Factors associated with participation in resistance training: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: Regular participation in resistance training (RT) is critical to health and recommended in most international physical activity guidelines. Few people, however, participate in RT. The purpose of this review was to assess the demographic, behavioural, intrapersonal, interpersonal and environmental factors associated with participating in RT. DATA SOURCES: Eligible studies were from English peer-reviewed published articles that examined correlates or determinants of RT in adult samples. Searches were performed from August 2015 to April 2016 in six databases. RESULTS: We identified 51 independent data sets, from nine countries, primarily of moderate to high quality, and 23 factors related to participating in RT. Education, perceived health status, quality of life, affective judgements, self-efficacy, intention, self-regulation behaviours, subjective norm and programme leadership were associated with RT. CONCLUSION: Low education levels and poor health status were associated with low participation rates in RT. Intrapersonal factors including affective judgements, self-efficacy, and self-regulation behaviours, and interpersonal factors including subjective norms and programme leadership may be important for promoting RT behaviours.

Testing social-cognitive mediators for objective estimates of physical activity from the Healthy Eating and Active Living for Diabetes in Primary Care Networks (HEALD-PCN) study.

OBJECTIVE: More evidence from prospective studies is needed to determine 'if' and 'how' social cognitive constructs mediate behaviour change. In a longitudinal study, we aimed to examine potential social cognitive mediators of objectively measured physical activity (PA) behaviour among people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) who participated in a six-month PA intervention. METHODS: All participants from the proven effective Healthy Eating and Active Living for Diabetes in Primary Care Networks trial were included for this secondary analysis. Change in pedometer-derived daily step counts (baseline to six months) was the outcome of interest. Primary constructs of interest were from Social Cognitive Theory, however constructs from and Theory of Planned Behaviour were also tested in a mediating variable framework using a product-of-coefficients test. RESULTS: The sample (N = 198) had a mean age of 59.5 (SD 8.3) years, haemoglobin A1c 6.8% (SD 1.1), 50% women, BMI 33.6 kg/m(2) (SD 6.5), systolic pressure 125.6 mmHg (SD 16.2) and average daily steps were 5879 (SD 3130). Daily pedometer-determined steps increased for the intervention group compared to usual care control at six-months (1481 [SD 2631] vs. 336 [SD 2712]; adjusted p = .002). There was a significant action theory test effect for 'planning' (A = .21, SE = .10, p = .037), and significant conceptual theory test results for 'subjective norms' (B = 657, SE = 312, p = .037) and 'cons' (B = -664, SE = 270, p = .015). None of the constructs satisfied the criteria for mediation. CONCLUSIONS: We were unable to account for the effect of a pedometer-based PA intervention for people with T2D through our examination of mediators. Our findings are inconsistent with some literature concerning PA interventions in diabetes; this may be due to variability in measures used or in study populations.

Osteoarthritis prevalence and modifiable factors: a population study.

BACKGROUND: This study's objectives were to investigate the prevalence of self-reported knee and hip osteoarthritis (OA) stratified by age and sex and to examine the association of modifiable factors with knee and hip OA prevalence. The study was conducted using randomly sampled data gathered from four communities in the province of Alberta, Canada. METHODS: A large adult population sample (N = 4733) of individuals ≥18 years were selected. Health-related information was collected through telephone interviews and community measurement clinics for which a sub-sample (N = 1808) attended. Participants self-reported OA during telephone interviews. Clinic interviews further assessed if the diagnosis was made by a health care professional. Statistical analyses compared prevalence of OA between sexes and across age categories. Associations between modifiable factors for OA and the prevalence of knee and hip OA were assessed using binary logistic regression modelling. RESULTS: Overall prevalence of self-reported OA in the total sample was 14.8 %, where 10.5 % of individuals reported having knee OA and 8.5 % reported having hip OA. Differences in prevalence were found for males and females across age categories for both knee and hip OA. In terms of modifiable factors, being obese (BMI >30 kg/m2) was significantly associated with the prevalence of knee (OR: 4.37; 95 % CI: 2.08,9.20) and hip (OR: 2.52; 95 % CI: 1.17,5.43) OA. Individuals who stand or walk a lot, but do not carry or lift things during their occupational activities were 2.0 times less likely to have hip OA (OR: 0.50; 95 % CI: 0.26,0.96). Individuals who usually lift or carry light loads or have to climb stairs or hills were 2.2 times less likely to have hip OA (OR: 0.45; 95 % CI: 0.21,0.95). The odds of having hip OA were 1.9 times lower in individuals consuming recommended or higher vitamin C intake (OR: 0.52; 95 % CI: 0.29,0.96). Significant differences in prevalence were found for both males and females across age categories. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of knee and hip OA obtained in this study is comparable to other studies. Females have greater knee OA prevalence and a greater proportion of women have mobility limitations as well as hip and knee pain; it is important to target this sub-group.

Social cognitive theories used to explain physical activity behavior in adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To systematically review and examine the explanatory power of key social-cognitive theories used to explain physical activity (PA) intention and behavior, among adolescents. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature was performed using the electronic databases Medline, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, SPORTdiscus, EBSCO and Education Resources Information Center, Proquest Education Journals Collection, Science Direct, Web of Science and Scopus for social-cognitive theories (i.e., Health Promotion Model, Theory of Planned Behavior, Theory of Reasoned Action, Protection Motivation Theory, Social Cognitive Theory/Self-Efficacy Theory, Health Belief Model, Self-Determination Theory, Transtheoretical Model) used to explain PA intention and behavior. Related keywords in titles, abstracts, or indexing fields were searched. RESULTS: Twenty-three studies satisfied the inclusion criteria and were retained for data extraction and analysis; 16 were cross-sectional studies and seven were longitudinal studies. Most studies employed self-report measures. In general, the models explained greater proportions of variance for intention compared to behavior. The meta-analyses revealed 33% and 48% of the variance respectively for PA and intention were explained by social cognitive models. CONCLUSIONS: Few studies have tested the predictive capacity of social cognitive theories to explain objectively measured PA. The majority of PA variance remains unexplained and more theoretical research is needed.

Canada's Physical Activity Guide: examining print-based material for motivating physical activity in the workplace.

The authors conducted a secondary analysis on 202 adults from the Physical Activity Workplace Study. The aim of this analysis was to examine demographic characteristics associated with reading Canada's Physical Activity Guide (CPAG), being motivated by the guide, and whether participants in the Physical Activity Workplace Study who read the CPAG increased their physical activity levels over 1 year. Results revealed that less than 50% of participants read the full version of CPAG, and less than 10% were motivated by it. The CPAG also appears to be more appealing to and effective for women than for men. Although the CPAG had some influence in increasing mild physical activity levels in a workplace sample, there was also a decrease in physical activity levels among some members of the group. Overall, the effectiveness of CPAG was not substantial, and the findings of this analysis could help guide future targeted intervention materials and programs.

Pathways to well-being: Untangling the causal relationships among biopsychosocial variables.

RATIONALE: The biopsychosocial (BPS) model that challenged the historically dominant biomedical model remains influential today. This model considers biological, psychological, and social factors that can contribute to health and illness. Yet, a growing body of literature has been highly critical of the model for being too vague and for not providing details as to how the three factors of the model interact and contribute to health and illness. OBJECTIVE: Because biological, psychological, and social factors can be considered as distinct 'systems' that can be conceptually separated, defined, and measured, we sought to examine interrelationships among these factors. METHOD: By employing analytical reasoning and carefully considering relevant research evidence of direct pathways among biological, psychological, and social factors as applicable to an individual's health and well-being, this article introduces an updated theoretical model: the BPS-Pathways model. RESULTS: We present all six potential pathways among biological (B), psychological (P), and social (S) factors of the model, and explain how these pathways can potentially contribute to subjective well-being and to objective physical health outcomes. The influential pathways that lead to subjective well-being are S→P and B→P pathways, although these pathways can be impacted by psychological factors that differ among individuals. For objective health outcomes, the P→B and S→B pathways appear to be important, where the latter pathway is mediated by psychological factors. We additionally highlight the importance of systematically understanding subjective experience, which represents an epistemologically distinct domain, and describe how subjective experience can explain individual differences in causal pathways. CONCLUSIONS: The BPS-Pathways model presents a framework that can have important implications for clinical practice, as well as research, and can be useful for tailoring personalized medicine.

Physical activity related information sources predict physical activity behaviors in adults with type 2 diabetes.

Physical activity (PA) is a key management strategy for type 2 diabetes. Despite the known benefits, PA levels are low. Whether the low level of PA is related to lack of knowledge or support is not fully understood. This study was conducted to describe where and how often adults with type 2 diabetes receive and seek information related to PA and examine the relationships between the source and quality of PA information with PA behaviors. A series of questions related to the source and quality of PA information were added to a baseline survey distributed to the participants (N = 244) of the Canadian Aerobic and Resistance Training in Diabetes (CARED) study. Physicians and television were found to be the main sources of PA-related information. In our cross-sectional model, sources of PA-related information other than that from health care professionals explained 14% (p = .05) and 16% (p < .05) of the variance for aerobic-based and resistance training behaviors and 22% (p < .01) and 15% (p < .05) for these behaviors in our longitudinal model. Physical activity (PA)-related information is widely available to adults with type 2 diabetes. Neither the quantity nor the quality of the PA information provided by health care professionals predicted PA behavior. These data provide further insight into the modes with which PA can be promoted to adults with type 2 diabetes.

Adoption of the Healthy Heart Kit by Alberta family physicians.

OBJECTIVE: The Healthy Heart Kit (HHK) is a risk management and patient education kit for the prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and the promotion of CV health. There are currently no published data examining predictors of HHK use by physicians. The main objective of this study was to examine the association between physicians' characteristics (socio-demographic, cognitive, and behavioural) and the use of the HHK. METHODS: All registered family physicians in Alberta (n=3068) were invited to participate in the "Healthy Heart Kit" Study. Consenting physicians (n=153) received the Kit and were requested to use it for two months. At the end of this period, a questionnaire collected data on the frequency of Kit use by physicians, as well as socio-demographic, cognitive, and behavioural variables pertaining to the physicians. RESULTS: The questionnaire was returned by 115 physicians (follow-up rate = 75%). On a scale ranging from 0 to 100, the mean score of Kit use was 61 [SD=26]. A multiple linear regression showed that "agreement with the Kit" and the degree of "confidence in using the Kit" was strongly associated with Kit use, explaining 46% of the variability for Kit use. Time since graduation was inversely associated with Kit use, and a trend was observed for smaller practices to be associated with lower use. CONCLUSION: Given these findings, future research and practice should explore innovative strategies to gain initial agreement among physicians to employ such clinical tools. Participation of older physicians and solo-practitioners in this process should be emphasized.

A comparison of physical activity-related social-cognitive factors between those with type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes and diabetes free adults.

Despite strong evidence supporting the benefits of physical activity in managing and preventing diabetes, the majority of Canadians living with or without diabetes are insufficiently active to achieve health benefits. The purpose of this study was to examine the difference in key physical activity-related, psychosocial constructs from major social-cognitive theories/models for individuals with type 1 diabetes (n = 695), type 2 diabetes (n = 1540) and those without diabetes (n = 829). The relatively similar scores reported for the social-cognitive constructs between the groups suggest that theoretically driven, generic population-based strategies operationalizing key socio-cognitive constructs for promoting physical activity may have utility for the general and diabetes specific populations. However, both diabetes groups reported significantly lower (p < 0.001) response efficacy (benefits of physical activity) scores, and higher scores for cons of performing physical activity than the non-diabetes group (p < 0.001). Further, the type 1 diabetes group had significantly higher (p < 0.05) physical activity cons scores than the other two study groups. The findings of this study may guide practitioners in designing population-based, physical activity programs that capitalize on generic strategies for the general and diabetes populations, and identify efforts as to where specific tailoring (e.g. emphasizing physical activity benefits) is needed for those living with diabetes.

Aerobic physical activity and resistance training: an application of the theory of planned behavior among adults with type 2 diabetes in a random, national sample of Canadians.

BACKGROUND: Aerobic physical activity (PA) and resistance training are paramount in the treatment and management of type 2 diabetes (T2D), but few studies have examined the determinants of both types of exercise in the same sample. OBJECTIVE: The primary purpose was to investigate the utility of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) in explaining aerobic PA and resistance training in a population sample of T2D adults. METHODS: A total of 244 individuals were recruited through a random national sample which was created by generating a random list of household phone numbers. The list was proportionate to the actual number of household telephone numbers for each Canadian province (with the exception of Quebec). These individuals completed self-report TPB constructs of attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control and intention, and a 3-month follow-up that assessed aerobic PA and resistance training. RESULTS: TPB explained 10% and 8% of the variance respectively for aerobic PA and resistance training; and accounted for 39% and 45% of the variance respectively for aerobic PA and resistance training intentions. CONCLUSION: These results may guide the development of appropriate PA interventions for aerobic PA and resistance training based on the TPB.

Health-related behaviours in adults with diabetes: associations with health care utilization and costs.

OBJECTIVES: The primary objective of this study was to examine whether physical activity, diet, and smoking behaviours are associated with health resource utilization and costs in the Canadian context. A secondary objective was to evaluate demographic and health behavioural characteristics of the participants of the study to assess the degree of respondent bias. METHODS: Self-reported physical activity, diet and smoking status were obtained from a large population-based sample of adults with diabetes (N = 2311). Resource utilization and cost information was obtained by linking these data to the provincial government's administrative database. Multiple regression models examined predictors of resource utilization and costs for individuals with type 1 (T1D) and type 2 (T2D) diabetes separately. To assess the degree of responder bias, characteristics of individuals who consented to link data were compared with those who did not consent. RESULTS: Various measures of health care utilization and costs were negatively associated with physical activity behaviour in both T1D and T2D groups. Ever having smoked cigarettes was associated with higher resource utilization in individuals with T2D when controlling for demographic and health variables. Significant differences in demographic and health behavioural characteristics of the participants who provided consent for data linkage and those who did not were also found. CONCLUSION: These findings are of interest considering that PA is a critical but understudied component of individuals with diabetes, and this appears to be one of the first studies to directly examine the relationship between health-related behaviours and health care utilization and costs. The findings may be useful in guiding targeted health promotion programs for individuals with diabetes. The results also indicate that studies involving linkage of administrative and survey data could be over-represented by healthy individuals.

Co-morbidity, functionality and time since diagnosis as predictors of physical activity in individuals with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

Physical activity plays a key role in diabetes management, and in reducing the risk factors related to the development of co-morbid conditions. This study examined predictors of physical activity (Static Model) and activity change (Change Model) for individuals with type 1 (T1D) or type 2 diabetes (T2D) in a population sample of 1662 adults (510 type 1; 1152 type 2) using self-reported measures of co-morbidities, perceived difficulties in performing tasks of daily living (TDL), time since diagnosis, and selected demographic factors. Since the motivation for physical activity could be influenced by the initial diagnosis of diabetes, analyses were conducted separately for newly diagnosed individuals (diagnosed with diabetes < or =1 year), and those that have been diagnosed for sometime (diagnosed with diabetes >1 year). In the Static Model, a younger age (beta=-.11, p<.05) and having less perceived difficulties in performing TDL (beta=-.12, p<.05) were associated with a higher physical activity in individuals with type 1 diabetes. The presence of difficulties in TDL (beta=-.08, p<.05) and co-morbidities (beta=-.08, p<.05) were associated with physical activity participation in type 2 individuals diagnosed for >1 year, but not in newly diagnosed individuals. A shorter duration of disease (beta=-.07, p<.05), a higher body mass index (BMI) (beta=.09, p<.05) and female gender (beta=.07, p<.05) was associated with physical activity increase in individuals with type 2 diabetes. A higher BMI predicted physical activity change in both newly diagnosed individuals and those diagnosed for sometime. However, both genders were equally likely to increase their physical activity among newly diagnosed individuals. Although the magnitude of the study results are relatively modest, they could potentially guide and encourage future investigations in this area that could lead to useful insights in designing PA intervention programs for these specific populations.

Community-based physical activity interventions for treatment of type 2 diabetes: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

Evidence suggests engaging in regular physical activity (PA) can have beneficial outcomes for adults with type 2 diabetes (TD2), including weight loss, reduction of medication usage and improvements in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)/fasting glucose. While a number of clinical-based PA interventions exist, community-based approaches are limited. The objective of this study is to conduct a systematic review with meta-analysis to assess the effectiveness of community-based PA interventions for the treatment of TD2 in adult populations. A search of peer-reviewed publications from 2002 to June 2012 was conducted across several electronic databases to identify interventions evaluated in community settings. Twenty-two studies were identified, and 11 studies reporting HbA1c as an outcome measure were pooled in the meta-analysis. Risk of bias assessment was also conducted. The findings demonstrate community-based PA interventions can be effective in producing increases in PA. Meta-analysis revealed a lowering of HbA1c levels by -0.32% [95% CI -0.65, 0.01], which approached statistical significance (p < 0.06). Our findings can guide future PA community-based interventions in adult populations diagnosed with TD2.

Steps towards permanently increasing physical activity in the population.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Maintaining recommended levels of physical activity throughout the lifespan is an important public health objective, considering this behaviour is positively associated with both physical and mental health across all age groups. This article provides an overview of selected publications with an exclusive focus on research relating to physical activity promotion published in the past 18 months. RECENT FINDINGS: Physical activity can be integrated during the life-course of individuals through recreational, transportation and occupational activities. A growing body of research on social-cognitive theories continues to inform the conceptualization and development of physical activity interventions. SUMMARY: Transitions during the life-course provide numerous challenges and opportunities for physical activity interventions. Multiple-level approaches across various settings and modes of delivery need to be taken into account to keep individuals active.

Predictors of physical activity in adults with type 2 diabetes.

OBJECTIVES: To determine demographic, medical, social cognitive, and environmental predictors of aerobic physical activity and resistance training in a population sample of adults with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: Two hundred forty-four (244) participants completed questionnaires with a 3-month follow-up. Multiple and logistic regression models examined predictors of aerobic activity and resistance training. RESULTS: Several factors were associated with higher levels of both aerobic physical activity and resistance training; self-efficacy was the strongest predictor for both modes of activity. CONCLUSIONS: The findings can guide physical activity promotion interventions and programs for this population, profiling those who are least active.

Population-based estimates of physical activity for adults with type 2 diabetes: a cautionary tale of potential confounding by weight status.

At a population level, the method used to determine those meeting physical activity guidelines has important implications, as estimating "sufficient" physical activity might be confounded by weight status. The objective of this study was to test the difference between three methods in estimating the prevalence of "sufficient activity" among Canadian adults with type 2 diabetes in a large population sample (N = 1614) while considering the role of weight status as a potential confounder. Our results revealed that estimates of physical activity levels vary by BMI categories, depending on the methods examined. Although physical activity levels were lower in the obese, their energy expenditure estimates were not different from those who were overweight or of a healthy weight. The implications of these findings are that biased estimates of physical activity at a population level may result in inappropriate classification of adults with type 2 diabetes as "sufficiently active" and that the inclusion of body weight in estimating physical activity prevalence should be approached with caution.

Alberta Diabetes and Physical Activity Trial (ADAPT): a randomized theory-based efficacy trial for adults with type 2 diabetes--rationale, design, recruitment, evaluation, and dissemination.

BACKGROUND: The primary aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of three physical activity (PA) behavioural intervention strategies in a sample of adults with type 2 diabetes. METHOD/DESIGN: Participants (N = 287) were randomly assigned to one of three groups consisting of the following intervention strategies: (1) standard printed PA educational materials provided by the Canadian Diabetes Association [i.e., Group 1/control group)]; (2) standard printed PA educational materials as in Group 1, pedometers, a log book and printed PA information matched to individuals' PA stage of readiness provided every 3 months (i.e., Group 2); and (3) PA telephone counseling protocol matched to PA stage of readiness and tailored to personal characteristics, in addition to the materials provided in Groups 1 and 2 (i.e., Group 3). PA behaviour measured by the Godin Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire and related social-cognitive measures were assessed at baseline, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 18-months (i.e., 6-month follow-up). Clinical (biomarkers) and health-related quality of life assessments were conducted at baseline, 12-months, and 18-months. Linear Mixed Model (LMM) analyses will be used to examine time-dependent changes from baseline across study time points for Groups 2 and 3 relative to Group 1. DISCUSSION: ADAPT will determine whether tailored but low-cost interventions can lead to sustainable increases in PA behaviours. The results may have implications for practitioners in designing and implementing theory-based physical activity promotion programs for this population. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00221234.

Chronic disease-related lifestyle risk factors in a sample of Canadian adolescents.

This study examined the prevalence, clustering, age trends, and gender differences of chronic-disease related risk factors among a large sample of adolescents (N = 4932) in Alberta, Canada. Approximately 43% of boys and 53% of girls displayed two or more risk factors. Age trends and gender differences were also observed.

Factors influencing the adoption of an innovation: an examination of the uptake of the Canadian Heart Health Kit (HHK).

BACKGROUND: There is an emerging knowledge base on the effectiveness of strategies to close the knowledge-practice gap. However, less is known about how attributes of an innovation and other contextual and situational factors facilitate and impede an innovation's adoption. The Healthy Heart Kit (HHK) is a risk management and patient education resource for the prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and promotion of cardiovascular health. Although previous studies have demonstrated the HHK's content validity and practical utility, no published study has examined physicians' uptake of the HHK and factors that shape its adoption. OBJECTIVES: Conceptually informed by Rogers' Diffusion of Innovation theory, and Theory of Planned Behaviour, this study had two objectives: (1) to determine if specific attributes of the HHK as well as contextual and situational factors are associated with physicians' intention and actual usage of the HHK kit; and (2), to determine if any contextual and situational factors are associated with individual or environmental barriers that prevent the uptake of the HHK among those physicians who do not plan to use the kit. METHODS: A sample of 153 physicians who responded to an invitation letter sent to all family physicians in the province of Alberta, Canada were recruited for the study. Participating physicians were sent a HHK, and two months later a study questionnaire assessed primary factors on the physicians' clinical practice, attributes of the HHK (relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, trialability, observability), confidence and control using the HHK, barriers to use, and individual attributes. All measures were used in path analysis, employing a causal model based on Rogers' Diffusion of Innovations Theory and Theory of Planned Behaviour. RESULTS: 115 physicians (follow up rate of 75%) completed the questionnaire. Use of the HHK was associated with intention to use the HHK, relative advantage, and years of experience. Relative advantage and the observability of the HHK benefits were also significantly associated with physicians' intention to use the HHK. Physicians working in solo medical practices reported experiencing more individual and environmental barriers to using the HHK. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that future information innovations must demonstrate an advantage over current resources and the research evidence supporting the innovation must be clearly visible. Findings also suggest that the innovation adoption process has a social element, and collegial interactions and discussions may facilitate that process. These results could be valuable for knowledge translation researchers and health promotion developers in future innovation adoption planning.