Exploring the feasibility of implementing a pedometer-based physical activity program in primary school settings: a case study of 10,000 steps.

ISSUES ADDRESSED: The school environment provides an ideal setting for physical activity programs. The aim of the current research was to explore the feasibility and appropriateness of implementing program resources from an adult pedometer-based physical activity program (10,000 Steps) into the primary school environment. METHODS: 10,000 Steps resources were implemented in three primary schools as a pilot study. Qualitative evaluation of the pilot study included semi-structured interviews with teachers and focus groups with students. RESULTS: Four major themes were identified regarding implementation enablers: pedometers; curriculum inclusion; 10,000 Steps challenges and resources; and motivation and enthusiasm. CONCLUSIONS: To achieve a suitable and successful implementation, the 10,000 Steps program and resources need to be adapted for school settings so as to optimise teacher load and curriculum inclusion, and enhance adaptability or flexibility of programs and resources.

Meta-analysis of internet-delivered interventions to increase physical activity levels.

Many internet-delivered physical activity behaviour change programs have been developed and evaluated. However, further evidence is required to ascertain the overall effectiveness of such interventions. The objective of the present review was to evaluate the effectiveness of internet-delivered interventions to increase physical activity, whilst also examining the effect of intervention moderators. A systematic search strategy identified relevant studies published in the English-language from Pubmed, Proquest, Scopus, PsychINFO, CINHAL, and Sport Discuss (January 1990 - June 2011). Eligible studies were required to include an internet-delivered intervention, target an adult population, measure and target physical activity as an outcome variable, and include a comparison group that did not receive internet-delivered materials. Studies were coded independently by two investigators. Overall effect sizes were combined based on the fixed effect model. Homogeneity and subsequent exploratory moderator analysis was undertaken. A total of 34 articles were identified for inclusion. The overall mean effect of internet-delivered interventions on physical activity was d = 0.14 (p = 0.00). Fixed-effect analysis revealed significant heterogeneity across studies (Q = 73.75; p = 0.00). Moderating variables such as larger sample size, screening for baseline physical activity levels and the inclusion of educational components significantly increased intervention effectiveness. Results of the meta-analysis support the delivery of internet-delivered interventions in producing positive changes in physical activity, however effect sizes were small. The ability of internet-delivered interventions to produce meaningful change in long-term physical activity remains unclear.

Associations of physical activity and screen-time on health related quality of life in adults.

BACKGROUND: Associations between the combined effect of physical activity and screen based activities on health related quality of life remain largely undetermined. METHODS: During 2008-2010, cross-sectional data for self-reported health related quality of life, physical activity, and screen-time were collected for 3796 Australian adults. Logistic regression was conducted to examine associations for six combinations of physical activity (none, insufficient, and sufficient), and screen-time (low and high) on health related quality of life. RESULTS: In comparison to the reference category (sufficient physical activity and low screen-time) men and women who reported no physical activity and either high (OR=4.52, 95% CI 2.82-7.25) or low (OR=2.29, 95% CI 1.37-3.80) screen-time, were significantly more likely to report over 14 unhealthy days. Men reporting either; no physical activity and high (OR=3.15, 95% CI 1.92-5.15), or low (OR=2.17, 95% CI 1.30-3.63) screen-time; insufficient physical activity and high (OR=1.68, 95% CI 1.08-2.60), or low (OR=1.79, 95% CI 1.14-2.82) screen-time were more likely to rate their health as poor or fair. In women this was significant for those who reported no physical activity and high screen-time (OR=1.98, 95% CI, 1.19-3.31). CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that the combination of no physical activity and high screen-time demonstrated the greatest negative impact on health related quality of life.

Health behaviour interventions to improve physical health in individuals diagnosed with a mental illness: a systematic review.

Individuals diagnosed with mental illness experience high rates of morbidity and mortality as a result of poor physical health and unhealthy lifestyle behaviours. The aim of this paper is to systematically review the literature on health behaviour interventions to improve the physical health of individuals diagnosed with a mental illness. A systematic search strategy was undertaken using four of the major electronic databases. Identified articles were screened for inclusion, included articles were coded, and data were extracted and critically reviewed. A total of 42 articles were identified for inclusion. The most commonly targeted physical health behaviour was weight management. The majority of studies reported improvements in health behaviours following interventions. The findings provide evidence for the positive effect of health behaviour interventions in improving the physical health of individuals diagnosed with a serious mental illness. A focus on health behaviour interventions within the mental health nursing profession might lead to improvements in health behaviours and general health in consumers of mental health services.

Prospective associations between intervention components and website engagement in a publicly available physical activity website: the case of 10,000 Steps Australia.

BACKGROUND: Effectiveness of and engagement with website-delivered physical activity interventions is moderate at best. Increased exposure to Internet interventions is reported to increase their effectiveness; however, there is a lack of knowledge about which specific intervention elements are able to maintain website engagement. OBJECTIVE: To prospectively study the associations of website engagement and exposure to intervention components for a publicly available physical activity website (10,000 Steps Australia). METHODS: Between June and July 2006 a total of 348 members of 10,000 Steps completed a Web-based survey to collect demographic characteristics. Website engagement was subsequently assessed over a 2-year period and included engagement data on website components; individual challenges, team challenges, and virtual walking buddies; and indicators of website engagement (average steps logged, days logging steps, and active users). RESULTS: On average participants logged steps on 169 (SD 228.25) days. Over a 2-year period this equated to an average of 1.6 logons per week. Binary logistic regression showed that individuals who participated in individual challenges were more likely to achieve an average of 10,000 steps per day (odds ratio [OR] = 2.80, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.45-5.40), log steps on a higher than average number of days (OR = 6.81, 95% CI 2.87-13.31), and remain an active user (OR = 4.36, 95% CI 2.17-8.71). Additionally, those using virtual walking buddies (OR = 5.83, 95% CI 1.27-26.80) and of older age logged steps on a higher than average number of days. No significant associations were found for team challenges. CONCLUSIONS: Overall engagement with the 10,000 Steps website was high, and the results demonstrate the relative effectiveness of interactive components to enhance website engagement. However, only exposure to the interactive individual challenge feature was positively associated with all website engagement indicators. More research is needed to examine the influence of intervention components on website engagement, as well as the relationship between website engagement and physical activity change.

The relationship between personality, theory of planned behaviour and physical activity in individuals with type II diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study was to conduct a process analysis of the effects of personality on physical activity intention and behaviour using the theory of planned behaviour (TPB). DESIGN: Prospective study design with data collected by means of two questionnaires. METHODS: Data were obtained by means of two questionnaires, the initial questionnaire measured demographic characteristics, TPB constructs, physical activity intention and personality. The 2-week follow-up questionnaire assessed self-report physical activity behaviour. A series of regression analysis were undertaken to identify the relationship between the variables and to determine mediation effects of the TPB constructs. PATIENTS: A random sample of individuals with type II diabetes was selected from the Diabetes Australia (Queensland) membership database. A total of 74 complete data sets were obtained. RESULTS: Intention explained 28% of the variance in physical activity behaviour. Attitude, subjective norm and perceived behavioural control (PBC) explained 73% of variance in physical activity intention. Attitude and PBC mediated the relationship between conscientiousness and physical activity intention. CONCLUSIONS: These results provide preliminary evidence that targeting constructs proximal to the behaviour (attitudes and PBC) may be effective in overcoming inherent qualities such as personality in order to produce physical activity behaviour change within this sample population.