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Social Justice in Practice—Integrating Ethical Leadership, Inclusive Excellence, and Community Engagement in the Undergraduate Kinesiology Curriculum

Jeffrey Cherubini

Creating opportunities for undergraduate students’ personal and professional development including advocacy for social justice is a relevant topic for kinesiology faculty and administrators. Utilizing a multidisciplinary approach to promote self-awareness, behavior change, and social justice in kinesiology, the purpose of this article is to share and discuss high-impact practices and strategies to infuse ethical leadership, inclusive excellence, and community engagement within the kinesiology curriculum. Principles from kinesiology, public health, sport psychology, leadership studies, pedagogy, and human resources are integrated to help kinesiology faculty facilitate and enhance students’ future professional practices. Frameworks for behavior change for social justice in kinesiology include the decolonizing kinesiology ethics, inclusive excellence, stages of change, and effective communication. Readers are encouraged to “take back to their departments” practices and strategies that can be further modified and integrated into their own kinesiology curriculum.

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Sport Participation Trajectories and Loneliness: Evidence From the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children

Katherine B. Owen, Karine E. Manera, Philip J. Clare, Michelle H. Lim, Ben J. Smith, Philayrath Phongsavan, David R. Lubans, Pamela Qualter, Rochelle Eime, and Ding Ding

Background: This study aimed to identify patterns of overall, team, and individual sport participation and examine the prospective associations between these patterns and loneliness in young people. Methods: We analyzed data from 4241 young people, from waves 3 (8–9 y) to 9 (20–21 y) of the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children. We conducted latent class analyses to identify overall and team versus individual sport participation trajectories and used adjusted log-Poisson regression models to examine the associations between these trajectories and loneliness at wave 9. Results: Latent class analyses identified 4 distinct overall sport participation classes which were labeled: nonparticipants (24%), dropouts (42%), initiators (7%), and consistent participants (27%). Compared with nonparticipants, consistent participants had a lower risk of loneliness (risk ratios = 0.69; 95% CIs, 0.59–0.81). Latent class analyses also identified 4 distinct team versus individual sport participation classes: team and individual sport nonparticipants (38%), individual sport participants (14%), moderate team sport participants (14%), and high team sport participants (34%). Compared with the team and individual sport nonparticipants, the high team sports participants had a lower risk of loneliness (risk ratios = 0.70; 95% CIs, 0.53–0.92). Conclusions: Young people who continued participating in sport in general, and particularly in team sport, had a reduced risk of loneliness. Continued participation in sports should be promoted to improve a range of physical, mental, and social health benefits. Furthermore, team-based sport can provide additional health and well-being benefits, including reduced loneliness due to the group nature of participation.

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Toowoomba Healthy Towns: A Citizen Science Initiative on Active Transport in Regional South East Queensland, Australia

Tracy Kolbe-Alexander, Paul A. Gardiner, Ann Banchoff, Adam Schmidt, Melinda Covey-Hansen, and Abby C. King

Background: Engaging in active transport will enable individuals across the life course to increase their habitual levels of physical activity. The aim of this study was to engage citizen scientists (CS) to identify factors that influence active transport in their community. Methods: The Our Voice citizen science methodology developed at Stanford University was employed. CS completed a “discovery walk,” taking photos of things that help or hinder active transport. Three groups were recruited: children aged 10–12 years (n = 11), adults (n = 12), and older adults >65 years (n = 10). CS rated each photo and provided a narrative explaining their reason for taking the photo. Once all CS in a specific age group had completed the walk, they met for a group discussion. The CS worked together to analyze the data, arranging them into themes and identifying priority actions. Two CS representatives from each age group presented their findings to the local council decision makers. Results: Children highlighted the need for safer crossings, especially from their school to the local park, and suggested zebra crossings as a solution. The adults highlighted that road signs prioritized vehicles, not pedestrians, and requested that this be reversed. Older adults noted that the poor condition of the pavements made it harder for people in wheelchairs to navigate. The CS recommendations have informed the council’s walking and cycling network program. Conclusion: Engaging with citizen science provided the community with an opportunity to advocate for meaningful yet realistic improvements in the built environment that could promote neighborhood active transport and physical activity across the lifespan.

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Amplifying Student Viewpoints on Inclusive Student Experiences for Inclusive Excellence in Kinesiology

DeAnne Davis Brooks, Helen Yolisa Duley, Laura M. Pipe, Carla C. Fullwood, and Christopher A. Aiken

The purpose of this paper is to share how the American Kinesiology Association’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee envisioned, planned, and created an opportunity to show how inclusive excellence can be implemented as a strategy for transformation and change. This was achieved by listening to and intentionally responding with positive outcomes to students who voice their lived experiences in an institution of higher education. The Viewpoints on Inclusive Student Experiences (VOISES) model of student/faculty engagement is explained, along with reflections from two faculty members who participated in VOISES panels—one as an audience member and the other as a panel moderator. The discussion includes suggestions for incorporating student voices generally and the VOISES model specifically as part of a comprehensive diversity, equity, and inclusion strategy.

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The ESCAPE Trial for Older People With Chronic Low Back Pain: A Feasibility Study of a Clinical Trial of Group-Based Exercise in Primary Health Care

Hytalo de Jesus Silva, Júlio Pascoal de Miranda, Camila Silva de Melo, Leticia Soares Fonseca, Rodrigo de Oliveira Mascarenhas, Nathalia Soares Veloso, Whesley Tanor Silva, Alessandra de Carvalho Bastone, and Vinícius Cunha Oliveira

Low back pain is a highly disabling health condition that generates high costs for patients and healthcare systems. For this reason, it is considered a serious public health problem worldwide. This pilot study aimed to assess the feasibility of a future randomized controlled trial (RCT) by evaluating adherence to treatment, contamination between groups, satisfaction with treatment, and understanding of the exercise instructions provided by the physiotherapist. Additionally, we sought to identify and implement necessary modifications to the exercise protocol for better suitability in older people. We conducted a prospective, registered pilot RCT comparing an 8-week group-based exercise program with a waiting list in older people (≥60 years old) with chronic low back pain. Sixty participants were recruited through social media, pamphlets, and invitations at community referral centers. The study demonstrated the feasibility of a full RCT. Participants reported high satisfaction with the treatment (i.e., 100% indicated willingness to return for future services) and a high understanding of the exercise instructions (i.e., 81.8% reported “very easy” comprehension). Adherence to the exercise program exceeded the average reported for group exercise interventions in older adults (i.e., 82.58%). Dropout was associated solely with preexisting physical activity levels. The exercise protocol was successfully adapted to better suit the needs of the older adult population. This pilot RCT demonstrates the feasibility of a full-scale RCT to evaluate the effectiveness of group exercise in improving pain intensity and disability in older adults with chronic low back pain. The implemented adjustments to the exercise protocol and overall study approach strengthen the methodological foundation and expected accuracy of the future RCT.

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The Impact of Physical Activity and Lifestyle on Mental Health: A Network Analysis

Victor Matheus Lopes Martinez, Maiara da Silva Martins, Fernanda Capra, Felipe Barreto Schuch, Luis Eduardo Wearick-Silva, and Ana Maria Pandolfo Feoli

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the association between physical activity (PA), lifestyle, and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out using an online questionnaire. PA (International Physical Activity Questionnaire), lifestyle (Short Multidimensional Inventory Lifestyle Evaluation), and mental health (Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21) were assessed. Mean scores were compared between groups of physically active and inactive participants, controlling for gender, education, and income. Furthermore, associations were made between the variables, and individual network analyses were carried out for each mental health domain. The sample consisted of 353 individuals (age = 33.8 [12.2], 59.2% women). Results: In network analyses, PA was indirectly related to depression and stress through the relationship with other lifestyle domains such as diet and nutrition or through stress management and social support. The same path was observed for anxiety; however, a direct partial correlation was also observed between PA and anxiety, suggesting that PA seems to intervene more directly in this aspect of mental health. Conclusion: It is concluded that PA is indirectly (via stress management, diet and nutrition, and social support) associated with depression and stress and has direct and indirect associations (via stress management and social support) with anxiety.

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Catalyzing Inclusive Excellence: Transformative Practices of Auburn University’s School of Kinesiology

Matthew W. Miller, Christopher M. Wilburn, Harsimran S. Baweja, Mary E. Rudisill, and Jared A. Russell

The School of Kinesiology (KINE) at Auburn University (AU) has demonstrated exemplary commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, earning the 2024 American Kinesiology Association’s Inclusive Excellence Award. This article describes the strategic planning and actions taken by AU KINE over more than a decade to promote inclusive excellence by enhancing diversity and fostering inclusion. The article discusses how AU KINE overcame challenges, such as misconceptions about diversity initiatives, and how the unit continues to evolve, including developing an inclusive Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Throughout the process, AU KINE has aligned its diversity and inclusion mission and goals with the broader institution. The authors aim to demystify the process of creating a more diverse and inclusive kinesiology department and offer insights for other programs seeking to enhance their diversity and inclusion efforts. AU KINE’s success demonstrates the transformative power of strategic, sustained initiatives to promote inclusive excellence in kinesiology.

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From the Editor

Ian D. Boardley

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Preparing Future Change Agents: A Commitment to Social Justice

Shawn Ladda

The 2024 American Kinesiology Association Undergraduate Education Network session included a keynote address titled “Preparing Future Change Agents: A Commitment to Social Justice.” From my lived experience, I learned much from being marginalized as a female athlete. Through reflecting on these experiences and my formal education, the question asked was, What were those pivotal experiences that developed attitudes and values toward all-consuming social justice? Besides having parents who reinforced that one can do anything they set their mind to do, living across the country and learning the value of diversity and having educationally impactful experiences in the “world classroom” had a huge impact on my valuing diversity. From my formal educational experiences, I remember few lecture-type classes. Content knowledge is important, but the more impactful classes and experiences were experiential and hands-on. The following are my reflections and recommendations for preparing future change agents.

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Associations of Outdoor Playtime With Ball Bouncing Skills: A Cross-Sectional Analysis Using the 2022 National Survey of Children’s Health

Ryan D. Burns, Anke Van Roy, and Bradley R. King

The purpose of this study was to examine the associations of outdoor playtime, screen time, and sleep duration with ball bouncing skills in a sample of 3- to 5-year-old children. Participants were young children (N = 11,121; 48.8% female) whose parent/guardian completed the 2022 National Survey of Children’s Health. The dependent variable was one item that asked about the child’s ability to bounce a ball repeatedly. The primary independent variables were the National Survey of Children’s Health items asking about hours of weekday and weekend outdoor play, screen time, and sleep duration. The primary analysis consisted of robust Poisson regression models to calculate adjusted prevalence ratios by regressing competent (high) ball bouncing skills with reported hours of weekday and weekend outdoor play, screen time, and sleep. After covariate adjustment, two or more hours spent in weekday outdoor play was associated with a 15%–41% higher prevalence of competent ball bouncing skills (p < .01), and three or more hours of weekend outdoor play was associated with a 14%–28% higher prevalence of competent ball bouncing skills (p < .05). More hours of outdoor play were associated with competency in ball bouncing skills in young children. Mechanisms for this association are unclear and warrant further investigation.