Impact Of Physical Activity Program Research Articles

The Positive Impact of Physical Activity Programs on Overall Child Health and Wellbeing

Background One of the most remarkable and significant topics of interest in the field of pediatric medicine is the positive impact of physical activity programs on overall child health and wellbeing. This review article aims to highlight the physical, mental and social aspects of physical activity programs and explore how movement programs can contribute to a healthier next generation by highlighting their benefits for children's health. Materials and Methods In the search for scientific literature for this review, data from the US National Library of Medicine (PubMed), PsycINFO, MEDLINE, and SportDiscus were used, and the terms “movement programs’’,’’ overall health’’, ‘’ physical activity programs’’, and “children’s psychological health” were used. The relevant literature has also taken its source from the research of relevant articles from reference lists derived from data searches. Results In today's modern world, where children are becoming increasingly sedentary and spending more time indoors in front of screens, it is becoming increasingly clear how physical activity programs play a vital role in improving children's health. Therefore, physical activity programs appear to have an extremely important health impact on children's physical, socioemotional, and psychological health by providing them with opportunities to participate in structured physical activities such as sports, games, and exercise. Conclusion It is recommended that movement programs be introduced in early childhood to help children develop a habit of physical activity. These physical activity programs should be designed in a way that encourages children to engage in physical activity in a playful and non-competitive manner. It is also important to recognize that movement programs can contribute to the physical and psychological health of children, while also fostering their social development.

Impact of Physical Activity Programs on Job-Related Stress among Healthcare Personnel

Introduction: Stress is a prevalent issue among healthcare workers, impacting their mental health, job satisfaction, and the quality of care provided to patients. Physical activity is recognized as a potential intervention for reducing stress, but its effectiveness specifically within healthcare settings remains underexplored. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the impact of physical activity programs on job-related stress among healthcare workers, synthesizing the latest evidence to guide clinical practice and policy. Methods: A comprehensive search of electronic databases, including PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science, was conducted for studies published up to 2022. The review focused on interventional studies and clinical trials that assessed the effectiveness of physical activity interventions in reducing occupational stress among healthcare workers. Only articles published in English were considered. Inclusion criteria targeted randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental studies, and controlled before-and after studies that reported quantitative outcomes on stress levels. The methodological quality of included studies was assessed, and data extraction focused on intervention details, sample sizes, and stress outcome measures. Results: Twelve studies were included, with sample sizes ranging from 20 to 200 participants. Interventions varied from structured exercise programs and aerobic exercises to yoga and mindfulness-based physical activities. The review found significant reductions in occupational stress, with risk ratios of interventions indicating a 10% to 30% decrease in stress levels. Aerobic and mindfulness-based activities were particularly effective, demonstrating a notable impact on reducing stress among healthcare workers. Conclusions: The systematic review provides strong evidence that physical activity interventions can significantly reduce occupational stress among healthcare workers. Given the variability in intervention effectiveness, healthcare institutions should consider implementing tailored physical activity programs as part of their employee wellness strategies.

Physical activity in the workplace: a cost or a benefit for organizations? A systematic review

PurposeMost adults do not follow the minimum requirements for physical activity despite the benefits such activity can provide toward improving quality of life. On average, an adult spends 60% of daily hours in the workplace, making it essential to create working environments that are favorable to avoiding harmful effects on the health of workers. Toward this end, the application of physical activity programs in a work context is one of the possible interventions. This study aims to carry out a systematic review of the literature to identify the impact of physical activity programs applied in the workplace, on employee wellness and organizational productivity.Design/methodology/approachThe search for reports was carried out in two databases, namely, Thomson Reuters Web of Science and Scopus, according to several inclusion and exclusion criteria. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) was applied to ensure the quality of the study. Microsoft Excel 2016 was used to organize the database to support the data analysis.FindingsThe sample comprised 64 reports published in international journals between 1986 and 2019. From these studies, six thematic clusters were formed: Workplace Physical Activity Interventions, Workplace Wellness, Physical Activity and Organizational Performance, Barriers to Developing Physical Activity Programs in the Workplace, Physical Activity and Sedentary Occupations and Workplace Physical Activity Incentives. The analysis of these clusters confirmed that the implementation of physical activity programs in this context could represent beneficial effects for workers and the organizational system by contributing to a reduction in the rates of absenteeism and presenteeism. However, there are still many organizations that do not implement such programs.Originality/valueThe results of this study are essential for managers of organizations to be able to implement physical activity programs in a work context, similarly to the application of a strategy of corporate social responsibility in an intra-organizational environment. This research may also be useful for professionals in the areas of sports and physical exercise, who want to build their business around physical exercise programs applied to a work context.

Impact of Physical Activity Programs on Job-Related Stress Among Healthcare Personnel

Impact of Physical Activity Programs on Job-Related Stress Among Healthcare Personnel

A School-Level Examination of the Association between Programs and Policies and Physical Activity Outcomes among Females from the COMPASS Study.

(1) The majority of Canadian youth are not meeting physical activity guidelines, and more female than male youth are falling short of these recommendations. School programs and policies are a viable strategy to improve youth physical activity. However, they may differentially affect female and male activity. This study aimed to examine school-level differences in physical activity outcomes among male and female students and to explore how school programs and policies associate with school-level physical activity outcomes among females. (2) This study used data from 136 schools participating in year 7 (Y7 2018–2019) of the COMPASS study. Data on school programs and policies and on student physical activity were collected. School-level means and percentages for outcomes were calculated and compared between males and females and the impact of physical activity programs and policies on female physical activity outcomes were examined. (3) More males met the guidelines, achieved more strength training days and physical activity minutes compared to females. The number of female varsity sports, community partnerships and fitness ambassadors were all positively and significantly associated with female physical activity. (4) Supportive physical activity environments fostered by offering varsity sports, establishing community partnerships and positive role models may promote physical activity among female youth.

Impact of Physical Activity Program upon Elderly Quality of Life at Al-Amara City/Iraq

Objectives: The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the physical activities program for the elderly among the quality of life; to determine association between elderly life qualities with their socio-demographic data. Method: A quasi experimental design was carried out from 14th January 2019, to 20th September 2019 in the city of Al-Amara. A random sample was used to select 6 out of 14 primary health care centers. A purposive sample was used through inclusion and exclusion criteria include (50) elderly visiting health centers for therapeutic or preventive reasons. The collected sample was divided equally (25) into two groups of men and women (study and control group) while the first group underwent an activity program. The data of the study were collected through the interview method and using the designed tool which contained (3) parts. Results: The findings of the study show that the two groups have a low level of activity and quality of life for the elderly before the program is conducted, while after the implementation of the program, the study group showed a significant improvement in physical activities at a high level score (2.36± 0.209), while the control group stay in same level score (1.37± 0.183). Quality of life demonstrated very good level score for post–test in the study group (3.91± 0.436) more than control group (1.73± 0.203).

Partnerships to Evaluate the Social Impact of Dance for Health: A Qualitative Inquiry

ABSTRACTObjectives: The purpose of this study is to determine the social impact and meaning of “Dance for Health” for participants who attended this community driven, intergenerational, physical activity dance program.Methods:This study employed a descriptive, qualitative design and utilized a participatory action research approach to obtain pilot data on fourteen participants between the ages 18 to 75. One focus group discussion with 13 participants and an individual interview with a female participant was conducted. Data collection took place in the community where intervention sessions were held. Audiotapes from one focus group discussion and one in depth individual interview were transcribed by a professional transcription service. The NVIVO computer program was used to organize the data. Directed content analysis of the data took place utilizing primary and secondary coding, category and theme development.Results: Three broad themes emerged representing the social impact of Dance for Health and included: (1) Enhancing the Well-being of the Individual, (2) Fostering Interpersonal Relationships and Connections, (3) Fostering Connections with the Community.Conclusion: A participatory action research approach facilitates successful collaborations between community organizations and academic institutions and can be used to evaluate the impact of physical activity programs on urban community residents. Participants experienced interpersonal and social benefits from regular attendance at the “Dance for Health” program, subsequently contributing to program sustainability. Focused attention to social determinants of physical activity participation can improve physical activity maintenance in residents who reside in under-resourced communities.

A snapshot of physical activity programs targeting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia.

Issue addressed Participation in physical activity programs can be an effective strategy to reduce chronic disease risk factors and improve broader social outcomes. Health and social outcomes are worse among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders than non-Indigenous Australians, who represent an important group for culturally specific programs. The extent of current practice in physical activity programs is largely unknown. This study identifies such programs targeting this population group and describes their characteristics. Methods Bibliographic and Internet searches and snowball sampling identified eligible programs operating between 2012 and 2015 in Australia (phase 1). Program coordinators were contacted to verify sourced information (phase 2). Descriptive characteristics were documented for each program. Results A total of 110 programs were identified across urban, rural and remote locations within all states and territories. Only 11 programs were located through bibliographic sources; the remainder through Internet searches. The programs aimed to influence physical activity for health or broader social outcomes. Sixty five took place in community settings and most involved multiple sectors such as sport, health and education. Almost all were free for participants and involved Indigenous stakeholders. The majority received Government funding and had commenced within the last decade. More than 20 programs reached over 1000 people each; 14 reached 0-100 participants. Most included process or impact evaluation indicators, typically reflecting their aims. Conclusion This snapshot provides a comprehensive description of current physical activity program provision for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across Australia. The majority of programs were only identified through the grey literature. Many programs collect evaluation data, yet this is underrepresented in academic literature. So what? Capturing current practice can inform future efforts to increase the impact of physical activity programs to improve health and social indicators. Targeted, culturally relevant programs are essential to reduce levels of disadvantage experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.

Ethnic Differences in Impact of Physical Activity Program on Psychological Symptoms in Youth.

Children who engage in regular physical activity are protected from developing behavioral problems at home and school, but many children do not have the opportunity to participate in regular physical activity. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a noncurricular school-based physical activity program resulted in reductions in children's psychological problems in 2 domains: internalizing (eg, depression) and externalizing (eg, aggression) and whether these effects varied according to ethnicity, gender, and baseline psychological symptoms. One hundred and eleven third-grade students (mean age = 8.47; 55% African American, 42% Latino) from 4 schools participated in the study. Children in 2 schools received the Work to Play physical activity intervention during the study (intervention condition) and children in the other 2 schools did not receive the program until after the study was complete (waitlist control condition). Teachers and parents reported on children's psychological symptoms at baseline and at follow-up approximately 9 months later. Regression analyses showed that children who participated in the program had fewer internalizing symptoms at follow-up. Ethnicity moderated intervention effects with significant decreases in internalizing symptoms for African American, but not Hispanic participants. Neither gender nor baseline psychological symptoms moderated the program's effectiveness. The Work-to-Play intervention program appeared to be effective in reducing internalizing symptoms for ethnic minority participants who are at the greatest risk for psychological problems.

Impact of physical activity on activity of daily living in moderate to severe dementia: a critical review.

The objectives of this study were to describe the different modalities of physical activity programs designed for moderate to severe dementia and to identify their impact on functional independence in activities of daily living (ADL). A critical review of randomized controlled trials related to the impact of physical activity programs in moderately to severely demented persons on ADL performance and meta-analysis of the identified studies were performed. Among the 303 identified articles, five responded to the selection criteria. Four out of the five studies demonstrated limited methodological quality. In one high-quality study, physical activity programs significantly delayed deterioration of ADL performance. The program components and ADL assessment tools vary widely across studies. Although the proposed treatments have not proven their efficiency in improving the ADL status of the patients, they were able to limit the decline in ADL functioning. Future research is warranted in order to identify clinically relevant modalities for physical activity programs for people with moderate to severe dementia.