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Martins CF, Silva L, Soares J, Pinto GS, Abrantes C, Cardoso L, Pires MA, Sousa H, Mota MP. Walk or be walked by the dog? The attachment role. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:684. [PMID: 38438977 PMCID: PMC10913448 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18037-4] [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: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The human-animal bond has been recognized as having positive effects on the health and well-being of both humans and pets. The present study aims to explore the influence of attachment on physical activity (PA), lifestyle, and health outcomes of dog owners (DO), highlighting the mutual benefits resulting from the relationship between DO and dogs. METHODS Thirty-eight DO and their dogs participated in this study. Socio-demographic data, the Self-Rated Health (SRH), FANTASTICO Lifestyle Scale, and the Lexington Attachment Pet Scale (LAPS) were assessed. PA was measured in both the DO and the dogs, using an ActiGraph GT3X accelerometer in the context of daily routine. Descriptive statistics and Spearman rank correlation analyses were performed to examine the associations between LAPS, PA levels, socio-demographic variables, lifestyle behaviors, and SRH. RESULTS Significant correlations were found between the dog owners' light-level PA and the pets' vigorous level of PA (rho = 0.445, p = 0.01). Furthermore, the importance of the pets' health (rho = -0.785, p = 0.02) and the LAPS subscales, namely proximity (rho = 0.358, p = 0.03), and attachment (rho = 0.392, p = 0.01), were related to taking the pet for a walk. Regarding lifestyle, DO with a healthier lifestyle had a better self-assessment of their health using the SRH (rho = 0.39, p = 0.02). Moreover, DO with better lifestyles also exhibited greater concern for their pet's health (rho = 0.398, p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS This study emphasizes that individuals who adopt healthier habits tend to perceive themselves as healthier and exhibit greater concern for their pets' health. The attachment between DO and dogs is important in promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors and engagement in PA. Our results highlight that the presence of a dog is associated with a higher level of PA in DO, depending on the strength of the human-animal bond.
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Grants
- NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000078 This work was funded by the R&D&I project "oneHcancer- One health approach in animal cancer", the operation no.: NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000078, co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through NORTE 2020 (North Portugal Regional Operational Program 2014/2020).
- NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000078 This work was funded by the R&D&I project "oneHcancer- One health approach in animal cancer", the operation no.: NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000078, co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through NORTE 2020 (North Portugal Regional Operational Program 2014/2020).
- NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000078 This work was funded by the R&D&I project "oneHcancer- One health approach in animal cancer", the operation no.: NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000078, co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through NORTE 2020 (North Portugal Regional Operational Program 2014/2020).
- NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000078 This work was funded by the R&D&I project "oneHcancer- One health approach in animal cancer", the operation no.: NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000078, co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through NORTE 2020 (North Portugal Regional Operational Program 2014/2020).
- NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000078 This work was funded by the R&D&I project "oneHcancer- One health approach in animal cancer", the operation no.: NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000078, co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through NORTE 2020 (North Portugal Regional Operational Program 2014/2020).
- NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000078 This work was funded by the R&D&I project "oneHcancer- One health approach in animal cancer", the operation no.: NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000078, co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through NORTE 2020 (North Portugal Regional Operational Program 2014/2020).
- NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000078 This work was funded by the R&D&I project "oneHcancer- One health approach in animal cancer", the operation no.: NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000078, co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through NORTE 2020 (North Portugal Regional Operational Program 2014/2020).
- NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000078 This work was funded by the R&D&I project "oneHcancer- One health approach in animal cancer", the operation no.: NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000078, co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through NORTE 2020 (North Portugal Regional Operational Program 2014/2020).
- NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000078 This work was funded by the R&D&I project "oneHcancer- One health approach in animal cancer", the operation no.: NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000078, co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through NORTE 2020 (North Portugal Regional Operational Program 2014/2020).
- This work was funded by the R&D&I project “oneHcancer– One health approach in animal cancer”, the operation no.: NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000078, co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through NORTE 2020 (North Portugal Regional Operational Program 2014/2020).
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Affiliation(s)
- Catarina F Martins
- Research Centre in Sports Sciences, Health, and Human Development (CIDESD), University of Trás-os- Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal.
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, School of Life and Environmental Sciences (ECVA), UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal.
| | - Luís Silva
- Research Centre in Sports Sciences, Health, and Human Development (CIDESD), University of Trás-os- Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, School of Life and Environmental Sciences (ECVA), UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Jorge Soares
- Research Centre in Sports Sciences, Health, and Human Development (CIDESD), University of Trás-os- Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, School of Life and Environmental Sciences (ECVA), UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Graça S Pinto
- Research Centre in Sports Sciences, Health, and Human Development (CIDESD), University of Trás-os- Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, School of Life and Environmental Sciences (ECVA), UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Catarina Abrantes
- Research Centre in Sports Sciences, Health, and Human Development (CIDESD), University of Trás-os- Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, School of Life and Environmental Sciences (ECVA), UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Luís Cardoso
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), UTAD, and Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Vila Real, Portugal
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences (ECAV), UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Maria A Pires
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), UTAD, and Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Vila Real, Portugal
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences (ECAV), UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Hélder Sousa
- Department of Mathematics (DM), UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal
- Center for Computational and Stochastic Mathematics (CEMAT), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Maria P Mota
- Research Centre in Sports Sciences, Health, and Human Development (CIDESD), University of Trás-os- Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, School of Life and Environmental Sciences (ECVA), UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal
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Plante A, Bedrossian N, Cadotte G, Piché A, Michael F, Bédard S, Tessier H, Fernandez-Prada C, Sabiston CM, Dieudé M, Doré I. Pet ownership and lifestyle behaviours of immunosuppressed individuals and their relatives in the context of COVID-19 pandemic. Prev Med Rep 2023; 33:102210. [PMID: 37090822 PMCID: PMC10105381 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2023.102210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic and containment measures will likely have a detrimental impact on immunosuppressed individuals' lifestyle behaviours. Increasing evidence suggests that pet ownership is positively associated with healthier lifestyle. Yet, no study has investigated the potential benefits of pet ownership on lifestyle behaviours of immunosuppressed individuals, a population at increased risk of COVID-19 complications. This study aims to examine 1) changes in light, moderate and vigorous intensity physical activity (LPA, MPA, VPA), sedentary time (SED), and sleep duration, assessed by comparing "before COVID-19 pandemic" and "past 7 days" (i.e., current, during pandemic) self-reported behaviours in immunosuppressed individuals and their relatives; 2) to assess if changes in lifestyle behaviours are associated with pet ownership status and whether age is a moderator of these associations. A convenience sample of 132 participants (65.2% female, 41.3% ≥55 years of age) provided self-reported LPA, MPA, VPA (days/week), SED and sleep (min/day) and pet ownership status using an online questionnaire (May-August 2020). Descriptive analyses, paired T-tests, Cohen's d effect size and linear regressions were conducted. Results show that participants reported a decrease in VPA (-0.56 days/week, d = 0.34; p < 0.01) and an increase in SED (106.79 min/day, d = -0.81; p < 0.01). Stratified analysis revealed that having at least one dog, compared to not owning pets, is associated with a reduced decline in LPA, MPA and VPA and an increase in sleep in participants aged < 55 years old only. Having a dog appears to be positively associated with healthy lifestyle behaviours in younger and middle age immunosuppressed individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Plante
- Centre de recherche du CHUM, Université de Montréal, 900 rue Saint-Denis, Montréal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada
| | - Nathalie Bedrossian
- Centre de recherche du CHUM, Université de Montréal, 900 rue Saint-Denis, Montréal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada
| | - Gabrielle Cadotte
- School of Kinesiology and Physical Activity Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, 2900 Bd Édouard-Montpetit, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Alexia Piché
- Centre de recherche du CHUM, Université de Montréal, 900 rue Saint-Denis, Montréal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada
- School of Kinesiology and Physical Activity Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, 2900 Bd Édouard-Montpetit, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Fady Michael
- Centre de recherche du CHUM, Université de Montréal, 900 rue Saint-Denis, Montréal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, 7101 Av du Parc, Montréal, QC H3N 1X9, Canada
| | - Sylvain Bédard
- Canadian Donation and Transplant Research Program (CDTRP), University of Alberta, Room 6002, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Research Innovation, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada
- Centre d'excellence sur le partenariat avec les patients et le public (CEPPP), Canada
| | - Hélène Tessier
- Canadian Donation and Transplant Research Program (CDTRP), University of Alberta, Room 6002, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Research Innovation, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada
| | - Christopher Fernandez-Prada
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, 3200 Rue Sicotte, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M2, Canada
- The Research Group on Infectious Diseases in Production Animals (GREMIP), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, 3200 Rue Sicotte, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M2, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill Research Centre on Complex Traits, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, 1001 Bd Décarie, Montréal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Catherine M Sabiston
- School of Kinesiology and Physical Education, University of Toronto, 27 King's College Cir, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada
| | - Mélanie Dieudé
- Centre de recherche du CHUM, Université de Montréal, 900 rue Saint-Denis, Montréal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada
- Canadian Donation and Transplant Research Program (CDTRP), University of Alberta, Room 6002, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Research Innovation, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada
- Department of Microbiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, 2900 Bd Édouard-Montpetit, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
- Héma-Québec, 4045, boulevard Côte-Vertu, Montréal, QC H4R 2W7, Canada
| | - Isabelle Doré
- Centre de recherche du CHUM, Université de Montréal, 900 rue Saint-Denis, Montréal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada
- School of Kinesiology and Physical Activity Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, 2900 Bd Édouard-Montpetit, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, 7101 Av du Parc, Montréal, QC H3N 1X9, Canada
- Canadian Donation and Transplant Research Program (CDTRP), University of Alberta, Room 6002, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Research Innovation, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada
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Ng M, Wenden E, Lester L, Westgarth C, Christian H. A mobile health intervention to encourage physical activity in children: a randomised controlled trial. BMC Pediatr 2022; 22:276. [PMID: 35562656 PMCID: PMC9103068 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-022-03336-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite immense benefits of physical activity on health and developmental outcomes, few children achieve recommended daily levels of physical activity. Given more than half of families with children own a dog, we investigated the effect of a mobile health (mHealth) intervention to encourage dog-facilitated physical activity through increased family dog walking and children’s active play with their dog. Methods The PLAYCE PAWS study was a three-armed randomised pilot trial conducted in Perth, Western Australia. Children aged 5-10 years with a family dog were randomised to 4 weeks of either 1) SMS-only intervention, 2) ‘SMS + pedometer’ intervention or 3) ‘usual care’ control. The mHealth intervention involved SMS messages to parents; the ‘SMS + pedometer’ group also received a dog pedometer and personalised dog steps diary. Parent-reported measures were collected at baseline, 1- and 3-months post intervention. The primary outcome was weekly frequency of family dog walking and dog play; secondary outcomes were child attachment to the dog and feasibility of the intervention. Results A total of 150 children were randomised in staggered blocks to SMS-only (n = 50), ‘SMS + pedometer’ (n = 50) or usual care (n = 50). No differences were observed in family dog walking and dog play at 1-month. SMS-only children (OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.17, 5.83, P = 0.019) and all intervention children (OR 1.97, 95% CI 1.01, 3.86, P = 0.048) were more likely to increase total dog-facilitated physical activity (sum of family dog walking and dog play responses) at 3-months. The positive associations with total dog-facilitated physical activity disappeared (all P > 0.05) after adjusting for socio-demographic factors. Conclusions The PLAYCE PAWS mHealth intervention did not significantly affect dog-facilitated physical activity in children. Given high levels of dog ownership in the community, SMS prompts could be a low-cost intervention to encourage more physical activity in children. Further research is needed to understand how increased interaction with the family dog impacts on children’s overall physical activity and other health and development outcomes. Trial registration ANZCTR, ACTRN12620000288921, retrospectively registered on 4/3/2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Ng
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia.
| | - Elizabeth Wenden
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia.,School of Population and Global Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Leanne Lester
- School of Human Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
| | - Carri Westgarth
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Neston, UK
| | - Hayley Christian
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia.,School of Population and Global Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
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Richards EA, Woodcox S, Forster A. What Works and for Whom? Outcome Evaluation of an E-mail Walking Program Delivered Through Cooperative Extension. J Prim Care Community Health 2022; 13:21501319211070683. [PMID: 35094592 PMCID: PMC8801713 DOI: 10.1177/21501319211070683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Get WalkIN’ is a 12-week, e-mail-based walking promotion program. The purpose of this study was to (1) compare sociodemographics of participants who enrolled versus completed the program; and (2) evaluate program feasibility/acceptability from perspectives of program participants and county-based Extension Educators who implemented the program. Methods: Participants (N = 875), recruited by county-based Extension Educators, were asked Likert-scale questions (eg, ease of reading the e-mails and frequency of e-mails) to assess program acceptability and open-ended questions regarding improvements. Educators (N = 55) were asked Likert-scale and open-ended questions regarding program training, recruitment, strengths, and areas for improvement. Descriptive statistics summarized participant characteristics, acceptability, and feasibility data. Open-ended responses were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: There were no significant sociodemographic differences between participants (N = 875) who started the program and completed the program (n = 438). Participants reported intervention e-mails were easy to read (mean = 4.5 ± 0.7), understand (mean = 4.5 ± 0.7), and encouraged more walking (mean = 4.1 ± 0.9). Participants would like to connect/interact with other participants/Educators, have more monitoring tools for accountability, and more visuals/videos embedded within e-mails. Educators reported program training was adequate, e-mail messages were helpful and easy to use, and requested more visuals (eg, videos) to help with recruitment. Educators thought adding a social component (eg, kick-off walk or walking group) would be helpful. Conclusions: This Extension-delivered walking program is acceptable to participants and feasible to deliver. However, participants and Educators reported they would like more interaction, even if virtual. Future e-mail-based programs should consider ways to incorporate social interaction among users as well as provide a wide variety of recruitment resources.
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Ng M, Wenden E, Lester L, Westgarth C, Christian H. A study protocol for a randomised controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of a dog-facilitated physical activity minimal intervention on young children's physical activity, health and development: the PLAYCE PAWS trial. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:51. [PMID: 33407318 PMCID: PMC7789606 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-10034-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pet ownership brings many health benefits to individuals. In children developmental benefits can extend to improved self-esteem, better social competence and decreased loneliness. The majority of households with children own a dog, however only a small proportion of children gain the benefits of dog ownership through dog walking and play. There are few intervention studies investigating the impact of dog-facilitated physical activity in children. The PLAYCE PAWS study aims to test a minimal-contact intervention through the use of mobile health ("mhealth") strategies, i.e. text (SMS) messages, to parents to encourage their children to walk and play with their dog more, and evaluate the impact on children's overall physical activity and development. METHODS/DESIGN The PLAYCE PAWS intervention study will target parents in dog-owning families with children aged 5 to 8 years in Perth, Western Australia. Approximately 150 dog-owning parents and children will be randomly allocated into either one of two intervention groups or a 'usual care' control group. The first intervention group will receive SMS messages over 4 weeks to encourage and prompt parents to undertake dog walking and dog play with their child. The second intervention group will receive the same text messages, plus a dog pedometer and personalised 'dog steps' diary for their child to complete. Parent-reported outcome measures include changes in children's dog walking and play, overall physical activity, socio-emotional development, self-regulation, self-esteem, empathy, and level of attachment to their dog. DISCUSSION The PLAYCE PAWS study appears to be the first to examine the effectiveness of a low-cost, mhealth intervention for increasing young children's physical activity through dog walking and play. Given the high prevalence of dogs as family pets, this study presents a valuable opportunity to investigate if mHealth interventions encourage children to walk and play with their dog more, and if there are any associated impact on children's overall physical activity and socio-emotional well-being. If effective, a larger trial or program could be implemented at low-cost and with wide reach in the community. TRIAL REGISTRATION ANZCTR, ACTRN12620000288921 . Registered 4th March 2020 - Retrospectively registered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Ng
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia.
| | - Elizabeth Wenden
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
- School of Population and Global Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Leanne Lester
- School of Human Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
| | - Carri Westgarth
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Neston, UK
| | - Hayley Christian
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
- School of Population and Global Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
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Richards EA, Woodcox S, Forster A. Statewide Dissemination of an Evidenced-Based Email Walking Program Delivered Through Cooperative Extension. Front Public Health 2020; 8:78. [PMID: 32219090 PMCID: PMC7078235 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2020.00078] [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: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Using the RE-AIM framework, this study evaluates the statewide dissemination of an evidenced-based, email-delivered physical activity intervention implemented through Cooperative Extension. The Get WalkIN' program is comprised of 16 email messages sent over 12 weeks. Email messages target social cognitive theory constructs of self-efficacy, goal-setting, self-monitoring, and social support. Program reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance were assessed with quantitative measures in a pre-post design. Findings indicate that within the Extension system, program adoption was high and program maintenance was moderate. Program effectiveness was demonstrated with an increase of 77.1 ± 49.9 min in weekly walking post-program. This increase in walking was maintained 3 months post-program. Capturing data on the implementation process was challenging. Overall, the results indicate success in program adoption and maintenance with further efforts needed to improve follow-up data collection from participants.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stephanie Woodcox
- Cooperative Extension, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Anna Forster
- School of Nursing, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
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Rhodes RE, Baranova M, Christian H, Westgarth C. Increasing physical activity by four legs rather than two: systematic review of dog-facilitated physical activity interventions. Br J Sports Med 2020; 54:1202-1207. [PMID: 31959677 DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2019-101156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Regular walking is a critical target of physical activity (PA) promotion, and dog walking is a feasible PA intervention for a large segment of the population. The purpose of this paper was to review PA interventions that have involved canine interactions and to evaluate their effectiveness. A secondary aim of this review was to highlight the populations, settings, designs and intervention components that have been applied so as to inform future research. DESIGN Systematic review. DATA SOURCES We carried out literature searches to August 2019 using six common databases. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Studies included published papers in peer-reviewed journals and grey literature (theses and dissertations) in the English language that included any PA behaviour change design (ie, randomised controlled trial, quasi-experimental) that focused on canine-related intervention. We grouped findings by population, setting, medium, research design and quality, theory and behaviour change techniques applied. RESULTS The initial search yielded 25 010 publications which were reduced to 13 independent studies of medium and high risks of bias after screening for eligibility criteria. The approaches to intervene on PA were varied and included loaner dogs, new dog owners and the promotion of walking among established dog owners. Findings were consistent in showing that canine-assisted interventions do increase PA (82% of the studies had changes favouring the canine-facilitated intervention). Exploratory subanalyses showed that specific study characteristics and methods may have moderated the effects. Compared with studies with longer follow-up periods, studies with shorter follow-up favoured behaviour changes of the canine intervention over the control condition. CONCLUSION Canine-based PA interventions appear effective, but future research should move beyond feasibility and proof of concept studies to increase rigour, quality and generalisability of findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan E Rhodes
- School of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Maria Baranova
- School of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Hayley Christian
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Centre for Child Health Research, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
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Das BM, Sartore-Baldwin ML. Development of a logic model for a service learning, dog walking course for college students. EVALUATION AND PROGRAM PLANNING 2019; 76:101667. [PMID: 31202117 DOI: 10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2019.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Revised: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Despite overwhelming evidence of the importance of physical activity, only 20% of US adults meet physical activity recommendations. A subsector of the population vulnerable to inactivity is college students. There is a disconnect between evidence-based physical activity programming and dissemination into college communities, which may be overcome through logic model development and evaluation. The purpose of this paper is to discuss logic model development for a service-learning, dog walking program for undergraduates. Participants were undergraduates (18-25 years). Process evaluations and observational data were used in a content analysis to determine major themes to create the logic model. A set of resources were needed to complete program activities, which led to short- and long-term outcomes. The overarching goal of the program is to improve the overall health status of college students and companion animals. This logic model may have significant public health impact as it can serve as a framework for universities wanting to develop, implement, and evaluate a service-learning, dog walking program for students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhibha M Das
- East Carolina University, 172 Minges Coliseum, Greenville, NC 27858, United States.
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Chen EY. To a Future Where Everyone Can Walk a Dog Even if They Don't Own One. Front Public Health 2018; 6:349. [PMID: 30560114 PMCID: PMC6284364 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2018.00349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Eunice Y Chen
- Department of Psychology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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Vetrovsky T, Cupka J, Dudek M, Kuthanova B, Vetrovska K, Capek V, Bunc V. A pedometer-based walking intervention with and without email counseling in general practice: a pilot randomized controlled trial. BMC Public Health 2018; 18:635. [PMID: 29769107 PMCID: PMC5956962 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-018-5520-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2017] [Accepted: 04/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND General practitioners play a fundamental role in combatting the current epidemic of physical inactivity, and pedometer-based walking interventions are able to increase physical activity levels of their patients. Supplementing these interventions with email counseling driven by feedback from the pedometer has the potential to further improve their effectiveness but it has to be yet confirmed in clinical trials. Therefore, the aim of our pilot randomized controlled trial is to evaluate the feasibility and potential efficacy of future trials designed to assess the additional benefit of email counseling added to a pedometer-based intervention in a primary care setting. METHODS Physically inactive patients were opportunistically recruited from four general practices and randomized to a 12-week pedometer-based intervention with or without email counseling. To explore the feasibility of future trials, we assessed the speed and efficiency of recruitment, adherence to wearing the pedometer, and engagement with email counseling. To evaluate the potential efficacy, daily step-count was the primary outcome and blood pressure, waist and hip circumference, and body mass were the secondary outcomes. Additionally, we conducted a qualitative analysis of structured interviews with the participating general practitioners. RESULTS The opportunistic recruitment has been shown to be feasible and acceptable, but relatively slow and inefficient; moreover, general practitioners selectively recruited overweight and obese patients. Patients manifested high adherence, wearing the pedometer on 83% (± 20) of days. All patients from the counseling group actively participated in email communication and responded to 46% (± 22) of the emails they received. Both groups significantly increased their daily step-count (pedometer-plus-email, + 2119, p = 0.002; pedometer-alone, + 1336, p = 0.03), but the difference between groups was not significant (p = 0.18). When analyzing both groups combined, there was a significant decrease in body mass (- 0.68 kg, p = 0.04), waist circumference (- 1.73 cm, p = 0.03), and systolic blood pressure (- 3.48 mmHg, p = 0.045). CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that adding email counseling to a pedometer-based intervention in a primary care setting is feasible and might have the potential to increase the efficacy of such an intervention in increasing physical activity levels. TRIAL REGISTRATION The trial was retrospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (ID: NCT03135561 , date: April 26, 2017).
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomas Vetrovsky
- Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Charles University, Jose Martiho 31, 162 52, Prague 6, Czech Republic.
| | - Jozef Cupka
- Mediciman s.r.o, Maxovska 1019/6, 155 00, Prague 5, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Dudek
- Laureus s.r.o, Palackeho 541, 252 29, Dobrichovice, Czech Republic
| | - Blanka Kuthanova
- Praktici Praha 6, s.r.o, Vitezne namesti 817/9, 160 00, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | | | - Vaclav Capek
- Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, V Uvalu 84, 150 06, Prague 5, Czech Republic
| | - Vaclav Bunc
- Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Charles University, Jose Martiho 31, 162 52, Prague 6, Czech Republic
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Torske MO, Krokstad S, Stamatakis E, Bauman A. Dog ownership and all-cause mortality in a population cohort in Norway: The HUNT study. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0179832. [PMID: 28662069 PMCID: PMC5491039 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0179832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2017] [Accepted: 06/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective There has been increased interest in human-animal interactions and their possible effects on human health. Some of this research has focused on human physical activity levels, mediated through increased dog walking. Much of the reported research has been cross sectional, and very few epidemiological studies have examined the association between dog ownership and mortality in populations. Methods We used data from the Norwegian county population-based Nord-Trøndelag HUNT Study (HUNT2, 1995–1997). Cox proportional hazards models were fitted to analyse the relationship between dog ownership and all-cause mortality. The median follow-up time was 18.5 years and the maximum follow-up time was 19.7 years. Results In this population, dog owners were no more physically active than non-dog owners, both groups reporting a total of just over 3 hours/week of light and vigorous activity. Dog owners (n = 25,031, with 1,587 deaths during follow-up; 504,017 person-years of time at risk) had virtually the same hazard of dying as non-dog owners (Hazard ratio 1.00, 95% CI 0.91–1.09). Conclusions We found no evidence for an association between the presence of a dog in the household and all-cause mortality or physical activity levels in this Norwegian population. Further epidemiological research is needed to clarify this relationship, as methodological limitations and an active Norwegian population sample means that generalizable evidence is not yet clear on dog ownership and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magnhild Oust Torske
- HUNT Research Centre, Department of Public Health and Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, NTNU—Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Levanger, Norway
- * E-mail:
| | - Steinar Krokstad
- HUNT Research Centre, Department of Public Health and Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, NTNU—Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Levanger, Norway
- Levanger Hospital, Nord-Trøndelag Hospital Trust, Levanger, Norway
| | - Emmanuel Stamatakis
- Prevention Research Collaboration, Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Adrian Bauman
- HUNT Research Centre, Department of Public Health and Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, NTNU—Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Levanger, Norway
- Prevention Research Collaboration, Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
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