scholarly journals The feasibility and impact of embedding pedagogical strategies targeting physical activity within undergraduate teacher education: Transform-Ed!

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Natalie Lander ◽  
Harriet Koorts ◽  
Emiliano Mazzoli ◽  
Kate Moncrieff ◽  
Jo Salmon
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Teacher Education ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Sedentary Behaviour ◽  
School Principals ◽  
Positive Feelings ◽  
Active Pedagogy ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Undergraduate Teacher Education

Abstract Purpose Low levels of physical activity and high levels of sedentary behaviour are pervasive, especially in schools. Pre-service teacher education is pivotal to school and educational reform but is an under-studied setting for physical activity and sedentary behaviour intervention research. The objective of this pilot study was to test the feasibility and potential impact of embedding evidence-based active pedagogy based on an adapted version of Transform-Us!, Transform-Ed! in one core unit of an undergraduate teacher education degree. Methods Baseline and follow-up measures (i.e. surveys) were conducted with Bachelor of Education (Primary) pre-service teachers who received the Transform-Ed! intervention and academic educators who delivered the intervention. Focus groups of senior academics and telephone interviews with primary school principals examined perceptions of intervention feasibility and explored potential real-world relevance and impact of pre-service teachers training in active pedagogy. Results After 12 weeks, pre-service teachers (n = 218) were significantly more willing (pre–post change Δ = 0.54, 95% CI [0.16, 0.91]), confident (Δ = 1.40, 95% CI [0.89, 1.91]) and competent (Δ = 2.39, 95% CI [1.85, 2.92]) to deliver Transform-Ed!, had more positive feelings about the impact of physical activity on student outcomes (Δ = 2.05, 95% CI [1.58, 2.52]), and perceived fewer barriers to integrating Transform-Ed! into current and future teaching (Δ = − 7.26, 95% CI [− 8.88, − 5.64]). Four major themes emerged from the focus groups (n = 9) and interviews (n = 5) around participant perceptions of Transform-Ed!: (i) acceptability and appropriateness, (ii) need (tertiary level), (iii) need (primary level) and (iv) overcoming challenges. Conclusion The Transform-Ed! pilot study demonstrated promising results across multiple participant levels, as it was perceived to be feasible, acceptable and appropriate by pre-service teachers, academics and school principals. The findings have direct implications for the progression of Transform-Ed! from pilot to a future definitive trial.

scholarly journals Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Sedentary Behaviour and Physical Activity Are Independently Associated with the Metabolic Syndrome, Results from the SCAPIS Pilot Study

PLoS ONE ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. e0131586 ◽  
Author(s):  
Örjan Ekblom ◽  
Elin Ekblom-Bak ◽  
Annika Rosengren ◽  
Mattias Hallsten ◽  
Göran Bergström ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Sedentary Behaviour ◽  
Cardiorespiratory Fitness ◽  
The Metabolic Syndrome

scholarly journals Understanding the influence of 24-hour movement behaviours on the health and development of preschool children from low-income South African settings: the SUNRISE pilot study

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine Draper ◽  
Simone A Tomaz ◽  
Caylee J Cook ◽  
Sasha S Jugdav ◽  
Candice Ramsammy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Preschool Children ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Sedentary Behaviour ◽  
South African ◽  
Motor Skills ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Screen Time ◽  
Early Years ◽  
Gross Motor

Background: The International Study of Movement Behaviours in the Early Years, SUNRISE, was initiated to assess the extent to which young children meet movement behaviour guidelines (physical activity, sedentary behaviour, screen time, sleep). Objective: The South African SUNRISE pilot study assessed movement behaviours in preschool children from two low-income settings, and associations between these movement behaviours, adiposity, motor skills and executive function (EF). Methods: Preschool child/parent pairs (n = 89) were recruited from preschools in urban Soweto and rural Sweetwaters. Height and weight were measured to assess adiposity. Physical activity was assessed using accelerometers while sedentary behaviour, screen time and sleep were assessed via parent report. Fine and gross motor development were measured using the Ages and Stages Questionnaire-3, and EF was assessed using the Early Years Toolbox. Results: The proportion of children meeting the physical activity guideline was 84% , 66% met the sleep guideline ,48% met the screen time guideline , and 26% met all three guidelines. Rural children were more active, but spent more time on screens compared to urban children. Most children were on track for gross (96%) and fine motor (73%) development, and mean EF scores were in the expected range for all EF measures. EF was negatively associated with screen time, and gross motor skills were positively associated with physical activity. Conclusion: The South African SUNRISE study contributes to the growing literature on 24-hour movement behaviours in SA preschool children, and highlights that these behaviours require attention in this age group.

Influences on diet and physical activity choices of 11–13-year-olds in a school setting

2019 ◽  
Vol 78 (5) ◽  
pp. 545-556 ◽  
Author(s):  
Camilla A McHugh ◽  
Lindsey Anderson ◽  
Jenny Lloyd ◽  
Stuart Logan ◽  
Katrina Wyatt
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
School Environment ◽  
Food Choices ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Framework Analysis ◽  
Future Health ◽  
Diet And Physical Activity ◽  
Activity Choices ◽  
The Impact

Objective: This paper uses a qualitative approach to explore the factors that influence diet and physical activity choices of 11–13-year-olds with a particular focus on the impact of the school environment. Design: Qualitative focus groups. Setting: Three purposively sampled secondary schools in Devon, UK. Method: A total of 53 students, aged 11–13, took part in six focus groups. Thematic, framework analysis was used to analyse the data. Result: Four overarching themes emerged: (1) health now and in the future; (2) the role of others; (3) provision, temptation and addiction; and (4) boundaries, strategies and support. Participants demonstrated good knowledge of what constitutes a healthy lifestyle and its importance for future health, although it was not necessarily seen as a priority at this stage of life. Key influences on their choices were their peers and family, although participants also identified that the school environment influences the food choices they make while there. Conclusion: In this study, 11–13-year-olds identified that schools could do more to support them to make healthier food choices. However, future research needs to understand the constraints schools face in terms of food provision in order to highlight possible opportunities for intervention.

Gamification of nutrition: A preliminary study on the impact of gamification on nutrition knowledge, attitude, and behaviour of adolescents in Nigeria

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 137-144 ◽  
Author(s):  
Obidimma Ezezika ◽  
Jessica Oh ◽  
Ngozi Edeagu ◽  
Warami Boyo
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Secondary Schools ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Eating Behaviour ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Nutrition Knowledge ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Dietary Behaviour ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
The Impact

Background: In Nigeria and many parts of sub-Saharan Africa, the availability of foods that are high in salt, sugar, and saturated fat is steadily increasing. This has led to an increase in the consumption of such foods among Nigerians, particularly among adolescents. Aim: This pilot study was undertaken to understand whether, and how, gamification of nutrition can have an impact on addressing the problem of unhealthy eating among Nigerian adolescents. Methods: Gamification of nutrition through board games, clubs and vouchers was introduced in three secondary schools in Abuja, Nigeria over a span of three to four months. Semi-structured focus groups were conducted with grade 11 and 12 students in the three secondary schools. Participants were asked about their perceptions of the intervention and how it influenced their eating behaviour, attitudes and knowledge about nutrition. Results: A total of 31 students participated in four focus groups. Participants reported that the intervention shifted their perceptions and preferences, leading them to alter their behaviour by incorporating more nutritious foods (such as fruits and vegetables) into their diet and engaging in more physical activity. Five themes emerged from the analyses: improved eating behaviour; increased physical activity; improved overall well-being; increased nutrition knowledge; and influencing others. Conclusions: The results from the focus groups suggest that gamification of nutrition can lead to improvements in dietary behaviour among adolescents over the short-term. More studies are needed to evaluate the long-term effects of nutrition interventions that use gamification techniques.

scholarly journals Perceived Stress among Different Occupational Groups and the Interaction with Sedentary Behaviour

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (23) ◽  
pp. 4595 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dėdelė ◽  
Miškinytė ◽  
Andrušaitytė ◽  
Bartkutė
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Sedentary Behaviour ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
White Collar ◽  
Individual Characteristics ◽  
Blue Collar ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Occupational Groups ◽  
Blue Collar Workers ◽  
The Impact

Sedentary lifestyle and low physical activity are associated with health issues, including both physical and mental health, non-communicable diseases, overweight, obesity and reduced quality of life. This study investigated differences in physical activity and other individual factors among different occupational groups, highlighting the impact of sedentary behaviour on perceived stress by occupation. Cross-sectional study included 571 full-time workers of Kaunas city, Lithuania. The outcome of this study was assessment of perceived stress. Time spent sedentary per day, occupation and other individual characteristics were self-reported using questionnaires. Two main occupational groups were analysed: white-collar and blue-collar workers. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the impact of sedentary behaviour on perceived stress among different occupational groups. The prevalence of high sedentary behaviour was 21.7 and 16.8 % among white-collar and blue-collar workers, respectively. Blue-collar workers had a higher risk of high perceived stress (OR 1.55, 95% CI 1.05–2.29) compared to white-collar workers; however, sedentary time did not have any impact on high perceived stress level. Meanwhile, white-collar male (OR 4.34, 95% CI 1.46–12.95) and white-collar female (OR 3.26, 95% CI 1.23–8.65) workers who spend more than three hours per day sedentary had a greater risk of high levels of perceived stress. These findings indicate sedentary behaviour effect on perceived stress among two occupational groups—white-collar and blue-collar workers—and other important factors associated with perceived stress.

scholarly journals The Infant Cuddler Study: Evaluating the effectiveness of volunteer cuddling in infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (7) ◽  
pp. 414-418
Author(s):  
Amanda Hignell ◽  
Karen Carlyle ◽  
Catherine Bishop ◽  
Mary Murphy ◽  
Teresa Valenzano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Length Of Stay ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Surrogate Marker ◽  
Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Abstinence Syndrome ◽  
Study Results ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Objectives St. Michael’s Hospital launched a volunteer cuddling program for all infants admitted into the neonatal intensive care unit in October 2015. The program utilizes trained volunteers to cuddle infants when caregivers are not available. This was a pilot study to assess the impact of a volunteer cuddle program on length of stay (LOS) and feasibility of implementation of the program. Methods A mixed methods approach was utilized to measure both quantitative and qualitative impact. A pilot cohort study with a retrospective control group assessed the feasibility of implementing a volunteer cuddling program for infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). Length of stay was used as a surrogate marker to measure the impact of cuddling on infants being treated for Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome. Focus groups using semi-structured interviews were conducted with volunteers and nurses at the end of the pilot study. Results LOS was reduced by 6.36 days (U=34, P=0.072) for infants with NAS in the volunteer cuddling program. Focus groups with both bedside nurses and program volunteers described a positive impact of cuddling programs on infants, families, staff, and volunteers alike. Conclusions The study results suggest that the volunteer cuddling program may reduce LOS in infants with NAS and have potential economic savings on hospital resources. However, larger prospective cohort studies are needed to confirm these results.

scholarly journals Mobile health interventions to promote physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviour in the workplace: A systematic review

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. 205520761983988 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Ann Buckingham ◽  
Andrew James Williams ◽  
Karyn Morrissey ◽  
Lisa Price ◽  
John Harrison
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Sedentary Behaviour ◽  
Mobile Health ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Methodological Quality ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Behaviour Change Techniques ◽  
The Impact

Objective This systematic review aimed to assess the effectiveness, feasibility and acceptability of mobile health (mHealth) technology (including wearable activity monitors and smartphone applications) for promoting physical activity (PA) and reducing sedentary behaviour (SB) in workplace settings. Methods Systematic searches were conducted in seven electronic databases (MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus, Scopus, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Web of Science and the Cochrane library). Studies were included if mHealth was a major intervention component, PA/SB was a primary outcome, and participants were recruited and/or the intervention was delivered in the workplace. Study quality was assessed using the Effective Public Health Practice Project (EPHPP) tool. Interventions were coded for behaviour change techniques (BCTs) using the Coventry, Aberdeen and London – Refined (CALO-RE) taxonomy. Results Twenty-five experimental and quasi-experimental studies were included. Studies were highly heterogeneous and only one was rated as ‘strong’ methodological quality. Common BCTs included self-monitoring, feedback, goal-setting and social comparison. A total of 14/25 (56%) studies reported a significant increase in PA, and 4/10 (40%) reported a significant reduction in sedentary time; 11/16 (69%) studies reported a significant impact on secondary outcomes including reductions in weight, systolic blood pressure and total cholesterol. While overall acceptability was high, a large decline in technology use and engagement was observed over time. Conclusions While methodological quality was generally weak, there is reasonable evidence for mHealth in a workplace context as a feasible, acceptable and effective tool to promote PA. The impact in the longer term and on SB is less clear. Higher quality, mixed methods studies are needed to explore the reasons for decline in engagement with time and the longer-term potential of mHealth in workplace interventions. Protocol registration: The review protocol was registered with PROSPERO: CRD42017058856

scholarly journals Which behaviour change techniques are effective to promote physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviour in adults: a factorial randomized trial of an e- and m-health intervention

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helene Schroé ◽  
Delfien Van Dyck ◽  
Annick De Paepe ◽  
Louise Poppe ◽  
Wen Wei Loh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Sedentary Behaviour ◽  
Behaviour Change ◽  
Action Planning ◽  
Health Intervention ◽  
Health Interventions ◽  
Behaviour Change Techniques ◽  
Self Monitoring ◽  
Coping Planning ◽  
The Impact

Abstract BackgroundE- and m-health interventions are promising to change health behaviour. Many of these interventions use a large variety of behaviour change techniques (BCTs), but it’s not known which BCTs or which combination of BCTs contribute to their efficacy. Therefore, this study investigated the efficacy of three BCTs (i.e. action planning, coping planning and self-monitoring) and their combinations on physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour (SB).MethodsIn a 2(action planning: present vs absent) x2(coping planning: present vs absent) x2(self-monitoring: present vs absent) factorial trial, 473 adults from the general population used the self-regulation based e- and m-health intervention ‘MyPlan2.0’ for five weeks. All combinations of BCTs were considered, resulting in eight groups. Participants selected their preferred target behaviour, either PA (n = 335,age = 35.8,28.1% men) or SB (n = 138,age = 37.8,37.7% men), and were then randomly allocated to the experimental groups. Levels of PA (MVPA in minutes/week) or SB (total sedentary time in hours/day) were assessed at baseline and post-intervention using self-reported questionnaires. Linear mixed-effect models were fitted to assess the impact of the different combinations of the BCTs on PA and SB.ResultsFirst, overall efficacy of each BCT was examined. The delivery of self-monitoring increased PA (t = 2.735,p = 0.007) and reduced SB (t=-2.573,p = 0.012) compared with no delivery of self-monitoring. Also, the delivery of coping planning increased PA (t = 2.302,p = 0.022) compared with no delivery of coping planning. Second, we investigated to what extent adding BCTs increased efficacy. Using the combination of the three BCTs was most effective to increase PA (x2 = 8,849,p = 0.003) whereas the combination of action planning and self-monitoring was most effective to decrease SB (x2 = 3.918,p = 0.048). To increase PA, action planning was always more effective in combination with coping planning (x2 = 5.590,p = 0.014;x2 = 17.722,p < 0.001;x2 = 4.552,p = 0.033) compared with using action planning without coping planning. Of note, the use of action planning alone reduced PA compared with using coping planning alone (x2 = 4.389,p = 0.031) and self-monitoring alone (x2 = 8.858,p = 003), respectively.ConclusionsThis study provides indications that different (combinations of) BCTs may be effective to promote PA and reduce SB. More experimental research to investigate the effectiveness of BCTs is needed, which can contribute to improved design and more effective e- and m-health interventions in the future.Trial registrationThis study was preregistered as a clinical trial (ID number: NCT03274271). Release date: 20 October 2017, http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03274271

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