Physical Activity Readiness Research Articles

The Immediate Effects of a Standardized Kettlebell Swing Protocol on Lumbar Paraspinal Muscle Function: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Hanney, WJ, Perez, A, Collado, G, Palmer, AC, Wilson, AT, Richardson, RM, and Kolber, MJ. J Strength Cond Res 38(11): 1854-1859, 2024-Kettlebell swings (KBSs) are commonly used to target the lumbar erector spinae and lower body musculature. This exercise exhibits distinct loading properties that requires cyclical contraction of the trunk extensors and posterior chain, potentially explaining its novel influence on muscle contractility. Tensiomyography (TMG) is a reliable, noninvasive, passive technique that may be used to examine muscular fatigue produced by exercises such as KBSs. The purpose of this randomized control trial was to determine the extent of muscle fatigue in the lumbar erector spinae musculature following the performance of a previously published high-intensity interval KBS protocol. Forty-one adults between the ages of 18 and 45 years were recruited. Inclusion criteria included subjects with no recent history of low back pain and clearance by the physical activity readiness questionnaire. Subjects were randomly allocated to either a KBS group ( n = 21) or a control group (CON; n = 20) who only performed the unloaded warm-up. Subjects were assessed at baseline, postintervention, and 24-hours postintervention for bilateral erector spinae fatigue, measured by 5 TMG parameters (Dm, Tc, Tr, Td, and Ts). The results were evaluated through a 2 × 3 (group × time) repeated-measures analysis of variance. The level of significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. There was no significant difference in lumbar erector spinae fatigue, measured by the 5 TMG parameters ( p ≥ 0.079), following the interval KBS protocol in comparison with the CON group at 3 assessment periods. A high-intensity interval KBS protocol failed to produce significant differences in erector spinae fatigue compared with the control group that did not perform a KBS. These findings warrant further investigation into muscle fatigue produced with higher intensity protocols and possibly suggest, depending on the programming goals, the need for an alternate KBS training parameters.

Correlation of body mass index, with cardiometabolic and cardiorespiratory fitness in health care professionals of Multan.

The current study was conducted at Ali-Ul-Murtaza Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Muhammad Institute of Medical and Allied Sciences, Multan, Pakistan, from October to December 2022 to explore the correlation of body mass index with cardiometabolic and cardiorespiratory parameters in 393 male and female healthcare professionals, including physiotherapists, pharmacists and medical laboratory technicians, aged 22- 40 years. The evaluation was on the basis of the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire, body mass index, lipid profile, body fat and correlation of blood pressure, temperature, oxygen saturation, respiration rate and heart rate with cardiorespiratory fitness assessed through shuttle-run test, step test and treadmill test. Data was analysed using SPSS 25. Of the 393 subjects, 140(35.62) were underweight, 140(35.62) were overweight and 113(28.75) were obese. Of the total, 153(38.93) were pleased with their general health, while 240(61.06) had a history of cardiovascular and metabolic conditions. There was a highly significant correlation between lipid profiles and the subjects' quality of life (p<0.05).

Public Perceptions on the Use of the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire.

Self-administered pre-participation screening for physical activity (PA) requires an instrument that should be easily used and identify individuals at high risk. The Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q+) has been used for many years. Its ease of use and ability to identify those not fit to undergo PA has not been assessed. This study was to determine the rates of the PAR-Q+ in identifying adults who may not be fit for moderate or intense PA and obtain feedback on the use of this tool. A randomized, cross-sectional study involving a wide spectrum of members of the public was carried out. Participants were asked to provide their bio-characteristics, complete the PARQ+, and provide feedback on the questionnaire. With 1019 participants, about 33.1% of the participants using the PARQ+ would have required further medical evaluation. Except for those patients with respiratory illness, there was no difference in levels of PA in those who answered yes or no to the seven PARQ+ questions. Only 4 of the 7 main PAR-Q+ questions were perceived by the public as easily understood. Difficulties were encountered with 21 of the 45 follow-up questions, especially amongst those with co-morbidities. The wordiness of the questions and the large number of technical terms were also sources of concern. Suggestions were provided by participants on areas where improvements may be made to the wording of the questions. The study suggests that the PAR-Q+ probably over-identified those who require further medical evaluation. In addition, the wordiness of the questions and frequent use of medical jargon made the PARQ+ challenging to understand and use. The suggestions provide opportunities to review areas for possible improvements.

Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaires for Post-COVID-19 Athletes: A Valid, Reliable, Low-Athlete Burden, Self-Assessment Screening Tool for Safe Return to Physical Activity and Exercise for Categories 1 and 2 COVID-19 Survivors.

No disease-specific, reliable, and valid self-assessment tools exist for athletes with mild coronavirus disease (COVID-19) to self-return to sports. This study aimed to develop a self-assessment screening method for athletes with mild COVID-19. Item generation, item reduction, and pretesting were used to develop a questionnaire that served as a screening tool to detect severe post-COVID-19 complications. The questionnaire was validated by both internal and external reviewers, and the final version consisted of 11 items. Face validity was assessed through direct interviews with 11 athletes. Severe COVID-19 complications were identified for criterion validity and correlation analysis. A total score of 11 indicates that there is no risk of severe COVID-19 complications and gradual return to play is recommended; results <11 indicate a need for further evaluation by trained medical personnel. For reliability test, 50 respondents were chosen and asked to answer the questionnaires 7 days after their first responses. Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaires for post-COVID-19 athletes (PAR-COVID-Q) demonstrated excellent internal consistency (r=1, P<0.05) and test-retest reliability (r=1, P<0.05). A total of 118 athletes scored 11, had normal health screening, normal electrocardiogram and chest X-ray, and successfully returned to sports without any reported complications (r=1, P<0.05). Two athletes scored <11 and underwent further medical evaluation. The PAR-COVID-Q is a valid and reliable self-assessment tool with a low burden for athletes to return to sports following mild COVID-19.

Aerobic fitness predicted by demographics, anthropometrics, health behaviour, physical activity and muscle fitness in male and female recruits entering military service

IntroductionThe physical and mental training load can be high during military service. Therefore, tailored preconditioning programmes based on assessment of physical fitness could increase readiness for military service, especially among...

Health-Related Quality of Life and its Determinants among School-going Adolescents: A Cross-sectional Study.

Adolescents experience rapid physical, cognitive, and psychosocial growth in their transition from childhood to adulthood, affecting health outcomes and well-being. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is a useful indicator of health outcomes, assessed in the current study along with associated determinants. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 634 randomly selected adolescents from 13 randomly selected schools in Gharwal division, Uttarakhand, India, from August 2019 to September 2020. The students studying in the 8th-11th standard and those providing assent and consent from their parents were included in the study. They were screened using the short version of the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire. Along with physical activity and fitness assessment, the Global School-based Student Health Survey questionnaire was administered. The transformed HRQoL domain scores were calculated using the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire. A univariate and multivariable linear regression model was applied to identify the determinants of HRQoL using SPSS version 23. The study included 324 (51.1%) boys and 310 (48.9%) girls. The mean age of the students was 14.4±1.4 years. The highest mean score was 72.3±21.0 for the social relationship domain and the lowest was 55.6±15.0 for the physical domain. The age, parents using any form of tobacco, a history of ever-use of alcohol and physical fitness were significantly associated with HRQoL domain scores. The non-dominant back stretch test was also significantly associated (Beta coefficient; SE, P-value) with physical (-4.1; 1.4, 0.002), psychosocial (-3.9; 1.5, 0.010) and environmental (-3.5; 1.4, 0.014) domain scores. All domains of HRQoL need to be improved and should address the psychological, social, and mental well-being of adolescents. Physical activity and fitness of students emerged as a strong modifiable predictor affecting almost all the domains of HRQoL, warranting its promotion in schools and the promotion of healthy behavior among parents and adolescents.

Association between lifestyle, metabolic syndrome and risk of Diabetes Mellitus in workers

Background: The multivariate assessment of lifestyle can contribute to the identification of factors that are associated with diabetes mellitus (DM) and metabolic syndrome (MS). Objective: To evaluate the multivariate association of lifestyle, body composition, physiological measurements and sociodemographic information with DM and MS. Methodology: We conducted a descriptive study with a cross-sectional design, assessing 155 workers, with a mean age of 35.23 ± 10.22 years. We analyzed sex, body mass index (BMI), waist-hip ratio (WHR), waist-to-height ratio, body fat percentage (BF%), blood pressure, level of physical activity, risk of DM, readiness for physical activity (PAR-Q) and presence of SM. Result: The Multiple Correspondence Analysis showed that very high BF%, obesity (BMI), sedentary lifestyle, hypertension, and moderate risk of DM were correlated. However, regression analysis showed that workers with high WHR and obesity were, respectively, 9.22 (95% CI: 2.72-31.21) and 61.71 (95% CI: 6.68-569.9.21) more likely to have MS. According to PAR-Q, those who answered 'Yes' in the questionnaire were 12.52 (95% CI: 1.516-103.44) more likely to have a high risk of DM. Conclusion: There was a correspondence between the level of physical activity and risk factors for MS in the exploratory multivariate analysis.

Impact of a supervised exercise program on the quality of life of elderly individuals

The study aimed to assess the impact of a supervised strength exercise program on the quality of life (QoL) of elderly individuals. The experimental group consisted of 92 elderly people of both genders (mean age = 67 ± 6.07 years), who participated in a supervised physical exercise program. All participants completed a medical history questionnaire, the Revised Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (rPAR-Q) to ensure the physical well-being of the participants, and the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-OLD) before (pre-training) and after (post-training) the exercise program. The results showed that the QoL of the study participants was characterized as "High" (mean = 17.81 ± 2.17) in the pre-training assessment, increasing by 4.8% (p = 0.003) in the post-training assessment (mean = 18.66 ± 1.67). The outcome of this study allows us to conclude that participating in a supervised strength exercise program has a positive impact on the quality of life of elderly individuals.

Aerobic-exercise training effects on immunological markers in individuals on Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy) in Uganda

There is critical relevance in understanding the multidisciplinary management of HIV/AIDs among individuals obtaining health services in Uganda. The purpose of the study was therefore to assess the effects of aerobic exercise training on immunological markers as a clinical outcome of Human Immunodeficiency Virus positive clients attending a chronic HIV clinic at a General Military Hospital-Bombo. A pre-post experimental design was used to understand differences between the experimental and control groups. Participants were Human Immunodeficiency Virus positive clients who had been on treatment that is, Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy for at least 12 months. They were randomly assigned to either a control group (Group 1): who did not participate in the aerobic exercise, or an experimental group (Group 2): where a 12-week moderate intensity aerobic exercise, for not less than 3 times a week, and for at least 45 minutes per session was administered. Both groups were assessed using a physical activity readiness questionnaire. Thereafter, assessment of the clinical outcomes that is, immunological measures using Clusters of differentiation 4 were assessed. While the experimental group participated in the exercise, the control group members were followed up during the 12 weeks to ensure that they remained in the study. After the12 weeks post-test was done. The findings of this study revealed that aerobic exercises significantly increased Clusters of differentiation 4 count in both males and females by 29.7% on average (p

Determinants and Factors of Physical Activity After Oncology Treatments (DEFACTO) in Metropolitan France: Protocol of a Mixed Methods Study and Intervention.

While the scientific community widely recognizes the benefits of physical activity (PA) in oncology supportive care, cancer survivors who have undergone chemo- or radio-immunotherapy treatments struggle to meet PA recommendations. This underscores the importance of identifying factors influencing active lifestyle adoption and maintenance and proposing a multilevel model (micro-, meso-, and macrolevel) to better understand facilitators and barriers. Currently, no socioecological model explains an active lifestyle in the posttreatment phase of breast, colorectal, prostate, and lung cancers. The objective is to identify factors influencing an active lifestyle in cancer survivorship and assess the feasibility of an individualized program targeting an active lifestyle. The objectives will be addressed in 3 stages. Stage 1 aims to elucidate factors associated with the active lifestyle of cancer survivors. Stage 2 involves developing an explanatory model based on previously identified factors to create a tailored health education program for an active lifestyle after oncology treatments. Stage 3 aims to evaluate the feasibility and potential effects of this personalized health education program after its national implementation. First, the exploration of factors influencing PA (stage 1) will be based on a mixed methods approach, using an explanatory sequential design and multilevel analysis. The quantitative phase involves completing a questionnaire from a socioecological perspective. Subsequently, a subset of respondents will engage in semistructured interviews to aid in interpreting the quantitative results. This phase aims to construct a model of the factors influencing an active lifestyle and develop an individualized 12-week program based on our earlier findings (stage 2). In stage 3, we will implement our multicenter, multimodal program for 150 physically inactive and sedentary cancer survivors across metropolitan France. Program feasibility will be evaluated. Measured PA level by connected device and multidimensional variables such as declared PA and sedentary behaviors, PA readiness, motivation, PA preferences, PA knowledge and skills, and barriers and facilitators will be assessed before and during the program and 52 weeks afterward. The institutional review board approved the mixed methods study (phase 1) in April 2020, and the intervention (phase 3) was approved in March 2022. Recruitment and data collection commenced in April 2022, with intervention implementation concluded in May 2023. Data collection and full analysis are expected to be finalized by July 2024. The Determinants and Factors of Physical Activity After Oncology Treatments (DEFACTO) study seeks to enhance our understanding, within our socioecological model, of factors influencing an active lifestyle among cancer survivors and to assess whether a tailored intervention based on this model can support an active lifestyle. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05354882; https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05354882. DERR1-10.2196/52274.

Examining the influence of mental health and structural determinants of health on the stage of motivational readiness for health behaviour changes: A path analysis study.

This study explores the influence of mental health and structural determinants of health on motivational readiness for health behaviour change in 1462 Spanish primary healthcare users. Chi-square test and structural equation modelling were performed. Results showed that depression and anxiety were negatively associated with being in the action stages of motivational readiness for a healthy diet and physical activity. This association was statistically significant only for motivational readiness for a healthy diet and depression (). Furthermore, women and workers were more likely to be in the action stages of motivational readiness for a healthy diet while older adults and adults with higher health-related quality of life were more likely to be in the action stages of motivational readiness for physical activity. The present study suggests that structural (being older, being a woman and being employed) and intermediary (suffering from depression and higher health-related quality of life) determinants of health influence motivational readiness for health behaviour changes.

Musculoskeletal Morphology and Joint Flexibility-Associated Functional Characteristics across Three Time Points during the Menstrual Cycle in Female Contemporary Dancers.

Findings are inconsistent with regards to whether menstrual cycle phase-associated changes in physical functioning exist. It is possible that such discrepancies are due to varying rigour in experimental approaches. The current study aimed to systematically evaluate any effect of carefully tracked menstrual cycle phase on precisely measured muscle structure and function in a physically active group (contemporary dancers). Eleven women aged (M [SD]) 23.5 [2.94] years, undergoing 10.5 [1.73] hours of contemporary dance practice and 6.12 [2.36] hours of other physical activity per week, were recruited. Sex hormone level (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), skin temperature and ovulation kits), physical pain assessments (Ice Water Test, Visual Analogue Scale, The Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire, Self-Estimated Functional Inability Because of Pain Questionnaire, and Pain Anxiety Symptoms Scale), muscle architecture measurement (B-mode ultrasonography), and physical functioning (dynamometry, force-platform and electromyography) on both lower limbs were measured at three time points during one cycle, following three months of menstrual cycle monitoring. There was no difference in musculoskeletal flexibility variables between follicular, ovulatory, or luteal phases. Nonetheless, oestrogen change was associated with variability in 11 musculoskeletal variables, progesterone change was associated with variability in 7, and relaxin change was associated with variability in 15. Negative correlations existed between progesterone and flexibility and between oestrogen and jump variables. Moreover, oestrogen and relaxin were associated with increased musculoskeletal compliance, whilst progesterone was associated with increased muscle stiffness. In short, in absolute sex hormone levels, 'inter-individual' variances appear more impactful than 'intra-individual' variances. Not only are oestrogen and progesterone associated with differing musculoskeletal outcomes, but relaxin is also associated with musculoskeletal compliance changes. These effects are anticipated to impact jump height and flexibility, and hence, they could be expected to affect overall physical performance, including dance.

Feasibility of a Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Program at Nationwide Level in General Practice: A Pilot Study in Italy.

Lifestyle interventions halt the progression of prediabetes to frank type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, the feasibility of a diabetes prevention program promoting tailored interventions on a national scale and conducted by primary care physicians is unclear. General practitioners located in ten different regions throughout Italy enrolled random subjects without known metabolic diseases to identify individuals with prediabetes and prescribe them an intervention based on physical activity. Using a simple stepwise approach, people referring to their primary care physician for any reason were screened for their diabetes risk with a web-based app of the Findrisc questionnaire. Those at risk for T2D, i.e., with a Findrisc score >9, were invited to come back after overnight fasting to measure fasting glycaemia (FG). Those with 100 ≤ FG < 126 mg/dL were considered as people with prediabetes and compiled the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q) to then receive a personalised prescription of physical activity. Overall, 5928 people were enrolled and compiled the questionnaire. Of these, 2895 (48.8%) were at risk for T2D. Among these, FG was measured in 2168 subjects (participation rate 75%). The numbers of individuals with undetected prediabetes and T2D according to FG were 755 and 79 (34.8% and 3.6% of those assessing FG), respectively. Of the 755 subjects in the prediabetes range, 739 compiled the PAR-Q and started a personalised program of physical activity (participation rate 97%). Physicians involved in the study reported a mean of 6 min to perform the screening. Overall, these data suggest the feasibility of a national diabetes prevention program developed by general practitioners using a simple stepwise approach starting from a web app to intercept individuals with prediabetes.

EFFECTIVENESS OF AN ONLINE WELLBEING PROGRAM FOR UST CRS STUDENTS: A QUANTITATIVE STUDY

Introduction: The study aimed to determine the effectiveness of the 6-week online wellbeing program in improving the physical and mental wellbeing of University of Santo Tomas College of Rehabilitation Sciences (UST-CRS) students. Methods: This two-arm randomized trial involved 24 UST-CRS students randomly allocated into intervention and waitlist control groups. Participants were selected through purposive sampling and screened with the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire and Counseling Center Assessment of Psychological Symptoms. The program covered psychological and physical activities, delivered through the Wix website for six weeks. Pre- and post-assessments included the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and the World Health Organization Well-Being Index (WHO-5). Jamovie was used for descriptive and inferential statistics. Alpha level was set at 0.05. Results: Within-group analysis revealed METS total scores increased for both intervention (mean difference: 597.00) and control groups (mean difference: 275.75). Similarly, an increase in WHO-5 percentage scores (mean difference of 6.00) and control groups (difference of 6.00) was observed. Between-group analysis showed no statistically significant difference in post-test METS total scores between the intervention and control groups (p-value 0.648) and WHO-5 percentage scores (p-value 0.696). Discussion: Initial results demonstrated no significant improvements in UST CRS students' physical and mental wellbeing in the 6-week program. The small sample size may have hindered the inability to detect significant changes in the measured outcomes. However, considering the mean difference, the study suggests regular physical activity, healthy habits, and routine building may still benefit students. Research with larger sample sizes and longer intervention durations could provide more conclusive evidence of the program's impact on UST-CRS students’ well-being.

Physiological impact of Tabata exercise on cardiometabolic and cardiorespiratory parameters in transgender people of Multan.

To investigate factors directly related to cardiometabolic and cardiorespiratory fitness in transgender people. The cross-sectional, experimental study was conducted at the Government Girls Comprehensive Higher Secondary School, Multan, Pakistan, from January to February 2023, after approval from the ethics review committee of the Muhammad Institute of Medical and Allied Sciences, Multan, and comprised transgender people aged 17-28 years. Data was collected using the physical activity readiness questionnaire. All the participants were subjected to Tabata sessions for 4 weeks. Standard cardiometabolic and cardiorespiratory fitness values were noted at baseline and post-intervention. Data was analysed using SPSS 23. Of the 44 participants, 26(59%) were trans-men, 18(40.9%) were trans-women, 16(36.3%) were aged 17-19 years, and 10(22.7%) had other transgender individuals in their families. Cardiorespiratory and cardiometabolic parameters showed significant improvement post-intervention compared to baseline values (p<0.05). Tabata exercises were found to be useful in maintaining cardiorespiratory and cardiometabolic parameters as well in increasing the participants' motor performance.

Physical Activity, Readiness, and Cardiovascular Risk Stratification in the Polytechnics Communities of the Northern Region of Portugal Integrated in Mobility as a Service Concept.

The aim of the study is to characterize physical activity (PA) levels and PA readiness as well as stratify cardiovascular risk among the population of polytechnics community members in the north region of Portugal, including students, academic teachers, and non-teacher staff. An online questionnaire about general sample characterization, PA level, and readiness was applied. Of the 717 respondents, 237 were academic teachers, 143 were non-teacher staff, and 337 were students. Most of the participants had a level of moderate PA, including students, academic teachers, and non-teacher staff (82%). The sedentary behavior was higher in the academic teachers and non-teacher staff groups. A total of 56% of the participants had low cardiovascular risk; the group of students were the population with higher risk. Approximately half of the participants need to consult a qualified professional before increasing their PA. Overall, the participants presented moderate levels of PA, although there is still a considerable number of sedentary people that must be considered.

Aerobic and mobility training exercises effectiveness for undergraduate students: an experimental study

There have been a number of studies conducted on the benefits of aerobic and mobility training for enhancing BMI. However, its usefulness in a virtual classroom setting has not been tested in any academic studies. The purpose of this controlled experiment is to determine whether or not different types of aerobic and mobility training lead to significant improvement in body mass index among study participants. This study has employed an experimental research design in which the students will undergo a series of aerobic and mobility training exercises for four consecutive weeks while accounting for participants’ gender and BMI. The participants for the study are one section of undergraduate students from a college in the Philippines. A survey questionnaire with two parts was utilized. For the first part, personal profiles such as gender and pre-test Body Mass Index are all included. The second part requested the participants to answer the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q). After performing the series of exercises, it was found that a significant difference was observed between male and female students concerning their performance, in which male students performed better compared to their counterparts. Most importantly, a significant difference was observed between the pre-test and post-test scores of the students. It can be concluded that the various aerobic and mobility training exercises are efficient for students in improving their BMI, even in an online learning environment. The continuous use of the following exercises is highly recommended. Finally, practical implications, limitations, and future research directions are also presented.

An examination of an 8-week online activity-specific skills program to BMI of local college students

Requiring college students to engage in basic resistance training, locomotor, and non-locomotor exercises has shown mixed results in decreasing and improving BMI. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of an online activity-specific skills program on college students’ BMI. An experimental research design was employed, with students participating in activity-specific exercises for eight consecutive weeks. Demographic factors, including gender, pre- and post-test BMI, and the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire, were considered. An Independent Sample T-Test was used to determine significant differences in post-test scores based on gender, while a Paired Samples T-Test was used to analyze differences between pre- and post-test scores. The results indicated no significant difference in the pre-test scores. Moreover, after the eight-week activity-specific skills program, there was no significant difference observed between the pre- and post-test scores. The movement patterns taught in PE 1, encompassing locomotor, non-locomotor, and basic resistance training, did not impact students’ body mass indexes. These findings may prompt educators to reassess the effectiveness of current physical education methods or to explore alternative approaches that might be more successful in reducing students’ BMI. As the results are inconclusive, further research with a larger sample size is needed to validate the assertions made in this study.

Exploring the Effectiveness of a Battery of Physical Fitness Tests via Virtual Learning Environment

Background. Online PFTs can assess students’ physical fitness, according to several studies. However, few papers examined this issue in the setting of a Philippine higher education institution. Study purpose. This experimental research examined how a subset of Physical Fitness Tests (PFTs) affects BMI improvement. Materials and methods. After five weeks of fitness tests, this study used an experimental design to compare pre- and post-test scores while controlling for gender, age, and BMI. A two-part survey questionnaire collected the participants’ data. First, gender, age, and pre-test BMI were provided. The Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire was the second part (PAR-Q). Analysis of the 5-week experiment data used IBM SPSS version 27. Descriptive statistical approaches displayed the participants’ demographics and fitness testing results (frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation). Before and after the selected PFTs, the students’ performance was examined using the one-way ANOVA and the independent samples t-test to determine if factors like gender, age, and body mass index affected performance. After the fitness tests, the paired samples t-test was used to see if the pre- and post-test scores were statistically different. Results. Performance before and after the selected PFTs was not statistically different between age groups. Except for the vertical jump test, gender groups did not differ significantly. Males outperformed females. Finally, after five weeks of performing the recommended PFTs, post-test scores were statistically significantly higher than pre-test levels. Conclusions. The selected PFTs were useful in online learning, especially in a Philippine local institution. This study supports the idea that college physical education instructors can regularly test their students’ fitness levels using the above assessments.

Deconstructing Fitbit to Specify the Effective Features in Promoting Physical Activity Among Inactive Adults: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

Wearable activity trackers have become key players in mobile health practice as they offer various behavior change techniques (BCTs) to help improve physical activity (PA). Typically, multiple BCTs are implemented simultaneously in a device, making it difficult to identify which BCTs specifically improve PA. We investigated the effects of BCTs implemented on a smartwatch, the Fitbit, to determine how each technique promoted PA. This study was a single-blind, pilot randomized controlled trial, in which 70 adults (n=44, 63% women; mean age 40.5, SD 12.56 years; closed user group) were allocated to 1 of 3 BCT conditions: self-monitoring (feedback on participants' own steps), goal setting (providing daily step goals), and social comparison (displaying daily steps achieved by peers). Each intervention lasted for 4 weeks (fully automated), during which participants wore a Fitbit and responded to day-to-day questionnaires regarding motivation. At pre- and postintervention time points (in-person sessions), levels and readiness for PA as well as different aspects of motivation were assessed. Participants showed excellent adherence (mean valid-wear time of Fitbit=26.43/28 days, 94%), and no dropout was recorded. No significant changes were found in self-reported total PA (dz<0.28, P=.40 for the self-monitoring group, P=.58 for the goal setting group, and P=.19 for the social comparison group). Fitbit-assessed step count during the intervention period was slightly higher in the goal setting and social comparison groups than in the self-monitoring group, although the effects did not reach statistical significance (P=.052 and P=.06). However, more than half (27/46, 59%) of the participants in the precontemplation stage reported progress to a higher stage across the 3 conditions. Additionally, significant increases were detected for several aspects of motivation (ie, integrated and external regulation), and significant group differences were identified for the day-to-day changes in external regulation; that is, the self-monitoring group showed a significantly larger increase in the sense of pressure and tension (as part of external regulation) than the goal setting group (P=.04). Fitbit-implemented BCTs promote readiness and motivation for PA, although their effects on PA levels are marginal. The BCT-specific effects were unclear, but preliminary evidence showed that self-monitoring alone may be perceived demanding. Combining self-monitoring with another BCT (or goal setting, at least) may be important for enhancing continuous engagement in PA. Open Science Framework; https://osf.io/87qnb/?view_only=f7b72d48bb5044eca4b8ce729f6b403b.