Public health considerations regarding golf during the COVID-19 pandemic: a narrative review

BackgroundGolf is a sport played worldwide by >60 million people from a variety of backgrounds and abilities. Golf’s contribution to physical and mental health benefits are becoming increasingly recognised. Countries have adopted a range of restrictions to playing golf during the COVID-19 pandemic.AimsThe purpose of this narrative review was to (1) explore the literature related to the possible health benefits and risks of playing golf during the COVID-19 pandemic and (2) provide recommendations on golf-related activity from the relevant available literature.ResultsGolf can provide health-enhancing physical activity. Regular physical activity is associated with physical/mental health, immune system and longevity benefits. Sense of belonging and life satisfaction significantly improved when golfing restrictions were relaxed after the first lockdown in the UK. Golf is an outdoor sport, where social distancing is possible, and if rules are followed, risk of COVID-19 transmission is likely to be low.ConclusionsPolicy-makers and governing bodies should support the promotion of golf because participation brings wide ranging benefits for physical health and mental well-being. When effective risk reduction measures are used, the benefits of playing golf in most circumstances outweigh the risk of transmission.

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The mental health and well-being benefits of exercise during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study of medical students and newly qualified doctors in the UK

Irish Journal of Medical Science (1971 -) ◽

10.1007/s11845-020-02423-z ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Conor Coyle ◽

Hanya Ghazi ◽

Ioannis Georgiou

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Medical Students ◽

Well Being ◽

Health Impact ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Mood Score ◽

The Uk ◽

Mental Well Being

Abstract Background University students have been uniquely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there is currently little data upon the measures that medical students and newly qualified doctors have taken to help their mental well-being and mood during the COVID-19 pandemic. Aim We aimed to identify the activities respondents found beneficial for their well-being and mental health and recorded a mood score from survey respondents. Methods A nationwide study was completed to investigate the mental health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic upon medical students and newly qualified doctors (interim foundation year one). We received 2075 respondents from across the UK. Results Physical activity was found to be the most common activity used by the survey respondents to help with their mental well-being (80.1%) (medical students, 83.7%; interim foundation doctors, 72.3%). Participants who stated that exercise helped their well-being had a mean score (SD) of 52.3 (20.7) which was significantly higher (P = 0.048) than those who reported that they did not exercise (49.8 (21.1)). Respondents who stated they had used exercise to help with their mental well-being had (on average) a higher mood score than those who did not. This was seen in both the medical student and interim foundation doctor subgroups. Discussion Exercise can help to benefit the well-being of medical students and interim foundation doctors. It is hoped that higher education providers and employers recognise the importance of promoting physical activity for the well-being of their students and staff, respectively.

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Yoga practice in the UK: a cross-sectional survey of motivation, health benefits and behaviours

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2019-031848 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

pp. e031848 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Tina Cartwright ◽

Heather Mason ◽

Alan Porter ◽

Karen Pilkington

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Health Behaviours ◽

Well Being ◽

Health Conditions ◽

Yoga Practice ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Positive Health ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Health Related ◽

The Uk

ObjectivesDespite the popularity of yoga and evidence of its positive effects on physical and mental health, little is known about yoga practice in the UK. This study investigated the characteristics of people who practise yoga, reasons for initiating and maintaining practice, and perceived impact of yoga on health and well-being.Design, setting and participantsA cross-sectional online anonymous survey distributed through UK-based yoga organisations, studios and events, through email invites and flyers. 2434 yoga practitioners completed the survey, including 903 yoga teachers: 87% were women, 91% white and 71% degree educated; mean age was 48.7 years.Main outcome measuresPerceived impact of yoga on health conditions, health outcomes and injuries. Relationships between yoga practice and measures of health, lifestyle, stress and well-being.ResultsIn comparison with national population norms, participants reported significantly higher well-being but also higher anxiety; lower perceived stress, body mass index and incidence of obesity, and higher rates of positive health behaviours. 47% reported changing their motivations to practise yoga, with general wellness and fitness key to initial uptake, and stress management and spirituality important to current practice. 16% of participants reported starting yoga to manage a physical or mental health condition. Respondents reported the value of yoga for a wide range of health conditions, most notably for musculoskeletal and mental health conditions. 20.7% reported at least one yoga-related injury over their lifetime. Controlling for demographic factors, frequency of yoga practice accounted for small but significant variance in health-related regression models (p<0.001).ConclusionThe findings of this first detailed UK survey were consistent with surveys in other Western countries. Yoga was perceived to have a positive impact on physical and mental health conditions and was linked to positive health behaviours. Further investigation of yoga’s role in self-care could inform health-related challenges faced by many countries.

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Health benefits of a view of nature through the window: a quasi-experimental study of patients in a residential rehabilitation center

Clinical Rehabilitation ◽

10.1177/0269215511412800 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 26 (1) ◽

pp. 21-32 ◽

Cited By ~ 64

Author(s):

Ruth Kjærsti Raanaas ◽

Grete Grindal Patil ◽

Terry Hartig

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Health Benefits ◽

Well Being ◽

Diagnostic Group ◽

Rehabilitation Programme ◽

Random Allocation ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Panoramic View ◽

Gender Interaction ◽

Residential Rehabilitation

Objective: To examine the health benefits of a bedroom window view to natural surroundings for patients undergoing a residential rehabilitation programme. Design: Longitudinal quasi-experiment. Setting: A residential rehabilitation centre. Subjects: Two-hundred and seventy-eight coronary and pulmonary patients provided data at all measurement points during the programme. Intervention: Blind, quasi-random allocation to a private bedroom with a panoramic view to natural surroundings or with a view either partially or entirely blocked by buildings. Main measures: Self-reported physical and mental health (SF-12), subjective well-being, emotional states, use of the private bedroom and leisure activities. Results: For women, a blocked view appeared to negatively influence change in physical health (time × view × gender interaction, F(4,504) = 2.51, P = 0.04), whereas for men, a blocked view appeared to negatively influence change in mental health (time × view × gender interaction, F(4,504) = 5.67, P < 0.01). Pulmonary patients with a panoramic view showed greater improvement in mental health than coronary patients with such a view (time × view × diagnostic group interaction, F(4,504) = 2.76, P = 0.03). Those with a panoramic view to nature more often chose to stay in their bedroom when they wanted to be alone than those with a blocked view (odds ratio (OR) = 2.32, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.08–5.01). Conclusion: An unobstructed bedroom view to natural surroundings appears to have better supported improvement in self-reported physical and mental health during a residential rehabilitation programme, although the degree of change varied with gender and diagnostic group.

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Growing Up in Ireland

Longitudinal and Life Course Studies ◽

10.1332/175795919x15699445254797 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 10 (4) ◽

pp. 531-546

Author(s):

Eoin McNamara ◽

Aisling Murray ◽

James Williams

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Longitudinal Study ◽

Well Being ◽

Analytical Tool ◽

Growing Up ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Policy Makers ◽

Children And Young People ◽

Health And Development ◽

The Many

Growing Up in Ireland (GUI) is a two-cohort, longitudinal study of children and young people. The study aims to describe the health and development of Irish children across a range of topics; these include physical and mental health, family socio-demographic status, education, and the child’s behaviour, attitudes and key relationships. The study has been collecting data since 2007, beginning with a child cohort at nine years old (n = 8,568) and then an infant cohort at nine months old (n = 11,134). These data provide researchers and policy makers with a unique analytical tool to explore the well-being of children in Ireland. This paper provides an overview of all the stages involved in the development of the study, from its inception, to the establishment of the study’s aims, objectives and design, the ongoing data collection and panel maintenance, and the many uses of GUI data today.

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Levelling the Playing Fields: A Pilot Intervention

European Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1093/eurpub/ckz185.340 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽

Author(s):

S Alexander ◽

K Frohlich

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Social Interaction ◽

Policy Development ◽

Well Being ◽

Free Play ◽

Outdoor Play ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Independent Mobility ◽

Pilot Intervention

Abstract Despite the benefits of outdoor free-play for children (physical activity, well-being, independent mobility), access to urban spaces for play is on the decline in many cities. As such, there are increasing calls from public health officials, city planners and childhood advocates in Canada to promote outdoor play in cities. Responding to these calls, our pilot intervention will examine whether creating urban play spaces through road closures around schools and in neighbourhoods can increase children’s outdoor play, physical activity and social interaction among residents. The year-long intervention will involve road closures in four Montreal (Canada) neighbourhoods with different socio-economic profiles. After a diagnostic portrait of each site, participatory planning will engage children aged 8-12 and youth aged 13-18 to help redesign their neighbourhood streets for better access and playability. Outdoor play will be measured using a “playability index” to determine if increased outdoor play is due to intervention changes. Children’s physical activity, play and mobility patterns will be captured with GPS loggers and accelerometers, and play duration and location will be recorded through daily diaries. Questionnaires will be given to parents and children regarding changing behaviours and perceptions about outdoor play, risk/safety and independent mobility. While still in a pilot phase, this paper will present the intervention approach and outline how it promises to impact multiple components of urban life for children and adults (physical/mental health, safety, social interaction, environment/equity). The intervention is innovative by engaging children and families in its design and development, and by involving schools, municipalities and residents in its implementation and assessment. This co-creation and development promises broad impacts on local social practices and policy development, results which may be transferable to other Canadian and international cities. Key messages Access to urban outdoor play is critical for children’s well-being. Road closures can increase urban outdoor play, thereby contributing to physical and mental health and promoting social interaction. Child and youth participation in the planning and development of urban play spaces can increase their relevance and broaden their social, environmental, health and policy impacts.

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Physical Activity and Health in Old Age

Scottish Medical Journal ◽

10.1177/003693309704200513 ◽

1997 ◽

Vol 42 (5) ◽

pp. 154-155 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

M.E.T. McMurdo

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Old Age ◽

Scientific Evidence ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Older Population ◽

Healthy Life ◽

Exercise Habits ◽

Mental Health Benefits ◽

The Uk

Regular physical activity is an important component of a healthy life at all ages, and mounting scientific evidence has linked exercise to a wide array of physical and mental health benefits. This article will highlight some recent advances in knowledge. It will explore common myths that discourage the largely sedentary older population of the UK from changing their exercise habits.

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Workplace well-being in the London-Chinese business community

International Journal of Workplace Health Management ◽

10.1108/ijwhm-05-2016-0035 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 10 (2) ◽

pp. 86-100 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Marcello Bertotti ◽

Ifeoma Elizabeth Dan-Ogosi ◽

Mala Rao

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Working Conditions ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Labour Force ◽

Well Being ◽

Business Community ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Access To Health Services ◽

Content Type ◽

The Uk

Purpose Workplace well-being is key to improving health and therefore productivity. Although the Chinese population and their influence on business in the UK are growing rapidly, little is known about the attitudes of Chinese employers and employees towards workplace well-being. The paper aims to discuss this issue. Design/methodology/approach The authors conducted a qualitative study to explore the views of Chinese employees and employers in London and interviewed occupational health and workplace well-being experts. Findings Employers’ understanding of workplace well-being was limited, their approach was reactive rather than proactive. Contextual factors hampered most efforts towards workplace well-being. Employees reported that working conditions were generally poor with likely implications for employees’ physical and mental health. Generational and migratory changes further complicate the scenario but potentially usher in positive change. Research limitations/implications This study was conducted in a London area with a high density of Chinese businesses. The study nevertheless covered only a limited selection of business sectors. Caution may therefore be necessary in assuming the transferability of these findings to other parts of the UK. Practical implications Chinese businesses are agreeable to being informed about and considering the business case for workplace well-being. Chinese workers need better working conditions, easier access to health services preferably delivered through Chinese-based networks of community and business associations which are trusted by both employers and employees. Originality/value This study offers novel evidence on the attitude of Chinese employers and employees towards workplace well-being by comparing views from both groups. Chinese people face considerable health and mental health problems through their work environment, in contrast with conclusions from the Health Survey for England and Labour Force Survey.

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COVID-19 as ‘Game Changer’ for the Physical Activity and Mental Well-Being of Augmented Reality Game Players During the Pandemic: Mixed Methods Survey Study (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.25117 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Louise A Ellis ◽

Matthew D Lee ◽

Kiran Ijaz ◽

James Smith ◽

Jeffrey Braithwaite ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Video Games ◽

Video Game ◽

Well Being ◽

Harry Potter ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Pokémon Go ◽

The Impact ◽

Mental Well Being

BACKGROUND Location-based augmented reality (AR) games, such as Pokémon GO and Harry Potter: Wizards Unite, have been shown to have a beneficial impact on the physical activity, social connectedness, and mental health of their players. In March 2020, global social distancing measures related to the COVID-19 pandemic prompted the AR games developer Niantic Inc to implement several changes to ensure continued player engagement with Pokémon GO and Harry Potter: Wizards Unite. We sought to examine how the physical and mental well-being of players of these games were affected during the unprecedented COVID-19 restriction period as well as how their video game engagement was affected. OBJECTIVE The aims of this study were to examine the impact of COVID-19–related social restrictions on the physical and mental well-being of AR game players; to examine the impact of COVID-19–related social restrictions on the use of video games and motivations for their use; and to explore the potential role of AR games (and video games in general) in supporting well-being during COVID-19–related social restrictions. METHODS A mixed methods web-based self-reported survey was conducted in May 2020, during which COVID-19–related social restrictions were enforced in many countries. Participants were recruited on the web via four subreddits dedicated to Pokémon GO or Harry Potter: Wizards Unite. Data collected included quantitative data on demographics, time spent playing video games, physical activity, and mental health; qualitative data included motivations to play and the impact of video games on mental health during COVID-19 lockdown. RESULTS We report results for 2004 participants (1153/1960 male, 58.8%, average age 30.5 years). Self-reported physical activity during COVID-19–related social restrictions significantly decreased from 7.50 hours per week on average (SD 11.12) to 6.50 hours (SD 7.81) (<i>P</i><.001). More than half of the participants reported poor mental health (925/1766, 52.4%; raw World Health Organization–5 Well-Being Index score <13). Female gender, younger age, and reduced exercise were significant predictors of poor mental health. Participants reported a significant increase in video game play time from 16.38 hours per week on average (SD 19.12) to 20.82 hours (SD 17.49) (<i>P</i><.001). Approximately three quarters of the participants (n=1102/1427, 77.2%) reported that playing video games had been beneficial to their mental health. The changes made to Pokémon GO and Harry Potter: Wizards Unite were very well received by players, and the players continued to use these games while exercising and to maintain social connection. In addition to seeking an escape during the pandemic and as a form of entertainment, participants reported that they used video games for emotional coping and to lower stress, relax, and alleviate mental health conditions. CONCLUSIONS AR games have the potential to promote physical and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Used by populations under isolation and distress, these games can improve physical and mental health by providing virtual socialization, sustained exercise, temporal routine, and mental structure. Further research is needed to explore the potential of AR games as digital behavioral interventions to maintain human well-being in the wider population.

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Commuter e-bike use is associated with increased total physical activity over time

European Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1093/eurpub/ckz187.092 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽

Author(s):

B Chabanas ◽

C Praznoczy ◽

M Duclos

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Sedentary Behavior ◽

Multilevel Modeling ◽

Cardiorespiratory Fitness ◽

Well Being ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Prospective Longitudinal Study ◽

Prospective Longitudinal ◽

Over Time

Abstract Background Active commuting such as cycling has been recommended as a practical way to increase population physical activity levels and improve health. Beside positive health effects observed in experimental studies, less is known about how e-bikes can improve public health outcomes in real-life settings. Objectives To describe the patterns over time in physical activity, sedentary behavior, cardiorespiratory fitness and psychophysiological well-being in a population of new commuter e-bike users. Methods This was a population-based prospective longitudinal study in France. 33 new users of e-bike were recruited and measured at 4-time points (T0, T1, T2, T3), from before the effective beginning of the e-bike use (T0) until a mean of 4.6 months of use (T3) (min: 3.2, max: 7). Repeated measures multilevel modeling was used on 4 waves of measurements to assess variations over time of e-bike use, total moderate and vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and total sedentary time (SED-time). Pre-post comparisons between T0 and T3 were performed to detect change in cardiorespiratory fitness, markers of adiposity, self-esteem, quality of life (SF12-v2), and physical activity motivations (EMAPS). Results Adherence to e-bike commuting was high and stable, with a mean of 82% (3%) of weekly use. Multilevel modeling indicated that MVPA followed a significant increasing curvilinear trajectory over time, plateauing after 90 days (+ 21 MET-h/week compared to mean T0 at 33 MET-h/week). No significant change was found in SED-time, averaging a mean of 8.6 hours/day. Greater adherence to using an e-bike was associated with greater increases in MVPA. Several markers of physical and mental health improved. Conclusions New commuter e-bike users undergo a significant increase in MVPA while being already at a high level before e-bike use onset. This increase in MVPA could be meaningful to attenuate detrimental effects of a persistent high sedentary behavior. Key messages MVPA significantly increases among new commuter e-bike users, along with improvements in physical and mental health. High SED-time is persistent, making increase in MVPA in a population with a moderately high initial level still crucial.

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Physical activity as a determinant of successful aging: a narrative review article

Aging Clinical and Experimental Research ◽

10.1007/s40520-021-02037-0 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Agnieszka Szychowska ◽

Wojciech Drygas

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older People ◽

Social Engagement ◽

Successful Aging ◽

Well Being ◽

Narrative Review ◽

Older Age ◽

Policy Makers ◽

Good Mental Health ◽

Diet And Exercise

AbstractPopulation of older people in many countries is constantly growing, therefore the subject of successful aging has become important and a priority for public health policy-makers. A person who is successfully aging has low risk of chronic disease and disability, high physical function, good mental health and social engagement in older age. Lifestyle factors, such as diet and exercise, have been identified as determinants of successful aging. The aim of this narrative review is to compile the evidence from big cohort studies on the overall health of older people. Their results indicate that regular physical activity increases the chances of successful aging in older people, but only after reaching a sufficient threshold. Physical activity lowers the risk of many chronic diseases and cognitive decline commonly associated with older age, promotes social engagement and improves self-estimated well-being.

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