Indoor Physical Activity Research Articles

Behavioral mapping of children\u2019s physical activities and social behaviors in an indoor preschool facility: methodological challenges in revealing the influence of space in play

BackgroundGIS (Geographic Information Systems) based behavior maps are useful for visualizing and analyzing how children utilize their play spaces. However, a GIS needs accurate locational information to ensure that observations are correctly represented on the layout maps of play spaces. The most commonly used tools for observing and coding free play among children in indoor play spaces require that locational data be collected alongside other play variables. There is a need for a practical, cost-effective approach for extending most tools for analyzing free play by adding geospatial locational information to children’s behavior data collected in indoor play environments.ResultsWe provide a non-intrusive approach to adding locational information to behavior data acquired from video recordings of preschool children in their indoor play spaces. The gridding technique showed to be a cost-effective method of gathering locational information about children from video recordings of their indoor physical activities and social behaviors. Visualizing the proportions of categories and observed intervals was done using bubble pie charts which allowed for the merging of multiple categorical information on one map. The addition of locational information to other play activity and social behavior data presented the opportunity to assess what types of equipment or play areas may encourage different physical activities and social behaviors among preschool children.ConclusionsGridding is an effective method for providing locational data when analyzing physical activities and social behaviors of preschool children in indoor spaces. It is also reproducible for most GIS behavior mapping focusing on indoor environments. This bypasses the need to have positioning devices attached to children during observations, which can raise ethical considerations regarding children’s privacy and methodological implications with children playing less naturally. It also supports visualizations on behavior maps making them easier to interpret.

Smart Monitoring of Population Health Risk Behaviour

Monitoring population-level health-risk behaviour is integral to preventing chronic diseases (i.e., diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, etc.). Physical activity and sleep are the key behaviours which influence human health. Smart technologies can be used to improve real-time monitoring of risky behaviours. The objective of this study is to explore population- and individual-level remote monitoring of sleep, indoor physical activity and sedentary behaviours in Canada using data from the Internet of Things (IoT) (ecobee smart thermostat) and fitness trackers. Method: 386 person-hours of data were collected in a pilot study (n =8) to validate the motion sensor data from ecobee smart thermostats. Then, using “Donate your Data” data from ecobee indicators of population-level health were calculated. Results: A positive Spearman correlation coefficient 0.8 (p>0.0001) was found between standard fitness tracker data and ecobee sensors validating its use for population-level analysis. Our results were similar to the Public Health Agency of Canada’s results derived from self-reported surveillance methods. Discussion: This project demonstrates the use of data from non-health sources, like ubiquitous IoT to curate population- and individual-level health indicators. We will deliver novel indicators and insights into health status through the creation of user-centered designed dashboards for individuals, researchers, and policy-makers.

A Combination of Indoor Localization and Wearable Sensor-Based Physical Activity Recognition to Assess Older Patients Undergoing Subacute Rehabilitation: Baseline Study Results.

BackgroundHealth care, in recent years, has made great leaps in integrating wireless technology into traditional models of care. The availability of ubiquitous devices such as wearable sensors has enabled researchers to collect voluminous datasets and harness them in a wide range of health care topics. One of the goals of using on-body wearable sensors has been to study and analyze human activity and functional patterns, thereby predicting harmful outcomes such as falls. It can also be used to track precise individual movements to form personalized behavioral patterns, to standardize the concept of frailty, well-being/independence, etc. Most wearable devices such as activity trackers and smartwatches are equipped with low-cost embedded sensors that can provide users with health statistics. In addition to wearable devices, Bluetooth low-energy sensors known as BLE beacons have gained traction among researchers in ambient intelligence domain. The low cost and durability of newer versions have made BLE beacons feasible gadgets to yield indoor localization data, an adjunct feature in human activity recognition. In the studies by Moatamed et al and the patent application by Ramezani et al, we introduced a generic framework (Sensing At-Risk Population) that draws on the classification of human movements using a 3-axial accelerometer and extracting indoor localization using BLE beacons, in concert.ObjectiveThe study aimed to examine the ability of combination of physical activity and indoor location features, extracted at baseline, on a cohort of 154 rehabilitation-dwelling patients to discriminate between subacute care patients who are re-admitted to the hospital versus the patients who are able to stay in a community setting.MethodsWe analyzed physical activity sensor features to assess activity time and intensity. We also analyzed activities with regard to indoor localization. Chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to compare demographic variables and sensor feature variables in outcome groups. Random forests were used to build predictive models based on the most significant features.ResultsStanding time percentage (P<.001, d=1.51), laying down time percentage (P<.001, d=1.35), resident room energy intensity (P<.001, d=1.25), resident bed energy intensity (P<.001, d=1.23), and energy percentage of active state (P=.001, d=1.24) are the 5 most statistically significant features in distinguishing outcome groups at baseline. The energy intensity of the resident room (P<.001, d=1.25) was achieved by capturing indoor localization information. Random forests revealed that the energy intensity of the resident room, as a standalone attribute, is the most sensitive parameter in the identification of outcome groups (area under the curve=0.84).ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that a combination of indoor localization and physical activity tracking produces a series of features at baseline, a subset of which can better distinguish between at-risk patients that can gain independence versus the patients that are rehospitalized.

GOING GREEN: The Effectiveness of a 40-Day Green Exercise Intervention for Insufficiently Active Adults.

Increasing physical activity and reducing sedentary behavior is an economic and health priority. This Green Exercise (GEx) study reports on a 40-day physical activity intervention to increase physical activity that primarily used outdoor recreation activities. Adherence, compliance, blood pressure (BP), total cholesterol, anthropometry, strength, dynamic stability, and cardiovascular fitness were assessed 1 week prior and immediately following the 40-day intervention. The results then were compared with a larger study that used the same methodologies but for the exception of primarily indoor physical activities. Results from this study showed similar improvements in health measures to the comparative indoor-based physical activity program with increased adherence and compliance. Improvements in wellbeing were also noted. This GEx study suggests that exercise programs that seek to increase physical activity levels of insufficiently active adults may benefit from including outdoor recreation activities within the program and may also increase participant mental health and general well-being.

Associations of weather conditions with adolescents' daily physical activity, sedentary time, and sleep duration.

Weather has been recognized as an environmental factor that affects daily activities. However, the effects of a humid subtropical climate on daily activity behavior are unclear. This study investigated the associations of weather conditions with physical activity (PA), sedentary time (ST), and sleep duration in a sample of 740 Hong Kong adolescents (mean age: 14.7 ± 1.6 years). The activPAL was used to assess the time spent during moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA), ST, and sleep. Weather data (e.g., temperature, relative humidity, rainfall amount, and sunlight duration) were obtained from the Hong Kong Observatory. Linear mixed models were constructed to examine the associations of weather conditions with the durations of MVPA, ST, and sleep on weekdays and weekend days, respectively. The analysis included valid data from 561 students (51.9% male). Among Hong Kong adolescents, a higher relative humidity was associated with reduced MVPA on weekdays and weekends, more ST on weekdays, and a longer sleep duration on weekends. A longer duration of sunlight induced less MVPA on weekends, but a longer sleep duration on weekdays. On weekends, higher temperatures correlated with increases in MVPA and ST but a decrease in sleep duration. Rainfall correlated inversely with sleep duration and positively with ST on weekdays. The associations of rainfall with MVPA exhibited opposite trends on weekdays and weekends. In summary, the relationships between weather conditions and daily activities exhibited day-type patterns. The findings suggest that environment-controlled indoor PA should be recommended during weather conditions of high relative humidity and higher temperatures.

Objectively Measured Environmental Correlates of Toddlers' Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior.

Examine objectively measured environmental correlates of physical activity and sedentary behavior in toddlers (12-35 mo). Participants were recruited at immunization appointments in Edmonton, Canada. Physical activity and sedentary time were objectively measured via accelerometers (n = 149). The parents reported screen time and demographic characteristics via a questionnaire (n = 249). Postal codes were used to link neighborhood data via geographic information systems. Neighborhood data included 4 environmental domains: functional (ie,walkability), safety (ie,crime), esthetic (ie,tree density), and destination (ie,cul-de-sac density, wooded area percentage, green space percentage, recreation density, park density). Weather data (temperature and precipitation) were obtained via historical weather records. Multilevel multiple linear regression models were used to account for clustering of participants within neighborhoods and adjustment of demographic variables. Each additional 10°C of mean temperature was significantly associated with 5.74 (95% confidence interval, 0.96-10.50) minutes per day of higher light-intensity physical activity, though the effect size was small (f2 = 0.08). No other significant associations were observed. The lack of significant findings for neighborhood environment factors suggests proximal factors (eg,features of the home environment) may be more important in predicting toddlers' physical activity and sedentary behavior. More indoor physical activity opportunities may be needed on colder days for toddlers.

Multi-sensor movement analysis for transport safety and health applications.

Recent increases in the use of and applications for wearable technology has opened up many new avenues of research. In this paper, we consider the use of lifelogging and GPS data to extend fine-grained movement analysis for improving applications in health and safety. We first design a framework to solve the problem of indoor and outdoor movement detection from sensor readings associated with images captured by a lifelogging wearable device. Second we propose a set of measures related with hazard on the road network derived from the combination of GPS movement data, road network data and the sensor readings from a wearable device. Third, we identify the relationship between different socio-demographic groups and the patterns of indoor physical activity and sedentary behaviour routines as well as disturbance levels on different road settings.

The relationship between indoor tanning and body mass index, physical activity, or dietary practices: a systematic review.

A systemic review was conducted to better understand the relationship between indoor tanning and body mass index (BMI), physical activity, or dietary practices. Articles included in this review were obtained via a systematic search of PubMed following PRISMA guidelines. Available articles were published between September, 2003 and May, 2017 and contained data regarding indoor tanning and BMI, physical activity, or dietary practices. Sixteen publications met final inclusion criteria. Results of this review indicate significant positive associations between indoor tanning and high physical activity levels, playing sports, and both unhealthy and healthy diet and weight control practices. Frequent or dependent indoor tanning was associated with unhealthy dietary practices in most studies or risk for exercise addiction in one study. Results were mixed for BMI. This review demonstrates associations between indoor tanning and physical activity or dietary practices. Despite the use of some unhealthy strategies (e.g., indoor tanning, fasting, vomiting, laxative, or steroid use), common motives for these behaviors include a desire to appear attractive and/or healthy. Findings from this study can help inform future research and possible interventions for individuals engaging in relevant risky health behaviors.

Investigating Socioeconomic Disparities in the Potential Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Environments of Churches.

Faith-based settings have the potential to improve health in underresourced communities, but little research has quantified and compared health-promoting elements in church environments. This study examines the number of potential indoor and outdoor physical activity opportunities, healthy eating opportunities, healthy living media, and total environmental resources present in churches (n = 54) in a rural, southeastern US county and the relationship between these resources and neighborhood income. In our sample, most churches offered potential indoor and outdoor opportunities for physical activity and healthy eating opportunities, with more variability in the number of healthy living media items on display compared to other environmental components. Common potential opportunities present in churches for physical activity included a fellowship hall and green/open space, while potential opportunities for healthy eating frequently included a refrigerator and sink. Compared to those in medium- and high-income neighborhoods, churches in low-income neighborhoods scored higher on measures of potential outdoor physical activity opportunities and lower on measures of total potential environment resources, healthy eating opportunities, healthy living media, and indoor physical activity opportunities, though only indoor physical activity opportunities reached statistical significance. Potential opportunities for using existing resources in and around churches for health promotion should be investigated further, particularly in rural areas.

Sleep and Caregiving Experiences among Caregivers of Veterans in an Adult Day Health Care Program: A Pilot Study

ABSTRACTObjectives: This pilot study explored caregivers’ attitudes toward core elements of a behavioral sleep intervention for managing sleep problems of older veteran care recipients and the caregivers, as an initial step for developing a dyadic sleep intervention program.Methods: Five caregivers (all women; age range, 66–75 years) participated in a focus group discussion. Data were collected at one Veterans Affairs, adult day health care program.Results: Caregivers’ poor sleep was not necessarily explained by their caregiving responsibility. Caregivers felt that behavioral recommendations regarding sleep compression scheduling, increased indoor physical activity, and outdoor light exposure would be acceptable sleep interventions for themselves and the care recipients. Some challenges to the sleep recommendation were identified and they included limiting naptime of care recipients and change of their current sleep schedule.Conclusions: Caregivers are receptive to some key components of behavioral approaches to improving sleep. Tailored sleep recommendation strategy is needed to address potential challenges.Clinical Implications: If available within clinical care settings or delivered at the patient’s home, caregivers of older veterans are likely to engage in behavioral sleep intervention programs.

The Effect of Vitamin D supplement and Indoor Vs Outdoor Physical Activity on Depression of Obese Depressed Women

Objective: Since the rate of depression and Vitamin D deficiency has been reported in Iranian obese women, it needs to be considered seriously by researchers. Therefore, the aim of this research was to investigate the effect of vitamin D supplement (VD) and indoor physical activity (IPA) vs outdoor physical activity (OPA) on the depression of obese depressed women. Methods: This was a prospective study with 75 women (mean age: 43.5 ± 12.8 years, with body mass index (BMI) ranging from 30.0 to 35.0 kg/m2). They were randomly assigned into four experimental groups who either did indoor or outdoor physical activity with or without Vitamin D. Depressive symptoms were assessed with the Beck depression inventory. The intervention group (indoor and outdoor physical activity with vitamin D) was administered a 2,000 IU Vitamin D per day for 12 weeks. The training program included warming-up, main protocol (treadmill versus outdoor jogging) and cooling-down four times a week for 3 months. Results: The results indicated that the level of depression in OPA + VD group was improved from severe (33.26 ± 2.12) to mild (16.73 ± 1.38) suggesting 50% improvement in depression score (P = 0.001) and there was, also, a significant improvement in the depression level of IPA+VD, OPA, and IPA groups from sever to moderate level in depression scores (P = 0.001). Conclusions: Both vitamin D and exercise (especially outdoor) have positive effects on depressive symptoms of depressed obese women. As a result, promotion of an active outdoor lifestyle and having sufficient Vitamin can counteract vitamin D deficiency and the rate of depression in this vulnerable population.

The Relationship between the Physical Activity Environment, Nature Relatedness, Anxiety, and the Psychological Well-being Benefits of Regular Exercisers.

Research from a variety of scientific fields suggests that physical activity in nature and feelings of connection to nature enhance psychological health and well-being. This study investigated the psychological health and well-being impact of the physical activity environment for those already undertaking the recommended weekly amount of physical activity. This topic is important for the design of health and well-being environments and interventions involving physical activity. Participants (N = 262) aged 18–71 years (M = 34.5, SD = 13.1) who met the UK physical activity guidelines completed the Nature Relatedness Scale, the trait section of the State Trait Inventory for Cognitive and Somatic Anxiety and the Psychological Well-Being Scale. Analysis via Multivariate ANOVA indicated that participants who engaged in outdoor physical activity reported significantly lower somatic anxiety levels and higher Nature Relatedness experience (NRexp). Significant results were not evident for wellbeing. Hierarchical regressions revealed that the psychological well-being facet of autonomy, NRexp, and outdoor physical activity predicted lower somatic anxiety, whereas indoor physical activity predicted higher somatic anxiety. Results indicate that somatic anxiety is lower for outdoor physical activity participation, and that outdoor activity, in conjunction with autonomy and NRexp, predicts lower anxiety levels. The findings extend previous work by demonstrating the impact of the physical activity environment on anxiety levels, as well as the contribution of outdoor physical activity and well-being facets to the previously established Nature Relatedness-anxiety relationship.

Association between physical activity and vitamin D: A narrative literature review.

This narrative review of the medical literature assessed whether outdoor and indoor physical activity would increase the plasma levels of vitamin D. Synthesis of this liposoluble vitamin is mainly mediated by sunlight on the skin, where it is activated to perform its main action, which is to control the serum levels of calcium as soon as the element is absorbed in the intestines, assisting in the regulation of bone metabolism. Physical activity is any body movement that results in energy expenditure, while outdoor physical activity refers to physical activity carried out at public parks or other open spaces, as is the case of the popular practice of taking walks. Exercising outdoors would have both the benefits of physical activity and of sun exposure, namely the synthesis of vitamin D. However, according to the studies analyzed, increased plasma concentration of vitamin D occurs with physical activity both indoors and outdoors.

Affective responses in mountain hiking—A randomized crossover trial focusing on differences between indoor and outdoor activity

IntroductionAffective responses during physical activity (PA) are important for engagement in PA programs and for adherence to a physically active lifestyle. Little is known about the affective responses to PA bouts lasting longer than 45 minutes. Therefore, the aims of the present study were to analyse acute effects on affective responses of a three-hour outdoor PA intervention (mountain hiking) compared to a sedentary control situation and to an indoor treadmill condition.MethodsUsing a randomized crossover design, 42 healthy participants were randomly exposed to three different conditions: outdoor mountain hiking, indoor treadmill walking, and sedentary control situation (approximately three hours each). Measures included the Feeling Scale, Felt Arousal Scale and a Mood Survey Scale. Repeated measures ANOVAs were used to analyse differences between the conditions.ResultsCompared to the control situation, the participants showed a significant increase in affective valence (d = 1.21, p < .001), activation (d = 0.81, p = .004), elation (d = 1.07, p < .001), and calmness (d = 0.84, p = .004), and a significant decrease in fatigue (d = -1.19, p < .001) and anxiety (d = -.79, p < .001) after mountain hiking. Outdoor mountain hiking showed significantly greater positive effects on affective valence, activation, and fatigue compared to indoor treadmill walking.DiscussionThe results indicate that a three-hour PA intervention (mountain hiking) elicits higher positive and lower negative affective responses compared to a sedentary control situation and to an indoor PA condition. Outdoor mountain hiking can be recommended by health professionals as a form of PA with the potential to positively influence affective responses.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT02853760. https://clinicaltrials.gov/. Date of registration: 08/02/2016 (retrospectively registered). Date of enrolment of the first participant to the trial: 05/01/2014.

Influence of the day care, home and neighbourhood environment on young children's physical activity and health: protocol for the PLAYCE observational study

IntroductionThe early years are a critical period in a child's health and development, yet most preschool children fail to meet physical activity guidelines. Outside of the home and neighbourhood, children...

Factors associated with time provided to children for physical activity in family child care: a cross-sectional study.

Childhood obesity has increased in the past 30 years, and physical inactivity is a major contributor. Factors related to physical activity promotion in the family child care context are understudied. A convenience sample of participants in a mid-sized city in the Midwestern U.S. was recruited through the local child care resource and referral agency and were invited through flyers and emails to take part in an online or paper survey. Survey results in a sample of 107 family child care providers indicate that many did not meet physical activity recommendations and are missing the opportunity to enable children’s physical activity via important practices and resources. Provider self-efficacy about being physically active, and indoor physical activity space positively associated with time provided for child physical activity. Health training is negatively associated with time provided for child physical activity. Practice implications include: (1) develop activities that promote physical activity in the tight confines of family child care homes and yard; (2) develop trainings that can influence the integration of suitable portable play equipment in the space constraints of family child care homes (3) Propose creative ideas for active free play even when in a shared space; (4) prioritize providing separate play areas by age group and strategize ways to do this in family child care contexts (for example, alternate access to spaces by age); (5) engage providers and children in joint activities that increase provider physical activity efficacy and physical activity time as well as that of children; (6) promote health and physical activity among family child care providers themselves.

Characterizing the fungal and bacterial microflora and concentrations in fitness centres

Fitness centres are special places where conditions for microbiological proliferation should be considered. Moisture due to human perspiration and water condensation as a result of human physical activities are prevalent in this type of buildings. Exposure to microbial contaminants is clinically associated with respiratory disorders and people who work out in polluted environments would be susceptible to contaminants. This work studied the indoor air contamination in three gymnasiums in Lisbon. The sampling was performed at two periods: at the opening (morning) and closing (night) of the three gymnasiums. The airborne bacterial and fungal populations were sampled by impaction directly onto Tryptic Soy Agar (for bacteria) and Malt Extract Agar (for fungi) plates, using a Merck MAS-100 air sampler. Higher bacterial concentrations were found at night as compared to the morning but the same behaviour was not found for fungal concentrations. Gram-negative catalase positive cocci were the dominant bacteria in indoor air samples of the studied gymnasiums. In this study, 21 genera/species of fungal colonies were identified. Chrysosporium sp., Chrysonilia sp., Neoscytalidium hialinum, Sepedonium sp. and Penicillium sp. were the most prevalent species identified in the morning, while Cladosporium sp., Penicillium sp., Chrysosporium sp., Acremonium sp. and Chrysonilia sp. were more prevalent at night. A well-designed sanitation and maintenance program for gymnasiums is needed to ensure healthier space for indoor physical activity.

Leisure-Related Predictors on a Sense of Purpose in Life among Older Adults with Cancer

The purpose of this study was to examine leisure-related factors as predictors of a sense of purpose in life for older adults with cancer. A final sample of 1,271 older adults with cancer experience was drawn from the Health and Retirement Survey. The results of the regression analysis indicated that leisure satisfaction was the strongest predictor of a greater sense of purpose in life. The three most significant predictors of a greater purpose in life were frequent participation in hobbies and indoor activities, physical activities, and religious activities. Implications for further research and practice are discussed.

School environment, sedentary behavior and physical activity in preschool children

ObjectiveTo analyze physical activity and sedentary behavior in preschool children during their stay at school and the associated factors. Methods370 preschoolers, aged 4–6 years, stratified according to gender, age and school region in the city of Londrina, PR, participated in the study. A questionnaire was applied to principals of preschools to analyze the school infrastructure and environment. Physical activity and sedentary behavior were estimated using accelerometers for five consecutive days during the children's stay at school. The odds ratio (OR) was estimated through binary logistic regression. ResultsAt school, regardless of age, preschoolers spend relatively more time in sedentary behaviors (89.6–90.9%), followed by light (4.6–7.6%), moderate (1.3–3.0%) and vigorous (0.5–2.3%) physical activity. The indoor recreation room (OR 0.20, 95%CI 0.05–0.83) and the playground (OR 0.08, 95%CI 0.00–0.80) protect four-year-old schoolchildren from highly sedentary behavior. An inverse association was found between the indoor recreation room and physical activity (OR 0.20, 95%CI 0.00–0.93) in five-year-old children. The indoor recreation room (OR 1.54, 95%CI 1.35–1.77), the playground (OR 2.82, 95%CI 1.14–6.96) and the recess (OR 1.54, 95%CI 1.35–1.77) are factors that increase the chance of six-year-old schoolchildren to be active. ConclusionsThe school infrastructure and environment should be seen as strategies to promote physical activity and reduce sedentary behavior in preschool children.

Ambiente escolar, comportamento sedentário e atividade física em pré‐escolares

ObjectiveTo analyze physical activity and sedentary behavior in preschool children during their stay at school and the associated factors. Methods370 preschoolers, aged 4 to 6 years, stratified according to gender, age and school region in the city of Londrina, PR, participated in the study. A questionnaire was applied to principals of preschools to analyze the school infrastructure and environment. Physical activity and sedentary behavior were estimated using accelerometers for five consecutive days during the children's stay at school. The odds ratio (OR) was estimated through binary logistic regression. ResultsAt school, regardless of age, preschoolers spend relatively more time in sedentary behaviors (89.6%‐90.9%), followed by light (4.6%‐7.6%), moderate (1.3%‐3.0%) and vigorous (0.5%‐2.3%) physical activity. The indoor recreation room (OR=0.20; 95%CI 0.05 to 0.83) and the playground (OR=0.08; 95%CI 0.00 to 0.80) protect four‐year‐old schoolchildren from highly sedentary behavior. An inverse association was found between the indoor recreation room and physical activity (OR=0.20; 95%CI 0.00 to 0.93) in five‐year‐old children. The indoor recreation room (OR=1.54; 95%CI 1.35 to 1.77), the playground (OR=2.82; 95%CI 1.14 to 6.96) and the recess (OR=1.54; 95%CI 1.35 to 1.77) are factors that increase the chance of six‐year‐old schoolchildren to be active. ConclusionsThe school infrastructure and environment should be seen as strategies to promote physical activity and reduce sedentary behavior in preschool children.