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Chattha H, Duncan MJ, Riazi NA, Leatherdale ST, Patte KA. Changes to Secondary School Physical Activity Programs and Policy after Emerging from COVID-19 Lockdowns. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:788. [PMID: 38929034 PMCID: PMC11203728 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21060788] [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: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 06/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore the adaptations that schools made to physical activity programs and facilities, and disparities by area urbanicity and income, during the first school year after the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic. In a convenience sample of 132 secondary schools in Canada, school contacts responded to an annual survey in the 2020-2021 school year on changes to physical activity programs and facilities, and related staff training. Content analysis categorized open-ended text responses, and schools were compared based on area urbanicity and median income. Most schools canceled all interschool sports (88.9%) and intramurals (65.9%). New programs were added by 12.6% of schools, and about half (49%) of schools reported some continuing programs, most of which were sports programs, followed by facility and equipment access. Physical activity facilities were closed in 18.1% of schools, while 15.7% had new facilities added, and 11% temporarily converted facilities into learning spaces. Large/medium urban schools were at greater odds of having made any change to their facilities compared to schools in rural/small urban areas (odds ratio (95% confidence interval): 2.3 (1.1, 4.8)). The results demonstrate the considerable scale and nature of the restrictions in school provisions of physical activity opportunities during this period, as well as the resourcefulness of some schools in adding new programs and facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hussain Chattha
- Department of Health Sciences, Brock University, 1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way, Saint Catharines, ON L2S 3A1, Canada
| | - Markus J. Duncan
- Department of Health Sciences, Brock University, 1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way, Saint Catharines, ON L2S 3A1, Canada
- Healthy Active Living and Obesity Research Group, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, 401 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L1, Canada
| | - Negin A. Riazi
- Department of Health Sciences, Brock University, 1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way, Saint Catharines, ON L2S 3A1, Canada
- Student Health and Wellbeing, University of British Columbia, 2329 West Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Scott T. Leatherdale
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave West, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Karen A. Patte
- Department of Health Sciences, Brock University, 1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way, Saint Catharines, ON L2S 3A1, Canada
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Tomlinson OW, Barker AR, Denford S, Williams CA. Adapting, restarting, and terminating a randomised control trial for people with cystic fibrosis: Reflections on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic upon research in a clinical population. Contemp Clin Trials Commun 2024; 39:101294. [PMID: 38577655 PMCID: PMC10992694 DOI: 10.1016/j.conctc.2024.101294] [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: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Habitual physical activity (PA) and exercise form a cornerstone of the management of cystic fibrosis (CF), a genetically inherited pulmonary and digestive condition - whereby telehealth platforms have been proposed as a mechanism to engage remotely people with CF in PA and exercise. Methods To test this, in early 2020, the 'ActivOnline: Physical Activity in Cystic Fibrosis Trial' (ActiOn PACT) randomised control trial was established to examine whether an online intervention was effective at increasing PA in adolescents and adults with CF. Results The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 forced this trial to be paused and modified, with the adoption of online recruitment and remote assessment of outcome measures. Despite such adaptations in accord with frameworks developed by the National Institute for Health Research, this trial failed to recruit and was subsequently terminated. Conclusions This article details the authors reflections upon the proposed reasons for lack of recruitment, including improved technology and medications for people with CF, and contextualises this finding in relation to the wider issue of non-reporting of trial results in clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Owen W. Tomlinson
- Children's Health and Exercise Research Centre, Department of Public Health and Sports Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
- Academic Department of Respiratory Medicine, Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, United Kingdom
- Department of Clinical and Biomedical Science, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Alan R. Barker
- Children's Health and Exercise Research Centre, Department of Public Health and Sports Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Denford
- Children's Health and Exercise Research Centre, Department of Public Health and Sports Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
- Health Protection Research Unit in Behavioural Science and Evaluation, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Craig A. Williams
- Children's Health and Exercise Research Centre, Department of Public Health and Sports Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
- Academic Department of Respiratory Medicine, Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, United Kingdom
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Li M, Huang J, Budhathoki C, Li Q, Samuel L, Szanton SL, Schrack JA, Li J. Social Factors and Older Adults' Use of Wearable Activity Trackers: Before and During the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Appl Gerontol 2024; 43:182-193. [PMID: 37863099 DOI: 10.1177/07334648231205417] [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] [Indexed: 10/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Wearable activity trackers (WAT) have shown high potential to improve health in the aging population. Evidence links various social factors with WAT use in older adults, but mainly within small samples and the prevalence of their WAT use during the COVID-19 is unknown. We reported WAT use prevalence before and during the first wave of COVID-19 and examined social factors associated with WAT use frequency using a nationally representative sample of 3302 U.S. older adults. We used Multinomial Logistic Regression to identify social factors associated with WAT use frequency. Only 10.3% of pre-COVID-19 and 10.9% of first-wave subsamples were frequent WAT users. Older adults aged 75 and above and those with low incomes were less likely to frequently use WATs. Our findings suggest socioeconomic and age disparities in WAT use among older Americans. Future studies should focus on enhancing low-income older adults' WAT adoption to enable equal access to WAT-related health benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengchi Li
- Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jing Huang
- Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Qiwei Li
- California State University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | | | | | - Junxin Li
- Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Durau J, Diehl S, Terlutter R. Working (out) with fitness influencers - benefits for the fitness influencer, user health, and the endorsed brand: Key factors and the role of gender and brand familiarity. Digit Health 2024; 10:20552076241258393. [PMID: 38832102 PMCID: PMC11145997 DOI: 10.1177/20552076241258393] [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: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Fitness influencers have become important digital health communicators with regard to influencing consumer health behaviours, such as physical activity. We investigate how working (out) with these new communicators can generate benefits for the fitness influencer, user health, and endorsed brands. Based on the source credibility, social identity theory, and gender congruity research, this paper aims to identify the main factors that affect users' attitudes toward the fitness influencer (influencer benefit), users' exercise intentions (user health benefit) and their purchase intentions (brand benefit), considering user and influencer gender. Methods Two studies were conducted, both with male and female influencers and users. In study 1 (n = 496), the fitness influencer endorsed an unfamiliar brand, and in study 2 (n = 529) a familiar brand was endorsed. To test the proposed models and to estimate the path coefficients, structural equation modelling was performed. Results Key influencing factors were identified in the two studies: For attitude toward the influencer, source credibility is the most important; for exercise intention, parasocial interaction and attitude toward the behaviour are crucial; and purchase intention is largely predicted by the brand attitude. The studies revealed gender-congruent and non-congruent tendencies for female and male respondents, and different effects of unfamiliar and familiar brands. Conclusions Working (out) with fitness influencers can improve user attitudes toward the influencer, increase users' exercise intentions, and increase brand purchase intentions, for both unfamiliar and familiar brands. Some gender congruity and some gender incongruity effects exist. The paper discusses important implications for theory and practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Durau
- Department of Media and Communications, Alpen-Adria-Universität Klagenfurt, Klagenfurt, Austria
| | - Sandra Diehl
- Department of Media and Communications, Alpen-Adria-Universität Klagenfurt, Klagenfurt, Austria
| | - Ralf Terlutter
- Department of Marketing and International Management, Alpen-Adria-Universität Klagenfurt, Klagenfurt, Austria
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Cronin E, McCallion M, Monaghan K. "The best of a bad situation?" A mixed methods survey exploring patients' perspectives on physiotherapy-led online group exercise programmes. Ir J Med Sci 2023; 192:2595-2606. [PMID: 37154996 PMCID: PMC10165280 DOI: 10.1007/s11845-023-03386-7] [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: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The COVID-19 pandemic saw the migration of many physiotherapy-led group exercise programmes towards online platforms. This online survey aimed to ascertain the patients' views of online group exercise programmes (OGEP), including their satisfaction with various aspects of these programmes, the advantages and disadvantages and usefulness beyond the pandemic. METHODS A mixed-methods design was utilised with a cross-sectional national online survey of patients who had previously attended a physiotherapy-led OGEP in Ireland. The survey collected both qualitative and quantitative data. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the ordinal and continuous data and conventional content analysis was used to analyse the free-text responses. RESULTS In total, 94 patients completed the surveys. Fifty percent of patients questioned would prefer in-person classes. Despite only a quarter of patient respondents preferring online classes going forward, satisfaction with the OGEPs was high with nearly 95% of respondents somewhat or extremely satisfied. Decreased travel and convenience were cited as the main benefits of OGEPs. Decreased social interaction and decreased direct observation by the physiotherapist were the main disadvantages cited. CONCLUSION Patients expressed high satisfaction rates overall with online classes, but would value more opportunities for social interaction. Although 50% of respondents would choose in-person classes in the future, offering both online and in-person classes beyond the pandemic may help to suit the needs of all patients and improve attendance and adherence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eimear Cronin
- Atlantic Technological University, Neuroplasticity Research Group (NRG), Health & Biomedical Research Centre (HEAL), Sligo, Ash Lane, Ballytivnan, Sligo, Ireland.
- Physiotherapy Department, St. John's Hospital, Sligo, Ireland.
| | - Maire McCallion
- Atlantic Technological University, Neuroplasticity Research Group (NRG), Health & Biomedical Research Centre (HEAL), Sligo, Ash Lane, Ballytivnan, Sligo, Ireland
| | - Kenneth Monaghan
- Atlantic Technological University, Neuroplasticity Research Group (NRG), Health & Biomedical Research Centre (HEAL), Sligo, Ash Lane, Ballytivnan, Sligo, Ireland
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Seal E, Vu J, Winfield A, Fenesi B. Impact of COVID-19 on Physical Activity in Families Managing ADHD and the Cyclical Effect on Worsening Mental Health. Brain Sci 2023; 13:887. [PMID: 37371367 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13060887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Physical activity supports symptom management in children with ADHD and reduces the mental health burden associated with caregiving for children with ADHD. Survey-based research shows that COVID-19 reduced physical activity among diverse populations. This study used a qualitative approach situated within a socioecological framework to (1) understand how COVID-19 impacted physical activity of children with ADHD and their caregivers, to (2) identify barriers to their physical activity, and to (3) identify potential areas of support. Thirty-three participants were interviewed between October 2020 and January 2021. Content analysis revealed that physical activity declined for children and caregivers; significant barriers were social isolation and rising intrapersonal difficulties such as diminishing self-efficacy and energy levels and increased mental health difficulties. Worsening mental health further alienated caregivers and children from physical activity, undermining its protective effects on ADHD symptom management and mental wellbeing. Participants identified needing community support programs that offer virtual, live physical activity classes as well as psycho-emotional support groups. There is vital need to support physical activity opportunities during high-stress situations in families managing ADHD to buffer against diminishing mental wellbeing. This will promote further physical activity engagement and allow families to reap the cognitive, psychological, and emotional benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Seal
- Faculty of Education, Western University, London, ON N6G 1G7, Canada
| | - Julie Vu
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C2, Canada
| | - Alexis Winfield
- Faculty of Education, Western University, London, ON N6G 1G7, Canada
| | - Barbara Fenesi
- Faculty of Education, Western University, London, ON N6G 1G7, Canada
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Wilms P, Schröder J, Reer R, Scheit L. The Impact of "Home Office" Work on Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph191912344. [PMID: 36231651 PMCID: PMC9566552 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2022] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
In 2020, as part of the COVID-19 pandemic, governments around the world enacted a wide variety of regulations and laws to contain the incidence of infection. One of these measures was the relocation of work to the home office. The objective of this review was to analyze the influence of the home office in correlation with regulations on sedentary and activity behavior. A search was conducted on various electronic databases from November 2019 to January 2022, using the search terms physical activity (PA), COVID-19, and working from home. The primary outcomes were changes in PA and sedentary behavior (SB). Secondary outcomes included pain, mood, and parenting stress. The risk of bias was assessed using the (NHLBI) Quality Assessment Tool. For the review, 21 articles met the inclusion criteria (total n = 1268). There was a significant increase in SB (+16%) and a decrease in PA (-17%), Light PA (-26%), and moderate to vigorous PA (-20%). There was also an increase in pain and parenting stress and a decrease in well-being. Due to our significant results, programs that promote movement should be created. Future studies should explore how an increase of PA and a reduction of SB in the home office could be achieved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Wilms
- Department I–Internal Medicine, Bundeswehr Hospital Hamburg, Lesserstr. 180, 22049 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jan Schröder
- Department of Sports Medicine, Faculty for Psychology and Human Movement Science, Institute for Human Movement Science, University of Hamburg, Turmweg 2, 20148 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Rüdiger Reer
- Department of Sports Medicine, Faculty for Psychology and Human Movement Science, Institute for Human Movement Science, University of Hamburg, Turmweg 2, 20148 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Lorenz Scheit
- Department I–Internal Medicine, Bundeswehr Hospital Hamburg, Lesserstr. 180, 22049 Hamburg, Germany
- Correspondence:
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Associations between Health Education and Mental Health, Burnout, and Work Engagement by Application of Audiovisual Stimulation. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19159370. [PMID: 35954722 PMCID: PMC9367809 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19159370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, health education programs and workplace health promotion (WHP) could only be offered under difficult conditions, if at all. In Germany for example, mandatory lockdowns, working from home, and physical distancing have led to a sharp decline in expenditure on prevention and health promotion from 2019 to 2020. At the same time, the pandemic has negatively affected many people’s mental health. Therefore, our goal was to examine audiovisual stimulation as a possible measure in the context of WHP, because its usage is contact-free, time flexible, and offers, additionally, voice-guided health education programs. In an online survey following a cross-sectional single case study design with 393 study participants, we examined the associations between audiovisual stimulation and mental health, work engagement, and burnout. Using multiple regression analyses, we could identify positive associations between audiovisual stimulation and mental health, burnout, and work engagement. However, longitudinal data are needed to further investigate causal mechanisms between mental health and the use of audiovisual stimulation. Nevertheless, especially with regard to the pandemic, audiovisual stimulation may represent a promising measure for improving mental health at the workplace.
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The Effects of an Online-Offline Hybrid Exercise Program on the Lives of Children with Cerebral Palsy Using Wheelchairs during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Korea. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19127203. [PMID: 35742452 PMCID: PMC9223063 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19127203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2022] [Revised: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many online programs for social meetings, education, leisure, and physical activities have been developed and provided; however, children with cerebral palsy (CP) cannot enjoy online programs in the same way that those without disabilities can. The aim of this study was to investigate the differences in reintegration to normal living (RNL), social interaction, and quality of life among school-age children with CP after participation in a game-based online−offline hybrid group exercise program. The current study was conducted on 26 children with CP who participated in a hybrid exercise program. The RNL, social interaction, and quality of life were measured before and after the six-week program. The scores of RNL and quality of life were improved (p < 0.05) after program participation. Online or hybrid exercise programs incorporating interactive methods (i.e., competition and cooperating) could enhance RNL and quality of life of children with CP. Thus, well-designed online or hybrid exercise programs should be developed and provided for children with CP to enhance overall quality of life during the pandemic.
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