scholarly journals Snacktivity™ to Promote Physical Activity: a Qualitative Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natalie Tyldesley-Marshall ◽  
Sheila M. Greenfield ◽  
Helen M. Parretti ◽  
Kajal Gokal ◽  
Colin Greaves ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Research Programme ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
The Public ◽  
Potential Barriers ◽  
Complementary Approach ◽  
Framework Approach ◽  
Intensity Physical Activity ◽  
Barriers To Implementation

Abstract Background Adults should achieve a minimum of 150 min of moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity per week, but many people do not achieve this. Changes to international guidance have removed the requirement to complete physical activity in bouts of at least 10 min. Snacktivity is a novel and complementary approach that could motivate people to be physically active. It focuses on promoting shorter (2–5 min) and more frequent bouts, or ‘snacks’ of physical activity throughout the day. It is not known whether promoting physical activity in shorter bouts is acceptable to the public, or whether it likely to translate into health behaviour change. Methods As part of a larger research programme, this study explored the merits of using small bouts of physical activity to help the public become physically active (the Snacktivity™ programme). Thirty-one inactive adults used the approach for five days then participated in semi- structured interviews about their experiences. The data were analysed using the Framework approach. Results Whilst participants highlighted some potential barriers to implementation, they expressed the ease with which Snacktivity could be achieved, which gave them a new awareness of opportunities to do more physical activity throughout the day. Participants raised the importance of habit formation to achieve regular small bouts of physical activity. Conclusions Findings demonstrated that participants liked the Snacktivity concept and viewed it as a motivating approach. Guidance about physical activity must lead to advice that has the best chance of preserving and promoting health and Snacktivity has potential to meet this ambition.

scholarly journals Profiles of Loneliness and Social Isolation in Physically Active and Inactive Older Adults in Rural England

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (8) ◽  
pp. 3971
Author(s):  
Jolanthe de Koning ◽  
Suzanne H. Richards ◽  
Grace E. R. Wood ◽  
Afroditi Stathi
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Physical Environment ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Social Contact ◽  
Physical Activity Behaviour ◽  
Rural Setting ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Physically Active

Objective: Loneliness and social isolation are associated with higher risk of morbidity and mortality and physical inactivity in older age. This study explored the socioecological context in which both physically active and inactive older adults experience loneliness and/or social isolation in a UK rural setting. Design: A mixed-methods design employed semi structured interviews and accelerometer-measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Interviews explored the personal, social and environmental factors influencing engagement with physical activities, guided by an adapted-socioecological model of physical activity behaviour. Findings: Twenty-four older adults (MeanAge = 73 (5.8 SD); 12 women) were interviewed. Transcripts were thematically analysed and seven profiles of physical activity, social isolation and loneliness were identified. The high-MVPA group had established PA habits, reported several sources of social contact and evaluated their physical environment as activity friendly. The low MVPA group had diverse experiences of past engagement in social activities. Similar to the high MVPA, they reported a range of sources of social contact but they did not perceive the physical environment as activity friendly. Conclusions: Loneliness and/or social isolation was reported by both physically active and inactive older adults. There is wide diversity and complexity in types and intensity of PA, loneliness and social isolation profiles and personal, social and environmental contexts.

Rural Neighborhood Walkability: Implications for Assessment

2015 ◽  
Vol 12 (s1) ◽  
pp. S40-S45 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle C. Kegler ◽  
Iris Alcantara ◽  
Regine Haardörfer ◽  
Alexandra Gemma ◽  
Denise Ballard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Rural Communities ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Walking Distance ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Neighborhood Walkability ◽  
Bodies Of Water ◽  
Active Adults

Background:Physical activity levels, including walking, are lower in the southern U.S., particularly in rural areas. This study investigated the concept of rural neighborhood walkability to aid in developing tools for assessing walkability and to identify intervention targets in rural communities.Methods:Semi-structured interviews were conducted with physically active adults (n = 29) in rural Georgia. Mean age of participants was 55.9 years; 66% were male, 76% were white, and 24% were African American. Participants drew maps of their neighborhoods and discussed the relevance of typical domains of walkability to their decisions to exercise. Comparative analyses were conducted to identify major themes.Results:The majority felt the concept of neighborhood was applicable and viewed their neighborhood as small geographically (less than 0.5 square miles). Sidewalks were not viewed as essential for neighborhood-based physical activity and typical destinations for walking were largely absent. Destinations within walking distance included neighbors’ homes and bodies of water. Views were mixed on whether shade, safety, dogs, and aesthetics affected decisions to exercise in their neighborhoods.Conclusions:Measures of neighborhood walkability in rural areas should acknowledge the small size of self-defined neighborhoods, that walking in rural areas is likely for leisure time exercise, and that some domains may not be relevant.

scholarly journals Understanding Experiences of Fibromyalgia Patients Involved in the Fimouv Study During COVID-19 Lockdown

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claire Colas ◽  
Audrey Jumel ◽  
Marie-Pierre Vericel ◽  
Nathalie Barth ◽  
Jessica Manzanares ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Trial Registration ◽  
Therapeutic Education ◽  
Social Constraints ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Clinical Trial Registration ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Activity Program ◽  
Regular Practice

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic implied a period of lockdown for the general population, increasing the risk to develop some physical or mental disorders. In fibromyalgia patients, these disorders are part of the large clinical picture of the syndrome. Fibromyalgia management is especially based on a regular practice of physical activity. Lockdown imposed a break in rhythms, requiring a restructuring of scheduling. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the experiences of fibromyalgia patients during COVID-19 lockdown using a qualitative analysis.Method: 19 patients (52 ± 9 years old) who completed a 3-month therapeutic education and/or supervised physical activity program were invited to participate (Fimouv study, Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04107948). A sociologist collected data by means of semi-structured interviews and analyzed them using thematic content analysis.Results: Lockdown exacerbated the main symptoms of fibromyalgia, but adjusting the rhythms of life to fluctuations of these symptoms allowed a better quality of life. Patients felt the lack of physical activity and 68% found alternatives to remain physically active. The reduction of social constraints allowed them to better contend with their pathology. Fibromyalgia stopped being a main priority.Conclusion: Lockdown was positively experienced by fibromyalgia patients. They linked the absence of physical activity with increased pain and fatigue. Nevertheless, reducing social constraints could be a key for fibromyalgia management, where symptoms seemed to take less space in everyday life.Clinical Trial Registration:www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT04107948.

scholarly journals Day Length and Weather Effects on Children’s Physical Activity and Participation in Play, Sports, and Active Travel

2012 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 1105-1116 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Goodman ◽  
James Paskins ◽  
Roger Mackett
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Cloud Cover ◽  
Objective Measure ◽  
Active Travel ◽  
Day Length ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
The Public ◽  
Daylight Saving ◽  
Long Day ◽  
Children’S Physical Activity

Background:Children in primary school are more physically active in the spring/summer. Little is known about the relative contributions of day length and weather, however, or about the underlying behavioral mediators.Methods:325 British children aged 8 to 11 wore accelerometers as an objective measure of physical activity, measured in terms of mean activity counts. Children simultaneously completed diaries in which we identified episodes of out-of-home play, structured sports, and active travel. Our main exposure measures were day length, temperature, rainfall, cloud cover, and wind speed.Results:Overall physical activity was higher on long days (≥ 14 hours daylight), but there was no difference between short (< 9.5 hours) and medium days (10.2–12.6 hours). The effect of long day length was largest between 5 PM and 8 PM, and persisted after adjusting for rainfall, cloud cover, and wind. Up to half this effect was explained by a greater duration and intensity of out-of-home play on long days; structured sports and active travel were less affected by day length.Conclusions:At least above a certain threshold, longer afternoon/evening daylight may have a causal role in increasing child physical activity. This strengthens the public health arguments for daylight saving measures such as those recently under consideration in Britain.

The Implications of Public Policy Related to Parks, Recreation, and Public Health: A Focus on Physical Activity

2007 ◽  
Vol 4 (s1) ◽  
pp. S64-S71 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathy J. Spangler ◽  
Linda L. Caldwell
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Public Policy ◽  
Public Parks ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Parks And Recreation ◽  
Leisure Services ◽  
Framework Approach ◽  
Recreation Professionals ◽  
The Impact

A collaborative framework that influences the promotion of policy related to physical activity should include parks and recreation as well as public health practitioners and researchers. As governments at all levels become increasingly focused on the impact of public resources, park and recreation agencies are challenged to document and demonstrate the impact of leisure services. Public policy associated with parks and recreation is driven by public interest and is often debated in the absence of relevant research to demonstrate the determinants and correlates of parks and recreation to address prevailing social conditions. This paper describes current policy and funding issues faced by public parks and recreation professionals responding to increasing physically active leisure across the lifespan of Americans. We also discuss how a collaborative framework approach can be used to inform public policy designed to increase the physical activity of the American public.

scholarly journals Benefits of physical activity on COPD hospitalisation depend on intensity

2015 ◽  
Vol 46 (5) ◽  
pp. 1281-1289 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Donaire-Gonzalez ◽  
Elena Gimeno-Santos ◽  
Eva Balcells ◽  
Jordi de Batlle ◽  
Maria A. Ramon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Risk Reduction ◽  
Cox Regression ◽  
Forced Expiratory Volume ◽  
Chronic Obstructive ◽  
Average Intensity ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽  
Intensity Physical Activity

The present study aims to disentangle the independent effects of the quantity and the intensity of physical activity on the risk reduction of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) hospitalisations.177 patients from the Phenotype Characterization and Course of COPD (PAC-COPD) cohort (mean±sd age 71±8 years, forced expiratory volume in 1 s 52±16% predicted) wore the SenseWear Pro 2 Armband accelerometer (BodyMedia, Pittsburgh, PA, USA) for eight consecutive days, providing data on quantity (steps per day, physically active days and daily active time) and intensity (average metabolic equivalent tasks) of physical activity. Information on COPD hospitalisations during follow-up (2.5±0.8 years) was obtained from validated centralised datasets.During follow-up 67 (38%) patients were hospitalised. There was an interaction between quantity and intensity of physical activity in their effects on COPD hospitalisation risk. After adjusting for potential confounders in the Cox regression model, the risk of COPD hospitalisation was reduced by 20% (hazard ratio (HR) 0.79, 95% CI 0.67–0.93; p=0.005) for every additional 1000 daily steps at low average intensity. A greater quantity of daily steps at high average intensity did not influence the risk of COPD hospitalisations (HR 1.01, p=0.919). Similar results were found for the other measures of quantity of physical activity.Greater quantity of low-intensity physical activity reduces the risk of COPD hospitalisation, but high-intensity physical activity does not produce any risk reduction.

Influence of Movement Intensity and Physical Activity on Adiposity in Youth

2011 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 164-173 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy E. Mark ◽  
Ian Janssen
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Physical Activity Intensity ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Activity Intensity ◽  
Intensity Physical Activity ◽  
Vigorous Intensity ◽  
Total Fat ◽  
Total Body ◽  
Percentile Scores

Background:Despite the plethora of research examining the physical activity-adiposity relation in youth, questions remain regarding the ideal intensity. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the independent effects of physical activity intensity and incidental movement on total and trunk adiposity.Methods:The sample consisted of 1165 youth aged 8 to 17 years from the 2003−04 U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Physical activity (low, moderate, vigorous intensity) and incidental movement (activity level when not physically active) were measured using Actigraph accelerometers over 7 days. Total body and trunk fat were measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry; age- and sex-specific percentile scores were calculated.Results:Bivariate analyses revealed an inverse relation between total, low, moderate and vigorous intensity physical activity with total body and trunk fat. After consideration of the total volume of physical activity in the multivariate analyses, moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity remained significantly related to total and trunk fat. Participants with the highest (top 12.5%) moderate-to-vigorous intensity activity values had total fat percentile scores that were 34 points lower than participants with the lowest (bottom 25%) values.Conclusion:These results are consistent with public health guidelines which recommend that children and youth participate in moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity.

scholarly journals Experiences of Physical Activity One Year after Bariatric Surgery

2014 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-30 ◽  
Author(s):  
Malin Wiklund ◽  
Monika Fagevik Olbers ◽  
Torsten Olbers ◽  
Carin Willén
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Bariatric Surgery ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Weight Loss Outcome ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
One Year ◽  
Patients Experience ◽  
Global Health Problem

Background and purpose: Obesity is a major global health problem today and the only evidence-based method leading to a long-lasting weight reduction is bariatric surgery. Physical activity improves health, decreases the incidence of several diseases and may influence weight loss outcome after bariatric surgery. Knowledge regarding how patients experience physical activity after bariatric surgery could provide us with better tools to enhance physically active. Methods: The aim of the present study was to describe how patients experience physical activity one year after bariatric surgery. An inductive qualitative content analysis was used to analyse semi-structured interviews with twenty-four patients one year after bariatric surgery. Results: Results: The main findings emerged in four overarching themes: “Hindrances of physical activity”, “Physical activity with a less obese body implies achievement”, “Coming to an understanding of the benefits of physical activity” and “Need of support”. Conclusion: According to our findings patients experience both achievements and hinders with regard to physical activity one year after surgery. Patients had an increased understanding of the benefits of physical activities, but support appears necessary to obtain and maintain a suitable level.

scholarly journals Physical Activity and Aging: Exploring Motivations of Masters Swimmers

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 233372142110446
Author(s):  
Susan L. Brilliant ◽  
Maria Claver ◽  
Patti LaPlace ◽  
Cynthia Schlesinger
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Lived Experiences ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Community Programs ◽  
Primary Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Masters Athletes ◽  
Age Cohort ◽  
Safety Guidelines

Physical activity benefits the health of older adults (e.g., lowering risk of cardiovascular disease, depression, dementia, and falls). However, less than one in four Americans meets guidelines for physical activity and inactivity increases with age. Masters athletes are exemplary because of their remarkable physical functioning. Swimming is a global, fast-growing sport in Masters athletics. This qualitative study explored motivations and barriers of 18 older adult members of a Masters swim club in Southern California. Guided by a primary research question: Why do Masters swimmers choose swim late in life, when most of their age cohort are becoming less physically active, semi-structured interviews delved into the lived experiences of the participants, and solicited peer feedback. Four main themes emerged: (1) I Just Love the Sensation of Being in the Water, (2) Tell Your Body What to Do Instead of the Other Way Around, (3) Make a Commitment to Your Friends That You’re Going to be There, and (4) I’ve Never Gone This Long in My Life Without Swimming. Participants expressed longing and regret that they could not swim due to COVID risk and safety guidelines. These findings can be used to design community programs to promote lifelong physical activity participation.

scholarly journals Physical activity promotion in German vocational education: does capacity building work?

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 1577-1589 ◽  
Author(s):  
Johanna Popp ◽  
Johannes Carl ◽  
Eva Grüne ◽  
Jana Semrau ◽  
Peter Gelius ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Nursing Students ◽  
Vocational Education ◽  
Capacity Building ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Physical Activity Promotion ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Policy And Practice ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Activity Promotion

Abstract Apprentices in many sectors are exposed to increased health risks and show low levels of physical activity (PA). Environmental and policy approaches seem to be promising tools for PA promotion as they can positively influence the context in which PA occurs. This article reports results from a German research project (2015–2018) that developed and implemented measures for PA promotion in the field of vocational education (VE). A participatory approach—cooperative planning (COP)—involving researchers as well as stakeholders from policy and practice was used in two VE settings—nursing care and automotive mechatronics. We assessed the extent to which new capacities for PA promotion were created by conducting semi-structured interviews with stakeholders from both sectors (n = 12) and one group interview with nursing students (n = 4). Transcripts were analysed using qualitative content analysis. Findings show that new capacities were created mainly in the form of resources and opportunities and that several measures for PA promotion (e.g. a regular lesson on the issue of PA and health and a tutoring system) were successfully integrated into VE routines. However, establishing new organizational goals and obligations appeared to be challenging. Moreover, the article presents influencing factors, such as the participation of the main actors that strongly supported the process of capacity building within their organization. We conclude that COP seems promising in creating new capacities for PA promotion in the field of VE, and therefore has the potential to promote a physically active lifestyle among apprentices.

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