Meeting Physical Activity Guidelines Research Articles

Step rate-determined walking intensity and walking recommendation in Chinese young adults: a cross-sectional study

There is lack of data on the physiological characteristics of over ground walking and walking recommendations for Chinese young adult. The purpose of the study was to measure walking-related energy...

Sitting-time and 9-year all-cause mortality in older women

BackgroundStudies of mid-aged adults provide evidence of a relationship between sitting-time and all-cause mortality, but evidence in older adults is limited. The aim is to examine the relationship between total...

Associations Between Compulsory Physical Activity During Military Service and Activity in Later Adulthood Among Male Veterans Compared With Nonveterans

Military veterans provide a large and diverse population to examine the extent to which compulsory physical activity (PA) in early adulthood is associated with PA later in life. We assessed self-reported and objectively measured PA and sedentary time in the 900 veterans and 2036 nonveterans with valid data from the 2003-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys. Analyses were adjusted for the complex survey design and age, race/ethnicity, education, marital status, and poverty. Based on self-report, the proportion of veterans and nonveterans meeting PA Guidelines did not differ significantly (51.1% vs. 43.9%, P = .26). However, a greater proportion of veterans reported regular vigorous leisure-time activity (30.4% vs. 19.6%, P = .04) and muscle-strengthening activities (24.4 vs. 16.7, P = .051). Based on objective PA monitoring, activity levels between veterans and nonveterans also did not differ significantly, although mean counts and minutes per day were numerically greater in nonveterans. By self-report (P = .02) and PA monitors (P = .065), estimated sedentary time was greater in veterans than in demographically similar nonveterans. Veterans were no more likely than nonveterans to meet PA Guidelines, but may have been more likely to perform vigorous activities and conversely, to spend more time in sedentary activities.

Association of Available Parkland, Physical Activity, and Overweight in America's Largest Cities

To examine associations between the densities of available parkland, parkland provided per capita, and levels of physical activity (PA) and overweight in urban United States. Cross-sectional correlation research using data drawn from the Trust for Public Land's 2010 City Park Facts and The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). City Park Facts is a report containing "basic information on urban park systems--from acreage, to facilities, to staffing, to budgets, to usership, and more" for America's 85 largest cities. The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System is a state-based surveillance system that collects information on health risk behaviors, preventive health practices, and health care access primarily related to chronic disease and injury. Sixty-seven metropolitan statistical areas in the United States that provided data for both reports. Randomly selected adults aged 18 years and older who participated in the 2009 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey in the 67 metropolitan statistical areas. Total parkland per acre of metropolitan area was correlated to inactivity, engaging in recommended levels of moderate or vigorous PA, engaging in recommended levels of vigorous PA, and body weight. Parkland acreage per 1000 residents was correlated to these same variables. Multilevel models considered these relationships while controlling for race, family income, and age of respondents and accounting for clustering by metropolitan statistical area. There were significant, positive correlations between park density and PA (r(s) = 0.37, n = 67, P < .01) and between park density and exercise (r(s) = 0.35, n = 67, P < .01), and a negative correlation between park density and being above normal weight (r(s) = -0.32, n = 67, P < .01). Adjusted multilevel models showed that parkland density in the highest versus lowest quartile was associated with significantly higher odds of meeting PA guidelines (aOR = 1.19, 95% CI: 1.08-1.30) and reduced odds of being overweight/obese (aOR = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.76-0.95). Each of these findings substantiates the need for providing parkland in a community. As such, this research helps to support the notion that the development of a strong park system may lead to positive PA and health outcomes for that community.

The Relationship of Actigraph Accelerometer Cut-Points for Estimating Physical Activity With Selected Health Outcomes

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of child and adult cut-points on physical activity (PA) intensity, the prevalence of meeting PA guidelines, and association with selected health outcomes. Participants (6,578 adults ≥ 18 years, and 3,174 children and adolescents ≤ 17 years) from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003–06 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2006) wore an accelerometer for 7 days. PA intensity was estimated with 5 child-derived and 12 adultderived cut-points. For all, the cut-point influenced PA intensity and the prevalence of meeting PA guidelines. Similarly, cut-point selection influenced the relationship between physical activity and various health outcomes. Future research should further enhance meaningful cut-points relevant to populations with diverse health and age profiles.

The Daily Physical Activity (DPA) policy in Ontario: is it working? an examination using accelerometry-measured physical activity data

In 2005, the Ontario Ministry of Education announced a policy requiring that all elementary students be provided with opportunities to participate in a minimum of 20 minutes of sustained moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) each school day during instructional time. To the authors' knowledge, this policy has never been formally evaluated. In a form of natural experiment with Project BEAT, we explored within 16 Toronto District School Board schools the proportion of children who participate in DPA, and the proportion who achieve sustained MVPA within these sessions; these are the objectives of this article. Consent was given by 1027 parents/guardians for their children to participate (boys, n=478; girls, n=549). Physical activity (PA) was measured using accelerometry and classroom schedules collected to identify sessions of DPA. The frequency of DPA and number and duration of sustained bouts of MVPA (> or =5 min) were computed and explored relative to PA levels and health outcomes. Fewer than half of the participating children were provided with DPA every day and not a single child engaged in sustained MVPA for > or =20 minutes. On the more positive side, children who engaged in DPA every day were significantly more active than their peers. Those accumulating at least 1 bout of MVPA were more active and likely to meet PA guidelines, and fewer of these children were overweight. The majority of schools are not meeting the DPA policy. However, as the frequency and intensity of DPA increases, so do positive health outcomes. This paper provides supporting evidence that when this policy is implemented, the intended health benefits are achievable.

Weight status, dietary intake, physical activity, and subjective social status of adolescents in grades 7–12 participating in a national creative competition

ObjectiveTo examine if dietary intake (DI), physical activity (PA), and school and family subjective social status (SSS) differed based on weight status (WS).Methods2,438 students in grades 7–12, who were surveyed and measured at a national creative competition, met study criteria and were included in the analysis. BMI was calculated using standard protocol. DI, PA and SSS data were collected via surveys.Results74.3% of participants were normal weight, 15.3% were overweight, and 10.4% were obese. 55.7% of respondents reported participating in ≥60 minutes of PA/day, 86.9% reported viewing &lt;3 hours of TV/day, 20.5% reported consuming ≥3 dairy products/day, and 33.0% reported consuming ≥5 fruits and vegetables/day. There were no differences in DI by WS, but there were significant differences in PA measurements (p≤.001). Perceived family SSS was significantly higher for normal weight students compared to overweight and obese students (p=.019 and p≤ .001, respectively) and school SSS was significantly higher for normal weight students compared to obese students (p=.005).ConclusionThe prevalence of overweight and obesity was lower among this sample than current rates estimated in the US. Although the majority of these students met PA guidelines, DI recommendations were not met by most. Similar to previous research about SSS and WS, normal weight students had higher perceived SSS than did obese students.

Does pain limit function? Associations between pain and self-reported function and physical activity in the older adult

Numerous studies have elucidated the many benefits of being physically active across the lifespan, further endorsed by the recent 2008 physical activity (PA) guidelines for individuals over 65 put forth by the U.S. Government. Unfortunately many older adults do not meet these PA recommendations. While there may be many barriers to meeting PA guidelines, we were interested in investigating the potential association between pain and function. To address this question we surveyed 247 adults over 65 (mean 72.8 +/- 5.9, range 65-95 years) regarding their: PA using 2 validated instruments (PASE and IPAQ); perceived function (MOS36); and pain (current and past 7 days, VAS). 42.2% reported current pain at the time of the survey, and 63.1% reported experiencing pain during the previous 7 days. Using principal axis factoring with oblimin rotation to explore for latent variables using the total and sitting scores for the IPAQ and PASE with the functional subscales of the MOS36, we found 3 factors: perceived physical function, total PA, and sedentary time. Comparing these three latent factors between those with and without pain (current and 7 day indicators) revealed that self-reported pain was associated with significantly higher ratings of functional impairment/role limitations (effect size, d = 0.71 and 0.85, p < 0.001, for current and 7 day pain incidence, respectively), but no significant differences were observed for either total PA (d = 0.04-0.09) or sedentary time (d = 0.08-0.23). Further, of those reporting pain, the physical functioning latent variable was negatively associated with pain intensity (r = - 0.42 and -0.39, p < 0.001 for current and 7-day pain, respectively). Thus, perceptions of physical functioning and limitations due to health are significantly associated with pain, but neither self-reported PA nor sedentary time varied with pain incidence or intensity.

Objectively measured physical activity and C-reactive protein: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003-2004.

The association between physical activity (PA) and C-reactive protein (CRP) is inconsistent, with nearly all studies using self-report measures of PA. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between objectively measured PA and CRP in US adults and children. Adults (N=2912) and children (N=1643) with valid accelerometer data and CRP data were included in the analyses. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the odds of meeting PA guidelines across CRP quartiles for children and among adults with low, average, and high CRP levels. For adults, after adjustments for age, gender, race, body mass index, smoking, diabetes, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), compared with those with low CRP levels, odds ratios were 0.59 (CI=0.45-0.77) and 0.46 (CI=0.28-0.76) for participants with average and high CRP levels, respectively. For children, after adjustments for age, gender, race, weight status, and HDL-C, compared with those in CRP quartile 1, odds ratios were 0.96 (CI=0.5-1.84), 1.23 (CI=0.71-2.12), and 0.79 (CI=0.33-1.88) for participants in quartiles 2, 3, and 4, respectively. Objectively measured PA is inversely associated with CRP in adults, with PA not related to CRP in children.

Is Sitting Time Related To Moderate And Vigorous Physical Activity Among Middle-aged Women? Observations From The Win Study

The health benefits of physical activity are well established. The association between sedentary behavior and duration and intensity of physical activity has not been sufficiently explored. PURPOSE: In the present study, we utilize data from the Women's Injury Study (WIN) to investigate the cross-sectional relation between women's sedentary behavior and physical activity (PA) level. METHODS: The WIN study was a prospective observational study of women's PA behavior and risk of musculoskeletal injury. Women (n=918) were age 52 ± 13 years at baseline, including 75% Caucasian, 4% Hispanic, and 18% African American. Women self-reported PA weekly for up to 3 years. At the end of the study, women were asked to complete a survey including assessment of their time spent sitting during a typical day. Women who responded to the post-study survey with complete data were included for analysis (n=584; 80% of those initially enrolled). During the study, participants were reminded weekly to log their frequency and duration spent in moderate and vigorous physical activities (MVPA) on the WIN study web site. For the present analysis, the final 3 months of PA surveillance was averaged for each woman as an assessment of their MVPA. Women were classified as meeting PA guidelines (≥150 minutes of MVPA) or not. Two categories of sitting time were created for analysis: sitting ≥half the time or sitting <half the time on a typical day. A logistic regression model was used to assess the odds of meeting PA guidelines if reportedly sedentary when adjusting for age, weight, and sitting time. RESULTS: Women who sat <half the time were more likely to meet PA guidelines (OR=2.0, 95%CI: 1.4, 2.9). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that typical sedentary behavior relates to meeting PA guidelines and is an important public health target for modifying PA behaviors. Supported by NIH NIAMS 1R01AR052459-05.

The Sensitivity And Specificity Of The IPAQ For Detecting Intervention Related Changes In Physical Activity

Many intervention studies rely on self-reports of physical activity because they are more feasible than objective measures and the type and domain of physical activity (PA) can be measured. However, few data are available that examine the sensitivity and specificity of self-report measures of PA for detecting intervention-related change. PURPOSE: to examine the sensitivity and specificity of the IPAQ for detecting intervention-related changes in PA compared to accelerometer measurement, in a community sample of Latinas. METHODS: A community sample of 94 women (mean age = 36.31 ± 9.1 yr; mean body mass index [BMI] = 31.37 ± 7.13) participated in a 12 week pedometer-based program to increase the number of minutes engaged in moderate intensity physical activity (MPA) during leisure time. Participants completed the Spanish-language IPAQ (telephone, long form) and wore an ActiGraph accelerometer for seven days. RESULTS: Significant increases in MPA were detected by the IPAQ (Medianbaseline = 435 min. vs. M post-intervention = 667.5 min.; +50% over baseline) and the accelerometer (Mbaseline = 89.81 min. vs. M post-intervention = 154.56; +68% over baseline). The difference in magnitude was not statistically significant. An increase of 333% in IPAQ measured walking for leisure was reported (Mbaseline = 7.5 min. vs. M post-intervention = 60 min.). However, there was no statistically significant relationship between IPAQ-measured change in PA and accelerometer-measured change in PA. Based on accelerometer data, IPAQ sensitivity and specificity at baseline was 81% and 30%, respectively, and 85% and 11% at post-intervention. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that the IPAQ is sensitive to change in PA but changes are largely uncorrelated with objectively measured changes in a sample of community dwelling Latinas. The specificity of the IPAQ for correctly identifying Latinas who do not meet PA guidelines is poor.

Obesogenic Behaviors in U.S. School Children Across Geographic Regions from 2003-2007

PURPOSE: To analyze the prevalence of boys and girls meeting physical activity (PA), daily media (TV/video viewing/video game playing) recommendations, and association with obesity across regions of the U.S. between 2003 and 2007. METHODS: Data from the 2003 and 2007 National Survey of Children's Health (n=109,151) were used and analyzed in spring 2010. Prevalence of meeting weekday media (≤2 hr/day) and PA (≥6 days/week of minimum 20 minutes) recommendations were calculated. Logistic regression analyses were used to examine differences across regions, dates, sexes, and obesity status. RESULTS: In 2007 PA and media recommendations were met by 31.5-35.3% and 77.2-83.7% of children, respectively, with higher attainment rates for PA in southern regions and for media in north and west regions. In 2007 fewer children met media viewing recommendations than in 2003 (78.3% versus 83.6%, respectively, p<0.0001) but those meeting PA recommendations increased (36.8% versus 30.7%, p<0.0001). In most states girls were less likely to meet PA guidelines, and boys were less likely to meet media guidelines. The adjusted odds of being overweight or obese were 1.21 (95% CI: 1.14, 1.30) for 0-5 days/wk of PA versus 6-7 days/wk and 1.27 (1.17, 1.37) for >2hr/day versus ≤2 hr/day of media time. Further the interaction between media time and PA had a significant (p<0.0001) association with being overweight or obese. CONCLUSIONS:Obesogenic behaviors vary by region in the U.S. and appear to be changing over time and impact overweight and obesity status, though differences between boys and girls are stable.

Physical Activity Levels of Children attending Family Child Care Homes

Family Child Care Homes (FCCH's) are the second largest provider of non-relative care in the U.S. However, despite providing care for nearly 1.9 million children under the age of 5, little is known about the physical activity (PA) levels of children attending FCCHs. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to objectively measure PA levels in 2- to 5-year-old children attending FCCHs in 5 counties in western Oregon. METHODS: 205 children (50.2% male) between the ages of 2 and 5 (mean age = 3.4 ± 1.2 yrs) from 53 FCCHs wore an ActiGraph GT1M accelerometer for the duration of their time in care for 1-week. Accelerometers were removed during naptime and providers noted the times monitors were put on and taken off throughout the day. Time spent in sedentary (SED), light (LPA), moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA), and light- moderate-vigorous PA (LMVPA) was calculated using the intensity-related cut-points developed by Pate et al. (2006). Resp RESULTS: Physical activity levels per hour of child attendance (excluding nap time), were as follows: 26.3 ± 6.2 min of SED (male = 24.9 ± 1.0 and female = 27.4 ± 0.9), 24.2 ± 3.8 min of LPA (male = 24.1 ± 0.6 and female = 23.6 ± 0.5), 9.4 ± 4.3 min of MVPA (male = 11.2 ± 0.7 and female = 8.9 ± 0.6), and 33.7 ± 6.2 min of LMVPA (male = 35.1 ± 0.9 and female = 32.6 ± 0.9). 25.7% (23.8% female and 27.4% male) of children met the physical activity recommendation of 60 minutes of MVPA per day. Overweight (OW) and non-overweight (N-OW) children exhibited similar levels of MVPA, with the exception of OW 4 y olds, for whom MVPA were significantly lower than their N-OW counterparts. Among N-OW children, MVPA levels were significantly higher among children age 4 y than children aged 2, 3, or 5 y. No age-related differences in MVPA were observed among overweight children. (OW: 2y = 9.7 ± 1.4, 3y = 9.8 ± 1.5, 4y = 8.5 ± 1.3, 5y = 10.7 ± 1.7; N-OW: 2y = 7.9 ± 0.9, 3y = 10.5 ± 0.8, 4y = 12.4 ± 0.9, 5y = 11.0 ± 1.7) CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that a significant percentage of children attending FCCH do not meet PA guidelines for preschool children. Interventions are needed to increase physical activity in this population. National Institute of Food and Agriculture Grant 2008-04423

The Relationship Between Greenway Siting, Active Transport Access And Types Of Users

Greenways (GW) are a useful way to promote outdoor physical activity (PA). GWs can be sited in a variety of settings within the built environment (BE) that have high or low potential for users to access the GW through active transport (AT). PURPOSE: To determine if GWs, with varying potential of AT access (high vs. low) due to siting within the BE, relate to user characteristics and their PA behaviors. METHODS: A trail intercept survey was administered to 509 adults during September and October, 2010 on two GWs in Knoxville, Tennessee with different AT potential due to siting within the BE. GWlinear had high-AT potential through being sited in a linear fashion that allowed multiple access and destination points within proximity to zoned mixed-land use areas. GWcircular had low-AT potential by being sited in a circular fashion within an area separated from residential areas by fences, with only two access points on heavily trafficked roads. The survey measured modes of GW access, self-reported GW PA over the past week in two domains (leisure-time and transportation) and demographics. Due to both categorical measures and non-normal distributions of continuous measures, non-parametric tests were used to detect significant differences. RESULTS: Users (N=177) of GWlinear, compared to GWcircular users (N=332), were more likely to be younger, male, and never married. AT access was significantly greater at GWlinear compared to GW circular (38.4 vs. 4.5%, p=0.000). GWlinear users accumulated significantly more MET/min during the week (p=0.049) and were more likely to engage in vigorous PA (32.2 vs. 20.8%, p=.000). Frequency of weekly GW use was lower for GWlinear compared to GWcircular (2.77±1.9 vs. 3.27 ±1.9 days/wk, p=.005). When looking at LTPA GW users, GWlinear had significantly more users meeting PA guidelines for Americans than GWcircular (29.2 vs. 23%, p=0.000). CONCLUSION: The way in which GWs are sited within the BE affects how accessible they are to AT. This, in turn, affects the types of users they attract. City planners and GW designers should consider GW siting in terms of AT access potential and types of users targeted.

Physical Activity Frequency, Independent Of Volume, Is Directly Associated With C-reactive Protein: Nhanes 2003-2006

PURPOSE: Physical activity (PA) has shown consistent positive effects on cardiovascular risk, yet the individual contributions of frequency, intensity and duration remain unclear. The purpose of this investigation was to explore the associations between objectively-measured PA frequency and cardiometabolic risk factors, independent of total PA volume. METHODS: Data were analyzed for 5,549 adults with at least four valid days of accelerometry from the 2003 - 2006 US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Meeting PA guidelines was defined as 150+ minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity PA per week, accumulated in 10+ minute bouts. Frequency was defined as the number of days containing at least one bout, and categorized as 1-3, 4-5, or 6-7 days per week (d·wk-1). Risk factors were described for frequency categories after direct age adjustment and stratification by total weekly duration. Multivariate linear regression was used to analyze the independent associations between risk factors and PA frequency. RESULTS: Among those meeting PA guidelines, people in the lower total volume stratum and with higher frequency (4-5 or 6-7 d·wk-1) showed significantly higher C-reactive protein (CRP) compared to those in the lowest frequency category (1-3 d·wk-1) (0.12 and 0.14 mmol/L vs. 0.08 mmol/L, respectively, p < 0.05). Similar results were seen in the higher duration stratum, though differences in CRP between frequency categories did not reach significance. Small differences in hemoglobin-A1c and HDL-c were seen between frequency categories at both levels of duration (p<0.05). After adjustment for multiple confounders, a significantly higher CRP was seen in those accruing recommended PA on 4- 5 versus 1- 3 d·wk-1 (+40.3%, p = 0.024) and 6- 7 versus 1-3 d·wk-1 (+39.0%, p = 0.018). CONCLUSIONS: Controlling for total volume, moderate- to vigorous-intensity PA done on more days per week appears to be associated with higher CRP. This may be due to accumulation of CRP between bouts of PA when insufficient time is available for full clearance. This may decrease the prognostic value of CRP among frequently active subjects, and may offer an explanation for divergent findings between experimental and observational studies on the PA - CRP relationship.

Examining the role of churches in adolescent girls' physical activity.

In adults, associations between church attendance and positive health behaviors exist; however, similar evidence among children and youth is lacking. The purposes of this investigation were to examine the associations between physical activity (PA) and church attendance, PA and use of church as a PA facility, and PA and proximity to churches among those who use church as a PA facility (while addressing racial and geographical differences). High school girls (N=915, age=17.7±0.6 years, 56% African American) completed the 3-Day Physical Activity Recall and surveys including demographics and use of PA facilities. Geographic Information Systems data were used to spatially examine the number of churches within a 0.75-mile street network buffer around girls' homes. Associations were examined using mixed model analyses controlling for demographic factors. For the overall sample, total METs (56 versus 52) and proportion of girls meeting PA guidelines (62% vs. 52%) were significantly higher in church attendees versus nonattendees. Among participants who used facilities, having more churches close to home was associated with more PA. Church attendance and use are correlates of physical activity that should be further explored and addressed in future intervention research with adolescent girls.

Abstract PD08-10: Breast Cancer Survivors Healthy Lifestyle Study: A Randomised Controlled Pilot To Test the Effects of a Behavioural Intervention (Information and Advice) on Uptake of Physical Activity in Breast Cancer Survivors

Abstract Background: Physical activity (PA) is a potentially modifiable behavioural risk factor for breast cancer recurrence. It declines during treatment, and most breast cancer survivors do not engage in PA at recommended levels. Effective interventions to increase PA after primary treatment for early stage breast cancer are needed. Materials and Methods: Between November 2008 and January 2010, women who had completed primary treatment for early stage breast cancer, and not currently meeting PA guidelines, were randomly assigned to one of three conditions; 1) control group (UC) received a self-care fact sheet, or an intervention group 2) which received a theory based information booklet, diary and pedometer (INFO), or an alternate intervention group 3) which also received theory based information, diary and pedometer combined with a behavioural planning intervention (INFO+BPI). Measures (self reported PA, six minute walk test, mood, and quality of life) were collected at baseline (T1) and at 12 weeks (T2). The primary endpoint was self reported minutes of moderate to strenuous PA per week, secondary endpoints included mood and quality of life. A linear mixed models analysis approach was used to analyse data. Results: 118 women were randomized and 107 completed T2 measures. The average age of participants was 54.6 years (Range 32-74), 31.8% had stage I disease, 38.3% had stage II disease, 15% had stage IIIa disease and 15% had DCIS, 58% had received adjuvant chemotherapy. Motivation (intention) to increase PA did not differ between groups at T1. There were no differences between groups in PA at T1. PA levels increased in all groups between T1 and T2 (P&amp;lt;0.0001), but PA in the two intervention groups increased significantly more than in controls (+113.9 and +139.9 min per week increase in INFO and INFO + BPI respectively compared to +61.3 min per week in UC), such that at T2, there was a statistically significant difference between the intervention groups versus controls with +65 min per week increase on average (95% CI 25.3 to 104.8, p=0.02). There was no significant difference between the two intervention groups, with +25.9 min difference on average (95% CI -73.4 to 21.6, p=0.25). There were no significant differences in quality of life, anxiety or depression between groups at T1. No adverse events were reported. Discussion: Minimally intensive, theory-based interventions increased PA participation over a 12 week period in this single centre study. The addition of a behavioural planning intervention to the INFO intervention did not significantly improve PA participation. Results of a T3, 12 month, follow up will be important in determining sustainability of the behaviour change following these interventions. A larger multicentre study is warranted to confirm the efficacy of the intervention. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2010;70(24 Suppl):Abstract nr PD08-10.

Dog Ownership, Dog Walking, and Children's and Parents' Physical Activity

This study aimed to determine cross-sectional associations of dog ownership, dog walking, and physical activity (PA) among children and their parents. Objective measures of PA were obtained for children ages 5-6 and 10-12 years from 19 primary schools across Melbourne, Australia. Parents self-reported their PA, dog ownership, and frequency of dog walking: 53% of families owned a dog, 41% of children who owned a dog did not walk their dog at all, and 32% reported never or rarely walking their dog as a family. Dog ownership was associated with an additional 29 min/day in PA among younger girls, and 70 and 59 min/week more in PA among mothers of younger boys and older girls, respectively. Among mothers of older girls, dog owners were 1.6 times as likely to meet PA guidelines. Mothers with older boys and girls, and fathers with younger boys, who reported walking the dog regularly as a family, spent more time in PA (105, 90, and 158 more min/week, respectively). Promoting dog ownership and dog walking among children and as a family are potential strategies for increasing PA participation in some families.

Dog Ownership, Dog Walking, and Children's and Parents' Physical Activity

This study aimed to determine cross-sectional associations of dog ownership, dog walking, and physical activity (PA) among children and their parents. Objective measures of PA were obtained for children ages 5-6 and 10-12 years from 19 primary schools across Melbourne, Australia. Parents self-reported their PA, dog ownership, and frequency of dog walking: 53% of families owned a dog, 41% of children who owned a dog did not walk their dog at all, and 32% reported never or rarely walking their dog as a family. Dog ownership was associated with an additional 29 min/day in PA among younger girls, and 70 and 59 min/week more in PA among mothers of younger boys and older girls, respectively. Among mothers of older girls, dog owners were 1.6 times as likely to meet PA guidelines. Mothers with older boys and girls, and fathers with younger boys, who reported walking the dog regularly as a family, spent more time in PA (105, 90, and 158 more min/week, respectively). Promoting dog ownership and dog walking among children and as a family are potential strategies for increasing PA participation in some families.

Understanding Physical Activity Intentions and Behavior in Postmenopausal Women: An Application of the Theory of Planned Behavior

In the present paper, we report the social cognitive correlates of physical activity (PA) intentions in postmenopausal women using the two-component theory of planned behavior (TPB) framework. The primary objective of the present study was to investigate the utility of the TPB in understanding PA behavior in postmenopausal women. Postmenopausal women (N = 297) residing in Southern Alberta, Canada completed a mailed questionnaire that assessed self-reported PA and TPB constructs. Data indicated that 67% of postmenopausal women intended to engage in PA behavior consistent with the public health PA guidelines. Multiple regression analysis suggested that the TPB model explained 44% of the variance in PA intentions with instrumental attitude (β = 0.33), affective attitude (β = 0.29), descriptive norm (β = 0.19), and self-efficacy (β = 0.24) making significant contributions to PA intentions. Postmenopausal women meeting PA guidelines reported higher scores across all TPB variables when compared to women not meeting PA guidelines. Unique behavioral, normative, and control beliefs were also elicited. The two-component TPB framework appears to be a useful model for understanding PA intentions and behavior in postmenopausal women. These data can be used in the development and establishment of PA behavior intervention and health promotion materials designed to facilitate PA intentions and behavior in postmenopausal women.