bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
173 ”You’ve got a lot of big hurdles to jump”: A qualitative investigation into parents’ and teachers’ perceptions of the factors influencing children’s physical activity
Authors: Nally Sarah , Gallagher A M , Murphy M H , Salmon Jo , Carlin Angela 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Levels of physical inactivity in children remains a serious public health concern. The school and home setting provide a promising environment to support children’s physical activity (PA). Understanding the factors that influence PA in childhood is key in the development of effective strategies for increasing activity levels and overcoming barriers in primary school aged children. Nevertheless, there is limited evidence in relation to parents’ and teachers’ perceptions of children’s PA behaviour both at school and in the home environment. Thus, the present study aims to explore the current views, barriers, and facilitators to PA in parents and teachers of children (aged 7-9 years) to inform the design of the Children - Sit Less, Move More (C-SLAMM) intervention.

Methods
In total, twelve semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with primary schoolteachers (n = 6) and with the parents (n = 6) of primary school aged children. All data were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis.

Results
Analyses revealed an understanding of the relationship between children’s PA and health, however the knowledge and perceptions of PA varied. Participants’ felt PA was important but believed several factors impacted children’s ability to be active. Three main themes emerged from the study, reflecting parents’ and teachers’ perspectives on promoting primary school children’s PA at school and at home: (1) knowledge and perception of PA, (2) barriers and facilitators to an active lifestyle, and (3) parent and teacher acceptability and feasibility of the proposed intervention. Findings suggest that the most significant barriers to promoting PA among primary school children include a lack of space, uneven distribution of PA equipment and limited access to play and sporting facilities and suggest opportunities for overcoming these barriers as a way of increasing children’s PA at school. Lack of teacher and parental support were highlighted as key barriers for intervention delivery. Implications for intervention development and future directions were also considered.

Conclusions
Findings from this work highlight that a one-size-fits-all approach may not be applicable when designing a school-based PA intervention, as some degree of flexibility is required.

Funding Source
Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke
174 A qualitative exploration of the influence of formal and informal care practices on physical activity in care home residents
Authors: Wylie Gavin , Kroll Thilo , Witham Miles , Morris Jacqui 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
Physical activity (PA) levels among older people who live in care homes are low, with residents estimated to spend 70 - 80% of their waking time inactive. Low PA in care homes reduces independence, function, and quality of life. Influences on PA behaviour stem partly from residents’ reduced intrinsic physiological capacity. However, influences on PA behaviour are also context-specific, and staff practices related to the organisational and cultural environments of care homes are critical in how (or if) care home residents engage in PA.

Objective
To explore the role and perceptions of staff in the promotion of PA in care home residents.

Methods
A focused ethnographic study in five care homes for older people comprised 54 hours of non-participant observation and 15 in-depth interviews with care home care workers. Observations of PA behaviours focused on key moments and the daily routines of the care homes. Interviews were informed by observations and sought explanations for observed behaviour. All data were analysed using thematic analysis informed by a social-ecological perspective.

Results
The findings show how care workers perceptions of roles, identity, and sense of purpose regarding PA facilitation led to a continuum of formal and informal practices. Opportunities for PA appeared to be constrained or facilitated by care workers conceptualisations of the nature and purpose of care that stemmed from: (i) beliefs around how (or if) carers could facilitate PA opportunities within the constraints of the care routine; (ii) carers’ notions of identity and the purpose of their role; (iii) the boundaries of care work; (iv) formal practices in PA; (v) carers’ knowledge and understanding of PA.

Conclusions
Care staff are the most appropriate people to sustain facilitation of PA on a regular basis, however, this is contingent on addressing detailed individual, interpersonal, organisational, and physical environmental influences on PA. The findings are placed in the context of a social-ecological model that can be used to support the development of interventions to increase PA in care homes. These findings provide evidence to support potential transformation of care worker roles to emphasise PA facilitation as a key part of the role.
197 Association between physical activity and chronic diseases in the adult population in Slovenia
Authors: Brovč Monika , Kukec Andreja , Pustivšek Suzana , Vračko Pia 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to examine the results of the latest European health interview survey (EHIS 2019) to analyze the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and the association between them and physical activity (PA) in adults in Slovenia, and to determine the role of socio-economic and other factors. The main hypothesis was that people who achieve the World Health Organization’s recommended physical activity have less diseases than those who do not. The innovative approach was the use of multivariate analysis to examine the correlations between different factors.

Methods
Data from the EHIS 2019 survey was used. It is a cross-sectional study of a representative sample of adults aged 15 and over, conducted periodically in EU member states. 9900 adults participated in the Slovenian study. Chi-square test was used to assess the statistical difference between the observed outcomes and explanatory variables and binary logistic regression to assess the interdependence of all selected variables.

Results
People who met PA recommendations had a lower prevalence of NCDs compared to those who did not (36.3% vs. 50.7%, p &lt; 0.001), as well as those who met the muscle strengthening recommendations (32.2% vs. 40.7%, p &lt; 0.001). The higher percentages of individuals meeting the recommendations were among women, younger age groups, single individuals, those who didn’t have NCDs, those sitting less than 4 hours per day, and those with a normal body mass index. In multivariate analysis, there was a significant difference between those achieving the recommended PA and those who did not; the latter had an approximately 1.4-fold higher odds ratio of having at least one NCD (p &lt; 0.001). People who sit for 12 hours or more per day had approximately 1.8-fold higher odds ratio of having an NCD (p = 0.019).

Conclusions
Based on the results of the study, it would be useful to emphasize the importance of physical inactivity and prolonged sitting for health and to strengthen public health programmes to promote PA and reduce sitting time.

Support/Funding Source
This study didn’t receive funding.
127 Barriers, Facilitators and Opportunities to Promote Walking in Middle and Older-Aged Adults
Authors: O’Meara Alison , Kilbride Heather , Grace James , Maye Laura , Holloway Paul , Mingham Rosane , Chan Jason , Trace Anna O’Reilly , Setti Annalisa 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Physical activity is a key factor in preventing dementia (Livingston et al., 2020) and reducing the risk of other non-communicable diseases (Ding et al., 2016). Almost 50% of middle-aged Irish people do not meet the recommended guidelines for physical activity; people still use functional walking limitedly and the car is a preferred means of transport (Healthy Ireland, 2019; National Household Travel Survey, 2022). The aim of this study was to capture perceptions of the barriers, facilitators and potential solutions to promote walking across different stakeholders, aiming to increase walking in middle-older age.

Methods
Perceptions were gathered across five distinct stakeholder groups (Walkers, Academics, Healthcare Professionals, Policy Makers, Charity/Community Groups) via recorded, semi-structured interviews (n = 42) and focus groups (n = 3).

Results
Results were analysed using thematic analysis. Stakeholders indicated that any intervention aimed to promote walking needs to be tailored to specific groups; any tool used (technology-based or not) needs to account for a spectrum of needs and motivations. Recreational and functional walking are perceived differently; functional walking, coinciding with city walking, is perceived as a loss of time by middle-aged people, older adults are more positive, although barriers are present. Recreational walking is perceived as health enhancing by all stakeholders, but with negative environmental impact by policy makers and advocates aiming at reducing carbon emissions. All stakeholders are open to technological solutions to address the issue of increasing health-enhancing and community-beneficial walking, but interactive solutions are needed.

Conclusions
This study provides valuable insights into the key barriers and facilitators to walking amongst middle-aged and older adults, which can help to inform tailored solutions that aim to promote walking. The findings also bear relevance to policy makers aiming to promote more sustainable communities, as they shed light on when, where and for whom walking is beneficial, and how people feel about the type of environment they walk in.

Support/Funding Source
This project is funded through the Science Foundation Ireland National Challenge Fund.
192 Behavioural and observational analysis of ‘Be Active with Arthritis’ exercise programme to promote and maintain physical activity (PA) in people with arthritis
Authors: Stephenson Aoife , Harris Maia , Khalid Rameen , Hurley-Osing Deirdre , French David , McDonough Suzanne 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Purpose
The Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists (ISCP) and Arthritis Ireland (AI) developed ‘Be Active with Arthritis’ (BAWA), a physiotherapy-led, group-based exercise programme to promote PA in people with arthritis. Participant feedback suggests BAWA participants initially become more active, but many reduce PA levels after programme completion. This may be explained by the absence of behaviour change techniques (BCTs) supporting PA maintenance.
The study objectives are:
1. Identify core BCTs recommended in BAWA training materials and distinguish between those used for supporting in-class exercise versus those supporting day-to-day PA maintenance.
2. Complete an observational analysis of BAWA delivery to explore which BCTs are used to support PA maintenance.

Methods
Training materials for the delivering therapists were reviewed for the presence of core BCTs. The core BCTs linked to PA in-class and PA maintenance were identified. Team members attended and audio-recorded BAWA classes; recordings were analysed for the presence of core BCTs (in-class and maintenance).

Results
Twenty-three core PA in-class BCTs (23/93), and 11 core PA maintenance BCTs were identified in the training materials. Researchers observed 13 BAWA classes from four programme blocks; led by three different therapists, at three separate locations. Seven of the 11 core maintenance BCTs (64%) were identified at least once from the recordings. The most frequently used were: “Generalisation of target behaviour”, “Credible source” and “Body changes”. An additional seven BCTs were identified in the recordings and documented as potentially pertinent to PA maintenance. The most frequently used additional BCTs were “Behavioural practice/rehearsal” and “Habit formation”.

Conclusions
The inclusion of BCTs into the training material was low. There was limited prevalence of BCTs previously thought to be linked to PA maintenance. The observed absence of BCTs such as “Self-monitoring of behaviour” in daily life using devices such as smartwatches was notable. Future development of a maintenance intervention for people living with arthritis should adopt evidence based BCTs and involve people with arthritis in making judgements on acceptability.

Support/funding source
HRCI/HRB in collaboration with AI, HRCI-HRB-2022-010.
52 Co-development of the Physical Literacy Consensus Statement for England
Authors: Foweather Lawrence , Duncan Mike , Essiet Inimfon , Hurter Liezel , Bingham Daniel , Morris Jade , Daly-Smith Andy , Roberts Will , Lewis Kiara , Goss Hannah , O’Brien Wesley , Shearer Cara , Barnett Lisa 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Physical literacy has gained considerable traction across physical activity, sport, health, and education sectors, leading to an abundance of definitions and interpretations worldwide. However, implementing and advocating for physical literacy becomes challenging when the concept holds different meanings for different individuals and organisations. ‘Uniting’ perspectives on the concept could catalyse efforts to adopt, support and promote physical literacy in practice. This study aimed to develop a physical literacy consensus statement for England that was accessible for those working in research, policy, and practice.

Methods
Phase one included a review of the evidence, a first national stakeholder consultation, and focus groups with children and young people. Phase two included a modified-Delphi methodology and co-development of the draft statement with an expert panel of sixty researchers and stakeholders from around fifty organisations. Phase three included a second national consultation on the draft statement. Phase four involved further co-development and an online survey with the expert panel to revise the statement.

Results
Consensus was established on a definition: Physical literacy is our relationship with movement and physical activity throughout life. The statement also included five key messages encompassing (1) Understanding physical literacy, (2) Why physical literacy matters, (3) Supporting physical literacy, (4) Our experiences affect our physical literacy, and (5) Physical literacy is personal.

Conclusion
The consensus statement is for sector professionals and practitioners and provides a shared understanding of what physical literacy, why it is important and how it can be supported. By understanding, supporting, and adapting to the diverse needs and preferences of everyone, practitioners can play a pivotal role in enhancing physical literacy - an intrinsic driver for engagement in movement and physical activity behaviours. Future research should evaluate the implementation and the impact of the consensus statement.

Funding
The National Lottery and Sport England
81 Correction of bias in self-reported 24-hour movement behaviours: How well can the bias be removed?
Authors: Kastelic Kaja , Rakić Marija , Šuc Anja , Šarabon Nejc 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
Measurement of self-reported 24-hour movement behaviours (i.e. physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and sleep) is important for research, policy, and practice. However, studies showed that self-reported estimates are substantially biased, and that bias usually differs by individual’s characteristics (e.g. age, sex, body mass index). This study aimed to calibrate a recently developed questionnaire for the assessment of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), light physical activity (LPA), sedentary behaviour (SB), and sleep; and to explore how well can the bias be removed.

Methods
We pooled micro-level data from previous validation studies of the Daily Activity Behaviours Questionnaire (DABQ). A total of 268 participants (143 females; age range between 15 and 81 years) provided self-reported (DABQ) and device-measured (accelerometer activPAL) estimates of 24-hour movement behaviours, and their socio-demographic information. We used a set of multiple linear regression models to develop calibration equations based on 70% of the sample (e.g. dependent variable: device-measured SB; independent variables: self-reported SB, MVPA, and sleep, age, sex, body mass index) and conducted cross-validation on the remaining 30% of the sample.

Results
Self-reported MVPA, LPA, SB, and sleep explained 22%, 18%, 24%, and 41% of the variance of device-measured MVPA, LPA, SB, and sleep, respectively. When adding age, sex, body mass index, and other two self-reported movement behaviours to the model, explained variance improved to 31%, 36%, 37%, and 42%, respectively. Non-calibrated self-reported estimates on SB (-110 min/day, 95% CI: -147, -74) and MVPA (-31 min/day, 95% CI: -39, -23) showed underestimation, LPA (136 min/day, 95% CI: 100, 172) overestimation, and sleep time no significant difference (5 min/day, 95% CI: -6, 16). However, we observed no significant difference (± 2 min/day) between calibrated self-reported and device-measured movement behaviours, with substantially narrower limits of agreement.

Conclusion
Our results showed that calibrated DABQ provide comparably accurate group-level estimates of 24-hour movement behaviours than accelerometer activPAL. Questionnaire calibration is a relatively simple method to improve the validity of self-reported estimates that have been underutilized in physical activity research to date. Improved validity of calibrated self-reported estimates on 24-hour movement behaviours may benefit epidemiological research, population surveillance systems, and individual-level assessments in practice.
100 DEFRAIL: The Development of a Patient-centred, Theory-informed, Expert-guided Diet and Exercise for Frailty Intervention
Authors: Fagan Sarah , Cooke John , Mulcahy Ríona , Bambrick Padraig , Harrison Michael , Mulhare Brian , Kehoe Bróna 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Combined exercise and dietary interventions have been shown to benefit older adults with frailty, with significant promise in transitioning between frailty states. However, there is limited availability of such interventions, partly due to a lack of capacity in healthcare. While community-based programmes offer a plausible solution, often intervention settings do not reflect the transfer of research to practical ‘real world’ programmes and there is a paucity of research investigating ‘true’ community-based programmes. With older adults citing numerous barriers to adherence, the purpose of this study was to describe the development of DEFRAIL (Diet and Exercise for Frailty), a patient-centred, evidenced-based behaviour change intervention.

Methods
The research is guided by the Medical Research Council’s Framework for the Development, Evaluation, and Implementation of Complex Interventions. Four key steps contributed to the intervention development. 1) A review of the literature identified the evidence for intervention delivery models. 2) Interviews with older adults with frailty (n = 13) explored attitudes and preferences for exercise and protein supplementation. 3) A behaviour change analysis was performed using the COM-B Model to identify behaviour change techniques (BCTs) to embed in the intervention. 4) An expert panel of healthcare professionals, academics and potential implementers (n = 18) was consulted, via a DELPHI process to obtain consensus on the final structure of the intervention.

Results
There is a lack of detail on intervention delivery models in the literature. Settings varied for ‘community’ interventions from universities, research centres, gym and home-based programmes. Three key themes were identified from the interviews with older adults: impact of physical limitations, impact of knowledge, impact of medical professionals, which influenced capability, opportunity, and motivation in regards to the behaviours. Modifiable barriers identified, informed the selection of intervention functions and BCTs, which were translated into actionable intervention components. The expert panel agreed the final components of the intervention.

Conclusion
Developing interventions underpinned by evidence, theory and with input from end-users and experts will enhance the potential for positive behaviour change, promoting adherence to the intervention and hence, increase its potential effectiveness.

Support/Funding Source
This study is funded by the Irish Research Council enterprise partner scholarship with industry partner Tírlan.
166 Do Local Sports Partnerships’ physical activity programs for middle-aged adults and older adults in Ireland work?
Authors: Bengoechea Enrique Garcia , Woods Catherine 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Purpose
To strengthen the practice-based evidence needed to complement the more traditional evidence-based practice, pragmatic, yet robust, evaluations of real-world programs are necessary. This study sought to add to the existing evidence for the effectiveness of physical activity (PA) programs for middle-aged and older adults offered by public Local Sports Partnerships (LSP) in Ireland.

Methods
Using a cluster randomised control trial, we collected and analysed data from 463 individuals aged 50+ years, who participated in the Move for Life (MFL) study. Outcomes were self-reported compliance with PA guidelines (PAGL); accelerometer-based moderate-to-vigorous intensity PA (MVPA), light intensity PA (LiPA), standing time and sedentary time; body composition, physical function and psychological wellbeing. LSP programs included Bike for Life, Women on Wheels, Go for Life Games, Get Ireland Walking and Men on the Move. Mixed effects regression models to assess Group x Time interactions over a 6-month period, while accounting for repeated measurements, relevant confounders in a social ecological framework and the effects of the MFL intervention against a control group.

Results
When combining the two cycling programs, positive effects on meeting PAGL for all programs (all p&lt;.05) was found. Considering accelerometer-based PA, evidence emerged for positive program effects on MVPA (Bike for Life + Women on Wheels, Get Ireland Walking), LiPA (Bike for Life, Go for Life), and sedentary time (Bike for Life + Women on Wheels, Go for Life) (all p&lt;.05). No evidence of program effects on body composition (BMI, waist circumference) was found. Regarding physical function, while there were no significant differences between groups for Timed Up and Go; participants in Bike for Life + Women on Wheels and Get Ireland Walking outperformed their control group counterparts in the Six-Minute Walk Test (p&lt;.01). Lastly, Men on the Move was the only program where we observed a positive trend over time in wellbeing scores compared to control participants (p=.087).

Conclusions
Despite sample size limitations, the results show the effectiveness of LSP programs, notably in terms of energy expenditure outcomes, while highlighting areas for improvement regarding outcomes related to body composition, physical function and, particularly, psychological wellbeing.

Funding Source
Grant HaPAI/2017/CW