A atividade física realizada durante a gestação vem sendo discutida pela comunidade científica devido seus efeitos benéficos tanto para saúde materna como para os desfechos gestacionais. Atualmente, estudos mostram que os padrões de atividade física em gestantes oscilam de sedentário a leve, sendo que os padrões moderados ou intensos quase não são observados nas pesquisas. O objetivo deste estudo é descrever o padrão de atividade física das gestantes usuárias do Sistema Único de Saúde do município de Ribeirão Preto, SP. Trata-se de um estudo transversal no qual foram entrevistadas 799 gestantes saudáveis através de um questionário estruturado. As variáveis de interesse foram condições sociodemográficas, morbidades, estilo de vida, estado nutricional e atividade física. A avaliação da atividade física foi realizada através de um questionário específico para gestantes em que foram obtidos a frequência (semanal) e a duração (em minutos), posteriormente, a intensidade desta foi convertida em MET (equivalente metabólico). As atividades cotidianas foram divididas de acordo com o contexto em que foram realizadas em domínio: doméstico, ocupacional, de locomoção, de lazer e inatividade. As gestantes foram classificadas de acordo com o padrão da atividade física alcançado em: sedentário, leve, moderado ou intenso. Verificou-se o padrão sedentário em 57% das gestantes e o padrão leve em 43%. As características sociodemográficas das gestantes estudadas indicaram majoritariamente mulheres com poder aquisitivo e escolaridade média, alta porcentagem de mulheres casadas e metade das gestantes não trabalhavam fora de casa. O estudo mostrou que as gestantes tendem a economizar energia principalmente nas atividades correspondentes aos domínios de lazer e no de locomoção, enquanto que, as atividades do domínio doméstico, ocupacional e inatividade são mantidas durante a gravidez. Verificou-se que apesar do mesmo ter encontrado uma percentagem menor de gestantes com o padrão sedentário quando comparado a outros estudos, o padrão predominante é o padrão sedentário e seguido pelo padrão leve, e que o padrão moderado considerado ideal pela WHO, ainda não é realidade entre as gestantes brasileiras. / Physical activity during pregnancy has been discussed by the scientific community because of its beneficial effects on both maternal health and gestational outcomes. Currently, studies show that the patterns of physical activity in pregnant women fluctuate from sedentary to mild, and moderate or intense patterns are almost not observed in the research. The objective of this study is to describe the physical activity pattern of pregnant women users of the Unified Health System of the city of Ribeirão Preto, SP. It is a cross-sectional study in which 799 healthy pregnant women were interviewed through a structured questionnaire. The variables of interest were sociodemographic conditions, morbidities, lifestyle, nutritional status and physical activity. The physical activity evaluation was performed through a specific questionnaire for pregnant women in which the frequency (weekly) and the duration (in minutes) were obtained, later the intensity of this was converted into MET (metabolic equivalent). The daily activities were divided according to the context in which they were carried out in domains: domestic, occupational, locomotion, leisure and inactivity. The pregnant women were classified according to the pattern of physical activity achieved in: sedentary, mild, moderate or intense. The sedentary pattern was found in 57% of pregnant women and the mild pattern in 43%. The sociodemographic characteristics of the pregnant women studied indicated that women with purchasing power and average schooling had a high percentage of married women and half of the pregnant women did not work outside the home. The study showed that pregnant women tend to save energy mainly in the activities corresponding to the leisure and locomotion domains, while the activities of the domestic, occupational and inactivity domains are maintained during pregnancy. It was found that although it found a lower percentage of pregnant women with the sedentary pattern when compared to other studies, the predominant pattern is the sedentary pattern followed by the mild pattern and that the moderate pattern considered ideal by the WHO is not yet reality among Brazilian pregnant women.

A atividade física realizada durante a gestação vem sendo discutida pela comunidade científica devido seus efeitos benéficos tanto para saúde materna como para os desfechos gestacionais. Atualmente, estudos mostram que os padrões de atividade física em gestantes oscilam de sedentário a leve, sendo que os padrões moderados ou intensos quase não são observados nas pesquisas. O objetivo deste estudo é descrever o padrão de atividade física das gestantes usuárias do Sistema Único de Saúde do município de Ribeirão Preto, SP. Trata-se de um estudo transversal no qual foram entrevistadas 799 gestantes saudáveis através de um questionário estruturado. As variáveis de interesse foram condições sociodemográficas, morbidades, estilo de vida, estado nutricional e atividade física. A avaliação da atividade física foi realizada através de um questionário específico para gestantes em que foram obtidos a frequência (semanal) e a duração (em minutos), posteriormente, a intensidade desta foi convertida em MET (equivalente metabólico). As atividades cotidianas foram divididas de acordo com o contexto em que foram realizadas em domínio: doméstico, ocupacional, de locomoção, de lazer e inatividade. As gestantes foram classificadas de acordo com o padrão da atividade física alcançado em: sedentário, leve, moderado ou intenso. Verificou-se o padrão sedentário em 57% das gestantes e o padrão leve em 43%. As características sociodemográficas das gestantes estudadas indicaram majoritariamente mulheres com poder aquisitivo e escolaridade média, alta porcentagem de mulheres casadas e metade das gestantes não trabalhavam fora de casa. O estudo mostrou que as gestantes tendem a economizar energia principalmente nas atividades correspondentes aos domínios de lazer e no de locomoção, enquanto que, as atividades do domínio doméstico, ocupacional e inatividade são mantidas durante a gravidez. Verificou-se que apesar do mesmo ter encontrado uma percentagem menor de gestantes com o padrão sedentário quando comparado a outros estudos, o padrão predominante é o padrão sedentário e seguido pelo padrão leve, e que o padrão moderado considerado ideal pela WHO, ainda não é realidade entre as gestantes brasileiras. / Physical activity during pregnancy has been discussed by the scientific community because of its beneficial effects on both maternal health and gestational outcomes. Currently, studies show that the patterns of physical activity in pregnant women fluctuate from sedentary to mild, and moderate or intense patterns are almost not observed in the research. The objective of this study is to describe the physical activity pattern of pregnant women users of the Unified Health System of the city of Ribeirão Preto, SP. It is a cross-sectional study in which 799 healthy pregnant women were interviewed through a structured questionnaire. The variables of interest were sociodemographic conditions, morbidities, lifestyle, nutritional status and physical activity. The physical activity evaluation was performed through a specific questionnaire for pregnant women in which the frequency (weekly) and the duration (in minutes) were obtained, later the intensity of this was converted into MET (metabolic equivalent). The daily activities were divided according to the context in which they were carried out in domains: domestic, occupational, locomotion, leisure and inactivity. The pregnant women were classified according to the pattern of physical activity achieved in: sedentary, mild, moderate or intense. The sedentary pattern was found in 57% of pregnant women and the mild pattern in 43%. The sociodemographic characteristics of the pregnant women studied indicated that women with purchasing power and average schooling had a high percentage of married women and half of the pregnant women did not work outside the home. The study showed that pregnant women tend to save energy mainly in the activities corresponding to the leisure and locomotion domains, while the activities of the domestic, occupational and inactivity domains are maintained during pregnancy. It was found that although it found a lower percentage of pregnant women with the sedentary pattern when compared to other studies, the predominant pattern is the sedentary pattern followed by the mild pattern and that the moderate pattern considered ideal by the WHO is not yet reality among Brazilian pregnant women.

The purpose of this study was to apply a mixed-methods approach using an exploratory case study design to identify the impacts of a physical activity intervention program on student engagement in an elementary school setting. This exploratory case study research examined teachers’ perceptions of student engagement prior to and following implementation of a classroom-based physical activity intervention program, ABC for Fitness. Participants completed the Teacher Assessment of Student Engagement survey of student engagement and behavior, participated in an ABC for Fitness workshop, semi-structured interviews, a question and answer session, a mid-point check-in, and completed daily written behavior incident logs. Results indicated three main findings: 1) intervention teachers’ ratings and perceptions of student engagement improved; 2) intervention teachers’ attitudes towards students improved; and, 3) intervention teachers’ level of engagement in the classroom improved following implementation of the ABC for Fitness program. The demonstration of the ABC for Fitness program on student engagement levels during the three week intervention examination of its long-term effectiveness. With so much of the public educational discussion revolving around student engagement and student success, a detailed look into a classroom-based physical activity program would be a cost-effective approach to student engagement which is linked to student success.

Adult physical activity is important for prevention of chronic diseases and to minimize health issues; therefore, the motivational influences of sociodemographic variables on participation in organized physical activity events warrant an investigation. The purpose of this quantitative study was to investigate differences in motivational influences between various sociodemographic variables as related to physical activity events in organized settings. The theoretical framework that guided this research study consisted of the theory of reasoned action (TRA), and the health belief model (HBM). The TRA was applied to study the intention of health behavior, while the HBM was used to investigate individuals' motivation to engage in organized physical activity events. A cross-sectional study design in which an online survey consisting of the 40 item Physical Activity and Leisure Motivation Scale was used to collect data from adults who participated in an organized 5K or 10K running or walking event. The inferential statistical tests of the independent t test, one-way ANOVA, and ordinal logistic regression were used to determine the statistical relationships. The main research finding suggested that 6 motivational influences showed statistically significant relationship with organized physical activity events, which consisted of others' expectations (p = .025), competition/ego (p = .001), appearance (p = .001), affiliation (p = .034), mastery (p = .001), and psychological condition (p = .002) as it relates to their age group and gender. The research findings may be used to influence engagement in future organized physical activity events by understanding the sociodemographic variables relating to participation rates that may result in increased physical activity behavior within the community.

Despite the widely documented physical, psychological, and social benefits of regular participation in physical activity (Bauman & Campbell, 2001; Blair, Kohl & Barlow, 1995; Paluska & Schwenk, 2000; U.S Department of Health & Human Services, 1996), less than half of the Australian population participate in 'sufficient' levels of physical activity in terms of time and frequency of participation (Bauman, Ford & Armstrong, 2001). Thus the examination of social psychological determinants of regular participation in leisure-time physical activity is important. A mixed methods approach was adopted to identify and test the important social psychological determinants of regular participation in leisure-time physical activity. Phase one of the study was qualitative in nature and adopted a grounded theory approach. A number of important themes emerged from the qualitative phase, including: definitions and meanings of physical activity; physical activity and choice, obligation, reasons for participation; enjoyment of physical activity; changing perceptions and influences on physical activity from childhood to adulthood; and priority of physical activity. The interrelations between these themes and their impact on regularity of participation were explored. These findings, along with theoretical propositions and evidence from previous studies, contributed to the development of a model of the social psychological determinants of regular participation in leisure-time physical activity. They also contributed to the development of items to measure important concepts in the model. Phase two was quantitative in nature and used structural equation modelling to test the model. The quantitative phase involved a sample of 250 people aged 19-87 years living in an Australian capital city. Self-report questionnaires measured regularity of participation in leisure-time physical activity (dependent variable), leisure-time physical activity behaviour regulation, intrinsic motivation towards leisure-time physical activity, enjoyment of leisure-time physical activity, and priority of leisure-time physical activity (independent and mediating variables). Each of the independent and mediating variables was multidimensional in nature, the components of which were assessed using confirmatory factor analysis in structural equation modelling prior to the testing of structural models. After some adjustment, the predictors were satisfactorily represented by their respective multifactor models, except intrinsic motivation, which was best represented by a single factor model. Following modification, the proposed model of the social psychological determinants of regular participation in leisure-time physical activity was found to be a good fit of the data. Relationships within the model indicated the importance of the priority of leisure-time physical activity factors in the prediction of regular participation in leisure-time physical activity. The influence of preference for leisure-time physical activity on regular participation in leisure-time physical activity was mediated by level of priority and making time for leisure-time physical activity. That is, people who preferred to participate in leisure-time physical activity over other types of leisure tended to make it a higher priority, and, in turn, tended to make time to participate. Making time was subsequently associated with increased regularity of participation in leisure-time physical activity. The enjoyment factors influenced regular participation in leisure-time physical activity through their influence on preference for leisure-time physical activity. Activity enjoyment had a positive influence on preference and enjoyment dependent on surroundings had a negative influence. However, in the overall model, the behaviour regulators and intrinsic motivation attenuated the influence of the enjoyment factors on preference for leisure-time physical activity. This suggested that people's underlying behaviour regulators and levels of intrinsic motivation have a similar influence on their preference for leisure-time physical activity as their feelings of enjoyment. However, behaviour regulators and intrinsic motivation appear to be more powerful influences of preference than enjoyment. Intrinsic motivation towards leisure-time physical activity positively influenced regular participation in leisure-time physical activity through its influence on preference for leisure-time physical activity. It also had a direct influence on regularity of participation. Thus, people who were more intrinsically motivated tended to participate more regularly in leisure-time physical activity partly because they formed preferences for physical activity over other types of leisure. Furthermore, the direct influence of intrinsic motivation on regular participation suggested that there were explanations, beyond that of preference and priority, for why those who were intrinsically motivated tended to participate more regularly in leisure-time physical activity. The behaviour regulators of external regulation (negative), introjected regulation (positive) and identified regulation (positive) influenced regularity of participation in leisure-time physical activity mostly through their influence on intrinsic motivation towards leisure-time physical activity. That is, when people felt their physical activity was externally regulated, they felt less intrinsically motivated to participate and this was subsequently associated with less regular participation. On the other hand, when people were regulated by introjection and identification, they tended to feel more intrinsically motivated and this was subsequently associated with more regular participation. External regulation and introjected regulation also had a direct negative influence on preference for leisure-time physical activity and perceptions of the availability of time, respectively. Thus, people who felt externally regulated tended to have less preference for leisure-time physical activity and those who were regulated through introjection were more likely to perceive that they did not have the time to participate. This study contributes to the body of knowledge by highlighting the importance of preferences and prioritisation on perceptions of time availability, and subsequently, regularity of participation in leisure-time physical activity. It also demonstrated that behaviour regulators and intrinsic motivation are important determinants of regular participation in leisure-time physical activity in a general community sample. These findings have theoretical and practical implications for researchers, leisure professionals, and policy makers. They also suggest a number of significant areas of further research.

Objective: To explore the informational and behavioural factors, that affect women’s participation in physical activity (PA) and body weight changes during perimenopause. Methods: An environmental scan of online health websites to determine availability and quality of information for women about body weight changes during transition to menopause. An interpretive descriptive qualitative study of women age 40 – 60 to explore factors influencing their PA. Descriptive and inductive qualitative analysis were used. Results: Six of 52 websites (11.5%) contained information specific to perimenopausal women, with one site citing evidence. For 26 women interviewed, the most common enabling factors were daily structure, positive feelings, and accountability; while common barriers were disruptions in daily structure, competing demands, and self - sacrifice. Conclusions: There is a lack of information regarding body weight changes for perimenopausal women. Perimenopausal women attribute their PA participation to psychosocial factors, and not the physiology of menopause.

Objective: To explore the informational and behavioural factors, that affect women’s participation in physical activity (PA) and body weight changes during perimenopause. Methods: An environmental scan of online health websites to determine availability and quality of information for women about body weight changes during transition to menopause. An interpretive descriptive qualitative study of women age 40 – 60 to explore factors influencing their PA. Descriptive and inductive qualitative analysis were used. Results: Six of 52 websites (11.5%) contained information specific to perimenopausal women, with one site citing evidence. For 26 women interviewed, the most common enabling factors were daily structure, positive feelings, and accountability; while common barriers were disruptions in daily structure, competing demands, and self - sacrifice. Conclusions: There is a lack of information regarding body weight changes for perimenopausal women. Perimenopausal women attribute their PA participation to psychosocial factors, and not the physiology of menopause.

Rising obesity rates and low physical activity levels among children and youth are a global concern due to links to adverse health outcomes, poor quality of life, and an increased burden on the health care system. One response to the problem has been the implementation of school-based physical activity and nutrition policies. For example, the Ontario Ministry of Education’s Daily Physical Activity (DPA) Policy mandates that all elementary school students receive at least 20 minutes of physical activity per day. This exploratory research sought to understand the local-level factors shaping implementation of DPA, from the perspective of elementary school teachers and principals. Qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted with Ontario grade 1-8 teachers (n=14) and elementary school principals (n=5) regarding DPA implementation, facilitators, barriers, perceived outcomes, and suggestions for change. Interviews were audio recorded (with permission) and transcribed verbatim for subsequent thematic analysis using NVivo. Although all but two participants indicated they had implemented DPA, the majority reported that students were not meeting the requirement daily. Findings were organized using the Analysis Grid for Environments Linked to Obesity (ANGELO) framework. Implementation facilitators were focused within the microenvironment (i.e., classrooms and schools), while barriers were identified within both the micro- and macroenvironments (i.e., classrooms, schools, school boards, and the Ministry of Education). Both teachers and principals considered DPA a lower priority than other subjects, partly because of limited monitoring of implementation within schools and school boards. Participants discussed student benefits resulting from DPA; however, student fitness was not identified as a positive outcome- in fact, some questioned whether the policy is improving student physical activity levels. The results suggest the status of DPA results from a failure of implementation rather than a failure of concept. Participants believed increasing student physical activity levels was important; however, they argued that factors within the classroom, school, school board, and Ministry of Education limit the feasibility of delivering DPA. This thesis contributes to the limited literature regarding the evaluation of DPA implementation and outcomes by exploring the perspectives of teachers and principals implementing the policy. Substantive, methodological, and theoretical contributions to the school-based physical activity literature are discussed, followed by policy implications and directions for future research.

Syftet var att beskriva patienters upplevelse av att få Fysisk aktivitet på recept (FaR) samt följsamheten till FaR. Studien hade en deskriptiv design med kvalitativ ansats. Urvalet bestod av tio patienter från en vårdcentral i Mellansverige. Datainsamlingen gjordes med semistrukturerade intervjuer och data analyserades med kvalitativ innehållsanalys. Resultatet presenteras utifrån två frågeområden; patienters upplevelse av att få FaR och patienters följsamhet till FaR. Fyra kategorier framkom inom respektive område. I det första området framkom kategorierna; ”motivationshöjande samtal”, ”delaktighet- patientcentrerad vård”,” egen insikt relaterad till livsstilsförändring” samt ”brist på delaktighet och samspel”. I det andra området framkom kategorierna ”att vara i förberedelsestadiet”, ”att uppleva inre och yttre drivkraft”, ”att uppleva olika slags hinder” samt ”effekt av FaR”. Deltagarna beskrev betydelsen av att få uppmuntran och stöd från distriktssköterskan. Upplevelse av tvång och att inte vara motiverad till livsstilsförändring var något som deltagarna uttryckte. Resultatet visade att några deltagare startade direkt med någon aktivitet efter FaR, målmedvetenhet och noggrann planering framkom. Några planerade sin aktivitet och andra upplevde hinder att starta med FaR. Upplevelse av stöd och uppmuntran var av betydelse för följsamheten till FaR. Studiens slutsats är att stöd, uppmuntran och att möta patienten i förändringsprocessen har betydelse vid en livsstilsförändring. / The aim was to describe patients` experiences of getting Physical activity on Prescription (PaP) and adherence to the PaP. The study had a descriptive design with qualitative approach. The sample consisted of ten patients from a primary care centre in central Sweden. The data were collected with semi-structured interviews and data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. The results are presented from two question areas, patients` experiences of getting PaP and patients` adherence to the PaP. Four categories emerged in each area. In the first area the categories were, "motivational talks," "participatory patient-centered care," "self-awareness related to lifestyle change" and "lack of participation and interaction." In the second area the categories were "being in the preparatory stage," "to experience internal and external driving force," "to experience different kinds of obstacles" and "effect of PaP". Participants described the importance of getting encouragement and support from the district nurse. Experience of coercion and not being motivated to change lifestyle was something that the participants expressed. The results showed that some participants started immediately with an activity after receiving PaP, purposefulness and careful planning was found. Some planned their activity and others perceived barriers to start with the PaP. Experience of support and encouragement were of importance to adherence to the PaP. The study's conclusion is that support, encouragement, and to meet the patient in the process of change is important for a lifestyle change.

The aim of this study was to analyse how physical activity in the prevention and treatment of diseases, is portrayed in Vietnamese media. This is interesting because the traditional Vietnamese health culture differs a lot from the Western one. The topic is also of immediate importance in Vietnam, because of the increasing numbers of diseases, such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, even called non-communicable diseases. This is connected to the decreasing physical activity and increasing obesity in the country. A Swedish-Vietnamese project in Vietnam is going on since two years, with the aim of disseminating Swedish experiences on the topic to the health care staff and the general public. Thirty-one articles have been analysed with regard to cultural references and persuasion means. The methods include rhetorical analysis, quantitative content analysis and semiotics. The theoretical framework constitutes of previous research on characteristics of Vietnamese/Asian journalism in general, and Vietnamese preventive health education in particular. To get a better understanding of the results, various theories such as post-colonialism and cultural hegemony have been used. The findings indicate that the articles portray the health-benefits of physical activity as something new to the Vietnamese people. It was not possible to find any point of similarity to the traditional forms of Vietnamese preventive health propaganda in the articles. The different references in the articles where mostly made to Western sources. The pictures in the articles signal both threat/fear and hope and they portray both people with East Asian-and Western appearance.