Evaluation of an extra-curricular school sport programme promoting lifestyle and lifetime activity for adolescents Promoting physical activity using an activity monitor and a tailored web-based advice: design of a randomized controlled trial [ISRCTN93896459] Improving physical fitness and emotional well-being in adolescents of low socioeconomic status in Chile: results of a school-based controlled trial. Design of the Quality of Life in Motion (QLIM) study: a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a combined physical exercise and psychosocial training program to improve physical fitness in children with cancer Impact of a nurse-directed, coordinated school health program to enhance physical activity behaviors and reduce body mass index among minority children: a parallel-group, randomized control trial. The 'Women's Lifestyle Study', 2-year randomized controlled trial of physical activity counselling in primary health care: rationale and study design Promoting Physical Activity in Low-Active Adolescents via Facebook: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial to Test Feasibility Factors associated with changes in physical activity: a cohort study of inactive adolescent girls. A school-based intervention improves physical fitness in Ecuadorian adolescents: a cluster-randomized controlled trial Improving health-related fitness in children: the fit-4-Fun randomized controlled trial study protocol Effects of a controlled pedometer-intervention trial for low-active adolescent girls. SPACE for physical activity - a multicomponent intervention study: study design and baseline findings from a cluster randomized controlled trial Effectiveness of a smartphone application to promote physical activity in primary care: the SMART MOVE randomised controlled trial. A randomised controlled trial of three pragmatic approaches to initiate increased physical activity in sedentary patients with risk factors for cardiovascular disease. A family based tailored counselling to increase non-exercise physical activity in adults with a sedentary job and physical activity in their young children: design and methods of a year-long randomized controlled trial Promoting physical activity in older people in general practice: ProAct65+ cluster randomised controlled trial. Effect of a school-based intervention to promote healthy lifestyles in 7–11 year old children
Abstract The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of an extra-curricular school sport programme to promote physical activity among adolescents . One hundred and sixteen students ( mean age 14.2 years , s = 0.5 ) were assigned to an intervention ( n = 50 ) or comparison group ( n = 66 ) . The 8-week intervention involved structured exercise activities and information sessions . Four days of pedometer monitoring and time spent in non-organized physical activity and sedentary behaviours were measured at baseline and post-test . At baseline , participants were classified using steps per day as low-active ( girls < 11,000 , boys < 13,000 ) or active ( girls ≥ 11,000 , boys ≥ 13,000 ) and the effects of the intervention were assessed using these subgroups . Adolescents in the intervention group classified as low-active at baseline increased their step counts across the 8-week intervention ( baseline : 7716 steps/day , s = 1751 ; post-test : 10,301 steps/day , s = 4410 ; P < 0.05 ) and accumulated significantly more steps ( P < 0.05 ) than their peers in the comparison group ( baseline : 8414 steps/day , s = 2460 ; post-test : 8248 steps/day , s = 3674 ; P = 0.879 ) . The results of the present study provide further evidence that physical activity monitoring using pedometers is an effective strategy for increasing activity among low-active adolescents Background Ageing is associated with a decrease in physical activity . This decrease particularly occurs during specific transitional life stages . Especially during adolescence and young adulthood a steep decrease in physical activity is observed . Inactive people are often not aware of their inactivity . Providing feedback on the actual physical activity level by an activity monitor can increase awareness and may in combination with an individually tailored physical activity advice stimulate a physically active lifestyle . Methods In a r and omized controlled trial the effectiveness of providing an activity monitor in combination with a personal physical activity advice through the Internet will be examined . Outcome measures are level of physical activity , determinants of physical activity , quality of life , empowerment , aerobic fitness and body composition .  Participants are relatively inactive adolescents and young adults who are measured at baseline , after 3 months intervention and 5 months after the end of the intervention . In addition , facilitating and hindering factors for implementation of the intervention will be investigated . Discussion The use of a personal activity monitor in combination with web-based assisted individually tailored health promotion offers a good opportunity to work interactively with large groups of adolescents and young adults and provide them with advice based on their actual activity level . It has great potential to motivate people to change their behaviour and to our knowledge has not been evaluated before Regular physical activity is associated with a reduced risk of all-cause mortality , and mortality due to cardiovascular disease and cancer . Among adolescents , physical activity is associated with benefits in the prevention and control of emotional distress , and improvement of self-esteem . Countries in transitional epidemiological scenarios , such as Chile , need to develop effective strategies to improve physical activity as a way to face the epidemic of chronic diseases . The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of a school-based physical activity program on physical fitness and mental health status of adolescents living in a low socioeconomic status area in Santiago , Chile . A quasi-experimental design was used to evaluate the effects of the program over one academic year . The study included 198 students aged 15 years old . Two ninth grade classes were r and omly selected as the  intervention group , with two classes of the same grade as controls . A social planning approach was used to develop the intervention . The program was design ed and implemented based on student preferences , teachers ' expertise and local re sources . Changes in physiological and mental health status were assessed . After the intervention , maximum oxygen capacity achieved a significant increase of 8.5 % in the intervention versus 1.8 % in the control group ( p < 0.0001 ) . Speed and jump performance scores improved significantly more in the intervention versus the control group ( p > 0.01 ) . Anxiety score decreased 13.7 % in the intervention group versus 2.8 % in the control group ( p < 0.01 ) , and self-esteem score increased 2.3 % in the intervention group and decreased 0.1 % in the control group after the end of the program ( p < 0.0001 ) . No significant change was observed in the depressive score . Student participation and compliance with the program was > 80 % . To conclude , a school-based program to improve physical activity in adolescents of low socioeconomic status , obtained a high level of participation and achieved significant benefits in terms of physical fitness and mental health status Background Childhood cancer and its treatment have considerable impact on a child 's physical and mental wellbeing . Especially long-term administration of chemotherapy and /or radiotherapy impairs physical fitness both during and after therapy , when children often present with muscle weakness and /or low cardiorespiratory fitness . Physical exercise can improve these two elements of physical fitness , but the positive effects of physical exercise might be further increased when a child 's wellbeing is simultaneously enhanced by psychosocial training . Feeling better may increase the willingness and motivation to engage in sports activities . Therefore , this multi-centre study evaluates the short and long-term changes in physical fitness of a child with a childhood malignancy , using a combined physical exercise and psychosocial intervention program , implemented during or shortly after treatment . Also examined is whether positive effects on physical fitness reduce inactivity-related adverse health problems , improve quality of life , and are cost-effective . Methods This multi-centre r and omized controlled trial compares a combined physical and psychosocial intervention program for children with cancer , with care as usual ( controls ) . Children with cancer ( aged 8 - 18 years ) treated with chemotherapy and /or radiotherapy , and who are no longer than 1 year post-treatment , are eligible for participation . A total of 100 children are being recruited from the paediatric oncology/haematology departments of three Dutch university medical centres . Patients are stratified according to pubertal stage ( girls : age ≤10 or > 10 years ; boys : ≤11 or > 11 years ) , type of malignancy ( haematological or solid tumour ) , and moment of inclusion into the study ( during or after treatment ) , and are r and omly assigned to the intervention or control group . Discussion Childhood cancer patients undergoing long-term cancer therapy may benefit from a combined physical exercise and psychosocial intervention program since it may maintain or enhance their physical fitness and increase their quality of life . However , the feasibility , patient need , and effectiveness of such a program should be established before the program can be implemented as part of st and ard care . Trial registration numberNTR1531 ( The Netherl and s National Trial Register BACKGROUND Underserved children , particularly girls and those in urban communities , do not meet the recommended physical activity guidelines ( > 60min of daily physical activity ) , and this behavior can lead to obesity . The school years are known to be a critical period in the life course for shaping attitudes and behaviors . Children look to schools for much of their access to physical activity . Thus , through the provision of appropriate physical activity programs , schools have the power to influence apt physical activity choices , especially for underserved children where disparities in obesity-related outcomes exist . OBJECTIVES To evaluate the impact of a nurse directed , coordinated , culturally sensitive , school-based , family-centered lifestyle program on activity behaviors and body mass index . DESIGN , SETTING S AND PARTICIPANTS This was a parallel group , r and omized controlled trial utilizing a community-based participatory research approach , through a partnership with a University and 5 community schools . Participants included 251 children ages 8 - 12 from elementary schools in urban , low-income neighborhoods in Los Angeles , USA . METHODS The intervention included Kids N Fitness ( © ) , a 6-week program which met weekly to provide 45min of structured physical activity and a 45min nutrition education class for parents and children . Intervention sites also participated in school-wide wellness activities , including health and counseling services , staff professional development in health promotion , parental education newsletters , and wellness policies for the provision of healthy foods at the school . The Child and Adolescent Trial for Cardiovascular Health School Physical Activity and Nutrition Student Question naire measured physical activity behavior , including : daily physical activity , participation in team sports , attending physical education class , and TV viewing/computer game playing . Anthropometric measures included height , weight , body mass index , resting blood pressure , and waist circumference . Measures were collected at baseline , completion of the intervention phase ( 4 months ) , and 12 months post-intervention . RESULTS Significant results for students in the intervention , included for boys decreases in TV viewing ; and girls increases in daily physical activity , physical education class attendance , and decreases in body mass index z-scores from baseline to the 12 month follow-up . CONCLUSIONS Our study shows the value of utilizing nurses to implement a culturally sensitive , coordinated , intervention to decrease disparities in activity and TV viewing among underserved girls and boys Background Physical inactivity is an independent risk factor for diabetes and heart disease . There is evidence that increasing physical activity can reduce the risk of developing these chronic diseases , but less evidence about effective ways to increase adherence to physical activity . Interventions are therefore needed that produce sustained increases in adherence to physical activity , are cost-effective and improve clinical endpoints . Methods The Women 's Lifestyle Study is a two year r and omized controlled trial involving a nurse-led intervention to increase physical activity in 40–74 year old physically inactive women recruited from primary care . Baseline measures were assessed in a face-to-face interview with a primary care nurse . The intervention involved delivery of a ' Lifestyle script ' by a primary care nurse followed by telephone counselling for nine months and a face-to-face nurse visit at six months . Outcome measurements are assessed at 12 and 24 months . The primary outcome is physical activity measured using a vali date d physical activity question naire . Secondary outcomes include blood pressure , weight , waist circumference , physical fitness ( step test ) , serum HbA1c , fasting glucose , lipids , insulin , and quality of life ( SF36 ) . Costs were measured prospect ively to allow a subsequent cost-effectiveness evaluation if the trial is positive . Discussion Due to report in 2008 , the Women 's Lifestyle Study tests the effectiveness of an enhanced low-cost , evidence -based intervention in increasing physical activity , and improving cardiovascular and diabetes risk indicators over two years . If successful in demonstrating improvements in health outcomes , this r and omized controlled trial will be the first to demonstrate long-term cardiovascular and diabetes risk health benefit , in addition to improvements in physical activity , from a sustainable physical activity intervention based in primary care . Trial Registration Australian Clinical Trials Registry ( ACTR ) , ACTRN012605000490673 Background The World Wide Web is an effective method for delivering health behavior programs , yet major limitations remain ( eg , cost of development , time and re source requirements , limited interactivity ) . Social media , however , has the potential to deliver highly customizable and socially interactive behavioral interventions with fewer constraints . Thus , the evaluation of social media as a means to influence health behaviors is warranted . Objective The objective of this trial was to examine and demonstrate the feasibility of using an established social networking platform ( ie , Facebook ) to deliver an 8 week physical activity intervention to a sample of low-active adolescents ( N=21 ; estimated marginal mean age 13.48 years ) . Methods Participants were r and omized to either an experimental ( ie , Behavioral ) or attentional control ( ie , Informational ) condition . Both conditions received access to a restricted-access , study -specific Facebook group where the group ’s administrator made two daily wall posts containing youth-based physical activity information and re sources . Primary outcomes included physical activity as assessed by accelerometry and self-report . Interactions and main effects were examined , as well as mean differences in effect sizes . Results Analyses revealed significant improvements over time on subjectively reported weekly leisure-time physical activity ( F 1,18=8.426 , P=.009 , η2 = .319 ) . However , there was no interaction between time and condition ( F 1,18=0.002 , P=.968 , η2 = .000 ) . There were no significant time or interaction effects among the objective ly measured physical activity variables . Examination of effect sizes revealed moderate-to-large changes in physical activity outcomes . Conclusions Results provide initial support for the feasibility of delivery of a physical activity intervention to low-active adolescents via social media . Whether by employing behavioral interventions via social media can result in statistically meaningful changes in health-related behaviors and outcomes remains to be determined . Trial Registration Clinical Trials.gov NCT01870323 ; http:// clinical trials.gov/show/NCT01870323 ( Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6SUTmSeZZ ) OBJECTIVE To identify factors associated with changes in physical activity in adolescent girls at risk for sedentary lifestyles and obesity . DESIGN A cohort study was performed with 201 high school girls recruited to participate in an evaluation study of a school-based obesity prevention physical education program . Three assessment s were performed during an 8-month period . MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Associations between physical activity and a range of personal factors ( self-acceptance , self-worth , athletic competence , body image , depressive mood , perceived benefits , enjoyment of physical activity , self-efficacy , and body mass index ) , behavioral factors ( watching television and time constraints )  , and socioenvironmental factors ( social support and costs/re sources )  were assessed . RESULTS The 2 strongest and most consistent factors associated with change in physical activity were time constraints and support for physical activity from peers , parents , and teachers . Measures assessing self-perceptions , global ( ie , self-worth ) and specific to physical activity ( ie , self-efficacy to be physically active ) , were also associated with change in physical activity . For example , a decrease of 2.0 U for an adolescent 's perceived time constraints ( possible range , 3.0 - 12.0 U ) would be expected to lead to an increase of 53 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per week ( 95 % confidence interval , 33 - 72 minutes ) . An increase of 2.0 U in perceived support for physical activity ( possible range , 3.0 - 12.0 U ) would be expected to lead to an increase of 35 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per week ( 95 % confidence interval , 13 - 56 minutes ) . An increase of 3.0 U on the self-worth scale ( possible range , 5.0 - 20.0 U ) might be expected to lead to an increase of 19 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per week ( 95 % confidence interval , 0 - 40 minutes ) . CONCLUSION The effectiveness of interventions aim ed at increasing physical activity among adolescent girls might be enhanced by engaging support from friends , family , and caring adults ; addressing real and perceived time constraints ; and helping adolescent girls feel more confident about themselves and their ability to engage in physical activity Background Effective lifestyle interventions are needed to prevent noncommunicable diseases in low- and middle-income countries . We analyzed the effects of a school-based health promotion intervention on physical fitness after 28 months and explored if the effect varied with important school characteristics . We also assessed effects on screen time , physical activity and BMI . Methods and results We performed a cluster-r and omized pair matched trial in schools in urban Ecuador . The intervention included an individual and environmental component tailored to the local context and re sources . Primary outcomes were physical fitness ( EUROFIT battery ) , screen time ( question naires ) and physical activity ( accelerometers ) . Change in BMI was a secondary outcome . A total of 1440 grade 8 and 9 adolescents ( intervention : n = 700 , 48.6 % ) and 20 schools ( intervention : n = 10 , 50 % ) participated . Data of 1083 adolescents ( intervention : n = 550 , 50.8 % ) from 20 schools were analyzed . The intervention increased vertical jump ( mean effect 2.5 cm ; 95 % CI 0.8 - 4.2 ; P = 0.01 ) . Marginally insignificant , adolescents from the intervention group needed less time for speed shuttle run ( intervention effect = −0.8 s , 95 % CI −1.58 - 0.07 ; P = 0.05 ) . The proportion of students achieving over 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity/day decreased over time with the change in proportion significantly less in the intervention schools ( 6 vs. 18 percentage points , P < 0.01 ) . The intervention effect on speed shuttle run was significant in larger schools while the effect on vertical jump was larger in mixed gender school compared to small and female schools . The proportion of schools that met the recommendations for physical activity increased with 37 % in intervention schools with half-day schedule compared to the controls in the pair . No significant effects were found on screen time and BMI . Measurement of physical activity in a sub sample was a limitation . No adverse effects were reported . Conclusions A school-based intervention with an individual and environment component can improve physical fitness and can minimize the decline in physical activity levels from childhood into adolescence in urban Ecuador . Trial registration Clinical trials.gov identifier NCT01004367 Background Declining levels of physical fitness in children are linked to an increased risk of developing poor physical and mental health .  Physical activity programs for children that involve regular high intensity physical activity , along with muscle and bone strengthening activities , have been identified by the World Health Organisation as a key strategy to reduce the escalating burden of ill health caused by non-communicable diseases . This paper reports the rationale and methods for a school-based intervention design ed to improve physical fitness and physical activity levels of Grade s 5 and 6 primary school children . Methods / Design Fit-4-Fun is an 8-week multi-component school-based health-related fitness education intervention and will be evaluated using a group r and omized controlled trial . Primary schools from the Hunter Region in NSW , Australia , will be invited to participate in the program in 2011 with a target sample size of 128 primary schools children ( age 10 - 13 ) . The Fit-4-Fun program is theoretically grounded and will be implemented applying the Health Promoting Schools framework . Students will participate in weekly curriculum-based health and physical education lessons , daily break-time physical activities during recess and lunch , and will complete an 8-week ( 3 × per week ) home activity program with their parents and /or family members . A battery of six health-related fitness assessment s , four days of pedometery-assessed physical activity and a question naire , will be administered at baseline , immediate post-intervention ( 2-months ) and at 6-months ( from baseline ) to determine intervention effects . Details of the method ological aspects of recruitment , inclusion criteria , r and omization , intervention program , assessment s , process evaluation and statistical analyses are described . Discussion The Fit-4-Fun program is an innovative school-based intervention targeting fitness improvements in primary school children . The program will involve a range of evidence -based behaviour change strategies to promote and support physical activity of adequate intensity , duration and type , needed to improve health-related fitness . Trial Registration NoAustralia and New Zeal and Clinical Trials Register ( ANZCTR ) : PURPOSE This intervention compares the effectiveness of daily step count targets with time-based prescription for increasing the health-related physical activity of low-active adolescent girls . METHODS We assigned participants ( N = 85 , mean age 15.8 + /- 0.8 yr ) depending on school attended to a control ( CON ) , pedometer ( PED ) , or minutes ( MIN ) group . The intervention groups were involved in a 12-wk physical activity self-monitoring and educative program . The only difference between the intervention groups was that the PED group set daily step count targets whereas the MIN group set daily time-based goals for physical activity involvement . Pre- , mid- , and postintervention changes in physical activity ( 4-d blinded step count and 3-d physical activity recall ) and body mass index ( BMI ) were assessed using a series of 3 ( group assignment ) x 3 ( time ) ANOVA . Where significant interactions were found , separate follow-up simple main effects tests were used . RESULTS At postintervention , only the PED group had significantly increased their total activity as measured by a 4-d step count , when compared with the control ( P = 0.03 , ES = 0.13 ) . The group , time , and interaction effects for 4-d step count were significant , indicating that although both the participants in the PED and the MIN groups significantly increased their step count across the 12-wk intervention ( P = 0.00 - 0.01 ) , the participants in the PED group had a greater increase at the midintervention time point ( P = 0.04 , ES = 0.10 ) . No pre- , mid- , or postintervention changes were reported in any group for BMI ( F = 1.18 , P = 0.32 ) . CONCLUSION The use of pedometers and daily step count targets with low-active adolescent girls may result in short-term ( 6 wk ) enhanced physical activity related outcomes when compared with traditional time-based physical activity prescriptions . However , both interventions appear to result in similar improvements in physical activity when duration of the observation is extended to 12 wk Background The aim of the School site , Play Spot , Active transport , Club fitness and Environment ( SPACE ) Study was to develop , document , and assess a comprehensive intervention in local school districts that promote everyday physical activity ( PA ) among 11 - 15-year-old adolescents . The study is based on a social ecological framework , and is design ed to implement organizational and structural changes in the physical environment . Methods / design The SPACE Study used a cluster r and omized controlled study design . Twenty-one eligible schools in the Region of Southern Denmark were matched and r and omized in seven pairs according to eight matching variables summarized in an audit tool ( crow-fly distance from residence to school for 5 - 6th grade rs ; area household income ; area education level ; area ethnicity distribution ; school district urbanity ; condition and characteristics of school outdoor areas ; school health policy ; and active transport in the local area ) . Baseline measurements with accelerometers , question naires , diaries , and physical fitness tests  were obtained in Spring 2010 in 5 - 6th grade in 7 intervention and 7 control schools , with follow-up measurements to be taken in Spring 2012 in 7 - 8th grade . The primary outcome measure is objective average daily physical activity and will be supported by analyses of time spent in moderate to vigorous activity and time spent sedentary . Other secondary outcome measures will be obtained , such as , overweight , physical fitness , active commuting to/from school and physical activity in recess periods . Discussion A total of 1348 adolescents in 5 - 6th grade in the Region of Southern Denmark participated at baseline ( n = 14 schools ) . The response rate was high in all type of measurements ( 72.6 - 97.4 % ) . There were no significant differences between intervention and control groups at baseline according to selected background variables and outcome measures : gender ( p = .54 ) , age ( p = .17 ) , BMI ( p = .59 ) , waist circumference ( p = .17 ) , physical fitness ( p = .93 ) , and physical activity ( accelerometer ) ( p = .09).The r and omization and matched pair design produced equivalent groups according to central outcome measures and background variables . The SPACE for physical activity Study will provide new insights on the effectiveness of multicomponent interventions to improve adolescents ' physical activity level . Trial registration Current Controlled Trials IS RCT BACKGROUND Physical inactivity is a major , potentially modifiable , risk factor for cardiovascular disease , cancer , and other chronic diseases . Effective , simple , and generalisable interventions that will increase physical activity in population s are needed . AIM To evaluate the effectiveness of a smartphone application ( app ) to increase physical activity in primary care . DESIGN AND SETTING An 8-week , open-label , r and omised controlled trial in rural , primary care in the west of Irel and . METHOD And roid smartphone users > 16 years of age were recruited . All participants were provided with similar physical activity goals and information on the benefits of exercise . The intervention group was provided with a smartphone app and detailed instructions on how to use it to achieve these goals . The primary outcome was change in physical activity , as measured by a daily step count between baseline and follow-up . RESULTS A total of 139 patients were referred by their primary care health professional or self-referred . In total , 37 ( 27 % ) were screened out and 12 ( 9 % ) declined to participate , leaving 90 ( 65 % ) patients who were r and omised . Of these , 78 provided baseline data ( intervention = 37 ; control = 41 ) and 77 provided outcome data ( intervention = 37 ; control = 40 ) . The mean daily step count at baseline for intervention and control groups was 4365 and 5138 steps per day respectively . After adjusting , there was evidence of a significant treatment effect ( P = 0.009 ) ; the difference in mean improvement in daily step count from week 1 to week 8 inclusive was 1029 ( 95 % confidence interval 214 to 1843 ) steps per day , favouring the intervention . Improvements in physical activity in the intervention group were sustained until the end of the trial . CONCLUSION A simple smartphone app significantly increased physical activity over 8 weeks in a primary care population BACKGROUND Physical activity is a major modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease , but it is unclear what combination of feasible approaches , using existing re sources in primary care , work best to initiate increased physical activity . AIM To assess three approaches to initiate increased physical activity . DESIGN OF STUDY R and omised controlled ( 2 X 2 X 2 ) factorial trial . SETTING Four general practice s. METHOD One hundred and fifty-one sedentary patients with computer documented risk factors for cardiovascular disease were r and omised to eight groups defined by three factors :  prescription by general practitioners ( GPs ) for brisk exercise not requiring a leisure facility ( for example , walking ) 30 minutes per day , 5 days per week ; counselling by practice nurses , based on psychological theory to modify intentions and perceived control of behaviour , and using behavioural implementation techniques ( for example , contracting , ' rehearsal ' ) ; use of the Health Education Authority booklet ' Getting active , feeling fit ' . RESULTS Single interventions had modest effects . There was a trend from the least intensive interventions ( control + /- booklet ) to the more intensive interventions ( prescription and counselling combined + /- booklet ) for both increased physical activity and fitness ( test for trend , P = 0.02 and P = 0.05 , respectively ) . Only with the most intense intervention ( prescription and counselling combined ) were there significant increases in both physical activity and fitness from baseline ( Godin score = 14.4 , 95 % confidence interval [ CI ] = 7.8 to 21 , which was equivalent to three 15-minute sessions of brisk exercise and a 6-minute walking distance = 28.5 m , respectively , 95 % CI = 11.1 to 45.8 ) . Counselling only made a difference among those individuals with lower intention at baseline . CONCLUSION Feasible interventions using available staff , which combine exercise prescription and counselling explicitly based on psychological theory , can probably initiate important increases in physical activity Background Epidemiological evidence suggests that decrease in sedentary behaviour is beneficial for health . This family based r and omized controlled trial examines whether face-to-face delivered counselling is effective in reducing sedentary time and improving health in adults and increasing moderate-to-vigorous activities in children . Methods The families are r and omized after balancing socioeconomic and environmental factors in the Jyväskylä region , Finl and . Inclusion criteria are : healthy men and women with children 3 - 8 years old , and having an occupation where they self-reportedly sit more than 50 % of their work time and children in all-day day-care in kindergarten or in the first grade in primary school . Exclusion criteria are : body mass index > 35 kg/m2 , self-reported chronic , long-term diseases , families with pregnant mother at baseline and children with disorders delaying motor development . From both adults and children  accelerometer data is collected five times a year in one week periods . In addition , fasting blood sample s for whole blood count and serum metabonomics , and diurnal heart rate variability for 3 days are assessed at baseline , 3 , 6 , 9 , and 12 months follow-up from adults . Quadriceps and hamstring muscle activities providing detailed information on muscle inactivity will be used to realize the maximum potential effect of the intervention . Fundamental motor skills from children and body composition from adults will be measured at baseline , and at 6 and 12 months follow-up . Question naires of family-influence-model , health and physical activity , and dietary records are assessed . After the baseline measurements the intervention group will receive tailored counselling targeted to decrease sitting time by focusing on commute and work time .  The counselling regarding leisure time is especially targeted to encourage toward family physical activities such as visiting playgrounds and non-built environments , where children can get diversified stimulation for play and practice fundamental of motor skills . The counselling will be reinforced during the first 6 months followed by a 6-month maintenance period . Discussion If shown to be effective , this unique family based intervention to improve lifestyle behaviours in both adults and children can provide translational model for community use . This study can also provide knowledge whether the lifestyle changes are transformed into relevant biomarkers and self-reported health . Trial registration numberIS RCT N : IS RCT BACKGROUND Regular physical activity reduces falls , hip fractures , and all-cause mortality , but physical activity levels are low in older age groups . AIM To evaluate two exercise programmes promoting physical activity among older people . DESIGN AND SETTING Pragmatic three-arm , parallel- design cluster r and omised controlled trial involving 1256 people aged ≥65 years ( of 20 507 invited ) recruited from 43 general practice s in London , Nottingham , and Derby . METHOD Practice s were r and omised to the class-based Falls Management Exercise programme ( FaME ) , the home-based Otago Exercise Program ( OEP ) , or usual care . The primary outcome was the proportion reaching the recommended physical activity target 12 months post-intervention . Secondary outcomes included falls , quality of life , balance confidence , and costs . RESULTS In total , 49 % of FaME participants reached the physical activity target compared with 38 % for usual care ( adjusted odds ratio 1.78 , 95 % confidence interval [ CI ] = 1.11 to 2.87 , P = 0.02 ) . Differences between FaME and usual care persisted 24 months after intervention . There was no significant difference comparing those in the OEP ( 43 % reaching target at 12 months ) and usual-care arms . Participants in the FaME arm added around 15 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per day to their baseline level ; this group also had a significantly lower rate of falls ( incident rate ratio 0.74 , 95 % CI = 0.55 to 0.99 , P = 0.042 ) . Balance confidence was significantly improved in both intervention arms . The mean cost per extra person achieving the physical activity target was £ 1740 . Attrition and rates of adverse reactions were similar . CONCLUSION The FaME programme increases self-reported physical activity for at least 12 months post-intervention and reduces falls in people aged ≥65 years , but uptake is low . There was no statistically significant difference in reaching the target , or in falls , between the OEP and usual-care arms Background Physical inactivity is recognised as a public health concern within children and interventions to increase physical activity are needed . The purpose of this research was to evaluate the effect of a school-based healthy lifestyles intervention on physical activity , fruit and vegetable consumption , body composition , knowledge , and psychological variables . Method A non-r and omised controlled study involving 8 primary schools ( 4 intervention , 4 control ) . Participants were 589 children aged 7–11 years . The intervention lasted 10 months and comprised a CD-rom learning and teaching re source for teachers ; an interactive website for pupils , teachers and parents ; two highlight physical activity events ( 1 mile school runs/walks ) ; a local media campaign ; and a summer activity wall planner and record . Primary outcome measures were objective ly measured physical activity ( pedometers and accelerometers ) and fruit and vegetable consumption . Secondary outcomes included body mass index , waist circumference , estimated percent body fat , knowledge , psychological variables . Multi-level modelling was employed for the data analysis . Results Relative to children in control schools , those in intervention schools significantly increased their total time in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity ( MVPA ) ( by 9 minutes/day vs a decrease of 10 minutes/day ) , their time in MVPA bouts lasting at least one minute ( 10 minutes/day increase vs no change ) and increased daily steps ( 3059 steps per day increase vs 1527 steps per day increase ) . A similar pattern of results was seen in a subset of the least active participants at baseline . Older participants in intervention schools showed a significant slowing in the rate of increase in estimated percent body fat , BMI , and waist circumference . There were no differences between groups in fruit and vegetable intake . Extrinsic motivation decreased more in the intervention group . Conclusion The intervention produced positive changes in physical activity levels and body composition . It appeared to have little or no effect on consumption of fruit and vegetables . Schools are a suitable setting for the promotion of healthy lifestyles although more work , particularly focussed on dietary change , is needed in a variety of schools and social setting
Surprisingly no use was made of time series analysis for analysing step count data .
The review also suggested several strategies for the personalisation of physical activity programs .
Conclusions Overall , it appears that the physical activity levels of people involved in such programs vary across individuals depending on psychosocial , demographic , weather and climatic factors .
Statistical models can provide a better underst and ing of the impact of these factors , allowing for the provision of more personalised physical activity programs , which are expected to produce better immediate and long-term outcomes for participants .
Background Physical activity reduces the risk of noncommunicable diseases and is therefore an essential component of a healthy lifestyle .
Regular engagement in physical activity can produce immediate and long term health benefits .
However , physical activity levels are not as high as might be expected .
For example , according to the global World Health Organization ( WHO ) 2017 statistics , more than 80 % of the world ’s adolescents are insufficiently physically active .
In response to this problem , physical activity programs have become popular , with step counts commonly used to measure program performance .
Analysing step count data and the statistical modeling of this data is therefore important for evaluating individual and program performance .
This study review s the statistical methods that are used to model and evaluate physical activity programs , using step counts .