ORCID Profile
0000-0002-4118-7460
Current Organisation
The University of Edinburgh
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Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 07-02-2013
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2009
DOI: 10.1016/J.YPMED.2009.05.001
Abstract: This study assessed the environmental characteristics of ten universities, comparing the extent to which physical infra-structures are able to support a route-based walking intervention. Following protocol standardization between and within sites, major pedestrian routes at main suburban c uses in seven countries (Australia, Canada, England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Spain and the United States) were audited by researchers using an established inventory (March-June 2008). The inventory assessed key characteristics (e.g. size and employee number) and nine specific items (pedestrian facilities, vehicle conflicts, crossings, route-maintenance, walkway width, roadway buffer, universal accessibility, aesthetics and cover), scored on a five-point scale (1=very poor 5=excellent). Item scores for each route, were combined and weighted, to provide indicators of low (score of 20-39), fair (score of 40-69), or good (score of 70-100) physical infra-structure support. Sites varied in area (range of 7-1000 acres) and employee numbers (range of 700-7500 employees). Audits reported good support for route-based walking at seven sites (overall route score range=72.5+/-13.9-82.2+/-17.4), fair support at two sites (overall route score of 69.1+/-11.7 and 61.7+/-14.6), and low support at one site (overall route score of 22.1+/-7.3). Study methods highlight a valuable audit process, while findings identify the need to improve aspects of physical infra-structure at sites where the built environment may be less conducive for route-based walking.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 02-2009
DOI: 10.1080/02640410802578164
Abstract: In this study, we examined the influence of maturation on social physique anxiety, the relationship between social physique anxiety and current and future physical activity levels, and the influence of motives for physical activity on this relationship in early adolescent girls (n=162 mean age = 11.8 +/- 0.3 years). Participants completed the Pubertal Development Scale, the modified Social Physique Anxiety Scale, and the Motives for Physical Activity Scale at baseline and the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children at baseline and 6 months later. The girls became less active across the 6 months and girls in the early stages of maturation had significantly lower social physique anxiety than the girls in the middle and late stages of maturation. Social physique anxiety was not related to current or future physical activity in the s le as a whole. Cluster analysis identified four groups with different motive profiles and the High Appearance and Fitness group demonstrated a moderate negative relationship between social physique anxiety and physical activity at phase 1, whereas the other groups did not. These findings indicate that social physique anxiety may increase with maturation and the relationship between social physique anxiety and physical activity is dependent on reasons for being active. For girls who are motivated to be active primarily by body-related reasons, social physique anxiety is likely to lead to lower levels of physical activity.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 09-09-2013
DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2013.825733
Abstract: The aim of this study was to adopt a longitudinal design to explore the direct effects of both absolute and relative maturation and changes in body size on physical activity, and explore if, and how, physical self-perceptions might mediate this effect. We recruited 208 girls (11.8 ± 0.4 years) at baseline. Data were collected at three subsequent time points, each 6 months apart. At 18 months, 119 girls remained in the study. At each time point, girls completed the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children, the Pubertal Development Scale (from which, both a measure of relative and absolute maturation were defined) and the Physical Self-Perception Profile, and had physical size characteristics assessed. Multilevel modelling for physical activity indicated a significant negative effect of age, positive effect for physical condition and sport competence and positive association for relatively early maturers. Absolute maturation, body mass, waist circumference and sum of skinfolds did not significantly contribute to the model. Contrary to common hypotheses, relatively more mature girls may, in fact, be more active than their less mature peers. However, neither changes in absolute maturation nor physical size appear to directly influence changes in physical activity in adolescent girls.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 25-02-2020
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 02-02-2019
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 2018
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 31-05-2018
DOI: 10.1136/BJSPORTS-2017-098827
Abstract: Walking has well-established positive relationships with, and effects on, physical health. In contrast, while poor mental health contributes substantially to global health burden, an overview of the benefits from walking has not previously been published. We aimed to scope the literature and present what is known, and highlight what is not known, about walking and mental health. Design: Scoping review. Data sources: Ovid (Medline), ProQuest, Web of Science. Screening and reporting: 13 014 records were identified and screened by a team of researchers. Included full texts were analysed and reported according to mental health outcome. For the 8 mental health outcomes (identified a priori), there were a total of 5 systematic reviews and 50 in idual papers included. Depression had the most evidence and existing systematic reviews were reported. Evidence for anxiety, psychological stress, psychological well-being, subjective well-being and social isolation and loneliness varied in volume and effectiveness, but no harmful effects were identified. There were no studies for walking and resilience. The setting and context of walking seems to be important variables. The evidence base that suggests walking benefits mental health is growing, but remains fragmented and incomplete for some important outcomes. Policy and national guidelines should promote the known mental health benefits of increased walking and future research should directly address the gaps we have identified.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 11-01-2019
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 07-07-2016
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 08-08-2008
DOI: 10.1016/J.ADOLESCENCE.2008.06.001
Abstract: This longitudinal study investigated the influence of maturation on physical self‐perceptions and the relationship with physical activity in early adolescent girls ( N = 150 mean age = 12.79 ± 0.31). Physical characteristics were measured and participants completed the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children, the Children and Youth Physical Self‐Perception Profile and the Pubertal Development Scale on two occasions 12 months apart. The results demonstrated a decrease in overall physical activity levels over 12 months which was not influenced by maturational status or physical characteristics. Additional analysis indicated that physical self‐perceptions partially accounted for the explained variance in physical activity change, with physical condition being an important in idual predictor of physical activity. Further analysis indicated that body mass was an important in idual predictor of changes in perceptions of body attractiveness and physical self‐worth. At this age maturation has a limited influence on the physical activity behaviours of early adolescent girls and although the variance in physical activity was partly accounted for by physical self‐perceptions, this was a relatively small contribution and other factors related to this drop in physical activity need to be considered longitudinally.
Location: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Location: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Location: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
No related grants have been discovered for Professor Ailsa Niven.