A Review of Research on Urban Playability from a Social Justice Perspective

Playability is an attribute that refers to the ability to stimulate individual responses or collective action in an immersive activity in an exploratory way. Playability is an important component of the enjoyment and well-being of urban dwellers, has the potential to stimulate urban vitality and is an important expression of the inclusiveness and equity of urban space. The pursuit of economic development and efficiency-oriented urban construction has led to the domination of urban space by overcrowded traffic, economy-oriented commerce and densely populated housing. Moreover, the existence of playable space has become a scarce resource and is seen as a site for the materialisation of social rights. As the haze of the COVID-19 pandemic fades and cities are again exposed to wider and more participatory use, determining how to adapt urban spaces to the playability needs of users of different ages, cultural backgrounds and social classes, and provide them with appropriate site use and experience, is becoming a hot issue of concern for building equitable and high-quality urban spaces. The study of the playability of urban spaces is highly complex, and the related research on social justice is cryptic. In order to better investigate the social equity aspects of urban playability, this paper integrates scientometric and manual methods to review the relevant research. This paper takes 2664 related papers from the Web of Science (WOS) core dataset from 1998 to 2022 as the research object and employs CiteSpace to organise the existing research results of playful urban spaces. Quantitative analysis is used to clarify the theoretical foundations, developments and research hotspots of urban spatial playability, while the manual collation and generalisation of the studies uncover the hidden issues of social justice research. Based on the proposed research method, we summarize the key three research stages related to urban spatial playability and social equity. We also discuss the development of urban spatial playability in the perspective of social justice from three aspects: micro, meso and macro. The results can help readers better understand the current status and development process of research on playful urban space. In particular, we clarify the issues related to social justice under the theme of the playability of urban spaces and provide directions for future research on building playful cities and promoting the development of urban socio-spatial equity.

The role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in the link between physical activity and psychosocial recovery from alcohol use disorder

Objective: Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a common, chronically relapsing condition with substantial health and economic costs. United States federal agencies have put out calls in the last decade to expand the scientific evidence base for broad biopsychosocial recovery from AUD and other substance use disorders (SUD). The present study examined the role of physical activity and exercise in early recovery from AUD, with specific attention to changes in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) as a marker of neuroplasticity and a potential mechanism for instantiation of recovery-aligned behaviors. Method: Individuals in the first year of recovery from AUD were recruited into a 12-week study with exercise sessions and pre/post-exercise blood sample collection performed in a laboratory setting at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks. Data analyses included BDNF enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) to establish pre/post-exercise BDNF concentrations, estimation of the magnitude of the effect of exercise on BDNF, and prospective associations of exercise-induced BDNF change with coping, craving, consumption and mood outcome measures. Results: 26 participants were screened, 22 were eligible, 7 had entered the study, and 6 had provided at least one set of pre/post-exercise blood samples when student research ceased on March 23rd, 2020 due to COVID-19 precautions. Participants with at least one set of pre/post-exercise blood samples demonstrated a statistically significant (p=.014) increase from baseline in BDNF levels after exercise, with a large effect size (Cohen's d=1.519;Hedges' g=1.019 ). The impact of this increase from baseline on subsequent measures of coping, craving, mood, and substance use is unclear due to lack of statistical power. Conclusions: This study is the first to demonstrate that individuals recovering from AUD can increase serum levels of BDNF from baseline levels via sessions of physical exercise. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)

Impact of the new corona virus (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic on climateric women's health: websurvey

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted society: causing the collapse of health systems around the world, and also had a significant impact on the economy, personal care, mental health and the quality of life of the population. Few studies have been done about pandemic and the climacteric population, and the impact on quality of life and health. Our objective was to Investigate changes in the health and health care of climacteric women residing in Brazil during the pandemic period. Cross-sectional study with climacteric women aged between 40 and 70 years, residing in Brazil. The evaluation was carried out using a Google Docs electronic form with questions related to sociodemographic, clinical, gynecological data, treatments, access to health services and consultations, as well as changes in behavior. The Menopause Rating Scale - MRS was applied to assess climacteric symptoms, validated for Portuguese. Result(s): 419 women answered the questionnaire. More than 45% were between 51 and 60 years of age, 56.6% being married and residing in Brazilian capitals. 60% of participants reported weight gain during the pandemic. 50.8% of participants reported a decrease in the weekly practice of physical activity More than 80% reported worsening mental health during this period, and 66.1% had a change in their sleep pattern. More than half reported having difficulty accessing gynecological consultations. Women living in capital cities reported a greater increase in alcohol consumption (p=0.002). Food intake increased for 54.9%;the category of civil servant was associated with a significant increase in consumption in relation to other professions (p=0.038). Women whose family incomes changed during the pandemic had a higher prevalence of weight gain (p=0.033) and also had a higher occurrence of changes in sleep quality (72.6% vs. 61.5%;p=0.018). Women with a high school education had a higher occurrence of alterations in personal and health care outcomes (p<0.001). Conclusion(s): We observed an important reduction in the health care of climacteric women during the pandemic period. Changes in life habits, such as increased food consumption and reduced physical activity, were quite prevalent. There was a deterioration in mental health, with a high prevalence of anxiety symptoms and changes in sleep quality. Despite the attenuation of the pandemic, attention should be given to the health care of this population, as the changes may have repercussions for many years.Copyright © 2023

Investigation of high school students' motivation for physical activity participation and eating attitude levels during the COVID-19 period

The aim of this study is to determine the motivation of high school students to participate in physical activity and their eating attitude levels during the COVID-19 period as well as to examine the relationship between the two variables. In addition, it was also determined whether the motivation for participate in physical activity and eating attitudes differ according to gender, weekly exercise, spending time with technology, family communication times, and participation in exercise during and before the pandemic. A total of 576 high school students, including 406 girls and 170 boys, participated in the study. "Motivation Scale for Participation in Physical Activity (MSPPA)", "Eating Attitude Test (EAT-40)" and "Personal Information Form (KBF)" were used as data collection tools. Data were evaluated using correlation, multiple linear regression, MANOVA and t-test analysis techniques. It was concluded that the motivation of the students to participate in physical activity was moderate, and they did not have eating disorders. It was observed that physical activity motivation did not predict eating attitude, but there were positive and low relationships between sub-factors in relational dimension. According to gender, it was determined that the eating attitudes of female students were more positive than male students. It has been found that the motivation to participate in physical activity is higher for those who exercise before and during the pandemic than those who do not. Consequently, it can be said that during the COVID-19 process, high school students' motivation to participate in physical activity is at a moderate level, and their eating attitudes are generally not at the level of behavioral disorders.

Physical activity habits, well-being, and quality of life during COVID-19 preventive isolation in Bogota, Colombia

The Covid-19 pandemic forced the world population to incorporate prevention activities into their daily lives to preserve people's physical health. In Colombia, the national government, through resolutions and decrees, regulated quarantine and preventive isolation in order not to saturate health services and intensive care units, which were not prepared to respond to the disease. In this sense, this article analyzed the habits of physical activity, well-being, and quality of life in preventive isolation - Covid-19 in Bogota, Colombia. A cross-sectional descriptive quantitative study was conducted on a sample of 1,775 people with an average age of 43.5+or-25.5 years, of which 50.9% (n=903) corresponded to women and 49.1% (n=872) to men. It was found that due to the confinement the consumption of coffee and alcoholic beverages increased, as well as a decrease in physical activity. In addition, manifestations of anxiety, depression and feelings of loneliness were identified, which directly affected people's well-being and quality of life. It is expected that this type of research will contribute to the understanding of the impact of the contingency measures taken by the different nations to curb Covid-19 infections on people's health.

A prolonged pandemic impacts the mental health of orthopaedic patients

Background and aimsMajority of elective orthopaedic operations are postponed to accommodate the reallocation of healthcare resources to combat the pandemic. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the mental state of orthopaedic patients amidst limited orthopaedic management options. The secondary aim of this paper is to identify areas of significant stressors and to provide avenues for improvements.MethodsA survey was administered on patients in outpatient clinics within a tertiary institution from 31 May to 13 June 2021 where government interventions prevented elective orthopaedic surgeries from being performed. Individuals' fatigue level were assessed with Chalder fatigue scale (CFS) and they were surveyed on their areas of stressors.ResultsA total of 160 orthopaedic patients (67 males and 93 females) were surveyed with an average age of 48.3 years old (range 17-88). 65 out of 160 (40.6%) were deemed to be severely fatigued (CFS > 4) with a higher prevalence amongst females than males (47.3% vs 31.3% respectively.) The top three areas identified as stressors included transmitting to family/friends, travel restrictions/quarantine orders and limitation on recreational/social activities (67.5%, 45.6% and 57.5% respectively). 25.6% of the patients indicated that the increased difficulty in accessing healthcare was a stress factor.Discussion and conclusionThere is a high proportion of severe fatigue amongst orthopaedic patients. Combined with postponement of orthopaedic care and treatment, the detrimental effects of a prolong pandemic can be more pronounced on orthopaedic patients. Identified areas of stressors provide avenues for improvements to safeguard the mental health of orthopaedic patients.

Effects of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Primary Education System of Lahore, Pakistan

Background: The pandemic of Covid-19 impeded all socio-economical, pedagogic, and recreational activities. Pakistan is facing an intensified educational crisis due to previous educational differences, so the era of the pandemic has shown difficulties in the educational framework. Aim(s): Awareness among parents and students to combat challenges of pandemic. Method(s): The current study is based on random quantitatively study which gathered data from 300 respondents assembled from different areas of Lahore, Pakistan from June 2020 to July 2021. The responses were collected from students, teachers, and parents that how homeschooling compromises student's physical, psychological, and emotional health. Result(s): About 76% of the students favoured traditional classes over online classes whereas only 20% of the students found the online session interactive. In the other section, only 15.33% of the teachers were satisfied by the online results and they complained about the poor performance and interaction with the students. Overall, 81.67% parents agreed that there is a decline in the physical activity of their children. The results of this study suggested that social distancing and the emerging challenges associated with Covid- 19 have entirely changed the education system that has caused number of problems for children, parents, and teachers in Pakistan. Practical implication: This study highlights pros and cons of online study;such studies give students and teachers a way to prepare for future challenges. Conclusion(s): Considering all outcomes of study, it is highlighted that policy-level interventions were needed, along with well-designed interactive courses. Hence, integrated approaches based on the mental as well as physical capabilities of the students must be executed, and e-tools must also be practiced in traditional classes to fill the gap of homeschooling.Copyright © 2023 Lahore Medical And Dental College. All rights reserved.

Feasibility and outcomes of psychotherapeutic group therapy for patients with fatigue and emotional and cognitive disturbances secondary to COVID-19 disease.

About 10 % of all symptomatic COVID-19 patients suffer from long-lasting health complaints. Fatigue, cognitive and emotional disorders are the most frequent neuropsychiatric symptoms. Evidence-based therapies for these post-covid impairments are still lacking. Here, we examined the feasibility of a newly developed group-therapy program for patients with fatigue, emotional and cognitive disorders following COVID-19. 24 patients with ICD-10 diagnosis of F06.8 and U0.09 participated in the group therapy on average 13 month after their acute COVID-19 infection. Before and after the group therapy they underwent a comprehensive clinical and neuropsychological assessment. The group therapy was held online and consisted of 8 weekly sessions with psychotherapeutic and psychoeducational elements regarding fatigue and pacing, mindfulness, psychiatric disorders, cognition as well as physical activity after COVID-19. Participation in the group was high with an average of 7.25 of 8 visited sessions. Mean overall group satisfaction was 7.78 out of 10 points. Patients improved in their self-reported fatigue, daily living skills, depression and subjective cognitive abilities as well as in their objective performance in neuropsychological tests of attention during the study time. The newly developed group therapy program for patients with fatigue and emotional and cognitive disorders following an infection with SARS-CoV-2 was well accepted and evaluated and is feasible in an online setting. Copyright © 2023. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Modeling of Physical Activity Behavioral Interventions Relying on MPC Strategy

Physical inactivity is becoming an important threat to public health in today's society. The COVID-19 pandemic has also reduced physical activity (PA) levels given all the restrictions imposed worldwide. In this work, physical activity interventions supported by mobile devices and relying on control engineering principles were proposed. The model was constructed relying on previous studies that consider a fluid analogy of Social Cognitive Theory (SCT), which is a psychological theory that describes how people acquire and maintain certain behaviors, including health-promoting behaviors, through the interplay of personal, environmental, and behavioral factors. The obtained model was validated using secondary data (collected earlier) from a real intervention with a group of male subjects in Great Britain. The present model was extended with new technology for a better understanding of behavior change interventions. This involved the use of applications, such as phone-based ecological momentary assessments, to collect behavioral data and the inclusion of simulations with logical reward conditions for reaching the behavioral threshold. A goal of 10,000 steps per day is recommended due to the significant link observed between higher daily step counts and lower mortality risk. The intervention was designed using a Model Predictive Control (MPC) algorithm configured to obtain a desired performance. The system was tested and validated using simulation scenarios that resemble different situations that may occur in a real setting.

Increased diagnosis of diabetes in secondary care: Is Covid-19 the only reason?

Aim: To evaluate the prevalence of new diabetes in secondary care during the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. Method(s): Data were collected prospectively for patients presenting to the hospital with new diagnosis of diabetes from December 2020 to May 2021. It included demographics, risk factors, presenting glucose, other investigations and treatment. Result(s): In the six-month study period, 31 patients were diagnosed with new diabetes. Thus far, approximately 13 patients have been identified to have type 1 diabetes and the average age was 37 years. Everyone was discharged with insulin except one patient. Prior to the pandemic in the year 2019, only 17 patients were diagnosed with diabetes in the hospital. Conclusion(s): The lockdown led to a reduction in physical activity and varied diet which may have contributed to weight gain;worsening insulin resistance. It is plausible that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV- 2) could trigger autoimmune type 1 diabetes or accelerate its presentation. Together with a hesitancy for patients to seek medical attention and reduced access to face-to- face primary care consultations, this may have contributed to the increased presentation of diabetes-related emergencies and reduction in symptomatic hyperglycaemia. Various studies found patients with pre-existing diabetes have a worse outcome if they develop Covid-19. Overall, during the pandemic, physical and mental health worsened, pre-disposing to medical conditions and impacting self-management of health and disease. We predict the increase in new diagnoses of diabetes in secondary care is multifactorial due to the effects of the pandemic rather than Covid-19 infection solely.

Exploring the influence of self-efficacy and autonomy on outdoor recreation behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic

Outdoor Recreation (OR) provides the benefits of physical activity and traditional leisure placed in an outdoor environment. Motivation, self-efficacy, and autonomy can increase depending on the physical and social environment. This study explored the relationship between self-efficacy and autonomy on OR behaviors and identified barriers and facilitators to OR during the COVID-19 pandemic. Survey information was collected from 995 U.S. adults (93.6% white, 64.0% female) regarding OR behaviors, changes in OR during COVID-19, and OR self-perceptions. Significant positive correlations existed between autonomy and self-efficacy (r = 0.138, p < 0.01), and self-efficacy and pre/post pandemic OR behaviors 2020 (r = 0.158, p < 0.01), (r = 0.129, p < 0.01) respectively. Qualitative data implied barriers and facilitators to OR as: social, mental health, and increased or changed OR/physical activity. Implications from this research are beneficial to OR and health professionals to promote overall physical and mental well-being for OR participants.

The Dissemination and Implementation of Recess Guidelines, Policies, and Practices During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Purpose: There are limited school physical activity policy dissemination and implementation studies. This is a concern given the adverse mental, physical, and socio-emotional effects the COVID-19 pandemic has had on children and adolescents. This study explored New Jersey school administrators' experiences in disseminating recess guidelines, procedures, and policies as well as implementation strategies in their schools during the pandemic. Methods: A total of 29 elementary school administrators participated in semi-structured interviews. The data were analyzed inductively using a conventional approach to qualitative content analysis. Results: In analyzing the data, five themes were identified: (a) adjustments for recess, (b) communications about recess, (c) successes and challenges of recess, (d) health and well-being among children, and (e) recommendations for recess postpandemic. Discussion/Conclusion: When planning, organizing, and implementing a recess in a postpandemic era, school leaders may want to consider establishing cohorts, developing a handbook, creating a rotation schedule (i.e., blacktop, field, playground), developing a recess committee, utilizing the physical education teacher for staff development, assigning recess equipment and bags, offering a variety of activities, and teaching children how to play.

Comparing the effects of endurance and resistance training programs on some pulmonary, functional, and quality of life indicators in patients with COVID-19 discharged from hospital

Background and purpose: The present study investigated the effect of six weeks of endurance and resistance training on pulmonary indices, physical performance, and quality of life in COVID-19 patients after discharge from hospital. Materials and methods: Thirty six patients with COVID-19 (mean age: 38.76+or-0.98 years, mean weight: 81.86+or-2.88 kg) were selected. At the beginning and end of the study, pulmonary (FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC, and MVV), physical (6-minute walk test), quality of life (SF-36), and anthropometry tests were performed. The patients were divided into three groups: Endurance training (45 minutes at 60-75% estimated HR), Resistance training (45 minutes at 40-70% of I-RM), and controls. The intervention was conducted for 6 weeks (3 sessions). One-way ANOVA test was used for statistical analysis. Results: Findings indicated a significant increase in FEV1 (P=0.029), FVC (P=0.047), FEV1/FVC (P=0.043) in the endurance training group compared to the control group, while difference was observed in MVV (P=0.041) and FEV1/FVC (P=0.022) between endurance training and resistance training groups. The 6-minute test distance increased in the endurance training (P=0.0001) and resistance training (P=0.001) groups compared to the control group, but no difference was observed between the training groups (P=0.48). Endurance and resistance training programs induced significant improvements in physical performance (P=0.024 and P=0.09, respectively) and general health (P=0.022 and P=0.015, respectively) dimensions compared to the control group. Conclusion: Moderate-intensity endurance training can improve pulmonary function, physical performance, and quality of life in patients with COVID-19 after discharge from hospital and can be used in rehabilitation programs of these patients.

Comparing the Effectiveness of Mindfulness and Aerobic Exercise on Psychological Factors and Sleep Quality Following Recovery from COVID-19.

Background and purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic have led to some psychological disorders and sleep problems that should be taken into account after recovery. After recovering from COVID-19 people are at risk of sleep disorders, depression, and low quality of life and there is paucity of information about this issue. The present study aimed to compare the effectiveness of mindfulness and aerobic exercise on depressive symptoms, perceived stress, and sleep quality in recovered COVID-19 patients. Material(s) and Method(s): An intervention field research was performed in 60 male and female patients (mean age: 39.52+/-5.82) recovered from COVID-19 in Kermanshah, Iran. Participants were randomly divided into four groups (n=15): 1) attending mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program, 2) aerobic exercise, 3) combination of MBSR and aerobic exercise, and 4) control group. The study was carried out at four stages: pretest, interventions, post-test, and follow-up test. Dependent variables included depressive symptoms, perceived stress, and sleep quality. Bonferroni Post hoc test in 4*3 mixed ANOVA was used for data analysis. Result(s): In this study, depression and perceived stress reduced in all experimental groups compared to the control group (P= 0.001). Also, sleep quality improved in these groups compared to the control group (P= 0.001). Post hoc tests showed the superiority of combination of MBSR and aerobic exercise compared to other interventions. Conclusion(s): According to current study, combination of MBSR and physical activity shows to be more helpful than mindfulness training and physical activity alone in improving psychological problems and sleep quality after recovering from COVID-19.Copyright © 2023, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved.

Predicting Changes in Physical Education Teachers' Behaviors Promoting Physical Activity during the COVID-19 Pandemic Using an Integrated Motivational Model

Purpose: To identify motivational determinants explaining Physical Education teachers' behaviors promoting students' physical activity (PA) amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: Nine hundred thirty-one Italian and French teachers completed a questionnaire assessing motivational determinants (self-determined motivation, self-efficacy, perceived ease and usefulness toward digital technologies, engagement at work), their intention and behaviors promoting PA, in reference to before and during the pandemic. Path analyses tested the associations of changes in motivational determinants with changes in intention and behaviors. Results: Increases in autonomous, controlled motivation, self-efficacy, and perceived usefulness toward digital technologies, and a decrease in amotivation were associated with an increase in the intention to promote PA. In turn, an increase in intention, but also in self-efficacy, autonomous motivation, and perceived usefulness toward digital technologies were paired with an increase in behaviors promoting PA. Conclusion: Implications regarding the commitment of Physical Education teachers to challenging pedagogical situations, such as promoting PA amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, are discussed.

Nutrition Strategies Pre-infection, during, and Post-infection with Coronavirus Disease

Coronavirus disease is a serious viral infection that is characterized by severe inflammation and lymphopenia. The virus attacks many organs causing acute respiratory distress and malfunctioning of the organs leading to death. Through strengthening of the innate immune system, a balanced diet plays a critical role in defense against bacterial and viral diseases. A healthy diet before, during and after an infection can lessen the severity of the symptoms and speed up the recovery of damaged cells. Due to the Mediterranean diet's high concentration of bioactive polyphenols, which have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antithrombic properties, numerous studies have suggested that it is a preventative dietary strategy against many diseases including coronavirus disease. Nutrition and herbal plants play a key role to enhance the immunity of people to protect and fight against coronavirus. Diet rich in antioxidants and phytochemicals represents perfect barrier to the virus through elevation of the innate immunity of the body. In addition, gut microbiota including prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics were found to enhance immunity to reduce the symptoms of the disease during infection. Protein-rich foods and honey bee products reported significant role during and post-coronavirus infection. This review presents updated information from original pre-clinical and clinical researches, and review articles as well to expose the nutritive strategies including breastfeeding benefits to infants pre-infection, during, and post-infection with coronavirus.Copyright © 2023, Scientific Foundation SPIROSKI. All rights reserved.

Impact of Covid-19 on Mental Health among Medical Students

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic is a major health crisis affecting several nations. Such widespread outbreaks are associated with adverse mental health consequences. Objective(s): To conduct a survey-based assessment of mental health among medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Aimed at identifying severity levels of depression and anxiety, stressors related to the pandemic, and barriers students experienced in handling the pandemic-related stress. Method(s): An analytical cross-sectional study was chosen as the study design for this research to study the association between demographic social and mental health among medical students during the pandemic COVID-19. Result(s): The results of this study were collected by respondents through questionnaires as the respondents were needed to answer about 16 questions and the main question was asked mostly about their mental health condition during the pandemic COVID-19. 101 respondents participated in the study. Discussion(s): the impact of COVID-19 on mental health among medical students has been studied. Due to the long-lasting pandemic situation and numerous measures such as lockdown and stay-at-home orders, COVID-19 brings negative impacts on higher education of medical students, self and social isolation, disconnection from friends and teachers resulting in more medical students than ever experiencing feelings of helplessness, isolation, grief, anxiety and depression. The issue of mental health is not only relevant but crucial. Demand for health support services has increased exponentially as a result. Conclusion(s): In this study, severity levels of depression and anxiety, stressors related to the pandemic, and barriers students experienced in handling the pandemic-related stress have increased due to many factors such as social isolation, own health and the health of loved ones, financial difficulties, suicidal thoughts, depressive thoughts, class workload, changes in living environment, eating patterns and sleeping habits.Copyright © RJPT. All right reserved.

The Relationships between University Students' Physical Activity Needs, Involvement, Flow Experience and Sustainable Well-Being in the Post-Pandemic Era

As the global sustainable development agenda advances, having a healthy lifestyle has become an important part of the common pursuit. Physical activity needs and experiences are becoming increasingly diverse, yet there is a paucity of research on issues associated with university students' physical activity needs, and their perceptions of their physical activity needs and sustainable well-being are not yet fully understood. Therefore, this study combines Self-Determination Theory with the existence, relatedness, and growth (ERG) Theory of Needs to explore the mediating effects of different variables on the relationship between university students' physical activity needs and sustainable well-being. A total of 900 Chinese university students were invited through an online survey to participate in this study, and the collected data were validated with a structural equation model. According to the results of the study, it was found that the level of involvement and flow experience in university students' sports activities have a mediating effect on the relationship between needs and sustainable well-being. Therefore, educators can enhance the level of sustainable well-being by stimulating university students' physical activity needs and improving their level of involvement and participation experience.

Narrative review – Barriers and facilitators to promotion of physical activity in primary care

The objective: to provide an overview of the literature on the barriers and facilitators to physical activity (PA) promotion in primary care, as experienced by practitioners and patients. Method: A search strategy of the English-language literature was conducted in EMBASE, MEDLINE and the COCHRANE LIBRARY. Search terms were primary care OR general practice OR family medicine OR family practitioner AND physical activity OR exercise AND barriers OR facilitators. Databases were searched from inception until 21 October 2022. Results: After screening, 63 articles were included within the summary and content analysis of this review. Analysis of the barriers to the implementation of PA highlighted four main themes perceived by practitioners: time, knowledge/skills, resources/support and financial implications. Analysis of the patient perspective identified themes which were categorised into individual (pre-existing health conditions, knowledge of benefits of PA, time/capacity), societal (social support and cultural norms) and environmental (availability of facilities and weather). Conclusions: As the importance of PA increases through the manifestation of sedentary behaviour-related disease, a combined primary care and public health approach to increase PA is required. By identifying the main barriers to PA promotion in primary care, resources and funding can be directed to address this. This is particularly relevant in the United Kingdom, with the re-negotiation of the primary care contract and the changes to healthcare delivery as a consequence of the Covid-19 pandemic. Throughout this review, we have explored ways of addressing the identified barriers through evidence-based interventions. © 2023 The Authors. Lifestyle Medicine published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Levels of Distress and Physical Activity of Adolescents during the Covid-19 Pandemic

The importance of physical activity, as one of the crucial resources for maintaining and improving physical health, was diminished during the Covid-19 pandemic. Except for the impact it has on physical health, physical activity may have various psychological benefits, especially during the development period of adolescence. The current findings of physical activity show that adolescents are more physically inactive during the pandemic than usual. Also, there are increasingly negative psychological outcomes in adolescents. The purpose of this study was to explore the levels of physical activity, negative affectivity, coping and preoccupation with the pandemic in an adolescent sample. The study involved 2409 adolescents (53.5% girls, 46.5% boys) from elementary and high schools aged 10 to 19. The Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) was applied, and information about levels of physical activity, coping and preoccupation with pandemic and isolation measures were collected. Participants answered on a Likert-type scale. Findings of this research show that on average male adolescents are more likely to engage in physical activities than females. Also, a relation of physical inactivity distress and preoccupation was obtained for adolescent girls. No similar finding was found for males. However, very high physical activity (five or more times a week) was a protective factor for coping and preoccupation with coronavirus infection. The conclusion of this research indicates that levels of physical activity have a different effect on male and female adolescents during the Covid-19 pandemic. It can be concluded that female adolescents that are less physically active are more at risk of depression, anxiety and stress. © 2023 Montenegrin Sports Academy. All rights reserved.