bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
241 An All-Island Review of the Gaelic 4 Mothers & Others (G4M&O) Programme in Ireland
Authors: O’Brien Wesley , Hogan Irene , Philpott Conor , Gardiner Glynis 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Purpose
The Gaelic 4 Mothers & Others (G4M&O) initiative is a fun, non-competitive and recreational programme in Ireland for women to play Ladies Gaelic Football (LGF). The programme is aimed at women over 25 years of age who are not formally playing sport competitively. The initiative was introduced to community sports clubs in Ireland in 2008 by the Ladies’ Gaelic and Football Association (LGFA), and the programme now has over 500 sites across the island. The current study aims to assess the impact and benefits of the G4M&O initiative on; (i) participants, (ii) clubs and (iii) communities across Ireland. The research should inform the development of the G4M&O programme, providing critical insights for the LGFA and Sport Ireland.

Project Description
As part of this all-island study, a 12-week pre-post longitudinal research design evaluation will be undertaken in 2024, using established qualitative and quantitative research methodologies focusing on: 1) Participants involvement within the club; 2) Participants involvement within the community. A nationally representative sample of participants (N = 300 targeted) will be recruited through the LGFA, which is the main national governing body (NGB) for LGF participation in Ireland.
A self-report validated online survey will be used to evaluate the impact of the programme on participants. Focus groups will also be conducted with a sample of participants (N = 40 targeted) across a variety of clubs exploring participants viewpoints and perspectives of the G4M&O programme. Data will be analysed quantitively using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 29 and qualitatively using Thematic Analysis (TA).

Conclusions
This study will contribute to a qualitative and quantitative understanding of the benefits and impact of G4M&O programme in clubs and communities and should inform how the G4M&O initiative can be developed across Ireland over the next 10-years. The study will align to the Irish National Sports Policy 2018-2027, given that increasing physical activity and sports participation are the cornerstones of this new policy. The study may inform further research to develop a model for use in other sports.
237 ’Ireland Lights Up’—evaluating the reach of a community walking initiative across GAA clubs in Ireland: an implementation science study
Authors: Briggs Nicola , McGrath Aisling , Murphy Niamh , Lambe Barry , Richardson Noel 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Purpose
‘Ireland Lights Up’ (ILU) is a community-based walking programme which runs in over 1000 Gaelic Athletic Clubs (GAA) in Ireland every January. It consists of clubs turning on their floodlights on a designated evening to facilitate group walking events around the perimeter of the playing fields. Formative research has indicated that ILU can potentially increase physical activity (PA) and social connectedness. As part of a broader study, this research aims to capture the impact of ILU in diverse community settings across Ireland by measuring its current reach in participating clubs and identifying the most viable implementation strategies to improve potential reach to underserved and disadvantaged populations. This phase of the research will provide a comprehensive overview of the demographics and behaviours of both participants and non-participants in ILU, exploring the factors influencing reach.

Methods
The broader study will employ a hybrid type-two effectiveness-implementation design utilising the RE-AIM and PRISM frameworks. This phase of the study will employ a mixed methodology, collecting qualitative data through observations in 10 - 12 implementing clubs and one-to-one semi-structured interviews with club leaders and participants. Quantitative data will be obtained through questionnaires distributed to all ILU-participating clubs, complemented by attendance records and manual club counts. Non-participating GAA clubs will also be interviewed to enhance understanding of reach.

Results
The study will document the percentage of individuals in the community engaged in ILU, comparing participant characteristics to non-participants and the target population, particularly emphasising socially disadvantaged groups. The study will also report participant and stakeholder perceptions and expectations regarding reach.

Conclusions
The overarching aim of the study is to develop a structured framework for involving marginalised, isolated, and vulnerable populations in physical activity within the context of sports club settings. To effectively implement strategies, a complete understanding of the demographics and behaviours of those involved is vital. The aim of this phase of the research is to discern and identify implementation strategies that advance both reach and participation.

Funding Source
Funded by SETU PhD Scholarship Programme.
207 ’You can get that on a treadmill, but it’s just not the same kind of thing’. Experiences of VI parkrunners in local green spaces
Authors: Ryan Joan 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Access to green spaces is acknowledged to benefit health and wellbeing, but people who are vision impaired (VI) have poorer access both to green spaces and to physical activity. This presentation will explore the experiences of VI participants at parkrun, a mainstream community led 5km event which takes place outdoors.

Methods
This research is part of a wider qualitative study on the experiences of VI participants at parkrun in Ireland. Nine semi structured interviews were carried out on adults with VI who participated at parkrun. Thematic analysis on the data was carried out using the processes of Braun and Clarke.

Results
Participants attributed experiences of being outside in nature to feelings of improved wellbeing, both in terms of their biological health but also improved psychosocial wellbeing and rehabilitation. Being outside in nature, with facilitation and social interaction provided by volunteer sighted guides and fellow parkrunners, was found to enhance the experience of physical activity and the individual agency of the participants.

Discussion
People who are VI face barriers to physical activity in general but also in accessing nature. In addition to the restrictions placed on them by their VI, ableist cultural assumptions of who is welcomed into nature act as further barriers. Participation in the events enhanced the individual agency of the VI participants whereby they could easily access physical activity opportunities in nature and they were incentivised to continue to do so.

Conclusion
This research demonstrates the value VI participants at parkrun placed on their access to physical activity in local green spaces. It demonstrates how a volunteer led community initiative enhanced health and wellbeing for VI participants by prioritising their inclusion in their mainstream outdoor events.

Support
This research is part of a PhD studentship at TU Dublin. Financial Assistance in the form of fees was provided by Topcon and Vision Sports Ireland.
35 Associations between transport modes and site-specific cancers: A Systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Thu Win , Woodward Alistair , Cavadino Alana , Tin Sandar Tin 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Transport choices may influence cancer risks through their effects on physical activity levels, sedentary time, and environmental pollution. This review synthesizes existing evidence on the associations of specific transport modes with risks of site-specific cancers.

Methods
Relevant literature was searched up to 17th February 2023 in PubMed, Embase, and Scopus, and results were meta-analyzed for cancer sites where two or more studies were identified.

Results
27 eligible studies (11 cohort, 15 case-control, and 1 case-cohort) were identified, which reported the associations with 10 site-specific cancers (breast, endometrial, colorectal, testicular, prostate, ovarian, lung, renal, liver, gallbladder and biliary tract). In meta-analysis, 10 Metabolic Equivalent of Task hour increment in transport-related physical activity per week (∼ 150 minutes of walking or 90 minutes of cycling for commute) was associated with a 7% reduction in risk for endometrial cancer (95% CI: 0.89 – 0.98), 5% reduction for colorectal cancer (95% CI: 0.91 – 0.99) and 2% reduction for breast cancer (95% CI: 0.89 – 0.996). Compared to motorized modes, cycling was associated with a lower risk of overall cancer incidence and mortality.

Conclusion
Active transport appears to reduce cancer risk, but evidence for cancer sites other than colorectum, breast, and endometrium is currently limited.
179 Physical activity and physical function in survivors of critical illness after hospital discharge: A prospective, observational study
Authors: Costley Jill , Wilson Jason , Green Natasha , Bradley Judy , McAuley Danny , Blackwood Bronagh , O’neill Brenda 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Survivors of critical illness often experience persistent physical, functional and/or cognitive impairments (i.e. Post-Intensive Care Syndrome). Currently, there is very limited rehabilitation provided as part of standard care for this population. Evaluation of physical activity (PA) and function, and the feasibility of collecting data, specifically in people after critical illness could provide insights into their activity levels after critical illness. The aim was to assess and describe PA and function in the year following hospital discharge in patients who have been mechanically ventilated in intensive care.

Methods
A prospective, observational study. (Ethical approval/REC Reference: 17/N1/0115). Patients discharged from hospital following intensive care unit (ICU) admission were invited to attend up to four assessments: within 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 6 months and 1 year, following hospital discharge. Seven-day accelerometer-based PA (daily step count), modified shuttle walk test (MSWT) and handgrip strength (HGS) were assessed at each timepoint. Results were compared against research guidelines and normative data.

Results
Participants (n = 14) were: age: 53.9 ± 14.5 years; sex: 8 male/6 female; ICU length of stay: 9.00 days (IQR: 4.50 days); mechanical ventilation duration: 58.50hrs (IQR: 132.75hrs); Acute Physiologic Chronic Health Evaluation: 15.36 ± 8.51. There were several challenges with data collection e.g. participants using mobility aids could not perform MSWT. Participants performed below research guidelines/normative values for mean daily steps (763 – 7744 steps), MSWT (40 – 800m), and HGS (8 – 52kg) across the 12-month study period.

Conclusions
In the year following hospital discharge, PA and function varied among ICU survivors and remained low. Assessments using accelerometry and handgrip dynamometry were feasible. A more consistently administered test is needed to evaluate exercise capacity across the recovery continuum in this heterogenic population. These findings could be used to guide future development of personalised rehabilitation interventions and goal-setting in this population. Patients have also highlighted that they feel that the provision of physical rehabilitation could support their recovery.

Support/Funding Source
The Department of Employment and Learning with Seed Funding from the Northern Ireland Clinical Research Facility.
112 Promoting Physical Activity in Workplaces: The Integral Role of Well-being Management
Authors: Malvela Miia , Laakkonen Reetta , Aura Ossi , Hussi Tomi 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Purpose
The primary purpose of the research was to find out how employers in Finland support physical activity at workplaces and how physical activity is related to the management of well-being at work. In the new government program in Finland, physical activity is integrated as a part of developing work ability and well-being at work.

Methods
The Adults on the Move program conducted the Finnish barometer on physical activity at workplaces. The research was carried out by interviewing 300 employers representing five industries and 1100 employees. The role of the management practices on activity of worksite physical activity was analyzed using regression analysis. Indicators were formed from the data.

Results
In the barometer, questions were related to physical activity as well as to the management of well-being at work. The basic decisions of well-being management are setting the goal, making the plan, and deciding the responsibility of the supervisors.
The results showed that the implementation of physical activity at workplaces is strongly linked to the quality of well-being management. When all three basic decisions of well-being management are implemented, the action to increase physical activity is carried out most effectively:
• Most diverse task-specific physical activity solutions are in use,
• Physical activity is taken into account in remote work,
• Physical activity suppors recovery,
• Physical activity is part of the cooperation with occupational health care,
• Physical activity is included in supervisor coaching and training and further in personnel development discussions.

Conclusions
The level of well-being management is thus related to the implementation and diversity of physical activity at workplaces. Basic management decisions were more commonly made in large organizations. The management of small and medium-sized companies needs training on physical activity and well-being at work, so that the means of physical activity for the personnel would be optimal and high-quality. In this way, work ability and well-being at work are increased through physical activity.

Funding
Adults on the Move Program, Ministry of Education and Culture.
159 Qualitative insights into the skills development, health outcomes, and school experience of adolescent peer-leaders of a physical activity programme in second level schools
Authors: McNally Kathleen , Murtagh Elaine , Ng Kwok , Grady Caera , Woods Catherine 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Purpose
The Active School Flag (ASF) is a whole-of-school, physical activity (PA) programme in Ireland. At second level, student leadership is central to ASF, as adolescents aged 15–16 years in Transition Year (TY), are peer-leaders (PL) of ASF in their school. TY is a one-year programme unique to Ireland, that provides adolescents with skills and personal development opportunities. PLs receive leadership training and have a dedicated weekly class to plan the delivery of whole-of-school PA events and surveys. This study explored the impact on PL skills development, health outcomes, and school experience.

Methods
In April and May 2023, focus groups were conducted with PL (n = 33, 67% female) in eight schools during their second year of ASF. PL were asked about their experience of implementing ASF.
Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis informed by Braun and Clarke, (2019). Five themes and 29 subthemes were generated.

Results
Themes included: (1) Enhanced personal development through ASF, (2) ASF builds community in the school, (3) Value and recognition of ASF in the school community, (4) Without ASF school would be plainer, (5) PL experience of their participation in ASF.
Findings demonstrate the impact of key ASF intervention components on PL skills, health, and school experience. PL developed transferable skills including verbal and written communication (theme 1) through dissemination of whole-of-school survey results and sharing PA messages with school members. Shared leadership training supported PL to feel part of a group (theme 2) and facilitated a comfortable social and learning environment (theme 4). Attending ASF weekly timetabled class stimulated a positive mood among PL (theme 5). Although PL felt school members supported them (theme 3) during whole-of-school PA events, some PL experienced anxiety and frustration working with school members (theme 5).

Conclusions
Results provide valuable information to inform school staff and management how leading ASF can influence adolescents, including developing transferable skills, enhancing social and mental health, and supporting a positive school experience.
These insights highlight the potential impact of a whole-school PA programme on a broad range of outcomes, demonstrating the added value of student-led initiatives.

Funding Source
Mayo Education Centre, Healthy Ireland
S03 Including older adults in health enhancing physical activity: Learning lessons from implementing an evidence-based falls prevention intervention in different healthcare contexts and countries
Authors: Horgan Frances 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

The Falls Management Exercise program (FaME) is proven to reduce falls and their consequences, and increase habitual physical activity and independence up to two years post-intervention in older people at risk of falls. Many complex and interacting factors influence the availability and delivery of FaME, and its uptake and adherence by participants. Implementation studies in the UK have identified ways to increase the availability of FaME and have helped us identify its essential components for effectiveness, and the adaptable components to suit local needs. This symposium will take us through the journey from original trials, through large UK implementation studies, to the current Irish evaluation study, showing how lessons learned are being used to adapt FaME to local contexts and needs.

Project description
FaME was developed and tested in the 1990's, and its implementation in the UK has been explored more recently. FaME is not widely available, and when it is, the PhISICAl Implementation Study showed it is often shortened or missing key fidelity components (eg. retraining getting up from the floor or promoting home exercise). With local commissioners, Instructors, and participants, the FLEXi implementation study identified why commissioners support FaME, its delivery and cost, and strategies to sustain FaME's fidelity and quality.
Informed by these studies, we are now establishing and evaluating FaME in Ireland. Using early sites as case-studies, we aim to optimise reach and equity, maintain effectiveness and appropriateness, and find suitable physical activity options for people after FaME.

Conclusions
FaME improves physical activity for those where normally physical activity declines over time. The studies we will present will bring us from initial trials and intervention design, through to implementation of FaME fitting within local contexts and needs. It will show how FaME impacts habitual physical activity and independence while adapting to local priorities and service contexts.
S03-2: Lessons learned about the implementation and scalability of Fame in the UK
Authors: Orton Elizabeth , Skelton Dawn , Ventre Jodi P , Manning Fay , Mahmoud Aseel 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Purpose: Whilst trials have shown that FaME can reduce falls and increase physical activity, it is still not routinely available across the UK. Where it is available, it is often adapted, though the impact of adaptations has not been described. The conditions necessary for FaME’s spread are not well understood. We undertook two studies that examined ‘real world' commissioning and delivery of FaME. The PhISICAl study described its effectiveness and fidelity in ethnically and geographically diverse populations, and the FLEXi study identified factors important for its spread and adoption in different commissioning landscapes, and important mechanisms for quality maintenance.
In the PhISICAl study (n = 361) FaME was associated with improvements in balance confidence (Confbal p &lt; 0.001), fear of falling (FES-I p &lt; 0.001), Functional Reach (p &lt; 0.001), Turn 180o (p = 0.008) and Timed Up and Go (TUG p &lt; 0.001) at the end of the programme versus baseline. However, improvements were not maintained at 6 months after programme completion (follow-up). Total minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per week was significantly higher at follow-up versus baseline (median 46 minutes, 95% CI 0-161, p = 0.047) and there was a non-significant reduction in falls at the end of FaME versus baseline (IRR 0.76, 95% CI 0.48-1.21). Up to 78% of fidelity and 84% of quality criteria were met.
In the FLEXI study (n = 596), univariate analyses showed significant improvements in Confbal (p &lt; 0.001), falls (in the previous 3 months, p &lt; 0.001) and TUG (p &lt; 0.001) at programme completion vs baseline. Participants also reported wellbeing benefits and valued social opportunities. Programmes varied in duration and aspects of delivery and newer programmes or those with quality assurance systems in place showed higher fidelity and quality. A national community of practice forum was used to help improve programme fidelity and quality. Factors important for the spread and adoption of FaME included its perceived fit with decision-makers, their own personal experiences and the strength of its evidence base.
Learning has led to the development and refinement of an implementation toolkit for FaME and the establishment of a new implementation body – the National FaME Implementation Team (N-FIT) which supports the spread and implementation of FaME across the UK.
S09-1: The Experiences of People with Disabilities in Sport & Physical Activity
Authors: Purcell Robert 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Purpose
In April 2022, over 1.1 million people reported having experienced at least one long-lasting condition or disability (Census, 2022). Research has highlighted that people with disabilities in Ireland are far less likely to be active than those without a disability with a difference of 28% vs 48% playing sport on a regular basis (Irish Sports Monitor (ISM), 2022). This difference is also apparent in children, the Children’s Sport Participation and Physical Activity Study (CSPPA, 2022) reported that primary school children with disabilities are less likely to meet physical activity guidelines than those without a disability (15% vs 24%). Additionally, there were significantly lower rates of overall community and school sport participation amongst students with disabilities (primary: 92%, post-primary: 77%) compared to those without disabilities (primary: 97%; post-primary: 87%).

Methods
To understand this difference, Active Disability Ireland undertook research to explore the lived experience of youths with disabilities, and their parents/guardians, regarding physical activity. The consultation involved a phenomenological approach utilising a mixed methodology of surveys and semi-structured interviews with the goal of opening discussion spaces for youths with disabilities and their guardians to share their experiences, challenges and needs in leading active and healthy lifestyles. Participants were invited to be part of a youth forum to continue providing valuable insights.

Results
Our results suggest that for young people with disabilities, physical activity is seen as particularly important as well as enjoyable. However, only 27 % agreed that they find it easy to take part in physical activity. A lack of opportunities, a lack of self-confidence and having no-one to take part with were commonly cited as major barriers to participation. Parents/guardians also expressed difficulties such as a lack of suitable places or facilities, a lack of support/understanding from people working in the sector and a worry about their child not being able to take part.

Conclusions
Programmes and policies to address the barriers found in this study may address current inequalities and contribute to reducing the disability gradient in sports participation.

Support/Funding Source
Active Disability Ireland, Sport Ireland