Validity of muscular fitness self-assessments in the ecofit smartphone application (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Jansson ◽  
David Lubans ◽  
Mitch Duncan ◽  
Jordan Smith ◽  
Adrian Bauman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Concurrent Validity ◽  
The Self ◽  
Muscular Fitness ◽  
Stand Test ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Physical Activity Interventions ◽  
Sit To Stand ◽  
Self Assessments ◽  
Push Up

BACKGROUND Mobile health apps that promote physical activity are being developed at a rapid rate. App-based interventions have the potential for wide reach and therefore, may be a useful tool in up-scaling physical activity interventions. In larger scale interventions, face-to-face assessments are less cost effective, and researchers often rely on surveys or built-in activity trackers to assess ongoing efficacy/effectiveness of outcomes. While there are valid means of assessing aerobic activity via smartphone apps, there is limited evidence of valid muscular fitness assessments that can be self-administered within mHealth. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the concurrent validity of upper and lower body muscular fitness that have been independently assessed by participants via the ecofit app, and face-to-face assessments conducted by a trained researcher. METHODS This study compared baseline data from the ecofit two-armed randomised controlled trial and self-assessed data collected via the ecofit smartphone app. As part of baseline assessment in a larger community-based physical activity intervention ‘ecofit’, participants undertook the validated 90-degree push-up and the 60-second sit-to-stand test face-to-face with a trained researcher. Those allocated to the intervention group received access to the ecofit app and were instructed to complete the self-assessed fitness tests within 14-days of receiving access to the app. To assess the concurrent validity, the self-assessed push-up and sit-to-stand tests were correlated using Spearman’s correlation coefficient against the research-assessed results. Bland-Altman plots were also used to allow visualisation of the differences between the self- and research-assessed tests. RESULTS Fifty-four participants completed at least one of the two muscular fitness self-assessments within 14-days of receiving the app, of these 24.1% and 100% completed the push-up and the sit-to-stand test respectively. The results found a strong significant correlation for the push-up test (0.83, p <.001) and a moderate significant correlation for the sit-to-stand test (0.63, p <.001). CONCLUSIONS This study provides support for the concurrent validity of self-reported upper and lower body muscular fitness assessments (i.e., the push-up and sit-to-stand tests) in mHealth. While these tests may be a feasible option for large scale physical activity interventions, more research is needed to determine the generalisability of these results. CLINICALTRIAL The ecofit trial is registered with the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry (ANZCTR): ACTRN12619000868189.

scholarly journals The Impact of Previous Athletic Experience on Current Physical Fitness in Former Collegiate Athletes and Noncollegiate Athletes

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 462-468 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janet E. Simon ◽  
Carrie L. Docherty
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Fitness ◽  
Body Fat ◽  
Mean Difference ◽  
Division I ◽  
Percent Body Fat ◽  
Stand Test ◽  
Sit To Stand ◽  
Division I Athletes ◽  
Push Up

Background: Physical activity performed at moderate intensity is associated with reduced risk of mortality, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and some types of cancers. However, vigorous physical activity during participation in college athletics may increase the risk of injury, which might limit future physical activity levels. Purpose: To evaluate differences in current physical fitness levels between former Division I athletes and noncollegiate athletes. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Level of Evidence: Level 3. Methods: The sample was recruited from a large midwestern university alumni database and consisted of 2 cohorts: (1) former Division I athletes (n = 100; mean age, 53.1 ± 7.4 years) and (2) nonathletes who were active in college (n = 100; age, 51.4 ± 7.3 years). Individuals answered a demographics questionnaire and completed a physical fitness assessment consisting of 7 measures: percent body fat, 1-mile walk, sit-to-stand test, push-up, half sit-up test, sit and reach test, and back scratch test. Results: Performance was significantly worse for former Division I athletes compared with nonathletes for percent body fat (mean difference, 7.58%; F(1, 198) = 59.91; P < 0.01), mile time (mean difference, 2.42 minutes; F(1, 198) = 1.74; P = 0.03), sit-to-stand test (mean difference, 4.3 repetitions; F(1, 198) = 6.59; P = 0.01), and push-up test (mean difference, 8.9 repetitions; F(1, 198) = 7.35; P = 0.01). Conclusion: Former Division I athletes may be limited because of previous injury, inhibiting their ability to stay active later in life. Clinical Relevance: It is imperative that clinicians, coaches, and strength and conditioning specialists understand the possible future repercussions from competing at the Division I level.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of Text Messaging as an Incentive to Maintain Physical Activity after Cardiac Rehabilitation: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (12) ◽  
pp. 6645
Author(s):  
Giulia Foccardi ◽  
Marco Vecchiato ◽  
Daniel Neunhaeuserer ◽  
Michele Mezzaro ◽  
Giulia Quinto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Cardiac Rehabilitation ◽  
Exercise Testing ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Stand Test ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Sit To Stand ◽  
Significant Difference

Although the efficacy of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is proven, the need to improve patients’ adherence has emerged. There are only a few studies that have investigated the effect of sending text messages after a CR period to stimulate subjects’ ongoing engagement in regular physical activity (PA). A randomized controlled pilot trial was conducted after CR, sending a daily PA text message reminder to an intervention group (IG), which was compared with a usual care control group (CG) during three months of follow-up. Thirty-two subjects were assessed pre- and post-study intervention with GPAQ, submaximal iso-watt exercise testing, a 30 s sit-to-stand test, a bilateral arm curl test, and a final survey on a seven-point Likert scale. A statistically significant difference in the increase of moderate PA time (Δ 244.7 (95% CI 189.1, 300.4) minutes, p < 0.001) and in the reduction of sedentary behavior time (Δ −77.5 (95% CI 104.9, −50.1) minutes, p = 0.004) was shown when the IG was compared with the CG. This was associated with an improvement in heart rate, blood pressure, and patients’ Borg rating on the category ratio scale 10 (CR10) in iso-watt exercise testing (all p < 0.05). Furthermore, only the IG did not show a worsening of the strength parameters in the follow-up leading to a change of the 30 s sit-to-stand test with a difference of +2.2 (95% CI 1.23, 3.17) repetitions compared to CG (p = 0.03). The telemedical intervention has been appreciated by the IG, whose willingness to continue with regular PA emerged to be superior compared to the CG. Text messages are an effective and inexpensive adjuvant after phase 2 CR that improves adherence to regular PA. Further studies are needed to confirm these results in a larger patient population and in the long term.

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.

The Effect of Interactive Pedometer with New Algorithm on 10,000 Step Goal Attainments

2007 ◽  
Vol 345-346 ◽  
pp. 873-876
Author(s):  
Jin Oh Lee ◽  
Min Soo Kang ◽  
Jeong Hun Shin ◽  
Kil Sung Lee
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Health Status ◽  
Objective Assessment ◽  
The Self ◽  
Self Monitoring ◽  
Systematic Monitoring ◽  
Physical Activity Interventions ◽  
Minimal Contact ◽  
Feedback Algorithm ◽  
Overall Health Status

The pedometer, an objective assessment of measuring step counts, has often been used to motivate individuals to increase their ambulatory physical activity. Minimal contact pedometer-based intervention (MCPBI) is gaining in popularity because they are simple and inexpensive. MCPBI is based on self-monitoring by the participants; however, one limitation of using the self-monitoring approach was the participant attrition (i.e., dropout), which makes it difficult to achieve the successful intervention. A new algorithm for pedometer-based intervention, the systematic-monitoring based on conditional feedback, was designed to increase awareness and allow participants to more successfully attain their step goals. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine the effect of the systematic-monitoring based on conditional feedback algorithm on 10,000 step goal attainments. The study result can be used to design more comprehensive pedometer-based physical activity interventions to increase individuals’ overall health status.

An Ecological Exploration of Facilitators to Participation in a Mosque-Based Physical Activity Program for South Asian Muslim Women

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (9) ◽  
pp. 671-678 ◽  
Author(s):  
Munira Abdulwasi ◽  
Meena Bhardwaj ◽  
Yuka Nakamura ◽  
Maha Zawi ◽  
Jennifer Price ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
South Asian ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Physical Activity Intervention ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Community Setting ◽  
Muslim Women ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Physical Activity Interventions ◽  
Semistructured Interviews

Background: This descriptive qualitative study informed by an ecological framework explored factors influencing South Asian Muslim women’s decisions to participate in a mosque-based physical activity intervention.Methods: Individual, face-to-face, semistructured interviews were conducted in English, Hindi, or Urdu with 12 South Asian Muslim women at their home or mosque in Ontario, Canada. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and managed, sorted, and analyzed for themes through a process of descriptive analysis.Results: The participants described as follows: (1) intrapersonal facilitators, which included their feelings, beliefs, and motivations to continue with this intervention; (2) interpersonal facilitators detailing the support that they had received from others during the intervention; and (3) environmental facilitators, which highlighted convenience and access to physical activity opportunities in a local community setting.Conclusion: This intervention displayed how South Asian Muslim women were motivated to continue with the mosque-based physical activity intervention due to interpersonal, intrapersonal, and environmental facilitators. The findings can be used to increase further understanding of how mosques may provide culturally and religiously sensitive contexts for physical activity interventions for South Asian Muslim women.

scholarly journals Measurement System for Unsupervised Standardized Assessment of Timed “Up & Go” and Five Times Sit to Stand Test in the Community—A Validity Study

Sensors ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (10) ◽  
pp. 2824
Author(s):  
Sebastian Fudickar ◽  
Sandra Hellmers ◽  
Sandra Lau ◽  
Rebecca Diekmann ◽  
Jürgen M. Bauer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Test Performance ◽  
Functional Decline ◽  
Preventive Interventions ◽  
Stand Test ◽  
Sit To Stand ◽  
Functionally Impaired ◽  
Measurement Units ◽  
Self Assessments ◽  
Physical Changes ◽  
Movement Sensors

Comprehensive and repetitive assessments are needed to detect physical changes in an older population to prevent functional decline at the earliest possible stage and to initiate preventive interventions. Established instruments like the Timed “Up & Go” (TUG) Test and the Sit-to-Stand Test (SST) require a trained person (e.g., physiotherapist) to assess physical performance. More often, these tests are only applied to a selected group of persons already functionally impaired and not to those who are at potential risk of functional decline. The article introduces the Unsupervised Screening System (USS) for unsupervised self-assessments by older adults and evaluates its validity for the TUG and SST. The USS included ambient and wearable movement sensors to measure the user’s test performance. Sensor datasets of the USS’s light barriers and Inertial Measurement Units (IMU) were analyzed for 91 users aged 73 to 89 years compared to conventional stopwatch measurement. A significant correlation coefficient of 0.89 for the TUG test and of 0.73 for the SST were confirmed among USS’s light barriers. Correspondingly, for the inertial data-based measures, a high and significant correlation of 0.78 for the TUG test and of 0.87 for SST were also found. The USS was a validated and reliable tool to assess TUG and SST.

scholarly journals Patterns and predictors of low physical activity in patients with stable COPD: a longitudinal study

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
pp. 175346662090977
Author(s):  
María Piedad Sánchez-Martínez ◽  
Roberto Bernabeu-Mora ◽  
Jose Antonio García-Vidal ◽  
Josep Benítez-Martínez ◽  
Silvana Loana de Oliveira-Sousa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Poor Performance ◽  
Chronic Obstructive ◽  
Stand Test ◽  
Sit To Stand ◽  
Modifiable Factors ◽  
New States

Background: Despite the frequency and negative impact of low physical activity among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), little is known about how it persists and remits over time or the factors predicting new states of low physical activity. The aim of the study was to determine the probability of a transition between states of low and nonlow physical activity in a cohort of patients with stable COPD followed for 2 years. We also investigated different potentially modifiable factors to determine whether they can predict new states of low physical activity. Methods: We prospectively included 137 patients with stable COPD (mean age 66.9 ± 8.3 years). Physical activity was measured at baseline and at 1 and 2 years of follow up. Low physical activity was defined according to energy expenditure by cut-off points from the Fried frailty model. The likelihood of annual transition towards new states and recovery was calculated. We evaluated demographic, frailty, nonrespiratory, and respiratory variables as potential predictors, using generalized estimating equations. Results: At baseline, 37 patients (27%) presented with low physical activity. During the study period, a total of 179 annual transitions were identified with nonlow physical activity at the beginning of the year; 17.5% transitioned to low physical activity. In contrast, 34.3% of the 67 transitions that started with low physical activity recovered. Predictors of transition to new states of low physical activity were dyspnea ⩾2 (odds ratio = 3.21; 95% confidence interval: 1.20–8.61) and poor performance on the five sit-to-stand test (odds ratio = 4.75; 95% confidence interval: 1.30–17.47). Conclusions: The change between levels of low and nonlow physical activity is dynamic, especially for recovery. Annual transitions toward new states of low physical activity are likely among patients with dyspnea or poor performance on the five sit-to-stand test. The reviews of this paper are available via the supplemental material section.

scholarly journals 06 Development of Indexes Derived from Lower Trunk Angular Velocity During Modify Sit-to-Stand Test in the Community Elderly

2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (Supplement_4) ◽  
pp. iv1-iv2
Author(s):  
Koyama Shota ◽  
Asai Tsuyoshi ◽  
Oshima Kensuke ◽  
Fukumoto Yoshihiro ◽  
Kubo Hiroki
Keyword(s):  
Angular Velocity ◽  
Motor Function ◽  
Concurrent Validity ◽  
Retest Reliability ◽  
Stand Test ◽  
Lower Trunk ◽  
Sit To Stand ◽  
Gyro Sensor ◽  
Function Tests ◽  
Test Retest Reliability

Abstract Background The sit-to-stand test (STS) is a representative motor test. In most of STS, the time taken to complete the test was used as its score, and its quality of motion has not been focused. In the present study, we measured the lower trunk angular velocity using gyro sensor during STS and computed the angular velocity-based indices (AV-index). We investigated its test-retest reliability and concurrent validity. Method Seventy-eight older people in community-dwelling were participated. Basic-health-related-information and the previous one-year fall-history were obtained by a questionnaire. As motor-function tests, One Leg Standing test (OLS), 3 minutes walking test (3MWT), Timed Up and Go test (TUG) were performed. Additionally, Modify Five-Times-STS was performed twice, the lower trunk angular velocity during the tests were measured using gyro sensor. From the obtained-signal waveforms in the sagittal plane (SP), root mean square (RMS) and coefficient of auto correlation (AC), the mean impact at sitting timing (STS impact) in Modify Five-Times-STS were computed. The intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated for the test-retest reliability of the AV-indices. The coefficients of Pearson’s correlation were computed between AV-indices and the Five-Times-STS score, and scores of motor-function tests. Result The ICC of STS impact and RMS in SP were 0.85. The ICC of the other AV-index were lower than 0.5. The RMS in SP was significantly associated with OLS (r = 0.24), and 3MWT (r = 0.36), TUG (r = −0.32). Additionally, the STS impact was significantly associated with 3MWT (r = 0.54). Conclusions The test-retest reliability of two AV-index (STS impact and RMS in SP) is good. The concurrent validity of AV-index is partly confirmed.

scholarly journals Relationship between quadriceps thickness and 60-second sit-to-stand test in patients with chronic kidney disease

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marthley J. C. Costa ◽  
Frederico C. B. Cavalcanti ◽  
Shirley Dias Bezerra ◽  
José Candido de Araújo Filho ◽  
Juliana Fernandes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Chronic Kidney Disease ◽  
Kidney Disease ◽  
Functional Performance ◽  
Handgrip Strength ◽  
Muscle Thickness ◽  
Quadriceps Muscle ◽  
Stand Test ◽  
Sit To Stand ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Background: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between quadriceps muscle thickness and functional performance on the 60s sit-to-stand test (60s-STS), the six-minute walk test (6MWT), and handgrip strength in non-dialytic stage 4 and 5 chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that evaluated 40 CKD patients aged between 30-70 years. Participants were submitted to an assessment that included quadriceps muscle thickness evaluated by a portable ultrasound. Functional performance tests included the 60s-STS, distance walked in the 6MWT, and handgrip strength. Also, body composition evaluated using electrical bioimpedance analysis and physical activity level through the short version of International Physical Activity were measured. Multiple linear regression was used to investigate the relationship between the quadriceps thickness and functional performance. Results: Quadriceps muscle thickness was correlated to 60s-STS (R2 = 43.6%; 95% CI = 0.022 - 0.665; β = 0.34; p = 0.037). Also, a moderate correlation between this muscle thickness and appendicular skeletal muscle (ALM) was found in CKD patients (r = 0.603, p <0.001). No relationship was found between quadriceps muscle thickness with the 6MWT and handgrip strength. Conclusion: Quadriceps muscle thickness is associated to 60s-STS, thus our results demonstrate the repercussions of the disease on the musculoskeletal system.

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