Physical Activity Settings Research Articles

Settings for physical activity – Developing a site-specific physical activity behavior model based on multi-level intervention studies

Settings for physical activity – Developing a site-specific physical activity behavior model based on multi-level intervention studies

Do features of public open spaces vary between urban and rural areas?

ObjectiveParks are an important setting for physical activity and specific park features have been shown to be associated with park visitation and physical activity. Most park-based research has been conducted in urban settings with few studies examining rural parks. This study examined differences in features of parks in urban compared with rural areas. MethodsIn 2009/10 a tool was developed to audit 433 urban and 195 rural parks located in disadvantaged areas of Victoria, Australia. Features assessed included: access; lighting/safety; aesthetics; amenities; paths; outdoor courts/ovals; informal play spaces; and playgrounds (number, diversity, age appropriateness and safety of play equipment). ResultsRural parks scored higher for aesthetics compared with urban parks (5.08 vs 4.44). Urban parks scored higher for access (4.64 vs 3.89), lighting/safety (2.01 vs 1.76), and diversity of play equipment (7.37 vs 6.24), and were more likely to have paths suitable for walking/cycling (58.8% vs 40.9%) and play equipment for older children (68.2% vs 17.1%). ConclusionAlthough the findings cannot be generalized to all urban and rural parks, the results may be used to inform advocacy for park development in rural areas to create parks that are more supportive of physical activity for children and adults.

Increasing Physical Activity With Mobile Devices: A Meta-Analysis

BackgroundRegular physical activity has established physical and mental health benefits; however, merely one quarter of the U.S. adult population meets national physical activity recommendations. In an effort to engage individuals who do not meet these guidelines, researchers have utilized popular emerging technologies, including mobile devices (ie, personal digital assistants [PDAs], mobile phones). This study is the first to synthesize current research focused on the use of mobile devices for increasing physical activity.ObjectiveTo conduct a meta-analysis of research utilizing mobile devices to influence physical activity behavior. The aims of this review were to: (1) examine the efficacy of mobile devices in the physical activity setting, (2) explore and discuss implementation of device features across studies, and (3) make recommendations for future intervention development.MethodsWe searched electronic databases (PubMed, PsychINFO, SCOPUS) and identified publications through reference lists and requests to experts in the field of mobile health. Studies were included that provided original data and aimed to influence physical activity through dissemination or collection of intervention materials with a mobile device. Data were extracted to calculate effect sizes for individual studies, as were study descriptives. A random effects meta-analysis was conducted using the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software suite. Study quality was assessed using the quality of execution portion of the Guide to Community Preventative Services data extraction form.ResultsFour studies were of “good” quality and seven of “fair” quality. In total, 1351 individuals participated in 11 unique studies from which 18 effects were extracted and synthesized, yielding an overall weight mean effect size of g = 0.54 (95% CI = 0.17 to 0.91, P = .01).ConclusionsResearch utilizing mobile devices is gaining in popularity, and this study suggests that this platform is an effective means for influencing physical activity behavior. Our focus must be on the best possible use of these tools to measure and understand behavior. Therefore, theoretically grounded behavior change interventions that recognize and act on the potential of smartphone technology could provide investigators with an effective tool for increasing physical activity.

Demographic variations in observed energy expenditure across park activity areas

ObjectiveParks are important physical activity (PA) settings, but few studies have examined PA differences between park areas according to multiple user demographic characteristics. This study explored variations in adult/senior and child/teen PA intensity across park settings by gender, age, and race/ethnicity. MethodsIn July–August 2009, the System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities (SOPARC) was used in four parks in Kansas City, Missouri to record park users' PA behavior within specific park areas. A total of 8855 observations were recorded. ANCOVAs compared mean energy expenditure (EE) for various demographic groups across the five most-used park target areas for adults/seniors and children/teens. ResultsAmong adults/seniors, all sub-samples exhibited higher EE on paved trails (0.086–0.093kcal/kg/min) and tennis courts (0.086–0.089kcal/kg/min), than in open spaces, playgrounds, or picnic shelters. Among children/teens, the child, White, and all child/teen sub-samples showed greater EE on playgrounds (0.088–0.089kcal/kg/min) than in picnic shelters. ConclusionPark planning and design efforts should consider environmental and programming initiatives to increase intergenerational PA levels within park areas such as playgrounds, open spaces, and picnic shelters.

Development and Evaluation of the DECIDE to Move! Physical Activity Educational Video

To develop a video that provides accessible and usable information about the importance of physical activity to type 2 diabetes self-management and ways of incorporating physical activity into everyday life. A 15-minute physical activity educational video narrated by US Surgeon General Dr Regina Benjamin was developed and evaluated. The video addresses the following topics: the effects of exercise on diabetes, preparations for beginning physical activity, types of physical activity, safety considerations (eg, awareness of symptoms of hypoglycemia during activity), and goal setting. Two patient screening groups were held for evaluation and revision of the video. Patient satisfaction ratings ranged 4.6 to 4.9 out of a possible 5.0 on dimensions of overall satisfaction, how informative they found the video to be, how well the video held their interest and attention, how easy the video was to understand, and how easy the video was to see and hear. Patients reported the educational video effective in empowering them to take strides toward increasing and maintaining physical activity in their lives. The tool is currently used in a clinical research trial, Project DECIDE, as one component of a diabetes and cardiovascular disease self-management program.

Increasing older adults' walking through primary care: results of a pilot randomized controlled trial.

Background.Physical activity can positively influence health for older adults. Primary care is a good setting for physical activity promotion.Objective.To assess the feasibility of a pedometer-based walking programme in combination with physical activity consultations.Methods.Design: Two-arm (intervention/control) 12-week randomized controlled trial with a 12-week follow-up for the intervention group. Setting: One general practice in Glasgow, UK. Participants: Participants were aged ≥65 years. The intervention group received two 30-minute physical activity consultations from a trained practice nurse, a pedometer and a walking programme. The control group continued as normal for 12 weeks and then received the intervention. Both groups were followed up at 12 and 24 weeks. Outcome measures: Step counts were measured by sealed pedometers and an activPALTM monitor. Psychosocial variables were assessed and focus groups conducted.Results.The response rate was 66% (187/284), and 90% of those randomized (37/41) completed the study. Qualitative data suggested that the pedometer and nurse were helpful to the intervention. Step counts (activPAL) showed a significant increase from baseline to week 12 for the intervention group, while the control group showed no change. Between weeks 12 and 24, step counts were maintained in the intervention group, and increased for the control group after receiving the intervention. The intervention was associated with improved quality of life and reduced sedentary time.Conclusions.It is feasible to recruit and retain older adults from primary care and help them increase walking. A larger trial is necessary to confirm findings and consider cost-effectiveness.

Long-term health-enhancing physical activity in rheumatoid arthritis - the PARA 2010 study

BackgroundPeople with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) suffer increased risk of disability andpremature mortality. Health-enhancing physical activity (HEPA) could be one importantfactor to reduce this risk. Rising health care costs call for the development and evaluation ofnew modes of rehabilitation, including physical activity in settings outside the health caresystem.Methods/DesignThis cohort study targets 450 patients with RA that do not currently meet HEPA recommendations, recruited from six hospitals reporting to the Swedish Rheumatology Quality Registers (SRQ). We have developed a two-year real-life intervention program including a minimum of twice-weekly circuit training, moderately intense physical activity the remaining days of the week and group meetings to support behavior change every other week. Our hypothesis is that increased physical activity and exercise will improve perceived health, reduce pain and fatigue, increase muscle function and aerobic capacity, impact psychosocial factors and prevent future cardiovascular events. Research questions regard outcomes, retention rates, dose–response matters and the exploration of responder characteristics. This protocol outlines recruitment procedure, design, assessment methods and the intervention program of the study.DiscussionThe PARA 2010 project is designed to expand the knowledge on HEPA in RA by a progressive approach regarding population, setting, intervention, time frames and outcome measures. To our knowledge this is the first long-term HEPA program based on Social Cognitive Theory, and performed in a real life environment to demonstrate if this new setting can promote increased and maintained physical activity in people with RA.Trial registration numberISRCTN25539102

Children's perceptions of physical activity environments captured through ecological momentary assessment: A validation study

ObjectiveThis study used ecological momentary assessment (EMA) to investigate whether children's perceptions of physical activity (PA) settings correspond with (1) parents' perceptions of neighborhood characteristics (convergent construct validity) and (2) children's level of PA in those settings (concurrent criterion validity). MethodsLow-to-middle income, ethnically-diverse children (N=108) (ages 9–13) living in Southern California participated in 8days of EMA during non-school time. EMA measured current activity type (e.g., sports/exercise, TV watching) and perceptions of the current setting (i.e., vegetation, traffic, safety). The Neighborhood Environment Walkability Survey (NEWS) assessed parents' perceptions of neighborhood characteristics. EMA responses were time-matched to moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) (measured by accelerometer) in the 30min before and after each EMA survey. Data were collected in 2009–2010. ResultsChildren's perceptions of vegetation and traffic in PA settings corresponded with parents' perceptions of the aesthetics (OR=2.21, 95% CI=1.04–4.73) and traffic (OR=2.64, 95% CI=1.31–5.30) in neighborhood environment, respectively. MVPA minutes were higher in settings perceived by children to have less traffic (β=3.47, p<.05). ConclusionsThis work provides initial support for the construct and criterion validity of EMA-based measures of children's perceptions of their PA environments.

Park Improvements and Park Activity: A Natural Experiment

Parks are an important setting for leisure-time physical activity. Understanding how to attract residents to parks and encourage park users to be physically active is an important public health initiative. Natural experiments are a research priority for investigating whether changes to the physical environment affect physical activity; however, natural experiments involving parks have rarely been conducted. This natural experiment examined whether improvements to a park in Victoria, Australia, increased its use and park-based physical activity of users. Observational data were collected on park use and park-based activity among park users at the intervention park and a control park at three time points; baseline (T1, August 2009); post-improvement (T2, March 2010); and 12 months after baseline (T3, August 2010). At each time point, observations were undertaken during three 1.5-hour periods each day on 9 days. Analyses were conducted in 2011. In the intervention park, there were significant increases from pre- to post-improvement in the number of park users (T1=235, T3=985) and the number of people observed walking (T1=155, T3=369) and being vigorously active (T1=38, T3=257). At the control park, counts of usage decreased over the same period and no differences in walking or vigorous activity were observed. Improving the features of a local neighborhood park may lead to increased usage and physical activity.

The Effects of Workplace Physical Activity Interventions in Men

The workplace is cited as a promising setting for physical activity (PA) promotion, but workplace PA interventions tend not to specifically target men. The aim of this article was to review the literature on workplace PA interventions for men and to identify key issues for future intervention development. Articles targeting PA at the workplace were located through a structured database search. Information on intervention strategies and PA outcomes were extracted. Only 13 studies (10.5%) reviewed focused on men, of which 5 showed significant increases in PA. These studies used generic, multicomponent, health promotion strategies with a variety of timeframes, self-report PA measures, and PA outcomes. The systematic review identified that evidence on the effectiveness of workplace PA interventions for men is equivocal and highlighted methodological concerns. Future research should use reliable and valid measures of PA and interventions that focus specifically on men's needs and PA preferences.

Flow Among Musicians

“Flow” is a highly coveted yet elusive state of mind that is characterized by complete absorption in the task at hand as well as by enhanced skilled performance. Unfortunately, because most measures of this construct have been developed in physical activity and sport settings, little is known about the applicability of flow scales to the experiences of performers in other domains such as music. To fill this gap in the research literature, the present study had two objectives. First, we investigated the psychometric adequacy of the Dispositional Flow Scale–2 (DFS-2) for a large sample ( n = 205) of musicians. In addition, we examined the experience of flow among amateur and elite music students. Results indicated that the DFS-2 is a generally reliable and factorially-sound measure of flow and that flow states are experienced quite frequently by music students. Nevertheless, the results also raise questions about the validity of certain subscales of this test (e.g., merging of action and awareness, loss of self-consciousness). The theoretical and practical significance of these findings is discussed and suggestions are provided for future research on flow.

Developing a digital assessment in senior secondary physical education

Background: The Digital Forms of Assessment project is a three-year Australian Research Council Linkage research project being conducted by Edith Cowan University's Centre for Schooling and Learning Technologies (CSaLT) in partnership with the Curriculum Council of Western Australia. The project is investigating the potential for a digital format external examination to rigorously interrogate student learning as demonstrated in and through practical tasks. Aims: The project has been designed to inform the ongoing development of Physical Education Studies assessment in Western Australia and contribute to national and international developments in assessment in physical education and other areas of education that incorporate a practical and/or performance dimension. It aims to investigate authentic digital forms of assessment with high levels of reliability that are capable of being scaled-up for state-wide implementation in a cost effective manner. It seeks to provide research based insights for physical education teachers concerned to design authentic assessment tasks that maximise opportunities for students' varied knowledge, skills and understandings to be demonstrated. Method: The project has utilised multiple methods of data collection to gather data relating to the development and implementation of assessment tasks utilising digital technologies, student participation in the assessment tasks, the experience and outcomes arising from marking procedures also utilising digital technologies, and teacher and student responses to the new forms of assessment. It has involved video-recording and computer-based digital capture of student work, participant observation, digital capture of computer-based marking outputs, and interviews with teachers and students. This paper focuses on data from the first two years of the project, relating to the design, implementation and experience of undertaking digital forms of assessment. Discussion draws on data from five teachers and a total of seventy-two students in four schools participating in the first two years of the project, with assessment tasks addressing a range of physical activity contexts. Results: An assessment task comprising integrated computer-based and practically based components was designed, adapted for varied physical activity settings and successfully implemented in project schools. Students have perceived the assessment task to be authentic and meaningful for the Physical Education Studies course and have liked the way in which ‘practical’ and ‘theoretical’ aspects are combined in the task. Teachers have identified the task as aligning well with the pedagogic intent of the course and as providing a valid means of assessment of students' skills, knowledge and understandings relating to the aspects of course content that it was designed to address. Evaluation of the task implementation has utilised a feasibility framework, addressing technical, pedagogic, manageability, and functional feasibility. Results to date are encouraging in relation to each dimension. Refinements have been made to further enhance the task and implementation processes in the final year of the project. Conclusion: The study has demonstrated the pedagogic feasibility of digital assessment aligning with the pedagogical intentions of the new course in Western Australia. Issues are discussed in relation to the prospective wider implementation of the technologies employed.

Positive youth development through an outdoor physical activity programme: evidence from a four-year evaluation

In 2006, Sandford, Armour and Warmington undertook a comprehensive review of the literature on the role of physical activity/sport and physical education in promoting positive development for disaffected youth. This paper revisits the findings of the literature review in light of data from a four-year evaluation of one corporate-sponsored physical activity intervention in the UK. Literature on the role of physical activity/sport in positive youth development (PYD) is summarised and updated from the original review. Impact data were collected on approximately 600 pupils (310 boys and 285 girls) and showed that there were some positive benefits for the majority of participants and that those pupils who participated for longer showed more sustained improvements. It is argued, however, that physical activity settings are no panacea, and that complex understandings of learning and skill “transfer” from such programmes are required if sponsors and designers are to maximise the potential of sport/physical activity for positive youth development.

Outdoor physical activity and self rated health in older adults living in two regions of the U.S.

BackgroundOlder adults spend little time outdoors and many are physically inactive. The relationship between outdoor physical activity and self rated health has not been studied in older adults. This paper aimed to assess the relation of location of physical activity to self rated health and physical activity minutes. This was an observational study of ambulatory adults 66 years and older conducted in 2005–2008. Participants (N = 754) completed survey measures of physical activity location and self rated health, and wore an accelerometer to objectively assess physical activity. A mixed model linear regression procedure adjusted for neighborhood clustering effects. Differences in self rated health and physical activity minutes were compared across three physical activity settings (indoor only, outdoor only, both indoor and outdoor).ResultsMinutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity were significantly greater in those who were physically active at least once a week outdoors compared with those who were physically active indoors only. Self rated health was significantly related to being physically active but did not vary by location of activity.ConclusionsOlder adults who were physically active outdoors accumulated significantly more physical activity, but self-rated health was not significantly greater than those being physically active indoors.

A systematic review of school based interventions aimed at the promotion of physical activity and/or healthy dietary behaviours in adolescents

There is evidence that low levels of physical activity and unhealthy dietary behaviours are associated with poor health in adolescents, leading to an increased risk of chronic disease in adulthood. These behaviours are modifiable and since adolescents spend a significant amount of time in school this provides an increasingly popular setting for physical activity and dietary interventions. A systematic review of school-based interventions aimed at changing physical activity and/or dietary behaviours in adolescents (11‐18yrs) published between 1995 and 2008 was conducted. The aim was to identify successful interventions, assess the quality of reporting, identify the effective components and any specific behaviour change theories and techniques implemented which may have facilitated interventions success. From 274 studies identified 15 were included in the review; two dietary only, seven physical activity only and six physical activity combined with dietary interventions. There were insufficient studies (n = 2) to assess fully the effectiveness of school based diet only interventions. The success of school based interventions aimed at changing both physical activity and dietary behaviours of adolescents was mixed. There was some evidence of gender differences with boys increasing physical activity behaviours only and girls improving dietary behaviours only. Interventions aimed at only physical activity behaviours were the most successful, with multi-component interventions which included an educational and environmental component identified as being most effective. Physical activity only interventions aimed and tailored specifically for girls were generally successful at improving physical activity behaviours. Interventions aimed at improving physical activity behaviours and aimed at both boys and girls tended to be more effective at improving the physical activity behaviours of boys only. There was little evidence that parental involvement facilitated interventions success. No one behavioural theory was clearly identified as being associated with studies reporting significant results for either dietary or PA behaviours. Studies that were based on a theory which considered the environmental influences on behaviour, such as Social Cognitive Theory (1) , however, appeared more effective. There were no specific behaviour change techniques identified with studies reporting significant results. The most common behaviour change techniques implemented in interventions were Prompt practice and Stimulating social support/norm in family and/or community for physical activity behaviours with the addition of Provided knowledge about target behaviour for dietary behaviours for dietary behaviours. Overall the reporting of intervention design and methodology was generally of moderate quality. The heterogeneity of the studies made it difficult to generalise which interventions were most effective, but there was a suggestion that combined education and environmental interventions were effective at changing physical activity behaviours in both boys and girls. The quality of study reporting needs to improve to identify the active components and behaviour change techniques implemented within interventions to facilitate the replication of interventions in the future.

Integrating body language movements in augmented reality learning environment

AbstractDue to excessive use of computer and other low activity learning systems in many schools the physical health status of young students is deteriorating at an alarming rate throughout the world and more seriously in Taiwan upon recent national survey. We address this growing global problem with student learning process in mind in this study we examine making a better use of information technology in virtual really under our new augmented reality (AR) enhanced learning method. Under our AR design/approach we make use of body language by integrating learners' interactions with the computer in their learning based set of physical activities in a way that the effectiveness of the method/technique increases their academic performance through a preference selectivity system. Our results collected from in-school extensive experiments and analysis of the results using recently developed seven multimedia learning subscale factors show that those students who begin with more challenging preferences show more interest and also they gain significantly more in their academic achievements than others.

Physical activity in German adults: Types, settings, and patterns of association by cardiovascular risk status

Little is known about physical activity in adults at differing risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Here, we describe and compare the physical activity and patterns of association with physical activity by CVD risk status based on data from computer-assisted telephone interviews of 2002 men and women aged 50–70 years in Germany. Physical activity preferences, settings, and health-related attitudes were assessed and groups were compared using chi-square and non-parametric tests. Stratified multi-variable regression models identified factors associated with regular physical activity (at least once a week for 6 months). The proportion of respondents engaging in regular physical activity ranged from 53.8% to 60.6% across the groups (P=0.08). Respondents with and without CVD/CVD risk factors varied modestly regarding the type and settings for physical activity. However, models stratified by CVD risk demonstrated different patterns of association with regular physical activity. Socioeconomic status, for example, was important for respondents with CVD-related risk factors (odds ratio=2.30; 95%CI: 1.38 to 3.85 for high vs. low socioeconomic status), while internal health locus of control and other attitudes towards physical activity were important for respondents with CVD (odds ratio=1.20; 95%CI: 1.06 to 1.35 per unit increase at subscale score). Our data provide opportunities for developing physical activity interventions targeted at individuals with differing cardiovascular risk.

Environmental Influences on Physical Activity in Rural Adults: The Relative Contributions of Home, Church, and Work Settings

This study examines the relative contribution of social (eg, social support) and physical (eg, programs and facilities) aspects of worksite, church, and home settings to physical activity levels among adults in rural communities. Data are from a cross-sectional survey of 268 African American and Caucasian adults, ages 40-70, living in southwest Georgia. Separate regression models were developed for walking, moderate, vigorous, and total physical activity as measured in METs-minutes-per-week. Social support for physical activity was modest in all 3 settings (mean scores 1.5-1.9 on a 4-point scale). Participants reported limited (<1) programs and facilities for physical activity at their worksites and churches. An interaction of physical and social aspects of the home setting was observed for vigorous and moderate physical activity and total METs. There were also interactions between gender and social support at church for vigorous activity among women, and between race and the physical environment at church for moderate physical activity. A cross-over interaction was found between home and church settings for vigorous physical activity. Social support at church was associated with walking and total METs. Homes and churches may be important behavioral settings for physical activity among adults in rural communities.

Do You Hear What I Hear? Overweight Children’s Perceptions of Different Physical Activity Settings

Social-Cognitive Theory (Bandura, 1986, 1999) served as the framework to explore overweight children’s perceptions of different physical activity settings. Participants were children (n = 67) enrolled in an after-school and summer program for overweight African-American and Hispanic-American children from low-income families. To gain insight into the children’s thoughts encompassing their participation in both the after school/summer program and their physical education classes at their respective elementary schools, all of the children individually participated in semistructured interviews. Children enjoyed their involvement in the after-school/summer program and described social, physical, and cognitive benefits related to their participation. Interview data also revealed children’s ideas and suggestions for adapting physical education to enhance participation in physical activity. Based on these results, instructional and management strategies focusing on promoting a nurturing environment in physical activity settings for all children (overweight and nonoverweight) are presented and discussed.

Variations in Observed Park Physical Activity Intensity Level by Gender, Race, and Age: Individual and Joint Effects.

Parks are important settings for physical activity (PA), but few studies have documented the actual behaviors of park users. The purpose of this study was to examine the individual and joint effects of various park user demographic characteristics on observed PA intensity levels. Four parks were observed using the System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities. Observers recorded the age group, gender, race, and intensity level of all park users in 83 activity areas over two weekends at each park. Logistic regression examined whether male/White, female/White, and male/non-White users were more likely than female/non-White users to be observed engaging in moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) rather than sedentary activity across 4 age groups. In total, 8612 users were observed during the study. In the child age group, male/White users were significantly more likely to be observed in MVPA than female/non-White users. For teens, female/White and male/White users were less likely to engage in MVPA. For both adults and seniors, female/White and male/White users were more likely to be observed in MVPA. Observations revealed significant differences in intensity levels across gender, age, and race groups. Future interventions should emphasize park design that promotes increased MVPA among diverse groups.