Library Bulletin - Journal Articles - February 2010
Physical Activity
BAUMAN, Adrian and CHAU, Josephine. The role of media in promoting physical activity. Journal of Physical Activity and Health Vol 6, Supplement 2 - November 2009: S196-S210
Abstract: Background: This paper reviewed a) mass media campaigns and b) 'new media' interventions to promote physical activity. They are different kinds of interventions, with campaigns being mass-reach communications efforts to increase population awareness of physical activity. 'new media' interventions assess the impact of web-based, internet, other 'new media' and e-mail-delivered interventions to increase physical activity. Methods: Previous reviews of mass media campaigns and 'new media' interventions were assessed, and more recent peer-reviewed publications identified using routine electronic databases. For each area, a framework for interventions was described, and evidence for the effectiveness of these interventions, the main outcomes of interest, and methodological strengths and weaknesses were identified. Key recommendations: for mass media campaigns, key recommendations were to use consistent and well-branded messages, and for campaigns to be integrated across local, State and national levels, with sufficient resources to purchase sufficient media. Mass media campaigns should be subject to rigorous formative, process and impact evaluation. For 'new media' interventions, there is clear evidence of effectiveness, but efforts should be made to increase the reach and generalizability of these interventions. They should be provided as a low cost component of integrated communitywide physical activity programs.
BORNSTEIN , Daniel Benjamin and PATE, Russell R and others. A review of the national physical activity plans of six countries. Journal of Physical Activity and Health Vol 6, Supplement 2 - November 2009: S245-S264
Abstract: Background: Architects of the United States national physical activity plan can benefit from a thorough understanding of national physical activity plans from other nations. The purpose of this paper was to search for and analyze comprehensive national physical activity plan documents that can best inform the development of the U.S. plan. Methods: Electronic databases were searched for national physical activity plan documents, yielding 252 documents from 56 countries. After eliminating documents that were not written in English, did not address physical activity primarily, and did not meet our definition of a national physical activity plan, we were left with physical activity plans from 6 countries - Australia, United Kingdom, Scotland, Sweden, Northern Ireland, and Norway. Key recommendations: Architects of the U.S. plan can learn as much from what was present in many documents as from what was absent. Examples of recommended components of national plans have been identified and highlighted for each of the 6 countries. Missing from all but 1 national plan document was a detailed process for accountability. Providing a clear path and detailed process of accountability will assist greatly in measuring short- and long-term success of the U.S. plan.
DAUGBJERG, Signe B and KAHLMEIER, Sonja and others. Promotion of physical activity in the European region: content analysis of 27 national policy documents. Journal of Physical Activity and Health Vol 6, No 6 - November 2009: 805-817
Abstract: Background: Over the past years there has been increasing interest in physical activity promotion and the development of appropriate policy. So far, there has been no comprehensive overview of the activities taking place in Europe in this area of public health policy. Methods: Using different search methods, 49 national policy documents on physical activity promotion were identified. An analysis grid covering key features was developed for the analysis of the 27 documents published in English. Results: Analysis showed that many general recommendations for policy developments are being followed, for example: general goals were formulated, an implementation plan was included, a timeframe and a responsible body for the implementation was often specified. However, limited evidence for intersectoral collaboration was found. Quantified goals for physical activity were the exception. Population groups most in need such as people with low levels of physical activity were rarely specifically targeted. Most policies emphasized the importance of an evaluation. However, only about half of them indicated a related intention or requirement. Conclusion: In recent years there has been a noticeable development of national policy documents on physical activity promotion. Following principles for policy development more closely could increase the effectiveness of their preparation and implementation further.
DOYLE, Colleen M. The non-profit sector : leveraging resources and strengths to promote more physically active lifestyles. Journal of Physical Activity and Health Vol 6, Supplement 2 - November 2009: S181-S185
Abstract: Background: Many Americans do not meet current minimum physical activity recommendations. Although the choice to be physically active is made by individuals, that choice is affected by the social and physical environments in which people live, work, play and learn. Creating environments that are more supportive of physical activity will require policies, practices and programs that individuals may not be able to influence on their own; such changes will require comprehensive, coordinated and collaborative action by a variety of organizational sectors at national, state and local levels. Because of their core - and frequently unique - competencies, many nonprofit organizations are poised to be active players in promoting important changes in policy and community environments that can facilitate lifelong physical activity for all Americans. Methods: Review of mission statements and strategic plans of a variety of nonprofit organizations reveal key characteristics and competencies that can be leveraged, frequently across multiple levels and sectors, to promote physical activity. Key recommendations: Nonprofit organizations should leverage their unique capabilities, particularly in the areas of advocacy, strategic collaborations and outreach to their membership, volunteer and/or constituent bases to promote policy and environmental changes in support of physical activity.
FRANK, Lawrence and KAVAGE, Sarah. A national plan for physical activity : the enabling role of the built environment. Journal of Physical Activity and Health Vol 6, Supplement 2 - November 2009: S186-S195
Abstract: 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.
HASKELL, William L and BLAIR, Steven N and others. Physical activity: health outcomes and importance for public health policy. Preventive Medicine Vol 49, No 4 - October 2009: 280-282
Abstract: This manuscript presents a brief summary of the substantial data supporting an inverse relationship between the amount of habitual physical activity performed and a variety of negative health outcomes throughout the lifespan. It points out that despite these data a large segment of the US population remain insufficiently active resulting in a high population attributable risk for chronic disease due to inactivity. The accumulated data support the need for more comprehensive health promoting physical activity policies and programs, especially for the economically and socially disadvantaged and medically underserved.
JAGO, Russell and THOMPSON, Janice L and others. Licence to be active: parental concerns and 10-11-year-old children's ability to be independently physically active. Journal of Public Health Vol 31, No 4 - December 2009: 472-477
Abstract: Background: Physical activity independent of adult supervision is an important component of youth physical activity. This study examined parental attitudes to independent activity, factors that limit licence to be independently active and parental strategies to facilitate independent activity. Methods: In-depth phone interviews were conducted with 24 parents (4 males) of 10-11-year-old children recruited from six primary schools in Bristol. Results: Parents perceived that a lack of appropriate spaces in which to be active, safety, traffic, the proximity of friends and older children affected children’s ability to be independently physically active. The final year of primary school was perceived as a period when children should be afforded increased licence. Parents managed physical activity licence by placing time limits on activity, restricting activity to close to home, only allowing activity in groups or under adult supervision. Conclusions: Strategies are needed to build children’s licence to be independently active; this could be achieved by developing parental self-efficacy to allow children to be active and developing structures such as safe routes to parks and safer play areas. Future programmes could make use of traffic-calming programmes as catalysts for safe independent physical activity.
JOHNSTONE, Rosalind and NICOL, Kath and others. Barriers to uptake of physical activity in community-based patients with schizophrenia. Journal of Mental Health Vol 18, No 6 - December 2009: 523-532
Abstract: Background: Recent United Kingdom Government Policy documents have emphasized the need to improve the physical health of patients with mental illness. Although physical health could be improved by increasing physical activity levels, uptake of widely available community-based activity programmes is low in this patient population. Aims: To investigate the barriers to uptake of and adherence to physical activity in community-dwelling patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia. Methods: Qualitative study on 27 community dwelling patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia from four Community Mental Health Teams (CMHT) in Edinburgh. Patients were individually interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. Themes and sub themes from the interviews were identified using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA).Results: Four barriers to physical activity uptake were identified: limited experience of physical activity engagement, impact of the illness and effects of medication, effects of anxiety and the influences of support networks. Conclusion: These patients experience complex barriers to physical activity uptake which need to be considered in the design of physical activity interventions to target obesity and related physical health problems.
KING, Abby C and SALLIS, James F. Why and how to improve physical activity promotion: lessons from behavioral science and related fields. Preventive Medicine Vol 49, No 4 - October 2009: 286-288
Abstract: This commentary highlights the importance of regular physical activity to the nation’s health and discusses some of the major challenges and opportunities currently facing the field.
KOLT, Gregory S and OLIVER, Melody and others. An overview and process evaluation of TeleWalk: a telephone-based counseling intervention to encourage walking in older adults. Health Promotion International Volume 21, Number 3 - September 2006: 201-208
Abstract: Despite the benefits associated with a physically active lifestyle, many older adults are insufficiently active to achieve health gain, and also exhibit decreased activity levels with age. Insufficient physical activity in this population is associated with increased morbidity, mortality and demand on health care services and expenditure. There is a clear need for effective intervention to encourage physical activity in older adults. The aim of this paper is to describe the development and participant evaluation of a randomized controlled trial of TeleWalk, a telephone-based motivational counseling intervention to encourage physical activity in adults aged 65 years and older. Participants (N = 186, mean age 74 ± 6 years) were recruited through their General Practitioner (primary care physician) and randomized to either receive eight telephone counseling sessions and related printed materials over 3 months (intervention group) or participate in outcome assessments only (control group). Intervention group participants were mailed an anonymous evaluation questionnaire on intervention completion. A high response rate was achieved (70%). All respondents (100%) agreed or strongly agreed that a good overall level of service and support was provided, and that the counselor was understanding and supportive. Nearly all respondents agreed or strongly agreed that the service was professional, the counselor advice was helpful and motivating and the information provided was relevant (97, 95 and 89%, respectively). Most (87%) agreed or strongly agreed that the telephone calls encouraged them to be physically active. Among the participants who received printed material, most agreed or strongly agreed that these encouraged them to become or remain active. Findings from this evaluation can be used to inform such interventions and ensure their relevance to community-dwelling older adults.
PANTER, J R and JONES, A P and others. Attitudes, social support and environmental perceptions as predictors of active commuting behaviour in school children. Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health Vol 64, No 1 - January 2010: 41-48
Abstract: Background: Environmental perceptions appear to play a role in determining behaviour in children, although their influence on active commuting remains unclear. This study examines whether attitudes, social support and environmental perceptions are associated with active commuting behaviour in school children and whether these associations are moderated by the distance to school. Methods: Data were collected as part of the SPEEDY study (Sport, Physical activity and Eating behaviour: Environmental Determinants in Young people), a cross-sectional study of 2064 children from schools in Norfolk, UK. Data regarding the usual mode of travel to school, attitudes towards and social support for active commuting, perceptions of the neighbourhood and route to school were assessed using questionnaires completed by 2012 children and their parents. Distance to school was estimated using a Geographic Information System and this was used to compare associations between personal and environmental factors and active travel, across different distance categories. Results: Forty per cent of children reported usually walking to school, with 9% cycling and the remainder using motorised travel. Parental attitudes and safety concerns, the presence of social support from parents and friends and parent-reported neighbourhood walkability were all found to be predictors of active commuting, with children receiving peer and family support and living in supportive environments being more likely to walk or cycle. There was some evidence of a moderating effect of distance whereby attitudes were more important for short distances and safety concerns long. Conclusion: Both attitudinal and environmental perceptions are associated with children's active commuting behaviours. Given the difficulty in modifying attitudes directly, the effect on them of interventions to provide more supportive environments should be evaluated.