A public health approach to increase physical activity and health education: The Biokinetic Humanitarian Project

Physical activity has comprehensive benefits promoting well-being; health and improving quality of life. Unfortunately; physical inactivity is the fourth leading cause of deaths due to NCDs worldwide which contribute to over three million preventable deaths. Currently; more emphasis is placed on lifestyle convenience through the use of technology while there is less emphasis placed on the meaningfulness and importance of physical activity and health. Due to the epidemic; it is noteworthy that there are distinct differences between both the modern and early eras regarding health and lifestyle. Behaviours and determinants attributed to physical activity regarding these lifestyles include age; gender; ethnicity; the environment; fitness levels; nutrition and health status respectively. Previous research has stipulated that public health interventions should focus on the management and positive outcomes of such determinants. Interventions advocating both physical activity participation and exercise education are needed across all domains; locally and internationally. It is vital to have intervention strategies that target individuals so that they are able to adjust to the environment they're in. Among these interventions is the Biokinetic Humanitarian Project (BHP) which aims to provide exercise testing; exercise prescription and health education in underprivileged communities; sport and university settings; primary health care and other settings in need. The BHP intervention hopes to inculcate the meaningfulness and disseminate physical activity and health education to individuals. It is imperative that the spotlight in physical activity research is drawn towards future interventions; where NCDs and health status around the world will improve and potentially be alleviated

Promoting physical activity: a low cost intervention programme for disadvantaged schools in Port Elizabeth, South Africa: physical activity

Physical activity guidelines recommend that children accumulate at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) daily. In South Africa; children from historically black communities and schools; previously disadvantaged by apartheid; have limited physical activity opportunities due to the marginalization of physical education in the school curriculum; inadequate extra-curricula and community sports provision and the paucity or poor standard of available facilities and equipment. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a 6-week low-cost in-school intervention in promoting MVPA at three disadvantaged primary schools in Port Elizabeth; South Africa. The intervention was designed to stimulate free play in children. An experimental design involving quantitative and qualitative methods was used to evaluate the effect of the intervention. A total of 79 learners (ages 9 to 12; from Grades 3 to 6) and 9 teachers from three disadvantaged schools participated in the study. In-school physical activity was measured using ActiGraph accelerometers which were worn for 5 consecutive school days; pre- and 6-weeks post-intervention. Low-cost physical activity-friendly environments which included multicolour playground markings for games (hopscotch; 2-square and 4- square; mazes; and some traditional games); playground stations (balance beams; monkey bars; pull-up bars; tyre stations; shooting hoops; mini-soccer posts) and small equipment (skipping ropes; tennis balls; frisbees; soccer balls; netballs and rugby balls) were installed at participating schools; in partnership with school communities. The intervention was found to be effective in increasing children's in-school MVPA in the short term; and provided data which could help to promote the provision of physical education in disadvantaged schools

Occipital intermittent rhythmical delta activity in a schoolgirl with microcephaly

The clinical significance of occipital intermittent rhythmic delta activity (OIRDA) on the electroencephalogram (EEG) has not been fully established. Over the years, it has been suggested that the interpretation of the OIRDA electroen-cephalographic pattern may be related to metabolic problems, structural lesions, infections and epilepsy. Recent studies sug-gested that this pattern occurs almost exclusively in children and is probably of epileptic origin in most case. It has been asso-ciated with primary generalized epilepsy syndromes, such as childhood absence. An 8-year-old schoolgirl, attending the 3rd grade, with easy distractibility, inattention, low school performance,and microcephaly is described. EEG was performed awake during hyperventilation revealed occipital intermittent rhythmic delta with a frequency of 3 Hz, bilateral and synchronous, with 2nd and 4th sec of duration. Antiepileptic therapy with valproic acid was begun. After being treated for 8 months, no OIRDA was detected on follow up EEG. The presence of OIRDA activity on EEG in a child should alert us to the presence of absence epi-lepsy

Revisiting the Importance of Childhood Activity

Formalised exercise programmes for children and adolescents are becoming increasingly important. There has been a drastic increase in documented childhood morbidity and mortality relating to poor nutrition and low activity levels in recent years. Regular physical activity decreases the risk of chronic disease and is also a fundamental component in the management of illnesses. Recommendations for the paediatric population remain insufficient and ill-defined. This article revisits the risks of physical inactivity in childhood and provides the latest recommendations for exercise prescription in the paediatric population. Inactive children have a higher risk of developing chronic diseases; such as obesity; type 2 diabetes; high blood cholesterol and hypertension. Other undesirable consequences include orthopaedic problems; cardiovascular disease and various psychological complications. Both aerobic and resistance training should be incorporated into paediatric exercise programmes. The recommended guidelines for childhood activity are 60 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise every day of the week. This article highlights the importance of formalised paediatric exercise programmes in disease prevention and health promotion. A healthy and happy adolescent population ultimately contributes to an adult population with a low risk of ill health

Evaluation of a School-based Nutrition and Physical Activity Programme for Grade 4 Learners in the Western Cape Province

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Making the Difference programme (MTDP); an educationand activity-based intervention for Grade 4 learners at primary schools in the Western Cape. Design: This was a cross-sectional; post-intervention survey of an existing programme; using control schools as a comparator. Setting and subjects: The study involved Western Cape primary schools in the 2009 school year. Schools were randomly sampled from two regions. Four intervention (active in the MTDP) and five control (non-participating) schools (n = 325 learners) were selected. Outcome measures: The following outcome measures were assessed using an administered questionnaire to learners: learners' knowledge of; attitudes towards; and behaviour in relation to nutrition and physical activity. Results: A small but significant improvement (eating vegetables and taking lunch boxes to school) was demonstrated with regard to self-reported behaviour in relation to nutrition in the intervention group. However; this behaviour was not explained by differences in barriers to healthy eating; self-efficacy or knowledge; which were not different between the groups; or by perceived social support; which was actually significantly increased in the control group. Groups displayed no differences in physical activity or sedentary behaviour. However; the results showed a significant difference between the groups in terms of a reduction in perceived barriers to physical activity and increased physical activity self-efficacy in the active group. Conclusion: While the MTDP only had a modest effect on the self-reported nutrition and physical activity behaviour of the learners; results regarding lower perceived barriers to physical activity and increased physical activity self-efficacy were promising

The Development of an Instrument to Measure Women's Experience of an Aerobic Dance Class

The purpose of the study was to pilot an instrument to measure women's experience in an aerobic dance class with regard to their descriptions of the general atmosphere; the music; the dance moves and routines; and the instructor. In addition; the participants were asked to rate a list of exercise benefits in order of personal importance. A sample of 27 women; ranging in age from 25 to 60 years participated in this pilot study. The women responded with positive endorsements for all aspects of the overall dance experience; but their most affirming descriptions revolved around the instructor. There was an almost unanimous agreement amongst the participants about the importance of the instructor's role in their experience of the class. Their responses to the open ? ended questions supported these sentiments. The mental and physical benefits were rated as important for most of the women whilst a much lower percentage rated the social benefit as important. Two items in the semantic differential posed problems but the instrument showed promise in eliciting key aspects of women's experience in an aerobics dance class

The Physical Activity and Health Status of Two Generations of Black South African Professional Women

Increased health risks associated with physical inactivity in the Black population have been reported in recent years. Black women; suffering the highest levels of inactivity; overweight and obesity; are at greatest risk of developing chronic diseases of lifestyle. This explorative-descriptive study investigated the physical activity patterns and health status of two generations of Black professional women; reflecting pre-democracy and post-democracy age groups. Quantitative measures were used; including the ActiGraph GT1M accelerometer; the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire and the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile. Sample groups comprised teachers; nurses; social workers and public sector managers. Participants aged between 35 and 45 years were allocated to the older generation group (n = 111); whilst those aged between 18 and 21 years (students in the mentioned professional fields) were allocated to the younger generation group (n = 69). The results indicated that these women displayed lower levels of health-promoting behavioural practices than expected; significantly lower levels of physical activity and significantly higher levels of overweight and obesity than the South African norms. The observation that the younger group appeared to be replicating the patterns of the older women is a cause of concern. Greater compliance to health-promoting behaviours was expected in this group owing to participants' professional involvement in health; education and social development fields. Wide-ranging initiatives are necessary to promote physical activity and health amongst the Black female population in South Africa

Physical Activity Levels and Energy Expenditure of 9-Year-Old - 12-Year-Old Overweight and Obese Children

The high occurrence of overweight and obesity amongst children is a disturbing health problem worldwide. Possible causes of increasing childhood obesity are inactivity and energy imbalances. The aim of this study was to analyse the total energy expenditure (TEE) and physical activity levels in 9-year-old - 12-year-old overweight and obese children during a weekday and a weekend day; as well as during a weekday morning and afternoon. Twenty-four 9-year-old - 12-year-old children (seven boys and 17 girls); of whom nine were overweight and 15 were obese; were selected from seven public primary schools for this study. Body mass index (BMI) cut-off points were used to distinguish between overweight and obese. Each participant wore an ACTICALT monitor to determine their physical activity levels and TEE. It was found that the TEE of the children did not differ between a week day and a weekend day; although the TEE of the week day afternoon differed significantly from that of the weekday morning. Unlike the overweight children; none of the obese children met the requirements of 60 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per day. Strategies should be found to increase the activity levels of overweight and; especially; obese children; specifically during the mornings and over weekends

Physical Activity Levels and Energy Expenditure of 9-Year-Old - 12-Year-Old Overweight and Obese Children

The high occurrence of overweight and obesity amongst children is a disturbing health problem worldwide. Possible causes of increasing childhood obesity are inactivity and energy imbalances. The aim of this study was to analyse the total energy expenditure (TEE)and physical activity levels in 9-year-old - 12-year-old overweight and obese children during a weekday and a weekend day; as well as during a weekday morning and afternoon. Twenty-four 9-year-old - 12-year-old children (seven boys and 17 girls); of whom nine were overweight and 15 were obese; were selected from seven public primary schools for this study. Body mass index (BMI) cut-off points were used to distinguish between overweight and obese. Each participant wore an ACTICALT monitor to determine their physical activity levels and TEE. It was found that the TEE of the children did not differ between a week day and a weekend day; although the TEE of the week day afternoon differed significantly from that of the weekday morning. Unlike the overweight children; none of the obese children met the requirements of 60 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per day. Strategies should be found to increase the activity levels of overweight and; especially; obese children; specifically during the mornings and over weekends

Significant Differences between Serum CRP Levels in Children in Different Categories of Physical Activity : the PLAY Study : Cardiovascular Topics

Low-grade systemic inflammation is emerging as a component of the metabolic syndrome. The purpose of this study was to assess the association between serum C-reactive protein (CRP); physical activity and body composition in 193 black children aged 13 to 18 years from a South African township. Demographic information and anthropometric measurements were taken; and fasting blood samples were analysed for high-sensitivity serum CRP. Body fat was measured by air displacement plethysmography. There was a trend towards higher serum CRP in the boys with a higher percentage body fat. After multiple regression analyses; waist circumference in the girls was significantly associated with serum CRP. In the boys; there was an inverse correlation between percentage body fat and fitness; and between fitness and serum CRP. Significant differences were found between serum CRP in the different physical activity categories; with lower serum CRP in the girls in the higher physical activity group. Obesity should be prevented in South African children by encouraging physical activity

Effect of Physical Activity on Body Water in Sedentary Young Underweight and Obese Women

Background: The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of a walking exercise on body water among sedentary obese and thin women. Methods: Forty young untrained girls between the age of 20 and 25 years (obese; BMI30: N=20 and thin; BMI

Habitual Physical Activity Levels are Positively Correlated with CD4 Counts in an HIV-Positive South African Population

In order to assess the relationship between CD4 cell count; habitual physical activity levels and functional independence in a South African adult population positive for HIV; we administered a questionnaire concerning lifestyle and physical activity. Data collection took place at an antiretroviral (ARV) roll-out site at Helen Joseph Hospital; Johannesburg. The study involved 186 HIV-positive outpatients (47 male and 139 female); with a mean age of 35.2 years; who were either taking (n = 121) or not taking (n = 65) ARV medication. We compared CD4 cell count; habitual physical activity levels (metabolic intensity in MET hours per month) and functional independence as assessed from the responses to the questionnaire. There was a positive and significant correlation between the patients' length of time on ARV medication and CD4 cell counts (p 0.0001; r

Sources of Variance and Reliability of Objectively Monitored Physical Activity in Rural and Urban Northern Sotho-Speaking Blacks

OBJECTIVE. We investigated the sources of variance and reliability in an objective measure of physical activity for a 14-hour and 4-day monitoring period. Design. A convenience sample of rural (N=31) and urban (N=30) adult; Northern Sotho-speaking blacks was recruited. Physical activity was assessed for 8 consecutive days usinga uni-axial accelerometer. Physical activity indices were total counts; average counts; inactivity (500 counts) moderate-1 activity (500 - 1 951 counts); moderate-2+vigorous activity (.1 952 counts); and were expressed per hour or per day as required. RESULT. Accelerometry data from 41 subjects (23 males; 18 females) complied with selection requirements and were analysed for variance distribution and reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs)). For the 14-hour monitoring period variance was distributed as follows: intra-individual (71- 82); inter-individual (3 - 18) and hour-of-day (2 - 14). Attenuated ICCs ranged from 0.31 to 0.75 (median: 0.70). Variance for the 4-day monitoring period differed from the 14-hour monitoring period: inter-individual (47 - 58); intraindividual (43 - 51) and day-of-week (0 - 6.5). Attenuated ICCs ranged from 0.27 to 0.84 (median: 0.79). Irrespective of the monitoring period; total counts; average counts and moderate-2+vigorous activity tended to be the most reliable measures requiring the fewest number of monitoring periods. CONCLUSIONS. These findings provide an insight for understanding how variance is distributed in objectively measuredactivity patterns of a South African sample and show that reliable measures of adult physical activity behaviours require 18 - 128 hours and 3 - 44 days; depending on the monitoring period; physical activity index; residence status and sex

Diets Rich in Vegetables and Physical Activity are Associated with a Decreased Risk of Pregnancy Induced Hypertension among Rural Women from Kimpese; DR Congo

Background: To assess whether the frequency pf pregnancy-induced hypertension is low; and vegetables intake and physical activity are protective against pregnancy-induced hypertension onset among rural women from Democratic republic of Congo. Method: This hospital-based and longitudinal study was carried out within the rural hospital of Kimpese; DR Congo were monitored from January 1st to March 31st 2003 on basis of demographic; diet; physical activity; anthropometry; and blood pressure till the onset of types of pregnancy-induced hypertension and delivery. Results: Out of 238 black pregnants; the incidence risk of arterial hypertension was 4.6(n=11) whose 2.9with Pre-Eclampsia and 1.7with transient hypertension. Gestity; parity and birth weight of infants were significantly lower among hypertensive mothers; while positive family history and presence of oedemas were more elevated among hypertensive pregnants. The onset of Pre Eclampsia was higher within vendors and inactive women as well as among vegetarians (3.1) than women with diet high in meat (9.7). Pre Eclampsia occurred more (p0.05) among pregnants with rare daily servings of vegetables (33.3) than pregnants with 3 or more (3.7). Physical activity (RR=0.63 CI950.33 to 0.98) were significant (p0.01) protective factors against pre eclampsia. Eclampsia was not observed. Conclusion: It is timely to promote diet rich in vegetables overweight reduction and physical activity among pregnants for the prevention of pregnancy-induced hypertension

Diets Rich in Vegetables and Physical Activity are Associated with a Decreased Risk of Pregnancy Induced Hypertension among Rural Women from Kimpese; DR Congo

Background:To assess whether the frequency pf pregnancy-induced hypertension is low; and vegetables intake and physical activity are protective against pregnancy-induced hypertension onset among rural women from Democratic republic of Congo. Method: This hospital-based and longitudinal study was carried out within the rural hospital of Kimpese; DR Congo were monitored from January 1st to March 31st 2003 on basis of demographic; diet; physical activity; anthropometry; and blood pressure till the onset of types of pregnancy-induced hypertension and delivery. Results: Out of 238 black pregnants; the incidence risk of arterial hypertension was 4.6(n=11) whose 2.9with Pre-Eclampsia and 1.7with transient hypertension.Gestity; parity and birth weight of infants were significantly lower among hypertensive mothers; while positive family history and presence of oedemas were more elevated among hypertensive pregnantsThe onset of Pre Eclampsia was higher within vendors and inactive women as well as among vegetarians (3.1) than women with diet high in meat (9.7).Pre Eclampsia occurred more (p

Diets Rich in Vegetables and Physical Activity are Associated with a Decreased Risk of Pregnancy Induced Hypertension among Rural Women from Kimpese; DR Congo

Background:To assess whether the frequency pf pregnancy-induced hypertension is low; and vegetables intake and physical activity are protective against pregnancy-induced hypertension onset among rural women from Democratic republic of Congo. Method: This hospital-based and longitudinal study was carried out within the rural hospital of Kimpese; DR Congo were monitored from January 1st to March 31st 2003 on basis of demographic; diet; physical activity; anthropometry; and blood pressure till the onset of types of pregnancy-induced hypertension and delivery. Results: Out of 238 black pregnants; the incidence risk of arterial hypertension was 4.6(n=11) whose 2.9with Pre-Eclampsia and 1.7with transient hypertension.Gestity; parity and birth weight of infants were significantly lower among hypertensive mothers; while positive family history and presence of oedemas were more elevated among hypertensive pregnantsThe onset of Pre Eclampsia was higher within vendors and inactive women as well as among vegetarians (3.1) than women with diet high in meat (9.7).Pre Eclampsia occurred more (p

Validity and Reliability of a Physical Activity/Inactivity Questionnaire in South African Primary Schoolgirls

Objective. We sought to determine the validity and reliability of a self-report physical activity questionnaire (PAQ) measuring physical activity/inactivity in South Africanschoolgirls of different ethnic origins. Methods. Construct validity of the PAQ was tested against physical activity energy expenditure estimated from an ACTIVITYGRAM and inactivity from reported television programme viewing in 332 girls (ages 9 - 12 yrs; grades 4 - 5). Body composition (WHO BMI percentiles and percentage body fat) was used as an indirect measure of validity for the PAQ. Test-retest reliability of the PAQ was assessed in a convenience sample of 14 girls. Results. Weak but significant associations were found between the body composition and PAQ-derived total energy expenditure (r=-0.18; p0.05 for percentage body fat; rschool sports showed good test-retest reliability (r=0.80; p0.05). Conclusions. Our results showed that the PAQ may provide some reasonable insights into levels of physical inactivity and activity in South African primary schoolgirls. However; additional studies are required using objective measures of physical activity; such as pedometry or accelerometry; to better understand the utility of the PAQ for children