Setting For Physical Activity Promotion Research Articles

Rethinking Schools as a Setting for Physical Activity Promotion in the 21st Century–a Position Paper of the Working Group of the 2PASS 4Health Project

ABSTRACT Schools are ideal settings to promote adolescent physical activity (PA), yet school-based interventions have shown limited long-term impact. This position paper presents key issues surrounding school-based PA interventions. Collaborative conceptual thinking drawing on multi-author expertise and available evidence advanced our understanding and opinion. Key arguments: 1) the adoption of a systems approach, which maximizes partnership action and leverages policy, is crucial for understanding the complexities of implementing whole-school programs; 2) a reorientation to an assets perspective optimizes existing strengths and resources allowing greater emphasis on the full range of physical, cognitive, emotional and social benefits that PA provides, and 3) a move beyond traditional positivist research designs to advance our knowledge of what works better, for whom and in what context is needed for greater progress We provide suggestions, specifically advocating for systems approaches, as a realistic way to improve how we support PA in schools in the future.

O6-8 Rethinking schools as a setting for physical activity promotion in the 21st Century - A position paper from the Erasmus+ 2PASS 4Health project

BackgroundSchools are ideally placed to provide children and adolescents with multiple opportunities to be or learn to be physically active. However, key reviews have reported that interventions to date have largely failed to have any long-term impact on overall physical activity levels. In this position paper, greater attention to key issues is needed to realise the full potential of schools and ideal physical activity for health promotion setting.MethodsThis study draws on multi-author expertise to develop a position paper to advance opinion on school-based programmes. Collaborative conceptual thinking was established through various tools such as literature review, evidence synthesis and online and in person meetings.Results/DiscussionThe adoption of a systems approach is valuable for understanding the complexities of the school setting and to support the implementation of whole-of-school initiatives. Furthermore, we contend that the full range of physical, cognitive, emotional and social benefits that physical activity provides should be considered, rather than a narrow focus solely on physical activity levels. Interdisciplinary research questions are most useful in exploring and evaluating whole-of-school approaches. Informed by process, impact and outcome evaluation and implementation science, both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies and a move beyond traditional research design are needed to advance our knowledge of what works, for whom and in what context. Case studies from several European countries will be presented to illustrate examples of systems approaches in action. This includes examples at multiple levels firstly, a national approach including a Physical Education curriculum reformation (Portugal), a regional approach such as a county council partnership with a University to support physical activity promotion (France) and a local approach at the school level i.e. a whole-of-school physical activity programme (Spain and Ireland).ConclusionFrom authors expertise and reflection, this paper makes recommendations on the nature of the evidence required to bridge the implementation gap, sustain and scale-up innovative approaches to whole-of-school programmes.

Unlocking the potential of a novel setting to promote physical activity among knee osteoarthritis patients- a parkrun feasibility study

Purpose: Physical activity is one of the best treatments for knee osteoarthritis (OA), improving pain, function, and quality of life. Despite this, knee OA patients engage in low levels of physical activity. Identifying effective, low-cost, accessible, scalable, and sustainable strategies to promote physical activity in knee OA patients is crucial to help them better manage their disease and reduce their risk of comorbidities. 'parkrun' is an international movement of free, 5km walk/run events held once per week in public green spaces and represents a promising setting for physical activity promotion.

Impact of a group-based intervention program on physical activity and health-related outcomes in worksite settings

BackgroundThe benefits of physical activity (PA) have been well documented, and the worksite is a promising setting for PA promotion. The aims of this study were as follows: 1. To evaluate the effect of a group-based worksite intervention on PA and health-related outcomes by using pedometers. 2. To examine the associations between the change in vigorous physical activity (VPA)/moderate physical activity (MPA)/walking and health related outcomes.MethodsA total of 398 participants (221 in the intervention group (IG) and 177 in the control group (CG)) from 17 worksites were recruited for a prospective self-controlled trial of a worksite physical activity intervention program in China. In the IG, a pedometer was utilized to self-monitor the PA, together with group competition, goal setting, and other incentives. No intervention was applied to the CG. Physical activity, sedentary behavior, and health-related outcomes were measured at baseline and immediately after the 100-day period intervention.ResultsA total of 262 participants completed the program (68.3% adherence). Adherence in the intervention group was 67.9% (n = 150/221). Improvements between baseline and follow-up among intervention participants were observed in the following parameters: VPA (+ 109.7 METs/week; p < 0.05), walking (+ 209.2 METs/week; p < 0.01), systolic blood pressure (SBP; − 2.1 mmHg; p < 0.01), waist circumference (WC; − 2.3 cm; p < 0.01), body fat percentage (BF); − 1.0%; p < 0.01), and body mass index (BMI; − 0.5 kg/m2; p < 0.01). VPA was related to changes in body fat percentage (p < 0.05) and body mass index (p < 0.05).ConclusionThis integrated group-based intervention program contributed to comprehensive improvement in health-related outcomes. The study was useful for establishing associations between change in VPA/MPA/walking and health-related outcomes in a natural setting. Long-term evaluation is required to examine the potential of such an integrated intervention to promote PA.RegistrationThis study was prospectively registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry. Trial registration number: ChiCTR-1,800,015,529. Date of registration: April 5, 2018.

Type of supervision does not affect attendance or physical fitness in an 8-week workplace exercise intervention

Introduction: Low cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and muscular strength are significant metabolic, cardiovascular andmortality risk factors. The workplace has become a key setting for physical activity promotion; however attrition rates up to 75% in workplace exercise interventions have been reported. Therefore, this study investigated the effect of providing different types of supervision in a university workplace exercise intervention on attendance and fitness levels. Methods: This pilot randomised controlled trial allocated 46 university staff (mean± SD; 37 female; aged 42.5±11 yrs; BMI 25.7±4.0 kgm−2;waist circumference84.7±12.7 cm) toeither1:1 supervised (SUP;N=22) or indirectly supervised (IND;N=24) exercise groups. The 1:1 SUP group received individual supervision each exercise session, while the IND group received supervision for safety only, with assistance provided if requested or required. Each participant completed an 8-week individually tailored moderateto-high intensity aerobic and resistance exercise program at an onsite gymnasium, based on American College of Sports Medicine guidelines. Participants were required to attend at least once a week but had the opportunity to complete up to five training sessions perweek. Total attendance (total number of exercise sessions performed), total aerobic training volume (METmin), and total resistance training load (sets× reps×weight) were calculated. Cardiorespiratory fitness was predicted using a progressive submaximal cycle test (Monark 828E, Sweden), while maximal knee flexion and extension strength were measured at 60degrees s−1 with a Biodex (Biodex Medical Systems, USA) before and after the intervention. Results: Independent sample t-tests found no significant differences between groups for age, BMI, waist circumference, CRF or muscle strength prior to the intervention (p>0.05); nor any significant differences between groups for total attendance (p=0.94), total aerobic volume (METmin) completed (p=0.73) or total resistance load completed (p=0.88) over the 8-week intervention. One-way repeatedmeasures ANOVA revealed significant improvements in CRF (p<0.001), absolute and relative kneeflexion strength (p<0.05) as well as absolute and relative knee extension strength (p<0.01). No between-group differences were found for any variable. Discussion: This study found that CRF and lower body strength improved with a short workplace exercise intervention, irrespective of the type of supervision. The supervision type did not affect exercise session attendance, or exercise dose completed. Therefore, providing 1:1 exercise supervision was not more advantageous than indirect supervision for CRF or muscular strength in a university workplace exercise intervention.

Availability of physical environments and incentives for physical activity in industry companies, Pelotas, Brazil

Evidence shows that physically active individuals have lower risk of developing chronic diseases. Despite that, the rate of physical inactivity is high. Difficult access and lack of time are mostly reported as barriers to engaging in physical activity. The workplace is a key setting for physical activity promotion among employees. This study aimed to describe the physical environments and incentives for non-occupational physical activities offered to employees of local industry companies in the city of Pelotas, southern Brazil. A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample drawn from the Pelotas Center for Businesses (CIPEL) and the Brazilian Special Guides Publisher (EBGE) databases. Companies with more than 20 employees were eligible to participate in the study. The final sample consisted of 81 companies and information was collected through a questionnaire applied to the participating company’s business representative. It was found that 12.4% of the companies had physical environments for physical activity at the workplace, 9.9% had spaces for indoor sports, 91.4% had showering facilities and locker rooms, 12.4% offered health club discounts and 16.0% subsidized memberships to health clubs and gyms. Participation in employee team sports was reported in 37.0% of the companies; it was the most common physical activity especially among male employees. In conclusion, local Pelotas companies did not offer their employees adequate spaces for non-occupational physical activity. However, the availability of physical environments such as showering facilities and locker rooms opens up great opportunities for active commuting to work.

The effects of a physical activity intervention on employees in small and medium enterprises: A mixed methods study

Workplaces have potential as a setting for physical activity promotion but evidence of the effectiveness of intervention programmes in small and medium sized enterprises is limited. This paper reports the impact of an intervention which trained existing employees to promote physical activity to their colleagues. Eighty-nine previously low-active employees from 17 small and medium sized organisations participated. A mixed methods evaluation design was used. Quantitative data were collected at baseline and 6 months later using an online questionnaire. Qualitative data from a series of 6 focus groups were analysed. Repeated measures t-tests showed significant increases over time in physical activity, general health rating, satisfaction with life and positive mood states. There were significant decreases in body mass index (BMI), perceived stress, negative mood states and presenteeism. There was no change in absenteeism. Analysis of focus group data provided further insight into the impact of the intervention. Five major themes emerged: awareness of physical activity; sustaining physical activity behaviour change; improved health and well-being; enhanced social networks; and embedding physical activity in the workplace culture. This study shows it is feasible and effective to train employees in small and medium sized enterprises to support their colleagues in physical activity behaviour change.

Factors facilitating and inhibiting implementation of easy accessible sporting programs

Introduction: The organized sport sector has been identified as a potential setting for physical activity promotion. In The Netherlands, ten national sporting organizations were funded to develop and implement easy accessible sporting programs, especially for the least active population groups. A total of fourteen programs were implemented during a three year implementation period. For a successful implementation of these sporting programs, insight into factors facilitating or inhibiting implementation was needed. Methods: The study consisted of four phases. Phase one: In annual face-to-face interviews, representatives of the ten sporting organizations were asked about factors facilitating or inhibiting implementation of their programs. The results were yearly used by the Dutch Olympic Committee to facilitate implementation of the programs. Phase two: The most important factors were grouped according to implementation phase (concept development, organizational preparations, recruiting local sporting organizations, recruiting participants, local implementation, securing program for future). Phase three: The results were presented and discussed during a meeting with representatives of all ten sporting organizations. Factors were eventually added or removed. Additionally, it was discussed how to deal with these factors. Phase four: Based on the meeting, a final overview of factors was made, incorporating advise how to deal with these factors. Results: Although factors varied by sporting program, there were some factors that were commonly mentioned. Important facilitating factors were: a program meeting the needs of potential participants (concept development), a program that is easy to perform locally (local implementation), an enthusiastic and persistent project coordinator (organizational preparations) and collaboration with other organizations (e.g. recruiting participants). Not complying with these factors, inhibited implementation. Factors that were specifically mentioned as inhibiting factors were: implementing a costly program (recruiting local organizations) and a conservative attitude of local organizations (recruiting local organizations). Discussion: The overview of factors, as well as the accompanying advise, can be used by sporting organizations when developing and implementing easy accessible sporting programs. This will facilitate development and implementation of current and future sporting programs. (aut. ref.)

Effectiveness of Start to Run, a 6-week training program for novice runners, on increasing physical activity: A controlled study

Introduction: The organized sport sector has been identified as a potential setting for physical activity promotion. In the Netherlands, national sporting organizations were funded to develop and implement sporting programs that are easy accessible, especially for the least active population groups. Start to Run, a 6-week training program for novice runners, developed by the Dutch Athletics Organization, is one of these programs. In this study, the effects of Start to Run on physical activity were investigated.

Physical activity initiatives for male factory workers: gatekeepers' perceptions of potential motivators and barriers

ObjectiveWorksites have been argued to be a key setting for physical activity promotion, particularly for lower-paid, less-skilled workers. These occupational groups are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease. There is no strong evidence in support of the efficacy of worksite fitness and physical activity interventions. This study assessed potential motivators and barriers to worksite physical activity initiatives for less-skilled workers. MethodWe conducted telephone interviews with 13 Victorian WorkCover insurance providers and 30 manufacturing industry worksite managers. The manufacturing industry was selected as it contains a substantial portion of workers from this high-risk occupational group. ResultsMost insurers incorporated physical activity elements into injury-prevention programs. Few worksite managers reported programs to encourage workers to be more active; they identified reduced premiums and lower-cost programs through insurers as possible motivators. Both groups identified workers' reluctance to participate in physical activity, lack of awareness of potential benefits and program cost as major barriers for worksite physical activity. Other barriers included potential adverse effects on productivity and increased injury risk. ConclusionsBroader occupational health and safety policies and joint initiatives between insurers and worksite managers may have the potential to provide more opportunities for workers to be more active. However, the barriers identified outweighed the perceived benefits. ImplicationsWithout structural and regulatory changes or new incentives, the adoption of physical activity initiatives in Australian manufacturing-industry workplaces is unlikely.