Physical Activity Opportunities Research Articles

Experiences of belonging and exclusion in sport and physical activity for individuals of diverse sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) in rural Australia

This qualitative study examined the sporting experiences of individuals of diverse sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) in rural and remote areas of Australia - contexts where marginalised groups can feel excluded based on gender or sexuality, and where physical activity options may be limited. Twelve participants (aged 29-73 years) identifying as female or gender fluid, and as queer, bisexual, gay, lesbian or pansexual, completed an online, qualitative survey. Thematic analysis and an integrative theory of belonging were used to interpret the experiences and feelings of belonging, exclusion and resistance to heteronormativity found in the data. The development of viable opportunities for sport participation and physical activities that foster a sense of belonging and health in rural or remote Australian communities requires strategies based on a deep understanding of the needs and identities of individuals of diverse SOGI, as well as the cultural and social contexts in which people live.

Work, travel, or leisure: comparing domain-specific physical activity patterns based on rural–urban location in Canada

BackgroundPhysical activity occurs across various domains including leisure/recreation, for transportation, or for work or household reasons. Rural and urban active living environments are characterized by different opportunities for physical activity within each domain which may translate into different patterns of behavior. The aim of this study was to compare rural–urban differences in physical activity across different domains, and explore interactions between sociodemographic factors, physical activity domains, and rurality.MethodsWe used self-reported data collected across three physical activity domains (active transportation, recreation, occupational/household) and relevant sociodemographic variables from the Canadian Community Health Survey. Adjusting for sociodemographic factors, we did two separate cross-sectional analyses: 1) binary logistic regression to determine the odds of reporting any activity in each domain, and 2) ordinary least squares regression using the sub-samples reporting > 0 min per week of activity to compare how much activity was reported in each domain.ResultsOur final survey weighted sample of Canadian adults (mean age 47.4 years) was n = 25,669,018 (unweighted n = 47,266). Rural residents were less likely to report any active transportation (OR = 0.59, 95% CI [0.51, 0.67], p < .0001). For recreational physical activity, rural males had lower odds (OR = 0.75, 95% CI [0.67, 0.83], p < .0001) and rural females had higher odds (OR = 1.19, 95% CI [1.08, 1.30], p = .0002) of reporting any participation compared to urban residents. Rural males (OR = 1.90, 95% CI [1.74, 2.07], p < .0001) and females (OR = 1.33, 95% CI [1.21, 1.46], p < .0001) had higher odds of reporting any occupational or household physical activity.ConclusionsUrban residents tend to participate in more active transportation, while rural residents participate in more occupational or household physical activity. Location-based differences in physical activity are best understood by examining multiple domains and must include appropriate sociodemographic interactions, such as income and sex/gender.

Do Health Literacy and Awareness of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Predict the Lifestyle Choices of Arabic-Speaking Female University Students.

Considering the increasing prevalence of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and its related complications-such as obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and infertility-in the Middle East, it is imperative to create sufficient public awareness about this issue. Accordingly, the potential link between PCOS awareness and health literacy level with the lifestyle choices of Arabic-speaking female university students was examined in this cross-sectional study. This research was conducted in the Sultanate of Oman and involved 446 Arabic-speaking female university students, who completed a self-administered online questionnaire, Single Item Literacy Screener, and PCOS Awareness Tool. The findings showed that, while 53.50% of the study participants had inadequate health literacy, 79.80% demonstrated an acceptable level of PCOS awareness. However, this did not seem to influence their lifestyle, given that 59.20% of the respondents were physically inactive and 83.30% regularly consumed fast food. Regression analysis results nonetheless revealed that health literacy and PCOS awareness were significant predictors of lifestyle choices (F2,44 = 5.98, p < 0.05, 95% CI [4.44-5.35]). The Arabic-speaking female university students' health literacy level and PCOS awareness are significant predictors of their lifestyle choices. Thus, the policymakers in the Arab region need to develop effective strategies aimed at PCOS prevention, focusing specifically on raising public awareness about PCOS and its negative consequences on female reproductive health. In addition, university administrators should ensure the availability of healthy food choices at their campuses as well as opportunities for physical activity to promote healthy lifestyle among all students.

Evaluation of Dementia Actif, a dementia-friendly exercise and wellbeing programme: mixed-methods study

BackgroundDementia Actif provides group physical activity opportunities to support and enhance the quality of life for people living with dementia (PLWD) and their carers. The activities offer include physical exercise classes, Boccia league, online activities, and various clubs (eg, gardening). The overall aim of this study was to evaluate the Dementia Actif programme delivered in one local authority area in North Wales, UK. MethodsA mixed-methods evaluation of Dementia Actif focused on four key workstreams (WS). Data collection took place between January and June, 2023. WS1 consisted of a rapid literature review. The search included articles and grey literature published between 2012 and 2022. All study designs were included, with keywords limited to the English Language. CINAHL (EBSCO), PsycInfo, ProQuest, PubMed, Web of Science were searched. WS2 consisted of interviews and focus groups with professional stakeholders (n=32) from Health, Social Care, and Third Sector services who refer PLWD to Dementia Actif, within one local authority area in North Wales. WS3 consisted of researcher observation of activities delivered by the Dementia Actif Service , including exercise classes and wellbeing activities within leisure centres across the local authority area. WS4 consisted of interviews with PLWD and their carers (n=12) who accessed Dementia Actif, including analysing specific case studies. FindingsFollowing the screening process, the final literature sample included 18 papers. The sample papers, from the UK, USA, and Canada, were reviewed and analysed to inform the findings. The findings from the rapid literature review showed a lack of global evidence of approaches focused on measuring social interaction, wellbeing, and building on community assets to address the needs of PLWD and their unpaid carers. Results from SW2–WS4 indicated the positive impact of an active/wellbeing model for supporting PLWD and their carers, in particular the use of preventive community-based resources to support unpaid carers and reduce the need for admission to acute secondary and residential care. InterpretationThe analysis indicates the benefits of low-cost social activities on overall wellbeing outcomes, including giving PLWD and their carers voice, choice, and control over their own wellbeing outcomes to connect them with their community. This evaluation argues the potential to use Dementia Actif approaches to address complex needs. However, this was based on a small sample, which might impact on the broader applicability of the findings. FundingGwynedd County Council, North Wales.

Critical review of evidence for the role of physical activity in the management of type 2 diabetes and physical activity in patients with diabetes in the state of Qatar

Globally prevalence of diabetes is increasing. Sedentary lifestyle and lack of physical activity is strongly associated with its prevalence and complications from the disease. This is also reflected in the people living in Qatar. Attempt to critically review the evidence on the effect of physical activity on diabetes and also review on the evidence available about the perception of people about physical activity in the state of Qatar. Critical appraisal of PubMed and google scholar using PICO model to gather the evidence available, including search of worldwide web for the terms ‘physical activity’, ‘diabetes mellitus type 2’. The results were critically appraised and presented in this review. Qatar has strong infrastructure of healthcare to support the people suffering from diabetes with its stable primary care, advanced secondary care and facilities. The municipalities have provided good green zones for the people to carry on the physical activity. The weather is not favorable throughout the year due to extremely hot summers but there are facilities which continue to function providing opportunities for physical activity. With the continued efforts of the governmental bodies increasing awareness, the perception of people is positive towards physical activity.

Evaluation of a school health promotion program using the holistic WHO approach

Abstract Background A school health promotion program guided by the WHO approach is implemented in approximately 40% of public secondary schools in Lower Austria. Program advisors support participating schools in developing a systematic plan for the promotion of health and wellbeing of all students and teachers. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the program and identify potential areas for program optimization. Methods We applied a non-randomized controlled cluster trial with pre- and post-measurements (T0: October 2021 and T1: June 2022). We invited students, teachers and school principals of 30 program schools (PS) and 29 non-program schools (NPS) to fill in an online-questionnaire. We analyzed data of 2706 students, 451 teachers and 47 principals. Results The study showed that PS had established more favorable structures for school health promotion (HP) than NPS (e.g., established HP-team, financial resources setting objectives). Although PS implemented more HP activities than NPS (8.5 versus 6.3 activities), they merely took place as one-time events. At student level, an advantage for the PS over time was shown with respect to two out of 19 endpoints (subjective health status [b = 0.19, p &amp;lt; 0.001] and uptake of additionally offered physical activity lessons [b = 0.09; p = 0.04]). In two out of 19 endpoints, an advantage was also shown for the NPS (opportunities for physical activity during lessons and breaks [b = 0.06; p = 0.001], opportunities for participation [b = 0.20; p = 0.001]). At teacher level, in five out of 25 endpoints, the teachers of PS reported more favorable results than NPS’ teachers. Conclusions A supportive structure for school health promotion may be helpful for implementing more health promoting activities in schools. However, these activities do not seem to be profound enough to have an impact on the students. Teachers would need more support in implementing HP activities. Key messages • Structures for implementing health promoting activities are in place. • However, the implemented activities did only show limited effect on students.

Healing Obesity with health-promoting environments – can interventions in Urban Policies bring health benefits?

Abstract Obesity is a complex chronic disease associated with numerous health and social consequences. In 90% of cases, obesity is multifactorial, with a basis in a discrepancy between energy intake and consumption, but also caused by endocrine, psychological factors, environment, improper diet, physical inactivity, and lifestyle. The environment where people live and work must provide opportunity for enough physical activity to prevent obesity. The availability of fitness parks, bike paths, and publicly accessible swimming pools are the many possibilities that a positive and encouraging environment could provide. Urban areas demand publicly accessible places for physical activity. At the same time, it is important to motivate citizens in urban areas to increase their physical activity, because of a predominantly sedentary lifestyle. If the city's urban and health policies promote a healthy lifestyle, for example encouraging cycling and walking by providing infrastructure that will allow for a greater percentage of people to engage daily in physical activity. A healthy-behaviors-promoting environment is important to combat obesity (walkable neighborhood, green space, safe cycling, healthy food availability). A variety of policy strategies are available to create an active and safe environment: 1) increasing green and blue areas in urban settings: to promote recreation and relaxation; 2) promoting cycling and walking as a form of active mobility; 3) reducing or banning of public advertising of unhealthy food, while promoting healthy nutrition and increase of markets with healthy food; 4) encouraging socialization through sport, etc. Providing a healthy and safe environment is necessary to curb the obesity epidemic. Numerous interventions aimed at implementing a plan to change the environment and create a safe and stimulating environment for children and adults are needed.

‘Grunaus moves’ implementation as a best practice in tackling child obesity

Abstract Grunau moves targets children (4-12) and their environmental and living conditions and related actors, focus on deprived district (reduction of health inequalities). It aims at creating health promoting settings, environments to promote physical activity and healthy diet in children and families. This best practice confirmed differences in nutrition and opportunities for physical activity for children between advantaged and disadvantaged districts (health inequity).

7.F. Workshop: Local physical activity policy evaluation: state of the art, tools and methods and future directions

Abstract Insufficient physical activity (PA) is one of the most significant risk factors for chronic diseases and premature mortality worldwide. Public policies are recognized as upstream factors providing system change beyond individual changes. Policies have been recognised as an effective way to increase population PA levels, as they support the development of evidence-based interventions and programs in different domains, that help create a ‘healthy’ PA environment and enhanced PA opportunities. Previous studies have shown an important impact of PA promotion policies at local level (municipalities), but insufficient research and tool development has been realised on PA policies beyond national level. First, the workshop will briefly describe the scientific state of the art on local PA promotion policies evaluation, based on results from a literature review. Second, the panel will present the CAPLA-Santé, a policy evaluation tool designed by a stakeholders’ group in France, based on the Health Enhancing Physical Activity Policy Audit Tool of the World Health Organisation, to comprehensively review local PA policies. The final version of CAPLA-Santé contains 21 items divided into six sections: 1. Overview of HEPA stakeholders in the local government area, 2. Policy documents, 3. Policy contents, 4. Funding and political engagement, 5. Studies and measures relating to physical activity in the local government area, and 6. Progress achieved and future challenges. CAPLA-Santé allows the collection and in-depth analysis of local level policies to assess the progress in promoting PA and intersectoral collaboration as well as identifying successful policy levers and remaining challenges. Third, the panel will illustrate its use in 5 countries worldwide (Finland, France, Germany, Japan and Romania), summarising findings and explaining how such tools allow cross-cultural comparison. Fourth, panellists will discuss the challenges and success in using such tools and provide insights on how these tools can serve as capacity building for policy makers and to draw recommendations, as well as cross-cultural comparisons. Key messages • The workshop will provide key advise on how to monitor local physical activity policies. • The workshop will equip participants with tools to face the challenge of local physical activity policy evaluation. Speakers/Panelists Petru Sandu Cluj School of Public Health, Babes-Bolyai University in Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania Anne Vuillemin Université Côte d’Azur, Nice, France François Berdougo Société Française de Santé Publique, Laxou, France Peter Gelius FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany

Understanding Libraries as Part of the Rural Active Living Environment: Evidence From a Content Analysis of Library Facebook Posts Made in Summer 2022.

As both public health and public libraries continue to evolve, there are opportunities for collaboration focused on building policies, systems, and environments that support communities making healthy choices easy choices. Given the health disparities related to physical inactivity, such as diabetes and heart disease in rural America, public libraries within rural communities are emerging as important settings for health promotion and disease prevention. This study sought to better understand how rural libraries promote physical activity opportunities on Facebook. Based on a content analysis of Facebook posts of a random sample of 118 libraries made during the Summer of 2022, 47 of the 118 had at least one post related to physical activity and 42 had multiple posts. The most frequent offering was events or classes; libraries also supported physical activity by lending equipment and making changes to the built environment. This study provides evidence that some rural libraries are offering physical activity opportunities through community health partnerships, particularly for youth and families. Considering this evidence, public health professionals are encouraged to collaborate with local libraries to promote physical activity and advance rural health equity. Researchers are invited to continue to develop the evidence base around promoting physical activity with rural libraries.

Physical Activity and Mental Health of Youth During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 Pandemic has globally impacted children’s physical activity and mental health outcomes since the transition to remote learning (Štveráková, et al., 2021). Children and adults may encounter negative mental health related consequences, higher stress, and a significant lack of physical activity while in physical and social isolation (Clemente-Suárez, 2022). In particular, school-aged children have experienced a significant reduction in physical activity since transitioning to remote learning and do not have sufficient opportunities to make up for this loss while engaged in remote learning (Štveráková, et al., 2021). Increased physical activity has been consistently correlated with positive mental health outcomes and a reduction of perceived stress in the literature. The purpose of this study, focusing specifically on households participating in remote learning, was to understand the links among access to physical activity opportunities, parental stress, and parent and child mental health outcomes during the Pandemic. In addition, this study will examine how parental stress, mental health and physical activity opportunities may vary depending on the age and socioeconomic status (SES) of the child. Results indicated that most children achieved less than the recommended amount of physical activity and had an increase of at least one mental health concern during remote learning throughout the Pandemic. Parental stress levels were negatively associated with children’s time spent in physical activity, and positively associated with the severity of parents’ mental health concerns and the number of children’s mental health concerns. Implications for school personnel are discussed.

An iSOPARC Case Study of Physical Activity at a Pop-Up Park

ABSTRACT Purpose: Child physical activity (PA) is vital for physical and mental health, yet many children do not meet recommendations. Temporary, place-based programs designed to provide PA opportunities to youth could be a promising approach. This case-study describes familial PA at a suburban pop-up park (PUP) occurring on a weekend during the school year. Methods: iSOPARC (v 1.85) was used with double-rater reliability for a total of four rounds (one round every 30 minutes starting 15 minutes into the event) documenting the PA of individuals in each of the nine target areas at the PUP. PA was dichotomized into physically active (walking or vigorous) and sedentary (sitting or standing). Descriptive statistics were generated. Results: 179 individuals were observed (62% female, 26% children, 28% teens, 45% adults). Overall, 53% (n = 47) of children, 18% of teens (n = 11), and 17% (n = 14) of adults were observed as physically active. Per target area, percentages of physically active individuals were: 93% physically active (n = 14) at the playground, 44% physically active (n = 7) during basketball, 41% physically active (n = 9) during open play, 40% physically active (n = 4) during kickball, 24% physically active (n = 5) at check-in, 20% physically active (n = 6) in the snack area, 11% physically active (n = 2) during reading time, 10% physically active (n = 1) during lawn games, and 6% physically active (n = 2) during boxing. Conclusion: This observational case study provides an example of how PUPs during the school year may be a helpful tool to encourage weekend PA across communities. Future studies should consider the social environment on youth PA.

Associations Between Neighborhood Opportunity and Indicators of Physical Fitness for New York City Public School Youth.

Background: Fewer than 1/4th of US children and adolescents meet physical activity (PA) guidelines, leading to health disparities that track into adulthood. Neighborhood opportunity may serve as a critical modifiable factor to improve fitness attainment and reduce these disparities. We drew data from the Child Opportunity Index to examine associations between neighborhood indicators of opportunity for PA and multiple fitness indicators among New York City public school youth. Methods: Multilevel generalized linear mixed models were used to estimate the overall and sex-stratified associations between neighborhood indicators (green space, healthy food, walkability, commute time) and indicators for physical fitness [curl-ups, push-ups, Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run (PACER), sit-and-reach] using the New York City FITNESSGRAM data set. Results: The analytic sample [n = 299,839; median (interquartile range) age = 16 (12-17)] was 50.1% female, 37.5% Hispanic, 26.2% non-Hispanic Black, and most (69.5%) qualified for free/reduced price school meals. Neighborhood indicators were positively associated with higher values of indicators for physical fitness. The strongest associations were observed between walkability and both BMI and PACER, and commute time with BMI, push-ups, and PACER. For example, walkability had the greatest magnitude of effects for BMI and muscular strength and endurance (BMI: β: -0.75, 95% confidence interval, CI: -1.01 to -0.49; PACER: β: 1.98, 95% CI: 1.59 to 2.37), and particularly for girls compared with boys (BMI, girls: β: -0.91, 95% CI: -1.22 to -0.66); BMI, boys: β: -0.56, 95% CI: -0.86 to -0.25); PACER, girls: β: 2.11, 95% CI: 1.68 to 2.54; push-ups, boys: β: 1.71, 95% CI: 1.31 to 2.12). Conclusion: Neighborhood indicators were associated with multiple measures of youth fitness. Continued research on neighborhood opportunity and youth fitness may better inform place-based public health interventions to reduce disparities.

Prevalence of Diagnosed Arthritis - United States, 2019-2021.

Arthritis includes approximately 100 conditions that affect the joints and surrounding tissues. It is a leading cause of activity limitations, disability, and chronic pain, and is associated with dispensed opioid prescriptions, substantially contributing to health care costs. Combined 2019-2021 National Health Interview Survey data were analyzed to update national prevalence estimates of self-reported diagnosed arthritis. An estimated 21.2% (18.7% age-standardized) of U.S. adults aged ≥18 years (53.2 million) had diagnosed arthritis during this time frame. Age-standardized arthritis prevalences were higher among women (20.9%) than men (16.3%), among veterans (24.2%) than nonveterans (18.5%), and among non-Hispanic White (20.1%) than among Hispanic or Latino (14.7%) or non-Hispanic Asian adults (10.3%). Adults aged ≥45 years represent 88.3% of all U.S. adults with arthritis. Unadjusted arthritis prevalence was high among adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (57.6%), dementia (55.9%), a disability (54.8%), stroke (52.6%), heart disease (51.5%), diabetes (43.1%), or cancer (43.1%). Approximately one half of adults aged ≥65 years with COPD, dementia, stroke, heart disease, diabetes, or cancer also had a diagnosis of arthritis. These prevalence estimates can be used to guide public health policies and activities to increase equitable access to physical activity opportunities within the built environment and other arthritis-appropriate, evidence-based interventions.

An exploration of parent perceptions of a take-home loose parts play kit intervention during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The restrictions introduced in response to the COVID-19 pandemic affected the regular routines of Canadians, including access to play and physical activity opportunities, while limiting social connections. In response to this, a recreation centre created take-home play kits that contained loose parts with the aim of facilitating unstructured play. Between August 2021 and January 2022, ten parents participated in semi-structured interviews via telephone or videoconferencing platforms that captured their experiences of the take-home play kits. Using Thematic Analysis, we identified themes and subthemes reflecting parent perceptions and experiences of the take-home play kit. Three themes emerged: (1 A forced renaissance of play; (2) Bringing unstructured play home, and; (3) Parenting is child's play. Parents shared how the pandemic resulted in decreased physical activity and social opportunities for their children. The parents described how the take-home play kits supported unstructured play as well as their perspectives on the importance of unstructured play. Parents in our study suggested that a take-home loose parts play kit could be a useful resource to help engage children in unstructured play in both indoor and outdoor environments.

Optimizing Urban Children’s Outdoor Play Spaces: Affordances, Supervision, and Design Dynamics

This research explores how outdoor spaces play a crucial role in providing urban children with opportunities for physical activity and relaxation, together with the supervision of the children’s outdoor activities, particularly in densely populated areas with limited open spaces. Effective design of such spaces is vital for creating functional recreational areas within urban landscapes. Drawing from ecological perceptual psychology’s theory of affordance, this research examines the positive attributes of environmental affordances, specifically in Beijing’s central area. Using a children’s park as a case study, systematic observations are conducted to understand the park’s potential for diverse play opportunities and facilitating social interactions across age groups. However, the results reveal that the children’s park falls short of realizing its affordances fully, restricting available play opportunities. Specific play activities require distinct spatial arrangements influenced by children’s ages. Maternal supervision significantly affects children’s play experiences. The study also highlights grandparent involvement in overseeing children’s outdoor play, revealing differing supervision styles. In conclusion, while fixed play equipment and rubber carpet ground enhance engagement and safety, realizing the complete potential of children’s outdoor play spaces demands more inclusive design. The research underscores the intricate interplay between environmental affordances, adult supervision patterns, and children’s play experiences, paving the way for further exploration of these dynamic relationships, and contribute to build environmentally and socially sustainable urban environments.

Revisiting Recess: A Mixed-Methods Study to Understand Physical Activity During Changing Recess Policies

ABSTRACT Background Recess is an integral part of a comprehensive school physical activity program. Immediately prior to the pandemic, state legislation doubled the amount of required recess, creating an opportunity to better understand how policies and practices influence recess. Purpose To describe changes to recess due to COVID-19 and extended recess legislation and to quantify student physical activity during recess following these changes. Methods This mixed-method study was conducted in Spring 2021 in four elementary schools. Recess physical activity was measured using waist-worn accelerometers, recess was observed, and researchers conducted interviews with teachers and principals. Results Females spent 41.7% (95%CI: 38.2, 44.5) and males spent 47.9% (95%CI: 44.6, 51.2) of recess in accelerometer-measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (n = 164). Participants (n = 13) discussed increased supervision, classroom separation on the playground, and benefits of extended recess. Discussion States should consider extending recess requirements but need to consider options for scheduling and indoor recess. Recess continues to be a key physical activity opportunity during school. Translation to Health Education Practice Health Educators considering changes to recess policies and practices may want to consider scheduling of recess including class integration, options for indoor recess, and professional development for recess supervision to help maximize the benefits of recess.

The status of active after-school clubs among primary school children in England (UK) after the COVD-19 lockdowns: implications for policy and practice

BackgroundChildren’s physical activity in England is more dependent on active clubs after the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it is unclear how the COVID-19 pandemic and related cost-of-living crisis have impacted on active club participation, costs and provision. This mixed-methods natural experiment explored school-based and community-based active clubs after lockdowns, using a unique combination of data sources to highlight implications for policy and practice post-COVID-19.MethodsCross-sectional questionnaire data on school and community active clubs were collected from 10-11-year-old children pre-COVID-19 in 2017-18 (N = 1,296; 50 schools), in 2021 (N = 393; 23 schools), and 2022 (N = 463; 27 schools). Club participation and attendance frequency were modelled using logistic and Poisson mixed effects models, adjusted for child age, gender and household education. In 2021 and 2022, parents reported expenditure on community-based clubs and schools provided data on school-based club provision, with data summarised descriptively. Qualitative data were collected in 2021 and 2022, with one-to-one interviews with school staff (N = 18) and parents (N = 43), and twelve child focus groups (N = 92), and analysed using the framework method.ResultsSchool-based active club participation was higher in 2022 compared to pre-pandemic (50% /43%), while community-based club participation was lower (74%/80%). Children attended 0.3 fewer clubs per week. Those from lower education households were less likely to participate in both types of active clubs, and girls less likely to attend community clubs. In 2022, the median cost of community and school club sessions were £6.67 and £3.88 respectively, with 52% of school-based clubs free to parents. Schools offered an average of 3.4 active clubs per week for 10-11-year-olds in 2022, with 34% partly/wholly subsidised. Qualitative analysis highlighted the impact of the cost-of-living crisis and COVID-19 pandemic on family resources, encouraging a shift to more affordable and convenient school-based active clubs, which negatively impacted the community-based active club environment. However, many schools struggled to meet this increased demand.ConclusionsFindings emphasise the importance for policymakers to support schools to meet increased demand for clubs and community clubs to increase affordable and convenient physical activity opportunities. Targeted support is needed to prevent socioeconomic and gender inequalities.

Investigating the Effectiveness of Virtual Physical Activity Education on Students’ Quality of Life of Karaj in 2020

Background: Sedentary lifestyle is regarded as one of the main risk factors for obesity and chronic diseases. As schools provide students with important opportunities for physical activity, their closure, prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic, had a detrimental impact on vulnerable populations, particularly youth and school students. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of virtual physical education on students’ quality of life during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This community trial was conducted with an experimental and a control group. For this purpose, 300 students aged 13 to 15 years, selected among students of the 1st year of high school, were selected from the four education districts of the urban areas of Karaj city in the year 2020 using a cluster sampling method. The selected students were randomly assigned to the two groups of intervention and control, each with 150 people. There was no difference between the two groups in terms of inclusion criteria and demographic characteristics. Following group assignment, the intervention group received virtual physical education for eight 30-minute sessions, one session each week. All subjects completed the Physical Activity and Quality of Life Questionnaires before and after the training. The data were analyzed with SPSS software version 20, using the chi-square test, paired t-test, and independent t-test. Results: The mean and standard deviation of the scores in almost all areas of quality of life (both physical activity and mental health) in the intervention group had a significant improvement after the training courses (P&lt;0.05). After training, the mean scores of quality of life in the virtual education group were significantly greater than control group (P&lt;0.05). Conclusion: The virtual school-based physical activity intervention had positive effects on children’s psychological and psychological wellbeing. The online educational method could provide customizable physical education learning activities as a suitable step in promoting physical activity engagement for different groups of students.

Social Supports and Barriers for Older Adults Not Participating in Group Physical Activity.

Group physical activity can provide physical and social benefits; however, social barriers or a lack of social support may affect participation. This study examined social-support needs and barriers among older adults who were not participating in group physical activities. Using interpretive description, semistructured interviews were conducted with 38 older adults (M = 70.9years; 81.6% women). Themes were grouped into two categories. Category 1, expectations and initial impressions, consisted ofthe following: (a)Groups cannot meet everyone's expectations or interests, (b)groups are intimidating to join, and (c)the need for inclusive programming. Category 2, social processes within group physical activity, consisted of (a)modeling physical activity behaviors, (b)sharing information and suggestions about physical activity opportunities, and (c)encouragement and genuine interest. Outreach to this population should aim to address these barriers and utilize these supportive behaviors to reduce feelings of intimidation and promote participation among older adults.