The development and maintenance of healthy physical activity behaviours from an early age is a priority for public health in the UK. Schools provide a number of different opportunities (time inside and outside of the curriculum) and resources in the form of space, equipment and staff for children to learn and develop healthy behaviours, at a time when they are most receptive to behaviour change. The overall aim of the thesis was to identify the different opportunities within the school context whereby children could be physically active and use theoretically driven, whole school interventions to optimise and subsequently increase healthful physical activity. Study 1 demonstrated that primary schools wishing to use pedometers within their curricula can be confident that the EZ-V model is sufficiently accurate to measure physical activity in the form of steps taken (r=0.897). Using the EZ-V pedometer, Study 2 demonstrated that feedback from pedometers along with information on how children can be physically active during the school day, can significantly increase children's mean daily steps-min"' compared to feedback alone or control groups over the course of a school week. Furthermore, boys were significantly more active than girls across each treatment group. Study 3 explored the affect of the primary school travel plan (TP) on the moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) of 7-11 year olds during the winter and summer season. In order to examine the impact of the TP, schools were separated into schools deemed to have an Established TP (implemented for at least 2 years) or `New' schools (i. e., had just drafted their TP and were in the first year of its implementation). Children in the New TP schools accumulated 7.24 (winter) and 24.11 (summer) more minutes of MVPA (5.2% and 15.66% respectively) throughout the day compared with those in the Established TP school children (F(1,35=) 0.955, p=0.207, d=0.33). Overall, children were more active during the summer by 7.81 minutes (F(I, 35) = 0.089, p=0.768, d=0.1). The final study examined the affect of a 12 week, multi-component, whole school intervention which aimed to increase children's school day MVPA. Following baseline physical activity measures via accelerometry, intervention components consisting of a Health Week, Playtime Pals and a Pedometer Challenge were delivered sequentially over the first 6 weeks. Subsequent accelerometer data were collected after each intervention was delivered at 2,4,6 and 12 weeks. Results showed that from baseline to follow-up, children increased their MVPA by 6.57 minutes during the school day, which according to the Q statistic was likely to be beneficial. Results from the Pedometer Challenge found that boy s' mean pedometer steps"day-' were significantly higher than girls' (F(I, 95)= 9.987, p=0.002, d=0.65) and overall, mean pedometer steps-day"' significantly increased from week one to week five (F(,, 93)= 5.845, p=0.018, d=0.24). When the lowest and highest active 50% groups were compared, children in the lowest active 50% group significantly increased their steps from week one to week five (F(l, 47)= 20.847, p=0.000, d=0.93), while the highest active 50% did not (F(1,47)= 0.000, p=0.990, d=0). Furthermore, boys in the highest active 50% group were found to accumulate significantly more steps than the girls, in the highest active 50% group (F(I, 46)= 14.701, p=0.000, d=0.81), while there was no significant difference between the boys' and girls' pedometer steps in the lowest 50% group (F(l, 46)= 0.456, p=0.503, d=0.14). The overall findings of the thesis suggest that schools can successfully optimise the different opportunities during the school day in order to increase children's physical activity, but that larger, controlled and longitudinally designed studies are needed to confirm cause and effect. Most importantly, these changes may have most impact in the least active boys and girls. Interventions such as this should therefore be targeted at the least active children to ensure that they benefit as much as possible from the opportunity to increase their daily physical activity.

As natural environments have been identified as places for mental restoration and social development there is the potential to address a number of bio-psychosocial health inequalities by encouraging urban park use. The current research explores the link between people and nature within the urban context of Liverpool across 3 phases of research. The reconnaissance phase explored health inequalities, physical activity levels and park access in Liverpool. Analysis showed that Liverpool is one of the most socially and economically deprived areas within England, with less than 70% of the survey population not meeting recommended physical activity levels. Although Liverpool has an abundance of parks and urban green spaces, the high health inequalities and lack of physical activity correlation with environment features suggests residents might not access parks and urban green spaces for health benefits. The exploratory study adopted a multi-method approach to investigate bio-psychosocial responses to urban city and park environments. Using repeated measures, 18 participants walked on a treadmill for 20 minutes whilst viewing and listening to either a Liverpool urban park or city centre scene. A two-way ANOVA was conducted to compare means between data collection time points within each condition for heart rate and blood pressure. Analysis for mean arterial pressure found a significant reduction for the park condition post physical activity [F(2,18) 6.83, p=.02] with the same effect on systolic blood . pressure [F(2, 18)=8.61, p=.OO] in comparison to the city scene. Semi-structured interviews conducted after testing found that cultural and social experiences influenced how participants interact with the urban environment. In particular, opportunities to access parks and natural environments during childhood was attributed to a lifespan connection. Participants reported psychological benefits of stress reduction and attention restoration and social benefits including providing a place for family and friend interaction in a park setting. Social barriers included fear from crime and harassment from teenagers. While the city was associated with traffic, congestion and noise that could evoke negative emotions, the history and diversity of Liverpool aroused pride and enjoyment that could also promote psychosocial benefits. The intervention study adopted ethnographic principles to explore cultural and individual beliefs of a group of eleven teenagers engaged in a park based physical activity programme. Observations during the programme indicated that the practitioner's role and skill base was paramount to park and activity engagement. Changes to participants across the programme impacted negatively on group dynamics, with external pressures from family and friends contributing to low attendance rates, poor time keeping and low concentration during activities. The social intervention highlighted the need to fully engage participants in the planning process and provide an agreed structure and policy for behaviour. The research highlighted a number of organisational, cultural and social issues that need to be tackled before benefits from green spaces can be fully realised. Overall research findings suggest that potential bio-psychosocial benefits of physical activity in parks and urban green spaces may be influenced by complex social issues surrounding values, culture and tradition. Further investigation into the interrelationships between neighbourhood residents, parks and urban green spaces, activities of users, and potential restorative effects could provide beneficial insights for policy makers and practitioners who would look to use these spaces for bio-psychosocial wellbeing.

Esta dissertação de mestrado estuda como se apresenta o sentido do trabalho particularmente no fim do século XIX e primeira metade do século XX além de seus impactos na vida das pessoas. Foram identificados elementos para a discussão e análise da recuperação do sentido do trabalho. Os principais conceitos utilizados foram técnica e razão de Ortega y Gasset, sentido do trabalho de Viktor E. Frankl e ócio de Josef Pieper. Nossa hipótese é que uma das principais alternativas para recuperar o sentido do trabalho é o ócio utilizado para a educação do trabalhador. / This Master Degree thesis studies the meaning of the work especially at the end of XIX and first half of XX centuries besides its impacts in people´s life. Some elements for discussion and analysis to recover the meaning of the work were identified. Main concepts presented were Ortega y Gassets technique and reason, Viktor E. Frankls meaning of the work and Josef Pieper´s leisure. Our hypothesis is that one of the main alternatives to recover the meaning of the work is to embrace the leisure based on worker´s education.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:27:50Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2004-11-08Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T20:36:21Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 mena_fes_me_rcla.pdf: 549702 bytes, checksum: 38ec9dc363a7ca2c8bb8b91b883ff1e5 (MD5) / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / A pesquisa Clima e Turismo no Município de Botucatu (SP) teve como objetivo principal analisar as características climáticas de Botucatu, com base nos dados dos parâmetros meteorológicos: temperatura e precipitação pluviométrica cedidos pela Estação Meteorológica da UNESP - Campus de Lageado. Analisou-se também, o Plano Diretor de Turismo para o Município de Botucatu (2001), procurando apresentar os recursos naturais, os patrimoniais, os históricos-arquitetônicos e os recursos públicos, em conjunto com os recursos climáticos favoráveis para o turismo sustentável na região. / The research Weather and Tourism in Botucatu County had as its main aim the analysis of the weather characteristics of Botucatu (SP) with basis on the data of following weather parameters: temperature and water precipitation supplied by the Weather Forecasting Station of UNESP - Lageado Campus. It was also analyzed the Tourism Directive Plan for Botucatu County (2001) aiming to show the natural resources, the patrimonial resources, the historical - architectonical resources and the public resources together with the favorable weather resources for the uphold able tourism in the region.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:27:59Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2010-04-09Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T18:32:21Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 kawaguti_cn_me_rcla.pdf: 284070 bytes, checksum: 8da31d212285e58c42d25231014da2c3 (MD5) / Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) / Este estudo, de natureza qualitativa, teve como objetivo investigar o significado do lazer no âmbito do estilo de vida dos profissionais da saúde do município de Rio Claro. O estudo foi desenvolvido por meio da união de pesquisas bibliográfica e exploratória, utilizando-se como instrumento para a coleta de dados uma escala Likert, aplicada a 40 profissionais da área da saúde do Município de Rio Claro, SP. Os dados foram analisados descritivamente, por meio da técnica de Análise de Conteúdo Temático. Os resultados indicaram que, no que diz respeito aos valores pessoais e profissionais atribuídos à temática do lazer, os profissionais tenderam para uma valorização desse aspecto. No entanto, notou-se a dissonância cognitiva, já que estes não incorporam, em seu cotidiano, a prática regular dessas atividades. / This study, of a qualitative nature, aimed to investigate the significance of leisure in the lifestyle of health professionals in the city of Rio Claro. The study was conducted by the union of literature review and exploratory research, using as a tool for data collection a Likert scale, applied to 40 health professionals of Rio Claro, SP. Data were descriptively analyzed, using Thematic Content Analysis Technique. Result indicate that, with regard to personal and professional values assigned to leisure, health professionals tended to positive appreciation of this aspect. However, it could be found a cognitive dissonance, since they do not incorporate in their daily lives, the practice of these activities.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:27:59Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2007-05-18Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T19:57:09Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 christofoletti_dfa_me_rcla.pdf: 1277836 bytes, checksum: ccb9b870e115e8e57faad8ab606064d6 (MD5) / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / A presente pesquisa, de natureza qualitativa, teve seu objetivo centrado na reflexão acerca dos aspectos psicológicos e didáticos referentes à prática do jogo de xadrez nos contextos escolar, competitivo e no lazer, focalizando a atuação de profissionais envolvidos, sob a perspectiva da motricidade humana. O estudo foi realizado em duas etapas, constando de uma revisão bibliográfica acerca da temática em foco seguido pela pesquisa exploratória, desenvolvida por meio de entrevista estrutura, contendo 15 perguntas abertas. A amostra intencional foi composta por 13 sujeitos, brasileiros, professores de xadrez, de ambos os sexos, faixa etária entre 22 e 62 anos, com níveis socioeconômicos variados e escolaridade superior, com experiência no ensino do xadrez acima de 4 anos, sendo todos professores em escolas e/ou clubes e técnicos com reconhecimento nacional na modalidade, participantes dos Jogos Regionais, ocorridos no ano de 2006. Os dados, analisados descritivamente, por meio da Técnica de Análise de Conteúdo Temático, indicam que é possível notar que o jogo de xadrez constitui-se em um universo bastante amplo e, conforme o local de atuação, há variações na nomenclatura utilizada para designar este profissional como técnico ou como professor. O perfil referente à formação dos atuantes interferem sobre a forma com que lidam com xadrez tomado como jogo ou esporte, visto que, entre eles, poucos possuem em sua formação a Graduação em Educação física. Com base nos resultados da pesquisa, torna-se relevante a realização de novos estudos, capazes de aprofundar os conhecimentos acerca do ensino desta modalidade, tendo em vista vi as diferentes possibilidades de atuação profissional com o xadrez, bem como, a conscientização sobre as necessidades de adaptações para cada contexto, aprimorando a metodologia utilizada por eles na passagem do conhecimento. / This research, of qualitative nature, has as objective to determine the psychological and didactic aspects referring to the practice of chess game in school, competitive and leisure contexts, focusing the performance of the professionals involved, under the perspective of human movement area. The research was based on literature review and on explanatory research, developed through an interview with 15 open questions. This instrument was applied to a sample compound by 13 Brazilian chess teachers, of both sex, between 22 and 62 years old, from different social economical and instruction levels, with experience in chess teaching in schools, and/or clubs up to 4 years, and coaches of national recognition, who have participated in the Regional Games, which happened in 2006. Data were descriptively analyzed through Thematic Content Analysis Technique, showing that chess game consists in a very ample universe, and according to the performance place there are some variations in the used nomenclature to assign this professional as coach or as a teacher. The profile referring to participants professional formation intervenes in the way they deal with chess, as a game or sport, since among them few are Physical Education Graduated. Based on the results of this research, it is relevant the accomplishment of new studies, deepening the knowledge concerning to teaching-learning of this modality, focusing the different possibilities of professional performance with chess, as well as, the awareness on the necessities of adaptations for each context, improving the methodology used when teaching.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:28:00Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2006-02-24Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T19:15:48Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 dias_vk_me_rcla.pdf: 438089 bytes, checksum: 55315cdb787f215af7b7f2a207635068 (MD5) / Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP) / Este estudo, de natureza qualitativa, tem como objetivo, analisar a participação e as emoções de indivíduos idosos em atividades de aventura na natureza, identificando o significado dessas vivências para esta população, os parâmetros relacionados aos motivos de aderência, as relações de valores referentes a essas experiências na vida dos idosos e as principais dificuldades encontradas nessas práticas. O estudo foi realizado em duas etapas, a primeira relacionada a uma revisão de literatura a respeito das temáticas propostas e a segunda, a uma pesquisa exploratória, utilizando-se como instrumento uma entrevista estruturada. A amostra intencional do estudo foi formada por 15 indivíduos idosos, com faixa etária acima de 60 anos, de ambos os sexos, praticantes regulares dessas atividades, oferecidas por empresas de ecoturismo, da cidade de Brotas/SP. Os dados coletados foram analisados descritivamente, por meio da técnica de Análise de Conteúdo Temático e indicam que, nos motivos de aderência, a família e amigos foram os responsáveis por levarem essas pessoas a praticarem essas atividades, seguidos da curiosidade em conhecê-las e do fato de estarem em contato com a natureza. Também foi mencionada a busca de novas experiências e a necessidade de fazer uma atividade física. Referente ao indicador sobre valores, tanto o significado como as modificações na vida dos idosos, foram altamente positivos, não só na mudança de atitudes e auto-estima, como na auto-percepção. Já as emoções sentidas antes da vivência foram ligeiramente negativas, decorrentes da expectativa e da ansiedade. As emoções durante e após foram semelhantes e positivas. Em relação às dificuldades encontradas pelos idosos para essas práticas, o deslocamento para as cidades que as oferecem, o alto custo das mesmas e alguns equipamentos... / This study, of a qualitative nature, aimed to analyze the participation and the emotions of elderly in adventure activities in nature, by identifying the meaning of these experiences, the values related to these experiences in the life of the elderly, and the main difficulties found in these practices. The study was carried out in two phases, being the first one related to a literature revision regarding the thematic proposals and the second referring to an exploratory research, using a structured interview as an instrument for collection of the data. The sample of the study comprised 15 aged individuals, with age above of 60 years, of both sexes. They were selected intentionally, based on previous experience, offered by eco tourism companies, of Brotas/SP. Data were descriptively analyzed, by Content Analysis and indicate that referring to adherence family and friends were responsible for introducing them into these activities, followed by the curiosity to know them and the fact of being in contact with nature. Referring to values, the meaning such as the changes of the elderly were positive, even in attitudes, self-steam and awareness. Regarding to emotions before the activities they were slightly negative, derived from expectation and anxiety. Emotions during and after the activities were similar and positive. In relation to difficulties, the displacement to the cities that offer this activities, the increasing cost of them and of the equipment, together with the lack of information and of adapted activities, the prejudice regarding the elderly and the fear were mentioned by the elderly. Based on these data it becomes a challenge to amplify awareness and insertion of the elderly in regular... (Complete abstract, click electronic address below)

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:28:00Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2004-11-09Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T19:57:10Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 tahara_ak_me_rcla.pdf: 249492 bytes, checksum: df53b5de4d1bee12aeb6ecffb715dd0e (MD5) / Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP) / O presente estudo teve por objetivo investigar, na visão de praticantes regulares, os principais elementos desencadeadores de aderência às atividades físicas de aventura na natureza, no âmbito do lazer. Para tanto, o estudo, de natureza qualitativa, desenvolveu-se por meio de uma pesquisa exploratória. O instrumento utilizado para a coleta de dados foi uma entrevista semi-estruturada, composta por seis questões, aplicada a uma amostra formada por 20 adeptos há mais de um ano das AFAN, na cidade de Brotas/SP, com idades variando entre 21 e 45 anos, de ambos os sexos, nível de escolaridade diversificado e formação profissional variada. Os dados coletados foram analisados descritivamente, utilizando-se a técnica de Análise de Conteúdo Temático, estabelecendo-se três indicadores no sentido de agrupar as respostas em categorias temáticas semelhantes: motivos de aderência à prática de AFAN; dificuldades percebidas para a prática regular de AFAN e, a significação das práticas de AFAN em nível pessoal. Em relação aos motivos de aderência, os mesmos se concentram na vontade dos sujeitos entrevistados em fugir do cotidiano urbano, numa tentativa de melhorar a qualidade de vida pessoal e, na maioria das vezes, o contato com as AFAN deu-se por meio da influência da mídia. Acerca de quanto tais práticas estão associadas ao tempo de lazer dos indivíduos e quais os principais limites impeditivos à regularidade na prática, pode-se perceber que um final de semana por mês é o tempo despendido para a realização das AFAN, devido a fatores que servem como empecilhos à regularidade ainda maior, tais como a distância aos centros de prática e os excessivos gastos decorrentes da plena execução das atividades. Quanto ao real significado de participação nas AFAN, além de possíveis mudanças ocorridas desde a prática inicial, a maioria dos entrevistado... . / This research is aimed at investigating the main elements that motivate regular practitioners to adhere. into adventure physical activities in leisure ambit. This study had a qualitative nature and was developed by an exploratory research. A semistructured interview was utilized as instrument for data collection, composed of 6 questions applied to a sample of 20 adepts of AFAN for more than one year, in Brotas/SP, with age variation between 21 and 45 years, of both sexes and different school levels. Data were descriptively analyzed through Content Analysis, establishing three indicators, grouping the answers in similar categories dealing with the adherence motive to practice it; difficulties in practicing AFAN and the personal meaning of these activities. Adherence motives concentrated in the need of escaping from urban everyday life, in order to improve personal life quality. Media influenced the first contact with AFAN. One weekend per month was dedicated to practicing AFAN during leisure time, depending on the distance of the centers of practices and the expenses related to these practices. These practices suggest a review of values and attitudes towardz yourself and others, evidencing high level of personal satisfaction and well being. Based on these results it was possible to recognize the potentialities of AFAN on enhancing qualitative levels of man-nature relationship... (Complete abstract, click electronic address below).

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:28:26Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2007-05-18Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T18:48:19Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 lucas_fm_me_prud.pdf: 4579818 bytes, checksum: 74940554d47022946ab67e7f1fba11ff (MD5) / Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) / Este trabalho tem como principal objetivo analisar as práticas de lazer na cidade de Presidente Prudente SP, focando algumas áreas sujeitas à exclusão social. Observa-se a importância de verificar como estão implantadas as políticas desenvolvidas pelo poder público municipal referentes à área do lazer na cidade de Presidente Prudente, visando ainda verificar como as pessoas que habitam tais áreas periféricas sujeitas à exclusão vivenciam suas práticas de lazer e principalmente como estas concebem as opções de lazer oferecidas pelo poder público. O trabalho está estruturado por meio de duas importantes fontes de dados. Uma primeira procura identificar em recortes extraídos do jornal O Imparcial as principais políticas de lazer implementadas a partir do ano de 1990 até 2004, com maior enfoque na atual administração que vem estabelecendo como principal política a urbanização e implantação de praças de lazer em áreas de fundo de vale. Uma segunda fonte tem o intuito de identificar a visão dos moradores de algumas áreas periféricas a respeito do lazer, objetivando verificar se existe associação entre a oferta de tais políticas e a contemplação das mesmas por parte desses moradores. Consideramos existir um padrão de política de lazer que vem sendo estabelecido mais recentemente nessa cidade, no entanto, apesar dessa política se disseminar pela malha urbana e contemplar muitas áreas sujeitas à exclusão social, observou-se uma subutilização em algumas dessas praças devido ao fato de não passarem por manutenção e não garantirem segurança para as famílias residentes no entorno vivenciarem seus momentos de lazer. / This research, aims to analyse the leisure practices in the city of Presidente Prudente - SP, emphasizing some areas subject to social exclusion process. It is observed as the local government introduce the leisure areas in the city of Presidente Prudente and how the people who live in such areas utilize them, principally how these people understand the leisure options offered by the local government. This research is based on two important data sources. The first one tries to identify in extracts from the newspaper O Imparcial , the principal policy of leisure introduced from 1990 a 2004, emphasizing the current administration which has been establishing as its principal policy the urbanization and leisure parks in isolated areas. The second source aims at identifying the residents understanding of leisure to verify if there is a relation between the policy offered and the acceptance of the residents. We consider there is a leisure policy pattern which has been established recently in this city, however besider this policy has spread out the city and contemplated areas subject to social exclusion process, it can be noticed the low use of some of these parks due to the fact there is no maintenance and principally because the family security is not guaranteed during the leisure practices

This research aimed to investigate how the members of CORAP think and elaborate the articulations between Leisure, culture and public spaces taking as a scene the Batalha dos Bombeiros Event. To carry out the research, we conducted on-site observations, documentary analysis and conducted interviews with CORAP members. To analyze the results, we used content analysis. The articulation between the categories Leisure, Hip Hop, Youth and Public Spaces allowed to look appreciably to the context of the city of Santa Maria. We take the Leisure as a human social dimension that articulates a time and space for the production of culture and knowledge. As far as the city is concerned, we believe that there is a need to build public spaces, to foster and stimulate them in a humanized way, providing people with ease, security and well-being. The Batalha dos Bombeiros Event is an example of a catalyst for the occupation of public spaces in the city. The participants of the event produce through Lazer a space of knowledge, creativity, coexistence, claim, social affirmation and enjoyment. Therefore, one can affirm that Leisure favors social relations, humanizing the subjects and consequently, potentiates the city / Esta pesquisa objetivou investigar como os membros do CORAP pensam e elaboram as articulações entre Lazer, cultura e espaços públicos, tendo como cenário o Evento Batalha dos Bombeiros. Para consecução da pesquisa, realizamos observações in loco, análise documental e realizamos entrevistas com membros do CORAP. Para análise dos resultados, lançamos mão da análise de conteúdo. A articulação entre as categorias Lazer, Hip Hop, Juventude e Espaços Públicos permitiu olhar sensivelmente para o contexto da cidade de Santa Maria. Tomamos o Lazer como uma dimensão social humana que articula um tempo e espaço para produção de cultura e conhecimento. No que tange à cidade, acreditamos que há necessidade de construir espaços públicos, fomentá-los e estimulá-los de maneira humanizada, propiciando convivialidade, segurança e bem-estar da população. O Evento Batalha dos Bombeiros é um exemplo de catalisador da ocupação dos espaços públicos na cidade. Os participantes do evento produzem por meio do Lazer um espaço de conhecimento, criatividade, convivência, reivindicação, afirmação social e fruição. Portanto, pode-se afirmar que o Lazer favorece as relações sociais, humanizando os sujeitos e, consequentemente, potencializa a cidade.