Carrying out Physical Activity as Part of the Active Forests Programme in England: What Encourages, Supports and Sustains Activity?—A Qualitative Study

The Active Forests programme was developed through a partnership between Forestry England and Sport England. A three-year pilot programme focused on five forest sites ran from 2014. It was mainstreamed in April 2017 and is now running on eighteen forest sites in England in 2019. The aim of the programme is to encourage a physical activity habit, and participants can get involved in a wide range of activities from Nordic walking to mountain biking, Pilates, running, and Bootcamp in different scenic forests. The aim of the research was to identify the motivations, benefits and the overall experience participants had from their forest physical activity. As part of the programme, qualitative data was gathered through in-situ participant observation, and interviews or focus groups. One hundred and twenty people were involved in the research. The findings identify some of the key elements of the programme that encourage, support and in some instances help to sustain or change physical activity. These include participants gaining a wide range of wellbeing benefits; appropriate targeted activities; opportunities for progression; social connections; providing challenge; and a supportive atmosphere. There is evidence of participants sustaining and changing physical activity practices, however attribution of this to the Active Forests programme is not straightforward. The programme is also explored through the lens of social practice theory and its concepts of materials, competence, and meanings. The research highlights how a targeted physical activity programme can reach and involve a broad range of people from the already physically active to those who are less active.

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Practice-ing behaviour change: Applying social practice theory to pro-environmental behaviour change

Journal of Consumer Culture ◽

10.1177/1469540510390500 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

pp. 79-99 ◽

Cited By ~ 407

Author(s):

Tom Hargreaves

Keyword(s):

Behaviour Change ◽

Social Practice ◽

Practice Theory ◽

Participant Observation ◽

Behavioural Change ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Social Practice Theory ◽

Barriers To Change ◽

The Social ◽

Wide Range

This article applies the insights of social practice theory to the study of proenvironmental behaviour change through an ethnographic case study (nine months of participant observation and 38 semi-structured interviews) of a behaviour change initiative — Environment Champions — that occurred in a workplace. In contrast to conventional, individualistic and rationalist approaches to behaviour change, social practice theory de-centres individuals from analyses, and turns attention instead towards the social and collective organization of practices — broad cultural entities that shape individuals’ perceptions, interpretations and actions within the world. By considering the planning and delivery of the Environment Champions initiative, the article suggests that practice theory provides a more holistic and grounded perspective on behaviour change processes as they occur in situ. In so doing, it offers up a wide range of mundane footholds for behavioural change, over and above individuals’ attitudes or values. At the same time, it reveals the profound difficulties encountered in attempts to challenge and change practices, difficulties that extend far beyond the removal of contextual ‘barriers’ to change and instead implicate the organization of normal everyday life. The article concludes by considering the benefits and shortcomings of a practice-based approach emphasizing a need for it to develop a greater understanding of the role of social interactions and power relations in the grounded performance of practices.

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Habitual physical activity facilitates stress-induced HSP72 induction in brain, peripheral, and immune tissues

AJP Regulatory Integrative and Comparative Physiology ◽

10.1152/ajpregu.00513.2002 ◽

2003 ◽

Vol 284 (2) ◽

pp. R520-R530 ◽

Cited By ~ 50

Author(s):

Jay Campisi ◽

Ted H. Leem ◽

Ben N. Greenwood ◽

Michael K. Hansen ◽

Albert Moraska ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Treadmill Running ◽

Exercise Stress ◽

Physically Active ◽

Peripheral Tissues ◽

Serum Corticosterone ◽

Mesenteric Lymph ◽

Wide Range ◽

Immune Tissues ◽

Damaging Effects

The mechanism(s) for how physically active organisms are resistant to many damaging effects of acute stressor exposure is unknown. Cellular induction of heat-shock proteins (e.g., HSP72) is one successful strategy used by the cell to survive the damaging effects of stress. It is possible, therefore, that the stress-buffering effect of physical activity may be due to an improved HSP72 response to stress. Thus the purpose of the current study was to determine whether prior voluntary freewheel running facilitates the stress-induced induction of HSP72 in central (brain), peripheral, and immune tissues. Adult male Fischer 344 rats were housed with either a mobile running wheel (Active) or a locked, immobile wheel [sedentary (Sed)] for 8 wk before stressor exposure. Rats were exposed to either inescapable tail-shock stress (IS; 100 1.6-mA tail shocks, 5-s duration, 60-s intertrial interval), exhaustive exercise stress (EXS; treadmill running to exhaustion), or no stress (controls). Blood, brain, and peripheral tissues were collected 2 h after stressor termination. The kinetics of HSP72 induction after IS was determined in cultured mesenteric lymph node cells. Activation of the stress response was verified by measuring serum corticosterone (RIA). Tissue and cellular HSP72 content were measured using HSP72 ELISA in cell lysates. Both Active and Sed rats had elevated levels of serum corticosterone after stress. In contrast, Active but not Sed rats exposed to IS and/or EXS had elevated HSP72 in dorsal vagal complex, frontal cortex, hippocampus, pituitary, adrenal, liver, spleen, mesenteric lymph nodes, and heart. In addition, Active rats exposed to IS demonstrated a faster induction of lymphocyte HSP72 compared with Sed rats. Thus Active rats responded to stress with both greater and faster HSP72 responses compared with Sed rats. These results indicate that previous physical activity potentiates HSP72 expression after a wide range of stressors. Facilitated induction of HSP72 may contribute to the increased stress resistance previously reported in physically active organisms.

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Exploration of perceptions of health of low SES citizens in the Netherlands

European Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1093/eurpub/ckz186.433 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽

Author(s):

M A J G de Jong ◽

A E Wagemakers

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Focus Groups ◽

Social Relations ◽

Social Practice ◽

Low Ses ◽

Lifestyle Behaviors ◽

Social Practice Theory ◽

Active Involvement ◽

Positive Attitudes ◽

Health Promoting

Abstract Background Health promotion programs (HPPs) have not yet succeeded in substantially reducing the health gap between higher and lower socioeconomic groups. It is thus a challenge to develop more effective strategies, based on an ecological perspective. To develop such strategies and activate citizens, this study explores citizens’ perceptions of health and what they need to improve it. Methods Setting Community HPP Voorstad on the Move (VoM) (July 2016-Jan 2020) in a district (+-11,000 inhabitants) in Deventer. Inhabitants’ socioeconomic status (SES), perceived health status and lifestyle are low relative to other city districts. Study design: A qualitative study of 11 community groups (n = 89) participating in two focus groups. Concept mapping was used to cluster and prioritize health perceptions. Social Practice Theory (SPT) guided the analysis of needs to change health-related behavior. Results “We don’t assume that everyone has the same idea about health, do we?” (citizen) Participants differed in age (16-82), cultural background (17% non-Dutch origin) and type of group activity. High-ranking dimensions of health are social relations, physical activity, a positive life attitude, healthy eating and empowerment. To improve health, social support from family and friends and self-confidence were the main needs. Physical impediments, (chronic) illness and financial aspects were also mentioned as barriers. The focus groups contributed to new activities as part of the VoM program facilitated by a health broker: e.g. a swimming group, biking buddies, social meetings. Conclusions Citizens perceive health as multidimensional, encompassing the physical and social environment, lifestyle behaviors, positive attitudes and being in control. Using SPT to unravel these needs in terms of meanings and competences helped to facilitate citizens’ active involvement in health-promoting activities. Key messages Low SES citizens perceive social relations, physical activity and a positive life attitude as important dimensions of health. Insight into citizens’ meanings and competences about health behaviors facilitates the development of health-promoting activities.

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Navigating a Middle Ground - Exploring Health Professionals’ Experiences and Perceptions of Providing Rehabilitation in Outdoor Community Settings

Qualitative Health Research ◽

10.1177/1049732320951771 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 31 (1) ◽

pp. 41-53

Author(s):

Louise S. Madsen ◽

Claus V. Nielsen ◽

John L. Oliffe ◽

Charlotte Handberg

Keyword(s):

Health Professionals ◽

Social Practice ◽

Participant Observation ◽

Community Settings ◽

Middle Ground ◽

Social Practice Theory ◽

Community Based ◽

Rehabilitation Outcomes ◽

Community Based Rehabilitation ◽

Community Environments

Contemporary practice has started to rethink use of outdoor and community environments for advancing comprehensive rehabilitation outcomes. The aim is to examine health professionals’ experiences and perceptions of providing rehabilitation in outdoor community settings. The purpose is to use these experiences to generate practice-based knowledge in using the outdoors as a means to guide community-based rehabilitation. The Interpretive Description methodology was accompanied by social practice theory. Fieldwork was conducted utilizing participant observation, photovoice, and focus-group interviews. Included were 27 health professionals. The analysis revealed how “naturalistic learning opportunities” offered health professionals strategies to empower activity and participation levels and yet invoked “rehabilitation setting tensions.” A continuum was engaged in the theme “navigating a middle ground,” representing an integrated environment approach; rehabilitation in conventional indoor and outdoor community settings. Development of a sustainable concept for outdoor community-based rehabilitation involves strengthening health professionals’ competencies and skills for providing outdoor and community work.

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Students’ Emotional Experience in Physical Education—A Qualitative Study for New Theoretical Insights

Sports ◽

10.3390/sports7010010 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 7 (1) ◽

pp. 10 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Sascha Leisterer ◽

Darko Jekauc

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Physical Education ◽

Emotional Experience ◽

Structured Interview ◽

Physically Active ◽

Grounded Theory Method ◽

Starting Point ◽

Wide Range ◽

Social Belonging

Physical education (PE) can be the starting point for many students to be physically active throughout their lives. Positive emotional experiences in PE are discussed as beneficial for long-term physical activity, however, triggers of students’ emotions are still unclear. The purpose of this study is to explore, from a student’s perspective, emotions and their triggers, which occur in PE classes. N = 12 students (male: six, female: six, ø-age: 15.6 ± 1.2 years) have been interviewed using a focused semi-structured interview to identify their emotions in PE and to explore the situations in which they occurred. An inductive approach with elements of the Grounded Theory Method was implemented to analyze the data. Students reported a wide range of positive and negative emotions. Furthermore, four crucial triggers were identified: (I) Attractiveness of the task, (II) social belonging, (III) competence and (IV) autonomy. Parallels to existing theories, especially the Self-Determination Theory (SDT), will be discussed. These results can be used to improve teachers’ knowledge about students’ emotions in PE in order to build a basis for lifelong physical activity.

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EFEKTIVITAS REHABILITASI INTERAKTIF ANAK KORBAN KEKERASAN SEKSUAL DI KOTA SURAKARTA

Journal of Development and Social Change ◽

10.20961/jodasc.v1i2.23048 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 1 (2) ◽

pp. 116

Author(s):

Irfan Fatkhurrahman ◽

Rahesli Humsona

Keyword(s):

Sexual Violence ◽

Child Protection ◽

Social Practice ◽

Participant Observation ◽

Child Victims ◽

Analysis Model ◽

Social Practice Theory ◽

Purposive Sampling ◽

Evaluation Approach ◽

The Impact

Abstract : The purpose of this research is to know the effectiveness of interactive rehabilitation of child victims of sexual violence and the impact of rehabilitation in Surakarta City. The theory used in this research is social practice theory from Bourdieu. Research location in Surakarta City namely Kakak Foundation and UPT PTPAS Surakarta. Qualitative research with case study and evaluation approach to support and know the effectiveness of rehabilitation. Sampling used purposive sampling that is director, daily management, student apprentice Kakak, psychologist UPT PTPAS Surakarta, parents, and child victims of sexual violence. Data collection with in-depth interviews, participant observation, and documentation. Data validity using source triangulation. The analysis used is an interactive analysis model through data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion. The result of this research shows that the institution that handles the child victims of sexual violence, especially Yayasan Kakak and UPT PTPAS has done rehabilitation in accordance with the Law of the Republic of Indonesia Number 35 Year 2014 and Surakarta City Regulation Number 4 Year 2012 related to child protection. Rehabilitation works effectively for the purpose of rehabilitation. Through the interactive rehabilitation of children victims of sexual violence back cheerful, happy, reduced trauma, and can live everyday life normally as when the child has not been a victim. Keywords: Child, effectiveness, sexual violence, interactive rehabilitationAbstrak : Tujuan penelitian ini adalah mengetahui efektivitas rehabilitasi interaktif anak korban kekerasan seksual dan dampak rehabilitasi di Kota Surakarta. Teori yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah teori praktik sosial dari Bourdieu. Lokasi penelitian di Kota Surakarta yaitu Yayasan Kakak dan UPT PTPAS Surakarta. Penelitian kualitatif dengan pendekatan studi kasus dan evaluasi untuk mendukung dan mengetahui efektivitas rehabilitasi. Pengambilan sampel menggunakan purposive sampling yaitu direktur, pengurus harian, mahasiswa magang Kakak, psikolog UPT PTPAS Surakarta, orang tua, dan anak korban kekerasan seksual. Pengumpulan data dengan wawancara mendalam, observasi partisipan, dan dokumentasi. Validitas data menggunakan triangulasi sumber. Analisis yang digunakan adalah model analisis interaktif melalui reduksi data, penyajian data, serta penarikan kesimpulan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa lembaga yang melakukan penanganan terhadap anak korban kekerasan seksual terutama Yayasan Kakak dan UPT PTPAS telah melakukan rehabilitasi sesuai dengan Undang-Undang Republik Indonesia Nomor 35 Tahun 2014 dan Peraturan Daerah Kota Surakarta Nomor 4 Tahun 2012 terkait perlindungan anak. Rehabilitasi berjalan dengan efektif sesuai tujuan dari rehabilitasi. Melalui rehabilitasi interaktif anak korban kekerasan seksual kembali ceria, bahagia, berkurang traumanya, serta dapat menjalani kehidupan kesehariannya dengan normal seperti saat anak belum menjadi korban. Kata Kunci : Anak, efektivitas, kekerasan seksual, rehabilitasi interaktif

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‘I don't want to be, feel old’: older Canadian men's perceptions and experiences of physical activity

Ageing and Society ◽

10.1017/s0144686x18000788 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 40 (1) ◽

pp. 126-143 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Laura Hurd Clarke ◽

Lauren Currie ◽

Erica V. Bennett

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Subjective Experience ◽

Qualitative Interviews ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Social Connections ◽

Participation Rates ◽

Psychological Benefits ◽

Physically Active ◽

The Social ◽

Age Relations

AbstractRelatively few older adults are physically active despite extensive research exploring barriers and facilitators and concomitant interventions designed to enhance participation rates. Building on the growing literature that considers the subjective experience of being physically active, we explored the meanings that older Canadian men attributed to physical activity broadly defined. Thus, we examined their experiences and perceptions of exercise, sport and/or leisure-time physical activities. Data are presented from qualitative interviews with 22 community-dwelling Canadian men aged 67–90. Our analysis resulted in three overarching categories that subsumed the men's understanding of physical activity. ‘I do it for my health’ described how the men stated that their primary reason for engaging in exercise was to maintain their health and body functionality so that they could age well and continue to participate in sport and leisure. ‘It feels good’ referred to the various ways that the men derived pleasure from being active, including the physical sensations, psychological benefits and social connections they derived from their participation. ‘It gets tougher’ detailed the ways that the men were finding physical activity to be increasingly difficult as a result of the onset of health problems, declining body functionality and the social realities of ageing. We discuss our findings in light of the extant literature concerning age relations, ageism, and the third and fourth ages.

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A National Plan for Physical Activity: The Enabling Role of the Built Environment

Journal of Physical Activity and Health ◽

10.1123/jpah.6.s2.s186 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 6 (s2) ◽

pp. S186-S195 ◽

Cited By ~ 29

Author(s):

Lawrence Frank ◽

Sarah Kavage

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Built Environment ◽

Urban Areas ◽

Market Failure ◽

Supply And Demand ◽

Current Evidence ◽

Activity Levels ◽

National Plan ◽

Physically Active ◽

Wide Range

Background:Evidence shows significant relationships between aspects of the built environment and physical activity. Land use and transportation investments are needed to create environments that support and promote physical activity.Methods:The policy relevance of recent evidence on the built environment and physical activity is discussed, along with an assessment of near, medium, and longer term pricing and regulatory actions that could be considered to promote physical activity. These actions are evaluated based on their consistency with the current evidence on what would support and promote physical activity.Results:A wide range of pricing and regulatory strategies are presented that would promote physical activity. There is an unmet demand for activity friendly, walkable environments. Creating more walkable places is an essential component of a national plan to increase physical activity levels of Americans.Conclusions:The built environment is an enabler or disabler of physical activity. Creating more walkable environments is an essential step in averting what is currently a market failure where the supply and demand for walkable environments is misaligned. The desire to be more physically active would be supported through investments in walking, biking, and transit. Concentration of development within existing urban areas supported by transit and implementing pricing strategies can support physical activity.

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Patterns and perceptions of cannabis use with physical activity

10.1101/328732 ◽

2018 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Jonathon K. Lisano ◽

Kristina T. Phillips ◽

Jeremy D. Smith ◽

Matthew J. Barnes ◽

Laura K. Stewart

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Past Research ◽

Evidence Base ◽

Cannabis Use ◽

Physically Active ◽

Daily Routines ◽

Wide Range ◽

Community Residents ◽

Survey Responses ◽

Positive Effect

AbstractBackground and AimsPast research has shown that cannabis use is common among adults in the U.S. In addition, physical activity (PA), such as exercise, is often a component of many American’s daily routines. Anecdotal information suggests that a subset of individuals use cannabis in conjunction with PA, but the evidence base is lacking. The purpose of this study was to assess the frequency, methods of ingestion, strain types, and timing (before, during or after) of cannabis use in combination with PA. We also sought to better understand the types of PA that cannabis is being used with and reasons why individuals may use cannabis with PA.Methods and ResultsA brief survey was developed and was administered online to community residents (N = 105) who reported use of cannabis with PA. Analysis of survey responses revealed that participants were using cannabis in combination with a wide range of physical activities. While cannabis use was reported before, during, and after PA, the majority of participants (92%) reported use of cannabis before PA. Most participants (77%) believed that the use of cannabis products with their PA had a positive effect on their performance. The strain of cannabis used with PA was dependent on timing of cannabis use before, during, or after PA. Although participants reported a range of reasons for using cannabis before, during, or after PA, pain management was the only reason reported across all time periods.ConclusionsFindings from this study suggest that there is a sub-community of physically active individuals using cannabis with their PA, many who believe that cannabis use has a positive effect on their performance.

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MON-LB305 The “Normal” Hormonal Levels in Athletes: Should Reference Ranges Be Adapted for the Physically Active Population?

Journal of the Endocrine Society ◽

10.1210/jendso/bvaa046.2321 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

Flavio Cadegiani ◽

Tatiana P C Abrao ◽

Pedro Luiz H da Silva ◽

Claudio E Kater

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Metabolic Rate ◽

Basal Metabolic Rate ◽

Fat Oxidation ◽

Metabolic Responses ◽

Hydration Status ◽

Reference Ranges ◽

Physically Active ◽

Overtraining Syndrome ◽

Wide Range

Abstract Background:Despite the growing number of physically active subjects, including elite and amateur athletes, little is known regarding metabolic and hormonal chronic adaptations to exercises. While the elucidation of the hormonal and metabolic physiological adaptations to physical activity is of emerging importance, the Endocrine and Metabolic Responses on Overtraining Syndrome (EROS) study have serendipitously unveiled the existence of multiple metabolic and endocrine physiological changes in male athletes, including chronic increase of testosterone with concurrent physiological increase of estradiol, enhanced GH and cortisol responses to stimulations,andincreased catecholamines, basal metabolic rate, fat oxidation, and hydration status. These findings were uncovered due to a novel methodological design in which athletes affected by overtraining syndrome (OTS) were compared to a two control groups, of healthy athletes (ATL) and healthy non-physically active controls (NPAC). Since none of the parameters were directly dependent on exercise or performance, differences between these two groups were unexpected. From the fact that several parameters were shown to be different between ATL and NPAC, we realized that the use of the reference ranges for general population to analyze results in athletes may potentially under- and over-diagnose a wide range of conditions. Our objective is therefore to determine whether athletes should be biochemically evaluated through specific adapted ranges, and propose preliminary adaptations in these ranges. Methods: A systematic review on the literature on endocrine and metabolic adaptations to exercise was performed, as well as a thorough analysis of the seven arms of the Endocrine and Metabolic Responses on Overtraining Syndrome (EROS) study. Results:Multiple reference ranges were shown to be inaccurate for athletes. Among the parameters that should be adapted for athletes, and their respective adaptedranges include: 1. Cortisol response to an insulin stimulation test (ITT) (> 20.5 μg/dL); 2. GH response to an ITT (> 12 μg/L); 3. Prolactin response to an ITT (> 22 ng/mL); 4. Salivary cortisol at 8AM (> 450 ng/dL); 5. Total testosterone (> 450 ng/dL); 6. Estradiol (25-45 pg/mL) - and testosterone-to-estradiol ratio maintained > 13.7; 7. Total nocturnal urinary catecholamines (> 220 μg/12h); 8. Resting lactate (< 1.0 nMol/L); 9. Measured-to-predicted basal metabolic rate (BMR) (> 105%); 10. Fat oxidation (in relation to total BMR) (> 50%); and 11. Hydration status (body water > 62% of total body weight). Conclusion: Analysis of biochemical parameters in athleted should be interpreted with cautious, particularly hormonal and metabolic parameters, once many parameters likely undergo adaptive changes when under physical activity. Preliminary adaptations for the ranges have been proposed.

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