Impact Of Physical Activity Interventions Research Articles

Impact of a physical activity intervention on adolescents' subjective sleep quality: a pilot study.

The aim of this pilot study was to examine the impact of a brief physical activity intervention on adolescents' subjective sleep quality. Cross-sectional studies indicate that physically active adolescents have better subjective sleep quality than those with more sedentary habits. However, less is known about the effectiveness of physical activity interventions in improving adolescents' subjective sleep quality. In a three-week physical activity intervention, four Icelandic upper secondary schools were randomized to either an intervention group with pedometers and step diaries or a control group without pedometers and diaries. Out of 84, a total of 53 students, aged 15-16 years, provided complete data or a minimum of two days step data (out of three possible) as well as sleep quality measures at baseline and follow-up. Subjective sleep quality, the primary outcome in this study, was assessed with four individual items: sleep onset latency, nightly awakenings, general sleep quality, and sleep sufficiency. Daily steps were assessed with Yamax CW-701 pedometers. The intervention group ( n = 26) had significantly higher average step-count ( p = 0.03, partial η2 = 0.093) compared to the control group ( n = 27) at follow-up. Subjective sleep quality improved ( p = 0.02, partial η2 = 0.203) over time in the intervention group but not in the control group. Brief physical activity interventions based on pedometers and step diaries may be effective in improving adolescents' subjective sleep quality. This has important public health relevance as the intervention can easily be disseminated and incorporated into school curricula.

Determinants of physical activity before and during pregnancy and impact of physical activity intervention on perinatal outcome in mothers with GDM and their offspring

The aim of this study was to examine the feasibility of an exercise program to improve physical activity and perinatal outcome in mothers with GDM (MUKIS study).

Impact of physical activity interventions on blood pressure in Brazilian populations.

BackgroundHigh blood pressure is associated with cardiovascular disease, which is the leading cause of mortality in the Brazilian population. Lifestyle changes, including physical activity, are important for lowering blood pressure levels and decreasing the costs associated with outcomes.ObjectiveAssess the impact of physical activity interventions on blood pressure in Brazilian individuals.MethodsMeta-analysis and systematic review of studies published until May 2014, retrieved from several health sciences databases. Seven studies with 493 participants were included. The analysis included parallel studies of physical activity interventions in adult populations in Brazil with a description of blood pressure (mmHg) before and after the intervention in the control and intervention groups.ResultsOf 390 retrieved studies, eight matched the proposed inclusion criteria for the systematic review and seven randomized clinical trials were included in the meta-analysis. Physical activity interventions included aerobic and resistance exercises. There was a reduction of -10.09 (95% CI: -18.76 to -1.43 mmHg) in the systolic and -7.47 (95% CI: -11.30 to -3.63 mmHg) in the diastolic blood pressure.ConclusionsAvailable evidence on the effects of physical activity on blood pressure in the Brazilian population shows a homogeneous and significant effect at both systolic and diastolic blood pressures. However, the strength of the included studies was low and the methodological quality was also low and/or regular. Larger studies with more rigorous methodology are necessary to build robust evidence.

A systematic review to assess the impact of physical activity intervention on people with metabolic syndrome

A systematic review to assess the impact of physical activity intervention on people with metabolic syndrome

Impact of physical activity interventions on anthropometric outcomes: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Considerable research has tested physical activity (PA) interventions to prevent and treat overweight and obesity. This comprehensive meta-analysis synthesized the anthropometric effects of supervised exercise interventions and motivational interventions to increase PA. Eligible intervention studies included healthy participants with reported anthropometric outcomes [e.g., body mass index (BMI)]. Extensive searching located 54,642 potentially eligible studies. We included data from 535 supervised exercise and 283 motivational interventions in our syntheses, which used random-effects analyses. Exploratory moderator analyses used meta-analytic analogues of ANOVA and regression. We synthesized data from 20,494 participants in supervised exercise and 94,711 undergoing motivational interventions. The overall mean effect sizes (ES, d) for treatment versus control groups in supervised exercise interventions were 0.20 (treatment vs. control within-group comparison) and 0.22 (between-group comparison). The ES of 0.22 represents a post-intervention BMI of 26.7 kg/m(2) for treatment participants relative to 27.7 kg/m(2) for controls. The corresponding mean ES for motivational interventions was significantly smaller (d = 0.09 for between group, d = 0.10 for treatment vs. control within-group). Control group within-group comparisons revealed slightly worsening anthropometric outcomes during study participation (d = -0.03 to -0.04). Moderator analyses identified potential variables for future research. These findings document significant improvements in anthropometric effects from both supervised exercise and motivational interventions.

Physical Activity and Obesity Research in the Asia-Pacific

Obesity is a global health concern and has a great impact on countries in the Asia-Pacific region. Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for obesity, but physical activity levels are declining in much of this region. Increasing physical activity is a priority in many countries. Considerable research has been conducted on physical activity related to obesity in Western countries, but populations in the Asia-Pacific region differ in physical, psychological, social, and cultural ways that warrant local and regional research. The authors reviewed research conducted in the Asia-Pacific region that examined either the impact of physical activity interventions on obesity-related outcomes or the effect of behavior-change interventions on physical activity participation. The number of studies found was limited, and their samples and methods varied too much to draw conclusions. The authors recommend further research in the Asia-Pacific region using systematic protocols to permit sound conclusions to be drawn and promote informed action at local levels.

Mediators of physical activity change in a behavioral modification program for type 2 diabetes patients.

BackgroundMany studies have reported significant behavioral impact of physical activity interventions. However, few have examined changes in potential mediators of change preceding behavioral changes, resulting in a lack of information concerning how the intervention worked. Our purpose was to examine mediation effects of changes in psychosocial variables on changes in physical activity in type 2 diabetes patients.MethodsNinety-two patients (62 ± 9 years, 30, 0 ± 2.5 kg/m2, 69% males) participated in a randomized controlled trial. The 24-week intervention was based on social-cognitive constructs and consisted of a face-to-face session, telephone follow-ups, and the use of a pedometer. Social-cognitive variables and physical activity (device-based and self-reported) were collected at baseline, after the 24-week intervention and at one year post-baseline. PA was measured by pedometer, accelerometer and questionnaire.ResultsPost-intervention physical activity changes were mediated by coping with relapse, changes in social norm, and social modeling from family members (p ≤ 0.05). One-year physical activity changes were mediated by coping with relapse, changes in social support from family and self-efficacy towards physical activity barriers (p ≤ 0.05)ConclusionsFor patients with type 2 diabetes, initiatives to increase their physical activity could usefully focus on strategies for resuming regular patterns of activity, on engaging family social support and on building confidence about dealing with actual and perceived barriers to activity.Trial RegistrationNCT00903500, ClinicalTrials.gov.

Impact of a Weight Training Program on the Self Determined Motives of Previously Untrained, Sedentary Women

The impact of physical activity interventions on the constructs of Self Determination Theory (SDT) and motivation have yet to include a weight training component. PURPOSE: To examine the impact of weight training on autonomy, competency, relatedness, and self determined motivation over a period of 12 weeks. We hypothesized that women who participated in a 12 week weight training program would exhibit a significantly greater level of autonomy, competency and self determined motivation than a non weight training control group at 12 weeks. METHODS: The sample consisted of 44 sedentary women with no prior weight training experience. The mean age was 22 years (range 18 - 29) and BMI's ranging from 19.3 to 46.7 (M=27.0). Upon random group assignment, psychosocial and anthropomorphic data were collected from all participants at baseline. The treatment group training protocol consisted of three 45-60 minute sessions/week. The treatment group also received a training manual and supervision from certified personal trainers for 14 of their 36 total sessions. The control group received the manual after post testing (week 13) and instructions on how to perform the exercises. RESULTS: Mean number of sessions completed was 33. Session attendance did not differ significantly within the treatment group. A between group effect was present F(1, 39) = 4.332, p <.05 at three months. At three months the weight training group (4.61 +.65) displayed a higher level of competence t(22) = 4.33, p =.05 than controls (3.72 +.63). CONCLUSION: An exercise intervention typified primarily by free weight exercises over 12 weeks is more efficacious than a weight training instruction booklet alone for increasing women's feelings of general exercise competence. Future analyses inclusive of a post intervention follow up period would test lend further insight by assessing both groups during a time exclusive of any supervised training.

Physical Activity Promotion in Business and Industry: Evidence, Context, and Recommendations for a National Plan.

The contemporary workplace setting is in need of interventions that effectively promote higher levels of occupational and habitual physical activity. It is the purpose of this paper to outline an evidence-based approach to promote physical activity in the business and industry sector in support of a National Physical Activity Plan. Comprehensive literature searches identified systematic reviews, comprehensive reviews, and consensus documents on the impact of physical activity interventions in the business and industry sector. A framework for action and priority recommendations for practice and research were generated. Comprehensive, multicomponent worksite programs that include physical activity components generate significant improvements in health, reduce absenteeism and sick leave, and can generate a positive financial return. Specific evidence-based physical activity interventions are presented. Recommendations for practice include implementing comprehensive, multicomponent programs that make physical activity interventions possible, simple, rewarding and relevant in the context of a social-ecological model. The business and industry sector has significant opportunities to improve physical activity among employees, their dependents, and the community at-large and to reap important benefits related to worker health and business performance.

Translating Physical Activity Recommendations into a Pedometer-Based Step Goal: 3000 Steps in 30 Minutes

It is a public health recommendation to accumulate at least 150 minutes per week of moderate intensity physical activity. Although pedometers are widely used as a physical activity-monitoring tool, they are unable to measure activity intensity. Translating current physical activity recommendations into a pedometer-based guideline could increase the public health impact of physical activity interventions. A community sample of 97 adults (60% women, with a mean age of 32.1 [+/-10.6] years and a mean BMI of 28.8 [+/-5.5]) completed four 6-minute incremental walking bouts on a level treadmill at 65, 80, 95, and 110 m x min(-1). A calibrated metabolic cart was used to measure energy expenditure at each speed. Steps were measured using a Yamax SW-200 pedometer. Step-rate cut points associated with minimally moderate-intensity activity (defined as 3 METs) were determined using multiple regression, mixed modeling, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. All data were collected and analyzed in 2006. For men, step counts per minute associated with walking at 3 METs were 92 step x min(-1) (multiple regression); 101 step x min(-1) (mixed modeling); and 102 step x min(-1) (ROC curve). For women, step counts per minute associated with walking at 3 METs were 91 step x min(-1) (multiple regression); 111 step x min(-1) (mixed modeling); and 115 step x min(-1) (ROC curve). However, for each analysis there was substantial error in model fit. Moderate-intensity walking appears approximately equal to at least 100 step x min(-1). However, step counts per minute is a poor proxy for METs, and so 100 step x min(-1) should be used only as a general physical activity promotion heuristic. To meet current guidelines, individuals are encouraged to walk a minimum of 3000 steps in 30 minutes on 5 days each week. Three bouts of 1000 steps in 10 minutes each day can also be used to meet the recommended goal.

A Step in the Maturation of the Field of Lifestyle Change Interventions

The report by Vallance et al in this issue represents another important step in the maturation of the field of lifestyle change interventions applied to cancer survivors. If oncologist attitudes are an indication, there is already a consensus that exercise is beneficial (62.0%), important (55.8%), and safe (63.1%) for patients with cancer during treatment. Despite these positive attitudes, only 28% of oncologists had recommended exercise to their patients in the last month. The field must continue to mature in terms of its scientific sophistication and credibility of its conclusions to justify to policy makers the expenditure of resources necessary to make exercise central to the rehabilitation of the cancer patient, as it is has been for two decades to the rehabilitation of the older coronary heart disease patient. The report by Vallance et al addresses some of the weaknesses noted in reviews of the literature evaluating the impact of physical activity interventions on breast cancer survivor outcomes. However, further maturation of the field will require more attention to causal mechanisms and mediational pathways, to issues involving adherence to the prescribed lifestyle changes, to identifying more cost-effective ways to expose patients to the physical activity prescription, and to tailoring type, frequency, duration, and intensity of physical activity prescription to the specific needs of patients.

Overweight Children Less Likely to Attain True VO2peak Using Heart Rate Criterion Than Lean Children

Assessing changes in VO2 in overweight children is essential for identifying the impact of physical activity interventions on fitness. Most current studies define a maximal effort during VO2 testing, and thus acquisition of a true VO2peak, as one in which 2 of the following 3 criteria are met: maximal HR > 200, respiratory exchange ration (RER)>1.0, and/or demonstration of a plateau in VO2. PURPOSE: To define the rate at which overweight children achieve true VO2peak using each of the individual criteria in combination. METHODS: 37 lean (BMI<85%-for-age) and 125 overweight (BMI≥85%-for-age) children underwent 309 maximal VO2 tests using a progressive treadmill walking protocol to volitional fatigue over 3 years as part of a study investigating the effects of fitness on insulin sensitivity. Acquisition of VO2peak was denned using the above criteria. A plateau in VO2 was denned as a change of ≥±2 ml/kg/min over the final 70 seconds of the study. Chi-square test was used to assess differences in rates between overweight and lean children. RESULTS: 100% of the tests in lean children, and 75.6% of tests in overweight children met 2 of 3 criteria for VO2peak (p<0.005). For the individual criteria, the percent of tests in lean vs. overweight children, respectively, achieving each criterion was as follows: RER>1.0: 100% vs. 98.5% (p>0.9); HR>200: 86.8% vs. 58.3%(p<0.005); and VO2 plateau: 56.8% vs. 53%(p>0.9). Of the studies where VO2peak criteria was met using HR and RER, 48.5% of tests in lean children, and 58.7% of tests in overweight children, also demonstrated a plateau in VO2(p>0.25). CONCLUSION: Overweight children are less likely to attain VO2peak due to lower peak heart rates during maximal VO2 testing. Since there is no difference between overweight and lean children in their ability to achieve a plateau in VO2 or RER>1.0, the current HR criterion for denning VO2peak appears inappropriate for use in overweight children. The inability of many overweight children to achieve a HR>200 may reflect physiologic changes that result in lower maximal heart rates than what would be predicted when based on age. As such, a new criterion for identifying a true VO2peak should be adopted that does not demonstrate a similar bias in overweight children.

Impact Of A 9-month School-based Physical Activity Intervention On Bone Development Among Sedentary Adolescent Females

PURPOSE Increased levels of peak bone mass have been associated with a decreased risk of osteoporotic fracture later in life. The present study evaluated the effects of a school-based physical activity intervention on bone mass development among sedentary, unfit, postmenarcheal adolescent females. METHODS Adolescents (mean age = 15.04 +/- .79 years) of mixed ethnicity (57% Caucasian) were assigned to an intervention (n = 63) or comparison (n = 59) group based on school attended. The 9-month intervention consisted of supervised in-class physical activity (4 days/week for 40 min), health education, and internet-based self-monitoring. The comparison group participated in assessments only. Bone mineral content (BMC) and bone mass density (BMD) for the whole body, left leg, left arm, spine, hip, and femoral neck were assessed via dual x-ray absorptiometer (DEXA) at baseline, 4 months, and 9 months. Calcium consumption (mg/kcal) and fat body mass at baseline were measured through a 3-day diet record and DEXA, respectively. Data were analyzed using one-way ANCOVAs of the change scores, controlling for body fat and calcium consumption at baseline. RESULTS Although trends were consistent with a beneficial impact of the physical activity intervention on BMC for the spine (+2.6% vs. −0.3%), hip (+1.7% vs. −1.4%), and femoral neck (+2.3% vs. −1.7%) between baseline and 4 months, the effects were not strong enough to reach statistical significance. Between 4 and 9 months, improvements in BMC for the left leg (+2.5% vs. − 1.2%) and left arm (+2.7% vs. −2.1%) were significantly greater in the intervention group as compared to the comparison group (ps < .05). CONCLUSIONS Small increases of bone mineral content at specific structural sites can be detected among sedentary, postmenarcheal adolescent females participating in a school-based intervention that increases physical activity.

Evaluating the Population Health Impact of Physical Activity Interventions in Primary Care—Are We Asking the Right Questions?

Background:This article evaluates the extent to which the literature on primary care-based physical activity interventions informs the translation of research into practice and identifies priorities for future research.Methods:Relevant databases were searched for: (1) descriptive studies of physician barriers to physical activity counseling (n = 8), and (2) reviews of the literature on primary care-based physical activity intervention studies (n = 9). The RE-AIM framework was used to guide the evaluation.Results:Lack of time, limited patient receptiveness, lack of remuneration, and limited counseling skills are the predominant barriers to physical activity counselling. Issues of internal validity (i.e., effectiveness and implementation) have received much more attention in the literature than have issues of external validity (i.e., reach and adoption).Conclusions:The research agenda for primary care-based physical activity interventions needs greater attention to the feasibility of adoption by busy primary care staff, generalizability, and dissemination.

Evaluating the impact of behavioral interventions that target physical activity: issues of generalizability and public health

Abstract Background. Few research-based programs have been translated into mainstream practice and little information is known regarding the public health impact of physical activity interventions. We postulated that the lack of translation and impact information might be the result of two primary reasons. First, the goal of physical activity promotion research in the exercise psychology domain has been to determine the effect of an intervention with a focus on strong internal validity while the goals of translation and public health have received little attention. Second, there is no clear criterion for evaluating the translatability or public health impact of physical activity promotion interventions. Purpose. To outline a methodology of evaluation to further the ability of researchers to determine the potential for translation and eventually the public health impact of physical activity interventions. Method : We provided a review of the research phases for the development of physical activity promotion programs (i.e., efficacy trials, effectiveness trials, and demonstration studies) and examined the applicability of the RE-AIM framework [ Glasgow, Vogt, & Boles (1999). American Journal of Public Health , 89, 1322–1327 ] to evaluate the potential translatability and public health impact of physical activity interventions. Results and Conclusions . A number recommendations were provided and it was concluded that the RE-AIM framework can be used to determine the: (a) potential for efficacy trials to translate well in effectiveness trials, (b) degree to which effectiveness trials are implemented and may be translated to demonstration studies, and (c) public health impact of demonstration studies.