scholarly journals Association Between Park Characteristics and Park-Based Physical Activity Using Systematic Observation: Insights from Bangkok, Thailand

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 2559
Author(s):  
Sigit D. Arifwidodo ◽  
Orana Chandrasiri
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Equal Opportunities ◽  
Public Parks ◽  
Systematic Observation ◽  
Bivariate Logistic Regression

Parks hold an essential role in promoting physical activity in urban areas. Studies have found that park characteristics such as park size, facilities, accessibility, and aesthetics are reported to have a positive association with increasing physical activity of the urban populations. However, the evidence in the context of Southeast Asian cities is still lacking, as most studies are from North America and Europe. The study explores the associations between park characteristics and park-based physical activity in Bangkok, Thailand. Ten major public parks were examined using the System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities (SOPARC). Descriptive analysis was used to understand the characteristics of park users and park-based physical activity. A bivariate logistic regression model was employed to determine the variables of park characteristics and of having moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA). We found that parks with bigger sizes and better access to public transport were associated with a higher likelihood of users having MVPA in the park. We also found that adding more facilities in the park, even if they are specifically aimed for physical activity, would not increase the likelihood of having MVPA. The findings from the study suggested that investing in better accessibility and physical quality of existing parks as well as improving equal opportunities for park use will be a more sensible option for promoting park-based physical activity in Bangkok, Thailand.

scholarly journals Quality of public urban parks for physical activity practice in Bucaramanga, Colombia

2017 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 480 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paula Camila Ramirez ◽  
Diana Marina Camargo ◽  
Vanesa Quiroga ◽  
Ana Paola Rios ◽  
Rogério César Fermino ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Resource Assessment ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Socioeconomic Level ◽  
Public Parks ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significance Level ◽  
Public Managers

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5007/1980-0037.2017v19n4p480 The characteristics of parks (availability, accessibility, conservation, quality, safety, etc.) are important predictors of their use for physical activity practices. The aim of this study was to verify the association among the socioeconomic level of neighborhoods, the characteristics and quality of urban public parks for physical activity in Bucaramanga, Colombia. Cross-sectional study, conducted in 2015, in which 10 parks with structures for physical activity were evaluated. The socioeconomic level of the district was evaluated based on the neighborhoods around the parks and classified in “low” and “high”. The number of residents in the surrounding area of parks were evaluated with Geographic Information System (GIS), site characteristics and quality with the System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities (SOPARC) and the Physical Activity Resource Assessment (PARA), respectively. The association was analyzed with Mann Whitney U test and Spearman correlation (rho) on STATA 14 and the significance level was maintained at 5%. A positive association was found between the socioeconomic level and the presence of walking paths (marginal, p=0.056), accessibility (rho=0.875; p=0.001) and general quality of parks (rho=0.657; p=0.039). The low socioeconomic level was associated with the presence of sports courts (p=0.032). These results can guide the actions of public managers for the modification of the built environment and structures of the parks for physical activity.

scholarly journals Perceived and objective availability of green and blue spaces and quality of life in people with dementia: results from the IDEAL programme

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu-Tzu Wu ◽  
◽  
Linda Clare ◽  
Ian Rees Jones ◽  
Sharon M. Nelis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Deprivation Level ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Interaction Terms ◽  
Perceived Availability ◽  
People With Dementia

Abstract Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between quality of life and both perceived and objective availability of local green and blue spaces in people with dementia, including potential variation across rural/urban settings and those with/without opportunities to go outdoors. Methods This study was based on 1540 community-dwelling people with dementia in the Improving the experience of Dementia and Enhancing Active Life (IDEAL) programme. Quality of life was measured by the Quality of Life in Alzheimer’s Disease (QoL-AD) scale. A list of 12 types of green and blue spaces was used to measure perceived availability while objective availability was estimated using geographic information system data. Regression modelling was employed to investigate the associations of quality of life with perceived and objective availability of green and blue spaces, adjusting for individual factors and deprivation level. Interaction terms with rural/urban areas or opportunities to go outdoors were fitted to test whether the associations differed across these subgroups. Results Higher QoL-AD scores were associated with higher perceived availability of local green and blue spaces (0.82; 95% CI 0.06, 1.58) but not objective availability. The positive association between perceived availability and quality of life was stronger for urban (1.50; 95% CI 0.52, 2.48) than rural residents but did not differ between participants with and without opportunities to go outdoors. Conclusions Only perceived availability was related to quality of life in people with dementia. Future research may investigate how people with dementia utilise green and blue spaces and improve dementia-friendliness of these spaces.

scholarly journals Relationship between Sedentary Time, Physical Activity, and Health-Related Quality of Life in Spanish Children

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. 2702
Author(s):  
Manuel Ávila-García ◽  
María Esojo-Rivas ◽  
Emilio Villa-González ◽  
Pablo Tercedor ◽  
Francisco Javier Huertas-Delgado
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Sedentary Time ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Health Related Quality ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Health Related

Higher sedentary time and lower physical activity (PA) are associated with a poor health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in children. The aims of this study were: (1) to analyze the sedentary time, objectively measured PA levels (light, moderate, vigorous, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA)), and HRQoL dimensions (physical well-being, emotional well-being, self-esteem, family, friends, school, and total score) in children; and (2) to examine the association between sedentary time, PA levels, and HRQoL in children separately by sex. A total of 459 children (8.4 ± 0.4 years old, 50.54% males) from 15 schools in Granada (Spain) participated in the study. A tri-axial accelerometer was used to measure PA levels in the children for 7 consecutive days. The Revidierter KINDer Lebensqualitätsfragebogen (KINDL-R) questionnaire was used to determine the children’s HRQoL dimensions. The results showed that males presented more minutes engaged in MVPA than females. Both sedentary time and PA levels were associated with self-esteem and total score (all p < 0.05). In males, moderate and vigorous PA levels were associated with higher HRQoL, whereas light PA was associated with higher HRQoL in females. Future studies should take into account the use of activities with difference intensities in order to increase HRQoL in males and females.

Promoting physical activity compliance in a low socioeconomic Latina population with chronic neurological disorders: A Proof-of-Concept Study (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander Garbin ◽  
Jesús Díaz ◽  
Vy Bui ◽  
Janina Morrison ◽  
Beth E Fisher ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Effect Size ◽  
Neurological Disorders ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Self Monitoring ◽  
Low Socioeconomic ◽  
Behavioral Coaching

BACKGROUND Physical activity is known to improve quality of life as well as reduce mortality and disease progression in individuals with chronic neurological disorders. However, Latinas are less likely to participate in recommended levels of physical activity due to common socioeconomic barriers including limited resources and access to exercise programs. Therefore, we developed a community-based intervention with activity-monitoring and behavioral coaching to target these barriers and facilitate sustained participation in an exercise program promoting physical activity. OBJECTIVE To determine the feasibility and efficacy of a community-based intervention to promote physical activity (PA) through self-monitoring via a Fitbit and behavioral coaching in Latina participants with chronic neurological disorders. METHODS We conducted a proof-of-concept study in 21 Spanish-speaking Latina participants recruited from the Los Angeles County/ University of Southern California (LAC/USC) neurology clinic and enrolled in the 16-week intervention at The Wellness Center at The Historic General Hospital. Demographic data was assessed at baseline. Feasibility was defined by participant attrition and Fitbit adherence. Physical activity promotion was determined by examining change in time spent performing moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) over the 16-week period. The effect of behavioral coaching was assessed by quantifying the difference in MVPA on days coaching occurred vs. days without coaching. Change in psychometric measures (baseline vs. post-intervention) and medical center visits (16-weeks pre-intervention vs. during intervention) were also examined. RESULTS Participants were of low socioeconomic status and acculturation. 19 participants completed the study (attrition 9.5%) with high Fitbit wear adherence (90.31%). Time performing moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) significantly increased throughout the study (P<0.001). Behavioral coaching enhanced intervention effectiveness as evidenced by a higher time spent in MVPA on days coaching occurred. Participants’ illness perception (Effect Size g=.30), self-rated quality-of-life (Effect Size g=.32), and medical center visit frequency (Effect Size r =.44) improved. CONCLUSIONS Self-monitoring with behavioral coaching is a feasible community-based intervention for PA promotion in low socioeconomic Latinas with chronic neurological conditions. PA is known to be important in brain health in neurological conditions but remains relatively unexplored in minority populations. CLINICALTRIAL Clinicaltrials.gov; NCT04820153

scholarly journals Evaluation of a Walking-Track Intervention to Increase Children’s Physical Activity during Primary School Break Times

Children ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (10) ◽  
pp. 135
Author(s):  
Emma Powell ◽  
Lorayne Woodfield ◽  
Alexander Powell ◽  
Alan Nevill ◽  
Tony Myers
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Systematic Observation ◽  
Daily Routines ◽  
Mixed Method Design ◽  
School Playgrounds ◽  
Recommended Guidelines ◽  
Children’S Physical Activity

Despite the known benefits of engaging in daily moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), only 22% of children in England are meeting the recommended guidelines. School break times have been advocated as a key part of children’s daily routines in which their MVPA can be increased. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of installing a walking-track on children’s MVPA during school break times. A mixed method design was employed which allowed for the quantitative measurement of children’s PA at three time points (baseline, mid-intervention (1–5 weeks) and follow-up (6–9 weeks)), using pedometers (n = 81, 5–9 years) and systematic observation (n = 23, 7–9 years). A semi-structured interview (n = 1) was also conducted at 10 weeks’ follow-up. The installation of the walking-track was grounded in a unique set of theoretical constructs to aid the behaviour change of the teachers. Short term positive increases in girls’ and boys’ MVPA and longer term increases in boys’ vigorous PA (VPA) were found. Qualitative data highlighted that boys dominated the walking-track and the inconsistent behaviour of school staff negatively impacted upon children’s MVPA. A set of principles to guide the installment of walking-tracks in school playgrounds are recommended.

scholarly journals Presenting Health Status in Children Using a Radar Plot

Sports ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 53 ◽  
Author(s):  
Asgeir Mamen ◽  
Lars Erik Braaum ◽  
Per Morten Fredriksen
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Health Status ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Cholesterol Concentration ◽  
Lower Systolic Blood Pressure

Background: To try out the feasibility of presenting the health status of children 6 to 12 years old by using radar plots. Methods: With data from the Health Oriented Pedagogical Project (HOPP) we have described the health status for 1340 children aged 6 to 12 years. We collected or calculated: stature, body mass, waist circumference, waist to height ratio, high density lipoprotein (HDL) and total cholesterol concentration, blood pressure, accelerometer assessed physical activity, endurance interval running performance, and quality of life. Pertinent variables were presented through a radar plot for both individual cases and groups. Results: The boys showed better endurance and recorded more moderate to vigorous physical activity than the girls. The activity level dropped from age 6 to age 12 for both sexes. The girls showed a lower systolic blood pressure compared with boys. Self-rated quality of life was high among boys and girls. Conclusions: This cohort showed good health and the radar plot made it easy to visualise health status for groups and individuals.

scholarly journals A Coordinated Comprehensive Professional Development Training’s Effect on Summer Day Camp Staff Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Promoting Behaviors

2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 1170-1178 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Glenn Weaver ◽  
Michael W. Beets ◽  
Ruth P. Saunders ◽  
Aaron Beighle
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Professional Development ◽  
Healthy Eating ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Systematic Observation ◽  
Type Method ◽  
Observation Instruments ◽  
Professional Development Training ◽  
Children’S Physical Activity

Background:The YMCA of USA recently adopted Healthy Eating and Physical Activity (HEPA) Standards for their summerday- camps (SDCs). Standards call for staff to exhibit HEPA promoting behaviors while eliminating HEPA discouraging behaviors. No studies have evaluated training programs to influence policy specified staff behaviors and related changes in child activity in SDCs.Method:Four YMCA SDCs serving approximately 800 children/week participated in this no control group pre/post pilot study. Professional development training founded in the 5 Ms (Mission, Model, Manage, Monitor, Maximize) and LET US Play principles (lines; elimination; team size; uninvolved staff/kids; and space, equipment, and rules) was delivered to staff. Outcomes were staff promotion behaviors and child activity assessed via systematic observation instruments.Results:Twelve of 17 HEPA staff behaviors changed in the appropriate direction from baseline to postassessment with 5 behaviors reaching statistically significant changes. The percentage of girls and boys observed in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity increased from 15.3% to 18.3% (P > .05) and 17.9% to 21.2%, whereas sedentary behavior decreased from 66.8% to 59.8% and 62.3% to 53.6%, respectively.Conclusion:Evidence suggests that the professional development training designed to assist SDCs to meet the HEPA Standards can lead to important changes in staff behaviors and children’s physical activity.

Evaluation of an interactive portal for breast cancer survivors: Use, satisfaction, and preliminary effects.

2016 ◽  
Vol 34 (3_suppl) ◽  
pp. 200-200
Author(s):  
Wilma Kuijpers ◽  
Wim G Groen ◽  
Hester SA Oldenburg ◽  
Michel W.J.M. Wouters ◽  
Neil K Aaronson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
User Satisfaction ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Sf 36 ◽  
Patient Reported

200 Background: MijnAVL is an interactive portal that includes patient education, an overview of appointments, access to the electronic medical record (EMR), patient-reported outcomes plus feedback and physical activity support. The aim of this feasibility study was to evaluate use, satisfaction and preliminary effects among breast cancer survivors. Methods: We included women currently or recently treated for breast cancer with curative intent. At baseline, they completed a questionnaire on sociodemographics, expectations of MijnAVL and three effect measures: patient activation (PAM), quality of life (SF-36), and physical activity (IPAQ). MijnAVL could be used noncommittally for 4 months. Log data were collected retrospectively and participants completed questions on satisfaction and effect measures. This process was conducted twice, to be able to improve MijnAVL iteratively. Results: We included 92 women (mean age 49.5 years, 59% on-treatment). Mean number of logins was 8.7 and mean duration 13.1 minutes. Overview of appointments (80% of participants) and access to the EMR (90%) were most frequently used and most appreciated. Website user satisfaction was rated 3.8 on a 1-5 scale on average and participants were primarily positive about the accessibility of information. We did not find an effect on the PAM. For the SF-36, we found significant improvements on the role functioning – emotional (65.3 to 78.5, p< .01), mental health (69.8 to 76.5, p< .01) and social functioning (71.2 to 80.5, p< .01) domains. Median vigorous physical activity significantly increased from 0 to 360 MET-minutes per week (p< .05); levels of walking and moderate physical activity did not change significantly over time. These effects were not related to the intensity of use of MijnAVL. Conclusions: This study showed that user experiences were positive and that exposure to MijnAVL resulted in improvements on three quality of life domains and vigorous physical activity. More tailored, interactive features might be needed to substantially change empowerment, quality of life and physical activity. Research with a controlled design and possibly a more sensitive measure for patient empowerment are needed to substantiate our findings.

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