Health Benefits Of Physical Activity Research Articles (Page 1)

Despite the substantial health benefits of physical activity across the lifespan, most youth and adults are insufficiently physically active. To combat this trend, numerous policies and interventions have been developed, many of which have had modest effects. The limited effectiveness of such interventions has been linked to the lack of or minimal community involvement. Consequently, there have been calls for solutions with greater community buy-in. In particular, there has been a rise in the use of co-creation in physical activity research, where stakeholders are engaged in understanding and defining problems and designing localised and contextual solutions. While there are many benefits to co-creation (for example, collaborationand empowerment), there are also challenges, including the underreporting of co-creation approaches and methodologies used in physical activity research. We argue that human-centred design thinking can be a tool for approaching, complementing, and elevating co-creation. We discuss human-centred design thinking and offer strengths for how it can augment co-creation, such as through the Double Diamond model, toolkits and field guides, established activities, reporting guideline's and asking different questions to spark social innovation. We also present a case study to showcase how human-centred design thinking as an approach to co-creation can look.

Despite the well-documented physical and mental health benefits of physical activity, people experiencing mental health challenges remain significantly less active than the general population. Mental health nurses are well positioned to promote physical activity in mental healthcare, yet little is known about their knowledge, attitudes and practices in this area, especially in Germany. This cross-sectional study surveyed 347 mental health nurses in Germany using the German version of the Exercise in Mental Illness Questionnaire (EMIQ-G). The questionnaire assessed knowledge, attitudes, perceived barriers and recommendation behaviour regarding physical activity. This manuscript follows the STROBE reporting guidelines. Most participants were aware of the benefits of physical activity and recommended it regularly. However, only 28.8% had received formal training, and several limitations were observed regarding the quality of the recommendations: many participants did not assess clients' suitability for physical activity, a substantial proportion did not specify an intensity level, and there was a noticeable emphasis on aerobic exercises at the expense of other activity types. Mental health nurses showed a strong interest in further education, particularly regarding client motivation and appropriate exercise types. While mental health nurses in Germany recognise the importance of physical activity and frequently recommend it in their mental health nursing practice, gaps in training and implementation remain. Targeted educational interventions and structural support are essential to enhance the quality and consistency of physical activity promotion in mental health nursing. These findings can inform tailored strategies to empower nurses and ultimately improve health outcomes for individuals experiencing mental health challenges.

Although the health benefits of physical activity for individuals with type 2 diabetes are well-established, physical inactivity remains widespread, and existing interventions often demonstrate limited long-term effectiveness. This review aimed to explore the barriers and facilitators to physical activity adherence in individuals with type 2 diabetes. PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and PsycINFO were systematically searched for relevant studies published up to 27 July 2025. Eligible studies included qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods studies. Study quality was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. The COM-B model and Theoretical Domains Framework were used to identify potential barriers and facilitators, while behavior change techniques were employed to identify potential intervention strategies. The registration number of this study is CRD42024622295. A total of 43 studies were included, including 17 randomized controlled trials, 11 qualitative studies, 6 mixed methods studies, 5 non-randomized studies, and 4 quantitative descriptive studies. The analysis identified 46 barriers and facilitators influencing adherence. Additionally, 26 potentially effective behavior change techniques were extracted and categorized into six key implementation strategies: flexible and personalized physical activity programs, multidimensional social support, participant education, enhancing self-efficacy and motivation, monitoring and feedback, and managing emotional experiences. This review systematically synthesizes the behavioral determinants of physical activity adherence in individuals with type 2 diabetes and proposes corresponding implementation strategies for intervention design. Future research should refine, evaluate, and validate these strategies while exploring the dynamic interactions between COM-B components to enhance intervention effectiveness.

Despite the well-documented health benefits of physical activity (PA), over 80% of adolescents worldwide fail to meet recommended daily levels. This study identified experienced barriers and facilitators for PA maintenance among Dutch adolescents, examine how they form barrier and facilitator profiles, and explore how barriers and facilitators evolve over time. First, we conducted 21 interviews with adolescents (13–16 years) to uncover relevant barriers and facilitators. Then, we developed and applied a card sorting task based on Q methodology, and examined barrier and facilitator configurations with 30 adolescents (aged 13–18 years) who had maintained a physical activity for ≥2 years, followed by interviews. Factor analysis revealed five facilitator profiles: Mental and physical health benefits, A way to be myself around others, Pursuing health goals, Developing confidence and strength, and Developing along my own path. Four barrier profiles emerged: Low motivation and energy, Not a good fit for me, Balancing act, and Proximity, possibility and perception. Facilitator profiles ranged from immediate characteristics of the activity, such as enjoyment, social connection, and mental well being, to more future-oriented drivers such as autonomy and self-development. Barriers profiles varied from predominantly internal (e.g., low motivation) to external (e.g., distance, weather) or mixed influences linking life demands to reduced personal resources. Across participants, enjoyment was the most consistent facilitator, but perceived influences often shifted with time, from immediate, activity-based facilitators related to competence and relatedness, toward motivations tied to autonomy, identity and coping with growing responsibilities characteristic of this life stage. These results highlight the diversity and dynamic nature of barriers and facilitators in adolescent PA maintenance. Tailoring PA promotion programs to adolescents’ evolving motivations and constraints can increase their effectiveness, supporting sustained active lifestyles into adulthood.

The current guidelines for cardiovascular disease prevention by the European Society of Cardiology highlight the undisputable benefits of exercise and a physically active lifestyle for cardiovascular risk reduction. In addition to the health benefits of physical activity, observational data suggests that regular physical activity lowers all-cause mortality. However, this was not confirmed by Mendelian randomization studies and randomized controlled trials. We argue that limitations of observational data (e.g. recall and recruitment bias, Hawthorne effects, and/or potentially reverse causation) and controlled trials (e.g. healthy volunteer bias, short follow-up) may compromise effects for exercise and physical activity on mortality. In addition, medical care in modern countries guarantees longer survival despite a high incidence for cardiovascular disease which further reduces the potential impact of exercise and physical activity on lifespan. Healthspan, as a concept, focuses on life years in good health, as opposed to mere lifespan or mortality, which focuses solely on longevity. We propose using different measures of healthspan as an outcome to quantify the effects of exercise and physical activity. We outline the different dimensions of healthspan and how these could be measured at the population level using scalable, reliable, valid and non-invasive assessments. Specifically, we propose physical function, mental and cognitive health, chronic disease prevention as well as quality of life as appropriate measures. These measures may help to better understand physical activity and exercise-related benefits that contribute to a healthier life and to implement interventions that have the potential to increase healthspan across populations.

Objective Despite the health benefits of physical activity (PA), many individuals with asthma are not sufficiently active. Wearable devices (WD) are increasingly popular tools for promoting PA, but limited research has examined their effectiveness among individuals with asthma. This study aims to compare PA levels between WD users and non-users with asthma. Methods Data were drawn from the 2017 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Participants who self-reported a diagnosis of asthma were included in this secondary data analysis. Based on the self-report, participants were categorized as WD users or non-users. PA measures included total weekly minutes of PA, weekly minutes of vigorous PA, and whether participants met national PA guidelines. Survey-weighted unadjusted and adjusted linear and logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess associations between WD use and PA outcomes. Results Among the included 497 participants with asthma, 28.19% (95% CI [19.36, 38.30]) of participants were WD users and 71.81% (95% CI [61.7, 80.64]) were non-users. 65.91% (95% CI [57.36, 73.82]) of the participants met the PA guidelines. The unadjusted and adjusted linear regressions found no statistically significant differences in weekly PA and weekly vigorous PA between WD users and non-users. Further, no statistically significant associations were found between WD usage and meeting PA guidelines (p > .05). Conclusions WD use was not associated with higher PA levels among individuals with asthma. Further research is needed to identify strategies that enhance the effectiveness of WD in promoting PA in this population.

Physical inactivity, sedentary behavior, and mental health issues have become significant public health challenges. This review aimed to investigate the relationship between physical activity, sedentary behavior, and the risk of suicidal ideation and behaviors during adolescence. A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Studies were sourced from SPORTDiscus, Psychology & Behavioral Sciences Collection, and Google Scholar. The review included English-language peer reviewed articles published between January 2018 and March 2023, focusing on physical activity, sport, and mental health in adolescents aged 10 to 19. Adolescents with low levels of physical activity or high levels of sedentary behavior were at greater risk of suicidal thoughts compared to their more physically active counterparts. Although moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was not directly associated with self-harm or mental health disorders, the overall mental health benefits of physical activity, especially in the context of socially engaging sports, were evident. Some aspects of these associations warrant further investigation. Physical activity and sport offer cost-effective, widely accepted interventions that have significant potential to reduce the risk of suicidal ideation and behaviors among adolescents. Given the devastating impact of suicide on young people, incorporating physical activity into mental health promotion and intervention strategies is crucial.

IntroductionNon-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a leading cause of global mortality, disproportionately affecting low and middle-income countries (LMICs). Physical inactivity, a key contributor to NCDs, is prevalent worldwide despite evidence supporting the health benefits of physical activity (PA). Cities, while often associated with barriers to PA, also present unique opportunities to enhance PA through systemic, context-sensitive interventions or so-called actions. However, evidence on effective city-level PA strategies, particularly in LMICs, remains limited. The CITY based interventions to stimulate active MOVEment for health (CITY-MOVE) project aims to accelerate, support and evaluate the implementation of PA actions at the city level by adapting the WHO Global Action Plan on Physical Activity into locally relevant strategies across six cities worldwide, accompanied by a cross-contextual evaluation framework to ensure transferability and scalability.Methods and analysisThis multicase study examines 13 PA actions in six cities (Bogotá, Lima, Kampala, Antwerp, Rotterdam and Ljubljana) across three continents, addressing both early (design and implementation) and late (evaluation) action stages. Early-stage actions employ action research in Living Labs to codesign and implement PA initiatives with local stakeholders, while late-stage interventions focus on retrospective evaluations of implementation outcomes. The framework integrates the Medical Research Council guidance on complex interventions with the Context and Implementation of Complex Interventions. Mixed methods are employed, including document review, interviews, participatory workshops and quantitative analysis of PA and NCD indicators. A cross-contextual Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) framework will synthesise findings to inform scalability and transferability of actions.Ethics and disseminationEthics approvals were obtained from local review boards in the participating cities.Dissemination will occur at three levels: local, regional and global. Locally, findings will be shared with city authorities, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and healthcare providers through Living Labs and policy dialogues. At the regional level, knowledge will be spread across cities in Europe, Latin America and East Africa through Communities of Practice and the use of tools like the MCDA framework. Globally, the project will contribute to the scientific community and international organisations such as the WHO and UN-Habitat, by sharing results through open access publications, conferences and global networks to ensure widespread dissemination and sustainability of the project’s impacts.Registration detailsThis study and its outcomes are publicly accessible on OSF (https://osf.io/mn8zd/) and ZENODO (https://zenodo.org/communities/citymove/).

Regular physical activity is essential for a healthy lifestyle. This study investigated how exercise enjoyment affects mental health, focusing on positive embodiment - a holistic, respectful attunement with one's body. We hypothesized that individuals who find pleasure in physical activity are more likely to experience positive embodiment, thereby fostering a deeper, more harmonious connection with their bodies, which in turn enhances mental well-being. This study aimed to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the interrelated effects of these factors on mental health. In this cross-sectional study, 207 participants were screened, with 95 who exercised regularly advancing to complete questionnaires assessing level of enjoyment during exercise (LEM), exercise duration per week (ED), years of regular exercise (YRE), positive embodiment using the Experience of Embodiment Scale (EES), mental health using the Adult Mental Health Scale (AMHS), and eating attitudes using the Eating Attitude Test (EAT-26). Pearson's correlations and mediation analysis were used to explore the relationships among these measures. Our findings showed that LEM was significantly positively correlated with EES, AMHS, and YRE scores, and negatively correlated with EAT-26, but not with ED. YRE and ED were not correlated with AMHS, suggesting that merely increasing exercise duration or maintaining a long-term routine alone may not be sufficient to enhance mental well-being. Mediation analysis showed that the experience of embodiment fully mediates the relationship between exercise enjoyment and mental health, accounting for 71.76% of the total effect. Enjoyment of exercise plays a crucial role in supporting mental health, with positive embodiment acting as a key mediating factor. Promoting positive embodiment can amplify the mental health benefits of physical activity, underscoring the importance of fostering a sense of unity with one's body through enjoyable exercise activities among college students.

IntroductionDespite growing evidence supporting the mental health benefits of physical activity (PA), the nature of its relationship with anxiety symptoms remains uncertain in student populations. This study aimed to investigate differences in mean scores on the Zung Anxiety Scale among groups of students with different levels of PA and to determine whether there is a dose-response relationship between PA and anxiety symptoms, taking into account various sociodemographic and lifestyle factors and study year.MethodsCross-sectional data were collected from 1,266 fifth-year medical students at five Serbian universities during two academic years. PA was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and categorized into three MET-min/week groups: <600, 601–6,000, and >6,000. Anxiety symptoms were measured using the Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios for anxiety by PA category, accounting for sociodemographic and lifestyle factors.ResultsStudents engaging in 601–6,000 MET-min/week of PA were less likely to report anxiety symptoms compared to those engaging in less than 600 MET-min/week. No additional benefit was observed among participants exceeding 6,000 MET-min/week, suggesting a plateau effect. Compared to students in the <600 MET-min/week group, those in the 601–6,000 MET-min/week group were less likely to study in Novi Sad and reported an average or good self-rated financial status, but were more likely to consume alcohol. Participants in the >6,000 MET-min/week group were more likely to be male and belong to the 2023–2024 academic year, and less likely to report an average financial status compared to their peers in the <600 MET-min/week group. Female sex was negatively associated with being in the >6,000 MET-min/week group compared to the 601–6,000 MET-min/week group.ConclusionThe most significant protective benefits against anxiety symptoms were seen in individuals who participated in PA for 601 to 6,000 MET-minutes per week. No additional benefits were observed for PA levels exceeding 6,000 MET-minutes, suggesting a potential plateau effect. These findings emphasize the importance of promoting sustainable PA habits among students. Future research is needed to establish causality and examine the underlying psychophysiological mechanisms in the relationship between PA and mental health.

Abstract Physical inactivity is a leading cause globally of noncommunicable diseases such as diabetes, heart attacks, and strokes. Here, we present the results from a 4-week-long experimental test of a nudge designed to promote physical activity among 206 seniors in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates—a population with one of the highest rates of physical inactivity in the world. We find that the “Forever Fit” nudge—a booklet containing a simple exercise program and information about the health benefits of physical activity—has a large positive effect on 93 previously inactive seniors. The nudge increases the time previously inactive participants spend being physically active from about 5 to about 15 minutes per day.

Physical activity (PA) is widely recognized as a therapeutic intervention for numerous non-communicable diseases. This study assessed Greek medical students' knowledge and education on PA across seven medical schools. A structured questionnaire was distributed electronically to all medical schools across Greece, with 135 students responding (67.4% female). Among respondents, 78.5% reported being taught about PA benefits, and 77.8% felt prepared to discuss them with patients. However, 30.2% had received less than two hours of formal PA education. Only 25.2% were aware of the World Health Organization (WHO) and Greek Central Board of Health (KESY) recommendations, while 81.5% expressed the need for additional education on PA and its role in health. Students who were taught about PA were more likely to address exercise physiology (42.5% vs. 17.2%, p = 0.013, OR = 16.4), cardiopulmonary exercise testing (52.8% vs. 24.1%; p = 0.006, OR = 3.5), and PA benefits (89.6% vs. 34.5%; p < 0.001, OR = 3.5). Although most medical students have been taught about PA's health benefits, only a small proportion have sufficient knowledge for effective prescription.

Background: Physical activity (PA) is associated with lower mortality and cancer recurrence risks. Although evidence shows health benefits for cancer patients before, during, and immediately after treatment, PA recommendations are not regularly included in the standard care. Objective: The study aimed to identify perceived knowledge, barriers, and facilitators of oncology providers' PA promotion for cancer patients using the 5A (Assess, Advise, Agree, Assist, and Arrange) framework. Methods: A qualitative research design with a phenomenological approach was adopted. A purposive sample of 16 oncology care providers in Nebraska participated in semi-structured interviews via Zoom/phone. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and imported into MAXQDA 2024 for thematic analysis. Results: Analysis of the qualitative data identified five themes: (i) Broad and inclusive conceptualizations of PA among oncology care providers suggested that they were able to define PA; (ii) Current Practices in PA Counseling included advising on PA and assessment; (iii) Barriers to PA counseling included lack of guideline awareness, insufficient training, low prioritization, uncertainty about responsibility, time constraints, limited resources, lack of referral systems, patient health conditions, and environmental factors; (iv) Facilitators were identified as acknowledged health benefits for cancer survivors, awareness of PA recommendations, access to community resources, and support from interdisciplinary teams; and (v) Expressed desire among oncology care providers for training on incorporating PA into oncology care. Conclusions: Oncology providers recognized PA's health benefits for cancer survivors but did not promote it due to inadequate knowledge of guidelines and lack of resources. These barriers require improved PA counselling education to help providers incorporate PA into clinical care.

ABSTRACT Despite the increasing importance of physical activity for the health and well-being of student populations, fewer studies have focused on international graduate students, who may experience significant life transitions. The purpose of this study was to understand how studying abroad influences the physical activity of international graduate students using the theory of selective optimization with compensation. Fourteen foreign-born graduate students from a large university in the Southern United States were recruited, and data were collected through in-person interviews. The findings indicated that participants chose to engage in individual exercise rather than join sport clubs, focusing on the health benefits of physical activity as a way to cope with academic stress. Due to the significant time constraints associated with being both graduate and international students, they tended to optimize their use of campus recreation centres for time efficiency and convenience. Campus recreation centres also served as a compensatory or alternative resource that helped mitigate the social and environmental barriers to physical activity and sport perceived by international graduate students, while simultaneously contributing to some of these barriers. The theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.

BackgroundThe health benefits of physical activity (PA) have been well recognized, while which types of PA are most beneficial are still unclear, especially for older adults. The study aimed to explore associations of different PAs (physical work, regular exercise, and leisure activities) with mortality among Chinese older adults, considering genetic risk.MethodsA total of 9690 older adults from the Chinese Longitudinal Health Longevity Survey (CLHLS, 1998–2018) were included. Self-reported PAs information on physical work, regular exercise, and leisure activities were collected through face-to-face interviews. Leisure activities were interviewed about their engagement in 6 typical activities (i.e., housework tasks, personal outdoor activities, gardening, rearing domestic animals/pets, playing cards/mahjong, and attending in social activities). A weighted genetic risk score (GRS) was constructed based on 11 lifespan-related loci and divided into two groups according to the median scores (0.21). The Cox proportional risk model was used to assess the association between different types of PAs and genetic risk with all-cause mortality.ResultsDuring 63,832 person-years of follow-up, 5678 deaths were documented. The hazard ratios (HRs) for all-cause mortality between different PAs (lowest activity vs highest activity) were 0.85 (95% CI 0.79–0.92) for leisure activities, 0.93 (95% CI 0.87–0.99) for regular exercise, and 0.93 (95% CI 0.86–1.01) for physical work, respectively. Compared with low leisure activities, high leisure activities were associated with 16% reduction in all-cause mortality for individuals with low longevity GRS (HR 0.84, 95% CI 0.76–0.93), and 14% reduction in all-cause mortality for individuals with high longevity GRS (HR 0.86, 95% CI 0.78–0.96). Adherence to regular exercise was associated with 11% reduction in all-cause mortality for individuals with high longevity GRS (HR 0.89, 95% CI 0.81–0.97), while there was no statistically significance for those with low longevity GRS (HR 0.97, 95% CI 0.89–1.06) compared with those without regular exercise. There was no additive or multiplicative interaction between PAs and longevity genetics (Pinteraction > 0.05).ConclusionsLeisure activities, as a low-risk, low-intensity, simple and inexpensive PA, rather than regular exercise, might bring the greatest health benefits, even for individuals with less longevity genes, highlighting the importance of providing individualized PA recommendations for older adults.

Despite the well-documented health benefits of Physical Activity (PA), older adults often struggle to engage in PA. The present review examines the relationship between PA, motivation and basic psychological needs among older adults aged 65 and over, through the lens of Self-Determination Theory (SDT). Relevant studies that used qualitative methodologies and applied SDT framework were systematically searched in five electronic databases (i.e. Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, PsycINFO and CINAHL). Methodological rigour was assessed using the GRADE-CERQual (Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative Research). 21 studies met inclusion criteria (N = 412; ages 65-97). Four themes and nine subthemes were identified. Peer relationships emerged as a pivotal element in supporting most autonomous forms of motivation and satisfying psychological needs (i.e. autonomy, competence and relatedness). A peer coach was preferred during several health programs, enhancing competence and relatedness. Outdoor activities in natural settings promoted intrinsic motivation, while indoor activities were driven more by extrinsic motivation. Barriers included ageist stereotypes and perceptions of inevitable physical decline, which negatively impacted competence and autonomy, ultimately reducing motivation for PA. This qualitative synthesis highlights a complex interplay of SDT components and social factors in influencing PA behaviours among older adults. Tailored interventions that integrate social interaction, provide feedback from coaches and offer choices among several exercises with graduate intensity levels are likely to enhance adherence in PA. Future interventions should address both psychological and social barriers to create inclusive PA strategies that meet older adults' needs and motivation.

Abstract This study aims to evaluate the levels and patterns of physical activity (PA) among PhD students during their doctoral training, with a particular focus on the correlation between PA, academic performance, stress management, and overall well-being. Main objective of this manuscript is to assess physical activity levels among PhD students and analyze associations between PA, perceived stress, and sleep quality. In this sense a cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted including 55 PhD students (30 females, 25 males), aged 26–34 years, from Health Sciences, Natural Sciences, and Social Sciences in Albania. Data collection tools included the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Biometric data such as Body Mass Index (BMI), resting heart rate, and VO₂ max were also recorded. Most participants recognized the health benefits of physical activity, but only a minority reported engaging in regular exercise. Low levels of PA were significantly associated with higher perceived stress and poorer sleep quality. Time constraints and academic workload were the main barriers to physical activity. Students in Health Sciences reported higher PA levels compared to their peers in Social Sciences. Male participants showed greater engagement in vigorous physical activity than females. In conclusion, PhD students in Elbasan face significant challenges in maintaining regular physical activity, adversely affecting their physical and mental health.

BackgroundWhile mobile health (mHealth) shows great potential for providing accessible support for physical activity following a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), it remains rarely utilised in secondary stroke prevention services. The aim was to develop an mHealth intervention through cross-sector collaboration between academia, end-users, and the medical technology industry, to support physical activity engagement in individuals post-stroke or TIA.MethodsThe intervention was developed through cross-sector collaboration between a project team (two stroke researchers, two physiotherapists with extensive stroke rehabilitation experience and a representative from the medical technology industry) and intended end-users (individuals post-stroke or TIA and physiotherapists). The development process consisted of three phases: 1) startup, prioritisation, and specifications for digitalisation; 2) development of the mHealth prototype; and 3) prototype adaptation based on feedback on end-user workshops. The project team led the entire development process and nine individuals post-stroke or TIA, and ten physiotherapists, participated in Phase 3 workshops.ResultsPhases 1-2 resulted in the prioritisation and development of exercise videos with diverse models representing various personas within the target population, incorporating diversity in sex, age, and motor impairments. Educational videos were developed to explain the intervention’s rationale, address safety considerations for home exercises, and emphasise health benefits of physical activity for secondary prevention of stroke. Lastly, a self-monitoring prototype for tracking physical activity was developed. Phase 3 workshops resulted in various user requirements for adapting the mHealth prototype, including simplified navigation, larger icons, and a more intuitive interface. Participants in both end-user groups also highlighted the importance of contextual considerations, such as the need for ongoing support to promote sustained physical activity within the mHealth intervention.DiscussionThe findings underscored the importance of designing an intervention that can meet individual needs and the perceived value of support from a physiotherapist experienced in stroke rehabilitation to build a therapeutic alliance in a digital intervention.ConclusionsThis iterative collaborative process identified critical contextual factors, user preferences for ongoing support in physical activity, and specific requirements for developing an mHealth intervention. The process included flexible online workshops with app-based activities, enabling interactive discussions with end-users. The project explored challenges and opportunities in adopting digital stroke prevention interventions through cross-sector and international collaboration, offering key lessons on managing expectations, navigating diverse working cultures, and engaging with regulatory bodies. As a result, we developed a mHealth intervention that is now ready for feasibility testing in Sweden.

Background: Physical activity has a number of benefits; however, the consequences of inactivity can have a negative impact on individuals and health and social care services. Increasing knowledge can play an important role in helping sustain behaviours that can lead to health benefits, reduce barriers and increase participation in physical activity while having a greater impact on public health policy. The aim of this study is to explore knowledge about physical activity benefits, levels of activity, awareness of risks of inactivity, sources of information about the benefits and the relationship between knowledge about physical activity recommendations and activity levels. Methods: A cross-sectional survey involving adults over 18 years old in Northern Ireland (weighted sample n = 2201) and Ireland (weighted sample n = 1279) was commissioned by the Institute of Public Health in 2021 to explore knowledge about health benefits and the association between knowledge and physical activity levels. Descriptive statistics in percentages were used to demonstrate the findings, while chi square tests of independence were used to examine if a significant relationship between activity and knowledge existed. Results: Only 4 out of 10 respondents knew the recommendations of at least 150 min weekly of physical activity. A chi square test of independence showed that the relationship between knowledge about recommendations and activity was significant (χ2(1, n = 3506) = 20.25, p < 0.001, not weighted). There was a sex difference in the association of knowledge about the recommended guidelines and activity levels. Women were more knowledgeable about many of the health benefits of physical activity but were less active than men. Conclusions: Overall, getting the adult population more active remains a challenge in public health promotion; however, knowledge alone does not equate to action. Therefore, it is essential to understand and address the range of challenges to increasing physical activity to ensure the needs of the whole population are met.

Despite the well-known health benefits of physical activity, 81% of adolescents are physically inactive. Overall, studies showed that physical activity decreases with age during childhood and from childhood to adolescence. However, physical activity does not change uniformly for all children, the changes differ inter-individually. There are several studies that examine correlates and predictors of different patterns of change. However, studies focusing on family environmental factors are rare. The current study examines the relevance of two types of family environmental influences-parents' educational level and the Physical activity related Family Health Climate-for physical activity change patterns from first to fourth grade in primary school. Longitudinal data sets from the KOMPASS(2) study (n = 497) were used for analyses. Parents' educational level, Family Health Climate and children's overall physical activity as well as their engagement in organized sports were measured using parent questionnaires. Four groups were formed to map patterns of change for both children's overall physical activity and for their engagement in organized sports (1st to 4th grade): (1) no/not enough engagement at both time points, (2) a change from no/not enough engagement to (enough) engagement, (3) a change from (enough) engagement to no/not (enough) engagement and (4) (enough) engagement at both time points. Data were analyzed using multinomial logistic regression. More than half of the children (53.5%) were in the pattern "continuously insufficient physical activity", with a higher proportion of girls. For participation in organized sport, most children (56.1%) were assigned to the "continuous organized sport" pattern of change. Results showed differences in overall physical activity patterns according to parents' educational level and children's sex. Girls and children with highly educated mothers had an increased risk of being continuously physically inactive over the course of primary school. Organized sport patterns are related to parents' educational level and Family Health Climate. Children with higher educated parents and a higher Family Health Climate score had a lower risk of not being active in organized sport. The study investigated characteristics of different patterns of physical activity change from 1st to 4th grade during primary school. It highlights the importance of differentiating between different types of physical activity as children's sex, parents' educational level and the Family Health Climate predicted overall physical activity and organized sports participation in different ways. This is the first study focusing on change patterns during primary school and stresses previous findings of an early decline of physical activity. The results indicate that the entry in the educational system might be a good time to start with interventions.