Physical Activity with Sports Scientist (PASS) programme to promote physical activity among patients with non-communicable diseases: a pragmatic randomised controlled trial protocol.

Physical activity (PA) effectively prevents and treats non-communicable diseases in clinical settings. PA promotion needs to be more consistent, especially in busy primary care. Sports scientists have the potential to support PA promotion in primary care. The Physical Activity with Sports Scientist (PASS) programme is created to personalise PA promotion led by a sports scientist in a primary care clinic. A pragmatic randomised controlled trial with two parallel groups will be conducted at a family medicine clinic. Physically inactive participants aged 35-70 years who have type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension or dyslipidaemia will be invited. The control group (n=60) will receive usual care. The intervention group (n=60) will receive the PASS programme and usual care. The PASS programme will consist of a tailored PA prescription after the physician's consultation at the first visit and monthly phone follow-ups. The primary outcome is the proportion of participants who have achieved the PA goal defined as aerobic activity (≥150 min/week of moderate to vigorous-intensity PA), muscle-strengthening activity (≥2 days/week of moderate or greater intensity) and multicomponent PA (≥2 days/week of moderate or greater intensity). Secondary outcomes are body composition and physical fitness. The primary and secondary outcomes will be measured and compared between the control and intervention groups at visit 1 (month 0: baseline measurements), visit 2 (months 3-4: follow-up measurements), visit 3 (months 6-8: end-point measurements) and visit 4 (months 9-12: continuing measurements). The study protocol was registered with the Thai Clinical Trials Registry. Trial registration number: TCTR20240314001.

Digital Group-Based Intervention for Physical Activity Promotion Among Thai Adults During the COVID-19 Lockdown: Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic significantly diminished the physical activity (PA) level of Thai adults belonging to Generation Y (Gen Y). As a response to the global crisis, many individuals worldwide have turned to social community platforms, recognizing their potential in promoting PA during the pandemic. Gen Y, in particular, demonstrates exceptional proficiency in using social media platforms, showcasing a remarkable aptitude for swiftly accessing new information and knowledge. However, their proclivity for reckless behavior exposes them to various health risks, potentially leading to enduring adverse health consequences. Consequently, there arises a pressing need to develop a comprehensive model aimed at elevating the PA levels among individuals belonging to Gen Y. OBJECTIVE: This research aimed to examine the effectiveness of a digital group-based activity in promoting PA among Gen Y in Thailand. METHODS: This was a parallel 2-arm randomized controlled trial with single-blind allocation to experimental and control groups and pre- and posttest measurements. Measurements were administered on the web and were designed for respondents to complete by themselves. The sample comprised 100 Gen Y individuals who met the inclusion criteria. Both groups were matched for background characteristics. The two 8-week intervention activities were (1) two weeks of education and (2) six weeks of motivation by target groups that set goals for PA together (using the Zoom meeting application), with a time limit and group consensus as to when the goal was to be achieved. The intervention activities were implemented one by one at specified intervals and delivered daily through health apps and the official LINE account. RESULTS: The intervention starts from August 22 to October 16, 2021. Of the 100 participants, 20 (20%) left the study, and the remaining 80 (80%) participated in the study (40 individuals each in the experimental and control groups). After participating in the experiment, a statistically significant difference in PA was found between the 2 groups (moderate to vigorous PA; 25/40, 63%; P=.03). Participants in the intervention group collected a higher cumulative minute of moderate to vigorous PA weekly (283 minutes) than those in the control group (164 minutes), and this was statistically significant (P=.03). For the transition to the fourth stage of behavior (ie, action), the improvement in the experimental group, after participating in the trial, was statistically significant compared to that of the control group (P=.01). CONCLUSIONS: Digital group-based activity showed its effectiveness in improving the PA of Gen Y individuals in the intervention group. It created a process-based intervention activity that corresponds to the stages of behavior changes, from contemplation to action. The digital community can also connect individuals to comparable groups locally and globally. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Thai Clinical Trials Registry TCTR20211101005; https://www.thaiclinicaltrials.org/show/TCTR20211101005.

The cost-effectiveness of improved brief interventions for tobacco cessation in Thailand.

Background: This study estimated the cost-effectiveness of four strategies enhancing the quality and accessibility of Brief Intervention (BI) service for smoking cessation in Thailand during 2022-2030: (1) current-BI (status quo), (2) the effective-training standard-BI, (3) the current-BI plus the village health volunteers (VHV) mobilization, and (4) the effective-training BI plus VHV mobilization. Methods: By interviewing five public health officers, nine healthcare professionals aiding these services, and fifteen BI service experts, we explored the status quo situation of the Thai smoking cessation service system, including main activities, their quantity assumptions, and activities' unit prices needed to operate the current cessation service system. Then, we modeled additional activities needed to implement the other three simulated scenarios. We estimated the costs and impacts of implementing these strategies over a nine-year operating horizon (2022-2030), covering 3 years of service system preparation and 6 years of full implementation. The modeled costs of these four strategies included intervention and program costs. The study focused on current smokers age 15 years or older. The assessed impact parameters encompassed smoking prevalence, deaths averted, and healthy life-years gained. An Incremental Cost-Effectiveness Analysis compared the four simulated strategies was employed. Data analysis was performed using the One Health Tool software, which the World Health Organization developed. Results: The findings of this investigation reveal that all three intervention strategies exhibited cost-effectiveness compared to the prevailing status quo. Among these strategies, Strategy 2, enhancing BI service quality, emerged as the most efficient and efficacious option. Therefore, the expansion of quality services should be synergistically aligned with augmented training, service delivery optimization, and managerial enhancements. Conclusion: This approach is particularly poised to enhance accessibility to and the efficacy of smoking cessation interventions across Thailand.

Multilevel factors associated with physical activity participation among Thai university students.

This study investigated physical activity (PA) levels in Thai university students and their associated factors at multiple levels. Data of 3,930 university students age ≥18 years analyzed in this study were retrieved from a cross-sectional online survey, namely the ASEAN University Network - Health Promotion Network (AUN-HPN) health behavioral survey. The hierarchical generalized linear model considering clustering effects was applied to examine factors associated with sufficient PA across multiple levels. At the individual level, being female, underweight, and overweight had significantly lower odds of having sufficient PA. Sophomores had 22 % greater odds compared with freshmen. Students engaging in 1-3 and 4-6 sports activities had 3 and almost 4 times respectively higher odds of having sufficient PA. Students engaged in >8 h of sedentary time, and consumed adequate amounts of fruit/vegetables had 70 % and 59 % respectively higher odds of having sufficient PA. At the environmental level, students who traveled inactively to/from university, attended a university with private recreational facilities, and a university that adopted the healthy university framework (HUF) had significantly greater odds of having sufficient PA. A majority of university students were sufficiently physically active, despite gender disparity. When promoting PA among them, focus may be targeted at females and sophomores, and consider addressing the number of sports activities engaged, fruit/vegetable consumption, availability of private university recreational facilities, and adoption of the HUF. The results support the implementation of the AUN-HPN HUF, and future initiatives within the country and the wider network for health and PA promotion.

Willingness-to-pay in physical activity: how much older adults value the community-wide initiatives programs?

Background: Previous studies have shown insufficient physical activity (PA) as a significant global health concern and a major risk factor for non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Community-wide initiatives in physical activity (CWIPA) is considered as a best-buy for Community-wide initiatives in physical activity (CWIPA) is considered as a best-buy for NCDs prevention. However, assessment regarding resource allocation and cost-effectiveness of existing programs is lacking. This study investigated local residents' willingness-to-pay (WTP) for community PA programs in Southern Thailand. Methods: The contingent valuation method (CVM) using the payment card approach was employed to elicit the WTP of 472 residents aged 45 years and over in selected provinces in which community PA programs had been implemented. Respondents were asked to indicate their WTP for the continuous offering of free CWIPA by choosing how much they were willing to pay from eight bid-value options, payable through their monthly electricity bill. Results: The mean WTP of Thai older adults was found to be 72 baht/month ($2/month) or 868 baht/year ($25/year). This indicated the maximum amount an older person was willing to pay for any community-based PA program. More than half the sample (54.2%) chose zero as their answer, while there was a fairly large variation in other levels of WTP. The WTP was lower among older respondents and those who resided in rural areas but was higher among those with a history of participation in an organized PA program. Conclusion: The level of WTP can be interpreted as an indicator of community satisfaction with CWIPA. That finding can be used as evidence for the government and policy makers in allocating resources and designing future CWIPA. A variety of organized PA programs should be offered to all community members to ensure inclusivity and also to provide equal access for senior citizens.

Assessing physical activity promotion in different settings and how its associated with public participation during COVID-19 epidemic: evidence from national policy evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Various interventions, programs and policies have been implemented to improve physical activity (PA) levels worldwide. However, countries continue to face barriers and challenges in achieving their targets. To date, there is a lack of study on the evaluation of physical activity (PA) promotion and how it's associated with public participation. METHODS: This study assessed PA promotion in eight different settings in terms of policy availability, policy implementation, and public participation in PA programs. Policy availability was assessed by reviewing 384 policy and strategy documents, rules, regulations, legislation, and guidelines on PA. We scored the documents by using the Comprehensive Analysis of Policy on Physical Activity (CAPPA) framework. Data to assess policy implementation and public participation were taken from the Thailand Report Card Survey 2021 (TRC2021), and the Thailand Surveillance on Physical Activity (SPA) 2021. Both surveys comprised over 5,000 nationally-representative samples from on-screen, face-to-face interviews, and an online self-administered survey. We scored the policy implementation and public participation based on respondents' response towards policy implementation and participation indicators. A grading scheme was applied to indicate how successful an investment has been made. RESULTS: Public education and mass media received the highest average score in policy availability, implementation and public participation in PA program (67.9%, grade B), followed by active urban design (66.1%, grade B-) and active transport (63.7%, grade B-). Workplace, whole-of-school, and community-wide initiatives were the investments with the lowest scores, implying low availability, limited implementation, and less accessibility to public. Females were less likely to participate in active transport, active urban design, sports/recreation for all, workplace activity, and community-wide initiatives. Age and educational attainment were consistent predictors of utilization in all investments. CONCLUSIONS: With varying degrees of policy availability and accessibility, public participation in PA investments is likely to be constrained by biological and socioeconomic inequality. Future investments should aim at providing generalized or tailored interventions to ensure equal access and participation for all segments of the population.

Recovery shape of physical activity after COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Since the shutdowns associated with the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, there has been limited discourse on physical activity (PA) recovery (i.e., the ability of individuals to resume PA at pre-pandemic levels), including recovery rate, speed of recovery, which individuals are able to return quickly, who is left behind, and what are the causes of those differences. This study aimed to estimate the level and shape of PA recovery rate in Thailand. METHODS: This study employed 2 rounds (2020 and 2021) of Thailand's Surveillance on Physical Activity dataset for the analysis. Each round included over 6600 samples from individuals aged 18 years or older. PA was assessed subjectively. Recovery rate was calculated from the relative difference in the cumulative minutes of moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) from 2 different periods. RESULTS: The Thai population experienced a medium level of recession of PA (-26.1%) and a moderate level of recovery of PA (37.44%). PA recovery in the Thai population resembled an imperfect V shape, reflecting a sharp decline followed by an immediate upturn; still, recovered PA remained lower than pre-pandemic levels. The quickest recovery was found among older adults, whereas students, young adults, residents of Bangkok, the unemployed, and those who had a negative attitude toward PA experienced the highest recession of PA and were among the slowest to recover. CONCLUSION: The level of recovery of PA among Thai adults is largely determined by the preventive behaviors demonstrated by groups within the population who have a higher awareness of their health. The effect of the mandatory coronavirus disease 2019 containment measures on PA was temporary. However, the slower recovery rate of PA among some individuals was caused by a combination of restrictive measures and socioeconomic inequality, which required more time and effort to overcome.

Report card grades on physical activity for children and adolescents from 18 Asian countries: Patterns, trends, gaps, and future recommendations.

Background: Physical inactivity is a persistent and worsening population health concern in Asia. Led by the Active Healthy Kids Global Alliance, Global Matrix (GM) initiative provides an opportunity to explore how regional and cultural differences across 18 Asian countries relate to physical activity (PA) participation among children and adolescents. Objectives: To synthesize evidence from the GM2.0 to GM4.0 (2016-2022) in Asian countries. Methods: Report Card grades on behavioral/individual and sources of influence indicators were reported from 18 Asian countries. Letter grades were converted into numerical values for quantitative analyses. Based on this, cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses were conducted to investigate patterns and trends. Qualitative evidence synthesis was performed based on Report Card grades and published papers to identify gaps and suggest future recommendations. Results: In total, 18 countries provided grades for at least one round of GM, 12 countries provided grades for at least two rounds, and seven countries provided grades for all three GMs. Of possible grades, 72.8%, 69.2%, and 76.9% of the grades were assigned from GM 2.0 to GM 4.0, respectively. In terms of the Report Card grades, there was a slight decrease in behavioral/individual indicators from "D+" in GM 2.0 to "D-" in GM 3.0 but this reverted to "D" in GM 4.0. For the sources of influence, a "C" grade was given in all three rounds of GM. Longitudinal observation of seven Asian countries that provided grades in all three rounds of GM revealed that grades are generally stable for all indicators with some country-specific fluctuations. In future GM initiatives and research, considerations should be made to provide more accurate and rich data and to better understand contextual challenges in evaluating certain indicators such as Active Transportation, Active Play, and Physical Fitness in particular. Further, macro level factors such as socioeconomic/cultural disparities and gender-specific barriers, ideology, or climate change should also be proactively considered in future research as these factors are becoming increasingly relevant to indicators of GM and United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals. Conclusions: Participation from Asian countries in GM has increased over the years, which demonstrates the region's enthusiasm, capacity, and support for global PA promotion efforts. The efforts to promote a physically active lifestyle among children and adolescents should be a collective interest and priority of the Asia region based on the gaps identified in this paper.

Global Matrix 4.0 Physical Activity Report Card Grades for Children and Adolescents: Results and Analyses From 57 Countries.

BACKGROUND: The Global Matrix 4.0 on physical activity (PA) for children and adolescents was developed to achieve a comprehensive understanding of the global variation in children's and adolescents' (5-17 y) PA, related measures, and key sources of influence. The objectives of this article were (1) to summarize the findings from the Global Matrix 4.0 Report Cards, (2) to compare indicators across countries, and (3) to explore trends related to the Human Development Index and geo-cultural regions. METHODS: A total of 57 Report Card teams followed a harmonized process to grade the 10 common PA indicators. An online survey was conducted to collect Report Card Leaders' top 3 priorities for each PA indicator and their opinions on how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted child and adolescent PA indicators in their country. RESULTS: Overall Physical Activity was the indicator with the lowest global average grade (D), while School and Community and Environment were the indicators with the highest global average grade (C+). An overview of the global situation in terms of surveillance and prevalence is provided for all 10 common PA indicators, followed by priorities and examples to support the development of strategies and policies internationally. CONCLUSIONS: The Global Matrix 4.0 represents the largest compilation of children's and adolescents' PA indicators to date. While variation in data sources informing the grades across countries was observed, this initiative highlighted low PA levels in children and adolescents globally. Measures to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, local/international conflicts, climate change, and economic change threaten to worsen this situation.

Refining index to measure physical activity inequality: which group of the population is the most vulnerable?

BACKGROUND: The existing body of research mostly discusses inequality in physical activity (PA) based on the difference in the level of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Evidence is lacking on the quantified inequality measures (e.g., how big the inequality is, and the distribution) in order to identify the most vulnerable groups of a population. This study measured PA inequality among Thai adults by using three parameters to construct an inequality index: (1) Proportion of the population with sufficient MVPA; (2) Cumulative minutes of MVPA; and (3) The Gini coefficient. METHODS: This study employed three rounds of data from Thailand's Surveillance on Physical Activity (SPA) 2019-2021. In each round, over 6,000 individuals age 18-64 years were selected as nationally-representative samples, and were included in the analysis. PA inequality was constructed by using three parameters, with a combination of the three as the final measure, to identify the sub-groups of the Thai adults who are most vulnerable: groups with the least MVPA, highest insufficiency, and highest inequality index (Gini). RESULTS: Covid-19 containment measures have widened the gap in PA inequality, as shown by a declining proportion of the population meeting the recommended guidelines, from 74.3% in 2019 to 56.7% in 2020 and 65.5% in 2021. PA inequality existed in all sub-populations. However, by combining three parameters, the most vulnerable groups during the Covid-19 epidemic were identified as follows: (1) Those with no income; (2) The unemployed; (3) Those who have no access to PA facilities; (4) Older adults aged 60 + years; and (5) Those earning < 3,500 baht per month. Further, residents of Bangkok, young adults aged 18-24, individuals who attained primary level education or less, those who had no exposure to a PA awareness campaign and those who have a debilitating chronic disease also had elevated risk of PA insufficiency. CONCLUSION: A concerning level of PA inequality existed in all sub-populations. The use of combined indicators in measuring PA inequality should aid in determining the most vulnerable groups of the population with a refined procedure. This method can be applied in many settings since the baseline data used to measure inequality (i.e., percent sufficient and cumulative minutes of MVPA) are widely available.

Results from the Thailand 2022 report card on physical activity for children and youth.

Background/objective: The effort to create physical activity (PA) opportunities for Thai youth, prior to 2020, was making good progress. However, the unexpected advent of the Covid-19 epidemic has posed significant challenges to maintain PA level of youth. The Thailand 2022 Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth presents measurements of PA-related indicators based on the Global Matrix, with additional indicators that are relevant for childhood development. Methods: Several data sources were employed to develop the indicators, namely: 1) The Thailand Report Card Survey 2021; 2) School health and facility data; 3) Student health indicators from the Ministry of Public Health; and 4) Relevant resources to support the development of the policy indicator. Results: Overall, only 27% of Thai children and youth met the 60-min PA daily threshold (grade D). While behavioral indicators were mostly graded 'poor' (between C and F), the source of influence (i.e., family) indicators showed better grades (between A and C). One-third (33%) of the youngsters suffered from moderate-to-severe level of stress/anxiety (grade B). Overweight and sleep indicators received grades of A or A-, whereas bullying and student engagement received a grade of B. The performance on the physical literacy indicator was graded C+. Conclusion: With the main message "Let's Move - Boost Happiness," the results from Thailand 2022 Report Card call for a collaborative effort involving multiple sectors to improve PA and happiness of children and youth. A more comprehensive PA promotion strategy is required to provide clear direction and guidance for schools, families, and communities in order to maintain gains and raise the overall level of youth PA in Thailand.

Learning Methods During School Closure and Its Correlation With Anxiety and Health Behavior of Thai Students.

Background: The sequential waves of epidemic spread of COVID-19 in Thailand have caused periodic closures of schools, and exposed students to different learning methods that require multiple adjustment strategies. This study aimed to examine how different learning methods may correlate with anxiety and health behavior (e.g., physical activity, active play, screen time, sleep) of primary and secondary school students in Thailand. Methods: Thailand Report Card (TRC) Data (2021) was employed. The sample of the TRC was drawn by multi-stages random sampling stratified by region, district, urban/rural, school size, sex, and age to ensure national representativeness. A total of 6,078 Thai primary (64%) and secondary (36%) school students were included in the analysis. Results: About two-thirds (66.4%) of the sample experienced a shift from traditional classroom to fully online learning, 6.9% experienced partial online instruction, 23.6% received handouts or written assignments, and 3.1% resumed traditional classroom learning. Compared to fully online learning, students who experienced traditional classroom (onsite) teaching were 37.8% less likely to report moderate-to severe anxiety (OR 0.6; p-value 0.021). There was no significant correlation between school closure-induced anxiety with overall physical activity (PA) and active play, but anxiety was significantly associated with screen time and sleep duration. Receiving handouts/written assignments only as the learning method was significantly correlated with PA, but two methods (handouts and onsite/traditional classroom) was significantly correlated with active play. Students who experienced classroom learning were also more likely to comply with recommended durations of screen time and sleep. Conclusion: Although online learning was probably the most convenient choice during COVID-19 containment measures in Thailand, this method did not provide sufficient opportunity for PA and play. Online learning also encouraged an excessive use of screen media, and disrupted sleeping patterns. Online learning also pressured Thai students to make various adjustments in their daily routines that may have further aggravated anxiety.

Prevalence and Trends of Physical Activity in Thai Children and Young People: Pooled Panel Data Analysis from Thailand's Surveillance on Physical Activity 2012-2020.

This study aims to describe the level and trends of physical activity (PA) in Thai children and young people and examine PA changes during transitional periods. Employing nine rounds of Thailand's Surveillance on Physical Activity (SPA) 2012-2020, this study pooled three sets of data and included children and young people aged 6-17 years in the analysis: 1595 in SPA2012-2016, 1287 in SPA2017-2019, and 853 persons in SPA2020. Face-to-face interviews were conducted in five regions, 13 provinces, and 36 villages in SPA2012-2019, whereas an online survey was administered in all provinces in SPA2020. The prevalence of sufficient moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) among Thais aged 6-17 years ranged from 19.0 percent to 27.6 percent, with a significant drop during the period of COVID-19 spread in 2020. The average daily MVPA ranged from 46 to 57 min and dropped to 36 min during the pandemic. Boys were consistently more active than girls in all nine rounds of the SPA, and girls had more difficulty in maintaining or improving their PA level. A significant increase in the proportion of Thai children and young people with sufficient MVPA was observed during their transition from late primary to early secondary school grades.

Cross-sectional examination of 24-hour movement behaviours among 3- and 4-year-old children in urban and rural settings in low-income, middle-income and high-income countries: the SUNRISE study protocol.

INTRODUCTION: 24-hour movement behaviours (physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep) during the early years are associated with health and developmental outcomes, prompting the WHO to develop Global guidelines for physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep for children under 5 years of age. Prevalence data on 24-hour movement behaviours is lacking, particularly in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). This paper describes the development of the SUNRISE International Study of Movement Behaviours in the Early Years protocol, designed to address this gap. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: SUNRISE is the first international cross-sectional study that aims to determine the proportion of 3- and 4-year-old children who meet the WHO Global guidelines. The study will assess if proportions differ by gender, urban/rural location and/or socioeconomic status. Executive function, motor skills and adiposity will be assessed and potential correlates of 24-hour movement behaviours examined. Pilot research from 24 countries (14 LMICs) informed the study design and protocol. Data are collected locally by research staff from partnering institutions who are trained throughout the research process. Piloting of all measures to determine protocol acceptability and feasibility was interrupted by COVID-19 but is nearing completion. At the time of publication 41 countries are participating in the SUNRISE study. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The SUNRISE protocol has received ethics approved from the University of Wollongong, Australia, and in each country by the applicable ethics committees. Approval is also sought from any relevant government departments or organisations. The results will inform global efforts to prevent childhood obesity and ensure young children reach their health and developmental potential. Findings on the correlates of movement behaviours can guide future interventions to improve the movement behaviours in culturally specific ways. Study findings will be disseminated via publications, conference presentations and may contribute to the development of local guidelines and public health interventions.

The Effect of Containment Measures during the Covid-19 Pandemic to Sedentary Behavior of Thai Adults: Evidence from Thailand's Surveillance on Physical Activity 2019-2020.

Measures to contain the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) imposed by governments have undoubtedly impacted on preventing its spread but may have also produced longer periods of sedentary living across all segments of society. To examine this phenomenon, this study compared the sedentary behavior (SB) of Thai adults before and during the Covid-19 pandemic. The 2019 and 2020 datasets of Thailand's Surveillance on Physical Activity (SPA) were employed. A total of 5379 (SPA2019) and 6531 (SPA202020) persons age 18-64 years who had access to the Internet were included in the analysis. Measures imposed to contain the spread of Covid-19 infection were significantly associated with lower opportunity of Thai adults for work-related physical movement, and that increased their SB, particularly with the shift from onsite to online working platforms. Cumulative SB increased from 824 (before the pandemic) to 875 min/day during the pandemic. The odds of accumulating >13 h/day of SB was highest among females, young adults, those who completed post-secondary education, unemployed or working in the non-agriculture sector, having a chronic disease/condition, residing in an urban area, and living in a 'higher-risk' pandemic zone. The insignificant association of physical activity (PA) and the Fit from Home (FFH) intervention in reducing SB during the pandemic suggests that PA is not directly associated with SB, and that the FFH intervention was insufficient to prevent SB.

Prevalence of sufficient MVPA among Thai adults: pooled panel data analysis from Thailand's surveillance on physical activity 2012-2019.

BACKGROUND: The role of data in informing decision makers in formulating policy to improve population health is undeniably important. During the past few years, the Thai government has undertaken continuous health promotion campaigns and programs. Nevertheless, evidence of how physical activity (PA) has improved is lacking. This study aims to present PA prevalence and trends from nationally-representative surveillance data collected during 2012-2019. METHODS: This study employed 8 rounds of Thailand's Surveillance on Physical Activity (SPA) survey from 2012 to 2019 as a pooled analysis from two-panel data (SPA2012-2016 and SPA2017-2019). Multistage random sampling was applied to select Thai adults aged 18 or over to produce a nationally-representative dataset, by considering the place of residence (urban or rural), gender, and single year of age. Face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire were conducted in 5 regions, 13 provinces, and 36 villages to follow up 5648 individuals in Panel 1 (SPA2012-2016) and 6074 persons in Panel 2 (SPA2017-2019). RESULTS: The prevalence (%) of Thai adults who met WHO recommendations on sufficient PA tended to increase over time, from 66.6 (CI 65-68) in SPA2012 to 70.1 (CI 69-71), 69.5 (CI 68-71), 73.1 (CI 72-74), 70.6 (CI 69-72), 73.0 (CI 72-74), 75.6 (CI 74-77), and 74.3 (73-75) in SPA2013-2019, respectively. Thai females are less physically active than males, and the prevalence of sufficient moderate and vigorous PA (MVPA) was highest among middle-aged adults (35-64 years), and lowest among older adults (65+ years). Work-related PA dominated the cumulative minutes of MVPA per week, followed by recreational PA. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of sufficient MVPA has fluctuated over time with a tendency to increase in the most recent years. Work-related is the most common modes of PA among Thai adults, implying further improvement in recreational physical activity is required. Workplace intervention should also be the focus in improving PA of Thai adults by encouraging their work force to engage in more occupational PA.

The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the physical activity of the Thai population: Evidence from Thailand's Surveillance on Physical Activity 2020.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has undoubtedly disrupted the physical activity (PA) of the Thai population. This study examined the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) of Thai adults and assessed the effects of the national curfew policy and health-promotion campaigns on influencing PA during the pandemic. METHODS: Thailand's Surveillance on Physical Activity (SPA) 2019 and 2020 datasets were employed to compare the PA level of Thai adults aged 18-64 years before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Samples of 4460 respondents from SPA 2019 and 4482 respondents from SPA 2020 were included in the analysis. Global Physical Activity Questionnaires (Version 2.0), were used to measure PA in both periods. Sufficient MVPA for adults was defined based on the recommendation of 75 min of vigorous PA or a combination of 150 min of MVPA per week. RESULTS: The proportion of Thai adults who had sufficient MVPA declined from 74.6% before the pandemic to 54.7% during the pandemic, and that decline was accompanied by a reduction in the cumulative minutes of MVPA from 580 min to 420 min. During the COVID-19 pandemic, male and middle-aged individuals were 1.3 times and 1.2 times more likely to have sufficient MVPA, respectively. Those who were unemployed, resided in an urban area, and/or had chronic disease(s) were 27%, 13%, and 27% less likely to meet the recommended level of PA during the pandemic, respectively. Those who were exposed to the Fit from Home campaign were 1.5 times more likely to have sufficient MVPA. CONCLUSION: The pandemic measures imposed by the government have reduced the cumulative min of work-related PA, transportation PA, and recreational PA and have slowed Thailand's progress toward its PA goals. Although the Fit from Home campaign has probably contributed to a slight increase in MVPA, it will take some time for Thais to return to the pre-COVID-19 level of PA. Health promotion messages need to be continuously delivered to reduce irrational fear of infection and to boost the PA level of the Thai population as a health-promoting intervention.

Physical activity level of Thai children and youth: Evidence from Thailand's 2018 report card on physical activity for children and youth.

BACKGROUND: While enabling and supporting factors have been in place to facilitate the pupils to be more active, only a fourth of Thai children have met the WHO recommendation. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to present the physical activity (PA) level of Thai children and youth, based on the indicators established by Active Health Kids Global Alliance's Report Card (RC). METHODS: The 2016 Thailand RC Survey and the 2015-2017 Thailand's Surveillance on Physical Activity (SPA) were employed for the analysis. PA of Thai children aged 6-17 years old was assessed in 9 aspects 1) Overall PA, 2) Organized Sports and PA, 3) Active Play, 4) Active Transportation, 5) Sedentary Behavior, 6) Family and Peers, 7) School, 8) Community and Environment, and 9) Government. RESULTS: Only 26.2% of Thai children and youth met the recommended level of 60 min MVPA. Boys are generally more active compared to girls in all age groups (34.9% versus 16.3%, respectively). Almost half had participated in organized sports and/or PA program, but only 8.7% of Thai children and youth engaged in unstructured/unorganized active play. The settings and source of influence indicators achieved better grades, shown by 71.0% of family members (e.g., parents, guardians) facilitated PA and sports opportunities for their children. CONCLUSION: Although schools' facilities are available, Thai curriculum provides less opportunity for the children to move during classes and have enough playing time during recess. As there is no standardized guidance for PA in Thai schools, Thailand needs to promote a unified PA in order to improve PA and to reduce recreational screen time of children and youth.

Report Card Grades on the Physical Activity of Children and Youth From 10 Countries With High Human Development Index: Global Matrix 3.0.

BACKGROUND: The Global Matrix 3.0 brings together the Report Card grades for 10 physical activity indicators for children and youth from 49 countries. This study describes and compares the Global Matrix 3.0 findings among 10 countries with high Human Development Index. METHODS: Report Cards on physical activity indicators were developed by each country following a harmonized process. Countries informed their Report Cards with the best and most recent evidence available. Indicators were graded using a common grading rubric and benchmarks established by the Active Healthy Kids Global Alliance. A database of grades from the countries was compiled, and letter grades were converted to numerical equivalents. Descriptive statistics and scores for groups of indicators were calculated, and correlation analyses were conducted. RESULTS: Grades for the 10 countries clustered around "D" ranging from "F" to "B+." Active Transportation had the highest average grade ("C"), whereas Overall Physical Activity had the lowest average grade ("D-"). Low grades were observed for both behavioral and sources of influence indicators. CONCLUSIONS: In the context of social and economical changes of high- Human Development Index countries, urgent actions to increase physical activity among children and youth are required. Surveillance and monitoring efforts are required to fill research gaps.