Gauging the Quality of Qualitative Research in Adapted Physical Activity

2014 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 193-218 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle R. Zitomer ◽  
Donna Goodwin
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Quality Evaluation ◽  
Significant Contribution ◽  
Keyword Search ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Quality Criteria ◽  
Qualitative Inquiry ◽  
Adapted Physical Activity ◽  
Detailed Review

Qualitative inquiry is increasingly being used in adapted physical activity research, which raises questions about how to best evaluate its quality. This article aims to clarify the distinction between quality criteria (the what) and strategies (the how) in qualitative inquiry. An electronic keyword search was used to identify articles pertaining to quality evaluation published between 1995 and 2012 (n = 204). A five phase systematic review resulted in the identification of 56 articles for detailed review. Data extraction tables were generated and analyzed for commonalities in terminology and meanings. Six flexible criteria for gauging quality were formulated: reflexivity, credibility, resonance, significant contribution, ethics, and coherence. Strategies for achieving the established criteria were also identified. It is suggested that researchers indicate the paradigm under which they are working and guidelines by which they would like readers to evaluate their work as well as what criteria can be absent without affecting the research value.

scholarly journals Promoting Diet and Physical Activity in Nurses

2016 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luciana Torquati ◽  
Toby Pavey ◽  
Tracy Kolbe-Alexander ◽  
Michael Leveritt
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
English Language ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Student Nurses ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Exclusion Criteria ◽  
Data Synthesis ◽  
Diet And Physical Activity ◽  
Data Source

Objective. To systematically review the effectiveness of intervention studies promoting diet and physical activity (PA) in nurses. Data Source. English language manuscripts published between 1970 and 2014 in PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, and EMBASE, as well as those accessed with the PICO tool, were reviewed. Study Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria. Inclusion criteria comprised (1) nurses/student nurses working in a health care setting and (2) interventions where PA and/or diet behaviors were the primary outcome. Exclusion criteria were (1) non–peer-reviewed articles or conference abstracts and (2) interventions focused on treatment of chronic conditions or lifestyle factors other than PA or diet in nurses. Data Extraction. Seventy-one full texts were retrieved and assessed for inclusion by two reviewers. Data were extracted by one reviewer and checked for accuracy by a second reviewer. Data Synthesis. Extracted data were synthesized in a tabular format and narrative summary. Results. Nine (n = 737 nurses) studies met the inclusion criteria. Quality of the studies was low to moderate. Four studies reported an increase in self-reported PA through structured exercise and goal setting. Dietary outcomes were generally positive, but were only measured in three studies with some limitations in the assessment methods. Two studies reported improved body composition without significant changes in diet or PA. Conclusions. Outcomes of interventions to change nurses’ PA and diet behavior are promising, but inconsistent. Additional and higher quality interventions that include objective and validated outcome measures and appropriate process evaluation are required.

scholarly journals A Review of Quality Criteria Supporting Supplier Selection

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Abdolshah
Keyword(s):  
Supplier Selection ◽  
Quality Evaluation ◽  
Selection Process ◽  
Quality Criteria ◽  
Loss Functions ◽  
Decision Criteria ◽  
Academic Literature ◽  
Extensive Search ◽  
Novel Method

This paper presents a review of decision criteria reported in the literature for supporting the supplier selection process. The review is based on an extensive search in the academic literature. After a literature review of decision criteria, we discuss the most important criteria: quality. Then different methods and factors for assessing the quality of supplier are discussed. Results showed that all methods and factors mentioned in this paper are not appropriate tools for quality evaluation. Moreover, we propose a novel method (using loss functions) in order to assess the quality of suppliers.

Can Exergaming Promote Physical Fitness and Physical Activity?

Gamification ◽  
2015 ◽  
pp. 2022-2039 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tuomas Kari
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Physical Fitness ◽  
Systematic Reviews ◽  
Quality Criteria ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
High Quality Research ◽  
Significant Health

This systematic review of systematic reviews evaluates the effectiveness of exergaming on physical fitness and physical activity. A systematic literature search was conducted on 10 databases, and 1040 articles were identified. Sixty-eight articles were found potentially relevant and were selected for closer screening. Cross-referencing was conducted to find other potentially relevant articles. The quality of all relevant articles was evaluated using the AMSTAR tool. After all the duplicates were removed and inclusion, exclusion, and quality criteria were implemented, six articles remained for review. The results indicate that exergaming is generally enjoyed and can evoke some benefits for physical fitness and physical activity, but the current evidence does not support the ability of exergaming to increase physical fitness or physical activity levels sufficiently for significant health benefits. This systematic review also revealed several gaps in previous research. Additional high-quality research and systematic reviews concerning exergaming are needed.

Promoting Physical Activity and Fitness with Exergames

2016 ◽  
pp. 225-245 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tuomas Kari
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Physical Fitness ◽  
Systematic Reviews ◽  
Quality Criteria ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
High Quality Research ◽  
Significant Health

This updated systematic review of systematic reviews evaluates the effectiveness of exergaming on physical fitness and physical activity. A systematic literature search was conducted on 10 databases, first in 2014 and then repeated in 2016. In total, 1040 and 287 articles were identified. 68 and 31 articles were found potentially relevant and selected for closer screening. The quality of all relevant articles was evaluated using the AMSTAR tool. After the duplicates were removed and inclusion, exclusion, and quality criteria were implemented, six and three articles remained for review. The results indicate that exergaming is generally enjoyed and can evoke some benefits for physical fitness and physical activity, but the current evidence does not support the ability of exergaming to increase physical fitness or physical activity levels sufficiently for significant health benefits. This systematic review also revealed gaps in previous research. Additional high-quality research and systematic reviews concerning exergaming are needed.

Quality Evaluation of Health Care Establishment Utilizing Fuzzy AHP

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 83-120 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Azam ◽  
Mohamed Rafik Noor Mohamed Qureshi ◽  
Faisal Talib
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Set Theory ◽  
Fuzzy Set Theory ◽  
Quality Evaluation ◽  
Fuzzy Ahp ◽  
Quality Criteria ◽  
Human Cognition ◽  
Multiple Components ◽  
Health Care Establishment

Quality evaluation of healthcare establishment (HCE) is a difficult process as it involves multiple components of quality criteria with various factors and sub-factors therein. Further, the quality criteria are not universally standardized. The subjective evaluation in itself is not reliable as a tool so that available HCEs may be investigated for selecting the best among them. Thus, to avoid vagueness and imprecision due to process of human cognition the need to evolve a useful method for evaluation of quality of HCE was essentially required. To achieve such an objective three well established HCEs from northern cities of India have been studied. An Integrated Quality Model designed for HCE (Azam et al., 2012a, 2012b) and specifically tested previously with the AHP study by the authors (Azam et al., 2015) with its components, parameters and factors sub-factors has been utilized to evaluate the quality aspects of HCEs forming subjects of the current study. Further, the standard formula of Fuzzy AHP methodology with the application of fuzzy set theory was applied to the multiple components of the quality criteria with various factors and sub-factors therein pertaining to various HCEs forming the subject of the study. Quality of the HCEs thus could be evaluated empirically avoiding vagueness due to human cognition factors. Utilizing this methodology respective rankings of HCEs could also be assigned among them with practical utility to maintain the required quality of their services. Quality evaluation of Health Care Establishment utilizing Fuzzy AHP along with fuzzy set theory is a unique method which will benefit the client patients to select the best HCE among the available alternatives of HCEs. It also helps the managers to improve the business by allocating scarce resources wherever critically required to improve various quality components criteria factors and sub-factors of their HCEs.

scholarly journals EVALUATING THE QUALITY OF E-LEARNING MATERIAL

2017 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
pp. 74
Author(s):  
Ilze Kazaine
Keyword(s):  
Quality Evaluation ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Quality Criteria ◽  
Evaluation Process ◽  
Learning Material ◽  
Material Quality ◽  
Electronic Learning ◽  
E Learning ◽  
Study Process

An increasing number of educational institutions in the study process uses one of the e-learning systems. Consequently, more and more students are offered learning materials in electronic format. E-materials in distance learning and e-learning is one of the most important elements, therefore much attention and enough time should be paid for their development. There are a number of studies on e-learning quality, where criteria of quality are discussed in the context of chosen e-learning environment and the process of implementation. This article examines only the quality of e-material. The aim was to find a way to reduce the effort and time of electronic learning material quality evaluation. The study used content analysis by summarizing the most important factors influencing the quality for teaching materials. Based on the quality criteria mentioned in the literature and personal experience, a criterion, which affects quality of e-learning material, were summarized and grouped. The criteria were grouped into four groups resulting from didactic, media, usability and formal quality. Quality evaluation is performed by using one of the methods used in software engineering - checklist. Based on the identified quality criteria a checklist was established. In order to facilitate the evaluation process a web-based tool is offered. The tool includes a defined checklist with assessment rating scale and three levels of impact. Evaluation of material quality is shown in the terms of percentage. After testing the tool, it could be used for course developers, program managers or other persons involved in evaluation process of e-learning resources.

scholarly journals The role of the trainer in adapted physical activity for osteoporosis to improve quality of life

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
S Marini ◽  
A Masini ◽  
P Maietta Latessa ◽  
T Sanna ◽  
A Raggi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Improve Quality ◽  
Adapted Physical Activity ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Substantial Impact

Abstract Background Osteoporosis is a major health burden worldwide and require a multi-modal approach including exercise. Fractures have a substantial impact on quality of life (QoL) so exercise programs may to be conducted by trainers able to deal with this condition, because exercise alone, even if in the right dosage, seems to be not enough to improve QoL. A quasi-experimental pilot study performed to determine the feasibility and safety of an Adapted Physical Activity (APA) protocol specifically designed for osteoporotic women with vertebral fractures and its effect on QoL, with a specific focus on trainer's role. Methods The Experimental Group (EG) performed APA protocol 1hour twice a week for 6 months, while the Control Group (CG) received standard care. QoL was assessed at baseline and follow-up with ECOS-16 questionnaire and semi structured interviews to understand women perceptions regarding trainer's role. Using mixed-methods quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed using SPSS 5 and NVivo 12, respectively. Results 40 post-menopausal women (mean age: 67.6±4.6) divided in 2 groups EG = 22 and CG = 18, completed the study. At follow-up, EG improved significantly QoL (EG: -0.5±0.5 vs CG: 0.0±0.3 p = 0.02). The APA intervention had a significant effect on all the components of QoL, as measured by the disease-specific ECOS-16 questionnaire: Physical Component Summary (PCS) (EG: -0.4±0.5 vs CG: 0.0±0.4 p = 0.06) and Mental Component Summary (MCS) (EG: -0.5±0.6 vs CG: 0.1±0.5 p = 0.02). The interviews confirmed this result, emphasizing the key role of the trainer in improving their QoL. The adherence calculated as number of sessions performed compared to the sessions proposed was 75.8%. No injuries were observed. Conclusions The feasibility, the safety, and the positive effect of the proposed exercise protocol on QoL confirmed also by the interviews, show that principles of exercise education applied by trainers should be extended also to patients with other chronic condition. Key messages Trainers specifically educated, could be a means of achieving the goal improving people’s QoL, as they occupy the role of exercise experts and also an educational, relational and support role. The management of osteoporosis is multi-modal and includes exercise, often recommended as a beneficial non-pharmacological treatment to slow the rate of bone loss and improve quality of life.

The Impact of Financial Incentives on Physical Activity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2020 ◽  
pp. 089011712094013
Author(s):  
My-Linh Nguyen Luong ◽  
Michelle Hall ◽  
Kim L. Bennell ◽  
Jessica Kasza ◽  
Anthony Harris ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Financial Incentives ◽  
Leisure Time ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Random Effects Models ◽  
Walking Behavior ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Incentive Strategy

Objective: To evaluate the effects of financial incentives on physical activity (PA). Data Sources: MEDLINE, Embase, 7 other databases, and 2 trial registries until July 17, 2019. Study Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria: Randomized controlled trials with adults aged ≥18 years assessing the effect of financial incentives on PA. Any comparator was eligible provided the only difference between groups was the incentive strategy. Data Extraction: Two independent reviewers extracted data and assessed study quality. Of 5765 records identified, 57 records (51 unique trials; n = 17 773 participants) were included. Data Synthesis: Random-effects models pooling data for each of the 5 PA domains. Results: Financial incentives increase leisure time PA (gym or class attendance; standardized mean difference [95% CI], 0.46 [0.28-0.63], n = 5057) and walking behavior (steps walked; 0.25 [0.13-0.36], n = 3254). No change in total minutes of PA (0.52 [−0.09 to 1.12], n = 968), kilocalories expended (0.19 [−0.06 to 0.44], n = 247), or the proportion of participants meeting PA guidelines (risk ratio [95% CI] 1.53 [0.53-4.44], n = 650) postintervention was observed. After intervention has ceased, incentives sustain a slight increase in leisure time PA (0.10 [0.02-0.18], n = 2678) and walking behavior (0.11 [0.00-0.22], n = 2425). Conclusions: Incentives probably improve leisure time PA and walking at intervention end, and small improvements may be sustained over time once incentives have ceased. They lead to little or no difference in kilocalories expended or minutes of PA. It is uncertain whether incentives change the likelihood of meeting PA guidelines because the certainty of the evidence is low.

scholarly journals Evaluation of the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on the quality of life of patients monitored for cancer who practice an adapted physical activity: rugby for health

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stéphanie Motton ◽  
Kelig Vergriete ◽  
Luc Nguyen VanPhi ◽  
Eric Lambaudie ◽  
Audrey Berthoumieu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Psychological Status ◽  
Adapted Physical Activity ◽  
Cancer Treatments ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Purpose The benefits of regular physical exercise on the tolerability of cancer treatments, quality of life and survival rates post-diagnosis have been demonstrated but all supervised physical activities have been interrupted due to the global health crisis and the need for lockdown to halt the spread of SARS-CoV-2. To reintroduce activities post-lockdown, we wanted to assess the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on the quality of life and the psychological status of patients who practice an adapted physical activity such as rugby for health. Methods The evaluation was conducted in two phases: an initial self-questionnaire comprised of 42 questions sent to all participants to assess the impact of lockdown and a second assessment phase in the presence of the participants. We assessed anthropometric data, functional fitness parameters, quality of life and the psychosocial status of the subjects. The data were compared to pre-lockdown data as part of a standardised follow-up procedure for patients enrolled in the programme. Results 105/120 (87.5%) individuals responded to the rapid post-lockdown survey analysis. In 20% of the cases, the patients reported anxiety, pain, a decline in fitness and a significant impact on the tolerability of cancer treatments. Twenty-seven patients agreed to participate in the individual analysis. Following lockdown, there was a significant decrease in the intensity of physical activity (p = 8.223e–05). No post-lockdown changes were noted in the assessments that focus on the quality of life and the level of psychological distress. Conversely, there was a significant correlation between the total of high energy expended during lockdown and the quality of life (p = 0.03; rho = 0.2248) and the level of psychological distress post-lockdown (p = 0.05; rho = − 0.3772). Conclusion Lockdown and reduced physical activity, particularly leisure activities, did not impact the overall health of the patients. However, there was a significant correlation with the level of physical activity since the higher the level of physical activity, the better the quality of life and the lower the level of psychological distress.

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