Reliability and Validity of the System for Observing Children’s Activity and Relationships During Play (SOCARP)

Background:Children frequently engage in diverse activities that are broadly defined as play, but little research has documented children’s activity levels during play and how they are influenced by social contexts. Assessing potentially modifiable conditions that influence play behavior is needed to design optimal physical activity interventions.Methods:System for Observing Children’s Activity and Relationships during Play (SOCARP) was developed to simultaneously assess children’s physical activity, social group sizes, activity type, and social behavior during play. One hundred and fourteen children (48 boys, 66 girls; 42% overweight) from 8 elementary schools were observed during recess over 24 days, with 12 days videotaped for reliability purposes. Ninety-nine children wore a uni-axial accelerometer during their observation period.Results:Estimated energy expenditure rates from SOCARP observations and mean accelerometer counts were significantly correlated (r = .67; P < .01), and interobserver reliabilities (ie, percentage agreement) for activity level (89%), group size (88%), activity type (90%) and interactions (88%) met acceptable criteria. Both physical activity and social interactions were influenced by group size, activity type, and child gender and body weight status.Conclusions:SOCARP is a valid and reliable observation system for assessing physical activity and play behavior in a recess context.

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Effect of Different Types of Physical Activity on Activities of Daily Living in Older Adults: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Journal of Aging and Physical Activity ◽

10.1123/japa.2016-0201 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 25 (4) ◽

pp. 653-670 ◽

Cited By ~ 20

Author(s):

Christine E. Roberts ◽

Louise H. Phillips ◽

Clare L. Cooper ◽

Stuart Gray ◽

Julia L. Allan

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Activities Of Daily Living ◽

Physical Activity Level ◽

Daily Living ◽

Activity Level ◽

Moderate Physical Activity ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Activity Type ◽

Physical Activity Levels

Physical activity is associated with greater independence in old age. However, little is known about the effect of physical activity level and activity type on activities of daily living (ADL). This review systematically analyzed the effects of physical activity level and activity type on ADL in older adults (mean age, 60+). Electronic search methods (up to March 2015) identified 47 relevant, randomized controlled trials. Random effects meta-analyses revealed significant, beneficial effects of physical activity on ADL physical performance (SMD = 0.72, 95% CI [0.45, 1.00];p < .01), with the largest effects found for moderate physical activity levels, and for activity types with high levels of mental (e.g., memory, attention), physical (e.g., coordination, balance) and social (e.g., social interaction) demands. Inconsistent effects were observed on self-reported ADL measures. Interventions that include moderate physical activity levels with high mental, physical, and social demands may produce the greatest benefits on ADL physical performance.

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Weight Status, Physical Activity Levels, Perceived Neighborhood Health, and Healthy Community Factors Among Latinos

American Journal of Health Studies ◽

10.47779/ajhs.2016.146 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 31 (3) ◽

Author(s):

Andrew Funk ◽

Liliana Rojas-Guyler ◽

Ashley Merianos

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Health Status ◽

Health Education ◽

Weight Status ◽

Secondary Data ◽

Health Indicators ◽

Activity Level ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Education Programs ◽

Community Factors

Background: Research indicates that a better understanding of the relationship between the health status of communities and weight status and physical activity level among Latinos would be beneficial in developing culturally appropriate health education programs for this community. Methods: A secondary data analysis was conducted based on the 2013 Greater Cincinnati Community Health Status Survey (CHSS). A total of 251 randomly sampled Latino participants were interviewed by telephone. Results: Results indicated that the majority (63%) of Latino participants reported unhealthy weight status and nearly one-third self-reported no physical activity within the past month. 29.2% rated the healthiness of the region as ‘fair’ or ‘poor’ and 16.1% rated their own living facilities as ‘fair’ or ‘poor’. Over 30% of participants reported a lack of walkable communities and between 18% and 24% reported not feeling secure, or as if they could not obtain help or depend on their communities. Non-overweight and non-obese Latino participants reported healthier community factors in comparison to their counterparts. Discussion: Study findings should be considered when creating health education programs that address these health indicators in the local Latino community.

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Later sleep timing predicts accelerated summer weight gain among elementary school children: a prospective observational study

International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity ◽

10.1186/s12966-021-01165-0 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Jennette P. Moreno ◽

Javad Razjouyan ◽

Houston Lester ◽

Hafza Dadabhoy ◽

Mona Amirmazaheri ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Observational Study ◽

Sleep Duration ◽

Obesity Prevention ◽

Prospective Observational Study ◽

Light Exposure ◽

Activity Level ◽

Activity Levels ◽

School Year ◽

Children’S Sleep

Abstract Objectives and background Social demands of the school-year and summer environment may affect children’s sleep patterns and circadian rhythms during these periods. The current study examined differences in children’s sleep and circadian-related behaviors during the school-year and summer and explored the association between sleep and circadian parameters and change in body mass index (BMI) during these time periods. Methods This was a prospective observational study with 119 children ages 5 to 8 years with three sequential BMI assessments: early school-year (fall), late school-year (spring), and beginning of the following school-year in Houston, Texas, USA. Sleep midpoint, sleep duration, variability of sleep midpoint, physical activity, and light exposure were estimated using wrist-worn accelerometry during the school-year (fall) and summer. To examine the effect of sleep parameters, physical activity level, and light exposure on change in BMI, growth curve modeling was conducted controlling for age, race, sex, and chronotype. Results Children’s sleep midpoint shifted later by an average of 1.5 h during summer compared to the school-year. After controlling for covariates, later sleep midpoints predicted larger increases in BMI during summer, (γ = .0004, p = .03), but not during the school-year. Sleep duration, sleep midpoint variability, physical activity levels, and sedentary behavior were not associated with change in BMI during the school-year or summer. Females tended to increase their BMI at a faster rate during summer compared to males, γ = .06, p = .049. Greater amounts of outdoor light exposure (γ = −.01, p = .02) predicted smaller increases in school-year BMI. Conclusions Obesity prevention interventions may need to target different behaviors depending on whether children are in or out of school. Promotion of outdoor time during the school-year and earlier sleep times during the summer may be effective obesity prevention strategies during these respective times.

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Choroidal Thickness and Volume Modifications Induced by Aerobic Exercise in Healthy Young Adults

Ophthalmic Research ◽

10.1159/000511201 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Gema Insa-Sánchez ◽

Lorena Fuentes-Broto ◽

Alberto Cobos ◽

Elvira Orduna Hospital ◽

Francisco Segura ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Young Adults ◽

Physical Exercise ◽

Choroidal Thickness ◽

Activity Level ◽

Enhanced Depth Imaging ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Imaging Protocol ◽

Post Exercise ◽

Physical Activity Levels

Introduction: Our aim was to evaluate the changes in choroidal thickness (CT) and volume (CV) following aerobic physical exercise in healthy young adults. Methods: This study included 72 eyes from healthy volunteers between 22 and 37 years old. Using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, total physical activity was computed. Measurements using an autorefractometer, ocular biometry, and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography using the Enhanced Depth Imaging protocol were taken. OCT was performed as a baseline measurement and after performing 10 min of dynamic physical exercise (3 and 10 min post-exercise). The choroidal layer was manually segmented, and the CT and CV in different areas from the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study grid were obtained. Results: In healthy adults, at 3 min post-exercise, CT was higher in the subfoveal, the 3-mm nasal, and the 6-mm superior areas. Between 3 and 10 min post-exercise, the CT was reduced in all areas, and in some areas, the values were even smaller than the baseline measurements. The CV values showed changes after exercise similar to those of thickness. The total CV recovery after exercise was related to sex and physical activity level. Conclusion: Individuals with higher physical activity habits had greater CV at rest than those with lower physical activity levels. During exercise, healthy young people adjust CT and CV. At 3 min post-exercise, CT and CV increase. Women and individuals with greater physical activity levels reduce their total CV more than others during recovery.

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Reduced level of physical activity during COVID-19 pandemic is associated with depression and anxiety levels: an internet-based survey

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-021-10470-z ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Paulo José Puccinelli ◽

Taline Santos da Costa ◽

Aldo Seffrin ◽

Claudio Andre Barbosa de Lira ◽

Rodrigo Luiz Vancini ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Mood Disorders ◽

Physical Activity Level ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Mood State ◽

Activity Level ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Depression And Anxiety ◽

Social Distancing ◽

Physical Activity Levels

Abstract Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in a strong negative impact on economic and social life worldwide. It has also negatively influenced people’s general health and quality of life. The aim of the present study was to study the impact of social distancing on physical activity level, and the association between mood state (depression and anxiety level) or sex with actual physical activity levels, the change in physical activity caused by social distancing period, the adhesion level to social distancing, the adoption time of social distancing, family income and age. Methods A self-administered questionnaire with personal, quarantine, physical activity, and mood state disorders information’s was answered by 2140 Brazilians of both sex who were recruited through online advertising. Results The physical activity level adopted during the period of social distancing (3.5 ± 0.8) was lower than that the adopted prior to the pandemic period (2.9 ± 1.1, p < 0.001). Thirty percent of the participants presented symptoms of moderate/severe depression and 23.3% displayed moderate/severe anxiety symptoms. A greater presence of symptoms related to anxiety and depression were associated with low physical activity levels, low family monthly income, and younger age. A higher percentage of men who had no mood disorders was observed among those who were very active than among those less active. Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic has a negative impact on physical activity. Those who reduced their level of physical activity had the highest levels of mood disorders. Therefore, physical activity programs should be encouraged, while respecting the necessary social distancing to prevent the spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2.

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Physical activity level of adult cats with varied feeding frequency

British Journal Of Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s0007114511001863 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 106 (S1) ◽

pp. S166-S169 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Ping Deng ◽

Ryan W. Grant ◽

Kelly S. Swanson

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Body Weight ◽

Body Condition ◽

Body Condition Score ◽

Activity Level ◽

Feeding Time ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Feeding Frequency ◽

Condition Score ◽

Adult Cats

The prevalence of feline obesity is influenced by numerous factors, including inactivity and overconsumption of food. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of feeding frequency on physical activity in adult cats. A total of twelve healthy adult cats were used in a cross-over study consisting of 32 d. In each of the two periods, six cats were fed either two meals or four meals daily. Throughout the study, cats were fed the same diet at amounts to maintain body weight and body condition score. Cats were individually housed 4 h/d at each scheduled feeding time, while for the other 20 h, cats were group-housed to allow for voluntary physical activity in the room with a 16 h light–8 h dark cycle. Voluntary activity levels were evaluated using Actical activity collars for seven consecutive days in each period. Daily average activity level for two-meal-fed cats (20·04 (sem 2·19), activity counts/epoch (15 s)) was not different from four-meal-fed cats (20·14 (sem 2·15), activity counts/epoch (15 s); P>0·05). In conclusion, when group-housed cats are fed to maintain their body weight and body condition score, varied feeding frequency between twice and four times daily may not affect activity levels.

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How Much Observation Is Enough? Refining the Administration of SOPARC

Journal of Physical Activity and Health ◽

10.1123/jpah.8.8.1117 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 8 (8) ◽

pp. 1117-1123 ◽

Cited By ~ 80

Author(s):

Deborah A. Cohen ◽

Claude Setodji ◽

Kelly R. Evenson ◽

Phillip Ward ◽

Sandra Lapham ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Los Angeles ◽

Interobserver Reliability ◽

Intraclass Correlation ◽

Activity Level ◽

Activity Levels ◽

User Characteristics ◽

Systematic Observation ◽

Robust Estimate ◽

Neighborhood Parks

Background:The Systematic Observation of Play and Recreation in Communities (SOPARC) was designed to estimate the number and characteristics of people using neighborhood parks by assessing them 4 times/day, 7 days/week. We tested whether this schedule was adequate and determined the minimum number of observations necessary to provide a robust estimate of park user characteristics and their physical activity levels.Methods:We conducted observations every hour for 14 hours per day during 1 summer and 1 autumn week in 10 urban neighborhood parks: 2 each in Los Angeles, CA; Albuquerque, NM; Columbus, OH; Durham, NC; and Philadelphia, PA. We counted park users by gender, age group, apparent race/ethnicity, and activity level. We used a standardized Cronbach’s alpha and intraclass correlation coefficients to test the reliability of using fewer observations.Results:We observed 76,632 individuals, an average of 547/park/day (range 155−786). Interobserver reliability ranged from 0.80 to 0.99. Obtaining a robust estimate of park user characteristics and their physical activity required a schedule of 4 days/week, 4 times/day.Conclusion:An abbreviated schedule of SOPARC was sufficient for estimating park use, park user characteristics, and physical activity. Applying these observation methods can augment physical activity surveillance.

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Maximal Oxygen Uptake and Daily Physical Activity in 7- to 12-Year-Old Boys

Pediatric Exercise Science ◽

10.1123/pes.5.4.357 ◽

1993 ◽

Vol 5 (4) ◽

pp. 357-366 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Hazzaa M. Al-Hazzaa ◽

Mohammed A. Sulaiman

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Heart Rate ◽

Oxygen Uptake ◽

Maximal Oxygen Uptake ◽

Open Circuit ◽

Daily Physical Activity ◽

Activity Level ◽

Activity Levels ◽

School Time ◽

The Relationship

The present study examined the relationship between maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2max) and daily physical activity in a group of 7- to 12-year-old boys. V̇O2max was assessed through the incremental treadmill test using an open circuit system. Physical activity level was obtained from heart rate telemetry outside of school time for 8 hrs during weekdays and during 40 min of physical education classes. The findings indicated that the absolute value of V̇O2max increased with age, while relative to body weight it remained almost the same across age, with a mean of 48.4 ml · kg−1 · min−1. Moreover, heart rate telemetry showed that the boys spent a limited amount of time on activities that raise the heart rate to a level above 160 bpm (an average of 1.9%). In addition, V̇O2max was found to be significantly related to the percentage of time spent at activity levels at or above a heart rate of 140 bpm, but not with activity levels at or above a heart rate of 160 bpm.

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Pedestrian Activity Among California Adults

Journal of Physical Activity and Health ◽

10.1123/jpah.6.1.15 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 6 (1) ◽

pp. 15-23 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Anna E. Mathews ◽

Natalie Colabianchi ◽

Brent Hutto ◽

Delores M. Pluto ◽

Steve P. Hooker

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Activity Patterns ◽

Physical Activity Promotion ◽

Activity Level ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Public Health Agencies ◽

Activity Promotion ◽

Health Agencies ◽

Random Digit Dial

Background:The objectives of this study were to assess (1) pedestrian activity levels among adults, (2) where and why adults engage in pedestrian activity, and (3) what adults consider when deciding where to engage in pedestrian activity.Methods:Pedestrian activity was assessed in 12,036 California adults, ≥18 years, using a random digit-dial telephone survey.Results:Significant differences were identified by race, sex, age, and physical activity level in the type, location, and purpose of pedestrian activities. Men engage in pedestrian activity at work, and women engage in pedestrian activity while escorting children to school and running errands. Whites primarily engage in leisure-time pedestrian activity, and non-whites are more likely to engage in pedestrian activity for transportation. Older adults were less active than their younger counterparts.Conclusions:These findings should be considered by public health agencies and their partners as they continue to increase and promote opportunities for pedestrian activity. Additional research is needed to assess older adults’ physical activity patterns and preferences, barriers, and facilitators to effectively tailor physical activity promotion efforts to this at-risk group.

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Abstract P183: Parents Play Significant Role in the Gender Differences Associated with Physical Activity in Elementary Students

Circulation ◽

10.1161/circ.125.suppl_10.ap183 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 125 (suppl_10) ◽

Author(s):

Chelsea R Blankenship ◽

Christa Ice ◽

Vanessa Shannon ◽

Lesley Cottrell

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Gender Differences ◽

Significant Role ◽

Parenting Practices ◽

Screening Program ◽

Total Activity ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Parent Behavior ◽

Child Gender ◽

Childhood Physical Activity

BACKGROUND It has been proven that males engage in physical activity more than females starting at a young age. The goal of this study was to investigate gender differences based on parenting behaviors such as the frequency with which parents send their children out to play. METHODS Parents of children participating in a free cardiovascular risk-screening program (CARDIAC Project) completed a behavioral survey. Children (n =472; 43.3% female) who were enrolled in elementary school participated in the study. Parents provided information about children’s physical activity and their own ways in which they provided support of activity at home. Children’s participation in 12 activities was captured by total number of minutes per week. A combined mean activity score was calculated by summing the children’s total time across all of the activities. Parent behavior , specifically the frequency at which parents send their children outside to play was captured using a Likert scale where “1” represented never and “5” represented daily. Child gender and the amount of time allowed outside for play were then entered into a linear regression model to examine their role as potential predictors of child activity. RESULTS A significant gender difference (p<.001) was noted in children’s total activity time with boys (n = 237; 751 minutes/week) exhibiting higher mean activity each week than girls (n = 229; 521 minutes/week). Child gender and the amount of time allowed outside to play significantly predicted children’s activity levels overall. This model explained 28.9% of the variance in children’s activity levels (F = 20.25 (2); p<.001). Specifically, girls had less opportunity (3.75) than boys (4.05) to play outside. CONCLUSION A factor behind the lesser physical activity in female adolescents is significantly related to the decreased opportunity to play outside. Additional parenting practices will be shared if presented. In conclusion, parent behavior plays a significant role in the proven gender differences with childhood physical activity.

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