Physical Activity Interventions (physical + activity_intervention)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


Nutrition and Physical Activity Interventions to Reduce Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Health Care Settings: A Quantitative Review with a Focus on Women

NUTRITION REVIEWS, Issue 7 2001
Sara Wilcox Ph.D.
The authors conducted a quantitative literature review of the impact of 32 diet and physical activity (PA) interventions delivered in health care settings on cardiovascular disease risk factors. Intervention effects were relatively modest but statistically significant for PA, body mass index or weight, dietary fat, blood pressure, and total and low-density lipoprotein serum cholesterol. Intervention effects were generally larger for samples with a mean age >50 years and for studies with <6 months follow-up. Type of comparison group, type of intervention, and use of a behavior theory did not have a consistent impact on intervention effects. Few studies focused on persons of color, although the results from these studies are promising. [source]


A pilot examination of social context and everyday physical activity among adults receiving Community Mental Health Services

ACTA PSYCHIATRICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 3 2009
B. P. McCormick
Objective:, Community mental health center (CMHC) clients include a variety of people with moderate to severe mental illnesses who also report a number of physical health problems. Physical activity (PA) has been identified as one intervention to improve health among this population; however, little is known about the role of social context in PA. The purpose of this study was to examine the role of social context in everyday PA among CMHC clients. Method:, Data were collected from CMHC clients in two cultures using accelerometery and experience sampling methods. Data were analyzed using hierarchical linear modeling. Results:, Independence in housing nor culture was significantly associated with levels of PA. Being alone was significantly negatively related to PA level. Conclusion:, Social isolation appears to be negatively related to PA at the level of everyday life. Physical activity interventions with this population should consider including social components as a part of PA. [source]


A Theory of Physical Activity Maintenance

APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY, Issue 4 2008
Claudio R. Nigg
Regular physical activity is related to numerous psychological and physical benefits. Physical activity interventions have had varying degrees of success with adoption; however, maintenance over the long term is even more difficult to achieve, as the majority of individuals who start a physical activity program drop out or relapse. Although the physical activity maintenance literature is scant, there is evidence that the predictors of adoption are different from those of maintenance. Thus, it follows that physical activity adoption and maintenance require unique approaches. The explanatory power of such predictors, however, is limited by the absence of a cogent theoretical framework. Therefore, this paper presents the Physical Activity Maintenance (PAM) theory, which incorporates individual psychosocial variables (goal-setting, motivation, and self-efficacy), and contextual variables of the environment and life stress (triggers of relapse). Goal-setting is framed as satisfaction, attainment, and commitment; motivation as self-motivation and expectations; and self-efficacy as both barrier and relapse. The contextual variables may facilitate or impede physical activity maintenance directly and indirectly via the individual psychosocial variables. The PAM is presented to stimulate research on physical activity maintenance and advance our understanding of how and why people do and do not maintain physical activity long term. Une activité physique régulière procure de nombreux bénéfices psychologiques et physiques. Les investigations portant sur l'activité physique ont plus ou moins réussi pour ce qui est de la décision, mais l'étude du maintien à long terme est encore plus difficile à réaliser puisque la majorité des individus qui commencent un programme d'activité physique renoncent ou reprennent leur conduite antérieure. Quoique la littérature sur le maintien de l'activité physique soit parcellaire, il existe des indices selon lesquels les prédicteurs de la décision sont différents de ceux du maintien. Il s'ensuit que la décision d'avoir une activité physique et son maintien dans le temps doivent être abordés de la même façon. Le pouvoir explicatif de tels prédicteurs est cependant limité par l'absence d'un cadre théorique pertinent. En conséquence, cet article présente la théorie du Maintien d'une Activité Physique (PAM) qui intègre des variables psychosociologiques individuelles (fixation d'un objectif, motivation et auto-efficience), et des variables relevant de l'environnement et du stress (déclencheurs d'abandon). La fixation d'un objectif est déclinée en termes de satisfaction, de réalisation et d'implication; la motivation en termes d'auto-motivation et d'expectations; et l'auto-efficience en termes d'obstacle et de rechute. Les variables contextuelles peuvent faciliter ou entraver le maintien d'une activité physique directement ou indirectement par l'intermédiaire des variables psychosociologiques individuelles. Le PAM est présenté dans le but de stimuler la recherche sur le maintien d'une activité physique et de nous aider comprendre pourquoi et comment les gens maintiennent ou non à long terme une activité physique. [source]


Physical activity to prevent obesity in young children: cluster randomised controlled trial

CHILD: CARE, HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT, Issue 3 2007
Richard Reading
Physical activity to prevent obesity in young children: cluster randomised controlled trial . Reilly, J. J., Kelly, L., Montgomery, C., Williamson, A., Fisher, A., McColl, J. H., Lo Conte, R., Paton, J. Y. & Grant, S. ( 2006 ) British Medical Journal , 333 , 1041 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.38979.623773.55. Objective To assess whether a physical activity intervention reduces body mass index in young children. Design Cluster randomized controlled single blinded trial over 12 months. Setting Thirty-six nurseries in Glasgow, Scotland. Participants In total, 545 children in their pre-school year, mean age 4.2 years (SD 0.2) at baseline. Intervention Enhanced physical activity programme in nursery (three 30-minute sessions a week over 24 weeks) plus home-based health education aimed at increasing physical activity through play and reducing sedentary behaviour. Main outcome measure Body mass index, expressed as a standard deviation score relative to UK 1990 reference data. Secondary measures were objectively measured physical activity and sedentary behaviour; fundamental movement skills; and evaluation of the process. Results Group allocation had no significant effect on the primary outcome measure at 6 and 12 months or on measures of physical activity and sedentary behaviour by accelerometry. Children in the intervention group had significantly higher performance in movement skills tests than control children at 6-month follow-up (P = 0.0027; 95% CI 0.3,1.3) after adjustment for sex and baseline performance. Conclusions Physical activity can significantly improve motor skills but did not reduce body mass index in young children in this trial. [source]


The association of physical activity and depression in Type 2 diabetes

DIABETIC MEDICINE, Issue 10 2008
Z. Lysy
Abstract Aims Physical inactivity and depressed mood are both associated with a higher likelihood of diabetes-related complications; the association between physical activity and depressed mood in Type 2 diabetes has not been reviewed previously. We have reviewed (i) the strength of this association and (ii) the impact of depression-specific management and physical activity interventions on mood and activity levels in overweight adults with Type 2 diabetes. Methods Studies published between January 1996 and September 2007 were identified (Ovid - medline, Psych- Info and embase) using pertinent search terms (keyword/title). Results Of the 12 studies included (10 cross-sectional, two trials), most employed a standardized questionnaire for depressed mood but only one item for physical activity. In adults with Type 2 diabetes, the inactive are 1.72 to 1.75 times more likely to be depressed than the more active; the depressed are 1.22 to 1.9 times more likely to be physically inactive than the non-depressed. Two randomized trials demonstrated that a depression management programme improved mood, but only one demonstrated increased physical activity. Conclusions Studies to date suggest an association between depressed mood and physical inactivity in adults with Type 2 diabetes, although objective measures of physical activity have not been employed. Depression-specific management may improve mood and possibly activity. A trial comparing the impact of depression-specific management compared with exercise intervention on depressed mood and activity in Type 2 diabetes is justified. [source]


Ethnic differences in exercise and leisure time physical activity among midlife women

JOURNAL OF ADVANCED NURSING, Issue 4 2010
Seung Hee Lee
Lee s.h. & im e.-o. (2010) Ethnic differences in exercise and leisure time physical activity among midlife women. Journal of Advanced Nursing66(4), 814,827. Abstract Title.,Ethnic differences in exercise and leisure time physical activity among midlife women. Aim., This paper is a report of a study of factors associated with ethnic differences in exercise and leisure time physical activity levels among midlife women. Background., Most studies on physical activity have focused mostly on identifying correlates of physical activity. However, ,ethnicity/race' as a factor affecting exercise and leisure time physical activity has rarely been considered. Method., This study was a secondary analysis of data from a larger Internet study on menopausal symptoms of midlife women from four ethnic groups in the United States of America. A total of 441 women aged 40,60 years were recruited through the Internet from 31 January 2005 to 31 December 2007. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, chi-square analysis, analysis of variance and multiple regressions. Findings., Non-Hispanic White people had a statistically significantly higher level of leisure time physical activity than Asian Americans and Hispanics. African Americans reported the lowest level of exercise. Body mass index was inversely associated with exercise among African Americans. Menopausal symptoms were positively associated with exercise among non-Hispanic White people and African Americans. Employment and number of children had a statistically significantly inverse association with exercise among Asian Americans. Conclusion., Correlates of exercise are ethnic-specific. The dual role situation of working outside and inside their homes is an important factor in explaining the lower participation of exercise among Asian Americans. Health factors influence exercise participation in non-Hispanic White people, African Americans and Hispanics. Nurses should take into account ethnic diversities when designing physical activity interventions for women. [source]


Physical Activity Research in Nursing

JOURNAL OF NURSING SCHOLARSHIP, Issue 4 2001
Lorraine B. Robbins
Purpose: To present exemplars of physical activity research in nursing, illustrate the importance of physical activity research across the lifespan, and recommend directions for theory development and research. Methods: Studies of physical activity and exercise currently being conducted by nurse investigators were reported and critiqued by attendees of the Midwest Nursing Research Society 2000 Preconference session entitled "Promoting Physical Activity Among Diverse Groups Across the Health Continuum." Physical activity and exercise literature during the past decade was reviewed. Databases searched included Medline, CINAHL, Wilson, and ERIC. Findings: Investigators have emphasized the need to evaluate the effects of theory-based physical activity interventions designed to alter key correlates of physical activity identified through descriptive research. Conclusions: Regular physical activity is necessary for health promotion and disease prevention for all populations. Continued research in this important area of health behavior is critical to identify the most effective interventions to increase physical activity among diverse populations. [source]


School physical activity interventions: do not forget about obesity bias

OBESITY REVIEWS, Issue 1 2008
P. B. Rukavina
Summary Obesity bias is the tendency to negatively judge an overweight or obese individual based on assumed and/or false character traits, such as being physically unattractive, incompetent, lazy and lacking self-discipline. Obesity biases, such as teasing or weight criticism during physical activity (PA), can be psychologically or emotionally damaging for overweight children and adolescents. Ultimately, the effects students experience over time may create a psychological barrier and students can become resistant to schools' health and PA interventions that promote lifestyle changes. Fortunately, the psychological effects of obesity bias are mediated by social buffers and coping mechanisms. Several PA-related researchers have proposed strategic intervention components, but no studies have been completed in PA settings. The purpose of this review was to discuss the nature and different types of obesity bias in PA settings. Major theoretical frameworks of the aetiology and change mechanisms of obesity biases from the psychological literature were reviewed and direct applications for strategic component interventions were made for PA settings. Because of the pervasiveness and entrenchment of obesity bias, it is obvious that multiple theoretical frameworks need to be considered and even combined to create safe and caring school PA environments for students. [source]


Physical activity advice in the primary care setting: results of a population study in New Zealand

AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH, Issue 3 2006
Karen Croteau
Objectives: To determine the prevalence of physical activity advice, including the Green Prescription (a physical activity scripting scheme), given in the primary care setting, and the characteristics of New Zealanders who receive such advice. Method: Questions from a 2003 national postal survey (n=8,291), ,Obstacles to Action', were examined. The survey was designed to identify population segments to target for physical activity interventions. Binary logistic regression was used to examine independent factors associated with receiving a physician or practice nurse recommendation to increase physical activity and receiving a Green Prescription. Results: Overall, 13.3% of the sample reported receiving physical activity advice while 3.0% reported receiving a Green Prescription from their general practitioner or practice nurse in the last year. Those more likely to receive physical activity advice were Maori or Pacific, overweight or obese, sedentary, or suffering chronic disease. Results were similar for Green Prescription advice. When controlling for these and other demographics, physical inactivity was not related to the odds of receiving a Green Prescription. Conclusions: One out of every eight New Zealanders reported being given general physical activity advice in the primary care setting. While the physically inactive but otherwise healthy were not specifically targeted, the Green Prescription was more likely to be given on the basis of existing chronic conditions related to physical inactivity and other high-risk populations. Implications: Primary care settings provide an important opportunity to promote physical activity for New Zealand adults. While those most at risk are more likely to receive such advice, there are many more that may benefit. [source]