"We are an active family": a randomized trial protocol to evaluate a family-system social identity intervention to promote child physical activity.

BACKGROUND: Regular engagement in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) during childhood yields a myriad of health benefits, and contributes to sustained MVPA behaviors into adulthood. Given the influence of parents on shaping their child's MVPA behaviour, the family system represents a viable target for intervention. The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of two intervention conditions designed to increase child MVPA: (1) A standard education + planning intervention providing information about benefits, action planning, and coping planning; and (2) An augmented physical activity education + planning intervention that includes the components of the standard intervention, as well as a focus on family identity promotion and developing as an active member of the family. METHODS: A two-arm parallel single-blinded randomized trial will compare the two conditions over 6 months. Eligible families have at least one child aged 6-12 years who is not meeting the physical activity recommendations within the Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines (i.e.,<60 min/day of MVPA). Intervention materials targeting family identity promotion will be delivered online via zoom following baseline assessment, with booster sessions at 6-weeks and 3-months. Child MVPA will be measured by wGT3X-BT Actigraph accelerometry at baseline, 6-weeks, 3-months, and 6-months as the primary outcome. At these same time points, parent cognition (e.g., attitudes, perceived control, behavioral regulation, habit, identity) and support behaviours, and parent-child co-activity will be assessed via questionnaire as secondary outcomes. Child-health fitness measures will be also administered through fitness testing at baseline and 6-months as secondary outcomes. Finally, upon completion of the trial's 6-month measures, a follow-up end-of-trial interview will be conducted with parents to examine parents' experiences with the intervention. RESULTS: So far, 30 families have been enrolled from the Southern Vancouver Island and Vancouver Lower Mainland area. Recruitment will be continuing through 2026 with a target of 148 families. DISCUSSION: This study will contribute to the understanding of effective strategies to increase child physical activity by comparing two intervention approaches. Both provide parents with education on physical activity benefits, action planning, and coping planning supports. However, one intervention also incorporates components focused on promoting an active family identity and involving all family members in physical activity together. The findings from this study have the potential to inform the design and implementation of public health initiatives aimed at improving physical activity participation in children and guide the development of more effective interventions that leverage the crucial role of parents and the family system in shaping children's physical activity behaviors. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The clinical trial registration ID is NCT05794789. This trial was registered with clinicaltrials.gov on March 2nd, 2023, with the last updated release on September 28th, 2023.

New parents' sleep, movement, health, and well-being across the postpartum period.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine changes and the bi-directional relationship in sleep and movement, and health and well-being among new parents and differences by sex. METHODS: This secondary data analysis included both conditions from a randomized control trial to improve new parents'physical activity [PA] and recruited couples. Parents (n = 181, 117 couples represented 31.5 ± 4.4 years, 51.3% women, 83.3% White) completed questionnaires on regular overnight sleep duration, PA, mental health (perceived stress), physical health (physical quality of life [PQoL]), and well-being (life satisfaction) at 2-, 4-, 6-, and 8-month postpartum. Random-intercept cross-lagged panel models were stratified by sex to examine changes in sleep and PA with health and well-being across time. RESULTS: Sleep and stress were interrelated at different times for fathers (2 months), and mothers (8 months). Sleep and PQoL improved across time, with mothers reporting less sleep than fathers at 4 and 6 months. PQoL at 4 months was related to MVPA at 6-months. Life satisfaction and PA at 2 months was related to PA at 4 months. CONCLUSION: Mothers and fathers experienced different sleep and stress trajectories. Mental health improved postpartum with early connections to PA. Supporting the 24-hour movement behavior cycle and mental health across the parenthood transition may benefit couples.

Affective Response to Exercise and Affective Judgments as Predictors of Physical Activity Intention and Behavior among New Mothers in their first 6-Months Postpartum.

BACKGROUND: Understanding the predictors of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) during early postpartum is important to improve promotion efforts. Affect-related constructs are key predictors of MVPA but have limited research in mothers during the postpartum period. PURPOSE: To examine two affect-related constructs (affective response to exercise and affective judgments) as predictors of MVPA intention and behavior across three months, among a sample of new mothers. METHODS: Participants were 105 mothers (M age = 30.64 years; SD = 3.93) who completed measures during postpartum at 2-months post-birth of their first child. The affective response to exercise (assessed at baseline [2-months postpartum] during a submaximal treadmill test), affective judgments and intention (baseline, 6-weeks after baseline), and MVPA (baseline, 6- and 12-weeks after baseline) were assessed via self-report. RESULTS: Path analysis, using ordinary least squares regression, showed that the affective response during exercise was a significant predictor of intention (baseline, 6-weeks), as well as change in intention from baseline to 6-weeks. By contrast, affective judgments predicted intention at 6-weeks, but not at baseline or in the change model. Past MVPA did not moderate these findings, although the affective response during exercise also had a significant indirect effect on MVPA through intention at 6-weeks and 12-weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Interventions targeting women's affective response during exercise may be important during postpartum, perhaps through self-paced physical activity guidance. Affective judgments may not be predictive of MVPA, in part due to unanticipated changes during early postpartum leading to inaccurate expectations of the physical activity experience.

Understanding the predictors of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) during early postpartum is important to improve promotion efforts. Affect-related constructs are key predictors of MVPA but have limited research in mothers during the postpartum period. The purpose of this study was examine two affect-related constructs (affective response to exercise and affective judgments) as predictors of MVPA intention and behavior across three months, among a sample of new mothers. Participants were 105 mothers who completed measures of affective response to exercise (assessed at 2 months postpartum during a sub-maximal treadmill test), affective judgments and intention (2 months postpartum, and 6-weeks after), and MVPA (2 months postpartum, 6- and 12-weeks after). The affective response during exercise was a significant predictor of intention as well as change in intention over time. By contrast, affective judgments was a less reliable predictor across the study. Interventions targeting women's affective response during exercise may be important during postpartum, perhaps through self-paced physical activity guidance. Affective judgments may not be predictive of MVPA, in part due to unanticipated changes during early postpartum leading to inaccurate expectations of the physical activity experience.

Predicting Family and Child Physical Activity across Six-Months of a Family-Based Intervention: An Application of Theory of Planned Behaviour, Planning and Habit.

Family-based physical activity (PA) interventions have proven effective in modifying PA; yet, the underlying mechanisms are currently unclear. In this study, we follow-up upon prior trial data that showed changes to child moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) as a result of a family education+planning intervention compared to an education-only condition. We examined parents' perceived family PA frequency, family PA social cognitions, and family PA habit over 26 weeks between the two conditions. One hundred and two parents (of children aged 6 to 12 yrs), were recruited through advertisements and randomized to either the planning + education condition (n = 52) or an education-only condition (n = 50). Self-reported family PA, and measures of theory of planned behaviour, planning intention, and habit were completed by the contact parent at baseline, six-week, 13-week, and 26-week time-periods. The education+planning intervention increased planning intention (p <.01) and family PA (p =.06) compared to the© education-only group. The effect of condition on the putative mediators did not explain these changes (all 95% CIs crossed 0), and family PA was associated with child MVPA only at 13 weeks (p <.01). Intervention 20 assignment had a small indirect effect on family PA (favouring©the education+planning group) via Habit. Perceived behavioural©control and habit were consistent predictors of family PA (p <.05), but not PA intention or planning intention (p >.05). The planning+education intervention showed improved family PA and planning intention, yet null mediation results suggest that other variables from the family system (e.g., child motivation, other parent's motivation and plans) are likely needed to fully understand the intervention effects. The promotion of perceived behavioural control and habit to assist in family PA is recommended for future research in this population.

Parents and children active together: a randomized trial protocol examining motivational, regulatory, and habitual intervention approaches.

BACKGROUND: Regular physical activity (PA) is associated with many health benefits during childhood, and tracks into desirable PA patterns and health profiles in adulthood. Interventions designed to support these behaviours among young children are critical. Family-based interventions focusing on parent-child activities together (i.e., co-activity) among preschool-aged children are warranted. Targeting parental support practices can increase the frequency of co-activity, however interventions must move beyond merely building intention and planning skills for successful maintenance. Interventions designed to increase co-activity habit strength may facilitate the sustainability and thus impact child PA. The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of three intervention conditions designed to increase child PA through co-activity: a standard education condition (information about benefits), a planning (action planning, coping planning) + education condition and a habit (context-dependent repetition from prompts and cues) + planning +education condition. METHODS/DESIGN: A longitudinal three-arm parallel design randomized trial will compare three conditions over six months. Families are eligible if they have at least one child between 3y and 5y that is not meeting 60mins/day of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA). The primary outcome (child MVPA) is assessed via accelerometry at baseline, six weeks, three months and six months (primary endpoint). Intervention materials targeting co-activity are delivered post baseline assessment, with booster sessions at six weeks and three months. Parental co-activity habit, parent-child co-activity and other behavioural constructs are also assessed via questionnaire at all measurement occasions. As tertiary outcomes, parental PA is measured via accelerometry and co-activity is measured via a Bluetooth-enabled proximity feature. A total of 106 families have been recruited thus far from the Greater Victoria region. The study is ongoing with a minimum target of 150 families and an anticipated recruitment completion date of August 2022. DISCUSSION: This protocol describes the implementation of a randomized trial evaluating the effectiveness of a habit formation group compared with a planning group and an education only group to increase child PA through targeting parent-child co-activity. This information could prove useful in informing public health initiatives to promote PA among families with preschool-aged children. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial was prospectively registered on clinicaltrials.gov in February 2016, identifier NCT03055871 .

Predicting personal physical activity of parents during participation in a family intervention targeting their children.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of two family interventions targeting inactive children on their parents' MVPA. Correlates of MVPA across the trial in the form of theory of planned behavior (TPB) and multi-process action control (M-PAC) were examined as exploratory outcomes. Parents (of children aged 6-12 years) were randomized to either a planning + education (n = 52) or an education only condition (n = 50) designed to improve child MVPA. Parental MVPA (accelerometry, self-report) was assessed at baseline, 6-week, 13-week, and 26-week time-periods. Parental MVPA increased from baseline to 26 weeks (p < .05), but there were no group differences. The TPB was unable to predict MVPA and application of M-PAC showed this was because nearly all participants possessed the intention to be active. Successful-compared to unsuccessful-intenders had stronger habit in four of the six tests employed (p < .05). Parent MVPA may benefit during a family-based intervention but the putative mediators of this increase are unclear.Registered trial clinicaltrials.gov #NCT01882192.

Dog ownership and physical activity among breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer survivors.

BACKGROUND: Dog ownership has been associated with higher rates of physical activity (PA) in several populations but no study to date has focused on cancer survivors. The purpose of this study was to examine the associations between dog ownership and PA among cancer survivors and to examine correlates of dog ownership. METHODS: A stratified random sample of 2062 breast cancer survivors, prostate cancer survivors, and colorectal cancer survivors was mailed a questionnaire assessing PA, social cognitive, dog ownership, demographic, and medical variables. RESULTS: Overall, 25% of the sample was dog owners (DOs). There were no significant differences in moderate, vigorous, or total PA minutes between DOs and non-dog owners. There was a significant difference in light PA minutes in favor of DOs (153 vs 112 minutes; 95% CI = 4 to 77; P = .030), however, this was largely restricted to breast cancer survivors (143 vs 79 minutes; 95% CI = 25 to 102; P = .001) who also reported fewer vigorous PA minutes (18 vs 39 minutes; 95% CI = -42 to -1; P = .042). Survivors were more likely to be DOs if they had breast cancer (P = .054), a higher income (P = .021), radiation therapy (P = .029), chemotherapy (P = .010), were younger (P < .001), employed (P < .001), and a current smoker (P = .015). Few social cognitive variables were associated with DO. CONCLUSIONS: Dog ownership among cancer survivors was not associated with moderate-to-vigorous PA but was associated with light PA. Further research is necessary to determine if promoting dog ownership and dog walking among cancer survivors may increase PA and possibly improve health outcomes.

Evaluation of a physical activity intervention for new parents: protocol paper for a randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Identifying critical life transitions in people's physical activity behaviors may illuminate the most opportune intervention apertures for chronic disease prevention. A substantive evidence base now indicates that parenthood is one of these critical transition points for physical activity decline. This study will examine whether a brief theory-based intervention can prevent a decline in physical activity among new parents over 6 months following intervention. This study protocol represents the first dyad-based physical activity initiative in the parenthood literature involving both mothers and fathers; prior research has focused on only mothers or only fathers (albeit limited), and has shown only short-term changes in physical activity. This study will be investigating whether a theory-based physical activity intervention can maintain or improve moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity measured via accelerometry of new parents over a 6 month period following intervention compared to a control group. METHODS: This study is a 6-month longitudinal randomized controlled trial. Parents are measured at baseline (2 months postpartum) with two assessment points at 6 weeks (3.5 months postpartum) and 3 months (5 months postpartum) and a final follow-up assessment at 6 months (8 months postpartum). The content of the theory-based intervention was derived from the results of our prior longitudinal trial of new parents using an adapted theory of planned behavior framework to predict changes in physical activity. RESULTS: A total of 152 couples have been recruited to date. Sixteen couples dropped out after baseline and a total of 88 couples have completed their 6-month measures. DISCUSSION: If the intervention proves successful, couple-based physical activity promotion efforts among parents could be a promising avenue to pursue to help mitigate the declines of physical activity levels during parenthood. These findings could inform public health materials and practitioners. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial has been registered with the Clinical Trials Registry maintained by the National Library of Medicine at the National Institutes of Health on April 19, 2014. The registration ID is NCT02290808 .

Stationary cycling exergame use among inactive children in the family home: a randomized trial.

Exergames may be one way to increase child physical activity, but long term adherence has seen little research attention. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the usage of an exergame bike in comparison to a stationary bike in front of a TV across 3-months within a family home environment among children aged 10-14 years old. Seventy-three inactive children were recruited through advertisements and randomized to either the exergame condition (n = 39) or the standard bike condition (n = 34). Weekly bike use was recorded in a log-book. Both groups declined in bike use over time (t = 3.921, p < .01). Although the exergame group reported higher use (t = 2.0045, p < .05), this was most prominent during the first week. Overall, these results do not support exergames as a standalone physical activity intervention, and suggest that short duration examinations of exergames may be misleading.

Challenging body weight: evidence from a community-based intervention on weight, behaviour and motivation.

The objective of this study was to examine the effectiveness of a 12 week weight loss intervention within a commercial fitness centre on body weight, moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), dietary intake, and behavioural regulations for exercise and healthy eating. Using a quasi-experimental design, the intervention group received weekly coaching sessions and bi-weekly seminars designed to increase MVPA and improve dietary intake. Outcome variables were assessed at three time points over a six month period. Results showed a significant interaction for body weight (p = .04) and dietary changes (p < .05) following the weight loss challenge but were not maintained across the six month period. Changes in behavioural regulations favoured the intervention condition. Results imply that a 12 week weight loss challenge within a commercial fitness centre may be effective at prompting short-term weight loss and support the internalization of behavioural regulations specific to healthy eating and exercise.

Family planning to promote physical activity: a randomized controlled trial protocol.

BACKGROUND: Physical activity is associated with the reduction of several chronic conditions in adults. Additionally, physical activity is extremely important for children for their development and cognitive functioning and also to create a physically active lifestyle that continues into adulthood. Despite the known benefits of physical activity, only one in five adults are achieving the public health recommendations of 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per week and only 13 % of boys and 6 % of girls between the ages of 5 and 17 years are meeting the guidelines of 60 minutes per day. This study aims to evaluate whether a planning condition improves adherence to regular physical activity compared to an education-only control condition among families. Families are eligible if there is at least one child between the ages of 6 and 12 years who is not meeting the Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines. METHODS/DESIGN: A six-month longitudinal randomized controlled trial will be used to compare the two conditions. Materials will be delivered at baseline with 'booster' sessions at six weeks and three months. Participants will be assessed at baseline and at six months with a fitness test, as well as questionnaires and accelerometery at baseline, six weeks, three months and six months. A total of 137 families have been recruited thus far from Greater Victoria. This study is ongoing and recruitment will continue until December 2015 with the target goal of reaching 160 families. DISCUSSION: This protocol describes the implementation of a randomized controlled trial that utilizes planning strategies to try and increase physical activity among families. Research findings could be useful in public health in providing effective strategies to families to help decrease sedentary lifestyles. Additionally, findings may help to inform future interventions aimed at increasing physical activity among families. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial was registered on June 5, 2012 with the Clinical Trials Registry maintained by the National Library of Medicine at the National Institutes of Health. The registration ID is NCT01882192.

Effect of an intervention to improve the cardiovascular health of family members of patients with coronary artery disease: a randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Family members of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) have higher risk of vascular events. We conducted a trial to determine if a family heart-health intervention could reduce their risk of CAD. METHODS: We assessed coronary risk factors and randomized 426 family members of patients with CAD to a family heart-health intervention (n = 211) or control (n = 215). The intervention included feedback about risk factors, assistance with goal setting and counselling from health educators for 12 months. Reports were sent to the primary care physicians of patients whose lipid levels and blood pressure exceeded threshold values. All participants received printed materials about smoking cessation, healthy eating, weight management and physical activity; the control group received only these materials. The main outcomes (ratio of total cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein [HDL] cholesterol; physical activity; fruit and vegetable consumption) were assessed at 3 and 12 months. We examined group and time effects using mixed models analyses with the baseline values as covariates. The secondary outcomes were plasma lipid levels (total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides); glucose level; blood pressure; smoking status; waist circumference; body mass index; and the use of blood pressure, lipid-lowering and smoking cessation medications. RESULTS: We found no effect of the intervention on the ratio of total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol. However, participants in the intervention group reported consuming more fruit and vegetables (1.2 servings per day more after 3 mo and 0.8 servings at 12 mo; p < 0.001). There was a significant group by time interaction for physical activity (p = 0.03). At 3 months, those in the intervention group reported 65.8 more minutes of physical activity per week (95% confidence interval [CI] 47.0-84.7 min). At 12 months, participants in the intervention group reported 23.9 more minutes each week (95% CI 3.9-44.0 min). INTERPRETATION: A health educator-led heart-health intervention did not improve the ratio of total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol but did increase reported physical activity and fruit and vegetable consumption among family members of patients with CAD. Hospitalization of a spouse, sibling or parent is an opportunity to improve cardiovascular health among other family members. TRIAL REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov, no NCT00552591.

A comparison of physical activity correlates across breast, prostate and colorectal cancer survivors in Nova Scotia, Canada.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the medical, demographic and social cognitive correlates of physical activity (PA) in breast (BCS), prostate (PCS) and colorectal (CRCS) cancer survivors. METHODS: A stratified random sample of 2062 BC, PC and CRC survivors diagnosed between 2003 and 2011 was identified by the Nova Scotia Cancer Registry (NSCR) and mailed a questionnaire assessing PA, social-cognitive constructs from the theory of planned behaviour (TPB), and demographic and medical variables. Structural equation modelling was used to conduct path analyses of the TPB within each cancer survivor group and an invariance analysis was used to compare the TPB across groups. RESULTS: A total of 741 completed surveys were analysed. Overall, 42% of cancer survivors were meeting PA guidelines with no differences among the cancer sites. Treatment-related variables were strong correlates of PA in PC survivors but not for BC or CRC. Body mass index was strongly associated with PA in BC survivors but not PC or CRC. Path analyses within each cancer survivor group showed that intention was significantly associated with PA for CRCS only; planning was significantly associated with PA for BCS and PCS only; and perceived behavioural control (PBC) was significantly associated with PA for PCS only. For intention, PBC and instrumental attitude (IA) were significant correlates in all three cancer survivor groups whereas affective attitude (AA) was significant for BCS and CRCS only; and descriptive norm (DN) was significant for PCS and CRCS only. Invariance analyses revealed significantly stronger relationships for (a) intention to planning for BCS compared to PCS, (b) affective attitude to intention for CRCS compared to PCS, and (c) planning to PA for PCS compared to CRCS. CONCLUSIONS: Although BC, PC, and CRC survivors have similar levels of PA, the correlates of their PA may differ. These findings may inform cancer site-specific interventions to promote PA in cancer survivors.

Physical activity and sedentary behavior across 12 months in cohort samples of couples without children, expecting their first child, and expecting their second child.

The onset of parenthood has been reported as a reason for steep declines in moderate-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA), but also increases in light activity rather than sedentary behavior. We examined the activity profiles of three cohorts of couples (couples without children, and first-time parents and second time parents) across 12 months. Participants were 314 adults (102 not expecting a child, 136 expecting first-child, 76 expecting second child) who completed baseline demographics and 7-day accelerometry, followed by assessments at 6 and 12 months. Hierarchical linear modeling showed that parents who were expecting their second child had lower MVPA; yet were less sedentary/had higher light intensity activity compared to other couples at baseline. First-time mothers' physical activity pattern changed to match the profiles of parents who were now parenting two children across the first 12 months of child-rearing. Findings support MVPA interventions targeting new mothers.

Oh baby! Motivation for healthy eating during parenthood transitions: a longitudinal examination with a theory of planned behavior perspective.

BACKGROUND: Transitioning to parenthood is a major life event that may impact parents' personal lifestyles, yet there is an absence of theory-based research examining the impact of parenthood on motives for dietary behaviour. As a result, we are unaware of the social cognitive variables that predict eating behaviour among those transitioning to parenthood. The purpose of the study was to examine eating behaviour motives across 12 months within the framework of the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and compare these across groups of new parents, non-parents, and established parents. METHODS: Non-parents (n = 92), new parents (n = 135), and established parents (n = 71) completed TPB questionnaires assessing attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control (PBC), and intentions and three day food records at baseline, and 6- and 12-months post-delivery (for parents) and 6- and 12-months post-baseline (for non-parents). RESULTS: Repeated measures ANOVAs revealed that among men, new- and established-parents had greater intentions to eat healthy compared to non-parents, F(2) = 3.59, p = .03. Among women, established parents had greater intentions than new- and non-parents, F(2) = 5.33, p = .01. Among both men and women during the first 6-months post-delivery, new-parents experienced decreased PBC, whereas established parents experienced increased PBC. Overall, affective attitudes were the strongest predictor of intentions for men (ß = 0.55, p < .001) and women (ß = 0.38, p < .01). PBC predicted changes in fruit and vegetable consumption for men (ß = 0.45, p = .02), and changes in fat consumption for men (ß = -0.25, p = .03) and women (ß = -.24, p < .05), regardless of parent status. CONCLUSION: The transition to parenthood for new and established parents may impact motivation for healthy eating, especially PBC within the framework of TPB. However, regardless of parental status, affective attitudes and PBC are critical antecedents of intentions and eating behaviour. Interventions should target affective attitudes and PBC to motivate healthy eating and may need to be intensified during parenthood.

Sport participation in colorectal cancer survivors: an unexplored approach to promoting physical activity.

PURPOSE: Physical activity improves health outcomes in colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors, but participation rates are low. One understudied strategy for increasing physical activity in CRC survivors may be sport participation. Here, we report the sport participation rate, sport preferences, and correlates of sport participation among CRC survivors. METHODS: A provincial, population-based mailed survey of CRC survivors in Alberta, Canada was performed and included measures of sport participation, sport preferences, sport benefits and barriers, and medical and demographic variables. RESULTS: A total of 600 CRC survivors completed the survey (34 % response rate). Almost a quarter (23.0 %) of CRC survivors reported participating in a sport in the past month, with the most common sport being golf (58.7 %). In multivariate regression analysis, 33.0 % (p = 0.001) of the variance in sport participation was explained by being male (ß = 0.12; p = 0.006), in better general health (ß = 0.12; p = 0.006), and ≥ 5 years post-diagnosis (ß = 0.09; p = 0.031). The most common barriers to sport participation were time, age/agility, and no interest/dislike of sports. The most common anticipated benefits of sport participation were improved physical fitness, meeting people, and improved health. Over half (57.2 %) of CRC survivors were possibly interested in learning about sport participation opportunities. CONCLUSIONS: Promotion of sport participation may be a potentially fruitful strategy for increasing physical activity in CRC survivors.

Heart disease and physical activity: looking beyond patient characteristics.

Physical activity (PA) adherence is a problem that has plagued cardiovascular disease patients for years. Because of this, researchers have advocated for the identification of key theoretical correlates that can be used to guide PA intervention development. The present review will identify key PA correlates for these patients and provide subsequent recommendations to look beyond patient-level correlates.

Behavioural interventions to increase the physical activity of cardiac patients: a review.

To examine the behaviour change techniques that have been used in physical activity (PA) interventions to increase PA during and after completing cardiac rehabilitation (CR) and for patients who do not attend CR (non-CR). PubMed, PsychINFO, SPORTdiscus, Web of Science, Prowler and Cochrane databases were searched to identify studies that described an intervention delivered to adults in the CR and non-CR contexts that focused solely on promoting PA. Twenty-three studies (14 post-CR and nine non-CR) were included in this review. Findings showed that interventions can increase PA; however, there were notable differences across CR contexts in their purpose, the participant demographics, and some of the behaviour change techniques used. Techniques shown to be most effective in the post-CR context were self-monitoring, setting specific goals, identifying barriers and developing plans for relapse prevention. In the non-CR context, unsupervised home-based interventions were shown to be effective at increasing PA, particularly when accompanied by follow-up prompts, general encouragement, specific goals set by the researcher and self-monitoring. Post-CR and non-CR interventions can result in improved PA outcomes; however, the research in this area is limited. More interventions are needed that target PA-only, particularly in the non-CR context.

Gender differences in satisfaction with life in patients with coronary heart disease: physical activity as a possible mediating factor.

The objective of the present study was to examine if time varying, mediating effect of physical activity plays an important role in the gender-satisfaction with life relationship. Six hundred four male and 197 female patients were included. Principal outcomes of interest were self-report satisfaction with life and physical activity at baseline, 6, 12 and 24 months. The Krull and MacKinnon procedure for hierarchical linear modeling showed that the change in physical activity mediated the gender-satisfaction with life over a 2 year period. Results from the current study suggest that increased physical activity partially explains why males report having increased well-being than females after hospitalization. This suggests that future interventions need to focus on reducing the gender disparity in physical activity to improve differences noted in satisfaction with life. If higher physical activity levels impact satisfaction with life positively, the importance of physical activity for female patients is warranted.

Time displacement and confidence to participate in physical activity.

BACKGROUND: Time spent on sedentary behaviors is often blamed for low physical activity rates, but tests of time displacement are limited. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine time-graded assessments of self-efficacy to engage in physical activity compared to either high- or low-ranked sedentary leisure behaviors among a workplace sample. Several demographic factors were examined as moderators of time displacement. METHODS: Participants were a worksite sample of 2,009 men and women who completed measures of demographics, physical activity, and self-efficacy after performing a thought listing procedure to generate their most-/least-preferred sedentary leisure-time behaviors. RESULTS: Repeated measures analysis of variance across four gradients of available leisure-time (20, 30, 60, 120 min) showed some evidence of displacement (20 min less confident than 120 min) when considering their most preferred sedentary behavior but not their least preferred. These results, however, were moderated by age, occupational work hours, free time, education, and physical activity status. CONCLUSION: Targeted interventions for young professionals with high work hours and limited physical activity experience seem prudent in order to improve their self-efficacy to achieve regular physical activity through sedentary behavior control.