The 2022 ParticipACTION Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth: Focus on the COVID-19 pandemic impact and equity-deserving groups.

Introduction: The ParticipACTION Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth is the most comprehensive national assessment of physical activity and related behaviors, characteristics, and opportunities for children and youth. The 2022 Report Card assigned grades based on data gathered during the COVID-19 pandemic to reflect this extraordinary time-period in Canada. Further, while not graded, efforts were made to summarize key findings for early years children and those identifying as: having a disability, Indigenous, 2SLGBTQ+, newcomers to Canada, racialized, or girls. The purpose of this paper is to summarize the 2022 ParticipACTION Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth. Methods: The best available physical activity data captured during the whole COVID-19 pandemic was synthesized across 14 different indicators in four categories. The 2022 Report Card Research Committee assigned letter grades (i.e., A-F) based on expert consensus of the evidence. Synthesis: Grades were assigned for: Daily Behaviors (Overall Physical Activity: D; Active Play: D-; Active Transportation: C-; Organized Sport: C+; Physical Education: Incomplete [INC]; Sedentary Behaviors: F; Sleep: B; 24-Hour Movement Behaviors: F), Individual Characteristics (Physical Literacy: INC; Physical Fitness: INC), Spaces and Places (Household: C, School: B-, Community and Environment: B), and Strategies and Investments (Government: B-). Compared to the 2020 Report Card, the COVID-19 specific grades increased for Active Play and Active Transportation; and decreased for Overall Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviors, Organized Sport, and Community and Environment. There were many data gaps for equity-deserving groups. Conclusion: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the grade for Overall Physical Activity decreased from a D+ (2020) to a D, coinciding with decreases in grades reflecting fewer opportunities for sport and community/facility-based activities as well as higher levels of sedentary behaviors. Fortunately, improvements in Active Transportation and Active Play during COVID-19 prevented a worse shift in children's health behaviors. Efforts are needed to improve physical activity for children and youth during and post-pandemic, with a greater emphasis on equity-deserving groups.

Expert Appraisal of the 2022 Canadian Para Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Adolescents With Disabilities.

This report provides an expert appraisal of the Canadian Para Report Card on physical activity (PA) for children and adolescents with disabilities. Thirteen indicators were graded by a panel of researchers, representatives from disability and PA organizations, and parents of children and adolescents with disabilities using benchmarks of the Global Matrix 4.0 and previous Canadian PA Report Cards. Facilitated panel discussions were used to appraise the available evidence based on data gaps, opportunities, and recommendations. The available data sources included four nationally generalizable or representative data sets. Grades were assigned to 8/13 indicators and ranged from B+ to F. Data gaps in measurement and national surveillance systems were identified. Ableism was an issue identified within some of the reporting benchmarks. The absence of PA from existing accessibility legislation in Canada was a policy gap of concern. Recommendations related to research, surveillance, and policy are provided to enhance PA among children and adolescents with disabilities in Canada.

Top 10 International Priorities for Physical Fitness Research and Surveillance Among Children and Adolescents: A Twin-Panel Delphi Study.

BACKGROUND: The measurement of physical fitness has a history that dates back nearly 200 years. Recently, there has been an increase in international research and surveillance on physical fitness creating a need for setting international priorities that could help guide future efforts. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to produce a list of the top 10 international priorities for research and surveillance on physical fitness among children and adolescents. METHODS: Using a twin-panel Delphi method, two independent panels consisting of 46 international experts were identified (panel 1 = 28, panel 2 = 18). The panel participants were asked to list up to five priorities for research or surveillance (round 1), and then rated the items from their own panel on a 5-point Likert scale of importance (round 2). In round 3, experts were asked to rate the priorities identified by the other panel. RESULTS: There was strong between-panel agreement (panel 1: rs = 0.76, p < 0.01; panel 2: rs = 0.77, p < 0.01) in the priorities identified. The list of the final top 10 priorities included (i) "conduct longitudinal studies to assess changes in fitness and associations with health". This was followed by (ii) "use fitness surveillance to inform decision making", and (iii) "implement regular and consistent international/national fitness surveys using common measures". CONCLUSIONS: The priorities identified in this study provide guidance for future international collaborations and research efforts on the physical fitness of children and adolescents over the next decade and beyond.

Supporting the Needs of Adolescents and Young Adults: Integrated Palliative Care and Psychiatry Clinic for Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer.

Clinical guidelines aimed at cancer care for adolescents and young adults (AYAs) encourage early integration of palliative care, yet there are scarce data to support these recommendations. We conducted a retrospective chart review of AYA patients, aged 15 to 39 years, who were referred to the Integrated AYA Palliative Care and Psychiatry Clinic (IAPCPC) at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre between May 2017 and November 2019 (n = 69). Demographic data, symptom prevalence, change in symptom scores between baseline consultation and first follow-up, and intensity of end-of-life care were collected from the patients' medical charts, analyzed, and reported. Of the 69 patients, 59% were female, and sarcoma was the most common cancer. A majority of patients had at least one symptom scored as moderate to severe; tiredness, pain, and sleep problems were the highest scored symptoms. More than one-third used medical cannabis to manage their symptoms. Symptom scores improved in 61% after the first clinic visit. Out of the 69 patients, 50 (72.5%) had died by October 2020, with a median time between the initial clinic referral and death of 5 months (range 1-32). Three patients (6%) received chemotherapy, and eight (16%) were admitted to an intensive care unit during the last month of life. In conclusion, AYAs with advanced cancer have a high burden of palliative and psychosocial symptoms. Creating a specialized AYA palliative care clinic integrated with psychiatry showed promising results in improving symptom scores and end-of-life planning.

Results From the 2019 ParticipACTION Report Card on Physical Activity for Adults.

BACKGROUND: The ParticipACTION Report Card on Physical Activity for Adults is a knowledge exchange tool representing a synthesis of the literature and data available at the national level. The purpose of this paper is to summarize the results of the inaugural 2019 edition. METHODS: Thirteen physical activity indicators, grouped into 4 categories, were graded by a committee of experts using a process that was informed by the best available evidence. Sources included national surveys, peer-reviewed literature, and gray literature such as government and nongovernment reports and online content. RESULTS: Grades were assigned to Daily Behaviors (overall physical activity: D; daily movement: C; moderate to vigorous physical activity: F; muscle and bone strength: INC; balance: INC; sedentary behavior: INC; sleep: B-), Individual Characteristics (intentions: B+), Settings and Sources of Influence (social support: INC; workplace: INC; community and environment: B-; health and primary care settings: C-), and Strategies and Investments (government: B-). CONCLUSIONS: Generally, lower grades were given to behavior-related indicators (eg, overall physical activity) and better grades for indicators related to investments, community supports, and strategies and policies. Research gaps and future recommendations and directions are identified for each indicator to support future practice, policy, and research directions.

Awareness of ParticipACTION among Canadian adults: a seven-year cross-sectional follow-up. / Notoriété de ParticipACTION auprès des adultes canadiens : étude transversale de suivi après sept ans.

INTRODUCTION: In this cross-sectional follow-up study, we explored Canadian's awareness of ParticipACTION and their levels of physical activity (PA) after seven years of campaigns. METHODS: A population-based survey was conducted with 7282 adults over a period of 14 months from February 2014 to May 2015. The survey consisted of questions on the 2014-2015 Physical Activity Monitor relating to awareness and knowledge of ParticipACTION. Weighted logistic models were constructed to examine whether awareness was associated with PA-related beliefs, intentions, and leisure time physical activity (LTPA). RESULTS: Approximately 20% of Canadians reported unprompted awareness of ParticipACTION and 82% reported prompted awareness. Education, income, and having children were significant correlates of awareness among Canadians. The adjusted odds of people being aware of ParticipACTION (prompted and unprompted) were greater if they were more educated (OR = 1.57, 95% CI: 1.04-2.39; OR = 2.00, 95% CI: 1.24-3.24), reported higher income (OR = 3.92, 95% CI: 2.35-6.53; OR = 2.29, 95% CI: 1.44-3.62), and had children (OR = 1.93, 95% CI: 1.40-2.66; OR = 1.70, 95% CI: 1.26-2.30). Furthermore, awareness of ParticipACTION was positively associated with outcome expectations and self-efficacy, and negatively associated with LTPA status. CONCLUSION: Levels of unprompted awareness of ParticipACTION are higher than previously reported and, in comparison to active Canadians, inactive Canadians are more likely to be aware of the organization. Given that it had primarily targeted parents of inactive children over the past seven years, it appears the organization has been partially effective in achieving its communication goals.

INTRODUCTION: Dans cette étude de suivi transversale, nous avons exploré la notoriété de ParticipACTION et le niveau d'activité physique chez les Canadiens après sept ans de campagnes. MÉTHODOLOGIE: Une enquête à l'échelle de la population a été menée auprès de 7 282 adultes entre février 2014 et mai 2015. Elle a consisté en une série de questions destinées à évaluer la notoriété de ParticipACTION dans le Sondage indicateur de l'activité physique de 2014-2015. Divers modèles de régression logistique pondérée ont été établis pour déterminer si cette notoriété était associée aux croyances à propos de l'activité physique, aux intentions et à l'activité physique pratiquée durant les loisirs. RÉSULTATS: Environ 20 % des Canadiens avaient une connaissance spontanée de ParticipACTION et le taux de notoriété assistée de ParticipACTION était de 82 %. L'éducation, le revenu et le fait d'avoir des enfants étaient significativement corrélés à la notoriété au sein de la population canadienne. Le rapport de cotes (RC) ajusté de la notoriété (assistée et spontanée) de ParticipACTION était plus élevé chez les personnes à haut niveau de scolarité (RC = 1,57, IC à 95 % : 1,04 à 2,39; RC = 2,00, IC à 95 % : 1,24 à 3,24), à revenu élevé (RC = 3,92, IC à 95 % : 2,35 à 6,53; RC = 2,29, IC à 95 % : 1,44 à 3,62) et ayant des enfants (RC = 1,93, IC à 95 % : 1,40 à 2,66; RC = 1,70, IC à 95 % : 1,26 à 2,30). La notoriété de ParticipACTION était également positivement associée aux attentes en matière de résultats et à l'auto-efficacité, et négativement associée à l'activité physique durant les loisirs. CONCLUSION: Le taux de notoriété non assistée de ParticipACTION est plus élevé qu'auparavant et, par ailleurs, les Canadiens inactifs sont plus nombreux que les Canadiens actifs à connaître l'organisme. Étant donné que ParticipACTION a principalement ciblé les parents d'enfants inactifs au cours des sept dernières années, il semble que l'organisme ait partiellement atteint ses objectifs en matière de communication.

Cell mechanics of pollen tube growth.

The pollen tube features particular traits that can only be understood when integrating cell biological with cell mechanical concepts. Firstly, regular temporal variations in the growth rate are governed by a feedback mechanism thought to involve mechanosensitive ion channels. Secondly, the tube uses invasive growth to penetrate the flower tissues with the aim to transport the male sperm cells to their target. Thirdly, the pollen tube is able to reorient its growth direction upon exposure to a guidance cue; the steering mechanism involves the sophisticated choreography of intracellular transport processes. Sophisticated imaging and micromanipulation techniques have been instrumental for the advancement in characterizing the biomechanical features of this crucial cell in the plant reproductive cycle.

Utility of Surveillance Research to Inform Physical Activity Policy: An Exemplar From Canada.

BACKGROUND: There are several well-known risk factor monitoring systems, but few examples of comprehensive surveillance systems designed specifically to inform physical activity (PA) policy. This paper examines the utility of Canada`s Physical Activity and Sport Monitoring System in guiding policy and practice. METHODS: Indicators were determined in conjunction with government, nongovernmental associations and academics. Serial measures were collected from representative population (telephone interviews, n = 4000 to 11,000) and setting-based (postal surveys, n = 1425 to 4304) surveys. RESULTS: Adult PA was higher in 2014 (47%) than 1998 (37%). The prevalence of knowledge about sufficient PA to meet national guidelines increased (31% to 57%). Most adults (66%) reported having many safe places to walk locally. Having policies to encourage walking and cycling when redeveloping communities increased by community size (5% to 37%). PA promotion was available in 10% to 15% of workplaces. Most parents (64%) provided transportation to support their child's PA. The prevalence of policies mandating daily PE increased 2001 to 2011 (36% to 55%), as did having no policy to hire qualified PE teachers (25% to 34%). CONCLUSIONS: Canada's surveillance system has provided information for guiding policy planning, resource allocation, setting and tracking national goals, assessing changes in PA determinants, and evaluating national campaigns, naturally occurring experiments, and innovative policies.

Results From Canada's 2016 ParticipACTION Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth.

BACKGROUND: The ParticipACTION Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth is the most comprehensive assessment of child and youth physical activity in Canada and provides an update or "state of the nation" that assesses how Canada is doing at promoting and facilitating physical activity opportunities for children and youth. The purpose of this paper is to summarize the results of the 2016 ParticipACTION Report Card. METHODS: Twelve physical activity indicators were graded by a committee of experts using a process that was informed by the best available evidence. Sources included national surveys, peer-reviewed literature, and gray literature such as government and nongovernment reports and online content. RESULTS: Grades were assigned to Daily Behaviors (Overall Physical Activity: D-; Organized Sport and Physical Activity Participation: B; Active Play: D+; Active Transportation: D; Physical Literacy: D+; Sleep: B; Sedentary Behaviors: F), Settings and Sources of Influence (Family and Peers: C+; School: B; Community and Environment: A-), and Strategies and Investments (Government: B-; Nongovernment: A-). CONCLUSIONS: Similar to previous years of the Report Card, Canada generally received good grades for indicators relating to investment, infrastructure, strategies, policies, and programming, and poor grades for behavioral indicators (eg, Overall Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviors).

Positive regulation of the Candida albicans multidrug efflux pump Cdr1p function by phosphorylation of its N-terminal extension.

OBJECTIVES: Overexpression of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters is a frequent cause of multidrug resistance in cancer cells and pathogenic microorganisms. One example is the Cdr1p transporter from the human fungal pathogen Candida albicans that belongs to the pleiotropic drug resistance (PDR) subfamily of ABC transporters found in fungi and plants. Cdr1p is overexpressed in several azole-resistant clinical isolates, causing azole efflux and treatment failure. Cdr1p appears as a doublet band in western blot analyses, suggesting that the protein is post-translationally modified. We investigated whether Cdr1p is phosphorylated and the function of this modification. METHODS: Phosphorylated residues were identified by MS. Their function was investigated by site-directed mutagenesis and expression of the mutants in a C. albicans endogenous system that exploits a hyperactive allele of the Tac1p transcription factor to drive high levels of Cdr1p expression. Fluconazole resistance was measured by microtitre plate and spot assays and transport activity by Nile red accumulation. RESULTS: We identified a cluster of seven phosphorylated amino acids in the N-terminal extension (NTE) of Cdr1p. Mutating all seven sites to alanine dramatically diminished the ability of Cdr1p to confer fluconazole resistance and transport Nile red, without affecting Cdr1p localization. Conversely, a Cdr1p mutant in which the seven amino acids were replaced by glutamate was able to confer high levels of fluconazole resistance and to export Nile red. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that the NTE of Cdr1p is phosphorylated and that NTE phosphorylation plays a major role in regulating Cdr1p and possibly other PDR transporter function.

CANPLAY study: Secular trends in steps/day amongst 5-19year-old Canadians between 2005 and 2014.

INTRODUCTION: The Canadian Physical Activity Levels Among Youth (CANPLAY) study collected pedometer data from eight surveys between 2005 and 2014, making it a unique database of objective population physical activity surveillance. The purpose of this study was to describe secular physical activity trends for 5-19year olds. METHODS: Canadian children from nationally representative samples (10,000 recruited, n≅5500 per survey) were mailed a pedometer kit, asked to wear the pedometer for 7 consecutive days, log steps daily, then return the log by mail. Weighted medians and prevalence estimates were calculated. Trends were tested by χ(2) test of independence. RESULTS: An overall median of 10,935 steps/day was taken by Canadian children 5-19years of age (n=43,806) across the eight surveys. Steps/day increased between 2005-06 and 2007-08, then decreased in 2012-14. The prevalence of taking sufficient steps/day (defined as ≥10,000 steps/day for 5year olds, ≥13,000 steps/day for 6-11year-old boys; ≥11,000 steps/day for 6-11year-old girls; and ≥10,000 steps/day for 12-19year olds;) also increased then decreased over time, whereas the prevalence of accumulating <7000 steps/day generally increased over time. Trends were significant for boys, girls and each age group. DISCUSSION: The CANPLAY surveillance system provided comparable data at multiple time points over 9years. An overall shift in the distribution of steps/day towards a less active lifestyle occurred between 2005-06 and 2012-14 for boys, girls and each age group. This provides evidence that the national policy goal to increase children's steps/day by 2015 has not been met.

Elevation of c-MYC disrupts HLA class II-mediated immune recognition of human B cell tumors.

Elevated levels of the transcription factor c-myc are strongly associated with various cancers, and in particular B cell lymphomas. Although many of c-MYC's functions have been elucidated, its effect on the presentation of Ag through the HLA class II pathway has not been reported previously. This is an issue of considerable importance, given the low immunogenicity of many c-MYC-positive tumors. We report in this paper that increased c-MYC expression has a negative effect on the ability of B cell lymphomas to functionally present Ags/peptides to CD4(+) T cells. This defect was associated with alterations in the expression of distinct cofactors as well as interactions of antigenic peptides with class II molecules required for the presentation of class II-peptide complexes and T cell engagement. Using early passage Burkitt's lymphoma (BL) tumors and transformed cells, we show that compared with B lymphoblasts, BL cells express decreased levels of the class II editor HLA-DM, lysosomal thiol-reductase GILT, and a 47-kDa enolase-like protein. Functional Ag presentation was partially restored in BL cells treated with a c-MYC inhibitor, demonstrating the impact of this oncogene on Ag recognition. This restoration of HLA class II-mediated Ag presentation in early passage BL tumors/cells was linked to enhanced HLA-DM expression and a concurrent decrease in HLA-DO in BL cells. Taken together, these results reveal c-MYC exerts suppressive effects at several critical checkpoints in Ag presentation, which contribute to the immunoevasive properties of BL tumors.

Results from Canada's 2014 Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth.

BACKGROUND: The Active Healthy Kids Canada (AHKC) Report Card consolidates and translates research and assesses how Canada is being responsible in providing physical activity opportunities for children (3- to 11-years-old) and youth (12- to 17-years-old). The primary aim of this article is to summarize the results of the 2014 AHKC 10th Anniversary Report Card. METHODS: Ten physical activity indicators were graded using the AHKC Report Card development process, which includes a synthesis of the best available research, surveillance, policy and practice findings, and expert consensus. RESULTS: Grades assigned were for: 'Behaviors that Contribute to Overall Physical Activity Levels' (Overall Physical Activity Levels, D-; Organized Sport Participation, C+; Active Play, INCOMPLETE; Active Transportation, D; Sedentary Behaviors, F), 'Settings and Sources of Influence' (Family and Peers, C; School, C+; and Community and the Built Environment, B+), and 'Strategies and Investments' (Government Strategies and Investments, C; and Non-Government Strategies and Investments, A-). CONCLUSIONS: Despite good availability of policies, programs, and infrastructure, the overall physical activity levels of Canadian children and youth remain low while sedentary behavior levels remain high. As with many nations, there is room for improvement in most physical activity behaviors and some sources of influence.

Are we driving our kids to unhealthy habits? Results of the active healthy kids Canada 2013 report card on physical activity for children and youth.

This article examines the time trends in patterns of school travel mode among Canadian children and youth to inform the Active Transportation (AT) indicator of the 2013 Active Healthy Kids Canada Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth. The AT grade was assigned based on a comprehensive synthesis of the 2000 and 2010 Physical Activity Monitor studies from the Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute and the 1992, 1998, 2005, and 2010 General Social Survey from Statistics Canada. The results showed that in 2013, AT was graded a D, because less than half of Canadian children and youth used only active modes of transportation to get to and from school. The proportion of Canadian children and youth who used only inactive modes of transportation for school travel increased significantly from 51% to 62% over the last decade. Children and youth from larger communities and those with lower household income levels were significantly more likely to use AT than those living in smaller communities and those in higher income households, respectively. In conclusion, motorized transport for school travel has increased steadily over the last decade across Canada. Regional and socio-demographic disparities should be considered in efforts to increase the number of children using AT.

Disruption of HLA class II antigen presentation in Burkitt lymphoma: implication of a 47,000 MW acid labile protein in CD4+ T-cell recognition.

While Burkitt lymphoma (BL) has a well-known defect in HLA class I-mediated antigen presentation, the exact role of BL-associated HLA class II in generating a poor CD4(+) T-cell response remains unresolved. Here, we found that BL cells are deficient in their ability to optimally stimulate CD4(+) T cells via the HLA class II pathway. This defect in CD4(+) T-cell recognition was not associated with low levels of co-stimulatory molecules on BL cells, as addition of external co-stimulation failed to elicit CD4(+) T-cell activation by BL. Further, the defect was not caused by faulty antigen/class II interaction, because antigenic peptides bound with measurable affinity to BL-associated class II molecules. Interestingly, functional class II-peptide complexes were formed at acidic pH 5·5, which restored immune recognition. Acidic buffer (pH 5·5) eluate from BL cells contained molecules that impaired class II-mediated antigen presentation and CD4(+) T-cell recognition. Biochemical analysis showed that these molecules were greater than 30,000 molecular weight in size, and proteinaceous in nature. In addition, BL was found to have decreased expression of a 47,000 molecular weight enolase-like molecule that enhances class II-mediated antigen presentation in B cells, macrophages and dendritic cells, but not in BL cells. These findings demonstrate that BL likely has multiple defects in HLA class II-mediated antigen presentation and immune recognition, which may be exploited for future immunotherapies.

Relationship between parent and child pedometer-determined physical activity: a sub-study of the CANPLAY surveillance study.

BACKGROUND: Understanding parental influences on their children's physical activity (PA) provides insight into developing effective family-based interventions. This study examines whether children's objectively monitored PA is associated with that of their parents. METHODS: Participants (children and parents) were recruited to a sub-study of the Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute's annual Canadian Physical Activity Levels among Youth (CANPLAY) surveillance study. In total, 539 of 1,187 eligible children (age range 5-19 years) and at least one of their parents participated. Participants logged pedometer steps for 7 days. Descriptive statistics were used to examine parental mean daily steps by their children's age, sex and steps/day. Associations between steps/day for parents and children (controlling for their age and sex) were estimated using general linear and logistic regression. RESULTS: Children's mean steps/day did not differ by parents' age or sex, nor by whether one or both parents participated in the study. There were quantifiable relationships between parents' and children's steps/day. For every 1,000 step increase in a father's steps/day, his son's increased by 329-407 steps/day and his daughter's increased by 273 steps/day (adjusted model only). Every 1,000 step increase in a mother's steps/day was associated with 263-439 extra steps/day for her son's steps/day and 195-219 steps/day for her daughter. A 3,000 step increment in a father's or mother's steps/day was associated with 1.9-2.5 fold increase in the odds that their child's activity level would be in the upper two tertiles of steps/day. CONCLUSIONS: These cross-sectional data indicate that children's PA is related to that of their parents in distinct and quantifiable ways. Interventions are warranted to evaluate the direction of this relationship, confirm the magnitude of influence, and illuminate mediating and moderating mechanisms by which both parents may have influence over their own children's PA.

CANPLAY pedometer normative reference data for 21,271 children and 12,956 adolescents.

PURPOSE: The mean expected values of pedometer-determined steps per day for children and adolescents have been derived primarily from isolated studies on small or specific populations. The purpose of this study is to provide sex- and age-specific normative values so that researchers, clinicians/practitioners, other childcare workers, and families can compare children's and adolescents' pedometer-determined data to that of their peers. METHODS: Data were collected between 2005 and 2011 on 21,271 children 5-12 yr and 12,956 adolescents 13-19 yr. Participants were recruited by telephone, logged their pedometer-determined steps per day for 7 d, and mailed back their logs. Normative data were provided in three formats: 1) mean steps per day by single-year age by sex; 2) increments of 5 percentile values for each single-year age by sex, smoothed within and across years; and 3) quintiles (in ascending order: lowest, lower than average, average, higher than average, and highest) for four combined age groups (5-7, 8-10, 11-14, and 15-19 yr) stratified by sex. RESULTS: Mean steps per day increased from 11,602 steps per day among 5-yr-olds to a sample peak mean value of 12,348 steps per day among 10-yr-olds, and then declined to 9778-10,073 among 15- to 19-yr-olds. Although not significantly different among 19-yr-olds, mean steps per day were higher among boys than girls at every age. CONCLUSIONS: CANPLAY data represent the largest and most comprehensive set of sex- and age-specific normative reference data for children's and adolescents' pedometer-determined physical activity to date. A clear assemblage of such values is fundamental for surveillance, screening, comparison purposes, planning strategies, prioritizing efforts and distributing resources, evaluating intervention effects, and tracking change.

Father participation with mothers in the Signposts program: an initial investigation.

BACKGROUND: The Signposts program is an evidence-based intervention system for parents of children with intellectual disability and problem behaviours. This study provided an initial investigation of the outcomes for mothers associated with father participation in Signposts, using data collected from the Signposts Statewide project, conducted in Victoria, Australia. METHOD: Data from Signposts Statewide were analysed, with the effect size Cohen's d and 95% confidence interval around d calculated for pre- to post-program changes for 134 mothers who participated in Signposts with fathers and 483 mothers who participated without fathers. RESULTS: Although mothers in both groups benefitted from the program, as evidenced by pre- to post-program improvements across all measures, the mean effect size was notably larger for mothers who participated in Signposts with fathers. CONCLUSIONS: These results highlight possible further program benefits for mothers who participate in Signposts with fathers, and are of particular significance in light of research describing the increased stress experienced by mothers of children with a disability.

Canadian children's and youth's pedometer-determined steps/day, parent-reported TV watching time, and overweight/obesity: the CANPLAY Surveillance Study.

BACKGROUND: This study examines associations between pedometer-determined steps/day and parent-reported child's Body Mass Index (BMI) and time typically spent watching television between school and dinner. METHODS: Young people (aged 5-19 years) were recruited through their parents by random digit dialling and mailed a data collection package. Information on height and weight and time spent watching television between school and dinner on a typical school day was collected from parents. In total, 5949 boys and 5709 girls reported daily steps. BMI was categorized as overweight or obese using Cole's cut points. Participants wore pedometers for 7 days and logged daily steps. The odds of being overweight and obese by steps/day and parent-reported time spent television watching were estimated using logistic regression for complex samples. RESULTS: Girls had a lower median steps/day (10682 versus 11059 for boys) and also a narrower variation in steps/day (interquartile range, 4410 versus 5309 for boys). 11% of children aged 5-19 years were classified as obese; 17% of boys and girls were overweight. Both boys and girls watched, on average, < 40 minutes of television between school and dinner on school days. Adjusting for child's age and sex and parental education, the odds of a child being obese decreased by 20% for every extra 3000 steps/day and increased by 21% for every 30 minutes of television watching. There was no association of being overweight with steps/day, however the odds of being overweight increased by 8% for every 30 minutes of additional time spent watching television between school and dinner on a typical school day. DISCUSSION: Television viewing is the more prominent factor in terms of predicting overweight, and it contributes to obesity, but steps/day attenuates the association between television viewing and obesity, and therefore can be considered protective against obesity. In addition to replacing opportunities for active alternative behaviours, exposure to television might also impact body weight by promoting excess energy intake. CONCLUSIONS: In this large nationally representative sample, pedometer-determined steps/day was associated with reduced odds of being obese (but not overweight) whereas each parent-reported hour spent watching television between school and dinner increased the odds of both overweight and obesity.