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Objective: To explore university students' knowledge, self-efficacy, outcome expectations, barriers and ideas related to reducing sedentary behavior using a qualitative approach. Participants: Nineteen students from a Canadian university participated. Methods: Four focus groups were conducted. Discussions were recorded, transcribed, and coded to identify categories and themes. Results: Some students lacked knowledge of the concept, but most were generally aware of health risks associated with sedentary behavior. Most students were confident they could reduce sedentary behavior, but felt it would be unlikely they would actually do so because: (a) it is not a priority, (b) the health consequences are distal, (c) increasing standing and light-intensity activity would not provide meaningful health benefits, and (d) class schedules/norms/infrastructure encourage sitting and are not under their control to change. Conclusion: Findings from this study may help inform intervention strategies aimed at decreasing excessive sedentary behavior among university students.

Objectives: To measure and compare distress in entry-level masters occupational therapy (OT) and physical therapy (PT) students; to evaluate distress levels relative to existing data; and to explore factors that cause stress, effects of stress, and coping strategies. Participants: Ninety-eight OT and PT students (75 females, 23 males) from two cohorts at a Canadian university. Methods: Sequential mixed-methods including questionnaires and inductive analysis of focus group discussions. Results: OT and PT students from one cohort reported higher levels of stress, anxiety and/or depression compared to the following academic year and compared to undergraduate and general population samples. The overall theme was "the unrelenting tug of war" between school and other aspects of students' lives. Factors related to academic workload negatively affected mental health. Coping strategies included physical activity, strategic selection of peers, and modifying expectations. Conclusions: Wellness in OT and PT students is an important concern that deserves attention.

This study aimed to inform a measurement approach for older persons who wish to engage in active living such as participating in a walking program. The Patient Generated Index, an individualized measurement approach, and directed and summative content analyses were carried out. A sample size of 204 participants (mean age 75 years; 62% women) was recruited; it generated 934 text threads mapped to 460 unique categories within 45 domains with similarities and differences for women and men. The Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, and Behaviors Model best linked the domains. The results suggest that older persons identify the need to overcome impaired capacity, low motivation, and barriers to engagement to live actively. These are all areas that active living programs could address. How to measure the outcomes of these programs remains elusive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to measure heart rate, activity intensity, and steps in recreational singles and doubles pickleball players. We collected data in 22 singles and 31 doubles players (62.1 ± 9.7 years of age) using Garmin Fenix 5 watches (Garmin International, Inc.) and ActiGraph GT3X+ (ActiGraph LLC) accelerometers. Mean heart rates during singles and doubles were 111.6 ± 13.5 and 111.5 ± 16.2 beats/min (70.3% and 71.2% of predicted maximum heart rate), respectively. Over 70% of singles and doubles playing time was categorized in moderate to vigorous heart rate zones whereas 80.5% of singles time and 50.4% of doubles time were moderate based on Freedson accelerometer cut-points. Steps per hour were higher in singles versus doubles (3,322 ± 493 vs. 2,791 ± 359), t(51) = 4.540, p <.001. Singles and doubles pickleball are moderate- to vigorous-intensity activities that can contribute substantially toward older adults meeting physical activity guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Physiotherapy Canada is the property of University of Toronto Press and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Exploring the influence of counsellors' verbal behaviours on participants' utterances in virtual motivational interviewing (MI) could broaden our understanding of how MI works. This study aims to determine counsellors' behaviours that are more or less likely than chance to elicit participants' change talk and sustain talk during a virtual MI intervention to promote physical activity among older adults. A sequential analysis was used to examine the transitional probability between the counsellors' and participants' behaviours. Thirty‐five MI sessions were analysed from the virtual motivational interviewing (VIMINT) trial. MI‐consistent behaviours (MICO) were significantly more likely than chance to be followed by change talk, sustain talk and follow/neutral talk. MI‐inconsistent behaviours (MIIN) were more likely than chance to be followed by change talk, and 'other' counsellors' behaviours were more likely than chance to be followed by change talk and follow/neutral talk. In conclusion, all three types of counsellors' behaviours elicited change talk. This study re‐emphasizes the link between MICO, change and sustain talk. The influence of MIIN and 'other' behaviours on change talk needs to be explored further. This study has implications for MI training and the need for counsellors to continuously develop skills or behaviours consistent with MI principles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of older adults and counsellors involved in virtual motivational interviewing (MI). This study was part of the Virtual Motivational INTerviewing (VIMINT) feasibility trial of virtual MI for physical activity in older adults. A descriptive qualitative design utilized content analysis. Seven older adults and three counsellors were interviewed. Four categories were developed: (i) Benefits and limitations of using technology (ii) Relationships between older adults and counsellors (iii) MI skills and spirit and (iv) Effects of virtual MI. Older adults and counsellors reported that receiving/delivering MI virtually was convenient and flexible. They described reduced non-verbal communication in virtual MI. Virtual MI facilitates interpersonal relationships, and counsellors reported that MI skills and spirit can be applied virtually. This study showed that virtual MI offers potential benefits with some limitations. The findings could inform future research involving virtual delivery of MI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Physiotherapy Canada is the property of University of Toronto Press and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Community ambulation is frequently limited for people with stroke. It is, however, considered important to people with stroke. The objectives were to identify factors associated with self-reported community ambulation in Canadians aged 45+ with stroke and to identify factors associated with community ambulation specific to Canadian males and to Canadian females with stroke. Data were utilized from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging Tracking Cohort. Multivariate logistic regression models were developed for community ambulation. Mean age was 68 (SE 0.5) years (45% female). In the final community ambulation model (n = 855), factors associated with being less likely to 'walk outdoors sometimes or often' included difficulty or being unable to walk 2–3 blocks (decreased endurance) vs. no difficulty. Being more likely to walk outdoors was associated with 'better weather' months and being 55–64 years of age vs 75–85. Differences were noted between the models of only males and only females. Decreased walking endurance is associated with a decreased likelihood of walking in the community—a factor that can be addressed by rehabilitation professionals and in community based programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to examine the construct and known-groups validity of the total score of five items adapted from the Community Healthy Activities Model Program for Seniors (CHAMPS) questionnaire to measure outdoor walking (CHAMPS-OUTDOORS) in older adults. Data from the baseline assessment of the Getting Older Adult OUTdoors (GO-OUT) trial were used. Construct validity of the CHAMPS-OUTDOORS used objective measures of outdoor walking (accelerometry–GPS), Ambulatory Self-Confidence Questionnaire, RAND-36, 6-min walk test, 10-m walk test, and Mini-Balance Evaluation System Test. For known-groups validity, we compared the CHAMPS-OUTDOORS of those who walked < or ≥1.2 m/s. Sixty-five participants had an average age of 76.5 ± 7.8 years. The CHAMPS-OUTDOORS was moderately correlated with total outdoor walking time (r =.33) and outdoor steps (r =.33) per week measured by accelerometry-GPS, and weakly correlated with Mini-Balance Evaluation System Test score (r =.27). The CHAMPS-OUTDOORS did not distinguish known groups based on crosswalk speed (p =.33). The CHAMPS-OUTDOORS may be used to assess outdoor walking in the absence of accelerometry GPS. Further research examining reliability is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To estimate the relationships between individual and environmental variables and outdoor walking (OW) in older adults with OW limitations through verifying a conceptual model. Methods: Baseline data from 205 older adults participating in a randomized trial of a park-based OW program were analyzed using structural equation modeling. We evaluated a three latent factor model: OW (accelerometry and self-report); individual factors (balance; leg strength; walking self-confidence, speed and endurance; mental health; education; income; car access); and environmental factors (neighbourhood walkability components). Results: Mean age was 75 years; 73% were women. Individual factors was significantly associated with OW (β = 0.39, p <.01). Environmental factors was not directly associated with OW but was indirectly linked to OW through its significant covariance with the individual factors (β = 0.22, p <.01). The standardized factor loadings from the individual factors on walking self-confidence and walking capacity measures exceeded 0.65. Conclusions: Better walking capacity and more confidence in the ability to walk outdoors are associated with higher OW in older adults. Better neighbourhood walkability is indirectly associated with more OW. The conceptual model demonstrates an individual and environment association; if the capacity of the individual is increased (potentially through walking interventions), they may be able to better navigate environmental challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examine effects of self-affirmation on university students' processing of health risk messages related to sedentary behavior. Eighty-eight students from a Canadian university (females = 53; males = 35; Mage = 21.74, SD = 5.36) participated during the 2018–2019 academic year. Participants were randomized to a self-affirmation (n = 43) or control group (n = 45), watched a video conveying sedentary behavior risk messages, and completed measures of acceptance, derogation, risk perceptions, negative affect, and intentions. A one-way between-groups multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) examined effects of condition on the combined set of outcome variables. Self-affirmation had no observable effect on any outcome variables. Self-affirmation did not appear to impact students' reactions to sedentary behavior risk messages. Given the lack of a manipulation check, however, this finding must be interpreted with caution. The Trigger and Channel framework offers a useful account of factors that influence self-affirmation effects. Implications and future research directions are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the optimal threshold, based on cadence and lifestyle counts per minute, to detect outdoor walking in mobility-limited older adults. Methods: Older adults (N = 25, median age: 77.0 years, interquartile range: 10.5) wore activity monitors during 80 outdoor walks. Walking bouts were identified manually (reference standard) and compared with identification using cadence thresholds (≥30, ≥35, ≥40, ≥45, and ≥50 steps/min) and >760 counts per minute using low frequency extension analysis. Results: Median walking bout duration was 10.5 min (interquartile range 4.8) and median outdoor walking speed was 0.70 m/s (interquartile range 0.20). Cadence thresholds of ≥30, ≥35, and ≥40 steps/min demonstrated high sensitivity (1.0, 95% confidence intervals [0.95, 1.0]) to detect walking bouts; estimates for specificity and positive predictive value were highest for ≥40 steps/min. Conclusion:Acadence threshold of ≥40 steps/min is recommended for detecting sustained outdoor walking in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mobility is fundamental to active aging and is intimately linked to health status and quality of life. Although there is widespread acceptance regarding the importance of mobility in older adults, there have been few attempts to comprehensively portray mobility, and research has to a large extent been discipline specific. In this article, a new theoretical framework for mobility is presented with the goals of raising awareness of the complexity of factors that influence mobility and stimulating new integrative and interdisciplinary research ideas. Mobility is broadly defined as the ability to move oneself (e.g., by walking, by using assistive devices, or by using transportation) within community environments that expand from one's home, to the neighborhood, and to regions beyond. The concept of mobility is portrayed through 5 fundamental categories of determinants (cognitive, psychosocial, physical, environmental, and financial), with gender, culture, and biography (personal life history) conceptualized as critical crosscutting influences. Each category of determinants consists of an increasing number of factors, demonstrating greater complexity, as the mobility environment expands farther from the home. The framework illustrates how mobility impairments can lead to limitations in accessing different life-spaces and stresses the associations among determinants that influence mobility. By bridging disciplines and representing mobility in an inclusive manner, the model suggests that research needs to be more interdisciplinary and current mobility findings should be interpreted more comprehensively, and new more complex strategies should be developed to address mobility concerns.

Aim: Walking in the community allows participation in meaningful activities which positively influences self‐rated health and quality of life. Our objective was to identify factors associated with social participation and community ambulation in a representative sample of Canadian adults with osteoarthritis (OA). Methods: Data were from >3800 participants in the Baseline Tracking Dataset of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging with OA of the hip and/or knee. Outcomes included frequency of participation in 8 community‐based activities (past year, social participation), and frequency walking outside the home (past 7 days, community ambulation). Explanatory variables (15 for social participation, 11 for community ambulation) established in previous literature were evaluated. Variables significant in univariate binary logistic regression models were entered into multivariable models. Results: Frequency of social participation was greater for females, and individuals with higher levels of education. Those who were younger, dissatisfied with life, and had difficulty walking 2–3 blocks were less likely to participate. Having fewer chronic conditions, being younger, being single/widowed and being interviewed in spring/summer were associated with more frequent ambulation. Lower self‐rated health, difficulty walking 2–3 blocks, pain and being female were associated with less frequent walking outside the home. Conclusion: Many factors influence frequency of social participation and community ambulation. The ability to walk short distances is positively associated with both outcomes. This important factor can and should be addressed clinically to improve health and quality of life in people with OA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Physiotherapy Canada is the property of University of Toronto Press and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Physiotherapy Canada is the property of University of Toronto Press and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Activity monitors may not accurately detect steps in hospitalized older adults who walk slowly. We compared ActiGraph GT3X+ step counts (hip and ankle locations, default and low frequency extension [LFE] analyses) to the StepWatch monitor (ankle) during a hallway walk in 38 geriatric rehabilitation patients (83.2 ± 7.1 years of age, 0.4 ± 0.2 m/s gait speed). Absolute percent error values were low (<3%) and did not differ for the StepWatch and the GT3X+ (ankle, LFE); however, error values were high (19–97%) when the GT3X+ was worn at the hip and/ or analyzed with the default filter. Although these finding suggest the GT3X+ (ankle, LFE) functions as well as the StepWatch in detecting steps during walking in older adults with slow gait speeds, further research is needed to determine whether the GT3X+ is also able to disregard other body movements (e.g., fidgeting) that occur when full day monitoring is utilized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accelerometer step count accuracy may be affected by gait speed, device positioning, and analysis algorithm selection. We assessed ActiGraph GT3X+ step count accuracy related to device placement and analysis algorithm in older adults with walking aids (n = 13) and without walking aids (n = 22). Participants (81.5 ± 5.0 years of age) completed a timed 100-m walk wearing five GT3X+ monitors (hips, ankles, lumbar spine). Individuals with walking aids had slower gait speeds (0.8 ± 0.20 m/s versus 1.2 ± 0.20 m/s without walking aids, p < .001). Intraclass correlation coefficient values for observed versus monitored steps were highest when ankle placement and the low frequency extension (LFE) algorithm were used (left ankle ICC = .989, right ankle ICC = .998). Using the GT3X+ ankle placement and analyzing data with the LFE algorithm resulted in the most accurate step counts in older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Many survivors of COVID-19 experience ongoing signs and symptoms affecting multiple body systems that impair function and negatively affect participation and quality of life. The purpose of this review was to identify and synthesize outpatient rehabilitation assessment and treatment recommendations for adults in postacute COVID-19 stages. Methods: MEDLINE (Ovid), EMBASE (Ovid), Central, CINAHL, and Scopus were searched from January 1, 2020, to December 7, 2020. Teams of 2 reviewers independently assessed study eligibility and extracted data. All study designs that included rehabilitation recommendations were included. Study design, country, study population, purpose, and rehabilitation recommendations were recorded. Select questions from the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation instrument were used to evaluate the quality of consensus guidelines. Results: Forty-eight articles fit the inclusion and exclusion criteria (11 systematic reviews, 1 scoping review, 6 original research studies, 4 consensus guidelines, 26 narrative reviews, and editorials/commentaries). Recommended outcomes included exercise tolerance, respiratory function, muscle strength, and activities of daily living or functional independence. Recommended treatments included respiratory rehabilitation, exercise therapy, education, psychological support, activities of daily living and gait training, traditional Chinese medicine, and cognitive and vocational rehabilitation. Conclusion: There were incongruities between what is known about postacute COVID-19 and what was recommended in the literature. Given the relatively large proportion of survivors who experience ongoing symptomatic COVID-19 or post–COVID-19 syndrome, it is important to quickly develop tools for self-management and access to rehabilitation specialists in multidisciplinary teams. Impact: Physical therapists, occupational therapists, and respiratory therapists have an important role to play. Clinicians should focus on epidemiological evidence and emerging information on late sequelae of COVID-19 to inform rehabilitation programming and future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Participation and activity post stroke can be limited due to adverse weather conditions. This study aimed to: Quantify and compare summer and winter participation and activity, and explore how community dwelling people with stroke describe their feelings about their level of participation and activity by season. This embedded mixed-methods observational study took place in a city with weather extremes. Community dwelling individuals at least one year post-stroke, able to walk ≥50 metres +/- a walking aide were included. Evaluations and interviews occurred at participants' homes in two seasons: Reintegration to Normal living Index (RNL), Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) and descriptive outcomes. Participants wore activity monitors for one week each season. Analysis included descriptive statistics, non-parametric tests and an inductive approach to content analysis. Thirteen individuals participated in quantitative evaluation with eight interviewed. Mean age 61.5 years, 62% female and mean 6.2 years post-stroke. No differences between winter-summer values of RNL, ABC, or activity monitor outcomes. However, participants felt they could do more and were more independent in summer. The winter conditions such as ice, snow, cold and wind restricted participation and limited activities. Nonetheless, many participants were active and participated despite the winter challenges by finding other ways to be active, and relying on social supports and personal motivation. The qualitative findings explained unexpected quantitative results. Participants described many challenges with winter weather, but also ways they had discovered to participate and be active despite these challenges. Changes to future studies into seasonal differences are suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This correction notice provides missing information regarding the funding statement for the study titled "Self-reported factors associated with community ambulation after stroke: The Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging." The correct funding statement includes funding from the Endowment Fund of the College of Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of Manitoba, as well as funding from the Government of Canada through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and the Canada Foundation for Innovation. The funders had no involvement in the study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or manuscript preparation. The authors of the study are Ruth Barclay, Sandra C. Webber, Jacquie Ripat, Scott Nowicki, and Robert Tate. [Extracted from the article]

The purpose was to compare step count accuracy of an accelerometer (ActiGraph GT3X+), a mechanical pedometer (Yamax SW200), and a piezoelectric pedometer (SC-StepMX). Older adults (n = 13 with walking aids, n = 22 without; M = 81.5 years old, SD = 5.0) walked 100 m wearing the devices. Device-detected steps were compared with manually counted steps. We found no significant differences among monitors for those who walked without aids (p = .063). However, individuals who used walking aids exhibited slower gait speeds (M - 0.83 m/s, SD = 0.2) than non-walking aid users (M = 1.21 m/s, SD = 0.2, p < .001), and for them the SC-StepMX demonstrated a significantly lower percentage of error (Mdn = 1.0, interquartile range [IQR] = 0.5-2.0) than the other devices (Yamax SW200, Mdn = 68.9, IQR = 35.9-89.3; left GT3X+, Mdn = 52.0, IQR = 37.1-58.9; right GT3X+, Mdn = 51.0, IQR = 32.3-66.5; p < .05). These results support using a piezoelectric pedometer for measuring steps in older adults who use walking aids and who walk slowly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale, Aims, and Objectives: Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for knee osteoarthritis (OA) guide the provision of high‐quality healthcare for people with knee OA, which may improve outcomes. Our aim was to evaluate the quality of and content within recently published CPGs for people with knee OA. Methods: CPGs (2014‐2019) that described recommendations for nonpharmacological interventions for knee OA were included in the analysis. Two pairs of evaluators used the Appraisal of Guidelines Research and Evaluation II instrument (AGREE II) to assess the quality of guideline development. CPG content was reviewed and summarized for comparison. Results: Ten CPGs were identified for inclusion in the quality and content analysis (seven newly developed and three recently updated). Overall CPG scores ranged between 42% and 100%. Six CPGs were found to be high‐quality. Exercise was the only intervention recommended by all CPGs that we appraised. Weight‐management and education were the next most frequently recommended interventions. Inter‐rater reliability scores were high in domain 1: scope and purpose, (P‐value =.001, intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = 0.90, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.62‐0.98), domain 3: rigor of development (P‐value =.000, ICC = 0.95, 95% CI = 0.80‐0.99) and domain 5: applicability (P‐value =.001, ICC = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.64‐0.98). Conclusion: Several CPGs have been developed or recently updated since 2014. Over half of the ten CPGs we appraised were deemed to be high‐quality. Exercise, education, and weight‐management advice are interventions that were most commonly recommended by CPGs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Physiotherapy Canada is the property of University of Toronto Press and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background and Objectives Since the launch of Dublin City University's Age-Friendly University (AFU) Initiative in 2012, relatively little empirical research has been published on its feasibility or implementation by institutions of higher learning. This article describes how collaborative citizen science—a research method where professional researchers and community members work together across multiple stages of the research process (e.g. data collection, analysis, and/or knowledge mobilization) to investigate an issue—was used to identify barriers and supports to university age-friendliness at the University of Manitoba (UofM) in Canada. Research Design and Methods Ten citizen scientists each completed 1 data collection walk around the UofM campus and used a tablet application to document AFU barriers and supports via photographs and accompanying audio commentaries. The citizen scientists and university researchers then worked together in 2 analysis sessions to identify AFU priority areas and brainstorm recommendations for institutional change. These were then presented to a group of interested university stakeholders. Results The citizen scientists collected 157 photos documenting AFU barriers and supports on campus. Accessibility, signage, and transportation were identified as being the most pressing issues for the university to address to improve overall age-friendliness. Discussion and Implications We suggest that academic institutions looking to complete assessments of their age-friendliness, particularly those exploring physical barriers and supports, could benefit from incorporating older citizen scientists into the process of collecting, analyzing, and mobilizing findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Physical therapists play an important role in responding to pandemic and physical disaster situations. Existing literature can provide guidance to health care leadership teams to appropriately and safely leverage physical therapy resources and skill sets during the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this study was to provide a review of the pandemic and physical disaster management literature to summarize physical therapy–specific operational considerations to assist hospital-based leadership teams in planning and response efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A rapid review was conducted over a 4-week time frame (April–May 2020). The review team included 3 physical therapist clinician researchers, a health librarian, and a member of the physical therapy leadership team. The initial search strategy identified 303 articles, 80 of which were retained for full-text screening. Twenty articles were included in the review. Results Five main categories of operational considerations for physical therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic were identified: (1) organizational actions, (2) staffing considerations, (3) physical therapist roles, (4) physical resources, and (5) other considerations. Additional relevant information from physical therapists' experiences in physical disaster situations was also summarized. Conclusion The evidence presented within this review can be used to inform facility-based and regional planning efforts during the current COVID-19 pandemic and in general preparedness planning. Impact Physical therapists have an important role to play in response efforts related to major events that impact health and wellness, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Evidence-informed, facility-based, and regional planning during the current COVID-19 pandemic will help physical therapists enhance their role in treating patients in physical therapy and rehabilitation settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To explore the understanding of physical activity and sedentary behaviour, including barriers and health influences in people with osteoarthritis and knee arthroplasty. Methods: Eight participants with knee osteoarthritis and 14 participants with total knee arthroplasty were recruited to five focus groups. Interpretive description was used with thematic analysis of data. Results: Three primary themes arose: (1) continuum of activity; (2) barriers to increasing physical activity and barriers to reducing sedentary behavior, and (3) knowledge gap. While participants were generally familiar with the concepts of physical activity and sedentary behaviour, they were not aware of health risks associated with high levels of sedentary time and did not consider substituting standing and light walking for activities typically done in sitting. Participants reported that extrinsic barriers (e.g., related to social and cultural contexts or the physical environment) influenced sedentary behaviour more than intrinsic factors. Conclusions: Patients would benefit from clinicians providing education about risks associated with sedentary behaviour and strategies to reduce and/or break up sitting time. Future research should continue to explore personal as well as societal, environmental, political, and economic influences on sedentary behaviour and physical activity to promote behaviour change. People with osteoarthritis and total knee arthroplasty are not aware of health risks associated with high levels of sedentary behaviour. This cohort tends to think about increasing moderate-to-vigorous physical activity levels (versus increasing light activity) when asked to consider ways to reduce sedentary behaviour. Social and environmental factors strongly influence sedentary behaviour. Clinicians need to be aware of the pervasive nature of sedentary behaviour and provide knowledge and strategies to change peoples' sitting habits. Addressing intrinsic factors (e.g., related to comorbidities, ageing, and personal preferences) with education and the use of existing behaviour change techniques may enable increased physical activity levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This exploratory study examined the feasibility of using Garmin global positioning system (GPS) watches and ActiGraph accelerometers to monitor walking and other aspects of community mobility in older adults. After accuracy at slow walking speeds was initially determined, 20 older adults (74.4 ± 4.2 yr) wore the devices for 1 day. Steps, distances, and speeds (on foot and in vehicle) were determined. GPS data acquisition varied from 43 min to over 12 hr, with 55% of participants having more than 8 hr between initial and final data-collection points. When GPS data were acquired without interruptions, detailed mobility information was obtained regarding the timing, distances covered, and speeds reached during trips away from home. Although GPS and accelerometry technology offer promise for monitoring community mobility patterns, new GPS solutions are required that allow for data collection over an extended period of time between indoor and outdoor environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose was to compare step count accuracy of an accelerometer (ActiGraph GT3X+), a mechanical pedometer (Yamax SW200), and a piezoelectric pedometer (SC-StepMX). Older adults (n = 13 with walking aids, n = 22 without; M = 81.5 years old, SD = 5.0) walked 100 m wearing the devices. Device-detected steps were compared with manually counted steps. We found no significant differences among monitors for those who walked without aids (p = .063). However, individuals who used walking aids exhibited slower gait speeds (M - 0.83 m/s, SD = 0.2) than non-walking aid users (M = 1.21 m/s, SD = 0.2, p < .001), and for them the SC-StepMX demonstrated a significantly lower percentage of error (Mdn = 1.0, interquartile range [IQR] = 0.5-2.0) than the other devices (Yamax SW200, Mdn = 68.9, IQR = 35.9-89.3; left GT3X+, Mdn = 52.0, IQR = 37.1-58.9; right GT3X+, Mdn = 51.0, IQR = 32.3-66.5; p < .05). These results support using a piezoelectric pedometer for measuring steps in older adults who use walking aids and who walk slowly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]