Physical Activity Equipment Research Articles

Optimization of older adults’ home spaces to enhance their physical activity level and minimize sedentary behaviour: A qualitative study

There is a lack of studies focused explicitly on the impact of the home environment on older adults’ sedentary behaviour (SB) and physical activity (PA). The present study aims to investigate older adults’ perception of their home environment and its impact on their PA and SB. A qualitative exploratory research design was employed to conduct 33 in-depth interviews (IDIs) and five focus group (FGs; n=16) with older adults (mean age 71.7 ± 5.2 years). Using reflexive thematic analysis as an inductive coding approach, four themes were generated from the data set and were interpreted using the socio-ecological model (SEM): (I) Home layout and PA, (II) Space designation within the home, (III) Electronic equipment, furniture and material within the home space, (IV) Changing infrastructure within the home space. The findings highlight the significance of person-environment interaction at different layers of the SEM. Older adults have a significant influence on the physical environment of the home and how it is organized in terms of allocating space and equipment. However, utilization of space, and its intentional use (for active or sedentary behaviour) is also crucial, emphasizing individuals’ autonomy, freedom and control within the home environment. Moreover, both interpersonal and intrapersonal factors act as facilitators or barriers regarding necessary modifications within the home space to promote a conducive environment for PA. The current findings provide insight into the interaction of personal, social, community, and physical environment factors to these older adults’ PA and SB in their homes. Moreover, motivating older adults to develop more intention to have positive control over their environment is important. Further, promoting the notion of ‘think small for large effects’ within the home space will enable older adults to map out small-scale activities (such as avoiding screens in the bedroom or moving PA equipment to a convenient place) instead of making large-scale, less realistic infrastructure changes.

An ecological dynamics approach to promote physical literacy and well-being of primary school children: a cluster randomised controlled trial study protocol

BackgroundLittle is known about the impact of an ecological dynamics (ED) intervention (EDI) on primary school children’s physical literacy and well-being in the Hong Kong context. The aim of this...

Health and Economic Value of Eliminating Socioeconomic Disparities in US Youth Physical Activity

There are considerable socioeconomic status (SES) disparities in youth physical activity (PA) levels. For example, studies show that lower-SES youth are less active, have lower participation in organized sports and physical education classes, and have more limited access to PA equipment. To determine the potential public health and economic effects of eliminating disparities in PA levels among US youth SES groups. An agent-based model representing all 6- to 17-year-old children in the US was used to simulate the epidemiological, clinical, and economic effects of disparities in PA levels among different SES groups and the effect of reducing these disparities. Anthropometric measures (eg, body mass index) and the presence and severity of risk factors associated with weight (stroke, coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, or cancer), as well as direct and indirect cost savings. This model, representing all 50 million US children and adolescents 6 to 17 years old, found that if the US eliminates the disparity in youth PA levels across SES groups, absolute overweight and obesity prevalence would decrease by 0.826% (95% CI, 0.821%-0.832%), resulting in approximately 383 000 (95% CI, 368 000-399 000) fewer cases of overweight and obesity and 101 000 (95% CI, 98 000-105 000) fewer cases of weight-related diseases (stroke and coronary heart disease events, type 2 diabetes, or cancer). This would result in more than $15.60 (95% CI, $15.01-$16.10) billion in cost savings over the youth cohort's lifetime. There are meaningful benefits even when reducing the disparity by just 25%, which would result in $1.85 (95% CI, $1.70-$2.00) billion in direct medical costs averted and $2.48 (95% CI, $2.04-$2.92) billion in productivity losses averted. For every 1% in disparity reduction, total productivity losses would decrease by about $83.8 million, and total direct medical costs would decrease by about $68.7 million. This study quantified the potential savings from eliminating or reducing PA disparities, which can help policymakers, health care systems, schools, funders, sports organizations, and other businesses better prioritize investments toward addressing these disparities.

“Ten Bucks for yoga and a beer in a cool vibey spot”: exploring motivations for LTPA at craft breweries

ABSTRACT To attract consumers in an increasingly competitive marketplace, many breweries are now offering leisure time physical activity (LTPA) equipment, clubs, and events on-site. Given the growing number of craft beer entities in the U.S. opportunities may thus exist to capitalise on the popular phenomena as a means of encouraging participation in regular exercise amongst the general public. To promote engagement however, a clear understanding of motivations for participation is needed. Therefore, this paper explores why people participating in LTPA at breweries chose to engage in the experience; what they enjoyed (or did not enjoy) about the activity; and their intentions to return or not return for a future experience at the same location. Findings from interviews conducted during LTPA events at breweries in three U.S. cities revealed that people were prompted to participate by social aspects, atmosphere, timing, free beer and/or the low/no costs involved, and an overall interest in beer/breweries. Together data suggests craft breweries serve an important role in their communities; ones that extends far beyond economic impacts. Suggestions for the practical application of these findings are also discussed.

Individual, family, and environmental correlates of fundamental motor skills among school-aged children: a cross-sectional study in China

ObjectiveThis cross-sectional study examined the socio-ecological factors influencing fundamental motor skills (FMS) in Chinese school-aged children.MethodsA total of 1012 parent-child pairs were randomly sampled between March-1st and April-15th, 2022. Based on the socio-ecological model of Children’s FMS, three levels of factors: individual-level (e.g., demographic, physical, psychological, and behavioral characteristics of children), family-level (e.g., caregiver demographics, parental support, and socioeconomic status), and environmental factors (e.g., availability of physical activity equipment) were assessed using self-reported scales (e.g., the Self-perception Profile for Children, the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale, and the 12-item Psychological Well-Being Scale for Children) and objective measures (e.g., ActiGraph GT3X, the Chinese National Student Physical Fitness Standard, and the Test of Gross Motor Development-Third Edition). Multi-level regression models were employed using SPSS.ResultsThe results demonstrated that children’s age, sex, physical fitness, parental support, and the quality of home and community physical activity environments consistently influenced all three types of FMS, including locomotor, ball, and composite skills. Additionally, seven individual-level factors (children’s age, sex, body mass index, light physical activity, sleep duration, perceived motor competence, and physical fitness) were associated with different types of FMS.ConclusionsThe findings underscore the multidimensional and complex nature of FMS development, with individual-level factors playing a particularly significant role. Future research should adopt rigorous longitudinal designs, comprehensive assessment tools covering various FMS skills, and objective measurement of parents’ movement behaviors to better understand the strength and direction of the relationship between socio-ecological factors and children’s FMS.

MULTILEVEL LIFESTYLE INTERVENTIONS ARE NEEDED TO IMPROVE DIABETES SELF-MANAGEMENT IN OLDER ADULTS

Abstract Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a major public health concern in older adults. Physical activity (PA) and healthy eating (HE) are two major lifestyle intervention strategies in diabetes self-management for controlling glucose levels, preventing complications, and improving functionality and quality of life. This qualitative study aimed to explore perceived factors influencing PA and HE among predominately Latino older adults with T2D ((age=70.5±4.8; Latinos=73.3%). We conducted semi-structured interviews with 15 community dwelling older adults with T2D at the end of a 12-week pre- and post- study assessing self-monitoring on lifestyles and health outcomes. All interviews were recorded and transcribed. Two researchers analyzed the data independently using a combination of deductive and inductive thematical analysis. Codes were categorized into five themes based on the socio-ecological framework, and sub-themes were identified. The themes included five levels of factors: 1) individual (e.g., knowledge, self-efficacy, self-monitoring, perceived benefits and threats, health status,); 2) interpersonal (e.g., family, friend, health provider); 3) organizational (e.g., availability of physical activity equipment in senior apartments); 4) environment (e.g., culture norms); and 5) policy factors (e.g., health provider, retirement). The factors in one level could influence the factors in another level. Most current lifestyle interventions focus on individual level, and multilevel lifestyle interventions to promote healthy lifestyles, and improve health, independence, and quality of life in older adults with T2D are warranted. The input of additional stakeholders such as family members and community staff need to be accounted when designing multilevel intervention in older adults with T2D.

Children's physical activity and sedentary behaviour in before school care: An observational study

ObjectiveIn Australia, less than one quarter of children aged 5–12 years meet national physical activity (PA) guidelines. Before school care operates as part of Out of School Hours Care (OSHC) services and provide opportunities for children to meet their daily PA recommendations. The aim of this study was to explore factors associated with children meeting 15 min of moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA) while attending before school care. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in 25 services in New South Wales, Australia. Each service was visited twice between March and June 2021. Staff behaviours and PA type and context were captured using staff interviews and the validated System for Observing Staff Promotion of Physical Activity and Nutrition (SOSPAN) time sampling tool. Child PA data were collected using Actigraph accelerometers and associations between program practices and child MVPA analysed. ResultsPA data were analysed for 654 children who spent an average of 39.2% (±17.6) of their time sedentary; 45.4% (±11.4) in light PA; and 14.9% (±11.7) in MVPA. Only 17% of children (n = 112) reached ≥15 min MVPA, with boys more likely to achieve this. Children were more likely to meet this recommendation in services where staff promoted and engaged in PA; PA equipment was available; children were observed in child-led free play; and a written PA policy existed. ConclusionsBefore school care should be supported to improve physical activity promotion practices by offering staff professional development and guidance on PA policy development and implementation practices.

Integrating perceived physical environments and the theory of planned behaviors when explaining adherence to 24-hour movement guidelines in Chinese adolescents.

Most adolescents worldwide do not meet 24-h movement guidelines, which recommend specific level of physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep for optimal health. Nevertheless, there remains a lack of understanding regarding how social cognitive and physical environmental factors influence adolescents' compliance with these guidelines. This prospective study aimed to examine the associations between perceived physical environments, constructs of the theory of planned behavior (TPB), habit strength, and adherence to 24-h movement guidelines in Chinese adolescents over a three-month period. A total of 629 Chinese adolescents (Mage = 14.59 years, SD = 0.64) completed a set of questionnaires comprising perceived physical environmental characteristics, constructs of the TPB, habit strength, and 24-h movement behaviors at baseline and 3 months later. Data analysis was conducted using variance-based structural equation modeling. Attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control had a direct effect on intention and intention had a direct effect on number of the guidelines being met. Habit strength was a significant predictor of adherence to the guidelines, although its moderating effect on the intention-behavior relationship was not significant. Perceived neighborhood facility accessibility, school facility availability, and home physical activity equipment had significant indirect effects on intention through attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control. However, constructs of the TPB did not serve as mediators in the relationship between perceived physical environments and the number of guidelines being met. This study offers preliminary evidence supporting the integration of perceived physical environments and the TPB in predicting adolescents' adherence to 24-h movement guidelines. Future research should consider using experimental study designs with rigorous measures of 24-h movement behaviors to establish causal relationships.

Effects of an Environmental Intervention on High School Students’ Expanded Physical Activity Programming Participation and Activity Levels

Partial Comprehensive School Physical Activity Programming (CSPAP) has been studied extensively in recent years. However, there is little evidence on the efficacy and feasibility of such interventions in high school settings. Physical education teacher education (PETE) programs have been slow in preparing future physical educators for CSPAP implementation. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the effects of PETE interns implementing a partial CSPAP intervention in high schools. Methods: Data were collected at three high schools during before- and during-school time periods using a direct observation instrument. The intervention consisted of PETE interns providing access to physical activity areas, equipment, and supervision with assistance from the schools’ resident teachers. A hybrid multiple baseline research design was used to assess the effects of the intervention on high school students’ participation and moderate to vigorous physical activity levels during the partial CSPAP sessions. Data were analyzed using both standard visual analysis of graphically plotted data and supplementary statistical treatments. Data were deemed credible based on interobserver agreement data collected across experimental phases and schools; the data were deemed trustworthy. Results: Experimental control was established as the total number of students engaged in moderate to vigorous physical activity during the partial CSPAP sessions increased substantially upon the start of the intervention. Compared with girls, boys demonstrated higher amounts of moderate to vigorous physical activity. Discussion/Conclusion: High school students respond similarly to a partial CSPAP intervention as do elementary and middle school-aged students, thereby strengthening the generalization of CSPAP-type interventions. Moreover, PETE interns can be successful in implementing a partial CSPAP in high school settings.

Mighty Men: A Pilot Test of the Feasibility and Acceptability of a Faith-Based, Individually Tailored, Cluster-Randomized Weight Loss Trial for Middle-Aged and Older African American Men.

Two in five African American men have obesity, but they are underrepresented in community-based weight loss interventions. This pilot effectiveness trial examines the acceptability and feasibility of the first weight loss study for African American men that includes randomization and individual tailoring. Using a community-based, cluster-randomized, longitudinal parallel group design, four churches were randomized to a control condition or a weight loss condition. Each church received physical activity equipment, a coordinator, and small group physical activity sessions. A total of 71 African American men (mean age: 58.5) enrolled and received a Fitbit, Bluetooth-enabled scale, a t-shirt, gift cards for participation, and 45 min of small group physical activity led by a certified personal trainer. Men in the weight loss condition also received 45 min of health education and individually tailored SMS text messages. Multiple metrics suggest that Mighty Men was feasible, yet the acceptability of the intervention components was mixed. Participants in both the weight loss and control conditions lost weight between zero and 6 months (p < .001), but body fat (p = .005) and visceral fat percentage (p = .001) of men in the weight loss condition decreased while men in the control condition did not (p < .05). An increase in physical activity was seen among men in the weight loss condition (p = .030) but not among men in the control condition (p < .05). It is acceptable and feasible to conduct a 6-month weight loss intervention with African American men that includes randomization and individually tailored text messages.

A randomized parent-mediated physical activity intervention for autistic children.

The purpose of this study was to examine the immediate and post effects of a parent-mediated physical activity intervention on the fundamental motor skills of autistic children. We randomly assigned parent-child dyads (n = 31) of autistic children aged 4-11 years into three groups (workshop, an online, or control group). Each dyad participated in a 12-week intervention and was given adapted physical activity equipment and over 200 activities via a mobile application. Children were tested at the start and end of the intervention. The effect size (Cohen's ) of the control group for pre-post locomotor and ball skill scores were 0.12 and 0.06, respectively, indicating small effect size. The effect size of the online group for pre-post locomotor and ball skill scores were 49 and 0.26, respectively, indicating medium and small effect sizes. The effect size of the in-person group for pre-post locomotor and ball skill scores were 1.18 and 0.82, respectively, indicating large effect sizes. The outcomes of this physical activity intervention suggest that parents may facilitate the acquisition of fundamental motor skills of their autistic children. Although these results are positive, there is a need to further identify effective interventions for fundamental motor skill development in autistic children. Clinical Trials ID: NCT05159102.

Physical activity of children with visual impairments: intentions and behaviors of parents post intervention

Purpose Physical activity (PA) can provide multiple benefits for children with visual impairments (VI). To date, little research has explored the retention effects of PA interventions for children with VI. Thus, the purpose of this study was to explore the PA experiences of parents of children with VI three months after completing a PA intervention. Method This descriptive-qualitative study was situated in the Theory of Planned Behavior. Five parents completed semi-structured interviews that were transcribed and analyzed using a thematic line-by-line analysis. Results Four themes characterizing how parents created PA opportunities for their children with VI were constructed: (a) Teaching from Awareness (b) Advocating for Needs, (c) Engaging Family through Community, and (d) Seeking More PA Opportunities. Conclusion Parent’s awareness of their child’s abilities, parents’ advocacy, and parents’ teaching skills all helped to expose their children to new types of PA in the community. Parents reflected about a lack of consistently offered community-based PA for their children. Researchers must consider the importance of educating parents on how to teach skills, increase awareness, and advocate for more community-based PA programs.

Associations of home and neighborhood environments with children’s physical activity in the U.S.-based Neighborhood Impact on Kids (NIK) longitudinal cohort study

IntroductionPhysical activity is important for children’s health and well-being. Supportiveness for physical activity of home and neighborhood environments may affect children’s PA, but most studies are cross-sectional. We examined environmental predictors of change in children’s physical activity over two years.MethodsData were from the longitudinal, observational cohort study, ‘Neighborhood Impact on Kids’. Participants were children (initially aged 6–12 years) and their parent/caregiver (n = 727 dyads) living in neighborhoods throughout San Diego County, California and King County (Seattle area), Washington, USA. Children’s moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was measured using accelerometers at T1 (Time 1 or baseline, 2007–2009) and T2, the two-year follow-up. At T1, parents survey-reported on physical activity (PA) equipment at home and demographics. Neighborhood environment was measured using spatial data in Geographic Information Systems (intersection density; park availability) and in-person audits (informal play space near home; park-based PA facilities; land use; support for walking/cycling). Generalized additive mixed models estimated total effects, then direct effects, of environmental attributes on MVPA at T1. Two-way moderating effects of child’s sex and age were examined at T1. To examine associations of environmental exposures with changes in MVPA, we estimated interaction effects of environmental attributes on the association between time and MVPA.ResultsOn average, children accumulated 146 min/day (standard deviation or SD = 53) of MVPA at T1, and 113 (SD = 58) min/day at T2. There were no significant total or direct effects of environmental attributes on MVPA at T1, and no significant two-way interaction effects of child’s age and sex for T1 MVPA. Having informal play spaces proximal to home with more amenities was associated with less MVPA decline from T1 to T2. Higher residential density, higher land use mix, and higher number of PA facilities in nearby parks were unexpectedly associated with greater MVPA decline.ConclusionHigher quality informal play spaces close to home may help offset declines in MVPA during middle childhood, as they may promote unstructured active play with opportunities for parental or neighbor surveillance. Unexpectedly, environmental factors consistent with higher walkability were associated with greater declines in children’s MVPA. As physical activity differs across the lifespan, so may environmental factors that facilitate it.

Meeting the nutrition and physical activity needs of young people in residential out-of-home care

Summary Health outcomes for young people living in residential out-of-home care are poor. There has been increased emphasis on the need to prioritize preventative support and upskill residential care workers to better meet young people's health needs. The aim of this study was to examine the food quality and physical activity environment in residential care houses in Victoria, Australia prior to staff undertaking Healthy Eating, Active Living Matters (HEAL) training; 102 residential care houses participated. House representatives completed an online survey exploring: (1) physical activity equipment and engagement and (2) weekly food budget and expenditure. Findings The average weekly food expenditure per household was $318.98 (SD = $106.51), with variation between different sized households. The majority (61%) of houses’ weekly food expenditure was spent on ultra-processed food products that are ready to eat with no/little preparation, in comparison to 36% spent on unprocessed foods (fresh fruit and vegetables). The majority of houses reported having two types of equipment. Young people were not often engaged in physical and/or recreational activities in their community. Application Residential care houses in Victoria require additional supports to ensure that young people are supported to eat well and be active at home and in the community. HEALing Matters aims to provide this, by offering professional development for residential carers to better facilitate engagement in physical activity and healthy eating among the young people in their care. If successful, HEALing Matters may provide an effective pathway to improved health and wellbeing outcomes for young people in residential care.

Comportamento sedentário e atividade física: barreiras e facilitadores para o comportamento ativo durante a pandemia de COVID-19

ABSTRACT Objectives: The objectives of the present study were to assess sedentary behavior and physical activity levels before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in healthy individuals and in those with self-reported diagnosis of anxiety and/or depression, and also identify facilitators and barriers to physical activity in these populations. Methods: This is a cross-sectional survey based on a self-report questionnaire applied during the COVID-19 pandemic period. Results: In the total sample (N = 1,285) the prevalence of sedentary behavior (&gt;8 hours/day) increased by 25% during social isolation. Social isolation increased sedentary time and decreased physical activity levels in healthy individuals and in those with self-reported diagnosis of anxiety and/or depression. In both groups, the most prevalent facilitators were supervised physical activity (before the pandemic) and activities and equipment to practice at home (during the pandemic). The most prevalent barriers were the lack of time to perform physical activities (before the pandemic) and inaccessible or distance places to practice (during the pandemic). Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic is related to an increased sedentary behavior and reduced physical activity levels. Significant changes in perceived barriers and facilitators to exercise were observed during the social isolation period.

The Impact of COVID-19 on Maintaining Physical Activity and Its Associated Factors among Medical Students.

Stay-home orders and the shutdown of university campuses and fitness centers have greatly influenced health behaviors, resulting in a widespread reduction in physical activity. This study aimed to identify factors associated with maintaining physical activity among Jazan University medical students during the COVID-19 shutdown. An official Arabic short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to assess physical activity before and during the COVID-19 home quarantine. Differences between groups were examined using chi-square analyses and the Mann-Whitney U test. Multinomial logistic regression was used to test whether certain demographic and exercise-related variables were significant predictors of maintaining physical activity levels during the COVID-19 pandemic. More than half of the participants (53%) reported no change or increased physical activity level. Several factors were significantly related to physical activity heterogeneity including income (p = 0.04), fitness center membership (p < 0.01), usage of fitness tracker devices (p < 0.01), and the purchase of physical activity equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic (p < 0.01). The odds of maintaining physical activity were higher among those who tracked their physical activity (AOR = 6.160; 95% CI = 3.782-10.032, p < 0.001). Similarly, the odds of maintaining physical activity were higher among those who purchased home-exercise equipment during the pandemic (AOR = 2.243; 95% CI = 1.386-3.632, p = 0.001). Understanding the factors affecting physical activity behaviors is an essential step toward addressing the reduction in physical activity. This could help maintain physical activity levels during a potential future pandemic-related shutdown.

Homes became the “everything space” during COVID-19: impact of changes to the home environment on children’s physical activity and sitting

BackgroundDuring the 2020 UK COVID-19 lockdown restrictions, children spent almost all of their time at home, which had a significant influence on their physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour. This study aimed to: 1) determine changes to the social and physical environment at home and children’s home-based sitting, PA, standing and sitting breaks as a result of the COVID-19 restrictions; and 2) examine associations between changes at home and children’s movement behaviours.MethodsOne hundred and two children had their PA and sitting, standing and sitting breaks at home objectively measured pre-COVID-19 and during the first COVID-19 lockdown (June-July 2020). Children’s parents (n = 101) completed an audit of their home physical environment and a survey on the home social environment at both time points. Changes in the home physical and social environment and behavioural outcomes were assessed using Wilcoxon signed ranked tests, paired t-tests, or chi-square. Repeated linear regression analyses examined associations between changes in homes and changes in the home-based behavioural outcomes.ResultsDuring COVID-19, households increased the amount of seated furniture and electronic media equipment at home. The number of books and PA equipment decreased and fewer parents enforced a screen-time rule. Children’s preference for physical activities and socialising at home decreased. Time at home and sitting at home increased during COVID-19, whilst PA, standing and sitting breaks decreased. Both MVPA and TPA were positively associated with child preference for PA, and negatively associated with attending school. Sitting was negatively associated with child preference for PA and child preference for socialising at home. Media equipment was negatively associated with sitting breaks, whilst PA equipment was positively associated with standing. ConclusionThe COVID-19 restrictions forced children to spend almost all their time at home. Children’s PA, standing, and sitting breaks at home declined during the restrictions, while sitting increased. Mostly negative changes occurred in homes, some of which impacted children’s behaviours at home. To avoid the changes persisting post-lockdown, interventions are needed to reset and promote children’s PA and discourage prolonged sitting time.

Children's perspectives on the wicked problem of child poverty in Aotearoa New Zealand: a wearable camera study.

Child poverty is a wicked problem and a key determinant of health, but research on child poverty has relied largely on self-report methods and reports from parents or caregivers. In this study we aimed to assess aspects of child poverty using data collected by children using wearable cameras. The Kids'Cam Project recruited 168 randomly selected children aged 11-13 from 16 randomly selected schools in the Wellington Region of Aotearoa New Zealand. Each child wore a wearable camera for four consecutive days, recording an image every seven seconds. We used negative binomial regression models to compare measures of household resources, harms, behaviours and built environment characteristics between children living in low socio-economic deprivation households (n=52) and children living in high socio-economic deprivation households (n=26). Compared with children living in conditions of low socio-economic deprivation, children living in conditions of high socio-economic deprivation captured significantly fewer types of fruit (RR=0.46), vegetables (RR=0.25), educational materials (RR = 0.49) and physical activity equipment (RR = 0.66) on camera. However, they lived in homes with more structural deficiencies (RR=4.50) and mould (no mould was observed in low socio-economic deprivation households). They were also less likely to live in households with fixed heating (RR=0.27) and home computers (RR=0.45), and more likely to consume non-core food outside home (RR=1.94). The children in this study show that children in poverty face disadvantages across many aspects of their lives. Comprehensive policies are urgently needed to address the complex problem of child poverty.

School-level factors associated with the sustainment of weekly physical activity scheduled in Australian elementary schools: an observational study

BackgroundWe aimed to: (1) identify school-level factors associated with the sustainment of weekly physical activity (PA) scheduled in elementary schools following withdrawal of effective implementation support; and (2) determine teacher’s perceived usefulness of suggested strategies for sustaining the scheduling of weekly PA.MethodsA secondary exploratory analysis was employed of data from the intervention arm (n = 31 schools) of a randomised controlled trial. Self-report survey data from 134 classroom teachers in New South Wales, Australia, collected following withdrawal of initial implementation support (follow-up T1) and six-months following completion of support (follow-up T2) were used. The outcomes of sustainment of weekly overall PA and energisers (short classroom PA breaks) scheduled were measured via teachers’ completion of a daily activity logbook, with results presented as the difference in mean minutes of PA and energisers scheduled at T1 and T2. An adapted version of the Program Sustainability Assessment Tool (PSAT) was used to measure capacity for program sustainability across seven key domains at follow-up T2. Linear mixed regressions were conducted to evaluate associations between school-level sociodemographic characteristics (e.g., school size, remoteness, and type), teacher-reported school factors (i.e., seven adapted PSAT domains) and the sustainment of PA and energisers scheduled across the school week. Perceived usefulness of 14 proposed sustainability strategies was measured via the teacher survey at follow-up T2 and reported descriptively.ResultsNo school-level factor was statistically associated with the sustainment of overall weekly PA or energisers scheduled. Teacher-reported factors in two PSAT domains – ‘strategic planning’ and ‘program evaluation’ were statistically negatively associated with the sustainment of weekly energisers scheduled (− 6.74, 95% CI: − 13.02; − 0.47, p = 0.036 and − 6.65, 95% CI: − 12.17; − 1.12, p = 0.019 respectively). The proposed support sustainability strategy – ‘provision of PA equipment packs that enable energisers or integrated lessons’ was perceived useful by the most teachers (85%).ConclusionsFurther research is required to explore additional contextual-specific, and end-user appropriate factors associated with schools’ sustainment of weekly PA scheduled. This will help accurately inform the development of strategies to address these determinants and support the sustainment and long-term benefits of school-based health interventions more broadly.

Affordances of School Ground Environments for Physical Activity: A Case Study on 10- and 12-Year-Old Children in a Norwegian Primary School.

Several studies have focused on how different school ground environments can stimulate physical activity (PA) in children. This study aimed to investigate the contributions of two school ground environments (a constructed schoolyard and a natural forest) in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) of Norwegian school children in the 5th and 7th grades. This study described two school ground environments that provided large and multifunctional spaces, giving the children several affordances for being physically active during the school day. The constructed schoolyard afforded a space of 44 m2 per child and had an access to sports and game courts and various types of equipment for PA. The natural forest provided a space of 50.6 m2 per child and had a varied landscape for activities that afforded a wide range of PA. On average, the children engaged in 50% of the 60-min period of MVPA when playing in the natural and constructed play settings. The two different environments, thus, contributed equally to the daily MVPA of the school children. The findings can inform policies and programs aiming at promoting recommended levels of PA among children using school outdoor environments that may eventually have implications for the physical and mental health of school children during the current pandemic.