scholarly journals The Support Person's Preferences and Perspectives of Physical Activity Programs for Older Adults With Cognitive Impairment

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Terence W. H. Chong ◽  
Emily You ◽  
Kathryn A. Ellis ◽  
Kay L. Cox ◽  
Karra D. Harrington ◽  
...  

Objectives: Physical activity (PA) is beneficial for older adults' cognition. There is limited research investigating perspectives of support persons (SPs) of next-of-kins (NOKs) with cognitive impairment. This exploratory study aimed to investigate perspectives of SPs of older adults with Alzheimer's Dementia (AD) or Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI).Methods: A telephone survey of 213 SPs of NOKs from the Australian Imaging, Biomarkers and Lifestyle Flagship Study of Ageing (AIBL) was undertaken to quantitatively assess SPs' beliefs and knowledge about PA benefits, current PA level of their NOK, and PA program preferences. The contribution of age, gender, diagnosis and mental health symptoms was assessed using multiple logistic regression analyses.Results: Many SPs were aware of PA benefits for memory (64%) and believed it would help their NOK (72%). Older SP age was associated with less awareness of benefits (p = 0.016). SPs caring for male NOKs were more likely to believe that PA would be helpful than those caring for female NOKs (p = 0.049). NOK AD diagnosis (rather than MCI) (p = 0.014), older age (p = 0.005) and female gender (p = 0.043) were associated with lower PA levels. SPs were mixed regarding preference for their NOKs to participate in individual (45%) or group (54%) PA. Many SPs wanted to participate in PA with their NOK (63%).Conclusions: The results highlight that SPs have high levels of awareness of the cognitive benefits of PA, and describe their preferences regarding PA programs. The findings provide new information to inform targeted public health messaging, PA prescribers and providers, and future research directions.

2014 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 44-52 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bradley J. Cardinal

This paper offers a critical review and analysis of physical activity psychology research over the past quarter century (primarily), describes current research trends in the area, and suggests future research directions. This is a vast and ambitious task. Furthermore, the contributions come from those within kinesiology, as well as outside of kinesiology, with many new disciplines and professions advancing research agendas in this domain. There are rich and distinctive opportunities for interdisciplinary collaborations in this area, opportunities that have genuine transformative potential. Following the paper's introduction, six major topics are addressed, including: what physical activity psychology is, foundational work in physical activity psychology research, trends in physical activity psychology research, behavioral specificity, physical activity prevalence, and where to go in the future. The paper concludes with a call-to-action, particularly aimed at helping to get and keep people physically active across the lifespan, which is the fundamental work of physical activity psychology.


2019 ◽  
Vol 50 (2) ◽  
pp. 102-117
Author(s):  
Garrett Huck ◽  
Michele Mahr ◽  
Blaise Morrison ◽  
Cruz Finnicum ◽  
Emre Umucu

There is a paucity of research about factors influencing physical activity participation among individuals with severe mental illness (SMI). Consequently, this group continues to engage in low levels of activity, resulting in high comorbidity and premature mortality. This study examined the barriers to activity experienced by individuals with SMI receiving assertive community treatment (ACT) services. A mixed-methods approach was used to gain a comprehensive understanding of (a) the most frequently identified barriers to activity, (b) the degree to which specific barriers influence activity levels and stages of change, and (c) the consistency between those barriers experienced by ACT participants and individuals receiving other types of treatments. Participants identified a variety of barriers. Several significant correlations with low activity and stages of change were noted, and consistency with those barriers experienced by individuals receiving treatment in other settings was observed. Implications for clinical practice and future research directions are discussed.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachael Davis ◽  
Lewis Montgomery ◽  
Hugh Rabagliati ◽  
Antonella Sorace ◽  
Sue Fletcher-Watson

This article examines the ways in which bilingualism influences social and cognitive development and identifies intersections between corresponding aspects of autism, to inform future research directions. Three key domains are identified: social cognition; executive functions; and social-cultural factors. In each case we describe the evidence for the impact of bilingualism in typical development and map this onto what is known about the domain in autism. We examine the methodological quality of the existing literature to make recommendations for future approaches. Results suggest a dearth of high-quality research and lack of consensus. Research priorities include the need for innovative designs to explore potential impacts of bilingualism in order to increase the validity of the evidence base for caregivers and professionals.


2010 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 332-349 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lauren B. Sherar ◽  
Sean P. Cumming ◽  
Joey C. Eisenmann ◽  
Adam D.G. Baxter-Jones ◽  
Robert M. Malina

The decline in physical activity (PA) across adolescence is well established but influence of biological maturity on the process has been largely overlooked. This paper reviews the limited number of studies which examine the relationship between timing of biological maturity and PA. Results are generally inconsistent among studies. Other health-related behaviors are also considered in an effort to highlight the complexity of relationships between biological maturation and behavior and to provide future research directions.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Masood Badri ◽  
Mugheer Al Khaili ◽  
Hamad Al Dhaheri ◽  
Guang Yang ◽  
Asma Al Rashdi ◽  
...  

Abstract This study focused on older adults (60 + years old) in Abu Dhabi during the COVID-19 pandemic before vaccines were made available to them. They faced more strict rules of movement restriction and isolation that might have resulted in certain psychological feelings and social reactions. Data were gathered through an online survey of community members conducted from April to July of 2020, in which 574 older adults responded. The main objective was to understand Abu Dhabi older adults’ main psychological feelings during the pandemic and to identify their main concerns and challenges considering the various COVID-19 related policies and restrictions. The influence of the pandemic on older adults’ health and weight was also investigated. Results of descriptive analyses show that some negative psychological feelings were common among older adults’ during the pandemic. However, the psychological feelings did not portray significant changes with time, except for sleeping disorders and overeating. The movement restrictions imposed on elderlies and not being able to see children and grandchildren when wanted were the two main concerns reported. The research summaries some policy guidance while noting some limitations of this study and future research directions.


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