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The purpose of this intense case study was to explore the factors that affect implementation of quality physical activity (PA) and healthy snacks that are provided to school-aged children (kindergarten to grade 8) attending after-school child care in British Columbia. Using an orientational approach that was guided by the implementation literature, 16 staff (n = 9 managers; n = 7 frontline staff) completed surveys and participated in semi-structured interviews. The majority of the data contributed to the emergence of the primary theme “Being confined” which contains three sub-themes: “It’s a moving target”; “We have to make do”; and “Centre rules and routines dictate practice”. This theme contextualizes two related but distinct primary themes: “Working together to pull it off” and “It takes skill”. The study contributes to our understanding of what facilitates or impedes implementation, according to staff working in typical after-school child care programs. This information can contribute to the refinement of guidelines and development of resources to help meet staff needs. Further, it will ensure that future research efforts are directed appropriately. / Graduate / 0573 / 0680 / kmmacfar@uvic.ca

The increasing evidence of associations between physical activity, sedentary behaviour, sleep duration and diet and both immediate and long term health implications is of public health concern. There is a need to further our understanding of the patterns of these behaviours and how they affect poor health indicators individually and simultaneously. This thesis aims to advance the current literature by investigating associations between multiple lifestyle behaviours and indicators for poor health and identifying patterns of physical activity, sedentary behaviour, sleep duration and dietary intake. Anthropometric measurements and bioelectrical impedance analysis were collected from 72 UK adults. These participants were asked to wear an ActiGraph GT1M accelerometer to objectively measure their physical activity and sedentary behaviour across 7 consecutive days. Over these 7 days, participants also completed a self-report daily sleep diary and a food frequency questionnaire. Participants were asked to complete these measurements at 4 different time points across the year in order to capture these behaviours over each season; 46 participants completed all 4 seasons. Using the data collected from the 72 participants who completed at least 1 season, regression analyses were conducted to identify associations between lifestyle behaviours and indicators for poor health. Repeated measures ANOVAs were conducted on data from 52 participants who provided the full 7 days of data during their initial measurement period to assess day of the week variations in physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep patterns. Repeated measures ANOVAs were also conducted on physical activity, sedentary behaviour, sleep and dietary intake data provided by the 46 participants who provided 4 seasons of data to assess seasonal variation. This thesis demonstrated that in a sample of relatively active, UK adults, time spent in moderate-vigorous physical activity and sedentary behaviour had a negative association with BMI and body fat percentage, increased time spent in moderate-vigorous physical activity was also associated with decreases in waist circumference. Light intensity physical activity had a positive association with BMI, body fat percentage and diastolic blood pressure. There were significant day of the week variations in light intensity physical activity, sedentary behaviour and time spent in bed, with light intensity physical activity and time in bed being significantly higher on a Sunday, whilst sedentary behaviour was significantly lower on a Sunday in this sample of UK adults. In addition to day of the week variations, there were seasonal variations in light intensity physical activity, sedentary behaviour and time spent in bed and sleep durations (weekdays only). Over the winter months, light intensity physical activity was significantly lower, whilst sedentary behaviour, time in bed and total sleep time was significantly higher. No seasonal variations in time spent in moderate-vigorous intensity physical activity or diet were observed in the present sample. This thesis demonstrates that lifestyle behaviours that have been found to affect health do vary over the week and across different seasons. This research has implications for surveillance studies which estimate these behaviours at one time point throughout the year, and also for interventions aimed at improving these behaviours which are implemented at just one time period of the year. Strategies for overcoming barriers to PA under unfavourable environmental conditions will be needed for this to be achieved, in addition to interventions reducing SB, even in the winter months.

Aim The purpose of this study is to compare the level of activity between playing wii Sports Tennis and wii Sports boxing, and the usual sports, and to see how the two variants are perceived.Issues:- How much strain ratio and energy consumption it gives to exercise wii sports compared with the playing of sport for real?- How do the test participants experience the different tests?- How are the two wii sports games against each other in terms of activity and fitness in the school environment? Method This is an experimental study in which 10 test participants (5 men and 5 women) have carried out four different physical tests. The tests consisted of either playing an exergame or playing a sport for 25 minutes. Physical activity was measured during the test using a heart rate monitor. All test participants completed all tests in the same order. After each test, all test participants filled out a questionnaire concerning their immediate subjective experiences of the test. The results from the questionnaire where later compiled with the results from the physical tests. Results The results showed that the physical activity of the tennis and wii tennis differed. Tennis generated in 30% higher average heart rate and 88% higher average energy expenditure. The comparison between boxing and wii boxing, gave no significant results. Wii boxing generated 32% higher average heart rate and 81% higher average energy expenditure compared to wii tennis. Test Study participants also considered wii boxing to be more suitable in physical education than wii tennis. They also felt that both wii boxing and tennis was more enjoyable than wii tennis. Conclusion Wii tennis generated the lowest physical activity as compared to the three other forms of exercise. The real sports were most suitable for school sports, however, wii boxing was more suitable than wii tennis. Test participants also considered the wii boxing as more enjoyable than wii tennis and tennis / Syfte och frågeställningar Syftet med denna studie är att jämföra aktivitetsgraden mellan att spela wii sports tennis och wii sports boxning och, de vanliga idrotterna, samt att se hur de båda varianterna upplevs. Frågeställningar: - Hur stor ansträngsningsgrad och energiförbrukning innebär utövande av wii sports jämfört med att utöva idrotterna på riktigt? - Hur upplever testdeltagarna de olika testerna? - Hur skiljer sig de två wii sportspelen beträffande aktivitet och lämplighet i skolmiljö? Metod Detta är en experimentell studie där 10 testdeltagare (5 män och 5 kvinnor) har genomfört 4 olika fysiska tester. Testerna bestod av att antingen spela ett träningsspel eller utöva en idrott i 25 minuter. Den fysiska aktiviteten mättes under testet med hjälp av pulsklocka. Alla testdeltagare genomförde alla tester i samma ordning. Efter varje avslutat test fick alla testdeltagare fylla i en enkät om deras omedelbara subjektiva upplevelser kring testet. Dessa sammanställdes sedan tillsammans med de fysiska resultaten. Resultat Resultaten visade att tennis och wii tennis skiljde sig åt. Tennis genererade 30% högre genomsnittlig arbetspuls och 88% högre genomsnittlig energiförbrukning. I jämförelsen mellan boxning och wii boxning fanns inga signifikanta resultat. Wii boxning genererade 32% högre genomsnittlig arbetspuls och 81% högre genomsnittlig energiförbrukning jämfört med wii tennis. Testdeltagarna i studien ansåg även att wii boxning passar bättre i skolidrotten jämfört med wii tennis. De upplevde även att både wii boxning och tennis var roligare än wii tennis. Slutsats Wii tennis genererade lägst fysisk aktivitet jämfört med de övriga tre motionsformer. De riktiga idrotterna ansågs mest appliceringsbara till skolidrotten, dock ansågs wii boxning lättare att applicera än wii tennis. Testdeltagarna ansåg också wii boxning som roligare än wii tennis och tennis.

Summary Bioelements are related with the main functions of organism: growth, development, reproduction, metabolism, are a part of bones, are important to oxygen transportation, to muscle contraction and etc. Bioelements as structural and functional components of biosubstrats, perform regulational function of different organs. Topicality. There are many studies on different sports athletes about changes of bioelements while performing different physical activity. Physiological and biochemistry cathedral of Lithuanian academy of physical education has made a lot of studies on handball teams players, track and field athletes about changes of biolements while performing physical activity, but we still don‘t have information about fitness and aerobics exercise influence on changes of bioelements. It was interesting for us to study fitness and aerobics exercise influence on changes of bioelements (K, Na, Ca, Cl, Fe ). Novelty. We don‘t have information how fitness and aerobics exercise influence of bioelements (K, Na, Ca, Cl, Fe ).changes in literaure. Practical sense for sportsmens its very important to restore of water and saline balance . after the physical activity Hypothesis. Body looses a lot of water and mineral salts while sweating, so we thought that different mineral salts concentration will appear in the venous blood of women who perform aerobic and fitness exercises. The aim of the study is to determine the changes of bioelements (K, Na, Ca, Cl, Fe) in venous... [to full text]

Children who are overweight and physically inactive are a great concern due to the potential negative health consequences. Afterschool physical activity interventions have become increasingly popular in hopes of addressing these health risks. An afterschool program that has drawn attention in recent years is one with a physical activity component known as Coordinated Approach to Child Health (CATCH). The present study examined the effect the CATCH program had on MVPA and physical fitness in children in grades 3 to 6 attending the YMCA afterschool program. Results indicated a significant increase in overall daily MVPA (p=0.047) as well as physical fitness (p=0.000) from baseline to post-test. It was also found that children attending the afterschool program were already accumulating substantial daily MVPA during their regular afterschool program. These findings indicate that while CATCH was successful in increasing MVPA, students attending afterschool programs may already be obtaining sufficient MVPA during afterschool time.

There is currently a dearth of information suitable for the development of evidence-based physical activity and screen time guidelines for children and youth. The overarching purpose of this thesis was to generate findings that could be used to inform public health recommendations for physical activity and screen time. A series of six manuscripts were completed to explore the relationship between physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and health in youth. The first manuscript examined the dose-response relation between objectively measured total and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity with blood pressure and hypertension. Participating in 30 and 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per day decreased the odds of hypertension in youth by 50% and 63%, respectively. The second manuscript explored the influence of intensity of physical activity and incidental movement on total and trunk adiposity. Moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity was found to predict total and trunk adiposity beyond other intensities and incidental movement. The third manuscript sought to determine whether or not physical activity accrued in bouts was more beneficial than total physical activity with relation to being overweight. The inclusion of short and medium-to-long bouts of physical activity decreased the odds of overweight above and beyond total physical activity level. The fourth manuscript included a detailed examination of the relation between physical activity and screen time by considering different forms of physical activity, different physical activity environments, and various screen time behaviours. By and large, physical activity and screen time were not related. The fifth manuscript determined the proportion of Canadian youth meeting screen time guidelines. Only 18% of girls and 14% of boys in grades 6 to 10 met screen time guidelines of no more than 2 hours per day. The final manuscript examined the relationship between screen time and metabolic syndrome. A dose-response relation was observed between screen time and metabolic syndrome independent of physical activity level. It is hoped that the findings from this thesis will provide useful information that will be considered in developing and modifying physical activity and screen time recommendations for the paediatric population. / Thesis (Ph.D, Kinesiology & Health Studies) -- Queen's University, 2008-12-13 15:44:07.654

Background: Levels of physical activity are significantly lower among individuals with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) compared to their healthy sedentary counterparts. Low levels of self-efficacy (SE) with respect to exercise may contribute to a sedentary lifestyle in the ESRD population. Therefore, in a pilot investigation we examined the effects of an 8-week intra-dialytic (ID) exercise program on SE and physical activity (PA) in hemodialysis (HD) patients and determined the appropriateness and sensitivity of the selected outcome measures and proposed intervention. Methods: HD patients were randomized into an Exercise group (EX, n=4) or a Control group (CON, n=4). The EX group cycled for approximately 60 min during HD, thrice weekly for 8 weeks. The CON group continued with their usual activity. At 8 weeks, participants in both groups had the option to participate in the exercise program. Physical Activity was determined using the Human Activity Profile (Maximal Activity Score, MAS; Adjusted Activity Score, AAS) and SE was evaluated using the Chronic Disease Self-Efficacy Scale (CDSES) and Exercise Self-Efficacy Scale (ESES). Measures were obtained at pre, post and 8 weeks following the intervention. Results: No significant changes in PA or SE occurred between or within groups at any time point. Limited statistical power due to the small sample size and a ceiling effect due to initial high-function levels of the participants may have contributed to the lack of significant changes. MAS and AAS were generally lower in the CON group. Age was significantly associated with the AAS, MAS, and the Perform Social/Recreational Activities sub-scale of the CDSES. Serum albumin was significantly related to the AAS and the Exercise Regularly and Do Chores sub-scales of the CDSES. Conclusions: Age and albumin should be taken into account when assessing physical activity in HD patients. Recruitment of additional participants is required to more clearly define the role of intra-dialytic exercise in enhancing exercise self-efficacy and physical activity in HD patients. / Thesis (Master, Rehabilitation Science) -- Queen's University, 2010-07-27 09:51:11.297

Background: Shift work is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer, where decreased melatonin has been proposed as an intermediate in the causal pathway. The influence of physical activity on melatonin has rarely been studied in an observational setting, and it may be important in mediating the effects of shift work. We aimed to assess the influence of energy expended during physical activity of different intensities on melatonin among rotating shift nurses. We hypothesized that physical activity before the night shift would lessen the decrease in melatonin production that occurs with exposure to light at night. Methods: 123 female rotating shift nurses working at Kingston General Hospital were recruited over a one-year period. Physical activity and sedentary behaviours for each participant were recorded during both a day and a night shift using activity diaries, and analysis was restricted to activities between 3 p.m. and 7 a.m. Concentrations of urinary 6-sulfatoxymelatonin, a melatonin metabolite, in morning void urine samples were analyzed for each shift. Results: The average age of participants was 41 years, and 60% were overweight or obese (body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m2). An average of 6.9 and 5.2 hours of sleep were reported after the day shift and night shift, respectively. Sedentary behaviours such as standing and television watching accounted for over half of the total reported energy expenditure. During the day shift, energy expended in moderate and vigorous intensity physical activity between 3 p.m. and 7 a.m. was negatively associated with melatonin levels (p=0.024, R2 = 0.09). During the night shift, energy expended in sedentary behaviours was negatively associated with melatonin levels (p=0.008, R2 = 0.03). Conclusions: Physical activity energy expenditure explains only a small amount of melatonin variation, suggesting that other factors are influencing melatonin production, or that melatonin production is minimally effected by these patterns of physical activity. / Thesis (Master, Community Health & Epidemiology) -- Queen's University, 2010-09-01 11:22:35.915

Background: Canadian children's physical inactivity levels are a public health concern due to their association with chronic diseases and mental health. Families are considered gatekeepers to children’s behaviours, and may influence their physical activity (PA). Purpose: To investigate the influence of family PA factors (i.e. parental PA, parents’ perspectives on family support for PA and family PA rules) on children’s PA levels and their free-play PA facility use. Methods: Kingston Gets Active distributes the Grade 5 Community PA Pass to approximately 2,500 grade 5 students in Kingston and surrounding areas yearly. The pass grants students free access to local pools (n=4), YMCA (n=1), and arenas (n=8) for recreational PA for 10 months. In fall 2006, 292 grade 5 students (54% girls; mean age=9.99, SD=0.35) from 24 elementary schools completed a baseline (BL) questionnaire that assessed demographics, children’s PA levels, PA facility use, and family support for PA. In spring 2007, 272 students completed a follow-up (FU) questionnaire with additional items assessing pass use. In spring 2007, 189 parents (83% mothers) participated in a telephone interview assessing family PA variables and community resources influencing pass and PA facility use. Results: The majority of students (69%) reported using their pass at least once; and although children’s PA did increase (t(230) = -4.91, p < .05), free-play PA facility use did not increase from BL to FU. Multiple hierarchical regression analysis indicated that individual-level variables were better predictors of children’s PA (ΔR2 = .28, F(2, 136) = 26.99, p < .001) and their free-play PA facility use (ΔR2 = .36, F(4, 151) = 21.55, p < .001) as compared to family-level PA variables (children’s PA: ΔR2 = .001, F(3, 133) = 0.089, p =.97; free-play PA facility use: ΔR2 = .007, F(3, 148) = 0.54, p =.65). Parents indicated that other social, organizational, and community factors influenced children’s free-play PA facility use. Conclusions: Children’s PA and free-play PA facility use are influenced by a multitude of interrelated factors within the socio-ecological model. More research should explore associations between family factors and children’s free-play PA facility use. / Thesis (Master, Kinesiology & Health Studies) -- Queen's University, 2010-09-24 02:48:17.239