Physical Activity Program Research Articles

Obesity and the Importance of Breathing.

Obesity is a complex and non-communicable disease with a pandemic entity. Currently, multiple causes can lead to obesity, and it is not always easy to create a direct relationship between physical inactivity, poor quality of nutrients consumed, and calculation of excess calories. Among the associated comorbidities, obesity creates a dysfunctional environment of respiratory rhythms at the central and peripheral levels, with functional, morphological, and phenotypic alteration of the diaphragm muscle. This pathological adaptation of breathing is one of the most important causes of the dysregulation of the autonomic system, which will negatively affect the progression of comorbidities and chronic non-physiological adaptations in obese persons. Introducing a physical activity program involving diaphragm training could be a very valid strategy to restore the systemic autonomic response, delaying or avoiding the onset of pathologies in excess fat. This brief narrative review focuses on the importance of breathing in obese subjects.

School-Based Physical Activity Program Implementation Is Enhanced With Support From Community-Based Partners.

School-based physical activity (PA) programs are an equitable, evidence-based approach to combat health and PA disparities. This study examined factors associated with implementation of BE Physically Active 2Day (BEPA 2.0), a K-5 school-based PA program, and examined how support from Cooperative Extension via Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) partners influenced implementation. Teachers in schools receiving BEPA 2.0 trainings were surveyed about program use 3-6 months post-training. Descriptive and chi-square analyses were conducted to evaluate the relationships between implementation factors (e.g., training, support, barriers) and program delivery. Logistic regression was used to summarize the odds of program delivery related to implementation factors. Responses were returned by 355 teachers. The odds of program delivery among trained respondents were 2.64 (1.22, 5.47) times the odds among untrained respondents. Most implementors (72.4%) provided activities 1-2 times/week. More frequent implementation (≥ 3 times/week) [OR = 2.43 (1.27, 4.73)] and fewer barriers were reported among those who received support from SNAP-Ed partners (p = 0.01). SNAP-Ed program partnerships should be considered when implementing school-based strategies to increase PA opportunities for vulnerable youth. High PA program implementation among trained teachers was enhanced with partner support.

The impact of physical activity on mental health

This article critically evaluates the interconnectedness of physical activity and mental health, drawing on a diverse body of evidence from observational studies, controlled trials, and emerging neuroscientific research. We explore how engaging in regular exercise is associated with improved mood regulation, reductions in anxiety and depressive symptoms, and better coping strategies under stress. By examining a range of exercise modalities, intensities, and durations across various age groups and demographic contexts, we shed light on the differential impacts of physical activity on mental well-being. Neuroscientific findings including those from neuroimaging and biomarker analyses offer insights into the biological mechanisms behind these improvements, revealing alterations in neural circuits and neurotransmitter systems that underpin emotional resilience and cognitive functioning. We further consider the psychological and social benefits that accompany regular physical activity, such as enhanced self-esteem, feelings of belonging, and the establishment of positive routines. Finally, we identify gaps in existing research, including the need for more tailored, evidence-based exercise prescriptions and an improved understanding of how to optimize interventions for individuals with specific mental health profiles. Overall, this review underscores the imperative of incorporating strategic physical activity programs into mental health prevention, treatment, and policy initiatives.

Socioeconomic status moderates the effect of physical education on overweight and obesity in children: a quasi-experimental trial.

A school-based physical activity intervention, delivered through a physical education program, effectively reduces overweight and obesity risk in disadvantaged primary school students and may address some of the adverse health-related impacts of living with low socioeconomic status. • School-based physical activity programs offer promising solutions for improving health-related physical activity in children. However, the impact of socioeconomic context on the effectiveness of these programs is unclear. • An intensive school-based physical activity intervention effectively reduces overweight and obesity risk in disadvantaged primary school students and may address some of the adverse health-related impacts of living with low socioeconomic status.

Co-development of a programme to improve physical activity support for women after breast cancer treatment: a pre-protocol for PURE-EX

Background Breast cancer and its treatment can have long-term adverse effects on physical and mental health. Evidence-based guidelines recommend that healthcare professionals (HCPs) advise women with breast cancer to engage in physical activity to improve health outcomes. However, support to be active is not standard care. The PURE-EX (EXpanding into communities to imProve physical activity sUpport foR womEn after breast cancer) programme aims to address this knowledge-practice gap. Aim To co-develop a programme that integrates physical activity referrals into standard care for women after treatment for early-stage and locally-advanced breast cancer. Programme components will include: 1. A referral pathway enabling HCPs to refer women to community-based physical activity programmes after they have completed primary treatment for breast cancer; 2. An online training course to support community providers in adapting their existing physical activity programmes for women who have undergone breast cancer treatment. Work Packages We will co-develop, refine, and evaluate PURE-EX programme components through four work packages (WPs): WP1. Conduct a systematic scoping review to describe the characteristics of community-based physical activity programmes for women with breast cancer reported in the literature. WP2. Undertake qualitative research with: (i) women with breast cancer, (ii) HCPs responsible for their care, and (ii) exercise professionals, to explore barriers and facilitators to incorporating physical activity into breast cancer care from different perspectives. WP3. Hold co-development events to develop and refine components of the PURE-EX programme and gain insights as to how it could be operationalised in practice. WP4. Conduct a feasibility trial in 45 women who have finished primary treatment for breast cancer to assess the feasibility and acceptability of the PURE-EX programme. Discussion The PURE-EX programme will be an evidence-based, theory-informed, and person-centred intervention, with the potential to make physical activity support routinely available for women after breast cancer treatment.

Association of Body Mass Index and Physical Activity with Psychological Stress among Female Undergraduate Students in Nigeria

Abstract Background: The prevalence of stress among university students has emerged as a significant concern, with notable impacts on their academic performance and overall well-being. Despite the growing body of literature on the association between body mass index (BMI), physical activity (PA), and stress, there is a shortage of research in Nigeria. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the associations of stress with BMI and PA among female students in Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey design was employed, and data were collected from a convenience sample of 301 female undergraduate students at a Nigerian university. The Perceived Stress Scale and International PA Questionnaire—Short Form assessed stress and PA. BMI was calculated from the participant’s weight and height. Results: Participants’ mean BMI was 22.5 ± 3.8 with 68.4% falling within the normal BMI range. A greater percentage reported low levels of PA (60.8%) and moderate stress levels (67.4%). There was no significant relationship between BMI and stress (r = −0.090, P = 0.131). However, a low level of PA was associated with increased stress (r = −0.131, P = 0.027). Conclusion: PA significantly influences stress. Universities should facilitate an exercise-friendly environment and encourage PA programs for female students.

A Systematic Review of the Impact of Public Health Center-Based Physical Activity Programs: Based on the ICF Model

A Systematic Review of the Impact of Public Health Center-Based Physical Activity Programs: Based on the ICF Model

Analysis of the relationship between physical activity and cognitive function among elderly residents in nursing homes

This study aims to analyze the relationship between physical activity and cognitive function in elderly residents at a nursing home in Surabaya. The research employed a cross-sectional design with a sample of 76 respondents selected randomly. Physical activity was measured using the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE), while cognitive function was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). The results indicated that the majority of respondents had moderate levels of physical activity (55%) and cognitive function (45%). Spearman Rank correlation analysis revealed a significant relationship between physical activity and cognitive function (p = 0.003). This relationship suggests that increased physical activity is associated with improved cognitive function in the elderly. These findings underscore the importance of implementing structured physical activity programs as a non-pharmacological approach to maintaining cognitive health and enhancing the quality of life among the elderly.

Analysis of Nutrition Knowledge After One Year of Intervention in a National Extracurricular Athletics Program: A Cross-Sectional Study with Pair-Matched Controls of Polish Adolescents

Background: Nutrition knowledge may be translated into adequate dietary intake and proper eating habits, so adolescent education programs focusing on improving eating habits and nutrition knowledge are needed. The aim of the cross-sectional study with pair-matched controls was to assess the Consumer Nutrition Knowledge Scale (CoNKS) results and its determinants after one year of intervention in a national extracurricular athletics program within a pair-matched sample of Polish adolescents. Methods: The #goathletics Study evaluated a Polish national extracurricular athletics program, ‘Athletics for all’, being a voluntary and free-of-charge physical activity program organized by the Polish Athletics Association. The study allowed comparing the intervention group of adolescents aged 10–14 years, participating in the program for at least 9 months (a school year) and a pair-matched group not participating in it, while the matching was based on city, gender, and age (each group: n = 506 adolescents, n = 281 females and n = 225 males). The nutrition knowledge was assessed using a Consumer Nutrition Knowledge Scale (CoNKS), and during the analysis, the following factors were taken into account: body weight, height, Body Mass Index (BMI), waist circumference, and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR). Results: The ‘Athletics for all’ program participation influenced not only the total CoNKS score (p < 0.0001) but also the scores in all studied areas—within procedural nutrition knowledge (p = 0.0002), declarative nutrition knowledge on nutrients (p = 0.0001), and declarative nutrition knowledge on calories (p < 0.0001), and program participants revealed a stronger understanding of all the studied areas compared to non-participating individuals. Gender, BMI, and central obesity tendency were not associated with the total CoNKS score (p > 0.05), or any of the studied areas (p > 0.05). The statistically significant differences in the number of correct answers were observed for four items within procedural nutrition knowledge, for four items within declarative nutrition knowledge on nutrients, and for four items within declarative nutrition knowledge on calories (p < 0.05), while for all of them, ‘Athletics for all’ program participants revealed a stronger understanding. Conclusions: One year of intervention in a national extracurricular athletics program significantly influenced the nutrition knowledge of the studied group of adolescents aged 10–14 years. While compared with the pair-matched control group of Polish adolescents, they were characterized by a stronger understanding of all areas of nutrition knowledge.

“We Try and Make it Work”: Physical Education Teacher Education Faculty Perspectives of CSPAP Integration

ABSTRACT Role breadth self-efficacy captures how professionals feel about their ability to undertake expanded occupational roles. For physical education teacher education (PETE) faculty, integrating Comprehensive School Physical Activity Program (CSPAP) learning experiences into PETE is beyond traditional requirements that follow national and/or state accreditation standards. Although some programs integrate CSPAP, little is known about PETE faculty’s perspectives on integrating CSPAP. The study aimed to explore PETE faculty’s experiences learning and teaching about CSPAPs. Individual, semi-structured interviews (M = 39.82 min, r = 21–66 min) with PETE faculty (N = 21) were conducted and analyzed. The four themes were as follows: (a) inspired, (b) encouragement, (c) CSPAP champions, and (d) barriers. PETE faculty have greater self-efficacy to be CSPAP champions when inspired and encouraged by peers in PETE, K-12 teachers, through research, and professional development. To effectively integrate CSPAP training into PETE, experiences within school placements and mentorship from experienced teachers are crucial. Incorporating CSPAP into the teacher certification standards could foster broader adoption.

The ecological system’s influence on physical activities of older adults: comparison between older men and women

BackgroundKorea is expected to become a super-aged society by 2025. Research has shown that regular participation in physical activity has a positive impact on older adults’ health and reduces national health costs.AimsDrawing on Bronfenbrenner’s ecological model, this study examines ecological systems that influence physical activity in older men and women.MethodThe data analysis included information on 537 older adults aged 65 years and older residing in South Korea. The regression analysis identified differences in the ecological systems that influence physical activity in older adults by sex.ResultsBy examining the ecological systems that affect physical activity in older men, this study found that the macrosystem affected the exosystem (p <.001) and microsystem (p <.001), the exosystem affected the mesosystem (p <.01), and the microsystem affected individuals (p <.001). In the case of older women, the macrosystem affected the exosystem (p <.001), microsystem (p <.001), and individuals (p <.01); the exosystem affected the microsystem (p <.01), and the microsystem affected individuals (p <.001).ConclusionsThe microsystem commonly affects the physical activity of older men and women, whereas the macrosystem only affects the physical activity of older women, suggesting that older men may experience limited macrosystem support in fostering their participation in physical activity. To address this disparity, the study highlights the need for targeted policies to enhance macrosystem support for older men, such as developing tailored physical activity programs that promote positive attitudes and accessible opportunities for participation.

The Role of Kinesiotherapy in Enhancing Physical Performance and Self-Esteem: A Prospective Observational Study in Obese Adolescents

Obesity is a multifactorial chronic condition characterized by excessive fat accumulation, which adversely affects health and quality of life. This prospective observational study aimed to evaluate the impact of a 9-month tailored kinesiotherapy program on physical performance, body composition, and self-esteem in overweight and obese adolescents. Participants were divided into a study group (SG, n=40) and a control group (CG, n=40). The SG engaged in individualized kinesiotherapy sessions, while the CG maintained their usual activities. Both groups received education on the 5-2-1-0 rule for obesity prevention and management. Results indicated significant improvements in the SG, including enhancements in the 6-minute walk distance (6MWD), Timed Up-and-Go test (TUG), and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (all p &lt; 0.001). Notably, BMI and body fat percentage decreased significantly in the SG compared to the CG. Regression analysis revealed strong correlations between body composition, physical performance, and self-esteem improvements, particularly in girls and rural participants, highlighting the intervention's adaptability and effectiveness. Although limited by a relatively small sample size, short duration, and variability in adherence tracking, the study highlights the essential role of individualized physical activity programs in improving health outcomes. In conclusion, the findings from our study emphasize the significant role of individualized kinesiotherapy programs in improving physical and psychological health outcomes in overweight/obese adolescents. By integrating instrumental assessments, such as the BTS system, with subjective evaluations like PAQ-A and the Rosenberg scale, our study high-lights the multifaceted impact of physical activity on this vulnerable population.

Individualized Physical Activity Prescriptions for Children and Adolescents With Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

For improved health outcomes, children and adolescents with cancer must maintain physical activity. Individualized physical activity prescription is an effective way to promote physical activity in this group. We reviewed and meta-analyzed evidence on the effectiveness of individualized physical activity prescriptions for improving physical activity and other health outcomes among children and adolescents with cancer. Seven databases were searched from inception up to January 2024 for randomized controlled trials. Two researchers independently extracted data and assessed the quality of studies using the Risk-of-Bias tool. Data were pooled into Review Manager 5.3 for data synthesis and subgroup analyses. Seventeen randomized controlled trials were included. The systematic review summarized the characteristics of recent interventions. Meta-analyses showed that although individualized physical activity prescriptions had no overall effect on physical activity (n = 8 studies), anthropometry and body composition (n = 5), functional capacity (n = 3), quality of life (n = 8), fatigue (n = 3), and self-efficacy (n = 5), they improved cardiovascular fitness (n = 8, P = .02) and muscle strength (n = 8, P = .04). Subgroup analyses showed that studies providing 6-month interventions (P = .003) or such interventions combined with motivational interviewing (P = .002) reported significantly increased physical activity in patients. Individualized physical activity prescriptions appear to improve cardiovascular fitness and muscle strength in children and adolescents with cancer. High-quality studies providing long-duration interventions and motivational interviewing are needed for optimal physical activity programs for children and adolescents with cancer. The application of electronic devices should increase the types of physical activities for this group to further improve health outcomes.

Up for Debate: Does Regular Physical Activity Really Improve Mental Health?

Physical activity is frequently touted as beneficial for mental health. This paper, based on a 2023 ACSM colloquium, highlights key strengths and limitations of the evidence regarding physical activity and mental health from three perspectives: epidemiological studies, randomized controlled trial experiments, and investigations that explicitly consider the potential role that contextual factors, such as the social climate in which physical activity is completed, can play in physical activity-mental health interactions. A large body of epidemiological evidence supports that regular leisure time physical activity is associated with less depression and anxiety. Higher amounts of physical activity are often associated with fewer depressive symptoms, but there may be a dose-response point where for some people more is not better but can plateau or even worsen. Epidemiological evidence is emerging but currently inadequate to support associations between mental health and occupational, transportation/active commuting or domestic/household physical activity types. A large body of randomized controlled trials, typically small, short duration and conducted with samples biased toward middle-to-higher socioeconomic status Whites, supports that the adoption of regular exercise improves aspects of mental health; however, the mechanisms are unclear and for those without mental disorders the mean effects are small. Mental health benefits of exercise may be partially a placebo response or result from contextual factors surrounding exercise. A small body of evidence supports that contextual elements, such as the program implementation quality and social environment, can influence the mental health outcomes associated with physical activity programs, but the evidence is currently inadequate to identify which contextual variables have consistent moderate or larger effects. Greater progress will be made in this area when research designs are expanded to include consideration of the potential influence of contextual factors on relationships between physical activity and mental health.

Arthritis Management: Patient-Reported Health Care Provider Screening, Counseling, and Recommendations for Physical Activity.

Little is known about the recency, correlates, and content of health care provider (HCP) counseling about physical activity (PA) among adults with arthritis. We analyzed data from the Porter Novelli FallStyles cross-sectional survey of noninstitutionalized US adults. Among adults with arthritis, we assessed the recency of HCP counseling about PA; counseling content, including PA assessment/screening and advice/counseling; and recommendations. Data were weighted by sex, age, household income, race and ethnicity, household size, education, census region, and metropolitan status. Among adults with arthritis (n = 1,113), 16.8% received HCP counseling within the past 6 months, 9.6% received counseling between 6 months and a year ago; 27.7% received HCP counseling more than a year ago; 30.4% never received HCP counseling; and 15.5% did not recall. Prevalence of HCP counseling about PA was higher for those reporting obesity (prevalence ratio [PR] = 1.3) and chronic pain (PR = 1.2), compared with those without these conditions. The most and least common content of HCP counseling were assessment of PA level (74.7%) and receiving a physical activity prescription (6.1%), respectively. The most frequent recommendations for PA type were flexibility exercises (40.1%), aerobic activities (39.8%), specific modalities of PA (eg, swimming, walking, dancing; 38.1%), and muscle-strengthening exercises (36.6%). Only 4.4% received a recommendation for arthritis-appropriate PA programs. HCP counseling about PA among adults with arthritis for arthritis symptom management is lacking in frequency, actionable content, and recommendations to engage in evidence-based PA interventions. Dissemination and implementation of policies and programs facilitating frequent high-quality HCP counseling and recommendation to PA programs for arthritis remains a public health priority.

Effect of an adapted physical activity program on the cardiorespiratory performance of soldiers of the Kinshasa Garrison: a randomized controlled study

Effect of an adapted physical activity program on the cardiorespiratory performance of soldiers of the Kinshasa Garrison: a randomized controlled study

Public Health and School Health Partnership for a Web-Based Physical Activity Resource.

With physical activity levels in children and youth decreasing as their obesity rates rise, collaborations between public health and school health professionals for physical activity interventions are recommended. Physical activity interventions at the school site and those with community involvement in program planning have demonstrated positive outcomes. As schools are a vital part of community physical activity promotion for students, public health and school health partners in one state created a brain energizers/movement integration website to support 2 components of a comprehensive school physical activity program: "Physical activity integrated into the school day" and "Staff involvement." This study presents a process evaluation and level of utilization assessment of a public health, web-based resource for physical activity promotion in the elementary school for students aged 6-12years. Web links were sent to all members of a statewide school nurse association, and 269 school nursing staff responded to an online survey evaluating the website. About 40% of respondents used and shared the site with other teachers/staff at their schools, and the activities and videos were stated as the greatest benefits. Public health and education sectors can collaborate within comprehensive school physical activity programs to provide movement integration resources for students to meet physical activity goals. School nurses can encourage physical activity during the school day and staff involvement by promoting both the health promotion and educational benefits of movement integration and physically active learning.

Man and humankind in motion how active is mankind today?

Being physically active is fundamental to maintaining good health and plays an important role in childrens development. In adults, but also in children and adolescents, activity levels have been declining for years and sitting times are increasing, with the result that the physical activity recommendations developed by the WHO are no longer being achieved by everyone. The reasons for this lie in the changed living environment, which is becoming increasingly inactive. This trend has become even more pronounced due to the restrictions imposed by the corona virus pandemic. This particularly affected 10 to 17-year-olds, 50% of whom have reduced their activity time; this figure was 26% for 3 to 5-year-olds and 37% for 6 to 9-year-olds. Overall, 70% of children and young people have increased their (inactive) media time. There is an urgent need to design exercise programmes to increase physical activity by children and young people. The finding that sport is practised because it is fun would be helpful here. Furthermore, the lack of staff in day-care centres must be remedied, as this has proven to be the most important inhibiting factor for the implementation of physical activity programmes. As behavioural patterns are already formed in early childhood, the focus for promoting physical activity should be on the day-care centre setting.

Analyzing the Impact of an 8-Week Structured Physical Activity Program on Health-Related Fitness in Bhutanese Seventh-Grade Students

Objectives. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of an 8-week physical activity program (PAP) on health-related fitness (HRF) components of seventh graders in Bhutan. Its emphasis areas included assessing the program’s effects on cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, and body composition. Materials and methods. Sixty-two students were allocated into two groups using simple random sampling: a control group (n = 31) following the standard physical education curriculum and an experimental group (n = 31) participating in the PAP utilizing the FITT (frequency, intensity, time, and type) principle. Fitness Gram assessments were used to measure HRF before implementing the intervention. Independent t-tests were used to compare results between groups, whereas paired t-tests were used to compare pre-test and post-test scores within groups. Results. All HRF components demonstrated notable improvements in the experimental group. Cardiorespiratory endurance increased from a mean of 23.23 to 30.57 (p &lt; 0 .05), muscular strength — from 7.47 to 12.37 (p &lt; 0.05), muscular endurance — from a mean of 10.10 to 16.40 (p &lt; 0.05), and flexibility — from 27.98 to 29.85 (p &lt; 0.05). It was additionally observed an improvement in body composition, with a notable decline in BMI. Conversely, the control group showed a less significant decrease in flexibility and BMI, while demonstrating marked enhancements in cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength, and muscular endurance. Conclusions. The study indicates that the organized PAP was more effective than the standard physical education curriculum in improving HRF components. These findings suggest that the implementation of structured PA programs using the FITT principles can lead to enhanced physical fitness and health-related outcomes among children and young people.

Scoping Review of Digitally Delivered Physical Activity and Exercise Programs for Older Adults

Physical inactivity among older adults is a major public health concern linked to various chronic conditions. Digitally delivered physical activity (PA) programs offer a promising solution to overcome traditional barriers. This scoping review aimed to explore the feasibility, acceptability, and engagement factors of these programs for older adults. A comprehensive search was conducted on PubMed, Embase (OVID), and Scopus on 22 May 2024, adhering to PRISMA guidelines. Inclusion criteria targeted older adults (≥60 years) engaged in healthy digital PA interventions. Data analysis was guided by the FAME Framework, TSQ, and the COM-B model. A total of 16 studies met the inclusion criteria, involving 901 older adults. Most studies reported moderate to high adherence rates with programs being well-received. However, several implementation challenges were found, such as inadequate digital literacy, concerns regarding program quality, participant safety, and lack of perceived relevance. Despite these implementation challenges, they may be overcome using the TAM and UTAUT frameworks for technology acceptance and usage to address digital literacy, ensuring high-quality interactions and participant safety, and incorporating social support. Future interventions should leverage similar theoretical frameworks to enhance design and implementation.