scholarly journals Lifestyle E-Coaching for Physical Activity Level Improvement: Short-Term and Long-Term Effectivity in Low Socioeconomic Status Groups

Author(s):  
Hanne Spelt ◽  
Thomas Tsiampalis ◽  
Pania Karnaki ◽  
Matina Kouvari ◽  
Dina Zota ◽  
...  

E-coaching applications can improve people’s lifestyles; however, their impact on people from a lower socioeconomic status (low SES) is unknown. This study investigated the effectiveness of a lifestyle e-coaching application in encouraging people facing low SES disadvantages to engage in a more active lifestyle over a course of 19 weeks. In this bicountry study, 95 people with low activity level (GR: 50, NL: 45) used a mobile application linked to a wearable activity tracker. At the start and after 6 and 19 weeks, self-reported physical activity levels, attitudes, and intention towards increasing activity levels, perceived behavioral control, and wellbeing were measured. Results indicated that participants using the lifestyle e-coaching application reported significantly more often an increase in activity levels than a parallel control group. Additionally, the people using the application also more often reported increased levels of wellbeing and perceived behavioral control. Therefore, lifestyle e-coaching applications could be a cost-effective solution for promoting healthier lifestyles in low-SES populations.

2012 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 435-449 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sofiya Alhassan ◽  
Ogechi Nwaokelemeh ◽  
Manneh Ghazarian ◽  
Jasmin Roberts ◽  
Albert Mendoza ◽  
...  

This pilot study examined the effects of a teacher-taught, locomotor skill (LMS)- based physical activity (PA) program on the LMS and PA levels of minority preschooler-aged children. Eight low-socioeconomic status preschool classrooms were randomized into LMS-PA (LMS-oriented lesson plans) or control group (supervised free playtime). Interventions were delivered for 30 min/day, five days/week for six months. Changes in PA (accelerometer) and LMS variables were assessed with MANCOVA. LMS-PA group exhibited a significant reduction in during-preschool (F (1,16) = 6.34, p = .02, d = 0.02) and total daily (F (1,16) = 9.78, p = .01, d = 0.30) percent time spent in sedentary activity. LMS-PA group also exhibited significant improvement in leaping skills, F (1, 51) = 7.18, p = .01, d = 0.80). No other, significant changes were observed. The implementation of a teacher-taught, LMS-based PA program could potentially improve LMS and reduce sedentary time of minority preschoolers.


2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shanshan Cao ◽  
Wei Chen ◽  
Juan Li ◽  
Yuxiu He

Objective  Excessive intake of high-energy foods and insufficient levels of physical activity are important causes of obesity. In addition, inadequate physical activity is also a major cause of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Relevant data suggests that most adults fail to achieve the level of physical activity needed to improve their health. Therefore, understanding the reasons for the lack of physical activity levels is essential for developing a reduction in sedentary and thus preventing chronic acute illnesses. It is well known that physical activity is good for health, but little is known about the genetic and biological factors that may affect this complex behavior. Some studies have shown that diet-induced obesity may alter dopaminergic activity and thus reduce physical activity levels, suggesting that obesity and diet may be inversely related to dopamine signaling. Therefore, it is necessary to further study the correlation between obesity, dopamine and physical activity levels, and to explore the relationship between high-fat diet and body weight changes and physical activity levels. Methods  Sixteen male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into two groups. The control group (n=8) was fed with basal diet for 8 weeks, and the high-fat group (n=8) was fed with high-fat diet for 8 weeks. To compare the difference in body weight and physical activity between SD rats fed with high-fat diet and normal diet, and the relationship between body weight and body activity level; in order to study the effect of obesity on exercise behavior, use the open field experimental recorder for each The movements of the rats in the group were recorded (autonomic activity for 30 min), and the correlation between the effects of high-fat diet on body weight and spontaneous activities of SD rats was analyzed. Results High-fat diet and normal-fed rats were in energy intake (high-fat group 4583.94±349.85; control group 3201±298.58), body weight (high-fat group 406.23±29.35; control group 306.66±31.44) and Lee's index (high-fat group 26.17 ± 0.57; control group 24.35 ± 0.97) were significantly different. There was a high correlation between energy intake and body weight in rats, correlation coefficient r=0.911 (p<0.01); correlation coefficient between body weight and physical activity level r = 0.576 (p < 0.05). In addition, by comparing the exercise time and average speed of rats in each group, the difference in exercise time between the two groups was not significant, and the average speed difference was significant (p<0.05); exercise time was significantly correlated with physical activity level, r= 0.734 (p<0.01); and the mean speed was also positively correlated with physical activity level, and the correlation coefficient was 0.660 (P<0.01). Conclusions Obesity is greatly affected by dietary factors, and long-term high-fat diets lead to a decline in physical activity, which in turn promotes further deterioration of obesity. This interaction can create a vicious circle between obesity and physical activity. Further research on the mechanisms of obesity, lack of physical activity and their interaction may provide a theoretical basis for increasing the level of physical activity in obese people.


2020 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Grant M. Hill ◽  
Bernard D. Goldfine ◽  
Kandice J. Porter ◽  
Zenong Yin

e purposes of this research were to determine whether participation in a university elective instruction-al physical activity program course (IPAP) would increase the weekly physical activity level of students and resultin a signi cantly higher score on the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES). Treatment-group participantswere enrolled in an elective IPAP course that was either sport-based (e.g., volleyball, tennis) or physical condi-tioning-based (e.g., aerobic/strength training). Control-group participants (N=180) were students from the sameuniversities who were not enrolled during that term in an IPAP course. Student responses to the Godin-ShephardLeisure-Time Physical Activity Questionnaire indicated within-group changes in pre vs. post physical activity thatwere signi cant for the treatment group, but not the control group. Results indicate participation in an IPAPcourse signi cantly increases the physical activity levels of students and also signi cantly increases the physical activ-ity enjoyment of students with the most sedentary lifestyles.


2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
L S Mulderij ◽  
F Wolters ◽  
M A E Wagemakers ◽  
K T Verkooijen

Abstract Background In care-physical activity (care-PA) initiatives, primary care and sports collaborate to stimulate PA among adults at risk of lifestyle related diseases. Preliminary results of Dutch care-PA initiatives for low socioeconomic status (SES) adults indicate that these initiatives successfully lower participants’ body weight and improve quality of life. However, insight into elements that make these initiatives work is lacking. Therefore, this research aims to unravel the effective elements of care-PA initiatives for low SES adults. Methods Concept Mapping (CM) was used as tool to identify and cluster the effective elements. Nineteen Dutch health promotion experts individually listed as many elements as they felt were of importance to the effectiveness of care-PA initiatives. Next, each expert was asked to cluster the elements and to score them on importance. Then, CS Global MAX software was used for multidimensional scaling and a hierarchical cluster analysis to develop a cluster map. Finally, the cluster map was presented, discussed, and refined in a group meeting with 11 of the experts. Results The experts came up with 113 unique effective elements of care-PA initiatives for low SES adults, clustered into 11 clusters: 1) approach of professionals, 2) barriers experienced during the programme, 3) local embedding, 4) customisation of the programme to target population, 5) social support, 6) methods within the programme, 7) competencies of professionals, 8) accessibility of the programme, 9) actions within the programme, 10) recruitment of participants, and 11) intersectoral collaboration. Conclusions A valuable overview of the effective elements of care-PA initiatives for low SES adults was created. The results can be used to improve existing care-PA initiatives and to develop new ones targeted at low SES adults at risk of lifestyle related diseases. This may eventually help to reduce health inequalities between low and high SES adults. Key messages Concept mapping has been a useful group-based tool to obtain information on the effective elements of care-PA initiatives, in which individual input from health promotion experts has been collected. The overview of effective elements of care-PA initiatives for low SES adults as presented in this study is valuable for the development of care-PA initiatives specifically targeted at low SES adults.


Author(s):  
Ulric S. Abonie ◽  
Florentina J. Hettinga

Tailored activity pacing could help manage fatigue and improve physical activity. However, little is known about how to tailor activity pacing for people with multiple sclerosis. This study aims to evaluate the effect of a tailored activity pacing intervention on fatigue and physical activity behaviours in adults with multiple sclerosis. Twenty-one adults with multiple sclerosis, stratified by age and gender, are randomly allocated to either a tailored pacing or control group. Participants wear an accelerometer for seven days that measures physical activity behaviours, and self-report fatigue at the baseline and four-week follow-up. Physical activity behaviours are assessed by examining activity level (seven-day average activity counts per minute) and activity variability (seven-day average highest activity counts each day divided by activity counts on that day). The intervention improves activity levels (Mean difference = 40.91; 95% Confidence Interval [CI] (3.84–77.96); p = 0.03) and lessens activity variability (Mean difference = −0.63; 95% CI (−1.25–0.02); p = 0.04). No significant effect is found for fatigue (Mean difference = −0.36; 95% CI (−1.02–0.30); p = 0.27). This investigation shows that tailoring activity pacing based on physical activity behaviours and fatigue is effective in improving physical activity levels, without exacerbating fatigue symptoms.


2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne Marie Lunde Husebø ◽  
Sindre Mikal Dyrstad ◽  
Ingvil Mjaaland ◽  
Jon Arne Søreide ◽  
Edvin Bru

While physical activity during cancer treatment is found beneficial for breast cancer patients, evidence indicates ambiguous findings concerning effects of scheduled exercise programs on treatment-related symptoms. This study investigated effects of a scheduled home-based exercise intervention in breast cancer patients during adjuvant chemotherapy, on cancer-related fatigue, physical fitness, and activity level. Sixty-seven women were randomized to an exercise intervention group (n=33, performed strength training 3x/week and 30 minutes brisk walking/day) and a control group (n=34, performed their regular physical activity level). Data collection was performed at baseline, at completion of chemotherapy (Post1), and 6-month postchemotherapy (Post2). Exercise levels were slightly higher in the scheduled exercise group than in the control group. In both groups, cancer-related fatigue increased at Post1but returned to baseline at Post2. Physical fitness and activity levels decreased at Post1but were significantly improved at Post2. Significant differences between intervention and control groups were not found. The findings suggest that generally recommended physical activity levels are enough to relief cancer-related fatigue and restore physical capacity in breast cancer patients during adjuvant chemotherapy, although one cannot rule out that results reflect diminishing treatment side effects over time.


2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 81
Author(s):  
Abdullah Güllü ◽  
Esin Güllü

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of audiovisual education method on the physical activity tendencies of 13-year-old secondary school students. A total of 66 healthy and voluntary male students who were aged 13 years in secondary school participated in this study. The participants were randomly divided into three groups: an educational group (EG; n: 22; height: 146.51±9.01 cm; weight: 37.73±12.20 kg), educational group with parents (EGP; n: 23; height: 146.97±7.19 cm; weight: 42.04±11.39 kg) and a control group (CG; n: 21; height: 141.53±8.27 cm; weight: 39.62±11.72 kg). EG and EGP completed their audiovisual education program in 2 days of the intervention week. Total energy expenditure (TEE), physical activity level (MET), STEP, physical activity duration, lying-down duration and sleep duration values were taken with SenseWear Armband in 6 consecutive days during 24 hours. These values of the study group were taken before (pre-test) and after (post-test) the intervention week. The variances between the groups were determined by one-way ANOVA, and multiple comparisons were used to determine possible differences. The level of significance was used at 0.05. After the audiovisual education programs, a significant increase were observed in the TEE, STEP and MET values of the groups. According to the CG, the TEE and MET values were significantly higher in favor of EGP, and in STEP was also significantly higher in favor of EG and EGP. The audiovisual education programs may contribute to increase physical activity levels by affecting the children’s intrinsic motivations. Also, the family played an effective role in physical activity trends, and therefore, increased the inner motivation of the child, and caused the negative behaviors to be positively changed.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jason Bennie ◽  
Katrien De Cocker ◽  
Susanne Tittlbach

Abstract Background The German ‘ National Recommendations for Physical Activity and Physical Activity Promotion ’ state that adults (≥18 years) should engage in: [i] ≥150 minutes of aerobic moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity/week (MVPA); and [ii] ≥2 days/week of muscle-strengthening exercise (MSE). However, there is limited research on the adherence to these guidelines among German adults. The present purpose was to describe the prevalence and correlates of physical activity guideline adherence among a nationally representative sample of German adults. Methods Data were drawn from the 2014 German Health Update survey, collected via a combination of web-based and mail surveys. Self-reported physical activity levels were assessed using the previously validated European Health Interview Survey Physical Activity Questionnaire. Weighted prevalence levels of the sample meeting the aerobic MVPA (≥150 minutes/week), MSE (≥2 times/week) and combined MVPA-MSE guidelines were calculated. Poisson regressions were used to assess prevalence ratios for physical activity guideline adherence categories across sociodemographic (age, sex, socioeconomic status) and lifestyle-related (self-rated health, BMI) variables. Results Out of 24,016 participants (response rate = 27.6%), aged ≥18 years, 45.3% (95% CI: 44.5-46.0%), 29.4% (95% CI: 28.7-30.1%) and 22.6% (95% CI: 21.9-23.2%) met the aerobic MVPA, MSE and combined guidelines, respectively. Population sub-groups independently less likely to meet the combined guidelines included those with poor self-rated health, low socioeconomic status and those being overweight or obese. Conclusions As almost 80% of German adults do not meet the nationally recommended aerobic combined MVPA-MSE physical activity guidelines, there is a necessity for large-scale public health interventions promoting both aerobic MVPA and MSE.


2000 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 51-60 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lennart Raudsepp ◽  
Roomet Viira

This study examined the relative contributions of sex, social class, socioeconomic status of the family, and exercise behavior of significant others (father, mother, sister, brother, best friend) to the variability of physical activities of 13–15-year-old urban adolescents (N = 475). Physical activity was measured using 7-day physical activity recall. Family income was negatively correlated with physical activity of adolescents. Physical activity of the father, older brother, and best friend was associated with a higher activity level of adolescents (r = 0.24–0.33). Sex and social class of the families accounted for 18% of the variance of the adolescents’ physical activity. When the physical activity of the father, older brother, and best friend were entered into regression analysis, a total of 32% of the variation in adolescents’ physical activity was explained. Physical activity of adolescents is associated with sex, activity levels of significant others, and socioeconomic status of the family.


2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
H Spelt ◽  
P Karnaki ◽  
T Tsiampalis ◽  
M Kouvari ◽  
A Petralias ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Lifestyle e-coaching applications have the potential to be successful in changing people’s lifestyles although it is unclear whether such support would indeed help people with lower socioeconomic status (SES). The aim of the present study, conducted within the INHERIT EU project, was to investigate the effectiveness of a lifestyle e-coaching application in increasing physical activity (PA) in lower SES groups and whether such an increase is sustained after its prolonged use. Methods A two-site (Greece: N = 105, Netherlands: N = 89), two arm [Greece: 50 (experimental) and 55 (control), Netherlands: 45 (experimental) and 44 (control)], parallel group, randomized controlled trial proceeded in three phases over 19 weeks, comparing PA (as measured by the IPAQ questionnaire) of participants using a lifestyle e-coaching application with participants not using any such application. Inclusion criteria involved participants to be in low SES, have an age of 18-65 years and an estimated level of physical activity of less than 210 minutes/week, while they needed to possess a smartphone, willing to install the application and being fluent in Dutch or Greek. Results Results showed that the use of the app significantly improved participants’ PA in both countries, at 6 (Greece: p = 0.015, Netherlands: p = 0.003) and 19 weeks (Greece: p = 0.002, Netherlands: p &lt; 0.001), while the effect was even higher for low physically active participants as measured at baseline, after both time periods. Compared to the control group, after adjusting for several characteristics, the experimental group achieved a better improvement of PA at 19 weeks compared to baseline (p = 0.006) and week 6 (p = 0.007). Conclusions Positive effects on participants’ PA after 19 weeks were observed, with the findings suggesting that the longer the application is used, the greater the improvement of PA, while the effect was more obvious among those following a sedentary lifestyle as measured at baseline. Key messages E-coaching applications could be useful in promoting physical activity among people from low SES. E-coaching applications are cost effective and environmentally friendly methods of promoting physical activity. Uptake by national health systems should be examined further.


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