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Kain, Lorie L. "Physical activity levels and perceived benefits and barriers to physical activity among honors students." Virtual Press, 1997. http://liblink.bsu.edu/uhtbin/catkey/1061876.
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The problem_ of the study was to compare honors college students with non-honors students on physical activity levels, perceived benefits of physical activity, and perceived barriers to physical activity. Two measures were selected to test the hypotheses and were combined into one questionnaire. A purposive sample of 500 students from Honors College classes and Health Science classes were given the questionnaire to complete during class. Multiple Analysis of variance (MANOVA), univariate f-tests following significant MANOVA's, and a t-test analysis were used to test the hypotheses.Results of this study indicated that honors students and non-honors students perform similar amounts of physical activity. Time is a more important perceived barrier to physical activity for honors students than for non-honors students. No significant differences exist for honors students and non-honors students regarding perceived benefits. It is suggested that additional research involving physical activity and time factors be conducted on college students enrolled in both honors programs and non-honors programs.Department of Physiology and Health Science
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Boyer, Elizabeth M. Petrie Trent. "Psychological benefits of sport participation and physical activity for adolescent females." [Denton, Tex.] : University of North Texas, 2007. http://digital.library.unt.edu/permalink/meta-dc-3997.
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English, Lisa. "College Students' Perceived Benefits, Barriers, and Cues to Vigorous Physical Activity." University of Cincinnati / OhioLINK, 2009. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1258663443.
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Boyer, Elizabeth M. "Psychological benefits of sport participation and physical activity for adolescent females." Thesis, University of North Texas, 2007. https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc3997/.
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Recent research has suggested that the effects of sport on well-being are mediated by psychological characteristics such as physical self-concept, instrumentality and positive body images; in addition, sport was found to be related to these psychological benefits for high school girls. However, physical self-concept played a central role by mediating the sport -body image and sport instrumentality relationships. Positive body image and instrumentality, in turn, predicted greater psychological well-being. The purpose of this investigation was to replicate earlier studies, and to examine these relationships with non-sport physical activity. Sport and physical activity were expected to contribute to higher physical self-concept, which in turn, would contribute positively to instrumentality and body image. Further, instrumentality and body image would be positively related to psychological well-being. Participants were 355 9th (n = 170) and 10th (n = 193) graders and they completed measures of involvement in sport/physical activities, physical self-concept, instrumentality, body satisfaction, self-esteem, satisfaction with life, depression, and demographics. Structural equation modeling was utilized to analyze the data. Overall, for both sport and physical activity, the models fit the data well (sport model: NNFI=.95, CFI=.96, SRMR=.08, RMSEA=.09, physical activity model: NNFI=.96, CFI=.97, SRMR=.08, RMSEA=.09). Specifically, sport participation was positively related to physical self-concept (R2 = .47); physical self-concept related to body image (R2 = .30) and instrumentality (R2 = .23); Physical activity was positively related to physical self-concept (R2 = .61); physical self-concept related to body image (R2 = .30) and instrumentality (R2 = .26). For both models, positive body image and higher levels of instrumentality contributed to greater psychological well-being (R2 = 66). These results highlight the importance of developing physical competence for high school girls through sport participation and physical activity.
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Shirinde, Kwena Sara. "The relationships between perceived benefits, barriers of participating in physical activity and physical activity levels of farm school children / Kwena Sara Shirinde." Thesis, North-West University, 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/10394/5016.
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Participation in physical activity was found to be associated with health benefits. Lack of physical activity is a risk factor that may lead to mortality. The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceptions of barriers and benefits of participating in physical activity and the levels of physical activity and to investigate the relationships between perceived barriers and benefits of participating in physical activity and levels of physical activity in boys and girls attending farm schools in Alma-Vaalwater area. A total of 344 children (185 boys and 159 girls) aged 15 to 16 years completed a questionnaire on perceptions of barriers and benefits of participation in physical activity, and a Previous Day Physical Activity Recall (PDPAR) questionnaire on the levels of physical activity. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics, independent t-testing and correlations by means of SPSS (Version 15.0). The results show that barriers (with high mean values) experienced by boys to be physically active included lack of time, to do work/school work, and physical activity makes one sweat. In girls barriers experienced to be physically active included lack of time, to do work/school work and lack of equipments. With regard to the perceived benefits of participating in physical activity both boys and girls showed high mean values in to stay in good health, to feel well and to have energy. The results further showed that lack of equipments was negatively associated with participation in physical activity in boys and girls during the week and weekend days respectively. In addition girls showed a Significant relationship between to relieve stress and physical activity. Significant gender differences regarding the levels of physical activity with girls participating more in light physical activity than boys were found.
This study recommended the need for the introduction of awareness programmes on physical activity as well as well-structured programmes of physical activity by qualified personnel geared towards the improvement of general well-being of children. More studies with a larger sample size are required to verify the present findings.Thesis (M.A. (Human Movement Science))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2010.
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Horner, Katrina E. "The effect of increasing physical activity on health benefits in sedentary women." Virtual Press, 1997. http://liblink.bsu.edu/uhtbin/catkey/1041902.
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The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the current CDC/ACSM physical activity recommendation, ("30 minutes or more of accumulated moderate-intensity activity, most if not all, days of the week") would improve women's health through a reduction ofcoronary heart disease (CHD) risk factors. Twenty-one sedentary females (ages 49 ± 7 yrs.) with one or more CHD risk factors underwent baseline laboratory including: resting heart rate and blood pressure, resting electrocardiogram, body mass index, bioelectrical impedance, skinfold measures, waist-to-hip, blood lipid profile, and V02max. The VO2 was determined by an exercise treadmill test using the Ball State University Ramp protocol. The subjects were instructed on the CDC/ACSM recommendation, the physical activity survey, and given examples of moderate-intensity activity. The survey data was collected bimonthly over the six month period. The subjects reported participating in >_ 30 min. of moderate-intensity activity an average of 4 f 1 days/week with an average duration of 54 ± 26 min. On the remaining days, the subjects reported doing an average of 14 ± 6 minutes per day. Also, 90% of the women reported doing the activity in continuous bouts. Following the six month study period, the women were retested in the laboratory. Sixteen subjects completed the post-testing. The results of the sixteen women showed a significant improvements in HDL-cholesterol (51 ± 15 vs.56 ± 15 mmHg; p=<.05) and TC/HDL ratio (4.5 ± 1 vs.4.25 ± 1.3; p=<.05). There were no significant changes in the other risk factor variables examined or their V02,„.. It was concluded that the majority of previously sedentary, middle aged women can not meet the CDC/ACSM recommendations for daily activity and total energy expenditure. Additionally, it appears that when given the choice, these women choose to do activity in continuous time blocks versus breaking the daily activities into shorter time periods.School of Physical Education
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Montgomery, Alan A. "Physical activity and perceived benefits and barriers in adults aged 55-74." Thesis, University of St Andrews, 1997. http://hdl.handle.net/10023/2663.
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In order to increase the number of older adults physically active enough to obtain the health benefits of exercise, inactive individuals must firstly be identified, and attention must then be focused on determinants of exercise amenable to change. This study set out to develop self-complete questionnaires for assessing activity status, and perceived benefits of, and barriers to, physical activity. Of 1456 questionnaires sent out to a random sample of adults aged 55-74 a usable return rate of 37.6% (n=548) was achieved. A principal components analysis of the benefits of physical activity revealed five factors (physical performance, social, weight control, enjoyment, and psychological), and of the barriers to physical activity, also five factors (opportunities, physical exertion, time, limiting health, and support). Alpha internal consistency coefficients for the 10 factors ranged from 0.64 to 0.92, and test-retest reliability coefficients from 0.56 to 0.87. A series of one-way ANOVAs revealed that, with the exception of the benefit weight control, there was a significant gradation in factor scores between active and inactive subjects as classified by 4-, 9-, and 5- point activity classification methods. Validity of the activity classifications was assessed in a subsample of 86 subjects against measures of strength, flexibility, aerobic fitness and objectively measured physical activity. Active and inactive subjects classified using the 4- and 9-point questionnaires differed significantly in 1-mile walk time and energy expenditure estimated by a Caltrac accelerometer. The 5-point questionnaire did not appear able to differentiate active and inactive subjects. Test-retest reliability of the questionnaires ranged from 0.62 to 0.73. The questionnaire developed from this work for measuring perceived benefits and barriers of older adults can be used in either practical or research settings. Further work is required to determine the accuracy of the physical activity questionnaires in identifying low-active individuals in the population.
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Neureuther, Earlene R. "The health benefits of a pedometer based 100,000 steps/week physical activity program." Virtual Press, 2007. http://liblink.bsu.edu/uhtbin/catkey/1366497.
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The purpose of this study was to determine if increasing physical activity to 100,000 steps/week would lead to improvements in cardiovascular risk factors for the "somewhat active" to "active" population. Thirty-one subjects, 13 male (mean age 43.5 ± 14.5 years) and 18 female (mean age 38.9 ± 12.6 years) who volunteered to participate in this study completed the full 16 weeks. Subjects were eligible for the study if they were healthy, could ambulate, and their baseline activity level met the step count criteria (> 7,500 - <12,500 steps/day). Subjects underwent laboratory testing comprised of resting heart rate, resting blood pressure, body composition, blood lipid analysis, bone mineral density, and a surrogate measure of cardio-respiratory fitness, prior to and 16 weeks after completing the 100,000 steps/week intervention. After the completion of preliminary assessments, subjects were asked to wear a pedometer continuously for 16 weeks; increasing their number of steps from baseline to 100,000 steps/week. Fifty-eight percent of subjects adhered (> 90,000 steps/week) to the 100,000 steps/week physical activity program. Subjects demonstrated significant reductions in body composition measurements overtime with increased physical activity. These improvements included body mass index 27.2 ± 3.6 to 26.8 ± 3.6 kg/m2, total percent body fat 35.4 ± 9.9 to 33.9 ± 10.3%, and waist circumference 83.9 ± 10.3 to 81.6 ± 10.1cm from pre to post measurements. In conclusion, individuals already meeting minimal physical activity recommendations (i.e. somewhat active/active) can gain health benefits particularly in body composition by increasing to 100,000 steps/week with the use of a pedometer.Key Words: physical activity, pedometer, walking, weight loss, adherence, dose-response, intervention.School of Physical Education, Sport, and Exercise Science
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Hongu, Nobuko, Patrick J. Gallaway, and Mieko Shimada. "Physical Activity for Older Adults: Tips for getting started and staying active." College of Agriculture, University of Arizona (Tucson, AZ), 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/10150/577440.
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4 pp.Regular physical activity is essential for healthy aging, and most adults aged 65 years and older can safely participate in regular physical activity. This article reviews the benefits of physical activity in older adults and provides updated physical activity recommendations and tips for how to start and how to stay active for life.
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Glasgow, Trevin Earl. "A Longitudinal Investigation of the Mental Health Benefits of Physical Activity Among Graduate Students." Diss., Virginia Tech, 2020. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/97399.
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Recent evidence showing graduate students to be at an elevated risk of developing mental health problems has attracted the attention of both researchers and non-researchers (Evans, Bira, Gastelum, Weiss, and Vanderford, 2018; Flatherty, 2018). This increased risk could be attributed to the stressors graduate students routinely experience. However, few studies have examined the negative effects of work stressors among graduate students and ways to protect graduate students from the negative impact of stressors. This research explored the association between work stressors and the mental health of graduate students, while considering the potential protective role of physical activity. Also studied was the potential predictors of physical activity, such as social support for physical activity. Graduate students completed three surveys over a semester. Multilevel structural equation modeling was used to analyze within- and between-person variation. Increased levels of work stressors were associated with increased levels of mental health problems. Physical activity was not associated with improved mental health at both levels of analysis. However, higher levels of physical activity protected graduate students from the negative effects of role conflict and role ambiguity, but not work overload. Social support for physical activity and a mindset that stress is enhancing were both associated with increased physical activity. This is one of the first studies to not only consider the negative effects of work stressors on graduate students' mental health, but also the protective benefits of physical activity.Doctor of Philosophy
Graduate school is a stressful time for many individuals. Graduate students are expected to do well in their classes while juggling other responsibilities, such as teaching, conducting research and/or working full-time to pay for school and living expenses. Although not everyone would consider graduate students to be full-time employees, it is not uncommon for graduate students to have long workdays and weekends that include completing work. Even if a graduate student does not clock into work every day, most are probably working more than the typical hourly employee. Not surprisingly, research has shown that graduate students are at increased risk of developing mental health problems when compared to the general population (Evans, Bira, Gastelum, Weiss, and Vanderford, 2018). These findings have even caught the attention of the national media, with some calling the mental health problem a crisis (Flatherty, 2018). Work stressors (i.e., parts of a person's job that lead to feelings of distress) may influence graduate students' mental health. However, few studies have examined the negative effects of work stressors among graduate students and factors that could protect graduate students from these negative effects. This study assessed the benefits of physical activity among graduate students, given the plethora of studies showing the positive benefits of physical activity. It is possible physical activity can reduce the negative effects of the work stressors experienced by graduate students, such as being overworked with teaching responsibilities or having to conduct multiple research studies at the same time. This study explored factors that might influence graduate students to be more physically active, such as social support for physical activity. Graduate students completed three surveys over a semester. Increased levels of work stressors were associated with increased levels of mental health problems. Graduate students who exercised more were "protected" from the negative effects of work stressors. In other words, even if graduate students were exposed to high levels of work stressors, they did not experience elevated mental health problems if they regularly exercised. Additionally, being around friends who promoted physical activity and having a mindset that stress is not bad but rather enhancing helped graduate students engage in more physical activity. Overall, the findings indicated that graduate students experience increased mental health problems due to negative work stressors, but by exercising they could reduce the negative effect of these work stressors.
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Stamborski, Kelsey M. "Promoting Exercising by Exploring Expectations of and Desire for Physical and Mental Affective Benefits." Kent State University Honors College / OhioLINK, 2018. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ksuhonors1524760678037332.
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Emley, Elizabeth A. "Social Movements and Health: The Benefits of Being Involved." Bowling Green State University / OhioLINK, 2017. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1490715716992475.
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McGuire, Michelle. "NON-PARTICIPATORS’ PERCEPTIONS OF THE BENEFITS AND BARRIERS TO TAKING PART IN FITNESS CLASSES AT SENIOR CENTERS." Miami University / OhioLINK, 2017. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1493322921375054.
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Patel, Asmita. "The green prescription and New Zealand older adults: Motives, benefits and barriers." AUT University, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/10292/998.
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Despite empirical evidence for the health-related benefits of physical activity, a large proportion of older adults are insufficiently active. In New Zealand, the Green Prescription is the nationwide physical activity scripting programme. The Green Prescription has been found to be effective in increasing physical activity in previously low-active and sedentary adults. However, more information is required about the efficacy of Green Prescription use with older adults. The present research examined participants' views and experiences of physical activity counseling via the conventional Green Prescription and a modified pedometer-based Green Prescription. Both versions of the Green Prescription were effective in increasing and maintaining physical activity over a 12-month period. Demographic factors were found to significantly influence perceived barriers and motives for physical activity regardless of type of Green Prescription administered.
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CEDERGREN, ANDERS. "PERCEIVED SOCIAL HEALTH BENEFITS AMONG PARTICIPANTS IN A SENIOR CHAIR VOLLEYBALL PROGRAM." University of Cincinnati / OhioLINK, 2005. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1132171274.
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Tumusiime, David Kabagema. "Perceived benefits of, barriers and helpful cues to physical activity among tertiary institution students in Rwanda." Thesis, University of the Western Cape, 2004. http://etd.uwc.ac.za/index.php?module=etd&.
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According to literature, particularly from data obtained from the World Health Organisation, physical inactivity or sedentarism is one of the leading causes of the major non-communicable diseases, which contributes substantially to the global burden of diseases, death and disability. The burden of mortality, morbidity and disability attributable to non-communicable diseases is currently greatest and is continuing to grow in the developing countries. Most declines in physical activity are during the transition from high school to college or university. The aim of the study was to ascertain perceptions of physical activity, specificallyperceived benefits of, perceived barriers and perceived helpful motivational factors to physical activity among tertiary institution students in Rwanda, and to find out whether demographic and background characteristics have an influence on these perceptions.
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Jansson, Matilda. "Physical activity gives health benefits, but is this new to the Vietnamese? : An analysis of articles from Vietnamese newspapers." Thesis, Linnéuniversitetet, Institutionen för samhällsvetenskaper, SV, 2012. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:lnu:diva-20153.
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The aim of this study was to analyse how physical activity in the prevention and treatment of diseases, is portrayed in Vietnamese media. This is interesting because the traditional Vietnamese health culture differs a lot from the Western one. The topic is also of immediate importance in Vietnam, because of the increasing numbers of diseases, such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, even called non-communicable diseases. This is connected to the decreasing physical activity and increasing obesity in the country. A Swedish-Vietnamese project in Vietnam is going on since two years, with the aim of disseminating Swedish experiences on the topic to the health care staff and the general public. Thirty-one articles have been analysed with regard to cultural references and persuasion means. The methods include rhetorical analysis, quantitative content analysis and semiotics. The theoretical framework constitutes of previous research on characteristics of Vietnamese/Asian journalism in general, and Vietnamese preventive health education in particular. To get a better understanding of the results, various theories such as post-colonialism and cultural hegemony have been used. The findings indicate that the articles portray the health-benefits of physical activity as something new to the Vietnamese people. It was not possible to find any point of similarity to the traditional forms of Vietnamese preventive health propaganda in the articles. The different references in the articles where mostly made to Western sources. The pictures in the articles signal both threat/fear and hope and they portray both people with East Asian-and Western appearance.
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Stagl, Jamie M. "Benefits of Physical Activity on Depression and Functional Quality of Life During Treatment for Breast Cancer: Psychosocial Mechanisms." Scholarly Repository, 2011. http://scholarlyrepository.miami.edu/oa_theses/278.
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Women who are post surgery for breast cancer (BCa) experience distressing side effects that negatively influence Quality of Life (QoL). Physical activity (PA) following a BCa diagnosis is associated with decreased mortality, reduced recurrence, increased functional capacity, less fatigue, and may improve depression and QoL. Furthermore, evidence suggests that a combined PA and psychotherapy intervention may reduce physically and emotionally distressing side effects associated with diagnosis and treatment. The purpose of the study is to examine relationships among PA, fatigue, clinician-rated depression, depressed mood, and QoL in women after undergoing surgery for BCa and to assess the continuity of these relationships as they move through adjuvant treatment. In addition, the study investigates whether fatigue is an underlying psychosocial mechanism accounting for the effects of PA on study outcomes. Finally, given prior evidence that participation in a Cognitive-Behavioral Stress Management (CBSM) intervention was associated with reduced fatigue, the study assesses whether women who were physically active showed less fatigue above and beyond the effects of CBSM. Women (N=240) with non-metastatic stage 0-III BCa were recruited 2-10 weeks post-surgery and randomized to either a CBSM intervention group or a psycho-educational control group. Physical activity, fatigue, functional QoL, rated depression, and depressed mood were assessed at the baseline and 3-month post intervention time points. Structural equation modeling was used to test hypotheses. At baseline, results revealed that greater PA was associated with less fatigue-related daily interference (FRDI), and that less FRDI was associated with greater functional QoL, lower rated depression, and less depressed mood. Furthermore, lower FRDI was a pathway by which greater PA was associated with greater functional QoL, less rated depression, and less depressed mood. These relationships were similar at the 3-month post intervention time point and when difference scores were used in the model. Finally, PA contributed significantly to the change in FRDI above and beyond the effects of participation in CBSM. A combined PA and CBSM intervention may be effective in reducing FRDI, and improving depressive symptoms and QoL for women after surgery for BCa and during adjuvant treatment, and should be investigated in future studies.
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Lilja, Claes. "Exercise, visuospatial rotation performance and life satisfaction : A study of correlations between physical activity and some presumed benefits." Thesis, Linnéuniversitetet, Institutionen för psykologi (PSY), 2017. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:lnu:diva-60624.
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SourceURL:file://localhost/Users/ClaesAct/Dropbox/LNU%20psykologi/Uppsats/Examensarbete_ClaesLilja_HT16_2PS600.doc Physical exercise has been associated with various health benefits, including improved cognitive functioning, well-being and life satisfaction. Other variables that have been found to explain these areas include gender, age, dispositional optimism, meditation practice, and videogame habits. The aim of the present study was to explore whether physical exercise on its own has benefits for visuospatial rotation abilities and life satisfaction. It was also the intention to examine how other known factors of age, gender, dispositional optimism, meditation, and videogames may help predict visuospatial rotation abilities and satisfaction with life. The results showed no significant explanation for visuospatial performance while finding some exercise measurements and physical activity level to have significant correlations with life satisfaction. Dispositional optimism was found to be the strongest indicator of life satisfaction, while gender was determined to not hold explanatory power for either of the criterion variables.
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Kgokong, Dina. "Perceived benefits and barriers to exercise and levels of physical activity of undergraduate physiotherapy students in the Western Cape." Master's thesis, University of Cape Town, 2018. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/29647.
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Background: Physiotherapists have been identified as key role players in health promotion (HP) as well as in the prevention and treatment of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). As key role players engaged in physical activity (PA) HP who society observe as role models, it is valuable to investigate the health behaviours of physiotherapists and physiotherapy students alike. There is a paucity of evidence on the levels of PA of physiotherapists and physiotherapy students, making it difficult to predict their effectiveness as role models and the effectiveness of HP strategies they use.
Aim: The aim of this study is to describe the perceived benefits and barriers to exercise and their association with levels of PA in physiotherapy students (first to fourth year) attending university in the Western Cape province of South Africa.
Method: This study follows a quantitative, cross-sectional, survey design. Two hundred and ninety-six participants (median age = 22 years) were recruited from the three universities in the Western Cape (University of Cape Town, University of the Western Cape and University of Stellenbosch). Participants completed a demographic questionnaire (DQ), 43 item exercise benefits and barriers scale (EBBS) and the international physical activity questionnaire short form (IPAQ-short).
Results: Female students accounted for 83% of the sample. From the 296 participants, 58% lived off campus and 65% were involved in sporting activities six hours per week. The median score on the EBBS was 136 (54-167) for all years. Responses with the highest agreement for perceived benefits were: (1) Exercise increases my level of physical fitness, (2) Exercise improves functioning of my cardiovascular system and (3) exercise improves the way my body looks. Alternatively, the top three responses for perceived barriers were: (1) exercise tires me, (2) I am fatigued by exercise and (3) Exercise is hard work for me. The IPAQ scores revealed that the majority of students had low PA. Only 37.5% students engaged in high PA. Scores on the EBBS categorised by level of physical activity (low, moderate and high) showed that students with high PA had significantly higher scores on the EBBS than those with moderate and low PA. There were no significant differences between the EBBS scores of students with high, moderate and low PA leves in the first year of study [H (2, N=41) =3.01 p=0.22]. However, students in the second (n=61), third (n=111) and fourth years of study with high PA had significantly better scores on the EBBS than those with low and moderate PA.
Conclusion: Undergraduate physiotherapy students in the WC across all three universities do not engage in adequate PA. In this group of students, benefits associated with high PA related to physical performance and barriers associated with low levels of PA related to physical exertion.
Clinical relevance: Physiotherapists who do not practice what they preach are not effective role models and may not be effective in obtaining behavior change through PA HP. Global mortality by NCDs is on the rise and physiotherapists need to respond by taking a leadership role. Physiotherapy students should be encouraged to participate in PA as part of their undergraduate training. Methods of promoting PA in this population should take into account the perceived barriers and benefits of this group of students.
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Goodwin, Denise May. "An examination of the bio-psychological benefits of physical activity in parks and urban green spaces : a mixed-method approach." Thesis, Liverpool John Moores University, 2012. http://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/6161/.
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As natural environments have been identified as places for mental restoration and social development there is the potential to address a number of bio-psychosocial health inequalities by encouraging urban park use. The current research explores the link between people and nature within the urban context of Liverpool across 3 phases of research. The reconnaissance phase explored health inequalities, physical activity levels and park access in Liverpool. Analysis showed that Liverpool is one of the most socially and economically deprived areas within England, with less than 70% of the survey population not meeting recommended physical activity levels. Although Liverpool has an abundance of parks and urban green spaces, the high health inequalities and lack of physical activity correlation with environment features suggests residents might not access parks and urban green spaces for health benefits. The exploratory study adopted a multi-method approach to investigate bio-psychosocial responses to urban city and park environments. Using repeated measures, 18 participants walked on a treadmill for 20 minutes whilst viewing and listening to either a Liverpool urban park or city centre scene. A two-way ANOVA was conducted to compare means between data collection time points within each condition for heart rate and blood pressure. Analysis for mean arterial pressure found a significant reduction for the park condition post physical activity [F(2,18) 6.83, p=.02] with the same effect on systolic blood . pressure [F(2, 18)=8.61, p=.OO] in comparison to the city scene. Semi-structured interviews conducted after testing found that cultural and social experiences influenced how participants interact with the urban environment. In particular, opportunities to access parks and natural environments during childhood was attributed to a lifespan connection. Participants reported psychological benefits of stress reduction and attention restoration and social benefits including providing a place for family and friend interaction in a park setting. Social barriers included fear from crime and harassment from teenagers. While the city was associated with traffic, congestion and noise that could evoke negative emotions, the history and diversity of Liverpool aroused pride and enjoyment that could also promote psychosocial benefits. The intervention study adopted ethnographic principles to explore cultural and individual beliefs of a group of eleven teenagers engaged in a park based physical activity programme. Observations during the programme indicated that the practitioner's role and skill base was paramount to park and activity engagement. Changes to participants across the programme impacted negatively on group dynamics, with external pressures from family and friends contributing to low attendance rates, poor time keeping and low concentration during activities. The social intervention highlighted the need to fully engage participants in the planning process and provide an agreed structure and policy for behaviour. The research highlighted a number of organisational, cultural and social issues that need to be tackled before benefits from green spaces can be fully realised. Overall research findings suggest that potential bio-psychosocial benefits of physical activity in parks and urban green spaces may be influenced by complex social issues surrounding values, culture and tradition. Further investigation into the interrelationships between neighbourhood residents, parks and urban green spaces, activities of users, and potential restorative effects could provide beneficial insights for policy makers and practitioners who would look to use these spaces for bio-psychosocial wellbeing.
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Hagberg, Lars. "Cost-effectiveness of the promotion of physical activity in health care." Doctoral thesis, Umeå : Univ, 2007. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-999.
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Gamboa, Luisyana De Amor. "The Perceptions, Knowledge, Benefits and Barriers of Hispanics Regarding the Dietary Guidelines for Americans." UKnowledge, 2015. http://uknowledge.uky.edu/foodsci_etds/37.
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Background: Hispanics are the largest minority group in the U.S. and by the year 2060 the number of Hispanics is projected to double. They are disproportionately affected by obesity and chronic diseases which translate into decreased quality of life, loss of work opportunities and perceptions of injustice for the Hispanic population. The Dietary Guidelines (DG) provide information to help Americans make healthy food and physical activity choices and if followed can be a means of reducing the health disparity gap. However, culturally relevant recommendations specific to Hispanics’ health and nutritional habits are often lacking. The purpose of this study was to examine Hispanics’ knowledge, perceptions, benefits and barriers to the recommendations in the DG for Americans, Choose MyPlate, and the Department of Health and Human Services physical activity guidelines.
Methods: A qualitative research design was used. Focus groups were conducted in Spanish and audiotapes were transcribed and then, translated into English. Thematic analysis was used to identify different key concepts subgrouping these topics according to common emergent themes.
Results: A total of 24 participants took part in the study. Participants viewed healthy eating in terms of portion sizes. They viewed the DG as helpful but felt they needed more information to follow the guidelines. Several barriers were identified in following the MyPlate: lack of availability of healthy, fresh, inexpensive grocery options in Hispanic neighborhoods. Participants described the benefits of physical activity as related to improved mental health and quality of life such as looking and feeling better.
Conclusion and Implications: Promoting nutrition education that is culturally and linguistically appropriate for Hispanics might help facilitate the adoption of the DG and MyPlate recommendations. Also, improving the design of existing low-income neighborhoods is still a challenge to improve participation in physical activity among Hispanics’.
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Okimura, Tiemi. ""Processo de aprendizagem de idosos sobre os benefícios da atividade física"." Universidade de São Paulo, 2005. http://www.teses.usp.br/teses/disponiveis/39/39133/tde-25022006-170653/.
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O objetivo da pesquisa foi analisar o processo de aprendizagem de idosos sobre os benefícios da atividade física (AF). Participaram da pesquisa 42 sujeitos, com idade acima de 60 anos, integrantes do Programa Autonomia para a Atividade Física (PAAF). Ao final da primeira fase do PAAF foi realizada uma entrevista semi-estruturada para avaliar a aprendizagem sobre a importância da AF e a percepção do aprendizado pelos sujeitos. Os resultados mostram que os alunos: (1) relacionaram o conhecimento sobre os benefícios da AF com seus efeitos fisiológicos nos sistemas de um corpo inativo ou em processo de envelhecimento; (2) associaram a importância da AF à aspectos afetivos como a melhora na auto-confiança e no auto-conhecimento das próprias capacidades e limitações; (3) identificaram a melhora no relacionamento social e na satisfação pessoal como efeito positivo da participação no PAAF; (4) reconstruíram o conceito de velhice; (5) valorizaram a aprendizagem de conhecimentos sobre a AF e (6) mostraram interesse em divulgá-los. Verificou-se, também, elementos que predispuseram a aprendizagem como: interesse em aprender, associação do aprendido com atividades cotidianas e utilização de conhecimentos prévios. Os fatores que dificultaram a aprendizagem ou a sua expressão foram: conceitos prévios inadequados, diminuição da memória, baixa escolaridade e falta de domínio com a linguagem oral. Pode-se concluir que os benefícios da AF relatados foram além dos efeitos fisiológicos ensinados no PAAF e que a elaboração pessoal do conhecimento se deu com base em aspectos da experiência de vida de cada idoso.The aim of this research was to analyze the learning process of elderly people about the benefits of physical activity (PA). The research was composed by 42 people over 60 years old. All of them members of the Physical Activity Autonomy Program (PAAP). At the end of first stage of PAAP, the students were interviewed in order to evaluate their learning about the importance of PA and their perception of the learning process. The results revealed that the students: (1) linked their knowledge about PA benefits with physiological effects over their body systems or with the growing older process; (2) associated the importance of PA with improvement of self-steam and self-knowledge of their own abilities and limitations; (3) identified a significant improvement over their social relationship and personal satisfaction as a positive effect, as result of the participation of PAAP; (4) changed the concept of aging; (5) valued the learning about PA and (6) manifested interest to divulge it. The facilitate factors to learning were: interest in learning, association with diary activities and use of prior knowledge. The elements that made the learning difficult were the inadequate spontaneous concepts, decrease of memory, low educational level and lack of oral language. The conclusion was that the students refer to other PA benefits, beside physiologic effects and the knowledge construction was based in aspects of life experience of each elderly.
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Svärling, Lisa, and Josefin Caspersson. "Högintensiv styrketräning och välmående : en kvantitativ studie med syfte att undersöka fysisk kapacitet och psykiskt mående hos otränade studenter före och efter sex veckor med ledarledd högintensiv styrketräning." Thesis, Gymnastik- och idrottshögskolan, GIH, Institutionen för idrotts- och hälsovetenskap, 2018. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:gih:diva-5309.
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Sammanfattning Bakgrund Människan mår bra av fysisk aktivitet. Det finns mycket tidigare evidensbaserad forskning som stärker detta. Trots de positiva fördelarna som kommer med fysisk aktivitet är det allt färre människor som rör på sig tillräckligt mycket. Detta påverkar samhället negativt. En väldigt utsatt grupp för den negativa samhällstrenden är unga studenter. Studenter har ofta en konstant hög arbetsbörda med pågående studier, arbete och viktiga livsval. Det kan leda till att de ofta drabbas av stress och andra psykiska samt fysiska riskfaktorer. Unga inom utbildning är också samhällets framtid, där av borde mer forskning och promotivt arbete läggas där. Syfte är att undersöka unga studenters fysiska och psykiska välmående före och efter sex veckor med ledarledd högintensiv styrketräning. Metod För att svara på studiens frågeställningar genomfördes en intervention med kvantitativ metod. 12 sedan tidigare otränade studenter, både män och kvinnor, med en medelålder på 24 år rekryterades via mailutskick. Graden av nuvarande fysisk kapacitet och tidigare erfarenhet av fysisk aktivitet fick de rekryterande själva skatta. Testledarna valde efter anmälan ut de personer som uppnådde kriterierna. Kriterierna för att delta var att studera på högskola eller universitet och att vara lågt till måttligt aktiv, inte hade någon inplanerad fysiska aktivitet i sin vardag och tidigare inte tränat på elitnivå. De utvalda deltagarna genomförde fysiska och psykologiska tester innan en sex veckors träningsperiod, bestående av högintensiv styrketräning. Högintensiv styrketräning innebar styrketräning i högintensivt utförande med många repetitioner. Till störst del funktionella helkroppsövningar där låga vikter eller kroppsvikt användes. Efter avslutad träningsperiod återkom samma tester. Data samlades sedan in och sammanställdes med deskriptiv statistik. Sammanställda data analyserades genom t-test och Chi2-test i Microsoft Excel. Resultat Både de fysiska och psykiska testerna visade goda resultat efter sex veckors intervention med ledarledd högintensiv styrketräning. Majoriteten av alla tester visade en signifikant ökning i fysisk kapacitet och psykiskt välmående hos deltagarna. Sex veckor med ledarledd högintensiv styrketräning gav lust till fortsatt fysisk aktivitet. Slutsats Sex veckor med ledarledd högintensiv träning ökar otränade studenters fysiska kapacitet och psykiska mående påfallande och med hög signifikans. Sex veckor med ledarledd högintensiv styrketräning gav lust till fortsatt fysisk aktivitet.Summary Background A human’s well-being increases with physical activity. There exist many evidence-based research findings that strengthen this theory. However, despite the positive benefits of physical activity, few people are physically active today. This affects the members of the society in a negative way. An especially vulnerable group for this negative trend includes young students. Students often have a constant high workload with ongoing studies, work and important life choices to make. In many cases, this situation can lead to stress and other psychological and physical risk factors. Since young studying people are the future of our society, more research and promotional work should be placed here to put an end to this increasing problem. The aim is to examine the physical and mental well-being of young students before and after six weeks of leadership-led, high intensity strength training. Method To be able to respond to this study's questions, an intervention was conducted with a quantitative methodology. 12 previously untrained students, both men and women, with an average age of 24 years were recruited by email. Physical capacity and previous experience of physical activity were appreciated by themselves. The test leaders selected the persons who met the criteria after the announcement. The criteria for attending were to study at college or university and to be low to moderately active, not have any planned physical activity in their daily lives and not train in the elite level. The selected participants performed physical and psychological tests before a six-week training period, consisting of high intensity strength training. High intensity strength training involved weight training in high intensity performance with many repetitions. For the most part functional full body exercises where low weights or body weight were used. After the training period had ended, the same tests were conducted. The data from the tests was then collected and compiled with descriptive statistics. Results After six weeks of intervention with leadership-led high intensity strength training, both the physical and the psychological tests showed good results. Almost all tests showed an increase in physical capacity and psychological well-being in the participants, and the increase in relation to a majority of the tests were significant. For a full report see appendix 3. Six weeks of leadership-led, high-intensity exercise gave lust for continued psychical activity. Conclusion Six weeks of leadership-led, high-intensity exercise significantly increases the physical capacity and the psychological well-being of untrained students. Six weeks of leadership-led, high-intensity exercise gave lust for continued psychical activity.
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Cizinsky, Stefan. "Pokémon GO and the city : How Pokémon GO players in Uppsala use, experience and connect to the city." Thesis, Stockholms universitet, Kulturgeografiska institutionen, 2020. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:su:diva-185719.
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Pokémon GO hit the world with a bang in the summer of 2016 and has since then set new records regarding revenue on multiple occasions. It has been researched extensively, although first and foremost from a HCI (human-computer interactions) and healthcare/public health perspective. In particular, studies approaching the phenomenon from a human geography and urban planning perspective have been very limited. This study therefore takes an inductive and exploratory approach and explores the ways in which Pokémon GO influences how players use and experience the city and how urban planners can use Pokémon GO in their work. To do this, nine interviews were conducted, six with currently active players and three with completely new players. A number of different themes emerged from the interviews and was subsequently used to structure the results. Physical activity, social interactions and benefits and exploration and discovery were the most prominent themes and also the most frequently mentioned reasons why players enjoy the game. Finally the findings are discussed in relation to planning with a focus on participatory planning practices but also in more general terms regarding urban and spatial planning.
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Savecs, Vladimirs, and Benavente Manuela Larsson. "Antropometriska mått och prestation på GIH:s hälsotester : en kvantitativ studie på individer mellan 30-49 år." Thesis, Gymnastik- och idrottshögskolan, GIH, Institutionen för idrotts- och hälsovetenskap, 2016. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:gih:diva-4465.
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Syfte och frågeställningar Syftet med den här studien har varit att undersöka och jämföra kvinnor och män i åldersgrupperna 30-39 år respektive 40-49 år avseende antropometriska mått samt prestation på GIH:s hälsotester. En vidare målsättning var att undersöka om det förekom några skillnader mellan två separata testtillfällen. Frågeställningarna har varit om resultaten på hälsotesterna skiljer sig mellan könen, åldersgrupperna samt mellan två separata testtillfällen. Metod Totalt fullföljde 41 deltagare GIH:s hälsotester, av dem var 20 kvinnor och 21 män mellan 30-49 år. Det enda som krävdes för att delta var att man uppfattade sig själv som frisk. Personer som tidigare haft stroke, hjärtinfarkt eller opererats på grund av hjärtproblem har inte inkluderats, ej heller gravida och personer med ledbesvär. Testerna utfördes på LTIV (Laboratoriet för tillämpad idrottsvetenskap) mellan februari och mars 2016. Resultat Signifikanta skillnader mellan de två separata testtillfällena noterades för några av styrketesterna framför allt hos männen: axelpressar, handgrip och stolresningar. Mellan könen sågs signifikanta skillnader i de antropometriska måtten, samt i flera konditions- och styrketester. Bland dessa kunde signifikant högre värden ses för kvinnorna än för männen i ryggstyrketestet. Signifikanta skillnader mellan åldersgrupperna 30-39 år och 40-49 år sågs näst intill endast för kvinnor. De yngre jämfört med de äldre kvinnorna presterade bättre i flera av testerna, de vägde mindre och hade mindre kroppsmått. Slutsats Det framkom vanligtvis inte några signifikanta skillnader mellan det första och andra testtillfället, med enstaka undantag. När så är fallet behövs bara ett test utföras initialt inför en period med exempelvis fysisk aktivitet som senare kanske ska följas upp med ett återtest. Skillnader mellan könen och olika åldersgrupper framkom i vissa tester men inte i alla. Resultaten i denna studie beror bland annat på urvalet av individer. Eftersom att syftet med den här studien har varit att endast utföra de tester som ingår i GIH:s hälsotester har inga tester lagts till eller exkluderats. I arbetet diskuteras bland annat hur optimala testerna är som ett mått på hälsa. För att effektivisera hälsotestundersökningar framöver behöver nödvändigtvis inte alla tester utföras.
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Clarke, Kerry. "Physical activity referral schemes : adherence and physical activity behaviour change." Thesis, University of Northampton, 2013. http://nectar.northampton.ac.uk/7483/.
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It is well known that engaging in physical activity (PA) reduces the risk of developing non-communicable diseases and improves general health. However, at the time of this research, less than half of the UK population met the recommended levels of PA (DH, 2010). Physical activity referral schemes (PARS) are one of the interventions available in primary care (NICE, 2006a) for disease prevention and health improvement, despite a high dropout rate (Gidlow, 2005) and unknown long-term effectiveness (Pavey et al., 2011). The main aim of the four studies presented in this thesis was to explore the adherence and behaviour change towards PARS in Northamptonshire. The first study measured the long-term change in PA levels after participation in Activity on Referral (AOR). The key outcome was a significant increase in self-reported long-term PA levels (mean difference 1000 MET minutes/week) for 105 adhering participants from a total of 2228 participants. One in every 21 referred individuals self-reported an increase in PA at 12 months. To explore the high levels of non-adherence, an interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA; Smith, 1996) was conducted with seven non-adhering AOR participants. The findings showed that being listened to at the point of referral, a range of positive experiences during the induction, alternative opportunities to increase activity, and potential to re-engage in PARS were some of the factors that enhanced adherence. Even though currently the key behaviour change measure for a PA intervention is an increase in PA, there is no gold standard self-reporting PA measure. Therefore, the third study was a comparison that tested the applicability of the new General Practice Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPPAQ) and the internationally validated International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). The GPPAQ is recommended to be used as a screening tool by health professionals for the latest PARS called Let‟s Get Moving (LGM). There was a significantly weak association between IPAQ and GPPAQ. Hence, the GPPAQ is only recommended to be used as a PA screening tool and not for evaluating PA levels for PARS research studies. The final study was based on the new LGM physical activity care pathway which included a brief intervention using Motivational Interviewing (MI), a communication style that elicits the individuals‟ ambivalence regarding PA. Eight out of 21 participants self-reported a PA increase at 6 months and the MI used during the PARS was coded at beginner level. The two PARS included in this thesis were compared for adherence; LGM adherence was 65% compared to 23% AOR adherence at 3 months. In conclusion, this research has demonstrated that PA levels do increase for PARS participants in the long term, but the dropout rate can be concerning. By using a mixed-methods approach, the lived experience of participants enhances the understanding of reasons behind non-adherence. The comparative study involving LGM and AOR samples showed that interventions with elements of MI might be a better investment of commissioned resources.
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Spurkland, Kristin. "Framing Physical Activity| Weight Control Frames and Physical Activity Motivation." Thesis, Portland State University, 2018. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=10824567.
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Public health institutions and popular media frequently frame weight loss and weight control as primary benefits of physical activity. This exploratory, descriptive study examined how respondents rated statements exemplifying three physical activity frames: a weight control frame, a medical frame, and an active embodiment frame. An anonymous, online survey was conducted in March 2018; respondents rated frame statements in terms of inspiring motivation to engage in physical activity, and in terms of perceived credibility. They also provided anthropometric data and physical activity data. Data were analyzed for the entire sample as well as stratified by multiple variables, including body mass index, waist circumference, age, and physical activity levels.
Overall, the weight control frame was rated the lowest in terms of motivation, and rated moderately in terms of credibility. The active embodiment frame was highly rated in terms of motivation, but did not rate highly in terms of credibility. The medical frame was rated most credible overall, while achieving moderate motivation ratings. A “credibility/motivation gap” was identified when frames were rated highly on one scale (credibility or motivation), but not the other. These findings have implications for how physical activity is framed in public health messaging, and suggest that, as no single frame dominated both the motivation and credibility ratings, a multi-frame approach may have greater success in motivating people to engage physical activity than does the current, weight-control dominant approach.
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Greene, Amanda E. "Youth Physical Activity." Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University, 2012. https://dc.etsu.edu/etsu-works/4958.
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Phillips, Daniel J. "Physical activity in the mental health context| Addressing physical activity with clients." Thesis, Northern Arizona University, 2017. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=10189737.
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Research over many decades has considered how physical activity affects mental health and how physical activity is perceived and utilized by mental health professionals in the treatment of clients. Findings suggest that physical activity is useful for decreasing symptoms of some disorders, improving mood, and improving cognitive functioning. Further, mental health professionals generally endorse the topic of physical activity as relevant and useful in the mental health context. However, mental health professionals do not generally address client physical activity. Among other concerns, mental health professionals believe that addressing physical activity with clients could have a negative impact on the client?s perception of the counseling process. This study investigated whether addressing client physical activity with college students participating in an intake counseling session influenced client ratings of the session or client ratings of the counseling relationship. There were no significant differences found in client ratings of the counseling session or counseling relationship when physical activity was addressed. The results of this study can be used in making decisions about addressing the topic of physical activity in the mental health context.
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Culver, Katherine. "Relationship Between Parental Role-Modeling of Physical Activity and Child's Physical Activity." VCU Scholars Compass, 2009. http://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/etd/1727.
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Trends in childhood obesity have lead to a generation that has a shortened lifespan, where excessive weight may decrease life expectancy by as much as five years. Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for childhood obesity as well as cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and cancer. Addressing inactivity in children could help keep the obesity epidemic from continuing to grow as well as help address other health concerns. The specific aims of this study are 1) To examine the effect of parental role-modeling of exercise on children’s activity level by specifically looking at the role of the mother and the father, 2) To determine what variables affect the relationship between parental role-modeling of physical activity and child’s physical activity, and 3) To assess what other variables are associated with children’s physical activity. This cross-sectional study uses data from the National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH) 2003. The results of this survey are weighted to represent the population of non-institutionalized children ages 0-17 nationally and in each state. This study focused on Virginia as approximately 13.8% of children ages 0-17 in Virginia are overweight and only 23.7% exercise vigorously everyday (26% nationally). The study sample was n=949 children. The sample was predominantly White (76.2%) with approximately equal numbers of males and females. The exposure of interest was parent’s regular exercise (yes/no) and the outcome of interest was child’s regular exercise (0-3 days a week/ 4+ days a week). Potential confounding variables included age, gender, race, BMI, the mother’s and father’s health, and smoking. The crude results of the study show that children with mothers who did not exercise regularly were more likely to exercise than children with mothers who did exercise regularly (OR= 1.19, 95% CI [0.83, 1.72]). Children with fathers who did not exercise regularly were less likely to exercise than children with fathers that did exercise regularly (OR=0.86, 95% CI [0.57, 1.28]). However, after adjustment, children with mothers who did not exercise regularly were less likely to exercise than children with mothers who did exercise regularly (OR=0.99, 95%CI [0.71, 1.32]). The same was true for fathers (OR=0.77, 95%CI [0.49, 1.22]). The results of this study could have possible policy implications. Interventions and programs that are implemented in schools and in communities need to have a family component as this study, as well as others, have shown that parents can influence their child’s exercise behaviors purely by being active themselves. Encouraging and facilitating exercise by parents could be a cost-effective way of implementing obesity prevention efforts with children as well as helping to improve the health of the adult population. Further research needs to be undertaken where all current known risk factors for childhood obesity are included so that the relative importance of these factors can be investigated.
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Raste, Yogini. "Physical activity in COPD." Thesis, Imperial College London, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/10044/1/55133.
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Reduced physical activity is an important feature of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). This thesis explores the importance of technical, environmental and patient factors in physical activity in COPD. Activity monitors are integral in accurately measuring physical activity in COPD but, to date, commercially available monitors had not been validated in this patient group. The first study (Chapter 3) was a multicentre validation study of 6 physical activity monitors in a laboratory setting in 40 COPD patients, against a gold standard of indirect calorimetry from a portable metabolic kit. Three triaxial accelerometers were found to be the most accurate activity monitors Chapter 4 describes a validation study of 4 activity monitors in a domestic setting in 20 UK-based patients. The gold standard of indirect calorimetry from the doubly labelled water method was used. Chapter 5 describes a multicentre longitudinal study of 236 COPD patients. Physical activity was measured at 3 different time points over 12 months with 2 triaxial monitors to assess the effect of time, geographic location and climatic conditions on physical activity. There was a significant effect of time with a decline in physical activity over time. There was also a significant effect of temperature and day length with lower levels of activity associated with lower temperatures and shorter day length. This has implications for future studies in COPD using physical activity as an outcome measure. A decline in physical activity over time across several European centres supports the importance of physical activity in the course of COPD and early intervention to attenuate its decline. The breathing response to the initiation of exercise in COPD and its association with daily physical activity levels was investigated (Chapter 6). A rapid shallow pattern of breathing on exertion is commonly found in COPD, which worsens with disease severity. However, the hypothesis that this breathing pattern would be associated with lower levels of daily physical activity was not proven.
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Dotterweich, Andy R., Amy E. Greene, Jason T. Davis, Gary Lhotsky, and Joseph T. Walker. "Comparison of 4th Graders' Physical Activity Intensities in Various School Physical Activity Settings." Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University, 2016. https://dc.etsu.edu/etsu-works/3793.
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Objective: Our objective was to measure fourth grade elementary students' levels of physical activity (PA) during school hours in multiple settings/activities. Methods: Fourth grade students' PA levels were measured in physical education (PE) classes, playground free play, and playground-based cross-curricular instruction using accelerometers, pedometers, and SOFIT observation methods. Results: PE provided the highest levels of moderate-to-vigorous PA (accelerometers [F(2, 32) = 7.84, p < .01], pedometers [F(2, 198) = 49.6, p < .01], and the SOFIT observational method [F(2, 121) = 22.37, p < .01]). Conclusions: Whereas PE yielded the highest levels of PA, it fell short of the recommended daily guidelines. Free play and cross-curricular activity may supplement PE to reach the overall daily PA guideline levels.
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McFadden, Taylor. "Mental Health, Physical Activity Participation and Physical Activity Recommendation Habits of Medical Students." Thesis, Université d'Ottawa / University of Ottawa, 2021. http://hdl.handle.net/10393/41854.
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The purpose of this doctoral dissertation was to investigate the relationships between mental health and physical activity participation of medical students, as well as their confidence, motivation and frequency in recommending physical activity in future medical practice. Moreover, this thesis involved the implementation and evaluation of a peer support walking intervention aimed at improving the mental health and physical activity participation of medical students. Two separate studies were conducted, including a cross-sectional correlational survey administered to medical students in all four years at three Canadian Universities (Study One; Articles One, Two and Three) and a single-subject study testing the impact of a two-month peer support walking intervention delivered to first and second year medical students at two Canadian universities (Study Two; Articles Four and Five). Article One examined relationships between physical activity, including mild and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and mental health profiles in a sample of Canadian medical students using latent profile analysis. Three distinct mental health profiles emerged (low, moderate and high ratings of mental health) and individuals in the high mental health profile reported engaging in more mild physical activity than MVPA. Article Two investigated the underlying mechanism(s) contributing to frequency in recommending physical activity, to provide insight into how we can increase physical activity recommendations in future practice as physicians. Findings showed positive relationships between medical students’ physical activity levels and their frequency recommending physical activity to patients. Results also revealed that medical students are significantly more motivated than they are confident to recommend physical activity to patients and only 52% of student participants were aware of and accurately able to recall the Canadian physical activity guidelines. Article Three examined demographic differences in medical students’ motivation and confidence to recommend physical activity to future patients. Results revealed differences according to gender, year of study and academic background. For instance, second year students were more motivated to assess a patients’ level of physical activity compared to third and fourth year students. Article Four evaluated the impact of a two-month peer support walking intervention aimed at improving the mental health and physical activity participation of first and second year medical students using the RE-AIM framework. Findings showed that the peer support walking intervention was delivered as intended and may be an important proactive strategy for maintaining mental health and physical activity levels of medical students during stressful situations, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Finally, Article Five offered evidence-based strategies for conducting mental health research in medical professionals to optimize recruitment, engagement and retention. Ten strategies were provided to help inform the planning of future research aiming to support the mental health of medical professionals, including students. Taken altogether, findings from this dissertation show that peer support and incorporating mild physical activity may be an effective strategy to offer within medical student wellness programs. Additionally, results highlight the need to expand the medical curriculum to include physical activity education in order to prepare students to recommend physical activity to patients in future medical practice as an important preventive and therapeutic strategy for several chronic illnesses.
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Ortiz-Castillo, Esther María. "Physical Activity Patterns and Factors Influencing Physical Activity Participation among Adolescents with Physical Disabilities in Urban Communities." The Ohio State University, 2011. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1313424343.
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Fein, Allan Jay. "Physical environments and the physical activity of youth." Thesis, National Library of Canada = Bibliothèque nationale du Canada, 2000. http://www.collectionscanada.ca/obj/s4/f2/dsk1/tape3/PQDD_0002/MQ59802.pdf.
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Tjepkema, Travis T. "Relationship between physical activity and physical fitness attributes." Virtual Press, 1994. http://liblink.bsu.edu/uhtbin/catkey/902485.
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The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between self-report physical activity as quantified by the Ball State University Adult Physical Fitness Program (BSU-APFP) Physical Activity Code (PAC) and measured physical fitness attributes of participants tested through the Ball State University Adult Physical Fitness Program. For the analysis, subjects were separated into three physical activity groups based on their self-reported PAC. The activity groups were sedentary, moderately active, and active. Comparisons were made among the groups for the following measured physical fitness attributes: age, resting blood pressure and heart rate, body weight, body mass index (BMI), percent body fat, total serum cholesterol, serum triglycerides, and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max). The subject pool for this study consisted of 2152 participants tested through the BSU-APFP between 1972-1992. A subset analysis was performed comparing serum lipids among the physical activity groups using 1432 participants from the original subject pool. Gender-specific univariate ANOVA's were used to assess differences among the physical activity groups for the physical fitness attributes. Significant differences (p<0.05) were observed between the sedentary and active men for all the physical fitness attributes. Significant differences (p<0.05) were observed between the moderately active and active men for all the physical fitness attributes except age and systolic blood pressure. In addition, significant differences (p<0.05) were observed between the sedentary and moderately active men for body weight, BMI, percent body fat, serum triglycerides and V02max. Significant differences (p<0.05) were observed between the sedentary and active women for all the physical fitness attributes except for age and total cholesterol. Significant differences (p<0.05) were observed between the moderately active and active women for all the physical fitness attributes except age, systolic/diastolic blood pressure and the serum lipids. In addition, significant differences (p<0.05) were observed between the sedentary and moderately active women for BMI, percent body fat, the serum lipids and V02max. The observed differences among the PAC groups were in the expected direction meaning that active men and women had more favorable physical fitness profiles as compared to their less active counterparts.School of Physical Education
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Tietjen, Holli Marie. "The physical and emotional benefits of companion animals." Texas A&M University, 2005. http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/4403.
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Elderly people are at high risk for conditions associated with inactivity, and lack
of motivation is an important factor contributing to this inactivity. It is believed that a dog
can provide the necessary motivation to get a senior citizen up and moving because it
needs attention as well as someone to feed it and take it for walks. The objective of this
five-week prospective cohort study was to determine if registered therapy dogs made
available for informal visits to a cohort of retirement community elderly would motivate
the subjects to increase their activity levels by comparing the number of steps taken in the
presence of the exposure (opportunity to visit with dog) versus steps taken when
unexposed (no opportunity to visit with dog). A secondary objective was to measure
possible improvements in mental and physical health scores over the course of the study.
The steps were measured each week with a pedometer and the happiness and depression
scores were obtained through a questionnaire given at the beginning and at the end of the
study. Twenty subjects agreed to participate, and there was an increasing trend in the
number of steps over calendar weeks, but not an increase with exposure level (number of
dog-visits). Happiness (p = .53) and depression (p = .083) scores did not significantly
change during the study. Increased step counts each week may have been associated with other motivating factors such as competition among residents and individual desire to
achieve higher counts each week.
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Figaji, Tamara Ann. "Impact of a lifestyle physical activity intervention on school going children's physical activity participation." Thesis, University of the Western Cape, 2009. http://etd.uwc.ac.za/index.php?module=etd&action=viewtitle&id=gen8Srv25Nme4_6968_1297753030.
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Associated with physical inactivity and obesity are numerous other health risks which have become a major health concern. A steady decrease in the levels of physical activity during childhood and adolescents have been noted in various parts of the world. The picture of low physical activity levels in developed countries is no different in developing countries. Children spend the majority of their day at school therefore a school setting is ideal to conduct physical activity intervention studies The primary aim of this study was to measure the effect of an intervention programme on the physical activity participation levels among school going children and adolescents. The study was carried out at an urban independent Catholic school. The sample, which was conveniently selected, which included 100 learners from grade 5 to 7 with parental consent. A quantitative approach using a quasi-experimental design was used in this study. Baseline data included levels of physical activity participation, Body Mass Index (BMI), hip-waist ratio, and socio-demographic variables. Physical activity was assessed with the Modifiable Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents. The Promoting Lifestyle activity for Youth (PLAY) programme was implemented at the school. This process-oriented programme shifts the focus from fitness toward regular participation in daily physical activity, and it is not intended to replace a comprehensive physical education programme.
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Gunnell, Katie Elizabeth. "Psychological need satisfaction in physical activity : Implications for well-being and physical activity behaviour." Thesis, University of British Columbia, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/2429/45108.
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Within Self-Determination Theory (Deci & Ryan, 2002) the satisfaction of competence, autonomy, and relatedness needs are thought to directly predict psychological well-being and behavioural outcomes (Deci & Ryan, 2000). The purpose of this program of research was to examine the role of psychological need satisfaction in association with psychological well-being and physical activity in participants drawn from the general population. Study 1 examined aspects of score validity and reliability for an instrument modified to assess psychological need satisfaction in physical activity contexts. Results of this investigation supported the merit of the modified instrument for use in the general population. Study 2 supported a sequence based on 3 mini-theories within SDT wherein changes in relative intrinsic goals → changes in motivation → psychological need satisfaction → changes in well-being and physical activity behaviour over 6 months. Examination of the indirect effects highlighted the role of psychological need satisfaction as potential mediators within this sequence of SDT. Next, a randomized controlled trial was conducted to examine the effect of a best possible physical activity self writing intervention on outcomes such as psychological need satisfaction, exercise self-schema, well-being, and physical activity behaviour. Study 3 was conducted using baseline data from the intervention to examine the indirect effect of psychological need satisfaction in the relationship between exercise self-schema and well-being/physical activity. Results from study 3 suggested that satisfaction of all 3 psychological needs mediated the link between descriptive exercise self-schema and well-being and that competence produced an indirect effect between descriptive exercise self-schema and physical activity. Results from the intervention investigation (study 4) revealed that a once a week writing intervention over 4 weeks increased participants’ positive affect at post-test relative to the control group; however, the intervention was largely unsuccessful at increasing psychological need satisfaction, exercise self-schema, well-being and physical activity across post-test and 1-month follow-up. Taken together, the results from the four studies in this program of research highlight the salience of psychological need satisfaction in physical activity contexts and their potential mediational role between antecedents such as goals, motivation, and self-schema and consequences such as well-being and physical activity.
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Nordström, Anna. "Bone mass and physical activity." Doctoral thesis, Umeå universitet, Medicin, 2004. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-224.
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Abstract Weak and osteoporotic bones in old age are an increasing cause of mortality and painful physical impairment of the elderly, especially in the western world. Bone mineral accrual during childhood and adolescence is thought to play a vital role in preventing osteoporosis. Identifying and optimizing the factors influencing peak bone mass is thus important for the prevention of osteoporosis and related fractures. A main aim of this thesis was to investigate the potential effects of various types of weight-bearing physical activity on bone accretion in young males just out of puberty. The results from our subgroups of athletes consisting of badminton, ice hockey, and soccer players suggest that weight-bearing physical activity gives rise to regional specific bone response that is determined by the degree of impact of the activity in areas subject to mechanical loading (papers I–IV). In summary, the bone is sensitive to loading after puberty in males, and important bone mass gains can be achieved by proper amount and type of exercise. Another aim of this thesis was to studythe effect of detraining on weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing bone in a cohort of adolescent males who participated in ice hockey and soccer training. Our results indicate that exercise-induced bone mineral density benefits decline, predominantly in weight-bearing bones, after retirement from an active sports career (papers II–IV). High bone density stemming from physical loading might be at least partly preserved even by reduced physical activity at nonweight-bearing sites after about three years of reduced activity (III, IV). A final aim was to follow prospectively the development of BMD during years of reduced activity in former male athletes, and evaluate whether exercise during adolescence could be associated with fewer fractures in old age. We found fewer fragility fractures in a cohort of 400 former athletes compared to in 800 age-matched controls. Thus, high bone density stemming from previous weight-bearing physical activity may reduce the risk of sustaining fragility fractures in the elderly. Key words: physical activity, peak bone mineral density, males.
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Ratzlaff, Charles R. "Lifetime physical activity and osteoarthritis." Thesis, University of British Columbia, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/2429/36735.
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Introduction: The overall goal of this thesis is to improve understanding of physical activity (PA), one of the most important, modifiable but controversial risk factors in osteoarthritis (OA). OA is the major public health problem in musculoskeletal medicine and leading cause of physical disability in older adults. The ultimate purpose is to provide evidence to inform OA prevention strategies, something not currently available.
Objectives: 1) To construct and describe lifetime trajectories of hip and knee joint force from physical activity in a large Canadian sample; 2) To validate self-report measures of medically-diagnosed OA and novel measures of joint vulnerability against clinical criteria; 3) To evaluate the relationship of lifetime joint force and hip and knee OA.
Methods: PA data were collected online from 4,269 subjects via a validated PA survey in a national population-based cohort from 2005 to 2007 and subjects ranked and lifetime trajectories plotted in terms of the ‘cumulative peak force index’, a novel joint force measure. Validation studies were conducted in a sub-sample. Population-based multivariable studies examining the relationship between joint force and incident hip and prevalent knee OA were conducted.
Results: 1) Overall women had slightly higher lifetime PA-related force then men. Six percent of subjects developed hip OA and seven percent knee OA during follow up. There was no risk from sport/recreational activity. Very high levels of total lifetime force (hip and knee), occupational force in men (knee) and household-related force in women (knee) were associated with an approximate 2-fold increase in risk of OA, as was previous joint injury (5-fold increase hip, 3-fold knee). At the knee, lower limb malalignment but not joint hypermobility, was associated with knee OA. Higher coordination was protective.
Conclusions: Taken collectively, the results show that lifelong physical activity-related joint force is generally safe for the hip and knee, and the promotion of exercise as a major public health initiative should continue without concern for increased rates of OA. Very high levels of occupational force in men and household force in women were risk factors for knee OA. Joint injury, lower limb malalignment and lower coordination were associated with OA.
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Eurenius, Eva. "Physical activity in rheumatoid arthritis /." Stockholm, 2006. http://diss.kib.ki.se/2006/91-7140-697-2/.
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Nordström, Anna. "Bone mass and physical activity /." Umeå : Univ, 2004. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-224.
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Papakonstantinou, Lida. "Physical activity, exercise and ageing." Thesis, University of Newcastle Upon Tyne, 2011. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.556012.
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Ageing refers to a multidimensional process of physical, psychological, and social change of an organism over time. As life expectancy increases the prevalence of ageing related diseases raises. Thus, it becomes essential to distinguish the contributions to health and disease of ageing per se and lifestyle. It is well established that increased physical activity can protect against metabolic diseases and reduce mortality. However, methods of inducing a durable increase in daily physical activity are not well established and there are particular difficulties in bringing about long term changes in behaviour. The interaction of physical activity with ageing is complex. It remains to be shown how much physical activity can modify age related sarcopenia. The work described in this thesis aimed to answer basic questions about motivation to exercise, effects of exercise and the interaction of physical activity and maintenance of muscle mass. The first study was conducted in order to determine the effect of physical activity and ageing upon body composition and mediators of glucose control. Liver lipid, skeletal muscle mitochondrial function, body composition, and metabolism were studied in different ages and physical activity levels. The main research questions were: 1. Does maintaining a physically active vs. sedentary lifestyle produce a different ageing phenotype? 2. Can these differences be characterised using non-invasive biomarkers? This cross sectional study raised awareness on the body composition changes with age which are affected by physical activity level. Additionally, metabolic consequences of ageing were examined and distinguished from those of deconditioning. Magnetic resonance analysis showed a decrease in mitochondrial function with ageing and an increase in liver fat, which was accompanied by insulin resistance. The second study evaluated whether goal orientated exercise advice held benefits for adherence, physical fitness and metabolic flexibility over non-Goal orientated advice in sedentary people. The data demonstrated the critically important factor of sustainability in an exercise program. Maintenance of the exercise regime was enhanced by a goal orientated exercise programme. Exercise alone did not produce a reduction in mean body mass even though compliance was good and physical fitness improved. This holds implications for patients and clinicians. Goal Orientated exercise focussed on mass participation exercise also produced greater metabolic adaptations than standard exercise advice alone. A sub analysis of the data aimed to assess whether increased physical activity had a beneficial effect on all people irrespectively of their ability to lose weight during an exercise intervention. Participants were divided into two groups according to their ability to lose body fat with exercise (Responders group and non-Responders group). The data showed that increased physical activity regardless of weight or fat loss can increase aerobic fitness at all ages with potential beneficial effect on quality of life, disease risk and reduction in mortality. Overall, this thesis describes new information on bringing about change in physical activity and the relationships between age, physical activity and sarcopenia.
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Andersen, Kasper. "Physical Activity and Cardiovascular Disease." Doctoral thesis, Uppsala universitet, Institutionen för medicinska vetenskaper, 2014. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:uu:diva-217309.
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The aim was to investigate associations of fitness and types and levels of physical activity with subsequent risk of cardiovascular disease. Four large-scale longitudinal cohort studies were used. The exposures were different measures related to physical activity and the outcomes were obtained through linkage to the Swedish In-Patient Register. In a cohort of 466 elderly men without pre-existing cardiovascular disease, we found that skeletal muscle morphology was associated with risk of cardiovascular events. A high amount of type I (slow-twitch, oxidative) skeletal muscle fibres was associated with lower risk of cardiovascular events and high amount of type IIx was associated with higher risk of cardiovascular events. This association was only seen among physically active men. Among 39,805 participants in a fundraising event, higher levels of both total and leisure time physical activity were associated with lower risk of heart failure. The associations were strongest for leisure time physical activity. In a cohort of 53,755 participants in the 90 km skiing event Vasaloppet, a higher number of completed races was associated with higher risk of atrial fibrillation and a higher risk of bradyarrhythmias. Further, better relative performance was associated with a higher risk of bradyarrhythmias. Among 1,26 million Swedish 18-year-old men, exercise capacity and muscle strength were independently associated with lower risk of vascular disease. The associations were seen across a range of major vascular disease events (ischemic heart disease, heart failure, stroke and cardiovascular death). Further, high exercise capacity was associated with higher risk of atrial fibrillation and a U-shaped association with bradyarrhythmias was found. Higher muscle strength was associated with lower risk of bradyarrhythmias and lower risk of ventricular arrhythmias. These findings suggest a higher rate of atrial fibrillation with higher levels of physical activity. The higher risk of atrial fibrillation does not appear to lead to a higher risk of stroke. In contrast, we found a strong inverse association of higher exercise capacity and muscle strength with vascular disease. Further, high exercise capacity and muscle strength are related to lower risk of cardiovascular death, including arrhythmia deaths. From a population perspective, the total impact of physical activity on cardiovascular disease is positive.
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Cale, Lorraine. "Monitoring physical activity in children." Thesis, Loughborough University, 1993. https://dspace.lboro.ac.uk/2134/7062.
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Two main research problems were addressed within this thesis. Firstly, the construction of a selfreport measure of physical activity (questionnaire) designed specifically for use with children and secondly, the use of the measure to provide information on the activity levels of a sample of British children. Every effort was made in designing the self-report, to address as many of the problems associated with the current measures as possible, and thereby to design an instrument which may improve upon existing measures. The process involved a detailed review of the literature, implementation of a number of recommendations from the literature, and a series of preliminary and pilot studies to determine the content and feasibility of the questionnaire forms and the feasibility of the administration procedures. Following the preliminary studies, the scoring procedure for the selfreport measure was developed and the final format of the questionnaire established. The final version was an interviewer administered questionnaire comprising two forms, a school day and a weekend form. Once designed, the measure was evaluated. The evaluation of the questionnaire involved studies of the validity and reliability of the measure as well as the reliability of interviewers trained to administer the questionnaire. The results of these studies proved favourable throughout and it was declared that the measure was a valid and reliable measure of physical activity. The use of the self-report measure to gather the activity information on a sample of British children in part two of the research was thus well justified. Part two of the research involved the administration of the self-report measure to gather activity information on a final sample of 199 pupils. The questionnaire was administered according to the method and protocols established in part one of the study. The findings of the study revealed the majority of the pupils to be inactive. Low activity levels were reflected in the pupils' activity scores and in the amount of time they spent in hard/very hard activity in particular. It was declared that the health of many pupils in this study may be at risk and if these findings reflect the activity levels of British children generally, then we may expect there to be serious consequences for the future health of our young population.
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Hardman, Charlotte Alice. "Increasing physical activity in children." Thesis, Bangor University, 2005. https://research.bangor.ac.uk/portal/en/theses/increasing-physical-activity-in-children(d90cb6fb-304e-4b39-98a1-fe44f851f539).html.
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TERGERSON, JENNIFER L. "ADOLESCENT PERCEPTIONS OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY." University of Cincinnati / OhioLINK, 2001. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1005313123.
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