The Perils of Averaging Data in Adapted Physical Activity Research

1993 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 371-391 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcel Bouffard
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Structural Models ◽  
Basic Unit ◽  
Adapted Physical Activity ◽  
Standard Analysis ◽  
Unit Of Analysis ◽  
Group Research ◽  
Research Designs ◽  
Analysis Strategies ◽  
The Mean

This paper is a criticism of typical group research designs in which the data are analyzed by using standard analysis of variance structural models. A distinction is made between lawful relationships about averages and lawful relationships about people. It is argued that propositions about people cannot necessarily be derived from propositions about the mean of people because the patterns found by aggregating data across people do not necessarily apply to individuals. To find lawful universal relationships about people, data analysis strategies should recognize the person as a basic unit of analysis. Implications of this view for research conducted in adapted physical activity are outlined.

Interpreting Statistical Significance and Meaningfulness in Adapted Physical Activity Research

1998 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 103-118 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vinson H. Sutlive ◽  
Dale A. Ulrich
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Sample Size ◽  
Recent Literature ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Effect Sizes ◽  
Significance Tests ◽  
Adapted Physical Activity ◽  
Research Designs ◽  
Alpha Level ◽  
Research Findings

The unqualified use of statistical significance tests for interpreting the results of empirical research has been called into question by researchers in a number of behavioral disciplines. This paper reviews what statistical significance tells us and what it does not, with particular attention paid to criticisms of using the results of these tests as the sole basis for evaluating the overall significance of research findings. In addition, implications for adapted physical activity research are discussed. Based on the recent literature of other disciplines, several recommendations for evaluating and reporting research findings are made. They include calculating and reporting effect sizes, selecting an alpha level larger than the conventional .05 level, placing greater emphasis on replication of results, evaluating results in a sample size context, and employing simple research designs. Adapted physical activity researchers are encouraged to use specific modifiers when describing findings as significant.

The Applied Behavior Analysis Research Paradigm and Single-Subject Designs in Adapted Physical Activity Research

2015 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 285-301 ◽  
Author(s):  
Justin A. Haegele ◽  
Samuel Russell Hodge
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Behavior Analysis ◽  
Applied Behavior Analysis ◽  
Single Subject ◽  
Adapted Physical Activity ◽  
Single Subject Research ◽  
Present Information ◽  
Research Designs ◽  
Key Aspects ◽  
Single Subject Designs

There are basic philosophical and paradigmatic assumptions that guide scholarly research endeavors, including the methods used and the types of questions asked. Through this article, kinesiology faculty and students with interests in adapted physical activity are encouraged to understand the basic assumptions of applied behavior analysis (ABA) methodology for conducting, analyzing, and presenting research of high quality in this paradigm. The purposes of this viewpoint paper are to present information fundamental to understanding the assumptions undergirding research methodology in ABA, describe key aspects of single-subject research designs, and discuss common research designs and data-analysis strategies used in single-subject studies.

Timing deficits in motor planning: Applications for adapted physical activity in schizophrenia

2014 ◽  
Vol 29 (S3) ◽  
pp. 581-582 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y. Delevoye-Turrell
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Preliminary Data ◽  
Motor Planning ◽  
Sensorimotor Synchronization ◽  
Time Constraints ◽  
Adapted Physical Activity ◽  
Timing Errors ◽  
Space And Time ◽  
Response Interval ◽  
The Mean

Using a sensorimotor synchronization task through space and time, we have recently shown that timing modes are used differently in function of the time constraints set upon motor planning [1]. Predictive timing is used for slow execution whereas emergent timing seems to dominate for sequences performed at fast tempi. In the present study, we applied the circle-tapping task paradigm in patients with schizophrenia to test, which timing mode may cause the motor fluency deficits previously reported in schizophrenia [2].Eighteen patients and their controls were instructed to tap a sequence of 6 visual targets following the rhythm of a regular metronome. This synchronization task was performed at 10 distinct tempi (inter response interval–IRI of 1100 ms to 300 ms, for the slowest to the fastest rhythms). Results showed that the mean IRIerror was similar in patients and in controls indicating that all participants performed the task correctly and were able to adapt their rhythmic tapping to the imposed tempo. Patients presented nevertheless longer contact times suggesting a less fluent execution of actions than the controls. Finally, patients tapped systematically after the beep, results that were associated to the patients’ difficulty to correct for minimal timing errors during predictive motor planning.Overall, these findings confirm the distortion of predictive timing in schizophrenia [3]. Preliminary data using rhythmic music during adapted physical activity will be presented to show how rhythm in the environment may be used to improve predictive timing for motor planning in pathological populations.

Postmodernism and Adapted Physical Activity: A New Gnostic Heresy?

1999 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 331-343 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roy J. Shephard
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Scientific Method ◽  
Human Condition ◽  
Scientific Methodology ◽  
Adapted Physical Activity ◽  
Specific Context ◽  
Testing Hypotheses ◽  
The Subject ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Universal Application

This paper examines the postmodernist critique of the scientific method in the specific context of adapted physical activity. Particular assumptions identified include (a) that truth must be approached through testing hypotheses, with acceptance of the most plausible explanation, (b) that underlying laws have general (if not universal) application, and (c) that the observer approaches an experiment free of bias and without interacting with the subject. Postmodernists also argue, less convincingly, that users of the scientific method are committed to reductionism, are tyrannized by the mean, and are unable to quantitate important components of disability. The overall critique raises consciousness regarding the limitations of scientific methodology and points to ways this methodology can be improved. But too often, postmodernists offer few viable alternatives to the scientific method. Too often, those who espouse postmodernism resort to convoluted semantics, using poorly defined words of uncertain etymology. Such an approach does little to help the human condition and should be rejected as a new gnostic heresy.

scholarly journals Evaluation of pharmacy-led weight management service to minimise the risk of cardiovascular disease

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aliki Peletidi ◽  
Reem Kayyali
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Weight Management ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Management Service ◽  
Initial Weight ◽  
Public Health Services ◽  
Clinical Role ◽  
Physical Activity Levels ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Mean

Abstract Aims The primary aim of the programme was a minimum of a 5% weight reduction of the initial weight, while the secondary outcomes were a reduction in participants’ body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), blood pressure (BP), AUDIT-C score and an increase in the Mediterranean diet (MD) score and an improvement in physical activity levels. Methods This 'before and after' study was a 10-week weight management (WM) programme and it was developed and delivered in community pharmacies in Patras chosen for convenience, thus consisting the first service of its type in Greece. The sample size was calculated (n = 96) based on the mean BMI for a Greek male and female individual, and the standard deviation (SD) of weight at baseline of 14 kg. Results Nearly every participant enrolled in the 20 participating pharmacies, 97.4% (n = 114/117), achieved the programme’s aim, losing at least 5% of their initial weight. The mean percentage of total weight loss of the 117 participants at the 10th week was 8.97% (SD 2.65), and the t-test showed statistically significant results (P-value < 0.001; 95% CI [8.48, 9.45]). A significant reduction in the waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) was observed in both male (P-value = 0.004) and female (P-value < 0.001) participants. The participants’ BP and AUDIT-C score and physical activity levels significantly improved (P-value < 0.001), as well as their MD score. Conclusion This study provides the first evidence that Greek pharmacists have the potential to play an important role within primary healthcare and that after training they are able to provide public health services for both the public’s benefit and their clinical role enhancement.

scholarly journals POS0733 REAL-LIFE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN SLE PATIENTS: ASSOCIATIONS WITH FATIGUE AND QUALITY OF SLEEP

2021 ◽  
Vol 80 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 617.1-617
Author(s):  
H. Wohland ◽  
N. Leuchten ◽  
M. Aringer
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Disease Activity ◽  
Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Fatigue Score ◽  
The Mean

Background:Fatigue is among the top complaints of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), but only in part associated with SLE disease activity. Physical activity can help to reduce fatigue and should therefore be recommended to SLE patients. Vice versa, fatigue may arguably lead to reduced physical activity.Objectives:To investigate the extent of physical activity and the perception of fatigue and sleep quality in patients with SLE.Methods:Starting in February 2019, SLE patients were invited to participate in a cross-sectional survey study of fatigue and physical exercise during their routine outpatient clinic visits. Participants filled out a ten-page paper questionnaire focused on physical activity. To evaluate fatigue, we primarily used a 10 cm visual analogue scale (0-100 mm, with 100 meaning most fatigued), but also the FACIT fatigue score (range 0-52). Sleep quality was estimated using grades from 1 (excellent) to 6 (extremely poor).Results:93 SLE patients took part in the study. All patients fulfilled the European League Against Rheumatism/ American College of Rheumatology (EULAR/ACR) 2019 classification criteria for SLE. 91% of the patients were female. Their mean (SD) age was 45.5 (14.3) years and their mean disease duration 12.1 (9.4) years. The mean BMI was 25.2 (5.6). Of all patients, 7.5% had a diagnosis of (secondary) fibromyalgia. The mean fatigue VAS was 32 (27) mm and the mean FACIT fatigue score 35.7 (10.3). As expected, fatigue by VAS and FACIT was correlated (Spearman r=-0.61, p<0.0001). The mean SLEDAI was 1 (1) with a range of 0 to 6. Median glucocorticoid doses were 2 mg prednisolone equivalent, with a range from 0 to 10 mg.Out of 66 patients in payed jobs, 64 (97%) reported details on their working space. One person (2%) worked in a predominanty standing position, 37 (58%) worked in essentially sedentary jobs and 26 (40%) were in positions where they were mildly physically active in part. The mean fatigue VAS was 31 (24) mm for patients with partly active jobs and 27 (30) mm for those in sedentary jobs. Sleep was graded 2.9 (0.9) by those with active and 3.1 (1.3) by those with sedentary jobs.Half of the patients (51%) reported more than one physical recreational activity. 44 (47%) were walking and for five persons (5%) this was the only form of activity. Cycling was reported by 19 patients (20%), 18 of whom also practiced other activities. For transport, 52 (56%) in part chose active modes, such as walking and cycling. Patients who reported any of the above activities showed a mean fatigue VAS of 28 (25) mm, compared to 36 (28) mm in the patient group without a reported activity. Sleep quality was very similar: 3.1 (1.2) and 3.2 (1.1) for more active and more passive patients, respectively.65 (70%) patients regularly practiced sports. Of these, 39 (60%) practiced one kind of sport, 15 (23%) two, 7 (11%) three, and 2 (3%) each four and five kinds of sports. Fatigue VAS of patients practicing sports was 27 (25) mm versus 43 (28) in those who did not (p=0.0075). Sleep quality was 2.9 (1.1) in the sports cohort and 3.5 (1.1) in the no-sports cohort (p=0.0244).Conclusion:A majority of SLE patients in remission or low to moderate disease activity regularly practiced sports, and those doing so reported lesser fatigue and better sleep quality. The absolute values on the fatigue VAS were in a moderate range that made fatigue as the main cause of not performing sports rather unlikely for most patients.Disclosure of Interests:Helena Wohland: None declared, Nicolai Leuchten Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Janssen, Novartis, Roche, UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Janssen, Novartis, Roche, Martin Aringer Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Astra Zeneca, BMS, Boehringer Ingelheim, Chugai, Gilead, GSK, HEXAL, Lilly, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi, UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Astra Zeneca, BMS, Boehringer Ingelheim, GSK, Lilly, MSD, Roche, Sanofi, UCB

scholarly journals Can Health-Promoting Schools Contribute to Better Health Behaviors? Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, and Dietary Habits among Israeli Adolescents

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 1183
Author(s):  
Hila Beck ◽  
Riki Tesler ◽  
Sharon Barak ◽  
Daniel Sender Moran ◽  
Adilson Marques ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Health Behavior ◽  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Health Behaviors ◽  
Sedentary Behavior ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Group Differences ◽  
Time Behavior ◽  
Health Promoting ◽  
The Mean

Schools with health-promoting school (HPS) frameworks are actively committed to enhancing healthy lifestyles. This study explored the contribution of school participation in HPS on students’ health behaviors, namely, physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior, and dieting. Data from the 2018/2019 Health Behavior in School-aged Children study on Israeli adolescents aged 11–17 years were used. Schools were selected from a sample of HPSs and non-HPSs. Between-group differences and predictions of health behavior were analyzed. No between-group differences were observed in mean number of days/week with at least 60 min of PA (HPS: 3.84 ± 2.19 days/week, 95% confidence interval of the mean = 3.02–3.34; non-HPS: 3.93 ± 2.17 days/week, 95% confidence interval of the mean = 3.13–3.38). Most children engaged in screen time behavior for >2 h/day (HPS: 60.83%; non-HPS: 63.91%). The odds of being on a diet were higher among more active children (odds ratio [OR] = 1.20), higher socio-economic status (OR = 1.23), and female (OR = 2.29). HPS did not predict any health behavior. These findings suggest that HPSs did not contribute to health behaviors more than non-HPSs. Therefore, health-promoting activities in HPSs need to be improved in order to justify their recognition as members of the HPS network and to fulfill their mission.

scholarly journals EXPRESS: Association of daily physical activity with psychosocial aspects and functional capacity in patients with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: a cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
pp. 204589402199995
Author(s):  
Layse Nakazato Lima ◽  
Felipe Mendes ◽  
Ilma Paschoal ◽  
Daniela Oliveira ◽  
Marcos Mello Moreira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension ◽  
Arterial Hypertension ◽  
Functional Capacity ◽  
Daily Physical Activity ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Pulmonary Arterial ◽  
The Mean

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) impairs exercise tolerance and daily physical activity (PA). Aside from the hemodynamic limitations, physical, cognitive and emotional factors may play a relevant and as yet unexplored role. We investigated whether there is an association between the PA level and psychological disorders, health-related quality of life, and daily activities. We also searched for an association of the PA level with clinical factors and functional capacity. This was an analytical, cross-sectional, observational study conducted in a Brazilian University Hospital. Twenty stable PAH subjects wore an accelerometer for a week and completed an activity diary. They answered the quality of life questionnaire (SF-36), as well as the anxiety and depression scale (HADS), and the Manchester Respiratory Activities of Daily Living questionnaire (MRADL). Transthoracic echocardiography, the 6-Minute walk test (6MWT), the 1-minute sit-to-stand test (STST), and spirometry were performed. For statistical analysis we used Chi-square tests or Fisher's test as appropriate and the Mann-Whitney test to compare numerical values between two groups. The relationship between the parameters was assessed using the Spearman correlation test. The mean age was 44.3 years, 80% were women, 80% had idiopathic PAH, and 20% had connective tissue disease . The mean daily step count was 4,280 ± 2,351, and the mean activity time was 41.6 ± 19.3 minutes. The distance covered (6MWT) was 451.5 m, and the number of movements (1-STST) was 23.8. Thirty percent scored positive for anxiety, and 15% for depression (HADS). There was a significant correlation between accelerometer data and walking distance (6MWT), number of movements (1-STST), level of daily physical activity (MRADL), and depression symptoms. Our findings support the hypothesis that other aspects beyond physical and hemodynamic ones might impact the daily physical activity of patients with PAH.

scholarly journals High school students’ academic performance associated with psychological aspects, body practices and physical activity

2020 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Guilherme da Silva Gasparotto ◽  
Aline Bichels ◽  
Thaynara do Prado Szeremeta ◽  
Gislaine Cristina Vagetti ◽  
Valdomiro de Oliveira
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
High School ◽  
Academic Performance ◽  
High School Students ◽  
Extracurricular Activities ◽  
Self Concept ◽  
School Students ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Body Practices ◽  
Academic Self Efficacy

The objective of this study was to verify the association of psychological factors and body practices with the academic performance of high school students. A sample of 330 students participated, made up of 167 girls and 163 boys. Likert scale instruments were used for collecting information on self-concept, and on general and academic self-efficacy. Time spent on moderate to vigorous physical activity was recorded, and so was participation in several types of body practices, such as sports, dances, martial arts, performing arts, and systematic physical exercises. Academic achievement was referred to from the students' grades on regular subjects. Linear regression analysis was used for verifying the association of independent variables with academic performance. The adjusted regression model explains between 7% and 36% of academic performance variance, whereas Self-Concept explains academic performance on six of the twelve subjects, and the mean of the grades, with Beta values between 0.13 (p = 0.02) for Sociology and 0.28 (p <0.01) for Mathematics. Academic self-efficacy explained performance on eleven subjects and the mean of the grades, with Beta values between 0.21 (p <0.01) for Physical Education and Philosophy, and 0.44 (p <0.01) for Biology. Participation in extracurricular activities involving body practices explained academic performance on six subjects and the mean of the grades, with Beta values between 0.14 (p = 0.02) for Sociology and 0.31 (p <0.01) for Arts. The studied psychological variables and participation in projects concerning body practices during extracurricular activities correlated with academic achievement as to several school subjects, and with the mean of the grades.

Difference, Adapted Physical Activity and Human Development: Potential Contribution of Capabilities Approach

2012 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-43 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carla Filomena Silva ◽  
P. David Howe
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Social Factors ◽  
Capabilities Approach ◽  
Self Determination ◽  
Human Potential ◽  
Potential Contribution ◽  
Adapted Physical Activity ◽  
Best Interest ◽  
Ethical Guidelines ◽  
Psychological Dimensions

This paper is a call to Adapted Physical Activity (APA) professionals to increase the reflexive nature of their practice. Drawing upon Foucault’s concept of governmentality (1977) APA action may work against its own publicized goals of empowerment and self-determination. To highlight these inconsistencies, we will draw upon historical and social factors that explain the implicit dangers of practice not following policy. We propose that APA practitioners work according to ethical guidelines, based upon a capabilities approach (Nussbaum, 2006, 2011; Sen, 2009) to counteract possible adverse effects of APA practitioner action. A capabilities approach is conducive to the development of each individual’s human potential, by holistically considering the consequences of physical activity (i.e., biological, cultural, social, and psychological dimensions). To conclude, this paper will offer suggestions that may lead to an ethical reflection aligned with the best interest of APA’s users.

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