Youth Physical Activity Research Articles

A School-Level Examination of the Association between Programs and Policies and Physical Activity Outcomes among Females from the COMPASS Study.

(1) The majority of Canadian youth are not meeting physical activity guidelines, and more female than male youth are falling short of these recommendations. School programs and policies are a viable strategy to improve youth physical activity. However, they may differentially affect female and male activity. This study aimed to examine school-level differences in physical activity outcomes among male and female students and to explore how school programs and policies associate with school-level physical activity outcomes among females. (2) This study used data from 136 schools participating in year 7 (Y7 2018–2019) of the COMPASS study. Data on school programs and policies and on student physical activity were collected. School-level means and percentages for outcomes were calculated and compared between males and females and the impact of physical activity programs and policies on female physical activity outcomes were examined. (3) More males met the guidelines, achieved more strength training days and physical activity minutes compared to females. The number of female varsity sports, community partnerships and fitness ambassadors were all positively and significantly associated with female physical activity. (4) Supportive physical activity environments fostered by offering varsity sports, establishing community partnerships and positive role models may promote physical activity among female youth.

Parental control and support for physical activity predict adolescents\u2019 moderate to vigorous physical activity over five years

BackgroundSocial factors are important determinants of youth physical activity (PA), but the longitudinal association between parental behaviours and adolescent PA has not been clearly assessed. This prospective study examined average and lagged associations between perceived parental support and control with adolescents’ moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA); and assessed the independent associations between specific parental support and control behaviours and adolescents’ MVPA.MethodsData from three cycles of the MATCH study, when 374 participants were 12, 16 and 17 years old, were included in this analysis. At each cycle, participants self-reported questionnaires on perceived tangible parental support, intangible support, and control behaviours as well as number of days per week attaining at least 60 min of MVPA. Mixed effect models were used to assess the longitudinal relationship between parental behaviours and MVPA. Cross-lagged panel design was used to assess the association of parental behaviours during early adolescence with MVPA during late adolescence.ResultsOverall parental support (coef. = 0.46, P < 0.0001), tangible support (coef. = 0.37, P < 0.0001), encouragement (coef. = 0.12, P = 0.025) and transportation (coef. = 0.25, P < 0.0001) were positively associated with MVPA, whereas parental control was a negative predictor of MVPA (coef. = − 0.18, P = 0.003). Perceived parental behaviours appeared to have long term associations (5 y.) with MVPA as parent support (coef. = 0.40, P = 0.006) and co-participation (coef. = 0.33, P = 0.017) reported around age 12 were positively associated with MVPA measured 5 years later.ConclusionsParental support for PA, particularly in the form of tangible support, may be a key factor to include in interventions aiming to promote PA during adolescence. In contrast, parents should be encouraged to avoid control behaviours as these appear to lead to lower MVPA among adolescents.

Development and Validation of a Questionnaire to Assess Barriers and Facilitators to Physical Activity among Hispanic Youth.

The objective of this study was to develop and validate a questionnaire to better understand barriers and facilitators to physical activity among low-income, Hispanic youth. Low-income Hispanic middle and high school students were recruited to participate in this study from a public charter school district in Houston, TX. Questionnaire development and psychometric validation included scale development and question pretesting, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), construct validity, and test-retest reliability of the scales. EFA resulted in three subscales for the Barriers to Youth Physical Activity (BYPA) scale: competing interests, environmental interests, and social barriers. CFA suggested that this three-factor model fit data adequately after removing two items that had high loading on all three factors. The BYPA subscales were internally consistent and stable. All three BYPA subscale scores were negatively correlated with self-reported physical activity. EFA for the facilitators to youth physical activity (FYPA) scale resulted in three subscales: enjoyment, family support, and socialization. CFA suggested that this three-factor model fit data adequately after removing one item that had high loading on all three factors. The FYPA subscales were internally consistent and stable. All three FYPA subscale scores were significantly positively correlated with physical activity. The development and validation of the BYPA and FYPA scales resulted in a total of six valid subscales for assessing barriers and facilitators to physical activity among low-income, Hispanic youth. The developed subscales have the potential to assist future efforts in designing physical activity interventions to better address disparities in physical activity levels among this population.

A national examination of neighborhood socio-economic disparities in built environment correlates of youth physical activity.

Adolescents in the U.S. do not meet current physical activity guidelines. Ecological models of physical activity posit that factors across multiple levels may support physical activity by promoting walkability, such as the neighborhood built environment and neighborhood socioeconomic status (nSES). We examined associations between neighborhood built environment factors and adolescent moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and whether nSES moderated associations. Data were drawn from a national sample of adolescents (12-17years, N=1295) surveyed in 2014. MVPA (minutes/week) were estimated from self-report validated by accelerometer data. Adolescents' home addresses were geocoded and linked to Census data from which a nSES Index and home neighborhood factors were derived using factor analysis (high density, older homes, short auto commutes). Multiple linear regression models examined associations between neighborhood factors and MVPA, and tested interactions between quintiles of nSES and each neighborhood factor, adjusting for socio-demographics. Living in higher density neighborhoods (B(SE): 9.22 (2.78), p=0.001) and neighborhoods with more older homes (4.42 (1.85), p=0.02) were positively associated with adolescent MVPA. Living in neighborhoods with shorter commute times was negatively associated with MVPA (-5.11 (2.34), p=0.03). Positive associations were found between MVPA and the high density and older homes neighborhood factors, though associations were not consistent across quintiles. In conclusion, living in neighborhoods with walkable attributes was associated with greater adolescent MVPA, though the effects were not distributed equally across nSES. Adolescents living in lower SES neighborhoods may benefit more from physical activity interventions and environmental supports that provide opportunities to be active beyond neighborhood walkability.

Keeping children healthy during and after COVID-19 pandemic: meeting youth physical activity needs

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to: 1) examine the maintenance of Physical Education and physical activity during the distance learning time, 2) determine the resources educators are utilizing to deliver PE curricula, and 3) understand the challenges experienced by educators during distance learning.MethodsA survey was sent to a cohort of school-based fitness assessment software users. Respondents were largely school-based individuals including PE teachers (n = 1789), school (n = 62) and district administrators (n = 64), nurses (n = 3), and “other” (n = 522).ResultsOf 2440 respondents, most were from a city or suburb (69.7%), elementary or middle school (72.3%), and had Title 1 status (60.4%), an indicator of low socioeconomic status. Most campuses were closed during the COVID-19 pandemic (97.8%). Of the schools closed during the pandemic, only 2.8% had no prior PE requirements and that increased to 21% during the pandemic. In schools that remained open during the pandemic, 7.7% had no prior PE requirements and this increased to 60.5%. Importantly, 79% of respondents reported that students were either “significantly less” or “somewhat less” physically active during the closure. For closed schools, the most frequently cited challenges included “student access to online learning“, “teacher/student communication” and “teacher remote work arrangements”. For open schools, the most commonly reported challenges included “social distancing”, “access to gymnasium/equipment”, and “concern for personal health and wellbeing”.ConclusionThe COVID-19 pandemic has caused important reductions in PE requirements and time engaged in physical activity. Challenges experienced by teachers were identified for closed and open schools.

Examining If Changes in the Type of School-Based Intramural Programs Affect Youth Physical Activity over Time: A Natural Experiment Evaluation.

(1) School-based physical activity programs such as intramurals provide youth with inclusive opportunities to be physically active, yet we know little about how types of intramurals (e.g., team and individual sports) may contribute to youth MVPA. This research aims to evaluate how real-world changes in types of intramurals available in schools impact youth physical activity over time. (2) This study used three years of longitudinal school- and student-level data from Ontario schools participating in year 5 (2016–2017), year 6 (2017–2018) and year 7 (2018–2019) of the COMPASS study. Data on types of intramural programs from 55 schools were obtained, baseline demographic characteristics were measured and data on physical activity and sport participation were collected on a sample of 4417 students. Hierarchical linear mixed regression models were used to estimate how changes in the type of intramurals associate with youth MVPA over time. (3) Regardless of participation, adding individual and team intramurals was significantly and positively associated with female MVPA in Y6. (4) The indirect, but positive relationship between adding individual and team intramurals and female MVPA may be explained by other characteristics of the school environment that are conducive to female MVPA.

A Pilot Study of a Comprehensive School Physical Activity Program in Elementary Schools: Be a Champion!

In the present study, we sought to determine if a comprehensive school physical activity program (CSPAP) delivered using the Be a Champion! (BAC) framework was effective in increasing moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and decreasing sedentary time in elementary school youth. We implemented a CSPAP in 3 elementary schools to determine its effectiveness to youth behaviors compared to 2 control schools. Youth physical activity was assessed via accelerometry in spring 2015 and spring 2016 during school hours on school days. Implementation of the BAC components and youth behavior was assessed through direct observation from fall 2015 through winter 2016. In a multilevel, mixed model examining the effects of intervention, we found no statistically significant effect of the intervention on overall MVPA. However, a significant increase in MVPA was observed among girls (but not boys) in the intervention schools relative to controls. No differences in sedentary behaviors were observed by group. CSPAP implementation may be effective in reducing sedentary time and increasing MVPA in girls, but not boys. Research is necessary to increase implementation dose and fidelity to best practices in physical activity promotion.

Peer and parental processes predict distinct patterns of physical activity participation among adolescent girls and boys

ABSTRACT Parents and peers play a key role in adolescents' physical activity (PA). However, limited research has explored whether the processes by which significant others impact male and female adolescents' PA differs across discrete patterns of PA participation. This study examined whether parent and peer support, pressure, acceptance and teasing were associated with distinct PA patterns among adolescent girls (groups comprising Organised Dance; Team Sport; Individual Sport; Walk/Run/Outdoor games; Non-Participation) and boys (groups comprising Individual Sport; Team Sport; Mixed Type; Non-Participation). Nine hundred ninety-five students (M age = 13.72 years, SD = 1.25) from eight secondary schools in Ireland completed measures of support (mother, father, peer), parental pressure, peer acceptance, teasing and a diary outlining the frequency, context, duration and intensity of their engagement in PA. Multinomial logistic regression revealed mothers' support was significantly associated with female team sport (OR = 1.09, p = 0.42) and individual sport (OR = 1.24, p < .001) but not male PA participation (p > .05). Father support was related to male individual sport (OR = 1.09, p = .023), team sport (OR = 1.15, p < .001) and mixed type (OR = 1.16, p < .001) PA behaviour, highlighting the significance of support from same gender parent. All female PA classes reported higher perceived friend support than non-participants (OR = 1.23–1.45, p < .001) highlighting the importance of peers for girls’ involvement in high and low levels of organised and non-organised PA. Gender differences were also evidenced across PA patterns for teasing, pressure, and peer acceptance. The findings underscore the importance of considering gender and pattern of PA participation when examining social influences on youth PA and identify target processes for intervention efforts.

99391 A TL1 Team Approach: The Role of Parents in Physical Activity Engagement Among Adolescents with Comorbid Asthma and Obesity

ABSTRACT IMPACT: Our research highlights the need for both parental and clinical support to promote PA engagement among higher risk youth with comorbid asthma and obesity; these findings will inform research and clinical efforts in the youth development, prevention science, and clinical psychology fields. OBJECTIVES/GOALS: Asthma incidence doubles in youth with obesity. Physical activity (PA) is beneficial for asthma management; however, parental influence on PA levels among youth with asthma and obesity is poorly understood. This study examines the association of parents and PA among youth with asthma and/or obesity, accounting for risk and protective factors. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: Data from 5th, 8th, 9th, and 11th-graders were obtained from the 2019 Minnesota Student Survey (N=96,820). Linear regressions examined the impact of parent connectedness on PA across 4 groups (neither asthma nor obesity [OB], asthma only, OB only, comorbid asthma/OB). The p-value for significance was set at p&lt;.001. For PA, youth reported how many days they were physically active (≥60 min/day) in the last week. Two items assessing youth perception of parent care and ability to talk to parents about their problems were used to measure parent connectedness. BMI was calculated using self-report height/weight, age, and gender. Control variables included age, race/ethnicity, and free/reduced lunch eligibility. Models 2-4 retained parent connectedness variables and added risk and protective factors. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: In Model 1, both parent variables significantly predicted PA for each risk group (β ranges: parent care=.07-.09; parent talk=.04-.05, p&lt;.001), except for the asthma/OB group (parent talk: p&gt;.001). Models 2 and 3 added risk factors. Depression was the most salient risk factor, particularly for the highest risk group (asthma/OB; β =-.13, p&lt;.001). Safe neighborhood was positively associated with PA for all groups (βs= .05, p&lt;.001) except the asthma/OB group (p&gt;.001). In Model 4, extracurricular activity involvement (protective factor) was positively associated with PA across all groups (β ranges=: .07-.11, p&lt;.001), and depression remained significant across all groups (β ranges=-.11 to -.14, p&lt;.001). For models 2-4, only parent care remained significant for the neither asthma nor OB group (β =.04, p&lt;.001). DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF FINDINGS: Results demonstrate that although parent care is an important protective factor for youth PA engagement, it is less impactful when additional risk factors (e.g., depression) are present, particularly among the highest risk group (comorbid asthma/OB). Thus, clinical support is needed in addition to parent support among higher risk youth.

Physical activity and sedentary time in children and adolescents with asthma: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The influence of asthma on physical activity (PA) in youth remains equivocal. This review synthesizes the evidence regarding the influence of asthma on PA and sedentary time and evaluates the role of key moderators for this relationship. In accordance with PRISMA guidelines, six electronic databases and gray literature were searched. Primary studies in English were included if they reported device-assessed PA in youth with and without asthma. Random effects meta-analyses examined the effect of asthma on PA and, separately, sedentary time. Mixed-effect meta-regression analyses were conducted using age and sex as moderators, with sub-group comparisons for study quality and asthma diagnosis criteria. Overall, of 3944 citations retrieved, 2850 were screened after the removal of supplication and 2743 citations excluded. Of the 107 full-text publications reviewed, 16 were included in data extraction and analysis, with 15 and five studies included in the PA and sedentary time meta-analyses, respectively. The robust effect size estimate for the influence of asthma on PA and sedentary time was -0.04 [95% CI=-0.11, 0.03] and -0.09 [95% CI=-0.12, -0.06], indicating a non-significant and significant trivial effect, respectively. The effect of asthma on PA levels or sedentary time was not associated with age or sex. Youth with controlled asthma are equally physically (in)active as their healthy peers, with asthma associated with less sedentary time. However, methodological limitations and a paucity of clear methodological reporting temper these conclusions. More rigorous device-based assessments, with a particular focus on sedentary time, and more robust diagnoses of asthma, especially with regard to severity, are needed.

Dyadic Analysis of a Self-report Physical Activity Measure for Adult-Youth Dyads

Adult physical activity levels influence youth physical activity levels, but the nature of this relationship is still unknown. Most research focusing on this topic has been conducted with accelerometers, which are ideal since self-report physical activity measures can be biased. However, self-report measures for physical activity are useful to include in studies to gather information at low-cost. The purpose of this study was to further develop a self-report adult-youth dyad measure of physical activity. This study was conducted using secondary data analysis of the physical activity measures used in an intervention on behavioral nutrition (iCook 4-H). Participants were a sample of 214 adults (M = 39.0, SD = 8.0years) and youth (M = 9.4, SD = 0.7years) pairs. Accelerometer data was collected for a subset of youth (n = 122). There was dependency between the adult-youth physical activity data, and a dyadic confirmatory factor analysis model showed good fit to the data and achieved metric invariance, a measure to determine if the same construct was being measured in both youth and adults. Invariance was confirmed across matched versus unmatched sex pairs and some evidence of invariance with youth accelerometer data. Based on study findings, when using self-report measures of physical activity, researchers should measure both members of the adult-youth dyad to get more accurate measurements. Further validation of these findings is needed using an objective physical activity measure, like accelerometers, with all participants and more diverse samples.

Associations between three measures of physical activity and selected influences on physical activity in youth transitioning from elementary to middle school

Measurement of physical activity is challenging, and objective and subjective methods can be used. The purposes of this study were to apply structural equation modeling in: 1) examining the associations between three distinct measures of physical activity and three factors that are often found to be correlated to physical activity in children, and 2) examining the associations of the combination of three measures with the same correlates in a cohort of youth followed from 5th to 7th grade. A total of 409 children (45% boys) had complete physical activity data derived from accelerometers, self-report by youth, and proxy-report by parents. The potential correlates of physical activity included self-efficacy, physical activity support, and facilities for physical activity. Structural equation models were used to assess the relationship between physical activity and the correlates. The structural equation models examining associations between individual measures of physical activity and selected correlates showed that parent-reported and child self-reported physical activity were associated with parental support for physical activity and self-efficacy. Objectively measured physical activity was associated only with facilities for physical activity. A structural equation model showed that a composite expression of physical activity, based on the inclusion of all three individual measures, was associated with all three correlates of physical activity. In conclusion, combining measures of physical activity from different sources may improve the identification of correlates of physical activity. This information could be used to plan more effective physical activity interventions in children and youth.

Y-PATHS: A Conceptual Framework for Classifying the Timing, How, and Setting of Youth Physical Activity.

Multiple models and frameworks exist for the measurement and classification of physical activity in adults that are applied broadly across populations but have limitations when applied to youth. The authors propose a conceptual framework specifically designed for classifying youth physical activity. The Youth Physical Activity Timing, How, and Setting (Y-PATHS) framework is a conceptualization of the when (timing), how, and where (setting) of children's and adolescents' physical activity patterns. The authors developed Y-PATHS using the design thinking process, which includes 3 stages: inspiration, ideation, and implementation. The Y-PATHS includes 3 major components (timing, how, and setting) and 13 subcomponents. Timing subcomponents include (1)school days: in-school, (2)school days: out-of-school, and (3)nonschool days. How subcomponents include: (1)functional, (2)transportation, (3)organized, and (4)free play. Setting subcomponents include: (1)natural areas, (2)schools, (3)home, (4)recreational facilities, (5)shops and services, and (6)travel infrastructure. The Y-PATHS is a comprehensive classification framework that can help researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to better understand youth physical activity. Specifically, Y-PATHS can help to identify the domains of youth physical activity for surveillance and research and to inform the planning/evaluation of more comprehensive physical activity programming.

Exploring the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Youth Sport and Physical Activity Participation Trends

The COVID-19 pandemic offers youth sport organizations the opportunity to anticipate consumer behaviour trends and proactively improve their program offerings for more satisfying experiences for consumers post-pandemic. This conceptual paper explores potential impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on changing youth sport and physical activity preferences and trends to inform sport and physical activity providers. Drawing from social ecology theory, assumptions for future trends for youth sport and physical activity are presented. Three trends for youth sport and physical activity as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic are predicted: (1) youths’ preferences from organized to non-organized contexts become amplified; (2) reasons for participating in sport or any physical activity shift for youth as well as parents/guardians; (3) consumers reconceptualize value expectations from youth sport and physical activity organizations. The proposed assumptions need to be tested in future research. It is anticipated that sport organizations can respond to changing trends and preferences by innovating in three areas: (1) programming, (2) marketing, and (3) resource management.

The Impact of COVID-19 on the Interrelation of Physical Activity, Screen Time and Health-Related Quality of Life in Children and Adolescents in Germany: Results of the Motorik-Modul Study.

Reduced physical activity (PA) and prolonged screen time (ST) negatively influence health-related quality of life (HRQoL), a protective factor against illness and mortality. Studies addressing the relationship between PA, ST, and mental health in youth are scarce, especially in times with high mental health burdens like the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this examination was to investigate whether PA, ST, and HRQoL before COVID-19 predict PA, ST, and HRQoL during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants from the Motorik-Modul Study (MoMo; N = 1711; Mage = 10.36 (SD = 4.04) years, female = 49.8%; healthy weight = 76.8%) self-reported their PA and ST as well as HRQoL both before and during COVID-19. Relationships of all variables, from before to during COVID-19, were investigated through a path prediction model. Results showed all variables during COVID-19 were predicted by the respective levels before COVID-19, independent of gender and age. Cross-lags revealed a negative influence of before COVID-19 ST on during COVID-19 PA. HRQoL before COVID-19 was positively associated with during COVID-19 PA in children younger than 10 years and females, but not in adolescents and boys. As age- and gender-independent negative influence of before COVID-19 ST on during COVID-19 PA has been detected, health policy may be advised to focus on a general reduction in ST instead of PA enhancement to ensure high PA levels.

Youth Sports Participation Is More Important among Females than Males for Predicting Physical Activity in Early Adulthood: Iowa Bone Development Study.

A gender difference in youth sports and physical activity participation is well documented. However, research is limited to understand potential gender difference in the long-term effects of youth sports participation. The study aim was to compare the likelihood of meeting the aerobic Physical Activity Guidelines (PAG) in early adulthood by youth sports participation patterns among females and males. The study sample included 582 Iowa Bone Development Study participants (Iowa, USA). Participation in organized sports was assessed using a physical activity questionnaire 19 times on average between age 6 and 17 years. Accelerometer and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry assessments were conducted at an average age of 23 years. Group-based trajectory analysis was conducted to identify youth sports participation trajectory patterns. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the association between youth sports participation patterns and meeting the PAG in adulthood. We identified three youth sports participation patterns: “continuous participation,” “drop-out,” and “no participation.” Females in the continuous participation group were more likely to meet the aerobic PAG at age 23 years, compared to females in the no-participation group (OR = 2.63; 95% CI = 1.05, 6.55) or the drop-out group (OR = 2.55; 95% CI = 1.38, 4.69). However, among males, youth sports participation patterns were not significantly associated with meeting the aerobic PAG at age 23 years. In conclusion, this study suggests that youth sports participation could be more important among females than males for predicting physical activity in early adulthood.

Objective Measurement of Physical Activity Attributed to a Park-Based Afterschool Program

Only 24% of US youth meet physical activity recommendations set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Research demonstrates that community-based programs provide underresourced minority youth with opportunities for routine physical activity, although limited work draws from accelerometry data. This study objectively assessed youth physical activity attributable to participation (vs nonparticipation) days in a park-based afterschool program in Miami-Dade County, Miami, FL. Participants' (n = 66; 60% male; 57% white Hispanic, 25% non-Hispanic black, 14% Black Hispanic, mean age = 10.2y) physical activity was assessed April to May 2019 over 10 days across 7 park sites using Fitbit (Charge 2) devices. Separate repeated-measures multilevel models were developed to assess the relationship between program daily attendance and total (1)moderate to vigorous physical activity minutes and (2)step counts per day. Models adjusted for individual-level age, sex, race/ethnicity, poverty, and clustering by park showed significantly higher moderate to vigorous physical activity minutes (β = 25.33 more minutes per day; 95% confidence interval, 7.0 to 43.7, P < .01) and step counts (β = 4067.8 more steps per day; 95% confidence interval, 3171.8 to 4963.8, P < .001) on days when youth did versus did not attend the program. Study findings suggest that park-based programs may support underserved youth in achieving daily physical activity recommendations.

청소년의 신체활동은 리더십에 어떻게 영향을 미치는가? 자아존중감과 신체적 자기개념의 매개효과 탐색

청소년의 신체활동은 리더십에 어떻게 영향을 미치는가? 자아존중감과 신체적 자기개념의 매개효과 탐색

Czy intensywny wysiłek fizyczny może być lekiem w chorobie Parkinsona?

Badania naukowe wskazują, że aktywność fizyczna wpływa nie tylko na polepszenie ogólnego stanu zdrowia u ludzi, ale dowodzą również specyficznego wpływu ćwiczeń fizycznych na "zdrowie mózgu". Doniesienia ostatnich lat pokazują, że uprawianie aktywności fizycznej w młodym wieku obniża ryzyko zachorowania na choroby neurodegeneracyjne, np. na chorobę Parkinsona. Jednocześnie istnieje wiele badań naukowych, prowadzonych na zwierzętach i ludziach wskazujących, że ćwiczenia fizyczne wywołują korzystne zmiany neuroplastyczne w mózgu zarówno u ludzi zdrowych jak i u chorujących na choroby neurodegeneracyjne. Niniejszy artykuł przedstawia dowody naukowe na zmiany neuroprotekcyjne i neuronaprawcze w mózgu wywołane ćwiczeniami fizycznymi. Zagadnieniem które szerzej podjęto w niniejszym artykule jest wpływ ćwiczeń fizycznych o wysokiej intensywności na zmiany neuroplastyczne i mechanizmy neurofizjologiczne ośrodkowego układu nerwowego oraz na zachowania psychomotoryczne w chorobie Parkinsona. Przedstawione w niniejszym artykule dowody naukowe na pozytywne efekty wysiłku fizycznego na ośrodkowy układ nerwowy to: (i) wzrost wydzielania czynników neurotroficznych, (ii) wzrost ekspresji receptorów dopaminergicznych D2 w prążkowiu, (iii) spadek aktywności transportera dopaminergicznego, (iv) wydłużenie korowo-rdzeniowego okresu ciszy u pacjentów z chorobą Parkinsona zbadanego za pomocą metody przezczaszkowej stymulacji magnetycznej, (v) poprawa sprawności czynności ruchowych oburęcznych, (vi) poprawa funkcji kognitywnych oraz (viii) złagodzenie symptomów ruchowych i pozaruchowych choroby Parkinsona. Wiedza ta jest ważna dla fizjoterapeutów poszukujących skutecznych metod terapii ruchem opartych na dowodach naukowych, wskazujących na wpływ odpowiednio dozowanego wysiłku na patomechanizm choroby Parkinsona, jak również dla modyfikacji systemu opieki zdrowotnej. Niniejszy artykuł ma również uświadomić każdemu z nas, jak wielki wpływ mamy na nasze "zdrowie mózgu" gdy regularnie uprawiamy aktywność fizyczną na każdym etapie naszego życia.

Physical Activity in Youth with Multiple Sclerosis receiving the ATOMIC intervention: Social connectedness above all else

BackgroundWithin the pediatric MS population, physical activity (PA) has been associated with positive health outcomes such as lower lesion and relapse rates (Grover et. al., 2015). Recently, associations between variables from a social-cognitive theory (SCT) and levels of PA in youth with multiple sclerosis have been reported (Sikes & Motl, 2020), suggesting a SCT-based intervention may be efficacious in changing PA. We developed and delivered a 12-week SCT-based intervention and sought to gain an understanding of youth's perspectives on PA over time. MethodsWe performed a qualitative analysis on 34 coaching call transcripts from 13 participants as part of a theory-based intervention promoting PA in youth with MS (NCT03137602). Coaching calls were semi-structured and each participant was scheduled to have three coaching calls spaced monthly for three months. We used an inductive content analysis approach to analyze the data (Elo and Kyngas, 2008). ResultsGeneral themes from the calls aligned with the SCT constructs. Youth consistently discussed facilitators for changing PA over time, including a positive attitude, goal setting and social connectedness. There was increasing conversation around PA barriers over time including the environment and a lack of time. ConclusionYouth perceptions on PA can be either positive or negative and can change over time. There is an underlying emergence and importance of social connectedness within PA behaviours. Increases in coaching call content related to goal setting suggest a positive effect of coaching and SCT in these areas. Future studies will focus on interactions between SCT constructs, particularly social connectedness and increased physical activity.