bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
O.2.1-4 Physical activity program for people with intellectual disability: results from an implementation study
Authors: Wouters Marieke , Oppewal Alyt , Maes-Festen Dederieke
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Many people with an intellectual disability (ID) are inactive and have low physical fitness. A physical activity (PA) program was specially developed for this group and found to be effective to increase PA and preventing or delaying deterioration in physical fitness. However, implementation in practice has not yet been successful. The aim of this project is to study the implementation of this PA program, to be able to increase successful implementation and scaling up in the future.

Methods

we are systematically implementing the PA program on three sites within the care for people with ID in the Netherlands. The key elements of the PA program are: three times a week for 45-60 minutes; training in a group; focus on increasing endurance, strength, balance and flexibility; increasing intensity and duration; under supervision of a PA expert; including education on healthy PA. Implementation is guided by implementation support practitioners, who are using the Grol and Wensing implementation model as a guide for the implementation. Implementation is studied by collecting data on i.a. acceptability, feasibility, fidelity, and determinants on three moments (three months after start of implementation process, one and six months after start of the PA program). This was done by interviewing the implementation support practitioners and the staff implementing the PA program on site. Furthermore, field notes and logs are collected. Interview data are verbally transcribed and coded. All data are thematically analyzed, both inductive and deductive.

Results

Four to five months after start of the implementation process, the PA program started. Preliminary results of the first data collection show that acceptability, feasibility and fidelity of the program is moderate. Not all key elements are implemented as prescribed, like frequency and the way of involvement of the PA expert. Suggestions are made to improve the chance of successful implementation of the PA program.

Conclusions

Some of the original key elements and preconditions should be reconsidered to make the program more suitable for further implementation and scaling up within the care for people with an ID.

Funding

This study was funded by ZonMW.
O.2.3-8 Work engagement, need for recovery, and musculoskeletal symptoms – gender differences among office workers during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Brusaca Luiz A , Januario Leticia Bergamin , Barbieri Dechristian França , Cid Marina Machado , Oliveira Ana Beatriz
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed work conditions and personal lives of countless workers due to physical distancing, and recommendations to work from home (WFH), especially among office workers. This study aimed to investigate whether male and female office workers differed in terms of work engagement, need for recovery, and intensity of musculoskeletal symptoms, and if gender differences were still present depending on the workplace, i.e., WFH or working at the office (WAO).

Methods

This cross-sectional study collected data from 56 male (age 36.1 ± 10.3 years) and 60 female (age 35.2 ± 8.9 years) office workers between September 2020–June 2021. Participants were asked to answer an online self-administrated survey containing the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (total score [0-6]; subscales of vigor, dedication, and absorption not shown), the Need For Recovery Scale (0-100), and a modified version of the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, considering the pain intensity for each region with a numerical rating scale (0-10). Differences between gender (male vs. female) were examined using linear regressions adjusted for age and body mass index, considering the total population, those exclusively WFH (34♀ and 39♂) and those exclusively WAO (22♀ and 21♂).

Results

Female office workers reported worse conditions during the pandemic compared with male workers: they had less engagement with their work (β: –0.65 [95% CI: –1.09; –0.21]), greater need for recovery (16.00 [8.69; 23.31]), and higher pain intensity in the neck (1.44 [0.35; 2.54]), shoulders (2.13 [1.13; 3.13]), upper back (1.41 [0.46; 2.35]), wrists/hands (1.65 [0.65; 2.65]), and hips/thighs (0.71 [0.05; 1.38]). Sensitivity analyses showed similar results when workers were exclusively WAO, except that there was no difference in musculoskeletal symptoms. When WFH, females had a greater need for recovery and higher pain intensity in all regions found in the main analysis when compared with male workers, but no difference was found in work engagement.

Conclusions

Female office workers had less work engagement, more need for recovery, and more self-reported pain intensity than male workers. Whether this relates to additional unpaid work or to other factors is not clear, and we encourage further research to resolve this important issue.
O.2.3-10 Insights into the implementation of workplace health promotion interventions among education professionals using a participatory approach
Authors: Groenesteijn Liesbeth , Arrogi Anass , Verstegen Piet , Biemans Petra , Holla Jasmijn
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The main purpose of this explorative study was to examine implementation strategies of workplace health promoting interventions for employees of a large education institution. The corresponding objectives were to identify facilitators and barriers for implementation, to define needs and wishes of employees regarding health promotion and to develop suitable interventions and implementation strategies. The health promoting interventions and strategies were gathered using an innovative participatory approach.

Methods

We used a collaborative participatory action research (PAR) approach among delegates of teachers, managers and HR professionals with three groups (5-6 delegates) representing three divisions of the organization. In four 3-hour co-creation sessions each group of delegates discussed health promoting intervention strategies including implementation facilitators and barriers, wishes and needs of their colleagues and implementation strategies. The sessions were facilitated and guided by researchers and data were collected in written anonymous reports. The researchers thematically analyzed the data and presented the collected data in a final session. In the final session, representatives of the three delegate groups shared the data and discussed common suitable health promoting intervention strategies.

Results

The co-creation sessions resulted in a variation of facilitators and barriers on multiple levels of implementation. We identified common facilitators at the individual (e.g. individualized approach), team (e.g. social inclusiveness) and organizational level (e.g. wide health promotion initiatives). Conversely, common barriers were identified at the individual (e.g. lack of time), team (e.g. lack of manager support) and organizational level (e.g. hampered digital accessibility).

Main topics derived from the wishes and needs include a facilitating (healthy) work environment (e.g. healthy food choices) and social meeting options (e.g. group physical activities). These wishes and needs were accompanied with facilitating prerequisites (e.g. flexibility and autonomy).

Lastly, the co-creation sessions provided suitable intervention avenues including an in-house health promotion center backed by an accessible digital environment (intranet).

Conclusions

This participatory approach provided tailored workplace health promoting interventions and offered implementation strategies targeting education professionals. These implementation strategies will be pilot-tested in phases across multiple divisions within the education institution.

Support/Funding Source

The study was internally funded by the Inholland University of Applied Sciences.
O.3.1-2 Contribution of a set of physical activity types for adherence to the Dutch Physical Activity Guidelines
Authors: Kolkman Japke , Duijvestijn Marjolein , Vos Wanda , de Hollander Ellen
Published: September 2023

Purpose

To date, little is known about the contribution of different PA types to adherence to the PA guidelines. This study aims to identify which (combination of) PA types (e.g. sports, cycling during leisure time, gardening etc.) are the main contributors to adherence to the Dutch PA guidelines and whether this varies across population groups.

Methods

Data of the Dutch Health Survey/Lifestyle monitor 2019 was used including 7616 respondents of 18 years and older. PA was assessed using the Short Questionnaire to Assess Health-enhancing physical activity (SQUASH). Prevalence rates of adherence to the PA guidelines were examined and the impact of excluding a particular PA type on these rates was assessed. Univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were used to examine associations between demographic characteristics and adherence to the PA guidelines.

Results

Prevalence rates decreased the most when either sports (12 percent points) or walking (17 percent points) or cycling (11 percent points) during leisure time was excluded in the total population and almost all population groups. Nevertheless, unadjusted- and adjusted odds ratios revealed that the importance of these PA types for adherence to the PA guidelines differed between population groups. For example, when all PA types were included, women had lower odds (0.89; 0.81-0.97) to adhere to the PA guidelines compared to men. When excluding sports, the odds increased towards 1.02 (0.92-1.12). This means that for men sports is a more important contributor to adherence to the PA guidelines than for women.

Conclusions

Sports, walking- and cycling during leisure time contributed the most to adherence to the PA guidelines. Nevertheless, differences in the contribution of PA types between population groups exist. PA policies should target different population groups by stimulating the PA types that are main contributors for adherence to the PA guidelines, but also look for the barriers to participate in PA types that have a smaller contribution to adherence to the PA guidelines.

Support/Funding Source

This research was funded by the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sports of the Netherlands.
O.3.1-5 Peri-urban landscape as an environment for health enhancing physical activity
Authors: Žlender Vita
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Peri-urban landscape is situated between the rural and the urban and encompasses diverse set of green space types, e.g. large semi-natural areas, woodlands, hills, country parks. Such spaces, suitable for nature recreation, can be rarely found in cities. Accordingly, peri-urban landscape is increasingly important for enabling population to become more physically active. However, previous research has shown that many cities struggle with divergences in the use of these spaces. While some of peri-urban green spaces are under high demand for outdoor recreation, which puts considerable pressure on the landscape and threatens its provisioning of landscape qualities such as tranquillity or biodiversity, others are underused despite their recognised potential for recreation. So far, little attention has been paid to this issue in planning and decision making.

This study first assessed the extent to which peri-urban landscape provides possibility for outdoor recreation. Secondly, it explored how to provide support for spatial planners and local governments in the planning and management of peri-urban green spaces for promotion of outdoor recreation.

Methods

We conducted document analysis, literature review and stakeholders’ interviews in three case study cities in Slovenia: Ljubljana, Koper and Kranj. In the first step, we highlighted any formal recognition of peri-urban landscape use for outdoor recreation and identified spatial actions and their influence on the peri-urban land use. Then we carried out the evaluation of the level of importance given to peri-urban green spaces’ suitability for outdoor recreation by the stakeholders. The data was compiled and compared between the three cities.

Results

We identified policy gaps in all case studies, which pointed to the weak role of spatial planning in protection and management of peri-urban green spaces for outdoor recreation. We also identified the lack of methodologies, tools and inclusion of new approaches, such as ecosystem services framework or nature-based solutions, in the spatial planning and policy making.

Conclusion

Our findings provide a supporting material for local decision makers and spatial planners in their efforts to develop peri-urban green spaces as spaces for promoting health among all demographic groups of local population.

Funding

Slovenian Research Agency (grant numbers V5-2232 and Z5-4589).
O.3.1-6 Work-related well-being of sport professional at public sector
Authors: Harmokivi-Saloranta Paula Marja Johanna , Punna Mari , Laiho Tiina , Laitinen-Väänänen Sirpa
Published: September 2023

Sports instructors, who work in small and mid-sized municipalities and the public sector, provide physical activity counselling and group guidance for municipality residents of all age groups. Over the last decade, the work has expanded from group guidance to promote the well-being of residents. Many of them are working independently, having only little collegial or community support. Additionally, only little is known about work-related well-being of their own as well as methods on how to improve it. The aim of this study was to investigate the experiences of a sport professional’s work-related well-being and what factors increase or decrease it.

The study was carried out using qualitative methods. In the study, there were 32 participants who were working as sport instructors in small or mid-size municipalities in Finland. On average, the interviewees were 42 years old and had work experience in the municipality’s sport instructor work for an average of seven years. The data was collected with thematic interviews during the autumn and winter 2022-2023 and it was analyzed using content analysis.

The results showed that work-related well-being was confirmed by the relevance of the work, and by the customers and their success in their own goals. The study also found that the appreciation and sense of community experience also played a significant role in the well-being experienced at work. Work-related well-being is also strengthened by supporting autonomy.

Work-related well-being was weakened by the fragmentation of work and hurry at work. Clients were a strength resource for sport instructors, but they could also increase mental stress. The clients may tell sport instructors about their own illness and loneliness, but workers did not have enough tools to help them. The results also showed that physical problems can affect well-being at work.

The study provides a broader understanding about the art of sports instructors’ work. It makes visible which are the main elements that increase and decrease sport instructors’ work-related well-being. The results can be utilized when implementing activities of sport instructors’ well-being promotion.

The research has been funded by the Finnish Work Environment Fund.
O.3.2-5 24-hour compositions of physical (in)activity of women with temporomandibular disorders
Authors: Brusaca Luiz A , Tavares Luiz Felipe , Calixtre Letícia Bojikian , Locks Francisco , Oliveira Ana Beatriz
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Physical inactivity is a known risk factor for worsening pain, yet accelerometry-based assessment of sedentary behaviour (SED), physical activity (PA) and time-in-bed (as a proxy for sleep) in individuals with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are still scarce. We aimed to document and compare the 24-hour time-use compositions of physical behaviours of women with TMD during weekdays and weekends.

Methods

Behaviours were monitored over 7 days using a thigh-worn accelerometer in 44 women with TMD according to the Diagnose Criteria for TMD (mean age 29.6 ± 7.2 years). Daily time-use compositions were exhaustively described in terms of SED in short (<30 min) and long (≥30 min) bouts, light PA (LPA), moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA), and time-in-bed. Following a compositional data analysis, isometric log-ratios (ilr) were calculated; ilr1 – time-in-bed relative to time spent awake, ilr2 – SED (short and long bouts) relative to LPA and MVPA, ilr3 – SED in short relative to long bouts, and ilr4 – LPA relative to MVPA. Differences between weekday and weekend data were examined using repeated-measures MANOVA, followed by univariate post-hoc tests of pairwise differences.

Results

During the week, women with TMD appeared to spend more time SED in short bouts (241 min), more time SED in long bouts (416 min), less time in LPA (241 min), less time in MVPA (62 min), and more time-in-bed (480 min) than on the weekend (223, 379, 276, 70 and 493 min, respectively). The MANOVA showed that the set of ilrs as a whole for weekdays and weekend differed significantly (ηp2 = 0.25, p = 0.02). The post-hoc tests showed that time spent SED in short and long bouts relative to LPA and MVPA (ilr2) was larger during the week than at the weekend (Cohen’s d = 0.31, p = 0.04).

Conclusions

Women with TMD behaved differently during weekdays and weekends, whether this relates to days with/without pain or to other factors is still unclear. Further research is required to understand whether these differences in behaviours are part of everyday life or a consequence of musculoskeletal pain.
O.3.2-7 The health outcomes of a combined lifestyle intervention for adults with overweight
Authors: Makaske Jitske , Verkooijen Kirsten , Thompson Kristina , Wagemakers Annemarie
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Combined lifestyle interventions aim to reduce overweight and increase health in people at risk of developing overweight related diseases by helping participants to develop and maintain a healthy lifestyle. This study examined the health outcomes of a combined lifestyle intervention called X-Fittt GLI, which is imbedded in Dutch fitness centers. The intervention consists of 3 months intensive guidance regarding physical activity and nutrition, followed by 21 months of aftercare.

Methods

Mixed methods were applied. Quantitative data were collected among 559 participants, including body measurements and quality of life assessed at the start, at one year, and at two years after the start. Paired samples t-tests were conducted to examine significant differences between the time points (Bonferroni correction applied). Additionally, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 participants about barriers and facilitators to maintain physical activity and healthy eating. Results were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results

After two years, participant’s weight (-3 kg), BMI (-1 kg/m2), and waist circumference (-4 cm) were significantly reduced compared to the start of the intervention. No effects were found for blood pressure, VO2-max, and quality of life. The largest weight effects were found after one year (-5.1 kg). Barriers influencing maintenance of physical activity were decreased physical or mental health, closure of the fitness center, and lack of time, while facilitators were group lessons, a nice atmosphere at the sports center, awareness, and enjoying exercising. Barriers to maintain a healthy diet were emotions and social activities, while facilitators were the food app and kitchen scale, seeing results, and a balanced diet.

Conclusions

The combined lifestyle intervention X-Fittt GLI showed positive health outcomes. However, the effects are modest and decline during the second year of the intervention. More (social and/or mental) support during the aftercare period may increase the chances that participants maintain their newly adopted healthy routines.
O.3.3-5 Is parkrun an equitable health intervention? A qualitative study exploring how a free, weekly, community-based physical activity initiative engages with underrepresented groups in the UK
Authors: Quirk Helen
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Underrepresented groups face unique and complex barriers to community-based physical activities. This study used the worldwide initiative parkrun to explore how it has engaged with underrepresented groups in the UK. It sought to explore the challenges faced by the organisation and its volunteers when striving for equity and outline the inclusive promotion strategies that could be used by parkrun and other community initiatives.

Methods

Adult parkrun Ambassadors who fulfilled volunteer roles that involved ‘outreach’ to underrepresented groups across the UK were invited. Ten volunteers provided informed consent to be interviewed via telephone in April-July 2021. Interview transcripts were analysed using a thematic approach by the same researcher who conducted the interviews. Ethical approval was received from the University of Sheffield REC.

Results

The Ambassadors had volunteering experience from two to five or more years. The outreach approaches implemented varied from opportunistic promotion within communities to strategic negotiations at higher decision-making levels. Ambassadors described a community-centred focus that ensured that existing community networks and assets were utilised when promoting parkrun. It was advantageous to identify influential ‘community connectors’ within the target community with power to mobilise others. These could be local people or organisations in more traditional positions of influence e.g., General Practices and schools. The volunteers conveyed many challenges to their attempts to increase engagement in parkrun by underrepresented groups. Limited personal and organisational capacity meant that the reach and impact of engagement was restricted. The Ambassadors would benefit from robust mechanisms for reflecting, evaluating, learning and monitoring progress to better understand what is working (or not) and why.

Conclusion

parkrun takes a community-centred approach to outreach. Community initiatives like parkrun may benefit from a whole-system approach that is adaptive to local contexts, considers where the greatest opportunities for change are and fosters a learning mindset among those delivering the initiative. The findings only represent the views of ten Ambassadors interviewed and so further collaborative work with people from the underrepresented groups is needed to develop co-produced solutions to equitable participation.

Funding

Funded by a National Institute for Health Research School for Public Health Research post-doctoral launching fellowship.
O.3.3-9 Working principles for intergenerational sports programs - scoping review
Authors: van Holland Berry , Mombarg Remo , Tomat Saska Benedicic
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Generations Uniting through Sport (GUS) stimulates mutual understanding between youngsters and elderly people with sports activities. The project aims to promote intergenerational relations and increased physical activity by setting up an innovative and sustainable program. The concept for the GUS program is to identify, recruit, train and support a cohort of experienced practitioners. These professionals and volunteers will facilitate local-scale collaboration projects between youngsters and elderly people to increase their participation in physical activity and sport. The program will bring together young and old beneficiaries, through trained practitioners. The aim of the current research was to generate a state of the art overview of available evidence and practices that facilitate the development and implementation of intergenerational programs.

Methods

The literature search consists of two parts. One part focuses on identifying scientific literature on working principles within intergenerational programs. The search will be performed in Google Scholar, Pubmed and PROSPERO and is restricted to literature from the year 2000 onwards and languages used within the consortium. Main search terms are ‘adolescent’, ‘elderly’, ‘intergenerational’, ‘activity’/’program’ and synonyms of these terms.

The second part of the search is performed within the project consortium and focuses on good practices from national and local settings. Searches will be performed in grey literature and through personal networks in France, Spain, Bulgaria, United Kingdom and Slovenia.

Literature analysis focuses on activities, target groups, involved stakeholders, behavioral change models, barriers and outcomes/impact.

Results

The literature search results in a set of principles for programs and activities tailored towards generations uniting through sport/movement in Europe. More specific, it synthesizes behavioral change models incorporating methodologies that motivate youngsters and elderly people to exercise together and reduces some of the motivational and structural barriers to intergenerational programs.

Conclusions

The final results and conclusions will be presented at the conference.
O.4.1-3 Effects of novel isometric resistance training on resting and ambulatory blood pressure measures: a comparison between exercise modes
Authors: Wright Ben Henry , Antrobus Mark Robert , Jones Peter Gordon Woodrow , Baross Anthony William
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Isometric resistance training (IRT) can reduce clinical resting, and ambulatory blood pressure measures (ABPM) irrespective of hypertensive status, yet adopted methods are expensive, require specialised equipment, and may limit accessibility for those with mobility restrictions. Previous work undertaken in our laboratory has established a novel isometric training band (ITB) and associated protocol as a method of safely performing acute IRT. However, the chronic effects of ITB on clinical resting blood pressure (BP) and ABPM remains unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to validate the novel IRT method by comparing the effects of the ITB on BP following 4-weeks of IRT.

Methods

Forty-two healthy normotensive adults (22 male, 20 female, [Mean ± SD], age 31 ± 14 years, height 170 ± 10 cm, mass 75 ± 16 kg, systolic [SBP], 120 ± 5 mmHg, diastolic [DBP], 72 ± 7 mmHg, mean arterial [MAP], 88 ± 6 mmHg, heart rate [HR[ 67 ± 12 bpm·-1) were randomised to a control (CON), isometric handgrip (IHG) or isometric training band (ITB) group. Clinical resting (SBP, DBP, MAP, & HR) and ABPM (n = 38; 24-hour, daytime, and night-time SBP, DBP, MAP, & HR) were measured pre-and post-4-weeks of supervised IRT (4 x 2-minute contractions at 30%MVC [IHG] or 4 x 2-minute contractions at CR-10 values equivalent to 30%MVC [ITB]). Data were analysed using two-way repeated measures ANOVAs to examine any significant (P <.05) within-and between group differences.

Results

Clinical resting SBP was reduced for IHG (-4.6 ± 3.6 mmHg, P <.05) and ITB (-4.5 ± 3 mmHg, P <.05) following 4-weeks of IRT. No differences were seen within-or between groups for clinical resting DBP and MAP or for resting HR (P >.05). No differences were found over time or between groups for ABPM (P >.05 across all measures).

Conclusions

These findings suggest 4-weeks of IRT using the novel ITB can elicit reductions in clinical resting BP in normotensives comparable to IHG. As such, the ITB may offer a practical and cost-effective alternative to long-established IRT methods. Yet further research is needed to ascertain the ABPM-lowering effects of the ITB for normotensive groups.
O.4.2-1 The within-person bidirectional association between physical activity and loneliness in the daily lives of adolescents and young adults
Authors: Jennen Lise , Mazereel Victor , Vansteelandt Kristof , Menne-Lothmann Claudia , Decoster Jeroen , Derom Catherine , Thiery Evert , Rutten Bart P F , Jacobs Nele , van Os Jim , Wichers Marieke , De Hert Marc , Vancampfort Davy , van Winkel Ruud
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Adolescents and young adults are at high risk for experiencing loneliness, a well-established risk factor for mental health symptoms. Previous cross-sectional studies show an inverse association between loneliness and physical activity. The causality and directionality of this association remains unclear as longitudinal and interventional studies are currently lacking in this population. With the Experience Sampling Method, we are able to investigate fluctuations in daily life and within-person dynamics. We hypothesized a bidirectional relationship where physical activity can reduce loneliness and loneliness can reduce physical activity the subsequent moment.

Methods

Participants were sampled from the population-based twin registry TwinssCan. The sample consisted of 784 participants, aged 15 to 25 years. They responded to a questionnaire ten times a day for six days. Analysis was done with multilevel models. Interaction effects with affective valence (enjoyment, competence and effort), and depressive and anxiety symptoms were explored.

Results

We did not observe a significant association between physical activity and loneliness on the within-person level, but there was a significant interaction effect where physical activity predicts decreased subsequent loneliness, but only at moments with high affective valence where young people enjoy the activity, feel competent and requires limited effort. There was no significant interaction effect with depressive and anxiety symptoms.

Conclusions

The findings of this study give us a better understanding of the association between physical activity and loneliness in young people. During the presentation, we will discuss the importance of considering contextual factors when investigating psychosocial outcomes of physical activity.

Support/Funding Source

The TwinssCan study received funding from the European Community’s Seventh Framework Program and the Fund of Scientific Research Flanders and Twins. LJ is supported by a PhD Fellowship from Research Foundation Flanders. RvW is supported by a Senior Clinical Fellowship (FWO – 1803616N), and by the Funds Julie Renson, Queen Fabiola and King Baudouin Foundation.
O.4.2-8 Gait differences between adults with COPD and healthy controls: systematic review and metaanalyses
Authors: Buekers Joren , Ortiz Laura Delgado , Megaritis Dimitrios , Polhemus Ashley , Chynkiamis Nikolaos , Buttery Sara , Breuls Sofie , Koch Sarah , Santos Elena Gimeno , Demeyer Heleen , Hopkinson Nick , Vogiatzis Ioannis , Troosters Thierry , Frei Anja , Garcia-Aymerich Judith
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Fall risk is increased in adults with COPD. Although gait is an important risk factor for falls, hospitalisations, and mortality, the available literature shows inconsistencies on whether gait differs between adults with COPD and healthy controls. The aim of this study was to identify differences in digitally-measured gait characteristics during laboratory tests between adults with COPD and healthy controls.

Methods

As part of the Mobilise-D project (https://www.mobilise-d.eu), we conducted a systematic review built upon a previous scoping review (Polhemus, A. et al. npj Digit. Med. 2021). The search was updated in July 2021. Teams of two reviewers independently screened articles and extracted data. Meta-analyses were performed in studies not considered at a high risk of bias.

Results

Twenty-five studies were included. Gait speed was studied in 17 studies (68%), step length in 9 (36%), step time in 7 (28%), cadence in 6 (24%) and step width in 5 (20%). Meta-analyses revealed that adults with COPD walked with a lower self-selected speed and top speed than healthy controls. There was a trend towards a lower step length, lower cadence and higher step time at a self-selected walking speed in adults with COPD compared to healthy controls. Step width was similar for both groups.

Conclusion

Adults with COPD exhibit slower gait than healthy controls. This could contribute to the increased fall risk in adults with COPD.

Support/Funding Source

This work was supported by the Mobilise-D project that has received funding from the Innovative Medicines Initiative 2 Joint Undertaking (JU) under grant agreement No. 820820.
O.4.3-2 Teaching movement and physical activity in Early Childhood Education and Care, an obvious and important objective, or a challenging and provocative task for educators?
Authors: Sollerhed Ann-Christin
Published: September 2023

Movement and physical activity (MoPA) are critical to children’s health and development. Most children aged 1-5 years are enrolled in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) in Sweden. High expectations are placed on educators to deliver education of sufficient quality to support children’s development.

Purpose

The aim of the 18-month-long action-based study was to investigate how 88 ECEC educators in five preschools experienced their MoPA-teaching.

Methods

The educators planned and implemented MoPA sessions in a trial-and-error manner among children. They filmed sequences from the sessions, which were shown in focus groups led by the researcher. The film sequences were the starting point for the collegial discussions.

Results

Content analysis of the transcribed focus group discussions revealed three themes with each two subcategories (in brackets): 1. Teaching aspects (educator’s competence; educator’s role modeling);2. Educational aspects (children’s development; children’s health and wellbeing); 3. Structural aspects (curriculum; environment).

Most educators perceived their competence to teach MoPA as insufficient, which was perceived as a troublesome barrier. The teaching sessions were often replaced with free play. During the project the educators became aware of children’s different MoPA-levels and that free play did not always increase the children’s motor skills. Despite this awareness, most of the educators were not prepared to leave their comfort zones, to invest time, work, or effort to improve the MoPA-education. Most of the educators felt it was difficult to assume the role of a physically active role model for the children. They demonstrated the need for continuous education to enhance the pedagogic content knowledge for adequate MoPA-teaching. Many educators demonstrated that teaching MoPA was seen as an arduous task, although they were aware of the importance of children’s motor skill learning and physical activity for a healthy development. They thought it was difficult to keep moving children in order and they preferred sedentary activities where their leadership was perceived as sufficient.

Conclusions

The pedagogical content knowledge in MoPA is low among ECEC-educators and the MoPA-teaching is often seen as difficult to implement and is therefore unfavorably treated in ECEC, which may have negative implications for children’s actual and future health.
O.4.5-3 Trend in sedentary behaviour in the Netherlands
Authors: Schurink-van 't Klooster Tessa , van Deemter Sacha , Duijvestijn Marjolein , Wendel-Vos Wanda
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Prolonged sedentary behaviour has been associated with a higher risk of cardio-vascular diseases and premature death. The general recommendation is to interrupt long periods of sitting. The aim of this study was to investigate trends in sedentary behaviour among (subgroups of) the Dutch population.

Methods

Data from the Additional module Physical activity and Accidents of the Dutch Lifestyle Monitor was used, which includes a representative sample of the Dutch population aged 4 years and older. Sedentary time was measured in the years 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2021, using an adjusted version of the Marshall questionnaire. Sitting domains were: 1) traveling, 2) at work, 3) at school or studying 4) watching television, 5) using a computer/smartphone at home, and 6) otherwise. Trends in sedentary time on an average day of the week, in total and per domain, were analysed for the total Dutch population and stratified by different background characteristics using univariate and multivariate linear regression analysis.

Results

A positive (i.e. increasing) trend over time was seen in the number of hours spent sitting, i.e. from 8.7 hours in 2015 to 9.1 hours in 2021 (p = 0.003). In the following groups this trend was more increasing compared to other groups of the particular background characteristic: women, older age groups (65- to 79-year-olds and people over 80), lower educated people, people with an household income in the 2nd quintile, partners in a couple with or without children living at home, paid workers working ≥32 hours per week, people in good health, overweight and obese persons, people who did not meet the Physical Activity Guidelines, and people who did not exercise weekly. These trends were mostly seen in the domains: at school or studying, watching television, and other leisure time activities.

Conclusions

Our study showed an increasing trend between 2015 and 2021 in sedentary behaviour in several groups of the Dutch population of 4 years and older. These results provide possible starting points for future policy, but can also be used as a benchmark for other studies of sedentary behaviour among different target groups.
O.4.6-8 Dutch school policies for less sitting and more physical activity in primary schools
Authors: Nauta Joske , Schweitzer Mandy , Kat Ilse , Moll Kirsten , Koenders Kick , Janssen Mirka
Published: September 2023

Purpose

A more dynamic school day that includes less sitting and more physical activity throughout the day may support health in primary school children. In this mixed methodologies study, we assessed which physical activity possibilities are incorporated in the school policies of Dutch primary schools and if this translates into more physical activity in pupils.

Methods

Seven primary schools were included in the study. The head teachers completed a questionnaire on the incorporation of physical activity in the school policy. Physical activity policy was assessed for physical education, physical activity during breaks, scheduling of physical activity during lessons, after school physical activity and active transport to school. In each school, actual physical activity was objectively measured using accelerometers in pupils in two classes and planning and logging of PA by teachers.

Results

We will assess the impact of the school policy on physical activity in pupils using logistic regression. We will assess the impact of the several school policies on total physical activity in pupils, and on the three (light, moderate and high) modalities of physical activity.

Conclusion

The results of this study will give us more insight in the current role of physical activity in Dutch primary schools. The potential impact of the school policy on physical activity levels in pupils can be used as a starting point for a more integral dynamic school day approach.

Support/Funding Source

This study was partially funded by “Stichting Westelijke Tuinsteden’.
O.4.6-9 Physical activity during school time in Denmark: an accelerometer-based study
Authors: Jessen Nanna Holt , Skejø Sebastian , Ziska Lasse , Nielsen Rasmus Østergaard
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The Danish Primary School Act stipulates that each school day must include an average of 45 minutes of physical activity (PA) for pupils. However, the law does not specify the recommended level of intensity or whether breaks must be included. This study aimed to investigate the amount and intensity of PA during school time among 4th grade pupils in Danish public schools. An additional aim was to investigate if differences between low-intensity PA and moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) exist. Thereby, this study can contribute with new perspectives on statutory PA during school time.

Methods

The study was conducted in Syddjurs Municipality, Denmark, in the spring of 2021. All 10 schools in the municipality chose to participate. Pupils from 4th grade carried an accelerometer on the wrist of their non-dominant arm during school time. Following a familiarization period of 10 days, data was collected for another 10 school days (Monday to Friday in two consecutive weeks). Complete days were defined as days where the pupil wore the accelerometer during the entire school day.

Results

A total of 411 pupils were included in the study. The analysis comprised 381 pupils with 2055 complete days. Low intensity PA for at least 45 minutes during the entire school day (including breaks) was performed by 99.6% (95%CI:99.2%;99.8%) of the pupils. Correspondingly for MVPA, 33.6% (95%CI:31.5%;35.7%) of the pupils had at least 45 minutes of MVPA during the entire school day. During lessons only (excluding breaks), 97.9% (95%CI:97.2;98.4%) of the pupils had at least 45 minutes of low intensity PA. The corresponding proportion of pupils performing MVPA during lessons was 16.8% (95%CI:15.2%;18.5%).

Conclusions

Most pupils in 4th grade accomplished to perform PA of low intensity during school time, while one third of the pupils performed at least 45 minutes of MVPA during the entire school time, although MVPA is known to promote physical, mental and social health. If the law is intended to promote the health of school children, the recommended level of intensity need to be further specified.

Support/Funding Source

The project was funded by Nordic Innovation.
O.4.6-10 Move! – A national monitoring system for health-related fitness and motor competence of Finnish school-aged children and adolescents
Authors: Huhtiniemi Mikko
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The Move! system was launched in 2016 and it aims to provide systematic feedback to students on their physical performance, and to collect annual nationwide data on physical performance from 5th and 8th grade students (11–15 years old). The physical performance in the Move! system has been operationalized to include components of health-related fitness and motor competence, which are ideally needed during adolescence and later in life.

Project description

The Move! is included in the national core curriculum for physical education (PE) and is therefore targeted for all students. Move! measurements include 20m shuttle run (endurance), 5-leaps (strength of the lower body, locomotor skills, stability skills), throwing-catching combination (object control skills), curl-up (endurance of abdominal muscles), push-up (endurance of upper body muscles), and flexibility tests. The Move! results are used extensively. In schools, PE teachers give immediate feedback to students during and after test sessions. In addition, teachers can utilize Move! data when designing PE programs and lessons. Students’ results are sent home, and parents are encouraged to discuss the results and their implications with their children. Students and their parents are directed to the Move! web pages, where they are provided with more information about the tests along with guidance on how to develop different elements of physical performance. The results are also utilized in healthcare as school nurses and doctors consider students’ physical performance information along with other health data. Through a database, it is possible to follow students’ physical performance development. The data can also be used in informed decision-making at national and local levels.

Conclusions

The Move! system annually reaches a vast majority of Finnish grade 5 and 8 students (>100 000), schools (>2000), and municipalities (>95 %). The system ties together school PE, health care, and data-informed decision-making, and can be seen as a pedagogical innovation enhancing Finnish students’ health-related fitness, physical activity, and overall well-being.
O.5.2-8 The development of a curriculum to teach adapted physical activity in elderly as well as patients with chronic diseases in Luxembourg
Authors: Meyer Christophe , Lion Alexis , Mann Robert , Ley Daniel
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The aim of this project is twofold: 1) to design and implement a curriculum to train physical activity (PA) coaches in giving adapted physical activity (APA) sessions for the ageing population as well as for people with chronic diseases, 2) to create a teaching national framework for health enhancing PA, which does not yet exist, to ensure coherence in providing PA sessions depending on the target population.

Project description

Since the 1980s, an offer of APA sessions was implemented progressively by the associations, the communes, and other institutions in The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg for people with chronic diseases as well as for the ageing population. But the hired coaches and activity leaders have different educational backgrounds (physiotherapists, sports scientists etc) due to the lack of a national curriculum. Therefore, the National School of Physical Education and Sports (ENEPS) as a representative of the Ministry of Sports, in collaboration with the Health Directorate (Health Ministry), the “Fédération Luxembourgeoise des Associations de Sport de Santé” and the Ministry of Family Affairs, Integration and the Greater Region is responsible for designing, developing, and implementing a curriculum in APAs as an educational basis. The curriculum is based on the Grand-Ducal regulation and encompasses three specific modules. While the first module focuses on the concept of physical literacy, on general knowledge of human anatomy and physiology as well as soft skills, the second focuses on the physiopathology and on the benefits and recommendations of pursuing a regular PA. The third module is a practical module covering several PAs such as Nordic walking, yoga, Pilates, aquarobics, dance etc. The complete curriculum will encompass approximately 150 hours of teaching and is completed when all modules are validated, i.e. at least 50% of the maximum score, and after a final practical evaluation.

Conclusions

The imminent launch of the curriculum outlines the commitment of the government to promote the importance of health enhancing physical activity at all prevention level, from primary to tertiary. The curriculum supports the development of a pool of future APA coaches that will help to expand the supply of APA training sessions.