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Background: Emerging evidence suggests that children's fatness increases and fitness declines at a greater rate during the summer holiday period, compared with the school year. The aim of this study was to compare rates of change in fitness and fatness over the in-term and summer holiday periods among Australian schoolchildren. A secondary aim was to explore whether rates of change differed according to the child's sex, socio-economic status (SES), pubertal status and weight status. Methods: Children (n = 381) initially in Grade 4 (age 9) were recruited for this 2-year longitudinal study. Fatness (% body fat, BMI z-score, waist-to-height ratio) and fitness (20-m shuttle run and standing broad jump) were measured at the start and end of two consecutive years. Rates of change were calculated for the two in-school periods (Grades 4 and 5) and for the summer holiday period. Rates of change in fatness and fitness between in-school and holiday periods were compared, and differences in rates of change according to sex, socio-economic status, and weight status were explored. Results: During the holidays, percentage body fat increased at a greater rate (annualised rate of change [RoC]: +3.9 vs. Grade 4 and + 4.7 vs. Grade 5), and aerobic fitness declined at a greater rate (RoC − 4.7 vs. Grade 4 and − 4.4 vs. Grade 5), than during the in-school periods. There were no differences in rates of change for BMI z-score, waist-to-height ratio or standing broad jump. Body fatness increased faster in the holidays (relative to the in-school period) in children who are overweight and from low-SES families. Aerobic fitness declined more rapidly in the holidays in children who are overweight. Conclusion: This study highlights that during the summer holiday period, children experience greater increases in fatness and declines in fitness, with children who live with low-SES families and are overweight being more affected. The findings suggest the need for targeted interventions during this period to address these negative health trends. Trial registration: Australia New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, identifier ACTRN12618002008202. Retrospectively registered on 14 December 2018. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Emerging evidence suggests that children become fatter and less fit over the summer holidays but get leaner and fitter during the in-school period. This could be due to differences in diet and time use between these distinct periods. Few studies have tracked diet and time use across the summer holidays. This study will measure rates of change in fatness and fitness of children, initially in Grade 4 (age 9 years) across three successive years and relate these changes to changes in diet and time use between in-school and summer holiday periods. Methods Grade 4 Children attending Australian Government, Catholic and Independent schools in the Adelaide metropolitan area will be invited to participate, with the aim of recruiting 300 students in total. Diet will be reported by parents using the Automated Self-Administered 24-h Dietary Assessment Tool. Time use will be measured using 24-h wrist-worn accelerometry (GENEActiv) and self-reported by children using the Multimedia Activity Recall for Children and Adults (e.g. chores, reading, sport). Measurement of diet and time use will occur at the beginning (Term 1) and end (Term 4) of each school year and during the summer holiday period. Fitness (20-m shuttle run and standing broad jump) and fatness (body mass index z-score, waist circumference, %body fat) will be measured at the beginning and end of each school year. Differences in rates of change in fitness and fatness during in-school and summer holiday periods will be calculated using model parameter estimate contrasts from linear mixed effects model. Model parameter estimate contrasts will be used to calculate differences in rates of change in outcomes by socioeconomic position (SEP), sex and weight status. Differences in rates of change of outcomes will be regressed against differences between in-school and summer holiday period diet and time use, using compositional data analysis. Analyses will adjust for age, sex, SEP, parenting style, weight status, and pubertal status, where appropriate. Discussion Findings from this project may inform new, potent avenues for intervention efforts aimed at addressing childhood fitness and fatness. Interventions focused on the home environment, or alternatively extension of the school environment may be warranted. Trial registration Australia New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, identifier ACTRN12618002008202. Retrospectively registered on 14 December 2018.

Abstract Background Recently, a small number of studies have suggested that gains in fitness and reductions in body fat achieved during the school term are reversed or stagnate during the holiday period. This may be associated with changed activity patterns. The aim of this study was to compare 24-h activity compositions between school and holiday periods in Australian children. Methods The participants in this study were 366 children (53% female, 13.4 ± 2.3 years) who were a subgroup of the 2007 Australian National Children’s Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey. Each child recalled use of time on at least one school day, one weekend day and one holiday using the Multimedia Activity Recall for Children and Adults. Composite “in-term” and “holiday” use-of-time profiles were generated by weighting school days by 5, and weekends by 2 where data were available. Difference between holiday and in-term time use was assessed using a compositional multivariate linear model for repeated measures. Subsequent models tested for interaction between time of measurement and socio-economic status or body mass index. Results Time use was significantly different between holidays and in-term days (F = 103, p

Abstract Background Exercise interventions are typically delivered to people with cancer and survivors via supervised clinical rehabilitation. However, motivating and maintaining activity changes outside of the clinic setting remains challenging. This study investigated the feasibility, acceptability and efficacy of an individually-tailored, text message-enhanced intervention that focused on increasing whole-of-day activity both during and beyond a 4-week, supervised clinical exercise rehabilitation program for people with cancer and survivors. Methods Participants (n = 36; mean ± SD age 64.8 ± 9.6 years; 44.1 ± 30.8 months since treatment) were randomized 1:1 to receive the text message-enhanced clinical exercise rehabilitation program, or the standard clinical exercise rehabilitation program alone. Activity was assessed at baseline, 4-weeks (end of the standard program) and 12-weeks (end of enhanced program) using both device (activPAL accelerometer; sitting, standing, light-stepping, moderate-stepping) and self-report [Multimedia Activity Recall for Children and Adults (MARCA); sedentary, light, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA)] methods. The MARCA also assessed time use domains to provide context to activity changes. Changes and intervention effects were evaluated using linear mixed models, adjusting for baseline values and potential confounders. Results The study had high retention (86%) and participants reported high levels of satisfaction [4.3/5 (±0.8)] with the intervention. Over the first 4 weeks, MARCA-assessed MVPA increased [+ 53.2 (95%CI: 2.9, 103.5) min/d] between groups, favoring the text message-enhanced program, but there were no significant intervention effects on sedentary behavior. By 12 weeks, relative to the standard group, participants in the text message-enhanced group sat less [activPAL overall sitting: − 48.2 (− 89.9, − 5.6) min/16 h awake; MARCA: -80.1 (− 156.5, − 3.8) min/d] and were participating in more physical activity [activPAL light stepping: + 7.0 (0.4, 13.6: min/16 h awake; MARCA MVPA: + 67.3 (24.0, 110.6) min/d]. The time-use domains of Quiet Time [− 63.3 (− 110.5, − 16.0) min/d] and Screen Time [− 62.0 (− 109.7, − 14.2) min/d] differed significantly between groups. Conclusions Results demonstrate feasibility, acceptability and efficacy of a novel, text message-enhanced clinical exercise rehabilitation program to support changes in whole-of-day activity, including both physical activity and sedentary behavior. Changes were largely seen at 12-week follow-up, indicating potential for the intervention to result in continued improvement and maintenance of behavior change following a supervised exercise intervention. Trial registration This trial is registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12616000641493; date registered 17/5/16).

Background Retirement is a major life transition during which people restructure everyday activities; however little is known about this. The primary aim of the Life After Work study is to comprehensively measure changes in time use and patterns of physical activity and sedentary behaviour, and its associations with health and wellbeing, across the retirement transition. Methods/Design A target sample of 120 participants aged 50 years and over will be recruited in two Australian state capital cities, Adelaide and Brisbane. Participants will undertake a battery of assessments approximately 3 months prior to retirement, and 3, 6 and 12 months post-retirement. Measures will include self-reported use of time (using the Multimedia Activity Recall for Children and Adults), objectively assessed physical activity and sedentary behaviour (using Actigraph GT3X+ accelerometers), self-reported health and well-being (using a battery of questionnaires including the Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), Australian Unity Personal Well-being Index (AUPWI), ), Depression Anxiety Stress Scales 21 (DASS21), Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale, UCLA Loneliness Scale, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale), retirement circumstances and socio-demographic characteristics, objectively assessed anthropometric measures (height, weight and waist circumference), and resting blood pressure. Multivariate mixed models will be used to examine changes in use of time, health and well-being across retirement. Discussion The results will provide important new information that will inform the development of lifestyle and policy interventions to address and improve health and well-being in retirement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Emerging evidence suggests that children become fatter and less fit over the summer holidays but get leaner and fitter during the in-school period. This could be due to differences in diet and time use between these distinct periods. Few studies have tracked diet and time use across the summer holidays. This study will measure rates of change in fatness and fitness of children, initially in Grade 4 (age 9 years) across three successive years and relate these changes to changes in diet and time use between in-school and summer holiday periods.Methods: Grade 4 Children attending Australian Government, Catholic and Independent schools in the Adelaide metropolitan area will be invited to participate, with the aim of recruiting 300 students in total. Diet will be reported by parents using the Automated Self-Administered 24-h Dietary Assessment Tool. Time use will be measured using 24-h wrist-worn accelerometry (GENEActiv) and self-reported by children using the Multimedia Activity Recall for Children and Adults (e.g. chores, reading, sport). Measurement of diet and time use will occur at the beginning (Term 1) and end (Term 4) of each school year and during the summer holiday period. Fitness (20-m shuttle run and standing broad jump) and fatness (body mass index z-score, waist circumference, %body fat) will be measured at the beginning and end of each school year. Differences in rates of change in fitness and fatness during in-school and summer holiday periods will be calculated using model parameter estimate contrasts from linear mixed effects model. Model parameter estimate contrasts will be used to calculate differences in rates of change in outcomes by socioeconomic position (SEP), sex and weight status. Differences in rates of change of outcomes will be regressed against differences between in-school and summer holiday period diet and time use, using compositional data analysis. Analyses will adjust for age, sex, SEP, parenting style, weight status, and pubertal status, where appropriate.Discussion: Findings from this project may inform new, potent avenues for intervention efforts aimed at addressing childhood fitness and fatness. Interventions focused on the home environment, or alternatively extension of the school environment may be warranted.Trial Registration: Australia New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, identifier ACTRN12618002008202 . Retrospectively registered on 14 December 2018. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Exercise interventions are typically delivered to people with cancer and survivors via supervised clinical rehabilitation. However, motivating and maintaining activity changes outside of the clinic setting remains challenging. This study investigated the feasibility, acceptability and efficacy of an individually-tailored, text message-enhanced intervention that focused on increasing whole-of-day activity both during and beyond a 4-week, supervised clinical exercise rehabilitation program for people with cancer and survivors.Methods: Participants (n = 36; mean ± SD age 64.8 ± 9.6 years; 44.1 ± 30.8 months since treatment) were randomized 1:1 to receive the text message-enhanced clinical exercise rehabilitation program, or the standard clinical exercise rehabilitation program alone. Activity was assessed at baseline, 4-weeks (end of the standard program) and 12-weeks (end of enhanced program) using both device (activPAL accelerometer; sitting, standing, light-stepping, moderate-stepping) and self-report [Multimedia Activity Recall for Children and Adults (MARCA); sedentary, light, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA)] methods. The MARCA also assessed time use domains to provide context to activity changes. Changes and intervention effects were evaluated using linear mixed models, adjusting for baseline values and potential confounders.Results: The study had high retention (86%) and participants reported high levels of satisfaction [4.3/5 (±0.8)] with the intervention. Over the first 4 weeks, MARCA-assessed MVPA increased [+ 53.2 (95%CI: 2.9, 103.5) min/d] between groups, favoring the text message-enhanced program, but there were no significant intervention effects on sedentary behavior. By 12 weeks, relative to the standard group, participants in the text message-enhanced group sat less [activPAL overall sitting: - 48.2 (- 89.9, - 5.6) min/16 h awake; MARCA: -80.1 (- 156.5, - 3.8) min/d] and were participating in more physical activity [activPAL light stepping: + 7.0 (0.4, 13.6: min/16 h awake; MARCA MVPA: + 67.3 (24.0, 110.6) min/d]. The time-use domains of Quiet Time [- 63.3 (- 110.5, - 16.0) min/d] and Screen Time [- 62.0 (- 109.7, - 14.2) min/d] differed significantly between groups.Conclusions: Results demonstrate feasibility, acceptability and efficacy of a novel, text message-enhanced clinical exercise rehabilitation program to support changes in whole-of-day activity, including both physical activity and sedentary behavior. Changes were largely seen at 12-week follow-up, indicating potential for the intervention to result in continued improvement and maintenance of behavior change following a supervised exercise intervention.Trial Registration: This trial is registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ( ACTRN12616000641493 ; date registered 17/5/16). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recently, a small number of studies have suggested that gains in fitness and reductions in body fat achieved during the school term are reversed or stagnate during the holiday period. This may be associated with changed activity patterns. The aim of this study was to compare 24-h activity compositions between school and holiday periods in Australian children.Methods: The participants in this study were 366 children (53% female, 13.4 ± 2.3 years) who were a subgroup of the 2007 Australian National Children's Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey. Each child recalled use of time on at least one school day, one weekend day and one holiday using the Multimedia Activity Recall for Children and Adults. Composite "in-term" and "holiday" use-of-time profiles were generated by weighting school days by 5, and weekends by 2 where data were available. Difference between holiday and in-term time use was assessed using a compositional multivariate linear model for repeated measures. Subsequent models tested for interaction between time of measurement and socio-economic status or body mass index.Results: Time use was significantly different between holidays and in-term days (F = 103, p < 0.0001). On holidays, children accumulated 140 min less School-related time, compensated by sleeping 40 min longer, 58 min more Screen Time, and 35 min more Domestic/Social time. Children spent 10 min less in vigorous physical activity, and although sitting time was 33 min/day less during holidays, estimated total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) was 5.4% lower. Differences between holiday and in-term activity compositions did not vary by parental education (F = 1.2, p = 0.25), postcode-level socio-economic status (F = 0.9, p = 0.56) or weight status (F = 1.7, p = 0.07).Conclusions: In this subsample of a nationally representative survey of Australian children, holidays were characterised by longer sleep and higher TV and videogame time, lower vigorous activity and lower TDEE. Uncompensated by dietary adjustments, these differences would result in an accumulation of about 650 g of fat over a six-week holiday period. Holiday activity patterns may be a promising focus for obesity prevention efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]