Interest In Physical Activity Research Articles

Older Mens' Experiences with and Preferences for Physical Activity.

We aim to describe older mens' experiences with physical activity (PA) and their preferences for PA programs. We interviewed 14 men from a Canada-based PA intervention study called Men on the Move, and 5 men from a supplementary sample (who were not intervention participants). Content analysis was used to describe their experiences with PA and program preferences. The socio-ecological perspective and the hegemonic masculinity framework guided the research. PA barriers were low motivation, poor health, lack of time, interests other than PA and a lack of interest in PA, finances, lack of knowledge about PA, injury fear, social influences, inconvenience, weather, caregiving, built/natural environments, low-quality fitness instructors, and program structure. PA facilitators were chores, health, interest, time, motivation, social influences, active transportation, built/natural environments, good weather, program structure, and skilled/knowledgeable fitness instructors. PA program preferences were small group atmosphere, individualized attention/programming, equal number of men and women, sports programming, PA classes, and experienced instructors. Older men have distinct PA experiences. Promoting and designing programs that address their experiences may increase their PA.

High Risk Sports, Psychology and Virtual Reality- “Living on the Edge”

For several years there has been an enhanced interest in physical activities, which offer unusual and intense sensations...

Fatigue, barriers to physical activity and predictors for motivation to exercise in advanced Cancer patients

BackgroundIn order to counteract fatigue, physical activity (PA) is recommended for all stages of cancer. However, only few advanced cancer patients (ACP) are physically active. Quantitative data with high numbers of ACP reporting barriers to PA are missing. This study aimed to identify barriers to PA in ACP with tiredness/weakness and investigate their motivation towards it.MethodsOutpatients with metastatic cancer receiving cancer care at a German Cancer Center reporting moderate/severe tiredness/weakness during self-assessment (MIDOS II) were enrolled. We assessed Fatigue-(FACF-F) and Depression (PHQ8) Scores, demographics, cancer-specific parameters, motivation for PA, physical, psychological and social barriers.Results141 of 440 eligible patients (32.0%) with different diagnoses agreed to participate. Patients frequently reported “I feel weakened due to my tumor therapy” (n = 108; 76.6%), physical symptoms (tiredness, weakness, dyspnea, joint-problems, pain, nausea [n = 107; 75.9%]) and fatigue (n = 99; 70.2%) as barriers to PA. However, no significant group differences regarding these barriers were found between physically active and inactive patients. Social barriers were rarely chosen. Motivated patients were 5.6 times more likely to be physically active (p < 0.001), also motivation turned out to be the strongest predictor for a physically active behavior (β = 1.044; p = 0.005). Motivated attitude towards PA was predicted by fatigue (β = − 2.301; p = 0.008), clinically relevant depression (β = − 1.390, p = 0.039), knowledge about PA and quality of life (QoL) (β = 0.929; p = 0.002), PA before diagnosis (β = 0.688; p = 0.005 and Interest in exercise program (β = 0.635; p = 0.008).Conclusion“I feel weakened due to my tumor therapy” is the most reported barrier to PA among both, physically and inactive patients. Motivation for PA is the strongest predictor of performing PA. Interest in PA, knowledge about PA/QoL and PA before diagnosis are main predictors of a motivated attitude. Absence/presence of social barriers did not associate with motivation, fatigue and depression proved to be a negative predictor. Programs including information, motivational counseling and individualized training should be offered for ACP to overcome barriers and reduce fatigue.Trial registrationGerman Register of Clinical Trials DRKS00012514, registration date: 30.5.2017.

Low interest in physical activity and higher rates of obesity among rural teachers.

Few studies have evaluated the causes of physical inactivity in rural teachers from South America. Determining the causes and effects of physical inactivity in rural teachers could be the base for future intervention studies aiming to improve physical activity (PA) engagement in this population. To examine the levels of PA in rural teachers and evaluate the associations between their jobs, interest in PA, body composition and practice of PA. Body mass index (BMI) and body fat % (BF) of rural teachers from the Valparaiso Region in Chile were measured; interviews regarding PA habits, interests and PA practice were conducted. The relationship between BF% and interest in PA and the practice of sports was analysed stratifying by sex. Around 71% were overweight/obese and 80% of the teachers reported not practicing any PA. These figures are higher than the Chilean national average for adults (64.5% overweight/obese). Moreover, females presented a higher BF% than male teachers (35.98% vs. 26.44%, p < 0.05). The main causes of not performing PA were: firstly, the lack of time (51.8%), and secondly, fatigue after work and/or finishing work late. In addition, rural teachers claim that in their free time they continue to finish tasks that they were not able to complete during their working hours. Rural Chilean teachers show a high prevalence of obesity and low PA levels. Moreover, rural teachers have a work overload stemming from their jobs, and this could be an important link to an overall sedentary lifestyle. Further studies should focus on the relationship between teacher obesity, physical activity, nutrition and work overload.

Increasing physical activity among children and adolescents: Innovative ideas needed

For anyone paying attention, this is a disruptive time in science in general and in health promotion science in particular. Obesity is the most prevalent nutrition-related health problem around the globe.1 The issue of whether, as is commonly thought, obesity is causative of early mortality2 or whether it is only a marker of risk3, 4 has been raised. The lack of substantial and maintained change in child obesity prevention has been recognized,5 and numerous limitations in our conceptual and methodological approach to obesity prevention have been identified.6 The simple energy balance biological model upon which most obesity prevention programs have been predicated has been declared invalid,7, 8 with a multi-etiological model thought to be more appropriate.9 Physical activity (PA) is considered an important health-related behavior, which may be related to obesity.10 Higher levels of PA have been associated with longer life;11 a lower risk of cardiovascular disease;12 lower levels of several cancers,13 stroke,14 and diabetes;15 a higher quality of life;16 better mental health;17 higher cognitive functioning;18 and numerous other positive health outcomes. Thus, if the citizens of all nations had optimal levels of PA throughout their adult lives, they would live to be older, healthier, happier, more sentient, make fewer demands on the health care system, and likely be more productive,19 a state of affairs desired by many citizens, their employers, and their governments. Regular PA is essentially a habit,20 believed to begin in childhood. Children tend to have higher levels of PA at younger ages, but these behaviors decrease as they age.21 Thus, there has been substantial interest in PA among children, even the youngest, to document existing levels and understand the influences on these levels of activity (positive and negative).22 Based on this knowledge, interventions can be designed to promote and maintain optimal levels of PA throughout childhood and adolescence23, 24 for carryover into the adult years.

Educator perspectives on factors influencing children's school-based physical activity.

Formative research is an important first step in the design and development of children's school-based physical activity (PA) interventions. Exploration of educator [headteacher and physical education (PE)-co-ordinator] perceptions toward the promotion of school-based PA, including PE delivery has however been limited. This study took a socio-ecological approach to explore the barriers and facilitators of children's school-based PA from the perspective of school educators. Interviews were conducted with headteachers (n = 4), PE-co-ordinators (n = 4) and a deputy headteacher (n = 1) and data thematically analysed using Nvivo software (version 10). Findings suggested that, at an organizational level headteachers were the predominant driving force in the promotion of PA opportunities, yet institutional barriers including low priority for PA and PE were perceived to negate delivery. At an interpersonal level, strategies to increase the delivery of school-based PA were developed, however poor teacher-coach relationships and significant others reduced PA promotion opportunities. Child PA was further negated through intrapersonal factors, including lack of PE-specific teacher training and varying teacher interest in PA and sport. To increase primary school children's school-based PA, barriers and facilitators at the organizational, interpersonal and intrapersonal level must be considered and targeted and researchers and schools should work in partnership to develop future interventions.

What hinders healthcare professionals in promoting physical activity towards cancer patients? The influencing role of healthcare professionals' concerns, perceived patient characteristics and perceived structural factors.

Despite a large body of evidence showing that physical activity (PA) is beneficial to patients with cancer, healthcare professionals (HCPs) are promoting it too scarcely. Factors that hinder HCPs from promoting PA have remained understudied so far. Using a qualitative approach, this study aimed at a comprehensive description of influencing factors for HCPs' PA promotion behaviour and at identifying the reasons and mechanisms behind them. Semi-structured interviews with 30 HCPs were undertaken with a focus on concerns, patient characteristics and structural factors. Answers were analysed using thematic analysis. Results revealed that HCPs had concerns regarding a physical overexertion and psychological stress for patients with cancer. A patient's physical condition and the assumed interest in PA, often derived from former PA, turned out to be the most crucial patient characteristics influencing if PA is addressed. Structural factors relevant for PA promotion pertained to in-house structures, HCPs' workload, timing and coordination, information material for HCPs and patients and availability of exercise programs. In conclusion, this study revealed undetected concerns of HCPs and underlined the relevance of patient characteristics and structural conditions for HCPs' PA promotion towards patients with cancer. A broader perspective is needed to assess these factors in their influence on HCPs' PA promotion.

Physical Activity Counselling and Exercise Prescription Practices of Physiotherapists in Nova Scotia

PURPOSE: Physiotherapists (PTs) have education and scope of practice to promote the benefits of physical activity (PA) and prescribe exercise in their clinical interactions with patients. As such, they provide an avenue to increase the reach of Exercise is Medicine, to improve the PA levels of the Canadian population. However, no study has assessed Canadian physiotherapists’ perceptions and practices surrounding physical activity counselling and exercise prescription (PAE). METHODS: PTs working in Nova Scotia (n=146) completed an online self-reflection survey regarding their current practices, confidence, barriers, and facilitators in providing PAE to their patients. RESULTS: Overall confidence for PAE was high (most scores >80%) except for in helping patients maintain PA (72.8±25%) and in patients following through on PAE recommendations (66.3±22.5%). PTs include PAE in 85±23% of appointments and prescribe written exercise in 80±20% of appointments, but only refer to other exercise professionals or facilities in 27±27% of appointments. The most salient barriers to providing PAE were patient’s interest in PA, and patients’ preference for medication management over lifeestyle intervention (2.36±0.68 and 2.11±0.66 respectively, out of 4), exceeding the typically cited barrier of lack of provider time. The most helpful facilitator was PTs’ perceived patients’ readiness to do PAE (3.5±0.7, out of 4). PTs are most comfortable providing PAE advice to those with arthritis and musculoskeletal issues (81%) and least comfortable to those with cancer (49%), insulin requiring diabetes (33%), respiratory disease (32%) and mental health concerns (28%). CONCLUSION: The primary barriers for PTs in providing PAE are patient-focused and PTs may benefit from avenues that allow greater referral access to other exercise professionals and a collaborative treatment approach to help patients maintain a physically active lifestyle, especially in those with other chronic disease beyond musculo-skeletal disorders. Exercise is Medicine networks should consider greater collaborations between allied health and exercise professionals to support multi-disciplinary approaches to patient exercise management across the continuum of health care. Support provided by: Lawson Foundation, Nova Scotia Health Authority

Is there a link between self-perceived stress and physical activity levels in Scottish adolescents?

Purpose Accumulating life stress is a driving factor underlying the most pervasive, incapacitating health conditions in 21st century, First World societies. The most widely supported strategy, for remediating the negative health consequences of elevated life stress, is physical activity (PA). Evidence also suggests accumulating life stress impedes PA uptake. Thus, ironically, persistently elevated life stress not only negatively impacts multiple dimensions of health, simultaneously it may also reduce likelihood of participation in the most effective remediating strategy, PA. This study sought to compare patterns of PA uptake in adolescents of low socioeconomic status (SES) backgrounds, a significant risk factor for elevated biopsychosocial stress, with more affluent age-matched peers. Related health behaviours such as smoking and alcohol consumption were also analysed. Methods PA patterns were determined using the Physical Activity Questionnaire for High School (PAQA). Stress scores were assessed using the 10-item perceived stress scale (PSS-10). Results PA scores were significantly different between groups (p < 0.05). Low SES participants were significantly less active every day (p < 0.05), excepting Saturdays (U = 31.0, Z = -1.594, p = < 0.05). Spearman's correlation demonstrated an inverse relationship between total stress and PA during spare time (rs = -0.61, n = 10, p = < 0.05). Conclusion These findings add to mounting evidence suggesting excessively accumulating life stress, not only diminishes health, but simultaneously reduces PA uptake in vulnerable populations. Thereby highlighting the bidirectional relationship between stress and PA. These findings support proposals that conventional Physical Education practice should be re-framed to not only provide PA during school years, but to promote lifelong interest in PA.

Needs assessment of school and community physical activity opportunities in rural West Virginia: the McDowell CHOICES planning effort.

BackgroundMcDowell CHOICES (Coordinated Health Opportunities Involving Communities, Environments, and Schools) Project is a county wide endeavor aimed at increasing opportunities for physical activity (PA) in McDowell County, West Virginia (WV). A comprehensive needs-assessment laid the foundation of the project.MethodsDuring the 6 month needs assessment, multiple sources of data were collected in two Town Hall Meetings (n = 80); a student online PA interest survey (n = 465); a PA and nutrition survey among 5th (10–11 years) and 8th graders (13–14 years) with questions adapted from the CDC’s Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Survey (n = 442, response rate = 82.2%); six semi-structured school and community focus groups (n = 44); school site visits (n = 11); and BMI screening (n = 550, response rate = 69.7%).ResultsOne third of children in McDowell County meet the national PA minimum of 60 minutes daily. At least 40% of 5th and 8th graders engage in electronic screen activity for 3 hours or more every day. The prevalence of obesity in 5th graders is higher in McDowell County than the rest of WV (~55% vs. 47% respectively). SWOT analyses of focus group data suggest an overall interest in PA but also highlight a need for increase in structured PA opportunities. Focus group data also suggested that a central communication (e.g. internet-based) platform would be beneficial to advertise and boost participation both in current and future programs. Schools were commonly mentioned as potential facilities for public PA participation throughout the county, both with regards to access and convenience. School site visits suggest that schools need more equipment and resources for before, during, and after school programs.ConclusionsAn overwhelming majority of participants in the McDowell CHOICES needs assessment were interested to participate in more PA programs throughout the county as well as to improve opportunities for the provision of such programs. Public schools were widely recognized as the hub of the communities and provide the best venue for PA promotion for both students and adult citizens, and can potentially serve as a platform for change in rural communities such as McDowell County.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12889-015-1702-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Using path analysis to understand parents' perceptions of their children's weight, physical activity and eating habits in the Champlain region of Ontario

Parents have a fundamental role in promoting the healthy weight of their children. To determine parental perceptions of their child's body weight, eating and physical activity (PA) behaviours, and to test a predictive model of parental perceptions regarding their child's PA and healthy eating behaviours. A random-digit telephone survey was conducted among parents of children four to 12 years of age living in the Champlain region of Ontario. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the responses. Path analysis was used to identify predictors of parental perceptions of PA and healthy eating. The study sample consisted of 1940 parents/caregivers. Only 0.2% of parents reported their child as being obese; 8.6% reported their child as being overweight. Most parents perceived their child to be physically active and eating healthily. Approximately 25% of parents reported that their child spent 2 h/day or more in front of a screen, and that their child consumed less than three servings of fruits and vegetables daily, and regularly consumed fast food. Variables that correlated with PA perceptions included time spent reading/doing homework, interest in PA, perceived importance of PA, frequency of PA, level of parental PA, participation in organized sport, child weight and parental concern for weight. Variables that predicted perceptions regarding healthy eating were parental education, household income, preparation of home-cooked meals, fruit and vegetable intake, and concern for and influence on the child's weight. Parents in the present study sample did not appear to understand, or had little knowledge of the recommendations for PA and healthy eating in children. Parents appeared to base their judgment of healthy levels of PA or healthy eating behaviours using minimal criteria; these criteria are inconsistent with those used by health professionals to define adequate PA and healthy eating. The present survey highlights an important knowledge gap between scientific opinion and parental perceptions of the criteria for healthy PA and eating behaviours.