School Physical Activity: Policy Matters

2017 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 51-59 ◽  
Author(s):  
Monica A.F. Lounsbery
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Heart Association ◽  
Institute Of Medicine ◽  
School Practices ◽  
Physical Activity Policy ◽  
Control And Prevention ◽  
Effective Advocacy ◽  
The Many ◽  
Key Aspects ◽  
School Pressure

For children, schools play an important role in providing and promoting physical activity, yet growing school pressure to produce academic achievement gains have limited the priority of physical activity producing programs. The Institute of Medicine, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Heart Association, and others have developed recommendations for school physical activity policy and there is growing interest in examining the relationship between existing school physical activity policies, school practices, and physical activity. Given that research on school physical activity policy is in its infancy, my goal in writing this paper is to introduce readers to key aspects of school physical activity policy while simultaneously outlining existing research efforts and highlighting the many critical research gaps that still exist. I conclude the paper by linking policy to advocacy and outlining considerations for formulating effective advocacy efforts while emphasizing the need for advocacy research.

A Framework for Physical Activity Policy Research

2006 ◽  
Vol 3 (s1) ◽  
pp. S20-S29 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas L. Schmid ◽  
Michael Pratt ◽  
Lindsay Witmer
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Policy Research ◽  
Physical Activity Promotion ◽  
Multidisciplinary Teams ◽  
Extensive Literature ◽  
Policy Interventions ◽  
Physical Activity Policy ◽  
Activity Promotion ◽  
Control And Prevention

Background:Although policy approaches are traditionally an important element of public health efforts to address major health problems, public health policy around physical activity remains poorly defined and developed.Methods:After extensive literature searches and reviews of policy frameworks developed for other public health issues such as tobacco control and injury prevention, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention hosted a series of workshops and discussions on physical activity policy.Results:A simple model describing relationships among policy, the environment, behavior, and health was developed, a framework for organizing and conceptualizing policy interventions was described, and priorities for public health efforts to promote physical activity were proposed.Conclusions:An expanded focus on physical activity policy interventions is warranted, and such efforts can complement physical activity promotion efforts at other levels. The addition of researchers with expertise in the policy sciences will enhance the work of existing multidisciplinary teams.

scholarly journals 41 From Ward to Classroom: Service Evaluation of Education to Increase Awareness of Frailty and Resilience and Encourage Greater Physical Activity

2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. iii17-iii65 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Travers ◽  
Roman Romero-Ortuno ◽  
Declan Lyons ◽  
Marie-Therese Cooney
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Patient Education ◽  
Health Education ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Service Evaluation ◽  
Old Patients ◽  
Strength Exercises ◽  
Local Quality ◽  
Key Aspects ◽  
Weekly Group

Abstract Background Our hospital routinely offers a weekly group discussion session for inpatients on aspects of ageing as part of an ‘evergreen programme’ (EP) of health education. Topics are varied and facilitated by a doctor in an informal, open forum. Feedback from nurses, doctors and patients suggested that the EP was lacking in emphasis on the benefits of exercise to improve the levels of physical activity among inpatients. As part of a local quality improvement (QI) initiative, the EP set out to incorporate the provision of patient education on the reported benefits of strength exercises in delaying and reversing frailty. Here we describe the development of this QI initiative and its evaluation. Methods New health education content was added to an EP group discussion to address four key aspects of frailty, namely: definition, risks, screening and interventions. The Socratic health education method was used in the next weekly group discussion (e.g., what does frailty mean to you? What are the consequences? How would you measure frailty? What if it could be delayed or reversed?). An exercise leaflet was provided and strength exercises were demonstrated. Results 18 of 27 over-65-year-old patients attended the group discussion, mean age 75, 11 female (61%). 2 participants were interested in doing strength exercises at the start of the session (11%, 0 female) when asked. Most participants had not been aware that strength exercises can delay and reverse frailty. 14 participants (78%, 8 female) declared interest in doing strength exercises at the end. Interested participants used the exercise leaflet for independent exercise in hospital and brought it home on discharge. Conclusion The EP at our hospital has been improved to include greater emphasis on the benefits of strength exercises in delaying and reversing frailty. QI initiatives can allow translation of research evidence into patient education.

Diversity in teachers’ approaches to movement integration: A qualitative study of lower secondary school teachers’ perceptions of a state school reform involving daily physical activity

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 429-447
Author(s):  
Henrik Taarsted Jørgensen ◽  
Sine Agergaard ◽  
Michalis Stylianou ◽  
Jens Troelsen
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
School Reform ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Policy And Practice ◽  
Teachers Perceptions ◽  
Physical Activity Policy ◽  
Danish School ◽  
Group Interviews ◽  
Movement Integration

In the context of implementing a physical activity policy as part of a national school reform in Denmark, the purpose of this study was to explore lower secondary teachers’ interpretations and perceptions of the physical activity policy with a focus on movement integration. In total, 14 teachers from four different schools were selected to take part in this qualitative study, which involved semi-structured interviews, focus group interviews, go-along observations and informal interviews. A thematic analysis framework was employed to identify and describe patterns of meaning within data. The findings showed substantial diversity among teachers’ interpretations and perceptions of movement integration, and consequently a lack of definitional clarity regarding movement integration and a possible misalignment between policy and practice. Teachers’ perceptions and interpretations of movement integration were influenced by other and more prioritised policies and discourses regarding academic achievement, as well as by intrapersonal, interpersonal and institutional factors. The findings also suggested a lack of support and collaboration within the school and provided insights into the strengths and weaknesses associated with the autonomy afforded in the Danish school reform.

scholarly journals Lockdown, slow down: impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on physical activity—an observational study

Open Heart ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. e001600
Author(s):  
Joanne Kathryn Taylor ◽  
Haarith Ndiaye ◽  
Matthew Daniels ◽  
Fozia Ahmed
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
New York ◽  
Heart Association ◽  
Evaluation Study ◽  
Activity Data ◽  
Cardiac Devices ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
New York Heart Association ◽  
Using Data ◽  
The Uk

AimsIn response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the UK was placed under strict lockdown measures on 23 March 2020. The aim of this study was to quantify the effects on physical activity (PA) levels using data from the prospective Triage-HF Plus Evaluation study.MethodsThis study represents a cohort of adult patients with implanted cardiac devices capable of measuring activity by embedded accelerometery via a remote monitoring platform. Activity data were available for the 4 weeks pre-implementation and post implementation of ‘stay at home’ lockdown measures in the form of ‘minutes active per day’ (min/day).ResultsData were analysed for 311 patients (77.2% men, mean age 68.8, frailty 55.9%. 92.2% established heart failure (HF) diagnosis, of these 51.2% New York Heart Association II), with comorbidities representative of a real-world cohort.Post-lockdown, a significant reduction in median PA equating to 20.8 active min/day was seen. The reduction was uniform with a slightly more pronounced drop in PA for women, but no statistically significant difference with respect to age, body mass index, frailty or device type. Activity dropped in the immediate 2-week period post-lockdown, but steadily returned thereafter. Median activity week 4 weeks post-lockdown remained significantly lower than 4 weeks pre-lockdown (p≤0.001).ConclusionsIn a population of predominantly HF patients with cardiac devices, activity reduced by approximately 20 min active per day in the immediate aftermath of strict COVID-19 lockdown measures.Trial registration numberNCT04177199.

scholarly journals The added value of using the HEPA PAT for physical activity policy monitoring: a four-country comparison

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Gelius ◽  
◽  
Sven Messing ◽  
Sarah Forberger ◽  
Jeroen Lakerveld ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
Policy Formulation ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Physical Activity Monitoring ◽  
Physical Activity Policy ◽  
Activity Promotion ◽  
Monitoring Framework ◽  
The Eu

Abstract Background Public policy is increasingly recognized as an important component of physical activity promotion. This paper reports on the current status of physical activity policy development and implementation in four European countries based on the Health-Enhancing Physical Activity Policy Audit Tool (HEPA PAT) developed by WHO. It compares the findings to previous studies and discusses the general utility of this tool and its unique features in relation to other instruments. Methods The study was conducted as part of the Policy Evaluation Network (www.jpi-pen.eu) in Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands and Poland. Data collection built upon information obtained via the EU Physical Activity Monitoring Framework survey, additional desk research and expert opinion. Data analysis employed Howlett’s policy cycle framework to map and compare national physical activity policies in the four countries. Results In all countries under study, policy agenda-setting is influenced by prevalence data from national health monitoring systems, and the sport and/or health sector takes the lead in policy formulation. Key policy documents were located mainly in the health sector but also in sport, urban design and transport. Physical activity programmes implemented to meet policy objectives usually cover a broad range of target groups, but currently only a small selection of major policies are evaluated for effectiveness. National experts made several suggestions to other countries wishing to establish physical activity policies, e.g. regarding cross-sectoral support and coordination, comprehensive national action plans, and monitoring/surveillance. Conclusions This study provides a detailed overview of physical activity policies in the four countries. Results show that national governments are already very active in the field but that there is room for improvement in a number of areas, e.g. regarding the contribution of sectors beyond sport and health. Using the HEPA PAT simultaneously in four countries also showed that procedures and timelines have to be adapted to national contexts. Overall, the instrument can make an important contribution to understanding and informing physical activity policy, especially when used as an add-on to regular monitoring tools like the EU HEPA Monitoring Framework.

“I Can’t Go Far”: Perceptions and Experiences of Heart Failure Patients Regarding Physical Activity: A Qualitative Study Using Semistructured Face-to-Face Interviews

2021 ◽  
pp. 109019812110532
Author(s):  
Elodie Charuel ◽  
Martial Bernard ◽  
Hélène Vaillant Roussel ◽  
Benoit Cambon ◽  
Thibault Ménini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Heart Failure ◽  
New York ◽  
General Practitioner ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Heart Association ◽  
Enabling Factors ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
New York Heart Association

Background Participation in regular physical activity (RPA) is beneficial to the quality of life and life expectancy of patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). However, it is inadequate in many patients. Aims To determine the factors that influence the practice of RPA in patients with CHF managed in general practice. Method This was a qualitative study using semistructured, individual face-to-face interviews. Patients with CHF (New York Heart Association Stages 1–3) capable of participating in RPA were enrolled by their general practitioner. A longitudinal and transversal inductive thematic analysis was performed by two researchers. Results Five themes emerged from the 19 interviews that were conducted. Poor knowledge of the disease and the benefits of participating in RPA, as well as the lack of motivation or enjoyment, in particular due to the absence of previous participation, were considered significant obstacles. Fear associated with CHF or other comorbidities was also an obstacle. Attendance at a rehabilitation center, family and social circles, and having a pet all appeared to be beneficial. Family and friends were important for motivating the patient to participate in an activity but could also be an obstacle when they were overprotective. Conclusion This study helps highlight the difficulties for patients with CHF associated with participation in RPA. Despite the obstacles, there are enabling factors on which the general practitioner may rely to motivate their patients.

scholarly journals Building Evidence, Building Community: The Physical Activity Policy Research and Evaluation Network (PAPREN)

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (4) ◽  
pp. 165-168
Author(s):  
Stephenie Lemon ◽  
Karin Valentine Goins ◽  
Emily Ussery ◽  
Kenneth Rose ◽  
Jamie Chriqui
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Policy Research ◽  
Physical Activity Policy ◽  
Building Community

scholarly journals Effect of ART 2 treatment on biochemical profile during treatment of second line ART

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (5) ◽  
pp. 777
Author(s):  
Narendra Singh ◽  
R. K. Varma ◽  
Richa Giri ◽  
Punit Varma ◽  
Seema Dwivedi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Los Angeles ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Mean Value ◽  
Monthly Interval ◽  
Second Line ◽  
Institute Of Medicine ◽  
Pneumocystis Jiroveci ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Control And Prevention ◽  
Cd4 Lymphocyte

Background: AIDS was the first recognized in U.S in summer of 1981 at centers for disease control and prevention reported the unexplained occurrence of pneumocystis jiroveci in previously healthy homosexual men in Los Angeles and Kaposi. First time in 1983 HIV syndrome was isolated from a patient of lymphadenopathy. Person with positive HIV serology who have ever had a CD4 lymphocyte count below 200celles/mcl and CD4 lymphocyte percentage below 14% are considered to have AIDS (CMDT 2017).Methods: This study was continuous longitudinal, prospective and retrospective, observational, at ART plus Centre, Kanpur K.P.S. institute of medicine (G.S.V.M. medical college) included the all patients on ART1 attending in Centre were screened for treatment failure based on clinical, immunological and virological criteria’s as decided by SACEP from 2016 to 2018.Results: Total numbers of patients are 118 among them 71 female and 47 males, age groups between 30-40 there are 54 patients. In study treatment with ART patients Hb levels more than 10%, Mean value before 10.85±1.31 and mean value after treatment was 10.5±1.31, TLC before 6970.94±6309.93 after treatment 6800.25±2522.99, Serum Bilirubin before and after treatment 0.69±0.49 and 0.95±1.13. Mean value of before and after treatment serum creatinin1.80±11.34 and 0.88±0.38.Conclusions: There is increased in serum creatinine and SGPT /SGOT and decrease in Hb levels in treatment of second line ART treatment so it should be monitored every monthly interval.

scholarly journals Comparison between the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and the American College of Sports Medicine/American Heart Association criteria to classify the physical activity profile in adults

2013 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 835-840 ◽  
Author(s):  
Suzana Alves de Moraes ◽  
Cláudio Shigueki Suzuki ◽  
Isabel Cristina Martins de Freitas
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Sports Medicine ◽  
American Heart Association ◽  
International Physical Activity Questionnaire ◽  
American Heart ◽  
Heart Association ◽  
Activity Profile ◽  
Physical Activity Questionnaire ◽  
Activity Questionnaire ◽  
Good Agreement

OBJECTIVE: the study aims to evaluate the reproducibility between the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and the American College of Sports Medicine/American Heart Association criteria to classify the physical activity profile in an adult population living in Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil. METHODS: population-based cross-sectional study, including 930 adults of both genders. The reliability was evaluated by Kappa statistics, estimated according to socio-demographic strata. RESULTS: the kappa estimates showed good agreement between the two criteria in all strata. However, higher prevalence of "actives" was found by using the American College of Sports Medicine/American Heart Association. CONCLUSIONS: although the estimates have indicated good agreement, the findings suggest caution in choosing the criteria to classify physical activity profile mainly when "walking" is the main modality of physical activity.

Acculturation and Physical Activity Among Latinos

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana F. Abraído-Lanza ◽  
Karen R. Flórez ◽  
Rachel C. Shelton
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
United States ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Socioeconomic Position ◽  
Health Benefits ◽  
The United States ◽  
Social Contexts ◽  
Research Designs ◽  
Different Types ◽  
The Many

Despite the many health benefits of physical activity (PA), the majority of Latinos do not meet recommended levels of PA. This chapter provides an overview of research on acculturation and PA among adult Latinos in the United States. It identifies gaps in knowledge concerning the association between acculturation and different types of PA, the joint effects of socioeconomic position and acculturation on PA, and research on gender. It suggests several areas for further research related to acculturation and PA, including an exploration of norms, social networks, and broader social contexts. It concludes that although the bulk of evidence indicates that greater acculturation is associated with increased PA, more complex research designs and greater methodological and conceptual rigor are needed to move forward research in this area.

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