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Some friendships last forever, and some may dwindle, but the emotional experiences you gain will carry deep meaning and cause significant changes throughout your life. Some emotional experiences will facilitate [...]

Abstract Aim The aim of this study was to explore the factors that contribute to health promotion in the oldest old and the barriers that prevent it. Method A non-random [...]

To decrease BMI in overweight and obese children, improved dietary intake and increased physical activity are key elements. Our objective was to evaluate the impact of a 1-y food and physical activity intervention on energy and macronutrient intake in overweight and obese children. A randomized open trial was conducted with 92 overweight or obese 10.4 [+ or -] 1.08-y-old children. The intervention included 14 group sessions with different themes regarding food and physical activity. Dietary intake was assessed with diet history interviews covering 14 d at baseline and 4-d food records after 1 y and was evaluated according to national dietary recommendations. The control group participated in the same measurements as the intervention group but did not take part in group sessions. After 1 y, both groups had decreased their energy intake (El) relative to total energy expenditure, but the effect was more pronounced for the intervention group than for the control group. At 1 y follow-up, a larger proportion of children in the intervention group compared with the control group met the recommended intake of refined sugar (P = 0.019). However, the groups did not differ in the proportion children who met the recommended intake of dietary fiber. Further, SFA intake relative to total El did not differ between the groups at 1 y follow-up. In conclusion, despite a rather comprehensive intervention, only modest effects were achieved with respect to reduced El and improved macronutrient intake. doi: 10.3945/jn.110.125435.

This experimental study aimed to analyse the effects of an aerobic activity intervention delivered by specially trained instructors to a sample of Italian older people living in a residential care facility. We assessed intervention effects on general health perception, perception that one's health represents a limitation for moderate and heavy physical activity, and positive and negative self-perception. The 36-item Short Form Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36) was administered at pre-test and post-test to a sample of 22 older people (ten in the control group and 12 in the intervention group) of both genders with an average age of 80.6 years. The findings showed that: (a) the perception that one's health can limit moderate and heavy physical activity decreased significantly in the older people belonging to the intervention group between pre- and post-test, while it increased in the control group; (b) positive self-perception was found to be stable in the intervention group, while it decreased in the control group; and (c) there was no interaction between group and time with respect to both general health perception and negative self-perception. The exercise programme seemed to have a particularly positive effect on older people's beliefs about their ability to master successfully the activities of daily living such as walking and moving objects. KEY WORDS--physical activity, older people, health and self-perception, residential care, daily functioning. doi: 10.1017/S0144686X09990614

A significant number of people are affected by mental illness. be it through diagnosis of family, friend, or colleague (Health Canada, 2002). For instance, a report on mental illness in [...]

Background. Cognitive function and physical performance are associated, but the common sequence of cognitive and physical decline remains unclear. Methods. In the Women's Health Initiative Memory Study (WHIMS) clinical trial, we examined associations at baseline and over a 6-year follow-up period between the Modified Mini-Mental State (3MS) Examination and three physical performance measures (PPMs): gait speed (meters/second), chair stands (number of stands in 15 seconds), and grip strength (kilograms). Using mixed models, we examined the baseline 3MS as predictor of change in PPM, change in the 3MS as predictor of change in PPM, and baseline PPM as predictors of 3MS change. Results. Among 1,793 women (mean age = 70.3 years, 89% white, and mean 3MS score = 95.1), PPM were weakly correlated with 3MS--gait speed: r = .06, p = .02; chair stands: r = .09, p < .001 ; and grip strength: r =. 10, p < .001. Baseline 3MS score was associated with subsequent PPM decline after adjustment for demographics, comorbid conditions, medications, and lifestyle factors. For every SD (4.2 points) higher 3MS score, 0.04 SD (0.04 m/s) less gait speed and 0.05 SD (0.29 kg) less grip strength decline is expected over 6 years (p [less than or equal to] .01 both). Changes in 3MS and PPM were associated, particularly with chair stands and grip strength (p < .003 both). Baseline PPMs were not associated with subsequent 3MS change. Conclusions. Baseline global cognitive function and change in global cognitive function were associated with physical performance change, but baseline physical performance was not associated with cognitive change in this cohort. These analyses support the hypothesis that cognitive decline on average precedes or co-occurs with physical performance decline. Key Words: Cognitive function--Physical performance--Cognition--Physical function. doi: 10.1093/gerona/glp149

Abstract Framed in the context of researching influences on physical activity and actually working with individuals and groups seeking to initiate, increase or maintain physical activity, the purpose of this [...]

Children who are less physically active and show elevated levels of body fat and above-normal weight may not perform as well academically as those who are more physically active (American [...]

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether players in different positional roles have a different physical and physiologic Profile. For the purpose of this study, physiologic measurements were taken of 270 soccer players during the precompetitive period of 2005/06 and the precompetitive period of 2006/07. According to the positional roles, players were categorized as defenders (n = 80), midfielders (n = 80), attackers (n = 80), and goalkeepers (n = 30). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was use to determinate differences between team positions. Goalkeepers are the tallest and the heaviest players in the team. They are also the slowest players in the team when sprinting ability over 10 and 20 meters is required. Attackers were the quickest players in the team when looking at sprint values over 5, 10, and 20 meters. There were statistically significant differences between attacker and defenders when measuring vertical jump height by squat jump. Goalkeepers were able to perform better on explosive power tests (squat jump and countermovement jump) than players in the field. Midfielders had statistically significant superior values of relative oxygen consumption, maximal heart rate, maximal running speed, and blood lactate than defenders and attackers. Defenders had more body fat than attackers and midfielders (p < 0.05). Coaches are able to use this information to determine which type of profile is needed for a specific position. It is obvious that players in different positions have different physical and physiologic profiles. Experienced coaches can use this information in the process of designing a training program to maximize the fitness development of soccer players with one purpose only, to achieve success in soccer. KEY WORDS fitness profile, aerobic power, anaerobic power

Background. Little is known about the early predictors of need for care in late life. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether physical activity from midlife onward was associated with hospital and long-term care in the last year of life. Methods. We studied a decedent population of 846 persons aged 66-98 years at death, who, on average 5.8 years prior to death, had participated in an interview about their current and earlier physical activity. Data on the use of care in the last year of life are register-based data and complete. Results. Men needed on average 96 days (SD 7.0) and women 138 days (SD 6.2) of inpatient care in the last year of life. Among men, the risk for all-cause hospital care in the last year of life was higher for those who had been sedentary since midlife (adjusted incidence rate ratio [IRR] 1.98, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.14-3.42) compared with those who had been consistently physically active, whereas use of long-term care did not correlate with physical activity history. Among women, the risk for long-term care was higher for those who had been sedentary (IRR 2.03, 95% CI 1.28-3.21) of only occasionally physically active (IRR 1.60, 95% CI 1.06-2.43). than for those who had been consistently active from midlife onward, whereas use of hospital care did not correlate with physical activity history. Conclusion. People who had been physically active since midlife needed less end-of-life inpatient care but patterns differed between men and women. Key Words: Aging--Physical activity--Health care--Chronic diseases--Decedent population--Disability.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of different durations of resistance training on body composition and power in children. The study was a 24-week longitudinal design involving 31 preadolescent children who were overweight or obese (ages 7-12 years), divided into 3 groups and resistance trained 3 times per week. Group 8 (G8) trained for 8 weeks, group 16 (G16) trained for 16 weeks, and group 24 (G24) trained for 24 weeks. All participants were measured at weeks 0, 8, 16, and 24 for body composition and power. Subjects in G8 and G16 continued to be tested during the testing weeks after cessation of their training programs. Body composition and bone mineral content were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Significant improvements in body composition were seen in the initial 8-week training phase, and these improvements were maintained for the subsequent 16 weeks. Significant changes in percent body fat (~5-7%) were observed at 8 weeks in all 3 groups. Total fat mass decreased significantly at week 8 in G16 and G24 (5.9%). By week 24, total fat mass was significantly reduced by 8.1% in G24. Significant improvements were observed in static jump power, which improved by 10.5% at week 16 in G24. These results suggest that an 8-week resistance training program is sufficient time to significantly change body composition, strength, and power measures in children who are overweight or obese. However, further improvements are realized with longer-duration resistance training programs. On cessation of the training programs, the G8 and G16 groups maintained the benefits of the exercise program until the end of the study period. KEY WORDS strength training, obesity, exercise

Objectives: Sustainability is a highly desired outcome of health promotion programs, yet it often eludes program planners looking to achieve it. This study aimed to uncover how the goal of program sustainability was interpreted by key stakeholders from three fall prevention program demonstration sites. Method: Collected as part of a larger study on program sustainability that made use of a multiple case study methodology, semi-structured interviews were conducted with key informants involved in a wide range of program initiatives throughout the two-year funding period. Results: Forty participants across the three sites provided definitions of sustainability. Most stakeholders reported that it was some version of the general fall prevention program that should be sustained. Fewer stakeholders reported that it was the successful elements or solutions to the program goals that should be sustained. The most common suggestions reported by stakeholders for how sustainability should be achieved were awareness raising and securing new funding sources. Although a number of key elements emerged, there were significant differences in stakeholders&apos; definitions of sustainability, both within and between demonstration sites. Conclusion: This research provided insight into the unique meanings of sustainability held by different stakeholders during their involvement in a fall prevention program. The array of definitions held by stakeholders demonstrates how easily the efforts of those involved can become fragmented and, therefore, less effective in reaching the end goal of program sustainability when the project team is not working from the same definition of what that goal means. Key words: Program sustainability; accidental falls; health promotion La traduction du resume se trouve a la fin de l&apos;article. Objectifs: La durabilite est un resultat fort souhaite des programmes de promotion de la sante; pourtant, il echappe souvent aux planificateurs de programme qui cherchent a l&apos;atteindre. Cette etude vise a decouvrir comment l&apos;objectif qu&apos;est la durabilite d&apos;un programme est interprete par les intervenants cles de trois sites de demonstration de programmes de prevention des chutes. Methode: Nous avons mene des entrevues semi-structurees aupres d&apos;intervenants cles participant a un large eventail d&apos;initiatives de programme dans le cadre d&apos;une plus grande etude sur la durabilite des programmes, laquelle s&apos;appuyait sur la methodologie utilisee pour l&apos;etude de cas multiples, sur une periode de financement de deux ans. Resultats: Au total, 40 participants provenant des trois sites ont presente des definitions de ce qu&apos;est la durabilite. La plupart des intervenants ont signale qu&apos;il fallait conserver une version du programme general de prevention des chutes. Quelques intervenants ont signale qu&apos;il fallait conserver les bons elements ou les solutions aux objectifs du programme. Les suggestions les plus communes presentees par les intervenants concernant la facon d&apos;atteindre la durabilite etaient la sensibilisation accrue et l&apos;obtention de nouvelles sources de financement. Meme si un grand nombre d&apos;elements cles ont ete souleves, nous avons observe d&apos;importantes differences dans les definitions de la durabilite presentees par les intervenants, tant a l&apos;interieur des sites de demonstration qu&apos;entre ceux-ci. Conclusion: Cette recherche donne des eclaircissements sur les significations uniques de la durabilite aux yeux des differents intervenants dans le cadre de leur participation a un programme de prevention des chutes. L&apos;eventail de definitions fournies par les intervenants demontre la mesure dans laquelle les efforts de ces personnes peuvent etre fragmentes et, par consequent, moins efficaces en ce qui a trait a l&apos;atteinte de l&apos;objectif final que represente la durabilite du programme si l&apos;equipe de projet ne travaille pas en respectant la meme definition que celle de l&apos;objectif. Mots cles: durabilite du programme, chutes accidentelles, promotion de la sante, Sustainability is viewed as an important dimension of the quality of health promotion programs. (1) It is accepted that for communities and participants to derive long-term health benefits, programs and [...]

This investigation evaluated the use of OMNI-Resistance Exercise Scale ratings of perceived exertion as a method for selecting training intensities that are appropriate for improving muscular fitness. 20 women (M = 21.3 yr., SD = 2.2) completed a one-repetition maximum for the chest press and knee extension. Participants returned for three sessions during which they were asked to select resistances which elicited the feelings of exertion associated with ratings of 3 (i.e., Easy to Somewhat easy), 6 (i.e., Somewhat hard) and 9 (i.e., Hard to Extremely hard). The average percentage of maximum lifted at a 3, 6, and 9 was 50, 69, and 88% for the chest press and 56, 74, and 90% for the knee extension, respectively. Effect sizes indicated large differences across the three ratings of perceived exertion within sessions and small differences between sessions. Intraclass correlation coefficients ranged from .69 to .95. The results indicated that OMNI-Resistance Exercise Scale ratings of 3, 6, and 9 can be used to accurately and reliably select intensities that are appropriate for improving muscular fitness.

This study examined the impact of an 8-week program of high-intensity interval training on high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), total cholesterol (TC), and the atherogenic index (TC/HDL-C) in 36 untrained men ages 21-36 years. Participants were randomly assigned to an interval training group (n = 20) or a control group (n = 16). Participants in the experimental group performed 3.2 km of interval running (1:1 work:rest ratio) 3 times a week for 8 weeks at an intensity of 90% of maximal heart rate (~423 kcal per session). Results indicated significant pre- to posttraining changes in HDL-C (1.1 vs. 1.3 mmol-[L.sup.-1], p < 0.0001) and TC/ HDL-C (3.8 vs. 3.1, p < 0.0001) but no significant changes in TC (3.9 vs. 3.8 mmol x [L.sup.-1] p > 0.05) with interval training. It was concluded that an 8-week program of high-intensity interval training is effective in eliciting favorable changes in HDL-C and TC/HDL-C but not TC in young adult men with normal TC levels. Our findings support the recommendations of high-intensity interval training as an alternative mode of exercise to improve blood lipid profiles for individuals with acceptable physical fitness levels. KEY WORDS atherogenic index, cardiovascular disease risk, coronary heart disease, exercise training, total cholesterol

Objectives: The development, implementation, and evaluation of policies may play an important role in promoting health behaviours such as physical activity. The Ontario Ministry of Education (OME) recently mandated Memorandum No. 138 requiring daily physical activity (DPA) for Ontario elementary students in grades one through eight. The purpose of this paper is to examine implementation strategies. Methods: Hogwood and Gunn&apos;s 10 preconditions for "perfect implementation" are used to examine publicly available Ministry DPA policy documents to assess whether these implementation strategies have been considered in the policy documents. Results: Several preconditions (e.g., allocation of resources, task specification) appear to have been considered, however a number of preconditions (e.g., the sustainability of resources, extent to which the policy is valued, and evaluation plans) thought to be important require additional attention to ensure optimal DPA implementation. Conclusions: Additional reflection upon Hogwood and Gunn&apos;s implementation preconditions would, in our opinion, assist in facilitating optimal DPA implementation as per Memorandum No. 138. Key words: School; exercise; physical activity; public policy Objectifs: Le developpement, la mise en application et l&apos;evaluation des politiques peuvent jouer un role important dans la promotion des comportements favorisant la sante, telle l&apos;activite physique. En reponse aux niveaux d&apos;inactivite constates chez les jeunes, le Ministere de l&apos;Education de l&apos;Ontario a recemment rendu obligatoire une politique d&apos;activite physique quotidienne (APQ), Memorandum no. 138, visant les eleves de la premiere a la huitieme annee du cours primaire en Ontario. L&apos;objectif de cette etude est d&apos;examiner les strategies de mise en application proposees. Methodes: L&apos;examen des documents publics disponibles se rapportant a la politique APQ du Ministere se fera a la lumiere des dix conditions prealables a une << mise en application parfaite >> selon Hogwood et Gunn, afin d&apos;evaluer si ces strategies ont ete prises en consideration dans les documents se rapportant a la politique. Resultats: Plusieurs conditions prealables (ex., l&apos;allocation de ressources) semblent avoir ete prises en consideration. Cependant, la viabilite des ressources, le degre d&apos;importance accorde a la politique et les plans pour l&apos;evaluation sont des points auxquels une attention plus particuliere devra etre accordee si l&apos;on veut que la politique APQ soit maintenue en application. Conclusions: Bien que la prise en consideration de plusieurs des conditions prealables puisse favoriser la mise en application du Memorandum no. 138, nous concluons que l&apos;examen de conditions prealables additionnelles ainsi qu&apos;une evaluation de la politique peuvent etre justifies comme moyens d&apos;ameliorer davantage la mise en application de la politique et d&apos;en determiner les resultats. Mots cles: ecole; exercice; activite physique; politique publique, Overweight and obesity rates among Canadian youth have increased over the last three decades. (1,2) Recent data suggest that over one quarter of Canadian youth can be classified as overweight [...]

Firefighters routinely encounter physical demands that contribute to countless musculoskeletal injuries. Seemingly, a progressive prescription for fitness would offer superior protection against intrinsic job risks. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of two resistance training interventions on fitness adaptations among firefighters, and to assess the degree of transfer to job-specific tasks. Firefighter trainees were recruited for participation in this experimental study. Two distinct, periodized training models-undulation training (UT; n = 7) and standard training control (STCo; n = 7)--were used to determine the differential affects for muscular fitness and transference to firefighter performance batteries. Specific tests were administered to evaluate 1) upper- and lower-body muscular strength, 2) lower-body power output, 3) sprint speed and jumping ability, 4) anthropometry, and 5) firefighter Grinder performance (i.e., firefighter-specific job tests). The 9-week UT experimental treatment prescription was characterized by daily 'nonlinear' fluctuations in training to preferentially elicit specific and distinct muscular fitness components, whereas the STCo treatment conformed to a traditional model, in which each fitness component was systematically targeted during a specified mesocycle. For both treatments, nearly all fitness and performance measures significantly increased from baseline (p < 0.05), with a trend in favor of UT. Further, the UT group experienced significantly greater improvements (p < 0.05) in Grinder performance over the STCo group. Calculation of effect sizes identified meaningful differences in the magnitude of changes in outcomes (effect size > 0.50) in favor of UT for measures of thigh circumference, vertical jump, 1RM squat, Grinder performance, and peak power output. These findings suggest a potentially greater stimulus for multidimensional muscular fitness development with UT, over a periodized STCo. This study effectively establishes that UT may offer a greater transference to performance for firefighter-specific job tasks. KEY WORDS undulating periodization, fire service, muscular strength, occupation safety

Maximum oxygen consumption ([Vo.sub.2]max) is the primary measure for cardiorespiratory fitness, and the [Vo.sub.2]max value achieved on the treadmill using the Bruce protocol is considered the gold standard. A novel exercise test using a total body recumbent stepper (TBRS) would be an alternative for measuring [Vo.sub.2]max in healthy individuals. Furthermore, the TBRS exercise test (TBRS-XT) may be beneficial for individuals such as those with stroke, who cannot tolerate a treadmill or cycle ergometer test due to hemiparesis, increased tone in the extremities, or balance deficits. The purpose of the study was to assess the validity and reliability of the TBRS-XT in determining [Vo.sub.2]max in healthy adults. Twenty-two healthy adults (9 women, 13 men; 26.9 [+ or -] 6.1 years of age) participated in 2 maximum exercise tests in random order. One exercise test was performed on the treadmill using the Bruce protocol and the other exercise test was the TBRS-XT. Statistical analysis of the data was conducted using simple linear regression where the response variable was the [Vo.sub.2]max from the Bruce protocol and the predictor variable was the [Vo.sub.2]max from the TBRS-XT. A 95% prediction interval was used to assess the strength of the prediction of [Vo.sub.2] from the Bruce protocol with [R.sup.2] = 0.851. Preliminary data suggest that the TBRS-XT may be a valid test to predict [Vo.sup.2]max when treadmill testing is not feasible. This would allow clinicians an alternative method for exercise testing and prescription to promote healthy lifestyle interventions for a variety of patient populations.