Physical Activity Goals Research Articles

Does exposure to sedentary temptations activate physical activity goals? A high-powered replication study.

Does exposure to sedentary temptations activate physical activity goals? A high-powered replication study.

Dynamics of Perceived Barriers to Change Physical Activity and Eating Habits in Adults Before and During a Lifestyle Intervention in a Primary Care Setting: A Mixed Methods Approach.

There is scarcity of data exploring the dynamics of barriers to changing physical activity (PA) and eating habits during a lifestyle intervention in a primary care setting. The aim of the present study was to investigate barriers to lifestyle change before and during a primary care lifestyle intervention in adults with different sociodemographic backgrounds. Barriers to healthy eating and PA were assessed in 114 adults (age = 55 ± 9 years) using a questionnaire before inclusion in the intervention. During the lifestyle intervention, factors perceived as obstacles to reach goals for PA and healthy eating habits were collected using focus group interviews in a sub-sample of 25 adults and analyzed using thematic analysis. At least 1 barrier to changing eating and PA habits was reported in 65% and 67% of the population, respectively, without differences due to sex, place of birth, and educational level. Before entering the lifestyle intervention, intrapersonal factors including lack of willpower and lack of enjoyment were the dominant barriers to PA and healthy eating, irrespective of place of birth, sex, and education level. In contrast, environmental factors such as lack of support from family and work-related constraints emerged as important barriers to overcome during the action phase of the lifestyle intervention. The present study highlights the dynamics of barriers to changing PA and eating habits in a primary care lifestyle intervention, emphasizing the need for barrier assessment during the different phases of an intervention to tailor support activities for successful lifestyle behavioral change.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS: A KEY MEDICINE TO HEALTH PROMOTION IN ETHIOPIA

Engaging in physical activity within school settings improves early adolescents overall health status as well as their academic achievements. Therefore, the current study, aimed at primary schools, has been considered an essential medicine for promoting physical activity among older children. Eight hundred thirty-five older children aged 11 to 14 with a mean age of 12.95 ±0.937 SD were selected. A cross-sectional study was utilized to achieve the objective of this survey. Self-reported PAQ-C measure was conducted. The PAQ-C survey was analyzed using IBM SPSS (Ver. 26) to achieve this studys intended physical activity goal. The internal coherence of the data was assessed by Cronbachs alpha (0.819). The finding indicated a low level of participation with an average mean score of 2.49 (SD 0.63). A significant mean difference was observed between grades five and eight with 0.18461 (CI = 0.0066, 0.3626), P-value = 0.039<0.05), and Kola Shara primary school had the most significant mean difference (mean value = 0.78975, P = 0.000<0.05). As a result, grade five was more active than grade level, and Shara Primary School had better participation. However, the overall composite mean score was below the average. Therefore, the study demonstrated low participation in physical activity among the selected schools in the Gamo zone, southern Ethiopia. Finally, the study suggests that further research is needed to understand the factors that hinder the promotion of physical activity in school settings.

Physical activity and life satisfaction of students of physiotherapy and physical education at the close of the COVID-19 pandemic

Aim: To learn and compare their level of physical activity (PA) and motivation declared by physical education students and future physiotherapists, as well as to evaluate their life satisfaction in the final phase of the pandemic of the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: A survey study covered 211 respondents (106 students of physical education (PE) and 105 future physiotherapists). The anonymous survey consisted of standardized questions regarding the level and goals of physical activity (IPAQ-SF and IPAO) and life satisfaction (SWLS). Results: A high level of PA was demonstrated by 51.5% of men and 48.6% of women – 83.1% and 75.9% students of physiotherapy and physical education, respectively. Family was a determinant that did not motivate the students to take up physical activity. There was a better atmosphere in the professional environment encouraging physical activity in the group of PE students (3.19}1.28) than among future physiotherapists (2.82}1.28) (p<0.001). Future physiotherapists declared lower level of life satisfaction. In this group, the SWLS score was 23.5}5.95 compared to 25.4}5.45 among PE students. Conclusions: At the close of the COVID-19 pandemic, the specificity of PE and physiotherapy studies as well as gender are variables that had a significant impact on the resumption, type and motives for undertaking physical activity and improving life satisfaction. PE students’ perception of the importance of physical activity is more pronounced than that of future physiotherapists, which is a strong enough factor to increase their life satisfaction.

Understanding Primary Care Physician Perspectives on the Diagnosis and Management of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Qualitative Study.

Primary care physicians (PCPs) are well suited to manage patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), but the limited, existing research suggests inadequate knowledge about the natural history, diagnostic methods, and management of NAFLD. The purpose of this qualitative study is to further understand the knowledge and practices for the diagnosis and management of NAFLD among PCPs. We conducted in-depth interviews with PCPs in the Greater Houston area, addressing current clinical practices used for diagnosing and managing NAFLD, as well as the perceptions of the PCPs regarding the burden of NAFLD on patients. We recorded interviews, transcribed them, coded transcripts, and identified patterns and themes. The interviewed PCPs (n = 16) were from internal or family medicine, with a range of experience (1.5-30 years). We found variations in NAFLD diagnosis and management across practices and by insurance status. Patients with abnormal liver imaging who had insurance or were within a safety-net healthcare system were referred by PCPs to specialists. Uninsured patients with persistently elevated liver enzymes received lifestyle recommendations from PCPs without confirmatory imaging or specialist referral. The role of PCPs in NAFLD management varied, with some helping patients set dietary and physical activity goals while others provided only general recommendations and/or referred patients to a dietitian. The diagnosis and management of NAFLD vary widely among PCPs and may be impacted by patients' insurance status and clinic-specific practices. The increasing burden of NAFLD in the U.S. medical system highlights the need for more PCPs involvement in managing NAFLD.

Overuse Injuries, Overtraining, and Burnout in Young Athletes.

Sports participation can have tremendous physical and mental health benefits for children. Properly implemented progressive training programs can yield a broad range of beneficial physiologic adaptations, but imbalances of training load and recovery can have important negative consequences. Overuse injuries, for example, can result from repetitive stress without sufficient recovery that leads to accumulated musculoskeletal damage. In addition, extended periods of increased training loads that exceed the intervening recovery can have systemic consequences such as overtraining syndrome, which results in decreased performance, increased injury and illness risk, and derangement of endocrine, neurologic, cardiovascular, and psychological systems. Burnout represents one of the primary reasons for attrition in youth sports. Broadly defined as physical or mental exhaustion and a reduced sense of accomplishment that leads to devaluation of sport, burnout represents a direct threat to the goal of lifelong physical activity and the wide-ranging health benefits that it provides. This clinical report is intended to provide pediatricians with information regarding the risk factors, diagnosis, management, and prevention of these conditions to assist in the identification of at-risk children, the treatment of young athletes, and the guidance of families in the promotion of safe and healthy sport participation.

Perceptions and experiences of health professionals when supporting adults with stroke to engage in physical activity

Background Understanding health professional perceptions and experiences when supporting post-stroke physical activity may assist with development of strategies targeting low physical activity observed in this group. The aims of this study were to explore health professionals’ perceptions and experiences of post-stroke physical activity, the barriers they experience and potential facilitators when supporting people with stroke to be active. Methods Ten focus groups were conducted with 57 health professionals (physiotherapists, occupational therapists, nurses, exercise physiologists, psychologists and sports scientists) and allied health students. Data were analysed via inductive thematic analysis. Results Health professionals were reluctant to recommend moderate intensity physical activity. Barriers included: (1) post-stroke barriers being varied and individual; (2) resources being under pressure and (3) physical activity goals falling through the cracks. Suggested facilitators included: (1) clearly defined roles, processes and environments which encourage activity; (2) funding for more staff; (3) improving health professional skills and confidence and (4) using internal motivation and social supports after stroke. Conclusions Post-stroke physical activity is a complex goal. Varied and individual barriers require tailored solutions. Health professionals report insufficient time, resources and skills to address these individual barriers as well as limited pathways to access physical activity support. Resource-efficient interventions and care models that allow routine strategies targeting post-stroke physical activity are required.

Abstract B018: An exploration of the prostate cancer survivorship experience of sub-Saharan African immigrants in the United States

Abstract Background: Prostate cancer (CaP) is a significant public health problem affecting men globally. In 2020, there were over 1.4 million new cases, making it the second most commonly occurring cancer in men worldwide. While CaP disproportionately affects men of African ancestry research studies often characterizes men of African descent as a homogenous group: Black. Subpopulations, such as sub-Saharan African immigrants (SSAI) in the US, are 1.5 times more likely to develop CaP compared to US born blacks. Health behaviors, cultural beliefs, and lived experiences of SSAI may be contributing factors to these disparities. With a 5-year relative survival rate of 97%, men are living longer after CaP diagnoses. This study aimed to explore the survivorship experiences of SSAI living in the US. Methods: 16 SSAI including CaP survivors aged 40 to 70 years participated in this qualitative study guided by Grounded Theory and the NIMHD Framework. A purposeful sampling was employed to ensure diversity in socioeconomic status, age, duration of stay in the US and country of origin. One-on-one interviews were conducted and transcribed, followed by a two-step verification process. Nvivo 12 was utilized for open, axial, and theoretical coding. Results: This study identified four major trends affecting survivors: (a) the impact of CaP on sexual health, (b) emotional health, (c) dietary changes, and (d) changes in physical activity. Participants reported CaP has reduced their ability to perform sexually, which in some cases, resulted in marital strife. Furthermore, major triggers of declining emotional health were mentioned by survivors including partner rejection and difficulties acculturating. Dietary changes were especially difficult due to the major change in available foods options in the US versus their home country. Multiple survivors expressed the hardship of limited access to fresh, healthy foods compared to unhealthy food options, making it challenging for them to have a healthy diet. Lastly, some survivors found it harder to be physically active in the US compared to their home country due to lifestyle, environment, and cultural differences. For instance, in the US, motorized vehicles are the most utilized form of transportation, but in most sub-Saharan African countries, walking is more common. Without walking, it is challenging for some survivors to achieve their physical activity goals in the US. Conclusion: This research illuminates how the CaP survivorship and acculturation experience are heavily intertwined, influencing one another. This interwoven relationship can be utilized in healthcare to facilitate improved CaP survivorship outcomes and to increase other positive health outcomes for SSAI.Key Words: African immigrants, survivorship, prostate cancer, sexual health, emotional health, diet, physical activity. Funding Source: This study is funded by the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (1R15MD017012-01A1). This study is also part of the Prostate Cancer Transatlantic Consortium (CaPTC) network. Citation Format: Walker B. Rae, Kaitlin Van Voorhis, Ernie Kaninjing. An exploration of the prostate cancer survivorship experience of sub-Saharan African immigrants in the United States [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 16th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2023 Sep 29-Oct 2;Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2023;32(12 Suppl):Abstract nr B018.

Using a behavior change toolkit in pediatric physical therapy to support physical activity: A feasibility study.

Physical activity levels of children with disabilities are low, as these children and their parents face a wide variety of both personal and environmental barriers. Behavior change techniques support pediatric physical therapists to address these barriers together with parents and children. We developed the What Moves You?! intervention Toolkit (WMY Toolkit) filled with behavioral change tools for use in pediatric physical therapy practice. To evaluate the feasibility of using the WMY Toolkit in daily pediatric physical therapy practice. We conducted a feasibility study with a qualitative approach using semi-structured interviews with pediatric physical therapists (n = 11). After one day of training, the pediatric physical therapists used the WMY Toolkit for a period of 9 weeks, when facilitating physical activity in children with disabilities. We analyzed the transcripts using an inductive thematic analysis followed by a deductive analysis using a feasibility framework. For acceptability, pediatric physical therapists found that the toolkit facilitated conversation about physical activity in a creative and playful manner. The working mechanisms identified were in line with the intended working mechanisms during development of the WMY Toolkit, such as focusing on problem solving, self-efficacy and independence. For demand, the pediatric physical therapists mentioned that they were able to use the WMY Toolkit in children with and without disabilities with a broad range of physical activity goals. For implementation, education is important as pediatric physical therapists expressed the need to have sufficient knowledge and to feel confident using the toolkit. For practicality, pediatric physical therapists were positive about the ease of which tools could be adapted for individual children. Some of the design and materials of the toolkit needed attention due to fragility and hygiene. The WMY Toolkit is a promising and innovative way to integrate behavior change techniques into pediatric physical therapy practice.

Age and gender as factors affecting adolescent`s physical activity regime

Introduction: In general, physical activity (PA) decreases with age. Changes in the volume of PA and the movement mode are non-linear from the point of view of age and gender. In the lives of young people, there is a critical period accompanied by a decrease in the goals of PA performed in the daily regime. This study aimed to identify changes in the level of PA due to the age and gender of adolescents. Materials and Methods: The physical activity regime was analyzed using the final activity summary score of the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents (PAQ-A). A total of 417 children at the age of 11-18 years were tested (girls n = 245; boys n = 172). Analysis of the effect of gender, age, and their interactions with the volume of physical activity (PA) was carried out using two-way ANOVA and multiple comparisons of the means of individual age groups with post-hoc Tukey HSD analysis. The independent t-test was used to evaluate the effect of the gender factor. Results: The data presented showed a linear decrease in PA in the PA regime of pupils from 11 to 18 years of age, regardless of gender. Conclusions: PA volume in adolescence generally decreases with increasing age. The critical period appears to be the 14th year of life for girls and the 16th year for boys.

Reduction of Financial Health Incentives and Changes in Physical Activity.

Governments and others continue to use financial incentives to influence citizen health behaviors like physical activity. However, when delivered on a population scale they can be prohibitively costly, suggesting more sustainable models are needed. To evaluate the association of incomplete financial incentive withdrawal ("schedule thinning") with physical activity after more than a year of incentive intervention and to explore whether participant characteristics (eg, app engagement and physical activity) are associated with withdrawal outcomes. This case-control study with a pre-post quasi-experimental design included users of a government-funded health app focused on financial incentives. Eligible participants were residents in 3 Canadian provinces over 25 weeks in 2018 and 2019. Data were analyzed from July 2021 to December 2022. Due to fiscal constraints, financial incentives for daily physical activity goals were withdrawn in Ontario in December 2018 (case)-representing a 90% reduction in incentive earnings-but not in British Columbia or Newfoundland and Labrador (controls). The primary outcome was objectively assessed weekly mean daily step count. Linear regression models were used to compare pre-post changes in daily step counts between provinces (a difference-in-differences approach). Separate models were developed to examine factors associated with changes in daily step count (eg, app engagement and physical activity). Clinically meaningful initial effect sizes were previously reported (approximately 900 steps/d overall and 1800 steps/d among the physically inactive). In total there were 584 760 study participants (mean [SD] age, 34.3 [15.5] years; 220 388 women [63.5%]), including 438 731 from Ontario, 124 101 from British Columbia, and 21 928 from Newfoundland and Labrador. Significant physical activity declines were observed when comparing pre-post changes in Ontario to British Columbia (-198 steps/d; 95% CI, -224 to -172 steps/d) and Newfoundland and Labrador (-274 steps/d; 95% CI, -323 to -225 steps/d). The decrease was most pronounced for highly engaged Ontario users (-328 steps/d; 95% CI, -343 to -313 steps/d). Among physically inactive Ontario users, physical activity did not decline following withdrawal (107 steps/d; 95% CI, 90 to 124 steps/d). In this case-control study of incomplete financial incentive withdrawal, statistically significant daily step count reductions were observed in Ontario; however, these declines were modest and not clinically meaningful. Amidst substantial program savings, the physical activity reductions observed here may be acceptable to decision-makers working within finite budgets.

Trends in health behaviors of US adults with and without Diabetes: 2007–2018

AimsUnderstanding health behaviors of people with diabetes can inform strategies to reduce diabetes-related burdens. MethodsWe used serial cross-sectional National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys over 2007–2018 to characterize self-reported health behaviors among non-pregnant adults, with and without self-reported diabetes. We estimated weighted proportions meeting recommended health behaviors overall and by sociodemographic and glycemic levels. ResultsDuring 2007–2010, proportions of adults with diabetes meeting recommendations were: 61.9 % for added sugar consumption (<10 % of total calories), 17.2 % for physical activity, 68.2 % for weight management, 14.4 % avoided alcohol, 57.5 % avoided tobacco, 34.1 % got adequate sleep, and 97.5 % saw a healthcare provider (compared with 19.2 %, 33.6 %, 68.8 %, 8.5 %, 44.2 %, 33.0 %, and 82.6 % respectively, among those without diabetes). During 2015–2018, adjusted analyses showed more adults with diabetes met sleep (+16.7 percentage-points[pp]; 95 % CI: 10.6,22.8) and physical activity goals (+8.3 pp; 95 % CI: 3.8,12.8), and fewer met added sugar recommendations (-8.8 pp; 95 % CI −14.7, −2.9). Meeting added sugar, physical activity, and weight management varied by age, education, and glycemic level, but not race and ethnicity. ConclusionsDuring 2007–2018, there was some improvement in health behaviors. Improving self-management may require targeted interventions for different segments, like age groups or glycemic levels, among those with diabetes.

Motivating Physical Activity with Fitness Tracking and the Interpersonal Context

Many societies have aging populations. Getting older people to exercise can help them achieve a higher quality of life. Fitness tracking and social support can buttress that goal. This study tested the effects of fitness tracking and spousal influence on the physical activity of older adults. In a 2 (blinded vs. feedback) × 2 (individual vs. dyad) between-group experiment, 240 participants received a fitness tracker with a visible or blinded display. They participated in the three-month experiment either individually or with their spouses. Participants who received feedback met daily step counts of 7500 and 10,000 more frequently than those without feedback. Interestingly, those who participated with their spouses had lower mean and median step counts and met daily step counts of 10,000 and 15,000 less frequently than those who participated by themselves. The results show that real-time personalized feedback can motivate physical activity among older adults, while engrained routines among older couples may impede behavior change. Whereas individuals can adjust their personal routines to achieve a physical activity goal, such adjustment is more complex when it involves the quotidian routines of dyadic partners.

Promoting Achievable Goals to Increase Physical Activity

Abstract Background Physical inactivity is a leading contributor to the development of non-communicable diseases including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. Public health messages that advocate activity guidelines with specific duration thresholds (e.g., 30 minutes per day) have had limited success. This approach may risk an ‘all or nothing’ mindset whereby people feel exercise is not worthwhile unless they can meet recommended guidelines. World Health Organization guidelines recognise that any activity is better than none. In line with this, the present study aimed to test the effectiveness of two messages that referred to relative rather than absolute increases in physical activity: ‘Sit less, move more’ and ‘Add 2000 steps to your day’. Methods A representative sample of 7995 Australian adults responded to three surveys over six-weeks, with random assignment to a control condition (non-physical activity message) or one of two physical activity message conditions: Sit less, move more or Add 2000 steps to your day at each time point. At all three time points, respondents were exposed to their allocated message and reported their frequency of enacting the recommended behaviours. To account for attrition over the surveys, an intention-to-treat approach was adopted. Two generalised estimating equations models were run to examine time-by-condition interactions for the enactment of each message. Results Compared to control, respondents in the Add 2000 steps to your day condition significantly increased their enactment of adding 2000 steps to their day over time (B=.161, p=.011). Those in the Sit less, move more condition did not significantly differ from control in the frequency of enacting this message. Conclusions Promoting a specific physical activity goal that was relative to baseline activity increased the enactment of the recommended behaviour. Messages seeking to promote physical activity may be more effective if they include goals that are clear and feasible. Key messages • A message encouraging people to add 2000 steps to their day successfully increased physical activity. • Promoting achievable goals in physical activity messages might be a useful public health strategy.

Using Machine Learning to Improve Physical Activity: A Systematic Review

Abstract Background Many diseases that threaten public health can be prevented with policies to improve physical activity. To improve physical activity, the implementation of individual interventions at the societal level remains limited. At this point, technological devices as mobile phones, which provide access to all individuals, enable widespread implementation of public health interventions and the cost-effective use of resources. In recent years, Machine Learning has been used in various areas of health promotion, including improving physical activity. This systematic review was conducted to examine the effect of machine learning on health outcomes related to physical activity. Methods Studies on this topic from 2013 to 2023 have been accessed by five database searches. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Checklists for experimental and quasi-experimental studies, developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute. This study was conducted by following the Preferred Reporting System for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Results This systematic review included thirteen studies with a total sample size of 2945 individual. In the study, it was found that using machine learning algorithms can help to detect physical actvivity level and intensity, increase the daily step count, predict adherence to the physical activity goal, develop physical activity skills, increase the duration of daily cycling time, accessing accurate and real-time data on physical activity, personalize physical activity recommendations and identify the types of gaits. Conclusions Machine learning can be used to improve physical activity by providing more personalized and effective recommendations, using real-time feedback, and gamifying physical activity to increase motivation and adherence. Machine learning holds promise in the field of health promotion and has the potential to improve physical activity for individuals and communities. Key messages • Machine learning approaches are effective methods in determining and improving the level of physical activity on a public scale. • In terms of public health initiatives, using machine learning to improve physical activity is a cost-effective and efficient approach.

Psychological Factors Mediate the Relationship between Physical Activity and Goal Attainment for Occupational Therapy Practice: An Observational Study in Japan

Occupational therapy can improve physical activity, anxiety, and goal achievement after high tibial osteotomy. However, the role of psychological factors in physical activity and goal attainment after high tibial osteotomy is unclear. We examined how psychological factors mediate the relationship between physical activity and goal achievement. Participants included 55 individuals post-high tibial osteotomy. Physical activity and performance and satisfaction in everyday tasks had a significant indirect effect on the anxiety and depression. Anxiety and depression mediated the physical activity–goal attainment relationship. Thus, occupational therapy practices focusing on anxiety and depression may be important in post- high tibial osteotomy rehabilitation.

Adherence to Selected Pillars of Lifestyle Medicine in the United States: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

Background: The American College of Lifestyle Medicine proposed 6 evidenced-based pillars to tackle the increasing burden from chronic non-communicable diseases, including regular physical activity, 7+ hours of restorative sleep, a whole-food plant-based diet, stress management, avoidance of risky substances and positive social connections. Methods: We used cross-sectional nationally representative data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys to analyze the degree of adherence to 4 of these pillars in the US general population. Results: We analyzed data from n = 1217 participants (representing n = 64,468,933 US adults). Results suggested a low population prevalence of established lifestyle medicine behaviors. Less than 50% of the population met the minimal weekly physical activity goal of 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity. We observed a high prevalence of risky substances (excessive alcohol and tobacco) in younger participants aged 20-38 years. Only .52% met common indicators of a whole-food plant-based diet. We found substantial differences between sexes and age groups, with an alarmingly low percentage of young adults achieving optimal levels of common lifestyle practices. Conclusions: Lifestyle medicine as a cost-effective strategy to reduce premature mortality is widely established. Our findings reiterate the required shift from symptom management via interventions towards “tackling the cause” of chronic diseases.

Supplemental Material for Does Exposure to Sedentary Temptations Activate Physical Activity Goals? A High-Powered Replication Study

Supplemental Material for Does Exposure to Sedentary Temptations Activate Physical Activity Goals? A High-Powered Replication Study

Effect of an activity wristband-based intermittent teaching unit in Physical Education on students' physical activity and its psychological mediators: a cluster-randomized controlled trial. School-fit study.

The main objective of the present study was to examine the effects of an intermittent teaching unit based on the use of activity wristbands and behavior modification strategies on high school students' perceptions of autonomy support, satisfaction of basic psychological needs, motivation toward Physical Education and physical activity, intention to be physically active, and habitual physical activity levels. An initial sample of 353 high school students (final sample = 175; 45.7% females; mean age = 13.3 ± 1.2 years) from two public high schools were cluster-randomly assigned into the intermittent (IG, n = 100) and control (CG, n = 75) groups. The IG performed an intermittent teaching unit twice a week for eight weeks. Specifically, the last 15 min of each lesson were used. As the main strategy to promote the practice of regular physical activity, students wore an activity wristband the whole day during the intervention period. Additionally, other behavior modification strategies were also applied (e.g., educational counseling, physical activity goals or reminders). Regarding the CG, during the intervention period (i.e,, the eight weeks that took place the intermittent teaching unit) they also performed two Physical Education sessions, but without using activity wristbands or other behavior modification strategies. Before and after the intervention, as well as at the end of the follow-up period (six weeks), students' physical activity practice mediators and physical activity levels were measured by validated questionnaires. The Multilevel Linear Model results showed that the IG students statistically significantly improved cognitive and procedural autonomy support from pre- to post-intervention (p < 0.05). They also statistically significantly improved autonomy and relatedness basic psychological needs, and autonomous motivation toward physical activity scores from post-intervention to follow-up (p < 0.05). Moreover, the results showed that the IG students statistically significantly improved habitual physical activity scores from pre- to post-intervention, and from post-intervention to follow-up (p < 0.05). The intermittent teaching unit based on the use of activity wristbands and other behavior modification strategies was effective for improving students' autonomy support and habitual physical activity levels, but not the rest of physical activity practice mediators. https://register.clinicaltrials.gov/, ID: NCT05949463.

S10-4 A comparative evaluation of local governments’ roles in HEPA policy promotion in municipalities from 4 EU countries and Japan

Abstract Purpose Local governments’ engagement and performance in physical activity promotion is essential to try to reach the nationally and internationally planned population physical activity goals. However, currently, in most countries/settings, local HEPA policy monitoring and evaluation is largely voluntary and often too context specific, using instruments and methods tailored for that specific contexts. The aim of the Erasmus + Sport co-financed project LoGoPAS was to assess, promote and support local governments' involvement in HEPA (policy) promotion. Methods We used complementary qualitative methods (literature review, document analysis, stakeholders’ interviews, stakeholders’ meetings) to analyze and describe the legally binding roles and voluntary based activities of local governments in PA (policy) promotion in selected municipalities from Finland, France, Germany, Japan, and Romania. The data was compiled and presented comparatively between municipalities using an already validated policy monitoring &amp; evaluation tool, the CAPLA- Santé. Results The 5 selected municipalities were: Jyväskylä – Finland, Nice – France, Erlangen-Germany, Fujisawa – Japan, Cluj-Napoca – Romania. Following the methods described above and the chapters structure of the CAPLA- Santé we noticed a few similarities (e.g., the existence of a dedicated structure within the municipality, focus of the policy on several population sub-groups, heavy reliance on national or local budgets) and several differences (e.g., the different levels of evidence used in policy development and implementation, differences in the levels and means of monitoring and evaluation) between settings. There are examples of good practice from each setting, e.g. the strength of financing and evaluation in Jyväskylä, the focus on vulnerable populations in Nice, the collaborative approach in Erlangen, the diversity of physical activity promotion programs in Fujisawa and the opportunistic use of external (EU) financing in Cluj-Napoca. Conclusion EU and global Comparative analyses of HEPA policy using a validated instrument can offer insight into different approaches, support and stimulate the further engagement of local administrations in physical activity promotion. The efforts to monitor and evaluate physical activity policy should be intensified and potentially/ideally institutionalized.