scholarly journals Web-Based Physical Activity Intervention for COPD: Differences Between Rural and Urban Veterans

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 497-497
Author(s):  
Stephanie Robinson ◽  
Stephanie Shimada ◽  
Caroline Richardson ◽  
Marilyn Moy
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Behavior Change ◽  
Physical Activity Intervention ◽  
Community Intervention ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Step Count ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Step Counts ◽  
Rural And Urban ◽  
Count Change

Abstract Physical activity is recommended for all patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a disease prevalent among older adults. Rural Veterans often lack access to in-person services to support behavior change. Technology can be used to overcome these barriers. This secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial compared engagement (weekly website-logons) and efficacy (step-count change) measures of a 4-month technology-based physical activity intervention between rural and urban Veterans with COPD. Rural-urban commuting codes (RUCA) were used to classify participants (N=239; mean age=66.7±8.84 years) as ‘rural’ or ‘urban’. Participants were randomized 2:1 to a pedometer and website with iterative, individualized step-count feedback and goals, motivational and informational messages, and an online community (intervention group, n=155, 45.8% rural) or to receive a pedometer-alone (waitlist-control group, n=84, 44% rural). General linear modeling estimated the adjusted effect of rurality on intervention response. There was no significant rural-urban difference in weekly website-logons (3.33 vs. 3.17; p=.364). There was a significant interaction between rurality and group on step-count change (p=.045). Among rural participants, both intervention and controls increased their step counts (567.32 vs. 732.30; p=.769). Among urban participants, the intervention group demonstrated a significantly higher change in step-counts compared to controls (1052.67 vs. -313.57; p=.008). Results suggest that rural participants increased their step-counts similarly whether they received a pedometer alone or used the intervention, whereas only urban participants who used the intervention increased their step counts. It is possible that simply receiving the pedometer alone was sufficient for behavior change in the rural participants.

Workplace health programme among individuals with metabolic syndrome

2015 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 175-188
Author(s):  
Chee Huei Phing ◽  
Hazizi Abu Saad ◽  
Barakatun Nisak Mohd Yusof ◽  
Mohd Nasir Mohd Taib
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
Physical Activity Intervention ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Step Count ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Step Counts

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to ascertain the effect of a physical activity intervention using a combination of Facebook and standing banners on improvements in metabolic syndrome. Design/methodology/approach – In all, 120 (82.8 per cent) government employees with metabolic syndrome completed the programme. A Lifecorder e-STEP accelerometer (Suzuken Company Limited, Nagoya, Japan) was utilized to quantify physical activity. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to “Harmonized” definition at baseline, post-intervention and follow-up. Findings – There were significantly higher step counts in the intervention group as compared to the control group over time. There were significant within-group differences in the step count at the baseline, post-intervention and follow-up assessments (p < 0.001) in both the intervention and control groups. The step count of the intervention group increased by 4,522 steps in the post-intervention assessment compared to the assessment at baseline. The step count of the intervention group in the follow-up assessment was lower than in the post-intervention assessment, but it was still 2,126 steps higher than at baseline. For control group, the difference between the post-intervention assessment and the assessment at baseline was 520 steps per day, while the difference between the follow-up assessment and assessment at baseline was 379 steps per day. The greatest decrease in the percentage of metabolic syndrome was observed in the intervention group, with a reduction of 88.6 per cent in the post-intervention assessment as compared to that at baseline. Research limitations/implications – Future studies should incorporate measures which will be of interest to employers. Greater understanding and assessment of desirable employer-related outcomes are warranted, such as decreased job stress, turnover, absenteeism and improved job satisfaction, productivity and exploration of how these associated with physical activity. Practical implications – The findings show that delivering information on physical activity through an easily implemented and low-cost physical activity intervention via a combination of Facebook and standing banners was successful in improving step counts and metabolic parameters among individuals with metabolic syndrome. Social implications – The findings draw on supporting evidence for advocacy, which is about influencing the larger environment of public policy, and raising awareness of a single programme is insufficient to create lasting social change. Public policy must be shaped in a way that will sustain change across institutions. Originality/value – Despite the well-documented health benefits of physical activity, a growing number of people not achieving the recommended levels of physical activity necessary for good health. Importantly, the study provides a new insight on lifestyle-based physical activity interventions capable of improving step counts and metabolic parameters.

Bizzy Break! The Effect of a Classroom-Based Activity Break on In-School Physical Activity Levels of Primary School Children

2013 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 300-307 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elaine Murtagh ◽  
Maureen Mulvihill ◽  
Oonagh Markey
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Primary School ◽  
School Children ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Primary School Children ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Step Counts ◽  
Significant Difference

The school has been identified as a key setting to promote physical activity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a classroom-based activity break on in-school step counts of primary school children. Data for 90 children (49 boys, 41 girls, 9.3 ± 1.4 years) from three Irish primary schools is presented. In each school one class was randomly assigned as the intervention group and another as controls. Children’s step counts were measured for five consecutive days during school hours at baseline and follow-up. Teachers of the intervention classes led a 10 min activity break in the classroom each day (Bizzy Break!). Mean daily in-school steps for the intervention at baseline and follow-up were 5351 and 5054. Corresponding values for the control group were 5469 and 4246. There was a significant difference in the change in daily steps from baseline to follow-up between groups (p < .05). There was no evidence that girls and boys responded differently to the intervention (p > .05). Children participating in a daily 10 min classroom-based activity break undertake more physical activity during school hours than controls.

scholarly journals A 10-Month Physical Activity Intervention Improves Body Composition in Young Black Boys

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cheryl A. Howe ◽  
Ryan A. Harris ◽  
Bernard Gutin
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Body Composition ◽  
Physical Activity Intervention ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Skills Development ◽  
After School ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Black Boys ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Group A

Objective. To determine if a 10-month after-school physical activity (PA) intervention could prevent deleterious changes in body composition and cardiovascular (CV) fitness in young black boys.Methods. Following baseline measures, 106 boys (8–12 yrs) were randomized to either a control group or an intervention group, further divided into attenders (ATT) and nonattenders (NATT), participating in ≥60% or <60% of the intervention, respectively. The daily intervention consisted of skills development (25 min), vigorous PA (VPA, 35 min), and strengthening/stretching (20 min) components. Body composition was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.Results. Following the intervention, the ATT exhibited an increase in moderate-to-vigorous PA and a significant reduction in BMI, fat mass, and %BF compared to the control group. A significant association among the intervention energy expenditure and changes in body composition and CV fitness was observed only in the ATT group.Conclusion. An after-school PA program of sufficient length and intensity can promote healthy changes in body composition and fitness levels in black boys who attend at least 3 days/week.

A Physical Activity Intervention Program in School is Also Accompanied by Higher Leisure-Time Physical Activity: A Prospective Controlled 3-Year Study in 194 Prepubertal Children

2017 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 301-307 ◽  
Author(s):  
Felix Cronholm ◽  
Björn E. Rosengren ◽  
Caroline Karlsson ◽  
Magnus K. Karlsson
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Leisure Time ◽  
Intervention Program ◽  
Physical Activity Intervention ◽  
Leisure Time Physical Activity ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Environmental Interventions ◽  
Prepubertal Children ◽  
Sedentary Activities

Background:The activity-stat theory infers that total physical activity (PA) in children is constant, independent of environmental interventions.Methods:We conducted a 3-year prospective population-based controlled PA intervention study including, at baseline, 7- to 9-year-old children (66 boys, 40 girls in the intervention and 50 boys, 38 girls in the control group). PA was increased in the intervention group from 60 to 200 minutes/week, while the controls maintained 60 minutes/week. We registered weekly duration of total PA and leisure-time PA and daily duration of sedentary activities, through questionnaires at baseline and 2 and 3 years after baseline.Results:Between intervention and control groups PA was similar before intervention start. After intervention start, total PA in both genders was increased during the entire period (P-values adjusted for age and Tanner stage at follow-up between 0.001 and 0.002). Duration of sedentary activities was unchanged with no group differences. Children in the intervention group changed their behavior so that they also achieved more leisure-time PA.Conclusions:A 3-year school-based PA intervention program in prepubertal children increases the duration of total PA without increasing the duration of sedentary activities, and the program seems to initiate more PA during leisure-time. Our results refute the activity-stat theory.

scholarly journals Use of Featforward Mobile Phone App Associated with Decreased Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Patients with Chronic Conditions (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara B Golas ◽  
Ramya Palacholla ◽  
Amanda Centi ◽  
Odeta Dyrmishi ◽  
Stephen Agboola ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Mobile Phone ◽  
Chronic Conditions ◽  
Primary Outcome ◽  
Fasting Blood Glucose ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Step Count ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Activity Trackers ◽  
Secondary Outcomes

BACKGROUND Physical inactivity is one of the leading risk factors contributing to rising rates of chronic diseases and has been associated with deleterious health outcomes in patients with chronic disease conditions. FeatForward is a mobile phone app designed to encourage patients with cardiometabolic risk (CMR) factors to increase their levels of physical activity. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of the FeatForward mobile phone app on physical activity levels (primary outcome) and global CMR factors (secondary outcomes) in patients with chronic conditions. METHODS In this 6-month, 2-arm randomized controlled trial, adult participants endorsing at least 1 study-eligible condition (obesity, [pre-]diabetes, [pre-]hypertension) were enrolled and assigned to either the intervention group (FeatForward app and standard care) or control group (standard care only). The primary and secondary outcomes were, respectively, change from baseline in physical activity (step count) and CMR factors (weight, body mass index [BMI], waist circumference, glycated hemoglobin [HbA1c], fasting blood glucose, systolic/diastolic blood pressures, serum lipids, C-reactive protein [CRP]). CMR data were collected at 3 time-points: baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. Step count data were recorded continuously by patients’ study-issued activity trackers and collected in batches at 3 and 6 months. At study end, patients’ weekly average step counts (WAS) were calculated as total steps taken divided by days of step data (0-7) for each of 26 study weeks. Mixed-effects linear regression models evaluated change over time between groups for the primary outcome and secondary outcomes. All models controlled for baseline values. The step count model additionally controlled for proportion of days without data, defined as (7 – days of data) / 7. Analyses were conducted for both groups overall, and by disease cohort (obesity, diabetes, hypertension). RESULTS Step count and CMR data were analyzed for 128 intervention and 133 control patients. There were no demographic differences between groups. While there was an overall downward trend in WAS for both groups, the intervention group decreased significantly less than the control group, with a slope of -29.3 steps per week compared to controls’ -57.9 (P=.02). Intervention patients with obesity slightly increased their step count overtime, differing significantly from controls (slope of 0.9 vs -90.2; P<.001). Intervention patients significantly lowered their BMI per study month compared to controls (slopes -0.23 vs -0.02; P=.04). Additionally, intervention patients with hypertension significantly decreased weight (P=.003), BMI (P=.002), and CRP (P=.03) per month compared to the control group. Waist circumference, HbA1c, fasting blood glucose, blood pressure, and lipids did not differ significantly by group or disease cohort over time. CONCLUSIONS While it is common for patient engagement with physical activity trackers to decrease over the course of a study, patients using the FeatFoward app had a slower decline in physical activity compared to controls. Intervention patients experienced a reduction in their BMI from a mean of 34.3 to 33.4, compared to controls’ 34.8 to 35.0. Patients with hypertension experienced significant decreases in BMI, weight, and CRP compared to controls. Future analyses will evaluate the impact of app engagement levels on step counts and CMR factors for the intervention group.

scholarly journals Effects of a Nine-Month Physical Activity Intervention on Morphological Characteristics and Motor and Cognitive Skills of Preschool Children

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (18) ◽  
pp. 6609
Author(s):  
Damjan Jaksic ◽  
Sandra Mandic ◽  
Nebojsa Maksimovic ◽  
Zoran Milosevic ◽  
Roberto Roklicer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Preschool Children ◽  
Motor Skills ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Cognitive Skills ◽  
Physical Activity Intervention ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Morphological Characteristics ◽  
Assessment System ◽  
Control Group

(1) Background: Regular physical activity (PA) plays an important role during early childhood physical and psychological development. This study investigates the effects of a 9-month PA intervention on physiological characteristics and motor and cognitive skills in preschool children. (2) Methods: Preschool children (n = 132; age 4 to 7 years) attending regular preschool programs were nonrandomly assigned to PA intervention (n = 66; 60 min sessions twice per week) or a control group (n = 66; no additional organized PA program) for 9 months. Exercise training for the intervention group included various sports games, outdoor activities, martial arts, yoga, and dance. Anthropometry, motor skills (7 tests), and cognitive skills (Raven’s Colored Progressive Matrices and Cognitive Assessment System) were assessed before and after an intervention period in both groups. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA. (3) Results: Body weight significantly increased in both groups over time. Compared to the changes observed in the control group, the intervention group significantly increased in chest circumference (p = 0.022). In contrast, the control group demonstrated an increase in waist circumference (p = 0.001), while these measures in the intervention group remained stable. Participants in the intervention group improved running speed (p = 0.016) and standing broad jump (p = 0.000). The flexibility level was maintained in the intervention group, while a significant decrease was observed in the control group (p = 0.010). Children from the intervention group demonstrated progress in the bent-arm hang test (p = 0.001), unlike the control group subjects. Varied improvements in cognitive skills were observed for different variables in both intervention and control groups, with no robust evidence for PA-intervention-related improvements. (4) Conclusions: Preschool children’s participation in a preschool PA intervention improves their motor skills.

scholarly journals Feasibility and Effectiveness of a Wearable Technology-Based Physical Activity Intervention in Preschoolers: A Pilot Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (9) ◽  
pp. 1821 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wonwoo Byun ◽  
Erica Lau ◽  
Timothy Brusseau
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Parent Education ◽  
Physical Activity Intervention ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Intervention Strategies ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Classroom Teachers ◽  
Parent Perception ◽  
Childcare Centers

The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the feasibility and the effectiveness of an intervention that employed a technology-based physical activity (PA) monitoring system and teacher-regulated strategies to promote PA in preschoolers. A total of 93 preschoolers (53% girls, 4.7 years) from 5 child care centers were recruited for a one-week intervention and randomly assigned into control (2 centers, n = 45) or intervention (3 centers, n = 48) group. Key intervention components included: (1) wearable device-based, real-time monitoring of children’s PA by classroom teachers and (2) teacher-regulated strategies for providing more opportunities for PA. Sedentary behavior (SED) and PA were measured using accelerometers. Overall, children in the intervention group showed significantly lower level of SED (31.6 vs. 33.6 min/h) and higher level of total PA (28.4 vs. 26.4 min/h) than children in the control group, after adjusting for age, sex, race, parent education level, parent perception of their child’s PA, BMI, and childcare centers. Teachers in the intervention group reported that the intervention was highly feasible to be implemented in their current classroom settings. In conclusion, we observed high acceptability and initial effectiveness of the current intervention. Subsequent research at larger-scale is warranted to fully evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention strategies tested in this study.

scholarly journals Controlled Evaluation of a Physical Activity Intervention for Senior School Students: Effects of the Lifetime Activity Program

2006 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 252-268 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Lubans ◽  
Kathy Sylva
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
High School Students ◽  
Physical Activity Intervention ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Exercise Program ◽  
Analysis Of Covariance ◽  
Learning Theories ◽  
Control Group ◽  
School Students ◽  
Significant Group

This study describes the development, implementation, and evaluation of a structured physical activity intervention designed for high school students (years 11 and 12). A sample of 78 students was randomly allocated to control or intervention conditions for a period of ten weeks. Students in the control group (n = 40) participated in unstructured physical activity in a health and fitness center. Students in the intervention group (n = 38) participated in a ten-week structured health and exercise program based on Banduraʼs social learning theories. At the initial posttest, a number of statistically significant group differences were found using analysis of covariance. The intervention group reported more physical activity and improved exercise self-efficacy in comparison to the control group. At the 3-month follow-up, no statistically significant differences in physical activity were found. Results from this study suggest that a well-organized exercise-based program can be effective in increasing physical activity behavior of adolescents on a short-term basis.

scholarly journals Physical Activity Intervention Effects on Sedentary Time in Spanish-Speaking Latinas

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 343-348
Author(s):  
Sheri J. Hartman ◽  
Dori Pekmezi ◽  
Shira I. Dunsiger ◽  
Bess H. Marcus
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Sedentary Behavior ◽  
Sedentary Time ◽  
Physical Activity Intervention ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Spanish Speaking ◽  
Objectively Measured

Background: Latinas have high rates of sedentary behavior and related health disparities, but it is unknown if interventions to increase physical activity will also reduce sedentary time. The current study examined changes in objectively measured sedentary time among Latinas in a randomized controlled trial of a physical activity intervention. Methods: Spanish-speaking Latinas (N = 202) were randomized to an exercise or wellness group and wore an accelerometer at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. Results: Participants were sedentary on an average of 8.86 hours per day (SD = 2.60) at baseline. The intervention group had significantly greater increases in sedentary time compared with the control group, with the intervention group engaging in 146 more minutes per week of sedentary time at 6 months and 254 minutes per week of sedentary time at 12 months than the control group (P = .02). The intervention effect on sedentary behavior remained after controlling for moderate to vigorous physical activity. Additionally, time spent in moderate to vigorous physical activity was positively associated with more sedentary time (P = .04). Conclusion: An intervention to increase moderate to vigorous physical activity resulted in greater sedentary time, raising concerns regarding compensation and highlighting the need for interventions to address both physical activity and sedentary behavior to improve public health.

Randomized web-based physical activity intervention in adolescent survivors of childhood cancer.

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (7_suppl) ◽  
pp. 102-102
Author(s):  
Carrie R Howell ◽  
Kevin R. Krull ◽  
Robyn Partin, MS ◽  
Nina S. Kadan-Lottick ◽  
Leslie L. Robison ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Childhood Cancer ◽  
Physical Activity Intervention ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Activity Monitor ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Educational Materials ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Survivors Of Childhood Cancer ◽  
Over Time

102 Background: This study of adolescent survivors of childhood cancer evaluated the initial efficacy of a web-delivered, interactive, rewards-based physical activity intervention that aimed to increase moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and improve fitness, neurocognitive and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) outcomes over 24 weeks. Methods: Survivors (aged ≥ 11 to < 15 years) who were not undergoing active cancer treatment, were physically active < 60 minutes/day and were treated at a single institution were randomized (2:1) to a rewards-based physical activity intervention delivered via the internet or a control group. The intervention group received educational materials, an activity monitor, and access to an interactive website designed to motivate increased physical activity via rewards (e.g. t-shirts, stickers, gift cards) and the control group received only the activity monitor and educational materials. Physical activity, fitness, neurocognitive and HRQoL outcomes were assessed at baseline and 24-weeks. Mean changes in outcomes were compared between groups using paired t-tests. Results: Of 97 survivors enrolled, 78 completed the study (53 in the intervention group, 25 in the control group), the mean age was 12.7 (SD 1.1), 80% were white, and 55.1% were female. The intervention group increased their MVPA over time (mean change in weekly MVPA: 4.7 minutes [SD 119.9]), while the control group steadily decreased their weekly MVPA (-24.3 minutes [SD 89.7]) (p = 0.30). In the intervention group, mean change in hand grip strength (p = 0.01), number of sit-ups (p < 0.01) and push-ups (p < 0.01), neurocognitive measures (e.g. verbal executive function, p < 0.01), and HRQoL outcomes (e.g. overall HRQoL, p = 0.01; physical function, p = 0.01) improved over time; no change was observed in the control group. Conclusions: These preliminary findings indicate that increasing MVPA via an intervention designed to increase motivation to exercise may have positive effects on fitness, neurocognitive and HRQoL outcomes in adolescent survivors of childhood cancer. Clinical trial information: NCT01778127.

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