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PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

BEIGHLE, Aaron and PANGRAZI, Robert P. Measuring children's activity levels: the association between step-counts and activity time. Journal of Physical Activity and Health Vol 3, No 2 – April 2006: 221-229
Abstract: Background: The primary purpose of this study was to describe the association between activity time and step counts in children. Methods: Subjects were 590 students (334 girls, 256 boys) with each gender having a mean age of 9.2[plus] 1.8 y. All subjects wore the Walk4Life 2505 pedometer for four consecutive weekdays. This pedometer simultaneously measures both step counts and activity time. Results: Boys accumulated significantly more minutes of activity time/day (140.9[plus] 39.6 vs. 126.3[plus] 38.1), steps/day (13,348[plus] 4131 vs. 11,702[plus] 3923), and steps per min (93.99[plus] 5.8 vs. 91.85[plus] 5.8) than girls (P < 0.001) Steps/day was a significant predictor of activity time/day (P < 0.0001). Conclusions: Boys accumulate more steps per day and more activity time per day than girls. There is a strong association between steps per day and activity time in children. Daily steps per minute as a measure of free living physical activity in children is explored. (Abstract taken from journal head-note)

BOLDEMANN, Cecelia and BLENNOW, Margareta and others. Impact of preschool environment upon children's physical activity and sun exposure. Preventive Medicine Vol 42 No 4 – April 2006: 301-308
Abstract: Background: The physical qualities of outdoor environments are important to trigger healthy behavior in children. We studied the impact of outdoor environments upon spontaneous physical activity and exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation in 4- to 6-year-old children at 11 preschools in Stockholm county. Methods: In May-June 2004, pedometry and measurement of UV radiation were carried out on 197 children from 11 preschools in Stockholm county. Outdoor environments differed regarding vegetation, topography, space, and education. Ambient global UV radiation data were collected, free sky, and ground surface assessed. Arrival, in- and outdoor stay, and departure were recorded. For analysis, linear mixed model analysis was applied. Results: In environments with trees, shrubbery, and broken ground, the mean step count/min was 21.5, and mean exposure to UV radiation as fraction of available UV during play outdoors 14.6%. In delimited environments with little vegetation, the mean step count/min was 17.7 and mean exposure fraction to UV radiation 24.3% (P < 0.001, crude). Step/min range was 8.9-30.0 (girls) and 8.8-37.2 (boys), UV radiation exposure range 4-60% (no difference between genders). Conclusion: Spacious preschool environments with trees, shrubbery, and broken ground trigger physical activity and yield sun protection in outdoor play. As many children attend preschool, access to such environments is recommended in community architecture. (Abstract taken from journal head-note)

CASS, Yona and PRICE, Polly. Moorefit – increasing physical activity in adolescent girls using the Health Promoting Schools framework. Education and Health Vol 24, No 1 – 2006: 159-164
Abstract: Changes in the environment and the curriculum supported enjoyable, informal, non-competitive physical activities in a mainly non-English speaking girls' high school in Australia. (Abstract taken from journal head-note)

CHINN, D J and WHITE, M and others. Factors associated with non-participation in a physical activity promotion trial. Public Health Volume 120, Issue 4 – April 2006: 309-319
Abstract: Background: Non-participation can bias outcome in intervention studies of physical activity. Objectives: To compare characteristics, knowledge and attitudes to physical activity in participants and non-participants of a physical activity intervention trial in primary care. Study design: Cross-sectional survey. Methods: Patients aged 40-64 years were recruited opportunistically during surgery visits in an inner city general practice in Newcastle upon Tyne, UK. Attitudes to physical activity, views of its health benefits, and barriers to participation were elicited in interviews with participants, and by postal questionnaire from non-participants. Data held by general practitioners were used to compare anthropometry and lifestyle between groups. Results: Of 842 eligible patients, 276 (33%) refused outright (non-volunteers) and 566 volunteered for the intervention study, of which 353 (42%) attended a baseline assessment and 213 (25%) subsequently defaulted. The initial refusal rate was higher amongst men, smokers and those with addresses in more deprived areas. The response rate to the postal survey of non-volunteers was 45%. Compared with participants, the non-volunteers were more likely to be an adult carer and to report poorer health, and were less likely to have had higher education or to have children living at home. Far more non-volunteers considered that they already did enough exercise to maintain health. Non-volunteers had slightly less knowledge of the benefits of physical activity; attached far less importance to it in maintaining health; were more likely to cite 'fear of leaving their home unattended', 'do not enjoy exercise' and 'poor health' as barriers to exercise; and were less likely to cite 'no one to exercise with' as a barrier to exercise. Conclusion: Recruitment of 'hard to engage' individuals requires careful phrasing of the message to focus on their personal goals and to address gaps in their knowledge about physical activity and the principal barriers they perceive. Differential uptake across population subgroups could lead to a widening of health inequalities. (Abstract taken from journal head-note)

FAHLMAN, Mariane M and HALL, Heather L and others. Ethnic and socioeconomic comparisons of fitness, activity levels, and barriers to exercise in High School females. Journal of School Health Vol 76, No 1 – January 2006: 12-17
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine if high school females differed in individual measures of health-related physical fitness, barriers to exercise, or activity level based on ethnicity or socioeconomic status. A cross-sectional sample consisting of African American (28%), Hispanic (23%), and white (49%) female high school students, 46% from low socioeconomic groups and 54% from moderate or high socioeconomic groups (n = 1314, age = 16.2[plus minus]0.9) participated in this study. A 15-question survey instrument assessed barriers to exercise and activity level. The FITNESSGRAM fitness test assessed aerobic capacity and body mass index (BMI), and skinfold calipers were used to assess percent body fat. Significant differences between African Americans, Hispanics, and whites were found on the following dependent variables: BMI, percent fat, mile run, perceived barriers to exercise, and activity level. Significant differences between socioeconomic groups were found on the following dependent variables: percent fat, mile run, activity level, and perceived barriers to exercise. These results suggest that students of minority and low socioeconomic groups should be given separate and different interventions regarding health-related fitness. (Abstract taken from journal head-note)

HAGLER, Athena S and CALFAS, Karen J and others. Construct validity of physical activity and sedentary behaviors staging measures for adolescents. Annals of Behavioral Medicine Vol 31, No 2 – 2006: 186-193
Abstract: Purpose: To evaluate the construct validity of physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviors (SB) staging measures for adolescents that incorporate the current national recommendations. Method: The Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run, Actigraph accelerometer, and self-reported hours of TV viewing served as criterion measures. Participants were 878 adolescents (M age = 12.74, 53.6% girls, 39.9% non-White). Results: The PA staging measure had mixed evidence of convergent validity and strong evidence of divergent validity. The SB staging measure had strong and generalized evidence of convergent validity but weak evidence of divergent validity, which could be related to inaccurate assumptions about the relation of SB to PA and fitness. Results were generally in the expected direction and provide preliminary evidence for the construct validity and generalizability of both staging measures. However, more research is warranted to validate the staging measures with Actigraph-measured PA and sedentary time. Effect sizes ((Greek letter eta squared) values) ranged from small to large (.02-.63). Conclusion: PA and SB stage-of-change measures that are congruent with current national recommendations and appropriate for use among adolescents were partially supported for their construct validity. (Abstract taken from journal head-note)

HARRISON, R A and McELDUFF, P and others. Planning to win: health and lifestyles associated with physical activity amongst 15, 423 adults. Public Health Volume 120, Issue 3 – March 2006: 206-212
Abstract: Study objective: To assess levels of physical activity in the general population and amongst the 'healthy', and to identify factors associated with this important health behaviour. Design: Population-based cross-sectional study. Setting: North-west England. Participants: Adults (aged at least 18 years) registered with a general practitioner with a residential address within two local administrative districts (local authorities). Main results: Less than one-third of adults performed adequate amounts of physical activity for health protection, and this differed little when analyses were restricted to 'healthy' people. Lower levels of physical activity were observed amongst women, older people, ethnic groups, those with obesity and in each increased quintile of social deprivation. Current smokers, but not previous smokers, were less likely to be physically active, as were those not eating at least five portions of fruit and vegetables per day. Lack of physical activity was associated with poor general health and a history of, or current, chronic disease. Conclusions: Concerted efforts are required by the Government, society and individuals to overturn our predominantly physically inactive adult population. Interventions may be needed which specifically target certain groups, especially the most socially deprived, and that consider individuals and societal barriers to becoming physically active. Evidence of the effectiveness of individual and population-based interventions remains scant and this needs to be addressed urgently. (Abstract taken from journal head-note)

HEELAN, Kate A and EISENMANN, Joey C. Physical activity, media time and body composition. Journal of Physical Activity and Health Vol 3, No 2 – April 2006: 200-209
Abstract: Background: It is uncertain as to whether physical activity (PA) may influence the body composition of young children. Purpose: To determine the association between PA, media time, and body composition in children age 4 to 7 y. Methods: 100 children (52 girls, 48 boys) were assessed for body-mass index (BMI), body fat, fat mass (FM), and fat-free mass using dual energy x-ray absorbtiometryptiometry (DXA). PA was monitored using accelerometers and media time was reported by parental proxy. Results: In general, correlations were low to moderate at best (r < 0.51), but in the expected direction. Total media time and TV were significantly associated with BMI (r = 0.51, P < 0.05) and FM (r = 0.29 to 0.30, P < 0.05) in girls. In boys, computer usage was significantly associated with FM in boys (r = 0.31, P < 0.05). Conclusion: The relatively low correlations suggest that other factors may influence the complex, multi-factorial body composition phenotype of young children. (Abstract taken from journal head-note)

HEITZLER, Carrie D and MARTIN, Sarah Levin and others. Correlates of physical activity in a national sample of children aged 9-13 years. Preventive Medicine Vol 42 No 4 – April 2006: 254-260
Abstract: Background: Physical activity (PA) is critical for children's normal growth and development. The purpose of this study was to assess potential correlates of physical activity in a US national sample of youth aged 9-13 years. Methods: A nationally representative telephone survey of parent-child pairs was conducted from April through June 2002. The questions assessed organized and free-time physical activity behavior and psychosocial and environmental variables that are potentially related to youth physical activity. Results: Children's positive outcome expectations or beliefs about the benefits of participating in physical activity and parent's beliefs that participating in physical activity is important were related to participation in both organized and free-time physical activity. Children's perception of parental support and parent's reports of direct support were strongly related to organized physical activity. Feeling safe, having lots of places to be active, and parental participation with their child were strongly related to free-time physical activity. Conclusions: Messages and interventions aiming to increase children and adolescent's participation in organized and free-time physical activity should continue to focus on promoting the benefits that are associated with being active, the importance of parental support, and the provision of safe and enjoyable opportunities to be active. (Abstract taken from journal head-note)

HUMBERT, M Louise and CHAD, Karen E and others. Factors that influence physical activity participation among high-low-SES youth. Qualitative Health Research Vol 16 No 4 April 2006: 467-483
Abstract: Researchers have rarely addressed the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and physical activity from the perspective of youth. To illuminate the factors that youth from lowland high-SES areas consider important to increase physical activity participation among their peers, 160 youth (12-18 years) participated in small focus group interviews. Guiding questions centered on the general theme, "If you were the one in charge of increasing the physical activity levels of kids your age, what would you do?" Findings show that environmental factors (i.e., proximity, cost, facilities, and safety) are very important for youth living in low-SES areas to ensure participation in physical activity. Results also show that intrapersonal (i.e., perceived skill, competence, time) and social factors (i.e., friends, adult support) must be considered to help improve participation rates among both high- and low-SES youth. (Abstract taken from journal head-note)

MacDONALD, Pat. Take the plunge. Swimming provides a range of benefits and should not be overlooked as a viable treatment option for patients suffering from chronic diseases. Practice Nurse – 10 March 2006: 20-24

McCORMACK, Gavin and GILES-CORTI, Billie and others. Demographic and individual correlates of achieving 10,000 steps/day: use of pedometers in a population-based study. Health Promotion Journal of Australia Vol 17, No 1 – April 2006: 43-47
Abstract: Issues addressed: The 10,000 steps per day message has become popular, yet few studies have examined correlates associated with achieving this behaviour target. This paper examines demographic and individual factors associated with adults achieving 10,000 steps/day. Method: Participants in a state-wide, cross-sectional physical activity survey were invited to take part in a pedometer study (n=603, 45% response rate). A pedometer was worn for one week and daily steps recorded in a diary. Participants providing four or more days of pedometer data (n=428) were dichotomised based on achievement of > or =10,000 steps/day. Results: Men performed significantly more daily steps than women on average (10,079[plus]/-3,848 and 9,169[plus]/-3,800, p=0.01). In males, those less likely to achieve > or =10,000 steps/day were > or =60 years of age (OR=0.21) and overweight (i.e. body mass index > or =25kgm2) (OR=0.40), while men who regularly walked in the workplace (OR=1.44), who did vigorous activity at work (OR= 3.75), or who were employed in a blue-collar occupation (OR=4.45) were more likely to report reaching this target. In women, being overweight (OR=0.55) was negatively associated with achieving > or =10,000 steps/day, while participating in > or =150 minutes of leisure-time physical activity/week (OR=2.26) was positively associated with reaching this target. Conclusion: Workplace physical activity and working in blue-collar occupations contributes to the achievement of 10,000 steps/day in males. People who achieve current national physical activity guidelines also achieve 10,000 steps/day. Older adults and those overweight are less likely to achieve this behaviour target. (Abstract taken from journal head-note)

OLIVER, Melody and SCHOFIELD, Grant and others. An integrated curriculum approach to increasing habitual physical activity in children: a feasibility study. Journal of School Health Vol 76, No 2 – February 2006: 74-79
Abstract: A relatively new concept is that of "integrating" physical activity throughout the school curriculum, thereby teaching children about lifestyle physical activity in a variety of contexts. One method by which this may be achieved is by utilizing pedometers as a motivational and educational tool for measuring accumulated physical activity. No research is available that shows in-depth integration of physical activity into the curriculum or that investigates the efficacy of pedometer use for this purpose. The purposes of this study were to (1) design and implement a 4-week elementary school curriculum unit, based around pedometer walking and (2) quantify, using pedometry, the physical activity levels of children (N = 78) prior to, and during, the unit implementation. Results showed that more than one half of the participants were achieving >15,000 steps daily, and children were significantly more active on weekdays than weekends (p = .0001). Boys were more active than girls at baseline (p = .01) and during intervention weekdays (p = .03). Differences between baseline and intervention weekdays were nonsignificant for the complete sample; however, significant increases in step counts were observed when the children with low activity levels, especially females, were examined separately. Overall, the integration of physical activity using pedometer-based activities is feasible. However, any increases in activity may be restricted to children who are least active. (Abstract taken from journal head-note)

POPHAM, Frank and MITCHELL, Richard. Leisure time exercise and personal circumstances in the working age population : longitudinal analysis of the British household panel survey. Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health Vol 60, No 3 – March 2006: 270-274
Abstract: Objectives: Investigate the impact of social, economic, and family circumstances on participation in weekly leisure time exercise. Design: Longitudinal regression analysis of the British household panel survey. Participants: 9473 people (4521 men and 4952 women) giving 27 881 person years of responses across eight years and four survey waves. Main results: There was considerable variation among people in regular exercise participation over time. Having children was associated with a reduced likelihood of exercise for both men and women, although there were sex differences in this association according to the age of the youngest child. For both men and women working long hours was associated with a reduced likelihood of exercise, as was having a lower grade job. Retired men and women were more likely to exercise, as were those who attended a fee paying school. There was no strong independent association between household income and exercise. Conclusions: For most people, participation in leisure time exercise "comes and goes" rather than being something they always or never do. Those with time pressures from work or domestic life are less likely to participate in leisure time physical activity. There are important sex differences in the impact of having children, with women experiencing longer term detrimental effects. Working long hours reduces leisure time exercise participation. Opportunities for physical activity as part of our daily working routines should be increased. (Abstract taken from journal head-note)

SCHMID, Thomas L and PRATT, Michael and others. A framework for physical activity policy research. Journal of Physical Activity and Health Volume 3, Supplement 1 – 2006: S20-S29
Abstract: Background: Although policy approaches are traditionally an important element of public health efforts to address major health problems, public health policy around physical activity remains poorly defined and developed. Methods: After extensive literature searches and reviews of policy frameworks developed for other public health issues such as tobacco control and injury prevention, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention hosted a series of workshops and discussions on physical activity policy. Results: A simple model describing relationships among policy, the environment, behavior, and health was developed, a framework for organizing and conceptualizing policy interventions was described, and priorities for public health efforts to promote physical activity were proposed. Conclusions: An expanded focus on physical activity policy interventions is warranted, and such efforts can complement physical activity promotion efforts at other levels. The addition of researchers with expertise in the policy sciences will enhance the work of existing multidisciplinary teams. (Abstract taken from journal head-note)

WOLIN, Kathleen Y and COLDITZ, Graham and others. Acculturation and physical activity in a working class multiethnic population. Preventive Medicine Vol 42 No 4 – April 2006: 266-272
Abstract: Background: Determinants of physical activity in minority populations remain under-explored. Acculturation is one proposed mechanism for the disparities that exist between racial and ethnic groups in health outcomes. Methods: This cross-sectional study evaluated the relation of language acculturation and generation in the US since migration with leisure-time and occupational activity. A low-income, multiethnic urban population was recruited from Massachusetts small businesses (SB) (n = 1725) and health centers (HC) (n = 2205). Baseline data were collected between May 2000 and February 2002. Results: Individuals with low acculturation reported leisure-time activity 3.5 MET hours/week lower than those who were highly acculturated (P < 0.05). Generation predicted leisure-time activity only in SB participants. In the HC, least acculturated participants reported occupational activity 10.12 MET hours/week higher than highly acculturated participants. In SB men, acculturation was inversely associated with occupational activity; in SB women, language acculturation was positively associated with occupational activity. Generation was not predictive of occupational activity. Conclusion: Language acculturation and generation were positively associated with leisure-time activity. Language acculturation is also associated with occupational activity. Acculturation is important to consider when designing public health interventions. (Abstract taken from journal head-note)

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