Introduction: The cognitive benefits of physical activity and sport on executive function are of interest to researchers, especially considering the subsequent interventions that could be implemented. However, researchers frequently use different approaches to conceptualize and measure executive function, often using only a few computerized tasks. My Master’s thesis, therefore, aims to investigate the associations between executive function and physical activity and sport through two different studies to obtain a robust evaluation of executive function: 1) A quantitative study examining physical activity, sport and concussion history in university students and their effect on executive function, and 2) A qualitative study exploring the executive functions engaged during a game from elite university athletes’ experiences. Methods: Quantitative Study. Canadian university students (n=247) completed an online study with nine computerized executive function tasks and a behavioural self-report of executive function, as well as questions assessing weekly physical activity, athletic status, and concussion history. Structural equation modelling and linear regression were conducted to predict executive function based on age, sex, physical activity, athletic status and concussion history. Qualitative study. Canadian university athletes (n=19) participated in semi-structured interviews via Zoom to determine the executive functions engaged during a game. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the interview transcripts. Results: Quantitative Study. The three-factor model of executive function had an overall good fit: χ2 = 66.38, df = 51, p = 0.07, CFI = 0.95, TLI = 0.93, RMSEA = 0.04 [90% CI: 0.00–0.06], SRMR = 0.05. No direct relationship was found between the factors and age, physical activity, concussion history, or athletic status. Sex was significantly related to inhibition, b = 0.52, p = 0.02, such that males had greater inhibition. Physical activity (b = 0.09, p < .01), concussion history (b = 3.29, p < .05) and athletic status (b = -4.01, p < .05) were found to be significant predictors in the regression predicting self-reported executive functioning. Qualitative study. Three themes were generated: 1) Engaging in pre-play or pre-game planning, organization and decision making, 2) Engaging in mid-play problem solving and purposive action and 3) Engaging in post-play or post-game information processing, emotional control and effective performance. Conclusions: The quantitative study found that physical activity, athletic status and concussion history were predictive of subjective but not objective executive function. The qualitative study determined that athletes engage many executive functions that are dependent on the timing of both the play and the game (pre-, mid- or post-). Real-life behavioural manifestations of executive functioning are more challenging to assess and measure but may be better predicted by and relate to life factors such as physical activity and sport participation. The results of my thesis provide support for future research to utilize and develop more unique and ecologically valid methods of measuring EF in the field of physical activity and sport. / Graduate

In this study, the experiences of six-year-old preschool learners in a structured movement educational assessment activity are explored. This qualitative study focused on the role of structured movement educational assessment activities in preschool learners, and assessed the way in which movement as a medium in a structured movement educational assessment activity supports learners understanding of numeracy and literacy concepts. A case study design was utilised to gather information about the experiences of the preschool learners during the activities, as well as the class teacher who facilitated the sessions. Data was collected by means of semi-structured interview, non-participant observations, a research journal, observation sheets, reflection notes, document analysis (worksheets of learners) and visual data (photographs). Thematic data analysis was applied to the gathered data, and various themes and sub-themes were identified. These were confirmed by the participants before the completion of the study. The study adhered to the norms, values and principles of qualitative research, which entailed dealing professionally with aspects related to the different modalities of data. Further principles, namely that of informed consent, confidentiality, protection from harm, trustworthiness and anonymity, privacy and empowerment, caring and fairness were also adhered to (McMillan, & Schumacher, 2010). This study found that the value of structured movement educational assessment activities strongly create positive outcomes associated with preschool learners in terms of their social and cognitive development. Furthermore, when preschool learners are physically involved in movement activities, they engage in tasks of listening, seeing, and doing, and practical application of concepts of numeracy and literacy. The finding further suggests that the value of assessing the preschool learners qualitatively during practical activities seemed favourable, as underlying conceptual knowledge of numeracy and literacy difficulties, as well as poor motor skill acquisition, were identified during the structured movement activities. / Dissertation (MEd)--University of Pretoria, 2016. / Educational Psychology / MEd / Unrestricted

Background: Cancer is a troublesome disease for the individual; physically, mentally and socially. The disease and its treatment have many side effects, of which fatigue is experienced as the most trying by the patient. Cancer-related fatigue is perceived and defined as a painful, stubborn, and subjective experience of general, physical, psychological, emotional fatigue related to cancer or its treatment. Current research hows that individualized physical activity is a recommended care action in cancer-related fatigue, however, the effect of physical activity on the different dimensions of fatigue has not been established.   Aim: The purpose of this study is to identify the effect of physical activity on the different aspects of cancer-related fatigue.   Method: This study is a literature overview comprising 12 original research articles. The articles were randomized controlled trials (RCT) and quasi-experimental studies. The databases Pubmed, Cochrane, and SBU were used for the search. Included articles were reviewed for quality according to a method presented by Forsberg &amp; Wengström (2015).    Result: Eleven articles showed the effectiveness of physical activity physical fatigue. An uncertain effect was seen on general fatigue. No significant decrease in fatigue was shown between the control- and intervention group on mental and emotional fatigue.   Conclusion: It can be shown through these studies that there is evidence that physical activity has a positive effect on physical fatigue and an uncertain effect on general fatigue. Physical activity should therefore be applied as a nursing measure in the clinic more frequently. The intervention should be individualized and focused on the individual's strengths and weaknesses. However, the same positive effects on the aspects of mental and emotional fatigue are not seen. There is a need for another type of intervention to alleviate the degree of mental as well as emotional cancer related fatigue. Consequently, the need for further research on mental and emotional fatigue is great. / Bakgrund: Cancer är en mycket påfrestande sjukdom för individen; fysiskt, psykiskt och socialt. Cancersjukdomen och dess behandling har många biverkningar, av vilka fatigue upplevs som den besvärligaste av patienten. Cancerrelaterad fatigue definieras som en plågsam, envis och subjektiv upplevelse av generell, fysisk, psykisk, emotionell trötthet eller utmattning relaterad till cancer och dess behandling. Aktuell forskning visar att individualiserad fysisk aktivitet är en rekommenderad omvårdnadsåtgärd vid cancerrelaterad fatigue, däremot är effekten av fysisk aktivitet på cancerrelaterad fatigue inte fastställd. Syfte: Syftet med denna studie är att kartlägga vilken effekt fysisk aktivitet har på de generella, fysiska, psykiska samt emotionella aspekterna cancerrelaterad fatigue. Metod: Denna studie är en allmän litteraturöversikt innefattande 12 originalartiklar. Artiklarna var randomiserade kontrollerade studier (RCT) samt kvasiexperimentella studier. För sökning användes databaserna Pubmed, Cochrane samt SBU. Inkluderade artiklar kvalitetsgranskades enligt metod från Forsberg och Wengström (2015). Resultat: Elva artiklar visade på fysisk aktivitets effektivitet vid fysisk fatigue samt oviss effekt vid generell fatigue. Däremot sågs ingen signifikant minskning mellan kontroll-och interventionsgruppen gällande de psykiska och emotionella aspekterna av fatigue. Slutsats: Det framkom i denna studie att fysisk aktivitet har en positiv effekt på fysisk fatigue samt en oviss effekt på generell fatigue, därför bör fysisk aktivitet förskrivas som omvårdnadsåtgärd vid fysisk fatigue oftare. Interventionen bör individanpassas och fokuseras på individens styrkor och svagheter. Det visade sig även att fysisk aktivitet inte hade någon signifikant effekt på psykisk och emotionell fatigue. Därmed är behovet av vidare forskning beträffande lindrandet av psykisk och emotionell fatigue stort.

Background - Heart failure costs Americans billions of dollars a year and takes a toll on the patients afflicted by the disease. Recent changes in how healthcare systems and providers are reimbursed have motivated them to find new ways to prevent heart failure readmission. There is no cure for heart failure so healthcare providers try to help patients manage their symptoms. Physical activity is one of the interventions healthcare providers recommend for their patients in the management of heart failure. The Physical Activity Vital Sign is a tool that can be quickly administer and has significant validity. Objective - The purpose of our research is to determine if physical activity, as measured by the Physical Activity Vital Sign, influences 30-day heart failure readmissions. Methods - A retrospective chart review was used to evaluate patients' charts that had a heart failure admission between January 1, 2016 and August 31, 2018. We used multiple regression to analyze how the Physical Activity Vital Sign predicts 30-day heart failure readmission rates, while controlling for age, sex, race, ejection fraction, body mass index, length of hospital stay, brain natriuretic peptide, and compliance with the heart failure core measures. Results - Data was analyzed from 270 heart failure admissions in the study period. The average duration of moderate intensity PA was 20.9 minutes per week; just less than three minutes per day on average. A Pearson Correlation matrix illustrated significant relationships between some of the independent variables. Multiple linear regression demonstrated p=0.376, which was statistically insignificant. Conclusions - The study did not find a significant relationship between physical activity, as measured by the Physical Activity Vital Sign, and heart failure readmissions but physical activity remains important in managing heart failure.

Background: There is limited data on active play both in terms of perceived competence and actual motor performance in children living in low- and middle-income countries. Promotion of active play in children is crucial for enhancing participation in physical activity and reducing the burden of obesity. Regular engagement in active play is important for promoting optimal development and increasing physical activity levels in children. Despite the increased interest in active play and physical fitness worldwide, many children in low-resource settings are thought to be physically inactive due to the lack of physical activity-promoting resources and programmes. The 2018 Ghana Report Card on physical activity reports that a high proportion of Ghanaian children do not achieve recommended physical activity levels and a high percentage of these children have poor motor skills. To date, no published study has examined active play among school-aged children in Ghana. Investigating the nature of active play by assessing perceived and actual motor performance among Ghanaian children can serve to increase our understanding of activity deficits, movement difficulties and associated factors in this population. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the nature of active play in children aged 6-12 years in Ghana. Specific Objectives: 1. To determine children and caregivers' perceptions of children's motor performance in active play using the Motor Coordination Questionnaire (MCQ). 2. To determine children and caregivers' perceptions of the importance of active play. 3. To identify additional forms of active play and games (which are not listed on the MCQ) that children and caregivers perceive to be important and meaningful. 4. To determine the relationship between MCQ ratings by caregivers and children. 5. To determine the relationship between children's MCQ and actual motor performance. 6. To determine the relationship between caregivers' MCQ and actual motor performance. Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive and analytical design was used. Three primary schools were purposively selected for this study. The study recruited 406 children and their caregivers for this study. Ethical approval was sought from the Ethics Review Committee of the Ghana Health Service (GHS-ERC 052/05/19) and the University of Cape Town Faculty of Health Sciences Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC REF: 112/2020). Data was collected from both caregivers and children (aged 6-12 years) using questionnaires and the Performance and Fitness (PERF-FIT) test battery. The MCQ-caregivers and MCQ-children were used to assess perceived motor performance, and the PERF-FIT test was used to measure children's actual motor performance. In using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24.0 (SPSS Inc, IBM Company, Armonk, NY), Pearson or Spearman's correlation coefficient was calculated to determine the relationship between children and caregivers' perceptions as well as the relationship between the perceptions and the actual motor performance of the children. Results: Both children (75.6%-94.2%) and their caregivers (69.3%-95.4%) perceived good motor performance of the children during active play. Children (82.8%-96%) and their caregivers (83.2%-94.4%) also regarded active play as very important. Twenty-four additional games were found to be of importance to Ghanaian children and their caregivers. Weak negative, weak positive and sometimes moderate positive correlation between MCQ items and the PERF-FIT items were found. Conclusions: This study shows that we can't rely solely on perceptions, but need actual motor performance, to accurately measure motor performance during active play. We found that parents and children do not accurately estimate the actual level of motor performance. Further studies should be done to understand confounding variables that may have caused poor relationship between perceived and actual motor performance. There is a need for a valid tool like the PERF-FIT to help in accurate measurement of motor performance.

In the United States, COVID-19-related restrictions included a stay-at-home order with the exception of essential services such as medical care, grocery shopping, etc. During this time, all universities transitioned to an online learning format. This study examined the impact of COVID-19 on physical activity lifestyle changes within a university community. This was a cross-sectional study in which assessed changes in lifestyle-related behavior during the Covid-19 pandemic, the amount of sedentary time spent each week, and the underlying reasons behind people’s decisions as to whether to engage in physical activity. The respondents (n=1536) The results of this survey (n=1536) showed that 52.2% were between 18 and 25 years of age, 87.4% Caucasian, 56.7% single and 67.7% female. The mean BMI was 25.8 with 2.6% underweight, 40.9% healthy weight, and 56.5% overweight or obese according to the CDC. Study results showed significant differences between Healthy weight and Obese and between Overweight and Obese with regard to lifestyle-related behavior with those having higher BMIs being affected most by COVID-19. This was the same trend seen with the Physical Activity Vital Sign (PAVS) which is a measure of time spent in physical activity. Underweight (m=265.2) and healthy weight individuals (m=262.5) spent more time being physically active. Lastly, those with healthy BMIs differed significantly from all other BMI categories with regard to the BREQ-3 Relative Autonomy Index suggesting that those with healthier BMIs felt greater autonomy with regard to exercise behavior.

Background and purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify whether or not sleep behaviors mediated bioecological predictors of weight-related behaviors among college students. Methods: This descriptive, quantitative, cross-sectional study, guided by Bronfenbrenner's bioecological model, examined bioecological characteristics and path analysis to assess model fit. Conclusions: The fit indices indicated excellent fit of the final model to the data (x2 (24) = 30.33, p =.17, root-mean-square error approximation = 0.04, comparative fit index = 0.96, standardized root-mean-square residual = 0.03). Sleep duration mediated significant bioecological predictors of weight-related behaviors, but sleep quality did not. Having children significantly predicted increased sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption and decreased physical activity (PA) among college students. Conversely, eating the majority of meals at home significantly predicted decreased consumption of SSBs and increased PA. Implications for practice: Findings support inclusion of sleep duration and use of the bioecological model, when providing patient-centered healthcare focused on weight-related behaviors and weight management in college students.

The purpose of this thesis was to better understand physical activity (PA) maintenance among patients who have completed cardiac rehabilitation (CR). Study 1: This study was a systematic review and meta-analysis of 19 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) testing PA and exercise maintenance interventions for adults who have completed CR. Descriptive synthesis of the studies combined with meta-analysis results provided evidence of increased PA among intervention groups compared with control groups at follow-up. Results of the meta-analysis found a significant difference in PA in the intervention groups compared to the control groups, via multiple exercise outcomes including exercise sessions/week (SMD = 0.20; 95% CI, 0.04 - 0.35), kcal/week (SMD = 0.59; 95% CI, 0.19 - 0.98), and daily steps (SMD = 2.14; 95% CI, 0.90 - 3.38). There is evidence to support the effectiveness of interventions aimed at maintaining PA and exercise among adults who have completed CR. Study 2: This study was a synthesis of qualitative studies examining factors affecting PA maintenance among individuals who have completed CR. Eight studies met the criteria for inclusion. Multiple factors were identified among participants, including self-efficacy and motivation, social support, support with the transition from supervised hospital or centre-based exercise to exercise in the community or home, perceived safety of the exercise program, and availability and accessibility of PA resources and opportunities. Examining qualitative literature suggests factors at the intrapersonal-, interpersonal-, organizational- and neighbourhood-level are important in supporting exercise maintenance after completion of CR. Results from this synthesis identified key areas for tailored program design, grounded in a social ecological approach. Study 3: This study was a secondary analysis of trial data examining predictors of participants’ moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) 26 weeks after enrollment in a RCT of a PA maintenance intervention. Participants completed baseline questionnaires assessing social ecological, demographic, clinical, fitness, and behavioural variables. MVPA was assessed by accelerometer at baseline and 26 weeks later. Univariate analyses revealed nine significant baseline predictors of MVPA at 26 weeks including beliefs about exercise benefits, beliefs about exercise barriers, baseline MVPA, peak oxygen consumption, diabetes, age, sex, marital status, and work status. Multivariate analysis indicated that baseline MVPA was the only independent predictor of MVPA at 26 weeks. Given the pre-eminence of baseline MVPA, the regression analyses were re-run without baseline MVPA in the model. In that case, peak oxygen consumption became the only independent predictor of MVPA at 26 weeks. Results have implications for targeting intervention for PA maintenance in the unsupervised phase. Conclusion: The findings of this thesis provided insights into the influences on long-term PA among cardiac patients post-CR and the strategies which can support long-term PA. While there have been positive developments in understanding PA maintenance, there are important knowledge gaps that remain unaddressed. These knowledge gaps include the measurement, monitoring, and surveillance of PA behaviour and ways in which intervention research could be improved. Further research will be required to address these knowledge gaps and to build on the growing knowledge of effective PA interventions to support people with heart disease.

Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic neurological disease whose prevalence within the world's population is increasing. Symptoms of this disease are fatigue, loss of coordination, numbness and tingling, paralysis, and blindness. Currently there is no cure for the disease and, with its disabling variety and severity of symptoms, it is important to look for possibilities that could help slow its progression. Physical activity is one health behavior that promises to slow the progression of the MS among persons afflicted with this disease. Research has revealed that an exercise program improves several measures of well-being, reduces fatigue, and improves strength. While physical activity has been suggested as a management tool, those with MS demonstrate lower levels of physical activity compared to those without MS in the U.S. population. This thesis investigates what influences individuals with MS to participate in physical activity. Its purpose is to look into the possibility that demographic, social hierarchy, social support, and psycho-social/personality characteristics may help predict physical activity regimens among persons with MS. Isolating the determinants of voluntary exercise in the MS subpopulation would enable clinicians and the public health community to develop effective policies and interventions that promote physical activity.

Prevalence of obesity, low physical activity, and poor physical fitness of youth in the United States are increasingly poor and in need of intervention to prevent later concerns like hypertension. The overall goal of this dissertation was to examine which factors weigh heaviest in predicting cardiovascular fitness in diverse youth, and how we might measure those factors by maximizing clinical utility and psychometric properties. The sample was gathered from a larger study examining physical activity in youth from Miami-Dade county enrolled in out-of-school programs. Participants (N = 58) were aged 6-17 and comprised exclusively of Hispanic and Non-Hispanic Black children and adolescents, the majority of whom were from low-income families. Predictors of fitness were gathered in three primary categories: demographic variables (age, gender, race/ethnic category, family income level), body composition (Body Mass Index [BMI] percentile, Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis [BIA]-measured body fat percentage), and habitual physical activity (accelerometer-measured counts per minute). These factors were entered in a hierarchical regression model to predict cardiorespiratory fitness measured by performance on a 20-meter shuttle run. Physical activity was not found to be significantly associated with fitness, and the effect size of this relationship was small, particularly when considering the impact of demographic and body composition variables. Overall, results reinforced the need for interventions to improve body composition and increase physical activity: the average participant was at the 81st percentile of BMI, had 26% body fat, was sedentary for approximately 84% of awake time, and only spent a few minutes per day engaging in vigorous physical activity. There were significant main effects of gender and race/ethnic category such that males and Non-Hispanic Black participants generally spent a greater proportion of time engaging in physical activity, with less sedentary time. Being female, younger, and having less body fat was associated with performance in the healthy fitness range when considering the impact of other variables, even though boys and older participants had more laps on the shuttle run. Findings presented in this dissertation indicate a continued need to develop technology with high utility, validity, and reliability to measure and improve indicators of health in diverse, low-income youth.