Awareness and knowledge of the Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Adults among adults living in Canada.

Awareness and knowledge of national movement behaviour guidelines are needed to influence individual behaviour and public health policies. This study assessed the awareness and knowledge of the Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Adults Aged 18-64 Years and Adults Aged 65 Years or Older (24HMG) recommendations among adults living in Canada across three timepoints. Online surveys were distributed to representative samples of adults living in Canada over a 6-month period. Findings suggest that short-term dissemination efforts were successful in increasing awareness of the 24HMG following guideline release. However, other strategies, such as education, may be needed to influence knowledge of guideline recommendations.

Tools to guide clinical discussions on physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and/or sleep for health promotion between primary care providers and adults accessing care: a scoping review.

BACKGROUND: Health care providers have reported low knowledge, skill, and confidence for discussing movement behaviours (i.e., physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and sleep), which may be improved with the use of tools to guide movement behaviour discussions in their practice. Past reviews have examined the psychometric properties, scoring, and behavioural outcomes of physical activity discussion tools. However, the features, perceptions, and effectiveness of discussion tools for physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and/or sleep have not yet been synthesized. The aim of this review was to report and appraise tools for movement behaviour discussions between health care providers and adults 18 + years in a primary care context within Canada or analogous countries. METHODS: An integrated knowledge translation approach guided this review, whereby a working group of experts in medicine, knowledge translation, communications, kinesiology, and health promotion was engaged from research question formation to interpretation of findings. Three search approaches were used (i.e., peer-reviewed, grey literature, and forward searches) to identify studies reporting on perceptions and/or effectiveness of tools for physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and/or sleep. The quality of included studies was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. RESULTS: In total, 135 studies reporting on 61 tools (i.e., 51 on physical activity, one on sleep, and nine combining two movement behaviours) met inclusion criteria. Included tools served the purposes of assessment (n = 57), counselling (n = 50), prescription (n = 18), and/or referral (n = 12) of one or more movement behaviour. Most tools were used or intended for use by physicians, followed by nurses/nurse practitioners (n = 11), and adults accessing care (n = 10). Most tools were also used or intended to be used with adults without chronic conditions aged 18-64 years (n = 34), followed by adults with chronic conditions (n = 18). The quality of the 116 studies that evaluated tool effectiveness varied. CONCLUSIONS: Many tools were positively perceived and were deemed effective at enhancing knowledge of, confidence for, ability in, and frequency of movement behaviour discussions. Future tools should guide discussions of all movement behaviours in an integrated manner in line with the 24-Hour Movement Guidelines. Practically, this review offers seven evidence-based recommendations that may guide future tool development and implementation.

Developing and testing the usability, acceptability, and future implementation of the Whole Day Matters Tool and User Guide for primary care providers using think-aloud, near-live, and interview procedures.

BACKGROUND: Canada's 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Adults have shifted the focus from considering movement behaviours (i.e., physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and sleep) separately to a 24-h paradigm, which considers how they are integrated. Accordingly, primary care providers (PCPs) have the opportunity to improve their practice to promote all movement behaviours cohesively. However, PCPs have faced barriers to discussing physical activity alone (e.g., time, competing priorities, inadequate training), leading to low frequency of physical activity discussions. Consequently, discussing three movement behaviours may seem challenging. Tools to facilitate primary care discussions about physical activity have been developed and used; however, few have undergone usability testing and none have integrated all movement behaviours. Following a synthesis of physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and sleep tools for PCPs, we developed the Whole Day Matters Tool and User Guide that incorporate all movement behaviours. The present study aimed to explore PCPs' perceptions on the usability, acceptability, and future implementation of the Whole Day Matters Tool and User Guide to improve their relevancy among PCPs. METHODS: Twenty-six PCPs were observed and audio-video recorded while using the Tool and User Guide in a think-aloud procedure, then in a near-live encounter with a mock service-user. A debriefing interview using a guide informed by Normalization Process Theory followed. Recordings were transcribed verbatim and analysed using content analysis and a critical friend to enhance rigour. RESULTS: PCPs valued aspects of the Tool and User Guide including their structure, user-friendliness, visual appeal, and multi-behaviour focus and suggested modifications to improve usability and acceptability. Findings are further discussed in the context of Normalization Process Theory and previous literature. CONCLUSIONS: The Tool and User Guide were revised, including adding plain language, reordering and renaming sections, reducing text, and clarifying instructions. Results also informed the addition of a Preamble and a Handout for adults accessing care (i.e., patients/clients/service-users) to explain the evidence underpinning the 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Adults and support a person-centered approach. These four resources (i.e., Tool, User Guide, Preamble, Handout) have since undergone a consensus building process to arrive at their final versions before being disseminated into primary care practice.

Development of a ParticipACTION App-Based Intervention for Improving Postsecondary Students' 24-Hour Movement Guideline Behaviors: Protocol for the Application of Intervention Mapping.

BACKGROUND: The Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for adults provide specific recommendations for levels of physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep (ie, the movement behaviors) required for optimal health. Performance of the movement behaviors is associated with improved mental well-being. However, most postsecondary students do not meet the movement behavior recommendations within the Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines and experience increased stress and declining well-being, suggesting the need for an intervention targeting students' movement behaviors. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to develop and implement a theory-informed intervention intended to improve the movement behaviors and mental well-being of first-year postsecondary students. METHODS: The Intervention Mapping protocol was applied in the development and implementation of the intervention. Intervention Mapping entailed performing a needs assessment, determining the intervention outcomes, selecting theory- and evidence-based change methods and applications, preparing and producing intervention plans and materials, developing the implementation plan, and finally developing an evaluation plan. The Theoretical Domains Framework and the Behavior Change Wheel were also used in conjunction with the Intervention Mapping protocol to ensure a solid theoretical basis for the intervention. This protocol led to the development and implementation of a 6-week, theory-informed ParticipACTION app-based intervention aimed at helping first-year postsecondary students improve their movement behaviors and mental well-being. The developed app content provided students with information on each of the movement behaviors and behavioral strategies (ie, goal setting, action planning, monitoring, and coping planning). The use of Intervention Mapping allowed for the continuous involvement of various multidisciplinary partners and end users, ensuring that the intervention design and implementation was appropriate for the target audience. The feasibility, acceptability, and potential impact of the intervention will be examined in a subsequent proof-of-concept study at 2 Canadian university campuses. RESULTS: Participant recruitment occurred during September 2021, and the intervention was conducted from October to December 2021. The deadline for completion of the postintervention questionnaire by participants was mid-December 2021. The analysis of data examining the feasibility, acceptability, and potential impact of the intervention began in January 2022, with the publication of the proof-of-concept evaluation expected in 2023. CONCLUSIONS: Intervention Mapping with the Theoretical Domains Framework and Behavior Change Wheel was a useful approach to combine evidence and theoretical concepts to guide the design and implementation of a ParticipACTION app-based intervention targeting postsecondary students' movement behaviors and mental well-being. This process may serve as an example for other researchers developing multiple behavior change app-based interventions. Should the forthcoming evaluation demonstrate the intervention's acceptability, feasibility, and potential impact, the intervention may provide a scalable method of improving postsecondary students' movement behaviors and mental well-being. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): RR1-10.2196/39977.

Top 10 International Priorities for Physical Fitness Research and Surveillance Among Children and Adolescents: A Twin-Panel Delphi Study.

BACKGROUND: The measurement of physical fitness has a history that dates back nearly 200 years. Recently, there has been an increase in international research and surveillance on physical fitness creating a need for setting international priorities that could help guide future efforts. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to produce a list of the top 10 international priorities for research and surveillance on physical fitness among children and adolescents. METHODS: Using a twin-panel Delphi method, two independent panels consisting of 46 international experts were identified (panel 1 = 28, panel 2 = 18). The panel participants were asked to list up to five priorities for research or surveillance (round 1), and then rated the items from their own panel on a 5-point Likert scale of importance (round 2). In round 3, experts were asked to rate the priorities identified by the other panel. RESULTS: There was strong between-panel agreement (panel 1: rs = 0.76, p < 0.01; panel 2: rs = 0.77, p < 0.01) in the priorities identified. The list of the final top 10 priorities included (i) "conduct longitudinal studies to assess changes in fitness and associations with health". This was followed by (ii) "use fitness surveillance to inform decision making", and (iii) "implement regular and consistent international/national fitness surveys using common measures". CONCLUSIONS: The priorities identified in this study provide guidance for future international collaborations and research efforts on the physical fitness of children and adolescents over the next decade and beyond.

Timing of 24-hour movement behaviours: implications for practice, policy and research. / Répartition des comportements en matière de mouvement sur 24 heures : implications en termes de pratique, de politiques et de recherche.

For health benefits, Canadians need to: move when it suits them; remove screens from bedrooms and limit screen use prior to bedtime; and adjust bedtime so that they can sleep the recommended amount. The 24-Hour Movement Guidelines Communication Toolkit has resources that can be used across settings to help Canadians optimize movement behaviours throughout the day.

Pour obtenir des bienfaits sur leur santé, les Canadiens et Canadiennes doivent : bouger au moment qui leur convient; retirer les écrans de leur chambre et limiter l'utilisation d'écrans avant de se coucher; adapter l'heure de leur coucher de manière à avoir le nombre d'heures de sommeil recommandé. La trousse de communication des Directives canadiennes en matière de mouvement sur 24 heures propose des ressources utilisables en fonction de diverses situations et divers milieux pour aider la population canadienne à optimiser ses comportements en matière de mouvement tout au long de la journée.

Development of the Get Active Questionnaire for Pregnancy: breaking down barriers to prenatal exercise.

Evidence-based guidelines represent the highest level of scientific evidence to identify best practices for clinical/public health. However, the availability of guidelines do not guarantee their use, targeted knowledge translation strategies and tools are necessary to help promote uptake. Following publication of the 2019 Canadian Guideline for Physical Activity throughout Pregnancy, the Get Active Questionnaire for Pregnancy, and an associated Health Care Provider Consultation Form for Prenatal Physical Activity were developed to promote guideline adoption and use amongst pregnant individuals and health care providers. This paper describes the process of developing these tools. First, a survey was administered to qualified exercise professionals to identify the barriers and facilitators in using existing prenatal exercise screening tools. A Working Group of researchers and stakeholders then convened to develop an evidence-informed exercise pre-participation screening tool for pregnant individuals, building from previous tool and survey findings. Finally, end-user feedback was solicited through a survey and key informant interviews to ensure tools are feasible and acceptable to use in practice. The uptake and use of these documents by pregnant individuals, exercise, and health care professionals will be assessed in future studies. Novelty: Evidence supports the safety/benefits of exercise for most pregnant individuals; however, exercise is not recommended for a small number of individuals with specific medical conditions. The Get Active Questionnaire for Pregnancy and Health Care Provider Consultation Form for Physical Activity during Pregnancy identify individuals where prenatal exercise may pose a risk, while reducing barriers to physical activity participation for the majority of pregnant individuals.

Exercise Recommendation for People With Bone Metastases: Expert Consensus for Health Care Providers and Exercise Professionals.

PURPOSE: Exercise has been underutilized in people with advanced or incurable cancer despite the potential to improve physical function and reduce psychosocial morbidity, especially for people with bone metastases because of concerns over skeletal complications. The International Bone Metastases Exercise Working Group (IBMEWG) was formed to develop best practice recommendations for exercise programming for people with bone metastases on the basis of published research, clinical experience, and expert opinion. METHODS: The IBMEWG undertook sequential steps to inform the recommendations: (1) modified Delphi survey, (2) systematic review, (3) cross-sectional survey to physicians and nurse practitioners, (4) in-person meeting of IBMEWG to review evidence from steps 1-3 to develop draft recommendations, and (5) stakeholder engagement. RESULTS: Recommendations emerged from the contributing evidence and IBMEWG discussion for pre-exercise screening, exercise testing, exercise prescription, and monitoring of exercise response. Identification of individuals who are potentially at higher risk of exercise-related skeletal complication is a complex interplay of these factors: (1) lesion-related, (2) cancer and cancer treatment-related, and (3) the person-related. Exercise assessment and prescription requires consideration of the location and presentation of bone lesion(s) and should be delivered by qualified exercise professionals with oncology education and exercise prescription experience. Emphasis on postural alignment, controlled movement, and proper technique is essential. CONCLUSION: Ultimately, the perceived risk of skeletal complications should be weighed against potential health benefits on the basis of consultation between the person, health care team, and exercise professionals. These recommendations provide an initial framework to improve the integration of exercise programming into clinical care for people with bone metastases.

Knowledge translation of the Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Adults aged 18-64 years and Adults aged 65 years or older: a collaborative movement guideline knowledge translation process.

Establishing a step-by-step process that provides practitioners with a blueprint for translating movement guidelines into action stands to optimize the investment in guideline development, improve guideline promotion and uptake, and ultimately enhance population health. The purpose of this paper is to describe how the Knowledge-to-Action framework and integrated knowledge translation were operationalized to systematically inform our knowledge translation (KT) efforts for the Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Adults aged 18-64 years and Adults aged 65 years or older. In October 2018, the need for a KT Process, operating in tandem with the Guideline Development Process, led to the establishment of a KT team with a specific structure and terms of reference. The KT team collaboratively agreed on decision-making principles prior to selecting target audiences to focus their efforts. We undertook formative research to assess the local context and determinants of guideline dissemination and implementation efforts among target audiences. Plans for the subsequent steps and research are outlined. We highlight recommendations and lessons learned for applying the process in other settings. Novelty We outline a collaborative and systematic process and research program for the knowledge translation of movement guidelines. This paper provides an innovative and replicable blueprint to optimize future movement guideline knowledge translation efforts.

Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Adults aged 18-64 years and Adults aged 65 years or older: an integration of physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and sleep.

The Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology assembled a Consensus Panel representing national organizations, content experts, methodologists, stakeholders, and end-users and followed an established guideline development procedure to create the Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Adults aged 18-64 years and Adults aged 65 years or older: An Integration of Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviour, and Sleep. These guidelines underscore the importance of movement behaviours across the whole 24-h day. The development process followed the strategy outlined in the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE) II instrument. A large body of evidence was used to inform the guidelines including 2 de novo systematic reviews and 4 overviews of reviews examining the relationships among movement behaviours (physical activity, sedentary behaviour, sleep, and all behaviours together) and several health outcomes. Draft guideline recommendations were discussed at a 4-day in-person Consensus Panel meeting. Feedback from stakeholders was obtained by survey (n = 877) and the draft guidelines were revised accordingly. The final guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations for a healthy day (24-h), comprising a combination of sleep, sedentary behaviours, and light-intensity and moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity. Dissemination and implementation efforts with corresponding evaluation plans are in place to help ensure that guideline awareness and use are optimized. Novelty First ever 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Adults aged 18-64 years and Adults aged 65 years or older with consideration of a balanced approach to physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and sleep Finalizes the suite of 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Canadians across the lifespan.

Optimal messaging of the Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Adults aged 18-64 years and Adults aged 65 years and older.

The Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Adults aged 18-64 years and Adults aged 65 years and older ("Guidelines") integrate recommendations for physical activity, sedentary, and sleep behaviours. Given the novelty of these integrated Guidelines, it was important to consider messaging strategies that would be most effective in reaching Canadian adults. The purpose of this study was to examine optimal messaging of the Guidelines as it pertains to communication channels and messages. Representative samples of Guideline end-users (N = 1017) and stakeholders (N = 877) each completed a cross-sectional survey. Descriptive statistics were calculated along with tests of statistical significance. Inductive content analysis was used to code stakeholders' comments (i.e., suggestions, concerns) on a draft version of the Guidelines. Most end-users had recently referred to online medical resources; family, friends, and co-workers; and physicians as communication channels for information regarding the movement behaviours. End-users and stakeholders felt that generic messages would foster self-efficacy to meet the Guidelines. Stakeholders highlighted a variety of considerations to ensure the Guidelines are inclusive towards diverse groups within the Canadian population. Findings will inform Guideline messaging. Novelty Most end-users referred to online medical resources; family, friends, and co-workers; and physicians as communication channels. End-users and stakeholders indicated that generic messages would foster self-efficacy to meet the Guidelines. Stakeholders expressed concerns about the inclusivity of the Guidelines for diverse socioeconomic groups.

The relationship between physical literacy scores and adherence to Canadian physical activity and sedentary behaviour guidelines.

BACKGROUND: Physical literacy is an emerging construct in children's health promotion, and may impact their lifelong physical activity habits. However, recent data reveal that only a small portion of Canadian children are regularly physically active and/or meet sedentary behaviour guidelines. To our knowledge, no study has investigated the association between physical literacy and movement behaviour guidelines. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between physical literacy scores in Canadian children who meet or do not meet physical activity and sedentary behaviour guidelines. METHODS: Children (n = 2956; 56.6% girls) aged 8-12 years from 10 Canadian cities had their physical literacy levels measured using the Canadian Assessment of Physical Literacy, which consists of four domains (Physical Competence; Daily Behaviour; Knowledge and Understanding; and Motivation and Confidence) that are aggregated to provide a composite physical literacy score. Physical activity levels were measured by pedometers, and sedentary behaviour was assessed through self-report questionnaire. Analyses were conducted separately for each guideline, comparing participants meeting versus those not meeting the guidelines. Comparisons were performed using MANOVA and logistic regression to control for age, gender, and seasonality. RESULTS: Participants meeting physical activity guidelines or sedentary behaviour guidelines had higher physical literacy domain scores for Physical Competence and for Motivation and Confidence compared to those not meeting either guideline (both p < 0.0001). Participants had increased odds of meeting physical activity guidelines and sedentary behaviour guidelines if they met the minimum recommended level of the Physical Competence and Motivation and Confidence domains. Significant age (OR 0.9; 95% CI: 0.8, 0.9), gender (OR 0.4; 95% CI: 0.3, 0.5) and seasonality effects (OR 1.6; 95% CI: 1.2, 2.2 spring and OR 1.7; 95% CI: 1.2, 2.5 summer, reference winter) were seen for physical activity guidelines, and age (OR 0.8; 95% CI: 0.7, 0.8) and gender effects (OR 1.7; 95% CI: 1.4, 2.0) for sedentary behaviour guidelines. Knowledge and Understanding of physical activity principles was not related to guideline adherence in either model. CONCLUSIONS: These cross-sectional findings demonstrate important associations between physical literacy and guideline adherence for physical activity and sedentary behaviour. Future research should explore the causality of these associations.

Associations between teacher training and measures of physical literacy among Canadian 8- to 12-year-old students.

BACKGROUND: Quality physical education (PE) contributes to the development of physical literacy among children, yet little is known about how teacher training relates to this development. We assessed the association between teacher training, and the likelihood that children met recommended achievement levels for components of physical literacy as defined by the Canadian Assessment of Physical Literacy (CAPL). METHODS: Canadian children (n = 4189; M = 10.72 years, SD = 1.19) from six provinces completed the CAPL. Logistic regression was used to examine the relationship between teacher training (generalist/PE specialist), adjusting for children's age and gender, and physical competence protocols (sit and reach, handgrip, plank, Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run [PACER], body mass index [BMI], waist circumference, Canadian Agility and Movement Skill Assessment [CAMSA]), the four CAPL domain scores, and the total CAPL score. RESULTS: Teacher training, in addition to children's age and gender, explained only a very small proportion of variance in each model (all R2 < 0.03). Children taught by a generalist were less likely to reach recommended levels of motivation and confidence (OR = 0.83, 95% CI, 0.72-0.95) or CAMSA scores (OR = 0.77, 95% CI, 0.67-0.90), even when accounting for a significant increase in CAMSA score with age (OR = 1.18, 95% CI, 1.12-1.26). All other associations between measures of components of physical literacy and teacher training were not significant. CONCLUSIONS: While teacher training is hypothesized to contribute to the development of physical literacy among elementary school students, the observed effects in this study were either small or null. Children taught by PE specialists were more likely than those taught by generalists to demonstrate recommended levels of motivation and confidence, and to have better movement skills, which are hypothesized to be critical prerequisites for the development of a healthy lifestyle. Further research with more robust designs is merited to understand the impact of teachers' training on the various components of physical literacy development.

Cardiorespiratory fitness is associated with physical literacy in a large sample of Canadian children aged 8 to 12 years.

BACKGROUND: The associations between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and physical literacy in children are largely unknown. The aim of this study was to assess the relationships between CRF, measured using the 20-m shuttle run test (20mSRT), and components of physical literacy among Canadian children aged 8-12 years. METHODS: A total of 9393 (49.9% girls) children, with a mean (SD) age of 10.1 (±1.2) years, from a cross-sectional surveillance study were included for this analysis. The SRT was evaluated using a standardized 15 m or 20 m protocol. All 15 m SRTs were converted to 20mSRT values using a standardized formula. The four domains of physical literacy (Physical Competence, Daily Behaviour, Motivation and Confidence, and Knowledge and Understanding) were measured using the Canadian Assessment of Physical Literacy. Tertiles were identified for 20mSRT laps, representing low, medium, and high CRF for each age and gender group. Cohen's d was used to calculate the effect size between the low and high CRF groups. RESULTS: CRF was strongly and favourably associated with all components of physical literacy among school-aged Canadian children. The effect size between low and high CRF tertile groups was large for the Physical Competence domain (Cohen's d range: 1.11-1.94) across age and gender groups, followed by moderate to large effect sizes for Motivation and Confidence (Cohen's d range: 0.54-1.18), small to moderate effect sizes for Daily Behaviour (Cohen's d range: 0.25-0.81), and marginal to moderate effect sizes for Knowledge and Understanding (Cohen's d range: 0.08-0.70). CONCLUSIONS: This study identified strong favourable associations between CRF and physical literacy and its constituent components in children aged 8-12 years. Future research should investigate the sensitivity and specificity of the 20mSRT in screening those with low physical literacy levels.

Physical literacy levels of Canadian children aged 8-12 years: descriptive and normative results from the RBC Learn to Play-CAPL project.

BACKGROUND: The current physical literacy level of Canadian children is unknown. The Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) Learn to Play - Canadian Assessment of Physical Literacy (CAPL) project, which is anchored in the Canadian consensus statement definition of physical literacy, aimed to help establish the current physical literacy level of Canadian children. METHODS: The CAPL was used to assess the physical literacy (and component domains: Daily Behaviour, Physical Competence, Knowledge and Understanding, and Motivation and Confidence) of Canadian children aged 8-12 years. Data were collected from 11 sites across Canada, yielding a sample of 10,034 participants (5030 girls). Descriptive statistics by age and gender were calculated and percentile distributions of physical literacy scores, including each domain and individual measure, were derived. RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 10.1 ± 1.2 years. Total physical literacy scores (out of 100) were on average 63.1 ± 13.0 for boys and 62.2 ± 11.3 for girls. For boys and girls respectively, domain scores were 19.9 ± 4.7 and 19.3 ± 4.1 (out of 32) for Physical Competence; 18.6 ± 7.9 and 18.5 ± 7.4 (out of 32) for Daily Behaviour; 12.7 ± 2.8 and 12.2 ± 2.6 (out of 18) for Motivation and Confidence; and 11.8 ± 2.8 and 12.2 ± 2.6 (out of 18) for Knowledge and Understanding. Physical Competence measures were on average 28.1 ± 8.4 cm (sit-and-reach flexibility), 33.5 ± 9.4 kg (grip strength, right + left), 23.4 ± 14.1 laps (Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run [PACER] shuttle run), 61.8 ± 43.8 s (isometric plank), 19.0 ± 3.8 kg/m2 (body mass index), 67.3 ± 10.8 cm (waist circumference), and 20.6 ± 3.9 out of 28 points for the Canadian Agility and Movement Skill Assessment (CAMSA), with scores for boys higher than girls and older children higher than younger children for grip strength, PACER, plank, and CAMSA score. Girls and younger children had better scores on the sit-and-reach flexibility than boys and older children. Daily pedometer step counts were higher in boys than girls (12,355 ± 4252 vs. 10,779 ± 3624), and decreased with age. CONCLUSIONS: These results provide the largest and most comprehensive assessment of physical literacy of Canadian children to date, providing a "state of the nation" baseline, and can be used to monitor changes and inform intervention strategies going forward.

Optimal mode for maximal aerobic exercise testing in breast cancer survivors.

PURPOSE: To determine which mode of exercise is preferred by breast cancer survivors and to evaluate this response between graded exercise testing on a treadmill and on a cycle ergometer. METHODS: Twelve breast cancer survivors completed 2 maximal aerobic stress tests on separate days. The women completed a ramp protocol on an electronically braked cycle ergometer and an incremental step protocol on a treadmill to volitional fatigue. Test order was randomized. Expired gases were collected for the determination of peak aerobic capacity (Vo (2peak)). RESULTS: Exercise mode had a significant effect on the graded exercise response in breast cancer survivors, P = .003. Treadmill Vo (2peak) was significantly greater than bike Vo (2peak) (28.7 ± 4.7 vs 23.9 ± 4.7 mL/min/kg, respectively, P = .003) and VE(max) was equivalent between exercise modes (P = .731). Maximal heart rate was significantly higher by 11 bpm during the treadmill protocol (P = .004), and Ve/VCo (2) exhibited possible mode dependency (P = .018). CONCLUSION: This patient population felt more comfortable and produced significantly greater Vo2(peak) values using the treadmill protocol. These results discuss the potential implications concerning the design and interpretation of exercise interventions for breast cancer survivors.

Hemoglobin and aerobic fitness changes with supervised exercise training in breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Aerobic exercise training (AET) is known to increase RBC production; however, this has not been evaluated in breast cancer patients undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy. The purpose of this study was to examine the changes in hemoglobin (Hb) levels in the Supervised Trial of Aerobic versus Resistance Training (START) and to determine its association with changes in VO(2peak). METHODS: Two hundred and forty-two breast cancer patients initiating chemotherapy were randomized to usual care (n = 82), resistance exercise (RET, n = 82), or AET (n = 78) groups for the duration of their chemotherapy (median, 17 weeks). Supervised exercise was thrice weekly based on standard AET and RET prescriptions. Aerobic fitness (VO(2peak)) and Hb concentration were measured at baseline and end of chemotherapy. RESULTS: Regardless of the exercise group, Hb declined over the course of chemotherapy (13.4 ± 10.0 to 11.8 ± 11.5 g/dL, P < 0.01). Both AET and RET groups had significant, moderate correlations between the change in VO(2peak) and Hb (AET: r = 0.49, P < 0.001; RET: r = 0.39, P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: The results indicate that regular exercise does not protect against the decline in Hb associated with chemotherapy in breast cancer patients, but resulted in a stronger association between Hb and VO(2peak). IMPACT: Even with the chemotherapy-induced decline in Hb, breast cancer patients can maintain their aerobic capacity by participating in regular aerobic exercise. Further studies are required to determine safe intensity levels that may stimulate the maintenance of Hb levels in breast cancer patients.

Effect of air travel on lymphedema risk in women with history of breast cancer.

To assess the impact of air travel on swelling of the 'at risk' arm of women treated for breast cancer. Women treated for breast cancer from Canada (n = 60) and from within Australia (n = 12) attending a dragon boat regatta in Queensland, Australia participated. Women were measured within 2 weeks prior to their flight, on arrival in Queensland and, for 40 women travelling from Canada, measured again 6 weeks following return to Canada. Changes to extracellular fluid were measured using a single-frequency bioimpedance device (BIA). Each arm was measured separately using a standardized protocol to obtain the inter-limb impedance ratio. An increase in the ratio indicates accumulated fluid. Information regarding medical management of participants' breast cancer, use of compression garment and history of exercise were also obtained. For most women (95%), air travel did not adversely affect the impedance ratio. The BIA ratio of long-haul travellers was 1.007 +/- 0.065 prior to the flight and 1.006 +/- 0.087 following the flight. The ratio of short-haul travellers was 0.994 +/- 0.033 and following the flight was 1.001 +/- 0.038. Air travel did not cause significant change in BIA ratio in the 'at-risk' arm for the majority of breast cancer survivors who participated in dragon boat racing. Further research is required to determine whether these findings are generalizable to the population of women who have been treated for breast cancer.

Predictors of supervised exercise adherence during breast cancer chemotherapy.

PURPOSE: Exercise adherence is difficult during cancer treatments, but few studies have examined the predictors of such exercise. Here, we report the predictors of adherence to supervised exercise training during breast cancer chemotherapy. METHODS: Breast cancer patients (N = 242) initiating adjuvant chemotherapy in Edmonton, Ottawa, and Vancouver were randomly assigned to usual care (n = 82), supervised resistance exercise (n = 82), or supervised aerobic exercise (n = 78) for the duration of their chemotherapy. Baseline data on standard demographic, medical, behavioral, fitness, and psychosocial variables as well as motivational variables from the Theory of Planned Behavior were collected. Adherence was assessed by objective attendance records. RESULTS: Adherence to supervised exercise was 70.2%. Univariate analyses indicated significant or borderline significant associations between exercise adherence and location/center (r = 0.30; P < 0.001), V[spacing dot above]O2peak (r = 0.21; P = 0.008), muscular strength (r = 0.21; P = 0.008), percent body fat (r = -0.21; P = 0.012), disease stage (r = 0.17; P = 0.031), education (r = 0.15; P = 0.053), depression (r = -0.14; P = 0.073), and smoking (r = -0.14; P = 0.081). In multivariate analysis, location/center (beta = 0.28; P = 0.001), V[spacing dot above]O2peak ([beta] = 0.19; P = 0.016), disease stage (beta = 0.18; P = 0.015), and depression (beta = -0.16; P = 0.033) remained significant and explained 21% of the variance in exercise adherence. Participants in Vancouver, with higher aerobic fitness, more advanced disease stage, and lower depression, achieved better adherence. CONCLUSION: Adherence to supervised exercise training was predicted by unique aspects of the location/center, disease stage, aerobic fitness, and depression but not motivational variables. Location/center in our trial may have been a proxy for the amount of one-on-one attention received during supervised exercise. These findings may have implications for improving adherence during breast cancer chemotherapy.