Physical Activity Support Research Articles

Sleep Quality and Associated Factors Among Older Adults in Tabriz, Iran: Tabriz Older People Health Survey (TOPS-2019)

Objectives: The study aimed to investigate the sleep quality of aged people in Tabriz and identify its associated factors. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting(s): Tabriz, the capital of the East Azerbaijan province in northwest Iran. Participants: A total of 1362 participants were selected from a representative sample of community-dwelling older people aged≥60 years who were living in Tabriz, using the probability proportional to size (PPS) sampling method. Outcome measures: Blood pressure (BP), sleep quality, depression, anxiety, loneliness, physical activity, daily activities, living independently, and social support were assessed using a standard mercury sphygmomanometer, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the 6-item De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale, Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE), Activity of Daily Living (ADL), Instrumental Activity of Daily Living (IADL), respectively. Results: The mean score of total PSQI was 5.39±2.91. The multivariable logistic regression model showed that being female (Odds ratio [OR]=1.68, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.29 to 2.18), hypertensive (OR=2.12, 95% CI=1.52 to 2.95), diabetes mellitus (DM) (OR=1.29, 95% CI=0.96 to 1.72), abnormal anxiety level (OR=2.38, 95% CI=1.67 to 3.38), and low PASE score (OR=0.99, 95% CI=0.99 to 1) were significantly associated with a higher risk of poor sleep quality. Conclusions: Low physical activity is a modifiable risk factor for low sleep quality in older adults. Hence, the development of physical activity programs can be effective in improving sleep quality. Furthermore, women are the priority in designing interventions.

Diagnostically significant dysplastic feature identification as a tool for managing connective tissue risks in sports medicine

Aim: to identificate the diagnostically significant signs of connective tissue dysplasia, detection of which will allow adequate sports activity selection, injury prevention and effective rehabilitation.Materials and methods: clinical-somatometric examination of 117 persons aged 18 to 49 years (35.14 ± 5.63 years) with recurrent musculoskeletal injuries occurred during habitual physical training was carried out. Corresponding subgroups were formed by age and gender. Ranked by significance clinic-morphological dysplastic features, identified by T.I. Kadurina and L.N. Abbakumova (2008), were used to assess the mesenchymal tissue state. The control group, comparable to the main group by age and sex, was represented by 36 healthy young people.Results: persons with a predisposition to musculoskeletal injuries have a high dysplastic sign incidence. It was proved that clinically significant of them are moderate to high degree myopia, gothic palate, excessively soft auricles, “crunch” during movements in the temporomandibular joint, pathological spine kyphosis, joint hypermobility, chest deformities, O- and X-shaped legs and varicose lower limbs. Clinically significant markers of connective tissue dysplasia were found to be modified with age and to have characteristic gender features.Conclusions: the study results have particular importance for injury-free physical activity and medical-biological support for sports activities.

Toward digital inclusion of older adults in e-health: a case study on support for physical activity

AbstractOlder adults are a heterogeneous population for which many e-health innovations are inaccessible. Involving older adults in user-centered design (UCD) with a specific focus on inclusive design is important to make e-health more accessible to this user group. This case study aimed to explore the feasibility of a new UCD approach aiming to minimize bias in the design phase of a digital support for older adults’ physical activity (PA). The study used mixed methods and applied UCD principles in a four-iteration design phase followed by an evaluation phase where 11 and 15 older adults participated, respectively. The users’ gender, PA level and technology experience (TE) were considered in recruitment, data analysis and prioritization of improvement efforts. In the design phase, users with different gender, PA level and TE participated and contributed with feedback, which was prioritized in the development. The adaptation included improving readability, simplifying layout and features, clarifying structure, and making the digital content more inclusive and relevant. The evaluation showed that the users had a positive experience of the prototype and could use it with some help. The study demonstrated that adopting e-health to assure digital inclusion among older adults must address several aspects. The UCD approach was feasible for amending user bias and for confirming that users of both genders and with varied PA- and TE level shaped the design. However, evaluation of the method with larger samples is needed. Moreover, further research on methods to involve digitally excluded populations in UCD is needed.

Social Support for Physical Activity Over 9Years in Adults Aged 60-65Years at Baseline.

Physical activity is a leading determinant of health and well-being in older adults; however, participation is low. Social support can significantly influence physical activity uptake and maintenance; however, most research is cross-sectional and does not differentiate among types of support. The current study assessed four types of social support for physical activity reported over 9years by adults aged 60-65 at baseline (n = 1,984). Data were collected using a mail survey at four time points. Data were analyzed using linear mixed models. The most common type of support was emotional, with 25% of participants reporting this often/very often. Total support for activity declined by 16% across the 9years (p < .001). Companionship had the greatest decline among types (17%-18%, p < .001). More work is needed to understand the factors contributing to the decline in support and how to enable access to support for physical activity in older adults.

Therapeutic Lifestyle Intervention Targeting Enhanced Cardiometabolic Health and Function for Persons with Chronic Spinal Cord Injury in Caregiver/Care-Receiver Co-Treatment: A Study Protocol of a Multisite Randomized Controlled Trial.

Chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) significantly accelerates morbidity and mortality, partly due to the increased risk of cardiometabolic diseases (CMD), including neurogenic obesity, dyslipidemia, and impaired glucose metabolism. While exercise and dietary interventions have shown some transient benefits in reducing CMD risk, they often fail to improve clinically relevant disease markers and cardiovascular events. Moreover, SCI also places caregiving demands on their caregivers, who themselves experience health and functional decline. This underscores the need for more substantial interventions that incorporate appropriate physical activity, heart-healthy nutrition, and behavioral support tailored to the SCI population. This randomized clinical trial (RCT) protocol will (1) assess the health and functional effects, user acceptance, and satisfaction of a 6-month comprehensive therapeutic lifestyle intervention (TLI) adapted from the National Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) for individuals with chronic SCI and (2) examine the impact of a complementary caregiver program on the health and function of SCI caregivers and evaluate user acceptance and satisfaction. Caregivers (linked with their partners) will be randomized to 'behavioral support' or 'control condition'. Dyadic couples comprise individuals with SCI (18-65 years, >1-year post-injury, ASIA Impairment Scale A-C, injury levels C5-L1) and non-disabled SCI caregivers (18-65 years). Both groups undergo lock-step circuit resistance training, a calorie-restricted Mediterranean-style diet, and 16 educational sessions focused on diet/exercise goals, self-monitoring, psychological and social challenges, cognitive behavioral therapy, and motivational interviewing. The outcome measures encompass the cardiometabolic risks, cardiorespiratory fitness, inflammatory stress, multidimensional function, pain, life quality, independence, self-efficacy, program acceptance, and life satisfaction for SCI participants. The caregiver outcomes include multidimensional function, pain, quality of life, independence, and perceived caregiver burden. This study evaluates the effects and durability of a structured, multi-modal intervention on health and function. The results and intervention material will be disseminated to professionals and consumers for broader implementation. ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT02853149 Registered 2 August 2016.

A stepped down physical activity support program for military service veterans: The Active Choices pilot study.

Referral to supervised physical activity (PA) programs is an effective treatment for military service veterans (MSVs) suffering from a range of chronic diseases. However, many MSVs fail to maintain PA regimes once discharged from supervision. This pilot study assessed Active Choices, a stepped-down program to support MSVs in the transition from allied health treatment to self-managed PA. Participants were 34 Australian MSVs (mean [SD] age = 61 [15.8] years) who were completing supervised referral to an exercise physiologist or physiotherapist. MSVs stepped-down to Active Choices and received a 12-week, evidence-based PA support program (2020-2021). Analyses compared within-group changes in accelerometer-assessed PA at three time points (Weeks 0, 12, and 24; linear mixed model). Program retention, PA choices, and allied healthcare service costs were also evaluated. Relative to baseline (64 [26] min/day), mean (SD) moderate-to-vigorous PA increased (74 [28] min/day; p < .05) and was maintained (62 [28] min/day) at weeks 12 and 24, respectively. Retention in the program was high (86% [29/34 participants] completion rate at 12 weeks), with water-based group activities the most popular PAs of choice (14/24 activities). Average allied healthcare service costs during the study were lower than typical costs for MSVs (60.51 vs. 97.06 AUD/week). The findings highlight the potential of Active Choices to support MSVs in the transition from supervised to self-managed MVPA. SO WHAT?: The program could promote the health of veterans and reduce costs for ongoing referral if impact is replicated at scale.

The dementia-inclusive choices in exercise project: Using participatory action research to improve physical activity supports for persons with dementia.

Persons with dementia have the right to equal inclusion in rehabilitation, including physical activity. However, the perspectives of persons with dementia are rarely integrated into decision-making related to physical activity programming, services, and supports. Here, we describe the participatory action research (PAR) approach used to develop the Dementia-Inclusive Choices for Exercise (DICE) toolkit, which aims to increase the quality and number of physical activity opportunities available to persons with dementia. The DICE Research Team included persons with dementia, a family care partner, exercise professionals, community and dementia service providers, health care professionals, and researchers who worked to: 1) Engage/maintain the Research Team; 2) Set/navigate ways of engagement; 3) Understand barriers to physical activity; 4) Prioritize the audience and actions; 5) Develop the toolkit; 6) Conduct usability testing; and 7) Implement and evaluate. Guided by the Behaviour Change Wheel, and informed by interviews, focus groups, and existing research, our PAR Team chose to prioritize training exercise providers; exercise providers can enable exercise for persons with dementia if they understand common changes with dementia and how to support persons with dementia in exercise. The content and format of the toolkit was co-developed: drafted by our Research Team, adapted through a stakeholder workshop, and refined through iterative development and usability testing. The product of our PAR process, the DICE toolkit, includes videos meant to destigmatize dementia, training modules and a training manual for exercise providers, a physical activity handout for persons with dementia, and wallet cards to help persons with dementia communicate their abilities, needs, and preferences. Our usability study indicated that the toolkit could be used by exercise providers and may improve attitudes about dementia. Our vision is that our co-developed DICE toolkit will empower exercise providers to improve physical activity opportunities and support for persons with dementia.

O.1.1-3 Measuring the mental health benefits of community-based physical activity programmes-what are the most important indicators for pragmatic evaluation?

Abstract Purpose While health enhancing physical activity (HEPA) initiatives can improve mental health, there is a lack of standardised measures to evaluate mental health outcomes. The need for the current work emerged from discussions amongst researcher and practitioner members of the HEPA promotion in socially disadvantaged groups Working Group of the HEPA Europe network. This study aimed to identify the most relevant indicators of mental health and well-being in community-based HEPA initiatives in Europe, and determine optimal assessment methods. Methods An adapted, two round, Delphi method (guided by an indicator framework to categorise mental health indicators based on the dual-continua and socio-ecological models) was conducted with 20 experts in the field of mental health and physical activity from Denmark, the Netherlands, the UK, and Ireland. Experts selected the most important indicators and agreed consensus on definitions and their application, where consensus ≥50% signified important indicators. Results Experts compiled 66 (n = 21 outcome, n = 45 determinant) indicators. Top rated indicators for the evaluation of HEPA initiatives were self-rated mental health (69.2%), physical activity (69.2%) life satisfaction (53.8%), stress (53.8%), loneliness (53.8%), social participation, network, connection and support (53.8%). Consensus on definition and application of the nine indicators varied (44.4% - 100%), with no consensus on a standardised measurement tool reached. Conclusions While this study highlights a lack of conformity for evaluating mental health and wellbeing outcomes, it suggests utility in an agreed definition and application of nine indicators for the evaluation of HEPA initiatives, with social determinants of particularly high importance across all countries. Suggested measures are provided to aid community based practitioners measure mental health outcomes of physical activity programmes. Further research is recommended to develop a standardised measurement tool that can be utilised across other European countries and its implementation tested.

O.4.4-10 Policy and environmental correlates of physical activity in Croatia

Abstract Purpose Although there are several studies that have determined the correlates of physical activity in the Republic of Croatia, policy and environmental correlates are still unknown. Therefore, we conducted a study with the main goal to examine associations of sport and exercise participation with perception of policy and environmental factors in Croatia, including opportunities for engaging in physical activities, the sports clubs offer, and level of the support from local authorities. Methods The study was conducted on 1031 randomly selected Croatian citizens using questionnaire containing questions about sport and exercise, participation, engagement opportunities for physical activities, the sports clubs’ and other service providers’ offer and level of the support from local authorities. In the multivariate logistic regression, participation in sports and exercise was the dependent variable, and the independent variables were perception of opportunities for physical activity, perception of local sports clubs’ and other service providers’ offer, and perception of local government support for physical activity. Results According to the findings of the logistic regression analysis, local sports clubs’ and other service providers’ offer as well as government support were identified as significant predictors of engagement in sport and exercise. To be specific, individuals who perceive their local sports clubs and other service providers as providing a greater range of opportunities, as well as those who feel that their local government supports physical activity, are more inclined to engage in sports and exercise activities. (p &amp;lt; 0.05). Conclusion Future strategies aimed to motivate citizens to engage in sports and exercise should be based on encouraging local authorities to collaborate with sports clubs and other service providers to create an enabling environment that supports physical activity participation. This could include providing funding and resources to sports clubs and service providers to enable them to offer a wider range of opportunities that cater to the diverse interests and needs of individuals in the community. Funding This work was supported by the Erasmus the “Creating Mechanisms for Continuous Implementation of the Sports Club for Health Guidelines in the European Union” (SCforH 2020-22) project, funded by the Erasmus+ Collaborative Partnerships grant (ref: 613434-EPP-1-2019-1-HR-8 SPO-SCP).

Depression and anxiety among medical students in virtual education during COVID-19 pandemic

The lockdown derived from the declaration of a pandemic due to SARS-CoV-2 in March 2020 by the World Health Organization altered daily activities, including the academic ones, which were adapted to virtuality. In Ecuador, the new modality of study had an increase in the use of electronic devices that triggered new problems. To stablish the prevalence of depression and anxiety among medical students from the Universidad Central del Ecuador (Central University of Ecuador) in virtual education during the COVID-19 pandemic. Cross-sectional analytic study conducted between June and July of 2021 in students from first to tenth semester during virtual education. All studied subjects were evaluated using an electronic survey, depression and anxiety variables were assessed with the BDI-II and GAD-7 scales, respectively. In addition, sociodemographic data were collected, including the family APGAR. A response rate of 63.3% (1528 students) was obtained. Overall prevalence of depression was 37.8% and the prevalence of anxiety 30.3%. Lower-years students were the most affected by these pathologies. The protective factors found were physical activity and psychological support in religion, whereas the main risk factors found were a dysfunctional family, lack of an exclusive study space and low academic performance. Furthermore, the frequency of depression and anxiety was significantly higher in women. The virtual modality showed a high prevalence of depression and anxiety in medical students.

Poster (Clinical/Best Practice Implementation) ID 1978673

Background/Objectives To address gaps in peer-supported services for those with a mobility disability, a virtual group was designed to have trained mentors with lived experience working alongside rehabilitation professionals to share resources and strategies that promote healthy living. Method Sessions offered knowledge and support in goal setting, healthy eating, physical activity, adapted recreation, emotional well-being, and social connectedness. Three rounds of the group were offered with 12 participants completing the group in its entirety. Pre- and post-measures included the Self-Efficacy to Manage Scale (Lorig, et al, 2001), the Life Satisfaction Questionnaire-11 (Fugl-Meyer, et al., 1991), and the Readiness Ruler adapted to each wellness topic (Moyers, et al., 2009). Findings Analyses before and after group showed a slight increase (Cohen’s d = 0.3) in their subjective well-being on the life satisfaction scale and a moderately higher sense of self-efficacy (Cohen’s d = 0.6) in managing symptoms. Although perceived importance for change was similar, participants reported higher confidence in their ability to change (Cohen’s d = 0.4) and greater readiness to make changes (Cohen’s d = 0.4) after the group. Conclusions The program resulted in several successes including slight increase in life satisfaction and moderately higher sense of self-efficacy in managing symptoms. Confidence in ability and readiness to make change also increased. The project had a small sample size, but the outcomes support the value of embedding a peer-support element into traditional healthcare delivery.

Co-Creation of a School-Based Motor Competence and Mental Health Intervention: Move Well, Feel Good.

Low motor competence (MC) and inhibited psychosocial development are associated with mental health difficulties. Improving children's MC through school-based physical activity interventions emphasising psychosocial development may therefore be a mechanism for promoting positive mental health. This study describes and provides reflective insights into the co-creation of 'Move Well Feel Good', a primary school physical activity intervention to improve children's MC and mental health. Class teachers, school leaders, physical activity specialists, and children (aged 8-9 years) participated in a series of co-creation workshops. Stakeholders' knowledge and experiences were integrated with existing research evidence using creative methods (e.g., post-it note tasks, worksheets, and drawings) to facilitate discussion. The co-creation process culminated in stakeholder consensus voting for one of three proposed intervention ideas. Children cited physical and mental health benefits, enjoyment with friends, and high perceived competence as motives for being physically active. Opportunities to develop MC across the different segments of the school day were identified by adult stakeholders, who perceived children's lack of resilience, an overloaded curriculum, and poor parental support for physical activity as barriers to intervention implementation. The chosen intervention idea received six out of a possible twelve votes. Co-creation projects are specific to the contexts in which they are implemented. This study reinforces the complex nature of school-based intervention development and highlights the value of engaging with stakeholders in co-creation processes.

The Effects of COVID-19 Virtual Learning on Body Fat and Insulin Resistance in Adolescents with Overweight or Obesity.

(1) Background: COVID-19 virtual learning reduced structural supports for adolescent physical activity and diet, threatening metabolic health, especially in teens with overweight or obesity (OWOB). (2) Methods: Adolescents (N = 14) with OWOB completed fasting blood draws (measuring insulin resistance, IR) and Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA, measuring total body fat percent, TBF%) pre-COVID-19 and during COVID-19. Changes in TBF% and IR were calculated (1) pre-COVID-19 and (2) from pre-COVID-19 to during COVID-19. Age and body mass index (BMI) percentile-matched data assessed normative changes across similar, non-COVID-19 time periods. Paired t-tests compared TBF% change pre- to during COVID-19 with (1) TBF% change pre-COVID19 and (2) TBF% normative change. Two ANCOVAs compared IR change pre- to during COVID-19 with (1) IR change pre-COVID-19 controlling for BMI z-score and difference in time between assessments and (2) normative change in IR controlling for sex/race. (3) Results: The TBF% change pre-COVID-19 and the normative change were similar. The TBF% increased more (~six percentage points) during COVID-19 compared to normative change (p < 0.01). During COVID-19, IR increased more (~2.5 units) than change pre-COVID-19 (p = 0.03) and increased more (~3.5 units) than normative change (p = 0.01). (4) Conclusions: TBF% and IR increased exponentially during COVID-19 in teens with OWOB compared to pre-COVID-19 and normative changes.

Co-creation of a complex, multicomponent rehabilitation intervention and feasibility trial protocol for the PostUraL tachycardia Syndrome Exercise (PULSE) study

BackgroundThere is a dearth of research to support the treatment of people with postural tachycardia syndrome (PoTS). Despite expert consensus suggesting exercise is recommended for this patient group, there are no randomised control trials examining this rigorously. The aim was to co-create a feasibility trial protocol and a rehabilitation intervention for people living with PoTS.MethodsThe intervention and feasibility trial design were co-created as part of the PostUraL tachycardia Syndrome Exercise (PULSE) study. We used the ‘three co’s framework’ of co-define, co-design and co-refine. Recruitment included key national charities and National Health Service Trusts treating people living with PoTS in the UK. Eighteen patient and public involvement members attended the co-define session, and 16 co-creators with a mix of expertise attended the subsequent co-design and co-refine sessions. Seven intervention practitioners were trained in the rehabilitation intervention, providing feedback for further co-refinement.ResultsThe final co-created intervention comprises online physical activity, and lifestyle and behaviour change support sessions. It is based on functional movement activities using a patient-centred approach tailored to individual needs. Physical activity intensity is guided by individuals’ perception of effort rather than by objective measures. Recumbent bikes are provided for home use. Patients deemed randomisation to be acceptable because research in this area was considered important.ConclusionsAn innovative approach was used to co-create the PULSE intervention and feasibility trial protocol to meet the evidence-based and logistical needs of people living with PoTS, clinicians, service deliverers, third-sector organisations, academics and funders. This can be used as a successful example and template for future research internationally. People living with PoTS were recognised as experts and involved in every aspect of conceptualisation, design and refinement. This complex rehabilitation intervention is currently being tested in a randomised feasibility trial comparing the PULSE intervention with best-practice usual care for people living with PoTS.Trial registrationISRCTN45323485 was registered on April 7, 2020.

The physical activity development model of Mobarake steel company employees

Introduction: Human capital is one of the most important resources of an organization, and as a result, organizations strive to increase their productivity. Since employees' health contributes to it, this study aimed to determine the physical activity development model of Mobarake Steel Company employees.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: The current research is descriptive-analytical. It is a kind of exploratory and applied research that helps to solve the problem in Mobarake Steel Company of Isfahan. The statistical population in this research in the qualitative part includes all specialists, managers, and experts of Mobarake Steel Company as well as knowledgeable academic staff members who have expertise or experience in the field of human resources policy and sports management. Also, in the quantitative part, all the employees of Foulad Mobarakeh formed the statistical population of the research. The research tools in the qualitative and quantitative part were made by the researcher and based on the components extracted from the library studies and the results from the interviews, respectively. The research method in the qualitative part was Glazer's approach data model and in the quantitative part confirmatory factor analysis. The validity of the formal method and reliability was also confirmed through retesting. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 26 and SmartPLS software.&#x0D; Results: Evaluation of the obtained model using model fit indices has shown that the model was suitable (SRMR, 0.186, Chi-square, 341.256, and NFI, 0.087). Also, the final dimensions of the model include the psychosocial environment with the dimensions of promoting sports and physical activity and encouragement and support, the physical environment with the dimensions of providing infrastructure and active company, health resources with the dimensions of program alignment and evaluation and monitoring and company participation with the dimensions of management and Planning was achieved.&#x0D; Conclusion: Considering the comprehensive health program, considering the calendar and regular sports program, creating culture and forming a sports team with a dynamic environment, monitoring related instructions, forcing employees to evaluate physical health and monitoring the progress of physical activity development programs, managers' support, per capita allocation Appropriate exercise and ergonomics of control rooms and related equipment such as chairs and computers and things such as the level of lighting and even per capita dedicated space for employees and encouraging employees can be the results of the implementation of this research model.

Multidimensional Approach for Managing Cognitive Dysfunction in Aging Adults

The rapidly aging global population has led to an increase in age-related neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and dementia, highlighting the urgent need to address cognitive impairment. This research paper outlines a comprehensive narrative of multidisciplinary approaches to treat cognitive impairment in older adults. This review focuses on pharmacological interventions, non-pharmacological interventions, and novel treatments. A systematic search of electronic databases was performed to identify relevant articles and scored against pre-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data from selected studies were combined and grouped into different sections to highlight different strategies used to treat cognitive impairment. The results highlight the importance of individualized care planning, close monitoring, and collaboration between health professionals, patients, and caregivers. Pharmacological interventions, such as cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine, play an important role but have variable efficacy and potential side effects. Nonpharmacological interventions such as cognitive stimulation, physical activity, diet and social support have shown beneficial effects on cognitive function and overall well-being. Integrating different interventions into individual care plans can improve treatment effectiveness and quality of life. In addition, new therapeutic modalities such as non-invasive brain stimulation and disease- modifying therapies are also promising but require further research. This research paper highlights the importance of an interdisciplinary approach, future research areas, and the social and economic importance of treating cognitive impairment in the elderly. By adopting a holistic paradigm, medical professionals can manage the complexities of cognitive impairment and improve the lives of those affected.

Background, rationale, and methodological overview of the REACT project-return-to-action on growth, motor development, and health after the COVID-19 pandemic in primary school children.

The REACT project was designed around two main aims: (1) to assess children's growth and motor development after the COVID-19 pandemic and (2) to follow their fundamental movement skills' developmental trajectories over 18 months using a novel technological device (Meu Educativo®) in their physical education classes. In this introductory article, the first of the Journal's special issue dedicated to REACT, our goal was to present the project rationale, its methodology, training and certification of the team, statistical approach, quality control, governance, and study management. We sampled 1000 children (6-10 years of age) from 25 of the 32 primary schools in Matosinhos, northern Portugal. The protocol included a set of variables clustered around the child (growth, physical fitness, fundamental movement skills, and health behaviors), family (demographics, socioeconomic status, parental support for sports participation and physical activity), school (policies and practices for health behaviors, infrastructure for physical education and sports practices), and neighborhood and home environments (safety, sidewalks, sports facilities, as well as children electronic devices and play equipment at home). A set of standard protocols were implemented in REACT together with a rigorous system of training and certification of all members of the research team. This was complemented with a pilot study to assess, in loco, the quality of data acquisition, data entry, and control. Results from REACT will provide school administrators and teachers with novel and far-reaching information related to children's growth and motor development as well as health behaviors after the COVID-19 pandemic. It will also provide city-hall education officials with insight regarding children's physical fitness, fundamental movement skills, and sports practices that will be of great importance in devising novel intervention programs to increase health-enhancing physical activity, and combat sedentariness and obesity. Finally, it will offer parents a wealth of information regarding their children's growth, motor development, and health.

Parental support for physical activity and children’s physical activities: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundPhysical activity (PA) in school-aged children is imperative for physical and mental development. However, there has been reduced PA among children in recent years owing to environmental changes, resulting in declining physical strength and athletic ability. Although parents’ and children’s PA has been found to be correlated, the specific parental caregiving attitudes associated with children’s actual levels of PA during school-age years remain unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the relationship between parental support for PA and children’s levels of PA.MethodsIn 2017, a self-reported questionnaire survey was administered to 1,515 third-grade students (8–9 years old) and their caregivers in Nagoya, Aichi, a major metropolitan area in Japan. The main items surveyed included the attitudes of children and parents towards PA and the children’s actual PA level. Multiple regression analysis was conducted with parental involvement related to PA as the explanatory variable and children’s PA as the objective variable.ResultsIn total, 717 children with valid responses were included in the analysis. The mean age of the children was 9.08 ± 0.33 years; 366 (51.0%) were boys, and 351 (49.0%) were girls. For moderate-to-vigorous and vigorous PA, PA levels tended to be significantly higher in children whose parents provided logistic support such as enrolling their children in a sports club. However, for moderate PA and walking, PA levels tended to be significantly higher in children whose parents used community resources. Modeling and limiting sedentary activities were not associated with children’s PA.ConclusionsThe results of this study suggest that direct parental assistance for PA such as logistic support encourages children to engage in moderate-to-vigorous PA; in addition, parental use of community resources may encourage children to engage in moderate and light PA such as walking. Conversely, indirect and negative involvement such as modeling and limiting sedentary activities were not associated with children’s PA. Therefore, logistic support may need to be strengthened to encourage moderate-to-vigorous and vigorous PA, which is important for children’s health.

Amplifying Support for Physical Activity: The National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health

Amplifying Support for Physical Activity: The National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health

The Impact of Greenspace, Walking, and Cycling on the Health of Urban Residents during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Study of London.

Vulnerability to COVID-19 has been linked to public health issues like obesity and physical fitness, which consecutively can be linked to access to urban greenspace. However, the value of greenspaces remains contentious in the literature and unclear in practice. In view of very high COVID-19 mortality rates, we use data from London boroughs to explore the impact of green infrastructure in terms of the size, accessibility, and support of physical activity and healthy lifestyles (e.g., walking and cycling). Results show no significant relationship between the availability of greenspace and the probability of being obese or dying from COVID-19. Cycling once, thrice, or five times weekly was found to improve healthy weight, as does cycling once a month. However, the probability of dying from COVID-19 during lockdowns is correlated to the frequency of walking or cycling as a result of decreased social distancing, while the frequency of walking and cycling is determined by availability and access to greenspace.