The Effects of a Comprehensive, Integrated Obesity Prevention Intervention Approach (SuperFIT) on Children’s Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, and BMI Z-Score

SuperFIT is a comprehensive, integrated intervention approach aimed at promoting healthy energy balance-related behaviors in 2- to 4-year-old children in the preschool and home settings. A quasi-experimental research design was adopted to evaluate the effects of SuperFIT on physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior (SB) and Body Mass Index (BMI) z-score. Children could participate in the preschool-based and family-based component (full intervention) or only in the preschool-based component (partial intervention). Children’s PA levels and SB were assessed with accelerometers and observations, and height and weight were measured for the BMI z-score. Measurements were performed at baseline and two follow-up time points. Effectiveness was evaluated using linear mixed-model analyses, correcting for relevant covariates. Healthy changes in PA levels occurred within all study groups over time. No significant differences were found in overall PA levels between the intervention groups and control group at both follow-ups. Nevertheless, sedentary behavior decreased more in the full intervention group (effect size (ES): −0.62), and moderate-to-vigorous PA (ES: 0.85) and counts per minute (ES: 0.45) increased more compared to the control group on preschool days at the first follow-up. No effects were found for BMI z-score. The integrated approach of SuperFIT may induce changes in PA of young children, although the effects were small.

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Sports camp with six months of support from a local sports club as a treatment for childhood obesity

Scandinavian Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1177/1403494809344444 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 37 (8) ◽

pp. 793-800 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Paulina Nowicka ◽

Jan Lanke ◽

Angelo Pietrobelli ◽

Erwin Apitzsch ◽

Carl-Erik Flodmark

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Childhood Obesity ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Treatment Strategies ◽

Control Group ◽

Z Score ◽

Sports Club ◽

Baseline Bmi

Aims: Although childhood obesity is becoming increasingly prevalent, treatment options are limited and the continued development of effective treatment strategies is necessary. It is equally important to explore involvement of other resources in society, such as sports associations. This study was designed to investigate the possibility of reducing the degree of obesity in obese children by focusing on physical activity as an intervention. Methods: Seventy-six children (40 boys) aged 8—12 years (mean age 10.5 years, mean body mass index (BMI) 28.9, standard deviation (SD) 3.0; mean BMI z-score 3.24, SD 0.49) were invited to participate in a one-week sports camp and six-month support system. After the camp a sports coach from a local sports club supported the child during participation in a chosen sport for six months. Weight, height, body composition (using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry and magnetic resonance imaging), and lifestyle (using a questionnaire) were measured at baseline and after 12 months. Data were pooled from two camps, one with a self-selected control group and one randomized controlled trial. Results: Twelve months after the camp the intervention group had a significant decrease in BMI z-score (baseline BMI z-score 3.22; follow up 3.10, p = 0.023). The control group also reduced their BMI z-score (baseline BMI z-score 3.27; follow up 3.18, p = 0.022). No differences were found in baseline values, follow-up values, or changes in BMI z-score between groups, nor between boys and girls. Conclusions: The focus on physical activity as an intervention had no effect on degree of obesity when compared with a waiting list control group.

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Promoting physical activity in regional and remote cancer survivors (PPARCS) using wearables and health coaching: randomised controlled trial protocol

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2018-028369 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (5) ◽

pp. e028369 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Sarah J Hardcastle ◽

Dana Hince ◽

Ruth Jiménez-Castuera ◽

Terry Boyle ◽

Vinicius Cavalheri ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Cancer Survivors ◽

Mixed Model ◽

Linear Mixed Model ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Survival Rates ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Primary Objective ◽

Health Coaching ◽

Control Group

IntroductionPhysically active cancer survivors have substantially less cancer recurrence and improved survival compared with those who are inactive. However, the majority of survivors (70%–90%) are not meeting the physical activity (PA) guidelines. There are also significant geographic inequalities in cancer survival with poorer survival rates for the third of Australians who live in non-metropolitan areas compared with those living in major cities. The primary objective of the trial is to increase moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) among cancer survivors living in regional and remote Western Australia. Secondary objectives are to reduce sedentary behaviour and in conjunction with increased PA, improve quality of life (QoL) in non-metropolitan survivors. Tertiary objectives are to assess the effectiveness of the health action process approach (HAPA) model variables, on which the intervention is based, to predict change in MVPA.Methods and analysisEighty-six cancer survivors will be randomised into either the intervention or control group. Intervention group participants will receive a Fitbit and up to six telephone health-coaching sessions. MVPA (using Actigraph), QoL and psychological variables (based on the HAPA model via questionnaire) will be assessed at baseline, 12 weeks (end of intervention) and 24 weeks (end of follow-up). A general linear mixed model will be used to assess the effectiveness of the intervention.Ethics and disseminationEthics approval has been obtained from St John of God Hospital Subiaco (HREC/#1201). We plan to submit a manuscript of the results to a peer-reviewed journal. Results will be presented at conferences, community and consumer forums and hospital research conferences.Trial registration numberACTRN12618001743257; pre-results, U1111-1222-5698

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How COVID-19 lockdown and reopening affected daily steps: evidence based on 164,630 person-days of prospectively collected data from Shanghai, China

International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity ◽

10.1186/s12966-021-01106-x ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Ding Ding ◽

Minna Cheng ◽

Borja del Pozo Cruz ◽

Tao Lin ◽

Shuangyuan Sun ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

At Risk ◽

Body Composition ◽

Mixed Model ◽

Linear Mixed Model ◽

University Education ◽

Control Group ◽

Daily Step ◽

Step Counts ◽

Reduced Physical Activity

Abstract Background COVID-19 lockdowns may lead to physical inactivity, a major risk factor for non-communicable diseases. This study aims to determine: 1) the trajectory in daily step counts before, during and after the lockdown in China, and 2) the characteristics associated with the trajectories. Methods From December 2019 to July 2020, smartphone-based step counts were continuously collected in 815 Chinese adults residing in Shanghai over 202 days across three phases: before, during, and after the lockdown. Participant characteristics were reported, and height, weight and body composition measured before the lockdown. A ‘sharp’ regression discontinuity design with cluster robust standard errors was used to test the effect of the lockdown and reopening on daily steps and a linear mixed model was used to examine the characteristics associated with trajectories during the observed period. Results Based on 164,630 person-days of data, we found a sharp decline in daily step counts upon the lockdown (24/01/2020) by an average of 3796 (SE = 88) steps, followed by a significant trend of increase by 34 steps/day (SE = 2.5; p < .001) until the end of the lockdown (22/03/2020). This increasing trend continued into the reopening phase at a slower rate of 5 steps per day (SE = 2.3; p = 0.029). Those who were older, married, university educated, insufficiently active, had an ‘at risk’ body composition, and those in the control group, were slower at recovering step counts during the lockdown, and those who were older, married, without university education and with an ‘at risk’ body composition recovered step counts at a slower pace after the reopening. Conclusions Despite later increases in step counts, COVID-19 lockdown led to a sustained period of reduced physical activity, which may have adverse health implications. Governments and health professionals around the world should continue to encourage and facilitate physical activity during the pandemic.

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Effectiveness of a psychological online training to promote physical activity among students: protocol of a randomized-controlled trial

Trials ◽

10.1186/s13063-021-05333-2 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Lena Violetta Krämer ◽

Nadine Eschrig ◽

Lena Keinhorst ◽

Luisa Schöchlin ◽

Lisa Stephan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

Mixed Model ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Control Group ◽

Web Based ◽

Intention To Treat ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Link Type

Abstract Background Many students in Germany do not meet recommended amounts of physical activity. In order to promote physical activity in students, web-based interventions are increasingly implemented. Yet, data on effectiveness of web-based interventions in university students is low. Our study aims at investigating a web-based intervention for students. The intervention is based on the Health Action Process Approach (HAPA), which discriminates between processes of intention formation (motivational processes) and processes of intention implementation (volitional processes). Primary outcome is change in physical activity; secondary outcomes are motivational and volitional variables as proposed by the HAPA as well as quality of life and depressive symptoms. Methods A two-armed randomized controlled trial (RCT) of parallel design is conducted. Participants are recruited via the internet platform StudiCare (www.studicare.com). After the baseline assessment (t1), participants are randomized to either intervention group (immediate access to web-based intervention) or control group (access only after follow-up assessment). Four weeks later, post-assessment (t2) is performed in both groups followed by a follow-up assessment (t3) 3 months later. Assessments take place online. Main outcome analyses will follow an intention-to-treat principle by including all randomized participants into the analyses. Outcomes will be analysed using a linear mixed model, assuming data are missing at random. The mixed model will include group, time, and the interaction of group and time as fixed effects and participant and university as random effect. Discussion This study is a high-quality RCT with three assessment points and intention-to-treat analysis meeting the state-of-the-art of effectiveness studies. Recruitment covers almost 20 universities in three countries, leading to high external validity. The results of this study will be of great relevance for student health campaigns, as they reflect the effectiveness of self-help interventions for young adults with regard to behaviour change as well as motivational and volitional determinants. From a lifespan perspective, it is important to help students find their way into regular physical activity. Trial registration The German clinical trials register (DRKS) DRKS00016889. Registered on 28 February 2019

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The Use of Telehealth Technology in Assessing the Accuracy of Self-Reported Weight and the Impact of a Daily Immediate-Feedback Intervention among Obese Employees

International Journal of Telemedicine and Applications ◽

10.1155/2011/909248 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 2011 ◽

pp. 1-6 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Nicolaas P. Pronk ◽

A. Lauren Crain ◽

Jeffrey J. VanWormer ◽

Brian C. Martinson ◽

Jackie L. Boucher ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Body Weight ◽

Mixed Model ◽

Linear Mixed Model ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Study Groups ◽

Outcome Variable ◽

Control Group ◽

Immediate Feedback ◽

The Impact

Objective.To determine the accuracy of self-reported body weight prior to and following a weight loss intervention including daily self-weighing among obese employees.Methods.As part of a 6-month randomized controlled trial including a no-treatment control group, an intervention group received a series of coaching calls, daily self-weighing, and interactive telemonitoring. The primary outcome variable was the absolute discrepancy between self-reported and measured body weight at baseline and at 6 months. We used general linear mixed model regression to estimate changes and differences between study groups over time.Results.At baseline, study participants underreported their weight by an average of 2.06 (se=0.33) lbs. The intervention group self-reported a smaller absolute body weight discrepancy at followup than the control group.Conclusions.The discrepancy between self-reported and measured body weight appears to be relatively small, may be improved through daily self-monitoring using immediate-feedback telehealth technology, and negligibly impacts change in body weight.

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Augmented Rehabilitation Program for Young Patients Following Total Hip Arthroplasty

10.21203/rs.3.rs-138081/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Ahmed Negm ◽

Milad Yavarai ◽

Gian Jhangri ◽

Robert Haennel ◽

Allyson Jones

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Total Hip Arthroplasty ◽

Hip Arthroplasty ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Young Patients ◽

Rehabilitation Program ◽

Control Group ◽

Total Hip ◽

The Impact

Abstract BackgroundThe increase rate seen in Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) for younger patients has implications for future rehabilitation demands for primary and revision THA surgery. This study aims to determine the impact of a 6-week post-operative rehabilitation program designed for THA patients ≤ 60 years on physical activity (PA) and function compared to age- and a sex-matched control group received usual postoperative care at 12-week post-THA. MethodsIn this quasi-experimental study, a cohort of THA candidates was recruited during their 6-week postoperative visit to their surgeons. The out-patient rehabilitation program consisted of 12 structured exercise classes (2 hrs/class) over 6 weeks. Physical activity was assessed using Sense Wear Pro ArmbandTM [SWA]. Participants completed the Hip Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS), and THA satisfaction questionnaire before and immediately after the intervention. ResultsThe intervention group took significantly more steps/day at the follow-up compared to baseline. The intervention group had a higher mean change in the number of weekly PA bouts than the control group. Within the intervention groups, all HOOS subscales were significantly higher at the follow-up compared to baseline. ConclusionThe augmented rehabilitation program may have immediate effects on pain relief and symptom reduction for patients (≤60 years) following THA.

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Bone Metabolism Markers and their Correlation with Body Mass Index in Aerobic Physical Activity

SCRIPTA MEDICA ◽

10.7251/scmed1802092b ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 49 (2) ◽

Author(s):

Zorislava Bajić ◽

Nela Rašeta ◽

Nenad Ponorac

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Body Mass Index ◽

Bone Formation ◽

Body Mass ◽

Young Women ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Positive Influence ◽

Control Group ◽

Bone Resorption Marker

Introduction: Bone formation marker osteocalcin (OC) and bone resorption marker C-terminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen (CTX) can be used to detect or to monitor the early responses of the skeleton to physical activity. Literature suggests that it is likely that higher body mass index (BMI) has positive effect on bones and can postpone onset of osteoporosis.Aim of the Study: The aim of this study is to:1.Determine the effect of aerobic physical acitivity on OC and CTX in young women2.Investigate correlation of OC, CTX and BMI in young women engaged into structured aerobic excerciseMaterial and methods: Study included 64 healthy young women, aged 19 to 25 years, devided into two groups: intervention group (n=32) and control group (n=32). The study duration was six weeks with follow-up period of four weeks. The intervention group underwent structured aerobic physical activity program for six weeks, but the control group did not receive such program. Level of OC, CTX and BMI were measured at baseline, after 6-week aerobic program, and after 4-week follow up (only intervention group).Results: There was significant increase of OC level after 6-week aerobic program, while level of CTX did not changed. OC level was at its maximum immediately after finishing the program in the participants with normal BMI (p<0.001). There was no statistically significant interaction of BMI and CTX level.Conclusion: Aerobic physical activity increases level of osteocalcin, suggesting that it has positive influence on bone formation in young women, primarily in women with normal BMI.

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Classroom Standing Desks and Time-Series Variation in Sedentary Behavior and Physical Activity among Primary School Children

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph16111892 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 16 (11) ◽

pp. 1892 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Tetsuhiro Kidokoro ◽

Yasuo Shimizu ◽

Kanako Edamoto ◽

Michael Annear

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Time Series ◽

Primary School ◽

Sedentary Behavior ◽

School Children ◽

Primary School Children ◽

Control Group ◽

School Time ◽

Intensity Physical Activity

The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of height-adjustable standing desks on time-series variation in sedentary behavior (SB) among primary school children. Thirty-eight children aged 11–12 years (22 boys and 16 girls) from two classes at a primary school in Nagano, Japan, participated in this study. One class was allocated as the intervention group and provided with individual standing desks for 6 months, and the other was allocated as the control group. Time spent in SB, light-intensity physical activity (LPA), and moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA) was measured using accelerometers (ActiGraph) at baseline and follow-up. Time spent in SB was significantly lower by 18.3 min/day on average in the intervention class at follow-up (interaction effects: F(1, 36) = 4.95, p = 0.035, η2 = 0.082). This was accompanied by a significant increase in time spent in MVPA (+19.9 min/day on average). Our time-series analysis showed significant decreases in SB during school time, while no change in SB was found during non-school time. This result indicates that the use of standing desks promotes an overall reduction in SB with no compensatory increase during non-school time.

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Influencing cardiovascular health habits in the rural, deep south: results of a cluster randomized trial

Health Education Research ◽

10.1093/her/cyy052 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 34 (2) ◽

pp. 200-208

Author(s):

Laurie S Abbott ◽

Elizabeth H Slate ◽

Jennifer L Lemacks

Keyword(s):

Health Program ◽

Mixed Model ◽

Cardiovascular Health ◽

Linear Mixed Model ◽

Intervention Group ◽

The United States ◽

Control Group ◽

Cvd Risk ◽

Health Habits ◽

Cluster Randomized

Abstract Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major cause of death among people living in the United States. Populations, especially minorities, living in the rural South are disproportionately affected by CVD and have greater CVD risk, morbidity and mortality. Culturally relevant cardiovascular health programs implemented in rural community settings can potentially reduce CVD risk and facilitate health behavior modification. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a cardiovascular health promotion intervention on the health habits of a group of rural African American adults. The study had a cluster randomized controlled trial design involving 12 rural churches that served as statistical clusters. From the churches (n = 6) randomized to the intervention group, 115 participants were enrolled, received the 6-week health program and completed pretest–posttest measures. The 114 participants from the control group churches (n = 6) did not receive the health program and completed the same pretest–posttest measures. The linear mixed model was used to compare group differences from pretest to posttest. The educational health intervention positively influenced select dietary and confidence factors that may contribute toward CVD risk reduction.

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Bi-directional prospective associations between objectively measured physical activity and fundamental motor skills in children: a two-year follow-up

International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity ◽

10.1186/s12966-019-0902-6 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Ada Kristine Ofrim Nilsen ◽

Sigmund Alfred Anderssen ◽

Kjersti Johannessen ◽

Katrine Nyvoll Aadland ◽

Einar Ylvisaaker ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Young Children ◽

Motor Skills ◽

Motor Development ◽

Mixed Model ◽

Linear Mixed Model ◽

Gross Motor ◽

Object Control ◽

Fundamental Motor Skills

Abstract Background The direction of the longitudinal relationship between physical activity (PA) and fundamental motor skills (FMS) remains unclear. We evaluated the bi-directional, prospective relationships between intensity-specific physical activity (PA) and domain-specific fundamental motor skills (FMS) over 2 years in children attending preschool at baseline. Methods A sample of 230 children (mean age at baseline 4.7 yr, 52% boys) from the 'Sogn og Fjordane Preschool Physical Activity Study' was measured 2 years apart. PA was assessed using ActiGraph accelerometers (GT3X+). FMS were evaluated by a test battery guided by the 'Test of Gross Motor Development 3' and the 'Preschooler Gross Motor Quality Scale'. PA outcomes were total PA (TPA [counts per minute]) and intensity specific PA and sedentary behaviour (SED) (min/day). FMS outcomes were locomotor, object control, and balance skills. Linear mixed model adjusting for potential co-variates was used to evaluate the bi-directional prospective associations between these variables, including the moderating effect of sex and age. Results Baseline total PA, moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA), and vigorous PA predicted higher locomotor, object control, and balance skills at follow-up (standardized regression coefficient (β): 0.17 to 0.26, p = 0.002–0.017). Baseline SED predicted lower locomotor skills at follow-up (β: − 0.27, p = 0.012). Baseline light PA did not predict FMS at follow-up. Baseline FMS were not associated with PA or SED at follow-up. Conclusions MVPA was positively associated with development of FMS in young children. In contrast, FMS were not related to future PA levels. Our results suggest promotion of MVPA is important for FMS development in young children.

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