Background: Given the emergence of climate change and health risks, this review examined potential relationships between varying indicators of climate change, movement behaviors (ie, physical activity [PA], sedentary behavior, and sleep), and health. Methods: Seven databases were searched in March 2020, April 2023, and April 2024. To be included, studies must have examined indicators of climate change and at least one of the movement behaviors as either an exposure or a third variable (ie, mediator/moderator), and a measure of health as outcome. Evidence was summarized by the role (mediator/moderator) that either climate change or movement behavior(s) has with health measures. Relationships and directionality of each association, as well as the strength and certainty of evidence were synthesized. Results: A total of 79 studies were eligible, representing 6,671,791 participants and 3137 counties from 25 countries (40% low- and middle-income countries). Of 98 observations from 17 studies that examined PA as a mediator, 34.7% indicated that PA mediated the relationship between climate change and health measure such that indicators of adverse climate change were associated with lower PA, and worse health outcome. Of 274 observations made from 46 studies, 28% showed that PA favorably modified the negative association between climate change and health outcome. Evidence was largely lacking and inconclusive for sedentary behavior and sleep, as well as climate change indicators as an intermediatory variable. Conclusions: PA may mitigate the adverse impact of climate change on health. Further evidence is needed to integrate PA into climate change mitigation, adaptation, and resilience strategies.
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Exploring the Interplay Between Climate Change, 24-Hour Movement Behavior, and Health: A Systematic Review
Eun-Young Lee, Seiyeong Park, Yeong-Bae Kim, Mikyung Lee, Heejun Lim, Amanda Ross-White, Ian Janssen, John C. Spence, and Mark S. Tremblay
The Role of Grandparents in Facilitating Children’s Physical Activity
Michelle I. Jongenelis, Timothy Budden, Hayley Christian, David A. Coall, Ben Jackson, Andrea Nathan, and Emma Glassenbury
Background: Research suggests there is considerable opportunity to improve children’s movement behaviors while they are being cared for by their grandparents. An understanding of the extent to which grandparent practices facilitate children’s engagement in physical activity is critical to the development of health interventions targeting grandparent caregivers. This study examined the activity-related beliefs and practices of grandparents and their association with grandchildren’s engagement in various movement behaviors while in grandparental care. Methods: Australian grandparents (N = 1190; 60% women) who provided regular care to a grandchild aged 3–14 years were recruited via a web panel provider to complete an online survey. The survey assessed grandparents’ physical activity-related beliefs (eg, perceived importance) and practices (eg, support and social control) and their grandchildren’s engagement in physical activity (unstructured, structured, and outdoor play) and screen-based activities while in grandparental care. Results: The importance of grandchildren’s physical activity was rated highly by grandparents. Grandparents’ support for their grandchildren’s physical activity was positively associated with their grandchildren’s engagement in structured physical activity, unstructured physical activity, and outdoor play. Negative social control was associated with greater engagement in screen-based activities. Other correlates of grandchildren’s physical activity and screen-based activities included grandparents’ own engagement in these activities. Conclusions: Findings highlight the importance of reinforcing the beliefs and practices that positively influence children’s movement behaviors and addressing those that have unintended consequences. Encouraging grandparents to support their grandchildren’s physical activity and discouraging forms of negative social control are likely to be important in efforts to promote physical activity in children.
Associations of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior With Self-Rated Health Status in Brazilian Older Adults
Pedro Olivares-Tirado and Rosendo Zanga
In a longevity society, as we live longer, adopting healthy lifestyles is essential to develop and maintain functional ability, which enables well-being in older adults. We aim to examine the associations of physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviors (SBs) with self-rated health (SRH) status in older Brazilian adults. We analyzed 21,701 persons aged 60 or older from the Brazilian National Health Survey. A partial proportional odds model for SRH adjusted by sociodemographic confounders was estimated. The marginal effects of PA and SB on SRH status were expressed in terms of the average-adjusted probabilities. In addition, average-adjusted probabilities for the better and worse SRH status among representative cases of Brazilian socioeconomic inequalities were calculated. The main findings of the study indicate: (a) a significant positive association exists between PA and SRH status and, conversely, a negative association exists between SB and SRH; (b) the PA effect across daily sitting time watching TV attenuated and improved the probability of declaring a worse and better SRH status, respectively; and (c) the SRH status differences associated with PA and SB represent the socioeconomic inequalities in the older Brazilian population. Beyond some methodological limitations, we conclude that increasing PA and SB in older persons is significantly associated with better and worse SRH status, respectively. In addition, the results suggest that SRH status is a consistent health inequality measurement. In societies moving on longevity transition, substantial efforts are required in individuals’ behavior across the life courses and public policies to promote healthy aging.
Participant Experiences With a Community-Based, “Older Adult” Walking Football Initiative in Australia: A Qualitative Exploration
Lauren Fitzsimons, Sera Dogramaci, Andrew Bennie, Tony Rossi, Nicole Taylor, Ashleigh McInerny, Carmen Young, and Rhiannon Lee White
Despite the growing popularity of walking sports, little is known about who is attracted to them, and what skills, motivations, and experiences encourage ongoing participation. The aim of this study was to gain an in-depth understanding of the phenomenon of walking football in Australia. The authors first conducted semistructured interviews with 53 older adults (M = 62.37 years, 30.19% female) participating in walking football in Australia. Next, they conducted thematic analysis to develop themes that represented participant perspectives. Results indicated that walking football led to several physical benefits, but the social and mental benefits seemed to be more closely associated with continued participation. The slower pace of walking football created a valuable option to engage in physical activity among those with injuries or severe health issues, as well as older adults concerned about injuries. The slower pace also shifted the focus of walking football away from fitness and ability, and toward technique and skill development, and this focus, along with the mix in abilities, led to informal coaching and mentoring roles which were highly valued among older participants. Participant views about competition in walking football were diverse, with some expressing a mild concern. Understanding such diverse experiences of walking football helps to better understand how different aspects of the sport influence the perceived benefits and likelihood of continuing for different people. Using these findings to further develop walking sports in Australia could have large impacts on the health and well-being of older people.
Association of Accelerometer-Measured Physical Activity With College Student Success and Retention
Myra J. Bloom, Gladys Y.X. Chen, Victor R.C. Gomes, Scarlet R. Jost, Andrew S.I.D. Lang, Nancy V. Mankin, Jonathan A. Merheb, Jingee Mok, Philip P. Nelson, Deborah A. Skinstad, and Enrique F. Valderrama-Araya
Background: This study examined the relationship between physical activity (PA) and academic performance and retention among college students using accelerometer data while controlling for sex and socioeconomic background. Methods: Data were collected from 4643 first-year college students at a private university in the south-central United States who began their studies in the Fall semesters between 2015 and 2022. Daily step counts were collected using accelerometers worn as part of the institutions PA requirements. The expected family contribution was calculated based on information provided on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Grade point average (GPA) and retention data were collected directly from official university databases. Results: Female students generally had lower median age and steps count and a higher median GPA than males. The retention rates from fall to spring and fall to fall were 95.9% and 83.8%, respectively, with no significant difference in retention rates between males and females. GPA was significantly positively correlated with steps, expected family contribution, and age, and negatively correlated with being male and having an expected family contribution of zero. The fall to spring retention rate was significantly positively correlated with steps and GPA. Conclusions: The study’s findings suggest that increasing levels of PA, as measured by daily step counts, may be effective in promoting academic performance and retention, even when controlling for sex and socioeconomic background. The use of device-based measures of PA in this study contributes to the literature on this topic, and policymakers and educational institutions should consider interventions focused on academic performance and physical activity to help students persist.
The Effects of Sport Participation for Adults With Physical or Intellectual Disability: A Scoping Review
Leanne Hassett, Anne M. Moseley, Marnee J. McKay, Jenni Cole, Sakina Chagpar, Minke P.J. Geerts, Wing S. Kwok, Connie Jensen, Catherine Sherrington, and Nora Shields
Background: Adults with physical or intellectual disability are less active than those without disability. Objective: To review literature regarding sport participation in adults with physical or intellectual disability. Specifically, to examine characteristics of available studies including participants, interventions, outcomes, and impact. Methods: A scoping review was completed. Searches of 6 databases and a trial registry plus citation tracking were undertaken. Two independent reviewers screened items for eligibility and extracted data about the studies, participants, interventions, and outcomes. A single reviewer extracted data to quantify impacts of sport participation, classified as favorable, insignificant, or unfavorable. Results: 164 studies involving 11,642 participants were included. Most studies (128/164) used a cross-sectional design. Most participants were men (81%) with physical disability (135/164), and spinal cord injury was the most prevalent underlying health condition (54%). Most studies evaluated a mix of sports (83/164) in a disability-specific context (159/164), with basketball or wheelchair basketball being the most common individual sport (28/164). Physical impairment was the most frequently reported outcome domain (85/334 results). Sports participation impact was classified as 55% favorable, 42% insignificant, and 3% unfavorable. Conclusions: There were many favorable and few unfavorable outcomes for participation in sport for adults with physical or intellectual disability. More research is needed to address the evidence gaps of gender, health condition, and type of sport, and to use more rigorous research designs to evaluate the effects of sport participation. While new evidence is generated, we suggest adults with physical or intellectual disability be encouraged to engage in sport. Registration: PROSPERO registration number CRD42018104379.
Effects of Walking-Only Intervention on Physical Function, Fall-Related Outcomes, and Health-Related Quality of Life in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Tomoya Ishigaki, Shogo Misu, Toshinori Miyashita, Daisuke Matsumoto, Midori Kamiya, Akio Okamae, Tatsuya Ogawa, Hikaru Ihira, Yoshiaki Taniguchi, Takeshi Ohnuma, Tomohisa Chibana, Natsu Morikawa, Tome Ikezoe, and Hyuma Makizako
This study aimed to determine the effects of walking-only intervention (walking was the only exercise in which people participated) on physical function, fall-related outcomes, and health-related quality of life in community-dwelling older adults. We conducted a systematic search across five electronic databases, assessing risk of bias using Minds Manual for Guideline Development. Meta-analyses were performed, and pooled standardized mean differences were calculated. Nine studies (a total of 1,309 participants) were included, showing that walking-only interventions improved walking endurance (standardized mean difference: 1.11, 95% confidence interval: [0.08, 2.15]) and health-related quality of life (standardized mean difference: 0.71, 95% confidence interval: [0.18, 1.25]). However, there were no significant improvements in other outcomes. The certainty of the evidence based on the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach for all outcomes was graded as very low, primarily due to significant inconsistency and imprecision. Our results suggest that walking-only intervention can be effective for enhancing walking endurance and health-related quality of life for community-dwelling older adults. Further studies are required to investigate the effects of walking-only intervention. This need stems from the limited number of randomized controlled trials, heterogeneous intervention settings and results, and the very low certainty of the evidence.
The Relationship Between Actual Motor Competence and Physical Activity in Children: Mediating Roles of Perceived Motor Competence and Physical Activity Enjoyment
Murat Cimen, Semiyha Tuncel, and Fehmi Tuncel
This study’s objective was to examine whether the relationship between actual motor competence and physical activity (PA) in children is mediated by perceived motor competence (PMC) and physical activity enjoyment. The participants consisted of a total of 167 students (male = 92, female = 75) in 10 different schools in the fourth grade of primary schools in the central district of Isparta Province, Turkey, during the 2020–2021 academic year. Multiple parallel mediation analysis was used to examine the mediation role in the analysis of the data, and regression analysis based on the bootstrapping method was performed. As a result of the research, it was seen that PMC had a full mediating role between actual motor competence and PA (b = 0.003, 95% confidence interval [0.002, 0.094]). On the other hand, it was determined that PA enjoyment did not have a mediating role in this relationship (b = 0.001, 95% confidence interval [−0.002, 0.005]). The total indirect effect was not significant (b = 0.005, 95% confidence interval [−0.000, 0.012]). The multiple mediation analysis showed that PMC accounted for 23.2% of the total effect of actual motor competence on PA. In conclusion, the findings show that PMC is an important variable in participation in PA. Therefore, PMC should be considered a key outcome in physical education.
Whose Helmet? Reconsidering American Football’s Iconic Equipment
Noah Cohan
In this project, I examine the manner in which fans and players of American football understand the plastic safety helmet. My findings are built on a series of qualitative interviews conducted with helmet aficionados and former players. While conventional wisdom would suggest that the protective purpose is the primary function of the helmet, I demonstrate that in practice it is secondary. The foremost service of the helmet is to convey meaning through team, regional, aesthetic, and branding signifiers, which shape how individuals affiliate themselves with the game, form their fan or player identity, and consume football and football equipment. Although they do so in different ways, both groups, players and aficionados, fetishize the object; exemplifying the way in which masculinity and materiality have become intertwined in the game of football, such that the helmet functions as an abstract avatar of heteronormative manliness.
Assessing the Accuracy of Activity Classification Using Thigh-Worn Accelerometry: A Validation Study of ActiPASS in School-Aged Children
Claas Lendt, Pasan Hettiarachchi, Peter J. Johansson, Scott Duncan, Charlotte Lund Rasmussen, Anantha Narayanan, and Tom Stewart
Background: The ActiPASS software was developed from the open-source Acti4 activity classification algorithm for thigh-worn accelerometry. However, the original algorithm has not been validated in children or compared with a child-specific set of algorithm thresholds. This study aims to evaluate the accuracy of ActiPASS in classifying activity types in children using 2 published sets of Acti4 thresholds. Methods: Laboratory and free-living data from 2 previous studies were used. The laboratory condition included 41 school-aged children (11.0 [4.8] y; 46.5% male), and the free-living condition included 15 children (10.0 [2.6] y; 66.6% male). Participants wore a single accelerometer on the dominant thigh, and annotated video recordings were used as a reference. Postures and activity types were classified with ActiPASS using the original adult thresholds and a child-specific set of thresholds. Results: Using the original adult thresholds, the mean balanced accuracy (95% CI) for the laboratory condition ranged from 0.62 (0.56–0.67) for lying to 0.97 (0.94–0.99) for running. For the free-living condition, accuracy ranged from 0.61 (0.48–0.75) for lying to 0.96 (0.92–0.99) for cycling. Mean balanced accuracy for overall sedentary behavior (sitting and lying) was ≥0.97 (0.95–0.99) across all thresholds and conditions. No meaningful differences were found between the 2 sets of thresholds, except for superior balanced accuracy of the adult thresholds for walking under laboratory conditions. Conclusions: The results indicate that ActiPASS can accurately classify different basic types of physical activity and sedentary behavior in children using thigh-worn accelerometer data.