Search

Issue addressed: Due to the nature of their jobs, frontline aged care workers may be a population at risk of poor health and lifestyle habits. Support of their well‐being through the workplace is likely to be complex. The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a need‐supportive program for changing physical activity and psychological well‐being via the motivational processes of behavioural regulations and perceived need satisfaction. Methods: Frontline aged care workers (n = 25) participated in a single cohort, pre–post pilot trial. The program included a Motivational Interviewing style appointment, education on goal setting and self‐management, the use of affect, exertion and self‐pacing for regulating physical activity intensity and practical support activities. Outcomes (7‐day accelerometery, 6‐min walk, K10 and AQoL‐8D), and motivational processes (BREQ‐3 and PNSE) were measured at baseline, 3 and 9 months, and analysed using linear mixed models for repeated measures. Results: There were significant increases in perceived autonomy at 3 months (Δ.43 ± SE:.20; p =.03) and 6‐min walk distance at 9 months (Δ 29.11 m ± SE: 13.75; p =.04), which appeared to be driven by the relative autonomy index (behavioural regulations in exercise questionnaire [BREQ‐3]). Amotivation increased at 3 months (Δ.23 ± SE:.12; p =.05); which may have been due to low scores at baseline. No other changes were demonstrated at any timepoint. So what?: Participants demonstrated positive changes in motivational processes and physical function, however, due to the low levels of participation in the program, the program had a negligible impact at the organisational level. Future researchers and aged care organisations should aim to address factors impacting participation in well‐being initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To assess trends in South Australian children's physical activity between 1985 and 2003 and 2013 in the contexts of school active transport, organized sport, physical education, and school break times. Method: The 1985 Australian Health and Fitness Survey was administered in South Australian schools in 2004 (8 schools) and 2013 (9 schools) and was demographically matched to the 10 South Australian schools in the Australian Health and Fitness Survey. Ordinal logistic modeling was used to identify trends, stratified by older children (10–12 y) and early adolescent (13–15 y) subgroups. Results: School active transport generally declined for males and older female children (19 and 20 percentage points per decade, respectively), whereas early adolescent females increased in walking to school (11 percentage points per decade). School sport participation declined for early adolescents, and club sport participation declined in early adolescent females (23 percentage points per decade). Moderate to vigorous physical activity participation during school break times (particularly lunchtime) generally declined (16–26 percentage points per decade). Observed changes in most contexts occurred between 2004 and 2013. Conclusion: There was evidence of context-specific declines in children's physical activity participation over this time span. Early adolescent females were the subgroup of most concern, experiencing declines in most contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Brief classroom-based episodes of physical activity (active lesson breaks, ALBs) have improved schoolchildren's classroom behaviors in some studies, and may also increase the likelihood of children meeting the recommended daily minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA). However, there is emerging evidence that increases in physical activity at particular times of the day may lead to compensatory declines at other times. This study explored evidence for compensatory declines in response to a 10 min ALB during the school day. Method: Thirty-eight 12-year-old boys from a single elementary school completed intervention and control conditions in a cross-over design, with each phase lasting one week. The intervention consisted of a single 10-min active lesson break delivered on each of three days in the intervention week. Twenty-four hour accelerometry was used to quantify moderate and vigorous physical activity. Results: ALBs increased in-school MVPA by 5.8 min (p < .0001), but overall daily MVPA was similar between intervention and control conditions (77.2 vs 77.4 min/d, p > .05), However, vigorous physical activity increased significantly over the whole day (11.2 vs 8.9 min, p = .0006). Conclusion: A brief episode of classroom-based play led to a modest increase in vigorous physical activity in elementary school students, but did not increase MVPA across the day. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review aimed to assess the efficacy of workplace physical activity interventions; compare the efficacy of those that were and were not informed by behaviour change theory, and outline the effectiveness of different intervention components. A search was undertaken in Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, Ovid Emcare (previously CINAHL) and SportDiscus. Randomised, non-randomised and cluster-controlled trials with objectively measured physical activity and/or measured or predicted maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) as outcomes were included in the review (83 papers from 79 trials). Random-effects meta-analyses of mean differences were undertaken. Workplace physical activity programmes demonstrated positive overall intervention effects for daily step counts (814.01 steps/day; CI: 446.36, 1181.67; p < 0.01; i2 = 88%) and measured VO2max (2.53 ml kg−1 min−1; CI: 1.69, 3.36; p < 0.01; i2 = 0%) with no sub-group differences between theory- and non-theory informed interventions. Significant sub-group differences were present for predicted VO2max (p < 0.01), with a positive intervention effect for non-theory informed studies (2.11 ml.kg−1 min−1; CI: 1.20, 3.02; p < 0.01; i2 = 78%) but not theory-informed studies (−0.63 ml kg−1 min−1; CI: −1.55, 0.30; p = 0.18; i2 = 0%). Longer-term follow-ups ranged from 24 weeks to 13 years, with significant positive effects for measured VO2max (2.84 ml kg−1 min−1; CI: 1.41, 4.27; p < 0.01; i2 = 0%). Effective intervention components included the combination of self-monitoring with a goal, and exercise sessions onsite or nearby. The findings of this review were limited by the number and quality of theory-informed studies presenting some outcomes, and confounding issues in complex interventions. Future researchers should consider rigorous testing of outcomes of theory-informed workplace physical activity interventions and incorporate longer follow-ups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Issue addressed: Australian women are less likely to participate in recommended levels of weekly physical activity compared with men. Physical activity participation rates decrease with geographical remoteness. Research suggests that a lack of social support mechanisms within the home environment may act as a barrier for rural women to engage in physical activity, along with discomfort experienced within exercise environments. The purpose of this study was to explore the social conditions that facilitate or inhibit physical activity participation amongst women from two rural South Australian communities. Methods: A qualitative descriptive approach underpinned by a phenomenological methodological orientation was applied. Participants were recruited using a purposive sampling strategy before semi‐structured interviews (N = 16) were conducted and prepared for thematic analysis. Results: Four inter‐related themes were identified: support from others, time, expectations and available opportunities. Further contextual analysis revealed interwoven notions of physical activity spaces, time and social context within the themes. Conclusions: Multiple types of regulators interact to shape the motivational pattern of an individual. The themes identified align with self‐determination, transactional and structuration theory, suggesting a need to consider human behaviour both pragmatically and conceptually. So what?: Results provide insight into social barriers and facilitators for physical activity participation and concomitantly provide the initial development of a framework for local strategic planning of health‐promoting activities, and individual reflection to increase physical activity participation amongst rural women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Valid measurement of youth physical activity is important and self-report methods provide convenient assessments at the population level. There is evidence that the validity of physical activity self-report varies by weight category. The aim of this study was to assess the validity of the 3-Day Physical Activity Recall (3DPAR), separately between normal weight and overweight/obese Australian youth. Accelerometer-derived physical activity variables were compared with 3DPAR variables in 155 (77 females) 11- to 14-year-olds from Adelaide, South Australia. In the whole sample, validity coefficients for self-reported moderate and moderate to vigorous physical activity were modest (rs = 0.12-0.31) and similar across gender and weight status categories. Validity coefficients for self-reported vigorous physical activity were much stronger (rs = 0.59-0.73) among overweight/obese than among normal weight participants. The validity of the 3DPAR in this study was low in the whole sample but varied according to physical activity intensity and the weight status of the child. Specifically, the 3DPAR may be appropriate for describing vigorous intensity physical activity among overweight and obese youth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Assessment of correlates of physical activity occurring at different times of the day, locations and contexts, is imperative to understanding children’s physical activity behaviour. The purpose of this review was to identify the correlates of children’s physical activity (aged 8–14 years) occurring during the school break time and after-school periods. A review was conducted of the peer-reviewed literature, published between 1990 and January 2011. A total of 22 studies (12 school break time studies, 10 after-school studies) were included in the review. Across the 22 studies, 17 studies were cross-sectional and five studies were interventions. In the school break time studies, 39 potential correlates were identified, of which gender and age were consistently associated with school break time physical activity in two or more studies, and family affluence, access to a gym, access to four or more physical activity programs and the condition of a playing field were all associated with school break time physical activity in only one study. Access to loose and fixed equipment, playground markings, size of and access to play space and the length of school break time were all positively associated with changes in school break time physical activity in intervention studies. Thirty-six potential correlates of after-school physical activity were identified. Gender (with boys more active), younger age, lower body mass index (for females), lower TV viewing/playing video games, and greater access to facilities were associated with higher levels of after-school physical activity in two or more studies. Parent supervision was negatively associated with females’ after-school physical activity in one study. This review has revealed a relatively small number of studies investigating the school break time and after-school periods in the specified age range and only a few correlates have demonstrated a consistent association with physical activity. This highlights the infancy of this area and a need for further investigation into time-specific physical activity behaviour so that interventions designed for these specific periods can target the important correlates.

Background: The after-school period is potentially a "critical window" for promoting physical activity in children. The purpose of this study was to qualitatively explore children's perceptions of the factors influencing their engagement in physical activity during the after-school period as the first phase in the development of a questionnaire. Methods: Fifty-four South Australian children age 10-13 years participated in same gender focus groups. Transcripts, field notes, and activity documents were analyzed using content analysis. Through an inductive thematic approach, data were coded and categorized into perceived barriers and facilitators according to a social ecological model. Results: Children identified a number of factors, including safety in the neighborhood and home settings, distance to and from places, weather, availability of time, perceived competence, enjoyment of physical activity, peer influence, and parent influence. New insights into bullying and teasing by peers and fear of dangerous animals and objects were revealed by the children. Conclusions: In this study, hearing children's voices allowed the emergence of factors which may not be exposed using existing surveys. These findings are grounded in children's perceptions and therefore serve as a valuable contribution to the existing literature, potentially leading to improved intervention and questionnaire design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The need to undertake pilot testing and evaluation of novel health promotion programs has become increasingly apparent for the purpose of understanding the true effects of complex interventions and for testing and refining behavioral theories that these interventions are informed by. A mixed-methods process evaluation and feasibility study was undertaken for a need-supportive physical activity program that was piloted in a single-group pre–post study. The piloted program was designed to support participant needs of autonomy, competence, and relatedness through evidence-based and theory-informed behavior change strategies including a motivational interviewing style appointment, education on self-management tools (i.e., pedometers, goal setting, action and coping planning, a customized website for goal setting and self-monitoring), and self-determined methods of regulating physical activity intensity [affect, rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and self-pacing]. The program aimed to positively impact physical activity behavior, psychological well-being, and associated motivational processes. Reach, adoption, fidelity, context, change and performance objectives, and feasibility of the program were evaluated using information from survey respondents from the target population (n = 118) and implementing staff (n = 6); questionnaires from pilot study participants (n = 21); and individual semi-structured interviews with a combination of pilot study participants, non-participants, and implementing staff (n = 19). Process evaluation of the Activity for Well-Being program found that the reach of the program was moderate but adoption was low. The use of self-management tools and self-determined methods of regulating physical activity intensity appeared to be feasible. The website had mixed responses and low engagement. The element of having a support person elicited a strong positive response in the program participant interviews. Involving local implementing staff more directly into the delivery of the intervention could have potentially improved reach, adoption, and feasibility of the program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Little is known about how the physical environment impacts physical activity behaviour among rural populations, who are typically less active and at higher risk of chronic disease than urban dwellers. The lack of individual-level instruments to assess the physical environment in rural areas limits advancement of this field. Among rural adults, this study aimed to evaluate (a) the test-retest reliability of a self-reported questionnaire of individual-level perceptions of the physical activity environment, and (b) the stability of a self-reported physical activity questionnaire. Design: Cross-sectional questionnaire repeated twice, 2 weeks apart. The questionnaire included 94 items relating to the perceived physical environment (representing nine summary scores), demographic characteristics and physical activity. Setting: Rural Australia. Participants: Rurally residing adults (>18 years) across three Australian states. Main outcome measures: Test-retest reliability evaluated by weighted Kappa statistics (individual items) and intra-class correlations (summary scores). Results: A total of 292 participants (20% men) completed both questionnaires, on average 22 days apart. Test-retest reliability of individual items ranged from weighted Kappa 0.37-0.85 (median: 0.59). Internal reliability for five summary scores was good to excellent (Cronbach's alpha: 0.81-0.97). Test-retest reliability was good to excellent for six summary scores (intra-class correlations: 0.67-0.77). Conclusions: The findings indicated good to excellent test-retest reliability for most items, particularly "fixed" constructs for this new questionnaire measuring the perceived physical environment in rural populations. This study represents an important step towards improving measurement of physical activity environments in rural populations, potentially leading to better tailored interventions to promote active and healthy living in rural areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the convergent validity of a computerized use of time diary (MARCA) relative to pedometry. Participants aged 9-16 years wore a pedometer and completed the MARCA. Comparing pedometer data and self-report data collected for the same day (n = 297 participants), the correlation (Spearman's rho) with PAL was 0.54 and with MVPA was 0.50. Comparing mean daily step counts over 6-7 days with averaged self-report data collected on different days (n = 1713 participants) Spearman's rho for PAL was 0.45 and for MVPA was 0.44. Thus, the MARCA showed validity similar or superior to most self-report instruments for young people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To determine differences in walking for recreation and transport between Accessibility/Remoteness Index of Australia ( ARIA) categories, in South Australian adults. Design Cross-sectional self-reported data from adult telephone survey respondents between April and May in 2012 and 2013. Setting Population of South Australia. Participants A total of 4004 adults (aged over 18 years) participated: n = 1956 men and n = 2048 women. Area of residence was categorised using ARIA (major city, inner regional, outer regional and remote/very remote). Main outcome measure(s) Self-reported participation in walking for transport and recreation/exercise as the number of times and minutes per week. Data were analysed using Kruskal-Wallis test for median minutes and negative binomial regression for times walked with adjustment for socioeconomic status, age and body mass index. Results Average age was 47.8 ± 18.5 years, 51.1% were women, 70.9% lived in the major cities, 14.6% in inner regional, 10.8% in outer regional and 3.6% in remote/very remote areas. Relative to major city, times walked for recreation was lower for only remote/very remote residents (incidence rate ratio ( IRR) 0.74 (95% CI 0.59-0.92), P = 0.008). This difference was only observed for men ( IRR 0.54 (95% CI 0.39-0.73), P < 0.001). Relative to major city, times walked for transport was less for inner regional ( IRR 0.74 (95% CI 0.67-0.85), P < 0.001) and outer regional ( IRR 0.64 (95% CI 0.56-0.74), P < 0.001) only. This difference in transport walking was seen in both men and women. Conclusion Frequency of walking varied by purpose, level of remoteness and sex. As walking is the focus of population-level health promotion, more detailed understanding of the aetiology of regular walking is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Despite widespread media campaigns to encourage physical activity (PA), participation is poor among Australian adults. This study aimed to explore the prevalence of and relationships between awareness of PA recommendations and PA participation.Design: Cross-sectional study of n=2402 South Australian adults (aged≥18 years) via a computer-assisted telephone interview.Methods: PA recommendation awareness was determined by asking for the number of minutes of PA recommended for health benefits and whether PA is needed to make you 'puff and pant' to confer a health benefit. Respondents were defined as sufficiently active if they reported ≥150min/week of PA as measured by the Active Australia Survey.Results: A total of 43.0% correctly identified that 30min of PA is recommended per day (Recommendation 1) and 43.3% correctly disagreed/strongly disagreed that PA is needed to make you 'puff and pant' (Recommendation 2). Overall, 60.6% of respondents were sufficiently active. Of those who correctly identified Recommendation 1, 53.2% reported participating in sufficient PA, significantly fewer than those who did not know Recommendation 1 (69.6%) (χ(2)=64.74 (4), p<0.001). There was no difference in levels of sufficient PA between those who correctly identified Recommendation 2 and those who did not.Conclusions: There was relatively low awareness of PA recommendations among South Australian adults. More research is needed in how recommendations are promoted and how they impact PA behaviours. PA recommendations are based on the best available epidemiological evidence but largely fail to guide the choices people currently make about PA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective This study aimed to richly describe previously inactive Riverland adults' experiences of commencing and maintaining a walking routine following participation in a walking intervention. Design Qualitative description using semi-structured in-depth interviews and thematic analysis. Setting Riverland, South Australia. Participants Nine adults (four men and five women) aged between 40 and 65 years. Intervention Six-week walking intervention included issuing of pedometers, setting goals, completing logs and weekly emails to remind participants to wear their pedometers, recording of steps and provision of strategies for increasing daily steps. Main outcome measures Rich description of participants' experiences represented by four themes and a number of subthemes, supported by direct quotes. Results Four themes: taking care of me through my walk, pedometers and accountability as motivators, fitting walking in and commencing and maintaining a walking routine. Conclusions The participants' experience of commencing a walking routine differed from maintaining a walking routine. Future attempts to support maintenance of a walking routine may be strengthened through identifying and including ways to provide accountability for walking to others beyond the intervention as well as strategies that support the integration of walking into every activity. Furthermore, future walking interventions should enable participants to tailor their walks to their own preferences and mental health benefits of walking should be promoted at least as much as the physical benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim was to evaluate the impact of a brief activity bout outside the classroom on boys' attention and on-task behaviour in the classroom setting.Methods: Fifty-eight boys (mean age 11.2 ± 0.6 years) were recruited from a boys' elementary school in Adelaide, South Australia. Two year 5 and, similarly, two year 6 classes were assigned using a crossover design to either four weeks of a 10 minute Active Lesson Break followed by four weeks of a 10 minute Passive Lesson Break (reading) or visa versa. Attention was quantified using a computerised psychomotor vigilance task, and on-task behaviour by direct observation.Results: Neither the Active Lesson nor the Passive Lesson condition significantly affected sustained attention or on-task behaviour, and there were no significant differences between conditions.Conclusion: There was no impact on participants' sustained attention or on-task behaviour after a short activity break between lessons. Brief activity breaks outside the classroom do not compromise participants' on-task behaviour or attention levels upon returning to the classroom, although improvement in these variables is not seen either. However, the results suggest that active breaks are effective for accruing moderate-to-vigorous physical activity without compromising classroom behaviours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim This study aimed to investigate fatigue, and its correlates, in children and adolescents with physical disabilities. Method Sixty-five young people aged 8 to 17 years (35 males, 30 females; mean age 13y 2mo, SD 2y 8mo) with mild to moderate physical disabilities (Gillette Functional Assessment Questionnaire levels 7-10) were recruited. Self-reported fatigue was measured using the Peds QL Multidimensional Fatigue Scale. Physical activity was measured using 7-day hip-worn accelerometer. Associations between fatigue, physical activity, and socio-demographic characteristics were examined using analysis of covariance, with significance ( α) set at 0.05. Results were compared with normative data from other paediatric populations. Results Among children with physical disabilities, fatigue was associated with being physically inactive ( F-statistic=4.42, p=0.040), female ( F=4.37, p=0.042), and of low socio-economic status ( F=3.94, p=0.050). Fatigue was not associated with age, weight status, or functional impairment. Young people with physical disabilities experienced high levels of fatigue compared with other paediatric health populations, and comparable to the paediatric cancer population. Interpretation Fatigue is an important issue for young people with physical disabilities. Clinicians and researchers working with this group should be mindful that fatigue is likely to impact on an individual's ability to undertake new treatment regimens or interventions. Interventions aimed at reducing fatigue are warranted. Increasing physical activity might play a role in reducing fatigue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives It is particularly important to measure trends in physical activity to identify specific contexts where physical activity may have declined and can be targeted for intervention. The aim of this review was to summarize overall physical activity trends based on objectively measured physical activity as well as trends in specific contexts (active transport, organized sport, school physical education and school play periods) using self- or proxy-reported physical activity. Design A comprehensive literature search was completed to identify articles on the specific contexts of physical activity for inclusion in this review. Methods Journal articles for inclusion in this narrative review were sourced from the various databases and reference lists. Most studies in this review employed self-report or proxy-report methodologies. Results There is limited research on temporal trends in children's and adolescents’ physical activity. The few studies that employ objective measures to assess trends in physical activity indicate little change has occurred in the last 20 years. Other studies that employed self-report methods indicate organized sport trends are somewhat inconsistent across countries, however most studies reported an increase in participation. Within the limited physical education trend studies, inconsistent trends were noted. There have been consistent declines in active transport, particularly cycling. Few studies have investigated trends in physical activity and sedentary behaviour during school play periods, highlighting a need for further research. Conclusions Mixed results and inconsistent magnitudes of change were identified when exploring trends in different contexts of physical activity for children and adolescents over the last few decades. Taken overall, there is little evidence for a decrease in children's and adolescents’ physical activity, although consistent declines in active transport highlight this context as a suitable intervention target. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The purpose of this study was to identify the independent association of frequency of walking trips between home and school with daily physical activity in a sample of school-aged children. Methods: Participants were 109 children (mean age = 12.05 years [±0.71]) attending nine primary schools in Adelaide, South Australia. Physical activity was derived from accelerometers with total counts as the outcome variable. Transport patterns were self-reported for each of the previous five school days. Walking trips were summed for each day and across the school week. The relationship between the number of active transport journeys and individual school day and school week physical activity was modelled separately in boys and girls using multiple linear regression. Results: Frequency of walking was positively associated with school day and school week accelerometer counts in boys, accounting for 6% and 12% of the explained variance in total counts, respectively. There were no significant associations among girls. Conclusion: Despite sex-specific differences in associations between active transport to school and total physical activity, active transport is likely to have important ancillary benefits for development of independence and physical activity habits, and should continue to be promoted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The aim of this study was to compare objectively measured sedentary behaviours among rural Australian men working in desk-based offices and on farms during work hours and across the total day. Design Cross-sectional observational. Setting The Riverland, South Australia. Participants Participants in this study include 29 farmers and 29 office workers (age 30-65 years). Main outcome measures Objectively measured sedentary time (number and length of sedentary bouts) and steps taken, at work and across the total day. Results During work time, office workers were significantly more sedentary than farmers (6.6 ± 1.5 hours (mean ± SD) versus 4.3 ± 1.5 hours, P < 0.05), while breaks in sedentary behaviour among office workers were less frequent (45 ± 17 versus 49 ± 17 per day, P < 0.05) and briefer (4.7 ± 6.8 min versus 9.7 ± 6.8 min, P < 0.05). Across the total day, office workers were more sedentary than farmers (10.0 ± 1.6 hours versus 8.1 ± 1.6 hours, P < 0.05). Office workers took fewer steps at work (427 ± 282 versus 882 ± 282 steps hour−1, P < 0.05) and across the whole day (8602 ± 3486 versus 11 579 ± 3486 steps day−1, P < 0.05) than farmers. Conclusion In this study, farmers were less sedentary than rural men of similar age who work in offices. Further research is needed to identify reasons for the particularly high prevalence of chronic disease in Australian farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rural Australian adults are continually shown to be insufficiently active with higher prevalence of lifestyle-related diseases associated with physical inactivity compared to urban adults. This may, partly, be attributable to the challenges associated with implementing community-based physical activity programs in rural communities. There is a need for broadly accessible physical activity programs specifically tailored to the unique attributes of rural communities. The aim of the Rural Environments And Community Health (REACH) study is to evaluate the effectiveness of an online-delivered physical activity intervention for increasing regular walking among adults living in rural areas of South Australia. Methods/Design: This is a randomised controlled trial. The intervention is 12-weeks with a 12-month follow-up. Participants will be insufficiently active, aged 18 to 70 years and randomly assigned to either Control or Intervention group. Participants receive a pedometer, but only the Intervention group will receive access to the purpose built REACH website where they will report steps taken, affect and ratings of perceived exertion during daily walking. These variables will be used to establish individualised step goals for increasing walking. Control participants will receive a paper diary to record their variables and generic incremental step goals. The primary outcome measures are time spent in sedentary, light and moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity, measured by accelerometry. Secondary outcomes include 1) health measures (anthropometric and physiological), 2) psychological well-being, 3) diet quality, and 4) correlates of physical activity (exercise self-efficacy and physical activity environments). Measures will be collected at baseline, post-intervention, 6-month and 12-month follow-up. Discussion: This protocol describes the implementation of a trial testing the effectiveness of an online resource designed to assist rural Australians to become more physically active. The outcomes of this study will guide the efforts of health promotion professionals by providing evidence for a relatively inexpensive, widely accessible and effective method for increasing physical activity that can be utilized by anyone with access to the internet. Findings may indicate future directions for the implementation of physical activity and other health related interventions in rural communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Cancer survivorship rates have increased in developed countries largely due to population ageing and improvements in cancer care. Survivorship is a neglected phase of cancer treatment and is often associated with adverse physical and psychological effects. There is a need for broadly accessible, non-pharmacological measures that may prolong disease-free survival, reduce or alleviate co-morbidities and enhance quality of life. The aim of the Steps TowaRd Improving Diet and Exercise (STRIDE) study is to evaluate the effectiveness of an online-delivered physical activity intervention for increasing walking in cancer survivors living in metropolitan and rural areas of South Australia. Methods/design This is a quasi-randomised controlled trial. The intervention period is 12-weeks with 3-month follow-up. The trial will be conducted at a university setting and community health services in South Australia. Participants will be insufficiently active and aged 18 years or older. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the intervention or control group. All participants will receive a pedometer but only the intervention group will have access to the STRIDE website where they will report steps, affect and ratings of perceived exertion during exercise daily. Researchers will use these variables to individualise weekly step goals to increase walking. The primary outcome measure is steps per day. The secondary outcomes are a) health measures (anthropometric and physiological), b) dietary habits (consumption of core foods and non-core foods) and c) quality of life (QOL) including physical, psychological and social wellbeing. Measures will be collected at baseline, post-intervention and 3-month follow-up. Discussion This protocol describes the implementation of a trial using an online resource to assist cancer survivors to become more physically active. It is an innovative tool that uses ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and daily affect to create individualised step goals for cancer survivors. The research findings may be of relevance to public health policy makers as an efficacious and inexpensive online-delivered intervention can have widespread application and may improve physical and psychological outcomes among this vulnerable population. Findings may indicate directions for the implementation of future physical activity interventions with this population. Trial registration Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12613000473763. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The lunchtime and after-school contexts are critical windows in a school day for children to be physically active. While numerous studies have investigated correlates of children’s habitual physical activity, few have explored correlates of physical activity occurring at lunchtime and after-school from a social-ecological perspective. Exploring correlates that influence physical activity occurring in specific contexts can potentially improve the prediction and understanding of physical activity. Using a context-specific approach, this study investigated correlates of children’s lunchtime and after-school physical activity. Methods: Cross-sectional data were collected from 423 South Australian children aged 10.0–13.9 years (200 boys; 223 girls) attending 10 different schools. Lunchtime and after-school physical activity was assessed using accelerometers. Correlates were assessed using purposely developed context-specific questionnaires. Correlated Component Regression analysis was conducted to derive correlates of context-specific physical activity and determine the variance explained by prediction equations. Results: The model of boys’ lunchtime physical activity contained 6 correlates and explained 25% of the variance. For girls, the model explained 17% variance from 9 correlates. Enjoyment of walking during lunchtime was the strongest correlate for both boys and girls. Boys’ and girls’ after-school physical activity models explained 20% variance from 14 correlates and 7% variance from the single item correlate, “I do an organised sport or activity after-school because it gets you fit”, respectively. Conclusions: Increasing specificity of correlate research has enabled the identification of unique features of, and a more in-depth interpretation of, lunchtime and after-school physical activity behaviour and is a potential strategy for advancing the physical activity correlate research field. The findings of this study could be used to inform and tailor gender-specific public health messages and interventions for promoting lunchtime and after-school physical activity in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background To frame interventions, it is useful to understand context- and time-specific correlates of children's physical activity. To do this, we need accurate assessment of these correlates. There are currently no measures that assess correlates at all levels of the social ecological model, contain items that are specifically worded for the lunchtime and/or after-school time periods, and assess correlates that have been conceptualised and defined by children. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate the psychometric properties of the lunchtime and after-school Youth Physical Activity Survey for Specific Settings (Y-PASS) questionnaires. Methods The Y-PASS questionnaire was administered to 264 South Australian children (146 boys, 118 girls; mean age = 11.7 ± 0.93 years). Factorial structure and internal consistency of the intrapersonal, sociocultural and physical environmental/policy lunchtime and after-school subscales were examined through an exploratory factor analysis. The test-retest reliability of the Y-PASS subscales was assessed over a one-week period on a subsample of children (lunchtime Y-PASS: n = 12 boys, 12 girls, mean age of 11.6 ± 0.8 years; after-school YPASS: n = 9 boys, 13 girls; mean age = 11.4 ± 0.9 years). Results For the lunchtime Y-PASS, three factors were identified under each of the intrapersonal, sociocultural and physical environmental/policy subscales. For the after-school Y-PASS, six factors were identified in the intrapersonal subscale, four factors in the sociocultural subscale and seven factors in the physical environmental/policy subscale. Following item reduction, all subscales demonstrated acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach alpha = 0.78 - 0.85), except for the lunchtime sociocultural subscale (Cronbach alpha = 0.55). The factors and items demonstrated fair to very high test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.26 - 0.93). Conclusion The preliminary reliability and factorial structure evidence suggests the Y-PASS correlate questionnaires are robust tools for measuring correlates of context-specific physical activity in children. The multi-dimensional factor structure provides justification for exploring physical activity correlates from a social ecological perspective and demonstrates the importance of developing items that are context specific. Further development and refinement of the Y-PASS questionnaires is recommended, including a confirmatory factor analysis and exploring the inclusion of additional items. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Both reduced moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and increased screen time have been implicated in the aetiology of childhood overweight/obesity. This study aimed to determine which behaviour had the stronger association with overweight/obesity. Method: 2200 randomly selected 9- to 16-year-old Australians provided four 24-h use-of-time recalls. Participants were classified into weight status categories and as high or low physical active, and high or low screen time according to Australian guidelines (≥60 min MVPA; ≤120 min recreational screen time daily). Multivariate logistic regression was used to calculate the odds ratios (OR) for overweight/obesity for each screen time and MVPA category. Results: Increased likelihood of overweight or obese was often associated with high screen time (ORs, 2.13-2.55 for boys and 1.47-1.72 for girls), but only sometimes and less strongly associated with low MVPA (ORs, 0.49-2.55 for boys and 1.06-1.47 for girls). Analyses conducted for combined screen time and MVPA categories showed screen time to be a stronger indicator of weight status than physical activity, especially in boys. Conclusion: Overweight and obesity were more strongly associated with screen time than physical activity. Screen time may be an important target for interventions aimed at reducing childhood overweight and obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objectives: To explore children''s perceptions of the factors influencing their engagement in physical activity during the “critical” lunchtime period, using a social–ecological framework. Design: This study was an in-depth descriptive qualitative design. Methods: Fifty-four South Australian children aged 10–13 years participated in same-gender focus groups. Transcripts, field notes and activity documents were analysed using content analysis. Using an inductive thematic approach, data were coded and categorised into perceived barriers and facilitators according to a social–ecological model. Results: Children identified a range of environmental, social and intrapersonal barriers and facilitators. Bullying/teasing, the school uniform and school rules were exposed as explicit barriers to lunchtime play. Other important barriers included lack of access to, and poor suitability of, space, lack of access to programs/facilities and equipment, and lack of peer and teacher support. Perceived facilitators of lunchtime physical activity centred on access to equipment, enjoyment, motivation to improve skills, and peer support and acceptance. The freedom to make up or modify rules for games was also perceived to be a facilitator of lunchtime play. Conclusions: Communicating with children has been an effective approach in uncovering perceived barriers and facilitators to lunchtime play that may not have been previously considered in the quantitative correlate literature. Lunchtime interventions targeting children''s physical activity should focus on addressing the barriers perceived to be important to lunchtime play. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objectives: While there is consistent evidence that rural adults in Australia are less active than their urban counterparts, studies relating geographical remoteness to activity patterns in Australian adolescents have yielded inconsistent results. The aim of this study was to describe objectively and subjectively measured patterns of physical activity and sedentary behaviours across remoteness categories in a representative sample of 9–16 year old Australians. Design: Cross-sectional observational study. Methods: 2071 Australian adolescents provided self-report use of time data on four days and wore a pedometer for at least 6 days within the 2007 Australian National Children''s Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey. Comparisons of activity patterns were made across four objectively-determined remoteness categories (Major City, Inner Regional, Outer Regional and Remote), adjusting for household income, parental education and age. Results: Adolescents living in major cities self-reported 11–29min less moderate to vigorous physical activity each day than their counterparts living in geographically more remote areas, and took 150–850 fewer steps each day. While there were no differences in time spent in sport or active transport, differences in free play participation were significant. Males in major cities also reported higher levels of screen time. Differences were somewhat more marked among males than among females. Conclusions: Activity levels among Australian adolescents show contrasting patterns of geographical differences to those found in Australian adults. Higher levels of free play among rural Australian adolescents may be due to more available space and less fear of traffic and stranger risks. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Researchers and practitioners interested in assessing physical activity in children are often faced with the dilemma of what instrument to use. While there is a plethora of physical activity instruments to choose from, there is currently no guide regarding the suitability of common assessment instruments. The purpose of this paper is to provide a user''s guide for selecting physical activity assessment instruments appropriate for use with children and adolescents. While recommendations regarding specific instruments are not provided, the guide offers information about key attributes and considerations for the use of eight physical activity assessment approaches: heart rate monitoring; accelerometry; pedometry; direct observation; self-report; parent report; teacher report; and diaries/logs. Attributes of instruments and other factors to be considered in the selection of assessment instruments include: population (age); sample size; respondent burden; method/delivery mode; assessment time frame; physical activity information required (data output); data management; measurement error; cost (instrument and administration) and other limitations. A decision flow chart has been developed to assist researchers and practitioners to select an appropriate method of assessing physical activity. Five real-life scenarios are presented to illustrate this process in light of key instrument attributes. It is important that researchers, practitioners and policy makers understand the strengths and limitations of different methods of assessing physical activity, and are guided on selection of the most appropriate instrument/s to suit their needs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: Social support is a consistent correlate of youth physical activity (PA) but few studies have examined this in cultural sub-groups. Female adolescents (n =113; 13.9±0.6years) from a metropolitan single sex private school participated in this study. PA was estimated using the 3 Day Physical Activity Recall (3dPAR), and aspects of social support using a specifically designed questionnaire. Anglo-Australians (n =74), whose parents were both born in Australia, were compared with Vietnamese-Australians (n =39), whose parents were both born in Vietnam. There were non-significant trends towards higher engagement in all measures of PA among Anglo-Australians. Anglo-Australians perceived higher levels of social support to be physically active. In the whole sample and in cultural sub-groups, support by mothers was a consistent predictor of PA. Among Vietnamese-Australians, activities shared with the mother predicted moderate to vigorous PA. Interventions targeting PA among adolescent females should consider interactions of social support and cultural background. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: Rising youth obesity is a serious public health concern. There is a widespread view that declining physical activity is contributing to this trend. A total of 929 young South Australians (age=9–15 years) were surveyed in 1985 and 2004 on usual physical activity in several contexts, including attitudes to physical activity. Eight of 10 South Australian schools participating in the 1985 Schools Health and Fitness Survey were revisited in 2004. Comparisons were made on: organised sport, active transport, physical education (PE), playground activity, vigorous physical activity (VPA), total leisure-time physical activity (LTPA), and attitudes to PE and school sport. The questionnaire and method of administration were identical in both surveys. There were no differences between surveys in club and school sport participation, walking to school, and reported enjoyment of PE and school sport. In 2004 fewer children rode to school, but PE classes were more frequent. The percentage of children who ‘sit and talk’ during school breaks had increased, with a decreased percentage of older girls who ‘run around’ during school breaks. There was a significantly higher LTPA in MET.min in 2004 for boys, which was particularly evident at higher percentiles. There were no changes in mean or distribution of LTPA for the whole sample or girls. The percentage of respondents reporting ≥3 bouts of VPA in the previous week rose from 51% (1985) to 76% (2004). There is no consistent evidence of declining physical activity among South Australian youth. It is apparent that physical activity in some contexts has declined, while in other contexts levels are the same or higher than in 1985. This underscores the complex nature of physical activity and the influences on this behaviour. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: Understanding factors that influence physical activity levels of adolescents can assist the design of more effective interventions. Social support is a consistent correlate of youth physical activity but few studies have examined this in different cultural settings. Male adolescents (n =180, age=13.58±0.97 years) from a metropolitan single sex private school participated in this study. Habitual physical activity was estimated using the 3-day physical activity recall (3dPAR), and aspects of social support to be physically active using a specifically designed questionnaire. Comparisons were made between Anglo-Australians (n =118), whose parents were both born in Australia, and Vietnamese-Australians (n =62), whose parents were both born in Vietnam. There was a trend towards higher physical activity among Anglo-Australians, particularly on weekends. Anglo-Australians reported significantly more parental and peer support across most items pertaining to these constructs. Among the whole sample, social support variables explained 5–12% of the total explained variance in physical activity, with items pertaining to father and best friend support emerging as the strongest and most consistent predictors in multiple regression models. Among Anglo-Australians, the prediction models were relatively weak, explaining 0–9% of the total explained variance in physical activity. Prediction models for physical activity among Vietnamese-Australians were much stronger, explaining 11–32% of the total explained variance, with father''s support variables contributing consistently to these models. The strong paternal influence on physical activity among Vietnamese-Australians needs to be confirmed in more diverse population groups, but results from this study suggest that interventions promoting physical activity among adolescent boys need to take into account cultural background as a moderator of widely reported social influences. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article presents a study trialling the feasibility of an interactive software program titled HealthScreenPro that summarizes risk profile as a health age and will be used as a prompt to increase regular physical activity (PA) in rural Australian adults. Topics include the use of health status, body mass index, waist girth, and blood pressure to categorize participants and determine their health age, and participants' belief that the strategy would motivate them to increase PA.

The article offers a study attempted to fill the unique rural‐context gap by investigating the felt needs, attitudes and perceptions of rural Australians regarding a mHealth cardiac rehabilitation (CR ) maintenance program focusing on physical activity. Topics discussed include questionnaire based on technological literacy and technological use and also explored the felt needs of the participants in relation to a mHealth physical activity maintenance CR program.

This commentary provides a critical discussion of current research investigating the correlates and determinants of physical activity in young people, with specific focus on conceptual, theoretical and methodological issues. We draw on current child and adolescent literature and our own collective expertise to illustrate our discussion. We conclude with recommendations that will strengthen future research and help to advance the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]