scholarly journals A Systematic Literature Review of Peer-led Strategies for Promoting Physical Activity Levels of Adolescents

2021 ◽  
pp. 109019812110449
Author(s):  
Fiona McHale ◽  
Kwok Ng ◽  
Sarah Taylor ◽  
Enrique Bengoechea ◽  
Catherine Norton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Peer Relationships ◽  
School Setting ◽  
Fundamental Aspect ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Positive Health ◽  
Older Adolescents ◽  
Full Text Review ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
Abstract Screening

Background. Low levels of physical activity (PA) in adolescents highlight the necessity for effective intervention. During adolescence, peer relationships can be a fundamental aspect of adopting and maintaining positive health behaviors. Aim. This review aims to determine peer-led strategies that showed promise to improve PA levels of adolescents. It will also identify patterns across these interventions, including training provided and the behavior change techniques (BCTs) employed. Method. Adhering to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, PubMed, PsychINFO, and Scopus were searched using key concepts of peer, PA and adolescent for articles that examined interventions that had a peer-led component and reported on at least one PA outcome in 12- to 19-year-olds. Following title and abstract screening of 1,509 studies, and full text review stage, 18 progressed to data synthesis. Methodological quality was assessed using an adapted scale. Results. Quality assessment identified 11 studies as high quality. Half of the included studies ( n = 9) reported improved PA outcomes in the school setting. The most prominent behavioral change techniques were social support, information about health consequences, and demonstration of the behavior. Older adolescents leading younger peers and younger adolescents leading those of the same age showed potential. Seldom have older adolescents been targeted. Gender-specific interventions showed the most promise. Conclusion. Peer leadership requires careful planning and in the school setting can be a resourceful way of promoting adolescent PA.

scholarly journals Mode of Commuting to School and Its Association with Physical Activity and Sedentary Habits in Young Ecuadorian Students

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (12) ◽  
pp. 2704 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yaira Barranco-Ruiz ◽  
Alfredo Guevara-Paz ◽  
Robinson Ramírez-Vélez ◽  
Palma Chillón ◽  
Emilio Villa-González
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Central Region ◽  
School Setting ◽  
Daily Physical Activity ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Active Commuting ◽  
Physical Activity Levels ◽  
Older Adolescents ◽  
Commuting Distance

Active commuting to and from school (ACS) could help to increase daily physical activity levels in youth; however, this association remains unknown in Ecuadorian youth. Thus, the aims of this study were (1) to determine the patterns of commuting to and from school and (2) to analyze the associations between ACS, physical activity (PA), and sedentary habits in Ecuadorian youth. A total of 732 students (65.3% males), aged 10–18 years (children = 246, young adolescents = 310, older adolescents = 162) from the central region of Ecuador participated in this study. A self-report questionnaire, including the usual mode and frequency of commuting, distance from home to school (PACO-Questionnaire), and PA and sedentary habits (YAP-Questionnaire), was used. Most of the sample lived ≤2 km from school; however, they were mainly passive commuters (96%). The most common mode of commuting was by car (to school = 43.4%, from school = 31.6%; p < 0.001). Children presented significantly higher scores (0–4) in PA outside school and total PA compared with older adolescents (2.20 ± 0.97 vs. 1.97 ± 0.96; p = 0.013 and 2.30 ± 0.76 vs. 2.09 ± 0.74, p = 0.019, respectively), as well as the lowest scores in sedentary habits (1.51 ± 0.65, p < 0.001). PA at school and total PA were positively associated with ACS (OR 3.137; 95% CI, 1.918 to 5.131; p < 0.001, and OR 2.543; 95% CI, 1.428 to 4.527; p = 0.002, respectively). In conclusion, passive modes of transportation were the most frequently used to commute to and from school in young Ecuadorians. PA at school and total PA were positively associated with ACS. Thus, interventions at school setting could be an opportunity to improve PA levels and additionally ACS in youth from the central region of Ecuador.

scholarly journals Multi-Component Physical Activity Interventions in the UK Must Consider Determinants of Activity to Increase Effectiveness

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 56
Author(s):  
Mark A. Faghy ◽  
Kirsty E. Armstrong-Booth ◽  
Vicki Staples ◽  
Micheal J. Duncan ◽  
Clare M. P. Roscoe
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Theoretical Basis ◽  
School Setting ◽  
School Age Children ◽  
Moderate Activity ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Daily Consumption ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Light Activity ◽  
The Uk

Interventions to increase physical activity in children have adopted broad approaches and achieved varying success. There is a need to adopt approaches underpinned with a theoretical basis. Accordingly, the aim here was to implement and evaluate a 12-week intervention designed using the concepts of the COM-B model to determine the effect this has on physical activity levels. One hundred and forty-seven school-age children (mean age 8.9 ± 1.3 years) took part in a 12-week program delivered in a school setting. Topics included physical activity, healthy eating, sleep quality and reducing screen time/sedentary activities when not in school. A sample of participants wore a wrist-worn accelerometer for seven days pre-and post-intervention (N = 11). The physical activity frequency was unchanged (2.9 ± 1.0 AU) when compared with post-intervention values (3.1 ± 0.8 AU, mean increase 6.8 ± 3.7%, p > 0.05). Changes were observed in the daily consumption of fruit and vegetables (pre-intervention 44.6% vs. post-intervention 60.2%, p < 0.05). Sedentary time, light activity, moderate activity and vigorous activity were unchanged post-intervention (p > 0.05). There is a need to adopt a broader approach that incorporates a theoretical basis and considers the complex ways by which physical activity behaviours are influenced.

scholarly journals Physical education contributes to total physical activity levels and predominantly in higher intensity physical activity categories

2016 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 152-164 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine Kerr ◽  
Lindsey Smith ◽  
Sarah Charman ◽  
Stephen Harvey ◽  
Louise Savory ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Education ◽  
Sedentary Behaviour ◽  
School Setting ◽  
Moderate Physical Activity ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Physical Activity Monitoring ◽  
Intensity Physical Activity ◽  
Health Promoting ◽  
Total Difference

Children’s engagement in physical activity of a vigorous intensity or higher is more effective at promoting cardiorespiratory fitness than moderate physical activity. It remains unclear how higher intensity physical activity varies between days when schoolchildren participate in physical education (PE) and non-PE days. The purpose of this study was to assess how PE contributes to sedentary behaviour and the intensity profile of physical activity accumulated on PE days compared to non-PE days. Fifty-three schoolchildren (36 girls, 11.7 ± 0.3 years) completed five-day minute-by-minute habitual physical activity monitoring using triaxial accelerometers to determine time spent sedentary (<1.5 Metabolic Equivalent of Tasks (METs)) and in light (1.5–2.9 METs), moderate (3–5.9 METs), vigorous (6–8.9 METs), hard (9–11.9 METs) and very hard intensity (≥12 METs) physical activity on PE days and non-PE days. Sedentary time was higher on non-PE days than on PE days (mean difference: 62 minutes, p < 0.001). Hard and very hard intensity physical activity was significantly higher on PE days compared with non-PE days (mean total difference: 33 minutes, all significant at p < 0.001). During the PE lesson, boys spent more time in hard ( p < 0.01) and very hard ( p < 0.01) physical activity compared to girls. Schoolchildren spent significantly more time in higher intensity physical activity and significantly less time sedentary on PE days than on non-PE days. As well as reducing sedentary behaviour, the opportunity to promote such health-promoting higher intensity physical activity in the school setting warrants further investigation.

Evidence-Based Practice Guideline: Increasing Physical Activity in Schools—Kindergarten Through 8th Grade

2007 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 137-143 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen Bagby ◽  
Susan Adams
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
School Setting ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
International Health ◽  
The United States ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Sedentary Behaviors ◽  
Obesity Epidemic ◽  
8Th Grade

Because of the growing obesity epidemic across all age groups in the United States, interventions to increase physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviors have become a priority. Evidence is growing that interventions to increase physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviors have positive results and are generally inexpensive to implement. National and international health organizations are calling for a comprehensive approach for reducing obesity in children that includes increasing physical activity in the school setting. Although the call to increase activity levels in schools is clear, little guidance has been given to schools on specific methods to accomplish this task. This article provides an overview of an evidence-based guideline developed by a physical education teacher and a school nurse to provide inexpensive, easy-to-implement, effective strategies to increase physical activity in students. Tools are also included in the guideline to measure the effectiveness of the intervention.

Effectiveness of Outdoor Exercise Parks on Health Outcomes in Older Adults—A Mixed-Methods Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Yoke Leng Ng ◽  
Keith D. Hill ◽  
Pazit Levinger ◽  
Elissa Burton
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Single Leg Stance ◽  
Small Sample Sizes ◽  
Meta Analyses

The objective of this systematic review was to examine the effectiveness of outdoor exercise park equipment on physical activity levels, physical function, psychosocial outcomes, and quality of life of older adults living in the community and to evaluate the evidence of older adults’ use of outdoor exercise park equipment. A search strategy was conducted from seven databases. Nine articles met the inclusion criteria. The study quality results were varied. Meta-analyses were undertaken for two physical performance tests: 30-s chair stand test and single-leg stance. The meta-analysis results were not statistically significant. It was not possible to conclude whether exercise parks were effective at improving levels of physical activity. The review shows that older adults value the benefits of health and social interaction from the use of exercise parks. Findings should be interpreted with caution due to the small sample sizes and the limited number of studies.

Results from Nigeria’s 2013 Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth

2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (s1) ◽  
pp. S88-S92 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kingsley K. Akinroye ◽  
Adewale L. Oyeyemi ◽  
Oluwakemi O. Odukoya ◽  
Ade F. Adeniyi ◽  
Rufus A. Adedoyin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
School Setting ◽  
Report Card ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
Children And Youth ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Sedentary Behaviors ◽  
National Guidelines ◽  
Policy And Practice ◽  
Nigerian Children

Background:Physical activity (PA) promotion in children and youth is an impetus for prevention and control of NCD morbidity and mortality, but evidence is needed for effective interventions. The aim of the present paper is to summarize the results of the 2013 Nigerian Report Card on Physical Activity for children and youth.Methods:The Technical Report Committee conducted a comprehensive review of available literature in Nigeria. Grades were assigned to 10 PA indicators modeled after the Active Healthy Kids Canada (AHKC) grading system.Results:Specific grades were assigned for several indicators: Overall Physical Activity Levels, C; Organized Sport and Physical Activity Participation, Incomplete; Active Play and Leisure, C-; Active Transportation, B; Sedentary Behaviors, F; Overweight and Obesity, B+. The following indicators were graded as INCOMPLETE: Physical Activity in School setting, Family and Peers, Community and Built Environment, and Government Strategies and Investments.Conclusions:PA levels of Nigerian children and youth are moderate while sedentary behaviors are high. The development of national guidelines for PA and sedentary behaviors can better inform policy and practice on healthy living among Nigerian children and youth.

scholarly journals La actividad física como medio para cultivar la inteligencia en el contexto escolar

2021 ◽  
Vol 79 (278) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alberto Ruiz-Ariza ◽  
◽  
Sara Suárez-Manzano ◽  
Sebastián López-Serrano ◽  
Emilio J. Martínez-López ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Activity Intervention ◽  
School Setting ◽  
Active Commuting ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Active Commuting To School ◽  
Scientific Results ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
Active Breaks

Intelligence is considered to be the ability to understand, reason, and make decisions based on a given situation. Neuroeducational advances in recent decades show that physical activity is a key variable for adequate development of intelligence, especially during the complex stage of adolescence. Numerous cross-sectional studies have considered the link between physical activity and intelligence, and the effects on intelligence of longitudinal physical activity intervention programmes have been analysed in several systematic reviews and meta-analyses. However, there have been fewer studies focussing on a more theoretical/epistemological approach and the development of specific practical proposals for didactic interventions within the educational setting. This work aims to show the most relevant scientific results relating to the association between and effects of physical activity on intelligence and it offers didactic guidelines and suggestions for the use of physical activity as a means of cultivating intelligence in a school setting. For this purpose, strategies based on increasing daily physical activity and physical fitness, the comprehensive use of physical education classes, active commuting to school and active school starts, active breaks and recesses, and finally the combined teaching of physically active academic sessions, are shown.

scholarly journals Results of a culturally relevant, physical activity-based wellness program for urban Indigenous women in Alberta, Canada

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 169-204
Author(s):  
Sonja Wicklum ◽  
Megan Sampson ◽  
Rita Henderson ◽  
Shelley Wiart ◽  
Grace Perez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Skill Acquisition ◽  
Support Systems ◽  
Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Good Health ◽  
Indigenous Women ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Wellness Program ◽  
Positive Health ◽  
The Impact

Increasing physical activity and improving nutrition is challenging for Indigenous women. Their lives are complex and influenced by sociopolitical structures and racism that have yielded family breakdown, socioeconomic inequality, and high levels of poor health. Women Warriors (WW), an eight-week physical activity-based wellness program, was designed to support Indigenous women in their efforts to increase physical activity levels, improve nutrition, and develop support systems to produce good health. To evaluate the impact of the program, we completed a mixed method pre/post evaluation of four program sessions, from January to December 2016. The WW program resulted in increased weekly pedometer step counts, increased nutrition skill acquisition, and improved confidence in exercising as a group and increasing fruit and vegetable consumption. It also produced demonstrable improvements in anthropometrics. Participants developed positive social support systems and learned about the health and social resources available to them in their community. They appreciated that the program motivated them by keeping them accountable and offered opportunity to share their experiences in the context of the sharing circle. The program identified barriers to health change, including lack of resources that support physical activity, healthy eating, and personal stress management. Participants recommended that future programs increase in duration and intensity and offer enhanced nutrition and health education, increased avenues for support system development, and opportunities to network outside of the program. The WW program was well received and shows promise as a practical, community-based method to provide support to Indigenous women interested in increasing positive health behaviours.

scholarly journals UNISTEP (University Students Exercise and Physical Activity) Study: A Pilot Study of the Effects of Accumulating 10,000 Steps on Health and Fitness Among University Students

2011 ◽  
Vol 8 (5) ◽  
pp. 663-667 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark A. Tully ◽  
Margaret E. Cupples
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Blood Pressure ◽  
University Students ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Positive Health ◽  
Habitual Activity ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Health Initiatives ◽  
Steps Per Day

Background:Recent public health initiatives have promoted accumulating 10,000 steps per day. Little previous research has evaluated its effects in young adults. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of taking 10,000 steps per day on fitness and cardiovascular risk factors in sedentary university students.Methods:Healthy, sedentary students (mean age 21.16 ± SD 6.17) were randomly allocated to take 10,000 steps per day or to a control group who maintained their habitual activity. Members of the 10,000 step group wore a pedometer and reported daily step count in a diary. Outcome measurements (20-meter multistage shuttle run, BMI, and blood pressure) were measured before and after 6 weeks.Results:There were no significant differences between the groups at baseline. After 6 weeks, the 10,000 steps group were taking significantly more steps (8824.1 ± SD 5379.3 vs. 12635.9 ± SD 6851.3; P = .03).No changes were observed in fitness, or BMI (P > .05). Significant reductions in blood pressure (P = .04) in the 10,000 step group.Conclusions:A daily target of 10,000 steps may be an appropriate intervention in sedentary university students to increase their physical activity levels. The positive health benefits of simple everyday physical activity should be promoted among health professionals.

scholarly journals Children’s Perceived and Actual Physical Activity Levels within the Elementary School Setting

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (7) ◽  
pp. 3485
Author(s):  
Kristy Howells ◽  
Tara Coppinger
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Education ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
School Setting ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Whole School ◽  
Physical Activity Levels ◽  
School Day ◽  
Children’S Physical Activity ◽  
Three Factor

To date, little research has longitudinally examined young children’s physical activity (PA) during school hours, nor questioned children’s perceptions of their own PA behaviours. This study investigated 20 children’s actual physical activity levels (APA) and their perceived physical activity levels (PPA) (10 infants, mean age 6.6 years; 10 juniors, mean age 9.5 years). APA was evaluated using accelerometers across 36 whole school days (371 min per day); 18 days included Physical Education (PE) lessons and 18 did not. A repeated-measures three-factor ANOVA analysed: type of day; age phase; parts of the day and sex. PPA was collected by an interactive handset and an adapted version of the PA Questionnaire for Children (PAQ-C). Participants undertook 10 more minutes of moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) on PE days (53 ± 19 min) compared to non-PE days (43 ± 15 min) (F = 92.32, p < 0.05) and only junior boys reached daily MVPA recommendations (60 ± 13 min) on PE days. Juniors over-estimated, and infants under-estimated, their APA levels. Educators need more support to teach and embed different PA intensities into the school day to enable children to better understand the health benefits associated with varying the intensity of their PA during school hours.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document