scholarly journals What About the Environment? How the Physical Activity–Related Health Competence Model Can Benefit From Health Literacy Research

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Johannes Carl ◽  
Eva Grüne ◽  
Klaus Pfeifer
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Health Competence ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Health Enhancing Physical Activity ◽  
Empirical Approaches ◽  
Literacy Research

Research cultivates a multitude of frameworks, models, and theories with different determinants internal and/or external to the individual contributing to the understanding and explaining of physical activity levels. The physical activity–related health competence (PAHCO) model can be located at the interface between research of health literacy and physical activity. Because of its primary person orientation, however, the model has not yet undergone discussions on the relevance of the environment. Encouraged by the developments in the area of health literacy, the goal of the present perspective article was to stimulate some initial reflections on potential solutions for the competence–environment relationship within the PAHCO model. We extracted three potential solutions for this issue. Dubbed the solution of integration, we first discussed that the PAHCO model could be placed into overarching, more holistic, and abstract models of health-enhancing physical activity, such as the capability approach or the socioecological model. Applying a solution of elaboration, researchers could second substantiate existing components of the PAHCO model, such as control competence or self-regulation competence, by further explanations. Characterizing the solution of extension, it would third be possible to introduce (a) separate competence component(s) that highlight(s) the manageability of the environment, for instance, by establishing a (socio)ecological competence. The article concludes with a short overview of potential empirical approaches, given their potential to assist researchers in identifying preferences for the theoretical advancement and to put the development on a stronger evidence base.

scholarly journals Ten Research Priorities Related to Youth Sport, Physical Activity, and Health

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (9) ◽  
pp. 920-929
Author(s):  
Erin K. Howie ◽  
Justin M. Guagliano ◽  
Karen Milton ◽  
Stewart A. Vella ◽  
Sjaan R. Gomersall ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Sport Participation ◽  
Wide Spectrum ◽  
Research Priorities ◽  
Youth Sport ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Main Research ◽  
Research Priority

Background: Sport has been identified as one of the 7 best investments for increasing physical activity levels across the life span. Several questions remain on how to effectively utilize youth sport as a strategy for increasing physical activity and improving health in youth. The purpose of this paper is to identify the main research priorities in the areas of youth sport and physical activity for health. Methods: An international expert panel was convened, selected to cover a wide spectrum of topics related to youth sport. The group developed a draft set of potential research priorities, and relevant research was scoped. Through an iterative process, the group reached consensus on the top 10 research priorities. Results: The 10 research priorities were identified related to sport participation rates, physical activity from sport, the contribution of sport to health, and the overall return on investment from youth sport. For each research priority, the current evidence is summarized, key research gaps are noted, and immediate research needs are suggested. Conclusion: The identified research priorities are intended to guide researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to increase the evidence base on which to base the design, delivery, and policies of youth sport programs to deliver health benefits.

Associations of Physical Activity Policies With Sports Participation in EU Countries: Higher Overall Levels, Smaller Social Inequalities, and More Positive Trends Since 2009

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 464-470
Author(s):  
Michael Mutz ◽  
Marlena van Munster
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
European Union ◽  
Social Inequalities ◽  
National Level ◽  
Sports Participation ◽  
Comparative Approach ◽  
Country Level ◽  
Policy Measures ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Health Enhancing Physical Activity

Background: European Union member countries agreed on 23 health-enhancing physical activity (HEPA) policy measures in 2013; however, the implementation of these measures varies considerably between countries. Hitherto, no evaluations have yet addressed the efficacy of these policies. Methods: Using a quantitative cross-country comparative approach and based on aggregate Eurobarometer data, this paper presents country-level associations between HEPA measures and the level of sports participation, the gender and educational inequalities of sports participation, and the change in sports participation from 2009 to 2017. Findings: The number of implemented HEPA policy measures is associated with higher levels and smaller social inequalities of sports participation in European Union countries. Moreover, HEPA measures correlate with more positive time trends in sports participation from 2009 to 2017. Conclusion: In addition to the many influencing factors at the individual and social levels, these findings lend support to the notion that sports participation can also be promoted at the national level by implementing specific HEPA policies.

scholarly journals Physical Activity in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systematic Review

2012 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 1036-1048 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marie Tierney ◽  
Alexander Fraser ◽  
Norelee Kennedy
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Population Group ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Current Evidence Base ◽  
Physical Activity Levels ◽  
Methodological Considerations

Background:Physical activity is associated with improved health outcomes in many populations. It is assumed that physical activity levels in the rheumatoid arthritis (RA) population may be reduced as a result of symptoms of the disease. The objective of this review is to establish the current evidence base for levels of physical activity in the RA population.Methods:A systematic review was performed of 7 databases (Ema-base, MEDLINE, AMED, Biomedical Reference Collection Expanded, CINAHL, Nursing and Allied Health Collection, and SportsDiscus) up to February 2011 to examine the evidence in the area.Results:One hundred and thirty-six studies were identified through electronic searching. One hundred and six were excluded based on title and/or abstract analysis and a further 14 were excluded based on full text analysis. Sixteen studies meeting the criteria were deemed suitable for inclusion. The results of the included studies indicate that the level of physical activity may be lower among individuals with RA when compared with healthy controls or normative data.Conclusions:There are a number of methodological considerations at play within the studies reviewed which prohibits definitive conclusion on the physical activity levels of this population group. Given the known health benefits of physical activity, further research in this area appears indicated.

scholarly journals Young People's Views on Accelerometer Use in Physical Activity Research: Findings from a User Involvement Investigation

ISRN Obesity ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joanna Kirby ◽  
Carly Tibbins ◽  
Claire Callens ◽  
Beckie Lang ◽  
Margaret Thorogood ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Research Study ◽  
User Involvement ◽  
Development Stage ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Prevention And Treatment ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Treatment Research ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Study Development

The use of accelerometers to objectively measure physical activity is important in understanding young people's behaviours, as physical activity plays a key part in obesity prevention and treatment. A user-involvement qualitative study with young people aged 7–18 years (n=35) was carried out to investigate views on accelerometer use to inform an obesity treatment research study. First impressions were often negative, with issues related to size and comfort reported. Unwanted attention from wearing an accelerometer and bullying risk were also noted. Other disadvantages included feeling embarrassed and not being able to wear the device for certain activities. Positive aspects included feeling “special” and having increased attention from friends. Views on the best time to wear accelerometers were mixed. Advice was offered on how to make accelerometers more appealing, including presenting them in a positive way, using a clip rather than elastic belt to attach, personalising the device, and having feedback on activity levels. Judgements over the way in which accelerometers are used should be made at the study development stage and based on the individual population. In particular, introducing accelerometers in a clear and positive way is important. Including a trial wearing period, considering practical issues, and providing incentives may help increase compliance.

scholarly journals Environmental interventions to promote healthier eating and physical activity behaviours in institutions: a systematic review

2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (8) ◽  
pp. 1518-1531
Author(s):  
Anneliese M Shaw ◽  
Stephen A Wootton ◽  
Joanne L Fallowfield ◽  
Adrian J Allsopp ◽  
Emma L Parsons
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Body Composition ◽  
Evaluation Studies ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Environmental Interventions ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Dietary Behaviours

AbstractObjectiveThe present review evaluated the effectiveness of environmental-based interventions aimed at improving the dietary and physical activity behaviours and body composition indices of adults in institutions.DesignA systematic review was conducted. Electronic databases (MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, ProQuest Dissertation and Theses, Scopus and Athena) were searched for relevant articles published between database inception and October 2017. Searching, selecting and reporting were undertaken according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement.SettingMilitary establishments and maritime workplaces.ParticipantsAdults in institutions, aged 18–45 years.ResultsA total of 27842 articles were screened for eligibility, nine studies (reported in eleven articles) were included in the review. Five studies used multilevel strategies and four used environmental strategies only. Duration of follow-up ranged from 3 weeks to 10 years. Eight of the studies reported significant positive effects on dietary behaviours, but effect sizes varied. The study that targeted physical activity had no effect on activity levels but did have a significant positive effect on physical fitness. No evidence was identified that the studies resulted in improvements in body composition indices.ConclusionsThe evidence base appears to be in favour of implementing environmental interventions in institutions to improve the dietary behaviours of adults. However, due to the small number of studies included in the review, and the variable methodological quality of the studies and intervention reporting, further well-designed evaluation studies are required.

scholarly journals Considerations for Individual-Level Versus Whole-School Physical Activity Interventions: Stakeholder Perspectives

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (14) ◽  
pp. 7628
Author(s):  
Byron Tibbitts ◽  
Kathryn Willis ◽  
Tom Reid ◽  
Simon J. Sebire ◽  
Rona Campbell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
School Environment ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Whole School ◽  
School Based ◽  
School Based Interventions ◽  
Whole School Approach

Strategies to address declining physical activity levels among children and adolescents have focused on ‘individual-level’ approaches which often fail to demonstrate impact. Recent attention has been on an alternative ‘whole-school’ approach to increasing physical activity that involves promoting physical activity throughout all aspects of the school environment. There is, however, a lack of evidence on how whole-school physical activity approaches could be implemented in the UK. This qualitative study explored perspectives of key stakeholders on potential reasons for the lack of impact of individual-level school-based interventions on children’s physical activity, and key considerations for adopting a whole-school approach. Nineteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with a range of stakeholders involved in the implementation of physical activity programmes in UK schools. Data were analysed using an inductive approach. Respondents suggested that individual-level school-based interventions to increase physical activity often failed to consult end users in the design and were typically implemented in environments unsupportive of long-term change. They subsequently outlined specific barriers and key facilitators for the adoption and implementation of whole-school approaches in UK settings and recommended a shift in research foci towards building an evidence base around educational outcomes and whole-school implementation insights.

Daily Associations Between Positive Emotion and Obesity-Related Behaviors and Their Interconnections Within Adolescent–Caregiver Dyads

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline Cummings ◽  
Amy Hughes Lansing
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Positive Emotion ◽  
Positive Emotions ◽  
Family System ◽  
Health Risk Behaviors ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Health Promoting Behaviors ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Health Promoting ◽  
The Individual

Abstract Background Greater overall positive emotion has been linked with increased physical activity and overeating. High approach positive emotions (HAPEs), a subtype of positive emotion, are theorized to facilitate this goal-driven behavior. However, the day-to-day associations of HAPE and physical activity and overeating, including both at the individual level and within caregiver–adolescent dyads, remain unknown. Purpose We examined the independent and dyadic associations between HAPE (positive emotions that occur pregoal and motivate individuals toward approaching/acting upon that motive) and obesity-related behaviors, including physical activity and overeating, in adolescents and their primary caregivers. Methods Adolescents (N = 47) aged 11–17 and their caregivers completed demographic questions and a 7-day diary at the end of each day about daily emotion, and physical activity and overeating behaviors. Results For adolescents and their caregivers, increased day-to-day fluctuations in HAPE and greater average HAPE was associated with increases in their own daily physical activity levels. Greater average caregiver HAPE was also associated with increased overeating in caregivers. When examining interdependency within dyads, greater average caregiver HAPE was associated with greater adolescent overeating behavior. Conclusions There is evidence that HAPE is related to obesity-related health promoting behaviors and health risk behaviors in adolescence and adulthood. Future studies should further explore mechanisms underlying these associations, including within the family system.

scholarly journals Measuring Cognitive Behavioral Physical Activity Levels of Students Aged 17-18

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (6) ◽  
pp. 150
Author(s):  
Murat Atasoy ◽  
Meryem Altun
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
High School ◽  
Normal Distribution ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Cognitive Behavioral ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Total N ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Physical Activity Levels

This study intended to measure the cognitive behavioral physical activity levels of students aged 17-18 enrolled at different schools. The study population was comprised of the 17-18 age group and the study sample was comprised of 159 students in total n:76 (47.8%) enrolled at 15 Temmuz Şehitler Sports High School and n:83 (52.2%) enrolled at Cumhuriyet Anatolian High School in the province of Niğde. The data was analyzed with Statistical Package for the Social Sciences and the confidence level was 95%. According to the Kolmogrow Smirnov analysis, t and ANOVA tests were used as the participants’ cognitive behavioral physical activity scores had normal distribution (p>0.05) and Mann Whitney U and Kruskal Wallis tests were used as result expectation, self-regulation and personal obstacles subdimension scores did not have normal distribution (p<0.05).  According to the study results, there was no significant difference between the students enrolled at the Sports High School and the Anatolian High School. There was significant difference between the participants aged 17 and 18 considering cognitive behavioral physical activity by school. There was significant difference between the female and male participants in terms of Personal Obstacles. Accordingly, females had higher Personal Obstacles. Considering cognitive behavioral physical activity by gender, there was significant difference between the female and male participants in terms of cognitive behavioral physical activity. Accordingly, males had higher Cognitive Behavioral Physical Activity.

scholarly journals An Evaluation of the Nutrition and Health Awareness (NHA) Program on Health Knowledge, Health Literacy and Activity Levels

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Brundage ◽  
William Errico ◽  
Daharsh Rana ◽  
Molly Enenbach ◽  
Cassandra Haworth ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Heart Disease ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Oral Hygiene ◽  
Health Knowledge ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Health And Wellness ◽  
Nutrition And Health ◽  
Average Activity

Research ObjectivesThe Nutrition and Health Awareness (NHA) program aims to educate and cultivate positive attitudes towards health and wellness in a school-based setting. Education on physical activity, diet, and oral hygiene were emphasized.  The study’s purpose was to evaluate the effectiveness of the curriculum on increasing physical activity and health knowledge.Study Design/Methods A team of medical students developed and administered lessons to 93 eligible 4th-grade students at Superstition Springs Elementary School on topics such as physical exercise, nutrition groups and labels, sugar metabolism, heart disease, and oral hygiene. At baseline (Week 0), participants were randomly assigned anonymized ID numbers and Fitbit Flex 2TM accelerometers, and completed a pre-intervention questionnaire evaluating their knowledge, health literacy and attitudes. Accelerometers were used to monitor activity levels throughout the duration of the six-week program. Five lessons were provided once weekly during Weeks 1–5. One week after lessons concluded, participants were again assessed using the questionnaire.Principal Findings and Quantitative/ Qualitative Results Ninety-three students participated in this research. Paired pre/post questionnaires (n=81) suggest students are more likely to exercise daily (p=0.021) and know more about their health (p=0.029). Students also scored higher on questions testing their cognitive ability to correctly identify healthy foods, portion sizes, importance of exercise, dental hygiene, and risk factors of diabetes and heart disease. Fitbit accelerometers recorded activity levels (n=84) as average steps students walked every week. Due to technical difficulties, no baseline (Week 0) average activity was established. Average activity levels over 5-week period did not differ due to inconsistent data collection.Conclusions/Impact on Health CentersApplication of the NHA program showed noteworthy improvements in health literacy, specifically in understanding of individual health, which suggests the curriculum’s potential to be used in an educational setting. Furthermore, by using a tool, such as the NHA questionnaire, to screen for health literacy in pediatric patients, healthcare providers can deliver personalized health education and care. Future research should focus on how to effectively measure activity levels, as well as how to involve the whole family in health and wellness improvement. Additionally, future research should be aimed at assessing long term retention of health knowledge.

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