Health Benefits Of Physical Activity Research Articles

Physical Activity Outcomes of a Culturally Tailored, Father-Focused, and Family-Centered Health Promotion Program for Mexican-Heritage Families: ¡Haz Espacio Para Papi! (Make Room for Daddy)

Despite the health benefits of physical activity (PA), many individuals do not meet PA recommendations. Family-centered PA approaches, particularly active engagement by Mexican-heritage fathers, may support family PA. This study reports PA outcomes of a culturally tailored, father-focused, and family-centered, program for Mexican-heritage families. Promotora researchers recruited participating families (n = 59, n = 42 complete cases), consisting of children (mean age: 10.1 [SD = 0.9]), fathers, and mothers from five randomly selected geographic clusters in low-resourced colonias in south Texas, in a stepped-wedge randomized design. PA was measured using wrist-worn ActiGraph GT9X accelerometers. Statistical analyses for moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA), light PA (LPA), and sedentary time for the child, father, and mother were conducted using linear mixed models. The findings were as follows: children had no significant changes in MVPA (p = 0.18), LPA (p = 0.52), or sedentary behavior (p = 0.74); fathers had no significant changes in MVPA (p = 0.94), LPA (p = 0.17), or sedentary behavior (p = 0.15); and mothers had a significant decrease in LPA (p < 0.01), and no significant changes in MVPA (p = 0.66) or sedentary behavior (p = 0.77). Despite null results, this study provides an example of a culturally tailored, family-focused program implemented among Mexican-heritage families with limited PA resources and opportunities. Future PA interventions may require higher PA-focused doses over longer time periods to produce a significant change in LPA, MVPA, or sedentary time.

Sporun Fiziksel Aktivite Boyutunun Psiko-Eğitimle Desteklenmesinin Sonuçlarının İncelenmesi

Today, especially after the pandemic, the importance of physical activity, in which individuals remember its value once again, stands out even more. During this period, it has become indisputable to what extent physical activity provides benefits to the social, emotional, physical and psychological development of individuals. So much so that physical activity applications have also found a place among the contents added to the distance education activities. Dec. However, the problem of overweight and obesity, which is rapidly becoming one of the most important health problems in the world, is also effective in spreading physical activity practices Decently. Considering the benefits of regular physical activity in general, it contributes to healthy growth and development, helps to protect against unwanted habits, prevents socialization and the formation of certain long-term diseases that may be encountered during adulthood, as well as treating and supporting the treatment of disorders that may occur, ensuring that they last an active old age, in other words, it can make important contributions to improving the quality of life throughout life. In this context, psycho-education as a complementary element of physical activity is also defined as empowering education aimed at promoting individual's awareness and entrepreneurship. Psycho-education is not only to inform the individual and his family about the problematic situation or to offer them solutions, but also the process of providing education and training about the factors that cause this situation. In this way, the person understands the situation better and develops a sense of control, so that the problem can gradually decrease. The human body, which was created in order to be able to do physical activity, can encounter various problems every day due to inactivity. Besides the well-known health benefits of physical activity, it should not be overlooked that along with its cognitive effects, it may also contribute to increasing academic achievement in the sense of its positive role on mental processes at different age levels depending on these effects, and ultimately as a result of these processes. At the same time, it is known in past and recent studies that physical activity has a direct or indirect effect on many topics, from the use of individuals experiencing mental or mental problems in treatment processes, to coping with stress, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder treatments, in addition to conditions such as self-confidence, self-esteem, and well-being. Key Words: Special Ability, Special Ability Students, Physical Activity

Mediating role of self-esteem on university students’ physical activity attitude and frequency

Background and Study Aim. The health benefits of physical activity are well-known. Despite this, there is an ongoing decline in total physical activity (PA), especially among adolescents and young women. This decline points to the need to find more effective solutions. This study aimed to determine the relationship between physical activity and attitudes toward physical activity, and also between self-esteem body image (as subjective variables) and body mass index (as an objective variable). Material and Methods. This cross-sectional study measured and investigated 152 female students from various faculties in their first and second years of study at the Bucharest University of Economic Studies. The research utilized direct anthropometrical measurements and several self-reported instruments. These included questionnaires on self-esteem body image, physical activity attitude, and a report on the frequency of physical activity. Self-esteem was assessed using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Body dissatisfaction was evaluated using the Contour Drawing Rating Scale. Results. The mean Body Mass Index (BMI) value of 20.89 kg/m² indicates a healthy, normal BMI. The mean self-esteem score (31.48) falls within the normal range, but 60% of respondents could not match their actual body shape with their ideal or desired body image. 54% of respondents reported engaging in 30 minutes of physical activity, three times a week, outside the university program. As a result, the mean value of the attitude towards physical activity is slightly positive. 33% of young women's self-esteem is related to physical factors such as body image, frequency of physical activity, and attitude towards physical activity. Conclusions. The study indicates that targeted physical education programs and consistent, independent physical activity can mitigate the challenges associated with the investigated variables. Moreover, self-esteem significantly mediates the relationship between body image and physical activity frequency, as well as students’ attitudes toward physical activity.

Physical Activity-Related Health Services in Germany: Relevance and Necessary Framework Conditions - a Position Paper of the DNVF Working Group Physical Activity-Related Health Services Research

Based on the relevance of an established and broad foundation of physical activity in healthcare, this position paper of the DNVF working group Physical Activity-Related Health Services research presents current conceptual approaches to physical activity-related health services in Germany and highlights the need for interprofessional and interdisciplinary approaches. Three central positions are outlined and elaborated in order to integrate the evidence on health benefits of physical activity and exercise more strongly into healthcare and to show that, against the background of the challenges in the German healthcare system, physical activity-related health services can make a cost-effective and high-quality contribution to improve healthcare. These three positions include 1) the integration of all professional groups involved in healthcare into physical activity-related health services, 2) the greater integration of physical activity professions and physical activity interventions into all healthcare contexts and 3) the systematic consideration of physical activity- and exercise-related expertise in clinical guidelines.

The effectiveness and acceptability of physical activity interventions amongst older adults with lower socioeconomic status: a mixed methods systematic review.

Older adults with lower socioeconomic status are less likely to be physically active than those with higher socioeconomic status. To inform future intervention development, this review explored: [i] how effective are physical activity interventions at increasing levels of physical activity amongst older adults with lower socioeconomic status?; [ii] what factors are associated with the acceptability of physical activity interventions amongst older adults with lower socioeconomic status?; [iii] what are the implications for developing physical activity interventions for older adults with lower socioeconomic status? This mixed methods systematic review followed PRISMA guidelines. MEDLINE, CENTRAL, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, CINAHL, ASSIA and Sports Medicine and Education Index were searched up to May 2023, to identify quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods primary research studies measuring the effectiveness of and/or experiences of physical activity interventions for older adults (aged ≥ 65 years) with lower socioeconomic status. No limits on country were applied. Included studies were assessed for methodological quality using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Results were synthesised using a results-based convergent synthesis approach with narrative synthesis of quantitative findings and thematic synthesis of qualitative findings. Thirty studies were included. Mixed effects were found for the effectiveness of physical activity interventions, with positive effects for increases in utilitarian walking (i.e. for transport) but not for leisure, mixed effects for objectively measured physical activity and no effects for self-reported total physical activity or muscle strengthening and flexibility activities. Engaging in physical activity interventions was perceived as offering many benefits, social familiarity was important to intervention acceptability and interventions were seen as more acceptable when they were compatible with the lifestyles of older adults with lower socioeconomic status. Future development of physical activity interventions for older adults with lower socioeconomic status should foster social connections, emphasise health benefits of physical activity, hold interventions in locations that are accessible and familiar to older adults with lower socioeconomic status, minimise costs to participants, employ individuals who share participant characteristics to lead interventions, and combine physical activity with other activities older adults with lower socioeconomic status already do to make more efficient use of time. PROSPERO CRD42023417312; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=417312 .

Health-enhancing physical activity in obesity management: the need to (seriously) go beyond weight loss.

There are many false hopes around the impact of physical activity and exercise in obesity management, especially regarding weight loss. Narrowly focusing on weight loss only leads to disappointment for patients and practitioners. Indeed, in persons with overweight or obesity, exercise training, specifically aerobic (i.e. endurance) training, is associated with significant additional weight and fat loss compared to the absence of training. However the magnitude of this effect remains modest, amounting to only 2-3 kg additional weight or fat loss on average. We therefore argue that this conversation needs to be re-oriented towards the many potential health benefits of physical activity that can be seen beyond weight loss. Exercise training has been shown to improve the cardiometabolic risk profile by effects including decreasing abdominal visceral fat and improving insulin sensitivity. Aerobic, as well as combined aerobic and resistance (i.e. strength) training, increase cardiorespiratory fitness, a major risk factor for ill health. Resistance training improves muscle strength, another major component of physical fitness, even in the absence of a significant change in muscle mass. Beyond body mass loss, recognizing the broad value of physical activity/exercise in improving health and quality of life of people with obesity is a crucial perspective shift.

Perceptions of Knowledge and Experience in Nature-Based Health Interventions.

Although perceptions and uses vary, nature-based health interventions (NBHIs) help facilitate the additional health benefits of physical activity (PA) experienced in nature, thereby reducing all-cause morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this mixed-methods, cross-sectional study was to better understand perceptions, terminology, and participation in NBHIs. A questionnaire was developed by reviewing validated instruments and gauging expert experience with stakeholders. Distributed electronically, a community partner listserv promoting active living served as the population. Quantitative questionnaire measures assessed familiarity with NBHI terms, concepts, experience, how NBHI should be used, and the importance of NBHI components. Qualitative themes included the strengths and weaknesses of NBHIs. Participants (n = 53) were familiar with the terms nature play (82%), forest bathing (78%), and park and nature prescriptions (74%) and moderately familiar with NBHIs (5-point Likert scale, M = 3.27, SD = 1.17). Most thought NBHIs could be useful in treating physical (96%) and mental health conditions (100%) and would follow or write one (80%). The location was reported as the most important component, followed by access, social comfort, dosage, and ongoing support. This study suggests stakeholders are familiar with and support NBHIs conceptually; however, policies, support, and funding opportunities are needed to operationalize components to increase use of NBHIs.

Behavior change techniques to increase physical activity among older adults living in long-term care facilities: A systematic review.

Despite the health benefits of physical activity, many older adults living in long-term care facilities lead sedentary lifestyles and do not meet minimum physical activity recommendations. Determining the behavior change techniques (BCTs) used in physical activity interventions can help us understand the underlying mechanisms by which behavioral change is achieved. The purpose of this systematic review was to identify and evaluate BCTs in physical activity interventions for the elderly residents. Six electronic databases were searched and 15 eligible studies were retained. Nine promising BCTs associated with physical activity promotion among elderly residents were identified: credible source, social support (unspecified), goal setting (outcome), goal setting (behavior), demonstration of the behavior, instruction on how to perform a behavior, self-monitoring of behavior, self-monitoring of outcome(s) of behavior, and adding objects to the environment. Future research is encouraged to select and tailor these BCTs to the specific needs and preferences of the target population.

Orexin neurons mediate temptation-resistant voluntary exercise

Despite the well-known health benefits of physical activity, many people underexercise; what drives the prioritization of exercise over alternative options is unclear. We developed a task that enabled us to study how mice freely and rapidly alternate between wheel running and other voluntary activities, such as eating palatable food. When multiple alternatives were available, mice chose to spend a substantial amount of time wheel running without any extrinsic reward and maintained this behavior even when palatable food was added as an option. Causal manipulations and correlative analyses of appetitive and consummatory processes revealed this preference for wheel running to be instantiated by hypothalamic hypocretin/orexin neurons (HONs). The effect of HON manipulations on wheel running and eating was strongly context-dependent, being the largest in the scenario where both options were available. Overall, these data suggest that HON activity enables an eat–run arbitration that results in choosing exercise over food.

Physical Inactivity Increases Impairment of Daily Activities Due to Pain in Workers: An Ordinal Regression Logistic and Correspondence Analysis.

Background: The evidence for the health benefits of physical activity is growing; however, the prevalence of unhealthy lifestyles continues to contribute to the increase in chronic non-communicable diseases. We know that occupational-time physical activity does not provide the same benefits as leisure-time physical activity, which has been shown to reduce mortality and pain. We also know that multiple factors influence pain; however, there are no studies that specifically analyze the impact of type of working time and occupational-time physical activity on the impairment of daily activities due to pain. We aimed to study the influence of both personal and occupational factors on the impairment of daily activities due to pain, assessing whether leisure-time physical activity acts as a protective factor. Methods: A cross-sectional, population-based design was used based on the 2017 National Health Survey in Spain (ENSE). Sociodemographic, leisure-time physical activity, and work-related variables were collected. The outcome variable was the impairment of daily activities due to pain. Ordinal logistic regression was applied, and the analysis was complemented with simple correspondence analysis. Results: A total of 1,441 workers between 18 and 65 years of age were studied. Significant differences were found between sexes for all variables except age and leisure-time physical activity. Logistic regression revealed significant associations between sex, primary and secondary education levels, no leisure-time physical activity, and overweight with impairment of daily activities due to pain. Simple correspondence analysis showed that the categories doing leisure-time physical activity several times a week as well as several times a month are closer to the categories of little or no pain. Conclusion: Female gender, low educational level, overweight, and lack of leisure-time physical activity were associated with increases in impairment of daily activities due to pain. Occupational-time physical activity and work shift were not related to impairment of daily activities due to pain. Implications for Occupational Health Practice: Occupational Health Nursing interventions through education and counseling on the importance of leisure-time physical activity promotion programs potentially can reduce the impairment of daily activities due to pain in working populations.

Impacts of a Prescribed Physical Activity Program for People with Chronic Diseases Living in Community Settings in France.

Sedentary behavior and physical inactivity are modifiable risk factors at the forefront of prevention and health promotion strategies. The health benefits of physical activity (PA) have been widely demonstrated in chronic diseases and have led to the prescription of adapted PA. To date, French scientific data are insufficient to evaluate the effectiveness of prescribing adapted PA. This study aimed (1) to evaluate the effectiveness of a community-based program and (2) to identify patient characteristics at inclusion that could be associated with improved post-program anthropometric data. Our sample was composed of 113 participants with a chronic disease (83.18% women) with a mean age of 55.4 ± 13.9 years. Participants benefited from an 8-week adapted PA program. All participants were evaluated at the beginning and end of the program by anthropometric measurements, a subjective measure of the level of PA and a measure of physical condition. Almost 86% of the participants were overweight and two-thirds were obese. Statistical analyses showed a significant improvement in physical condition, expressed by a better cardiorespiratory endurance (up to +14% for a 2 min walk test; MT0 = 78.1 m vs. MT1 = 89 m; p < 0.001 with a 2 min walk test), improved flexibility (+12.5%; MT0 = 2.4 vs. MT1 = 2.7; p < 0.001), and increased muscle strength in the lower limbs (+22.7%; MT0 = 11.9 vs. MT1 = 14.6; p < 0.001). The level of physical activity increased significantly for all participants (57.52% of inactive individuals at T0 vs. 5.31% at T1; p = 0.004). Correlational analyses revealed that the decrease in BMI and weight throughout the program correlated positively with age (r = 0.252 and p = 0.007, and r = 0.247 and p = 0.008, respectively) and negatively with BMI from baseline (r = -0.271; p = 0.004). The key points of this community-based PA program are the following: (1) It improves participants' physical condition. (2) It improves anthropometric parameters. (3) It modifies physical activity behavior. Furthermore, in the context of the program set up specifically for this purpose, it would appear that elderly and overweight people are more likely to exhibit beneficial effects on anthropometric parameters than younger participants or those with a high level of obesity. However, these results need to be confirmed by a long-term evaluation of the effectiveness of such devices.

Physical activity, long-term fine particulate matter exposure and type 2 diabetes incidence: A prospective cohort study.

Despite the adverse effects of ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) on type 2 diabetes and the beneficial role of physical activity (PA), the influence of PM2.5 on the relationship between PA and type 2 diabetes remains unclear. In this prospective study with 71,689 participants, PA was assessed by a questionnaire and was categorized into quartiles for volume and three groups for intensity. Long-term PM2.5 exposure was calculated using 1-km resolution satellite-based PM2.5 estimates. PM2.5 exposure and PA's effect on type 2 diabetes were assessed by cohort-stratified Cox proportional hazards models, individually and in combination. In 488,166 person-years of follow-up, 5487 incident type 2 diabetes cases were observed. The association between PA and type 2 diabetes was modified by PM2.5. Compared with the lowest quartile of PA volume, the highest quartile was associated with reduced type 2 diabetes risk in low PM2.5 stratification (≤65.02 µg/m3) other than in high PM2.5 stratification (>65.02 µg/m3), with the hazard ratio (HR) of 0.75 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.66-0.85) and 1.10 (95% CI: 0.99-1.22), respectively. Similar results were observed for PA intensity. High PM2.5 exposure combined with the highest PA levels increased the risk of type 2 diabetes the most (HR = 1.79, 95% CI: 1.59-2.01 for PA volume; HR = 1.82, 95% CI: 1.64-2.02 for PA intensity). PA could reduce type 2 diabetes risk in low-pollution areas, but high PM2.5 exposure may weaken or even reverse the protective effects of PA. Safety and health benefits of PA should be thoroughly assessed for long-term polluted residents.

Knowledge and Perception of Personal Activity Intelligence (PAI) among Medical Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Personal Activity Intelligence (PAI) is a novel metric designed to quantify the health benefits of physical activity based on individual heart rate data. Previous studies have demonstrated that maintaining a PAI score of 100 or more per week can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality, enhancing overall quality of life. However, awareness and acceptance of PAI among healthcare professionals and the general public are limited. This study investigates the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding PAI among medical students, who are pivotal in promoting health awareness and behaviors. Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Personal Activity Intelligence (PAI) among medical students at Lahore Medical and Dental College. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted over six months, from June 2023 to December 2023, at the Lahore College of Physical Therapy, LMDC. A non-probability convenient sampling technique was employed, resulting in a sample size of 300 participants, determined using the Taro Yamane formula with a 95% confidence interval and a 0.05 error margin. Participants included medical students aged 18-28 years who provided informed consent. Data were collected using a self-structured questionnaire, which was reviewed by 12 academic and 5 clinical faculty members for reliability and validity. The questionnaire, converted to a Google Form, comprised sections on general information, PAI awareness, physical activity levels, and the use of fitness trackers. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS version 25, with categorical variables summarized as numbers and percentages, and continuous variables as means ± standard deviation. Results: Out of 300 participants, 72% were female and 28% were male, with a mean age of 21.53 ± 1.94 years. Regarding wearable devices, 45.8% used them for assessing physical activity. Awareness of PAI was low, with 23.7% familiar with it, 36% having heard of it, and 40.3% unaware. Only 11% had used PAI to track physical activity. Most students (82.8%) strongly believed in the importance of regular physical activity. The use of fitness trackers showed that 36% were currently using such devices, and among them, 63% included PAI features. However, confidence in interpreting PAI data was limited, with only 10.7% feeling very confident. Conclusion: The study revealed a significant lack of awareness regarding PAI among medical students, despite a generally positive attitude towards its potential benefits. There is a need for enhanced educational efforts to improve PAI knowledge and integration into medical curricula, addressing barriers such as device availability and data interpretation.

Intensity-specific physical activity measured by accelerometer and the risk of mortality among individuals with cardiometabolic diseases: A prospective study from the UK Biobank

BackgroundWhile the health benefits of physical activity for general population are well-recognized, the prospective associations of physical activity volume and intensity with mortality among cardiometabolic disease individuals remain unclear. ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to investigate the associations of accelerometer-measured intensity-specific physical activity with mortality risk among population with cardiometabolic disease. DesignProspective cohort study. SettingParticipants were recruited from the United Kingdom (UK) across 22 assessment centers from 2006 to 2010. ParticipantsA total of 9524 participants from the UK Biobank (median: 67.00 years, interquartile range: 61.00–70.00 years) were included in final study. MethodsAccelerometer-measured total volume, moderate-to-vigorous and light intensity physical activity collecting from 2013 to 2015 were quantified using a machine learning model. Multivariable restricted cubic splines and Cox proportional hazard models with hazard ratios (HRs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) were employed to examine the associations of interests. ResultsDuring the follow-up period (median: 6.87 years; interquartile range: 6.32–7.39 years), there were 659 (6.92 %) death events with 218 (2.29 %) cardiovascular disease-related deaths and 441 (4.63 %) non-cardiovascular disease-related deaths separately. In the fully adjusted models, compared with participants in the lowest quartiles of total volume, moderate-to-vigorous and light physical activities, the adjusted HRs (95 % CIs) of all-cause mortality for those in the highest quartiles were 0.40 (0.31, 0.52), 0.48 (0.37, 0.61), and 0.56 (0.44, 0.71) while those for cardiovascular diseases-related mortality were 0.35 (0.22, 0.55), 0.52 (0.35, 0.78) and 0.59 (0.39, 0.88), and for non-cardiovascular diseases-related mortality, they were 0.42 (0.30, 0.59), 0.40 (0.29, 0.54) and 0.54 (0.40, 0.73), separately. The optimal moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity level for cardiovascular diseases-related mortality reduction was found to be in the third quartile (17.75–35.33 min/day). Furthermore, the observed inverse associations were mainly non-linear. ConclusionsPromoting physical activity, regardless of intensity, is essential for individuals with cardiometabolic disease to reduce mortality risk. For both all-cause and cardiovascular disease-related and non-cardiovascular disease-related mortality, the observed decrease in risk seems to level off at a moderate level. The current findings deriving from precise device-based physical activity data provide inference for secondary prevention of cardiometabolic disease.

P114 Promoting physical activity using mobile health technology in people living with Rheumatoid Arthritis: MOTIVATE RA

Abstract Background/Aims People living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) tend to be less active than the general population which may be due to RA associated musculoskeletal pain, stiffness and fatigue. The health benefits of physical activity (PA) are widely recognised in the general population and studies in RA have also highlighted improvement in RA associated symptoms. However, encouraging increased PA in people living with RA is challenging and adherence to PA is usually low. Mobile health (mHealth) technology (i.e., fitness watches and apps) may provide an effective and economical solution to promoting PA in this high-risk population. The aims of the current study were to assess whether use of mHealth technology in RA i) increases PA levels and ii) reduces RA disease activity. Methods People with RA were randomised to either the MOTIVATE (mHealth intervention) or conventional care (CC) groups. The CC group were provided with online educational materials, as provided in routine care (e.g., PA information leaflets), to increase PA whereas the MOTIVATE group were provided with a personalised, progressive walking programme delivered via mHealth technology with ongoing, individualised support throughout the 12-week intervention. All participants received a self-testing kit, via mail, at baseline (week 0) and post-intervention (12 weeks). Measures included anthropometrics, blood pressure, PA monitoring, health questionnaires and all were requested to self-report RA disease activity using RADAI-5. Change data between weeks 0 and 12 were compared between groups using One-Way ANCOVA, controlling for baseline, and reported as mean difference (95% CI). Results Of 50 participants, 25 were randomised to the MOTIVATE group (age 50±11years; BMI 29±7kg/m2; females n=23), and 25 to CC (n=25, age 50±11years; BMI 26±6 kg/m2; females n=24). An increase in moderate-to-vigorous PA was observed in the MOTIVATE group, compared to a decrease in CC [81min (1, 160) vs. -35min (-123, 53); P=0.09)]. This was accompanied by an increase in steps per day in the MOTIVATE group, and a decrease in CC [763 (-432, 1957) vs. -76 (-1267, 1115); P=0.40]. A reduction in PHQ-9 depression score was evident in the MOTIVATE group whilst CC were unchanged [-2 (-2, -3) vs. 0 (-2, 0); P=0.07]. RADAI-5 decreased in the MOTIVATE group and stayed the same in CC [-2 (-2, 0) vs. 0(-2, 0), P=0.27]. Conclusion These findings identify the potential effectiveness of an mHealth PA programme to increase PA levels in people living with RA. Use of remote PA monitoring, with support from exercise specialists, may be an effective strategy to improve engagement in exercise and PA in the RA population. Data is suggestive this could improve RA related symptoms, although we did not observe statistical significance. Disclosure D.J. Bannell: Grants/research support; Research grant from the Aintree Arthritis Trust. M. France-Ratcliffe: None. K.L. Hesketh: None. M. Cocks: None. N. Goodson: None. C. Taylor: None. T. Pecanha: None. H. Jones: None. D.A. Low: None. V.S. Sprung: None.

Participation in physical activity by adolescents with physical disability: cross-sectional snapshot and future priorities ("Youth Experience Matters" protocol).

Young people with physical disability experience challenges to being physically active. To attain the health benefits of physical activity (PA) and sustain engagement, it is essential that participation is meaningful and enjoyable. This study aims to describe current participation in PA by adolescents with physical disability in Ireland, and to establish consensus on their priorities for enhancing physical activity participation. A parallel convergent mixed methods study will be undertaken, comprising a national cross-sectional quantitative assessment of PA participation ("Participation Snapshot") and Delphi consensus study ("Delphi"). Adolescents (n=100) aged 13-17 years with a physical disability will be invited to take part. The Participation Snapshot primary outcome is the Children's Assessment of Participation and Enjoyment (CAPE). Contextual factors including underlying medical diagnosis, demographics, mobility (Functional Mobility Scale), hand function (Manual Ability Classification System) and health related quality of life (Child Health Utility 9D) will also be collected. The Delphi will comprise two to four survey rounds, until consensus is reached. Round 1 consists of a bespoke survey, designed and piloted with a public and patient involvement (PPI) panel, with open-ended questions and Likert scales inviting contributions from adolescents on their prior experience and ideas to enhance participation. Responses will be analysed using inductive thematic analysis to construct items and themes, which will then be deductively mapped to the "F-words" and the family of Participation-Related Constructs frameworks. These items will be presented back to participants in subsequent rounds for selection and ranking, until consensus is achieved on the "top 10 priorities" for enhancing PA participation. The project team and PPI panel will then co-design dissemination material and identify targets for dissemination to relevant stakeholder or policy groups. The findings will provide a basis for developing interventions aiming to enhance future PA participation for adolescents with physical disability.

Golfers are physically more active and have greater health associated quality of life than non-golfers following lower limb arthroplasty

BackgroundThe health benefits of physical activity are well recognised. This study assessed whether golfers were more physically active after lower limb arthroplasty when compared to those that did not play golf (primary outcome). In addition pre and postoperative changes in health-associated quality of life (HAQoL) and joint specific outcomes between golfers and none golfers were assessed (secondary outcomes). MethodsThere were 304 patients [THA (n = 155) or TKA (n = 149)] prospectively registered during a 4-month period undergoing lower limb arthroplasty. The mean age was 70.0 (range 37–92, standard deviation 10.2) years and included 188 (61%) females and 120 (39%) males. They completed pre and postoperative questionnaires assessing recreational activity, physical activity, HAQoL (EuroQol [EQ]), joint specific health (Oxford scores), and satisfaction. ResultsGolfers (n = 33, 10.9%) were more likely to achieve longer than 3 hours of moderate activity during a week (48.5% vs 38.0%, odds ratio (OR) 3.4, p = 0.045) and achieved their recommended activity level (96.8% vs 77.7%, OR 8.6, p = 0.015) compared to non-golfers following arthroplasty. Postoperative EQ5D (p = 0.034) and EQVAS (p = 0.019) were significantly greater in golfers. The joint specific Oxford hip score was greater in golfers compared to non-golfers (mean difference 5.6, p = 0.022), however no difference was observed in the Oxford knee score following TKA (p = 0.495). ConclusionGolfers were more likely to achieve their weekly recommended level of physical activity and had a greater HAQoL relative to those that did not play golf following lower limb arthroplasty. More specifically after THA golfers also had a greater postoperative joint specific outcome, but no such advantage was observed in those following TKA. Evidence LevelLevel II, diagnostic study.

The ENJOY Seniors Exercise Park IMP-ACT project: IMProving older people’s health through physical ACTivity: a hybrid II implementation design study protocol

IntroductionThe health benefits of physical activity are well established; however, most older people are not sufficiently physically active. Despite the availability of various physical activity interventions and programs, implementation of effective prevention strategies to reduce older people’s physical inactivity are lacking. The ENJOY IMP-ACT project is an implementation research project, based on a previous evidence-based physical and social activity program utilising specialised outdoor exercise equipment (the Seniors Exercise Park) for older people. The ENJOY IMP-ACT aims to increase participation in physical activity to improve health outcomes for older people in Victoria, Australia.MethodThe ENJOY IMP-ACT is a hybrid II implementation-effectiveness pre-post mixed method study design. Five local governments (6 public sites/parks) will undergo a 3-month control period followed by 9-months implementation intervention (TERM framework intervention: Training, Engagement, Resources development, Marketing and promotion), and a maintenance phase (3 months). Various methodologies will be employed throughout the project at each site and will include direct observations of park users, intercept surveys with park users, online access monitor platform (using an online app), interviews with stakeholders and exercise program leaders, a process evaluation of physical activity programs, a social return-on-investment analysis, and other related activities.DiscussionThrough the implementation framework design, the ENJOY IMP-ACT is uniquely placed to translate an evidenced-based physical and social activity program into real world settings and increase physical activity among older people. If successful, this program will inform scale up across Australia with the goal of improving the health and wellbeing of older people.Trial registrationThis registration trial is prospectively registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry. Trial number ACTRN12622001256763. Date registered 20/09/2022.

Socioecological factors influencing physical activity engagement for women across the menopausal transition: a systematic review.

Physical activity during menopause can be effective in reducing the physiological changes associated with reproductive aging that increase risks for noncommunicable diseases, yet many women do not meet the recommendations for physical activity. This study aimed to synthesize factors influencing physical activity for women across menopausal transition phases using a socioecological approach. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis was used to systematically search 10 databases between 2001 and 2021. A comprehensive search strategy was used to identify studies on physical activity of women in various stages of menopause. A socioecological model was used to categorize the reported barriers and enablers. Twenty studies met the inclusion criteria. The findings highlight several intrapersonal barriers such as existing health complaints versus enablers such as awareness of the health benefits of physical activity during menopause. Ensuring women's safety, preventing injury, and enhancing exercise self-efficacy were important components of programs. Social support was also an important enabler of women's engagement in activities. Several barriers and enablers were identified and can inform practitioners and future interventions to encourage physical activity among women in various stages of menopause. For instance, when encouraging physical activity during menopause, practitioners should consider other health complaints, safety, and injury prevention while discussing the benefits of physical activity related to managing menopausal symptoms. There was a lack of theoretically informed studies exploring the barriers and enablers to physical activity for women in various stages of menopause; thus, research designs may not have fully accounted for influences. Future research that combines socioecological and individual theories of behavior is needed to comprehensively understand the complexity of physical activity among women across the menopausal transition.

Mental health clients’ receptiveness to and recommendations for integrating physical activity discussions into therapy: a mixed methods study

Objective The mental health benefits of physical activity are well-established. Integrating physical activity counseling into therapy would expand the reach of this evidence-based treatment for mental illness. This mixed methods study examined mental health clients’ receptiveness and recommendations for effectively discussing physical activity in therapy. Methods A diverse sample of U.S. adults in therapy (N = 478) completed a survey that included the open-ended question: What specific recommendations would you have for your therapist to effectively discuss physical activity with you? We conducted a qualitative content analysis to identify their most common recommendations. Results Most participants indicated they would be comfortable discussing physical activity with their therapist. The content analysis resulted in 26 unique categories; most common recommendations included: provide information about what to do (n = 81), discuss physical activity benefits (n = 63), be understanding and nonjudgmental (n = 49), provide accountability (n = 41), and consider physical/mental health conditions (n = 35). Overarching themes emphasized making mental health central to discussions, tailoring discussions to each client, and reframing physical activity as a feasible, enjoyable activity. Conclusions Mental health clients are open to discussing physical activity during therapy if it is approached in a supportive, understanding, and personalized way. Clients’ recommendations can inform future professional development for therapists.