scholarly journals Variation in activity levels amongst dogs of different breeds: results of a large online survey of dog owners from the UK

2017 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily Pickup ◽  
Alexander J. German ◽  
Emily Blackwell ◽  
Mark Evans ◽  
Carri Westgarth
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Exercise Frequency ◽  
Kennel Club ◽  
Dog Walking ◽  
Other Information ◽  
Dog Owners ◽  
The Uk

AbstractRegular physical activity is an important means of promoting health, both in people and their pets. Walking is the most common method used for dogs, but there is a lack of clarity on how much daily activity different breeds of dog require. Data from an online survey of UK dog owners were collected between June and August in 2014. The University of Liverpool Ethics Committee approved the project, and owners consented to data use. The initial dataset (17 028 dogs) was first cleaned to remove erroneous data, and then edited to remove mixed breed dogs, leaving a total of 12 314 dogs from known pedigree breeds. Other information collected included sex, age, neuter status, breed, and amount and frequency of exercise. Exercise frequency and duration were estimated across different breeds, and compared with Kennel Club recommendations, usingχ2tests and binary logistic regression. The online survey data indicated differences amongst breeds in the amount of walking reported (P < 0·001). Afghan hounds were the least exercised breed, whilst breeds reportedly exercised most included: English setter, foxhound, Irish setter and Old English sheepdog. Gundogs were most likely to be walked once per d or more (P < 0·001), whilst smaller dogs were more likely to meet their UK Kennel Club guidelines for dog walking (P < 0·001). The frequency of dog walking varies both within and amongst breeds, and many do not currently receive the recommended amount of exercise. This may constitute a canine welfare problem and also have an impact on the physical activity levels of their owners.

scholarly journals Encouraging Dog Walking for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention

2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 233-243 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hayley Christian ◽  
Adrian Bauman ◽  
Jacqueline N. Epping ◽  
Glenn N. Levine ◽  
Gavin McCormack ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Public Space ◽  
Significant Proportion ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Regular Physical Activity ◽  
Built Environments ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Dog Walking ◽  
The Social ◽  
Dog Owners

Regular physical activity is associated with numerous health benefits, including the prevention of many chronic diseases and conditions or a reduction in their adverse effects. Intervention studies suggest that promoting dog walking among dog owners who do not routinely walk their dogs may be an effective strategy for increasing and maintaining regular physical activity. Strategies that emphasize the value of dog walking for both dogs and people, promote the context-dependent repetition of dog walking, enhance the social-interaction benefits, encourage family dog walking, and ensure availability of public space for dog walking may encourage increased dog walking. Research also supports organizing buddy systems via “loaner” dogs to facilitate informal walking by dog owners and non–dog owners. Given the number of homes that have dogs, strategies that promote dog walking could be effective at increasing physical activity levels among a significant proportion of the population. Maximizing the potential for dog walking to positively influence the health of individual people (and dogs) will only occur through implementing programs with broad population-level reach. Policies that facilitate dog walking at the community and population levels, such as “dogs allowed” places, off-leash zones, and dog-friendly built environments and parks, may contribute to greater physical activity through dog walking.

scholarly journals Variation in activity levels amongst dogs of different breeds: results of a large online survey of dog owners from the UK – CORRIGENDUM

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily Pickup ◽  
Alexander J. German ◽  
Emily Blackwell ◽  
Mark Evans ◽  
Carri Westgarth
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Dog Owners ◽  
The Uk

379 Do Depressive Symptoms Mediate the Association Between Insomnia and Physical Activity?

SLEEP ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 44 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. A150-A151
Author(s):  
Jamie Walker ◽  
Rebecca Campbell ◽  
Ivan Vargas
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Longitudinal Design ◽  
Energy Levels ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Severity Index ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Insomnia Symptoms

Abstract Introduction Insomnia and depression are highly comorbid and have been shown to be independently associated with lower levels of physical activity. It is not clear, however, if being less physically active is a risk factor for or consequence of depression and insomnia. The factors that explain the associations between insomnia, depression, and physical activity are likely complex and overlapping. For example, insomnia may predict inactivity by impacting one’s energy levels, leaving them too tired to exercise. Insomnia may also interfere with one’s motivation to exercise due to low mood, as insomnia is associated with the development of depressive symptoms. The purpose of the present study was to explore whether depression mediated the link between insomnia and low levels of physical activity. Methods A national online survey was conducted from April-June 2020. Participants completed surveys to assess demographics, mood, sleep, and physical activity. Depressive symptoms were estimated with the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Insomnia symptoms were estimated with the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). Physical activity levels were estimated with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Analyses were conducted using multiple linear regression, with separate models for depression, insomnia, and the combination of the two, on levels of physical activity. Results 3,952 adults (Mage = 46.9 years) completed the survey. According to the unadjusted models, greater insomnia symptoms were associated with greater depressive symptoms (b = 0.4523, SE = 0.019593, p &lt; .001), and lower levels of physical activity (b = -38.741, SE = 18.236, p = 0.0337). The relationship between insomnia and physical activity was no longer significant, however, when controlling for depression (b = -6.140, SE = 19.274, p = 0.75). According to the mediation analyses, there was an indirect effect of insomnia on physical activity that was explained by differences in depressive symptoms (Sobel Test = -4.895, SE = 6.518, p &lt; .001). Conclusion Our findings support previous research indicating associations between symptoms of insomnia and depression and physical activity. Future research should examine if these same results hold using a longitudinal design. Support (if any) Vargas: K23HL141581

scholarly journals How is the COVID-19 lockdown impacting the mental health of parents of school-age children in the UK? A cross-sectional online survey

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. e043397
Author(s):  
Austen El-Osta ◽  
Aos Alaa ◽  
Iman Webber ◽  
Eva Riboli Sasco ◽  
Emmanouil Bagkeris ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Female Gender ◽  
School Age Children ◽  
School Age ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

ObjectiveInvestigate the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on feelings of loneliness and social isolation in parents of school-age children.DesignCross-sectional online survey of parents of primary and secondary school-age children.SettingCommunity setting.Participants1214 parents of school-age children in the UK.MethodsAn online survey explored the impact of lockdown on the mental health of parents with school-age children, and in particular about feelings of social isolation and loneliness. Associations between the UCLA Three-Item Loneliness Scale (UCLATILS), the Direct Measure of Loneliness (DMOL) and the characteristics of the study participants were assessed using ordinal logistic regression models.Main outcome measuresSelf-reported measures of social isolation and loneliness using UCLATILS and DMOL.ResultsHalf of respondents felt they lacked companionship, 45% had feelings of being left out, 58% felt isolated and 46% felt lonely during the first 100 days of lockdown. The factors that were associated with higher levels of loneliness on UCLATILS were female gender, parenting a child with special needs, lack of a dedicated space for distance learning, disruption of sleep patterns and low levels of physical activity during the lockdown. Factors associated with a higher DMOL were female gender, single parenting, parenting a child with special needs, unemployment, low physical activity, lack of a dedicated study space and disruption of sleep patterns during the lockdown.ConclusionsThe COVID-19 lockdown has increased feelings of social isolation and loneliness among parents of school-age children. The sustained adoption of two modifiable health-seeking lifestyle behaviours (increased levels of physical activity and the maintenance of good sleep hygiene practices) wmay help reduce feelings of social isolation and loneliness during lockdown.

scholarly journals The impact of sitting time and physical activity on mental health during COVID-19 lockdown

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew Pears ◽  
Susanna Kola-Palmer ◽  
Liane Beretta De Azevedo
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Depression Score ◽  
Sitting Time ◽  
Multiple Stepwise Regression Analysis ◽  
Previous Diagnosis ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Objective The primary aim of this study was to investigate the association between physical activity (PA) and sitting time on adults’ mental health (i.e., depression, anxiety and wellbeing) and the influence of mediators and confounders. Methods An online survey was disseminated in the UK between May and June 2020. A total of 284 participants (33.5 ± 12.4 years) self-reported their PA, sitting time and mental health through validated questionnaires. Results Multiple stepwise regression analysis revealed that being of younger age, female, on a lower income, with one or more comorbid health conditions, with a previous diagnosis of mood disorder and increased sitting time independently correlated with higher depression scores (F (13,219) = 12.31, p < 0.001), and explained 42% of the variance. Similar results were found for wellbeing where socio-demographic, health outcomes and sitting time influenced the subjective wellbeing (F (14,218) = 5.77, p < 0.001, 27% variance), although only socio-demographic and health outcomes contributed to the variation in anxiety score (F (13,219) = 7.84, p < 0.001, 32% variance). PA did not explain variation when sitting time was taken into account in any of the models. Combined analysis revealed that participants with lower sedentary time (< 8 h) and with both low or moderate and high PA presented a significantly lower depression score [low PA: (B = −2.7, 95% CI −4.88, −0.52); moderate and high PA (B = −2.7, −4.88, −0.52)]. Conclusion Sitting time was strongly associated with adverse mental health during COVID-19 lockdown and should be considered in future public health recommendations.

scholarly journals Exploring activity levels in physical education lessons in the UK: a cross-sectional examination of activity types and fitness levels

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. e000924
Author(s):  
Nick Beale ◽  
Emma Eldridge ◽  
Anne Delextrat ◽  
Patrick Esser ◽  
Oliver Bushnell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Education ◽  
Multilevel Models ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Registration Number ◽  
Global Norms ◽  
Cross Sectional Design ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Fitness Levels

ObjectivesTo establish pupil fitness levels, and the relationship to global norms and physical education (PE) enjoyment. To measure and describe physical activity (PA) levels during secondary school PE lessons, in the context of recommended levels, and how levels vary with activity and lesson type.MethodsA cross-sectional design; 10 697 pupils aged 12.5 (SD 0.30) years; pupils who completed a multistage fitness test and wore accelerometers to measure PA during PE lessons. Multilevel models estimated fitness and PE activity levels, accounting for school and class-level clustering.ResultsCardiorespiratory fitness was higher in boys than girls (ß=−0.48; 95% CI −0.56 to −0.39, p<0.001), within absolute terms 51% of boys and 54% of girls above the 50th percentile of global norms. On average, pupils spent 23.8% of PE lessons in moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA), and 7.1% in vigorous PA (VPA). Fitness-focused lessons recorded most VPA in co-educational (ß=1.09; 95% CI 0.43 to 1.74) and boys-only lessons (ß=0.32; 95% CI −0.21 to 0.85). In girls-only lessons, track athletics recorded most VPA (ß=0.13; 95% CI −0.50 to 0.75) and net/wall/racket games (ß=0.97; 95% CI 0.12 to 1.82) the most MVPA. For all lesson types, field athletics was least active (ß=−0.85; 95% CI −1.33 to −0.36). There was a relationship of enjoyment of PE to fitness (ß=1.03; 95% CI 0.83 to 1.23), and this relationship did not vary with sex (ß=−0.14 to 0.23; 95% CI −0.16 to 0.60).ConclusionsPE lessons were inactive compared with current guidelines. We propose that if we are to continue to develop a range of sporting skills in schools at the same time as increasing levels of fitness and PA, there is a need to introduce additional sessions of PE activity focused on increasing physical activity.Trial registration numberNCT03286725.

scholarly journals Multi-Component Physical Activity Interventions in the UK Must Consider Determinants of Activity to Increase Effectiveness

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 56
Author(s):  
Mark A. Faghy ◽  
Kirsty E. Armstrong-Booth ◽  
Vicki Staples ◽  
Micheal J. Duncan ◽  
Clare M. P. Roscoe
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Theoretical Basis ◽  
School Setting ◽  
School Age Children ◽  
Moderate Activity ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Daily Consumption ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Light Activity ◽  
The Uk

Interventions to increase physical activity in children have adopted broad approaches and achieved varying success. There is a need to adopt approaches underpinned with a theoretical basis. Accordingly, the aim here was to implement and evaluate a 12-week intervention designed using the concepts of the COM-B model to determine the effect this has on physical activity levels. One hundred and forty-seven school-age children (mean age 8.9 ± 1.3 years) took part in a 12-week program delivered in a school setting. Topics included physical activity, healthy eating, sleep quality and reducing screen time/sedentary activities when not in school. A sample of participants wore a wrist-worn accelerometer for seven days pre-and post-intervention (N = 11). The physical activity frequency was unchanged (2.9 ± 1.0 AU) when compared with post-intervention values (3.1 ± 0.8 AU, mean increase 6.8 ± 3.7%, p > 0.05). Changes were observed in the daily consumption of fruit and vegetables (pre-intervention 44.6% vs. post-intervention 60.2%, p < 0.05). Sedentary time, light activity, moderate activity and vigorous activity were unchanged post-intervention (p > 0.05). There is a need to adopt a broader approach that incorporates a theoretical basis and considers the complex ways by which physical activity behaviours are influenced.

scholarly journals Understanding Leisure Centre-Based Physical Activity after Physical Activity Referral: Evidence from Scheme Participants and Completers in Northumberland UK

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. 2957
Author(s):  
Jordan Bell ◽  
Lis Neubeck ◽  
Kai Jin ◽  
Paul Kelly ◽  
Coral L. Hanson
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Administrative Data ◽  
World Health Organisation ◽  
Ordinal Regression ◽  
World Health ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
The World ◽  
The Uk

Physical activity referral schemes (PARS) are a popular physical activity (PA) intervention in the UK. Little is known about the type, intensity and duration of PA undertaken during and post PARS. We calculated weekly leisure centre-based moderate/vigorous PA for PARS participants (n = 448) and PARS completers (n = 746) in Northumberland, UK, between March 2019–February 2020 using administrative data. We categorised activity levels (<30 min/week, 30–149 min/week and ≥150 min/week) and used ordinal regression to examine predictors for activity category achieved. PARS participants took part in a median of 57.0 min (IQR 26.0–90.0) and PARS completers a median of 68.0 min (IQR 42.0–100.0) moderate/vigorous leisure centre-based PA per week. Being a PARS completer (OR: 2.14, 95% CI: 1.61–2.82) was a positive predictor of achieving a higher level of physical activity category compared to PARS participants. Female PARS participants were less likely (OR: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.43–0.97) to achieve ≥30 min of moderate/vigorous LCPA per week compared to male PARS participants. PARS participants achieved 38.0% and PARS completers 45.3% of the World Health Organisation recommended ≥150 min of moderate/vigorous weekly PA through leisure centre use. Strategies integrated within PARS to promote PA outside of leisure centre-based activity may help participants achieve PA guidelines.

scholarly journals Parents’ and Early Childhood Educators’ Perceptions on Movement and Learning Program Implementation

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (22) ◽  
pp. 11913
Author(s):  
Myrto F. Mavilidi ◽  
Sue Bennett ◽  
Fred Paas ◽  
Anthony D. Okely ◽  
Spyridoula Vazou
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Early Childhood ◽  
Program Implementation ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Early Childhood Educators ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Learning Program ◽  
Home Based ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Program Components

There is currently limited evidence on parents’ and early childhood educators’ perspectives on implementing programs that combine cognitive and motor tasks in early childhood. An online survey was distributed across Australia through social network platforms and emails at preschool centres, asking 65 parents of preschool children and early childhood educators about their preferences on program delivery, duration, and mode. Responses from the survey were evaluated in order to develop and pilot a 4 week home-based (n = 5 parents) and a 6 week school-based program (n = 5 educators) including cognitively engaging physical activity, requesting parents’ and educators’ perspectives, respectively, about the program components. Results from the online survey showed a preference for programs with online (e.g., video-based) compared to traditional delivery (e.g., books), emphasising the potential benefits on children’s physical activity levels, sleep, and cognitive function. However, after piloting the program, educators preferred to use the book version instead of the video. This program has the potential to become part of daily regular practice. Barriers reported include logistics issues (i.e., book size), connectivity issues with internet, and the need for varying activities.

scholarly journals Mindsets Predict Physical Activity and Relate to Chosen Management Strategies in Individuals with Knee Osteoarthritis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melissa A. Boswell ◽  
Kris M. Evans ◽  
Sean R. Zion ◽  
Danielle Z. Boles ◽  
Jennifer L. Hicks ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Knee Osteoarthritis ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Group A ◽  
Test Retest Reliability ◽  
The Relationship

Objectives. We compared mindsets about physical activity among those with and without knee osteoarthritis and investigated if these mindsets relate to physical activity level and symptom management. Methods. Participants with (n=150) and without (n=152) knee osteoarthritis completed an online survey at study enrollment (T1). Participants with knee osteoarthritis repeated the survey three weeks later (T2; n=62). The mindset questionnaire, scored from 1-4, assessed the extent to which individuals associate the process of exercising with less appeal-focused qualities (e.g., boring, painful, isolating, and depriving) vs. appeal-focused (e.g., fun, pleasurable, social, and indulgent) versus. Using linear regression, we examined the relationship between mindset and having knee osteoarthritis, and, in the subgroup of participants with knee osteoarthritis, the relationship between mindset at T1 and physical activity (via the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly) at T2. We also compared mindsets between those who use medication for management and those who use exercise. Results. A less appeal-focused mindset regarding physical activity was marginally associated with having knee osteoarthritis (β=-0.125, P=0.096). Within the knee osteoarthritis group, a more appeal-focused mindset predicted higher future physical activity (β=20.68, P=0.039), controlling for current physical activity, demographics, and health. Individuals that used exercise with or without pain medication or injections had more appeal-focused process mindsets than those who used medication or injections without exercise (P<0.001). Further, the process mindset inventory demonstrated strong internal consistency (α=0.92 at T1 for n=150 and α=0.92 at T2 for n=62) and test-retest reliability (ICC>0.841, P<0.001) within the knee osteoarthritis population. Conclusion. In individuals with knee osteoarthritis, mindsets predict future physical activity levels and relate to an individual's management strategy. Mindsets are a reliable and malleable construct and may be a valuable target for increasing physical activity and improving adherence to rehabilitation strategies involving exercise among individuals with knee osteoarthritis.

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