Are incremental changes in physical activity and sedentary behaviours associated with improved employee health?

Purpose – The workplace offers an ideal setting for facilitating physical activity and reducing sedentary behaviours. Understanding employees’ current health behaviours is required to inform appropriate, tailored, health promotion interventions. The purpose of this paper is to compare the physical activity and sedentary behaviours over 12 months of employees within and across five UK organisations. The paper also explores the association of these health behaviours with objective and self-reported health outcomes; and investigates the association between physical activity and sedentary behaviours. Design/methodology/approach – Self-reported physical activity and sedentary behaviours were recorded at four time points (baseline, three, six, 12 months). BMI, per cent body fat, waist circumference, blood pressure and resting heart rate were collected in health checks (baseline, 12 months). Well-being and health were collected via questionnaire. Findings – Low physical activity and high sedentariness were evident. Sitting levels varied by occupational role and organisation. More activity was associated with improved health outcomes; no association was evident for sedentary behaviour. No direct effects of occupational role or organisation on health outcomes emerged after accounting for physical activity/sedentary behaviours. Physical activity and sedentary levels were weakly associated. Practical implications – The low activity levels are of particular concern as linked to health outcomes for this sample. The weak association between behaviours suggests worksite interventions should target both behaviours. Originality/value – This study provides insight into both the physical activity and sedentary behaviours of employees of large UK employers across different occupational sectors over 12 months; importantly it is informed by the most recent guidance for these health behaviours.

Download Full-text

Pathways from emotional intelligence to well-being and health outcomes among unemployed: Mediation by health-promoting behaviours

Journal of Health Psychology ◽

10.1177/1359105320974431 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 135910532097443

Author(s):

María Angeles Peláez-Fernández ◽

Lourdes Rey ◽

Natalio Extremera

Keyword(s):

Emotional Intelligence ◽

Health Outcomes ◽

Health Behaviours ◽

Well Being ◽

Growth Stress ◽

Subjective Well Being ◽

Health Promoting ◽

Reported Health ◽

The Unemployed ◽

The Relationship

This study investigated whether health-promoting behaviours mediate the relationship between emotional intelligence (EI) and well-being and health outcomes in the unemployed population. Spanish unemployed (N = 530) completed questionnaires of EI, health-promoting lifestyles, subjective well-being and perceived health. Path-analytic results showed that EI predicted well-being and self-reported health. Health-promoting behaviours: spiritual growth, stress management and physical activity, partially mediated the link between EI and well-being and health outcomes. Findings are discussed in terms of the role that promoting health behaviours might play regarding to well-being and health outcomes after job-loss, and in developing of EI and health-promotion programmes for unemployed populations.

Download Full-text

Mii-vitaliSe: a pilot randomised controlled trial of a home gaming system (Nintendo Wii) to increase activity levels, vitality and well-being in people with multiple sclerosis

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2017-016966 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 7 (9) ◽

pp. e016966 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

Sarah Thomas ◽

Louise Fazakarley ◽

Peter W Thomas ◽

Sarah Collyer ◽

Sarah Brenton ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Well Being ◽

Recruitment Rate ◽

Controlled Study ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Nintendo Wii ◽

Serious Adverse Events ◽

Randomised Controlled

ObjectivesWhile the health and well-being benefits of physical activity are recognised, people with multiple sclerosis (MS) often face greater barriers than the general population. The Nintendo Wii potentially offers a fun, convenient way of overcoming some of these. The aim was to test the feasibility of conducting a definitive trial of the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of Mii-vitaliSe; a home-based, physiotherapist-supported Nintendo Wii intervention.DesignA single-centre wait-list randomised controlled study.SettingMS service in secondary care.ParticipantsAmbulatory, relatively inactive people with clinically confirmed MS.InterventionThirty participants were randomised to receive Mii-vitaliSe either immediately (for 12 months) or after a 6-month wait (for 6 months). Mii-vitaliSe consisted of two supervised Nintendo Wii familiarisation sessions in the hospital followed by home use (Wii Sports, Sports Resort and Fit Plus software) with physiotherapist support and personalised resources.OutcomesIncluded self-reported physical activity levels, quality of life, mood, self-efficacy, fatigue and assessments of balance, gait, mobility and hand dexterity at baseline, 6 and 12 months. Interviews (n=25) explored participants’ experiences and, at study end, the two Mii-vitaliSe facilitators’ experiences of intervention delivery (main qualitative findings reported separately).ResultsMean (SD) age was 49.3 (8.7) years, 90% female, with 47% diagnosed with MS <6 years ago and 60% new to active gaming. The recruitment rate was 31% (95% CI 20% to 44%). Outcome data were available for 29 (97%) at 6 months and 28 (93%) at 12 months. No serious adverse events were reported during the study. Qualitative data indicated that Mii-vitaliSe was well-received. Mean Wii use across both groups over the initial 6-month intervention period was twice a week for 27 min/day. Mean cost of delivering Mii-vitaliSe was £684 per person.DiscussionMii-vitaliSe appears acceptable and a future trial feasible and warranted. These findings will inform its design.Trial registrationISRCTN49286846

Download Full-text

The types and levels of physical activity and sedentary behaviour of Senior Phase learners in Potchefstroom

Health SA Gesondheid ◽

10.4102/hsag.v21i0.994 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 21 ◽

pp. 372-380 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Johanna C.W. De Vos ◽

Dorita Du Toit ◽

Dané Coetzee

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Sedentary Behaviour ◽

Leisure Time ◽

Leisure Activities ◽

Physical Education Teachers ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Sedentary Behaviours ◽

Physical Activity Levels ◽

Intensity Physical Activity ◽

Sedentary Activities

Background: Worldwide, the health risks of decreasing physical activity levels and increasing sedentary behaviour among adolescents are a raising concern.Objective: To determine the types and levels of physical activity as well as that of sedentary behaviour of a group Senior Phase learners in South Africa.Methods: The adapted Children's Leisure Activities Study Survey (CLASS) questionnaire was used for determining the types and levels of physical activity and sedentary behaviour of 230 Grade 7 learners, from three schools in Potchefstroom. Data were analysed by means of the SAS statistics programme, and descriptive statistics, as well as independent t-tests andeffect sizes (ES) were used.Results: Moderate to high-intensity physical activity levels of between 334 and 361 min per week were found, and sedentary behaviour of between 3077 and 3410 min per week, which implies that between 70.7% and 71.9% of the participants, did not meet the recommended health-based guidelines. Higher activity levels were shown during weekends, where the boys were significantly more active than girls (p < 0.001; ES between 0.21 and 0.56), and girls showed more sedentary behaviours than the boys (ES between 0.18 and 0.20). The leisure time physical activities with the highest participation were soccer, recreational swimming, jogging and dancing, while the sedentary activities were listening to music, riding a vehicle and being busy on the phone.Conclusion: Strategies need to be implemented to raise the physical activity levels of Senior Phase learners, especially during weekdays, and to decrease sedentary behaviour. With this view in mind, recommendations are made for Physical Education teachers.

Download Full-text

Exercise and Health, Historical Perspectives and New Insights

Journal of Applied Physiology ◽

10.1152/japplphysiol.00242.2021 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Mark Hargreaves

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Skeletal Muscle ◽

Health Benefits ◽

Well Being ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Beneficial Effects ◽

Historical Perspectives ◽

Multiple Organs ◽

Organ Systems ◽

Novel Therapeutic Strategies

Since ancient times, the health benefits of regular physical activity/exercise have been recognised and the classic studies of Morris and Paffenbarger provided the epidemiological evidence in support of such an association. Cardiorespiratory fitness, often measured by maximal oxygen uptake, and habitual physical activity levels are inversely related to mortality. Thus, studies exploring the biological bases of the health benefits of exercise have largely focused on the cardiovascular system and skeletal muscle (mass and metabolism), although there is increasing evidence that multiple tissues and organ systems are influenced by regular exercise. Communication between contracting skeletal muscle and multiple organs has been implicated in exercise benefits, as indeed has other inter-organ "cross-talk". The application of molecular biology techniques and 'omics' approaches to questions in exercise biology has opened new lines of investigation to better understand the beneficial effects of exercise and, in so doing, inform the optimisation of exercise regimens and the identification of novel therapeutic strategies to enhance health and well-being.

Download Full-text

Navigating the online world of lifestyle health information: an adolescent perspective (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.35165 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Rebecca Raeside ◽

Si Si Jia ◽

Julie Redfern ◽

Stephanie R Partridge

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Social Media ◽

Focus Groups ◽

Health Information ◽

Life Stage ◽

Health Behaviours ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Digital Platforms ◽

Virtual Focus Groups ◽

Online Lifestyle

BACKGROUND Adolescence is a critical life stage characterised by an interplay of biological, social and environmental factors. Such factors influence lifestyle health related trajectories, including dietary behaviours, physical activity levels, body weight and sleep hygiene. Generation Z (born 1995-2015) are the most internet-dependent and technologically savvy generation in history with increasing rates of smartphone ownership in both developed and developing nations. Gaps exist in our understanding of what online platforms adolescents are using and the barriers and facilitators of these platforms to seek lifestyle health information. OBJECTIVE We evaluated adolescents’ perceptions on the use of contemporary digital platforms (websites, social media platforms and smartphone apps) to seek information or advice related to lifestyle heath. METHODS Virtual focus groups were held via Zoom teleconference between July to August 2021. Eligible participants were 13-18 years, living in Australia and had searched for online lifestyle health information in the previous three months. For this study, lifestyle health information referred to key behaviours and risk factors for chronic disease, namely, diet, physical activity, weight management and sleep. Participants were recruited through an existing database of research participants and networks of the research team. Focus groups were analysed using the Framework approach, where data is systematically searched to recognize patterns in the data and manage, analyse and identify themes. Focus group audio files were transcribed verbatim and independently coded by two researchers (RR, SJ). Through an iterative and reflexive process, a final coding matrix was agreed on by all researchers and used to thematically analyse the data. RESULTS Five focus groups were held (n=32, mean age 16.3(1.4), 18/32, 56% female, 13/32, 41% spoke language other than English at home). Thematic analysis revealed participants searched for information both actively (e.g., on Google or YouTube) and passively (e.g., scrolling social media and using existing apps preloaded to their smartphone such as Apple ‘Health’, Samsung ‘Health’ or ‘Google Fit’ apps). Participants identified that the most helpful information was well-organised in terms of aesthetic appeal and layout, came from a credible and reliable source (e.g. any sponsorships disclosed) and expressed the need for the information to be relatable. Mixed views were reported for the application of lifestyle health information found online. Some participants reported behaviour change, while others noted that certain advice was hard to maintain and incorporate into their lifestyle. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights the abundance and complexity of lifestyle health information online for adolescents. Adolescents in the digital age seek access to information that is appealing, credible, relevant and actionable for lifestyle health behaviours. To appeal to the needs of adolescents, future interventions for adolescents relating to lifestyle health must consider co-design methodological approaches. Furthermore, the regulation of lifestyle health information available online warrants further investigation.

Download Full-text

The complex relationship between physical activity and diabetes: an overview

Journal of Basic and Clinical Physiology and Pharmacology ◽

10.1515/jbcpp-2021-0279 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 0 (0) ◽

Author(s):

Stefano Palermi ◽

Olimpia Iacono ◽

Felice Sirico ◽

Michele Modestino ◽

Carlo Ruosi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Well Being ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Beneficial Effects ◽

Inadequate Knowledge ◽

Barriers To Exercise ◽

Cardio Respiratory Fitness ◽

Intensity Of Exercise ◽

Health And Well Being ◽

Improve Health

Abstract Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a widespread condition, representing a challenging disease to manage. Exercise is being increasingly recommended as part of the therapeutic regimen for DM but the management of different forms of physical activity is difficult for individuals with diabetes, trainers, and physicians. Regular exercise can improve health and well-being, helping individuals to achieve their target lipid profile, body composition, cardio-respiratory fitness, and glycemic goals. People with diabetes tend to be as inactive as the general population, with a large percentage of individuals not achieving the minimum amount of recommended physical activity levels. Indeed, several barriers to exercise exist for persons with diabetes, including sports eligibility, multi-modality management of diabetic athletes, and inadequate knowledge about adequate type and intensity of exercise. The aim of the present review is to provide the current understanding of mechanisms, recommendations, and beneficial effects of different modalities of exercise for the treatment of DM.

Download Full-text

One- and Two-Year Effects of the Healthy Primary School of the Future on Children’s Dietary and Physical Activity Behaviours: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu11030689 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (3) ◽

pp. 689 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Nina H.M. Bartelink ◽

Patricia van Assema ◽

Stef P.J. Kremers ◽

Hans H.C.M. Savelberg ◽

Marije Oosterhoff ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Primary School ◽

Mixed Model ◽

Health Behaviours ◽

Well Being ◽

Children's Health ◽

Children’S Health ◽

The Future ◽

Quasi Experimental

Schools can help to improve children’s health. The ‘Healthy Primary School of the Future’ (HPSF) aims to sustainably integrate health and well-being into the school system. This study examined the effects of HPSF on children’s dietary and physical activity (PA) behaviours after 1 and 2 years’ follow-up. The study (n = 1676 children) has a quasi-experimental design with four intervention schools, i.e., two full HPSF (focus: nutrition and PA) and two partial HPSF (focus: PA), and four control schools. Accelerometers and child- and parent-reported questionnaires were used at baseline, after 1 (T1) and 2 (T2) years. Mixed-model analyses showed significant favourable effects for the full HPSF versus control schools for, among others, school water consumption (effect size (ES) = 1.03 (T1), 1.14 (T2)), lunch intake of vegetables (odds ratio (OR) = 3.17 (T1), 4.39 (T2)) and dairy products (OR = 4.43 (T1), 4.52 (T2)), sedentary time (ES = −0.23 (T2)) and light PA (ES = 0.22 (T2)). Almost no significant favourable effects were found for partial HPSF compared to control schools. We conclude that the full HPSF is effective in promoting children’s health behaviours at T1 and T2 compared with control schools. Focusing on both nutrition and PA components seems to be more effective in promoting healthy behaviours than focusing exclusively on PA.

Download Full-text

Self-esteem among college students: the intersectionality of psychological distress, discrimination and gender

Journal of Public Mental Health ◽

10.1108/jpmh-05-2020-0033 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽

Author(s):

Monideepa B. Becerra ◽

Devin Arias ◽

Leah Cha ◽

Benjamin J. Becerra

Keyword(s):

College Students ◽

Psychological Distress ◽

General Education ◽

Health Outcomes ◽

Well Being ◽

Self Esteem ◽

Outcome Variable ◽

Positive Health ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Content Type

Purpose The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of low self-esteem among college students and how exogenous and endogenous factors, such as experiences of discrimination and psychological distress, respectively, impact such an outcome. Design/methodology/approach General education courses were used to conduct a quantitative cross-sectional study among undergraduate college students. The primary outcome variable of interest in this study was self-esteem, which was measured using the Rosenburg’s self-esteem scale. Primary independent variable was psychological distress (measured using Kessler 6 scale). Discrimination experiences were measured using the Everyday Discrimination Scale (EDS). Descriptive, bivariate and multiple linear regressions were conducted to find associations among such variables. Findings Among 308 young adults in this study, psychological distress was significantly related to low self-esteem (ß = −6.50, p < 0.001). In addition, increasing EDS score (ß = −0.37, p = 0.019) and women gender (ß = −1.29, p = 0.038) were also associated with low self-esteem. Research limitations/implications The study was cross-sectional and thus cannot provide causal relationship. The self-reported data is susceptible to recall bias. College students continue to face negative social experiences that impact their self-esteem, and discrimination plays a substantial role. Practical implications Gender-specific self-esteem coaching is needed among college students with psychological distress and among those with experiences of discrimination. Social implications The results of the current study provide information for understanding the role of discrimination and psychological well-being on self-esteem of college students, and thus further address the importance of social determinants of health and well-being. Originality/value This study provides a unique insight into the disparities faced by college students. Understanding self-esteem at the individualistic and collectivistic levels will allow for the planning and implementation of comprehensive interventions that address gender differences and psychological distress that will increase the positive health outcomes and decrease the negative health outcomes.

Download Full-text

Should social enterprises complement or supplement public health provision?

Social Enterprise Journal ◽

10.1108/sej-12-2018-0083 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 15 (4) ◽

pp. 495-518

Author(s):

Sammia Poveda ◽

Melinda Gill ◽

Don Rodney Junio ◽

Hannah Thinyane ◽

Vanessa Catan

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Mental Health ◽

Health Services ◽

Health Outcomes ◽

Self Regulation ◽

Skills Training ◽

Well Being ◽

The Philippines ◽

Social Enterprises ◽

Content Type

Purpose This paper aims to explore how stable employment, company culture and tailored health, digital and core skills training provided by a social enterprise (SE) in the Philippines affect survivors of exploitation. Research shows survivors experience adverse social conditions and physical and mental health outcomes caused by their exploitative experience. Stable, decent employment has been identified as critical to their recovery and reintegration. This paper discusses the SE’s impact on the employees’ physical, mental and social health and behaviour. Based on our findings, the authors discuss the contribution of SE in improving health outcomes and providing health services and conclude that SEs should not replace but complement public health government programmes. Design/methodology/approach This paper uses mixed methods, presenting data from a longitudinal survey (household income, mental health and social well-being) and a follow-up qualitative study, which uses in-depth interviews and participatory videos to explore survey findings. Findings The quantitative analysis demonstrates positive, but gradual, changes in sexual and reproductive health behaviour; personal empowerment; and trauma, anxiety and depressive symptoms. The qualitative findings show how improvements in executive functioning, self-regulation and self-esteem occur incrementally over time. As their self-efficacy improves, employees need to avoid being overly dependent on the SE, to support their autonomy; therefore, access to complementary public health services is fundamental. Originality/value This paper focusses, to the authors’ knowledge, on a unique SE, which hires survivors of exploitation, without losing their competitiveness in the market.

Download Full-text