scholarly journals Can Instagram be used to deliver an evidence-based exercise program for young women? A process evaluation

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel G. Curtis ◽  
Jillian C. Ryan ◽  
Sarah M. Edney ◽  
Carol A. Maher
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Young Women ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Exercise Program ◽  
Sign Test ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Strongly Agree

Abstract Background Instagram provides an opportunity to deliver low cost, accessible and appealing physical activity content. This study evaluated the feasibility of delivering an exercise program for young women using Instagram. Methods A single-group pre- and post-intervention trial examined the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a 12-week Instagram-delivered program with young inactive women (n = 16; M = 23 years), which prescribed running and body weight exercises to complete three times per week. Daily Instagram posts delivered the exercises, video demonstrations and motivational content. Feasibility was evaluated by examining exposure (Instagram posts viewed per week), engagement (likes, comments and tags on Instagram posts; number of exercise sessions completed per week; retention, defined as completion of the online survey at weeks 6 and 12), and acceptability [whether the program increased participants’ motivation to exercise (1 = strongly disagree-5 = strongly agree); satisfaction with the program (1 = not satisfied-5 = very satisfied)]. Preliminary efficacy was evaluated by comparing baseline and 12-week self-reported physical activity (IPAQ short-form) and fitness (cardiorespiratory and muscle strength; 1 = very poor-5 = very good, International Fitness Scale) using the Exact sign test. Results On average, participants reported seeing six posts in their Instagram feed per week. Posts received an average of five likes (IQR = 3–6). A total of four comments and one tag were observed across all posts. On average, participants reported completing two exercise sessions per week. Retention was 88% at 6 weeks but dropped to 56% at 12 weeks. Participants reported increased motivation to exercise (Mdn = 4, IQR = 3–4) and were satisfied with the program (Mdn = 4, IQR = 3–4). Only self-reported cardiorespiratory fitness showed a meaningful, though nonsignificant, improvement (MdnΔ = 1, IQR = 0–1, p = .06). Conclusions Although Instagram has the potential to deliver a low cost, convenient exercise program for young women, additional research is needed to identify methods of improving engagement (interaction with the Instagram content, exercise sessions completed, and retention in the program). Future research could examine the use of behaviour change theory and provide information that enables participants to tailor the exercises to their interests and needs. Additionally, the use of objective assessments of physical activity and fitness among a larger participants sample is needed.

scholarly journals Changes in Physical Activity Pre-, During and Post-lockdown COVID-19 Restrictions in New Zealand and the Explanatory Role of Daily Hassles

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elaine A. Hargreaves ◽  
Craig Lee ◽  
Matthew Jenkins ◽  
Jessica R. Calverley ◽  
Ken Hodge ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Longitudinal Design ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Daily Hassles ◽  
Moderate Intensity ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Explanatory Role ◽  
Convenience Sample

Covid-19 lockdown restrictions constitute a population-wide “life-change event” disrupting normal daily routines. It was proposed that as a result of these lockdown restrictions, physical activity levels would likely decline. However, it could also be argued that lifestyle disruption may result in the formation of increased physical activity habits. Using a longitudinal design, the purpose of this study was to investigate changes in physical activity of different intensities, across individuals who differed in activity levels prior to lockdown restrictions being imposed, and across three time periods: pre-, during- and post-lockdown. This study also examined the extent to which the experience of daily hassles explained any changes in physical activity. A convenience sample (N = 759) recruited through social media, provided data from an online survey administered during weeks 2–3 of a 5-week lockdown and 231 participants provided complete data again 6 weeks post-lockdown (72% female, M age = 43 years). Participants completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire–Short Form and the Daily Hassles Scale. Results showed that vigorous and moderate intensity PA were significantly lower during- and post-lockdown compared to pre-lockdown in those individuals who had been highly active pre-lockdown. In contrast, for moderately active individuals pre-lockdown, vigorous and moderate intensity PA was significantly higher during-lockdown compared to pre-lockdown, and these increased levels of vigorous PA were maintained post-lockdown. Participants experienced daily hassles due to inner concerns, time pressures, family, and financial concerns to the same extent during- and post-lockdown. Those daily hassles had a small negative (Standardized β = −0.11; p < 0.05) predictive effect on post-lockdown PA. It appears that to understand the effect of COVID-19 restrictions on PA, the activity status of individuals pre-lockdown needs to be taken into account. The daily hassles appeared to play a role in post-lockdown PA behavior, but future research should investigate why these results occurred.

379 Do Depressive Symptoms Mediate the Association Between Insomnia and Physical Activity?

SLEEP ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 44 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. A150-A151
Author(s):  
Jamie Walker ◽  
Rebecca Campbell ◽  
Ivan Vargas
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Longitudinal Design ◽  
Energy Levels ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Severity Index ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Insomnia Symptoms

Abstract Introduction Insomnia and depression are highly comorbid and have been shown to be independently associated with lower levels of physical activity. It is not clear, however, if being less physically active is a risk factor for or consequence of depression and insomnia. The factors that explain the associations between insomnia, depression, and physical activity are likely complex and overlapping. For example, insomnia may predict inactivity by impacting one’s energy levels, leaving them too tired to exercise. Insomnia may also interfere with one’s motivation to exercise due to low mood, as insomnia is associated with the development of depressive symptoms. The purpose of the present study was to explore whether depression mediated the link between insomnia and low levels of physical activity. Methods A national online survey was conducted from April-June 2020. Participants completed surveys to assess demographics, mood, sleep, and physical activity. Depressive symptoms were estimated with the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Insomnia symptoms were estimated with the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). Physical activity levels were estimated with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Analyses were conducted using multiple linear regression, with separate models for depression, insomnia, and the combination of the two, on levels of physical activity. Results 3,952 adults (Mage = 46.9 years) completed the survey. According to the unadjusted models, greater insomnia symptoms were associated with greater depressive symptoms (b = 0.4523, SE = 0.019593, p < .001), and lower levels of physical activity (b = -38.741, SE = 18.236, p = 0.0337). The relationship between insomnia and physical activity was no longer significant, however, when controlling for depression (b = -6.140, SE = 19.274, p = 0.75). According to the mediation analyses, there was an indirect effect of insomnia on physical activity that was explained by differences in depressive symptoms (Sobel Test = -4.895, SE = 6.518, p < .001). Conclusion Our findings support previous research indicating associations between symptoms of insomnia and depression and physical activity. Future research should examine if these same results hold using a longitudinal design. Support (if any) Vargas: K23HL141581

scholarly journals Feasibility and acceptability of a culturally tailored physical activity intervention for Arab-Australian women

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aymen El Masri ◽  
Gregory S. Kolt ◽  
Emma S. George
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Activity Intervention ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Trial Registration ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Physical Activity Interventions ◽  
Culturally Tailored ◽  
Session Attendance ◽  
Australian Community

Abstract Background Despite being one of the largest migrant groups in Australia, few physical activity interventions exist for Arab-Australians. The primary aim of this study was to test the feasibility and acceptability of a 12-week culturally tailored physical activity intervention for Arab-Australian women. Methods This study used a single-group pretest–posttest design, and was informed by extensive formative research and consultation involving the Arab-Australian community. Participants were insufficiently active Arab-Australian women aged 35–64 with no current illness or injury that would limit physical activity participation. The intervention comprised 6 face-to-face physical activity and education sessions over 12 weeks. The intervention was conducted at 2 separate intervention sites in Western Sydney, Australia. Feasibility outcomes included recruitment, session attendance, and retention. The acceptability of the intervention was assessed through a process evaluation questionnaire completed post-intervention. Accelerometers and the short-form International Physical Activity Questionnaire were used to measure physical activity at baseline and post-intervention. Descriptive statistics were used for feasibility and acceptability outcomes, and changes in physical activity were examined using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Results Of the 53 women who were contacted or expressed interest, 22 were eligible and enrolled in the study. Participants were primarily recruited through direct contact by Arab-Australian community workers and by word-of-mouth. Average session attendance was 63% and the retention rate post-intervention was 68%. The culturally-related intervention components, such as the appropriateness of content, and women-only setting, were rated highly favourably (4.33 to 4.87/5). General intervention elements, such as the face-to-face delivery, knowledge and approachability of facilitators, and session structure, were also rated favourably (4.33 to 4.93/5), and the lowest scored item was the intervention session frequency (3.2/5). There were no statistically significant changes in physical activity post-intervention. Conclusions The findings from this study highlighted factors related to recruitment and delivery that need to be considered when developing physical activity interventions for Arab-Australian women. Further research is required using a larger sample and a randomised controlled trial design to examine the longer-term impact on physical activity, and to also examine ways of increasing intervention engagement and retention among Arab-Australian women. Trial Registration: ANZCTR, ACTRN12618001392257. Registered 20 August 2018, https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=375636.

scholarly journals Physical Activity as a Predictor of the Level of Stress and Quality of Sleep during COVID-19 Lockdown

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (11) ◽  
pp. 5811
Author(s):  
Anna Lipert ◽  
Remigiusz Kozłowski ◽  
Dariusz Timler ◽  
Michał Marczak ◽  
Kamila Musiał ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Quality Of Sleep ◽  
Low Level ◽  
The Government

Background: The coronavirus pandemic and the government restrictions significantly disturbed the daily functioning of people, thereby influencing healthy behaviors, such as physical activity—the core indicator of well-being. This study evaluates the associations between physical activity (PA), the level of stress and quality of sleep during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. Methods: An online survey was distributed during the governmental lockdown in April 2020 and included measures for assessing physical activity, stress and sleep. The surveyed participants included all adults aged 18 years and over. The final data were collected from the 1959 respondents using: International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Findings: Almost half of the respondents indicated a low level of PA, performing only 60 min of PA daily. Most of the participants reported a moderate or high level of stress (57% and 29%, respectively) and 64% of them reported poor quality of sleep. People with low levels of stress performed on average 85.1 min/day of walking (WPA), 40.9 min/day of moderate PA (MPA) or 52.6 min/day of vigorous PA (VPA). People with good quality of sleep performed 82.9 min/day of WPA, 43.6 min/day MPA and 40.5 min/day VPA. Interpretation: The results from the study indicate that the volume of daily PA may be a predictor of the level of stress and sleep quality in adults during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. To retain a low level of stress and good quality of sleep, a lifestyle that allows to achieve a moderate level of physical activity should be maintained. The optimal daily dose of PA is at least 70 min per day, involving different intensities.

Comparative Study of Effect of Resistance Exercises versus Aerobic Exercises on Exercise Performance and Pulmonary Function in Adult Chronic Smokers

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 312-317
Author(s):  
Ketki Ponde –Ponkshe ◽  
Ronika Agrawal ◽  
Shimaz Khan
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Function ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Exercise Program ◽  
Vascular Diseases ◽  
Premature Death ◽  
Good Health ◽  
Vo2 Max ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Resistance Exercises ◽  
Group B

Background: Cigarette smoking is the major cause of premature death. It accounts for 28% of all cardio vascular diseases and 40% of respiratory diseases as it is associated with impaired pulmonary function. Exercise is an effective and low cost of treatment which can promote good health of a smoker. Research indicates that individuals who maintain an exercise program are more likely to give up smoking than those who quit exercising. Methodology: 150 subjects were included in the study and divided into two groups Group A (resistance exercises) and Group B (Walking). The exercises protocol was given for six weeks. Pre post PEFR and VO2 max was calculated. Results: both the groups showed improvement post intervention (p<0.05) whereas resistance group showed better improvement than the walking group (p<0.05). Conclusion: Aerobic and Resistance exercises both showed significant improvement in PEFR and VO2 max in smokers, however the resistance exercises showed better improvement in the cardiovascular and pulmonary function. Key words: Smoking, Aerobic exercises, Resistance exercises, Theraband.

scholarly journals Consider BMI Change When Evaluating Nutrition Intervention Impact on Eating Competence: Findings from an Intervention with Eating Competence Constructs for Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 1326-1326
Author(s):  
Barbara Lohse ◽  
Leslie Cunningham-Sabo
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Nutrition Education ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Physical Activity Intervention ◽  
Pearson Correlation ◽  
Nutrition Intervention ◽  
Linear Modeling ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Eating Competence

Abstract Objectives Examine change in adult eating competence (EC) over a 12 month period following participation in a controlled 7-month nutrition education intervention with EC constructs. Methods Parents of 4th grade youth in a cluster randomized impact assessment of a 7 month school-based culinary and physical activity intervention were assigned to 1 of 4 incrementally complex treatments that included components congruent with EC tenets. An online survey included validated measures of EC (ecSI 2.0TM), physical activity, stress, diet quality, healthful modeling, self-efficacy (SE) to offer fruits and vegetables to youth, and self-reported height/weight. EC was defined as ecSI 2.0TM ≥32. Measures were completed at baseline (BL), post-intervention (FU) and 5 months later (FU2). SPSS 24.0 analyses included repeated measures general linear modeling, means testing, chi square, Pearson correlation. Results Mean age of the mostly female (86%) sample (n = 418) was 39.1 ± 6.0 y; at FU2 126 were intervention and 96 control parents. BL analyses supported EC tenets with greater ecSI 2.0TM scores associated with less stress, lower BMI, less overweight/obesity, greater physical activity, greater SE and modeling behaviors (all P &lt; 0.01). These relationships persisted at FU (n = 220) and FU2 (n = 221) for BMI, SE, modeling, and stress measures (all P &lt; 0.01) and physical activity (P = 0.001 FU and 0.09 FU2). EC was denoted for 53% and 57% at BL and FU2 respectively. BL to FU2 ecSI 2.0TM change was not significant when controlling for changes in stress or physical activity. However, compared to those with increased FU2 BMI, ecSI 2.0TM tended (P = 0.06) to increase when BMI was decreased or unchanged, even when controlling for BL BMI. BL to FU2 ecSI 2.0 change was inversely related to BMI change (P = 0.01). ecSI 2.0TM tended to decrease for control, but increase for intervention parents (P = 0.07; –0.34 vs. 1.05), but not when controlling for BMI change. Conclusions An intervention with attention to EC congruent tenets showed modest effect on ecSI 2.0TM suggesting that successful programs require attributes that directly align with EC, which may be uniquely different from traditional nutrition education. Accurate EC intervention assessment required consideration of BMI change. Funding Sources USDA, NIFA.

scholarly journals Recreational physical activity context and type preferences among male and female Emirati university students

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 507-512 ◽  
Author(s):  
C B Doyle ◽  
A Khan ◽  
N W Burton
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
University Students ◽  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Recreational Physical Activity ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Activity Types ◽  
Competitive Activities

Abstract Background This study assessed recreational physical activity type and context preferences of Emirati university students. Method This was a cross-sectional study in which a stratified random sample (n=628) (female 69.1%, male 30.9% mean age 20.79±3.81 y) completed an online survey. Relationships between gender and preferences were assessed using regression analysis, adjusted for body mass index and age. Results Activities with a fun element were the most preferred context (87.1%). Walking (66.7%) and swimming (61.7%) were the most preferred activity types. Males had significantly higher odds of preferring competitive activities, and activity types such as football, fitness/weights and jogging. Females had significantly higher odds of preferring activities with people of the same gender, with supervision and done at home, and activity types such as walking, aerobics, cycling, squash and yoga. Conclusion These results can inform physical activity planning for university students in the United Arab Emirates. Fun activity opportunities involving walking or swimming and in the local neighbourhood may be popular for both males and females. Future research could explore uptake and maintenance of activity options, based on preferred activity attributes.

scholarly journals Get(ting) to the Start Line – the evaluation of an innovative intervention to address adolescents’ school-related stress and anxiety

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 642-663 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorraine Cale ◽  
Jo Harris ◽  
Oliver Hooper
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
School Based ◽  
East Midlands ◽  
Start Line ◽  
School Based Interventions ◽  
Related Stress

There are growing concerns over young people’s mental health, the academic pressures they face, and the association between school-related stress and health. Given this, alongside the known benefits of physical activity for psychological health, the need for school-based interventions with a physical activity focus seems justified. This paper reports on findings from the evaluation of a pilot of ‘Get to the Start Line’, an innovative school-based programme designed to address adolescents’ school-related stress and anxiety. The research adopted a mixed-methods approach and a pre- and post- design. Six schools from the East Midlands, UK, and selected year 11 pupils (aged 15–16) identified as experiencing examination-related stress and anxiety, participated in the programme. The programme was coordinated by a school champion (a staff member), delivered by an athlete mentor, and comprised six workshops. Data were collected from school champions and athlete mentors via an online survey following each workshop, and via semi-structured focus groups and interviews with pupils and school champions, respectively, pre-, mid- and post-intervention. Schools also provided relevant pupil data. The findings revealed the programme to be positively received by most pupils and to result in positive outcomes such as reported reductions in examination-related stress and anxiety for some, and fewer pupil well-being referrals. However, various challenges and limitations of the programme were identified, and recommendations were made for its future development. Therefore, whilst some of the findings were encouraging, further research into the implementation and impact of this and other such programmes is needed.

scholarly journals Diet Quality and Physical Activity Patterns of Musical Theatre Performers (P16-031-19)

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Latifa Alshaikh ◽  
Ana Flavia Zuim ◽  
Kathleen Woolf
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Diet Quality ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Healthy Eating Index ◽  
Musical Theatre ◽  
Moderate Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Activity Patterns ◽  
The Arts

Abstract Objectives Musical theatre performers are considered “athletes of the arts”, requiring excellent physical and vocal stamina to complete long rehearsals and meet performance expectations. These demands create emphasis on the importance of good nutritional intake. The purpose of this study was to assess dietary and physical activity patterns of professional musical theatre performers (MTPs) in comparison with non-performers (NPs). Methods The study was cross-sectional and used an online survey via Qualtrics. The survey included the 2010 National Cancer Institute (NCI) Diet History Questionnaire II (DHQ II) and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-short form. The DHQ II Diet*Calc software was used to generate estimates of nutrient and food group intake. NCI SAS macros calculated Healthy Eating Index (HEI) 2015 component and total scores. Statistical analyses were conducted using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 25. Descriptive statistics were generated for both groups. Chi-square tests were used to assess categorical data and independent sample t-tests were used to compare continuous data between the two groups. Results A total of 134 participants were included in the final analysis, of which 58 were MTPs and 76 were NPs. Participants had an average age of 27.5 ± 8.5 years and average BMI of 23.3 ±5.5 kg/m2 with no significant differences between the two groups. There were no significant associations between the two groups for sex, ethnicity, race, or educational level. MTPs obtained higher HEI scores (69.3 ± 8.5) in comparison with NPs (65.2 ± 8.6) (P = 0.007). MTPs engaged in vigorous and moderate physical activity more frequently than NPs (P < 0.001). Of the MTPs, approximately 70% reported experiencing injuries throughout their career, 44% reported following a special diet, and 10.5% reported previous eating disorder diagnosis. Conclusions This study found that the MTPs had higher diet quality compared to non-performers. However, the MTPs were more physically active than non-performers, and that prevalence of injuries among MTPs was high. Further research is needed to identify dietary needs of MTPs and develop appropriate nutrition education interventions for this unique population of “athletes in the arts”. Funding Sources None.

Impact of a regular exercise program on amount of exercise and QOL metrics in patients on immune therapy.

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. TPS11636-TPS11636
Author(s):  
Nicole Brenna Quenelle ◽  
Kathryn Blount Bollin
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Cancer Treatment ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Immune Therapy ◽  
Exercise Program ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Time Activity ◽  
Activity Measurements

TPS11636 Background: Studies show physical activity has a positive impact on fatigue and quality of life both during cancer treatment with chemotherapy and radiation and post-treatment (1, 2). There may also be a survival benefit to increasing physical activity both during and after treatment (3). To date there is no published research on the role of exercise in ameliorating the fatigue patients can experience during treatment with immune therapy. Our study proposes to use the existing framework of the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program to objectively measure improvement in activity level and objective quality of life measurements. Methods: Randomized controlled prospective study evaluating patient participation in LIVESTRONG at YMCA program during active cancer treatment to assess change in minutes per week of self-reported physical activity over 12 weeks. Assessments will be done based on attendance of 12 week program, activity log, functional assessments of physical activity pre- and post- program (6 min walk test, % change in weight, % change in max weight lifted and flexibility), and questionnaires evaluating fatigue (PROMIS 13a FACIT-F), pain (PROMIS pain intensity scale, ASCQ-Me short form), quality of life (FACT-G), Godin Leisure Time Activity Questionnaire, and inflammatory markers (ESR, CRP). Data will be analyzed on an intention-to-treat analysis. A sample size of 100 participants per group will achieve 80% power to detect a 60 minute difference with a standard deviation of 150 minutes 1 and with a significance level (alpha) of 0.050 using a two-sided two-sample t-test. Enrollment is targeted at 108 participants per arm to allow for 8% attrition, 216 total. Secondary endpoints will be assessed at a baseline functional assessment session for all participants and a follow up session after 12 weeks, including administration of questionnaires at both sessions. For physical activity measurements and survey completions, percent change in baseline and completion measurements will be calculated for each patient, then comparison using a chi-square test will be done to determine statistical significance.(Tomlinson et al. Effect of exercise on cancer-related fatigue: a meta-analysis. Am J Phys Med Rehabil. 2014;93:675-686; Irwin et al. Effect of the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA Exercise Program on Physical Activity, Fitness, Quality of Life, and Fatigue in Cancer Survivors. 2016 (published online October 28, 2016); Li T et al. The dose–response effect of physical activity on cancer mortality: findings from 71 prospective cohort studies . Br J Sports Med. 2016;50:339-345).

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