Introduction: Obesity is a public health concern in its association with various comorbidities, especially cardiovascular disease. Negative structural and functional changes of the left ventricle are associated with obesity and research is conflicting as to the effect of diet-induced and diet plus exercise-induced weight loss in Class II and III obese adults. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine effect of diet-induced or diet plus exercise-induced weight loss on cardiac structure and function in Class II and III obese women. Methods: 24 healthy, sedentary, obese women (BMI: 35.0 to 45 kg/m2; Age: 45.4 + 6.9yrs.) underwent a 12-week diet and exercise intervention: caloric restriction alone (DIET), caloric restriction plus aerobic training (DIET+AT), and caloric restriction plus resistance training (DIET+RT). Subjects reported to UPMC Presbyterian Hospital to undergo Cardiac MRI to measure left ventricular mass (LVM), myocardial fibrosis (Ve), end diastolic volume (EDV), end systolic volume (ESV), and ejection fraction (EF). Results: 18 out of 24 subjects completed the intervention. 16 out of 24 completed 12 week Cardiac MRI at UPMC Presbyterian. Body weight significantly decreased across all treatment groups (~4.5kg lost, p=0.001). Subjects in the DIET group had significantly greater reduction in LVM (-7.2 ± 3.9g) than the DIET+AT (2.3 ± 4.7g) and DIET+RT (-0.2 ± 3.5g) groups (p=0.007). Subjects in the DIET+RT group had a significantly higher Ve score at 12 weeks (27.9 ± 1.5%) than subjects in the DIET+AT (26.5 ± 1.4%) and DIET (24.0 ± 0.8%) groups (p=0.010). There were no significant changes in EDV, ESV, or EF at 12 weeks between groups (p>0.159). Conclusions: In conclusion, only LVM in the DIET group and Ve in the DIET+RT showed statistical changes from baseline. Further investigations into the effect of weight loss and exercise on cardiac structure and function in Class II and III obese adults are warranted to expand upon the results of this investigation.

Introduction: The role that inflammation plays in the atherosclerotic disease process is well established. Obesity is coupled with a state of chronic inflammation and is associated with increased circulating inflammatory markers including C-Reactive Protein. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the additive effect of aerobic or resistance exercise training to caloric restriction for weight loss on high sensitivity C-Reactive Protein changes compared to dietary restriction alone in class II and class III obese individuals. Methods: 24 healthy, sedentary, obese women underwent a 12-week diet and exercise intervention: Caloric restriction weight loss program with no exercise (DIET); Caloric restriction with aerobic endurance training (DIET+AT); and Caloric restriction with resistance training (DIET+RT). Blood was drawn at baseline and 12-weeks and assayed for hs-CRP. Results: Weight was decreased significantly in all groups in the intervention. Hs-CRP was unchanged at 12-weeks.Conclusions: In conclusion, this investigation was successful in producing weight loss, BMI decreases, decreases in body fat percentage, and positive changes in fitness markers, though no changes in hs-CRP were associated with weight loss or weight loss with exercise. Further investigations into the influence of weight loss and exercise on CRP levels among Class II and Class III individuals should be completed to examine and expand upon the results observed in this study.

Numerous studies have investigated the relationship between physical activity and physiological health (e.g., Burke et al., 2006; Irwin, 2004). Less attention has been paid to the contribution of physical activity on psychological well-being (Fox et al., 2000), and more specifically eudaimonic well-being, which reflects optimal psychological functioning and development at ones maximum potential (Ryff, 1989, 1995). This study investigated the role that health-enhancing physical activity (HEPA; any form of physical activity that benefits health and functional capacity; Miilunpalo et al., 2000) plays in eudaimonic well-being, which Ryff conceptualizes in terms of six dimensions: (1) Autonomy (i.e., being self-determined and independent); (2) Environmental Mastery (i.e., having a sense of mastery and competence in managing the environment); (3) Personal Growth (i.e., having a feeling of continued development); (4) Positive Relations with Others (i.e., having warm, satisfying, and trusting relationships with others); (5) Purpose in Life (i.e., having goals and a sense of direction in life); and, (6) Self-acceptance (i.e., possessing a positive attitude toward the self).<p> Employing Ryffs (1989, 1995) perspective of eudaimonic well-being, this study explored whether or not experiencing eudaimonia during HEPA moderates the relationship between HEPA and eudaimonic well-being. Additionally, it explored whether or not the relationship between experiencing eudaimonia during HEPA and eudaimonic well-being is mediated by basic need satisfaction. Undergraduate university students (N = 524; Mage = 20.7 years) completed an online survey including the Scales of Psychological Well-Being (Ryff & Keyes, 1995), the Short Questionnaire to Assess Health-enhancing Physical Activity (Wendel-Vos et al., 2003), the Hedonic and Eudaimonic Motives for Activity scale (Huta & Ryan, 2008), and the Psychological Need Satisfaction in Exercise Scale (Wilson, Rogers, et al., 2006). While level of HEPA was not significantly related to eudaimonic well-being (r = .05, p = .24), experiencing hedonia during HEPA (i.e., enjoying oneself, experiencing pleasure; r = .40, p < .01), experiencing eudaimonia during HEPA (r = .37, p < .01), and basic need satisfaction (r = .46, p < .01) were significantly related to eudaimonic well-being. Although experiencing eudaimonia during HEPA did not moderate the relationship between HEPA and eudaimonic well-being, experiencing eudaimonia during HEPA accounted for a significant 2.2% unique variance in eudaimonic well-being beyond HEPA and experiencing hedonia during HEPA (the full model accounted for a significant 18.2% of the variance in eudaimonic well-being).<p> Furthermore, the data were consistent with a model of partial mediation in that basic need satisfaction partially accounted for the relationship between experiencing eudaimonia during HEPA and eudaimonic well-being, supporting the proposition put forth by Ryan et al. (2008) that positive psychological well-being is a result of eudaimonic living that facilitates the satisfaction of our basic psychological needs. Findings from this study suggest that what appears to be significant in the relationship between HEPA and eudaimonic well-being is not the level of activity, but rather what is experienced during the activity. Future research may explore the directionality of the relationship by examining the extent to which eudaimonic well-being influences what is experienced during activity.

Numerous studies have investigated the relationship between physical activity and physiological health (e.g., Burke et al., 2006; Irwin, 2004). Less attention has been paid to the contribution of physical activity on psychological well-being (Fox et al., 2000), and more specifically eudaimonic well-being, which reflects optimal psychological functioning and development at ones maximum potential (Ryff, 1989, 1995). This study investigated the role that health-enhancing physical activity (HEPA; any form of physical activity that benefits health and functional capacity; Miilunpalo et al., 2000) plays in eudaimonic well-being, which Ryff conceptualizes in terms of six dimensions: (1) Autonomy (i.e., being self-determined and independent); (2) Environmental Mastery (i.e., having a sense of mastery and competence in managing the environment); (3) Personal Growth (i.e., having a feeling of continued development); (4) Positive Relations with Others (i.e., having warm, satisfying, and trusting relationships with others); (5) Purpose in Life (i.e., having goals and a sense of direction in life); and, (6) Self-acceptance (i.e., possessing a positive attitude toward the self).<p> Employing Ryffs (1989, 1995) perspective of eudaimonic well-being, this study explored whether or not experiencing eudaimonia during HEPA moderates the relationship between HEPA and eudaimonic well-being. Additionally, it explored whether or not the relationship between experiencing eudaimonia during HEPA and eudaimonic well-being is mediated by basic need satisfaction. Undergraduate university students (N = 524; Mage = 20.7 years) completed an online survey including the Scales of Psychological Well-Being (Ryff & Keyes, 1995), the Short Questionnaire to Assess Health-enhancing Physical Activity (Wendel-Vos et al., 2003), the Hedonic and Eudaimonic Motives for Activity scale (Huta & Ryan, 2008), and the Psychological Need Satisfaction in Exercise Scale (Wilson, Rogers, et al., 2006). While level of HEPA was not significantly related to eudaimonic well-being (r = .05, p = .24), experiencing hedonia during HEPA (i.e., enjoying oneself, experiencing pleasure; r = .40, p < .01), experiencing eudaimonia during HEPA (r = .37, p < .01), and basic need satisfaction (r = .46, p < .01) were significantly related to eudaimonic well-being. Although experiencing eudaimonia during HEPA did not moderate the relationship between HEPA and eudaimonic well-being, experiencing eudaimonia during HEPA accounted for a significant 2.2% unique variance in eudaimonic well-being beyond HEPA and experiencing hedonia during HEPA (the full model accounted for a significant 18.2% of the variance in eudaimonic well-being).<p> Furthermore, the data were consistent with a model of partial mediation in that basic need satisfaction partially accounted for the relationship between experiencing eudaimonia during HEPA and eudaimonic well-being, supporting the proposition put forth by Ryan et al. (2008) that positive psychological well-being is a result of eudaimonic living that facilitates the satisfaction of our basic psychological needs. Findings from this study suggest that what appears to be significant in the relationship between HEPA and eudaimonic well-being is not the level of activity, but rather what is experienced during the activity. Future research may explore the directionality of the relationship by examining the extent to which eudaimonic well-being influences what is experienced during activity.

INTRODUÇÃO: A atividade física (AF) é reconhecida como uma boa alternativa de prevenção de doenças e promoção do bem-estar físico, mental e social das populações. Não obstante esse consenso, os programas de AF para idosos têm dificuldades para encontrar métodos que sejam capazes de proporcionar, simultaneamente, eficácia nos efeitos desejados e permanência dos participantes. OBJETIVO: comparar a aquisição, a retenção e a permanência dos efeitos biopsicossociais de dois modelos de intervenção de AF para idosas em Moçambique. MÉTODO: um grupo de 69 mulheres idosas com idade igual ou superior a 60 anos participaram do estudo, tendo sido criteriosamente selecionadas e aleatoriamente distribuídas para dois grupos: Formal (prática de atividades físicas formais) e Lúdico (prática de atividades lúdicas). A intervenção foi realizada em duas fases e as aulas tiveram frequência de 3 vezes por semana em dias alternados (segundas, quartas e sextas feiras), sessões diárias de uma hora de duração e orientadas por monitores credenciados. Na primeira fase (Fase 1) que durou 12 semanas, o Grupo Formal (n=35) realizou sessões de 20 minutos de trabalho aeróbio em cicloergômetro com intensidade de esforço controlada de 65 à 85% da frequência cardíaca máxima (FCmáx.), mais 8 exercícios de resistência muscular com 15 repetições máximas (RM) enquanto o Grupo Lúdico (n=34) realizou atividades físicas de caráter lúdico compostas por jogos, atividades recreativas ativas incluindo danças tradicionais. Na segunda fase (Fase 2) que durou 8 semanas, cada grupo foi subdividido em dois subgrupos que combinados resultaram na formação de 4 subgrupos: Formal (n=18/14); Lúdico (n=17/15); Formal + Lúdico (ForLuD; n=17/14) e Lúdico + Formal (LudFor; n=17/16). Um dos subgrupos continuou a realizar o mesmo tipo de atividade da fase 1 (retenção), enquanto o outro realizou AF que antes não tinha realizado (permanência). Antes do início da intervenção e no final de cada fase as participantes foram submetidas aos mesmos testes (pré; pós1 e pós2) que incluía: (1) antropometria (peso, altura, perímetro da cintura e porcentagem da gordura por bioimpedância); (2) fatores de risco de doença cardiovascular (pressão arterial sistólica e diastólica; glicemia; colesterol, lipoproteína de alta densidade e triglicerídeos); (3) teste de aptidão física de Rikli e Jones (1999) (sentar e levantar; rosca; sentar e alcançar; agilidade e caminhada); (4) nível da atividade física habitual (acelerômetro por 7 dias) e (5) variáveis psicossociais (autoeficácia; autopercepção do desempenho; autoestima, autoimagem e motivação intrínseca). Os dados foram analisados no SPSS.20 com 95% de intervalo de confiança e obedeceu aos pressupostos da normalidade de dados (ANOVA mista) e não normalidade (Mann-Whitney, Wilcoxon e Qui quadrado). RESULTADOS: As participantes apresentaram elevada prevalência de risco de saúde no início do estudo, quadro que permaneceu até o final da intervenção. Na fase de aquisição ambos os grupos melhoraram a capacidade cardiorrespiratória e aumentaram o nível de confiança em continuar a participar do programa. Na retenção e na permanência todos os subgrupos diminuíram a porcentagem de gordura corporal e melhoraram a agilidade. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significante na comparação intergrupos (na aquisição) e intersubgrupos (na retenção e na permanência). CONCLUSÃO: Os dois modelos de intervenção foram similares nos efeitos biopsicossociais da AF, o que permite sugerir que o modelo lúdico é uma alternativa real e viável de programa de intervenção para idosas moçambicanas, consideradas as condições culturais, sociais e econômicas do país / INTRODUCTION: Physical activity (PA) is recognized as a good alternative to prevent disease and to promote populations physical, mental and social well being. Beside this agreement, PA programs for the elderly have faced difficulties to find methods that can congregate the efficacy of the effects and the permanence of people on the program. OBJECTIVE: the aim of this study was to compare the acquisition, retention and permanence of biopsychosocial effects of two types of PA program for Mozambican older women. METHOD: 69 older women (>=60 years old) were randomlly distributed to two groups: FAG (formal activity group) and LAG (ludic activity group). The intervention program was carried out in two phases with 3 practice sessions (one hour of duration) per week (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays), and were oriented by credited trainers. The first phase of the study lasted 12 weeks and the participants of FAG (n=35) practiced 20 min of aerobic work on the treadmill with standard intensity control procedure (65 to 85% HR max) followed by 8 muscular endurance exercises with 15 maxim repetitions (RM). On the other hand participants of LAG (n=34) practiced games, dance and recreational activities. On the second phase, the study had 8 weeks of practice, and both groups were further divided into 2 sub-groups whose combination resulted in 4 sub-groups: Formal activity (FFAG; n=18/14); Ludic activity (LLAG; n=17/15); Formal+Ludic activity (FLAG; n=17/14) and Ludic+Formal activity (LFAG; n=17/16). Two of the sub-groups continued to practice the same activity of the first phase and another two sub-groups changed to the activities practiced by the other group in the first phase. The participants were submitted to the anthropometry test batteries (weight, height, west and body fat) and risk factor of cardiovascular disease test (systolic blood press and diastolic blood press; glycemic; cholesterol; high-density lipoprotein and triglycerides). Additionally they were submitted to fitness test (chair stand; arm curl; chair sit-and-reach; 8-foot up-and-go and 6-minute walk), physical activity level test (by accelerometer for seven consecutive days) and psychosocial factors test (self-efficacy; self-perception skill, self-esteem; self-image and intrinsic motivation). The data were analyzed by SPSS.20 with 95% of confidence interval. When normality criterion was achieved parametric test was used (mixed ANOVA) and nonparametric tests (Mann-Whitney, Wilcoxon and X square tests) were used when normality criterion was not achieved. RESULTS: the participants showed high level of health risk factor from the beginning to the end of the intervention. In the acquisition all groups improved the cardiorespiratory fitness and the level of the confidence to continue on the PA program. In the retention and permanence, all sub-groups reduced the level of body fat and improved agility. Inter-group comparisons reveled no statistical difference between groups (acquisition) and sub-groups (retention and permanence). CONCLUSION: The two types of PA program were similar in acquisition, retention and permanence of the biopsychosocial effects. Thus, it can be suggested that the ludic model of PA program is a real and viable alternative program for Mozambican older women, especially taking into account the cultural, social and economic conditions of the country

INTRODUÇÃO: A atividade física (AF) é reconhecida como uma boa alternativa de prevenção de doenças e promoção do bem-estar físico, mental e social das populações. Não obstante esse consenso, os programas de AF para idosos têm dificuldades para encontrar métodos que sejam capazes de proporcionar, simultaneamente, eficácia nos efeitos desejados e permanência dos participantes. OBJETIVO: comparar a aquisição, a retenção e a permanência dos efeitos biopsicossociais de dois modelos de intervenção de AF para idosas em Moçambique. MÉTODO: um grupo de 69 mulheres idosas com idade igual ou superior a 60 anos participaram do estudo, tendo sido criteriosamente selecionadas e aleatoriamente distribuídas para dois grupos: Formal (prática de atividades físicas formais) e Lúdico (prática de atividades lúdicas). A intervenção foi realizada em duas fases e as aulas tiveram frequência de 3 vezes por semana em dias alternados (segundas, quartas e sextas feiras), sessões diárias de uma hora de duração e orientadas por monitores credenciados. Na primeira fase (Fase 1) que durou 12 semanas, o Grupo Formal (n=35) realizou sessões de 20 minutos de trabalho aeróbio em cicloergômetro com intensidade de esforço controlada de 65 à 85% da frequência cardíaca máxima (FCmáx.), mais 8 exercícios de resistência muscular com 15 repetições máximas (RM) enquanto o Grupo Lúdico (n=34) realizou atividades físicas de caráter lúdico compostas por jogos, atividades recreativas ativas incluindo danças tradicionais. Na segunda fase (Fase 2) que durou 8 semanas, cada grupo foi subdividido em dois subgrupos que combinados resultaram na formação de 4 subgrupos: Formal (n=18/14); Lúdico (n=17/15); Formal + Lúdico (ForLuD; n=17/14) e Lúdico + Formal (LudFor; n=17/16). Um dos subgrupos continuou a realizar o mesmo tipo de atividade da fase 1 (retenção), enquanto o outro realizou AF que antes não tinha realizado (permanência). Antes do início da intervenção e no final de cada fase as participantes foram submetidas aos mesmos testes (pré; pós1 e pós2) que incluía: (1) antropometria (peso, altura, perímetro da cintura e porcentagem da gordura por bioimpedância); (2) fatores de risco de doença cardiovascular (pressão arterial sistólica e diastólica; glicemia; colesterol, lipoproteína de alta densidade e triglicerídeos); (3) teste de aptidão física de Rikli e Jones (1999) (sentar e levantar; rosca; sentar e alcançar; agilidade e caminhada); (4) nível da atividade física habitual (acelerômetro por 7 dias) e (5) variáveis psicossociais (autoeficácia; autopercepção do desempenho; autoestima, autoimagem e motivação intrínseca). Os dados foram analisados no SPSS.20 com 95% de intervalo de confiança e obedeceu aos pressupostos da normalidade de dados (ANOVA mista) e não normalidade (Mann-Whitney, Wilcoxon e Qui quadrado). RESULTADOS: As participantes apresentaram elevada prevalência de risco de saúde no início do estudo, quadro que permaneceu até o final da intervenção. Na fase de aquisição ambos os grupos melhoraram a capacidade cardiorrespiratória e aumentaram o nível de confiança em continuar a participar do programa. Na retenção e na permanência todos os subgrupos diminuíram a porcentagem de gordura corporal e melhoraram a agilidade. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significante na comparação intergrupos (na aquisição) e intersubgrupos (na retenção e na permanência). CONCLUSÃO: Os dois modelos de intervenção foram similares nos efeitos biopsicossociais da AF, o que permite sugerir que o modelo lúdico é uma alternativa real e viável de programa de intervenção para idosas moçambicanas, consideradas as condições culturais, sociais e econômicas do país / INTRODUCTION: Physical activity (PA) is recognized as a good alternative to prevent disease and to promote populations physical, mental and social well being. Beside this agreement, PA programs for the elderly have faced difficulties to find methods that can congregate the efficacy of the effects and the permanence of people on the program. OBJECTIVE: the aim of this study was to compare the acquisition, retention and permanence of biopsychosocial effects of two types of PA program for Mozambican older women. METHOD: 69 older women (>=60 years old) were randomlly distributed to two groups: FAG (formal activity group) and LAG (ludic activity group). The intervention program was carried out in two phases with 3 practice sessions (one hour of duration) per week (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays), and were oriented by credited trainers. The first phase of the study lasted 12 weeks and the participants of FAG (n=35) practiced 20 min of aerobic work on the treadmill with standard intensity control procedure (65 to 85% HR max) followed by 8 muscular endurance exercises with 15 maxim repetitions (RM). On the other hand participants of LAG (n=34) practiced games, dance and recreational activities. On the second phase, the study had 8 weeks of practice, and both groups were further divided into 2 sub-groups whose combination resulted in 4 sub-groups: Formal activity (FFAG; n=18/14); Ludic activity (LLAG; n=17/15); Formal+Ludic activity (FLAG; n=17/14) and Ludic+Formal activity (LFAG; n=17/16). Two of the sub-groups continued to practice the same activity of the first phase and another two sub-groups changed to the activities practiced by the other group in the first phase. The participants were submitted to the anthropometry test batteries (weight, height, west and body fat) and risk factor of cardiovascular disease test (systolic blood press and diastolic blood press; glycemic; cholesterol; high-density lipoprotein and triglycerides). Additionally they were submitted to fitness test (chair stand; arm curl; chair sit-and-reach; 8-foot up-and-go and 6-minute walk), physical activity level test (by accelerometer for seven consecutive days) and psychosocial factors test (self-efficacy; self-perception skill, self-esteem; self-image and intrinsic motivation). The data were analyzed by SPSS.20 with 95% of confidence interval. When normality criterion was achieved parametric test was used (mixed ANOVA) and nonparametric tests (Mann-Whitney, Wilcoxon and X square tests) were used when normality criterion was not achieved. RESULTS: the participants showed high level of health risk factor from the beginning to the end of the intervention. In the acquisition all groups improved the cardiorespiratory fitness and the level of the confidence to continue on the PA program. In the retention and permanence, all sub-groups reduced the level of body fat and improved agility. Inter-group comparisons reveled no statistical difference between groups (acquisition) and sub-groups (retention and permanence). CONCLUSION: The two types of PA program were similar in acquisition, retention and permanence of the biopsychosocial effects. Thus, it can be suggested that the ludic model of PA program is a real and viable alternative program for Mozambican older women, especially taking into account the cultural, social and economic conditions of the country

Physical Education (PE) includes the development of knowledge and positive attitudes toward physical activity. Regular physical activity participation during childhood and adolescence has many beneficial effects on health. The purpose of the study was (a) to describe student physical activity level, lesson context and teacher behavior, (b) to determine the relationships among physical activity, lesson context and teacher behavior, (c) to investigate the differences among these variables in public and private schools. Nineteen PE teachers from public and private schools in Ankara participated to the study. For data collection, 6th, 7th and 8th, (n=144) grade elementary school students were observed systematically by using SOFIT during 36 lessons. Results showed that students were spending little time in moderate to vigorous physical activity and they were generally standing or sitting in PE lesson. During the active time, they were generally practicing skill in both public and private schools. Teachers spent majority of lesson time on providing instruction for skill practice. However, teachers did not spend time on fitness knowledge and promotion of fitness in PE lessons. The findings of the study showed that there was a significant relationship between student activity level, lesson context and teacher behavior variables. PE teachers in public schools had higher scores of demonstration but teachers in private schools had higher scores of observation. In addition, there were no significant differences in lesson context variable between schools. Physical Education classes require active participation of students for skill and fitness development. However this study indicated that although students were practicing some forms of skills, there were not spending time on fitness development and fitness promotion during classes. Provision of in service training for teachers and revision in PE teachers&rsquo / education curriculum might be needed to improve the health-related physical activity levels and knowledge of adults of future.

Regular moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) is associated with significant physiological and psychological health benefits (Department of Health, DoH, 2004). However, many children are not undertaking recommended levels of physical activity (PA) (DoH, 2009). This research examined relationships between physiological health parameters, psychological determinants and PA levels in 10-14 year old schoolchildren (N = 249) and assessed the influence of three school-based PA interventions on these constructs in the context of the Health And Physical activity Promotion in Youth (HAPPY) study. Study 1 revealed that sedentary behaviours, moderate PA (MPA), vigorous PA (VPA) and MVPA levels were higher on weekdays than weekend days (p < .001). However, schoolchildren’s PA is often difficult to measure accurately. The self-report measure utilised in study 2 underestimated total MVPA versus accelerometry for both sexes on weekdays and girls on weekend days (p < .01). However, study 3 highlighted a lack of agreement between two RT3® triaxial accelerometer cut-offs for all activity categories. The importance of VPA for promoting health was highlighted in the updated PA guidelines (DoH, 2011). Study 4 reported that cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) was positively associated with VPA but not MPA (β = .27, p < .01) and inversely correlated with measures of body composition (% body fat; body mass index; waist circumference) (r = -.74, r = -.60, r = -.39, p < .001). Knowing the health benefits of regular MVPA and VPA, it is important to understand the determinants of PA intentions and behaviours to more effectively promote PA in less active children (studies 5 and 6). An exploratory analysis of the constructs in the Revised Theory of Planned Behaviour and the Modified Social Learning Theory for children predicted PA intentions (R2 = .38, F(5, 171) = 20.19, p < .001; R2 = .13, F(6, 147) = 3.4, p < .01, respectively) but the constructs in either model were unable to predict PA. Recognising the need to promote PA levels, study 7 investigated the effectiveness of three school-based interventions (vs. control) on outcome variables included in studies 1, and 4-6. The Health Education and Psychology Health Promotion conditions produced significant positive change scores between data collection 2 and 3 for CRF (vs. control) whereas the Youth-Led condition produced significant change scores between baseline and data collection 2 for generalised self-efficacy (vs. control). No significant change scores were reported for PA, the RTPB constructs or intentions. In conclusion, this research has emphasised the importance of employing a multidisciplinary approach to aid understanding of schoolchildren’s PA levels. Specific highlights include low weekend day PA as a possible future PA promotion target, although it is vital that accelerometry cut-points are standardised, and the relevance of VPA and body composition in predicting CRF. The psychological models identified some important determinants of PA intentions, but a prominent intention-behaviour gap and a need for more intensive interventions to promote PA levels was apparent.

Die Wirkung regelmäßiger körperlicher Aktivität auf die Gesundheit ist mittlerweile umfangreich dokumentiert. Während die Evidenz zur Wirksamkeit regelmäßiger Aktivität auf verschiedene Gesundheitsparameter eindeutig ist, sind Maßnahmen zur Förderung ei-nes körperlich aktiven Lebensstils häufig nur begrenzt wirksam. Das Ziel der vorliegenden Arbeit ist es, einen wissenschaftlichen Beitrag zur Weiterentwicklung psychologischer Interventionen zur Förderung eines körperlich aktiven Lebensstils und der psychischen Gesundheit zu leisten. Basierend auf dem Interventionsansatz der Gesundheitskommunika-tion werden die Vor- und Nachteile zielgruppenspezifischer, maßgeschneiderter und inter-personeller Ansätze zur Förderung regelmäßiger körperlicher Aktivität diskutiert und schwerpunktmäßig Persönlichkeitsmerkmale als Moderatoren von Gesundheitsbotschaften untersucht. Persönlichkeitsmerkmale wurden für die Bildung von Zielgruppen bisher kaum berücksichtigt. Die Ergebnisse der eigenen Arbeiten weisen darauf hin, dass Persönlich-keitsmerkmale die Wirkung von Gesundheitskommunikation auf die Motivation, das Ver-halten zu zeigen, moderieren. Eine Anpassung von Gesundheitskommunikation an Persön-lichkeitsmerkmale scheint daher eine Option für maßgeschneiderte Botschaften zu sein. Für die regelmäßige Durchführung körperlicher Aktivität ist neben einer ausgeprägten Motivation die Selbstregulation relevant. Exekutive Funktionen bilden die biologische Basis der Fähigkeit zur Selbstregulation und können durch körperliche Aktivität gefördert werden. Die Ergebnisse der eigenen Arbeiten zeigen an Probanden des höheren Erwachse-nenalters, dass die körperliche Fitness als Mediator zwischen der körperlichen Aktivität und der kognitiven Funktionsfähigkeit gesehen werden kann. In einer randomisierten und kontrollierten Studie konnte durch ein multimodales Gesundheitssportprogramm im Ver-gleich zu einer inaktiven Kontrollgruppe dagegen kein Effekt der Bewegungsintervention auf die kognitive Funktionsfähigkeit nachgewiesen werden. Die Ergebnisse werden kritisch diskutiert und in den Forschungsstand eingeordnet. Abschließend wird ein integratives Modell der Gesundheitsförderung durch körperli-che Aktivität am Beispiel der Gesundheitskommunikation dargestellt, das neben gängigen sozial-kognitiven Variablen Umweltfaktoren sowie exekutive Funktionen und neurokogni-tive Variablen einbezieht. Für die empirische Überprüfung dieses Modells ist die Integrati-on von Forschungsansätzen der Verhaltens-, Kommunikations- und Neurowissenschaften gefragt. Basierend auf diesem Modell werden zukünftige Forschungsfelder und praktische Ableitungen aufgezeigt.

Introduktion: Psykisk ohälsa är något miljoner människor går igenom, depression är en av de psykiska sjukdomarna som är vanliga. Att ha depression kan resultera i att få sömnsvårigheter, lite energi och motivation, samt ångest. Idag är vanliga behandlingsmetoder mot depression är antidepressiva läkemedel eller olika former av terapi. Olika typer av hälsofrämjande fysisk aktivitet (HEPA) har tidigare visats ge positiva effekter för hälsan men har det någon påverkan på depression? Syfte: Syfte med studien var att genom en systematisk litteraturgenomgång undersöka om depression kan lindras med hjälp av hälsofrämjande fysisk aktivitet (HEPA) med hjälp av tidigare framtagen forskning. Metod: Studier från de senaste årtiondet användes för att få mer information och fakta om (HEPA) påverkan på depression. Resultat: Alla studier visade en positiv korrelation mellan (HEPA) och depression. En anledning för detta kan vara att (HEPA) frigör exempelvis serotonin, endorfiner och dopamin som har visat ge positiv effekt på en individs psykiska hälsa. Andra effekter (HEPA) hade på individerna som deltog i studierna var mindre ångest, bättre humör, och mer energi för att nämna några. Konklusion: Varje studie som användes visade att (HEPA) hade en positiv effekt på individer med depression. Trots att studierna visat detta, så bör fler studier göras för att kunna fastställa att olika former av (HEPA) kan ha en positiv effekt på depression. / Introduction: Mental illness is something that millions of people go through, depression is one of the mental disorders that is usual. Having depression can result in having problems sleeping, little energy and motivation, anxiety. Today common treatments for depression are either antidepressant medicine, or different forms of therapy. Different types of health-enhancing physical activity (HEPA) is something almost any person can perform and is therefore something to take into consideration for someone struggling with depression. Previous studies have shown that (HEPA) can have positive health benefits, but can it have a positive effect on depression? Purpose: The purpose of the study was to examine through a systematic literature review whether depression can be alleviated with the help of health-promoting physical activity (HEPA) with help of previously developed research. Method: Studies from the last decade were used to get facts and more information about (HEPA)and its effect on depression. Result: All the studies that were used showed a positive correlation between (HEPA) on depression. A reason for this is that (HEPA) releases for instance serotonin, endorphins and dopamine that allt have shown to have a positive effect on individuals' psychological health. Other effects that (HEPA) had on the individuals that participated in the studies was less anxiety, better mood, and more energy, to only mention a few. Conclusion: Every study that was used showed that (HEPA) has a positive effect on individuals with depression. Even though these studies have shown this, more studies need to be done in order to determine that different types of (HEPA) have a positive effect on depression.