Long-term Physical Activity Participation Research Articles

Harnessing technology and gamification to increase adult physical activity: a cluster randomized controlled trial of the Columbia Moves pilot

BackgroundThe use of health technologies and gamification to promote physical activity has increasingly been examined, representing an opportunistic method for harnessing social support inherent within existing social ties. However, these prior studies have yielded mixed findings and lacked long-term follow-up periods. Thus, a pilot cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted to gauge the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a digital gamification-based physical activity promotion approach among teams of insufficiently active adults with existing social ties.MethodsTeams (N = 24; 116 total participants) were randomized to either a 12-week intervention (Fitbit, step goals, app, feedback; TECH) or the same program plus gamification (TECH + Gamification). Mixed effects models were used to compare group differences in treatment adherence, and changes in social support, steps, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity at 12 weeks and 52 weeks from baseline, adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics and team size.ResultsTECH had a lower mean number of days of Fitbit self-monitoring versus TECH + Gamification during the intervention (adjusted difference: -.30; 95% CI, -.54 to -.07; P = .01). Post-intervention, TECH had 47% lower odds of self-monitoring 7 days per week versus TECH + Gamification (.53; 95% CI, .31 to .89; P = .02). No differences were observed between TECH + Gamification and TECH in increases in social support (0.04; 95% CI, -.21 to .29; P = .76), ActiGraph-measured daily steps (-425; 95% CI, -1065 to 215; P = .19), or moderate-to-vigorous physical activity minutes (-3.36; 95% CI, -8.62 to 1.91; P = .21) from baseline to 12 weeks or in the regression of these improvements by 1 year (Ps > .05). Although not significant in the adjusted models (Ps > .05), clinically meaningful differences in Fitbit-measured daily steps (TECH, 7041 ± 2520; TECH + Gamification, 7988 ± 2707) and active minutes (TECH, 29.90 ± 29.76; TECH + Gamification, 36.38 ± 29.83) were found during the intervention.ConclusionsA gamified physical activity intervention targeting teams of adults with existing social ties was feasible and facilitated favorable, clinically meaningful additive physical activity effects while in place but did not drive enhanced, long-term physical activity participation. Future investigations should explore optimal team dynamics and more direct ways of leveraging social support (training teams; gamifying social support).Trial registrationClinicaltrials.gov (NCT03509129, April 26, 2018).

The Journey to Sustainable Participation in Physical Activity for Adolescents Living with Cerebral Palsy.

To understand adolescents' and their parents' perspectives on 'being active', this study explored the experience of participation in physical activity (PA), the role of long-term participation in PA, and the importance of remaining active for life. Eight ambulant adolescents with CP (aged 11-16 years, seven male) participated in a high-level mobility programme twice per week for 12 weeks. Guided using interpretive description, adolescents and 12 of their parents were interviewed before, after and nine months following the programme. Thirty-eight interviews were coded, analysed, and interpreted, informed by audit information, reflective journaling, and team discussions. Adolescents and their parents highly value being active now and into adulthood. Sustainable participation in PA requires adolescents and families to navigate complex environments (interpersonal, organisational, community, and policy). Core themes were: 'Just Doing it', 'Getting the Mix Right' (right people, right place, right time), 'Balancing the Continua' and 'Navigating the Systems'. The continua involved balancing intra-personal attributes: 'I will try anything' through to 'I will do it if I want to' and 'It's OK to be different' through to 'It sucks being disabled'. The journey to sustainable participation was complex and dynamic. Experiences of successful journeys are needed to help adolescents with CP "stay on track" to sustainable participation.

EFEITOS DO TREINAMENTO COM CARGAS PROGRESSIVAS NA RESISTÊNCIA CARDIORRESPIRATÓRIA DE VELOCISTAS

ABSTRACT Introduction: The most evident change during exercise is the increase in oxygen demand, and prolonged high-intensity exercises may impact this even more on this demand. Physical training with progressive loads is a method that aims to reach the training goals by adjusting factors such as initial load, stage load, and a load of the athletes and can be a monitor of the aerobic and anaerobic exercise on the athlete with potential benefits for the high demand of oxygenation. Objective: Study the changes in heart rate and indexes of cardiorespiratory endurance of sprinters under training with progressive loads. Methods: By random sampling, the study subjects were 15 male sprinters and 15 non-sportsmen as research volunteers. The study subjects performed a protocol with progressive load training on a platform. All subjects underwent the Italian Kosmai cardiopulmonary function test before and after training. Results: The subjects who did not practice the sport showed VO2 max values at an exercise intensity of 13 km/h. The VO2 max maximum for sprinters was 15 km/h. Individuals who were not sprinters generally showed lower VT levels than sprinters (P <0.05). Average non-speeder individuals demonstrated higher MET scores than sprinters. Conclusion: Cardiopulmonary endurance and energy metabolism levels are strongly related to long-term participation in physical activity and exercise intensity. Incremental load training improved cardiorespiratory fitness in sprinters. The results may provide a specific theoretical basis for the daily training of sprinters in the future. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

Associations of physical activity participation trajectories with subsequent motor function declines and incident frailty: A population-based cohort study

Maintaining physical function and delaying frailty are of significant importance in both quality of life and health longevity for successful aging. The objective of this study is to investigate whether different trajectories of long-term physical activity (PA) participation are associated with subsequent motor function declines and incident frailty in middle-aged and elderly adults. Data from 8,227 aged ≥ 50 years adults enrolled in the English Longitudinal Study of Aging were analyzed. Long-term PA participation trajectories were assessed using group-based trajectory modeling over the first 6-year period from wave 1 (2002-2003) to wave 4 (2008-2009). The longitudinal associations of PA trajectories with motor function declines and incident frailty were evaluated by a linear mixed model and Cox regression model, respectively, with follow-up of 10 years from wave 4 to wave 9 (2018-2019). Five distinct trajectories of long-term PA participation were identified in the aging cohort, including persistently low-active trajectory (N = 2,039), increasing active trajectory (N = 1,711), declining active trajectory (N = 216), persistently moderate-active trajectory (N = 2,254), and persistently high-active trajectory (N = 2,007). Compared with the persistently low-active group, the participants in persistently moderate- and high-active groups experienced significantly decelerated grip strength decline, decreased gait speed decline, and faster chair rises after multiple-adjustment. Similarly, participants maintaining moderate- and high-active PA were also associated with a lower risk of incident frailty (multiple-adjusted hazard ratio: 0.70, 95% confidence interval: 0.62-0.80, and 0.42, 95% CI: 0.36-0.49, respectively), compared with those with persistently low PA. Notably, the participants with the increasing active trajectory got similar health benefits as those with persistently moderate and high levels of PA. In addition to persistent PA, increasing PA was linked to a slower decline in motor function and lower risk of incident frailty in the cohort. Our findings suggest that regular PA is never too late.

‘I play on a club team': examining the development of the physically active habitus in early primary education

ABSTRACT The drop off in physical activity (PA) for children has led to an increased focus on their PA engagement, due to the poor health outcomes often linked to this decline. Subsequently, stakeholders, across a variety of fields, have problematised and intervened in activity settings to address this decline. Many of these studies acknowledge high levels of activity in the primary years and tend to prioritise their efforts on the adolescent years. An important limitation in these studies is that they greatly overlook how a decline might also be related to children’s physical engagement in early childhood. To gain more insight on the role that early PA engagement may play in long-term PA participation, this paper examines early physical engagement through a focus on year one/ two students across three PA spaces – the home, the physical education (PE) class and the playground. Data was collected through a range of ethnographic and child-centred methods and examined using a Bourdieusian lens. This analysis shows that engagement in PA starts as a confluence between the physically active habitus, sport-focused PE and the sportised playground, which produces different patterns of engagement. This paper offers an in-depth examination of this process across the three spaces and identifies how these outcomes become habitualised over the course of primary school, which may play a role in affecting long-term participation. The paper concludes with a call for a more democratised approach to early primary PE, along with accompanying changes to the playground.

Long-term physical activity participation trajectories were associated with subsequent cognitive decline, risk of dementia and all-cause mortality among adults aged ≥50years: a population-based cohort study.

to evaluate self-reported physical activity (PA) participation trajectories over a 6-year span and to assess associations with subsequent cognitive decline, incident dementia and all-cause mortality. population-based cohort of 8,842 community-dwelling adults aged ≥50years in England. Group-based trajectory modelling was used to identify 6-year trajectories of PA participation. Cognitive decline, incident dementia and all-cause mortality were outcomes. five trajectories were identified, including persistently low (N = 2,511), initially low then improving (1,651), initially high then declining (249), persistently moderate (2,422) and persistently high (2,009). Compared with persistently low, participants of initially low then improving and persistently high PA participation experienced decelerated global cognitive decline of 0.012 standard deviation (SD)/year (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.004-0.021, P =0.004) and 0.021 SD/year (95% CI: 0.013-0.029, P < 0.001). They were also associated with lower dementia risk, with multivariate-adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) of 0.43 (95% CI: 0.31-0.60) and 0.35 (95% CI: 0.27-0.45). A similar pattern was observed for all-cause mortality, with HRs of 0.31 (95% CI: 0.13-0.74) and 0.25 (95% CI: 0.14-0.45). No significant differences were observed between persistently low and initially high then declining trajectories. for middle-aged and older adults, both gradually improved and persistently active PA participation were associated with decelerated cognitive decline, lower risk of dementia and all-cause mortality. Strategies focusing on improving and maintaining PA participation could be of significance by attaining considerable neurocognitive and longevity benefits.

Long-Term Physical Activity Participation and Subsequent Incident Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Population-Based Cohort Study.

BackgroundUncertainty remains concerning association between long-term physical activity and incident type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). We intended to evaluate physical activity participation over a 6-year span and assess association with subsequent 10-year incident DM risk, as well as examine mediation role by obesity.MethodsA total of 9757 community-dwelling adults aged ≥ 50 years in England were included in the population-based cohort. Physical activity participation, including trajectories and cumulative participation were assessed using weighted Z score over a 6-year span from wave 1 (2002–2003) to wave 4 (2008–2009). Incident DM recorded over a 10-year span from wave 4 (2008–2009) to wave 9 (2018–2019) was outcome.Results5 distinct activity trajectories were identified, including persistently low (N=3037, incident DM=282), initially low then improving (1868, 90), initially high then declining (325, 20), persistently moderate (2489, 170), and persistently high (2038, 108). Compared with persistently low, participants of initially low then improving, persistently moderate and high were associated with lower incident DM risk, with multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (HR) of 0.41 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.32 to 0.53, P<0.001), 0.70 (95% CI: 0.56 to 0.89, P=0.004) and 0.49 (95% CI: 0.37 to 0.65, P <0.001), respectively. Elevated cumulative activity was also associated with lower DM risk, with each quintile increment in cumulative weighted Z score corresponding to HR of 0.76 (95% CI: 0.71 to 0.82, P <0.001). Mediation analysis found that body mass index, waist circumference and change in body mass index mediate 10% (P <0.001), 17% (P <0.001) and 9% (P <0.001) of the observed association between activity and incident DM, respectively.ConclusionsFor middle aged and older adults, both gradually improved and persistently active participation in physical activity were associated with subsequent lower risk of incident DM, with obesity playing a potential mediator. Strategies focusing on improving and maintaining active participation in physical activity might be beneficial from DM prevention perspective.

\u201cIt makes me feel not so alone\u201d: features of the Choose to Move physical activity intervention that reduce loneliness in older adults

BackgroundDespite the well-known health benefits of physical activity (PA), older adults are the least active citizens. Older adults are also at risk for loneliness. Given that lonely individuals are at risk for accelerated loss of physical functioning and health with age, PA interventions that aim to enhance social connectedness may decrease loneliness and increase long-term PA participation. The objectives of this mixed-method study are to: (1) evaluate whether an evidence-based PA intervention (Choose to Move; CTM) influenced PA and loneliness differently among self-identified ‘lonely’ versus ‘not lonely’ older adults and (2) to describe factors within CTM components most likely to promote social connectedness/reduce loneliness.MethodsCTM is a flexible, scalable, community-based health promoting physical activity intervention for older adults. Two community delivery partner organizations delivered 56 CTM programs in 26 urban locations across British Columbia. We collected survey data from participants (n = 458 at baseline) at 0 (baseline), 3 (mid-intervention) and 6 (post-intervention) months. We conducted in depth interviews with a subset of older adults to understand how CTM facilitated or impeded their PA and social connectedness.ResultsPA increased significantly from baseline to 3 months in lonely and not lonely participants. PA decreased significantly from 3 to 6 months in lonely participants; however, PA at 6 months remained significantly above baseline levels in both groups. Loneliness decreased significantly from baseline to 3 and 6 months in participants identifying as lonely at baseline. Factors within CTM components that promote social connectedness/reduce loneliness include: Activity coach characteristics/personality traits and approaches; opportunity to share information and experiences and learn from others; engagement with others who share similar/familiar experiences; increased opportunity for meaningful interaction; and accountability.ConclusionHealth promoting interventions that focus on PA and social connectedness through group-based activities can effectively reduce social isolation and loneliness of older adults. Given the ‘epidemic of loneliness’ that plagues many countries currently, these kinds of interventions are timely and important. Research that further delineates mechanisms (e.g., sharing experiences vs. lectures), that modify the effect of an intervention on social connectedness outcomes for older adults engaged in community-based PA programs would be a welcome addition to the literature.

Pathways for Long-Term Physical Activity Participation for Military Veterans With a Physical Disability.

A gap in knowledge exists regarding how to maintain physical activity (PA) for individuals with acquired disabilities following initial introductory experiences. The current study aimed to contribute to filling this gap by exploring the PA pathways of military veterans with a physical disability, particularly those who maintain long-term PA, from impairment to the present. Veterans with a physical disability (N = 18) participated in interviews exploring their PA history and experiences. A reflexive thematic analysis was conducted to generate common pathways in PA participation, as well as to examine which elements of participation supported PA maintenance. Three long-term pathways were identified-two parasport pathways and one recreational PA pathway. Four elements of participation (i.e.,mastery, challenge, belongingness, meaning) supported to maintain PA at key junctures. This knowledge provides further understanding of how to promote long-term PA for individuals with acquired disabilities and can support advancements in theory, as well as program development.

“I Didn’t Think I Needed It. But I Find I Look Forward to It Very Much”: Social Connectedness and Physical Health through the Eyes of Older Adults

ABSTRACT Older adults are one of the least physically active populations and increasingly lonely. There is a growing body of literature that highlights that community-based programs are cost-effective to increase physical activity in the general population. However, little is known about community-based programs aimed to improve older adults’ physical activity and social connectedness. Given that lonely individuals are at risk for accelerated loss of physical functioning and health with age, physical activity interventions that also aim to enhance social connectedness may decrease loneliness and increase long-term physical activity participation. Thus, this study is part of a formative evaluation that will inform a larger scale out of community-driven physical activity and social connectedness programs for older adults in British Columbia, Canada. This article presents qualitative themes that shed light on the perceptions of thirteen older adults living in a rural context who participated in a community-driven health promotion program. The photovoice data reflect physical and social activity preferences and what facilitates/hinders participation. Social connectedness and its sub-themes intersect with themes: the natural environment, transportation, and physical and mental health. Findings offer insight for future physical activity and social connectedness programming and evaluation.

I ride for MS: The impact of bike MS participation on motivation for physical activity in individuals with multiple sclerosis

BackgroundMultiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurodegenerative disease that results in deficits in physical and cognitive functioning. Research supports the use of physical activity (PA) to aid in MS symptom management and slow disease progression, however individuals diagnosed with MS are generally physically inactive. Social support has been shown to increase PA behavior in group exercise settings. Events such as Bike MS, a charity bicycle ride where individuals raise money for MS, could increase motivation for participation and therefore may be an ideal setting to introduce PA to individuals diagnosed with MS. Objective/Hypothesis: The objective of the current research was to explore motives for participation in a Bike MS event in individuals diagnosed with MS and their family members, and examine if their Bike MS participation has translated to long-term PA behavior change and positive quality of life outcomes. MethodsA descriptive qualitative approach using semi-structured focus group, individual, and phone interviews, combined with observational field notes, was used to explore the experiences of seven individuals diagnosed with MS and four family members from two regional self-help groups who all actively participated in a Bike MS event. ResultsParticipants reported important social bonds, raising awareness for the cause, fundraising, long-term physical benefits, and overall increased quality of life as motives for participation. All participants reported long-term PA participation as a result of Bike MS participation. ConclusionResults support using Bike MS to increase long-term PA participation in individuals with MS, resulting in positive quality of life outcomes.

Psychologically informed physical fitness practice in schools: A field experiment

ObjectivesPhysical education could play a role in attenuating the decline in physical activity during the childhood-to-adolescence transition and inspiring children to adopt a lifelong physical activity habit. While psychological theories (e.g., Self-Determination Theory, Achievement Goal Theory) offer pointers for desirable changes to practice norms, experimental tests of the effectiveness of theory-based interventions in school settings are lacking. In this study, we compared the effects of a "traditional" and a "novel" physical education lesson on affective valence, enjoyment, and perceived satisfaction of the psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness. DesignWithin-subjects field experiment, with two counterbalanced conditions. MethodThe participants were 148 children (4-6th grade, 52% female). Both lessons consisted of practicing aerobic capacity (running), core (curl-ups), and upper-body (push-ups) strength and endurance. In the "traditional" lesson, practice procedures followed FITNESSGRAM™ test instructions. The "novel" lesson incorporated elements designed to address basic psychological needs (e.g., freedom to select preferred running path, positive interactions among peers) and other evidence-supported modifications (e.g., music and video). ResultsAffective valence declined in the "traditional" lesson but remained stable in the "novel" lesson. Enjoyment and need-satisfaction for competence were higher after the "novel" lesson. These differences occurred despite no significant differences in total accelerometer-assessed moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and the intensity of the aerobic components. ConclusionsEasily implementable, theory-based modifications to physical education practices could improve the experiences derived by students. In turn, experiencing physical education as more pleasant, enjoyable, and need-supportive could raise the odds of long-term physical activity participation.

Well-being and Long-term Physical Activity Participation in Midlife Adults: A Latent Class Analysis.

Despite the benefits of physical activity, a large majority of adults fail to get the recommended amount of regular exercise, and interventions to increase physical activity typically achieve only temporary improvements. The potential contribution of positive psychological functioning to the maintenance of physical activity has not been widely examined. To test the hypothesis that psychological well-being would increase the likelihood of sustained physical activity in adults using a person-centered approach with longitudinal data. Participants (N = 2,214) were from the longitudinal Survey of Midlife Development in the United States (MIDUS). Continuous latent variables representing physical activity at three waves of MIDUS were used to partition respondents into distinct (categorical) classes based on longitudinal activity profiles. Latent class analyses identified three distinct physical activity profiles: sustained, consistently low, and declining activity (the normative class). Multinomial logistic regression analyses showed that the odds of membership in the sustained activity class were significantly higher for those with higher eudaimonic well-being (OR = 1.08 [1.03-1.13], p = .001), after adjustment for diverse covariates. Supplemental analyses revealed similar associations for specific subdomains of eudaimonic well-being. This study provides evidence that greater well-being may help sustain physical activity in the long term. These results suggest that improving well-being may be a useful addition to interventions aimed at increasing long-term physical activity participation.

Prolonged Low‐ to Moderate‐Intensity Exercise Improves Metabolic and Oxidative Profiles in Healthy Adults

BackgroundOxidative stress results in cellular lipid, protein and DNA oxidation as well as overall metabolic dysfunction. This may result in chromosomal damage, telomere erosion, and accelerated cellular aging. Long‐term participation in physical activity promotes healthy metabolic and oxidative profiles whereas the effects of prolonged and continuous exercise, are unknown. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of prolonged exercise on oxidative and metabolic stress as well as cellular ageing in healthy adults participating in multi‐day wilderness expedition.MethodsTwenty‐seven people participated in the study. Sixteen went on a 14‐day, 260‐km wilderness canoeing expedition (12 males) (E) (24 ± 7 yrs, 72 ± 6 kg, 178 ± 8.0 cm, 18.4 ± 8.4 %BF, 47.5 ± 9.3 mlO2·kg−1·min−1), requiring 6–9 hrs of low to moderate exercise daily. Eleven acted as controls (7 males) (C) (31 ± 11 yrs, 72 ± 15 kg, 174 ± 10 cm, 22.8 ± 10.0 %BF, 47.1 ± 9.0 mlO2·kg−1·min−1). Blood sample collection was completed before and after the expedition. ANCOVA analyses, with age, gender, fitness, and baseline values as covariates, were performed on serum metabolic, hormonal and oxidative variables while telomere length was isolated from blood mononuclear cells.ResultsSerum total cholesterol, high‐ and low‐density lipoprotein, testosterone, insulin, sodium, potassium, urea and chloride concentrations were not different between groups. Serum triglycerides (TG), glucose (GLU), and creatinine (CR) levels were all lower following the expedition (TG, E: 69 ± 18 vs. C: 106 ± 45 mg·dL−1; p = 0.002: GLU, E: 86.2 ± 5.4 vs. C: 95.8 ± 8.8 mg·dL−1; p &lt; 0.001: CR E: 0.89 ± 0.13 vs. C: 0.96 ± 0.16 mg·dL−1; p &lt; 0.001). Oxidative stress, as assessed via malondialdehyde (MDA) was unaffected (E: 4.2 ± 1.3 vs. C: 4.1 ± 0.7 μM; p &gt; 0.05) but superoxidase dismutase activity (SOD), representative of antioxidant activity, was greater in the expedition group (E: 3.1 ± 0.4 vs. C: 0.8 ± 0.5 U·ml−1; p &lt; 0.001). Telomere length, as a cellular sign for stress and senescence, was unchanged (E: 1.00 ± 0.48 vs. C: 0.89 ± 0.28 TS ratio; p = 0.77).ConclusionThese results indicate a modest improvement in metabolic and oxidative profiles following 14 days of low to moderate exercise in healthy young individuals. The observed changes in SOD suggest a stronger cellular protective response from antioxidants to counteract the exercise‐associated production of pro‐oxidant free radicals and reactive oxygen species during prolonged low‐moderate physical loading. Although improved antioxidant activity may lead to increased telomere length, it seems that the present exercise stimulus was insufficient to promote a positive cellular aging profile with concordant chromosomal changes in our young participants.Support or Funding InformationThe work was supported by a Laurentian University Research Fund grant and a travel grant from the University of OuluThis abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Development of a physical literacy model for older adults \u2013 a consensus process by the collaborative working group on physical literacy for older Canadians

BackgroundArguably the uptake and usability of the physical activity (PA) guidelines for older adults has not been effective with only 12% of this population meeting the minimum guidelines to maintain health. Health promoters must consider innovative ways to increase PA adoption and long-term sustainability. Physical literacy (PL) is emerging as a promising strategy to increase lifelong PA participation in younger age-groups, yet there is relatively little evidence of PL being used to support older adults in achieving the PA guidelines.MethodsAn iterative and mixed-methods consensus development process was utilized over a series of six informed processes and meetings to develop a model of physical literacy for adults aged 65 years and older.ResultsA multi-disciplinary collaborative working group (n = 9) from diverse practice settings across Canada, and representative and reflective of the full range of key elements of PL, was assembled. Three consensus meetings and two Delphi surveys, using an international cohort of 65 expert researchers, practitioners, non-government organizations and older adults, was conducted. 45% responded on the first round and consensus was achieved; however, we elected to run a second survey to support our results. With 79% response rate, there was consensus to support the new PL model for older adults.ConclusionOlder adults are a unique group who have yet to be exposed to PL as a means to promote long-term PA participation. This new PL model uses an ecological approach to integrate PL into the lifestyles of most older adults. Understanding the interactions between components and elements that facilitate PL will ultimately provide a new and effective tool to target PA promotion and adherence for all older Canadians.

A Qualitative Examination of Hope and Physical Activity in the No Limits Running Program

ABSTRACTMany physical activity programs evaluate effectiveness using physiological and survey measures, but few assessments include participants’ perceptions. This study examined changes in self-perceptions of individuals participating in a 12-week beginning running program—the No Limits program. Over the course of the program, three methods of data collection took place. First, observations were completed with the researcher as both a non-participant and participant observer. Second, online individual interviews were conducted with 18 adults (15 females, 3 males), ranging from 29 to 70 years of age (M = 50.2 years, SD = 12.2 years). Finally, focus group interviews were also conducted with an additional eight female participants aged 18–32 years of age (M = 24 years, SD = 7.6 years). In individual and focus group semi-structured interviews, participants were asked to describe their experiences in the No Limits program. Two major categories emerged from the data—social support and goal-striving. Social support included experiencing a sense of belonging and encouragement from peers and coaches. Goal-striving included setting and achieving goals, which were related to participant self-confidence. The results indicated that social support, goal setting, and self-confidence are important factors in helping beginners adhere to an exercise program. The No Limits program had a positive impact on participants’ self-confidence, which has implications for physical activity and exercise adherence. Overall, these findings suggest incorporating social support, formal goal setting sessions, and efforts to increase the running-related self-efficacy to foster positive self-perceptions, exercise adherence, and long-term physical activity participation.

Exploring Australian secondary physical education teachers’ understanding of physical education in the context of new curriculum familiarisation

ABSTRACTThis paper explores Australian secondary physical education (PE) teachers’ understanding of PE in the context of new curriculum familiarisation. Data was initially collected through online surveys (phase 1), and based on this data, participants were sourced from, and volunteered to be interviewed as part of phase 2 (interviews). The analysis of the phase 2 data highlighted a diverse array of teachers’ views relating to PE that ranged from PE being synonymous with sport and a strong desire to develop habits and patterns of behaviour for long-term physical activity participation in recreational pursuits. Although the multi-activity program model is highly problematised in academic literature, it was found that the multi-activity model is prominent and uncontested in most secondary school PE programs. A conflict between the rhetoric and reality of the educative importance of PE was evident. Therefore, it is argued that there is a gap between the proposition for a curriculum to demonstrate the value of learning ‘about’, ‘through’ and ‘in’ movement, and the ‘everyday practice’ of PE found in schools.

Physical Activity in Community Dwelling Older People: A Systematic Review of Reviews of Interventions and Context.

BackgroundThe promotion and maintenance of higher physical activity (PA) levels in the older population is an imperative for cognitive and healthy ageing but it is unclear what approaches are best suited to achieve this for the increasing number of older people living in the community. Effective policies should be informed by robust, multi-disciplinary and multi-dimensional evidence, which not only seeks what works, but in ‘what context? In addition to evidence on the efficacy and effectiveness of PA for maintaining cognitive health, social contexts such as ‘how do we actually get older people to partake in PA?’ and ‘how do we sustain that activity long-term?’ also need highlighting. This review is part of a comprehensive evidence synthesis of preventive interventions in older age, with a focus on healthy behaviours to identify evidence gaps and inform policy relating to ageing well and cognitive health. An overview of systematic reviews of PA was conducted to explore three topics: (1) PA efficacy or effectiveness for primary prevention of cognitive decline in 55+; (2) Interventions efficacious or effective for increasing PA uptake and maintenance in 55+; (3) barriers and facilitators to PA in 55+.MethodsMultiple databases were searched for studies in English from OECD countries between 2000 and 2016. Quality of included reviews in questions (1) and (2) were assessed using AMSTAR. Review protocols were registered on PROSPERO (CRD42014015554, 42014015584, CRD42014015557) and reviews follow PRISMA guideline.FindingsOverall, 40 systematic reviews were included. Question 1 (n = 14). 8,360 participants. Evidence suggests that PA confer mild positive effects on cognition in older adults with and without previous cognitive impairment. However, there is insufficient evidence of a dose-response relationship. Evidence on the effects of PA on delay of dementia onset is inconclusive. Question 2 (n = 17). 79,650 participants. Evidence supports the effectiveness of a variety of interventions, including group delivered, centre-based and cognitive approaches on short-term uptake of PA behaviour. Question 3 (n = 9). 22,413 participants. Barriers include health status, previous PA habits and experiences, and cultural sensitivity, while facilitators include enjoyable activities and convenient scheduling.ConclusionPA can offer small benefits to brain health, but evidence on how much activity is required to produce this effect is lacking. Evidence on the effectiveness of PA for preventing dementia and cognitive decline is lacking. Behavioural (walking, exercise) and cognitive (counselling and motivational interviews) interventions are effective for short-term uptake of physical activity in older people. In order to maintain long-term participation in PA, individualised interventions modelled using behavioural theories may be required. Public health messages should be aimed at promoting acceptable levels of PA above normal daily activities in older people. Policy and strategies aimed at increasing PA in older people should be encouraged while considering barriers and facilitators to behaviour change.

Four-Year Physical Activity Levels among Intervention Participants with Type 2 Diabetes.

This study examined the effect of an intensive lifestyle intervention (ILI) on objectively assessed PA for a 4-yr period among older adults with type 2 diabetes. Data from 2400 participants (age = 59.3 ± 6.9 yr, body mass index = 36.1 ± 5.9 kg·m) with accelerometry data from the Look AHEAD trial were included in the analyses. Participants randomized to ILI were instructed to reduce caloric intake and progress to ≥175 min·wk of moderate-to-vigorous-intensity PA (MVPA), whereas those randomized to Diabetes Support and Education (DSE) served as the control group. PA was measured at baseline, year 1, and year 4 using an RT3 accelerometer, and bout-related MVPA (PA ≥3 METs, accumulated in bouts of ≥10 min in duration) was calculated. Despite no differences at baseline (ILI = 93.4 ± 152.7 vs DSE = 88.4 ± 143.6 min·wk), bout-related MVPA was significantly greater in ILI compared with DSE at year 1 (151.0 ± 213.5 vs 87.5 ± 145.1 min·wk, P < 0.0001) and year 4 (102.9 ± 195.6 vs 73.9 ± 267.5 min·wk, P < 0.001), and more ILI participants achieved ≥175 min·wk at year 1 (29.1% vs 16.3%, P < 0.001) and year 4 (18.3% vs 10.0%, P < 0.001). Forty-one percent of ILI participants who achieved ≥175 min·wk at year 1 maintained this threshold of PA at year 4. However, the majority of ILI participants never achieved the ≥175 min·wk threshold. When measured objectively and compared with DSE, ILI engaged in significantly more bout-related MVPA for a 4-yr period. However, future intervention strategies should target the large percentage of individuals who fail to reach the MVPA goal as result of a lifestyle intervention.

Impact of exergaming on young children's school day energy expenditure and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity levels

BackgroundAlthough emerging research is demonstrating the potential health impact of exergaming, investigations have primarily been conducted in laboratory settings among small samples with short-term interventions. Information on the effectiveness of exergaming in underserved children's objective physical activity (PA) in population-based settings is also scarce. Moreover, most empirical studies have only included 1 type of exergame in the intervention. Therefore, this study's purpose was to investigate the long-term impact of a multigame exergaming intervention among underserved children integrated within school curricula. Specifically, this study examined the effect of exergaming on children's accelerometer-determined sedentary behavior (SB), light PA, moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA), and energy expenditure (EE) over 2 years as compared with regular physical education (PE) classes. MethodsA total of 261 second- and third-grade children (134 girls, 127 boys; mean age 8.27 years) were recruited from 2 Texas elementary schools. Children's pre-test 3-day SB, light PA, MVPA, and EE at school were assessed in the fall of 2012. Participants were assigned to 1 of 2 groups: (1) exergaming/PE group (125 min weekly of exergaming-based PA program) and (2) comparison group (125 min weekly of PE). PA (SB, light PA, and MVPA) and EE outcome variables were assessed again in 2013 (post-test) and 2014 (follow-up). ResultsSignificant time effects were observed for SB (F(1, 162) = 25.0, p < 0.01, η2 = 0.14), light PA (F(1, 162) = 9.6, p < 0.01, η2 = 0.06), and MVPA (F(1, 162) = 6.2, p = 0.01, η2 = 0.04) but not for EE (F(1, 162) = 0.63, p > 0.05, η2 = 0.004). Subsequent pairwise comparisons revealed significant increases from pre- to post-test for light PA (p < 0.01), MVPA (p < 0.01), and EE (p = 0.02) with no changes in SB (p > 0.05). Conversely, significant decreases occurred in light PA (p < 0.01) from post-test to follow-up with no differences seen in MVPA (p = 0.08) and EE (p = 0.06) over the same time period. A significant increase was seen, however, for SB from post-test to follow-up. ConclusionExergaming PE can have the same positive effect on children's light PA, MVPA, and EE as regular PE. More research is necessary to discern how to promote long-term PA participation after conclusion of the intervention.