Healthy for Life Pilot Study: A Multicomponent School and Home Based Physical Activity Intervention for Disadvantaged Children

The study aimed to develop and evaluate a multicomponent school and home based physical activity (PA) intervention in children in grades 3–7 (aged 8–13 years) and determine the psychological variables that influence PA; 10 × 1 h school-based training sessions, a home-based activity program and 4 × 1 h lifestyle workshops for parents. PA was assessed at an intervention and nearby control school using accelerometers and self-report at 3-time points: baseline, post intervention and 10-week follow-up. Self-efficacy, self-management strategies, enjoyment, perceived barriers to PA, outcome-expectancy and social support were evaluated. The study showed 73% of the children with complete data sets at the intervention school (n = 27) did not increase device measured moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) in the after-school period (3 p.m. to 6 p.m.) or over the whole day or during school break time immediately following the intervention or at follow-up, as compared to 70% of children with complete data sets at the control school (n = 35; p > 0.05 for all). Overall, 59% of boys attained more than double the recommended 120 min of MVPA each day compared to 42% of girls (p = 0.013). At the baseline, children’s self-reported PA in the intervention school positively correlated with: outcome expectancy (R = 0.240, p = 0.015), enjoyment (R = 0.339, p < 0.001), self-efficacy (R = 0.399, p < 0.001), self-management (R = 0.617, p < 0.001), social support at home (R = 0.406, p < 0.001), and social support at school (R = 0.407, p < 0.001). Similar relationships were observed after the intervention and at follow-up. Focus groups with the children, parents and interviews with teachers identified areas for improvement of the intervention. In conclusion, while the multifaceted approach to improve PA was ineffective over the time span of the study, important predictors of PA in this sample of disadvantaged children were identified.

Download Full-text

Lifestyle, exercise and activity package for people living with progressive multiple sclerosis (LEAP-MS): Protocol for a Single-Arm Feasibility Study.

10.21203/rs.3.rs-30578/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Julie Latchem-Hastings ◽

Elizabeth Randell ◽

Kate Button ◽

Fiona Jones ◽

Rachel Lowe ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Process Evaluation ◽

Feasibility Study ◽

Progressive Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Feasibility Trial ◽

Self Management ◽

Physiotherapy Intervention ◽

Home Based

Abstract Background. We have co-designed a tailored blended physiotherapy intervention for people with Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (MS) who often struggle to access support for physical activity. Underpinned by self-management principles, the Lifestyle, Exercise and Activity Package for people with MS intervention, which we call the LEAP-MS intervention, incorporates face-to-face or online physiotherapy coaching sessions with an accompanying online physical activity platform. The LEAP-MS platform is a multi-user system enabling user and physiotherapist to co-create activity plans. The LEAP-MS platform consists of an information and activity suite, interactive components enabling selection of exercises into an activity programme, goal setting, and activity logging. The platform also facilitates online remote support from a physiotherapist through an embedded online messaging function. We aim to evaluate the LEAP-MS platform in a feasibility trial. Methods. LEAP-MS will be evaluated within a single arm feasibility study with embedded process evaluation. After registration and initial eligible screening, 21 participants will be required to complete baseline self-completion measures. This will be followed by an initial home-based or online coaching session with a physiotherapist (who has received tailored self-management and digital resource training) and access to the online intervention for an initial three-month period. During this period participants are given the option to request up to five further home-based or online physiotherapy coaching sessions. Follow-up questionnaires and semi-structured interviews will be administered three months after baseline with participants and intervention physiotherapists. The LEAP-MS platform will be available to participants for a further three months. Usage of the LEAP-MS platform will be tracked during the full six-month period and final follow up will be conducted six months after baseline. Discussion. Feasibility outcomes (recruitment, retention, intervention uptake and safety) will be reported. The process evaluation will be undertaken to identify possible mechanisms for any observed effects. The data here will inform full scale evaluations of this co-produced, blended physiotherapy intervention. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03951181. Registered 15th May 2019 https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03951181

Download Full-text

Lifestyle, exercise and activity package for people living with progressive multiple sclerosis (LEAP-MS): protocol for a single-arm feasibility study

Pilot and Feasibility Studies ◽

10.1186/s40814-021-00852-w ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 7 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Julie Latchem-Hastings ◽

Elizabeth Randell ◽

Kate Button ◽

Fiona Jones ◽

Rachel Lowe ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Process Evaluation ◽

Feasibility Study ◽

Progressive Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Self Management ◽

Link Type ◽

Physiotherapy Intervention ◽

Home Based

Abstract Background We have co-designed a tailored blended physiotherapy intervention for people with progressive multiple sclerosis (PwPMS) who often struggle to access support for physical activity. Underpinned by self-management principles, the Lifestyle, Exercise and Activity Package for people with Multiple Sclerosis (LEAP-MS) intervention incorporates face-to-face or online physiotherapy coaching sessions with an accompanying online physical activity platform. The LEAP-MS platform is a multi-user system enabling user and physiotherapist to co-create activity plans. The LEAP-MS platform consists of an information and activity suite, interactive components enabling selection of exercises into an activity programme, goal setting and activity logging. The platform also facilitates online remote support from a physiotherapist through an embedded online messaging function. We aim to evaluate the LEAP-MS platform in a feasibility trial. Methods LEAP-MS will be evaluated within a single-arm feasibility study with embedded process evaluation. After registration and initial eligible screening, 21 participants will be required to complete baseline self-completion measures. This will be followed by an initial home-based or online coaching session with a physiotherapist (who has received tailored self-management and digital resource training) and access to the online intervention for an initial 3-month period. During this period, participants are given the option to request up to five further home-based or online physiotherapy coaching sessions. Follow-up questionnaires and semi-structured interviews will be administered 3 months after baseline with participants and intervention physiotherapists. The LEAP-MS platform will be available to participants for a further 3 months. Usage of the LEAP-MS platform will be tracked during the full 6-month period and final follow-up will be conducted 6 months after baseline. Discussion Feasibility outcomes (recruitment, retention, intervention uptake and safety) will be reported. The process evaluation will be undertaken to identify possible mechanisms for any observed effects. The data will inform full-scale evaluations of this co-produced, blended physiotherapy intervention. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03951181. Registered 15 May 2019

Download Full-text

Intervention Mediators in a Randomized Controlled Trial to Increase Physical Activity and Fatigue Self-management Behaviors Among Adults With Multiple Sclerosis

Annals of Behavioral Medicine ◽

10.1093/abm/kaz033 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Matthew Plow ◽

Robert W Motl ◽

Marcia Finlayson ◽

Francois Bethoux

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Goal Setting ◽

Self Efficacy ◽

Outcome Expectations ◽

Step Count ◽

Self Management ◽

Post Test ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background People with multiple sclerosis (MS) often experience fatigue, which is aggravated by inactivity. Identifying mediators of changes in physical activity (PA) and fatigue self-management (FSM) behaviors could optimize future interventions that reduce the impact of MS fatigue. Purpose To examine the effects of telephone-delivered interventions on Social Cognitive Theory constructs and test whether these constructs mediated secondary outcomes of PA and FSM behaviors. Methods Participants with MS (n = 208; Mean age = 52.1; Female = 84.6%) were randomized into contact–control intervention (CC), PA-only intervention, and PA+FSM intervention. Step count (Actigraphy) and FSM behaviors as well as self-efficacy, outcome expectations, and goal setting for PA and FSM were measured at baseline, post-test (12 weeks), and follow-up (24 weeks). Path analyses using bias-corrected bootstrapped 95% confidence intervals (CI) determined whether constructs at post-test mediated behaviors at follow-up when adjusting for baseline measures. Results Path analysis indicated that PA-only (β = 0.50, p < .001) and PA+FSM interventions (β = 0.42, p < .010) had an effect on goal setting for PA, and that PA + FSM intervention had an effect on self-efficacy for FSM (β = 0.48, p = .011) and outcome expectations for FSM (β = 0.42, p = .029). Goal setting for PA at post-test mediated the effects of PA-only (β = 159.45, CI = 5.399, 371.996) and PA + FSM interventions (β = 133.17, CI = 3.104, 355.349) on step count at follow-up. Outcome expectations for FSM at post-test mediated the effects of PA + FSM intervention on FSM behaviors at follow-up (β = 0.02, CI = 0.001, 0.058). Conclusions Goal setting for PA and outcome expectations for FSM may be important constructs to target in telephone-delivered interventions designed to reduce the impact of MS fatigue. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT01572714)

Download Full-text

Self-Reported Barriers of Middle-Aged and Older Adults Entering a Home-Based Physical Activity Program

Californian Journal of Health Promotion ◽

10.32398/cjhp.v9i2.1433 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 9 (2) ◽

pp. 15-28 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Diana Lattimore ◽

Sara Wilcox ◽

Ruth Saunders ◽

Saarah Griffin ◽

Elizabeth Fallon ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Weight Status ◽

Telephone Counseling ◽

Men And Women ◽

Face To Face ◽

Activity Program ◽

Home Based ◽

Gender And Health

The purpose of this study was to assess barriers experienced by mid-older adults upon entering a homebased, telephone-delivered physical activity (PA) program and examine differences in barriers for subgroups. Methods: Three hundred eighty four participants recruited from Tennessee, California, and Illinois for the Active Choices program, which was part of Active for Life®, completed one face-to-face counseling session and received follow-up telephone counseling. Barriers were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively for subgroups of mid-older adults. Results: Personal, social, and environmental themes emerged as barriers. Lack of motivation was most salient for men while health barriers were more prominent for women; however, no significant differences were found between men and women. Both whites and African Americans reported lack of motivation as the most frequent barrier to PA. Health and weather barriers were more prominent for the oldest group of older adults. Few differences were reported by PA or weight status. Conclusions: In a large sample of mid-older adults varying in age, race, gender, and health status, multiple barriers to PA were reported. Differences across subgroups may have implications for future PA interventions.

Download Full-text

Supports and Barriers to Home-Based Physical Activity During Preoperative Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer: A Mixed-Methods Study

Journal of Physical Activity and Health ◽

10.1123/jpah.2019-0027 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 16 (12) ◽

pp. 1113-1122 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Nathan H. Parker ◽

Rebecca E. Lee ◽

Daniel P. O’Connor ◽

An Ngo-Huang ◽

Maria Q.B. Petzel ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Social Support ◽

Pancreatic Cancer ◽

Health Care Providers ◽

Qualitative Interviews ◽

Preoperative Treatment ◽

Care Providers ◽

Exercise Interventions ◽

Neighborhood Walkability ◽

Home Based

Background: Physical activity and exercise appear to benefit patients receiving preoperative treatment for cancer. Supports and barriers must be considered to increase compliance with home-based exercise prescriptions in this setting. Such influences have not been previously examined. Methods: The authors used quantitative and qualitative methods to examine potential physical activity influences among patients who were prescribed home-based aerobic and strengthening exercises concurrent with preoperative chemotherapy or chemoradiation for pancreatic cancer. Physical activity was measured using exercise logs and accelerometers. Social support for exercise and perceived neighborhood walkability were measured using validated surveys. Relationships between influences and physical activity were evaluated using linear regression analyses and qualitative interviews. Results: Fifty patients received treatment for a mean of 16 (9) weeks prior to planned surgical resection. Social support from friends and neighborhood esthetics were positively associated with physical activity (P < .05). In interviews, patients confirmed the importance of these influences and cited encouragement from health care providers and desire to complete and recover from treatment as additional motivators. Conclusions: Interpersonal and environmental motivators of exercise and physical activity must be considered in the design of future home-based exercise interventions designed for patients receiving preoperative therapy for cancer.

Download Full-text

No effects of a long-term physical activity intervention on executive functioning among adolescents

SAGE Open Medicine ◽

10.1177/2050312119880734 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 7 ◽

pp. 205031211988073 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Douglas Sjöwall ◽

Lisa B Thorell ◽

Mirko Mandic ◽

Maria Westerståhl

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Working Memory ◽

Executive Functioning ◽

Cognitive Flexibility ◽

Physical Activity Intervention ◽

Control School ◽

Aerobic Activity ◽

School Year ◽

Memory Inhibition

Objectives: We investigated whether a school-based physical activity intervention would lead to improvements in working memory, inhibition and cognitive flexibility in adolescents aged 13–15 years. Methods: The adolescents at the active school ( n = 108) participated in an intervention that included increased physical activity for 20 min/day, focused on aerobic activity with low cognitive demands for an entire school year. The adolescents at the control school ( n = 59) received no extra physical activity. At the beginning (baseline) and end (follow-up) of the school year, the participants performed tests of executive function (working memory, inhibition and cognitive flexibility) and performed tests of physical fitness and health. Results: There was no change in executive functioning at follow-up when comparing the schools. However, only 46% complied with the intervention. When non-compliers were excluded from the analyses, the results remained the same, except for a small but significant increase in working memory for the active school as compared to the control school. Conclusion: These results indicate that compliance with the intervention was low and that aerobic exercise with low cognitive load does not produce improvements in executive functioning.

Download Full-text

A systematic review on usability of smart devices and mobile health application for monitoring physical activity and weight management (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.25248 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Aisha Salamh Alshammari ◽

Sehar Un Nisa Hassan

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Social Support ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Weight Management ◽

Goal Setting ◽

User Satisfaction ◽

Physical Activities ◽

Self Management ◽

Exclusion Criterion ◽

Smart Devices

BACKGROUND Decreased engagement in physical activities and obesity are global public health problems of modern age. At the same time, m-health interventions were introduced to support monitoring of physical activities to enhance weight control through self-management. There is lack of updated systematic review of studies on the usability, effectiveness and user satisfaction of these smart devices applications. OBJECTIVE This systematic review aims at synthesizing latest research findings about effectiveness of mobile applications in physical activity and weight management, and the level of usability and user satisfaction. METHODS Data was collected from four databases including IEEE, Scopus, Cochrane and PubMed. The inclusion criterion includes original research published between 2008-2018 focusing on the use of smart devices in physical activity and the significance of mobile-based applications in influencing user involvement in physical activities and weight management RESULTS We retrieved 2,553 published studies from the databases out of which (n=15) meet inclusion/exclusion criterion of this systematic review. Analysis of study findings revealed user’s perceptions regarding effectiveness, usability and acceptance of mobile-based apps associate with increased involvement in physical activities and weight management practices. Studies demonstrated factors such as social support, reinforcement and goal setting enhance self-monitoring and users’ motivation to gain new skills of engagement in physical activities and weight self-management. CONCLUSIONS This review validates the effectiveness of m-interventions for engagement in physical activities and weight self-management. Smartphones and devices features have been instrumental in monitoring physical activity with additional components such as social support, social connections, feedback, goal setting and tracking activity CLINICALTRIAL null

Download Full-text

Active Participation of Care Partners in a Physical Activity Intervention alongside People with Stroke: A Feasibility Study

Physiotherapy Canada ◽

10.3138/ptc-2020-0035 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. e20200035

Author(s):

Reed Handlery ◽

Elizabeth Regan ◽

Allison Foster Lewis ◽

Chelsea Larsen ◽

Kaci Handlery ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Social Support ◽

Physical Activity Intervention ◽

Care Partners ◽

Before And After ◽

Physical Activity Adherence ◽

Ongoing Support ◽

The Relationship

Purpose: This study investigated the feasibility of a physical activity intervention for people with stroke and their care partners and the role social support plays in physical activity adherence. Method: The study used a single-group, pretest–posttest design with follow-up. Participants were adults with chronic stroke and their care partners. The intervention consisted of 8 weeks of structured, group-based physical activity classes, followed by 19 weeks of self-directed physical activity. Recruitment, adherence, safety, and retention were assessed. Familial social support was assessed before and after the 8-week structured portion and again 19 weeks later. Results: A total of 21 participants (15 people with stroke, 6 care partners), mean (SD) age 67.6 (11.6) years, were recruited; 19 (90.5%) completed the 19-week assessment. No adverse events were experienced during the programme. Attendance during the 8-week portion was better than during the 19-week portion (mean difference 0.95; p < 0.001; 95% CI: 0.71, 1.19 visits/wk). No relationship was found between social support and physical activity adherence ( p > 0.05). Conclusions: Involvement of care partners in a physical activity intervention is feasible and safe. Both people with stroke and their care partners may require ongoing support to participate in long-term physical activity. The relationship between social support and physical activity adherence requires further study.

Download Full-text

myMoves Program: Feasibility and Acceptability Study of a Remotely Delivered Self-Management Program for Increasing Physical Activity Among Adults With Acquired Brain Injury Living in the Community

Physical Therapy ◽

10.2522/ptj.20160028 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 96 (12) ◽

pp. 1982-1993 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

Taryn M. Jones ◽

Blake F. Dear ◽

Julia M. Hush ◽

Nickolai Titov ◽

Catherine M. Dean

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Brain Injury ◽

Large Scale ◽

Acquired Brain Injury ◽

Management Program ◽

Small Sample ◽

Self Management ◽

Activity Data ◽

Study Objective

Abstract Background People living with acquired brain injury (ABI) are more likely to be physically inactive and highly sedentary and, therefore, to have increased risks of morbidity and mortality. However, many adults with ABI experience barriers to participation in effective physical activity interventions. Remotely delivered self-management programs focused on teaching patients how to improve and maintain their physical activity levels have the potential to improve the overall health of adults with ABI. Objective The study objective was to evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of a remotely delivered self-management program aimed at increasing physical activity among adults who dwell in the community and have ABI. Design A single-group design involving comparison of baseline measures with those taken immediately after intervention and at a 3-month follow-up was used in this study. Methods The myMoves Program comprises 6 modules delivered over 8 weeks via email. Participants were provided with regular weekly contact with an experienced physical therapist via email and telephone. The primary outcomes were the feasibility (participation, attrition, clinician time, accessibility, and adverse events) and acceptability (satisfaction, worthiness of time, and recommendation) of the myMoves Program. The secondary outcomes were objective physical activity data collected from accelerometers, physical activity self-efficacy, psychological distress, and participation. Results Twenty-four participants commenced the program (20 with stroke, 4 with traumatic injury), and outcomes were collected for 23 and 22 participants immediately after the program and at a 3-month follow-up, respectively. The program required very little clinician contact time, with an average of 32.8 minutes (SD=22.8) per participant during the 8-week program. Acceptability was very high, with more than 95% of participants being either very satisfied or satisfied with the myMoves Program and stating that it was worth their time. All participants stated that they would recommend the program to others with ABI. Limitations The results were obtained from a small sample; hence, the results may not be generalizable to a larger ABI population. Conclusions A remotely delivered self-management program aimed at increasing physical activity is feasible and acceptable for adults with ABI. Further large-scale efficacy trials are warranted.

Download Full-text

School-based educational intervention to improve children’s oral health-related behaviors in rural Bangladesh

South East Asia Journal of Public Health ◽

10.3329/seajph.v7i2.38853 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 7 (2) ◽

pp. 27-33

Author(s):

Yusuke Furukawa ◽

Fumihiko Yokota ◽

Rafiqul Islam Maruf ◽

Mariko Nishikitani ◽

Kimiyo Kikuchi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Oral Health ◽

Educational Intervention ◽

Educational Interventions ◽

Control School ◽

Baseline Survey ◽

Control Group ◽

Intervention School ◽

Rural Bangladesh ◽

School Based

Children in rural Bangladesh have limited access to oral health services. As a pilot project, a one-day one-time oral health educational intervention was conducted at a primary school in Tangail district in Bangladesh. This study assessed the effect of this educational intervention on the children’s oral behaviors using controlled pre- and post-intervention design. Fifty-two students at the intervention school and 37 students at a control school agreed to participate in this study. A baseline survey was conducted for children at both schools using a standardized semi-structured questionnaire. Children at the intervention school received face-to-face dental exercises and a group seminar. Six months after the intervention, a follow-up survey was conducted at both schools to compare changes in children’s oral behaviors at the two schools. The increase in the percentage of intervention-school participants who reported brushing their teeth two or more times per day between the baseline and follow-up surveys was 7.6 times greater than that in the control group (95% CI= 1.7–35.1; p<0.009). The increase in the percentage of intervention-school participants who reported brushing their teeth before bed between the two surveys was 7.3 times greater than that in the control group (95% CI=1.6–34.0; p<0.001). The findings suggest the importance of skill-based intervention, in collaboration with dentists, school teachers, parents, and community health educators. Future studies on the effectiveness of school-based educational interventions should consider longer-term sustainable behavioral changes in children’s oral health.South East Asia Journal of Public Health Vol.7(2) 2017: 27-33

Download Full-text