Environmental Determinants Of Physical Activity Research Articles

Where Are Czech Adolescents Active? The Patterns of Movement and Transport Behavior in Different Active Living Domains.

To understand the environmental determinants of physical activity (PA), precise spatial localization is crucial. This cross-sectional study focuses on the spatiotemporal distribution of PA among Czech adolescents (n = 171) using Global Positioning System loggers and accelerometers. The results showed that adolescents spent most of their time in sedentary behavior, with 57.2% and 58.5% of monitored time at home and school, respectively. The park and playground had the lowest proportion of sedentary behavior but also the lowest amount of moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA). However, when considering the time spent in each domain, the highest proportion of MVPA was seen in publicly accessible playgrounds (13.3% of the time). Chi-square analysis showed that the relative distribution of different PA intensities did not differ across spatial domains. Based on these results, the authors propose 2 key strategies for increasing MVPA in adolescents: Increase the time spent in activity-supportive environments, such as parks and playgrounds, and design techniques to increase MVPA at home and school settings.

Determinants of Physical Activity Among Black Women During Pregnancy

ObjectiveTo describe associations among background determinants of physical activity, modifiable theoretical determinants of physical activity, and measures of physical activity during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy among Black women. DesignLongitudinal cohort. SettingMedical center obstetric clinic. ParticipantsPregnant Black women (n = 40 in second trimester, n = 38 in third trimester) MethodsWe measured background determinants (demographic and pregnancy characteristics, discrimination, and neighborhood walkability) during the second trimester. We measured modifiable theoretical determinants (self-efficacy and social support) and physical activity using self-report and device measures during the second and third trimesters. We used paired t tests to determine differences in the modifiable theoretical determinants from the second trimester to third trimester and used Pearson correlations among background and modifiable determinants and physical activity measures during the second trimester. ResultsParticipants’ physical activity levels were low during the second and third trimesters (32% and 22% met recommendation, respectively). We found no changes in self-efficacy or social support between trimesters and found no associations between these modifiable determinants and actual physical activity. We found a positive correlation between previous pregnancies and physical activity measured by devices, r(36) = .33, p = .048. Pregnancy-specific stress, r(38) = −.40, p = .013, was negatively correlated, and age, r(38) = .38, p = .017, was positively correlated with self-reported physical activity. ConclusionsLow levels of physical activity during pregnancy coupled with the absence of an association with modifiable factors affecting pregnancy physical activity indicate a need to further examine the social, cultural, and environmental determinants of physical activity.

Psychosocial and environmental determinants of physical activity in a Brazilian public university employees - ELDAF: A prospective cohort study protocol.

BackgroundIncreased physical activity levels and their determinations are essential issues worldwide. The Longitudinal Study of Physical Activity Determinants (ELDAF) aims to understand the roles of psychosocial and environmental factors in workers’ physical activity levels.MethodsA prospective cohort study of non-faculty civil servants from a public university (approximately 1,200 individuals) will start in 2022 (baseline). The primary measurements will be accelerometer- and questionnaire-based physical activity, social support, social network, socioeconomic status, bereavement, job stress, body image, common mental disorders, depression, and neighborhood satisfaction. Additional measurements will include necessary sociodemographic, physical morbidity, lifestyle and anthropometric information. Participants’ places of residence will be geocoded using complete addresses. All participants will furnish written, informed consent before the beginning of the study. Pilot studies were performed to identify and correct potential problems in the data collection instruments and procedures. ELDAF will be the first cohort study conducted in Latin America to investigate physical activity and its determinants.

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G-19 Thematic Poster - Environmental Determinants of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Saturday, May 30, 2020, 9: 00 AM - 11: 00 AM Room: CC-2007

Investigating longitudinal context-specific physical activity patterns in transition from primary to secondary school using accelerometers, GPS, and GIS

IntroductionPrevious longitudinal studies indicate that physical activity (PA) significantly declines from primary-to secondary school, and report both changes in individual and environmental determinants of PA. In order to understand this transition and to prevent this negative trend, it is important to gather contextually rich data on possible mechanisms that drive this decline. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate changes of PA patterns in transition between primary and secondary school, and to add domain-specific insights of how, where, and when these changes occur.MethodsIn total, 175 children participated in a 7-day accelerometer- and Global Positioning System (GPS) protocol at their last year of primary and their first year of secondary school. GPS data-points were overlaid with Geographical Information Systems (GIS) data using ArcGIS 10.1 software. Based on the GPS locations of individual data-points, we identified child’s PA at home, school, local sports grounds, shopping centers, and other locations. Also, trips in active and passive transport were identified according to previously validated GPS speed-algorithms. Longitudinal multi-level linear mixed models were fitted adjusting for age, gender, meteorological circumstances, and the nested structure of days within children and children within schools. Outcome measures were minutes spent in light PA and moderate-to-vigorous PA, specified for the time-segments before school, during school, after school and weekend days.ResultsTotal PA significantly declined from primary to secondary school. Although transport-related PA increased before- and during school, decreases were found for especially afterschool time spent at sports grounds and transport-related PA during weekends.ConclusionsThis is the first study that demonstrated longitudinal changes of context- and domain-specific PA patterns in transition between primary and secondary school, based on device-assessed PA. Given the importance of this transition-period for the development of long-term PA patterns, results from this study warrant the development of evidence-based PA programs in this transition period, while acknowledging the integrative role of schools, parents, and afterschool sports providers. More specifically, the results underline the need to increase children’s PA levels in primary schools, promote afterschool PA at secondary schools, and to prevent the drop-out in sports participation at secondary schools.

Accelerometer-assessed outdoor physical activity is associated with meteorological conditions among older adults: Cross-sectional results from the OUTDOOR ACTIVE study.

Meteorological conditions are potential determinants of physical activity (PA). A profound understanding of the determinants of PA behaviour is required for PA promotion. This study examined the association between accelerometer-assessed PA and meteorological conditions among older adults. This cross-sectional study included data of 577 adults aged 65-75 years living in Bremen, Germany (52% female; 3278 days). PA was measured with accelerometers for seven consecutive days (10/15-08/16). A threshold of 240 lx was used to differentiate between outdoor physical activity (OPA) and indoor physical activity (IPA). Linear mixed models estimated the association between PA (daily accelerometer counts per minute (CPM)) and meteorological factors (temperature, cloud cover, wind, and no precipitation) derived by principal component analysis. The analyses showed associations between PA in CPM and the meteorological factors temperature (93.7; 95%-CL: 64.9, 122.5) and no precipitation (48.4; 95%-CL: 19.8, 77.0) in women and wind (-40.3; 95%-CL: -59.7, -20.8) and no precipitation (30.1; 95%-CL: 5.6, 54.6) in men. After distinguishing in OPA and IPA for a subsample of 128 participants (473 days), the sex differences were no longer present. OPA in CPM was associated with temperature (women: 174.5; 95%-CL: 81.3, 267.6; men: 183.3; 95%-CL: 81.2, 285.4), cloud cover (women: -153.0; 95%-CL: -200.3, -105.7; men: -123.2; 95%-CL: -174.7, -71.7), and wind (women: -118.6; 95%-CL: -189.6; -47.7; men: -96.9; 95%-CL: -177.0, -16.7). No association between OPA and no precipitation was found (women: 2.9; 95%-CL: -89.0, 94.8; men: -17.1; 95%-CL: -116.7, 82.4). The results of this study emphasize the importance of meteorological conditions as environmental determinants of PA among older adults. Meteorological conditions should be accounted for in the unbiased assessment of habitual PA and the development of PA promotion programs. Future research should focus on the associations of OPA and IPA with meteorological conditions in different climatic regions.

Exploring Mothers' Influence on Preschoolers' Physical Activity and Sedentary Time: A Cross Sectional Study.

Objectives Physical activity patterns can track from childhood into adulthood; therefore, establishing active behaviors early is imperative. Given the multidimensional nature of a mother's influence on their children, there is a need to utilize more comprehensive measures to assess the relationship between mother and child activity behaviors. Specifically, mothers have been identified as influencing preschoolers' activity behaviors and are often in control of organizing a family's opportunities to be active. The purpose of this study was to explore maternal influence on preschoolers' physical activity and sedentary time. Methods Preschoolers (n = 24) and their mothers (n = 24) wore Actical™ accelerometers for 7 consecutive days (e.g., 5 weekday, 2 weekend days), and mothers completed the adapted Environmental Determinants of Physical Activity in Preschool Children-Parent Survey. Direct entry regression analyses were conducted to explore maternal influence (e.g., role modeling through mothers' activity levels, maternal support, and enjoyment of being active) on preschoolers' activity levels. Results Maternal support was found to be a significant predictor of preschoolers' light and moderate-vigorous physical activity, and sedentary time (p < .05); accounting for 37.3-46.7% of the variation. Conclusions for Practice Mothers supportive behaviors influenced preschoolers' physical activity and sedentary time.Future research is needed to investigate facilitators/barriers that mothers with preschoolers encounter with regard to providing support to be active or modeling active behaviors themselves.

Social and environmental determinants of physical activity in urban parks: Testing a neighborhood disorder model

The current study examined the nexus of neighborhood disorder—in the form of physical disorder (e.g., broken glass and vandalism) and social disorder (e.g., public drinking and lewd conduct)—and physical activity (PA) in urban public parks to inform public policy addressing chronic disease in at-risk populations. Five hundred and twenty-two unique observations were conducted in 22 public parks from March to September 2016. The study utilized the System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities (SOPARC) to document age, gender, ethnicity, and PA level of park users. The Physical Activity Resource Assessment (PARA) was used to document observed physical and social disorder incivilities in public parks included in the current study. Males, adults, and Latina/os accounted for the largest number of park users, respectively. Significant PA differences were observed across gender, age, and ethnicity. Multiple linear regression controlling for gender, age, and ethnicity found physical disorder, but not social disorder, generally predicted PA reductions. While it has been demonstrated that physical disorder predicts PA reductions in low-income communities of color, this is the first study to reveal that physical disorder may lead to decreased PA in urban public parks. Thus, remediation of public park incivilities characterized by physical disorder, paired with community outreach, may lead to increased PA in at-risk communities.

Cross-sectional interactions between quality of the physical and social environment and self-reported physical activity in adults living in income-deprived communities.

BackgroundUnderstanding the environmental determinants of physical activity in populations at high risk of inactivity could contribute to the development of effective interventions. Socioecological models of activity propose that environmental factors have independent and interactive effects of physical activity but there is a lack of research into interactive effects.ObjectivesThis study aimed to explore independent and interactive effects of social and physical environmental factors on self-reported physical activity in income-deprived communities.MethodsParticipants were 5,923 adults in Glasgow, United Kingdom. Features of the social environment were self-reported. Quality of the physical environment was objectively-measured. Neighbourhood walking and participation in moderate physical activity [MPA] on ≥5 days/week was self-reported. Multilevel multivariate logistic regression models tested independent and interactive effects of environmental factors on activity.Results‘Social support’ (walking: OR:1.22,95%CI = 1.06–1.41,p<0.01; MPA: OR:0.79,95%CI = 0.67–0.94,p<0.01), ‘social interaction’ (walking: OR:1.25,95%CI = 1.10–1.42,p<0.01; MPA: OR:6.16,95%CI = 5.14–7.37,p<0.001) and ‘cohesion and safety’ (walking: OR:1.78,95%CI = 1.56–2.03,p<0.001; MPA: OR:1.93,95%CI = 1.65–2.27,p<0.001), but not ‘trust and empowerment’, had independent effects on physical activity. ‘Aesthetics of built form’ (OR:1.47,95%CI = 1.22–1.77,p<0.001) and ‘aesthetics and maintenance of open space’ (OR:1.32, 95%CI = 1.13–1.54,p<0.01) were related to walking. ‘Physical disorder’ (OR:1.63,95%CI = 1.31–2.03,p<0.001) had an independent effect on MPA. Interactive effects of social and physical factors on walking and MPA were revealed.ConclusionsFindings suggest that intervening to create activity-supportive environments in deprived communities may be most effective when simultaneously targeting the social and physical neighbourhood environment.

A life course examination of the physical environmental determinants of physical activity behaviour: A "Determinants of Diet and Physical Activity" (DEDIPAC) umbrella systematic literature review.

BackgroundParticipation in regular physical activity is associated with a multitude of health benefits across the life course. However, many people fail to meet PA recommendations. Despite a plethora of studies, the evidence regarding the environmental (physical) determinants of physical activity remains inconclusive.ObjectiveTo identify the physical environmental determinants that influence PA across the life course.MethodsAn online systematic literature search was conducted using MEDLINE, ISI Web of Science, Scopus and SPORTDiscus. The search was limited to studies published in English (January 2004 to April 2016). Only systematic literature reviews (SLRs) and meta-analyses (MAs) of observational studies, that investigated the association between physical determinants and physical activity outcomes, were eligible for inclusion. The extracted data were assessed on the importance of determinants, strength of evidence and methodological quality.ResultsThe literature search identified 28 SLRs and 3 MAs on 67 physical environmental characteristics potentially related to physical activity that were eligible for inclusion. Among preschool children, a positive association was reported between availability of backyard space and outdoor toys/equipment in the home and overall physical activity. The availability of physical activity programs and equipment within schools, and neighbourhood features such as pedestrian and cyclist safety structure were positively associated with physical activity in children and adolescents. Negative street characteristics, for example, lack of sidewalks and streetlights, were negatively associated with physical activity in adults. Inconsistent associations were reported for the majority of reviewed determinants in adults.ConclusionThis umbrella SLR provided a comprehensive overview of the physical environment determinants of physical activity across the life course and has highlighted, particularly amongst youth, a number of key determinants that may be associated with overall physical activity. Given the limited evidence drawn mostly from cross-sectional studies, longitudinal studies are needed to further explore these associations.RegistrationPROSPERO CRD42015010616

Which psychological, social and physical environmental characteristics predict changes in physical activity and sedentary behaviors during early retirement? A longitudinal study.

BackgroundIn the context of healthy ageing, it is necessary to identify opportunities to implement health interventions in order to develop an active lifestyle with sufficient physical activity and limited sedentary time in middle-aged and older adults. The transition to retirement is such an opportunity, as individuals tend to establish new routines at the start of retirement. Before health interventions can be developed, the psychological, social and physical environmental determinants of physical activity and sedentary behaviors during early retirement should be identified, ideally with longitudinal studies. The aim of this paper was first to examine whether psychological, social and physical environmental factors at the start of retirement predict longitudinal changes in physical activity and sedentary behaviors during the first years of retirement. Second, moderating effects of gender and educational levels were examined.MethodsThis longitudinal study was conducted in Flanders, Belgium. In total, 180 recently retired (>1 month, <2 years at baseline) adults completed a postal questionnaire twice (in 2012–2013 and two years later in 2014–2015). The validated questionnaire assessed socio-demographic information, physical activity, sedentary behaviors, and psychological, social and physical environmental characteristics. Multiple moderated hierarchic regression analyses were conducted in SPSS 22.0.ResultsHigher perceived residential density (p < 0.001) and lower aesthetics (p = 0.08) predicted an increase in active transportation (adjusted R2 = 0.18). Higher baseline self-efficacy was associated with an increase in leisure-time physical activity (p = 0.001, adjusted R2 = 0.13). A more positive perception of old age (p = 0.04) and perceiving less street connectivity (p = 0.001) were associated with an increase in screen time (adjusted R2 = 0.06). Finally, higher baseline levels of modeling from friends (p = 0.06) and lower perceived land use mix access (p = 0.09) predicted an increase in car use (adjusted R2 = 0.06). A few moderating effects, mainly of educational level, were found.DiscussionWalkability characteristics (perceived residential density) and self-efficacy at the start of retirement are the most important predictors of longitudinal changes in active transportation and leisure-time physical activity. Few moderating effects were found, so health interventions at the start of retirement focusing on self-efficacy and specific walkability characteristics could be effective to increase physical activity in recently retired adults. No firm conclusions can be drawn on the importance of the examined predictors to explain change in car use and screen time, possibly other factors like the home environment, or automatic processes and habit strength are more important to explain sedentary behaviors.

A theory‐informed qualitative exploration of social and environmental determinants of physical activity and dietary choices in adolescents with intellectual disabilities in their final year of school

The prevalence of obesity is higher in those with intellectual disabilities than the general population. The aim of the study was to understand the determinants of physical activity and dietary patterns in this population during their final year of school. Qualitative data were generated from 10 interviews with adolescents with mild-moderate intellectual disabilities. Data were analysed using deductive thematic analysis, employing Self-Determination Theory as a theoretical framework. Adolescents' environment and social interactions play a pivotal role in influencing physical activity and dietary patterns. Three themes emerged from the analysis: situatedness, motivation and wider environmental influences. School structure, high self-efficacy and social connectedness facilitate increased physical activity and healthier diet in adolescents with intellectual disabilities. Home life, low self-efficacy and a lack of social connectedness can serve as a barrier to PA and a healthy diet.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG WOMEN IN A SUBURBAN AREA: FINDINGS OF A COMMUNITY-BASED STUDY IN IRAN

Background: Women’s physical inactivity has a strong relationship with adverse health consequences including non-communicable disease. Personal, physical and social factors are associated with women’s physical activity (PA) in Western countries, however little is known about the correlates of women’s physical activity in developing countries. This study was developed to identify personal, social and physical environmental determinants of PA in adult Iranian women living in an suburban area. Methods: In a cross-sectional study of women age 18-64 years, cluster sampling method was used to select eligible women from two districts in the city of Qom. Participants provided demographic details and completed a validated PA determinants questionnaire to identify the determinants of physical activity and International physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ) to assess the PA level. Results: In total, 297 women participated (mean age x years SD). The findings of the descriptive statistics indicated that 139 women (46.8%) performed low PA, while 120 women (40.41%) and 36 women (12.79%) participate in moderate and high PA level, respectively. Age, marriage, education, enjoyment, preferences, motivation, self-efficacy, availability of appropriate places, social support, inappropriate culture of community and not having a partner for physical activity, were related to physical activity level of women. Conclusions: Greater focus on factors such as enjoyment, self-efficacy, availability of appropriate places, and social support and on the other hand attention to promoting the life condition of women and reducing their family responsibilities is necessary to reach a comprehensive approach for increasing the PA of women in the suburban areas

Assessment of Environmental Determinants of Physical Activity: a Study of Built Environment Indicators in Brno, Czech Republic.

Research on physical activity in relation to obesity gradually becomes more focused on environmental determinants, which can potentially influence people's health choices. The present article addresses the topic of physical activity from a wider sociological perspective. Our pilot study was designed with the objective of testing the applicability of a method included in the EC 6th Framework Programme EURO-PREVOB, in the Czech context. The method examines specific determinants of the built environment that can have an impact on physical activity at the population level. In addition, the study aims to analyze possible differences in built environment indicators and their relation to the physical activity of people living in neighbourhoods with areas of varying socioeconomic status. The field study was carried out in the city of Brno, Czech Republic, in 5 neighbourhood quintiles, i.e. areas divided according to the socioeconomic status of local residents. In each quintile, we evaluated the quality of the built environment according to the quality, aesthetics and safety of segregated cycle facilities, playgrounds/playing areas, public open spaces, marked road crossings and pavements as well as signs of incivilities and devastation. Between the five quintiles, significant differences were found in the quality of parks and playgrounds/playing areas, pavements, marking of pedestrian crossings, and in general aesthetics, i.e. signs of incivilities and devastation of the built environment. No differences were found in the quality and use of cycle facilities. The method we used for the evaluation of the built environment proved highly applicable in Czech populated areas. Monitoring of built environment indicators in the Czech Republic should provide a basis for health maps, showing potential associations between the prevalence of high-incidence, non-infectious diseases and various social determinants of physical activity. This information might help in achieving an improvement in these determinants at a community level and promoting an increase in physical activity at the population level.

Environmental determinants of physical activity in children: A systematic review

Introduction: The lack of physical activity (PA) in children is an important health risk factor. Previous studies have shown that some environmental features may be associated with PA levels.Objectives: Find and comprehend which environmental features were mostly positively associated with children’s physical activity.Methods: Twenty-eight studies that assessed association between the environmental features and physical activity among children (ages 3 to 12-years) and fulfilled selection criteria were systematically reviewed.Results: Results across the various studies showed that facilities and parks/playgrounds are mostly positively associated with children’s PA. Sidewalks and bike lanes were positively associated to PA in all studies. Safety, traffic and weather showed inconsistent associations with children’s PA.Conclusions: Beginning to understand which environmental features contribute more to PA in children can lead to increased levels of PA. Keywords: PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, ENVIRONMENT, CHILDREN

Advancing the Science of Sedentary Behavior Measurement

Until recently, the health risks associated with a sedentary lifestyle were thought to be a result of insufficient moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA), leading many to inaccurately assume that sedentary behavior and MVPA were opposite ends of the same continuum. 1 DHHSPhysical activity and health: a report of the Surgeon General. DHHS, CDC, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Atlanta GA1996 Google Scholar This assumption was first challenged by Owen and colleagues 2 Owen N. Leslie E. Salmon J. Fotheringham M.J. Environmental determinants of physical activity and sedentary behaviour. Exerc Sport Sci Rev. 2000; 28: 165-170 PubMed Google Scholar who reported that the determinants of sedentary behavior and physical activity might be distinct. Over the past 10 years, more than 350 articles have been published that have measured or conceptualized sedentary behavior as a concept distinct from physical activity, and there is now widespread conceptual and empirical support that the two exert independent and interdependent influences on health. 3 Biddle S.J. Sedentary behavior. Am J Prev Med. 2007; 33: 502-504 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (67) Google Scholar , 4 Marshall S.J. Ramirez E. Reducing sedentary behavior: a new paradigm for physical activity promotion. Am J Lifestyle Med. 2011; 5: 518-530 Crossref Scopus (105) Google Scholar , 5 Owen N. Sparling P.B. Healy G.N. Dunstan D.W. Matthews C.E. Sedentary behavior: emerging evidence for a new health risk. Mayo Clin Proc. 2010; 85: 1138-1141 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (504) Google Scholar , 6 Pate R. O'Neill J.R. Lobelo F. The evolving definition of “sedentary.”. Exerc Sport Sci Rev. 2008; 36: 171-172 Crossref PubMed Scopus (803) Google Scholar Commuting by Car: Weight Gain Among Physically Active AdultsAmerican Journal of Preventive MedicineVol. 44Issue 2PreviewProlonged sitting, including time spent sitting in cars, is detrimentally associated with health outcomes. Full-Text PDF Sitting Behavior and Obesity: Evidence from the Whitehall II StudyAmerican Journal of Preventive MedicineVol. 44Issue 2PreviewProspective studies report associations between indicators of time spent sitting and obesity risk. Most studies use a single indicator of sedentary behavior and are unable to clearly identify whether sedentary behavior is a cause or a consequence of obesity. Full-Text PDF Open Access

Association between objectively measured sedentary behavior and body mass index in preschool children

To determine the association between accelerometry-derived sedentary behavior and body mass index (BMI) z-score in preschool children, and to determine whether the association changed when applying three different accelerometry cutpoints for sedentary behavior. Cross-sectional design. Data came from two completed studies: Children's Activity and Movement in Preschool Study (CHAMPS) and the Environmental Determinants of Physical Activity in Preschool Children (EDPAPC) study. Children of ages 3-5 years with complete data on sedentary behavior, BMI z-score, physical activity and other covariates were included in the analyses (N=263 in CHAMPS and N=155 in EDPAPC). Accelerometry data were summarized as time spent in sedentary behavior (min h(-1)) using three different cutpoints developed specifically for preschool children (<37.5, <200 and <373 counts per 15 s). Linear mixed regression models were used to determine the association between time spent in sedentary behavior and BMI z-score; age, gender, race, parental education, preschools and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) were included as covariates. In both CHAMPS and EDPAPC studies, no independent association between time spent in sedentary behavior and BMI z-score was observed after adjusting for MVPA. The observed null association between sedentary behavior and BMI z-score was maintained even with different sedentary behavior cutpoints. Regardless of cutpoints used, accelerometry-derived sedentary behavior was not independently associated with BMI z-score in two independent samples of preschool children. Longitudinal studies addressing this research question are needed.

Mediators of the effect of the JUMP-in intervention on physical activity and sedentary behavior in Dutch primary schoolchildren from disadvantaged neighborhoods

BackgroundImportant health benefits can be achieved when physical activity in children from low socio-economic status is promoted and sedentariness is limited. By specifying the mediating mechanisms of existing interventions one can improve future physical activity interventions. This study explored potential mediators of the long-term effect of the school-based multicomponent JUMP-in intervention on sport participation, outdoor play and screen time in Dutch primary schoolchildren from disadvantaged neighborhoods.MethodsIn total, 600 primary schoolchildren (aged 9.8 ± 0.7, 51% girls, 13% Dutch ethnicity, 35% overweight) from 9 intervention and 10 control schools were included in the analyses. JUMP-in was developed using Intervention Mapping, and targeted psychological and environmental determinants of physical activity. Outcome behaviors were self-reported sport participation, outdoor play, TV-viewing behavior and computer use. Potential mediators were self-reported psychological, social and physical environmental factors.ResultsJUMP-in was effective in improving sport participation after 20 months, but not in improving outdoor play, or reducing TV-viewing or computer time. JUMP-in was not effective in changing hypothesized mediators so no significant mediated effects could be identified. However, changes in self-efficacy, social support and habit strength were positively associated with changes in sport participation, and changes in social support, self-efficacy, perceived planning skills, enjoyment and habit strength were positively associated with changes in outdoor play. Changes in enjoyment was positively associated with changes in TV-viewing while parental rules were negatively associated. Having a computer in the bedroom and enjoyment were positively associated with changes in computer use, while changes in parental rules were negatively associated.ConclusionsBesides a significant positive effect on sports participation, no significant intervention effect on outdoor play, screen time or any of the potential mediators was found. This suggest that other (unmeasured) factors operated as mediating mechanisms of the intervention, that we used unsuccessful intervention strategies, that the strategies were inappropriately implemented, or that children are unable to accurately recall past activities and cognitions. Additionally, the school setting might not be the sole channel to influence leisure time activities. Still, several personal and environmental constructs were found to be relevant in predicting change in sport participation, outdoor play and screen behavior and seem to be potential mediators. Future interventions are recommended including more effective strategies targeting these relevant constructs, addressing different constructs (e.g. pedagogic skills of parents), and focusing on different implementation settings.Trail registrationISRCTN17489378

Reflections Before Moving Forward

Reflections Before Moving Forward

A multilevel analysis of the association between social networks and support on leisure time physical activity: Evidence from 40 disadvantaged areas in London

There has been extensive conceptual and empirical work on the associations between social relations and health in recent years. However, the specific pathways through which social interactions impact on health have not been fully elucidated. The aim of this paper is to estimate associations between Leisure Time Physical Activity (LTPA) and social networks and support. Using data from a cross-sectional household survey in 40 disadvantaged lower super-output areas in London, we applied a multilevel model to investigate psychosocial and environmental determinants of physical activity in these populations. Our findings present a strong case for the influence of individual-level social networks on the level of LTPA, although the associations between the types of social support and LTPA were insignificant. We also found that crime rate was an important area-level correlates of LTPA.