Knowledge Of Physical Activity Guidelines Research Articles

UK midwives delivering physical activity advice; what are the challenges and possible solutions?

Despite physical activity (PA) providing specific health benefits during pregnancy and the postpartum period, many women report decreased PA during this time. Provision of PA advice has been found to be lacking amongst midwives due to a range of barriers. This study aimed to evaluate United Kingdom's midwives' current role and knowledge regarding the provision of PA advice to pregnant and postpartum women and identify the barriers and potential solutions. Ten UK midwives (mean work experience ± SD: 15.5 years ± 10.2) participated in semi-structured interviews between May and July 2023. Data were analysed using a deductive thematic approach following Braun and Clarke's six steps. Demographic data were collected by Microsoft Forms then summarised using Microsoft Excel. Six themes with 25 subthemes were identified as barriers and solutions in delivering PA advice. The role of midwives in providing PA advice during pregnancy; the role of midwives in providing PA advice postpartum; intrinsic barriers that limit PA advice provision (confidence, safety concerns, knowledge, and midwife's personal body habitus); extrinsic barriers that limit PA advice provision (lack of time, education, PA not a priority in care); solutions to allow midwives to promote PA (including formal PA education, and dissemination of resources); and optimising delivery of PA advice (personalized approach, interprofessional collaboration, and linking to mental health benefits). Midwives consider themselves ideally placed to provide PA advice to pregnant women, with many aware of the benefits PA provides. Despite this, there is a lack of PA advice provision and knowledge of PA guidelines. Postpartum PA advice appeared to be considered outside the remit of midwives, due to limited contact. Further research is needed to determine the current level of PA advice provision for pregnant and postpartum women and explore the role of other healthcare professionals involved in maternity care.

Physical activity for patients with chronic low back pain: What are physical therapists prescribing?

Despite the extensive evidence supporting physical activity (PA) for managing chronic low back pain (CLBP), little is known about PA prescription by physical therapists treating patients with CLBP. 1) Explore how PA prescriptions provided by outpatient physical therapists treating patients with CLBP align with PA guidelines. 2) Examine the barriers and facilitators of PA prescription among physical therapists working with patients with CLBP. We conducted a qualitative study with outpatient physical therapists who treat CLBP. Semi-structured interviews provided an understanding of physical therapist experience with PA prescription among patients with CLBP. The interviews were transcribed, coded, and analyzed thematically. The 18 participants had an average of 13.4 (6.4) years of clinical experience in outpatient physical therapy. Thematic analysis revealed: 1) Physical therapists' articulate knowledge of PA guidelines and importance of physical activity; 2) Patient factors take priority over the PA guidelines for people with CLBP; and 3) The importance of building and maintaining a strong patient-therapist relationship influences physical therapist prescription of PA for patients with CLBP. When providing PA recommendations for patients with CLBP, general movement recommendations are emphasized in place of explicit PA prescriptions. Our findings highlight factors for consideration when prescribing movement and PA for patients with CLBP.

Pedagogical Content Knowledge of Movement Opportunities in Toddler Education: Perceptions of Early Childhood Educators and Student Teachers

AbstractEarly childhood education and care (ECEC) institutions are considered contexts wherein physical activity (PA) can be effectively promoted. Some approaches have been used in the early childhood setting to identify how teachers incorporate movement opportunities into the ECEC curriculum. However, studies are still scarce regarding pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) of structured and non-structured movement possibilities in toddler education (1–3 years old). Taking into account that working with toddlers requires specific training and sensitivity, the aim of the study was to assess ECEC educators’ and student teachers’ perceptions of what they know, how they transmit it, what kind of curricular practices they execute, and the didactic implications of movement opportunities in toddler education. This was an exploratory qualitative research study, in which open-ended, semi-structured qualitative interviews, plus qualitative content analysis of a written questionnaire, were conducted with 14 educators and 20 student teachers. Our results show that educators and students distinguish PCK in the different curricular practices related to movement, identifying differences between structured PA opportunities and free play opportunities. Educators and student teachers identified different sources of knowledge, barriers, and facilitators of structured movement opportunities in the ECEC toddler context, and they recognized that PA is important to young children’s development; however, little knowledge of PA guidelines to promote it was evident. Our findings contribute to understanding educators’ perceptions regarding movement as a curricular practice for children aged 1 to 3 years. Educators and public administration could find structured PA to be a complement to a harmonious development from a young age.

UK physiotherapists delivering physical activity advice: what are the challenges and possible solutions? A qualitative study

ObjectivesDespite the known health benefits of physical activity (PA), PA levels are in decline. Healthcare professionals, including physiotherapists, have been identified as ideal conduits to promote PA, yet their knowledge...

The Perspectives of Preservice Kinesiology Students Concerning Autism and Physical Activity: Differences by Adapted Physical Activity Exposure.

This study investigated the effect of an adapted physical activity (APA) course on knowledge and perceptions of preservice trainees regarding physical activity (PA) and autism spectrum disorder in 3 areas: knowledge/perspectives, importance and ease of improving developmental domains, and importance and ease of improving motor skills. Four hundred upper-level undergraduate students were recruited to participate in this survey-based study (251 APA students and 149 non-APA students participated). Survey data were analyzed using multivariate analyses of variance. Participants estimated that the moderate to vigorous PA recommendations are 39.34minutes per day, that 46.65% of moderate to vigorous PA occurs during school, and that 61.03% of children have motor difficulties. Participants perceived activities of daily living, sleep habits, and heart health as the easiest domains to improve, and problem behaviors, social skills, and self-esteem as the most difficult domains to improve. Knowledge/perspectives regarding autism spectrum disorder and PA were different by APA exposure (F12,324 = 3.11, P < .001). Differences included self-efficacy in providing PA advice, knowledge of PA guidelines, and willingness to provide motor assessment referrals. Students differed by APA exposure in the importance of developmental domains (F8,381 = 4.37, P < .001) but not ease of improving those domains. Results suggest that APA education and contact with children with disabilities improves self-efficacy, perspectives, and knowledge of PA and motor concerns in children with autism spectrum disorder.

Physical activity knowledge and confidence of education staff in a special education setting

Children with intellectual disabilities (ID) are less likely to meet physical activity (PA) guidelines and have higher tendencies towards sedentary behaviors. Considering a large proportion of a child's day is spent at school, this setting provides a promising environment for increasing PA levels. Staff often significantly impact the success of PA within schools. Limited research has focused on PA knowledge and confidence of staff in a special education setting. In this study, staff from two Schools for Specific Purposes in Sydney, Australia, were invited to complete a questionnaire regarding their knowledge of child PA guidelines, and their confidence in delivering PA to children with ID. Questions were derived from the validated Schools Physical Activity &amp; Nutrition Survey (SPANS). Descriptive analyses were completed on all variables. The questionnaire was completed by 55 of the 74 participants. Although 40.0% reported knowledge of Australian PA guidelines for children, only 20% correctly identified these guidelines. PA was perceived to be ‘extremely important’ (4.69/5) for children with ID, and staff reported ‘confidence’ (3.78/5) in delivering PA for children with ID. Only seven (12.7%) participants reported meeting the New South Wales Department of Education PA requirements (mean = 100 minutes per week). We conclude that despite confidence in delivery of PA and its perceived importance, staff within special education settings have little knowledge of child PA guidelines and are unlikely to meet current Department of Education requirements. We suggest a targeted intervention to improve staff knowledge of PA guidelines, which may enhance the delivery of PA for children with ID.

UK Doctors Delivering Physical Activity Advice: What Are the Challenges and Possible Solutions? A Qualitative Study.

Despite strategies to enable Health Care Professionals (HCPs) to give physical activity (PA) advice to patients, this appears to be rarely done in consultations. The aims of the present study were to gain an understanding of doctors’ awareness of current PA guidelines and to explore their opinions on barriers and solutions. A qualitative approach using semi-structured interviews was adopted. This study included 15 doctors currently working in the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). A thematic analysis approach was used to analyse the transcripts. Four themes and twelve sub-themes were deciphered. Intrinsic factors limiting the delivery of PA advice included a lack of knowledge of PA guidelines and PA being an afterthought. Barriers to delivering PA guidance included a lack of PA education, time pressures, and patient engagement. Solutions included staff training, incorporating PA into undergraduate training, and encouraging staff to be physically active. Methods to optimise PA guidance included individualised PA advice, local exercise services and schemes, utilising online and visual resources, and motivational interviewing. This study provides an updated insight into doctors’ opinions on barriers and solutions to discussing PA with patients. It is clear that further work is needed to ensure greater awareness of PA guidelines amongst clinicians.

Australian University Nursing and Allied Health Students' and Staff Physical Activity Promotion Preparedness and Knowledge: A Pre-Post Study Using an Educational Intervention.

The promotion of physical activity (PA) by health professionals is a key strategy to increase PA levels in the population. In this study, we investigated PA promotion, preparedness, and knowledge among university nursing and allied health students and staff, as well as PA resource usage within curricula, before and after an educational intervention. Students and staff from 13 health disciplines at one Australian university were invited to complete an online survey, and a curriculum audits were conducted before and after PA teaching resources were promoted by academic PA champions (n = 14). A total of 299 students and 43 staff responded to the survey pre-intervention, and 363 and 32 responded to the post-intervention, respectively. PA promotion role perception (≥93%) and confidence to provide general PA advice (≥70%) were high throughout the study. Knowledge of PA guidelines was poor (3–10%). Students of physiotherapy, sport and exercise science, as well as more active students, were more likely to be aware of the PA guidelines (p < 0.05). Over 12 months, PA promotion preparedness and knowledge did not change significantly, nor was there a change in the amount of PA content delivered, despite a significant increase in the use of the teaching resources across a number of disciplines (p = 0.007). Future research should be carried out to investigate the implementation of the resources over time and to develop additional strategies for PA promotion and education scaffolded across curricula.

Use of a novel flipped classroom intervention to increase medical students’ knowledge of physical activity guidelines

Background: It is important medical students, as tomorrow’s doctors, have knowledge of physical activity (PA) guidelines. Previous data suggests only 14.9% of medical students knew adult PA guidelines. This study aimed to assess how a novel flipped classroom intervention impacted undergraduate medical students’ knowledge of PA guidelines and their confidence applying these in clinical practice. Methods and Results: This study utilised a prospective repeat measures quantitative design to evaluate the educational intervention. Survey results of the intervention group were compared to the comparison group. 45% of students who received the intervention knew adult guidelines, compared to 12% of students who did not receive the intervention (χ²(2, N = 244) = 33.07, p &lt; 0.001). 39% of the intervention group knew child guidelines, compared to 20% who did not receive the intervention (χ²(2, N = 244) = 10.59, p = 0.001). The intervention group felt more confident in PA training and asked for less PA training in the future. Conclusion: The results suggest a flipped classroom intervention had a positive impact on medical students’ knowledge of PA guidelines, and confidence in PA training. Further research is required to assess longer-term impacts of this teaching and follow-up the same year group pre- and post-intervention.

542-P: Determinants of Objectively Measured Physical Activity in Chinese Immigrants in the U.S. with Prior Gestational Diabetes

Background: Women with prior gestational diabetes (GD) have times the risk of developing type 2 diabetes (T2D) as women without prior GD. Chinese immigrants in the US are disproportionately affected by GD and T2D. Physical activity (PA) is a modifiable lifestyle strategy to reduce the risk of T2D. The aim of this study was to identify health beliefs, cultural, and psychosocial determinants of objectively-measured PA among Chinese immigrants in the US with prior GD. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study among 1Chinese immigrants with prior GD (6 months to 5 years postpartum) across the US, recruited primarily via WeChat. PA was measured by GT9X+ hip accelerometers for 7 consecutive days. Validated questionnaires in English and Chinese were used to assess health beliefs, cultural, and psychosocial characteristics. Descriptive, bivariate, and multiple regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with PA levels. Results: The mean age of participants was 34.3±3.7 years, and mean body mass index was 21.7±2.6 kg/m2. Mean daily steps were 5912±2139. Only 28% met the PA guidelines of ≥150 minutes of moderate- to vigorous- physical activity (MVPA) per week. The duration of MVPA per week was 86 [IQR 39- 152] minutes. Participants had an average of 9.2±1.4 hours of sedentary time per day, which was about 64.7±7.8% of the total wear time. In the final adjusted model, participants who had higher acculturative stress [-0.25 (SE=0.14) , p=.006], were not living with parents [-0.21 (SE=0.22) , p=.020], had no knowledge of PA guidelines [-0.18 (SE=0.17) , p=.039], and had an annual household income of &amp;lt; $60K [-0.21 (SE=0.23) , p=.025] were had fewer MVPA minutes per week. Conclusion and implication: Strategies are needed to increase MVPA among this high-risk group, including decreasing acculturative stress and increasing knowledge of PA guidelines. The findings from this study will inform the development of culturally-sensitive interventions. Disclosure S.Huang: None. G.I.Ash: None. S.Nam: None. S.Jeon: None. E.Mcmahon: None. R.Whittemore: None. Funding Connecticut Nurses’ Foundation Scholarship Award

Gender differences in physical activity status and knowledge of Irish University staff and students

ObjectivesThe aim of this study is to examine gender differences in physical activity status and knowledge of physical activity guidelines in University staff and students.Methods820 survey respondents, 419 males and 401 females (Age: mean 30 ± 12, median 24 years; Weight: mean 73.4 ± 15.8 kg; Stature: mean 172.1 ± 10.2 cm) were recruited via internal email. All participants completed a self-administered online format of the Global Physical activity Questionnaire.ResultsLess females were regularly active than males in students (p ≤ 0.001; Cramer’s V = 0.232 [small]), and staff (p = 0.003; Cramer’s V = 0.249 [small]). Overweight BMI incidence was greater among male students (p = 0.014; Cramer’s V = 0.13 [small]), and staff (p = 0.007; Cramer’s V = 0.31 [large]). A total of 43% of males and 29% of females were overweight or obese. No significant difference between genders for PA recommendations knowledge was observed (students; p = 0.174; Cramer’s V = 0.054 [trivial], staff; p = 0.691; Cramer’s V = 0.035 [trivial]). No significant difference between genders for disease incidence was observed (students; p = 0.894; Cramer’s V = 0.005 [trivial], staff; p = 0.237, Cramer's V = 0.101 [small]).ConclusionsMales had greater levels of PA participation and incidence of overweight BMI compared to females. These findings suggest PA status alone does not determine BMI status. Further investigation is needed to determine factors related to BMI status.

The Effectiveness of an Online Learning Strategy on Changing Physical Activity Counseling Practice in Nurses.

Nurses may be well poised for providing physical activity guidance and support to patients. The purposes of this study were to examine the effectiveness of a concise, evidence based online learning modules strategy (OLMS) for improving nurses' physical activity counselling. 68 nurses were randomly assigned to either an OLMS group or control group. The OLMS group completed a series of six online learning modules aimed at improving physical activity counselling practice. The OLMS group, compared to the control group, showed a trend for improvement in Physical Activity Counselling Practice (p = .063) after controlling for baseline values, and significant improvement in (a) Self-efficacy for Physical Activity Counselling (p = .001), (b) Knowledge of Physical Activity Guidelines, (p = .031), and (c) Perceived Benefits of Physical Activity Counselling (p = .014) over the course of the intervention. No significant change was found for Barriers for Providing Physical Activity Counselling (p > .05). The OLMS tested may be an effective means for improving self-efficacy, knowledge, and perceived benefits of physical activity counselling, suggesting the utility of online learning strategies for improving nurses' physical activity counselling practice. Given barriers to providing physical activity counselling were not affected by the intervention, future interventions and policy change could target these barriers specifically in order to give nurses more tools and time for reaching patients and addressing physical activity counselling in practice.

Health Educator Participation in Virtual Micro-Credentialing Increases Physical Activity in Public Health Competencies.

Background: Physical activity is an important component of leading a healthy life. Public health is one of the nine major sectors for disseminating information about physical activity and increasing the physical activity of the general public.Purpose: Increase competency among Cooperative Extension agents (i.e., public health workers) on selecting, delivering, and evaluating physical activity programs through a theory-based online training program.Methods: Cooperative Extension agents from two states were invited to participate via statewide listservs. Participants were invited to attend sessions, complete competency checks, and between-session assignments each week. The study was conducted using a video conferencing platform. The intervention was 9 weeks from June to July 2020 and had 130 participants. Pre- and post-program surveys included physical activity competencies and validated scales for flourishing and physical activity status. Data for competencies pre and post were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed rank test, p < 0.01. Physical activity and flourishing pre and post were compared using t-tests, p < 0.05.Results: Physical activity in public health competency increased significantly (p < 0.00) as did agents' personal physical activity levels (p < 0.05). Changes in flourishing were not significant (p < 0.09) but trended in the hypothesized direction.Conclusions: The online competency-based training program significantly improved Cooperative Extension agents' knowledge of physical activity guidelines and physical activity program implementation. Future work is needed related to the scalability of the training program.

Are MSc (pre-reg) Physiotherapy students likely to promote parkrun as a social form of physical activity? A pilot study

Purpose: Existing research has explored physical activity promotion, knowledge of physical activity guidelines and the physical activity habits of UK physiotherapists and physiotherapy students. Other research has highlighted a lack of curriculum content in physical activity and exercise. Final-year UK physiotherapy students have been shown to perceive a professional role in promoting physical activity for health, yet have demonstrated variable knowledge of this subject area.

Impact of a National Peer-Led Training Program to Increase Brief Physical Activity Advice Given to Patients by Health Care Professionals.

The benefits of physical activity for preventing and managing long-term health conditions are well established and health care professionals could promote physical activity to patients. The current study aims to evaluate the impact of the Clinical Champions Physical Activity Training Program. Health care professionals attend a one-off in-person training session delivered by a trained Clinical Champion. Attendees at the Clinical Champions Physical Activity Training Program were asked to complete a baseline survey prior to the training session and follow-up surveys 4 and 12 weeks posttraining. A total of 5945 training attendees completed the baseline survey. A total of 1859 and 754 participants completed 4- and 12-week follow-up (31.3% and 12.7% response rate, respectively). Significant increases in confidence to deliver brief physical activity advice and knowledge of physical activity guidelines were reported at 12 weeks (P < .001). The perceived frequency of physical activity discussions with patients significantly increased (P < .001). Twelve weeks after training, fewer barriers in promoting physical activity were reported. The evaluation of the Clinical Champions Physical Activity Training Program demonstrated an increase in knowledge of physical activity guidelines, levels of confidence, and frequency of delivery of brief physical activity advice to patients. Further research is required to determine if this impact translates into changes to patients' physical activity behavior.

How to Address Physical Activity Participation After Stroke in Research and Clinical Practice.

How to Address Physical Activity Participation After Stroke in Research and Clinical Practice.

Knowledge, attitude and practice of physical activity promotion among physiotherapists in India during COVID 19

IntroductionCoronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and the nationwide lockdown has increased sedentary time and physical inactivity. Physiotherapists are one of the essential health professionals who are actively involved in promoting physical activities. The study objectives included assessing knowledge of physical activity guidelines, physiotherapist attitude towards involvement in physical activities and practice of routine physical activity assessment, and its promotion among physiotherapists in India during COVID-19. MethodIn this cross-sectional survey study, the study tool was prepared using Google Forms. It consisted of sixteen questions on knowledge, attitude, and practice of physical activities among physiotherapists. Study participants were physiotherapists with a minimum of a bachelor's degree qualification and practicing in India. ResultsOne hundred and eighty responses were received from sixteen states of India. The average age of respondents was 28 years, and the average work experience of five years. This study found that only 19% of physiotherapists could give the correct answer in all three domains of WHO PA guidelines. 70% of physiotherapists found with an appropriate attitude as they met the 150 min of moderate PA per week. 68% reported that they promote physical activities in routine practice. ConclusionThis study suggested the majority of physiotherapists perform physical activity assessment and promotion in routine practice in India. Most of them have an appropriate attitude towards physical activity, but very few physiotherapists have adequate knowledge of WHO physical activity guidelines. Physiotherapists should actively promote physical activities in routine practice to reduce the impairment due to physical inactivity especially during the Corona virus disease pandemic in India. Efforts should be made to increase the physical activity awareness in terms of knowledge of WHO physical activity guidelines, different assessment, and promotion strategies.

身体活動ガイドラインの認知・知識の評価方法，並びに身体活動量との関連性についてのレビュー

身体活動ガイドラインの認知・知識の評価方法，並びに身体活動量との関連性についてのレビュー

Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, Anxiety, and Pain Among Musicians in the United Kingdom.

Context and AimsAlthough some exercise-based interventions have been associated with lower levels of pain and performance-related musculoskeletal disorders (PRMDs) among musicians, the evidence is still mixed. Furthermore, little is known about musicians’ general engagement in physical activity (PA), their knowledge of PA guidelines, or the relevant training they receive on pain prevention and the sources of such training. Similarly, little is known about the relationship between PA and PRMDs and other risk factors for PRMDs.MethodsFollowing a cross-sectional correlational study design, both standardized and ad hoc measurements were used to investigate self-reported PA [International Physical Activity Questionnaire – Short Form (IPAQ-SF)], knowledge of PA guidelines, and barriers to engaging in PA [Centers for Disease Control (CDC); Determinants of Physical Activity Questionnaire (DPAQ)]; sedentary behavior [Sedentary Behavior Questionnaire (SBQ)]; pain [36-Item Short Form Survey Instrument (SF-36)] and PRMDs (frequency and severity); reported physical exertion (RPE); anxiety [Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)]; practice behaviors (e.g., practice time; taking breaks frequency; warming up); and relevant training among conservatoire students in the United Kingdom. The entire set of questionnaires was administered both online and via hard copies between June 2017 and April 2018.ResultsDemographic information was obtained from 111 respondents, mostly undergraduate students (UGs) from seven conservatoires. They reported high levels of engagement in PA, despite poor knowledge of PA guidelines. Teachers were the most frequently mentioned source of pain prevention information (by 43% of respondents), and 62% agreed that they had received advice on why they should engage in cardio PA. Sedentary behavior was comparable to normative data. Levels of bodily pain and PRMDs were low, but 43% showed “abnormal” clinical anxiety and found playing their instruments “somewhat hard” (RPE) on average. Bodily pain interfering with practice and performance was positively correlated with frequency and severity of PRMDs, anxiety, and RPE. Frequency and severity of PRMDs were also associated with sedentary behavior at the weekend. Anxiety was associated with RPE. No association was found between PA and PRMDs.ConclusionThe relationship between PA and PRMDs and pain remains unclear and needs further investigation. While health education needs to be improved, other pathways may need to be taken. Given the high levels of anxiety, the ideology of Western classical music itself may need to be challenged.

Health Care Professionals' Knowledge and Attitudes Toward Physical Activity in Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review.

The purpose of this study was to, combine current available literature across health professionals to determine commonalities and differences between knowledge and attitudes of physical activity (PA) and its importance within the cancer population. It aimed to identify any gaps in the literature to inform future study directions to enhance PA participation and improve health outcomes and quality of life. Design: systematic review. Google Scholar, EBSCO, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science. survey-based studies specifically reporting PA levels for both cancer patients and survivors from the perspective of oncology health care professionals. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) was used to guide this review. The initial search highlighted 15,342 articles and returned 190 articles with relevant titles, of which 20 met the eligibility criteria; 15.8% of cancer patients reported to meeting PA guidelines during treatment and 36.5% after treatment. On average 58.1% of health care professionals self-reported discussing PA with their cancer patients, with the average referral rate to an exercise specialist or rehabilitation program being 18.3%. Only a limited number of health care professionals are initiating a discussion about PA with their cancer patients. Some health care professionals reported limited knowledge of PA guidelines for cancer patients. Their own personal PA levels do not seem to be associated with whether they discuss PA with their patients. Common barriers to providing PA advice were experienced across all health care professions such as time, limited referral pathways, and patient interest. Future research should be carried out to substantiate these barriers and discover which strategies could be implemented to improve the levels of PA discussions and referrals within clinical practice. Given the position nurses hold within the health care system, it would be beneficial to upskill and improve their understanding of PA and exercise as medicine for the cancer population. This has enormous potential that could enhance PA advice and boost referrals to exercise professionals improving the health and quality of life of the cancer population.