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Garcia JM, Hahs-Vaughn D, Murray M, Perry C, Brazendale K, Rice DJ, Fukuda DH. The physical and psychosocial benefits of a family judo program for parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A pilot study. Disabil Health J 2024; 17:101631. [PMID: 38702229 DOI: 10.1016/j.dhjo.2024.101631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) tend to have high levels of stress and poor health habits. There is a lack of interventions that focus on improving health outcomes in parents of children with ASD. OBJECTIVE To examine the physical and psychosocial effects of a family-based judo program on parents of children diagnosed with ASD. METHODS This study utilized a pre-post single group design. Eighteen parent-child dyads participated in a 14-week judo program for families of children with ASD. Judo sessions were held once a week for 45 min. Parents wore wrist accelerometers to assess physical activity/sleep quality, and completed surveys regarding self-reported stress levels pre- and post-judo. Parents also completed open-ended questions regarding their experience in the program. Paired sample t-tests were conducted to examine changes in stress, physical activity, and sleep quality from pre-to post-program. RESULTS Both a decrease in parental stress (47.77 vs. 41.61, p < 0.01) and an increase in minutes per day of physical activity (35.49 vs 45.94, p = 0.002) were observed from baseline to post-program. Fourteen of the 18 parents (78 %) reported at least one psychosocial benefit (e.g. increased self-confidence) or physical health benefit (e.g. increased physical activity) from participation in the program. CONCLUSIONS A family judo program may provide health benefits, such as reducing stress levels and increasing physical activity in parents of children with ASD. Further research involving larger sample sizes is necessary to better determine the effects of judo on both parents and their children with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanette M Garcia
- School of Sport Sciences, College of Applied Human Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA.
| | - Debbie Hahs-Vaughn
- College of Community Innovation and Education, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Michelle Murray
- Department of Heath Sciences, College of Health Professions and Sciences, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Caitlyn Perry
- Department of Heath Sciences, College of Health Professions and Sciences, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Keith Brazendale
- Department of Heath Sciences, College of Health Professions and Sciences, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - David J Rice
- School of Sport Sciences, College of Applied Human Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - David H Fukuda
- School of Kinesiology and Physical Therapy, College of Health Professions and Sciences, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
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Tovin MM, Núñez-Gaunaurd A. Implementation of Peer-Assisted Physical Activity Via Telehealth for Adults on the Autism Spectrum: A Mixed Methods Feasibility Study. Phys Ther 2024; 104:pzae005. [PMID: 38236176 DOI: 10.1093/ptj/pzae005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Adults on the autism spectrum are at risk for physical inactivity, obesity, and related health conditions. Physical activity provides physical, social, and mental health benefits across the lifespan. Previous research examined feasibility and effectiveness of physical activity intervention in autistic children, but very few studies target autistic adults. This study examined the feasibility and acceptability of Physical Activity Connections via Telehealth, implemented during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic lockdown as an alternative to in-person programming for autistic adults aged 18 to 32. METHODS The 10-week intervention utilized telehealth and remote technologies to deliver a theoretically grounded program to improve physical activity. Strategies included peer-guidance, coaching, individualized wellness goals, customized exercise programs, and wearable activity trackers. Feasibility and acceptability were examined using a mixed-methods design including observational and survey data collection, as well as participant interviews. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and content analysis. RESULTS Findings support feasibility and acceptability of telehealth to promote physical activity among autistic adults who have cognitive capacity and ability to utilize remote technology, with applicability beyond pandemic-imposed challenges. CONCLUSION Telehealth delivery of physical activity interventions is a viable alternative to in-person programs and may enable autistic adults to overcome barriers to physical activity participation and access. IMPACT As the rate of autism continues to rise globally, rehabilitation professionals will play a significant role in promoting health and wellness for autistic individuals across the lifespan. Findings promote informed practice based on the health needs of this growing segment of society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa M Tovin
- Department of Physical Therapy, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA
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Zhang W, Xiong K, Zhu C, Evans R, Zhou L, Podrini C. Promoting child and adolescent health through wearable technology: A systematic review. Digit Health 2024; 10:20552076241260507. [PMID: 38868368 PMCID: PMC11168039 DOI: 10.1177/20552076241260507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Wearable technology is used in healthcare to monitor the health of individuals. This study presents an updated systematic literature review of the use of wearable technology in promoting child and adolescent health, accompanied by recommendations for future research. Methods This review focuses on studies involving children and adolescents aged between 2 and 18 years, regardless of their health condition or disabilities. Studies that were published from 2016 to 2024, and which met the inclusion criteria, were extracted from four academic databases (i.e. PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, and Web of Science) using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol. Data on intervention purposes, interventions deployed, intervention duration, measurements, and the main outcomes of the studies were collected. Results A total of 53 studies involving 14,852 participants were reviewed. They focused on various aspects, including the ownership and use of wearable devices (n = 3), the feasibility (n = 22), effectiveness (n = 4), and adherence (n = 2) of intervention strategies, or a combination of multiple aspects (n = 22). Among the interventions deployed, Fitbit was the most frequently used, featuring in 26 studies, followed by ActiGraph (n = 11). In intervention studies, the majority of studies focused on pre-morbidity prevention (n = 26) and the treatment of illnesses (n = 20), with limited attention given to postoperative monitoring (n = 4). Conclusions The use of wearable technology by children and adolescents has proven to be both feasible and effective for health promotion. This systematic review summarizes existing research by exploring the use of wearable technology in promoting health across diverse youth populations, including healthy and unhealthy individuals. It examines health promotion at various stages of the disease continuum, including pre-disease prevention, in-disease treatment, and postoperative monitoring. Additionally, the review provides directions for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhang
- School of Medicine and Health Management, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Keying Xiong
- School of Medicine and Health Management, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chengyan Zhu
- School of Political Science and Public Administration, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Richard Evans
- College of Digital Transformation, Faculty of Computer Science, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| | - Lijuan Zhou
- School of Public Administration and Law, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China
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Creaser AV, Bingham DD, Bennett HAJ, Costa S, Clemes SA. The development of a family-based wearable intervention using behaviour change and co-design approaches: move and connect. Public Health 2023; 217:54-64. [PMID: 36854251 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2023.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous research has explored the effectiveness of wearable activity trackers (wearables) for increasing child physical activity (PA) levels, but there have been mixed results. The use of theoretical frameworks and co-design techniques are recognised ways of increasing an intervention's acceptability and effectiveness. AIMS This study aims to use co-design workshops and an evidence-based theoretical framework (the Behaviour Change Wheel) to develop a family-based PA intervention using wearables. METHODS Three stages of intervention development outlined by the Behaviour Change Wheel were used. Co-design workshops with seven families (11 parents and 12 children) and seven PA experts were conducted where stakeholders discussed how to overcome previously identified barriers to families being active and using wearables. This resulted in the intervention's components being developed, with each component's mechanisms of action (e.g. intervention functions and behaviour change techniques) being retrospectively identified. RESULTS The 'Move & Connect' intervention was developed, which targets family PA and wearable use. The intervention takes a flexible approach and includes eight components, including wearable devices (Fitbit Alta HR), support resources, an introductory workshop, collective challenges, goal setting and reviewing, engagement prompts, social support and health-related resources (e.g. educational videos). The intervention incorporates six intervention functions targeting PA and wearable use: education, training, modelling, persuasion, incentivisation and environmental restructuring and 24 behaviour change techniques, including goal setting, social comparison, feedback on behaviour and graded task. CONCLUSIONS This is the first known study to use an evidence-based framework and co-design to develop a family-based wearable intervention. The identification of the intervention's mechanisms of action will prove useful when implementing and evaluating the 'Move & Connect' intervention and allow researchers to replicate its components.
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Affiliation(s)
- A V Creaser
- School of Sport, Exercise, and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, LE11 3TU, UK; Bradford Institute for Health Research, Bradford Teaching Hospitals Foundation Trust, Bradford, BD9 6RJ, UK.
| | - D D Bingham
- Bradford Institute for Health Research, Bradford Teaching Hospitals Foundation Trust, Bradford, BD9 6RJ, UK
| | - H A J Bennett
- School of Psychology, University of Leeds, University Road, Leeds, LS2 9JU, UK
| | - S Costa
- School of Sport, Exercise, and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, LE11 3TU, UK
| | - S A Clemes
- School of Sport, Exercise, and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, LE11 3TU, UK; National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, University of Leicester, Leicester, LE5 4PW, UK
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Creaser AV, Frazer MT, Costa S, Bingham DD, Clemes SA. The Use of Wearable Activity Trackers in Schools to Promote Child and Adolescent Physical Activity: A Descriptive Content Analysis of School Staff's Perspectives. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:14067. [PMID: 36360944 PMCID: PMC9654652 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192114067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The school environment is an ideal setting for promoting physical activity (PA). Wearable activity trackers (wearables) have previously been implemented, in research, as intervention tools within the school-environment. However, the large-scale use and acceptance of wearables, in schools, is unknown. METHODS This study distributed a cross-sectional survey to school staff to investigate the prevalence of child and adolescent wearable use in schools, including when and how they are used, and school staff's willingness to use them in the future (as implemented by school staff). This survey consisted of between 13 and 22 items, including closed-ended and open-ended questions. Closed-ended responses were displayed descriptively (wearable prevalence and characteristics), and open-ended qualitative responses were categorised using descriptive content analysis (how wearables are used). RESULTS 1087 school staff provided valid responses. Of those, 896 (82.4%) had never used a wearable as a teaching or support tool for their students, and 120 (11%) currently used- and 71 (6.5%) had previously used- a wearable as a teaching or support tool for their students. When wearables were used, school staff implemented their use regularly and during physical education lessons or throughout the entire school day. Wearables were used to monitor or increase student's PA levels, or for student and staff educational purposes (e.g., academic learning, movement breaks). Most school staff were willing to use a wearable as a teaching or support tool to promote student's PA, and/or learning about PA, in the future. CONCLUSIONS This study is the first study to explore the widescale use and acceptance of children and adolescents using wearables in the school-setting. Findings may inform the development of future school-based interventions and public health initiatives for physical activity promotion, using wearables.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy V. Creaser
- School of Sport, Exercise, and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough LE11 3TU, UK
- Bradford Institute for Health Research, Bradford Teaching Hospitals Foundation Trust, Bradford BD9 6RJ, UK
| | - Marie T. Frazer
- Bradford Institute for Health Research, Bradford Teaching Hospitals Foundation Trust, Bradford BD9 6RJ, UK
- Faculty of Health Studies, University of Bradford, Richmond Road, Bradford BD7 1DP, UK
| | - Silvia Costa
- School of Sport, Exercise, and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough LE11 3TU, UK
| | - Daniel D. Bingham
- Bradford Institute for Health Research, Bradford Teaching Hospitals Foundation Trust, Bradford BD9 6RJ, UK
| | - Stacy A. Clemes
- School of Sport, Exercise, and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough LE11 3TU, UK
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, University of Leicester, Leicester LE5 4PW, UK
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