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Background As numbers of children and time spent in childcare centres increase, so does the potential influence of these centres on early childhood physical activity (PA). However, previous reports indicate little success of interventions aimed at improving PA. The Active Early Learning (AEL) program is a multi-component pragmatic intervention designed to imbed PA into the daily curriculum. Delivered by childcare centre staff, it is directed and supported by a peer coach who works across a network of centres. The objective of the study is to investigate the effect of the AEL program on children’s PA. Methods Fifteen childcare centres (8 intervention, 7 control centres; 314 children, 180 boys, 4.3y ± 0.4) participated in a 22-week stratified cluster randomised controlled trial. To be eligible to participate, centres needed to have ≥15 preschool children aged 3 to 5-years. The primary outcome was PA measured by accelerometer (Actigraph GT3X) during childcare centre hours over a 3-day period, calculated in min/h of Total PA and moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA). The effect of the intervention was evaluated using linear mixed models adjusted for age, sex, accelerometer wear time and centre clustering. Results There was an intervention effect for Total PA (+ 4.06 min/h, 95% CI [2.66 to 5.47], p Conclusion In contrast with the findings of previous pragmatic trials in early childcare centres, this study shows that a peer-coach facilitated program, focussed on integrating PA into the daily childcare routine, can elicit increases in preschool children’s PA of practical as well as statistical significance. Trial registration Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials registry: ACTRN12619000638134. Registered 30/04/2019.

Introduction Falls are the leading cause of injury-related mortality and morbidity in the elderly. Physical activity plays a key role in the prevention of falls and stimulates postural control. The aim of this study was to compare a general physical activity program for the elderly with a Pilates program to evaluate the effects on balance and on reducing the risk of falling. Materials and methods Forty-six subjects were enrolled in this study, but only 41 were included in the study. The subjects were divided into 2 groups: Pilates group (P-G) and a group following a nonspecific program of physical activity (Pa-G). Each subject underwent the hand grip test, Berg balance scale test, and posturographic analysis. Results Spearman correlation coefficient showed correlations between the following parameters: BBS versus hand grip test (r = 0.68); BBS versus ellipse surface area (r = -0.75). There were significant differences between groups after the exercise program: both groups showed an improvement in performance but the P-G recorded significantly better results than the Pa-G. Discussion and conclusions This study confirmed that physical activity improves both balance and strength. However, our data show that Pilates has a greater effect on these physical abilities than a general physical activity program.

[Purpose] To determine the effects of a combined physical activity, arts and crafts, and recreational program on the activities of daily living (ADL), cognitive function, and depression in the elderly. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty-eight elderly persons aged 65 years or older who live in P City, South Korea participated in a program combining arts and crafts and physical and recreational activities, twice weekly for eight weeks (a total of 16 sessions). The subjects' ADL, cognitive function, and depression were measured before and after the program using the following assessment instruments: the FIM, MMSE-K, and BDI, respectively. [Results] The results showed that, after the program intervention, ADL were remarkably improved for both men and women, cognitive function increased considerably, and depression levels significantly decreased, especially for elderly women. [Conclusion] The results of the present study indicate that a program combining physical and recreational activities, as well as arts and crafts, had positive effects on the health of the elderly and provide evidence for managing their health.

Before-school programs provide a good opportunity for children to engage in physical activity (PA) as well as improve their readiness to learn. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a before-school running/walking club on elementary school children's on-task behavior. The study employed a two-phase experimental design with an initial baseline phase followed by an alternating treatments phase, and was first conducted at a private school (School A) and subsequently replicated at a public school (School B). Participants were third and fourth grade children from two schools in the Southwestern U.S. who participated in a before-school running/walking club that met two times each week (School A: 20 min; School B: 15 min) during the 2013/2014 academic year. Participation in the program was monitored using pedometers and on-task behavior was assessed through direct observation. Data analyses included visual analysis, Tau-U index, and multilevel modeling. Results from all analyses indicated that on-task behavior was significantly higher on days the children attended the before-school program than on days they did not. According to multilevel modeling results, mean differences and effect sizes were: School A = 15.78%, pseudo-R2 = .34 [strong effect]; School B = 14.26%, pseudo-R2 = .22 [moderate effect]. Results provide evidence for the positive impact of before-school PA programs on children's classroom behavior and readiness to learn. Such programs do not take time away from academics and may be an attractive option for schools. Results also have implications for the structure of children's school day and the scheduling of PA opportunities., Highlights • A before-school physical activity program enhanced classroom on-task behavior. • Effect sizes were moderate to strong. • Later school start times and morning physical activity opportunities are proposed.

This study was conducted to investigate cancer centers established for the purpose of satisfying various needs about cancer, improving the cancer treatment environment, and subdividing services ranging from diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation to palliative care. To this end, the authors have surveyed programs in 17 cancer centers representing Korea, including 12 national cancer centers and five major hospitals. As a result, it was found that the most common type of lecture program was disease management, followed by health care and hospitalization, while the most common type of participation program was psychological relief, followed by physical activity. The most frequently operated type of program was found to be psychological relief, followed by physical activity and health care in the regional cancer centers, while the most frequently operated type was disease management, followed by psychological relief and health care in the five major hospitals. The proportion of physical activity was very high in two regional cancer centers, whereas five regional cancer centers did not offer physical activity programs at all. In the five major hospitals, physical activity programs were conducted regularly at least once a month or at least once a week. In addition, further studies are required to provide professional and detailed medical services for the establishment and operation of programs for cancer patient management and the environmental aspects of the hospital.

This is a preprint of an article whose final and definitive form has been published in the Advances in Physiotherapy 2011 [copyright Taylor & Francis]; Advances in Physiotherapy is available online at: www.tandfonline.com with the open URL of your article (http://informahealthcare.com/doi/abs/10.3109/14038196.2011.632438) Physiotherapists have paid great attention to the problems associated with overweight among children and youth. Clinicians have started programs to support the target group in their efforts to become more physically active, thus preventing such problems from arising. The aim of the study has been to investigate the experiences of the participants in these programs. A phenomenological research design was chosen. Fourteen children and youth in one of these programs volunteered as informants. Interviews were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide. The interviews were interpreted using a multistep thematic analysis model. The participants considered the inclusion of a friend in the group as one of their requirements for participating in the program. Most of the participants enjoyed and coped with the physical activities, although a few disliked some of the ball games. The participants concluded that their endurance had improved and they had become physically stronger. Most of them were also engaged in a variety of activities outside the program. The children and youth asserted that they had benefi ted from participating in this physical activity program, which they experienced as enjoyable. The best long-term result is probably achieved when child, parents, school, voluntary organizations and community collaborate in order to strengthen the physical and social skills of children.

Insulin resistance (IR) with resultant hyperinsulinism is basically the origin of the development process from obesity to insulin independent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). This process contributes to a reduced physical activity that is manifested in a reduced physical ability. Under the influence of a regular individually measured physical activity of aerobic character, it is possible to increase biological efficiency of insulin and affect the process of early and evaluative atherosclerosis. Finding a more effective program of physical activity for preventing these processes is the goal of their preventive and therapeutic application.

Apesar do aumento nos incentivos públicos voltados à promoção de um estilo de vida ativo entre os brasileiros, o perfil de inatividade física da população é preocupante. Neste sentido, desenvolvemos uma nova estratégia de intervenção na comunidade por meio do programa "VAMOS: Vida Ativa Melhorando a Saúde". Neste artigo, serão discutidos informações referentes à concepção, à criação do nome, ao logotipo, à tradução, às adaptações culturais, às estratégias de avaliação do programa e aos primeiros resultados obtidos no estudo piloto conduzido entre idosos em Centros de Saúde (CS) de Florianópolis. Participaram do estudo 100 idosos cadastrados em seis CS. Os idosos foram direcionados aleatoriamente a participarem de um dos três grupos do estudo: "VAMOS" (n=33), atividade fisica "tradicional" (n=35), e grupo controle (n=32). "VAMOS" é um programa educacional de mudança de comportamento que consiste em 12 encontros. Baseado no programa norte-americano "Active Living Every Day", o "VAMOS" foi traduzido e adaptado culturalmente à realidade brasileira. Vários ajustes foram realizados à versão original americana do programa, especialmente, nos conteúdos de leitura, preenchimento do material, tamanho e dificuldade de compreeenssão de algumas sessões. O estudo piloto apontou uma aceitação muito boa ao programa "VAMOS", por parte dos idosos. Entrevistas com gestores e profissionais dos centros de saúde apontaram a viabilidade e o interesse deles em oferecer o "VAMOS" à comunidade como atividade rotineira da rede de saúde pública. Conclue-se que o "VAMOS" tem potencial de uso para a população brasileira, embora seja necessário alguns ajustes para sua utilização com outras faixas etárias e nas diferentes regiões do Brasil. Despite increased governmental efforts towards promoting healthy and active lifestyles among Brazilians, physical inactivity is a serious concern in the population. Therefore, we developed a new approach to community interventions for the promotion of physical activity called "Project VAMOS: Active Living, Enhancing Health". In this article we review information about the conception of the program, as well as name, brand, and logo development. We discuss issues related to translation and cultural adaptation, evaluation strategies, and we review lessons learned from the pilot phase of the project that involved older adults and public health centers (CS) in Florianopolis. One hundred older adults registered in six CS participated in the pilot study. They were randomly assigned into three different groups: "VAMOS" (n=33), traditional physical activity classes (n=35), and a control group (n=32). "VAMOS" is an educational program based on behavioral change principles that consists of 12 meetings. Based on an American evidence-based program ("Active Living Every Day"), "VAMOS" was translated and culturally adapted to the Brazilian context. A number of adjustments were made to the original American version of the program prior to conducting the pilot study. For example, the content of the lessons and homework were revised, we shortened the length of the lessons, as well as lowered the complexity of some of the materials. The results of the pilot study suggest that there was broad acceptance of the "VAMOS"program by the older adult participants. Also, interviews with administrative staff and health professionals working for the CS indicated a possibility and interest to continue to offer "VAMOS" as part of their regular programming for the community. In summary, "VAMOS" has great potential to be used with the Brazilian population. Adjustments are necessary for its utilization with other age groups and across different regions in Brazil.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of the developed programme of physical activities for 60-75 years old seniors. The study sample includes 24 seniors in experimental and 25 persons in control group. The examinations of health related variables, questionnaire about physical activity and factors influencing it, and testing of physical fitness were done. After a one-year period the results of International Physical Activity Questionnaire of the experimental group remained significantly higher than results of the control group (5103.4±1447.05 vs 3796.6±1052.12 MET-min/week; p0.05).