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Journal of Prevention (2022) Dec 2023Physical activity (PA) is associated with cardiovascular health; however, in the U.S., only 20% of women are physically active, compared to 28% of men. Arab American... (Review)
Review
Physical activity (PA) is associated with cardiovascular health; however, in the U.S., only 20% of women are physically active, compared to 28% of men. Arab American women (AAW) experience unique barriers to engaging in the recommended PA. This review examines quantitative PA studies conducted with AAW with a specific focus on how PA outcomes were assessed. Studies were analyzed to explore: (a) types of PA behavior, (b) components of PA interventions/interest (if conducted), (c) PA measurement, and (d) translation of PA tools. After screening titles, abstracts, and a full-text review of articles from five different databases, 12 studies met the inclusion criteria. Leisure-time PA was the most readily used PA measure. Only two out of the 12 studies included women-only participants. There was a total of 10 cross-sectional studies and two quasi-experimental studies. All the studies used a self-report PA questionnaire; one study used a pedometer to measure PA. Six PA questionnaires were translated into Arabic. Future studies must explore the use of reliable and valid translated instruments, objective PA measures, and randomized controlled trial designs.
Topics: Male; Humans; Female; Cross-Sectional Studies; Arabs; Motor Activity; Exercise; Self Report
PubMed: 37728719
DOI: 10.1007/s10935-023-00746-y -
Frontiers in Public Health 2023While there are several approaches to collect basic information on physical activity (PA) promotion policies, some governments require more in-depth overviews on the... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
While there are several approaches to collect basic information on physical activity (PA) promotion policies, some governments require more in-depth overviews on the situation in their country. In Germany, the Federal Ministry of Health expressed its interest in collecting detailed data on target group specific PA promotion, as relevant competences are distributed across a wide range of political levels and sectors. This study describes the development of a policy brief on physical activity promotion for children and adolescents in Germany. In particular, it addresses two major gaps in the current literature by systematically assessing good practice examples and "routine practices," i.e., PA promotion activities already taking place on large scale and regular basis.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Based on relevant national and international guidelines, the TARGET:PA tool was co-produced by researchers and ministry officials. It includes (1) PA recommendations, (2) national prevalence rates, (3) recommendations for PA promotion, and data on national (4) routine practices, (5) good practice projects and (6) policies. Data were collected for children and adolescents in Germany using desk research, semi-structured interviews and secondary data analysis.
RESULTS
A policy brief and scientific background document were developed. Results showed that 46% of the 4-5-year-olds fulfil WHO recommendations but only 15% of the 11-17-year-olds, and that girls are less active than boys. Currently, in Germany no valid data are available on the PA behaviour of children under the age of three. An overview of routine practices for PA promotion for children and adolescents was compiled, and experts were asked to critically assess their effectiveness, reach and durability. Overall, 339 target group specific projects for PA promotion were found, with 22 classified as examples of good practice. National PA policies for children and adolescents were identified across different sectors and settings.
CONCLUSION
The study provides a comprehensive overview of the current status of PA promotion for children and adolescents in Germany. The co-production of the policy brief was a strength of the study, as it allowed researchers to take the needs of ministry officials into account, and as it supported the immediate uptake of results in the policymaking process. Future studies should test the applicability of the TARGET:PA tool to different target groups and countries.
Topics: Male; Female; Humans; Child; Adolescent; Child, Preschool; Health Promotion; Exercise; Motor Activity; Policy Making; Policy
PubMed: 37841728
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1215746 -
Disability and Rehabilitation Sep 2023In the context of rehabilitation, research shows a close connection between patients' physical activity, care culture, and the built environment. As these three impact...
PURPOSE
In the context of rehabilitation, research shows a close connection between patients' physical activity, care culture, and the built environment. As these three impact on patients' rehabilitation process, we aim to understand what affects physical activity in a particular rehabilitation centre.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We combine insights from literature with a qualitative study informed by quantitative data. Semi-structured and walking interviews with 16 patients were informed by output from activity trackers. Two focus-group interviews with respectively four nurses and two therapists provided extra perspectives.
RESULTS
We found that patients interpret physical activity rather narrowly, equating it with therapy. Yet, the data of the activity trackers show that daily activities are often as active as therapy, as confirmed by nurses and therapists. Motivation to be physically active was found in setting clear goals, social interaction, allowing choice and control to achieve a sense of normality, and the built environment. How patients act in and interact with the built environment are closely related to how staff approaches and communicates care.
CONCLUSIONS
The focus on what affects - defines, hampers, or supports - physical activity in a rehabilitation centre allowed developing a better understanding of how care culture and the built environment interrelate.Implications for rehabilitationHow physical activity is perceived by patients reflects the goals they like to achieve through rehabilitation.The built environment is a third factor in the relation between care culture and patients' physical activity.Fully supporting patients to be physically active with respect to their personality and capabilities requires differentiating between patients both in how they are approached (patient- or person-centred) and in how they are spatially facilitated.
Topics: Humans; Fitness Trackers; Qualitative Research; Exercise; Rehabilitation Centers; Nurses; Physical Therapists
PubMed: 36083025
DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2022.2118873 -
Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Archives of... May 2024Serotonergic psychedelics such as psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide, and DOI exert a hallucinatory effect through serotonin 5-HT receptor (5-HT2A) activation....
Serotonergic psychedelics such as psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide, and DOI exert a hallucinatory effect through serotonin 5-HT receptor (5-HT2A) activation. Recent studies have revealed that serotonergic psychedelics have therapeutic potential for neuropsychiatric disorders, including major depressive and anxiety-related disorders. However, the involvement of 5-HT2A in mediating the therapeutic effects of these drugs remains unclear. In this study, we ethopharmacologically analyzed the role of 5-HT2A in the occurrence of anxiolytic- and antidepressant-like effects of serotonergic psychedelics such as psilocin, an active metabolite of psilocybin, DOI, and TCB-2 in mice 24 h post-treatment. Mice with acute intraperitoneal psychedelic treatment exhibited significantly shorter immobility times in the forced swimming test (FST) and tail-suspension test (TST) than vehicle-treated control mice. These effects were eliminated by pretreatment with volinanserin, a 5-HT2A antagonist. Surprisingly, the decreasing immobility time in the FST in response to acute psilocin treatment was sustained for at least three weeks. In the novelty-suppressed feeding test (NSFT), the latency to feed, an indicator of anxiety-like behavior, was decreased by acute administration of psilocin; however, pretreatment with volinanserin did not diminish this effect. In contrast, DOI and TCB-2 did not affect the NSFT performance in mice. Furthermore, psilocin, DOI, and TCB-2 treatment did not affect the spontaneous locomotor activity or head-twitch response, a hallucination-like behavior in rodents. These results suggest that 5-HT2A contributes to the antidepressant effects of serotonergic psychedelics rather than anxiolytic effects.
Topics: Animals; Male; Antidepressive Agents; Hallucinogens; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT2A; Amphetamines; Psilocybin; Behavior, Animal; Motor Activity; Mice; Anti-Anxiety Agents; Serotonin 5-HT2 Receptor Agonists; Swimming; Depression; Bridged Bicyclo Compounds; Methylamines
PubMed: 37874338
DOI: 10.1007/s00210-023-02778-x -
Physiotherapy Theory and Practice Sep 2023Physical activity is important for residents of long-term care facilities (LTCFs) for older adults. Still, many spend most of their time in sedentary activities. How...
BACKGROUND
Physical activity is important for residents of long-term care facilities (LTCFs) for older adults. Still, many spend most of their time in sedentary activities. How physiotherapists, with competence in physical activity, promote physical activity for residents has previously not been studied from a wide perspective.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to describe how physiotherapists at LTCFs for older adults, promote physical activity for the individual resident and how they work to support the facility to promote the residents' physical activity.
METHOD
A cross-sectional mixed methods study was performed by convenience sampling, using a digital survey sent via professional networks, to reach physiotherapists at LTCFs in Sweden. Qualitative data were analyzed through manifest inductive content analysis. Quantitative data were summarized descriptively.
RESULTS
Ninety-seven survey responses were analyzed from physiotherapists at LTCFs in Sweden. Five categories emerged from the qualitative analysis: 1) Knowledge for active daily living; 2) Adapt to present circumstances and priorities; 3) Methods for exercise and to stay active in daily living; 4) Acts and adjustments for the resident; and 5) Communication to promote activity. The quantitative result shows that work priorities were similar, while the work context varied.
CONCLUSION
Physiotherapists at LTCFs for older adults used a range of methods to promote physical activity for residents, and to support the facility in promoting physical activity.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Long-Term Care; Physical Therapists; Cross-Sectional Studies; Nursing Homes; Exercise
PubMed: 35383516
DOI: 10.1080/09593985.2022.2059035 -
Perceptual and Motor Skills Oct 2023Our aim in this study was to examine relationships between the motor activity ability, sensor-based kinematics and forward-backwards gait characteristics of children...
Our aim in this study was to examine relationships between the motor activity ability, sensor-based kinematics and forward-backwards gait characteristics of children with cerebral palsy (CP). In this prospective cross-sectional study we studied 40 children with CP. We used the Pediatric Motor Activity Log Revised (PMAL-R) to assess motor activity, evaluated motion kinematics (acceleration and angular velocity) with a sensor-based application, applied the Edinburgh Visual Gait Score (EVGS) and the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) to observe gait performance, and used the Three Meter Backward Walk Test (3MBWT) to assess backward gait. We found moderately positive significant correlations (r = 0.416, r = 0.418, < 0.05) between the chilidren's minimum angular velocity on PMAL-R motor activity frequency (how often) and quality (how well) scores, respectively. We also found moderately negative significant correlations (r = -0.529, r = -0.521, < 0.05) between PMAL-R frequency (how often) and quality (how well) scores with TUG, respectively. There were moderately high positive correlations (r = 0.415, r = 0.726, < 0.05) between EVGS scores and 3MBWT and TUG scores, respectively. We concluded that angular velocity ability was moderately related to children's motor activity and showed that physical performance tests (TUG and 3MBWT) could monitor gait function and upper extremity motor activity level, including both forward and backward walking tasks, in children with CP.
Topics: Child; Humans; Walking; Prospective Studies; Cerebral Palsy; Cross-Sectional Studies; Biomechanical Phenomena; Postural Balance; Time and Motion Studies; Gait
PubMed: 37490931
DOI: 10.1177/00315125231191152 -
PloS One 2023Increased time at home during the COVID-19 pandemic significantly decreased children's physical activity. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of...
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Increased time at home during the COVID-19 pandemic significantly decreased children's physical activity. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of children's home-based physical activity interventions, and identify 'active ingredients' underpinning these.
METHODS
Databases searched-AMED, PsychINFO, CINAHL, Cochrane, EMBASE, PubMed/Medline, Scopus, SPORTDiscus and Web of Science, from inception until June 2022. Eligibility criteria-children aged 2-16 years, targeting home-based physical activity, a control group, and physical activity measured pre- and post- intervention. Studies were excluded if it was not possible to identify change in physical activity at home. The review was written following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidance. Study quality was evaluated using the quality assessment tool for quantitative studies. Study design, intervention characteristics, outcome data, behavior change theory, Behavior Change Techniques (BCTs) and process evaluation data were extracted and discussed using narrative syntheses.
RESULTS
13 studies (including 1,182 participants) from 25,967 were included. Interventions primarily involved active video games, with the addition of coaching or telehealth support (n = 5). Three of the 13 studies significantly increased children's physical activity (1 = Moderate to vigorous physical activity, 2 = total volume, P<0.05). The largest effect size (d = 3.45) was for moderate to vigorous physical activity. 29% of BCTs were identified across included interventions; the most common being adding objects to the environment. The most effective intervention scored strong for design quality, incorporated telehealth coaching, and included the most commonly coded BCTs. Variation among studies and insufficient reporting of data made a meta-analysis unfeasible.
CONCLUSION
COVID-19 emphasized the importance of the home for physical activity. Whilst effectiveness of interventions was limited, building social support and self-efficacy are mechanisms that should be explored further. The review provides recommendations to improve the design and evaluation of future interventions.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
Prospero registration number: CRD42020193110.
Topics: Adolescent; Humans; COVID-19; Exercise; Motor Activity; Pandemics; Social Support
PubMed: 37556477
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289831 -
Research Quarterly For Exercise and... Sep 2023Research combining physical activity with the training of cognitive skills such as executive functions is emerging as a novel and fruitful intervention approach for... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Research combining physical activity with the training of cognitive skills such as executive functions is emerging as a novel and fruitful intervention approach for children. This study aimed to examine the impact of an intervention program including cognitively engaging physical activity on preschool children's cognitive outcomes and physical activity. Children (N = 144, 65 female; = 4.41 years, = 0.61), randomly assigned to one of three groups: cognitively engaging physical activity (CPA; i.e., storytelling, cognitive activities, and motor tasks, n = 55), cognition (i.e., storytelling and cognitive activities without motor tasks, n = 48), or control (i.e., traditional storytelling, n = 41). Sessions lasted approximately 17 minutes, conducted twice a week, for 6 weeks. Children's executive function, self-regulation, and related outcomes (i.e., numeracy) were assessed at baseline and again-along with perceived enjoyment-at the end of the program. Accelerometers measured children's physical activity during each session. Teachers completed a logbook for each session, and two fidelity checks per preschool took place by the researcher. Main analyses used linear mixed models adjusted for covariates (age, sex) and clustering at the preschool level. Results showed no significant group by time interaction for executive function, self-regulation, numeracy, enjoyment. During the sessions, children in the CPA group were more physically active than children in the cognition and control groups. While we did not find the expected amplified cognitive benefits, making storytelling more active has the potential to meet two needs (increase cognitive stimulation and physical activity levels) in one deed.
Topics: Child, Preschool; Female; Humans; Cognition; Executive Function; Exercise; Schools; Male
PubMed: 35522990
DOI: 10.1080/02701367.2022.2059435 -
BMC Public Health Jul 2023Cardiovascular disease and obesity are both significantly influenced by physical inactivity. A rapidly expanding corpus of research contends that features of the built...
INTRODUCTION
Cardiovascular disease and obesity are both significantly influenced by physical inactivity. A rapidly expanding corpus of research contends that features of the built environment might encourage adolescents to lead active lives. There are still issues with the present evidence for determining which aspects of the built environment give adolescents the opportunity to engage in leisure-time physical activity (LTPA). This study looked at the relationship between the characteristics of the built environment and moderate-to-vigorous leisure-time physical activity (Leisure-time MVPA) of adolescents.
METHODS
2628 adolescents between the ages of 11 and 18 were chosen as study participants from 19 Suzhou urban communities. They must have resided in the neighborhood for longer than six months and be permanent residents there. The International Physical Activities Questionnaire (n = 2628) and the Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale for Chinese Children (NEWS-CC) were used to collect the data. LTPA are connected to different modes: Walking, leisure-time MPA, and leisure-time VPA. Univariate analysis and multinomial logistic regression were used to screen for potential associations between the built environment and the leisure-time MVPA in adolescents.
RESULTS
Univariate analysis of the general demographic and built environment showed statistically significant differences in gender, residential density, accessibility, pedestrian safety, aesthetic and security (P < 0.05). Step by walking reference category, security (P < 0.05, OR = 1.131) were associated with adolescents' leisure-time MPA, aesthetics (P < 0.05, OR = 1.187) were associated with adolescents' leisure-time VPA, they both have a significant positive correlation.
CONCLUSION
Security was positively associated with adolescents' leisure-time MPA, aesthetics was positively associated with adolescents' leisure-time VPA. This suggests that built environment may associated with leisure-time MVPA of Suzhou adolescents.
Topics: Humans; Built Environment; Exercise; Leisure Activities; Residence Characteristics; Cross-Sectional Studies; Male; Female; Child; Adolescent; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 37424006
DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16243-0 -
Health & Place Sep 2023Few studies have explicitly quantified the proportion of park-based physical activity to park users' overall physical activity levels. Population studies need new...
BACKGROUND
Few studies have explicitly quantified the proportion of park-based physical activity to park users' overall physical activity levels. Population studies need new context-specific physical activity measurement tools to achieve this. The objective of this study was to develop a reliable measure of self-reported park use and physical activity undertaken within and outside of parks to determine the contribution that park-based physical activity makes to overall physical activity levels.
METHODS
A test-retest reliability study (n = 104) was conducted using the Park Physical Activity Questionnaire (Park-PAQ), an instrument based on the Active Australia Survey. Park-PAQ items captured the frequency and duration of walking for recreation or exercise, walking for transport, moderate and vigorous physical activity and strength, conditioning and balance activities done in parks and elsewhere.
RESULTS
Recall of doing any walking for recreation (kappa = 0.649, p < 0.001) and any vigorous physical activity (kappa = 0.772, p < 0.001) was 'substantial', recall of doing any moderate physical activity (kappa = 0.553, p < 0.001) was 'moderate/acceptable', and recall of any walking for transport (kappa = 0.840, p < 0.001) 'near perfect'. Recall of the time spent walking for recreation in parks (ICC = 0.928, p < 0.001) was 'near perfect', whilst recall of time spent doing moderate activity in parks (ICC = 0.925, p < 0.001) and vigorous activity in parks (ICC = 0.962, p < 0.001) was 'near perfect'. Time spent walking for transport in a park (ICC = 0.200, p = 0.056) showed 'poor' agreement. Repeatability of the usual level of park use was 'substantial' (kappa = 0.744).
CONCLUSIONS
The Park-PAQ reliably measures six domains of physical activity and quantifies the proportion of physical activity done in parks as a proportion of total physical activity. The Park-PAQ, used alone or embedded into park or physical activity surveys, will reliably capture context-specific activities that will optimise population level physical activity interventions, park programming and park management and design.
Topics: Humans; Recreation; Reproducibility of Results; Exercise; Walking; Surveys and Questionnaires; Parks, Recreational; Environment Design; Residence Characteristics
PubMed: 37523876
DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2023.103085