scholarly journals Young People's Views on Accelerometer Use in Physical Activity Research: Findings from a User Involvement Investigation

ISRN Obesity ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joanna Kirby ◽  
Carly Tibbins ◽  
Claire Callens ◽  
Beckie Lang ◽  
Margaret Thorogood ◽  
...  

The use of accelerometers to objectively measure physical activity is important in understanding young people's behaviours, as physical activity plays a key part in obesity prevention and treatment. A user-involvement qualitative study with young people aged 7–18 years (n=35) was carried out to investigate views on accelerometer use to inform an obesity treatment research study. First impressions were often negative, with issues related to size and comfort reported. Unwanted attention from wearing an accelerometer and bullying risk were also noted. Other disadvantages included feeling embarrassed and not being able to wear the device for certain activities. Positive aspects included feeling “special” and having increased attention from friends. Views on the best time to wear accelerometers were mixed. Advice was offered on how to make accelerometers more appealing, including presenting them in a positive way, using a clip rather than elastic belt to attach, personalising the device, and having feedback on activity levels. Judgements over the way in which accelerometers are used should be made at the study development stage and based on the individual population. In particular, introducing accelerometers in a clear and positive way is important. Including a trial wearing period, considering practical issues, and providing incentives may help increase compliance.

1993 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 167-169 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patricia A. Connor-Greene

This article describes a classroom exercise and an individual assignment designed to teach critical evaluation of research reports in the popular press. The classroom exercise uses active and collaborative learning to apply the principles of scientific investigation, particularly the distinction between correlation and causation, in analyzing the limitations of a newspaper account of a research study. The individual assignment requires students to locate and critique a newspaper or magazine summary of research. The goal of these two exercises is to engage students in active learning about research methods and help them to become critical consumers of media accounts of research findings.


2014 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 121-123 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Thivel ◽  
Pascale Duché

Although physical activity is primarily considered for its effects on energy expenditure for prevention and treatment of both overweight and obesity, its role in the regulation and control of energy balance seems more complex. Not only does physical activity affect energy expenditure, it also leads to modifications in energy intake and appetite that have been identified in children and that should be considered for weight loss. It also appears that it may not systematically favor increased energy expenditure due to individual differences in compensatory responses. This brief paper summarizes the pediatric evidence regarding those potential compensatory responses to physical activity and suggests that these compensatory responses of increasing physical activity levels may depend on children’s adiposity status.


Author(s):  
Caroline Cummings ◽  
Amy Hughes Lansing

Abstract Background Greater overall positive emotion has been linked with increased physical activity and overeating. High approach positive emotions (HAPEs), a subtype of positive emotion, are theorized to facilitate this goal-driven behavior. However, the day-to-day associations of HAPE and physical activity and overeating, including both at the individual level and within caregiver–adolescent dyads, remain unknown. Purpose We examined the independent and dyadic associations between HAPE (positive emotions that occur pregoal and motivate individuals toward approaching/acting upon that motive) and obesity-related behaviors, including physical activity and overeating, in adolescents and their primary caregivers. Methods Adolescents (N = 47) aged 11–17 and their caregivers completed demographic questions and a 7-day diary at the end of each day about daily emotion, and physical activity and overeating behaviors. Results For adolescents and their caregivers, increased day-to-day fluctuations in HAPE and greater average HAPE was associated with increases in their own daily physical activity levels. Greater average caregiver HAPE was also associated with increased overeating in caregivers. When examining interdependency within dyads, greater average caregiver HAPE was associated with greater adolescent overeating behavior. Conclusions There is evidence that HAPE is related to obesity-related health promoting behaviors and health risk behaviors in adolescence and adulthood. Future studies should further explore mechanisms underlying these associations, including within the family system.


2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 582-590
Author(s):  
John A. Bernhart ◽  
Kelly R. Ylitalo ◽  
M. Renée Umstattd Meyer ◽  
Eva I. Doyle ◽  
Lindsay R. Wilkinson ◽  
...  

Health behavior changes often require focusing on factors beyond the individual, particularly in low-income and underresourced areas. The purpose of this article was to assess associations between household structure and adult physical activity levels. Data were collected using Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response methodology to administer a household survey ( n = 100). Household structure was calculated from summing the number of adults (⩾18 years) and children (<18 years) reported living in the house. Physical activity was measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire–Short Form. Adults living in households with two or more adults reported more MET (metabolic equivalent of task) minutes of physical activity per week than adults from households with only one adult. Adults living in households with two or more adults were twice as likely to meet aerobic guidelines for physical activity compared to adults living in households with only adult. Findings suggest the need for developing ecologic approaches in low-income communities to increase social support for physical activity in adults.


The Lancet ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 380 ◽  
pp. S53
Author(s):  
Joanna Kirby ◽  
Carly Tibbins ◽  
Claire Callens ◽  
Beckie Lang ◽  
Margaret Thorogood ◽  
...  

2009 ◽  
Vol 6 (6) ◽  
pp. 690-698 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristin Hendricks ◽  
Risa Wilkerson ◽  
Christine Vogt ◽  
Scott TenBrink

Background:Jackson, Michigan (population 36,000) started active living interventions to help solve residents' low physical activity levels. Jackson's experience can serve as a case study for beginning similar efforts in smaller communities.Methods:In 2003, Jackson began a 3-prong community intervention utilizing the 5P model to increase safe physical activity opportunities and encourage walking and biking for short trips. The focus included work on projects at 1) elementary schools, 2) worksites, and 3) city-wide networks.Results:Evaluation results show changes in attitudes toward active transportation (8% increase in children who thought walking to school was “safer” postintervention), intentions to try active transportation (43% of Smart Commute Day participants “would” smart commute more often postevent), and increased physical activity (the percentage of students walking to school more than doubled at 3 of 4 intervention schools). In addition, a community level observational study was conducted at 10 locations in the city in 2005 and 2006. The number of people seen using active transportation increased from 1,028 in 2005 to 1,853 people in 2006 (a 63% increase).Conclusions:Local community-driven projects to increase walking and biking can be effective by utilizing a variety of interventions, from the individual to the policy level.


2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (10) ◽  
pp. 1117-1123 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jesús Viciana ◽  
Daniel Mayorga-Vega ◽  
Alejandro Martínez-Baena

Background:Primary and secondary school ages have been considered key moments to address the decrease of moderate-tovigorous physical activity (MVPA). Individual (eg, age, gender, and weight status) and contextual factors (moments of the day) need to be considered for a better explanation of the phenomenon. The quantity and quality of physical activity in Physical Education (PE), school recess (SR), and after school (AS) time need to be taken into account to solve the low levels of MVPA in youth.Methods:A sample of adolescents (N = 231, 14.6 ± 1.2 years old) was studied using accelerometry to determine the objective MVPA level in PE, SR, and AS.Results:Results indicated statistically significant differences on MVPA between contexts (AS > PE > SR, P < .001) as well as regarding the individual factors: age (older > younger in PE and younger > older in SR time; P < .001), gender (boys > girls in all contexts, P < .001), and weight status (overweight > nonoverweight in AS, P < .01).Conclusions:Because students did not meet the daily MVPA recommendations, some strategies have been provided in each of the contexts analyzed.


2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. e000574 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahmoud Ibrahim ◽  
Sulaf I Abdelaziz ◽  
Megahed Abu Almagd ◽  
Monira Alarouj ◽  
Firas A Annabi ◽  
...  

Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and is a must-do for all adult Muslims once in their life provided they are able to do it. Considering the 8.8% global prevalence of diabetes, coupled with the number of Muslims performing Hajj (~2.5 million adult Muslims), it could be estimated that Muslims with diabetes performing Hajj may exceed 220 000 per year. According to Islamic rules, Hajj should not cause severe difficulties for Muslims. The Holy Qur’an specifically exempts from this duty Muslims who are unable physically or financially if it might lead to harmful consequences for the individual. This should be applicable to subjects with diabetes considering its severe and chronic complications. During the Hajj, diet, amount of fluid intake and physical activity may be altered significantly. This exemption from the duty is usually not considered a simple permission; Muhammad the Prophet of Islam mentioned, ‘God likes his permission to be fulfilled, as he likes his will to be executed’. However, most Muslims with diabetes prefer to do the Hajj duty, and this may cause major medical challenges for Muslims with diabetes and their healthcare providers. So it is very important that healthcare providers are aware of the possible risks that could happen during the Hajj. People with diabetes may face many health hazards during the Hajj, including but not limited to the ‘killer triad’: hypoglycemia, foot injury and infections. Many precautions are necessary in the prevention and treatment of possible serious complications. Risk stratification, medication adjustments, proper clinical assessment, and education before doing the Hajj are crucial.


Retos ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 649-657
Author(s):  
Patricia Gálvez-Fernández ◽  
Romina Gisele Saucedo-Araujo ◽  
Pablo Campos-Garzón ◽  
María Jesús Aranda-Balboa ◽  
Daniel Molina-Soberanes ◽  
...  

 Es fundamental elaborar un protocolo de evaluación para garantizar rigor y homogeneidad en cualquier estudio de investigación. Asimismo, se requieren consideraciones específicas si la investigación se desarrolla en contexto educativo y en diferentes centros educativos. Este trabajo tiene como objetivo describir el protocolo de evaluación del estudio de investigación titulado: Estudio PACO “Pedalea y Anda al Colegio”. Además, se aportan recomendaciones globales y aplicaciones prácticas en el contexto educativo. El principal objetivo del estudio PACO es fomentar el comportamiento de desplazamiento activo entre estudiantes de Educación Secundaria Obligatoria para mejorar los niveles de actividad física y otros indicadores de salud asociados. Por ello, el protocolo de evaluación incluye la metodología e instrumentos específicos para evaluar en los adolescentes variables como: 1) modo de desplazamiento al centro educativo y otros factores psicosociales asociados a dicho desplazamiento mediante el cuestionario PACO alumnos, 2) barreras familiares para el desplazamiento activo al centro educativo mediante el cuestionario PACO familias, 3) características antropométricas (peso, talla, perímetro de cintura y de cuello), 4) niveles de actividad física y gasto energético evaluados mediante acelererometría y 5) características de la ruta real casa-colegio registradas mediante Sistema de Posicionamiento Global. La transparencia en la metodología y logística necesaria para evaluar dichas variables en contexto educativo, es la clave para garantizar el rigor y la homogeneidad en futuras implementaciones, ya sean estas realizadas por investigadores o docentes. Finalmente, los datos obtenidos, serán fiables y relevantes para implementar estrategias educativas que fomenten la salud integral de los adolescentes. Abstract. It is essential to develop an evaluation protocol to develop rigor and homogeneity in any research study. Likewise, some considerations are specifically needed if the research is carried out in an educational context and in different schools. This work aims to describe y the evaluation protocol of the research study entitled: PACO Study “Cycle and Walk to School”. In addition, it provides global recommendations and practical applications in the educational context. The main objective of the PACO Study is to promote the behaviour of active commuting among students of Compulsory Secondary Education to improve their physical activity levels and other associated health indicators. For this reason, the evaluation protocol includes the specific methodology and instruments for evaluating variables such as: 1) mode of commuting to school and other psychosocial factors associated with active commuting through the PACO student questionnaire, 2) family barriers to active commuting to school through the PACO families questionnaire, 3) anthropometric characteristics (weight, height, waist and neck circumference), 4) levels of physical activity and energy expenditure evaluated by accelerometry and 5) characteristics of the real home-school route through a Global Positioning System. The transparency in the methodology and logistic necessary to evaluate the variables in the educational context is key to evaluate the rigor and homogeneity in future implementations, whether they are carried out by researchers or teachers. Finally, the obtained data will be reliable and relevant to implement educational strategies in order to promote an integral health of the adolescents.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Johannes Carl ◽  
Eva Grüne ◽  
Klaus Pfeifer

Research cultivates a multitude of frameworks, models, and theories with different determinants internal and/or external to the individual contributing to the understanding and explaining of physical activity levels. The physical activity–related health competence (PAHCO) model can be located at the interface between research of health literacy and physical activity. Because of its primary person orientation, however, the model has not yet undergone discussions on the relevance of the environment. Encouraged by the developments in the area of health literacy, the goal of the present perspective article was to stimulate some initial reflections on potential solutions for the competence–environment relationship within the PAHCO model. We extracted three potential solutions for this issue. Dubbed the solution of integration, we first discussed that the PAHCO model could be placed into overarching, more holistic, and abstract models of health-enhancing physical activity, such as the capability approach or the socioecological model. Applying a solution of elaboration, researchers could second substantiate existing components of the PAHCO model, such as control competence or self-regulation competence, by further explanations. Characterizing the solution of extension, it would third be possible to introduce (a) separate competence component(s) that highlight(s) the manageability of the environment, for instance, by establishing a (socio)ecological competence. The article concludes with a short overview of potential empirical approaches, given their potential to assist researchers in identifying preferences for the theoretical advancement and to put the development on a stronger evidence base.


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