1
|
Unger A, Schwarzenlander A, Wilke J. Policies and opportunities for physical activity engagement in Austrian schools: a census survey. PeerJ 2024; 12:e17794. [PMID: 39157767 PMCID: PMC11328834 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Compelling evidence suggests that schools' infrastructure and policy represent potential predictors of health and physical activity (PA) in children and adolescents. However, the translation of these findings into practice has not been examined. This study investigated the activity friendliness of Austrian schools. Methods Using a census sampling method, principals of Austrian schools (n = 342) were invited to participate in an online survey assessing 1) the availability of PA facilities (e.g. playgrounds, sports courts, swimming halls) and 2) applied PA policies (e.g. cooperation with sports clubs and involvement in PA projects). Results A total of 130 principals answered the survey which corresponds to a minimal response rate of 38%. While most schools (87.4%, n = 111) had a gymnastic hall, only one third (37%, n = 47) had access to a swimming hall. On average, the schools had 4.2 ± 2 PA facilities with significant variation between school types (i.e., high schools: 5 ± 2 vs. primary schools: 3.5 ± 2, p < 0.05). The most common facilities were meadow areas (89%, n = 113), sports fields (71.7%, n = 91), and playgrounds (64.6%, n = 82). Almost half of the schools were part of a PA project (e.g. "active break", 45%, n = 56) and offered extracurricular PA programs and courses (54%, n = 67), but only one in five (22%, n = 27) regularly conducted fitness tests. PA policies varied between school types (p < 0.05) but almost all principals (94%, n = 117) would welcome a stronger promotion of activity friendliness at their school. Conclusion Schools are mostly activity-friendly regarding infrastructure although the limited possibilities for swimming lessons seem worrisome. PA promotion through projects, extracurricular PA offerings and fitness tests may be expanded.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Unger
- Department of Sport Science, University of Klagenfurt, Klagenfurt, Carinthia, Austria
- Department of Secondary Level, University of Teacher Education, Klagenfurt, Carinthia, Austria
| | | | - Jan Wilke
- Department of Sport Science, University of Klagenfurt, Klagenfurt, Carinthia, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Husu P, Tokola K, Vähä-Ypyä H, Sievänen H, Kokko S, Villberg J, Vasankari T. Physical activity has decreased in Finnish children and adolescents from 2016 to 2022. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1343. [PMID: 38762462 PMCID: PMC11102264 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18854-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Varying trends in children's and adolescents' physical activity (PA) have been reported during the last 10-20 years. Trends in sedentary behavior (SB) have been studied only rarely. The purpose of the present study was to describe population-based trends in accelerometer-measured PA, standing and SB, among Finnish 7-15-year-old children and adolescents, and to evaluate the potential influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on these behaviors. METHOD A cross-sectional population-based Finnish school-aged physical activity Study (FSPA) measured daily steps, vigorous (VPA), moderate (MPA), moderate-to-vigorous (MVPA), light physical activity (LPA), standing, and SB by an accelerometer for seven consecutive days in 2016, 2018, and 2022 (n = 7.080, 57% girls). The data was analyzed by multivariate regression analysis. RESULTS In 2016, participants took on average 10.305 steps per day, and spent 0:15 (h: min) in VPA, 1:37 in MPA, 1:52 in MVPA, 3:48 in LPA, 0:55 in standing and 7:52 in SB. From 2016 to 2018, daily steps, MPA, LPA, and standing increased [229 steps (95% Confidence Interval, CI 70-387), 0:03 (CI 0:01 - 0:04), 0:11 (CI 0:09 - 0:14), and 0:07 (CI 0:05 - 0:08), respectively], while VPA and SB decreased [0:01 (CI 0:00-0:02) and 0:20 (CI 0:16 - 0:24), respectively]. From 2018 to 2022, daily PA and standing declined [751 steps (CI 562-939), VPA 0:02 (CI 0:01 - 0:03), MPA 0:09 (CI 0:07 - 0:11), MVPA 0:11 (CI 0:09 - 0:14), LPA 0:08 (CI 0:05 - 0:11), and standing 0:01 (CI 0:01 - 0:03)] while SB increased 0:21 (CI 0:16 - 0:25) indicating potential influence of the pandemic. CONCLUSIONS Children and adolescents became physically less active from 2016 to 2022. The potential effects of the COVID-19 were seen as declined PA and increased sedentariness from 2018 to 2022.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pauliina Husu
- The UKK Institute for Health Promotion Research, Kaupinpuistonkatu 1, Tampere, FI-33500, Finland.
| | - Kari Tokola
- The UKK Institute for Health Promotion Research, Kaupinpuistonkatu 1, Tampere, FI-33500, Finland
| | - Henri Vähä-Ypyä
- The UKK Institute for Health Promotion Research, Kaupinpuistonkatu 1, Tampere, FI-33500, Finland
| | - Harri Sievänen
- The UKK Institute for Health Promotion Research, Kaupinpuistonkatu 1, Tampere, FI-33500, Finland
| | - Sami Kokko
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, Research Centre for Health Promotion, University of Jyväskylä, PL 35, Jyväskylä, FI-40014, Finland
| | - Jari Villberg
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, Research Centre for Health Promotion, University of Jyväskylä, PL 35, Jyväskylä, FI-40014, Finland
| | - Tommi Vasankari
- The UKK Institute for Health Promotion Research, Kaupinpuistonkatu 1, Tampere, FI-33500, Finland
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Kalevantie 4, Tampere, FI-33014, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Qi Y, Yin Y, Wang X, Zou Y, Liu B. Autonomous motivation, social support, and physical activity in school children: moderating effects of school-based rope skipping sports participation. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1295924. [PMID: 38327571 PMCID: PMC10847259 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1295924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Recent studies have shown that physical activity (PA) levels are low among children and adolescents globally. In order to reverse this trend, PA interventions are increasingly favoured. The school setting is the ideal place to address the issues that many children face. The purpose of this study was to (a) The primary focus of this study is to delve into the mediating role played by school-based rope skipping sports participation (SRSP) in the connection between social support and moderate to high-intensity physical activity (MVPA) among school children. (b) Additionally, this research aims to examine the moderating effect of within this pathway. Methods We conducted a survey involving 721 adolescents residing in Changsha City. The participants' ages ranged from 8 to 12 years, with an average age of 9.84 ± 1.535 years. Out of these participants, 406 were boys, and 315 were girls. To assess variables such as social support and autonomous motivation, we employed standardized measurement scales. Subsequently, we analyzed the collected data using various statistical methods, including independent s-amples t-tests, bivariate correlation analysis, descriptive statistical analysis, structural equation modeling (SEM), and the Johnson-Neyman method. Results An independent samples t-test revealed a statistically significant difference in MVPA between genders (p = 0.003 < 0.05), with boys exhibiting a higher level of engagement in MVPA compared to girls, Correlation analysis revealed significant positive associations among several key variables. Specifically, social support demonstrated a noteworthy positive correlation with autonomous motivation (r = 0.331, p < 0.01) as well as school children's engagement in MVPA (r = 0.308, p < 0.01). Moreover, autonomous motivation displayed a significant positive correlation with school children's involvement in MVPA (r = 0.459, p < 0.01). The moderating analysis revealed a significant influence of the interaction between increased participation in and social support on school children's engagement in MVPA. Conclusion Social support and autonomy support have been proven effective in enhancing school children's engagement in MVPA. They exert their influence indirectly by fostering autonomous motivation. Notably, robust social support can significantly benefit MVPA school children with high activity requirements, particularly those regularly engaged in MVPA during the school day.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yufei Qi
- Department of Physical Education and Research, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yao Yin
- Progression School of Upper Secondary, Beijing College of Finance and Commerce, Beijing, China
| | - Xuyang Wang
- Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yong Zou
- Logistics Department, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Bo Liu
- Institute of Basic Education, Hefei Technology College, Hefei, China
- Faculty of Physical Education, Srinakharinwirot University, Bangkok, Thailand
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Negrea MO, Negrea GO, Săndulescu G, Neamtu B, Costea RM, Teodoru M, Cipăian CR, Solomon A, Popa ML, Domnariu CD. Assessing Obesogenic School Environments in Sibiu County, Romania: Adapting the ISCOLE School Environment Questionnaire. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:1746. [PMID: 38002837 PMCID: PMC10670591 DOI: 10.3390/children10111746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
The impact of the school environment on childhood weight status has garnered significant attention in recent years. This study aimed to adapt and validate the International Study of Childhood Obesity, Lifestyle and the Environment (ISCOLE) School and Environment questionnaire in order to assess the potential obesogenic impact of school environments in Sibiu County, Romania. The ISCOLE questionnaire was chosen for its rigorous methodology. It was derived from a comprehensive study conducted across 12 countries which aimed to capture multifaceted influences on childhood weight while emphasizing educational settings in the collection of data. To guide the translation and adaptation of the questionnaire, a multidisciplinary committee was assembled which comprised experts in teaching and school administration to ensure target responder relevance, experts in clinical research to ensure methodological robustness, experts in language adaptation to preserve the original intent of the survey, and experts in public health to steer the interpretation of the results, with potential policy implications. The data were analyzed by distinguishing between urban and rural settings, and a two-step cluster analysis was implemented to identify potential intervention targets. To assess the validity of the adapted tool, the questionnaire's construct validity and internal consistency were explored. A response rate of 71.2% of the approached schools in Sibiu County was achieved. Of the 84 responding school representatives, 37 (44%) were from a rural setting. The rural schools had significantly more limited access to gymnasiums, secured lockers, showers, and bicycle racks, and exhibited more serious problems regarding the inadequate disposal of garbage in the school vicinity. A two-step cluster analysis revealed distinct school categories, providing opportunities for public policy interventions. One of these primarily concerned rural schools with limited infrastructure but with proactive practices and policies which were termed "unable but willing"; on the opposing spectrum, the category "able but unwilling" mainly comprised urban schools which had available facilities but lacked local proactive initiatives. The findings emphasize the urgent need for targeted measures to bridge these discrepancies by investing in infrastructure in rural schools and promoting active school practices and policies in urban settings. The assessment of obesogenic school environments in Sibiu County provides a pilot model for broader applications due to the diverse school landscape and supportive local authorities. The results, which were achieved using low-cost methods, can guide future educational policies, health promotion initiatives, and preventive interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mihai Octavian Negrea
- Medical Clinical Department, Faculty of Medicine, “Lucian Blaga” University, 550024 Sibiu, Romania; (M.O.N.); (B.N.); (M.T.); (C.R.C.); (A.S.); (M.L.P.)
- County Clinical Emergency Hospital of Sibiu, 2–4 Corneliu Coposu Str., 550245 Sibiu, Romania
| | | | - Gabriela Săndulescu
- “Gheorghe Lazăr” National College, 1–3 Gheorghe Lazăr Str., 550165 Sibiu, Romania;
| | - Bogdan Neamtu
- Medical Clinical Department, Faculty of Medicine, “Lucian Blaga” University, 550024 Sibiu, Romania; (M.O.N.); (B.N.); (M.T.); (C.R.C.); (A.S.); (M.L.P.)
- Department of Clinical Research, Pediatric Clinical Hospital Sibiu, 550166 Sibiu, Romania;
| | - Raluca Maria Costea
- Department of Clinical Research, Pediatric Clinical Hospital Sibiu, 550166 Sibiu, Romania;
- Pediatric Neurology Department, Pediatric Clinical Hospital Sibiu, 550166 Sibiu, Romania
| | - Minodora Teodoru
- Medical Clinical Department, Faculty of Medicine, “Lucian Blaga” University, 550024 Sibiu, Romania; (M.O.N.); (B.N.); (M.T.); (C.R.C.); (A.S.); (M.L.P.)
- County Clinical Emergency Hospital of Sibiu, 2–4 Corneliu Coposu Str., 550245 Sibiu, Romania
| | - Călin Remus Cipăian
- Medical Clinical Department, Faculty of Medicine, “Lucian Blaga” University, 550024 Sibiu, Romania; (M.O.N.); (B.N.); (M.T.); (C.R.C.); (A.S.); (M.L.P.)
- County Clinical Emergency Hospital of Sibiu, 2–4 Corneliu Coposu Str., 550245 Sibiu, Romania
| | - Adelaida Solomon
- Medical Clinical Department, Faculty of Medicine, “Lucian Blaga” University, 550024 Sibiu, Romania; (M.O.N.); (B.N.); (M.T.); (C.R.C.); (A.S.); (M.L.P.)
- County Clinical Emergency Hospital of Sibiu, 2–4 Corneliu Coposu Str., 550245 Sibiu, Romania
| | - Mirela Livia Popa
- Medical Clinical Department, Faculty of Medicine, “Lucian Blaga” University, 550024 Sibiu, Romania; (M.O.N.); (B.N.); (M.T.); (C.R.C.); (A.S.); (M.L.P.)
- County Clinical Emergency Hospital of Sibiu, 2–4 Corneliu Coposu Str., 550245 Sibiu, Romania
| | - Carmen Daniela Domnariu
- Department of Dental Medicine and Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, “Lucian Blaga” University, 550024 Sibiu, Romania;
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Carrasco-Uribarren A, Ortega-Martínez A, Amor-Barbosa M, Cadellans-Arróniz A, Cabanillas-Barea S, Bagur-Calafat MC. Improvement of In-School Physical Activity with Active School-Based Interventions to Interrupt Prolonged Sitting: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:1636. [PMID: 36674388 PMCID: PMC9863961 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20021636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sedentary behaviors have increased in recent years and their consequences have led the World Health Organization to make recommendations for promoting a more active lifestyle. The school environment has been defined as a key place for achieving this objective for children and adolescents. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to analyze the effect of active-break interventions for interrupting prolonged sitting times during school-time on physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB), at school, in childhood and youth. METHODS A systematic review and meta-analysis were carried out, including clinical trials aimed at assessing the effects of interrupting prolonged sitting at school with active breaks on in-school PA and/or SB. Multimodal and static interventions were excluded. Six databases were analyzed: Medline, WOS, Cochrane Library, SPORT Discus, CINAHL and EMBASE. PA, SB; moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) were the variables considered. RESULTS Nine studies were included, with a total of 2145 children between 6 and 12 years old. The heterogeneity in the duration (five-sixty min), the frequency (one-three times per-day up to three times per week), and duration (five days to three years) of the interventions was detected. The meta-analyses for in-school PA, MVPA, and SB were performed, showing a significant improvement in both PA and MVPA. CONCLUSIONS Interrupting prolonged sitting with active-based school interventions could improve PA and MVPA levels during school time. (PROSPERO: CRD42022358933).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Anna Ortega-Martínez
- Physiotherapy Department, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, 08195 Barcelona, Spain
- Physiotherapy Department, Fundació Aspace Catalunya, 08001 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Amor-Barbosa
- Physiotherapy Department, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, 08195 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Aida Cadellans-Arróniz
- Physiotherapy Department, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, 08195 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sara Cabanillas-Barea
- Physiotherapy Department, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, 08195 Barcelona, Spain
| | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Amor-Barbosa M, Ortega-Martínez A, Carrasco-Uribarren A, Bagur-Calafat MC. Active School-Based Interventions to Interrupt Prolonged Sitting Improve Daily Physical Activity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph192215409. [PMID: 36430128 PMCID: PMC9693257 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192215409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sedentary behavior (SB) is a negative routine for health, especially during advancing age. Promoting an active lifestyle and reducing SB is a global endeavor. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of active school-based programs to interrupt prolonged sitting for daily physical activity (PA) and daily SB in children and adolescents. METHODS A systematic review was conducted. Clinical trials analyzing the effect of interrupting prolonged sitting with active breaks and classroom-based PA were included. Studies that implemented PA in class without interrupting prolonged sitting or those that implemented multimodal interventions were excluded. A systematic search was conducted in 6 databases: Medline, WOS, Cochrane Library, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL and EMBASE. Primary outcomes were daily PA and daily SB, while moderate-to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was considered a secondary outcome. RESULTS Six studies were included, with a total of 976 participants between 6-14 years. The interventions were heterogeneous in duration of the sitting time interruption (5-30 min), frequency (1-3 times per-day up to three times per-week) and total duration (five days to three years). 50% of the studies scored "high risk" of bias. Three meta-analyses were performed for daily PA, MVPA and SB, showing a significant improvement in the daily PA and MVPA. CONCLUSIONS School-based programs aimed to interrupt prolonged sitting could be a good strategy to improve daily PA and MVPA levels. (Registration number: CRD42022358933).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Amor-Barbosa
- Physiotherapy Department, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, 08195 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Ortega-Martínez
- Physiotherapy Department, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, 08195 Barcelona, Spain
- Physiotherapy Department, Fundació Aspace Catalunya, 08001 Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Derigny T, Schnitzler C, Remmers T, Van Kann D, Gandrieau J, Seye N, Baquet G, Potdevin F. Catch me if you can! How French adolescents seize social occasions and opportunities to be active. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1332. [PMID: 35831822 PMCID: PMC9277992 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13746-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Following an ecological framework, the aim of this study was to highlight the way adolescents invested their time in opportunities to engage in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) according to whether they were profiled as more or less active. This study's innovation lies in the analysis of MVPA according to social occasions which are understood as opportunities to be active throughout the day (e.g. home, school, transport). METHODS PA data measured by accelerometry (ActiGraph GT3X) for seven consecutive days were compiled, with adolescents' social occasions during the week recorded in a daily digital diary (n = 135). The opportunity ratio of MVPA at each social time is the ratio between time spent in MVPA and the duration of a corresponding social occasion. Following the literature, participants were categorised into three profiles according to their reported amount of MVPA: HEPA active, minimally active and inactive. Non-parametric Wilcoxon signed rank and Kruskal Wallis tests were performed to determine the relative intensity of PA performed at different social occasions, and to investigate whether intensities differed between adolescents with various activity profiles. RESULTS Results showed that engagement in MVPA at different social occasions differed according to participant profiles. Mismatch was noticed between the opportunity ratio and the duration of the most and least favorable social occasions for MVPA. For all three profiles, the social occasion "physical education lesson" revealed an opportunity ratio of MVPA (23.6% vs 17.0% vs 13.8%) significantly higher than the overall opportunity ratio of the week (6.9% vs 2.9% vs 1.2%), but of lower duration. Conversely, "home" (5.3% vs 0.0% vs 0.0%) and "school" (outside of PE time) (2.4% vs 0.0% vs 0.0%) represented the two least opportune social occasions for PA in an adolescent's week. CONCLUSIONS Rethinking engagement with MVPA in the context of temporal opportunities would allow potential ways to intervene within an educational supervised setting to help young people adopt a physically active lifestyle at the end of the key period of adolescence. These results reinforced the importance of context in interventions for PA promotion, opening for "time education" in people.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thibaut Derigny
- University Lille, University Artois, University Littoral Côte d'Opale, ULR 7369 - URePSSS - Unité de Recherche Pluridisciplinaire Sport Santé Société, F-59000, Lille, France.
| | - Christophe Schnitzler
- Sport et Sciences Sociales, E3S, UR1342, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Teun Remmers
- School of Sport Studies, Fontys University of Applied Sciences, Eindhoven, 5644 HZ, The Netherlands
| | - Dave Van Kann
- School of Sport Studies, Fontys University of Applied Sciences, Eindhoven, 5644 HZ, The Netherlands.,Department of Health Promotion, Maastricht University (Medical Center+), NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Joseph Gandrieau
- University Lille, University Artois, University Littoral Côte d'Opale, ULR 7369 - URePSSS - Unité de Recherche Pluridisciplinaire Sport Santé Société, F-59000, Lille, France
| | - Ndongo Seye
- Faculty of Mathematiques and applications, speciality Statistiques, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Georges Baquet
- University Lille, University Artois, University Littoral Côte d'Opale, ULR 7369 - URePSSS - Unité de Recherche Pluridisciplinaire Sport Santé Société, F-59000, Lille, France
| | - François Potdevin
- University Lille, University Artois, University Littoral Côte d'Opale, ULR 7369 - URePSSS - Unité de Recherche Pluridisciplinaire Sport Santé Société, F-59000, Lille, France
| |
Collapse
|