bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
142 Mountaineering – an opportunity for inclusion
Authors: Pustivšek Suzana , Čič Marjeta , Nowakk Jurček , Filipčič Maja 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Mountaineering play an important role in Slovenian society. In recent years, we have seen an attempt to include people with disabilities into Mountaineering. They have fewer opportunities to participate in recreational activities in an accessible way. The aim of the project is to increase the health-promoting physical activity of people with disabilities/special needs and to improve social integration through hiking. It also aims to improve inclusion by creating a supportive and safe environment for all participants. The project will develop and test methods for inclusion of different groups that can be implemented on a broad scale.

Project
Part of Alpine association of Slovenia is also a mountaineering committee for people with disabilities/special needs. The committee is active in two main areas: firstly, in training experts (guides, teachers, social workers, experts in other disability organisations) and volunteers with the basic skills to conduct mountaineering activities for the target group and secondly, in organising free mountain tours for people with disabilities to improve their everyday life, give them equal opportunities to experience nature, help them socialise and motivate them to lead a more active lifestyle. Several stakeholders are involved in the organisation and implementation of the activities: Sonček – Cerebral Palsy Association of Slovenia, Slovenian Paraplegic Association, Dystrophy Society of Slovenia, Multiple Sclerosis Association of Slovenia and Slovenian Scouts. The evaluation of the project is based on the number of training programmes and walks carried out per year, the number of participants and their subjective evaluation of the individual walks. in 2023, 39 events (2632 participants) were organised and 4 repetitions (78 participants) of the training programme were carried out.

Conclusion
The project is a unique platform for promoting integration in sport and health-enhancing physical activity, which has a strong impact on the biological, sociological, and psychological aspects of participants’ health. The project is an example of good practise of inclusion in HEPA.
181 Assessing the Feasibility of a 12-week Structured Exercise Programme in Improving Physical Function in Cardiovascular Disease Patients’
Authors: Fitzmaurice Daire , Herring Matthew , Woods Catherine , Carson Brian 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background and Purpose
Evidence supports the use of physical activity and exercise for the management of existing chronic disease. Exercise Referral Schemes (ERS) are one way to encourage physical activity participation in people living with a chronic disease to self-manage their own conditions and symptoms. Participants are referred by a healthcare professional to participate in a structured, supervised exercise programme. The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility of one such scheme (ULMedX) in improving the physical function of participants with cardiovascular disease.

Methods
This study utilised a pre-test post-test design (N = 29, 89.7% males; total mean age 66.17 ± 10.9 years). Participants engaged in twice weekly exercise sessions for 12 weeks focused on cardiovascular endurance and complimented by local muscular endurance training of main muscle groups. Assessments were completed at baseline and at 12-week follow up and included lower body strength (5-times sit-to-stand test), upper body strength (grip strength dynamometer), and aerobic capacity (6-minute walk test). Statistical analyses were mostly conducted using a paired-samples t-test, apart from lower body strength which used Wilcoxon-signed ranked test as data was non-normal.

Results
100% of participants completed assessments at baseline with 86.21% of participants completing assessments at 12-week follow-up. The ULMedX programme had a mean attendance rate of 55.31 ± 32.22% over 12-weeks. There was a significant difference in dominant hand grip strength (p = 0.038, d = 0.37) and 5-times sit to stand scores (p = .025), but no significant difference in non-dominant grip strength (p = 0.18, d = 0.19). There was also a significant difference in the 6-minute walk test scores (p = .001, d = 0.667) with an average increase of 26.48 ± 39.72 m across all participants, which is also a clinically meaningful change.

Conclusions
These findings indicate that the ULMedX exercise programme may play a significant role in improving aerobic capacity and lower limb strength for those living with cardiovascular disease. This clinically meaningful improvement could lead to an improved quality of life for these participants.

Funding
Study funded by the Health and Wellbeing Division of the Health Service Executive in Community Healthcare Organisation 3.
229 Evaluation of the Global Matrix of Para Report Cards on Physical Activity of Children and Adolescents with Disabilities
Authors: Bardid Farid , Hutzler Yeshayahu , Aubert Salomé , Pozeriene Jurate , Ng Kwok 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Physical activity provides a wide range of health benefits for children and adolescents with disabilities (CAWD). However, despite CAWD being at higher risk of physical inactivity, there is a lack of surveillance systems that capture physical activity data of CAWD. To address this gap, the Global Matrix of Para Report Cards on physical activity of CAWD was set up with 14 participating countries/jurisdictions (Ng et al., 2023) based on the methodology of the Active Healthy Kids Global Alliance’s Global Matrix 4.0 (Aubert et al., 2023). This study aims to evaluate the process, outcome, and impact of the Global Matrix of Para Report Cards.

Methods
The evaluation was informed by the Global Matrix 3.0 evaluation process (Aubert et al., 2020). Process, outcome, and impact indicators were informed by online surveys, reports/publications, and website analytics of the special issue published in Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly.

Results
Two online surveys have been completed by 64-71% of targeted respondents. Moderate-to-high satisfaction rates were reported for the development of and participation in the Global Matrix initiative and open-ended comments reported issues (e.g., data availability, inconsistency in definitions) and positive feedback (e.g., networking/collaboration, visibility). The participating Report Card teams assigned and contributed a total of 139 physical activity grades—overall physical activity, organised sport, active play, active transport, physical fitness, sedentary behaviour, family and peers, schools, community and environment, government—to the Global Matrix of which 45% were incomplete. Twelve Report Card teams published a short Para Report Card article for their country. As of February 2024, &gt;47,000 views have been recorded for the special issue comprising the Global Matrix and country Para Report Card articles.

Conclusions
This evaluation highlights the need for more discussion on the definitions of disability and benchmarks of physical activity indicators to improve the grading process and more support in accessing and synthesising data related to CAWD. These are important steps to support inclusion and representation of CAWD in (inter)national surveillance of physical activity and health.
224 Longitudinal associations between flexibility, motor competence, and self-reported physical activity during adolescence
Authors: Huhtiniemi Mikko , Jaakkola Timo 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Purpose
This study investigated the longitudinal associations between flexibility, motor competence, and self-reported physical activity among Finnish adolescents over four years. Previous research indicates a lack of longitudinal studies exploring the developmental patterns of flexibility, motor competence, and physical activity.

Methods
At baseline, 1147 (582 boys, 565 girls) Finnish adolescents aged 11.27 (0.33) years participated in the study. Data was collected annually in five time points when students were in Grades 5 to 9. Students’ flexibility was measured using squat, lower back extension, and left and right shoulder stretch. Motor competence was measured using the throwing-catching combination, continuous 5-leaps, and lateral jumping tests. Physical activity was measured using a questionnaire. A Random-Intercept Cross Lagged Panel Model (RI-CLPM), including repeated measures (within-level) and latent levels (between-level) of flexibility, motor competence, and physical activity was used to analyze the data. Sex and body mass index (BMI) were used as covariates in the analysis.

Results
At the between-level, a stable positive association over four years was found between flexibility and motor competence [.36, (.04)] and between motor competence and physical activity [.47, (.04)]. However, flexibility was not found to be associated with self-reported physical activity over time. The covariate results showed that being a girl was negatively linked to motor competence [-.12, (.03)] and physical activity [-.12, (.04)] but positively to flexibility [.41, (.03)]. Higher BMI was negatively linked to all study variables. The results at the within-level also revealed some cross-lagged relationships among the study variables.

Conclusions
The findings of this study indicate that students’ flexibility is positively linked to motor competence during adolescence. In other words, students with higher flexibility also have higher motor competence, and vice versa. As flexibility and physical activity were not associated over time, it might be that the positive development of flexibility is more related to participating in activities with diverse motor skills demands rather than meeting the physical activity guidelines.

Funding source
The Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture funded this study.
189 Development of the Youth-Physical Activity Towards Health in Northern Ireland (Y-PATH NI) Study
Authors: Carlin Angela , McClelland Julia , Gallagher Alison , Belton Sarahjane , O’Brien Wesley , Murphy Marie 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Purpose
The Youth-Physical Activity Towards Health (Y-PATH) programme is an evidence-based physical literacy intervention, aimed at enhancing provision of physical education (PE). Previous research has demonstrated the effectiveness of Y-PATH at increasing children’s physical activity levels and fundamental movement skills in Ireland. As Northern Ireland (NI) has different curricular provision, this study will consult with key stakeholders (pupils, teachers, parents) to test the acceptability of Y-PATH and adapt intervention content for delivery in NI post-primary schools.

Methods
The development phase involved reviewing the NI PE curriculum, a cross-sectional online survey with NI pupils (n = 1541, 11-14 years), focus groups (n = 17) with pupils aged 11-16 years, and interviews with parents and teachers (n = 15). In addition, 22 pupils participated in a Youth Advisory Group and were asked to provide feedback on intervention resources and proposed data collection measures for future feasibility testing. Descriptive statistics and chi-square analyses were run for quantitative data. Qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis, data were summarised, and themes were generated.

Results
Participants reported wanting to take part in more physical activity with their friends, during school time and to be given a choice of activities in their PE classes. Parents in NI indicated that they thought the Y-PATH programme would be beneficial for children and reported that they would be willing to be involved with the parent component of the intervention, while teachers noted some concerns in relation to the additional workload the intervention might entail. Feedback from the Youth Advisory Group suggested proposed outcome measures were acceptable, with detailed feedback provided on the design and functionality of Y-PATH resources, for example, the student journal.

Conclusions
The findings from this study suggest that the Y-PATH intervention would be suitable for schools in NI. The adapted Y-PATH NI programme will be tested in a feasibility trial and a process evaluation will determine the fidelity and acceptability of the Y-PATH intervention within the NI setting. These findings will help policymakers and researchers develop interventions that will be effective in increasing physical activity levels amongst youth.

Support/Funding Source
This study is funded by Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke.
199 EDUcational Course Assessment TOOLkit (EDUCATOOL): development and application in a Health-Enhancing Physical Activity (HEPA) promotion intervention
Authors: Matolić Tena , Jurakić Danijel , Jurakić Zrinka Greblo , Maršić Tošo 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Purpose
The evaluation of educational courses on HEPA promotion often lacks an empirically defined evaluation framework. Thus, our primary aim was to develop an assessment toolkit called EDUCATOOL, grounded in Kirkpatrick’s evaluation framework, and to assess its measurement properties. Our second goal was to apply EDUCATOOL to evaluate the Sports Club for Health (SCforH) educational course.

Methods
EDUCATOOL was developed through a rigorous four-stage process: 1) literature review, 2) drafting questionnaires based on 150 topic-related publications and discussion among three researchers, 3) refining the questionnaires through the Delphi method including five multidisciplinary experts, and 4) a consultative process with 20 potential end-users. The toolkit was then utilised to evaluate the SCforH educational course, completed by 840 participants from 34 European countries. Participant types included: a) representative of sports club, b) representative of sports association, c) representative of governmental body, d) representative of public health institute and National Physical Activity Focal Point (“HEPA promotors & researchers”), f) academic staff in a higher education or research institution, g) higher education student, and h) other.

Results
EDUCATOOL consists of a post-course questionnaire, follow-up questionnaire, user manual, and data processing calculator. Both questionnaires demonstrated a good fit for Kirkpatrick’s 4-factor model, encompassing Reaction, Learning, Behavioural intent (post-course)/Behaviour (follow-up), and Expected outcomes (post-course)/Results (follow-up). Internal consistency, test-retest reliability factorial validity, and convergent validity were found to be adequate for both questionaries. The SCforH course received high ratings from all participant types, with median scores ranging from 8.00 to 9.00 out of 10 for individual items and from 20.00 to 21.67 out of 25 for each of the four summary components. HEPA promotors and researchers rated the outcome components most highly compared to other participant types.

Conclusions
The EDUCATOOL toolkit represents a valuable resource for evaluating the effectiveness of educational courses and fostering evidence-based practices in various HEPA promotion interventions. Findings from the SCforH course evaluation indicate that innovative and engaging methods in HEPA promotion are well-received by various types of stakeholders.

Support/Funding Source
The study was funded by Erasmus+ Collaborative Partnerships grant (ref: 613434-EPP-1-2019-1-HR9 SPO-SCP) and Croatian Science Foundation (ref: DOK-2020-01-8078).
148 The energy expenditure of different strategies to break up prolonged sedentary behaviour in office workers
Authors: Vanherle Jen , Nieste Ine , Franssen Wouter , Op ‘t Eijnde Bert 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
Since the millennium shift, the number of people who work in an office environment has increased up to 30%. This leads to an increase in sedentary behaviour (SB), which has been associated with numerous chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. The underlying mechanisms are attributed to metabolic processes, including a higher postprandial glucose and lipid concentration, associated with the low energy expenditure of SB.

Purpose
As studies now show that interrupting SB can acutely improve metabolic markers such as glucose regulation, this is an emerging field of research. Even more so because interruptions in SB, in terms of intensity, range from standing breaks to high-intensity physical activity breaks. In order to better compare different strategies for interrupting SB in an office environment, it is important to know the energy expenditure associated with these strategies. Therefore, this study was performed to compare the energy expenditure of two different strategies to interrupt prolonged SB that can be implemented in an office environment to enhance cardiometabolic health.

Methods
In this cross-sectional observational study, indirect calorimetry was used to determine the energy expenditure in three different simulated office environments (prolonged SB, 2min walking breaks @ 3km/h, standing breaks) for a duration of 15 minutes. This technique is based on measuring the oxygen uptake and CO2 production to calculate the associated energy expenditure and substrate oxidation.

Results
Eleven participants completed all simulated office environments. There was a significant increase in energy expenditure in standing breaks compared to prolonged SB (+0.11 kcal/min, p = 0.02) and walking breaks compared to both prolonged SB (+0.49 kcal/min, p &lt; 0.001) and standing breaks (+0.38 kcal/min, p &lt; 0.001).

Conclusions
This study suggests that indirect calorimetry can be used to determine the energy expenditure of different strategies to interrupt prolonged sedentary behaviour. Future studies should consider energy expenditure when studying the cardiometabolic health effects of reducing sedentary behaviour by implementing interruptions.

Support/Funding Source
This study was funded by Hasselt University.
150 Workplace physical activity practices for small-and medium-sized enterprises: identification of features that work in real life
Authors: Vandaele Frank , Puig-Ribera Anna , Väänänen Ilkka , Farías-Torbidoni Estela , Dorado Víctor , Matas Sergi , Codina-Nadal Anna , Aumatell Eva , De Clerck Ine , Mas-Alòs Sebastià 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background and Objectives
In the current landscape of workplace well-being policies, the promotion of adequate physical activity (PA) has gained prominence. Extensive peer-reviewed literature outlines essential components for effective PA initiatives. Building upon Väänänen et al.’s (2022) scoping review of grey literature, this study aims to assess which of the identified initiatives are most feasible for inclusion in Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in the European Region of the World Health Organization.

Methods
A questionnaire to evaluate the feasibility was administrated to 82 experts from 26 countries, including the Worksite HEPA promotion working group and experts contacted by the WHO Regional Office for Europe (HEPA focal points). These experts rated the initiatives on positive attributes for practice transfer (effectiveness, practicality, adaptability, generalizability, and cost-benefit) using a 5-point Likert scale. Ratings were categorized by company size, and experts provided recommendations for their countries or regions on a scale of 1-10. Subsequently, an online Delphi panel of experts gathered qualitative feedback on the initiatives with the highest scores, facilitating consensus for their inclusion in a European PA Toolkit tailored for SMEs.

Results
Through three waves, 28 experts assessed a total of 390 initiatives. Forty-three initiatives were considered most feasible for SMEs because they reached a minimum score of 20/25 on positive attributes for practice transfer plus any attributed scored below 4. These initiatives were appraised feasible for SMEs, obtaining a recommendation score of at least 7. After two rounds of Delphi panels involving six experts, no consensus was reached on which of the 43 initiatives were most feasible for SMEs.

Conclusions
The 43 initiatives that were considered feasible through the questionnaire-based assessment, covered all Workplace PA initiative categories identified by Väänänen et al. 2022 (Active work and living; Exercise and fitness programs; Management and leadership; Communication and dissemination; and Facilities). The experts found the underlying concept of these initiatives inspiring for European SMEs. However, they are not transferable to every context. Further research is needed to determine the conditions that must be met to make these concepts feasible across various contexts.

Funding Source
World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe
S03-3: Building the case: Understanding facilitators and barriers to rolling out Fame in Ireland
Authors: McCullagh Ruth , Skelton Dawn , Horgan Frances 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Purpose: The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) reports that 19% of people aged &gt;50 fall annually. In 2021, the population of &gt; 65s reached 742,300, and is set to reach 1 million within 10 years, with the associated cost of falls se to exceed €2 billion. In 2022, a population health-improvement project, AFFINITY supported the training of Physiotherapists (HSE staff) and Exercise Professionals (community-based private and sole providers) to deliver FaME throughout Ireland, with 120 instructors now trained. However, as previous UK implementation studies have shown, FaME roll-out is complex, with local contexts needing consideration.
Therefore, the purpose of this study is to systematically evaluate and improve the early-adopter sites of FaME in Ireland, thereby providing valuable information for its future implementation in the Irish landscape.
This evaluation study follows the HSE Change Guide; an experience-based co-design action research approach. Three early-adopter sites with varying methods of funding, managing, and delivering FaME have been identified. Using mixed-methods, we are completing the key activities, DEFINE, DESIGN, and DELIVER. We are DEFINing (1) current referral processes to improve equity and reach to people who may fall; (2) the cost, effectiveness (on falls rate, balance, functional independence and well-being), and perceived appropriateness of FaME, and (3) suitable local exercise/activity programmes for participants to maintain independence and function after FaME. From this data, issues in the FaME roll-out will be identified. At co-DESIGN, key stakeholders including PPI representatives, service-users and service-providers, and FaME commissioners, will identify practical local solutions. Finally, in DELIVER, with the local solutions implemented, we will re-explore and re-measure to detect the effects of the change.
We will disseminate the outcomes to public, commissioners and academic parties. The existing UK implementation toolkit will be adapted for the Irish context.
This project will provide valuable information on equitable access, follow-on options, and how best to foster collaborations to ensure the best outcomes for older people and health services. The findings will help to make informed decisions about effective delivery, helping older people to get up and stay active, reducing social isolation, loneliness and dependency.