Natalie E. Houser, Scott W. Donald, Angela M. Kolen
Pedometers reliably measure physical activity with established guidelines regarding wear time for hours per day, days per week, and minimum and maximum steps to provide sufficient data. This paper examined children in grades 3 to 6 for potential differences in average steps and average wear time according to the number of days of pedometer data with at least 10 hours of self-reported wear time and steps between 1000 and 30,000. As part of the Canadian Assessment of Physical Literacy, physical activity data for a maximum of seven consecutive days were obtained from 852 (girls n=465; boys n=387) children using Piezo RX Steps Count pedometers. Average daily step count was 11,767 ± 3,284, slightly less than recommended; average self-reported wear time was 12.9 ± 0.9 hours. One-way ANOVAs demonstrated significant differences in average daily steps and average daily wear time between girls and boys and between grades. ANOVAs also examined differences in daily steps and wear time of the children when grouped according to valid days of pedometer data (1-2, 3-4, 5-6, and 7 days). In general, younger children (i.e., grades 3 & 4) wore the pedometer for less time than older children (i.e., grades 5 & 6). Given the significant differences in steps according to pedometer wear time found in this study, we may not be obtaining a thorough understanding of children’s physical activity behaviours. It may be helpful to include children with fewer than three days of pedometer wear time data to provide a better understanding of children’s physical activity levels as a whole and in particular for promoting physical activity for boys girls in varying grades.
{"title":"The Impact of Valid Pedometer Days on Average Daily Steps and Wear Time in Children","authors":"Natalie E. Houser, Scott W. Donald, Angela M. Kolen","doi":"10.12691/JPAR-4-2-4","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12691/JPAR-4-2-4","url":null,"abstract":"Pedometers reliably measure physical activity with established guidelines regarding wear time for hours per day, days per week, and minimum and maximum steps to provide sufficient data. This paper examined children in grades 3 to 6 for potential differences in average steps and average wear time according to the number of days of pedometer data with at least 10 hours of self-reported wear time and steps between 1000 and 30,000. As part of the Canadian Assessment of Physical Literacy, physical activity data for a maximum of seven consecutive days were obtained from 852 (girls n=465; boys n=387) children using Piezo RX Steps Count pedometers. Average daily step count was 11,767 ± 3,284, slightly less than recommended; average self-reported wear time was 12.9 ± 0.9 hours. One-way ANOVAs demonstrated significant differences in average daily steps and average daily wear time between girls and boys and between grades. ANOVAs also examined differences in daily steps and wear time of the children when grouped according to valid days of pedometer data (1-2, 3-4, 5-6, and 7 days). In general, younger children (i.e., grades 3 & 4) wore the pedometer for less time than older children (i.e., grades 5 & 6). Given the significant differences in steps according to pedometer wear time found in this study, we may not be obtaining a thorough understanding of children’s physical activity behaviours. It may be helpful to include children with fewer than three days of pedometer wear time data to provide a better understanding of children’s physical activity levels as a whole and in particular for promoting physical activity for boys girls in varying grades.","PeriodicalId":92549,"journal":{"name":"Journal of physical activity research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-06-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49016893","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
V. Stoute, Nicole Camille Parris, Euclid Nicholas-Sammy
This study explores the potential of a structured programme of daily physical activity to have a beneficial effect on students’ attitudes and body measurements. An action research study was conducted at a co-educational school with a sample of 21 students aged from 13 to 15years. It was carried out during the lunch period for 30 minutes or more each session over a six-week period for three days per week. The students were measured (height, weight, waist, hip, chest, BMI, and % body fat) at the beginning and at the end of the programme. They were also surveyed, at the beginning, on their then current patterns of engagement in physical activity and on their views on the importance of physical education in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. At the end of the programme, they were surveyed again on what they perceived as the benefits and disadvantages of the programme. In addition to the surveys, Observations and Field notes were used. Statistical Data Analysis was carried out using SPSS V.22. The significance of any changes over the course of the programme in weight, waist measurement, hip measurement, % body fat, or BMI was estimated using a Repeated Measures General Linear Model (GLM) analysis with sex as the independent variable and with the students’ initial heights and ages as covariates. There was no statistically significant difference in any of the biometric measurements, although there were downward trends in waist (for girls) and hip (for boys) measurements, BMI, and % body fat. Participants held positive views of the programme and of its benefits to them with 95% indicating that the programme should be repeated. The researchers’ observations and field notes supported the students reported positive responses since it was noted that students improved in fitness and enjoyed the activity throughout the programme.
{"title":"Exploration of the Effect of a Daily Structured Physical Activity Programme on Secondary School Students’ Body Measurements and Attitudes","authors":"V. Stoute, Nicole Camille Parris, Euclid Nicholas-Sammy","doi":"10.12691/JPAR-4-2-1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12691/JPAR-4-2-1","url":null,"abstract":"This study explores the potential of a structured programme of daily physical activity to have a beneficial effect on students’ attitudes and body measurements. An action research study was conducted at a co-educational school with a sample of 21 students aged from 13 to 15years. It was carried out during the lunch period for 30 minutes or more each session over a six-week period for three days per week. The students were measured (height, weight, waist, hip, chest, BMI, and % body fat) at the beginning and at the end of the programme. They were also surveyed, at the beginning, on their then current patterns of engagement in physical activity and on their views on the importance of physical education in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. At the end of the programme, they were surveyed again on what they perceived as the benefits and disadvantages of the programme. In addition to the surveys, Observations and Field notes were used. Statistical Data Analysis was carried out using SPSS V.22. The significance of any changes over the course of the programme in weight, waist measurement, hip measurement, % body fat, or BMI was estimated using a Repeated Measures General Linear Model (GLM) analysis with sex as the independent variable and with the students’ initial heights and ages as covariates. There was no statistically significant difference in any of the biometric measurements, although there were downward trends in waist (for girls) and hip (for boys) measurements, BMI, and % body fat. Participants held positive views of the programme and of its benefits to them with 95% indicating that the programme should be repeated. The researchers’ observations and field notes supported the students reported positive responses since it was noted that students improved in fitness and enjoyed the activity throughout the programme.","PeriodicalId":92549,"journal":{"name":"Journal of physical activity research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-05-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44634490","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
M. McCluskey, J. Bridges, N. Gilson, J. Buurke, H. Hermens, A. Pandyan
Objective The aim of this study was to identify if there is an association between physical activity, body mass and academic attainment in primary school children. Methods Eighty-six children at a UK primary school were included in this cohort analysis. Physical activity status was determined using the Physical Activity Questionnaire – Children. Weight and height was measured, and BMI calculated at 4-time points. Academic attainment was measured from national standardised tests. Results Children who are less active demonstrated lower height (mean difference (MD) 0.49 95% CI 0.08 to 0.90), weight (MD 0.58 95% CI 0.12 to 1.04) and BMI z-scores (MD 0.48 95% CI -0.04 to 1.00) than children who are more active. They also had a higher rate of weight gain (0.06 z-score units/month), than children who are more active (0.05*z-core units/ month), and had greater fluctuations in weight. Children who were more active performed significantly better than children who are less active in writing (χ2 16.40, p=0.003) and mathematics (χ2 12.18, p=0.02). Conclusion There does appear to be an association between physical activity, body mass and academic attainment in primary school children, such that lower activity levels negatively effects growth and academic performance. These differences could not be solely explained by physical activity level due to unaccounted socio-economic factor.
{"title":"Evaluating the Associations between Physical Activity, Weight Gain and Academic Attainment in Primary School Children","authors":"M. McCluskey, J. Bridges, N. Gilson, J. Buurke, H. Hermens, A. Pandyan","doi":"10.12691/JPAR-4-2-2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12691/JPAR-4-2-2","url":null,"abstract":"Objective The aim of this study was to identify if there is an association between physical activity, body mass and academic attainment in primary school children. Methods Eighty-six children at a UK primary school were included in this cohort analysis. Physical activity status was determined using the Physical Activity Questionnaire – Children. Weight and height was measured, and BMI calculated at 4-time points. Academic attainment was measured from national standardised tests. Results Children who are less active demonstrated lower height (mean difference (MD) 0.49 95% CI 0.08 to 0.90), weight (MD 0.58 95% CI 0.12 to 1.04) and BMI z-scores (MD 0.48 95% CI -0.04 to 1.00) than children who are more active. They also had a higher rate of weight gain (0.06 z-score units/month), than children who are more active (0.05*z-core units/ month), and had greater fluctuations in weight. Children who were more active performed significantly better than children who are less active in writing (χ2 16.40, p=0.003) and mathematics (χ2 12.18, p=0.02). Conclusion There does appear to be an association between physical activity, body mass and academic attainment in primary school children, such that lower activity levels negatively effects growth and academic performance. These differences could not be solely explained by physical activity level due to unaccounted socio-economic factor.","PeriodicalId":92549,"journal":{"name":"Journal of physical activity research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-05-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47806206","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
In recent times, researchers have acknowledged the critical role of exercise and physical activity on the healthy wellbeing of an individual. Therefore, this study investigated the factors that influence exercise and physical activity habits of undergraduate sandwich students of the University of Education, Winneba (December-January, 2018/2019) session. A cross-sectional descriptive survey research design was employed to gather information on the respondents. The study sample was made up of one hundred and ninety-one (191) participants out of which 67 were males and 124 were females selected through census sampling. The findings of the study revealed that health and wellness factors predominantly influenced (M=3.60, SD=0.75) sandwich students exercise habits followed by psycho-social factors (M=3.31, SD=0.65), and other factors (M=3.13, SD=0.86). Besides, the t-test results also showed no statistically significant differences between male and female sandwich students on their perception of health and wellness factors [t (189) = 0.702, p=0.484, 2-tailed], psycho-social [t (189) = 1.134, p=0.258, 2-tailed], and other factors [t (189) = 0.885, p=0.377, 2-tailed] at 0.05 alpha level. Furthermore, the ANOVA results disclosed that there were no statistically significant differences in their perception of health and wellness factors [F (2, 188) = 1.049, p=0.352], psycho-social factors [F (2, 188) = 1.112, p=0.331], and other factors [F (2, 188) = 0.697, p=0.499] at 0.05 based on age. Therefore, it was recommended the University through its health directorate should conscientize and reorient students on the benefits of engaging in regular physical activity.
{"title":"Closing the Sedentary Lifestyle Gaps: Investigating the Factors Influencing Exercise and Physical Activity Habits among Sandwich Students of University of Education, Winneba","authors":"S. Donkor, Munkaila Seibu","doi":"10.12691/JPAR-4-1-10","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12691/JPAR-4-1-10","url":null,"abstract":"In recent times, researchers have acknowledged the critical role of exercise and physical activity on the healthy wellbeing of an individual. Therefore, this study investigated the factors that influence exercise and physical activity habits of undergraduate sandwich students of the University of Education, Winneba (December-January, 2018/2019) session. A cross-sectional descriptive survey research design was employed to gather information on the respondents. The study sample was made up of one hundred and ninety-one (191) participants out of which 67 were males and 124 were females selected through census sampling. The findings of the study revealed that health and wellness factors predominantly influenced (M=3.60, SD=0.75) sandwich students exercise habits followed by psycho-social factors (M=3.31, SD=0.65), and other factors (M=3.13, SD=0.86). Besides, the t-test results also showed no statistically significant differences between male and female sandwich students on their perception of health and wellness factors [t (189) = 0.702, p=0.484, 2-tailed], psycho-social [t (189) = 1.134, p=0.258, 2-tailed], and other factors [t (189) = 0.885, p=0.377, 2-tailed] at 0.05 alpha level. Furthermore, the ANOVA results disclosed that there were no statistically significant differences in their perception of health and wellness factors [F (2, 188) = 1.049, p=0.352], psycho-social factors [F (2, 188) = 1.112, p=0.331], and other factors [F (2, 188) = 0.697, p=0.499] at 0.05 based on age. Therefore, it was recommended the University through its health directorate should conscientize and reorient students on the benefits of engaging in regular physical activity.","PeriodicalId":92549,"journal":{"name":"Journal of physical activity research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-04-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46579472","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
This study aimed to clarify the effect of play frequency and exercise when at preschool and childhood ages on the exercise habits and physical fitness of those who are currently adolescents. Healthy young men (N = 600) from 15 to 21 years old (age: 16.5 ± 1.2 years, height: 171.1 ± 5.7 cm, body mass: 61.0 ± 10.0 kg) participated in the physical fitness test of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) after answering questions about current exercise habits and frequency of play and exercise at their preschool and childhood ages. Significant relationships among frequency of play at preschool age and exercise in childhood and current exercise habits (Cramer’s V = 0.10–0.15, p < 0.028) were observed. Although no significant difference was found in the physique among the four groups, which differed in the frequency of play and exercise in early childhood and childhood, performance on the 50-m dash, standing long jump, handball throw, and 20-m shuttle run were significantly superior in groups with higher frequency of play and exercise. The present results may indicate that frequency of play at preschool age and exercise in childhood significantly affects subsequent exercise habits and physical fitness levels.
{"title":"Frequency of Play and Exercise at Preschool and Childhood Ages: Effect on Exercise Habits and Physical Fitness in Adolescence","authors":"Takayoshi Yamada, S. Demura, Shigeru Shimada","doi":"10.12691/JPAR-4-1-8","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12691/JPAR-4-1-8","url":null,"abstract":"This study aimed to clarify the effect of play frequency and exercise when at preschool and childhood ages on the exercise habits and physical fitness of those who are currently adolescents. Healthy young men (N = 600) from 15 to 21 years old (age: 16.5 ± 1.2 years, height: 171.1 ± 5.7 cm, body mass: 61.0 ± 10.0 kg) participated in the physical fitness test of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) after answering questions about current exercise habits and frequency of play and exercise at their preschool and childhood ages. Significant relationships among frequency of play at preschool age and exercise in childhood and current exercise habits (Cramer’s V = 0.10–0.15, p < 0.028) were observed. Although no significant difference was found in the physique among the four groups, which differed in the frequency of play and exercise in early childhood and childhood, performance on the 50-m dash, standing long jump, handball throw, and 20-m shuttle run were significantly superior in groups with higher frequency of play and exercise. The present results may indicate that frequency of play at preschool age and exercise in childhood significantly affects subsequent exercise habits and physical fitness levels.","PeriodicalId":92549,"journal":{"name":"Journal of physical activity research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47056983","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Team sports are frequently used in activity and obesity intervention programs for youth, and are associated with increased physical activity levels and other positive changes in fitness markers. However, constraints and disparities associated with traditional, structured team sports warrant investigation of alternative sport types that may also be associated with positive physical changes among youth. Multisport activity that combines pursuits such as swimming, biking, and running breaks from traditional sports and may offer youth alternative activities that promote fitness. The current study sought to examine the effect of a 7-week multisport activity on physical fitness markers of youth. Results showed positive physical changes in weight, muscular endurance, and resting heart rate. Results may be used to identify multisport as an option for youth activity that is effective for physical change, but may not present some of the constraints associated with structured youth sport. Incorporating multisport activities into youth programming may enable skills that can be used to pursue related activities for a lifetime, when many are past the age of team sports participation.
{"title":"Impact of a Multisport Recreation Program on Fitness Markers of Youth","authors":"Duston D. Morris, Katie Helms, J. Brewer","doi":"10.12691/JPAR-4-1-6","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12691/JPAR-4-1-6","url":null,"abstract":"Team sports are frequently used in activity and obesity intervention programs for youth, and are associated with increased physical activity levels and other positive changes in fitness markers. However, constraints and disparities associated with traditional, structured team sports warrant investigation of alternative sport types that may also be associated with positive physical changes among youth. Multisport activity that combines pursuits such as swimming, biking, and running breaks from traditional sports and may offer youth alternative activities that promote fitness. The current study sought to examine the effect of a 7-week multisport activity on physical fitness markers of youth. Results showed positive physical changes in weight, muscular endurance, and resting heart rate. Results may be used to identify multisport as an option for youth activity that is effective for physical change, but may not present some of the constraints associated with structured youth sport. Incorporating multisport activities into youth programming may enable skills that can be used to pursue related activities for a lifetime, when many are past the age of team sports participation.","PeriodicalId":92549,"journal":{"name":"Journal of physical activity research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-01-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45189007","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Hiroki Sugiura, S. Yamaji, Takayoshi Yamada, Shigeru Shimada, T. Noguchi, Tomohisa Yokoya
The balance board (BB) test is used to assess balance ability, but, with age, individuals become unable to successfully perform the test. Our objective was to investigate the changes in performance on the BB test and motor fitness over time in elderly women. A total of 52 elderly women who were able to stand on both legs on a rocking unstable board for 20 s were enrolled. Subjects were classified into two groups according to their ability to perform the task 1 year later [able group (A); n = 35] or not [unable group (U); n = 17]. The results of our analysis indicated that the height of women in the U group had decreased over the 1-year period. At both time points, the women in the U group had worse one-leg standing and walking times than those in the A group. Our findings indicate that inferior motor fitness in the pre-stage and reduced height after 1 year are factors that contribute to the poor performance of elderly people on the BB test.
{"title":"Changes in Performance on the Balance Board Test and Motor Fitness over Time in Elderly Women","authors":"Hiroki Sugiura, S. Yamaji, Takayoshi Yamada, Shigeru Shimada, T. Noguchi, Tomohisa Yokoya","doi":"10.12691/JPAR-4-1-5","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12691/JPAR-4-1-5","url":null,"abstract":"The balance board (BB) test is used to assess balance ability, but, with age, individuals become unable to successfully perform the test. Our objective was to investigate the changes in performance on the BB test and motor fitness over time in elderly women. A total of 52 elderly women who were able to stand on both legs on a rocking unstable board for 20 s were enrolled. Subjects were classified into two groups according to their ability to perform the task 1 year later [able group (A); n = 35] or not [unable group (U); n = 17]. The results of our analysis indicated that the height of women in the U group had decreased over the 1-year period. At both time points, the women in the U group had worse one-leg standing and walking times than those in the A group. Our findings indicate that inferior motor fitness in the pre-stage and reduced height after 1 year are factors that contribute to the poor performance of elderly people on the BB test.","PeriodicalId":92549,"journal":{"name":"Journal of physical activity research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-01-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47615054","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
L. Leininger, K. Dames, K. Adams, M. Climstein, Mark de Beliso
A sedentary lifestyle is a key contributor to chronic disease, and many occupations in our society are sedentary in nature. Therefore, a main focus of workplace health promotion programs is to increase employee physical activity. In addition, workplaces are an ideal arena to deliver health programming, however many organizations face barriers to implementation, such as staffing, budget and time constraints. The purpose of this case study is to present a real world, cost-effective workplace walking program that positively impacted employee health. Feedback will also be provided on challenges encountered in relation to compliance and retention. Finally, practical, and social applications are discussed.
{"title":"Positive Impacts of a University Walking Program: A Case Study","authors":"L. Leininger, K. Dames, K. Adams, M. Climstein, Mark de Beliso","doi":"10.12691/JPAR-4-1-7","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12691/JPAR-4-1-7","url":null,"abstract":"A sedentary lifestyle is a key contributor to chronic disease, and many occupations in our society are sedentary in nature. Therefore, a main focus of workplace health promotion programs is to increase employee physical activity. In addition, workplaces are an ideal arena to deliver health programming, however many organizations face barriers to implementation, such as staffing, budget and time constraints. The purpose of this case study is to present a real world, cost-effective workplace walking program that positively impacted employee health. Feedback will also be provided on challenges encountered in relation to compliance and retention. Finally, practical, and social applications are discussed.","PeriodicalId":92549,"journal":{"name":"Journal of physical activity research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-01-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48580718","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Prior research indicates that older adult’s grip strength is associated with overall body strength and the ability to perform functional tasks. Likewise, research indicates that those with a fear of falling are less likely to participate in the rigorous physical activities that would strengthen their muscles and reduce their risk of falling [1]. Hence, the purpose of this study was to determine if there was a meaningful relationship between grip strength and self-efficacy with regards to falling in older adults. The participants were male and female adults ≥65 years of age (n = 35). Each completed the FES-I survey to assess their fear of falling. Maximal grip (MG) strength (Kg) was then assessed with the Jamar hand grip dynamometer. MG scores were then converted to Newtons (N), normalized to body mass, and then allometrically scaled to body mass and height. FES-I scores were then compared with Pearson correlation coefficients (r) with the various metrics of MG. Results demonstrated moderate to nearing strong significant negative relationships between FES-I scores and MG metrics ranging from r= -0.36 to -0.44 (p<0.05). Thus, it was concluded that stronger adults have a lower fear of falling than their weaker counterparts. It is postulated that older adults with a lower fear of falling will continue to engage in exercise which in turn will help maintain their strength levels and perpetuate continued exercise. Conversely, older adults with a greater fear of falling (i.e. lower strength levels) will disassociate from exercise, hence leading to even lower strength levels.
{"title":"Hand Grip Strength and Older Adults: Is Hand Grip Strength Associated with Self-Efficacy in Older Adults?","authors":"Rebecca D. Belka, M. DeBeliso","doi":"10.12691/jpar-4-1-4","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12691/jpar-4-1-4","url":null,"abstract":"Prior research indicates that older adult’s grip strength is associated with overall body strength and the ability to perform functional tasks. Likewise, research indicates that those with a fear of falling are less likely to participate in the rigorous physical activities that would strengthen their muscles and reduce their risk of falling [1]. Hence, the purpose of this study was to determine if there was a meaningful relationship between grip strength and self-efficacy with regards to falling in older adults. The participants were male and female adults ≥65 years of age (n = 35). Each completed the FES-I survey to assess their fear of falling. Maximal grip (MG) strength (Kg) was then assessed with the Jamar hand grip dynamometer. MG scores were then converted to Newtons (N), normalized to body mass, and then allometrically scaled to body mass and height. FES-I scores were then compared with Pearson correlation coefficients (r) with the various metrics of MG. Results demonstrated moderate to nearing strong significant negative relationships between FES-I scores and MG metrics ranging from r= -0.36 to -0.44 (p<0.05). Thus, it was concluded that stronger adults have a lower fear of falling than their weaker counterparts. It is postulated that older adults with a lower fear of falling will continue to engage in exercise which in turn will help maintain their strength levels and perpetuate continued exercise. Conversely, older adults with a greater fear of falling (i.e. lower strength levels) will disassociate from exercise, hence leading to even lower strength levels.","PeriodicalId":92549,"journal":{"name":"Journal of physical activity research","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-01-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41483957","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Melissa M Peachey, J. Richardson, V. D. Bello-Haas, A. Tang
Adults working in academic occupations are at risk for exposure to sedentary behaviours. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of an educational video on viewer’s health beliefs and sedentary behaviours. Data was collected between March and April 2017 from healthy adults employed in an academic institution in Ontario, Canada (n=71; age= 40.0±12.1 y) using a single-group, pre-post design. Evidence-based strategies to reduce sedentary behaviour at home and at work were summarized and presented as cues to action in a 5-minute video. Self-reported physical activity, sedentary behaviours, health beliefs, and readiness to change were measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, Sedentary behaviour Health Belief Questionnaire, and Readiness Ruler, respectively, one week before (T1), immediately after (T2), and one week after watching the video (T3). Occupational and leisure-time sitting time was assessed daily via participant log. Participants reduced weekday and weekend sitting time by-35.9 minutes/day (p=0.03) and-21.1 minutes/day (p=0.01), respectively. Readiness to change increased between T2 and T3 (p=0.004). Perceived severity of (p=0.03) and susceptibility to (p=0.01) the health risks associated with sedentary behaviour increased from T1 to T2. Perceived benefit scores (rs=-0.25, p=0.04) at T2 were inversely associated with reductions in sitting time from T2 to T3. It is possible that exposure to the video influenced several health benefits constructs and reduced daily sitting time in healthy adults working in academic occupations.
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