Physical Activity Knowledge Research Articles

The Development of Chinese Assessment and Evaluation of Physical Literacy (CAEPL): A Study Using Delphi Method.

The aim of this study is to introduce the development of the Chinese Assessment and Evaluation of Physical Literacy (CAEPL), to present the theoretical model of the CAEPL, and to quantify the weight of each domain of the CAEPL. 34 experts took part in the Delphi survey, and 23 experts completed all the three rounds of the survey. Experts’ opinions are used to develop the theoretical model of the CAEPL. The analytical hierarchy process (AHP) was employed for determining the weights of subdomains and items of the CAEPL. The CAEPL is a comprehensive model, including intention of physical activity (IPA), knowledge of physical activity (KPA), motor/sport skill (MSS), behavior of physical activity (BPA) and physical fitness (PF). Specific weights of IPA, KPA, MSS, BPA and PF are 17.25%, 16.23%, 27.01%, 23.72% and 15.79%, respectively. The CAEPL provides an important and useful instrument to measure and improve physical literacy (PL) among young Chinese people. Studies on the feasibility, reliability, validity and sensitivity of the CAEPL should be conducted to improve it in the future.

Students’ Knowledge and Behaviors for Active Living: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to capture students’ essential knowledge and behaviors concerning active living. Methods: Students (N = 1,079) from elementary, middle, and high schools in the United States reported their knowledge of physical activity and fitness (PAF knowledge), and physical activity and sedentary behavior using grade-specific PE Metrics tests and Youth Activity Profile, respectively. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were used to address the research purposes. Results: The total PAF knowledge scores and scores in subareas varied by gender and school level. A declining trend for physical activity and an increasing trend for sedentary behavior were observed. PAF knowledge positively predicted physical activity in elementary school boys and middle school girls and negatively predicted sedentary behavior in middle school students and high school boys. Certain PAF knowledge subareas (e.g., elementary school PD#3: knowledge about the characteristics of health-enhancing physical activity; middle school PD#1: knowledge of physical activity participation as part of a healthful lifestyle; high school PD#4: monitoring and adjusting physical activity to meet fitness needs) also significantly predicted behaviors. Conclusion: The findings may guide teachers’ curricular and instructional actions to enhance students’ PAF knowledge through physical education.

Understanding Contemplators’ Knowledge and Awareness of the Physical Activity Guidelines

The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion completed research to understand factors that could encourage Americans to follow the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, second edition, released in 2018. This study describes survey research assessing demographic characteristics that might be related to knowledge and awareness of the guidelines. An online survey of 2050 adult physical activity contemplators assessed knowledge of physical activity, awareness of the guidelines, and knowledge of dosage recommendations. Univariate and bivariate analyses were performed, and demographic differences in knowledge and awareness were analyzed using Pearson chi-square tests and Fisher exact tests. Respondents had medium to high knowledge of physical activity, although knowledge varied significantly by socioeconomic factors. Knowledge of dosage recommendations was very low, with 2% and 3% of respondents correctly identifying recommended moderate- and vigorous-intensity doses, respectively. Only 22% were aware of the guidelines; awareness was greater among those with a higher education or income and those without a disability. These findings guided the development of the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion's Move Your Way campaign and reinforced the need to raise awareness of the guidelines and promote behavior change among physical activity contemplators-particularly those from lower socioeconomic groups.

Investigating physical activity knowledge and beliefs as correlates of behaviour in the general population: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT This study examines knowledge of physical activity (PA) guidelines for cancer prevention and beliefs of the role of PA in preventing cancer as correlates of moderate-to-vigorous intensity PA (MVPA) behaviour among adults. Measures assessing socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of PA guidelines, and PA beliefs and behaviour were completed online by 654 adults (Mage = 36.92 ± 14.61 years) with no history of cancer. Data were analyzed descriptively and using unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression analysis. Approximately half the sample was aware of PA guidelines for cancer prevention (49.24%) and believed that PA was extremely effective in reducing the risk of developing cancer (48.93%). Knowledge of PA guidelines for cancer prevention was associated with a greater likelihood of being active (unadjusted odds ratio [OR]: 1.66, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.18–2.34; p <.01; adjusted OR: 2.05, 95% CI: 1.36–3.11; p <.001). Beliefs regarding the effectiveness of PA in preventing cancer was not associated with a greater likelihood of being active. There is a lack of awareness of current PA guidelines for cancer prevention. Experimental studies are needed to further explore if increasing adults’ knowledge of PA guidelines for cancer prevention can enhance PA levels.

Encouraging Undergraduate Student Experiential Learning through a Community-Based Fall Risk Assessment and Prevention Clinic

ABSTRACT Community engagement provides kinesiology undergraduate students with valuable experience and allows for personal and professional growth. Kinesiology students often seek out opportunities that pertain to their future career goals. As many of them aspire to allied health professions, working with special populations is of interest, including individuals with movement impairments. As a result of their knowledge of movement and physical activity, kinesiology students are uniquely qualified to quantify and prevent adverse events due to movement impairment, including falls. The purpose of this article is to overview undergraduate students’ involvement in a community-based fall risk assessment and prevention clinic through the lens of experiential learning theory. Collectively, this type of program has the potential to enhance the undergraduates’ educational experience and preparation for their future careers while also enriching the community with fall prevention resources.

Integrating Diabetes Prevention Education Among Teenagers Involved in Summer Employment: Encouraging Environments for Health in Adolescence (ENHANCE).

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) in youth is a growing healthcare and public health concern. It is costly, and youth suffer from disabling and deadly comorbid conditions at a faster pace than adult onset. However, T2D is preventable. The population of obese youth at greatest risk for T2D is of minority race/ethnicity and socioeconomically disadvantaged background, which creates barriers to health promoting lifestyles. Despite being the first line of prevention efforts for T2D, efficacious behavioral lifestyle interventions are still lacking at the community level. During the summers of 2016 and 2017, a study integrated obesity and diabetes prevention health education into TeenWorks summer employment program at Indy Urban Acres in Indianapolis, Indiana. Results were analyzed using paired sample t-tests. Participants (N = 168) had a mean age of 15.8 ± 0.7years, 61% female, 13% Hispanic, 80% Black. By the end of the intervention, physical activity (p = 0.000) and prevention knowledge (p = 0.000) were significantly higher. Dietary intake (p = 0.204), self-efficacy (p = 0.58), food insecurity (p = 0.058) and depression screening scores (p = 0.809) were not significantly different. In light of the continuing childhood obesity epidemic and increasing prevalence of prediabetes and T2D in youth, there is a pressing need to understand and reduce barriers to obesity and diabetes prevention in high-risk populations. This study demonstrated the feasibility of integrating obesity and T2D prevention health education into a teen summer employment program.

Anthropometric, body composition and behavioural predictors of bioelectrical impedance phase angle in Polish young adults - preliminary results.

Bioimpedance analysis (BIA) phase angle (PhA) is an index of the integrity of cells and cellular membranes. The aim of the study was identification of behavioural and anthropometric predictors of PhA in a group of young adults. A cross-sectional observational study of health behaviours, anthropometric indicators and body composition assessed by the BIA method was conducted in a group of Polish young adults (n=92) aged 18 - 24 (mean - 19.33, STD - 0.915). Behavioural variables included: level of physical activity, eating behaviours and nutritional knowledge. Body composition was analysed by means of BIA phase-sensitive 8-electrode medical SECA mBCA 525 device. The mean PhA value in the examined cohort was 6.38±0.75 (males - 7.22±0.72; females - 6.13±0.57). Males also showed higher statistically significant other body composition indices, excluding fat mass. The multiple regression model, including anthropometric variables and gender, which explained the effect of these variables on PhA, occurred to be significant (p<0.0000) and allowed explanation of the 82.49% of PhA variability. PhA was significantly predicted from body mass index (BMI), absolute fat mass, visceral adipose tissue value, skeletal muscle mass value and gender. The regression model, including behavioural predictors and gender, allowed explanation of the lower percentage of PhA variability (42.75%; p<0.0000) and included general intensity of health behaviours, level of nutritional knowledge, and gender. A regression model which would consider simultaneously anthropometric and behavioural variables could not be constructed. In the examined cohort, anthropometric and body composition variables showed a stronger predictive value with respect to PhA, compared to behavioural variables.

Investigation of the Physical Activity Self-Worth of Women Who Study in University

This study was conducted with the aim of investigating the physical activity self-worth of women who study in university. To measure the physical activity self-worth of the participants, the “Physical Activity Self-Worth Inventory”, which was developed by Huberty et al. (2013), was employed. As a result of the data obtained, “Independent samples t-test”, which is one of the parametric tests, was conducted to evaluate the level of differentiation in the variable of gender, an independent variable. To determine the differences in the answers provided for the question, “Are there any physical activities that you do for at least half an hour or longer in a week?” and the variable of grade, “One-Way Variance Analysis” was conducted, which is one of the parametric tests. The level of statistical significance (α error level) was regarded as p&lt;0.05. According to the faculties where the participants studied, it was determined that there were statistically significant differences in terms of the scores of physical activity knowledge subscale, physical activity emotional subscale and the total scores of physical activity self-worth inventory (p&lt;0.05). According to the participation of the participants in physical activities, it was determined that there were statistically significant differences in terms of the scores of physical activity knowledge subscale, physical activity emotion subscale and the total scores of physical activity self-worth inventory (p&lt;0.05). According to the grade at which the participants studied, it was determined that there were no statistically significant differences in terms of the total scores of physical activity self-worth inventory and all of its subscales (p&gt;0.05). In conclusion, in the comparison of the students of the faculty of sports sciences to the students of other departments, it was observed that the physical activity self-worth scores of those who exercise at least half an hour were higher compared to those who exercise irregularly and those who never exercise. Accordingly, the contents of elective lessons that can increase participation in physical activities in other departments of universities should be increased. To increase the individuals’ time and frequency of participation in physical activities, informative education that includes the benefits of physical activity to general health should be conducted.

Enhancing physical activity knowledge exchange strategies for Canadian long-haul truck drivers

PurposeCanadian long-haul truck drivers lead sedentary lives, but are receptive to receiving physical activity information to address health risks. This study examined how Canadian long-haul truck drivers would like to receive physical activity information in order to improve their overall health. The purpose of this study was twofold: 1) explore barriers Canadian long-haul truck drivers have to receiving and using physical activity information and 2) understand how physical activity information should be structured and delivered to these drivers to overcome these barriers.Design/methodology/approachSemi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 Canadian long-haul truck drivers. Drivers had, on average, 14.3 years of professional long-haul driving experience.FindingsFew drivers had received any physical activity information. Drivers discussed a culture where they perceived both employers and drivers to be lacking awareness of the importance of physical activity and its impact on health. Drivers explained they were too busy, stressed or tired to be active or to learn about physical activity. Information received by some drivers on this topic was too general to be helpful in changing physical activity behaviours. Drivers mentioned that personalized and accessible physical activity information should be provided to them through multiple methods by their employers, as an aspect of occupational health and safety.Practical implicationsFuture physical activity information strategies should use both passive and interactive mediums to promote physical activity to Canadian long-haul truck drivers.Originality/valueThis is the first study to assess how Canadian long-haul truck drivers would like to receive trustworthy information that can lead to healthful improvements in physical activity behaviour.

Physical activity knowledge, attitudes and behaviours among Irish nursing students

ABSTRACT Physical activity (PA) is a method of prevention and management of several non-communicable diseases. Adults who meet the recommended amount of PA report improved health, quality of life and social participation in their communities. Nurses play a key role in the promotion of healthy behaviors, are one of the most trusted and reliable healthcare professionals and tend to display a positive attitude and enthusiasm towards the promotion of PA. Student nurses are the future of the nursing workforce therefore it is important to determine their PA knowledge, attitudes and behaviors. This cross-sectional study examined PA knowledge, attitudes and behaviors among ninety-four Irish nursing students. Most nursing students (60.2%) were aware of Irish PA guidelines and could correctly identify these guidelines (83.7%). The students demonstrated a positive attitude towards PA in practice however reported a lack of confidence to give advice to patients. These findings correlate with the literature which states that nurses are enthusiastic to promote PA to patients but report a lack of skills, knowledge and time to do so. Over half of the nursing students engaged in vigorous PA, this contrasts with previous studies that have shown that nurses in practice report low levels of PA. This study highlights a lack of confidence in the area of PA among nursing students, therefore, it is vital to integrate more PA education into the nursing curriculum to equip the future nursing workforce with the skills and confidence they need to promote PA to their patients.

Promoting physical activity among children with cancer through an integrated experiential training programme with coaching: A qualitative study

ObjectiveThe study aim was to investigate how the integrated experiential training programme with coaching could motivate children undergoing cancer treatment to adopt and maintain physical activity. MethodsA descriptive phenomenological approach was used. A purposive sample of 23 children and their parents participated in one-to-one 25–30-minute semistructured interviews. Interviews were tape-recorded and transcribed. Colaizzi’s method of descriptive phenomenological data analysis was used. ResultsThe integrated programme motivated children with cancer by increasing children’s and parents’ knowledge of physical activity, enhancing confidence in physical activity and improving physical and psychological well-being. Moreover, the programme provided children with encouragement and psychological support through coach companionship. The programme also facilitated children’s participation in physical activity and modified perceptions of physical activity. ConclusionThis study addressed a gap in the literature by exploring how an integrated programme promoted and maintained physical activity in childhood cancer patients. Practice ImplicationsThe integrated experiential training programme is feasible and can be easily sustained. Future studies could extend the programme beyond aspects of physical activity to help people change their health practices and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Using Theory to Develop Healthy Choices in Motion, a Comprehensive, Experiential Physical Activity Curriculum.

Background: Research has shown that engaging in regular physical activity supports physiologic, metabolic, and immunologic processes, as well as quality of life. However, few youth in the United States meet the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommendation of 60 min of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity every day. School-based programs can be an effective avenue for engaging youth in physical activity, particularly when the design of the health education is based on theory, research, and practice. The purpose of this study was to design, implement, and evaluate a theory-driven physical activity curriculum for the Shaping Healthy Choices Program (SHCP) using a systematic approach.Methods: The experiential, inquiry-based physical activity curriculum, Healthy Choices in Motion (HCIM), was developed with an optional technology enhancement using Backward Design. A questionnaire to assess the curriculum's effect on physical activity knowledge was developed and assessed for content validity, internal consistency (α = 0.84), and test-retest reliability (r = 0.73). The curriculum was piloted in two phases among upper elementary-aged youth: to ensure the learning goals were met (Pilot I) and to determine the curriculum's impact on physical activity knowledge, behavior, and self-efficacy (Pilot II). Pilot II was implemented among eight 4th and 5th-grade classrooms participating in the UC CalFresh Nutrition Education Program: (1) Comparison (no intervention) (n = 25); (2) SHCP only (n = 22); (3) SHCP + HCIM (n = 42); (4) SHCP + HCIM with technology enhancement (n = 47). Analyses included unadjusted ANOVA and Bonferroni for multiple comparisons and paired t-test (p < 0.05).Results: Through the use of a methodical design approach, a comprehensive physical activity curriculum, called HCIM, was developed. Youth participating in HCIM improved physical activity knowledge compared to youth receiving no intervention (+2.8 points, p = 0.009) and youth only in the SHCP (+3.0 points, p = 0.007). Youth participating in HCIM with technology enhancement demonstrated improvements compared to youth only in the SHCP (+2.3 points, p = 0.05).Conclusion: Improvements in physical activity knowledge in youth participating in HCIM may contribute to improvements in physical activity and should be further explored in conjunction with behavioral measurements.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Pattern of Physical Activity in Middle School Students in Isfahan, 2015.

Background:The incidence of overweight and obesity in children has increased in recent decades. Physical activity (PA), which is a multidimensional behavior, has an important role in preventing and decreasing obesity. The aim of the study is to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and exercise habits of middle school students and also explore the differences regarding demographic variables in Isfahan, Iran.Materials and Methods:One thousand seven hundred and forty-one middle school students were studied in this cross-sectional study, in 2015, Isfahan. Knowledge, attitude, and pattern of PA were evaluated by a questionnaire. Data were described using central tendency and dispersion values, as well as t-test, Chi-square, ANOVA, and linear regression tests for further analysis.Results:Students living in Khour and Biabanak and Tiran got the highest and lowest scores in knowledge (mean ± standard deviation: 9 ± 1.32 and 6.7 ± 2.19, respectively). Education of the father is the only variable which was associated with the knowledge about PA after adjusting for other factors. About 62.5% of the students mentioned a good attitude toward PA. About 50% of the students said that they always and often do exercise. The most favorable exercise for all the students was walking.Conclusion:We provide the pattern of PA among middle school students of Isfahan province, which can be used to design evidence-informed policies and interventions that aim to increase PA in students.

Effect of Nutrition and Physical Education on Adolescents’ Physical Activity Levels, Nutrition Knowledge, Attitudes and Dietary Practices

Physical activity, nutrition knowledge, attitude and dietary practices are key factors associated with overweight and obesity. This study aimed to determine the effect of a school-focused nutrition and physical education intervention on the physical activity levels, knowledge, attitudes and dietary practices in relation to body weight among adolescents attending day schools in Kenya. Adolescent students, 15-18 years of age were randomly assigned to either control or intervention group. The intervention group received 8 weeks of nutrition and physical education sessions on healthy eating and physical activity. Data was collected using self-administered questionnaires. The study groups were comparable in baseline characteristics. Metabolic Equivalent for Task (MET) scores were significantly higher in the intervention group (T-test: -3.6998; p=0.002) at 6 months post intervention as compared to the control group, whose MET scores significantly decreased (T-test: 2.816; p=0.005) in the same period.At 8 weeks and 6 months post intervention, mean knowledge scores were higher in the intervention group as compared to the control group (3.798 ± 1.289 and 3.778 ± 1.246) for intervention and control groups respectively. At 6 months post-intervention, the mean knowledge scores were significantly higher in the intervention group compared to the control group (T-test: 2.269; p=0.024). At 6 months post intervention, mean attitude scores were significantly higher in the intervention group compared to the control group (T-test: -6.471; p<0.001). Those in intervention group were more likely to consume less unhealthy foods and more healthy foods at 8 weeks and at 6 months post intervention. This study improved Physical activity levels, Knowledge, Attitudes and Dietary practices of the adolescents.

Effect of information, education, and communication activity on health literacy of obesity and physical activity among school-going adolescents in Delhi

Introduction: Awareness about risk factors of lifestyle diseases such as obesity and lack of physical activity is present among adolescents but to some extent only. Furthermore, younger ones tend to maintain the unhealthy habits as they age. Thus, intervention should start at an early age. Aim: This study was conducted to assess the health literacy of school-going adolescents regarding obesity and lack of physical activity as risk factors for lifestyle diseases and assess the improvement in their knowledge after different information, education and communication (IEC) activities in two schools. Settings and Design: It was a school-based interventional study conducted in two schools. Material and Methods: Pretested questionnaire for baseline and post-IEC activity assessment of health literacy of risk factors like obesity and physical inactivity in lifestyle diseases was administered among students of Class 6, 7, and 8. Postintervention data were collected at 2 weeks after the first intervention and 3 months after the last intervention. Responses were scored and categorized as satisfactory and unsatisfactory. Statistical Analysis: Chi square test was applied to compare the proportion of scores (satisfactory and unsatisfactory) at baseline, 2 weeks and 3 months. Results: About 64% students in school 1 and 69% students in school 2 knew what obesity was. Moreover, about 79% of students in school 1 and 69% students in school 2 knew the minimum duration of physical activity required to prevent lifestyle diseases. There were a higher proportion of students with a satisfactory level of knowledge in both the schools after 2 weeks and 3 months of IEC activity, and the differences were statistically significant (P Conclusion: The proportion of students having satisfactory knowledge satisfactory knowledge of obesity and physical activity increased after educational interventions among school-going adolescents of both the schools.

Are You Better Than a 12-Year-Old Student? A Pilot Study to Explore Physical Literacy in Preservice Physical Education Teachers

Physical educators play a key role in role modeling to students within the school context. Therefore, there is a need to understand whether current physical education teacher education (PETE) provides sufficient knowledge and practice to prepare preservice educators to be successful. Thirty PETE preservice teachers (23 males, 7 females, aged 19–26) participated in this study. Participants performed tests in physical fitness and motor performance and completed an online questionnaire about cognitive factors (e.g., knowledge and understanding). In addition, a 7-day walking step total was recorded as daily activity in accordance with the Canadian Assessment of Physical Literacy testing battery. Each participant’s performance was compared with the achievement level of a 12-year-old child. Participants had significantly better performance in muscular strength (measured as handgrip test) and flexibility (measured as sit-and-reach test) than a 12-year-old. However, participants had significantly poorer performance in aerobic fitness (measured as PACER), motor performance (measured as obstacle course test), and muscular endurance (measured as plank test) than a 12-year-old. In addition, participants had significantly lower knowledge and understanding of health and physical activity than a 12-year-old. A positive relationship between physical competence (i.e., overall performance in physical fitness and motor performance) and cognitive factor was shown among participants. Growth and maturation may explain participants’ better performance in muscular strength and flexibility. Excessive weight status and low level of knowledge may have contributed to their poor performance in the physical competence domain. The positive relationship may indicate that cognitive factors are a strong predictor of the performance of physical fitness and motor performance. Therefore, for physical educators to promote a healthy lifestyle in education settings, the current PETE curriculum needs to be reviewed and relevant information delivered to promote physical literacy in PETE preservice teachers. Subscribe to TPE

Associação prevalência e fatores de risco entre obesidade e câncer de mama

No Brasil e no mundo a um aumento dos índice de câncer de mama a cada ano, logo os indivíduos obesos possuem um risco de 1,5 a 3,5 mais chances de desenvolver um câncer e a obesidade também é fator de risco para outros canceres. O presente artigo tem por objetivo analisar a associação, prevalência e fatores de risco entre obesidade e câncer de mama. Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa da literatura realizada através dos bancos de dados da Biblioteca Virtual de Saúde (BVS), Scientific Electronic Library Online (SCIELO) e Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências em Saúde (LILACS). Após a seleção de vinte artigos, apenas sete fizeram parte da amostra final. De acordo com os resultados obtidos, na associação entre câncer de mama e obesidade, constatou-se na maioria dos estudos que estes estão diretamente interligados, os quais apresentam pré-obesidade e obesidade geral entre as mulheres com câncer de mama. Tais resultados estão intimamente ligados a mulheres em tratamento na pós-menopausa. Em relação à prevalência, esta se encontra alta entre a população estudada, os fatores de risco apontam o sedentarismo, a baixa realização de atividades físicas e o baixo conhecimento acerca dos benefícios da mesma. O presente estudo limita-se a associação prevalência e fatores de risco entre obesidade e câncer de mama. Diante do exposto fica evidente a importância de estudos como estes, desde que contribuem diretamente para os estudiosos da área, bem como para a literatura.

School-Based Interventions Targeting Nutrition and Physical Activity, and Body Weight Status of African Children: A Systematic Review.

Background: Overweight/obesity is an emerging health concern among African children. The aim of this study was to summarise available evidence from school-based interventions that focused on improving nutrition and physical activity knowledge, attitude, and behaviours, and weight status of children aged 6–15 years in the African context. Methods: Multiple databases were searched for studies evaluating school-based interventions of African origin that involved diet alone, physical activity alone, or multicomponent interventions, for at least 12 weeks in duration, reporting changes in either diet, physical activity, or body composition, and published between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2018. No language restrictions were applied. Relevant data from eligible studies were extracted. Narrative synthesis was used to analyse and describe the data. Results: This systematic review included nine interventions comprising 10 studies. Studies were conducted among 9957 children and adolescents in two African countries, namely South Africa and Tunisia, and were generally of low methodological quality. The sample size at baseline ranged from 28 to 4003 participants. Two interventions reported enrolling children from both urban and rural areas. The majority of the study participants were elementary or primary school children and adolescents in grades 4 to 6. Participants were between the ages of 12.4 and 13.5 years. All but one intervention targeted children of both sexes. Four studies were described as randomised control trials, while five were pre- and post-test quasi-experiments. Except for one study that involved the community as a secondary setting, all were primarily school-based studies. The duration of the interventions ranged from four months to three years. The interventions focused largely on weight-related behaviours, while a few targeted weight status. The results of the effectiveness of these interventions were inconsistent: three of five studies that evaluated weight status (body mass index (BMI), BMI z-score, overweight/obesity prevalence), three of six studies that reported physical activity outcomes (number of sports activities, and physical activity duration ≥ 30 min for at least six days/week), and four of six reporting on nutrition-related outcomes (number meeting fruit and vegetable intake ≥ 5 times/day) found beneficial effects of the interventions. Conclusion: Given the dearth of studies and the inconsistent results, definite conclusions about the overall effectiveness and evidence could not be made. Nonetheless, this study has identified research gaps in the childhood obesity literature in Africa and strengthened the need for further studies, the findings of which would contribute valuable data and inform policy.

Organizational and Pedagogical Physical Activity Support for General Education School Students’ Parents

The research quotes data on the nature of pedagogical support for physical and sports activity of 7th grade students by impacting their parents’ behavior in this process. It is suggested that pedagogical support aimed at changing parents’ attitude to their children’s physical and sport activities will help develop self-cognition, self-development, self-education and self-improvement processes in all family members. 82 parents of 7th-grade cohort students participated in the survey. Features of parents’ knowledge of physical and sport activity’s value and role in organizing their children’s lives and parents’ personal role in this process is explored at the initial stage of the experiment. Pedagogical support based on including methods of diagnostics, self-observation and differentiated physical exercise, as well as meeting a number of pedagogical conditions helps change parents’ and general education school students’ attitude to physical and sport activity [5]. Efficiency of pedagogical support is demonstrated, as it impacts the level of experience in parents’ management of their children’s behavior within physical and sports activity. It is established that the majority of parents (70%) noted a positive impact of physical activity on relations between parents and children in achieving the set goals and the tasks of physical development and physical improvement

The feasibility and acceptability of a primary school-based programme targeting diet and physical activity: the PhunkyFoods Programme

BackgroundThis study aims to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of the PhunkyFoods Programme, a primary school-based intervention to promote healthy nutrition and physical activity knowledge and behaviours to assess outcomes to inform a phase 3 trial.MethodsThe cluster randomised feasibility trial recruited eight primary schools from the North of England. Elibility criteria included all primary schools in one town, excluding independent and special schools and schools that comprised of only key stage 2 pupils (years 3–6). Eight schools agreed to participate. Randomisation to intervention or control arms was in a 1:1 ratio. Intervention schools received PhunkyFoods over 17 months. Control schools continued with usual curriculum. Assessors were blinded to group assignment. Measures comprised of a Healthy Lifestyle Knowledge Questionnaire and Synchronised Nutrition and Activity Program to assess diet and physical activity, height, weight, and psychological wellbeing. Feasibility outcomes were recruitment, attrition rates, interviews with teaching staff, focus groups with pupils to explore the acceptability of outcome measures, implementation, intervention content, and programme fidelity.ResultsThree hundred fifty-eight pupils, aged 6–9 years from eight schools were recruited at baseline (control n = 170, intervention n = 188); 337 (94.1%) at 6 months (control n = 163, intervention n = 181); and 331 (92.5%) at 18 months (control n = 152, intervention n = 179), and 6 pupils opted out. Trends in increased knowledge of healthy lifestyle behaviours, healthier eating, and liking of fruit and vegetables were reported in the intervention compared to the control group. Year 4 intervention pupils had significantly higher healthy balanced diet knowledge scores compared to control pupils, mean difference 5.1 (95% CI 0.1 to 10.1, p=0.05). At 18 months, the mean percentage of vegetables liked was higher (intervention 53.9% vs. 43.0% control). Similarly, percentage of fruits liked was also higher (intervention 76.9% vs. 67.2% control). Qualitative data showed that delivery of the intervention was feasible and acceptable to teachers and pupils. Lessons were learned to inform the phase 3 trial around the dietary assessment measure and timing of recruitment.ConclusionsWhilst the study was not powered to detect a definitive effect, results suggest a potential to increase knowledge of healthy lifestyle behaviours and dietary behaviours, suggesting that with minor changes, a phase 3 trial is likely to be deliverable.Trial registrationISRCTN, ISRCTN15641330. Registered 8 May 2015—retrospectively registered, https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN15641330