scholarly journals Activate, Inactive, Activity.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Maximus Ruffell

<p>Sports facilities in the Central Wellington area cater to physical activity for only a select portion of the population. Most of the time use is determined by the posts at each end of the field. Through the process of design research, I will test ways of maximizing space which is not used in thesefacilities to bring more physical and recreational options to the wider community. The theory of active living will influence the design as it has been associated with preventing diseases andimproving mental health. However, to increase physical activity in the community there needs to be new and improved devices that will encourage physical and social activity. This researchassignment will test what sports and physical activities can co-exist in the same space, maximizing the usage of land in an undulating and shrinking city. Reshaping these facilities will offer options that do not require consistent commitment and can be used whenever the user can dedicate time to recreation, shifting away from traditional sport and using other solutions to keep the community active. This I hope will stimulate and increase community mental health and reduce the risks of non-communicable diseases.</p>

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Maximus Ruffell

<p>Sports facilities in the Central Wellington area cater to physical activity for only a select portion of the population. Most of the time use is determined by the posts at each end of the field. Through the process of design research, I will test ways of maximizing space which is not used in thesefacilities to bring more physical and recreational options to the wider community. The theory of active living will influence the design as it has been associated with preventing diseases andimproving mental health. However, to increase physical activity in the community there needs to be new and improved devices that will encourage physical and social activity. This researchassignment will test what sports and physical activities can co-exist in the same space, maximizing the usage of land in an undulating and shrinking city. Reshaping these facilities will offer options that do not require consistent commitment and can be used whenever the user can dedicate time to recreation, shifting away from traditional sport and using other solutions to keep the community active. This I hope will stimulate and increase community mental health and reduce the risks of non-communicable diseases.</p>


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shu Ling Tan ◽  
Malte Jetzke ◽  
Vera Vergeld ◽  
Carsten Müller

BACKGROUND Mental health is an emerging topic on university campuses, with students reporting higher levels of psychological distress than the general population of the same age. Increasing physical activity and reducing sedentary time have been proved promising measures to promote mental health in the general population. However, to derive and implement effective measures to promote mental health among university students, further exploration of the associations between physical activity, sedentary time, and perceived stress in this specific setting is needed. OBJECTIVE This study aims to identify associations between physical activity, sedentary time, and perceived stress after controlling for sociodemographic and behavioral variables among university students in Germany. We hypothesize that perceived stress is inversely related to physical activity and positively associated with sedentary time. Furthermore, we hypothesize that combined associations of concurrently high physical activity and low sedentary time on perceived stress are stronger compared with either alone and that the association between physical activity and perceived stress depends on activity intensity. METHODS We conducted cross-sectional analyses from a large-scale internet-based student health survey (n=4189; response rate=10.0%). Physical activity, sedentary time, and engaging in moderate and vigorous activity intensities were assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form with categorization into low, intermediate, and high levels. We measured perceived stress using the 10-item Perceived Stress Scale (range 0-40). RESULTS The results indicate that higher physical activity and lower sedentary time are associated with reduced levels of perceived stress. Following adjustment for gender, BMI, income, fruit and vegetable intake, alcohol consumption, and sleep quality, perceived stress scores were lower for students reporting high physical activity levels and low sedentary time compared with the least active and highly sedentary students (Perceived Stress Scale –2.2, 95% CI –2.9 to –1.5, <i>P</i>&lt;.001 for physical activity and –1.1, CI 95% –1.7 to –0.5, <i>P</i>&lt;.001 for sedentary time). Combined associations with perceived stress revealed that students concurrently reporting high total physical activity and low sedentary time reported the lowest perceived stress scores of all possible combinations following adjustment for confounders (Perceived Stress Scale –3.5, CI 95% –4.6 to –2.5, <i>P</i>&lt;.001 compared with students reporting low physical activity levels and concurrently high sedentary time). Associations between vigorous physical activities and perceived stress were not stronger compared with moderate activity intensities. CONCLUSIONS Self-reported physical activity and low sedentary time are favorably associated with perceived stress, while the intensity of physical activities seems to be of minor importance. These results help to effectively implement health-promoting measures on campus among university students through increasing physical activity and reducing sedentary time.


2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (4) ◽  
pp. 244-251
Author(s):  
Olivera Pilipović-Spasojević ◽  
Nenad Ponorac ◽  
Mira Spremo

Background/Aim: The period of beginning of studies is a stressful period of life in which students are expected to develop skills and abilities with which they will be able to take on the most important roles in all areas of social activity. Physical activity (PA) triggers and remodels mental health. The aim of the study was to determine the correlation between PA and stress, anxiety and depression in female students. Methods: Epidemiological observational study was performed and included a representative sample of 408 healthy female students aged 19 to 22 years. Questionnaires were used and anthropometric measurement of weight and body mass index (BMI) calculation was performed. Used questionnaires were: a socio-demographic questionnaire, standardised tests: DASS-21 test (short version) for mental health assessment and International Physical Activity Questionnaire-IPAQ test (long version). Results: Mean age of female students was 20.5 ± 0.72 years, average height 168.65 ± 6.01 cm, body weight 63.09 ± 9.9 kg, and BMI 22.1 ± 3.2. A significant negative correlation was found between high PA and anxiety (r =-0.160, p = 0.001), PA and depression (r =-0.118, p = 0.01), while the category of stress had a low correlation with PA. Conclusion: This research shows that a high level of PA has no effect on stress but has an effect on reducing anxiety and depression. Carefully planned physical activities can affect the emotional status of young female students.


2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 107-112
Author(s):  
Matheus Cabanha Paniago Almada ◽  
Romano Deluque Júnior ◽  
Cesar Augusto Marton ◽  
Mariane Moreira Ramiro do Carmo

OBJETIVO: Discutir os modos como um estado de quarentena e de distanciamento social, por motivos de pandemia, alteram os hábitos de atividade física da população e incidem em impactos diante da saúde mental das pessoas inseridas no referido contexto. MÉTODOS: O presente estudo pretende ser um ensaio de discussão teórica, com delineamentos explicativos/analíticos, utilizando-se de artigos recentemente publicados e indexados, para identificar os pontos negativos e positivos do distanciamento social e da quarentena, bem como, discutir os seus efeitos na saúde mental. Pretende-se ainda, argumentar em favor da prática de atividades físicas, como ferramenta redutora da tensão e da ansiedade, tão características do atual cenário pandêmico. RESULTADOS: Considerando que uma situação de distanciamento social, ou de quarentena, alteram os hábitos da população, verifica-se que as mudanças de rotinas fazem emergir sentimentos de frustração e tédio, além disso, a falta de contato físico e social provoca a sensação de isolamento perante o resto do mundo e angústia aquele que vivencia o fenômeno. Uma estratégia para combater os efeitos negativos na saúde mental decorrente a quarentena e o iso-lamento social, é a prática de atividades físicas. Dentre os benefícios da prática de atividades físicas para a saúde mental, demonstrou-se que a mesma, quando feita regularmente, está associada a diminuição de sintomas de depressão e ansiedade. CONCLUSÃO: Sabendo dos impactos psicológicos que são gerados nesse período, e fazendo uma associa-ção com os estudos que demonstram os benefícios das atividades físicas, é possível afirmar que a prática dos pode ser uma estratégia eficiente de enfrentamento, porém, estudos es-pecíficos devem ainda ser realizados.ABSTRACT. Mental health and physical activity practice in quarantine: a theoretical discussion essay.OBJECTIVE: To discuss the ways in which a state of quarantine and social detachment, for reasons of a pandemic, changes the habits of the population and impacts on the mental health of people in the context. METHODS: The present study intends to be a theoretical discussion essay, with explanatory / analytical designs, which uses recently published and indexed articles, to identify the negative and positive points of social detachment and quarantine, as well as to discuss its effects on mental health. It is also intended to argue in favor of the practice of physical activities, as a tool to reduce tension and anxiety, so characteristic of the current pandemic scenario.  RESULTS: Considering that a situation of social detachment, or quarantine changes the habits of the population, it is also verified that changes in routines emerge feelings of frustration and boredom, in addition, the lack of physical and social contact causes feeling of isolation from the rest of the world and distressing those who experience the phenomenon. A strategy to combat the negative effects on mental health resulting from quarantine and social isolation, is the practice of physical exercises. Among the benefits of physical exercise for mental health, it has been shown that regular physical activity is associated with decreased symptoms of depression and anxiety. CONCLUSION: Knowing the psychological impacts that are generated in this period, and making an association with the studies that demonstrate the benefits of physical exercises, it is possible to say that the practice of activities can be an efficient coping strategy, however, specific studies must still be performed.


2009 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 347-353 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catrine Tudor-Locke ◽  
Tracy L. Washington ◽  
Barbara E. Ainsworth ◽  
Richard P. Troiano

Background:The 2003 Bureau of Labor Statistics American Time Use Survey (ATUS) contains 438 distinct primary activity variables that can be analyzed with regard to how time is spent by Americans. The Compendium of Physical Activities is used to code physical activities derived from various surveys, logs, diaries, etc to facilitate comparison of coded intensity levels across studies.Methods:This article describes the methods, challenges, and rationale for linking Compendium estimates of physical activity intensity (METs, metabolic equivalents) with all activities reported in the 2003 ATUS.Results:The assigned ATUS intensity levels are not intended to compute the energy costs of physical activity in individuals. Instead, they are intended to be used to identify time spent in activities broadly classified by type and intensity. This function will complement public health surveillance systems and aid in policy and health-promotion activities. For example, at least one of the future projects of this process is the descriptive epidemiology of time spent in common physical activity intensity categories.Conclusions:The process of metabolic coding of the ATUS by linking it with the Compendium of Physical Activities can make important contributions to our understanding of American’s time spent in health-related physical activity.


2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 160-165
Author(s):  
Tamadher Abdluaziz Muhsen ◽  
Muroj Abdulaziz Muhsen

Scientists have researched different aspects of physical exercise and sports and their impact on the health of a person. However, the impact of physical activity and sport on mental health has not been looked into extensively. This study reviews the literature on the effect of physical exercises and other sporting activities on mental health. The results indicate the presence of a positive link between participation in physical activities and the mental health of an individual.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giovanni Giuntella ◽  
Kelly Hyde ◽  
Silvia Saccardo ◽  
Sally Sadoff

COVID-19 has affected daily life in unprecedented ways. Using a longitudinal dataset linking biometric and survey data from several cohorts of young adults before and during the pandemic (N=685), we document large disruptions to physical activity, sleep, time use, and mental health. At the onset of the pandemic, average steps decline from 9,400 to 4,600 steps per day, sleep increases by about 25-30 minutes per night, time spent socializing declines by over half to less than 30 minutes, and screen time more than doubles to over 5 hours per day. The proportion of participants at risk of clinical depression increases to 65%, over twice the rate in the same population prior to the pandemic. Our analyses suggest that disruption to physical activity is a leading risk factor for depression during the pandemic. However, restoration of those habits--either naturally or through policy intervention--has limited impact on restoring mental well-being.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ella Cohn-Schwartz

Abstract Background and Objectives One of the greatest challenges of old age is the risk of cognitive decline. Engagement in social activities has been identified as a possible protective factor. However, it is not yet clear what are the mechanisms underlying this association. This study aims to elucidate the pathways through which social activities impact cognitive functioning, focusing on physical activity and mental health as possible mediators. Research Design and Methods The study utilized 3 waves of data—the fourth, fifth, and sixth waves of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe, collected in 2011, 2013, and 2015, respectively. It focused on respondents aged 60 and older. Cognitive functioning was assessed via immediate recall, delayed recall, and fluency. Social activities were measured by volunteering and attending social clubs. Data were analyzed using a structural equation modeling approach. Results The results indicated a significant direct effect of social activities on cognitive functioning. That is, being socially active at baseline was related to better cognitive function 4 years later. The results also indicated the existence of indirect effects. Engaging in social activities was related to better mental health and more physical activities 2 years later, which were related to better subsequent cognitive performance. Discussion and Implications These findings highlight the mediating roles of physical activity and mental health in the effects of social activities on cognitive functioning. Understanding these mechanisms can help optimize social activity interventions to improve cognitive aging.


2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Sue Kaye

In the present COVID-19 pandemic, people are being asked to severely limit their movements outside the home, with exercise classes, group runs and so on all banned. At the extreme is total self-isolation in the home. Physical activity is beneficial for both physical and mental health. These restrictions may be extremely challenging mentally, and particularly for people who are used to a high level of physical activity, whether specifically undertaking exercise or simply as part of their daily life and job. For those who are less active, it can be hard to know where to start. This article provides suggestions for physical activities that can be carried out at home, without needing special equipment.


2007 ◽  
Vol 23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bjarne Ibsen

Artiklen beskriver kommunernes idrætspolitik og forklarer forskellene derpå mellem kommunerne. Derudover tager artiklen også sigte på at vurdere, hvilke konsekvenser kommunalreformen vil få for idrætspolitikken i kommunerne. Bjarne Ibsen: Sport politics at municipal level The aim of the article is to describe the policies and the politics for sport and physical activities at the municipal level in Denmark. Further it aims at explaining the differences between the municipalities and estimating the consequences of the municipal reform for the sport politics in the future. The first part of the article shows that there are considerable differences between the municipalities in Denmark regarding formal sport politics (principles for the sport politics adopted by the municipal council), municipal initiatives to promote physical activity among inactive children and adults, the number of sports facilities, the economic costs for sport and leisure and the administration of sport in the municipality. The second part of the article is an analysis of two hypotheses that aims at explaining the differences between the municipalities. The first hypothesis suggests that the differences are due to variations among the municipalities in the interest of and attitudes towards sport among the inhabitants and the politicians. In the second – competing – hypothesis the explanation is the specific conditions for the municipality; the number of inhabitants and the economic possibilities. A multiple regression analysis confirms the second hypothesis. In the light of these results we can expect that the reform of the municipalities – with bigger municipalities – will lead to more proactive sport politics, with an emphasis on the value of sport for welfare and integration, unlike a more traditional reactive politics with an emphasis on self-determination and cultural values.


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