bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
O.1.2-3 Engaging middle aged and older adults to participate in physical activity interventions: a qualitative study into persuasive communication messages
Authors: Boekhout Janet , Hut Rieteke , Peels Denise
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Among middle aged and older adults (>50 years) (MAOA) insufficient PA is highly prevalent. Although many PA interventions for MAOA are effective in research settings, the actual impact on public health is often limited, due to low participation when implemented in real-life settings. The issue of low participation in PA interventions is well-documented, but most research so far seems to focus on demographic characteristics as potential explanations, rather than explanations that may lie within the actual communication about the intervention. Therefore, more insight in how persuasive communication can be applied when implementing PA interventions is relevant. This study examines the opinions of MAOA on how communication about PA interventions should be shaped.

Methods

We conducted 31 semi-structured interviews with MAOA. Recruitment was done by way of convenience sample, within the personal and professional network of the researchers. Thematic analysis was applied by using a-priori defined themes based on the persuasive communication theory of McGuire, i.e. the message, channel, source, receiver and target-behavior.

Results

Preliminary findings demonstrated that the message content, channel, and source should be aligned with certain demographics of the receiver. For example, the message should focus on social and mental benefits on PA, rather than referring to age-associated limitations or health benefits. In contrast to middle aged adults, the older adults seemed to dislike social media as channel. General practitioners were the preferred source to inform about interventions. Regarding the target behavior, words like “sports” should be avoided in favor of words like ‘being active’. Final results will be available within 3 months.

Conclusions

By identifying the features that MAOA prefer regarding the message, channel, source, receiver and target behavior of communication about PA intervention, relevant insights about how MAOA can be reached for interventions will be gained. This can contribute to moving beyond merely developing PA interventions that are proven effective in research settings, to implementing such interventions in a way that contributes to reaching sufficient numbers of MOAO to participate in PA interventions, thus substantially contributing to public health.

Support/Funding Source

This research was funded by ZonMw Implementation network Sports and PA.
O.1.2-9 Sex-related differences in free-living estimates of physical activity energy expenditure between older men and women
Authors: Karavirta Laura , Rantalainen Timo , Westgate Kate , Aittokoski Timo , Neuvonen Joona , Lipponen Jukka A , Turunen Katri , Nikander Riku , Portegijs Erja , Rantanen Taina , Brage Soren
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Physical activity is often quantified as physical activity energy expenditure (PAEE), which may be affected by individual ability to sustain physical activity intensity. We examined if there is a true difference in physical activity between older women and men when their physical capacity is considered.

Methods

Out of the population-based sample of 1021 (75-85-year-old) adults (62 % women), 410 wore an accelerometer (100 Hz) and a single-channel ECG monitor (250 Hz) for at least 3 days in free-living. A treadmill walk calibration and previously validated equations were used to estimate PAEE from combined acceleration and heart rate sensing using branched equation modelling. Preferred walking speed in a six-minute walking test, fat free mass (FFM) using bioimpedance and isometric maximal leg extension strength scaled to FFM were measured. Independent t-test, Pearson correlation and hierarchical multiple regression were used for statistical analyses.

Results

PAEE was 41.4 (14.2) kJ/kg/day for men, which was significantly higher (p < 0.001) than the PAEE 34.8 (10.9) for women. Walking speed (1.2 (0.2) vs. 1.1 (0.2) m/s), FFM (56.9 (6.5) vs. 42.1 (4.8) kg) and maximal strength (7.4 (1.8) vs. 6.7 (1.8) N/kg) were higher in men than in women (all p < 0.001). PAEE was significantly associated with walking speed (r = 0.44, p < 0.001), FFM (r = 0.26, p < 0.001), and maximal strength (r = 0.26, p < 0.001). In the regression analysis, 22 % of the variation in PAEE was explained by walking speed, FFM and maximal strength combined (F = 37.8, p < 0.001), whereas adding sex did not improve the model (F = 28.9, p < 0.001). The strongest predictor of PAEE was preferred walking speed (standardized beta=0.35, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The results indicate that the observed difference in physical activity volume between sexes was largely explained by physical characteristics, especially the faster preferred walking speed of men compared to women. Free-living physical activity is largely comprised of habitual walking especially in older people which makes walking speed a significant contributor of daily PAEE. Walking speed could be measured more widely in physical activity counselling and health care settings as a potential underlying factor of low physical activity in older people.

Support/Funding Sources

European Research Council, Academy of Finland and Yrjö Jahnsson Foundation.
O.1.2-10 Intergenerational co-production to increase physical activity and social connectivity for health in the GOALD project (Generating Older Active Lives Digitally)
Authors: Whittaker Anna C , Tomaz Simone A , Bradwell Hannah , Ritchie John , Edwards Katie , Cooper Leonie , Hennessy Catherine , Jones Ray , Haynes Richard , Ryde Gemma C , Coffee Pete ,   on behalf of the GOALD Research Team,   the GOALD Advisory Group
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The Generating Older Active Lives Digitally (GOALD) project aimed to explore how to use digital technology to keep older people physically active and socially connected for health and wellbeing. This project took a novel inclusive interdisciplinary approach working with a range of collaborating organisations to review and co-design digital technologies that support social connectedness, through physical activity, and sport reminiscence. This presentation presents the outcomes from Phase 1 where researchers engaged with an advisory group to determine key challenges and potential outcomes of intergenerational engagement with digital technology for health and wellbeing.

Methods

Participants were 28 individuals with experience in working with older people (range: 1-41 years) across different contexts (e.g., nursing care, social work, family care) and with some themselves being older (age range: 32-79 years). Over eight months, advisory group members were invited to ten 1hr meetings facilitated by GOALD researchers to help develop data collection measures, and address recruitment issues for future co-production and design plans. Recordings were transcribed and subjected to thematic content analysis.

Results

Challenges identified at advisory group meetings worked as a proxy for anticipated challenges as the GOALD project unfolded. Examples of key challenges were continuing COVID-19 restrictions in England and Scotland, internet disruptions, care home staffing, and family responsibilities. The shared expertise from the advisory group through their working and lived experiences helped to direct and refine the next steps of the GOALD project, including appropriate survey design, awareness of the contextual realities of research in care homes, and appropriate consideration of people with different abilities.

Conclusions

Lessons learned about how challenges such as the care home context, timing, technical support, and competing priorities influence co-produced research helps to inform researchers on how to approach intergenerational and/or co-productive research methods and design of tools to enhance older adult health and wellbeing through physical activity and sport.

Support/Funding Source

This project has received funding from the UKRI and ESRC Healthy Ageing Social Behavioural and Design Research Programme (SBDRP) grant No ES/V016113/1. https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/research/centre-for-health-technology/goald
O.1.3-1 Senior stakeholder views and experience of
cross-sector engagement and collaboration to improve long-term health and wellbeing in Wales
Authors: Kolovou Vasiliki , Bolton Nicola , Crone Diane
Published: September 2023

Purpose

We aimed to explore the challenges and opportunities to developing and implementing a strategic long-term national physical activity, health and wellbeing strategy. Wales has created innovative legislation through the Wellbeing of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 (WBFGA) and continues to drive progress on long-term strategies for health and wellbeing, with physical activity as a key outcome.

Methods

Senior stakeholders (n = 11) that held leadership roles within the sport, environment, central/ local government, healthcare and public health participated in semi-structured, in-depth interviews (July - September 2022). The interviews were transcribed and analysed through Braun & Clarke’s (2014) thematic analysis using NVivo software.

Results

The major themes related to: influencing within and outside the leaders’ own organisation; advocating long-term health strategies; protecting the allocated resources to long-term health outcomes from short-term pressures; and disruptive changes such as Covid-19 and government election cycles. The participants felt that physical activity is relevant to multiple strategies and departments within government, so resources should be “pooled together” across central government budgets to meet the needs of the populations and deliver on long-term strategies. Spanning sector and organisation boundaries was viewed as essential by all senior leaders and some noted that partnerships should be led with purpose and authenticity. The innovative WBFGA was mentioned as the key facilitator for creating shared accountability and a shared vision for Wales. The relatively small size of Wales was noted as an additional facilitator to forging positive and long-standing relationships with individuals and organisations. The participants recognised a key element of their leadership role which was engaging and collaborating with strong intent and authenticity.

Conclusions

The value and role of spanning boundaries to promote and establish long-term strategies for physical activity, health and wellbeing remains largely uncaptured and not well understood. This study contributed to understanding the perspectives of senior leaders, from diverse sectors, on developing and implementing long-term health strategies. The contemporary shift towards whole systems approaches and long-term partnerships to deliver healthier future generations, will require better understanding of what works for engaging wider stakeholders and maintaining momentum to a shared agenda.
O.1.3-2 Development and implementation of physical activity policies at national and subnational levels: a pilot study in Latin American countries
Authors: Grueso Juliana Mejía , Pratt Michael , Resendiz Eugen , Cruz Gloria Isabel Niño , Gómez Nubia Yaneth Ruiz , Gómez Rafael Alexander Leandro , Sánchez Inés Revuelta , Vargas Gerardo Alonso Araya , Avilés Angélica María Ochoa , Jáuregui Alejandra , Salvo Deborah , Varela Andrea Ramírez
Published: September 2023

Purpose

National physical activity (PA) policy processes are only beginning to be documented, and the interaction between the actors involved in these processes remains understudied. This study was designed to gain further insights into the policy process (agenda setting, policy formulation, adoption, implementation, evaluation) and the interaction between national and subnational levels.

Methods

We conducted a pilot study to assess the feasibility and scalability of an instrument to assess the PA policy process as part of the work of the Global Physical Activity Observatory (GoPA!). The instrument was tested in Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Mexico, where pilot data were collected in matched pairs of the capital plus one non-capital city among national and subnational policy makers (n = 24), as identified by the GoPA! Country Contacts. Descriptive statistics were calculated to assess perceptions on the influences and interactions across the two levels with respect to PA policy development, implementation, and evaluation.

Results

Twenty-two (response rate=85.7%) key informants provided data, mostly from the health sector (54.5%), followed by sports (27.3%), education (9.1%), and transport (9.1%) government institutions. Most participants reported that their countries have a current PA policy embedded within a noncommunicable diseases prevention plan (50.0%), other plan (41.7%), or a plan to prevent, manage, or control obesity (8.3%). Respondents at the subnational level rated PA promotion as central (75.0%), while at the national level the role was important but not central (75.0%). Across the five stages of the policy process, national and subnational policy makers reported low-to-little involvement in the other level’s PA policy processes.

Conclusions

This pilot study demonstrated the feasibility of collecting national and subnational PA policy data across countries with the active collaboration of the GoPA! network Country Contacts. Also, we successfully identified the degree of interaction between government levels throughout the PA policy process. Initial results suggest that engagement between national and subnational levels is suboptimal.

Funding

Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia; University of California San Diego, USA.
O.1.3-8 How reliable, valid and readable are brief physical activity questionnaires? Results of a systematic review
Authors: Tcymbal Antonina , Abu-Omar Karim , Messing Sven , Gelius Peter , Rakovac Ivo
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Accurate and fast measurement of physical activity is important for surveillance. However, it is currently not clear which of the brief physical activity questionnaires (PAQ) is the most reliable, valid and easy to use. The aim of this systematic review was to identify existing brief PAQs, as well as to describe and compare their measurement properties and level of readability.

Methods

We performed a systematic review based on the PRISMA statement. Literature searches were conducted in six scientific databases in March 2022. Articles were included if they evaluated validity and/or reliability of brief (i.e. with a maximum of three questions) physical activity or exercise questionnaires intended for healthy adults. Due to the heterogeneity of studies, data were summarized narratively. The level of readability was calculated according to the Flesch-Kincaid formula.

Results

Overall, 34 articles published in English or Spanish were included, assessing 31 unique brief PAQs. Overall, studies showed moderate to good reliability levels of the PAQs. The majority of results showed weak validity of brief PAQs against objective measurements and weak to moderate validity against other PAQs. Most of the assessed PAQs met the criterion of “short” and can be read by respondents themselves or aloud by an interviewer in less than one minute. However, only 17 questionnaires have a readability level that can be easily understood by the majority of the population.

Conclusions

This review identified numerous different brief PAQs, but most of them were evaluated with only a single study. Ways of assessing measurement properties varied widely between studies, limiting comparability between PAQs and making it difficult to suggest one tool as the most suitable. Questionnaires use different concepts of measuring PA so that the choice of tool will be based not only on measurement properties but also on assessment aims. Future developments or adaptations of PAQs should consider readability levels as an important factor.

Support/Funding Source

no outside funding.
O.2.1-1 Development of a physical activity prescription by practitioners using a modified-Delphi method
Authors: Lion Alexis , Worth Michael J , Urhausen Axel , Theisen Daniel , Delagardelle Charles
Published: September 2023

Purpose

In Luxembourg, only a small minority of patients with chronic diseases regularly participate in therapeutical physical activity (PA) organised by dedicated associations. As recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO), the practitioners should advise their patients to be active. However, Luxembourg practitioners only provide PA counselling to 1 in 4 of their patients. In this context, we aimed to develop a PA prescription (PAP) that would help efficiently promote PA by Luxembourg practitioners.

Methods

We used a modified-Delphi method which is an iterative survey method to obtain experts opinion with the aim of establishing a consensus. In the first phase, 17 independent experts (medical doctors, sport and exercise scientists, physiotherapists) developed an initial PAP model (the front page contained the PAP, and the reverse page the WHO recommendations, examples of good practice, and contact information) and its user guide. They also created a questionnaire evaluating the front page of the PAP using 39 5-point Likert-scale questions (ranging from totally disagree to totally agree), and the reverse page of the PAP and its user guide using one 5-point Likert-scale question each. In the second phase, this questionnaire was sent to a panel of Luxembourg practitioners. The questions that had not reached consensus among the panellists were sent anew, with the results concerning these items, for re-evaluation.

Results

The panel included sixty-six medical doctors. Of the 39 items on the front page of the PAP, six did not reach consensus and had to be re-evaluated in a 2nd round, in which 50 practitioners participated. After this 2nd round, four items still did not reach consensus and were made optional. As of the first round, a consensus was reached concerning the reverse page of the PAP and its user guide.

Conclusion

This modified-Delphi study has enabled the development of a consensual and valuable tool for the promotion of PA by practitioners for practitioners. At present, this tool has yet to be implemented, preferably in the framework of a national PA promotion program that addresses the public health challenges associated with physical inactivity.

Support/Funding Source

No funding.
O.2.1-3 Exercise Referral Schemes in the UK: mapping provision and aims
Authors: Jane Ben , Downey John
Published: September 2023

Purpose

A common physical activity intervention in the UK is that of an Exercise Referral Scheme (ERS) where a health professional is able to signpost a service user towards local physical activity opportunities, often in a local sports centre (Bully et al., 2015). While there have been a number of reviews over recent decades, the provision of ERS’s across the UK is far from standardised (Oliver et al., 2021).

The purpose of this study was to outline the provision of ERS across England and to examine how the schemes are framed and communicated in terms of their content, purpose, and approach.

Methods

A database was established and systematic searching online was conducted to collect the online details of exercise referral schemes from every region in the country. Each programme’s online information was then analysed using a Content Analysis approach as it offers a “systematic, objective, quantitative analysis of message characteristics” (Neuendorf, 2016, p. 1). This method has been commonly used to engage with publicly available data in a range of web-based materials as it can be an excellent way of examining patterns and trends in communication across multiple sources (Kim & Kuljis, 2010).

Results

625 unique sites were identified across 168 distinct geographical footprints. Stated delivery partners included the leisure provider (91%), at sometimes one other partner (24%). 57% were listed as being 12 weeks in duration with 10% longer and 27% not stating the duration. Many of the projects did not have a stated aim (37%) although many (36%) outlined the general benefits of being physically active. 18% identified mental health as a benefit and only 10% mentioned anything about socialising or meeting other people.

Conclusions

This study found that the information publicly available on ERS schemes in England is inconsistent and often lacking in detail. Implications are that schemes should consider and then publish specific aims and objectives, and more broadly consider how they communicate the details of their programmes to stakeholders and potential participants.

Support/Funding Source

No funding was received to undertake this project
O.2.1-5 Knowledge, use and confidence in physical activity guidelines and assessment in recently graduated doctors from Irish medical schools: a cross sectional survey
Authors: Ryan Jennifer , Jivan Dhruv , McDonough Suzanne
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Approximately 54% of the adult population in Ireland do not meet National Physical Activity Guidelines. Doctors play a key role in supporting people to be more active but may lack knowledge, skills and confidence to promote physical activity. The aim of this study was to explore knowledge and confidence in relation to physical activity counselling in recent medical graduates in Ireland.

Methods

Medical doctors who graduated from Irish medical programmes in the past 5 years and currently had patient contact were asked to complete an online survey between April and November 2022. The survey was shared with medical graduates through social media, alumni groups, and relevant professional and social networks. The survey included a minimal number of questions about participant demographics and education, questions relating to participants' knowledge and confidence of physical activity guidelines and counselling, and questions relating to education and training on physical activity. The responses were downloaded to Excel and data such as mean, standard deviation, frequency and percentage, were analyzed to summarize participant responses.

Results

Among the 95 responses, the majority were from graduates of Direct Entry Medicine Programmes who were currently working as Senior House Officers in either Ireland or Australia. Key findings indicated that 76% of participants were unaware of the Irish Physical Activity Guidelines and 60.76% are unaware of the Making Every Contact Count Framework. The majority wanted to receive training on physical activity at undergraduate level (73%) and postgraduate level (61%). With regards to physical activity knowledge for counselling, a majority of responders rated their knowledge between 5,6 and 7 out of 10. Similarly, a majority of responders rated their confidence in prescribing between 4,5, and 6 out of 10 (1 being not confident and 10 being extremely confident). The top three subjects participants wanted training on were: Physical Activity Guidelines, Counselling, and Assessment.

Conclusions

Findings indicate a gap in the teaching and assessment of physical activity in undergraduate medical curricula in Ireland. However, there is demand among recent graduates for training on physical activity. Future studies should be done among a larger sample in order to strengthen confidence in our findings.
O.2.1-8 Who are suitable targets for a social prescribing intervention addressing physical activity? A survey-based study including viewpoints from general practitioners
Authors: Christensen Mette Rod , Skjerning Halfdan Thorsø , Ryom Knud , Jacobsen Julie Sandell , Rasmussen Lene Gissel , Hansen Lasse Greve , Nielsen Rasmus Østergaard
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Social prescribing has been suggested as an inter-sectoral intervention to increase physical activity. In the intervention, healthcare professionals refer patients or citizens to a link worker who is assisting them to locate peer-based activities in their local community. The present study investigated which groups of physically inactive adults the Danish general practitioners reported as relevant target groups for a social prescribing intervention to increase the level of physical activity.

Methods

The study design was a descriptive survey-based study. Danish general practitioners completed an online survey. On 10-point interval scales, they rated the suitability of referring 25 selected target groups of physically inactive adults (18+) with medical conditions or health-threatening behaviour to a social prescribing intervention to increase their level of physical activity. A score of 0 referred to not suitable at all, whereas a score of 10 indicated highly suitable. Using non-parametric statistics, target groups were considered eligible for an intervention if the 25th percentile had a score of 8 or above indicating that 75% of the GPs reported a score of 8 or above.

Results

A total of 52 general practitioners completed the survey. Of these, 75% reported a score of 8 or above to Danes with metabolic syndrome (median=10; 25th percentile=9), overweight (median=10; 25th percentile=9), diabetes (median=10; 25th percentile=8), and low back pain (median=9; 25th percentile=8) indicating these to be target groups of social prescribing to increase the level of physical activity. GPs considered the following groups less suitable for an intervention: persons with eating disorders (median=4; 25th percentile=2), migraine (median=5; 25th percentile=3), and women during postpartum (median=6; 25th percentile=3). Data from open-ended questions added nuances to the ratings and suggested citizens struggling with loneliness to be a new target group for social prescribing.

Conclusions

A majority of the responding Danish GPs identified persons with metabolic syndrome, overweight, diabetes, and low back pain as being target groups suited for a social prescribing intervention to increase the level of physical activity. These results are interesting since several approaches to impede the level of physical inactivity exist, and political and organizational efforts have become subject of the recent attention.
O.2.2-4 Longitudinal associations between residential greenness exposure, physical activity and sedentary behavior levels: a country-wide study in Luxembourg
Authors: Van Beek Juliette Francisca Elain , Perchoux Camille , Malisoux Laurent , Klein Olivier , Bohn Torsten , Beenackers Mariëlle , van Lenthe Frank , Dijst Martin
Published: September 2023

Greenness exposure has been associated with many health benefits, by providing opportunities for physical activity. Longitudinal studies are lacking, and most studies overlook the varying effects of different greenness types on physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB). We investigated 9-year associations of greenness characterized by overall greenness, vegetation type, and mix, with PA and SB using data from the ORISCAV-LUX study and the MET’HOOD project.

The PA and SB outcomes were measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) short form. PA is expressed as MET-minutes/week and log-transformed, and SB is expressed as sitting time in minutes/day. The exposure variables were Tree Cover Density (TCD), Soil-adjusted Vegetation Index (SAVI), and Green Land Use Mix (GLUM). The study population consisted of 628 adults, who completed the questionnaires between January 2007-2009 and January 2016-July 2017. Missing data were imputed. Greenness exposure was collected within 800-meter street network buffers based on participants’ exact residential address. Associations between TCD, SAVI and GLUM and PA and SB were estimated using a Random Effects Within-Between (REWB) model. Interaction by gender and SES were explored. Sensitivity analyses were performed on smaller (500 meter buffer) and larger (1000, 2000 meter buffers) definitions of the residential neighborhood.

We found evidence of between-individual associations of GLUM and PA (β = 0.17, 95% CI: 0.03; 0.91), and within-individual associations of TCD with PA (β = 0.03, 95% CI: 0.002; 0.438) (in 800 meter buffers). There was no evidence for associations between greenness exposure and SB. Sensitivity analysis using varying buffer sizes showed similar associations.

Our study found evidence of associations of GLUM and TCD with PA, and no associations between greenness exposure and SB. Promoting different types of greenness may result in different PA levels and behaviors. Replication studies are needed to inform urban planning interventions.

This study is funded by the EU Horizon2020 Program under grant agreement number 956780 (SURREAL). The ORISCAV-LUX study is funded by the Luxembourg Ministry of Health and Ministry of Higher Education and Research. The MET'HOOD project is funded by the Luxembourg National Research Fund as part of the CORE 2020 programme (C20/BM/14787166).
O.2.2-6 ‘Let’s Ask the Service Users and Staff!’ - Barriers and Facilitators to Increasing Physical Activity in Medium Secure Psychiatric Services in the UK?
Authors: Lui Gloria , Faulkner Guy , Gibbon Simon , Hewitt Catherine , Hughes Elizabeth , Lewis Kiara , Lucock Mike , Singh Bal , Walters Phil , Watson Judith , Walker Tammi
Published: September 2023

Purpose

As part of a four-phase project, ‘Increasing Physical Activity in a Medium Service: The Development and Feasibility of a Physical ACTivity Intervention (IMPACT)’, the barriers and facilitators to increasing physical activity (PA) in medium secure psychiatric services, in the UK, were explored. Previous reviews have called for additional exploration into barriers and facilitators, as evidence has suggested a positive association between PA and the improvement in physical and psychological health for people with serious mental illnesses (SMI) and low activity levels.

Methods

A mixed-method approach was adopted. Questionnaires, co-developed with service users, were completed across two NHS study sites in England, UK (n = 68), collecting qualitative and quantitative data from service users in medium secure services. Two focus groups were also conducted to collect qualitative data (n = 24) from hospital staff and key stakeholders. Framework Analysis and the COM-B Model of Behaviour Change (C for Capability, O for Opportunity, M for Motivation and B for Behaviour) were used to analyse the data. For this paper, the qualitative data from both the questionnaires and the focus groups will be discussed.

Results

Similar themes were identified by the service users, hospital staff and key stakeholders. One main barrier discussed was environmental factors in secure services such as sedentary ward environments and the lack of autonomy in secure services. Main facilitators discussed were increasing the knowledge of benefits to PA and having structural guidance for personal development.

Conclusion

The barriers and facilitators identified will inform the remaining phases of the IMPACT project, including a co-produced PA intervention, based on overcoming the barriers and supporting the facilitators identified. A feasibility study will then test the PA Intervention. This feature of co-producing a PA intervention in medium secure services, based on barriers and facilitators, adds to the limited literature in this area. The aim of the IMPACT project is to inform future a pilot study and policies.

Support/Source

National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) - Research for Patient Benefit Programme (IRAS ID 297420).
O.2.2-8 Delapré Walk Project: are signposted walking routes an effective intervention to increase engagement in urban parks? –Natural experimental study
Authors: Ryan Declan , Hardwicke Jack , Hill Kimberley
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Investigate the effect on visitors' greenspace engagement by retro-fitting wayfinding, to create a looped walking route, within an urban park.

Methods

 1. An online-survey was distributed (23rd March – 3rd May 2021) to determine public perceptions of wayfinding's role for recreational physical activity within the urban park and explore what information should be included on wayfinding.

 2. Automated and manual counts were monitored on footpaths where the new wayfinding was installed at baseline (4th March – 26th August 2021) and follow-up (29th August 2021 – 29th August 2022). A QR code accessed intercept survey was provided on the wayfinding to understand route-user visitation habits.

 3. Intercept go-along interviews were conducted on 8th, 14th, 24th September 2022 to explore visitor’s reasoning for using the park and engagement with the wayfinding intervention.

Results

Phase 1: Themes from 266 survey respondents suggested wayfinding could increase visitors’ confidence to explore, perceptions of safety, motivation to walk further, and reduced anxiety. Directional arrows, total distance of the route, consistent colours and fonts, a map of the route, local information of interest, and emergency contact information were the main components that respondents strongly agreed should be included on wayfinding.

Phase 2: Manual and automated counts showed no consistent change in daily footfall between baseline and follow-up. However, 23% of route users reported they were following the signs at 12-month follow-up. Intercept survey respondents appeared to be infrequent park users, with the new wayfinding making them feel less anxious about exploring unfamiliar areas, motivating them to walk further than originally planned, and helping them ‘take notice’ of the landscape.

Phase 3: Interviewees (n=28) valued the detachment from the urban environment that the park provided, which gave positive experiences to wellbeing, mental health, and social connections. Wayfinding was valued by irregular park users to help them confidently explore the park.

Conclusions

Retro-fitting wayfinding in an urban park helps irregular users engage in the greenspace and wayfinding design needs to integrate with the natural environment to keep contrast with urban environments. The project illustrated the value of qualitative methods within natural experimental studies to capture intervention impacts.

Support/Funding Source

University of Northampton
O.2.2-9 Initial effects of the “This Girl Can” physical activity and sport mass media campaign in Victoria, Australia
Authors: Bauman Adrian , McNeil Nicola , Nicholson Matthew , O'Halloran Paul , Randle Erica , Seale Emma-Louise , Stukas Arthur
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Mass media campaigns are recommended in the “8 best investments for physical activity”. Despite large investment in the English “This Girl Can” (TGC) campaign since 2015, no independent evaluation data are published. This project reports on the TGC campaign licenced for use in Victoria, Australia from 2018 onwards. This project reports on the impact of the first wave of this media campaign on inactive Australian women’s attitudes and perceptions of physical activity.

Methods

Campaign impact was assessed using serial cohort and independent sample population surveys; two surveys were pre-campaign (Oct-2017 and March-2018), and the post-campaign survey following the first wave of TGC-Victoria mass media (May 2018). Primary analyses used the cohort sample of 818 inactive women followed across all three surveys. We measured campaign awareness and recall, and self-report measures of physical activity behaviour, perceptions of being judged and related psychological measures. Changes in perceptions of being judged and in reported physical activity were assessed in relation to campaign awareness over time.

Results

A third of women recalled the TGC-Victoria campaign. Reported physical activity increased by 0.19days/week following the campaign, especially among women aged over 50years. Feeling judged (3-items, Cronbach alpha=0.91) improved following the campaign (p < 0.01), as did a single-item feeling judged question (p = 0.08), with effect sizes=0.15 and 0.08 respectively. Theory of planned behavior and self-efficacy questions were unchanged but increases noted in self-determination (p < 0.01) and reductions in feeling embarrassed (p < 0.05). No differences were seen in the stage-of-change measure. Campaign awareness was not related to changes in physical activity or feeling judged or embarrassed while being active.

Conclusions

The first year of the TGC-Victoria campaign resulted in good community awareness, and initial decreases in women feeling judged whilst being active, but these did not yet translate into substantial physical activity gains. Further waves of the TGC-V campaign have been conducted to further influence the perception of being judged while being active among inactive Victorian women. This longer term evidence is needed to justify the substantial costs of mass media to promote physical activity.
O.2.2-10 Preventing and managing injuries in social sport programs
Authors: Staley Kiera , Donaldson Alex , Randle Erica , Nicholson Matthew , Bruder Andrea , O'Halloran Paul
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Safety is critical to participant recruitment and retention in social sport programs targeting insufficiently active (IA) people as their lack of fitness and limited previous exposure to physical activity likely places them at a higher risk of injury. This study sought to understand the injury prevention/management qualifications, knowledge, confidence and practices of program deliverers (coaches or instructors) across four social sport/active recreation programs targeting insufficiently active women.

Methods

Between 2021 and 2022, we sent an online survey via text message to 83 program deliverers in Victoria, Australia after they had delivered their social sport/active recreation programs to 1674 insufficiently active women. Delivers were asked their: age and gender; years delivering sport/physical activity programs targeting insufficiently active adults; injury prevention/management qualifications; and what injury prevention/management measures they undertook during programs. They also rated their knowledge of injury prevention/management measures (0 = none; 10 = comprehensive); and their confidence incorporating such measures into a program (0 = none; 10 = extremely). We analysed data using descriptive statistics.

Results

Sixty-eight program deliverers (response rate 82%) completed the deliverer survey. Their experience in delivering programs to insufficiently active participants was limited (62% < two years) but nearly all (90%) reported providing some form of injury prevention/management advice to program participants — warm up or cool down, activity recovery, skill or technique, and/or corrective footwear were most common, but the type of advice provided differed across the programs. Forty percent reported no formal injury prevention/management qualifications. Their mean self-rated knowledge of injury prevention/management measures was 5.7 out of 10 and their mean confidence rating for incorporating such measures into programs was 6.0. Nearly half (46%) reported low confidence (≤5 out of 10;).

Conclusions

While most program deliverers lacked formal qualifications, had limited injury prevention/management knowledge and/or low confidence, they provided some form of injury prevention/management advice to participants. Program delivers would benefit from increased injury prevention/management knowledge, capacity and/or capability to assist with the program experience, reduce injury risk for IA participants, and hopefully improve deliverer confidence. Advice given by deliverers with limited knowledge and experience should be monitored.

Support/Funding Source

Victorian Health Promotion Foundation (VicHealth).
O.2.2-11 Adapting national physical activity guidelines based on the global WHO guidelines: experiences and challenges from the case of Switzerland
Authors: Kahlmeier Sonja , Frei Anja , Kriemler Susi , Nigg Claudio , Radtke Thomas , Manike Katja , Endes Simon
Published: September 2023

Physical activity guidelines are recognized as an important element of a national approach to promote physical activity. This publication summarizes the approach and process taken to update the Swiss Guidelines, discusses experiences and identifies challenges. The multistage project involved to: 1) summarize the scientific evidence underpinning the 2020-edition of the WHO guidelines; 2) to systematically analyze the existing Swiss guidelines for different target groups and to develop proposals for updates 3) a participatory process to gain consensus with the main interested groups 4) to finalize the guidelines. Updated guidelines were adopted for infants, pre-school children, children and young people, adults, older adults and pregnant and postpartum women, in most cases adopting the WHO guidelines. Children, young people and adults living with disability and adults and older adults with chronic conditions are specifically addressed in each of the general guidelines, rather than adopting separate guidelines for each of these groups as done by the WHO. The systematic approach in identifying aspects to update, the participatory approach and a strong scientific consortium with different thematic backgrounds were key strengths in the process. Challenges included the large amount of feedback and finding scientifically sound compromises. The updated versions of the Swiss national guidelines for small children, young people, adults and women during and after pregnancy provide an excellent basis to further promote physical activity in Switzerland. A remaining key task is to develop a range of communication tools and materials for different target groups beyond the circle of experts and interested groups, considering available evidence on optimal messaging and best outlet tools and channels.
O.2.3-6 Free-living patterns of physical activity and sedentary behaviour of workers from the manufacturing industry of micro, small and medium enterprises: the Happy-OPA project
Authors: Codina-Nadal Anna , Puig-Ribera Anna , Corominas Antoni , Mckenna James
Published: September 2023

Background

Occupational physical activity (OPA) may not report the same health benefits as leisure time physical activity (LTPA). While LTPA is beneficial for all workers, OPA can be detrimental for health. Most importantly, LTPA might have different health effects for different occupational groups (low versus high OPA jobs). It is also unclear the influence LTPA or leisure time sedentary behaviour (LTSB) might have on the health, wellbeing and productivity of workers with high OPA jobs. This project will (i) study the free-living patterns of (occupational and leisure time) physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour (SB) in workers from the manufacturing industry. Then, we will (ii) investigate associations between free-living patterns of PA and SB with mental health, happiness, absenteeism and work-related injuries of manufacturer workers.

Methods

Cross-sectional study. Employers and occupational risk prevention services will randomly invite workers (aged 18 to 65) from manufacturing industries of micro, small and medium enterprises in Central Catalonia to participate (n = 220). Participants will wear an ActivPAL device for 7 days and will complete a questionnaire on general health, life balance between work and family life, mental well-being, mental health, work-related happiness and absenteeism.

Variables

(1) physical activity pattern (activPAL3TM), (2) demographic data and lifestyles (food, tobacco and alcohol habits (ESCA 2022), (3) impact of work on employees' health, absence for illness (5th and 6th European Survey of Working Conditions), (4) well-being (Health Questionnaire, SF-36), (5) Work Health Balance (WHB Questionnaire), (6) Mental Health (Patient Health Questionnaire, PHQ-9), (7) Happiness (Pemberton Happiness Index). The group will be analysed on the average value of the variables.

Discussion

Identifying the free-living patterns of physical activity and sedentary behaviour of workers with high OPA and its associations with health, will provide preliminary data to develop tailored PA (occupational and non-occupational) interventions to this occupational group.

Support / Funding Source

Grants for the recruitment of research staff (Agency for the Management of University and Research Grants, co-financed by the European Union).
O.2.3-7 Physical activity levels and sociodemographic factors associated with meeting recommended levels among shop attendants in Mbarara municipality, Uganda
Authors: Nimusiima Evas , Wafula Solomon , Mendoza Hilbert , Ndejjo Rawlance , Atusingwize Edwinah
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Shop attendants are urban dwellers who may spend significant periods in sedentary lifestyles exposing them to non-communicable diseases. This study assessed the physical activity levels and sociodemographic factors associated with meeting the WHO recommended physical activity levels among shop attendants in Mbarara municipality, Uganda.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study among 301 shop attendants. We used the global physical activity questionnaire to assess participants' physical activity levels. Modified Poisson regression was used to assess the sociodemographic factors associated with meeting recommended physical activity levels.

Results

Of the 301 participants, 234 (77.7%) met the WHO physical activity recommendations, especially through work-related physical activity of moderate intensity 194 (64.5%). The median weekly duration of all moderate-intensity physical activity was 180 min (IQR=90 to 360). The median daily sedentary time was 300 min (IQR=300 to 360). Being male (adjusted prevalence ratio=1.33, 95% CI 1.17 to 1.51) was significantly associated with meeting recommended physical activity levels.

Conclusion

The physical activity levels among shop attendants were high and were mostly achieved through work-related activities of moderate intensity, with males being more likely to meet recommended physical activity levels. Findings suggest a need for gender-sensitive initiatives to increase physical activity levels, especially among female shop attendants.
O.3.1-3 Self-evaluation survey as a tool for planning, monitoring and evaluation physically active operating culture at school
Authors: Kämppi Katariina , Hakonen Harto , Lehtonen Kati , Rajala Katja
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Since 2010, Finland has been building a concept called Finnish Schools on the Move (FSM), which is a national action programme supporting educational institutions to develop a more physically active operating culture. The Self-Evaluation Survey for Physical Activity (PA) Promotion in School is a tool developed in 2015 for FSM to support schools in implementing their own unique action plans and to monitor the progress of the programme at the levels of schools, municipalities, and the nation.

Methods

The online survey, available on the programme’s website, has altogether 36 statements. Teams in schools evaluate each statement using a scale of 0-4 (0=not at all, 4= fully realised). To summarise the results, four indexes have been formulated: strategy, facilities for PA, actions, and support. The scale was converted to a percentage of the maximum score. The strategy index describes plans and principles that lead the actions. The facilities index includes indoor and outdoor facilities and equipment. The actions index consists of all the actions that enable PA, and the support index consists of all the collaboration that supports actions.

Results

By the end of February 2023, the data consisted of nearly 5,000 self-evaluations concerning the physically active operating culture. The newest index results (2022-23) show that the strategy (71.3%) and facilities (62.1%) achieved the highest values, and the lowest values were given to actions enabling PA (59.5%) and support (51.0%). The progress of the FSM programme can be examined using the index results over the past eight school years.

Conclusions

The self-evaluation survey results are available online and are offered on three levels: national, regional, and municipal. At all these levels, the self-evaluation produces up-to-date information on the PA promotion progress in schools for PA promotors, coordinators, and decision-makers. For schools, it provides a diverse tool that increases schools’ awareness of the state of their physically active operating culture and inspires discussions among staff to find areas for development. By repeating the survey regularly every year, the progress of PA promotion in a school can be monitored in the results.

Support/Funding Source

The Ministry of Education and Culture of Finland.