A - 31 Competitiveness Drives Young University Students off the Couch

2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
pp. 671-671
Author(s):  
Wong RE ◽  
Webber AM ◽  
Bergauer A ◽  
Dougall N ◽  
Garcia-Barrera MA

Abstract Objective Purpose. Daily physical activity (PA) is effective in supporting cognitive and physical health. However, many Canadians do not meet the public health recommendation of at least 150 mins/week of moderate-to-vigorous PA. The current study examined individual differences in traits such as motivation (intrinsic-IM, extrinsic-EM), and competitiveness, as well as executive abilities (strategic planning; SP) in predicting physical activity and sedentary behaviour. Methods Method. 102 university students ages 18 to 30 (M = 20.78 years; 74% female) were recruited from a mid-sized Canadian city. Using a formula that differentially weighted moderate and vigorous activity (measured with the International PA Questionnaire), we fit a linear model predicting PA within the past week by SP (Executive Function Index), IM and EM (Global Motivation Scale), and competitiveness (Revised Competitiveness Scale). Results Results. Only competitiveness predicted PA within the past week (β = 0.309, p = 0.001). Follow-up regressions indicated enjoyment of the activity being the most predictive component (β =0.231, p = 0.017). Both EM (β = 0.202, p = 0.015) and IM (β = −0.223, p = 0.012) predicted sedentary behaviour when accounting for competitiveness and demographics (age, gender). Conclusions Conclusions. Strategic planning and motivation did not predict exercise within the past week and therefore did not appear to serve as precursors to PA engagement in this university sample. Competitiveness, and in particular the enjoyment of the activity, significantly predicted exercise engagement; however, IM was negatively associated with sedentary behaviour, whereas EM was positively associated, suggesting motivational differences in sedentary behaviour but not physical exercise. Further research is required to account for individual differences in physical activity engagement.

2021 ◽  
pp. 001789692110071
Author(s):  
Robin Keahey ◽  
Nicole White ◽  
Annie Duchesne ◽  
Chelsea A Pelletier

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a theory-grounded, text message–based intervention targeting sedentary behaviour among university students. Design: Single-group repeated measures design. Setting: Post-secondary institution in British Columbia, Canada. Methods: Data concerning students’ sedentary behaviour were collected via online survey completed at three time points over the course of one university semester: baseline (T1), post-intervention (T2) and 2-week follow-up (T3). The 6-week intervention comprised four weekly text messages delivered to participants’ mobile devices. Participants’ attitudes regarding the intervention were evaluated together with other measures including constructs in the Health Action Process Approach (HAPA). Sedentary behaviour and physical activity were measured using the Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Questionnaire (PASB-Q). Results: The intervention was generally well received by participants. Preliminary, observational data suggest some indices of user experience were statistically associated with behavioural outcomes and may inform future work. Hours per week of sedentary behaviour did not change across time points, whereas minutes per week of physical activity decreased significantly from baseline to follow-up. Conclusion: While study findings suggest minor modifications to the intervention may improve participants’ engagement, we demonstrated overall that a theory-grounded, text message–based intervention to reduce sedentary behaviour can be feasibly implemented. The efficacy of this intervention should be tested through a randomised control trial with a representative sample of the student population.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 1190
Author(s):  
Victoria Alcaraz-Serrano ◽  
Ane Arbillaga-Etxarri ◽  
Patricia Oscanoa ◽  
Laia Fernández-Barat ◽  
Leticia Bueno ◽  
...  

Background: Low physical activity and high sedentary behaviour in patients with bronchiectasis are associated with hospitalisation over one year. However, the factors associated with longitudinal changes in physical activity and sedentary behaviour have not been explored. We aimed to identify clinical and sociodemographic characteristics related to a change in physical activity and sedentary behaviour in patients with bronchiectasis after one year. Methods: This was a prospective observational study during which physical activity measurements were recorded using a SenseWear Armband for one week at baseline and at one year. At each assessment point, patients were classified as active or inactive (measured as steps per day) and as sedentary or not sedentary (measured as sedentary time). Results: 53 patients with bronchiectasis were analysed, and after one year, 18 (34%) had worse activity and sedentary levels. Specifically, 10 patients became inactive and sedentary. Multivariable analysis showed that the number of exacerbations during the follow-up period was the only outcome independently associated with change to higher inactivity and sedentary behaviour (odds ratio (OR), 2.19; 95% CI, 1.12 to 4.28). Conclusions: The number of exacerbations in patients with bronchiectasis was associated with changes in physical activity and sedentary behaviour. Exacerbation prevention may appear as a key factor in relation to physical activity and sedentary behaviour in patients with bronchiectasis.


BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. e040865
Author(s):  
Weicong Cai ◽  
Shangmin Chen ◽  
Liping Li ◽  
Pengying Yue ◽  
Xiaofan Yu ◽  
...  

ObjectivesData on the problem of physical activity-related injury (PARI) in university students and the risk factors for PARI among different genders are rare. We conducted a multicentre population-based study to investigate the occurrence of PARI and to explore the gender-specific risk factors for PARI among Chinese university students.DesignCross-sectional study.ParticipantsA total of 5341 students in grades 1–3 at eight universities in four Chinese cities were selected to complete the online questionnaires during March and April 2017. The questionnaires assessed sociodemographic characteristics, physical activity PA) involvement, sleep duration, sedentary behaviour and PARI experiences in the past 12 months.Main outcome measuresPARI during the past 12 months.ResultsAmong the 5341 participants, 1293 suffered from at least one PARI in the past 12 months, with an overall incidence rate of 24.2% (males: 26.2%, females: 23.2%) and an injury risk of 0.38 injuries/student/year (males: 0.48, females: 0.32). Over half of the injured (57.3%) experienced a withdrawal time of PA and nearly two-fifths (39.6%) required medical attention. Irrespective of gender, Shantou and Xi’an students, sports team members and those who engaged in sports and leisure-time vigorous-intensity PA (VPA) at a higher frequency were more likely to suffer from PARI. Male students who participated in sports and leisure-time VPA for long durations had a greater likelihood of sustaining PARI, while having a chronic condition and being involved in sports and leisure-time moderate-intensity PA at a higher frequency and longer duration were potential contributors to PARI among females.ConclusionsThe occurrence of PARI and its risk factors differed by gender, which provides a direction towards developing targeted and effective gender-specific preventative programmes to protect Chinese university students from PARI.


BMJ Open ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (9) ◽  
pp. e021845 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yang Gao ◽  
Weicong Cai ◽  
Lijie Gao ◽  
Jingjing Wang ◽  
Jiehui Liang ◽  
...  

ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate the epidemiological characteristics and preliminarily explore possible risk factors of physical activity-related injury (PARI) occurrences among Chinese university students via a multicentre mixed survey.DesignCross-sectional study.ParticipantsA total of 4758 undergraduates graded 1–3 in nine universities in three Chinese cities were enrolled via cluster random sampling and completed the self-administered online questionnaires during March and April 2017.Main outcome measuresPARI in the past 12 months.ResultsOf the 4758 participants, 1081 sustained PARI in the past 12 months, with an overall PARI incidence rate of 22.7% (27.3% (367/1343) in males and 20.9%(714/3415) in females). Around one-quarter of the injured (26.4%) suffered from PARI over at least three episodes. More than half of the injured subjects experienced physical activity (PA) absenteeism and sought medical attention. All PA indicators were significantly and positively associated with PARI, with a frequency of sports and leisure-time vigorous-intensity PA (VPA) participation being the strongest (adjusted OR: 1.079, 95% CI: 1.018 to 1.144). Moreover, males (OR=1.199), Shantou students (OR=4.239), year 1 students (OR=1.287), university and other sports team members (OR=1.717–2.360) and those with insufficient sleep time (OR=1.262–1.333) were also at a higher risk of PARI.ConclusionsPARI is prevalent among university students in China. The frequency of sports and leisure-time VPA participation was most strongly associated with PARI among all PA indicators. These data can inform future programmes for injury intervention among university students. Safety issues should also be emphasised when promoting PA among the public to reduce PARI.


2018 ◽  
Vol 53 (16) ◽  
pp. 1013-1020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara J Jefferis ◽  
Tessa J Parsons ◽  
Claudio Sartini ◽  
Sarah Ash ◽  
Lucy T Lennon ◽  
...  

ObjectivesTo understand how device-measured sedentary behaviour and physical activity are related to all-cause mortality in older men, an age group with high levels of inactivity and sedentary behaviour.MethodsProspective population-based cohort study of men recruited from 24 UK General Practices in 1978–1980. In 2010–2012, 3137 surviving men were invited to a follow-up, 1655 (aged 71–92 years) agreed. Nurses measured height and weight, men completed health and demographic questionnaires and wore an ActiGraph GT3x accelerometer. All-cause mortality was collected through National Health Service central registers up to 1 June 2016.ResultsAfter median 5.0 years’ follow-up, 194 deaths occurred in 1181 men without pre-existing cardiovascular disease. For each additional 30 min in sedentary behaviour, or light physical activity (LIPA), or 10 min in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), HRs for mortality were 1.17 (95% CI 1.10 to 1.25), 0.83 (95% CI 0.77 to 0.90) and 0.90 (95% CI 0.84 to 0.96), respectively. Adjustments for confounders did not meaningfully change estimates. Only LIPA remained significant on mutual adjustment for all intensities. The HR for accumulating 150 min MVPA/week in sporadic minutes (achieved by 66% of men) was 0.59 (95% CI 0.43 to 0.81) and 0.58 (95% CI 0.33 to 1.00) for accumulating 150 min MVPA/week in bouts lasting ≥10 min (achieved by 16% of men). Sedentary breaks were not associated with mortality.ConclusionsIn older men, all activities (of light intensity upwards) were beneficial and accumulation of activity in bouts ≥10 min did not appear important beyond total volume of activity. Findings can inform physical activity guidelines for older adults.


Author(s):  
Aida Carballo-Fazanes ◽  
Javier Rico-Díaz ◽  
Roberto Barcala-Furelos ◽  
Ezequiel Rey ◽  
José E. Rodríguez-Fernández ◽  
...  

University students, as a result of their lifestyles, represent a section of the population that is most likely to adopt sedentary behaviours. The aim of the present study was to analyse the determining factors dictating the performance of physical activity as well as sedentary behaviour among university students. A total of 608 students (64.6% women) from the University of Santiago de Compostela (Spain) were selected by stratified random sampling to take part in the study, which involved completing a questionnaire on lifestyle and physical activity. Of the participating students, 69.6% indicated that they performed physical activity; the main reasons given were to maintain fitness and for health, while a lack of time and laziness were the principal reasons given for abandoning or not taking up physical exercise. Significant associations were established between not doing physical activity and the time exposed to screens, time studying, feeling low and smoking; on the other hand, associations could be seen between doing physical activity and the participation of relatives (parents, mothers, partners, older siblings and friends) in physical activity, as well as a positive sense of satisfaction relating to physical education taught in schools. In conclusion, most of the university students did some physical activity, which was associated with less sedentary behaviour, while the influence of school physical education and of the habits of relatives played an important role.


2015 ◽  
Vol 43 (3) ◽  
pp. 276-282 ◽  
Author(s):  
Evelin Lätt ◽  
Jarek Mäestu ◽  
Francisco B Ortega ◽  
Triin Rääsk ◽  
Toivo Jürimäe ◽  
...  

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. e030322 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yajie Lv ◽  
Li Cai ◽  
Zhaohuan Gui ◽  
Xia Zeng ◽  
Minyi Tan ◽  
...  

IntroductionAlthough studies showed that physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour (SB) were associated with cardiometabolic risk factors and cognitive function, both independent and combined associations among them are inconsistent. Cardiometabolic risk factors are also associated with cognitive function, but research of children is limited. Additionally, the brain level mechanisms have not been fully established. The proposed study aims to explore the associations and mechanisms of PA and SB on cognitive function and cardiometabolic risk factors in children.Methods and analysisThis is a school-based prospective cohort study. A total of 8324 participants of this study are primary school students aged 7–12 years old who are followed up every 2 years from January 2017 to December 2026. We used a stratified cluster random sampling to select five primary schools in Guangzhou, China. There are three phases at baseline. At phase I, we collect PA, SB and cognitive function by questionnaires and also conduct anthropometric and biochemical measurements in all participants. At phase II, PA, SB and cognitive function are measured respectively by accelerometers and cognitive tasks among participants randomly selected from four subgroups with different SB and PA levels. At phase III, event-related potentials are recorded using electroencephalogram during a cognitive task among participants randomly selected from phase II. We plan to follow-up all participants until they graduate from high school. The process applied at baseline and follow-up are approximately identical.Ethics and disseminationProcedures described in this manuscript have been approved by the Ethical Review Committee for Biomedical Research, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University (L2016-010). All parents or guardians of participants signed the informed consent form voluntarily before participating in the study. The findings of the study will be published in peer-reviewed journals.Trial registration numberNCT03582709


Author(s):  
Helen Quirk ◽  
Steve Haake

Abstract Background The “parkrun: running or volunteering for everyone” (PROVE) project was an example of a community-based physical activity and volunteering initiative for people living with long-term health conditions in England. The 3 year project involved appointing volunteer Outreach Ambassadors whose role was to promote parkrun to people living with long-term health conditions through various outreach activities. This qualitative study aimed to understand the experience of delivering the project from the perspective of volunteer Outreach Ambassadors and the PROVE Project Manager. Methods The PROVE Project Manager and ten PROVE Outreach Ambassadors across nine health condition groups were interviewed by the researcher (asthma, blood pressure, deaf and hard of hearing, dementia, diabetes, endometriosis, heart conditions, learning disabilities and/or autism, and obesity). Interview transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis. Results Four themes and nine sub-themes were generated. The participants highlighted challenges in measuring the project’s success and bringing about meaningful and lasting change, and reflected on the value of the project as a learning opportunity. Despite some successes, it was thought that the project had limited reach outside of the existing parkrun community. The Outreach Ambassadors reflected on their experiences in the role and the skills required, finding it rewarding and highlighting the importance of networking and forming connections with key stakeholders. The findings are discussed in comparison to interviews conducted with the Outreach Ambassadors 12 months earlier. Conclusions This study provides evidence to support the public health potential of parkrun though targeted initiatives such as the PROVE project and provides a critical reflection on what worked and what did not work when delivering the project. The findings have relevance for organisations wishing to implement similar outreach initiatives using a volunteer workforce, including recommendations for resource management, communication, leadership, fostering volunteer autonomy and defining and capturing success.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
B Barone Gibbs ◽  
C E Kline ◽  
K A Huber ◽  
J L Paley ◽  
S Perera

Abstract Background Emerging cross-sectional reports find that the COVID-19 pandemic and related social restrictions negatively affect lifestyle behaviours and mental health in general populations. Aims To study the longitudinal impact of COVID-19 on work practices, lifestyle and well-being among desk workers during shelter-at-home restrictions. Methods We added follow-up after completion of a clinical trial among desk workers to longitudinally measure sedentary behaviour, physical activity, sleep, diet, mood, quality of life and work-related health using validated questionnaires and surveys. We compared outcomes assessed before and during COVID-19 shelter-at-home restrictions. We assessed whether changes in outcomes differed by remote working status (always, changed to or never remote) using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Results Participants (N = 112; 69% female; mean (SD) age = 45.4 (12.3) years; follow-up = 13.5 (6.8) months) had substantial changes to work practices, including 72% changing to remote work. Deleterious changes from before to during shelter-at-home included: 1.3 (3.5)-h increase in non-workday sedentary behaviour; 0.7 (2.8)-point worsening of sleep quality; 8.5 (21.2)-point increase in mood disturbance; reductions in five of eight quality of life subscales; 0.5 (1.1)-point decrease in work-related health (P < 0.05). Other outcomes, including diet, physical activity and workday sedentary behaviour, remained stable (P ≥ 0.05). Workers who were remote before and during the pandemic had greater increases in non-workday sedentary behaviour and stress, with greater declines in physical functioning. Wake time was delayed overall by 41 (61) min, and more so in workers who changed to remote. Conclusions Employers should consider supporting healthy lifestyle and well-being among desk workers during pandemic-related social restrictions, regardless of remote working status.


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