Age-Related Differences in OMNI-RPE Scale Validity in Youth: A Longitudinal Analysis.

UNLABELLED: RPE scales are used in exercise science research to assess perceptions of physical effort. RPE scale validity has been evaluated by assessing correlations between RPE and physiological indicators. Cross-sectional studies indicate that RPE scale validity improves with age; however, this has not been studied longitudinally. PURPOSE: This study aimed to examine age-related trends in OMNI-RPE scale validity, using a longitudinal study design, and HR and oxygen uptake (V˙O2) as criterion measures. METHODS: Participants performed eleven 5-min activity trials at baseline, 12-, 24-, and 36-month follow-up (V˙O2 data: N = 160; HR data: N = 138). HR and V˙O2 between minutes 2.5 and 4.5 of each activity were recorded. At the end of each activity, participants reported RPE. Children were stratified into the following age-groups: 6-8, 9-10, 11-12, and ≥13 yr. Within-subject correlations between OMNI-RPE and HR/V˙O2 were calculated at each time point. Differences between correlations for consecutive time points were evaluated using 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: Among children age 6-8 yr at baseline, correlations progressed from 0.67 to 0.78 (V˙O2) and from 0.70 to 0.79 (HR) for 36 months. Among children age 9-10 yr at baseline, the mean within-subject correlation was 0.78 at baseline and 0.81 at 36-month follow-up. Among children age 11-12 and ≥13 yr at baseline, OMNI-RPE ratings demonstrated strong validity (r ≥ 0.82) at each time point. CONCLUSIONS: For the 36-month follow-up, OMNI-RPE scale validity improved among children age 6-8 yr at baseline and remained strong among children age 9-10, 11-12, and ≥13 yr at baseline. Moderate correlations for the youngest participants suggest that caution should be used when interpreting OMNI-RPE reports from children younger than 8 yr.

Evaluation of an unstructured afterschool physical activity programme for disadvantaged youth.

The purpose of the study was to conduct an evaluation of an unstructured afterschool physical activity (PA) programme (Keep it Moving!; KIM) in an ethnically diverse and low socio-economic status (SES) school district. PA of students in 3rd-5th grades (N = 205) at four elementary schools were assessed during spring 2012. An ActiGraph accelerometer was utilised to examine objectively measured time and steps in differing intensity levels. Standard data reduction procedures were used to process collected data and characterise PA. Students averaged approximately 54 min of accelerometer wear-time during the KIM programme, 10.4 ± 6.1 min (19.2%) of which were spent in sedentary behaviour, 28.2 ± 8.3 min (52.1%) in light PA and 15.6 ± 6.6 min (28.7%) in moderate-to-vigorous intensity PA. Within the cadence band of 1-19 steps/min participants accumulated the highest time-derived PA (16.4 ± 6.3 min). In total, children averaged 1811.9 ± 527.5 steps during the entire KIM programme. Results from the programme indicated that elementary-aged students received additional PA through the KIM programme. The mean value of accumulated steps during the afterschool PA programme represented 12-16.5% of the minimum steps/day target (depending upon gender) identified for elementary-aged school children. These data represent unique findings from a high-need population that may be helpful for researchers and practitioners alike.

Age related differences in the validity of the OMNI perceived exertion scale during lifestyle activities.

PURPOSE: The OMNI perceived exertion scale was developed for children to report perceived effort while performing physical activity; however no studies have formally examined age-related differences in validity. This study evaluated the validity of the OMNI-RPE in 4 age groups performing a range of lifestyle activities. METHODS: 206 participants were stratified into four age groups: 6-8 years (n = 42), 9-10 years (n = 46), 11-12 years (n = 47), and 13-15 years (n = 71). Heart rate and VO2 were measured during 11 activity trials ranging in intensity from sedentary to vigorous. After each trial, participants reported effort from the OMNI walk/run scale. Concurrent validity was assessed by calculating within-subject correlations between OMNI ratings and the two physiological indices. RESULTS: The average correlation between OMNI ratings and VO2 was 0.67, 0.77, 0.85, and 0.87 for the 6-8, 9-10, 11-12 and 13-15 y age groups, respectively. CONCLUSION: The OMNI RPE scale demonstrated fair to good evidence of validity across a range of lifestyle activities among 6- to 15-year-old children. The validity of the scale appears to be developmentally related with RPE reports closely reflecting physiological responses among children older than 8 years.

Physical activity levels among children attending family day care.

OBJECTIVE: To objectively measure the physical activity (PA) levels of children attending family day care programs. METHODS: A total of 114 children from 47 family day care centers wore an accelerometer for the duration of their time in care. Time in moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) and total PA was calculated using previously validated cut points. RESULTS: Children accumulated 5.8 ± 3.2 minutes of MVPA and 10.4 ± 4.4 minutes of total PA per hour of attendance. Boys exhibited significantly higher levels of PA than girls. Among healthy weight children, 4- and 5-year-olds exhibited significantly higher levels of PA than 2- and 3-year-olds. Overweight and obese 4- and 5-year-olds exhibited significantly lower levels of PA than their healthy weight counterparts. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Children attending family day care participate in low levels of PA during the child care day. The results highlight the need for effective programs to promote PA in family day care.

Validity of family child care providers' proxy reports on children's physical activity.

BACKGROUND: Interventions to promote physical activity (PA) in children attending family child care homes (FCCHs) require valid, yet practical, measurement tools. The aim of this study was to assess the validity of two proxy report instruments designed to measure PA in children attending FCCHs. METHODS: A sample of 37 FCCH providers completed the Burdette parent proxy report, modified for the family child care setting for 107 children 3.4±1.2 years of age. A second sample of 42 FCCH providers completed the Harro parent and teacher proxy report, modified for the family child care setting, for 131 children 3.8±1.3 years of age. Both proxy reports were assessed for validity using accelerometry as a criterion measure. RESULTS: Significant positive correlations were observed between provider-reported PA scores from the modified Burdette proxy report and objectively measured total PA (r=0.30; p<0.01) and moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA; r=0.34; p<0.01). Across levels of provider-reported PA, both total PA and MVPA increased significantly in a linear dose-response fashion. The modified Harro proxy report was not associated with objectively measured PA. CONCLUSION: Proxy PA reports completed by family child care providers may be a valid assessment option in studies where more burdensome objective measures are not feasible.

Factors associated with physical activity in children attending family child care homes.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between family child care home (FCCH) practices and characteristics, and objectively measured physical activity (PA) among children attending FCCHs. METHODS: FCCH practices and characteristics were assessed in 45 FCCHs in Oregon (USA) in 2010-2011 using the Nutrition and Physical Activity Self-Assessment for Child Care Instrument. Within the 45 FCCHs, 136 children between ages 2 and 5 years wore an accelerometer during child care attendance over a one-week period. Time spent in light, moderate, and vigorous PA per hour was calculated using intensity-related cut-points (Pate et al., 2006). RESULTS: FCCH characteristics and practices associated with higher levels of PA (min/h; p<0.05) included provision of sufficient outdoor active play [32.2 (1.0) vs. 28.6 (1.3)], active play using portable play equipment [31.7 (1.0) vs. 29.3 (1.4)], the presence of a variety of fixed play equipment [32.2 (1.0) vs. 28.9 (1.3)], and suitable indoor play space [32.2 (1.0) vs. 28.6 (1.3)], engaging in active play with children [32.1 (1.1) vs. 29.6 (1.2)], and receiving activity-related training [33.1 (1.2) vs. 30.3 (1.1)]. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to identify practices and characteristics of FCCHs that influence children's PA. These data should be considered when developing programs and policies to promote PA in FCCHs.

Effects of 2 brief interventions on women's understanding of moderate-intensity physical activity.

BACKGROUND: Women's understanding of "moderate-intensity" physical activity (MPA) as presented in the media is not well-understood. This study assessed whether women who are presented a mass-media message about MPA can demonstrate a moderate-intensity walking pace without practicing this pace first. METHODS: Insufficiently active women (n = 75, age 40 +/- 12 years, 76% White) were shown a mass-media description of a MPA recommendation. Forty-one were randomized to also practice a moderate-intensity (55%-70% of maximum heart rate) walk. One month later, participants were asked to demonstrate a 10-minute moderate-intensity walk. Groups were compared on the proportion of participants who walked > or = 10 minutes at a moderate intensity. RESULTS: At posttest, more participants who received practice at baseline walked at a moderate-intensity > or = 10 minutes than those who received no practice (P < .05). CONCLUSION: To understand MPA, it is not enough to simply hear and read a description of MPA. It is essential to practice MPA.

Experiences of women in a minimal contact pedometer-based intervention: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Minimal contact pedometer-based interventions are gaining in popularity as a cost-effective method of promoting physical activity. The experiences of women in these interventions, however, have not been adequately studied. PURPOSE: This study used focus groups to explore women's experiences in a minimal contact pedometer-based intervention. METHODS: Participants were women aged 31 to 51 years who completed a 6-week minimal contact pedometer-based intervention. Before the intervention, all participants were inactive or irregularly active. For the intervention, participants wore pedometers, completed weekly logs of daily steps taken, created physical activity goals, and received weekly emails. Email messages contained strategies for increasing physical activity and served as reminders to wear the pedometer and submit the step logs. After the intervention, participants were invited to attend focus groups to discuss their experiences in the intervention. A generic qualitative research approach was used to analyze the data. RESULTS: Wearing the pedometer helped participants set goals and motivated them to increase their physical activity. Submitting step logs made them accountable. They wanted more innovative tips in the emails for increasing physical activity. DISCUSSION: Our results suggest that the effectiveness of minimal contact interventions may be enhanced by including pedometers, step logs, and email reminders.