Purpose: Preschool-aged children, especially girls, have low levels of physical activity that may be influenced through parent role modeling. Evidence for mother–daughter interventions that include preschool-aged children is sparse. The primary purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility of recruitment procedures, protocol compliance, and participant retention for the Mothers and Daughters Moving Together intervention. The secondary aim was to provide initial estimates of the intervention effect on mother–daughter and family physical activity co-participation, moderate to vigorous physical activity, and maternal physical activity enjoyment and support. Method: This nonrandomized feasibility study included mother–daughter (2–5 y) dyads who self-selected into the intervention (n = 21 dyads) or comparison (n = 10 dyads) group. Results: The recruitment rate was 41.9% (31 enrolled/74 interested). Intervention group mother–daughter dyads attended 57% of intervention sessions. Among the whole sample, 70% to 80% of participants (mothers and daughters) had at least 4 valid days of accelerometer data at preintervention and postintervention. The retention rate was 90% (28/31 dyads completed the study). Initial estimates of intervention effect indicated small, positive changes for mother–daughter physical activity co-participation, and maternal physical activity support and enjoyment. Conclusions: This study provides valuable information that should be confirmed using an adequately powered and randomized study design.
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Feasibility of the Mothers and Daughters Moving Together Physical Activity Intervention
Deirdre Dlugonski, Lacey Schwab, and Katrina D. DuBose
Accelerometer-Measured Patterns of Shared Physical Activity Among Mother–Young Child Dyads
Deirdre Dlugonski, Katrina Drowatzky DuBose, and Patrick Rider
Background:
Many mothers and young children are not meeting physical activity guidelines. Parent–child coparticipation in physical activity (ie, shared physical activity) provides opportunities for social modeling and might be associated with child physical activity. There is very little information about shared physical activity using objective measures.
Methods:
Participants (N = 17 mother–young child dyads) completed a demographic survey and height/weight measurements, and wore a Bluetooth® accelerometer for 1 week. Accelerometers were initialized using the proximity function to yield both individual and proximity [a minute-by-minute log of whether the 2 accelerometers were in- or out-of-range (∼50 m or less)] data. Shared physical activity was calculated in MATLAB by overlaying individual and proximity accelerometer data.
Results:
Mother–child dyads spent approximately 2 hours per day in shared time that was mostly shared sedentary activities. Less than 1% of shared minutes per day were spent in shared moderate to vigorous physical activity.
Conclusions:
Mothers and young children spent a small portion of their day in shared activities. Most mother–child shared time was spent in sedentary or light activities rather than moderate to vigorous physical activity. This method for objectively measuring shared physical activity provides novel information about the context in which physical activity occurs and could be used to understand patterns of physical activity among other dyads.
Are There Effective Intervention Strategies Available to Improve Physical Literacy in Adults? A Critically Appraised Topic
Chloe McKay, Johanna M Hoch, and Deirdre Dlugonski
Clinical Scenario: Physical inactivity among adults is prevalent. Physical literacy is a potential modifiable factor that, if targeted effectively, may increase physical activity and decrease the risk of health conditions that are associated with physical inactivity. Clinical Question: Are there effective intervention strategies available to improve physical literacy in adults? Summary of Key Findings: Two nonrandomized experimental studies were included. Both studies assessed changes in physical literacy before and after a physical literacy intervention using two different sets of physical literacy outcome measures. Clinical Bottom Line: There is currently Level 2, limited quality, patient-oriented evidence that indicates that physical literacy can be improved in an adult population. The creation of a valid and reliable physical literacy outcome measure for adults is a necessary next step to enhance knowledge about physical literacy among adults. Future research should use a randomized control trial design to test the efficacy of physical literacy interventions with valid and reliable outcome measures. Strength of Recommendation: There is Level 2, limited quality, patient-oriented evidence for physical literacy interventions among adults. Due to the limited number of, and lack of consistency between studies, the authors did not make a formal grade recommendation.
Physical Activity Coparticipation Among Parent–Young-Child Dyads
Deirdre Dlugonski, Katrina D. DuBose, Christine M. Habeeb, and Patrick Rider
Purpose: This study examined patterns of physical activity coparticipation among parent–child (2–5 y) dyads. Method: The dyads (N = 47; 51% mother–child) each wore a Bluetooth-enabled accelerometer for 8 days to measure physical activity and physical activity coparticipation. The parents completed demographic and self-reported family physical activity questionnaires. Results: The parent–child dyads spent 145 (79) minutes per day in-proximity according to the Bluetooth-enabled accelerometers. The majority (90%) of parent–child in-proximity time was spent with the parent and child engaged in some combination of sedentary or light activities. Child light, moderate, and vigorous physical activity was not associated with parent light (P = .12) or moderate to vigorous physical activity (P = .45), but was positively associated with parent–child in-proximity active minutes (light, moderate, and vigorous) (P < .01). Children in the highest tertile of parent–child physical activity coparticipation engaged in more daily moderate to vigorous physical activity compared with children in the lowest tertile (72.7 vs 50.3 min). There was a positive, statistically significant association between self-reported and objective measures of physical activity coparticipation (r = .47, P = .001). Conclusion: Children who engaged in the most physical activity with their parent had the highest moderate to vigorous physical activity. Future studies should continue to provide contextual information about how parents and children spend their time together to improve family-based physical activity interventions.
Sports Specialization, Physical Literacy, and Physical Activity Levels in Young Adults
Chloe McKay, Johanna M. Hoch, Matthew C. Hoch, and Deirdre Dlugonski
Context: Youth sport specialization may be associated with physical literacy and physical activity in young adulthood. The purposes of this study were to compare young adult (18–25 y) physical literacy and physical activity by high school sport specialization status and to examine the relationship between current physical activity and physical literacy. Design: Retrospective, cross-sectional study design. Methods: Participants were recruited from ResearchMatch, university classes, and social media posts. Participants (N = 172; aged 22.1 [2.1] y; 80.1% female) completed the following anonymous surveys on REDCap to assess: demographics and injury history, sport specialization, physical literacy (PLAYself), and physical activity (Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire). Results: When controlling for age, there were no statistically significant differences in physical literacy (F 2,166 = 2.02, P = .14) or moderate to vigorous physical activity (F 2,161 = 0.24, P = .79) between sport specialization groups. There was a moderate, positive relationship between physical literacy and physical activity (r = .33, P < .001). Conclusions: Young adult physical literacy and physical activity were similar regardless of youth sport specialization level. Young adult physical literacy was positively associated with physical activity. Future studies should consider physical literacy as a possible correlate of physical activity among young adults.
Physical Activity, but Not Body Mass Index Is Associated With Blood Pressure in Young Children
Katrina D. DuBose, Kathryn Beaman, Christine Habeeb, and Deirdre Dlugonski
Purpose: This study examined associations between physical activity (PA) and obesity with blood pressure (BP) in young children. Furthermore, a possible moderating effect of obesity status was examined. Methods: A cross-sectional study was completed with 121 children (3.96 [1.14] y). BP, weight, and height were measured, and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Z scores were calculated for BMI, systolic, and diastolic values. Accelerometry measured time spent in PA intensities. Correlations and regressions examined relationships among PA intensities, BMI z scores, and BP z scores and to determine if obesity status moderated these relationships. Results: On average, the children spent 52 minutes per day in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, 31% were considered overweight/obese, and 15% were considered hypertensive. After adjusting for confounders, participation in moderate, vigorous, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was related with lower systolic and diastolic BP z scores (P < .05). BMI z score was not related to BP values. Obesity status did not moderate the relationships between time spent in PA and BP. Conclusions: Participation in PA, but not obesity, was related to lower BP levels in young children. The impact PA has on BP is the same regardless of obesity status. Thus, young children should be encouraged to be active in different intensities to benefit the cardiovascular system.
Goals Matter: Exercising for Well-Being But Not Health or Appearance Predicts Future Exercise Among Parents
Emily L. Mailey, Deirdre Dlugonski, Wei-Wen Hsu, and Michelle Segar
Background: Many parents are insufficiently active. Further research is needed to understand the goals that drive sustained exercise participation among parents. The purpose of this study was to use self-determination theory derived constructs to examine the relationship between parents’ exercise goals and their autonomous motivation, controlled motivation, and exercise behavior across 1 year. Methods: Mothers (n = 226) and fathers (n = 70) of children less than 16 years completed the Exercise Motivations Inventory-2 and, 1 year later, the Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire-2 and Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire. Linear mixed effects models were used to examine the longitudinal relationships between exercise goals and autonomous motivation, controlled motivation, and leisure-time exercise. Results: All goals except weight management were significantly associated with autonomous motivation, whereas only weight and appearance goals predicted controlled motivation. Exercising for stress management and revitalization, but not health- or appearance-related goals, was significantly related to exercise behavior over 1 year. Conclusions: Only goals related to immediate affective outcomes were associated with both autonomous motivation and exercise behavior over time. These findings support recent calls to “rebrand exercise” as a means to improve daily well-being. Such goals may drive parents to prioritize exercise because they value the immediate benefits it provides.
Social Cognitive Correlates of Physical Activity: Findings From a Cross-Sectional Study of Adults With Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis
Yoojin Suh, Madeline Weikert, Deirdre Dlugonski, Brian Sandroff, and Robert W. Motl
Background:
Persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) are often physically inactive and sedentary. This observation has prompted the search for modifiable variables derived from established theories that act as correlates of physical activity. Such variables would presumably represent targets for interventions designed to promote change in physical activity behavior among persons with MS. The current study examined social cognitive variables as correlates of physical activity in persons with MS.
Methods:
Persons (N = 218) with relapsing-remitting MS completed a questionnaire battery that assessed physical activity behavior; self-efficacy for physical activity; physical, social, and self-evaluative outcome expectations for exercise, functional limitations as an impediment for physical activity, and exercise goal-setting. The battery was delivered and returned through the US postal service. Data were analyzed using covariance modeling in Mplus 3.0.
Results:
Self-efficacy had indirect effects on physical activity via impediments (path coefficient = .10, P < .005), self-evaluative outcome expectations (path coefficient = .07, P < .025), and goal-setting (path coefficient = .09, P < .01). The model explained 40% of variance in self-reported physical activity.
Conclusions:
This cross-sectional study suggests that self-efficacy is indirectly associated with physical activity by way of goals, self-evaluative outcome expectations, and impediments in persons with relapsing-remitting MS.
Self-Reported Physical Activity and Perception of Athleticism in American Equestrian Athletes
Michaela M. Keener, Kimberly I. Tumlin, and Deirdre Dlugonski
Background: Over 75% of American adults are not meeting aerobic and muscular physical activity recommendations, with the majority being females. Equestrian activities are a potential avenue to increase physical activity, especially in females who account for approximately 90% of sport participants. This study describes perceptions of equestrian activities and establishes the patterns of self-reported equestrian, barn work, and nonequestrian physical activity engagement to understand participation in activities that may sustain physical activity across the lifespan. Methods: American equestrians (n = 2551) completed an anonymous online survey with questions about perceptions and benefits of equestrian activities, demographics, and engagement in equestrian activities, barn work, and nonequestrian activities. Results: There were 2039 completed responses, (95.6% female), with representation from all regions of the United States. Professionals (20.6%), amateurs (39.1%), and recreational (40.3%) comprised participation status. Significantly fewer recreational participants perceived equestrian as physical activity and as a sport than amateurs (P < .05) and professionals (P < .05). Engagement in equestrian and barn work physical activity was significantly higher in professionals (P < .0001), followed by amateurs (P < .0001), with the lowest in recreational equestrians (P = .001). Professional and amateur equestrians engaged in significantly more nonequestrian physical activity than recreational participants (P < .05). Conclusions: Equestrian physical activity engagement is dependent on the status of participation. Equestrian, barn work, and nonequestrian physical activity do meet physical activity aerobic and muscular recommendations and should be encouraged as a physical activity for females across the lifespan.
The Utilization of the Theory of Planned Behavior and Self-Determination Theory to Improve Physical Activity Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Rachel R. Kleis, Matthew C. Hoch, Deirdre Dlugonski, and Johanna M. Hoch
Patients with a history of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) report decreased levels of physical activity participation, which can result in a significant public health burden. Psychosocial factors, such as fear of reinjury and decreased self-efficacy, negatively impact physical activity levels in this population. However, factors such as attitudes and beliefs toward exercise, motivation, self-efficacy, and social support are known to positively influence physical activity participation. The Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and Self-Determination Theory (SDT) incorporate such constructs and have been utilized to predict and improve physical activity behaviors in a variety of populations. Emerging evidence has applied the TPB and SDT to rehabilitation adherence in populations with musculoskeletal injury and post-ACLR. However, we believe a combination of the TPB and SDT will provide a framework for increasing physical activity engagement for people with a history of ACLR. The purpose of this review is to present an integrated theoretical model that combines the TPB and SDT with the aim of increasing physical activity after ACLR. Recommendations for future research and clinical practice based on the proposed model are also discussed.
