Using Critical Incident Technique to Investigate Anxiety in Physical Activity Settings

2021 ◽  
Vol 43 (2) ◽  
pp. 171-177
Author(s):  
Timothy M. Dasinger ◽  
Melinda A. Solmon
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Critical Incident ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Critical Incident Technique ◽  
Goal Theory ◽  
Social Evaluation ◽  
Activity Settings ◽  
Future Behavior ◽  
Activity Setting ◽  
The Impact

Physical activity participation is linked with many benefits including a reduction in anxiety; it is, however, also important to explore aspects of activity that incite anxiety. One way to investigate sources of anxiety in physical activity is to use the critical incident technique (CIT). The purpose of this study was to explore anxiety-inducing events in physical activity settings and to evaluate the impact on future behavior. A total of 122 participants (M = 21.23 ± 1.77 years) completed an online survey asking when a physical activity setting incited anxiety using the CIT. Four common sources of anxiety were evident in the responses: fragile self-beliefs, social interaction and the threat of negative social evaluation, competition, and a lack of knowledge or unfamiliarity with surroundings. Tenets from achievement goal theory can help to explain the incitement of anxiety and can help shape physical activity settings to be more inclusive and welcoming for all.

scholarly journals How is the COVID-19 lockdown impacting the mental health of parents of school-age children in the UK? A cross-sectional online survey

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. e043397
Author(s):  
Austen El-Osta ◽  
Aos Alaa ◽  
Iman Webber ◽  
Eva Riboli Sasco ◽  
Emmanouil Bagkeris ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Female Gender ◽  
School Age Children ◽  
School Age ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

ObjectiveInvestigate the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on feelings of loneliness and social isolation in parents of school-age children.DesignCross-sectional online survey of parents of primary and secondary school-age children.SettingCommunity setting.Participants1214 parents of school-age children in the UK.MethodsAn online survey explored the impact of lockdown on the mental health of parents with school-age children, and in particular about feelings of social isolation and loneliness. Associations between the UCLA Three-Item Loneliness Scale (UCLATILS), the Direct Measure of Loneliness (DMOL) and the characteristics of the study participants were assessed using ordinal logistic regression models.Main outcome measuresSelf-reported measures of social isolation and loneliness using UCLATILS and DMOL.ResultsHalf of respondents felt they lacked companionship, 45% had feelings of being left out, 58% felt isolated and 46% felt lonely during the first 100 days of lockdown. The factors that were associated with higher levels of loneliness on UCLATILS were female gender, parenting a child with special needs, lack of a dedicated space for distance learning, disruption of sleep patterns and low levels of physical activity during the lockdown. Factors associated with a higher DMOL were female gender, single parenting, parenting a child with special needs, unemployment, low physical activity, lack of a dedicated study space and disruption of sleep patterns during the lockdown.ConclusionsThe COVID-19 lockdown has increased feelings of social isolation and loneliness among parents of school-age children. The sustained adoption of two modifiable health-seeking lifestyle behaviours (increased levels of physical activity and the maintenance of good sleep hygiene practices) wmay help reduce feelings of social isolation and loneliness during lockdown.

scholarly journals The impact of sitting time and physical activity on mental health during COVID-19 lockdown

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew Pears ◽  
Susanna Kola-Palmer ◽  
Liane Beretta De Azevedo
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Depression Score ◽  
Sitting Time ◽  
Multiple Stepwise Regression Analysis ◽  
Previous Diagnosis ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Objective The primary aim of this study was to investigate the association between physical activity (PA) and sitting time on adults’ mental health (i.e., depression, anxiety and wellbeing) and the influence of mediators and confounders. Methods An online survey was disseminated in the UK between May and June 2020. A total of 284 participants (33.5 ± 12.4 years) self-reported their PA, sitting time and mental health through validated questionnaires. Results Multiple stepwise regression analysis revealed that being of younger age, female, on a lower income, with one or more comorbid health conditions, with a previous diagnosis of mood disorder and increased sitting time independently correlated with higher depression scores (F (13,219) = 12.31, p < 0.001), and explained 42% of the variance. Similar results were found for wellbeing where socio-demographic, health outcomes and sitting time influenced the subjective wellbeing (F (14,218) = 5.77, p < 0.001, 27% variance), although only socio-demographic and health outcomes contributed to the variation in anxiety score (F (13,219) = 7.84, p < 0.001, 32% variance). PA did not explain variation when sitting time was taken into account in any of the models. Combined analysis revealed that participants with lower sedentary time (< 8 h) and with both low or moderate and high PA presented a significantly lower depression score [low PA: (B = −2.7, 95% CI −4.88, −0.52); moderate and high PA (B = −2.7, −4.88, −0.52)]. Conclusion Sitting time was strongly associated with adverse mental health during COVID-19 lockdown and should be considered in future public health recommendations.

scholarly journals The Impact of COVID-19 on Physical Activity Behavior and Well-Being of Canadians

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (11) ◽  
pp. 3899 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iris A. Lesser ◽  
Carl P. Nienhuis
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
National Parks ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Physical Activity Behaviour ◽  
Physical Activity Behavior ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Active Population ◽  
Activity Behavior ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
The Impact

A global pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) resulted in restrictions to daily living for Canadians, including social distancing and closure of city and provincial recreation facilities, national parks and playgrounds. The objective of this study was to assess how these preemptive measures impacted physical activity behaviour and well-being of Canadians. An online survey was utilized to measure participant physical activity behavior, nature exposure, well-being and anxiety levels. Results indicate that while 40.5% of inactive individuals became less active, only 22.4% of active individuals became less active. Comparatively, 33% of inactive individuals became more active while 40.3% of active individuals became more active. There were significant differences in well-being outcomes in the inactive population between those who were more active, the same or less active (p < 0.001) but this was not seen in the active population. Inactive participants who spent more time engaged in outdoor physical activity had lower anxiety than those who spent less time in outdoor physical activity. Public health measures differentially affected Canadians who were active and inactive and physical activity was strongly associated with well-being outcomes in inactive individuals. This suggests that health promoting measures directed towards inactive individuals may be essential to improving well-being.

scholarly journals Physical Activity Is Associated With Improved Eating Habits During the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diego G. D. Christofaro ◽  
André O. Werneck ◽  
William R. Tebar ◽  
Mara C. Lofrano-Prado ◽  
Joao Paulo Botero ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
Physical Activity Interventions ◽  
Health Authorities ◽  
Improve Health Status ◽  
Fried Foods ◽  
Vigorous Intensity ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Improve Health

The aim of this study was to analyze the association between physical activity and eating habits during the COVID-19 pandemic among Brazilian adults. A sample of 1,929 participants answered an online survey, however 1,874 were included in the analysis. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on eating habits was assessed inquiring about participants' intake of fruits, vegetables, fried foods, and sweets during the pandemic. Physical activity was assessed by asking participants about their weekly frequency, intensity and number of minutes/hours engaging in structured physical activities per week. Participants were then stratified into categories based on moderate-to-vigorous intensity (0–30; 31–90; 91–150; 151–300; and &gt;300 min/week) and into active (≥150 min) or inactive (&lt;150 min). Increased sweets consumption was the most commonly reported change to eating habits (42.5%), followed by an increase in the consumption of vegetables (26.6%), fruits (25.9%), and fried foods (17.9%). Physical activity practice was related to lower consumption of fried foods (OR = 0.60; p &lt; 0.001) and sweets (OR = 0.53; p &lt; 0.001). A cluster analysis revealed subjects with higher the level of physical activity was more likely to follow a healthy diet (p &lt; 0.001). Thus, physical activity was positively associated with healthier eating habits. Health authorities must recommend regular physical as a strategy to improve overall health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Future studies should address the physical activity interventions to improve health status during a pandemic.

scholarly journals Motivation to Improve Mental Wellbeing via Community Physical Activity Initiatives and the Associated Impacts—A Cross-Sectional Survey of UK parkrun Participants

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (24) ◽  
pp. 13072
Author(s):  
Allison Dunne ◽  
Steve Haake ◽  
Helen Quirk ◽  
Alice Bullas
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
Health Improvement ◽  
Mental Health Conditions ◽  
The Impact

Participation in regular physical activity is a well-established strategy to support good mental wellbeing in adults with, and without, mental health conditions. The physical activity initiative parkrun is a free, weekly, timed, running and walking event which is attended by people from the local community of all abilities. The purpose of this study was to investigate the mental wellbeing of UK parkrun participants along with their motives for taking part and the impact of participation. Mental health conditions were self-reported in 2.5% of 60,000 respondents to an online survey of parkrunners, with the most prevalent being depression and anxiety. Those with mental health conditions were more motivated than those without to first participate in parkrun to manage their health conditions and improve their mental health. Those with mental health conditions were equally motivated to improve their physical health when compared to those without, and reported similar levels of improvement. Mental wellbeing scores for those with mental health conditions were close to the normal range, suggesting that engagement in parkrun may have had a role in limiting the effect of their illness. Community initiatives could replicate parkrun’s model, and use the potential for both mental and physical health improvement, as well as health condition management, as a motivation for participation.

scholarly journals Depression, Anxiety and Stress during COVID-19: Associations with Changes in Physical Activity, Sleep, Tobacco and Alcohol Use in Australian Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (11) ◽  
pp. 4065 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Stanton ◽  
Quyen G. To ◽  
Saman Khalesi ◽  
Susan L. Williams ◽  
Stephanie J. Alley ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Health Behaviors ◽  
Alcohol Intake ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Lifestyle Changes ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Positive Health ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
The Impact

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has enforced dramatic changes to daily living including economic and health impacts. Evidence for the impact of these changes on our physical and mental health and health behaviors is limited. We examined the associations between psychological distress and changes in selected health behaviors since the onset of COVID-19 in Australia. An online survey was distributed in April 2020 and included measures of depression, anxiety, stress, physical activity, sleep, alcohol intake and cigarette smoking. The survey was completed by 1491 adults (mean age 50.5 ± 14.9 years, 67% female). Negative change was reported for physical activity (48.9%), sleep (40.7%), alcohol (26.6%) and smoking (6.9%) since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Significantly higher scores in one or more psychological distress states were found for females, and those not in a relationship, in the lowest income category, aged 18–45 years, or with a chronic illness. Negative changes in physical activity, sleep, smoking and alcohol intake were associated with higher depression, anxiety and stress symptoms. Health-promotion strategies directed at adopting or maintaining positive health-related behaviors should be utilized to address increases in psychological distress during the pandemic. Ongoing evaluation of the impact of lifestyle changes associated with the pandemic is needed.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on US College Students’ Physical Activity and Mental Health

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 272-278 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oliver W.A. Wilson ◽  
Kelsey E. Holland ◽  
Lucas D. Elliott ◽  
Michele Duffey ◽  
Melissa Bopp
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
College Students ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Significant Decline ◽  
Spring Semester ◽  
The Impact

Background: Investigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on both physical activity (PA) and mental health is important to demonstrate the need for interventions. This study examined the apparent impact of the pandemic on college students’ PA, perceived stress, and depressive symptoms. Methods: From 2015 through 2020, data were collected at the beginning and end of the spring semester at a large Northeastern US university via an online survey assessing student demographics, PA, perceived stress, and depressive symptoms. Mixed ANOVA examined differences in PA and mental health changes over the spring semester between “normal” and COVID-19 circumstances. Two-way ANOVA examined the interaction between circumstance and changes in PA in relation to changes in mental health. Results: Participants (n = 1019) were predominately women and non-Hispanic white. There was a significant decline in PA and an increase in perceived stress under COVID-19, but not normal, circumstances and a significant increase in depressive symptoms under COVID-19, but not normal, circumstances among women. Conclusions: A significant decline in PA and mental health among college students occurred under COVID-19 circumstances, and PA did not appear to protect against deterioration in mental health. Proactive and innovative policies, programs, and practices to promote student health and well-being must be explored immediately.

Diet, Physical Activity, and Screen Time to Sleep Better: Multiple Mediation Analysis of Lifestyle Factors in School-Aged Children with and without Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

2020 ◽  
pp. 108705472094041 ◽  
Author(s):  
George C.C. Hong ◽  
Russell Conduit ◽  
Jason Wong ◽  
Mirella Di Benedetto ◽  
Eunro Lee
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Multiple Regression ◽  
Screen Time ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Lifestyle Factors ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Mediation Effects ◽  
School Aged Children ◽  
The Impact

Objective: This study examined the mediation roles of multiple lifestyle factors in school-aged children. Structural equation modeling (SEM) tested how lifestyle factors play mechanism roles one another in the impact of ADHD to seek theoretical and intervention insights. Method: An online survey assessed children’s lifestyle factors including diet, physical activity, screen time, sleep difficulties, and having ADHD diagnosis. A multi-country sample from English speaking nations included 309 caregivers. Multiple regression and SEM were planned to identify significant correlates and mediators of ADHD in explaining lifestyle differences. Results: Preliminary multiple regression showed only sleep quality was significantly different between children with and without ADHD. Significant triple mediation effects suggested diet, physical activity, and screen time mediated the ADHD impact on sleep quality. Conclusion: Researchers and practitioners may incorporate the findings to develop intervention models for children with ADHD attending to the mediational roles of lifestyle factors to improve sleep quality.

scholarly journals The Impact of COVID-19 Related School Closures and SPORT CANCELLATIONS on the Health of Adolescent Athletes

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (7_suppl3) ◽  
pp. 2325967121S0017
Author(s):  
Timothy McGuine ◽  
Kevin Biese ◽  
Scott Hetzel ◽  
Stephanie Kliethermes ◽  
Claudia Reardon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Adolescent Athletes ◽  
School Closures ◽  
Interscholastic Sports ◽  
General Anxiety Disorder ◽  
General Anxiety ◽  
The Impact

Background: In March 2020, schools were closed to in-person teaching and interscholastic sports cancelled in an attempt to slow the spread of the COVID-19. Child health experts have stated that school closures may have profound psychosocial consequences for students and need further study. Hypothesis/Purpose: To identify how COVID-19 related school closures and sport cancellations impacted the health of adolescent athletes. Methods: Adolescent athletes in Wisconsin were recruited via social media to complete an online survey in May 2020 while schools were closed to in-person teaching and interscholastic and club sports were cancelled. Assessments included the: General Anxiety Disorder-7 Item (GAD-7) for anxiety, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 Item (PHQ-9) for depression, the Pediatric Functional Activity Brief Scale (PFABS) for physical activity, and the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 (PedsQL) for quality of life. PHQ-9, PFABS and PedsQL scores were compared with historical data (HD) of Wisconsin adolescent athletes (N = 5,231) collected during normal school and sport operations in the years 2016–2018. Results: A total of 3,243 (58% female, Age = 16.1+1.2 yrs., grades 9 – 12) participated in the study. May 2020 participants reported higher (worse) PHQ-9 scores than the HD participants (mean: 8.0 (95%CI: 7.8, 8.2) vs 3.3 (3.1, 3.5), p < 0.001) as well as a higher prevalence of moderate to severe levels of depression (32.9% vs 9.7%, p < 0.001). May 2020 Participants also reported lower (worse) PFABS scores (mean: 12.2 (95%CI: 11.9, 12.5) vs 24.7 (24.5, 24.9) p < 0.001) and lower (worse) PedsQL total scores compared to athletes in the HD group (78.4 (78.0, 78.8) vs. 90.9 (90.5, 91.3) p < 0.001). Females in May 2020 reported increased moderate and severe anxiety percentages than the males in May 2020 (27.7% vs 22.3%, p < 0.001). Conclusions: COVID-19 related school closures and sport cancellations in Wisconsin were associated with increased anxiety and depression as well as decreased physical activity and quality of life in adolescent athletes. The potential negative health impacts of prolonged school closures and sport cancellations should be taken into account when evaluating steps to limit the spread of COVID-19.

scholarly journals The Immediate Impact of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic on Adolescents with Severe Obesity - Another Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 62-71
Author(s):  
Matheson BE ◽  
Herdes RE ◽  
Garza D ◽  
Shepard WE ◽  
Bruzoni M ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Severe Obesity ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Adolescent Patients ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
The Impact

Background: The impact of the novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) on the health and well-being of adolescents with obesity is currently unknown. The shelter-in place (SIP) orders imposed disruptions in everyday routines for all persons, including youth with obesity. Obtaining real-time data could offer important information about how youth with severe obesity are faring in the midst of this global crisis. Hence, this cross-sectional study aims to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on health-related behavior changes in adolescent patients with severe obesity. Methods: Fifteen adolescents with severe obesity (M ± SD: 16.40 ± 1.67 years; 66.7% female; 40% Hispanic) and 19 parents (45.83 ± 6.98 years; 94.7% female; 47.4% Hispanic) receiving care at an adolescent bariatric surgery clinic at a university medical center participated (20% response). Participants completed an online survey about the impact of COVID-19 and SIP on: eating habits, physical activity, sleep, screen time, mood, and motivation for behavior change. Parents completed similar questions regarding the impact of SIP on their child’s health. Results: Descriptive analyses revealed adolescents reported varied sleep quality and quantity, later bedtimes, increased home-cooked and family meals, decreased takeout food consumption, and increased anxiety levels. Almost half reported increased snacking. Changes in physical activity were noted. Parent and adolescent responses were mostly aligned, with the exception of self-reported weight change. Conclusions: Adolescents with severe obesity are facing challenges in maintaining health-related behavioral goals during SIP. Providers should be prepared to discuss and manage the impact of COVID-19 on adolescent patients with obesity.

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