scholarly journals Physical activity intervention for rural middle-aged and older Australian adults: A pilot implementation study of the ecofit program delivered in a real-world setting

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Magdalena Wilczynska ◽  
Anna K Jansson ◽  
David R Lubans ◽  
Jordan J Smith ◽  
Sara L Robards ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Physical Activity Intervention ◽  
Functional Mobility ◽  
Lower Body ◽  
Muscular Fitness ◽  
Municipal Council ◽  
Real World Setting ◽  
Time Point

Abstract Background: ecofit is an evidence-based multi-component physical activity intervention that integrates smartphone technology, the outdoor environment and social support. In a previous efficacy trial, significant improvements were found across several clinical, fitness, and mental health outcomes among adults at risk of (or with) type 2 diabetes. Methods: The aim of the present pilot study was to evaluate a number of health-related and feasibility outcomes of the ecofit intervention in a ‘real-world’ setting, using a scalable implementation model. ecofit was adapted and implemented by a rural municipal council in the Upper Hunter Shire, New South Wales, Australia and evaluated using a single-group pre-post design. Inactive middle-aged and older adults (N=59) were recruited and assessed at 6- (primary time-point) and 20-weeks (follow-up). Results: Improvements were found in this predominantly overweight and obese sample for aerobic fitness, functional mobility, upper and lower body muscular fitness, systolic blood pressure and waist circumference at 6-weeks. At 20-weeks, effects were found for aerobic fitness, functional mobility, upper and lower body muscular fitness, and systolic blood pressure. Overall, participants were satisfied with the ecofit program. Participants attended the 6-week primary time-point (66.1%) and follow-up at 20-weeks (41.6%). Conclusions: Our findings support the preliminary effectiveness and feasibility of the ecofit intervention delivered by municipal council staff following a brief training from the research team. This study provides valuable preliminary evidence to support of a larger implementation trial.

scholarly journals Physical activity intervention for rural middle-aged and older Australian adults: a pilot implementation study of the ecofit program delivered in a real-world setting

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Magdalena Wilczynska ◽  
Anna K. Jansson ◽  
David R. Lubans ◽  
Jordan J. Smith ◽  
Sara L. Robards ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Physical Activity Intervention ◽  
Functional Mobility ◽  
Lower Body ◽  
Muscular Fitness ◽  
Municipal Council ◽  
Real World Setting ◽  
Time Point

Abstract Background ecofit is an evidence-based multi-component physical activity intervention that integrates smartphone technology, the outdoor environment, and social support. In a previous efficacy trial, significant improvements were found across several clinical, fitness, and mental health outcomes among adults at risk of (or with) type 2 diabetes. Methods The aim of the present pilot study was to evaluate a number of patient-centered and feasibility outcomes of the ecofit intervention in a “real-world” setting, using a scalable implementation model. ecofit was adapted and implemented by a rural municipal council in the Upper Hunter Shire, New South Wales, Australia, and evaluated using a single-group pre-post design. Inactive middle-aged and older adults (N=59) were recruited and assessed at 6 (primary time-point) and 20 weeks (follow-up). Results Improvements were found in this predominantly overweight and obese sample for aerobic fitness, functional mobility, upper and lower body muscular fitness, systolic blood pressure, and waist circumference at 6 weeks. At 20 weeks, effects were found for aerobic fitness, functional mobility, upper and lower body muscular fitness, and systolic blood pressure. Overall, participants were satisfied with the ecofit program. Participants attended the 6-week primary time-point (66.1%) and follow-up at 20 weeks (41.6%). Conclusions Our findings support the preliminary effectiveness and feasibility of the ecofit intervention delivered by municipal council staff following a brief training from the research team. This study provides valuable preliminary evidence to support a larger implementation trial.

scholarly journals Physical activity intervention for rural middle-aged and older Australian adults: A pilot implementation study of the ecofit program delivered in a real-world setting

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Magdalena Wilczynska ◽  
Anna K Jansson ◽  
David R Lubans ◽  
Jordan J Smith ◽  
Sara L Robards ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Physical Activity Intervention ◽  
Functional Mobility ◽  
Lower Body ◽  
Muscular Fitness ◽  
Municipal Council ◽  
Real World Setting ◽  
Time Point

Abstract Background: ecofit is an evidence-based multi-component physical activity intervention that integrates smartphone technology, the outdoor environment and social support. In a previous efficacy trial, significant improvements were found across several clinical, fitness, and mental health outcomes among adults at risk of (or with) type 2 diabetes.Methods: The aim of the present pilot study was to evaluate a number of health-related and feasibility outcomes of the ecofit intervention in a ‘real-world’ setting, using a scalable implementation model. ecofit was adapted and implemented by a rural municipal council in the Upper Hunter Shire, New South Wales, Australia and evaluated using a single-group pre-post design. Inactive middle-aged and older adults (N=59) were recruited and assessed at 6- (primary time-point) and 20-weeks (follow-up). Results: Improvements were found in this predominantly overweight and obese sample for aerobic fitness, functional mobility, upper and lower body muscular fitness, systolic blood pressure and waist circumference at 6-weeks. At 20-weeks, effects were found for aerobic fitness, functional mobility, upper and lower body muscular fitness, and systolic blood pressure. Overall, participants were satisfied with the ecofit program. Participants attended the 6-week primary time-point (66.1%) and follow-up at 20-weeks (41.6%).Conclusions: Our findings support the preliminary effectiveness and feasibility of the ecofit intervention delivered by municipal council staff following a brief training from the research team. This study provides valuable preliminary evidence to support of a larger implementation trial.

The impact of participant pathways on the effectiveness of a community-based physical activity intervention grounded in motivational interviewing

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew Wade ◽  
Nicola Brown ◽  
James Steele ◽  
Steven Mann ◽  
Bernadette Dancy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Primary Care ◽  
Motivational Interviewing ◽  
Social Action ◽  
Multilevel Models ◽  
Physical Activity Intervention ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
Community Based ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Time Point

Background: Brief advice is recommended to increase physical activity (PA) within primary care. This study assessed change in PA levels and mental wellbeing after a motivational interviewing (MI) community-based PA intervention and the impact of signposting [SP] and Social Action [SA] (i.e. weekly group support) pathways. Methods: Participants (n=2084) took part in a community-based, primary care PA programme using MI techniques. Self-reported PA and mental wellbeing data were collected at baseline (following an initial 30-minute MI appointment), 12-weeks, six-months, and 12-months. Participants were assigned based upon the surgery they attended to the SP or SA pathway. Multilevel models were used to derive point estimates and 95%CIs for outcomes at each time point and change scores. Results: Participants increased PA and mental wellbeing at each follow-up time point through both participant pathways and with little difference between pathways. Retention was similar between pathways at 12-weeks, but the SP pathway retained more participants at six-months and 12-months. Conclusions: Both pathways produced similar improvements in PA and mental wellbeing, suggesting the effectiveness of MI based PA interventions. However, due to lower resources required yet similar effects, SP pathways are recommended over SA to support PA in primary care settings.

scholarly journals Physical activity in the classroom to prevent childhood obesity: a pilot study in Santiago, Chile

2017 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francisco Mardones ◽  
Pilar Arnaiz ◽  
Johana Soto-Sánchez ◽  
Juana Saavedra ◽  
Angélica Domínguez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Grip Strength ◽  
Statistical Power ◽  
Physical Activity Intervention ◽  
Hand Grip Strength ◽  
Control Group ◽  
High Waist Circumference ◽  
Hand Grip

AbstractThis paper describes a 4-month pilot study that tested the suitability of a physical activity intervention for first graders (children aged 6 and 7 years) in a public school in Santiago, Chile. Teachers were trained to deliver the programme in the classroom during the school day. Teachers were surveyed to determine if this intervention fit within their curriculum and classroom routines and they reported in a focus group that it was suitable for them. All children actively participated in the programme and positive changes in their attitudes towards physical activity were observed by their teachers. Anthropometrics, blood pressure and hand grip strength were measured in the students. A significant reduction was observed in children with high waist circumference ≥ 90th percentile, and in mean systolic blood pressure. However, statistical power values for those comparisons were rather low. Anthropometry and hand grip strength were not modified. The latter calculations and the lack of a control group are showing the weaknesses of this pilot study and that further research with a larger sample size and an experimental design is strongly needed.

Abstract P199: Keep Moving, Your Health Depends On It: Impact Of Improved Physical Activity And Weight Loss In A Wellness Program

Circulation ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 129 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ebenezer T Oni ◽  
Ehimen Aneni ◽  
Maribeth Rouseff ◽  
Thinh Tran ◽  
Henry Guzman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Weight Loss ◽  
Intervention Program ◽  
South Florida ◽  
Metabolic Equivalents ◽  
Baseline Weight ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Difference

Negative impact of CVD as the leading cause of death in the US is worsened by the significant burden of obesity and associated morbidity and concerns about the growing population inactivity. The American Heart Association has emphasized worksite-based interventions to improve CV health. We evaluated the benefits of improved physical activity(PA) and weight loss(WL) among employees of the Baptist Health South Florida enrolled in a wellness intervention program. Methods: Employees with two or more Cardio-metabolic risk factors , such as total cholesterol ≥ 200 mg/dl, systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mmHg, hemoglobin A1C ≥ 6.5%, and body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 were enrolled in an intervention program themed “My unlimited potential”. Interventions were focused on diet and PA modifications. We defined improved physical activity as the difference in the metabolic equivalents (METs) at 12 weeks follow-up and at baseline. WL (lbs) was the difference in weight at follow-up. The relationship between WL and changes in METs was explored in an ordered logistic regression. Results: Overall 203 (48±10 years, 78% females) employees were enrolled with a retention rate of 89% (n=181) at 12 weeks follow-up. At baseline the median weights was 211 lbs., and mean METs- 8.6, while at follow-up the median weight was 200 lbs, and the mean METs 11. At 12 weeks follow up 38% had significant WL (lost >5% of baseline weight). The median WL was 8.4 (IQR 4.8-13.0) lbs and the mean change in METs was 2.4±1.8. Median WL increased with increasing tertiles of METs change; tertile1- 6.5(4-11) lbs., tertile2- 9(6-13)lbs. tertile3- 11(7-15)lbs. Increased PA was related to increased WL across BMI categories adjusting for age, gender and baseline weight. Conclusion: This study points strongly toward the benefit of increasing PA among other lifestyle modification interventions in controlling weight. Although further follow-up of this population to evaluate sustainability of change is needed, our results clearly relate improved PA and health.

scholarly journals Cardiovascular Health and Stroke in Older British Men

Stroke ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (11) ◽  
pp. 3286-3294
Author(s):  
Ayesha Ahmed ◽  
Snehal M. Pinto Pereira ◽  
Lucy Lennon ◽  
Olia Papacosta ◽  
Peter Whincup ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Cardiovascular Health ◽  
Population Attributable Fraction ◽  
Cox Models ◽  
Population Attributable Fractions ◽  
Hazard Ratios ◽  
Attributable Fractions ◽  
Time Point

Background and Purpose: Research exploring the utility of cardiovascular health (CVH) and its Life’s Simple 7 (LS7) components (body mass index, blood pressure [BP], glucose, cholesterol, physical activity, smoking, and diet) for prevention of stroke in older adults is limited. In the British Regional Heart Study, we explored (1) prospective associations of LS7 metrics and composite CVH scores with, and their impact on, stroke in middle and older age; and (2) if change in CVH was associated with subsequent stroke. Methods: Men without cardiovascular disease were followed from baseline recruitment (1978–1980), and again from re-examination 20 years later, for stroke over a median period of 20 years and 16 years, respectively. LS7 were measured at each time point except baseline diet. Cox models estimated hazard ratios (95% CI) of stroke for (1) ideal and intermediate versus poor levels of LS7; (2) composite CVH scores; and (3) 4 CVH trajectory groups (low-low, low-high, high-low, high-high) derived by dichotomising CVH scores from each time point across the median value. Population attributable fractions measured impact of LS7. Results: At baseline (n=7274, mean age 50 years), healthier levels of BP, physical activity, and smoking were associated with reduced stroke risk. At 20-year follow-up (n=3798, mean age 69 years) only BP displayed an association. Hazard ratios for intermediate and ideal (versus poor) levels of BP 0.65 (0.52–0.81) and 0.40 (0.24–0.65) at baseline; and 0.84 (0.67–1.05) and 0.57 (0.36–0.90) at 20-year follow-up. With reference to low-low trajectory, the low-high trajectory was associated with 40% reduced risk, hazard ratio 0.60 (0.44–0.83). Associations of CVH scores weakened, and population attributable fractions of LS7 reduced, from middle to old age; population attributable fraction of nonideal BP from 53% to 39%. Conclusions: Except for BP, CVH is weakly associated with stroke at older ages. Prevention strategies for older adults should prioritize BP control but also enhance focus beyond traditional risk factors.

scholarly journals Sustained Long-Term Effectiveness of an Energy Management Training Course on Employee Vitality and Purpose in Life

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 177-188 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sai Krupa Das ◽  
Shawn T. Mason ◽  
Taylor A. Vail ◽  
Caroline M. Blanchard ◽  
Meghan K. Chin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Purpose In Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Sf 36

Purpose: Programs designed to sustainably improve employee well-being are urgently needed but insufficiently researched. This study evaluates the long-term effectiveness of a commercial well-being intervention in a worksite setting. Design: A pre/postintervention repeated analysis with follow-up at 6, 12, and 18 months. Setting: Office-based worksites (for-profit, nonprofit, and mixed work-type; n = 8). Participants: One hundred sixty-three employees with a mean age of 47 (11) years (57% female). Intervention: A 2.5-day group-based behavioral program emphasizing vitality and purpose in life (PiL). Measures: Rand Medical Outcomes Survey (MOS) 36-Item Short Form (SF-36) with a focus on vitality (primary outcome), Ryff PiL Scale, Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, Profile of Mood States, Rand MOS Sleep Scale, physical activity, body weight, blood pressure, and blood measures for glucose and lipids at baseline, 6, 12, and 18 months. Analysis: General linear models with repeated measures for mean values at baseline and follow-up. Results: At 18-month follow-up, sustained improvements were observed for vitality, general health, and mental health domains of SF-36 and PiL ( P < .001 for all measures). Sleep, mood, vigor, physical activity, and blood pressure were also improved at 18 months ( P < .05 for all measures). Conclusions: An intensive 2.5-day intervention showed sustained improvement in employee quality of life, PiL, and other measures of well-being over 18 months.

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