bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
139 Physical literacy in adolescents with disabilities in Ireland: a cross-sectional study examining effects of disability, age, gender and family affluence on physical literacy
Authors: Britton Una , Ng Kwok , Behan Stephen , Goss Hannah , McFlynn Paul , McClelland Julia , Woods Catherine , Connolly Sinead , Belton Sarahjane
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Physical literacy (PL), defined as physical competence, confidence, motivation, and knowledge and understanding, is the foundation for physical activity (PA). PL is inclusive of all, yet PL research has proved quite exclusive, with a scarcity of data on those with disabilities. In Ireland, National PA Report Cards present contrasting grades for those with and without disabilities, suggesting different PA experiences which impact PL. Factors consistently recognised as correlates of PA in the general population (sex, age, socioeconomic status), and how they impact PL, are not well understood in the disability population. This research reports on PL in adolescents with disabilities attending mainstream education, investigating differences between those with and without disabilities.

Methods

Participants were adolescents involved in the Children’s Sport Participation and Physical Activity study (Woods et al 2023. Age, gender, family affluence and disability status were recorded. Perceived physical competence (McGrane et al 2015), PA self-efficacy (Marcus et al 1992), motivation (14 items), and PA knowledge and understanding (4 questions) were measured. Difference in PL by disability status was analysed using one-way MANOVA and Chi-square tests for independence. Three-way MANOVA investigated effects of age, gender, and family affluence on PL.

Results

Participants were 3,964 adolescents (Mage 14.9±1.87 years). Perceived physical competence, PA self-efficacy and PA knowledge and understanding were significantly lower amongst those with disabilities (small effect sizes; Ƞ2 = 0.053, 0.027, 0.021 respectively). Significantly more children with disabilities cited “something to do” and “because of mother” as motivating factors. Those with motoric disabilities had significantly poorer PL than other disability types. Being female and/or of low family affluence negatively impacted PL. Gender had a greater effect on PL in those without disabilities (Ƞ2 = .040-.044) than with (Ƞ2 = .027-.032). Family affluence had a greater effect on PL in those with disabilities (Ƞ2 = .028-.032) than without (Ƞ2 = .017-.023).

Conclusion

Having a disability puts children at risk of poor PL, with family affluence having a greater effect on PL for those with disabilities. PA policies should focus on improving PL in children with disabilities, particularly those from low family affluence.

Funding

Sport Ireland/Northern Ireland, Healthy Ireland.
155 Practicing the active video fighting game strengthen antioxidant defense system: a pilot study
Authors: Çakır-Atabek Hayriye , Aygün Cihan
Published: September 2024

Background and purpose

When exercise –aerobic or anaerobic– is performed regularly, the antioxidant defense system, which prevents oxidative stress or reduces its damage, becomes stronger. Recently many studies showed that active video games (AVGs) could be used as useful intervention tool to increase physical fitness status among healthy population. From this point, this study aimed to investigate the acute and chronic effects of AVGs on indices of oxidative stress in young participants.

Methods

Eleven healthy, physically active young males (age: 20.90±1.37 years, height: 177.41±5.68 cm, weight: 70.09±8.15 kg, and BMI: 22.22±1.91 kg/m2) volunteered to participate in the study. Major exclusion criteria were using tobacco products, and suffering from acute or chronic diseases. The participants performed a fighting AVGs -“Fighters Uncaged”- with Xbox Kinect console, in which the opponents were randomly selected, for 20 minutes per day, three days a week, for 4 weeks. The previous practices shown that this fighting AVGs provides vigorous physical activity (MET>7). At the beginning and at the end of the study maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max) was determined to verify the effectiveness of AVGs. Blood samples were obtained just before (after 10-min rest) and immediately after the VO2max tests. Oxidative stress was evaluated with total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI), and total oxidized guanidine (TOG), which is an indirect marker of DNA damage, additionally, superoxide dismutase (SOD) was analyzed. Data were analyzed with dependent t-test and significance was accepted as p < 0.05.

Results

The 4-week AVGs practicing significantly increased the VO2max (56.51±4.41 vs 58.52±3.66 ml/kg/min; p = 0.034). When investigate the acute effects, no significant alteration was determined between pre and post-test values for SOD, TAS, TOS, OSI, and DNA damage (p > 0.05). To determine the chronic effects, the pre-test values were compared, and result showed that SOD significantly increased (3.37±1.7 vs 7.65±4.6 U/ml; p = 0.022) and DNA damage significantly decreased (10.28±1.9 vs 7.75±1.7 ng/ml; p < 0.001) following 4-week AVGs practice.

Conclusions

This study’s findings support the thought that AVGs can be an effective tool to enhance physical fitness status and strengthen the antioxidant defense system.
115 Preliminary results of the current MSFiT-study: a controlled trial examining the potential effects of regular online exercise training in people with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Klump Charlotte , Woschek Stephanie , Anhorn Laura , Temmes Herbert , Lamprecht Juliane
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Physical exercise has both preventive and rehabilitative effects in people with Multiple Sclerosis (pwMS). However, there is still a lack of evidence in effects of online-exercise interventions. The MSFiT-study, a cooperation of German MS Society, University of Halle-Wittenberg (Germany) and Sherpa B.V. (Netherlands), aims at examining effects of weekly 45 minutes „DMSG functional training “(FT) online in pwMS. The intervention was concepted in 2019 as therapeutic group training and can currently only prescribed as face-to-face-training.

Methods

Inclusion criteria were a confirmed MS-diagnosis, age ≥18, no experience in FT, no relapse in the past 4 weeks. Participants were free to choose between online or face-to-face training (FACE). Online-participants were randomly divided in online-intervention (ONLINE) and wait-list-control-group (WAIT). Participants of the FACE-group were not randomised due to low application. Before (T0) and after 3 months training (T1) all participants filled out a standardised questionnaire via the app MS sherpa or paper form: Inter alia, outcomes are walking ability (2MWT), cognitive function (SDMT), function of the upper extremities (DASH) and fatigue (FSMC). End of study is 31st of March 2024.

Results

65 pwMS were recruited. Until now n = 47 pwMS completed T0, T1 (ON = 22, WAIT = 19, FACE = 6) and showed an adherence of at minimum 50%. Preliminary descriptive data (T0) show: pwMS in ONLINE-group (age = 45.9±9.19 years; disease duration = 10.17±7.74 years) had a patient-reported disability (PDDS) score of 2.09 (±1.89), a fatigue of 70.5±15.5 and a DASH score of 26.1±18.3. WAIT-group (age = 50.84±9.65 years; disease duration = 16.16±11.21 years) had a PDDS of 2.79 (±2.27), a fatigue score of 66.2±17.7 and a DASH of 26.4±17.2. FACE-group (age = 58.14±8.47 years; disease duration = 19.71±18.88 years) had a PDDS of 4.67 (±2.45), fatigue score of 73,8±16.7 and DASH of 42.9±28.7.

Conclusions

Further analyses will be necessary once the study period ends. Most participants seem to be physically limited due to PDDS and fatigue score. Research findings will be a further step to bring more trust in online-options for people with disabilities who are not able to participate in trainings due to infrastructure, symptom burdens or other obligations. Furthermore, results should demonstrate the equivalence of the two group forms as a basis for health policy decisions.
129 Prioritising health in mobility planning: unlocking the health protential of Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (SUMPs)
Authors: Kahlmeier Sonja , Kasraina Dena , Murdock Hannah E , Faghih Imani Ahmadreza , Yu Yurong , de Nazelle Audrey , Stead Dominic
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Urban mobility can have detrimental impacts on health and quality of life, but can also be an opportunity for health promotion, e.g. through walking and cycling. While health impacts of transport are well known, the extent to which health is considered in mobility plans is less obvious. European cities are strongly encouraged to develop Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (SUMPs).

Methods

We assess the extent to which health is reflected in SUMPs in cities, with regards to: i) key health and health equity terminology, ii) how explicit transport pathways to health are made, and iii) whether health is operationalised into targets and key performance indicators (KPIs) and iv) how well elaborated the health-rationale of various actions and measures is . We analysed the latest SUMPs in the Eltis City database of urban mobility plans with a quantitative text analysis, supported by the development of a health dictionary and a policy analysis checklist. We carried out a qualitative analysis of a purposive sub-sample to verify the validity of the quantitative approach and provide further nuance to the assessment.

Results

230 SUMPS (2006-2023) from 31 countries were usable for quantitative analysis, from which 13 were included into qualitative analysis, reflecting a range of city sizes, countries, and focus on health. The findings show that while health is often touched upon, and its prominence seems to be increasing, SUMPs miss out on the opportunity to embrace mobility as a driver of health promotion. The link between transport and equity and social and mental wellbeing is not frequently discussed. Detailed targets and KPIs for several health pathways are scarce or missing, as are the health rationale and outcomes for proposed measures. Health aspirations are concerned with minimising detrimental impacts of transport on health, primarily from traffic injuries and to a lesser extent from air pollution. Concepts such as accessibility and active travel feature prominently but are not explicitly identified as an opportunity to enhance health.

Conclusions

Urban mobility planning across Europe miss an opportunity to embrace health as a means to engage across sectors and society to help promote transformative urban sustainability policies.
117 The Development of a Patient-centered, Evidence-based and Theoretically-informed Physical Activity Behaviour Change Intervention for Young People who have had Cancer
Authors: Fitzpatrick Jennifer , Dowd Kieran , Moyna Niall , Godwin Cliona , Cantwell Mairéad
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to describe the development of CHAMPs, the CHildhood and adolescent cancer survivors’ physical Activity (PA) and Movement Programme. CHAMPs aims to increase participants’ PA levels, physical function and quality of life.

Methods

Programme development was guided by the Medical Research Council’s Framework for the development of complex interventions and The Behaviour Change Wheel. A review of literature was conducted to identify i) determinants of PA behaviour, maintenance and adherence, and ii) previous successful PA interventions for this population. Additionally, 31 interviews were conducted, which sought to identify important components for inclusion within a PA intervention, from the perspectives of young people who have had cancer (aged 12-25 years), their parents and healthcare professionals. A workshop was conducted with key stakeholders to determine intervention acceptability, including programme appeal and engagement, and to obtain recommendations for improvements.

Results

Recommendations generated from the literature review were summarised in statements of findings (n = 26) which informed programme development, and included the need for a personalised PA intervention which is underpinned by behavioural theory and incorporates multi-modal PA (e.g. strength, flexibility, endurance PA). Ten recommendations were generated from interviews, which emphasised the importance of face-to-face PA sessions and the inclusion of educational components. Stakeholder workshop recommendations (n = 10) included strategies to optimise engagement, including shorter session length for educational components and motivational interviewing (MI) workshops with no parent present to optimise participant engagement. All of the recommendations obtained were synthesized and produced CHAMPs, a 12-week multi-component PA intervention. CHAMPs includes: i) 12 personalised PA sessions (n = 8 home-based; 4=online), ii) 3 MI workshops, iii) 3 educational workshops, iv) PA equipment (e.g. beanbags, hoops) and v) PA information booklet.

Conclusions

This study is the first to develop a PA behaviour change intervention for young people who have had cancer using this systematic approach which has produced a novel patient-centred, evidence-based and theoretically-informed PA programme. CHAMPs will be subsequently tested in a feasibility study.

Funding Source

This work is co-funded by the Irish Cancer Society Social, Nursing, Allied Health Research Scholarship CRS21FIT, and The Technological University of the Shannon President’s Doctoral Scholarship.
40 The effects of acute exercise on emotional pattern separation in adolescents and young adults
Authors: Jennen Lise , Mazereel Victor , Vancampfort Davy , Qiao Zhiling , Vansteelandt Kristof , Dupont Patrick , Lecei Aleksandra , van Winkel Ruud
Published: September 2024

Exercise has been widely recognized for its benefits on cognitive health. One potential underlying mechanism is the modulation of hippocampal pattern separation (PS), a memory process crucial for accurate storage and preventing memory interference. PS can be gauged behaviorally with a mnemonic discrimination task using images, and neurally with functional magnetic resonance imaging assessing hippocampal activation of primarily the dentate gyrus and CA3 subregions.

While a number of studies have demonstrated a positive effect of acute exercise on PS, the majority of studies only investigated PS behaviorally. Furthermore, these previous studies examined PS using neutral images, but it is often the recollection of emotional experiences that guides behavior. Additionally, research in this area predominantly focused on adult populations, neglecting the critical developmental period of adolescence and young adulthood, characterized by decreased exercise and increased vulnerability to emotional problems.

In this randomized between-subject study involving healthy adolescents and young adults (n = 53), we extend previous findings by examining the effect of a 10-minute bout of moderate-intensity exercise intervention compared to rest on both behavioral and neural PS, utilizing emotional images. Task-related neuronal activity was discerned from exercise induced changes in cerebral blood flow by including arterial spin labeling scans. We hypothesized increased behavioral mnemonic discrimination ability and neural hippocampal PS activation after the exercise intervention compared to rest. Across interventions, we hypothesized decreased discrimination for emotional images and more similar images.

Contrary to our hypotheses, we could not demonstrate a significant benefit of acute exercise on PS, not on the behavioral or neural level. Behaviorally, we did observe decreased mnemonic discrimination for more similar images and for highly-similar positive images. However, correlation analysis did not demonstrate an association between behavioral discrimination ability and neural activity, and exploratory analysis did not reveal a neural signal consistent with pattern separation in any of the hippocampal subregions.

In conclusion, this study underscores the need to broaden our hippocampal focus of PS, in order to bridge behavioral mnemonic discrimination with neural PS activation. In addition, future studies should optimize the exercise characteristics necessary to robustly enhance PS.

* LJ and VM shared first authorship
184 Use it or lose it: can engagement in physical activity close to one’s relative physical capacity protect against decline in physical functioning among older adults?
Authors: Löppönen Antti , Lindeman Katja , Palmberg Lotta , Van Roie Evelien , Delecluse Christophe , Portegijs Erja , Rantanen Taina , Rantalainen Timo , Karavirta Laura
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Physical activity (PA) is distinct from physical capacity (PC), even though they correlate strongly in old age. Physical capacity defines the boundaries for PA, while activities in daily life typically remain submaximal. Older people who approach their capacity in terms of intensity and duration of daily activities might be better protected from future declines in physical function compared to those who do not (i.e., “use it or lose it”), although prospective research is lacking to support this hypothesis. Therefore, this study compared changes in physical function over a four-year follow-up between community-dwelling older adults categorized based on their baseline PC and PA.

Methods

This study is a longitudinal 4-year follow-up study in older adults aged 75-85 years at baseline (N = 311, 60% women). Baseline PC was measured by a 10-meter maximal walking speed, and PA was continuously monitored for 3-7 days using a thigh-worn accelerometer. PA intensity was examined using Mean Amplitude Deviation (MAD) and 5-second epochs. Baseline values of PA and PC were categorized distributionally (low & high) into lowPC-lowPA, lowPC-highPA, highPC-lowPA, and highPC-highPA profiles. Physical function was evaluated using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) at baseline and at the four-year follow-up, with total score and 5 x Sit-To-Stand (5xSTS) test time as the primary outcomes. Paired samples t-test and generalized estimating equations were used for analyses.

Results

During the follow-up, the SPPB total score and the 5xSTS test decreased for all profiles (p<.05), except for the highPC-highPA profile (p=.055, p=.182, respectively). When comparing highPC-highPA to other profiles, a greater decrease in SPPB total score were observed in all other profiles (highPC-lowPA B -.62 (SE .22), p=.006; lowPC-highPA -.70 (.35), p=.045; lowPC-lowPA -1.86 (.28), p<.001) and in 5xSTS time for the lowPA profiles (highPC-lowPA 1.32 (.49), p=.004; lowPC-lowPA 1.92 (.67), p=.007).

Conclusions

The findings suggest that engaging in PA close to one’s PC may help to protect against decline in physical functioning among older adults, especially among those with relatively high PC. Therefore, older adults should be encouraged to participate in physically challenging activities that could potentially improve their capacity.
185 What matters most for physical activity participation? A national Delphi study identifying the top ten priorities of adolescents with physical disability
Authors: Brady Karen , Cleary Ronan , O’Gorman Eva , McDonough Suzanne , Kerr Claire , McConkey Elaine , Ryan Jennifer , Malone Ailish
Published: September 2024

Background

Most young people with disability are insufficiently active and do not meet the recommended physical activity guidelines. This can have a significant impact on future health. Supporting engagement in physical activity is challenging during adolescence, when priorities shift towards social participation. Finding ways to support sustainable and meaningful physical activity participation among adolescents with physical disability remains a challenge.

Purpose

To establish a consensus among adolescents with physical disability regarding their priorities for enhancing their physical activity participation. The priorities will help inform the design of future interventions for physical activity participation.

Methods

We conducted a multi-round Delphi study involving adolescents (13-17 years) with physical disability. Survey Round 1 comprised of open-ended questions, inviting free text responses. Free text responses were analysed thematically, creating items categorised to the Family of Participation-Related Constructs framework. In Round 2, participants rated the perceived importance of these items using a five-point Likert scale. The top 10 priorities were constructed from the highest-ranked items.

Results

One-hundred-sixteen participants (mean age 14.6 years, range 13-17 years; 66 boys; 58 with cerebral palsy; 43 wheelchair users) completed Round 1. One-hundred-eight items were included in Round 2. Fifty-eight items were rated either “important” or “really important” by 70% of participants. The top 10 priorities were rated as “important” or “really important” by 82-94% of participants with a mean Likert score of 4.40 (range: 4.25-4.63). Seven of the top 10 related to the environmental context of the Family of Participation Related Constructs framework. The remaining three related to involvement and the related concept of preferences.

Conclusion

The priorities identified will help inform the design and development of future physical activity interventions to support physical activity participation for adolescents with physical disability.

Support/Funding Source

This work was funded by Health Research Board Ireland (HRCI-JFS-2022-006) via the Health Research Charities Ireland/Health Research Board Joint Funding Scheme 2022.
78 Which Characteristics Explain Physical Activity Behaviour in Adults in the Netherlands: A Cross Sectional Study
Authors: van der Vegt Annemarie , Snoeker Barbara , Schurink-van ‘t Klooster Tessa
Published: September 2024

Purpose

To properly align the physical activity (PA) government policy with the Dutch population, it is necessary to gain knowledge on which personal characteristics are associated with PA behaviour. Although this association was explored for each characteristic separately in previous research from the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), the influence of several characteristics in one model has not been investigated. The current study aims to determine which of 15 selected characteristics explain PA behaviour of Dutch adults best, and gain additional knowledge about interactions between characteristics.

Methods

Data of the Dutch Health Survey/Lifestyle monitor (Statistics Netherlands (CBS) in collaboration with RIVM) from 2018-2022 was used. In total, 36,838 Dutch adults (age≥18) were included. Both univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted for three outcomes: adherence to Dutch PA guidelines, weekly sport participation, and weekly active transportation (walking/cycling to work/school). A selection of personal characteristics (9 demographic, 6 health-related) served as input for the regression analyses. Results of univariate and multivariable analyses were interpreted both separately and in comparison to each other.

Results

Univariate results show significance for all characteristics in all three outcomes, except for gender in weekly sport participation. Multivariable, being married, having psychological complaints and a higher income are no longer significant for adherence to PA guidelines and active transportation. Adults with a higher age, higher education, normal body mass index, perceived health marked ‘very good’, without physical impairments, who are living extremely urbanised and do not smoke show high odds for all three outcomes.

Conclusions

The current results provide new insights into which personal characteristics are important regarding PA behaviour of Dutch adults, regardless of other characteristics a person might have. However, the explained variance of the models was very low and only a small selection of relevant characteristics for PA behaviour was included. It is recommended to include additional information in the models (e.g., environmental and motivational factors) to further explain adult PA behaviour in The Netherlands, and to adapt PA policy accordingly.

Support/Funding Source

This research was funded by the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sports of the Netherlands.
186 Youth-Physical Activity Towards Health in Northern Ireland (Y-PATH NI) Study: Attitudes towards and experiences of physical activity and physical education
Authors: Carlin Angela , McClelland Julia , Gallagher Alison , Belton Sarahjane , O’Brien Wesley , Murphy Marie
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Approximately 20% of post-primary school pupils in Northern Ireland (NI) receive the recommended 120 minutes of physical education (PE) per week. A more detailed understanding of NI schoolchildren’s perceptions of context specific physical activity, the participation barriers they face in relation to PE, in addition to factors that support them to lead a physically active lifestyle is key in understanding how best to encourage physical activity participation in this population. The purpose of this study was to assess current physical activity levels and explore the attitudes and experiences of PE amongst adolescents in NI.

Methods

A mixed-methods approach was used. A cross-sectional online survey was completed by a sample of NI schoolchildren in Years 8-10 (n = 1541) in 2023. The survey consisted of validated scales and study specific items. Focus groups (n = 17) were conducted with pupils in Years 8-12. Descriptive statistics and chi-square analyses were used to compare differences across genders and year groups. Qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis, data were summarised, and themes were generated.

Results

One-fifth of participants reported meeting the physical activity guidelines, with differences observed for gender (male = 31% vs female = 14%) and year group (Year 8 = 24% vs Year 10 = 17%). Males tended to report higher levels of enjoyment of PE than females. The main barriers to participation in PE identified through focus group discussions included getting changed to take part in PE and not enjoying some of the activities offered. Participants liked participating in PE with their peers, enjoyed learning new skills, and found PE teachers to be supportive. In terms of how to enhance provision of PE in schools, participants reported wanting more variety and to be given a choice of activities in their PE classes.

Conclusions

The findings from this study suggest that there are barriers to participation in PE classes. These findings will help policymakers and researchers develop interventions that will be effective in enhancing PE provision with post-primary schools and increasing physical activity levels amongst youth.

Support/Funding Source

This study is funded by Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke.
27 FitBack4Literacy: Supporting Physical Literacy Journey with Physical Fitness Monitoring
Authors: Jurak Gregor
Published: September 2024

FitBack, a leading European network dedicated to promoting physical fitness monitoring, will present the main result of E+ funded FitBack4Literacy project which aims to demonstrate how to properly use fitness monitoring to improve physical literacy of children and youth.

Physical literacy includes the physical competence, motivation, confidence, knowledge and understanding that people develop to maintain physical activity at an appropriate, healthy level throughout their life. Most of physical literacy interventions are focusing on physical domain, which includes physical fitness and motor skills. On the other side inappropriate fitness testing environment can result in bad experience of students and therefore also emerging stigma against fitness testing. Therefore, FitBack4Literacy project addresses both of these issues providing recommendations and educational material how to use fitness monitoring (not just testing) to build on cognitive domain of physical literacy.

Namely, the goal of FitBack4Literacy is to design and test an open, transnational digital toolkit supported by multi-language FitBack platform (www.fitbackeurope.eu) to deliver relevant information about developing physical literacy with help of fitness monitoring to teachers, coaches and adolescents.

First, teachers were involved in a participatory process to upgrade the existing FitBack reporting system by class report and learning materials. Second, consortium partners developed educational materials. Third, these materials were transformed in digital toolkit to support teachers and coaches. Finally, the upgraded FitBack reporting system, including a novel, multi-lingual digital toolkit, will be evaluated across eight European-wide sites to determine its feasibility and effectiveness in improving physical literacy with support of fitness monitoring.

Digital toolkit is technically prepared in the way to support translation of subtitles of animated topics which allows good dissemination and expend potential of its use worldwide.
236 A pilot and evaluation of a dance intervention for young women following cancer treatment: Dance Exercise Intervention South East (The DEISE project)
Authors: Gooney Martina , Hunt Patricia , Matthews Evan , McDaid Tracy , O’Brien Michael , Sheehan Patricia
Published: September 2024

Purpose

There is emergent and strong evidence for effectiveness of dance-based physical activity for young women post cancer treatment. However, there is a need for knowledge on such physical activity implementation in a community setting. The aim of this project was to design, pilot and evaluate a 10-week, community-based peer-supported dance programme for young women at least 6 weeks post treatment for primary lymphoma, leukemia or breast cancer diagnosis. This programme focused largely on aerobic physical activity, functional fitness and social connection through supervised dance.

Methods

In addition to quantitative indicators, qualitative descriptive research framed by the RE-AIM framework were used. Reflexive thematic analysis were used to analyse data collected in semi-structured interviews.

Results

A sample of N = 7 women with experience of cancer and N = 2 peers participated in the qualitative research evaluation. Four overarching themes were explored: 1. The complex influences on commencing the dance class programme, 2. Participants’ perspective on the personal impact of the dance classes, 3. Interpersonal connections through the dance classes; more than exercise, and 4. Meaningful components within the dance programme.

Conclusions

The findings highlighted the importance of addressing concerns about abilities to exercise, the impact of the social environment, developing confidence through the programme, and the perceived physical and mental health benefits. In the context of robust evidence on the health impacts of socially based physical activity for young women with experience of cancer, these findings offer implementation and feasibility knowledge for community based cancer support services.

Funding

This project is funded by the National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP).
221 Long-term maintenance of physical activity and its effect on outcomes for hip and knee osteoarthritis following the GLA:D® (Good Life with osteoArthritis Denmark) Ireland programme
Authors: Hempenstall Peter , Toomey Clodagh
Published: September 2024

Purpose

In recent years, focus has shifted towards utilising physical activity (PA) for improvement with the management of hip and knee osteoarthritis (OA). The GLA:D® programme, comprises of two educational and 12 supervised exercise sessions for management of hip and knee OA. Increases of 110-120% on physical activity (PA) participation post-intervention have been observed by Skou & Roos (2017); elucidating the effect these programmes have in behaviour change. The type and intensity of PA that people with OA engage with after GLA:D however, is unknown. The aim of this study is to subjectively and objectively measure the long-term changes in PA and associations with patient outcomes following the GLA:D® programme.

Methods

A preliminary analysis using data from the GLA:D Ireland Registry was performed to evaluate the change in PA (UCLA activity scale) from baseline to post-programme and 12-months follow-up. An ANOVA to assess significant differences between all 3 time-points was carried out using IBM SPSS. A sub-cohort of participants will be followed at the same time-points using accelerometery devices and a questionnaire on activity type. The relationship between change in PA and patient outcomes (pain and QOL) will be examined.

Results

In 16 GLA:D participants with data at all time-points, an increase of 7.2% in UCLA PA levels was observed from baseline (µ=5.13 ± 1.63) to post-programme (µ=5.5 ± 1.67) and decreased by 1.1% at 12-months (µ=5.44 ± 1.86). Participants with Low UCLA levels (1-4) saw the greatest increase with 50% of participants increasing to Moderate (5-6) or High (7-10) PA post-programme. Future analyses: using subjective and objective measurements will show whether these results are replicated and how this influences patient outcomes; allowing for a thorough understanding of PA engagement.

Conclusion

Although marginal clinical improvements in PA are observed after GLA:D in Ireland, the promotion and sustainability of PA following a supervised programme needs to be addressed to maximise long-term behaviour change for hip and knee OA. Results will be used to design pragmatic interventions to facilitate viable pathways to community-exercise and PA for long-term OA self-management.

Funding

Health Research Board (EIA-2019-008) IMPACT - IMPlementation of osteoArthritis Clinical guidelines Together.
75 Moving Together: Exploring Peer Relationships through Creative Dance in First Grade
Authors: Giatra Angeliki , Koutsouba Maria , Stavrou Nektarios , Venetsanou Fotini
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to examine the effect of a creative dance (CD) program on first graders’ relationships with their peers. Peer relationships are an important component of a child’s self-concept, contributing positively to an emotionally supportive classroom climate, school adjustment, and the learning process. Additionally, they play a key role in a child’s socio-emotional health, particularly at transitional stages, such as entering primary school. CD is used as an educational tool to develop social-emotional skills and psychological well-being; however, no study has so far focused on its effects on the interpersonal relationships of first graders. This study will provide insight into how CD affects peer relationships at this developmental stage.

Method

A total of 71 first-grade students participated and were randomly assigned to the intervention group (IG, n = 36) and the control group (CG, n = 35). The IG participated in a nine-week CD program conducted during the physical education (PE) classes, while the CG followed the national PE curriculum. The peer relationships subscale of the Pictorial Scale of Perceived Ability and Social Acceptance, Greek version, was administered to all participants through individual interviews, before and after the intervention; qualitative data were collected for IG through lesson observations by teachers (PE and classroom teacher), and whole class discussions.

Results

The (gender*group) analysis of covariance applied to children’s post-test scores (covariate: baseline scores) showed significant differences between groups (F = 8.395, p< .005, η2=.11), with IG outperforming CG. Qualitative data revealed that CD helped children discover communication and cooperation strategies. The development of these skills led to a decrease in competitiveness and confrontation among peers. Whole-class discussions provided information about children’s perceptions of concepts such as cooperation, and respect for others and allowed them to become aware of their shared needs and expectations, and to reflect on their behavior, strengthening their friendship bonds.

Conclusion

It can be concluded that CD cultivates first graders’ social-emotional skills related to peer relationships, and it affects their relationships positively. Based on the above, CD is proposed as an educational tool that can enhance children’s friendship bonds and reduce antisocial or aggressive behaviors that appear to be in raise nowadays.
72 The role of conservation projects for health enhancing physical activity (HEPA): holistic benefits for volunteers whilst enhancing environmental biodiversity - a blue space case study
Authors: Crone Diane , Bashir Faaiza , Sumner Rachel C , Szekeres Zsofia
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This qualitative study explored how engagement activities at a community reservoir in Cardiff, Wales supported the health and wellbeing of the local community, improved access to green and blue spaces, and enhanced the biodiversity of the environment. There were two specific aims; to capture the lived experiences of volunteers involved in the preservation of the reservoir for over 15 years, and; to understand the experiences, motivations, and outcomes of volunteers taking part in community-based conservation activities at the site from 2021. The research is innovative because it captured the experiences of participants (volunteers) who had been involved in the ‘saving of the site’, and volunteers involved in enhancing the site as a community asset during the last 4 years. It therefore captures experiences from nearly two decades of voluntary action in local nature conservation from volunteering perspectives.

Methods

Data were collected through interviews and focus groups from a total of 12 participants (six participants involved in the preservation of the site, and six from the current volunteer base). Data were collected during the summer of 2023 and analysed using thematic analysis (Braun and Clarke, 2019). Analysis provided key findings (themes) linked to the aims detailed above.

Results

Findings from the two sets of volunteers highlighted the following themes: (i) value of nature for health, wellbeing and spirituality; (ii) motivation to taking part in volunteering to support the environment and for self-confidence and a sense of purpose; (iii) health enhancing physical activity opportunities; and (iv) the provision for getting outdoors for activity, fresh air and tranquillity.

Conclusions

Findings highlight the potential of such projects for health enhancing physical activity and the importance of them for holistic mental, social and environmental health benefits for both individuals, and the physical environment. Findings confirm the many ecological, health and wellbeing benefits for both volunteers and the environment from conservation community projects. The holistic benefits of such programmes should be acknowledged, highlighted, and promoted to support both volunteers’ health and to support the current environmental challenges faced in local communities.
S01 A Systems-based Approach to Physical Activity in Scotland
Authors: Murphy Marie
Published: September 2024

Purpose

To share learning from the development and application of a pragmatic, evidence-driven, systems-based approach to physical activity policy in Scotland at a national and local level.

Description

Systems-based approaches are increasingly used to respond to complex public health issues such as physical inactivity. Public Health Scotland (PHS) developed an evidence-driven, yet pragmatic process, to enable policy makers and practitioners to implement a systems-based approach to Physical Activity (PA) in Scotland.

The process was informed by and adapted from systems-based thinking underpinning public health reform in Scotland and a whole system approach to obesity in England and draws on methodologies familiar to policymakers and practitioners such as the quality improvement and outcome focused planning.

PHS drew on existing evidence and learning to translate the scientific evidence of what works to increase population levels of PA into a Scottish context. This informed the development of eight strategic delivery outcomes and a logic model, accompanied by a 5-stage process used to inform national and local collaborative strategic actions.

Nationally, adopted by Scottish Government and partners to guide the development of a cross-policy Physical Activity for Health Strategy for Scotland and to update the Active Scotland Outcomes Framework, indicators and target.

Locally, PHS and sportscotland (the national agency for sport) work collaboratively with local authorities and their community planning partners to apply the approach to inform local Physical Activity Strategies and Action Plans. Increasing the breadth of policy partners involved; local government, transport, planning, education, health, social care and sport and leisure, reflecting a system wide approach to PA.

Implementation is monitored via governance structures, national surveillance indicators, process indicators and an ongoing cycle of quality improvement and policy review.

Transferable across national and local government this approach has positively impacted on the development of national and local evidence-based PA policy, enabling partners to maximise existing resources, whilst contributing to PA outcomes and their respective policy outcomes.
S01-2: Developing a systems-based national physical activity strategy for Scotland
Authors: Love Jennifer
Published: September 2024

Purpose

To share learning from the application of a pragmatic, evidence-driven, systems-based approach to physical activity policy in Scotland from a Scottish Government perspective.

Development

Scottish Government recognise the need for a systems-based approach to address physical inactivity. GAPPA and the ISPAH 8 investments provide a strong basis for global action but it was essential that we translate these recommendations into our national context. Our public health agency, Public Health Scotland (PHS) undertook this task and provided a framework on which to build a national strategy.

Implementation and dissemination

The development of our new strategy was overseen by a National Leadership Group, chaired by our Minister for Sport included senior leaders from national delivery agencies in transport, education, health, environment and sport, with representation from local authorities and Scotland’s Chief Medical Officer. The purpose of the group is to foster partnership working between agencies and to achieve commitment at both national and local level to improving levels of physical activity in Scotland.

Evaluation

We evaluate the impact of our policies through indicators linked to our delivery outcomes. Data are largely derived from two annual national surveys: The Scottish Health Survey and the Scottish Household Survey

Conclusions and practical implications

Adoption of a systems-based approach derived from international evidence and best practice gives us confidence that our new strategy represents the best approach to improving levels of physical activity in Scotland.

The systems-based approach highlights the importance of achieving commitment across Ministerial portfolios to achieving our outcomes. This can be challenging and having a lead Minister who is personally enthusiastic and focussed on the importance of addressing physical inactivity has been crucial.

Both nationally and locally, Scotland invests significantly in physical activity. The importance of the systems-based approach is that it provides us with a conceptual framework which allows us to better co-ordinate and target existing funding across portfolios to focus on evidence-based action which will deliver our outcomes.
S03-1 Falls Management Exercise for those at high or intermediate risk of falls. Improving habitual physical activity, function and reducing falls
Authors: Skelton Dawn
Published: September 2024

Purpose

FaME, a group based multi-component exercise programme, was developed by researchers to reduce the risk of falls and help participants regain confidence and self-efficacy to increase physical activity, as fallers often avoid activity through concern about falls. Uniquely, FaME includes retraining the ability to get up from the floor, reducing fear of falling and potential ambulance call outs for participants. The original FaME RCT (history of frequent falls, 9mths programme) and the ProAct65+ RCT (sedentary older people, 6mths programme) showed reduced falls and improved habitual physical activity (extra 105 mins MVPA/wk), even 24 months post intervention. These benefits have been seen in robust randomised controlled trials, service evaluations and peer-reviewed published ‘real-life’ delivery across the UK. It has been adapted as an EXERGAME App, and a dance intervention by researchers and organisations.

Project description

FaME is delivered by trained Postural Stability Instructors (PSIs) and is cited as a cost-effective exercise programme by the Department of Health and Social Care, Public Health England, Public Health Wales, the Scottish Government, the Royal College of Physicians, the Royal Osteoporosis Society, the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, the Centre for Ageing Better, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents and Age UK. Outside of the UK, FaME is embedded in the Norwegian Health Ministry programme Sterk Og Stødig, a case study in the World Health Organisation’s Step Safely Report, an effective intervention endorsed by the Centre for Disease Prevention in the US and is recommended in the World Falls Guidelines. Implementation studies are examining how scaling up has led to adapted delivery which does not always meet key fidelity parameters for effectiveness (duration, dose, components included, equipment, progression, and transition). Regular CPD offered to PSIs and a community of practice can support real life implementation.

Conclusions

FaME is the first falls prevention exercise programme to show sustained positive effects up to 2 years post intervention on habitual physical activity. The rollout of FaME has the potential to change the activity and frailty trajectory of older people with a history of falls.
S04 Making Sense of Physical Activity Policy Assessment: Lessons Learned, Challenges, Next Steps
Authors: Gelius Peter , Sandu Petru
Published: September 2024

Increasing population levels of physical activity is an important global health priority. The World Health Organization and many countries have developed evidence-based public health recommendations and action plans to do so. However, implementing these recommendations and plans remains limited in almost all countries, even Europe, where priorities and resources seem well aligned. Several research groups have developed policy assessment tools to understand better these challenges to evaluate policy development and implementation. The process has proved to be complex for several reasons. Increasing physical activity among populations depends upon actions in many sectors. Thus, policies must engage and include sectors beyond health. While policy is typically developed nationally, implementation often occurs at sub-national levels such as states and cities. Balancing the need for collecting complex data across multiple sectors and government levels while keeping instruments short enough to be useful for public health practitioners and appealing to policymakers takes work. In this session, we will hear from six research groups that have developed and applied policy assessment tools in Europe, Latin America, and Japan at national and sub-national levels. Each presenter will share their experiences, strengths, and weaknesses of the instruments, challenges, and planned next steps. The brief presentations will be followed by a panel discussion guided by a discussant to synthesize the research to date, summarize progress and remaining challenges, and suggest the way forward for both policy research and public health practice.