MH] subscale of the Short Form 36 survey). Relationships between previous (S1, S2), current (S3), and habitual (S1, S2, S3) PA and "depressive symptoms" were examined, adjusting for sociodemographic and health-related variables (n=9207). Mean CESD-10 scores decreased, and MH scores increased with increasing levels of previous, current, and habitual activity. Odds ratios for CESD-10 scores > or =10 or MH scores or =60 minutes of moderate-intensity PA per week, compared with those who reported less PA than this. Women who were in the lowest PA category at S1, but who subsequently reported > or =240 metabolic equivalent minutes (MET.mins) per week had lower odds of CESD-10 scores of > or =10 or MH scores < or =52 at S3 than those who remained in the very low PA category. These data suggest that there is a clear relationship between increasing PA and decreasing depressive symptoms in middle-aged women, independent of pre-existing physical and psychological health.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.HEALTHPLACE.2019.01.020
Abstract: Residents of disadvantaged neighbourhoods have poorer physical function than their advantaged counterparts, although the reasons for this remain largely unknown. We examined the moderating effects of walkability in the relationship between neighbourhood disadvantage and physical function using 2013 cross-sectional data from 5115 in iduals aged 46-72 living in 200 neighbourhoods in Brisbane, Australia. The relationship between neighbourhood disadvantage and physical function differed by levels of walkability: positive associations as levels of walkability increased for those living in more disadvantaged neighbourhoods, and no difference for those living in more advantaged neighbourhoods. Further work is required to better understand the underlying mechanisms.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.JSAMS.2014.08.003
Abstract: Although physical activity can potentially reduce symptoms of arthritis, 50% of people with arthritis are insufficiently active. The aim was to identify psychosocial factors associated with increased physical activity in mid-age adults with arthritis who did not meet recommended physical activity levels. Longitudinal cohort study. Data were from 692 insufficiently active men and women (mean age 55 ± 6.6 years) with arthritis, who answered mailed surveys in 2007 and 2009 in the HABITAT study. Increased physical activity was defined as a change of ≥ 200 MET min/week in walking, moderate and vigorous activities from 2007 to 2009. Scale scores were used to measure psychosocial factors including intention, experiences, attitudes, efficacy, barriers, motivation, social support, and health professional advice. Associations between (1) 2007 psychosocial factors and (2) 2007-2009 improvement (≥ +1 standard deviation) in psychosocial factors and increased physical activity were examined with logistic regression models. Results were adjusted for education, body mass index, and self-rated health. Between 2007 and 2009, 296 participants (42.8%) increased their physical activity. Engagement, mastery and physical activity intention in 2007 were associated with this increase in physical activity (engagement OR = 1.11, 99% confidence interval (CI) = 1.05-1.17 mastery OR = 1.12, 99%CI = 1.02-1.22 physical activity intention OR = 1.29, 99%CI = 1.06-1.56). Improved scores for encouragement (OR = 2.07, CI = 1.07-4.01) and self-efficacy (OR =2 .27, CI = 1.30-3.97) were also significantly associated with increased physical activity. Positive physical activity experiences and intentions were predictors of increased physical activity among people with arthritis. Improved physical activity confidence and social support were associated with increased physical activity. It is important to consider these psychosocial factors when planning physical activity interventions for people with arthritis.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.JSAMS.2014.08.004
Abstract: Sedentary behaviour (SB) is associated with a range of negative health outcomes, but little is known about the validity of self-report methods for measuring SB in older adults. Thus, the aim was to assess the reliability and validity of two instruments for measuring SB in older adults. Cross-sectional study. 41 community-dwelling older adults (14/27 male/female, 74.5 ± 7.6 years) wore an ActivPAL(3)™ (AP) for 7 consecutive days, then completed (1) a single question (SQ) to assess sitting time on a usual weekday, weekend day and yesterday (i.e. the last day of monitoring), and (2) a computer-delivered 24-h recall (MARCA) for the last two days. Intraclass correlation (ICC) and standard error of measurement (SEM) were used to assess test-retest reliability validity was examined using Spearman's correlation, mean bias and limits of agreement, and kappa for classifying tertiles of time in SB, with AP as the reference standard. For the SQ, the ICC ranged from 0.64 to 0.79, with SEM 1.03-1.42 h/day. ICC for the MARCA ranged from 0.72 to 0.96, with SEM 0.47-1.18 h/day. The SQ showed modest correlation with AP (r = 0.13-0.33), with mean biases of about -3.5 h/day. The MARCA showed moderate correlation with AP (r = 0.49-0.67), with mean biases of about 1.4 h/day. When categorised into tertiles, agreement was significant but fair for the SQ, and moderate for the MARCA. Both measures have acceptable reliability, but the MARCA provides more valid estimates of SB than the SQ, which underestimates SB in this group of older adults.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 2009
DOI: 10.1038/OBY.2008.497
Abstract: This study examined the prospective associations of BMI, physical activity (PA), changes in BMI, and changes in PA, with depressive symptoms. Self-reported data on height, weight, PA, selected sociodemographic and health variables and depressive symptoms (CESD-10) were provided in 2000 and 2003 by 6,677 young adult women (22-27 years in 2000) participating in the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health (ALSWH). Results of logistic regression analyses showed that the odds of developing depressive symptoms at follow-up (2003) were higher in women who were overweight or obese in 2000 than in healthy weight women, and lower in women who were active in 2000 than in sedentary women. Changes in BMI were significantly associated with increased odds of depressive symptoms at follow-up. Sedentary women who increased their activity had lower odds of depressive symptoms at follow-up than those who remained sedentary. Increases in activity among initially sedentary young women were protective against depressive symptoms even after adjusting for BMI changes. These findings indicate that overweight and obese young women are at risk of developing depressive symptoms. PA appears to be protective against the development of depressive symptoms, but does not attenuate the depressive symptoms associated with weight gain. However, among initially sedentary young women, even small increases in PA over time may reduce the odds of depressive symptoms, regardless of weight status.
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2007
DOI: 10.1071/PY07034
Abstract: This paper discusses a health promotion intervention that sets out to develop local capacity to address chronic disease risk factors in a remote Australian community. Community focus groups, and researcher and community discussions, aimed to determine the community's health concerns and build a partnership for community action. The journey from conception to reality was difficult for a number of reasons that are described here. Despite these difficulties, a range of outcomes included the establishment of an organisational structure that involved a local health promotion committee as the principal decision-maker, the establishment of a grants scheme to support locally determined initiatives and the formal incorporation of a community Health Promotion Committee (HPC) that ensured the sustainability of activities beyond the funded project period. The HPC is still coordinating health promotion activities. The promotion of community ownership of health promotion activities is a complicated process, given that time, resources, expertise and community involvement require a much longer-term commitment than that currently imposed by many funding bodies.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2018
DOI: 10.1016/J.MATURITAS.2018.08.006
Abstract: There are few prospective data on temporal trends in overall sitting time for different domains of sitting. This study examined time trends over 6 years in total and domain-specific sitting time in mid-age Australian men and women. Self-report data from 5246 participants in four survey waves (2007, 2009, 2011, 2013) of the HABITAT study in Brisbane, Australia, were analysed. Overall trends in 'high' total sitting time (>8 h/day sitting) and five domains were examined: a) >5 h/day for TV b) >2 h/day for travel c) >2 h/day for home computer use d) >2 h/day for leisure and e) >6 h/day for work. Sitting to watch TV and sitting at work accounted for more than half of total sitting time. The proportions who reported high sitting for computer use at home increased from 25% in 2007 to 37% in 2013 in men and from 19% to 29% over the same period in women. High TV sitting time was reported by 11.8% of men and 10.2% of women. These estimates increased to 16.5% and 13.2% respectively over the six years. In conclusion, although overall total sitting time remained fairly stable, there were significant increases in sitting time in some domains (home computer use and TV viewing) and in some sub-groups (such as women, and the employed). These increases were countered by declines in work-related sitting due to retirement.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2010
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2011
DOI: 10.1016/J.MATURITAS.2010.08.010
Abstract: To examine the prevalence and correlates of foot problems in older women over a 6-year period. Women aged 70-75 years who participated in the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health completed a postal questionnaire incorporating questions relating to demographics, major medical conditions and health status in 1999 (n=8059) and 2005 (n=4745). Self-reported foot problems at baseline and at 6 years follow-up, major medical conditions, body mass index (BMI). At baseline, 26% of the s le reported foot problems. At follow-up, 37% remained free of foot problems, 36% had developed a new foot problem, 13% experienced resolution of their foot problems and 14% experienced persistent foot problems. Increase in BMI was significantly associated with the development of new foot problems and the persistence of existing foot problems. Foot problems are common in older women and are associated with increased BMI. Maintaining a healthy bodyweight may therefore play a role in the prevention of foot disorders in older women.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2003
Publisher: Scientific Research Publishing, Inc.
Date: 2019
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2006
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 2011
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2014
DOI: 10.1016/J.YPMED.2014.03.017
Abstract: To examine changes in sitting time (ST) in women over nine years and to identify associations between life events and these changes. Young (born 1973-78, n=5215) and mid-aged (born 1946-51, n=6973) women reported life events and ST in four surveys of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health between 2000 and 2010. Associations between life events and changes in ST between surveys (decreasers ≥2 h/day less, increasers ≥2 h/day more) were estimated using generalized estimating equations. Against a background of complex changes there was an overall decrease in ST in young women (median change -0.48 h/day, interquartile range [IQR]=-2.54, 1.50) and an increase in ST in mid-aged women (median change 0.43 h/day IQR=-1.29, 2.0) over nine years. In young women, returning to study and job loss were associated with increased ST, while having a baby, beginning work and decreased income were associated with decreased ST. In mid-aged women, changes at work were associated with increased ST, while retiring and decreased income were associated with decreased ST. ST changed over nine years in young and mid-aged Australian women. The life events they experienced, particularly events related to work and family, were associated with these changes.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 11-2018
DOI: 10.2147/PPA.S183938
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 04-01-2013
DOI: 10.1007/S40279-012-0015-8
Abstract: Evidence suggests chronic physical activity (PA) participation may be both protective against the onset of and beneficial for reducing depressive symptoms. The aim of this article is to assess the impact of PA interventions on depression in children and adolescents using meta-analysis. Published English language studies were located from manual and computerized searches of the following databases: PsycInfo, The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Trials Register of Promoting Health Interventions (TRoPHI EPPI Centre), Web of Science and MEDLINE. Studies meeting inclusion criteria (1) reported on interventions to promote or increase PA (2) included children aged 5-11 years and/or adolescents aged 12-19 years (3) reported on results using a quantitative measure of depression (4) included a non-physical control or comparison group and (5) were published in peer-reviewed journals written in English, up to and including May 2011 (when the search was conducted). Studies were coded for methodological, participant and study characteristics. Comprehensive Meta-Analysis version-2 software was used to compute effect sizes, with subgroup analyses to identify moderating characteristics. Study quality was assessed using the Delphi technique. Nine studies were included (n = 581) most were school-based randomized controlled trials, randomized by in idual. Studies used a variety of measurement tools to assess depressive symptoms. The summary treatment effect was small but significant (Hedges' g = -0.26, standard error = 0.09, 95% confidence intervals = -0.43, -0.08, p = 0.004). Subgroup analyses showed that methodological (e.g. studies with both education and PA intervention those with a higher quality score and less than 3 months in duration) and participant characteristics (e.g. single-gender studies those targeting overweight or obese groups) contributed most to the reduction in depression. There was a small significant overall effect for PA on depression. More outcome-focused, high-quality trials are required to effectively inform the implementation of programmes to reduce depressive symptoms in children and adolescents.
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 02-2011
DOI: 10.1111/J.1365-2354.2010.01214.X
Abstract: Little is known about cancer survivors' experiences with and preferences for exercise programmes offered during rehabilitation (immediately after cancer treatment). This study documented colorectal cancer survivors' experiences in an exercise rehabilitation programme and their preferences for programme content and delivery. At the completion of 12 weeks of supervised exercise, 10 participants took part in one-on-one semi-structured interviews. Data from these interviews were coded, and themes were identified using qualitative software. Key findings were that most participants experienced improvements in treatment symptoms, including reduced fatigue and increased energy and confidence to do activities of daily living. They also reported that interactions with the exercise trainer and a flexible programme delivery were important aspects of the intervention. Most participants reported that they preferred having a choice of exercise, starting to exercise within a month after completing treatment, having supervision and maintaining a one-on-one format. Frustrations included scheduling conflicts and a lack of a transition out of the programme. The findings indicate that colorectal cancers experience benefits from exercise offered immediately after treatment and prefer in idual attention from exercise staff. They further indicate directions for the implementation of future exercise programmes with this population.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 12-04-2017
DOI: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000003919
Abstract: To evaluate the association between migraine and body composition status as estimated based on body mass index and WHO physical status categories. Systematic electronic database searches were conducted for relevant studies. Two independent reviewers performed data extraction and quality appraisal. Odds ratios (OR) and confidence intervals (CI) were pooled using a random effects model. Significant values, weighted effect sizes, and tests of homogeneity of variance were calculated. A total of 12 studies, encompassing data from 288,981 unique participants, were included. The age- and sex-adjusted pooled risk of migraine in those with obesity was increased by 27% compared with those of normal weight (odds ratio [OR] 1.27 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.16–1.37, p 0.001) and remained increased after multivariate adjustments. Although the age- and sex-adjusted pooled migraine risk was increased in overweight in iduals (OR 1.08 95% CI 1.04, 1.12, p 0.001), significance was lost after multivariate adjustments. The age- and sex-adjusted pooled risk of migraine in underweight in iduals was marginally increased by 13% compared with those of normal weight (OR 1.13 95% CI 1.02, 1.24, p 0.001) and remained increased after multivariate adjustments. The current body of evidence shows that the risk of migraine is increased in obese and underweight in iduals. Studies are needed to confirm whether interventions that modify obesity status decrease the risk of migraine.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 2000
Abstract: Associations between self-reported 'low iron', general health and well-being, vitality and tiredness in women, were examined using physical (PCS) and mental (MCS) component summary and vitality (VT) scores from the MOS short-form survey (SF-36). 14,762 young (18-23 years) and 14,072 mid-age (45-50 years) women, randomly selected from the national health insurance commission (Medicare) database, completed a baseline mailed self-report questionnaire and 12,328 mid-age women completed a follow-up questionnaire 2 years later. Young and mid-age women who reported (ever) having had 'low iron' reported significantly lower mean PCS, MCS and VT scores, and greater prevalence of 'constant tiredness' at baseline than women with no history of iron deficiency [Differences: young PCS = -2.2, MCS = -4.8, VT = -8.7 constant tiredness: 67% vs. 45% mid-age PCS = -1.4, MCS = -3.1, VT = -5.9 constant tiredness: 63% vs. 48%]. After adjusting for number of children, chronic conditions, symptoms and sociodemographic variables, mean PCS, MCS and VT scores for mid-age women at follow-up were significantly lower for women who reported recent iron deficiency (in the last 2 years) than for women who reported past iron deficiency or no history of iron deficiency [Means: PCS--recent = 46.6, past = 47.8, never = 47.7 MCS--recent = 45.4, past = 46.9, never = 47.4 VT--recent = 54.8, past = 57.6, never = 58.6]. The adjusted mean change in PCS, MCS and VT scores between baseline and follow-up were also significantly lower among mid-age women who reported iron deficiency only in the last 2 years (i.e. recent iron deficiency) [Mean change: PCS = -3.2 MCS = -2.1 VT = -4.2]. The results suggest that iron deficiency is associated with decreased general health and well-being and increased fatigue.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2017
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 12-2008
Abstract: Using a randomised controlled trial design, this feasibility study assessed the impact of two walking interventions on quality of life (QoL) and job performance of Catalan university employees. A convenience s le of 70 employees completed baseline and intervention measures of step counts (Yamax SW 200 pedometer), wellbeing (SF-12 questionnaire) and work performance (Work Limitations Questionnaire) over 9 weeks. Before intervention, baseline step counts (five working days) were used to randomly allocate participants to a control ( n = 26), “walking routes” ( n = 19) and “walking while working” ( n = 25) groups. Intervention effects were evaluated by calculating differences between pre-intervention and intervention data. One-way ANOVA was used to examine differences between groups. No significant group differences were found for changes in work-day step counts, QoL or work performance. When data from the two intervention groups were pooled ( n = 44) there was a significant increase in step counts (+659 steps/day n = 12 p 0.01) among participants classified as `Sedentary—Low active' (0—7499 steps/day) at baseline. In contrast there was a significant decrease (—637 steps/day p 0.05) in those initially categorised as `Active' ( 10,000 steps/day n = 21) and no change in those categorised as `Moderately Active' (7500—9999, n = 11). The `Sedentary—Low activity' group showed consistently greater improvements in QoL and work performance scores than the Moderate and Active groups. Initially low active participants showed the greatest increase in step counts and improved QoL and work productivity profiles. These data indicate the potential for improving QoL and job productivity through workplace walking in inactive Catalan employees.
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.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 2017
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2013
DOI: 10.1016/J.JSAMS.2012.10.007
Abstract: Physical activity can promote well-being and assist in the prevention and management of psychological symptoms. The aim of this study was to identify what physical activity contexts are preferred by adults with psychosocial difficulties. Cross-sectional population based study. Data were from a mail survey of 7873 adults aged 42-67 years. Psychosocial difficulties were assessed using the Kessler6, and categorized as no distress (0-7) or distress (8-24). Respondents indicated the extent to which they disagreed or agreed with a preference for each of 14 activity contexts, and were categorized as disagree, no preference, or agree. Data were analyzed using (1) descriptive statistics and (2) multi-level multinomial logistic regression with adjustment for sociodemographic and health variables adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals are reported. Approximately 12% of respondents were categorized as psychologically distressed. Over 60% of distressed respondents disagreed with a preference for competitive activities and agreed with a preference for activities that can be done close to home, involve little or no cost, can be done alone, are done outdoors, and that are not just about exercise. Distressed respondents had higher odds to prefer supervised activities (1.64 1.32-2.03), activities done with people of the same sex (1.41 1.12-1.78), and activities done at a fixed time with scheduled sessions (1.32 1.08-1.62) than those without distress. Mid-aged adults with psychological distress have specific physical activity context preferences. These preferences could be incorporated into the planning and promotion of physical activity opportunities for people with psychosocial difficulties.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 06-2013
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 1977
DOI: 10.1080/03014467700002531
Abstract: 42 young female subjects aged 19-24 years were selected to form 3 groups based on the estimated hours of physical activity taken each week. They represented 1. very active, 2. active, and 3. sedentary people. Their body fat and fat-free mass (FFM) were estimated from densitometry (corrected for the lung residual volume present during total immersion) and the distribution of subcutaneous fat mass (SFM) was examined by measuring skinfold thickness at 11 sites. The regression of body density on log sigma 4 skinfold was significantly different between the 3 groups for a given skinfold value of up to 40 mm, which corresponded to a higher density value for the very active subjects. The possibility that this observation might be explained by differences in the distribution of fat between subcutaneous and internal fat stores was examined, using empirical calculations of SFM. The proportion of fat situated subcutaneously was higher than previously reported (0.65), with a range of in idual values (0.41-0.87), but no significant differences in fat distribution between the 3 groups. Group differences in the relationship between body density and log sigma 4 skinfolds might be explained by variation in the composition of the FFM which may result from differing levels of habitual physical activity. The implication of this possibility in estimating total body fat from density measurements are discussed.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 02-08-2018
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 12-2018
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 06-2003
DOI: 10.1207/S15327558IJBM1002_04
Abstract: In the 1996 baseline surveys of the Australian Longitudinal Study of Women's Health (ALSWH), 36.1% of mid-age women (45-50) and 35% of older women (70-75) reported leaking urine. This study aimed to investigate (a) the range of self-management strategies used to deal with urinary incontinence (UI) (b) the reasons why many women who report leaking urine do not seek help for UI and (c) the types of health professionals consulted and treatment provided, and perceptions of satisfaction with these, among a s le of women in each age group who reported leaking urine "often" at baseline. Five hundred participants were randomly selected from women in each of the mid-age and older cohorts of the ALSWH who had reported leaking urine "often" in a previous survey. Details about UI (frequency, severity, and situations), self-management behaviors and help-seeking for UI, types of health professional consulted, recommended treatment for the problem, and satisfaction with the service provided by health care professionals and the outcomes of recommended treatments were sought through a self-report mailed follow-up survey. Most respondents had leaked urine in the last month (94% and 91% of mid-age and older women, respectively), and 72.2% and 73.1% of mid-aged and older women, respectively, had sought help or advice about their UI. In both age groups, the likelihood of having sought help significantly increased with severity of incontinence. The most common reasons for not seeking help were that the women felt they could manage the problem themselves or they did not consider it to be a problem. Many women in both cohorts had employed avoidance techniques in an attempt to prevent leaking urine, including reducing their liquid consumption, going to the toilet "just in case," and rushing to the toilet the minute they felt the need to.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.MATURITAS.2016.05.009
Abstract: How people use their time has health implications, but use of time may be influenced by factors such as age, sex, education and health. This study aimed to provide detailed information on the daily activity patterns of older working people. 139 older Australian adults (aged 50-79 years) undertook comprehensive interviews on their use of time. This paper presents a cross-sectional analysis of the baseline findings from a longitudinal study. Use of time was measured using the Multimedia Activity Recall for Children and Adults (MARCA), administered via computer-assisted phone interview. Activity patterns were described, and compared on the basis of sex, education and health status. The main activities undertaken were sleep (mean 466min/day), work (mean 233min/day) and chores (mean 160min/day), with little time spent on physical activity (mean 13min/day). Women spent more time doing chores (p<0.001) while men spent more time on vigorous activities (p<0.001). Participants with "fair" health spent less time on inside chores (p=0.05) and grooming (p=0.02) than healthier participants. Healthy lifestyle interventions for older workers should aim to increase physical activity levels by targeting specific activities, depending on sex and health status.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 05-01-2023
DOI: 10.1136/BJSPORTS-2022-105777
Abstract: Despite the known health benefits of physical activity (PA), pregnancy is a time of marked decline in PA levels. To provide women with reliable and trustworthy information, and to encourage greater participation in PA during pregnancy, many governments have developed guidelines for PA during pregnancy. Our aim was to synthesise the most recent public health guidelines on PA during pregnancy from different countries in order to understand the nature and extent of advice that is available. Scoping review. Search of the grey literature, direct contact with international experts, screening of relevant academic literature and citation searching. Public health guidelines developed or endorsed by government departments published since 2010. Our search located 30 eligible guidelines, published in 11 different languages. There is remarkable concordance in the advice offered. For women with uncomplicated pregnancy, guidelines recommend: 150–300 min/week of moderate intensity aerobic activity pelvic floor and muscle strengthening exercises modification of some exercises (eg, supine position) and provide lists of warning signs to cease activity (eg, persistent dizziness, vaginal bleeding) and activities that should be avoided (eg, if high risk of falling/collision). Few guidelines offer specific advice for highly active women (eg, athletes), or trimester-specific or culturally specific considerations. This review provides a summary of public health recommendations for PA during pregnancy around the world. The challenge is now to ensure that all who provide healthcare for women understand the guidelines and encourage safe participation in PA during pregnancy.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 28-09-2023
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 22-06-2023
DOI: 10.1136/BJSPORTS-2022-106620
Abstract: The IOC made recommendations for recording and reporting epidemiological data on injuries and illness in sports in 2020, but with little, if any, focus on female athletes. Therefore, the aims of this supplement to the IOC consensus statement are to (i) propose a taxonomy for categorisation of female athlete health problems across the lifespan (ii) make recommendations for data capture to inform consistent recording and reporting of symptoms, injuries, illnesses and other health outcomes in sports injury epidemiology and (iii) make recommendations for specifications when applying the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology-Sport Injury and Illness Surveillance (STROBE-SIIS) to female athlete health data. In May 2021, five researchers and clinicians with expertise in sports medicine, epidemiology and female athlete health convened to form a consensus working group, which identified key themes. Twenty additional experts were invited and an iterative process involving all authors was then used to extend the IOC consensus statement, to include issues which affect female athletes. Ten domains of female health for categorising health problems according to biological, life stage or environmental factors that affect females in sport were identified: menstrual and gynaecological health preconception and assisted reproduction pregnancy postpartum menopause breast health pelvic floor health breast feeding, parenting and caregiving mental health and sport environments. This paper extends the IOC consensus statement to include 10 domains of female health, which may affect female athletes across the lifespan, from adolescence through young adulthood, to mid-age and older age. Our recommendations for data capture relating to female athlete population characteristics, and injuries, illnesses and other health consequences, will improve the quality of epidemiological studies, to inform better injury and illness prevention strategies.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2005
DOI: 10.1016/S1440-2440(05)80025-8
Abstract: The aim of this study was to examine the reliability and validity of field tests for assessing physical function in mid-aged and young-old people (55-70 y). Tests were selected that required minimal space and equipment and could be implemented in multiple field settings such as a general practitioner's office. Nineteen participants completed 2 field and 1 laboratory testing sessions. Intra-class correlations showed good reliability for the tests of upper body strength (lift and reach, R= .66), lower body strength (sit to stand, R = .80) and functional capacity (Canadian Step Test, R= .92), but not for leg power (single timed chair rise. R = .28). There was also good reliability for the balance test during 3 stances: parallel (94.7% agreement), semi-tandem (73.7%), and tandem (52.6%). Comparison of field test results with objective laboratory measures found good validity for the sit to stand (cf 1RM leg press, Pearson r= .68, p < .05), and for the step test (cf PWC140, r = -.60, p .05), balance (r = -.13, -.18, .23) and rate of force development tests (r = -.28). It was concluded that the lower body strength and cardiovascular function tests were appropriate for use in field settings with mid-aged and young-old adults.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2016
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.AMEPRE.2014.09.030
Abstract: Physical activity (PA) has a positive association with health-related quality of life (HRQL) in the general population. The association between PA and HRQL in those with poor mental health is less clear. To examine the concurrent and prospective dose-response relationships between total PA (TPA) and walking only with HRQL in women aged 50-55 years with depressive symptoms in 2001. Participants were 1,904 women born in 1946-1951 who completed mailed surveys for the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health in 2001, 2004, 2007, and 2010, and reported depressive symptoms in 2001. At each time point, they reported their weekly minutes of walking, moderate PA, and vigorous PA. A summary TPA score was created that accounted for differences in energy expenditure among the three PA types. Mixed models were used to examine associations between TPA and HRQL (short form-36 [SF-36] component and subscale scores) and between walking and HRQL, for women who reported walking as their only PA. Analyses were conducted in 2013-2014. Concurrently, higher levels of TPA and walking were associated with better HRQL (p<0.05). The strongest associations were found for physical functioning, vitality, and social functioning subscales. In prospective models, associations were attenuated, yet compared with women doing no TPA or walking, women doing "sufficient" TPA or walking had significantly better HRQL over time for most SF-36 scales. This study extends previous work by demonstrating trends between both TPA and walking and HRQL in women reporting depressive symptoms.
Publisher: 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.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2014
DOI: 10.1016/J.AMEPRE.2013.11.014
Abstract: Physical inactivity and prolonged sitting are associated with negative health outcomes. To examine the health-related costs of prolonged sitting and inactivity in middle-aged women. Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health participants (born 1946-1951) answered questions about time spent sitting, walking, and in moderate and vigorous leisure activities in 2001 (n=6108) 2004 (n=5902) 2007 (n=5754) and 2010 (n=5535) surveys. Sitting time was categorized as low (0-4) moderate (5-7) and high (≥8 hours/day). Physical activity was categorized as inactive (<40) low (40-600) moderate (600-1200) and high (≥1200 MET-minutes/week). National health insurance claims data averaged over the survey year ±1 year were used to calculate annual costs (Australian dollars [AU$]). Differences between categories in median costs were estimated using quantile regression over four surveys with bootstrapped 95% CIs. Analyses were performed in 2013. In 2010, annual median costs were AU$689 (interquartile range [IQR]=274, 1541) in highly active participants AU$741 (IQR=279, 1690) in inactive participants AU$671 (IQR=273, 1551) in participants with low sitting time and AU$709 (IQR=283, 1575) in participants with high sitting time. The difference in median costs for inactive and highly active participants was AU$94 (CI=57, 131) after adjustment for confounders. No statistically significant associations were found between sitting time and costs. When sitting and physical activity were combined, high sitting time did not add to the inactivity-associated increased costs. Associations were consistent across normal-weight, overweight, and obese subgroups. Physical inactivity, but not prolonged sitting, was associated with higher health-related costs in middle-aged women.
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 2015
DOI: 10.1155/2015/879712
Abstract: This study examined the effects of Tai Chi, a low-impact mind-body movement therapy, on severity of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms in centrally obese people with elevated depression symptoms. In total, 213 participants were randomized to a 24-week Tai Chi intervention program or a wait-list control group. Assessments were conducted at baseline and 12 and 24 weeks. Outcomes were severity of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms, leg strength, central obesity, and other measures of metabolic symptom. There were statistically significant between-group differences in favor of the Tai Chi group in depression (mean difference = −5.6 units, P 0.001 ), anxiety (−2.3 units, P 0.01 ), and stress (−3.6 units, P 0.001 ) symptom scores and leg strength (1.1 units, P 0.001 ) at 12 weeks. These changes were further improved or maintained in the Tai Chi group relative to the control group during the second 12 weeks of follow-up. Tai Chi appears to be beneficial for reducing severity of depression, anxiety, and stress and leg strength in centrally obese people with depression symptoms. More studies with longer follow-up are needed to confirm the findings. This trial is registered with ACTRN12613000010796 .
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 06-2010
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 12-2010
DOI: 10.1093/AJE/KWQ362
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.YPMED.2016.06.034
Abstract: Limitations have arisen when measuring associations between the neighbourhood social environment and physical activity, including same-source bias, and the reliability of aggregated neighbourhood-level social environment measures. This study examines cross-sectional associations between the neighbourhood social environment (perceptions of incivilities, crime, and social cohesion) and self-reported physical activity, while accounting for same-source bias and reliability of neighbourhood-level exposure measures, using data from a large population-based clustered s le. This investigation included 11,035 residents aged 40-65years from 200 neighbourhoods in Brisbane, Australia, in 2007. Respondents self-reported their physical activity and perceptions of the social environment (neighbourhood incivilities, crime and safety, and social cohesion). Models were adjusted for in idual-level education, occupation, and household income, and neighbourhood disadvantage. Exposure measures were generated via split clusters and an empirical Bayes estimation procedure. Data were analysed in 2016 using multilevel multinomial logistic regression. Residents of neighbourhoods with the highest incivilities and crime, and lowest social cohesion were reference categories. In iduals were more likely to be in the higher physical activity categories if they were in neighbourhoods with the lowest incivilities and the lowest crime. No associations were found between social cohesion and physical activity. This study provides a basis from which to gain a clearer understanding of the relationship between the neighbourhood social environment and in idual physical activity. Further work is required to explore the pathways between perceptions of the neighbourhood social environment and physical activity.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 04-2007
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 03-2011
DOI: 10.2165/11539180-000000000-00000
Abstract: The term 'presenteeism' is a relatively new concept in workplace health, and has come to signify being at work despite poor health and performing below par. Presenteeism, which is potentially critical to employers, has been associated with a range of psychosocial outcome measures, such as poor mental health and employee well-being. Physical activity is a potential strategy for reducing presenteeism, and for improving the mental health of employees. This article reviews evidence on the relationships between physical activity and employee well-being and presenteeism in the workplace, and identifies directions for research in an emerging field. Electronic and manual literature searches were used to identify 20 articles that met the inclusion criteria. These included 13 intervention trials (8 randomized controlled trials, 5 comparison trials) and 7 observational studies (3 cohort, 4 cross-sectional). Outcome measures were grouped into 'workplace well-being', 'psychosocial well-being' and 'physical well-being'. Studies measured a wide variety of outcomes, with absenteeism being the most commonly assessed. Evidence indicated a positive association between physical activity and psychosocial health in employees, particularly for quality of life and emotional well-being. However, findings were inconclusive as to the role of physical activity in promoting workplace well-being. Only one study reported on presenteeism, with mixed evidence for outcomes. This article indicates that physical activity and employee psychosocial health are positively related, but there is limited evidence of a relationship between physical activity and presenteeism. A standardized definition of presenteeism and an appropriate evaluation tool are key research priorities if the complex relationships between physical activity and workplace well-being are to be better understood.
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 05-2012
DOI: 10.1123/JPAH.9.4.533
Abstract: In light of evidence linking sedentary behaviors to health outcomes, there have been calls for the measurement of sedentary behavior in surveillance studies. This study examined the convergent validity of 2 self-report measures of sitting time and accelerometer-determined sedentary time (minutes/day of counts/minute). 44 adults wore an ActiGraph accelerometer for 7 days, during which they also recorded daily sitting time in a diary, in response to a single-item question. After 7 days, participants completed a new domain-specific questionnaire to assess usual weekday and weekend-day sitting time. Total sitting times recorded from the self-report measures were compared with accelerometer-determined sedentary time. Total sitting time calculated from the domain-specific questionnaire did not differ significantly from accelerometer-determined sedentary time on weekdays (mean difference [±SE] = –14 ± 28 mins/day) and weekend days (–4 ± 45 mins/day, both P .05). Sitting time was significantly underestimated using the single-item specific-day question on weekdays (–173 ± 18 mins/day) and weekend days (–219 ± 23 mins/day, both P .001). When assessed via self-report, the estimation of total sitting time is improved by summing sitting times reported across different domains. The continued improvement of self-report measures of sitting time will be important if we are to further our understanding of the links between sedentary behavior and health.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 24-06-2018
DOI: 10.1007/S40279-017-0754-7
Abstract: The aims of this study were to (i) examine gender differences in physical inactivity in countries with different levels of Human Development Index (HDI) and (ii) assess whether small changes in the prevalence of inactivity in women could achieve the World Health Organization's (WHO) global inactivity target. Data on inactivity were extracted for 142 countries for the year 2010 from the WHO Data Repository. Data for HDI were obtained for the year 2010 from the United Nations Development Program. Absolute and relative gender differences were calculated for countries according to four HDI categories. The potential effects of increasing women's activity levels on achievement of the WHO physical inactivity target were computed. Overall inactivity prevalence was higher in women (27%) than in men (20%). Women were more inactive than men in all except eight countries. Absolute gender differences [median 7.5% (range -10.1 to 33.2)] did not vary by HDI category, but there was a small negative correlation between relative gender difference in inactivity and HDI (rho -0.19 p = 0.02), which was mostly influenced by three outlier countries with low HDI. A decrease in inactivity levels of 4.8% points among women across the world would achieve the WHO target of reducing global levels of inactivity by 10%. Gender differences in the prevalence of physical inactivity were highly variable, both within and across categories of HDI. Interventions which result in small changes in inactivity prevalence in women would achieve the 2025 WHO global target for inactivity, without any change to the prevalence in men.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2015
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2011
Publisher: American Public Health Association
Date: 11-2019
Abstract: Background. Shift work is characterized by employees working outside the standard hours of 7:00 am to 6:00 pm. Because shift work includes night work, the normal sleep–wake cycle (circadian rhythm) is disrupted, with potential consequences for shift workers’ physical and mental health. Objectives. To assess the pooled effects of shift work on mental health and to evaluate whether these differ in men and women. Search Methods. We searched PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases for peer-reviewed or government reports published up to August 2018 Selection Criteria. To be included, studies had to be longitudinal or case–control studies of shift work exposure associated with adverse mental health outcomes. For subanalyses, we grouped these outcomes as anxiety symptoms, depressive symptoms, or general poor mental health symptoms. Data Collection and Analysis. We followed the Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology Group guidelines. We extracted adjusted risk estimates for each study to calculate pooled effect sizes (ESs) using random effect models and metaregression analysis to explore sources of heterogeneity. Main Results. We included 7 longitudinal studies, with 28 431 unique participants. Shift work was associated with increased overall risk of adverse mental health outcomes combined (ES = 1.28 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.02, 1.62 I 2 = 70.6%) and specifically for depressive symptoms (ES = 1.33 95% CI = 1.02, 1.74 I 2 = 31.5%). Gender differences explained more than 90% of heterogeneity, with female shift workers more likely to experience depressive symptoms than female non–shift workers (odds ratio = 1.73 95% CI = 1.39, 2.14). Authors’ Conclusions. To our knowledge, this is the first meta-analysis to investigate the pooled effects of shift work on the risk of poor mental health, including subanalyses by type of poor mental health and gender. Shift workers, particularly women, are at increased risk for poor mental health, particularly depressive symptoms. Public Health Implications. Depression accounts for 4.3% of the global burden of disease and incidence, with mental disorders worldwide predicted to cost US $16.3 million by 2030. With 1 in 5 people in the United States and Europe doing shift work, and the increased risk of poor mental health among shift workers, shift work industries are a priority context for reducing this burden. Workplace health promotion programs and policies are needed to minimize shift workers’ risk of poor mental health.
Publisher: Mary Ann Liebert Inc
Date: 07-2010
Abstract: Young adult women (18-36 years) are gaining weight at rates higher than women in other age groups. Given its long-term deleterious health effects, it is important to know the determinants of this weight gain. However, other than in relation to pregnancy, little is known about the determinants of weight gain in this population group. Papers examining nonpregnancy weight gain in young women were identified through a literature search in PubMed in August 2008. Subsequently, reference lists of included papers were checked for additional eligible papers. A total of 29 papers were included in this review. They were grouped into five categories on the basis of the main identified determinants of weight gain: contraception (4) dietary behaviors (3) quitting smoking (1) physical activity (PA) (1) and university transition (20 papers). Study duration ranged from 13 days to 15 years. Weight was objectively measured in 25 studies and self-reported in 4 studies. Twenty-seven papers reported weight gain the highest rates were observed with initial exposure to contraceptive use and the first semester of attending a university. Even though young adulthood is a vulnerable time for weight gain in women, the number of studies examining specific determinants of weight gain was small. Those located identified five social and behavioral determinants, with most of the research focusing on the transition to and through a university, and few studies in nonuniversity populations. More studies are needed to assess the concurrent contributions of multiple determinants of weight gain at this life stage, so that appropriate interventions to prevent excess weight gain can be developed.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2004
DOI: 10.1016/J.AMEPRE.2004.07.012
Abstract: While a growing literature supports the effectiveness of physical activity interventions delivered in the primary care setting, few studies have evaluated efforts to increase physician counseling on physical activity during routine practice (i.e., outside the context of controlled research). This paper reports the results of a dissemination trial of a primary care-based physical activity counseling intervention conducted within the context of a larger, multi-strategy, Australian community-based, physical activity intervention, the 10,000 Steps Rockh ton Project. All 23 general practices and 66 general practitioners (GPs, the Australian equivalent of family physicians) were invited to participate. Practice visits were made to consenting practices during which instruction in brief physical activity counseling was offered, along with physical activity promotion resources (print materials and pedometers). The evaluation, guided by the RE-AIM framework, included collection of process data, as well as pre- and post-intervention data from a mailed GP survey, and data from the larger project's random-digit-dialed, community-based, cross-sectional telephone survey that was conducted in Rockh ton and a comparison community. Ninety-one percent of practices were visited by 10,000 Steps staff and agreed to participate, with 58% of GPs present during the visits. General practitioner survey response rates were 67% (n =44/66 at baseline) and 71% (n =37/52, at 14-month follow-up). At follow-up, 62% had displayed the poster, 81% were using the brochures, and 70% had loaned pedometers to patients, although the number loaned was relatively small. No change was seen in GP self-report of the percentage of patients counseled on physical activity. However, data from the telephone surveys showed a 31% increase in the likelihood of recalling GP advice on physical activity in Rockh ton (95% confidence interval [CI]=1.11-1.54) compared to a 16% decrease (95% CI=0.68-1.04) in the comparison community. This dissemination study achieved high rates of GP uptake, reasonable levels of implementation, and a significant increase in the number of community residents counseled on physical activity. These results suggest that evidence-based primary care physical activity counseling protocols can be translated into routine practice, although the initial and ongoing investment of time to develop partnerships with relevant healthcare organizations, and the interest generated by the overall 10,000 Steps program should not be underestimated.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 06-2010
Abstract: Leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) shows promise for reducing the risk of poor mental health in later life, although gender- and age-specific research is required to clarify this association. This study examined the concurrent and prospective relationships between both LTPA and walking with mental health in older women. Community-dwelling women aged 73-78 years completed mailed surveys in 1999, 2002 and 2005 for the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health. Respondents reported their weekly minutes of walking, moderate LTPA and vigorous LTPA. Mental health was defined as the number of depression and anxiety symptoms, as assessed with the Goldberg Anxiety and Depression Scale (GADS). Multivariable linear mixed models, adjusted for socio-demographic and health-related variables, were used to examine associations between five levels of LTPA (none, very low, low, intermediate and high) and GADS scores. For women who reported walking as their only LTPA, associations between walking and GADS scores were also examined. Women who reported depression or anxiety in 1999 were excluded, resulting in data from 6,653 women being included in these analyses. Inverse dose-response associations were observed between both LTPA and walking with GADS scores in concurrent and prospective models (p<0.001). Even low levels of LTPA and walking were associated with lowered scores. The lowest scores were observed in women reporting high levels of LTPA or walking. The results support an inverse dose-response association between both LTPA and walking with mental health, over 3 years in older women without depression or anxiety.
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 19-01-2022
DOI: 10.2196/31607
Abstract: Guidelines for physical activity and exercise during pregnancy recommend that all women without contraindications engage in regular physical activity to improve both their own health and the health of their baby. Many women are uncertain how to safely engage in physical activity and exercise during this life stage and are increasingly using mobile apps to access health-related information. However, the extent to which apps that provide physical activity and exercise advice align with current evidence-based pregnancy recommendations is unclear. This study aims to conduct a systematic search and content analysis of apps that promote physical activity and exercise in pregnancy to examine the alignment of the content with current evidence-based recommendations delivery, format, and features of physical activity and exercise instruction and credentials of the app developers. Systematic searches were conducted in the Australian App Store and Google Play Store in October 2020. Apps were identified using combinations of search terms relevant to pregnancy and exercise or physical activity and screened for inclusion (with a primary focus on physical activity and exercise during pregnancy, free to download or did not require immediate paid subscription, and an average user rating of ≥4 out of 5). Apps were then independently reviewed using an author-designed extraction tool. Overall, 27 apps were included in this review (Google Play Store: 16/27, 59%, and App Store: 11/27, 41%). Two-thirds of the apps provided some information relating to the frequency, intensity, time, and type principles of exercise only 11% (3/27) provided this information in line with current evidence-based guidelines. Approximately one-third of the apps provided information about contraindications to exercise during pregnancy and referenced the supporting evidence. None of the apps actively engaged in screening for potential contraindications. Only 15% (4/27) of the apps collected information about the user’s current exercise behaviors, 11% (3/27) allowed users to personalize features relating to their exercise preferences, and a little more than one-third provided information about developer credentials. Few exercise apps designed for pregnancy aligned with current evidence-based physical activity guidelines. None of the apps screened users for contraindications to physical activity and exercise during pregnancy, and most lacked appropriate personalization features to account for an in idual’s characteristics. Few involved qualified experts during the development of the app. There is a need to improve the quality of apps that promote exercise in pregnancy to ensure that women are appropriately supported to engage in exercise and the potential risk of injury, complications, and adverse pregnancy outcomes for both mother and child is minimized. This could be done by providing expert guidance that aligns with current recommendations, introducing screening measures and features that enable personalization and tailoring to in idual users, or by developing a recognized system for regulating apps.
Publisher: The Sax Institute
Date: 2000
DOI: 10.1071/NB00003
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 07-08-2017
DOI: 10.1093/IJE/DYX133
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-1997
DOI: 10.1111/J.1467-842X.1997.TB01686.X
Abstract: An interview survey found life-style behaviours (including risk factors and screening), social support and psychological health (GHQ-12) among a s le of 198 Filipina-Australians to be conducive to good health. Knowledge of local health services was good, and most women expressed general satisfaction with all aspects of life in Australia, except in the area of employment prospects. Despite these indications of good health in the group, there remains a need for health service providers to be aware of the difficulties faced by a proportion of Filipina migrants to Australia.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2018
DOI: 10.1016/J.YPMED.2017.12.010
Abstract: Evidence about the health effects of weight cycling is not consistent, with some studies suggesting it is harmful for health. Here we investigated whether weight cycling was associated with weight change and mental health outcomes in 10,428 participants in the mid-age cohort of The Australian Longitudinal Study of Women's Health (ALSWH) over 12years. In 1998 the women were asked how many times they had ever intentionally lost at least 5kg and how many times had they regained this amount. Women were categorised into four weight pattern groups: frequent weight cyclers (FWC, three or more weight cycles), low frequency weight cyclers (LFWC, one or two weight cycles), non-weight cyclers (NWC), and weight loss only (WL). We used generalised linear modelling to investigate relationships between weight pattern group, weight change and mental health outcomes. In 1998, 15% of the women were FWC, 24% LFWC, 46% NWC and 15% were WL. Weight change was similar across weight pattern groups in women with obesity, however healthy weight and overweight FWC gained more weight than women who did not weight cycle. We found no difference in overall mental health scores between groups, but both LFWC and FWC had higher odds of depressive symptoms (adjusted OR 1.5, 95%CI: 1.1 to 1.9 and 1.7, 95%CI: 1.1 to 2.4, respectively) than NWC. Our results suggest that, although weight cycling is not associated with greater weight gain in women with obesity, it may increase depressive symptoms.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2019
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.JSAMS.2014.02.005
Abstract: To identify the biological, socio-demographic, work-related and lifestyle determinants of physical activity in young adult women. Prospective cohort study. Self-reported data from 11,695 participants (aged 22-27 years in 2000) in the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health were collected over 9 years in 2000, 2003, 2006 and 2009. Generalised Estimating Equations were used to examine univariable and multivariable associations of body mass index, country of birth, area of residence, education, marital status, number of children, occupational status, working hours, smoking, alcohol intake, and stress with physical activity status (active, ≥600 MET·min/week or inactive, <600 MET·min/week, consistent with public health guidelines). All variables were significantly associated with physical activity in univariable models. In the multivariable model, the lowest odds of being active (compared with the relevant reference categories) were for women who: were born in Asia (OR=0.53), had less than 12 years of education (OR=0.79), were married (OR=0.66) or in a de facto relationship (OR=0.79), had at least one child (OR ranging from 0.67 to 0.69), and were classified as non (OR=0.66) or rare drinkers (OR=0.79). These results are among the first to confirm the biological, socio-demographic, work-related and lifestyle determinants of physical activity in women in their twenties and early thirties. These findings may be used to inform and improve the development of strategies, and to identify target groups most in need of intervention effort.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2019
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 07-2014
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 24-07-2014
DOI: 10.1017/S0007114514001688
Abstract: The present study aimed to determine the ability of two diet quality scores to predict the incidence of type 2 diabetes in women. The study population comprised a nationally representative s le of 8370 Australian middle-aged (45–50 years) women participating in the ALSWH (Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health), who were free of diabetes and completed FFQ at baseline. The associations between the Australian Recommended Food Score (ARFS) and Dietary Guideline Index (DGI) with type 2 diabetes risk were assessed using multiple logistic regression models, adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle factors and energy intake. During 6 years of follow-up, 311 incident cases of type 2 diabetes were reported. The DGI score was inversely associated with type 2 diabetes risk (OR comparing the highest with the lowest quintile of DGI was 0·51 95 % CI 0·35, 0·76 P for trend = 0·01). There was no statistically significant association between the ARFS and type 2 diabetes risk (OR comparing the highest with the lowest quintile of ARFS was 0·99 95 % CI 0·68, 1·43 P for trend = 0·42). The results of the present prospective study indicate that the DGI score, which assesses compliance with established dietary guidelines, is predictive of type 2 diabetes risk in Australian women. The risk of type 2 diabetes among women in the highest quintile of DGI was approximately 50 % lower than that in women in the lowest quintile. The ARFS was not significantly predictive of type 2 diabetes.
Publisher: The Sax Institute
Date: 2000
DOI: 10.1071/NB00002
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 30-10-2013
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-2004
DOI: 10.1207/S15327558IJBM1104_5
Abstract: This study aimed to assess sitting time and number of steps taken each day, and the relationships between these variables, in a s le of working Australian adults. Workers (N = 185) wore a pedometer for 7 days and recorded the number of steps taken and time spent sitting each day. Average time spent sitting on weekdays was 9.4 (SD = 2.40) hr, with about half spent sitting at work. Despite this, the average steps taken each day (M = 8,873, SD = 2,757) was higher on weekdays than on weekend days. There was a clear inverse relationship between sitting time at work and number of steps taken on weekdays, r = -.34, p < .001) those in the highest tertile for sitting time reported about 3,000 fewer daily steps. Workers in managerial and professional occupations reported more time sitting at work (M = 6.2 hr per day) and lower weekday step counts (M = 7,883, N = 43) than technical (M = 3.3 hr sitting at work and 10,731 weekday steps, N = 33) and blue collar workers (M = 1.6 hours sitting and 11,784 steps, N = 11). The findings suggest those whose daily work involves long hours of sitting should be the focus of efforts to promote physical activity both within and outside the workplace.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 05-2007
DOI: 10.1017/S1368980007217938
Abstract: To compare the sociodemographic characteristics, health status and health service use of vegetarians, semi-vegetarians and non-vegetarians. In cross-sectional data analyses of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health in 2000, 9113 women (aged 22–27 years) were defined as non-vegetarians if they reported including red meat in their diet, as semi-vegetarians if they excluded red meat and as vegetarians if they excluded meat, poultry and fish from their diet. The estimated prevalence was 3% and 10% for vegetarian and semi-vegetarian young women. Compared with non-vegetarians, vegetarians and semi-vegetarians were more likely to live in urban areas and to not be married. Vegetarians and semi-vegetarians had lower body mass index (mean (95% confidence interval): 22.2 (21.7–22.7) and 23.0 (22.7–23.3) kg m − 2 ) than non-vegetarians (23.7 (23.6–23.8) kg m − 2 ) and tended to exercise more. Semi-vegetarians and vegetarians had poorer mental health, with 21–22% reporting depression compared with 15% of non-vegetarians ( P 0.001). Low iron levels and menstrual symptoms were also more common in both vegetarian groups. Vegetarian and semi-vegetarian women were more likely to consult alternative health practitioners and semi-vegetarians reported taking more prescription and non-prescription medications. Compared with non-vegetarians, semi-vegetarians were less likely and vegetarians much less likely to be taking the oral contraceptive pill. The levels of physical activity and body mass indices of the vegetarian and semi-vegetarian women suggest they are healthier than non-vegetarians. However, the greater reports of menstrual problems and the poorer mental health of these young women may be of clinical significance.
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 07-2004
DOI: 10.1123/JPAH.1.3.218
Abstract: The aims of this study were to investigate the relationships and agreement between average number of steps taken per day and compliance with Australian physical activity guidelines in a s le of working Australian adults. One hundred-eighty-five adults wore a pedometer and recorded the number of steps taken each day for 7 d. On the 8th day, they completed a self-report survey that asked about frequency and duration of different activities during the previous week. The average number of steps per day was 8543 (standard deviation = 2466) for men ( n = 74) and 9093 (2926) for women ( n = 111 no significant difference). Just over half the men (53%) and 45% of the women met the current national physical activity guidelines (no significant difference). Average number of steps per day was higher in those who met the guidelines [9547 (2655), n = 89] than in those who did not [8220 (2702), n = 96 P 0.0001]. In general, the level of agreement between the 2 measures was only moderate. There was, however, better agreement between the 2 measures in women (Spearman’s ρ = 0.35 % agreement 67.5% κ = 0.33, P 0.0001) than in men (ρ = 0.21 % agreement 52.7% κ = 0.08, NS). This study provides an indication of average daily step counts among adults who do and do not meet physical activity guidelines and some evidence on which to base appropriate “step targets” that might be recommended for health benefits for 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.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 29-06-1999
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2014
DOI: 10.1016/J.JSAMS.2013.07.002
Abstract: To determine the ActiGraph GT3X+ cut-points with the highest accuracy for estimating time spent in sedentary behaviour in older adults in free-living environments. ActivPAL(3)™ was used as the reference standard. Cross-sectional study. 37 participants (13 males and 24 females, 73.5 ± 7.3 years old) wore an ActiGraph GT3X+ and an ActivPAL(3)™ for 7 consecutive days. For ActivPAL(3)™, variables were created based on posture. For ActiGraph GT3X+, sedentary behaviour was defined as (1) vector magnitude and (2) vertical axis counts for 1-s, 15-s and 1-min epochs, with cut-points for 1-s epochs of <1 to <10 counts, for 15-s epochs of <1 to <100 counts and for 1-min epochs of <1 to <400 counts. For each of the ActiGraph GT3X+ cut-points, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (area under the curve), sensitivity, specificity, and percentage correctly classified were calculated. Bias and 95% limits of agreement were calculated using the Bland-Altman method. The highest areas under the curve were obtained for the vector magnitude cut-points: <1 count/s, <70 counts/15-s, and <200 counts/min and for the vertical axis cut-points: <1 count/s, <10 counts/15-s and <25 counts/min. Mean biases ranged from -4.29 to 124.28 min/day. The 95% limits of agreement for these cut-points were ± 2 h suggesting great inter-in idual variation. The results suggest that cut-points are dependent on unit of analyses (i.e. epoch length and axes) cut-points for a given epoch length and axis cannot simply be extrapolated to other epoch lengths. Limitations regarding inter-in idual variability and misclassification of standing activity as sitting/lying must be considered.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 06-06-2010
DOI: 10.1007/S12529-010-9105-X
Abstract: The study of sedentary behavior is a relatively new area in population health research, and little is known about patterns of sitting time on week-days and weekend-days. To compare self-reported week-day and weekend-day sitting time with reported weekly time spent in other activities. Data were from 8,717 women born between 1973 and 1978 ('younger'), and 10,490 women born between 1946 and 1951 ('mid-age') who completed surveys for the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health in 2003 and 2001, respectively. They were asked about time spent sitting on week-days and weekend-days. The women were also asked to report time spent in employment, active leisure, passive leisure, home duties, and studying. Mean week-day and weekend-day sitting times were compared with time-use using analysis of variance. Younger women sat more than mid-aged women, and sitting time was higher on week-days than on weekend-days in both cohorts. There were marked positive associations between week-day and weekend-day sitting times and time spent in passive leisure in both cohorts, and with time spent studying on week-days for the younger women. Week-day sitting time was markedly higher in women who reported >35 h in employment, compared with those who worked <35 h. In contrast, there were inverse associations between sitting time and time spent in home duties. Associations between sitting and active leisure were less consistent. Although week-day sitting time was higher than weekend-day sitting time, the patterns of the relationships between week-day and weekend-day sitting and time-use were largely similar, except for time spent in employment.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2010
DOI: 10.1016/J.AMEPRE.2009.09.044
Abstract: Women often blame weight gain in early adulthood on having a baby. The aim was to estimate the weight gain attributable to having a baby, after disentangling the effects of other factors that influence weight change at this life stage. A longitudinal study of a randomly selected cohort of 6458 Australian women, aged 18-23 years in 1996, was conducted. Self-report mailed surveys were completed in 1996, 2000, 2003, and 2006, and data were analyzed in 2008. On average, women gained weight at the rate of 0.93% per year (95% CI=0.89, 0.98) or 605 g/year (95% CI=580, 635) for a 65-kg woman. Over the 10-year study period, partnered women with one baby gained almost 4 kg more, and those with a partner but no baby gained 1.8 kg more, than unpartnered childless women (after adjustment for other significant factors: initial BMI and age physical activity, sitting time, energy intake (2003) education level, hours in paid work, and smoking). Having a baby has a marked effect on 10-year weight gain, but there is also an effect attributable to getting married or living with a partner. Social and lifestyle as well as energy balance variables should be considered when developing strategies to prevent weight gain in young adult women.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 23-11-2009
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2018
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.YPMED.2016.05.007
Abstract: Understanding associations between physical function and neighborhood disadvantage may provide insights into which interventions might best contribute to reducing socioeconomic inequalities in health. This study examines associations between neighborhood-disadvantage, in idual-level socioeconomic position (SEP) and physical function from a multilevel perspective. Data were obtained from the HABITAT multilevel longitudinal (2007-13) study of middle-aged adults, using data from the fourth wave (2013). This investigation included 6004 residents (age 46-71years) of 535 neighborhoods in Brisbane, Australia. Physical function was measured using the PF-10 (0-100), with higher scores indicating better function. The data were analyzed using multilevel linear regression and were extended to test for cross-level interactions by including interaction terms for different combinations of SEP (education, occupation, household income) and neighborhood disadvantage on physical function. Residents of the most disadvantaged neighborhoods reported significantly lower physical function (men: β -11.36 95% CI -13.74, -8.99 women: β -11.41 95% CI -13.60, -9.22). These associations remained after adjustment for in idual-level SEP. In iduals with no post-school education, those permanently unable to work, and members of the lowest household income had significantly poorer physical function. Cross-level interactions suggested that the relationship between household income and physical function is different across levels of neighborhood disadvantage for men and for education and occupation for women. Living in a disadvantaged neighborhood was negatively associated with physical function after adjustment for in idual-level SEP. These results may assist in the development of policy-relevant targeted interventions to delay the rate of physical function decline at a community-level.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 06-05-2017
DOI: 10.1007/S40279-017-0732-0
Abstract: Current Australian physical activity (PA) guidelines encourage adults to accumulate 150-300 min of moderate to vigorous PA each week. Some critics assert that 300 min is unachievable. The aims of this study were to identify the proportion of younger and mid-aged women who met the 300-min recommendation over a 12-year period, examine how the "highly active" women achieved this level of activity (in terms of walking, moderate activity, and vigorous activity), and to identify the sociodemographic, biological, lifestyle, and work-related determinants of being "highly active". Younger (n = 7843) and mid-aged (n = 8043) participants in the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health completed triennial surveys between 2000 and 2013, when their ages were 24.6-36.3 and 52.5-64.5 years, respectively. Self-reported PA was assessed as time spent in walking, moderate activity, and vigorous activity in the previous week an index of MET.min/week was derived and dichotomized as <1000 MET.min/week (<300 min not highly active) or ≥1000 MET.min/week (≥300 min highly active). Generalized estimating equations were used to examine univariable and multivariable associations between a number of sociodemographic, lifestyle, and health variables with PA status (measured at every survey). In the younger cohort, the proportion who were highly active decreased from 40% in 2000 to 31% in 2012. High levels of activity were achieved through a combination of walking (39.1-45.1% of total activity) and vigorous PA (41.8-47.7%). In the mid-age cohort, the proportion of women who were highly active increased from 32% in 2001 to 47% in 2013 this was achieved predominantly through walking (55.8-59.7%). In multi-variable models, the highest odds for being in the high PA category (odds ratios [ORs] ≥ 1.20 p < 0.001) were for younger women who were single, those who worked long full-time hours, those who drank any quantity of alcohol, and those who sat for less than 8 h/day. In the mid-age cohort, the highest odds for being in the high PA category (ORs ≥1.20 p < 0.001) were for women with post-school education, those who were retired, those who were low-risk drinkers (compared with non-drinkers), those who sat for less than 8 h/day, and those with lower levels of stress. Our findings clearly indicate that the upper limit of the Australian PA guidelines is achievable for large numbers of women. Factors associated with being highly active were different for younger and mid-age women, but healthy weight, high education, and paid work (full-time in the younger women, part-time in mid-age) were common characteristics of highly active women in both cohorts.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 22-06-1999
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 10-2009
DOI: 10.1007/S12160-009-9138-Z
Abstract: Interventions to promote walking have rarely examined how their effects varied by the attributes of the physical environment. The purpose of this study is to examine whether perceptions of environmental walkability predicted change in walking behavior following an in idual-based intervention to promote walking and whether the intervention buffered the effects of unsupportive environment for walking. Inactive adults (aged 30-65 years, 85% women) who completed a 3-month randomized control trial comparing the effect of a single mail-out of a theoretically based self-help walking program (WP, n = 102) the same program plus a pedometer (WPP, n = 105) and a "no-treatment" control group (C, n = 107). Measures included change in self-reported walking time for all purposes and in the proportion of people reporting regular walking (i.e., > or =150 min/week and > or =5 sessions/wk). Perceptions of environmental esthetics, safety from crime, proximity to destinations, access to walking facilities, traffic, streetlights, connectivity, and hilliness were assessed at baseline and dichotomized into "low" or "high" by the median score. Covariates were social support, self-efficacy, intention to change behavior, and sociodemographic characteristics. Adjusting for baseline walking, significant covariates, and study groups, walking time at follow-up was lower if streetlights or esthetics were perceived to be "low" (-24% and -22%, respectively) compared with "high" (p < 0.05). In "low" esthetic conditions, those in the WPP were significantly more likely than controls to increase total walking time (Exp (b) = 2.53, p < 0.01) and to undertake regular walking (OR = 5.85, 95% CI 2.60-12.2), whereas in esthetically pleasing environments, the between-group differences were nonsignificant. Walkability attributes can influence in idual-based walking programs. Some environmental barriers for walking can be overcome by motivational aids.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 03-09-2015
DOI: 10.3109/09638237.2015.1057321
Abstract: Adults with mental illness may have difficulties with data collection methods such as questionnaires and accelerometry. To assess the utility of questionnaires and accelerometry for assessing physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour (SB) in non-institutionalised adults with mental illness. Participants were recruited from outpatient clinics and community organisations. Participants completed PA and SB questionnaires, wore accelerometers for 7 d, and rated the ease/difficulty of completing study components. Recruitment numbers, adherence, and ease/difficulty ratings were examined. Ease/difficulty ratings were compared between study components, and between participants by distress level. One hundred forty-two participants completed the questionnaires they found it easier to report PA than reclining time (p = 0.017), and reclining time than sitting time (p < 0.001). Participants with high distress found it more difficult to report sitting time and PA than participants with low distress (p < 0.017). Ninety-nine participants (70%) completed the accelerometry the majority (88%) met the minimum wear-time criteria. They found it easier to wear the monitor during the day than while sleeping (p < 0.001), and easier to complete accelerometry than questionnaires (p < 0.001). Accelerometry was more feasible for assessing SB than questionnaires. Questionnaires were feasible for assessing PA, but less acceptable for people experiencing high distress.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2015
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 1999
DOI: 10.1002/(SICI)1520-6777(1999)18:6<567::AID-NAU7>3.0.CO;2-F
Abstract: The Women's Health Australia project provided the opportunity to examine the prevalence of leaking urine and associated variables in three large cohorts of Australian women 18-23 years of age ("young" N = 14,761), 45-50 ("mid-age" N = 14,070), and 70-75 ("older" N = 12, 893). The proportion of women reporting leaking urine was 12.8% (95% CI: 12.2-13.3), 36.1% (35.2- 37.0), and 35% (34.1- 35.9) in each of the three cohorts, respectively. Logistic regression analysis showed significant associations between leaking urine and parity in the young and mid-age women, and between leaking urine and constipation, other bowel symptoms, body mass index, and urine that burns or stings in all three groups. In the mid-age and older cohorts, women who reported having both hysterectomy and prolapse repair, or prolapse repair alone, were also more likely to report leaking urine. Lower scores on the physical and mental component summary scores of the medical outcomes survey short form (36 items) questionnaire suggest lower quality of life among women who report leaking urine, compared with those who do not. Neurourol. Urodynam. 18:567-577, 1999.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 03-2000
Abstract: A postal health survey was completed by 14761 young women (aged 18-23 years), 14070 middle-aged women (45-50 years) and 12893 older women (70-75 years). The prevalence of constipation was 14.1% (CI 13.5-14.7) in young women, 26.6% (CI 25.9-27.4) in middle-aged women, and 27% (CI 26.9-28.5) in the older women. The prevalence of hemorrhoids was 3.2% (CI 2.9-3.4 young), 17.7% (CI 17.1-18.4 middle-aged) and 18.3% (CI 17.6-19.0 older). In the middle-aged and older women, those who reported previous gynecologic surgery were between 18% and 63% more likely to report constipation in the younger cohort, women with one or two children were also more likely to report constipation (adjusted OR 1.43-1.46). One-third of the young women and half the middle-aged and older women had sought help for constipation the majority indicated that they were satisfied with the help available to them.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 05-06-2019
Abstract: Interrelationships between neighborhood walkability, area disadvantage, and crime may contribute to the inconsistent associations between crime and walking. We examined associations between crime and walking, and tested for differences by neighborhood disadvantage while addressing these additional complexities. Participants ( n = 6,680) from 200 neighborhoods spanning the most and least disadvantaged in Brisbane, Australia, completed a questionnaire and objective measures were generated for the in idual-level 1,000-m neighborhood. Multilevel models examined associations between crime (perceived and objective) and walking (recreational and transport), and interactions tested for differences by neighborhood disadvantage. High perceived crime was associated with reduced odds of transport walking, whereas high objective crime was associated with increased odds of transport walking. Patterns did not differ by neighborhood disadvantage. In disadvantaged neighborhoods, the “negative” criminogenic attributes were insufficient to outweigh the “positive” walkability attributes, producing similar walking patterns to advantaged neighborhoods where residents were dislocated from local destinations but buffered from crime.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 1999
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 10-2005
DOI: 10.1123/JPAH.2.4.460
Abstract: National physical activity data suggest that there is a considerable difference in physical activity levels of US and Australian adults. Although different surveys (Active Australia and BRFSS) are used, the questions are similar. Different protocols, however, are used to estimate “activity” from the data collected. The primary aim of this study was to assess whether the 2 approaches to the management of PA data could explain some of the difference in prevalence estimates derived from the two national surveys. Secondary data analysis of the most recent AA survey ( N = 2987). 15% of the s le was defined as “active” using Australian criteria but as “inactive” using the BRFSS protocol, even though weekly energy expenditure was commensurate with meeting current guidelines. Younger respondents (age 45 y) were more likely to be “misclassified” using the BRFSS criteria. The prevalence of activity in Australia and the US appears to be more similar than we had previously thought.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 08-2005
DOI: 10.1038/OBY.2005.173
Abstract: The aims of this study were to estimate average yearly weight gain in midage women and to identify the determinants of weight gain and gaining weight at double the average rate. The study s le comprised 8071 participants (45 to 55 years old) in the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health who completed mailed surveys in 1996, 1998, and 2001. On average, the women gained almost 0.5 kg per year [average 2.42 kg (95% confidence interval, 2.29 to 2.54) over 5 years]. In multivariate analyses, variables associated with energy balance (physical activity, sitting time, and energy intake), as well as quitting smoking, menopause/hysterectomy, and baseline BMI category were significantly associated with weight gain, but other behavioral and demographic characteristics were not. After adjustment for all of the other biological and behavioral variables, the odds of gaining weight at about twice the average rate (>5 kg over 5 years) were highest for women who quit smoking (odds ratio = 2.94 95% confidence interval, 2.17, 3.96). There were also independent relationships between the odds of gaining >5 kg and lower levels of habitual physical activity, more time spent sitting, energy intake (but only in women with BMI > 25 at baseline), menopause transition, and hysterectomy. The average weight gain equates with an energy imbalance of only about 10 kcal or 40 kJ per day, which suggests that small sustained changes in the modifiable behavioral variables could prevent further weight gain.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2004
DOI: 10.1016/S1440-2440(04)80010-0
Abstract: Accurate monitoring of prevalence and trends in population levels of physical activity (PA) is a fundamental public health need. Test-retest reliability (repeatability) was assessed in population s les for four self-report PA measures: the Active Australia survey (AA, N=356), the short International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ, N=104), the physical activity items in the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS, N=127) and in the Australian National Health Survey (NHS, N=122). Percent agreement and Kappa statistics were used to assess reliability of classification of activity status as 'active', 'insufficiently active' or 'sedentary'. Intraclass correlations (ICCs) were used to assess agreement on minutes of activity reported for each item of each survey and for total minutes. Percent agreement scores for activity status were very good on all four instruments, ranging from 60% for the NHS to 79% for the IPAQ. Corresponding Kappa statistics ranged from 0.40 (NHS) to 0.52 (AA). For in idual items, ICCs were highest for walking (0.45 to 0.78) and vigorous activity (0.22 to 0.64) and lowest for the moderate questions (0.16 to 0.44). All four measures provide acceptable levels of test-retest reliability for assessing both activity status and sedentariness, and moderate reliability for assessing total minutes of activity.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-1997
DOI: 10.1111/J.1467-842X.1997.TB01785.X
Abstract: Young (18-22 years) and middle-aged (45-49 years) women living in urban and rural areas of New South Wales completed a brief food frequency questionnaire as part of a wider health survey. Urban women in both age groups consumed meat less frequently than women in rural areas, and women in the less populated rural areas were more likely to eat green and yellow vegetables and least likely to eat dried beans. There were few other geographic differences in food habits. Middle-aged women consumed reduced-fat milk, fruit, vegetables, fish, biscuits and cakes significantly more frequently, and rice, pasta, full-cream milk, fried food and take-away food less frequently than younger women. Smokers in both age groups consumed fresh fruit, vegetables and breakfast cereals significantly less frequently than non-smokers, and women with low levels of habitual physical activity consumed fresh fruit and cereals less frequently than more active women. The findings suggest that strategies aimed at changing eating behaviours should be age-group-specific and targeted specifically to smokers and less active women.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 03-06-2016
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 2006
DOI: 10.1123/JPAH.3.1.1
Abstract: To describe the effectiveness of a multi-strategy physical activity (PA) intervention. Self-report data from random s les were collected prior to and following intervention. Social marketing, healthcare provider, and environmental strategies were concurrently implemented with a central coordinating theme of “10,000 Steps Rockh ton.” There was evidence of significant project reach and awareness. The downward trend in PA seen in the comparison community (48.3% to 41.9% “active”) was not evident in Rockh ton. Women were the “early adopters” in this project with an increase of 5% (95% CI: –0.6, 10.6) in the percent categorized as “active” (compared with decreases among women in the comparison community and among men in both communities). High levels of project awareness, combined with modest increases in activity levels in women, demonstrate initial project effects. Longer term interventions, focusing on sustainable in idual, social, and environmental change strategies are needed to maintain and improve this result.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 08-2001
DOI: 10.1080/07315724.2001.10719054
Abstract: To examine the effects of iron deficiency and its treatment by iron supplementation or a high iron diet on fatigue and general health measures in women of childbearing age. Randomised controlled trial to compare supplement and dietary treatment of iron deficiency. 44 iron deficient (serum ferritin < 15 microg/L or serum ferritin 15-20 microg/L, plus two of the following: serum iron 68 micromol/L or transferrin saturation or = 10 g/L and serum ferritin > 20 microg/L) women 18 to 50 years of age were matched for age and parity. Iron deficient women were randomly allocated to either iron supplementation or a high iron diet for 12 weeks. Iron deficient and iron replete participants had iron studies performed and completed the Piper Fatigue Scale (PFS) and the SF-36 general health and well-being questionnaire at baseline (T0), following the 12 week intervention (T1) and again after a six-month non-intervention phase (T2). The SF-36 includes measures of physical (PCS) and mental (MCS) health and vitality (VT). MCS and VT scores were lower and PFS scores were higher for iron deficient women (diet and supplement groups) than iron replete women at baseline. Both intervention groups showed similar improvements in MCS, VT and PFS scores during the intervention phase, but mean increases in serum ferritin were greater in the supplement than the diet group. PCS scores were not related to iron status. Treatment of iron deficiency with either supplementation or a high iron diet results in improved mental health and decreased fatigue among women of childbearing age.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 31-05-2023
DOI: 10.1038/S41586-023-05952-6
Abstract: Titanium alloys are advanced lightweight materials, indispensable for many critical applications 1,2 . The mainstay of the titanium industry is the α–β titanium alloys, which are formulated through alloying additions that stabilize the α and β phases 3–5 . Our work focuses on harnessing two of the most powerful stabilizing elements and strengtheners for α–β titanium alloys, oxygen and iron 1–5 , which are readily abundant. However, the embrittling effect of oxygen 6,7 , described colloquially as ‘the kryptonite to titanium’ 8 , and the microsegregation of iron 9 have hindered their combination for the development of strong and ductile α–β titanium–oxygen–iron alloys. Here we integrate alloy design with additive manufacturing (AM) process design to demonstrate a series of titanium–oxygen–iron compositions that exhibit outstanding tensile properties. We explain the atomic-scale origins of these properties using various characterization techniques. The abundance of oxygen and iron and the process simplicity for net-shape or near-net-shape manufacturing by AM make these α–β titanium–oxygen–iron alloys attractive for a erse range of applications. Furthermore, they offer promise for industrial-scale use of off-grade sponge titanium or sponge titanium–oxygen–iron 10,11 , an industrial waste product at present. The economic and environmental potential to reduce the carbon footprint of the energy-intensive sponge titanium production 12 is substantial.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 06-04-2016
DOI: 10.3109/09638237.2016.1167847
Abstract: Adults with mental illness may have specific attitudes toward physical activity (PA). To assess the PA attitudes of non-institutionalised adults with mental illness, and associations with psychological distress. Participants completed questionnaires on activity preferences (type, context and sources of support), motivators, barriers and attitudes toward personal training (PT). Relationships between responses and distress were assessed using logistic regressions. One-hundred forty-two participants completed the questionnaires. PA context preferences included activities done close to home, outdoors, with professional instruction, with people of the same ability, as part of a healthy lifestyle program and with a social component. The most commonly endorsed source of support was an exercise instructor. Most respondents had never received PT however, PT had high acceptability. Common barriers included poor physical and mental health, and lack of money. Distress was positively associated with barriers of poor mental health, tiredness, disorganisation, exhaustion and being shy/embarrassed (p ≤ 0.001). Local outdoor walking groups that include social and healthy lifestyle components, and that are led by an exercise instructor who can provide support for overcoming barriers, may best meet PA interests of this group. PT could be an acceptable method for offering in idualised support.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 10-2018
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2000
DOI: 10.1111/J.1467-842X.2000.TB00140.X
Abstract: To determine which socio-demographic factors, health-related behaviours and physical health conditions are associated with non-drinking, binge drinking and hazardous/harmful drinking in young Australian women. Cross-sectional data were obtained from the baseline survey of 14,762 young women (aged 18-23 years) enrolled in the Women's Health Australia study in 1996. Associations between a range of drinking patterns and socio-demographic factors, health-related behaviours and health conditions were examined. Half the women were 'low intake' drinkers, a third 'rarely drank' and 9% were non-drinkers however, 70% reported binge drinking with one-quarter of the binge drinkers doing so at least weekly. Non-drinkers were more likely than drinkers to be married, pregnant, non-smokers, born in non-English speaking countries, to live in the Northern Territory, and to have lower levels of education, employment, and private health insurance. 'Low intake/binge weekly' drinkers (12%) and 'hazardous/harmful' drinkers (5%) were more likely than 'low risk' drinkers to be unmarried to live in shared accommodation, alone or with their parents to live in rural or remote areas to have ever had any sexually transmitted infection to be current smokers or ex-smokers and to have used unhealthy weight-control practices. The results confirm findings from other countries about the importance of social conditions as determinants of alcohol consumption by young women. Health promotion to reduce young women's alcohol consumption needs to be carefully targeted to take account of their demographies, living environments and beliefs.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 15-05-2018
DOI: 10.1002/HPJA.164
Abstract: Many Australian employees now regularly work from home in some capacity. This new way of working has not been widely studied in relation to the potential implications for employees' health-related behaviour or workplace health promotion. The aim of this study was to explore office-based employees' perceptions of the impact of flexible work on physical activity and sedentary behaviour and preferences for associated interventions. Three focus groups were conducted with office-based employees (n = 28) 6 months after the introduction of a flexible work policy. A semi-structured interview format with open-ended questions was used with summary statements to check understanding. Sessions were audiotaped, and dominant themes were identified. Findings on intervention preferences were interpreted using a social cognitive framework. An overview of results was provided to a group of managers (n = 9) for comment. Employees reported that physical activity was not impacted, but sedentary behaviour had increased, with flexible work. Intervention preferences focussed on occupational sedentary behaviour, self-regulation, prompts and social connections, and not the physical work environment. Managers agreed with employees' preferences and also wanted interventions to be sustainable. Self-directed interventions with social components and targeting occupational sedentary behaviour were more acceptable than physical activity interventions in this flexible workplace. SO WHAT?: Health promotion for workplaces with flexible work practices may benefit from prioritising strategies that promote self-regulation and social connections rather than being linked to the physical worksite.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 2009
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 22-03-2012
Abstract: The workplace is cited as a promising setting for physical activity (PA) promotion, but workplace PA interventions tend not to specifically target men. The aim of this article was to review the literature on workplace PA interventions for men and to identify key issues for future intervention development. Articles targeting PA at the workplace were located through a structured database search. Information on intervention strategies and PA outcomes were extracted. Only 13 studies (10.5%) reviewed focused on men, of which 5 showed significant increases in PA. These studies used generic, multicomponent, health promotion strategies with a variety of timeframes, self-report PA measures, and PA outcomes. The systematic review identified that evidence on the effectiveness of workplace PA interventions for men is equivocal and highlighted methodological concerns. Future research should use reliable and valid measures of PA and interventions that focus specifically on men’s needs and PA preferences.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.AMEPRE.2016.09.007
Abstract: The aims of this prospective cohort study were to examine 16-year trajectories of weight and BMI in young adult women who had a healthy BMI in 1996 and determinants of remaining in the healthy BMI category. A total of 4,881 women with healthy BMI at baseline and either healthy, overweight, or obese BMI at 16-year follow-up reported their weight, height, health, and health behaviors in six surveys of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health between 1996 (aged 18-23 years) and 2012 (aged 34-39 years). Determinants of BMI maintenance were estimated using binary logistic regression and generalized estimating equations in 2015. Almost 60% remained in the healthy BMI category from 1996 to 2012, (mean weight gain, 0.19 kg/year), 29% transitioned to overweight BMI (0.83 kg/year), and 11.6% transitioned to obese (1.73 kg/year). The mean rates of annual weight gain in each group were consistent over time. Only three factors (low alcohol, moderate/high physical activity, having a university degree) were positively associated with maintaining a healthy BMI. Additional behavioral factors (smoking, high sitting time, energy intake, dieting, takeaway food, and use of oral contraceptives), as well as blue collar occupation, separation/ orce/widowhood, and major illness were negatively associated with BMI maintenance. To prevent the transition from healthy to overweight/obese BMI, weight gain must be limited to <0.5 kg/year. Women with healthy BMI, but with higher rates of weight gain in their early 20s, could be identified by health professionals for assistance with prevention of becoming overweight/obese.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 2007
DOI: 10.1186/AR2154
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 05-2008
Abstract: To explore associations between physical activity and the risk of falls and fractured bones in community-dwelling older women. A prospective observational survey with three and six-year follow-ups. The s le included 8188 healthy, community-dwelling women, aged 70-75 years in 1996, who completed surveys as participants in the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health. Women who reported a recent serious injury from falling were excluded. Outcomes were reports of a fall to the ground, injury from a fall, and a fractured bone in 1999 and 2002. The main predictor variable was physical activity level in 1996, categorised on the basis of weekly frequency as none/very low, low, moderate, high and very high. Covariates were demographic and health-related variables. Logistic regression models were computed separately for each outcome in 1999 and 2002. In multivariable models, very high physical activity was associated with a decreased risk of reporting a fall in 1999 (odds ratio (OR) 0.67 95% CI 0.47 to 0.95) and in 2002 (OR 0.64 95% CI 0.43 to 0.96). High/very high physical activity was associated with a decreased risk of a fractured bone in 2002 (OR 0.53 95% CI 0.34 to 0.83). No significant association was found between physical activity and injury from a fall. The results suggest that at least daily moderate to vigorous-intensity physical activity is required for the primary prevention of falls to the ground and fractured bones in women aged 70-75 years.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 10-07-2018
DOI: 10.1136/BJSPORTS-2017-098963
Abstract: To examine whether the associations between sedentary behaviours (ie, daily sitting/TV-viewing time) and mortality from cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer differ by different levels of physical activity (PA). Harmonised meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies. Data on exposure variables were harmonised according to a predefined protocol and categorised into four groups for sedentary behaviours and into quartiles of PA (MET-hour/week). PubMed, PsycINFO, Embase, Web of Science, Sport Discus and Scopus. In idual level data on both sedentary behaviours and PA and reported effect estimates for CVD or cancer mortality. Nine studies (n=850 060 deaths=25 730) and eight studies (n=777 696 deaths=30 851) provided data on sitting time and CVD and cancer mortality, respectively. Five studies had data on TV-viewing time and CVD (n=458 127 deaths=13 230) and cancer (n=458 091 deaths=16 430) mortality. A dose–response association between sitting time (9%–32% higher risk p for trend .001) and TV time (3%–59% higher risk p for trend .001) with CVD mortality was observed in the ‘inactive’, lowest quartile of PA. Associations were less consistent in the second and third quartiles of PA, and there was no increased risk for CVD mortality with increasing sedentary behaviours in the most active quartile. Associations between sedentary behaviours and cancer mortality were generally weaker 6%–21% higher risk with longer sitting time observed only in the lowest quartile of PA. PA modifies the associations between sedentary behaviours and CVD and cancer mortality. These findings emphasise the importance of higher volumes of moderate and vigorous activity to reduce, or even eliminate these risks, especially for those who sit a lot in their daily lives.
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 07-2015
Abstract: There is growing evidence that regular physical activity (PA) reduces the risk of poor mental health. Less research has focused on the relationship between PA and positive wellbeing. The study aims were to assess the prospective associations between PA and optimism, in both young and mid-aged women. 9688 young women (born 1973–1978) completed self-report surveys in 2000 (age 22 to 27), 2003, 2006, and 2009 and 11,226 mid-aged women (born 1946–1951) completed surveys in 2001 (age 50–55) 2004, 2007, and 2010, as part of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health. Generalized estimating equation models (with 3-year time lag) were used to examine the relationship between PA and optimism in both cohorts. In both cohorts, women reporting higher levels of PA had greater odds of reporting higher optimism over the 9-year period, (young, OR = 5.04, 95% CI: 3.85–6.59 mid-age, OR = 5.77, 95% CI: 4.76–7.00) than women who reported no PA. Odds were attenuated in adjusted models, with depression accounting for a large amount of this attenuation (young, OR = 2.00, 95% CI: 1.57–2.55 mid-age, OR = 1.64 95% CI: 1.38–1.94). Physical activity can promote optimism in young and mid-aged women over time, even after accounting for the negative effects of other psychosocial indicators such as depression.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 05-2008
Publisher: S. Karger AG
Date: 2008
DOI: 10.1159/000155653
Abstract: i Background: /i Exercise can modify fall risk factors such as balance and mobility impairments. However, can exercise improve balance confidence? In one strength-training study, researchers reported that a change in balance confidence was not uniformly associated with changes in objective measures of fall risk or physical performance. In fact, some participants’ balance confidence decreased while their physical abilities increased and vice versa. i Objective: /i The aim of this study was to compare changes in balance confidence and balance ability resulting from three exercise interventions (home-based resistance and balance training (RBT), group-based RBT and group-based walking), and the concomitant relationships between change in balance confidence and change in ability. It was hypothesized that participants in the group-based RBT program would improve their balance confidence and performance more than those in the home-based or walking programs. i Methods: /i In a cluster-randomized design, nine retirement villages were assigned to one of the three exercise groups. One hundred and sixty-seven independent-living residents (aged 65–96 years) participated. Each group exercised twice weekly for 20 weeks. Objective balance ability was measured using timed tandem and one-leg stands (static balance), and the 8-foot (2.5 m) up-and-go test (dynamic balance/agility). Balance confidence was assessed using the self-report Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale. i Results: /i Participants in the group-based RBT program improved their static balance scores more than those in the home-based program however, improvements in balance confidence were greater among participants in the home-based program (all p 0.05). Discordance between static balance and balance confidence change scores was evident for up to 20% of participants. Change in ABC score was weakly correlated with a change in the up-and-go test score. i Conclusions: /i Exercise training can improve balance confidence and balance ability in retirement village residents. However, as has been shown previously, this study found that exercise interventions may improve balance ability without associated increases in balance confidence and vice versa. Whether the ABC score and balance ability can be enhanced by providing a tailored intervention to improve balance confidence in combination with a RBT program requires further study.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 22-08-2018
Abstract: Physical activity (PA) is an independent predictor of mortality and frailty in middle-aged women, but fatigue remains a major barrier in this group. While caffeine intake has been associated with reduced exertion and perceived fatigue, it is not well understood whether consumption of naturally caffeinated drinks is associated with physical activity. The aim of this study was to determine whether habitual consumption of coffee and tea is associated with participation in physical activity. Women (n = 7580) from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health were included in this investigation. Participants reported average tea and coffee intake over the last 12 months and usual PA. Logistic regression models were adjusted for relevant health and lifestyle confounders, and Sobel test was used for mediation analysis. Participants who consumed 1–2 cups of coffee/day were 17% more likely to meet the recommended 500 metabolic equivalent (MET).min/week than women who had cup/day (odds ratio (OR) 1.17, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.04–1.32). Participants who reported drinking either 1–2 cups or cups/day of tea were 13–26% more likely to meet 500 MET.min/week than those who had cup/day (OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.08–1.46 and OR 1.13, 95% CI 1.01–1.26, respectively). Tiredness and energy mediated associations between intake of coffee (fully) and tea (partially) and PA. Middle-aged women who drink 1–2 cups of coffee or cup of tea/day are more likely to meet the moderate-to-vigorous PA guidelines than those who drink cup/day. Future research is warranted to investigate causality and effects of specific coffee and tea amounts.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 08-2013
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 07-05-2008
Abstract: To explore the feasibility of conducting a 10-week home-based physical activity (PA) programme and evaluate the changes in insulin sensitivity (S(I)) commensurate with the programme in obese young people. Open-labelled intervention. Home-based intervention with clinical assessments at a tertiary paediatric hospital. 18 obese (body mass index (BMI)>International Obesity Task Force age and sex-specific cut-offs) children and adolescents (8-18 years, 11 girls/7 boys) were recruited. 15 participants (nine girls/six boys, mean+/-SE age 11.8+/-0.6 years, BMI-SD scores (BMI-SDS) 3.5+/-0.1, six prepubertal/nine pubertal) completed the intervention. The programme comprised biweekly home visits over 10 weeks with personalised plans implemented aiming to increase moderate-intensity PA. Pedometers and PA diaries were used as self-monitoring tools. The goals were to (1) teach participants behavioural skills related to adopting and maintaining an active lifestyle and (2) increase daily participation in PA. Mean steps/day were assessed. S(I) assessed by the frequently s led intravenous glucose tolerance test and other components of the insulin resistance syndrome were measured. Mean steps/day increased significantly from 10 363+/-927 (baseline) to 13 013+/-1131 (week 10) (p<0.05). S(I) was also significantly increased, despite no change in BMI-SDS, and remained so after an additional 10-week follow-up. The results suggest that such a home-based PA programme is feasible. S(I) improved without changes in BMI-SDS. More rigorous evaluations of such programmes are warranted.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 03-05-2021
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 26-10-2022
DOI: 10.1371/JOURNAL.PONE.0276761
Abstract: Diabetes is on the rise as the worldwide population ages. While physical activity can help protect against diabetes, ageing is commonly associated with reduced physical activity. This study aimed to examine if physical activity differs by diabetes status in mid-aged adults, how this association changes over time, and whether physical activity-related sociodemographic factors and health indicators differ in those with and without diabetes. Data came from four waves of the How Areas in Brisbane Influence HealTh and AcTivity (HABITAT), a longitudinal study of mid-age adults living in Brisbane, Australia. Random effects/Expectation-maximisation (RE-EM) regression trees were used to identify factors affecting physical activity among those with and without diabetes, both separately and combined. At study entry, those with diabetes had a higher median age of 58 years (95% CI: 57–60) and a lower median physical activity of 699 MET.min/week (95% CI: 599–799) than people without diabetes (53 years (95% CI: 53–53) and 849 MET.min/week (95% CI: 799–899)). However, the strongest factors influencing physical activity were BMI and gender, not diabetes status. It is vital to promote physical activity among adults, in particular among those with high BMI and women, as well as those with and at high risk of diseases like diabetes.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2014
Abstract: To objectively measure physical activity (PA) patterns and sedentary time, and explore perceptions of workplace PA opportunities in regional male transport workers. A multi-method study involving 28 drivers (52.4±9.69 years) working at a bus company in South-East Queensland, Australia. PA was measured using accelerometers (n=23) to determine the proportion of time spent in sedentary (<150 cpm), light (151-2,689 cpm) and moderate+ (≥2,690 cpm) intensity categories. Paired s le t-tests were used to evaluate differences between categories on a workday/off-workday (n=16), and during work/non-work time (n=15). Interviews were conducted with 28 drivers and six managers to explore perceptions and ideas relating to workplace PA opportunities. Sedentary time was significantly higher on off-work (64% of wear time) than work (52%) days (p<0.05), while the opposite was the case for light intensity time (off-workday=33% workday=44% p<0.05). On workdays, sedentary time was significantly lower when employees were working (44%) than when not working (60% p<0.05). No significant differences were found for time spent in moderate+ PA. Driver perceptions indicated that PA opportunities (walking club and corporate gym membership) were being adopted by some drivers. However, at this depot, perceived health issues and organisational barriers (shift work and irregular driving routines), tended to preclude some drivers from engaging with these opportunities. Findings contest the notion that a sedentary occupation such as driving necessitates an inactive work environment. This research informs ongoing intervention efforts to target inactive drivers who are struggling to take advantage of existing workplace-related PA opportunities.
Publisher: American Diabetes Association
Date: 06-2007
DOI: 10.2337/DC06-2187
Abstract: OBJECTIVE—Although there is consensus that excess adiposity is strongly associated with type 2 diabetes, its relationship with weight change is less clear. This study investigates the relative impact of BMI at baseline and short-term (2- or 3-year) weight changes on the incidence of diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Prospective data were collected from a population-based cohort of middle-aged women participating in the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health (n = 7,239 for this report). To date, participants have completed four mailed surveys (S1, 1996 S2, 1998 S3, 2001 and S4, 2004). Generalized estimating equations were used to model binary repeated-measures data to assess the impact of BMI at S1 and weight change (S1 to S2 S2 to S3) on 3-year incidence of diabetes at S3 and S4, respectively, adjusting for sociodemographic and lifestyle factors. RESULTS—BMI at S1 was strongly associated with the development of diabetes by S3 or S4. Compared with women who had a BMI & kg/m2, those with BMI ≥25 kg/m2 had higher incidence of diabetes (P & 0.0001), with odd ratios reaching 12.1 (95% CI 7.6–19.3) for women in the very obese group (BMI ≥35 kg/m2). There was no association between shorter-term weight gain or weight loss on first-reported diagnosis of diabetes (P = 0.08). CONCLUSIONS—Because women's risk of developing type 2 diabetes in midlife is more closely related to their initial BMI (when aged 45–50 years) than to subsequent short-term weight change, public health initiatives should target the prevention of weight gain before and during early adulthood.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 02-01-1990
DOI: 10.1093/EURHEARTJ/11.SUPPL_I.79
Abstract: The Kubicek thoracic cylinder model of impedance cardiography (IC) for measuring beat-by-beat stroke volume (SV) was evaluated in controlled studies using the electromagnetic flowmeter (FM) as the reference technique. Assuming the validity of the Kubicek equation for stroke volume calculation, IC stroke volume was found to be a linear function of EM values at any one haematocrit over a wide range of SV, but the slope of the relationship fell as haematocrit fell. Experiments using the same equation in dogs, in which blood resistivity in vivo (rho tau) was made the dependent variable, and the EM-derived value was used for stroke volume, showed that rho tau was almost constant over a wide range of haematocrits. These findings were supported by studies in man and rabbit where Fick and thermodilution-derived values were used for stroke volume. When these data were applied to normotensive and hypertensive human subjects with normal hearts and lungs in controlled studies at rest, during tilting, with drug therapy and on exercise, IC measured stroke volume and cardiac output with a variability at least as good as the 9-11% acceptable for clinical use. This conclusion applied to thoracic configurations of different sizes and shapes from adult man to the neonate. In chronic disease states, while assessments of relative changes are valuable, absolute data are questionable. Further research is required under these conditions, as it is also for other models of IC, which are based on different assumptions.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 13-01-1999
Abstract: The Women's Health Australia (WHA) project is a longitudinal study of several cohorts of Australian women, which aims to examine the relationships between biological, psychological, social and lifestyle factors and women's physical health, emotional well-being, and their use of and satisfaction with health care. Using the Medicare database as a s ling frame (with overs ling of women from rural and remote areas), 106,000 women in the three age groups 18-23, 45-50 and 70-75 were sent an invitation to participate and a 24-page self-complete questionnaire. Reminder letters, a nation-wide publicity c aign, information brochures, a freecall number for inquiries, and the option of completing the questionnaire by telephone in English or in the respondent's own language, were used to encourage participation. Statutory regulations precluded telephone follow-up of non-respondents. Response rates were 41% (N = 14,792), 54% (N = 14,200) and 36% (N = 12,614) for the three age groups. Comparison with Australian census data indicated that the s les are reasonably representative of Australian women in these age groups, except for a somewhat higher representation of women who are married or in a defacto relationship, and of women with post-school education. The most common reason for non-participation was lack of interest or time. Personal circumstances, objections to the questionnaire or specific items in it, and concerns about confidentiality were the other main reasons. Recruitment of three representative age-group cohorts of women, and the maintenance of these cohorts over a number of years, will provide a valuable opportunity to examine associations over time between aspects of women's lives and their physical and emotional health and well-being.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 10-03-2017
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 05-2016
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 25-04-2012
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2013
DOI: 10.1016/J.JSAMS.2012.12.002
Abstract: To compare three methods for assessing wear time from accelerometer data: automated, log-books and a combination of the two. Cross-sectional study. Forty-five office workers wore an Actigraph GT3X accelerometer and kept a detailed activity log-book for 7 days. The automated method used six algorithms to determine non-wear time (20, 60, or 90 min of consecutive zero counts with and without 2-min interruptions) the log-book method used participant recorded on/off times the combined method used the 60-min automated filter (with ≤2 min interruptions) plus detailed log-book data. Outcomes were number of participants with valid data, number of valid days, estimates of wear time and time spent in sedentary, light, moderate and vigorous activity. Percentage misclassification, sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver-operating curve were compared for each method, with the combined method as the reference. Using the combined method, 34 participants met criteria for valid wear time (≥10 h/day, ≥4 days). Mean wear times ranged from 891 to 925 min/day and mean sedentary time s from 438 to 490 min/day. Percentage misclassification was higher and area under the receiver-operating curve was lower for the log-book method than for the automated methods. Percentage misclassification was lowest and area under the receiver-operating curve highest for the 20-min filter without interruptions, but this method had fewer valid days and participants than the 60 and 90-min filters without interruptions. Automated filters are as accurate as a combination of automated filters and log-books for filtering wear time from accelerometer data. Automated filters based on 90-min of consecutive zero counts without interruptions are recommended for future studies.
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.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 12-2014
DOI: 10.1071/HE14034
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 27-05-2020
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 06-2016
Publisher: American Public Health Association
Date: 09-2016
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 12-02-2010
DOI: 10.1111/J.1753-6405.1995.TB00441.X
Abstract: This paper describes a three-stage model for setting targets for health promotion. The model was developed in 1992 in response to the need to identify priority areas for health promotion for women in the Hunter Region of New South Wales. The approach enabled epidemiological data and views from the community to be synthesised and integrated with those of experts from health and social services (key informants), using a nominal group process. The reliability of the method was investigated by replicating the process with two groups of key informants. There was considerable commonality in the targets generated by the two groups. The process resulted in the identification of seven targets that reflected the concerns of the community and local experts as well as the health priorities suggested by local epidemiological data. The model used could be adapted for determining priorities in a wide range of health and health care settings, where available resources restrict the range of services or activities which can be offered.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 10-11-2012
DOI: 10.1007/S11136-012-0311-7
Abstract: The aim was to assess the effects of a Tai Chi-based program on health-related quality of life (HR-QOL) in people with elevated blood glucose or diabetes who were not on medication for glucose control. 41 participants were randomly allocated to either a Tai Chi intervention group (N = 20) or a usual medical-care control group (N = 21). The Tai Chi group involved 3 × 1.5 h supervised and group-based training sessions per week for 12 weeks. Indicators of HR-QOL were assessed by self-report survey immediately prior to and after the intervention. There were significant improvements in favor of the Tai Chi group for the SF36 subscales of physical functioning (mean difference = 5.46, 95% CI = 1.35-9.57, P < 0.05), role physical (mean difference = 18.60, 95% CI = 2.16-35.05, P < 0.05), bodily pain (mean difference = 9.88, 95% CI = 2.06-17.69, P < 0.05) and vitality (mean difference = 9.96, 95% CI = 0.77-19.15, P < 0.05). The findings show that this Tai Chi program improved indicators of HR-QOL including physical functioning, role physical, bodily pain and vitality in people with elevated blood glucose or diabetes who were not on diabetes medication.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 17-08-2020
DOI: 10.1002/NAU.24483
Abstract: The aim was to describe the characteristics of young adult women who report urinary incontinence (UI), the types of UI they experience, the strategies they use or consider important for managing UI, and help‐seeking behavior. Data were from the 1989‐1995 Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health cohort ( n = 8457) at age 22 to 27 (in 2017). Descriptive statistics were used to summarize: characteristics of young women who experience UI the types of UI they experience which strategies women use to manage UI perceptions of bladder control and the proportion of women who seek help (and reasons why not). Prevalence ratios for UI according to s le characteristics were calculated using Poisson regression models. At age 22 to 27, 11% ( n = 986) of young women reported UI in the past month. Compared with women who did not have UI, those reporting UI were 7 kg heavier on average and were more likely to be in the obese body mass index category, report high psychological distress, and have at least one child. Most women with UI reported mixed symptoms of UI (stress and urge), and used a combination of strategies to self‐manage UI symptoms. Only one in five women had sought help or advice from a healthcare professional. Obesity, parity, and high psychological distress are strong correlates of UI in young women. As the majority of women with UI do not seek help, the antenatal period may be a critical time for healthcare providers to identify those at risk, and encourage early prevention or effective management strategies. As physical activity is positively associated with better outcomes for obesity and psychological distress, there may also be concurrent improvements in UI if these issues are addressed.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 06-2016
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2014
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 10-2005
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2013
DOI: 10.1016/J.AMEPRE.2013.04.009
Abstract: Associations of sitting-time and physical activity with depression are unclear. To examine concurrent and prospective associations between both sitting-time and physical activity with prevalent depressive symptoms in mid-aged Australian women. Data were from 8950 women, aged 50-55 years in 2001, who completed mail surveys in 2001, 2004, 2007, and 2010. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression questionnaire. Associations between sitting-time (≤ 4 hours/day, >4-7 hours/day, >7 hours/day) and physical activity (none, some, meeting guidelines) with depressive symptoms (symptoms/no symptoms) were examined in 2011 in concurrent and lagged mixed-effect logistic modeling. Both main effects and interaction models were developed. In main effects modeling, women who sat >7 hours/day (OR=1.47, 95% CI=1.29, 1.67) and women who did no physical activity (OR=1.99, 95% CI=1.75, 2.27) were more likely to have depressive symptoms than women who sat ≤ 4 hours/day and who met physical activity guidelines, respectively. In interaction modeling, the likelihood of depressive symptoms in women who sat >7 hours/day and did no physical activity was triple that of women who sat ≤ 4 hours/day and met physical activity guidelines (OR 2.96, 95% CI=2.37, 3.69). In prospective main effects and interaction modeling, sitting-time was not associated with depressive symptoms, but women who did no physical activity were more likely than those who met physical activity guidelines to have future depressive symptoms (OR=1.26, 95% CI=1.08, 1.47). Increasing physical activity to a level commensurate with guidelines can alleviate current depression symptoms and prevent future symptoms in mid-aged women. Reducing sitting-time may ameliorate current symptoms.
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 24-02-2021
DOI: 10.2196/21911
Abstract: A stepped-down program is one in which clients transition from the care of a health professional to self-managed care. Very little is known about the effectiveness of stepped-down physical activity (PA) programs for military service veterans. This study will test Active Choices, a stepped-down behavioral support program designed to help Australian Defence Force veterans and their dependents who are clients of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, transition from treatment by an exercise physiologist or physiotherapist to self-managed PA. The study is a parallel-group, randomized trial, with city-based exercise physiology or physiotherapy practices that recruit eligible Department of Veterans’ Affairs clients assigned to Active Choices or a comparison program. The study aims to recruit 52 participants (26 in each group). The Active Choices program will consist of 2 face-to-face (Weeks 1, 12) and 2 telephone (Weeks 4 and 8) consultations. During these sessions, the participant and Active Choices consultant will utilize an evidence-based resource booklet to review the key benefits of an active lifestyle, build an action plan for PA preferences, set and review goals, self-monitor progress relative to set goals, and discuss strategies to overcome PA barriers. Linking participants to local PA communities to overcome social isolation will be a program priority. The comparison program will consist of 2 consultations (Weeks 1 and 12) and use fewer behavioral support strategies (education, self-monitoring, and action planning only) than Active Choices. Outcome measures will be administered at baseline, end-intervention (12 weeks), and follow-up (24 weeks) to assess changes in moderate intensity self-managed PA, psychological well-being, and social connectedness. We will also measure health service utilization and costs as well as PA choices across the intervention period. End-intervention interviews will capture participant experiences. Due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on human research activities in Australia, participant recruitment will commence when it is safe and feasible to do so. Findings will provide valuable pilot data to support up-scaling of the program and larger effectiveness trials with regional and rural as well as city-based Australian Defence Force veterans and their dependents. Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR): ACTRN12620000559910 www.anzctr.org.au/ACTRN12620000559910.aspx PRR1-10.2196/21911
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2010
DOI: 10.1016/J.ANNEPIDEM.2009.11.004
Abstract: To examine the association between neighborhood disadvantage and physical activity (PA). We use data from the HABITAT multilevel longitudinal study of PA among middle-aged (40-65 years) men and women (N = 11,037, 68.5% response rate) living in 200 neighborhoods in Brisbane, Australia. PA was measured using three questions from the Active Australia Survey (general walking, moderate, and vigorous activity), one indicator of total activity, and two questions about walking and cycling for transport. The PA measures were operationalized by using multiple categories based on time and estimated energy expenditure that were interpretable with reference to the latest PA recommendations. The association between neighborhood disadvantage and PA was examined with the use of multilevel multinomial logistic regression and Markov chain Monte Carlo simulation. The contribution of neighborhood disadvantage to between-neighborhood variation in PA was assessed using the 80% interval odds ratio. After adjustment for sex, age, living arrangement, education, occupation, and household income, reported participation in all measures and levels of PA varied significantly across Brisbane's neighborhoods, and neighborhood disadvantage accounted for some of this variation. Residents of advantaged neighborhoods reported significantly higher levels of total activity, general walking, moderate, and vigorous activity however, they were less likely to walk for transport. There was no statistically significant association between neighborhood disadvantage and cycling for transport. In terms of total PA, residents of advantaged neighborhoods were more likely to exceed PA recommendations. Neighborhoods may exert a contextual effect on the likelihood of residents participating in PA. The greater propensity of residents in advantaged neighborhoods to do high levels of total PA may contribute to lower rates of cardiovascular disease and obesity in these areas.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 10-03-2011
DOI: 10.1093/HER/CYR015
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine the 4-year follow-up effects of the '10,000 steps Ghent' project, which had shown increases in pedometer steps after the first year of implementation (2005-06). All adults who had participated in 2005-06 (n = 866) were recontacted in 2009 and invited to complete the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and a 7-day pedometer log. Long-term effects were analysed using repeated measures analysis of variance tests (time × community, n = 420). In subgroup analyses, age, gender, educational level, employment status, health and risk profile were also included. Results showed that daily step counts increased slightly from 2005 to 2009 in the intervention community (Ghent) and decreased in the comparison community (Aalst) (time × community: P = 0.008). Subgroup analyses showed a positive interaction effect for higher educated (P = 0.026) and healthy (P = 0.005) participants and a negative interaction for those with a poor to moderate health (P = 0.026). For self-reported physical activity, a positive interaction effect was found in those who had already reached 10,000 steps in 2005 (P = 0.037). To conclude, the positive effects seen after 1 year were not maintained after 4 years. However, a decrease from baseline to follow-up, which was seen in the comparison community, was prevented in all Ghent participants, except those with a poor to moderate health.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2006
DOI: 10.1016/J.JSAMS.2006.06.020
Abstract: Reports on the efficacy of physical activity intervention trials usually only include discussion of the primary outcomes. However, assessing factors such as participant retention, adherence and compliance can assist in the accurate interpretation of the overall impact of a program in terms of reach and appeal. A quasi-randomised trial was carried out to assess and compare retention and adherence rates, and compliance with, a twice weekly resistance training program provided either in idually at home or in a group format. Retirement villages (n=6) were assigned to either 'Have A Try' (HAT, home-based) or 'Come Have A Try' (CHAT, group-based) both programs included nine strength and two balance exercises. The program involved a 20-week Intervention Phase a 24-week Maintenance Phase and a 20-week On-going Maintenance Phase. One hundred and nineteen participants (mean age 80+/-6 years) were recruited (HAT=38, CHAT=81). There was no difference in retention rates at the end of the Intervention Phase, but significantly more HAT than CHAT participants had dropped out of the study (p or =75% of the prescribed activity sessions, but adherence was significantly greater in CHAT than HAT during the Maintenance Phase (p<0.01). Participants in CHAT were significantly more compliant than HAT participants (p<0.05). Both home- and group-based formats were successful over the short-term, but, in retirement villages, the group program had better adherence and compliance in the longer-term.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 03-12-2008
Abstract: This review tracks the evidence and associated recommendations and guidelines for optimal levels of physical activity for health benefit. In the 1950s, early epidemiological studies focused on the increased risk of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality associated with sitting at work. The period from the mid-seventies to the turn of the century saw an initial focus on the health benefits of vigorous exercise give way to mounting evidence for the benefits of moderate-intensity physical activity. As daily energy expenditure in most domains of human activity (travel, domestic and occupational work, and leisure) continues to decline, early 21st century researchers are starting to turn full circle, with a rekindling of interest in the health effects of sedentary behaviour at work, and indeed in the balance between activity and sedentariness in all aspects of daily life.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 02-2002
DOI: 10.1079/PHN2001205
Abstract: To examine associations between nutrition screening checklists and the health of older women. Cross-sectional postal survey including measures of health and health service utilisation, as well as the Australian Nutrition Screening Initiative (ANSI), adapted from the Nutrition Screening Initiative (NSI). Australia, 1996. In total, 12 939 women aged 70–75 years randomly selected as part of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health. Responses to in idual items in the ANSI checklist, and ANSI and NSI scores, were associated with measures of health and health service utilisation. Women with high ANSI and NSI scores had poorer physical and mental health, higher health care utilisation and were less likely to be in the acceptable weight range. The performance of an unweighted score (TSI) was also examined and showed similar results. Whereas ANSI classified 30% of the women as ‘high-risk’, only 13% and 12% were classified as ‘high-risk’ by the NSI and TSI, respectively. However, for identifying women with body mass index outside the acceptable range, sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive values for all of these checklists were less than 60%. Higher scores on both the ANSI and NSI are associated with poorer health. The simpler unweighted method of scoring the ANSI (TSI) showed better discrimination for the identification of ‘at risk’ women than the weighted ANSI method. The predictive value of in idual items and the checklist scores need to be examined longitudinally.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 20-11-2009
DOI: 10.1111/J.1600-0838.2009.00992.X
Abstract: This review evaluated the strength of the evidence for a causal relationship between physical activity (PA) and colorectal cancer (CRC). A systematic review of databases through February 2008 was conducted to identify studies that assessed the association between total or recreational PA and incidence or mortality of CRC (including CRC, rectal cancer, colon cancer, and proximal or distal colon cancer). Studies were evaluated for significant associations between PA and risk of CRC endpoints and for evidence of dose-response relationships in the highest quality studies. Twenty cohort studies were evaluated 11 were high-quality. Fifty percent of all studies and 64% of highest quality studies reported at least one significant association between PA and risk of a CRC endpoint (P<0.05). However, only 28% of all analyses (31% of analyses of highest quality studies) were significant (P<0.05). Only 40% of analyses of highest quality studies resulted in a significant P for trend (P<0.05) however, a non-significant inverse linear association between PA and colon cancer risk was apparent. Heterogeneity in the evidence from all studies and from the highest quality studies was evident. Evidence from cohort studies is not sufficient to claim a convincing relationship exists between PA and CRC risk.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2013
DOI: 10.1016/J.YPMED.2012.12.008
Abstract: The aim of this study was to explore longitudinal associations between sitting and physical and psychological symptoms in mid-age women. Mid-age (53-58 years) participants in the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health completed mail surveys in 2004 (n=10,286), 2007 (n=10,128) and 2010 (n=9452) with questions about sitting time (<6, 6-9, and ≥ 9 h/day) and frequency of 19 symptoms in the preceding 12 months (often vs. never/rarely/sometimes). Associations between sitting and symptoms were examined using two logistic generalized estimating equations models: (a) sequential cross-sectional data from 3 surveys, and (b) prospective model with a 3-year time lag (significance level=0.01). Approximately 53%, 30% and 17% of the women were classified as sitting <6, 6-9 and ≥ 9 h/day in 2004. In adjusted cross-sectional models, women sitting ≥ 9 h/day had significantly higher odds of breathing difficulties (OR=1.52, 99% CI=1.17-2.00), tiredness (OR=1.21, CI=1.05-1.40), bowel problems (OR=1.26, CI=1.02-1.56), eyesight problems (OR=1.16, CI=1.01-1.34), and depression (OR=1.39, CI=1.15-1.68) than women sitting <6h/day. Adjusted prospective models showed higher odds of breathing difficulties (OR=1.94, CI=1.40-2.69), chest pain (OR=2.04, CI=1.14-3.70), and tiredness (OR=1.24, CI=1.04-1.48). Associations with breathing difficulties and chest pain remained significant after excluding participants with chronic conditions in 2004. Prolonged sitting may a determinant of breathing difficulties and chest pain three years later in mid-age women.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.JSAMS.2015.02.001
Abstract: To assess the validity of the Past-day Adults' Sedentary Time-University (PAST-U) questionnaire, modified for a university population, compared with activPAL. Participants (n=57, age=18-55 years, 47% female, 65% students) were recruited from the University of Queensland (students and staff). Participants answered the PAST-U questionnaire, which asked about time spent sitting or lying down for work, study, travel, television viewing, leisure-time computer use, reading, eating, socialising and other purposes, during the previous day. Times reported for these questions were summed to provide a measure of total sedentary time. Participants also wore an activPAL device for the full day prior to completing the questionnaire and recorded their wake and sleep times in an activity log. Total waking sedentary time derived from the activPAL was used as the criterion measure. Correlation (intraclass correlation coefficient, ICC) and agreement (Bland-Altman plots) between PAST-U and activPAL sedentary time were examined. Participants were sedentary (activPAL-determined) for 66% of waking hours. The correlation between PAST-U and activPAL sedentary time for the whole s le was ICC=0.64 [95% confidence interval (CI)=0.45, 0.77] and higher for non-students (ICC=0.78, 95%CI 0.52, 0.91) than students (ICC=0.59, 95%CI 0.33, 0.77). Bland-Altman plots revealed that the mean difference between the two measures was 5min although limits of agreement were wide (95% limits of agreement: -3.9 to 4.1h). The PAST-U provides an acceptable measure of sedentary time in this population, which included students and adults with high workplace sitting time.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 18-07-2005
DOI: 10.1093/IJE/DYI098
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.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 06-1998
Abstract: To explore associations between body mass index (BMI) and selected indicators of health and well-being and to suggest a healthy weight range (based on BMI) for middle aged Australian women. Population based longitudinal study (cross-sectional baseline data). 13431 women aged 45-49 y who participated in the baseline survey for the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health. Forty-eight percent of women had a BMI>25 kg/m2. Prevalence of medical problems (for ex le, hypertension, diabetes), surgical procedures (cholescystectomy, hysterectomy) and symptoms (for ex le, back pain) increased monotonically with BMI, while indicators of health care use (for ex le, visits to doctors) showed a 'J' shaped relationship with BMI. Scores for several sub-scales of the MOS short form health survey (SF36) (for ex le, general health, role limitations due to emotional difficulties, social function, mental health and vitality) were optimal when BMI was around 19-24 kg/m2. After adjustment for area of residence, education, smoking, exercise and menopausal status, low BMI was associated with fewer physical health problems than mid-level or higher BMI, and the nationally recommended BMI range of 20-25 was associated with optimum mental health, lower prevalence of tiredness and lowest use of health services. Acknowledging the limitations of the cross-sectional nature of these data, the results firmly support the benefits of leanness in terms of reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and gall bladder disease. The findings are moderated, however, by the observation that both low and high BMI are associated with decreased vitality and poorer mental health. The optimal range for BMI appears to be about 19-24 kg/m2. From a public health perspective this study provides strong support for the recommended BMI range of 20-25 as an appropriate target for the promotion of healthy weight in middle aged Australian women.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2009
DOI: 10.1016/J.JSAMS.2008.09.014
Abstract: Health and exercise professionals have an important role to play in the promotion of physical activity (PA), in that they can provide PA advice to their patients and clients. In order for them to do this, they must be aware of, and understand, current PA guidelines and messages. This study aimed to compare levels of awareness and understanding of the moderate PA message among delegates at the 1999 Australian Conference of Science and Medicine in Sport (ACSMS) with those of delegates at the 2007 ACSMS. The same self-report survey that was used in 1999 was administered to delegates attending the 2007 ACSMS during a plenary session. In 1999, 34% of respondents (N=292) had heard of the US Surgeon General's (USSG) report and the corresponding PA guidelines. In 2007 this awareness was 70% (N=241). Despite this increase, there was a decline in understanding of the moderate PA message: In 2007, 19% of respondents correctly answered four out of five questions about the PA guidelines, compared with 43% in 1999 (p<0.000). There was however an increase in the proportion who acknowledged that "discussing the benefits of moderate PA is part of my professional role" (from 53.1% in 1999 to 86.5% in 2007). While awareness of the PA guidelines and acknowledgment of the role of health and exercise professionals in promoting PA have increased, many delegates did not understand the moderate physical activity message. As was the case in 1999, there is still a need for professional education strategies to be developed in this area.
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.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2002
DOI: 10.1016/S0749-3797(02)00484-1
Abstract: Women with children are less likely to engage in adequate physical activity (PA) than women without children. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of two strategies for promoting increased PA among mothers of preschool-aged children, and to explore the mediators of any resulting change in PA behavior. Controlled intervention trial incorporating repeated data collection from 554 women, randomized to one of three experimental conditions. Intervention Group 1 served as a control, while women in Groups 2 and 3 were given print information about overcoming PA barriers. Women in Group 3 were also invited to discuss the development of local strategies for the promotion of PA among mothers of young children. The primary strategies included increasing partner support, social advocacy, and capacity building, and were implemented through collaboration among participants, researchers, and community organizations. Adequate physical activity (PA), self-efficacy (SE) and partner support (PS). Following the intervention, women in Group 3 were significantly more likely to meet guidelines for PA than controls (odds ratio [OR]=1.71, confidence interval [CI]=1.05-2.77)] after controlling for age and PA at baseline. After controlling for baseline PA, residualized change in SE (OR=1.86, CI=1.17-2.94) and PS (OR=2.29, CI=1.46-3.58) significantly predicted meeting guidelines. After controlling for residual change in PS and SE, the significant intervention effect was attenuated (Group 3 OR=1.40, CI=0.76-2.36), indicating that partner support and self-efficacy may be mediators of physical activity behavior change. The findings indicate that community participation approaches that facilitate increased self-efficacy and partner support can be effective in increasing PA among mothers of young children.
Start Date: 2011
End Date: 2014
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 2010
End Date: 2016
Funder: National Health and Medical Research Council
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 2013
End Date: 2017
Funder: National Health and Medical Research Council
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 2001
End Date: 2002
Funder: National Health and Medical Research Council
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 2004
End Date: 2006
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 2006
End Date: 2012
Funder: National Health and Medical Research Council
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 2003
End Date: 2005
Funder: National Health and Medical Research Council
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 2004
End Date: 2008
Funder: National Health and Medical Research Council
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 2009
End Date: 2015
Funder: National Health and Medical Research Council
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 2003
End Date: 2009
Funder: National Health and Medical Research Council
View Funded Activity