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Psychological need satisfaction, from a self-determination theory (SDT) perspective, has been applied extensively to understand predictors of exercise behaviour. Dweck proposed a psychological needs framework that includes basic needs (optimal predictability, competence, acceptance), compound needs derived from combinations of basic needs (self-esteem/status, trust, control), and a superordinate compound need for self-coherence that includes identity and meaning. The purpose was to examine whether psychological needs operationalized within Dweck's model account for variance in exercise behaviour in ways that the SDT model does not. A community sample of 403 adults completed measures of demographics, psychological needs, and exercise motivation at Time 1, and self-reported moderate-to-vigorous minutes of exercise at both Times 1 and 2 four weeks later. Two structural equation models operationalizing Dweck's needs framework and SDT (basic needs and motivation) were examined in relation to exercise behaviour. In both models, exercise identity and integrated regulation (conceptually similar) were the most salient correlates of prospectively measured exercise behaviour, and both accounted for the relationship between competence and exercise behaviour. The results support the importance of identity in the context of exercise behaviour. Future research should investigate factors associated with adopting and maintaining an exercise identity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Children's independent mobility (CIM) represents their freedom to travel in their neighborhood without adult supervision. Secular declines in CIM coincided with a major increase in mental health problems among children. We investigated relationships between two indicators of CIM and parent-perceived child distress in a national longitudinal study involving 2,291 Canadian parents of 7- to 12-year-olds at baseline (December 2020) with up to four follow-ups, every six months. We assessed mobility licenses (i.e. children's permission to do certain activities on their own) with 6 items, and home range (i.e. how far [in minutes] children can roam with friends and/or siblings) with a 4-point item. We used generalized estimating equations controlling for children's age and gender, household income, study wave, school attendance, and COVID-19 isolation in the week preceding the survey. At each successive time point, 51.8%, 44.0%, 43.2% and 42.4% of children experienced clinically elevated distress. Compared to children allowed to roam for 15 minutes (OR = 0.61; 95% CI: 0.51-0.72) had lower odds of elevated distress. However, CIM licenses were not associated with distress. Our findings underscore the need to support extending children's home range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early childhood is a key time for the development of physical activity behaviors and physical literacy. A growing proportion of children spend a significant portion of their daytime in early childhood education and care settings where an early childhood educator cares for them. This systematic review (PROSPERO CRD42018087249) aimed to identify the differences between effective and noneffective educator-led interventions with a goal to improve physical literacy and/or physical activity in children aged 3–5 years in early childhood education and care settings. Interventions were included if they aimed to improve at least 1 physical literacy component or physical activity time in children aged 2–6 years through educator training. MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, ERIC, Australian Education Index, and Sport Discus were searched in March 2018 and April 2021. Risk of bias was assessed through a modified Cochrane assessment tool. Data from 51 studies were analyzed in 2021 and 2022 and summarized narratively. Thirty-seven interventions aimed to promote physical activity, and 28 sought to promote physical literacy; 54% and 63% of these were effective, respectively. Interventions that were underpinned by theory, included ongoing support, or measured intervention fidelity were more effective, especially when all 3 were done. This review was limited by a high risk of bias and inconsistency in reporting results across interventions. Reporting physical activity by minutes per hour and reporting both sub and total scores in physical literacy assessments will allow for greater cross-comparison between trials. Future training of educators should be underpinned by theory and incorporate ongoing support and objective fidelity checks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Emerging adulthood is a stressful time fraught with new challenges while attending higher education. Identifying protective factors to help reduce the psychological burden that many will experience during this period is therefore important. This study aimed to identify whether emerging adults attending post-secondary education can be classified into distinct profiles based on their 24-h movement behaviors, evaluate correlates of profile membership, and examine relationships between profile membership and indicators of mental health.Methods: This cross-sectional study used data from Cycle 1 of the Canadian Campus Wellbeing Survey. Emerging adults (N = 15,080; 67.6 % female; mean age = 20.78 ± 2.00) from 20 post-secondary institutions in Canada self-reported their movement behaviors - moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), recreational screen time (ST) and sleep - and completed measures of psychological distress and mental wellbeing. Latent profile analysis was employed.Results: Five profiles were identified: low ST with very high (12.6 %), high (24.4 %) and low MVPA (51.2 %) as well as high ST with high (2.3 %) and low MVPA (9.4 %). Profiles had similar sleep patterns and were thus characterized by differences in MVPA and ST. Several socio-demographic variables were associated with profile membership. Profiles characterized by healthier combinations of MVPA, ST and sleep generally reported more favorable scores for indicators of mental health.Limitations: Cross-sectional data limits causal inference, whereas self-reports may be biased.Conclusions: Campus-based interventions should focus on getting students to engage in a healthy balance of physical activity and recreational screen use as it has the potential to reduce the mental health burden on emerging adults attending post-secondary education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: This study aimed to describe the prevalence and socio-demographic and lifestyle-related correlates of muscle-strengthening activity (MSA; strength/resistance training, sit-ups/push-ups, etc.) among a large sample of European adolescents. Methods: Data were drawn from the European Health Interview Survey Wave 2 (2013–2014), including 8818 adolescents (15–17 years) from 28 European countries. Self-reported MSA was assessed using a previously validated survey item. Population-weighted prevalence ratios were calculated for (a) 'none' (0 days/week), (b) 'insufficient MSA' (1–2 days/week) or (c) 'sufficient MSA' (⩾3 days/week). Generalised linear models using Poisson regression with robust error variance were used to calculate the prevalence ratios for adolescents reporting sufficient MSA by socio-demographic/lifestyle characteristics and by European region. Results: Overall, 19.4% (95% confidence interval (CI) 18.3–20.7) reported sufficient (⩾3 days/week) MSA and 57.9% (95% CI 56.4–59.6) reported none. Females, adolescents from Southern and Eastern European regions, those not meeting the aerobic guideline and adolescents classified as overweight were significantly associated with a lower likelihood of reporting sufficient MSA, independent of other characteristics. Conclusions: The majority of European adolescents do not meet the MSA guidelines. Future large-scale MSA public-health interventions should target female and currently inactive adolescents, as well as those from Southern and Eastern European regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractObjective: To examine trends in self-reported psychological distress among Canadian postsecondary students between 2020 and 2023. Participants and Methods: Using data collected from postsecondary students (n = 103,936) through the Canadian Campus Wellbeing Survey (CCWS), multilevel regression models were fitted to determine how distress levels, as measured by the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, differed across six-time points of the CCWS. Results: Across the cycles, students reported high levels of distress (mean across cycles = 26.16, SD = 8.61). Considering the impact of time on distress, when compared to pre-COVID-19 pandemic, Fall 2020 (β = 1.4, p < .001), Spring 2021 (β = 1.2, p < .001), Spring 2022 (β = 1.6, p < .001), and Spring 2023 (β = 0.80, p < .017) had significantly higher levels of distress. Distress levels were associated with ancestry, age, gender, and sexual orientation. Conclusion: It is imperative to develop strategies and allocate resources to address the high levels of psychological distress among Canadian postsecondary students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Healthy childhood development is fostered through sufficient physical activity (PA; including time outdoors), limiting sedentary behaviours (SB), and adequate sleep; collectively known as movement behaviours. Though the COVID-19 virus outbreak has changed the daily lives of children and youth, it is unknown to what extent related restrictions may compromise the ability to play and meet movement behaviour recommendations. This secondary data analysis examined the immediate impacts of COVID-19 restrictions on movement and play behaviours in children and youth. Methods: A national sample of Canadian parents (n = 1472) of children (5–11 years) or youth (12–17 years) (54% girls) completed an online survey that assessed immediate changes in child movement and play behaviours during the COVID-19 outbreak. Behaviours included PA and play, SB, and sleep. Family demographics and parental factors that may influence movement behaviours were assessed. Correlations between behaviours and demographic and parental factors were determined. For open-ended questions, word frequency distributions were reported. Results: Only 4.8% (2.8% girls, 6.5% boys) of children and 0.6% (0.8% girls, 0.5% boys) of youth were meeting combined movement behaviour guidelines during COVID-19 restrictions. Children and youth had lower PA levels, less outside time, higher SB (including leisure screen time), and more sleep during the outbreak. Parental encouragement and support, parental engagement in PA, and family dog ownership were positively associated with healthy movement behaviours. Although families spent less time in PA and more time in SB, several parents reported adopting new hobbies or accessing new resources. Conclusions: This study provides evidence of immediate collateral consequences of the COVID-19 outbreak, demonstrating an adverse impact on the movement and play behaviours of Canadian children and youth. These findings can guide efforts to preserve and promote child health during the COVID-19 outbreak and crisis recovery period, and to inform strategies to mitigate potential harm during future pandemics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although physical activity may reduce lung function decline in youth with cystic fibrosis (CF), most patients are inactive. Little is known about why youth with CF are inactive or how to facilitate physical activity. This study explored perceptions toward physical activity in 14 youth with CF at a Canadian Hospital. Qualitative interviews were conducted and a grounded theory analysis was undertaken. The participants demonstrated positive or negative perceptions toward physical activity and different experiences-such as parental support and illness narratives- influenced youths' perceptions. In addition, the participants experienced physical activity within the context of reduced time. Recommendations for developing physical activity interventions, including the particular need to ensure that such interventions are not perceived as wasteful of time, are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although physical activity may reduce lung function decline in youth with cystic fibrosis (CF), most patients are inactive. Little is known about why youth with CF are inactive or how to facilitate physical activity. This study explored perceptions toward physical activity in 14 youth with CF at a Canadian Hospital. Qualitative interviews were conducted and a grounded theory analysis was undertaken. The participants demonstrated positive or negative perceptions toward physical activity and different experiences-such as parental support and illness narratives- influenced youths' perceptions. In addition, the participants experienced physical activity within the context of reduced time. Recommendations for developing physical activity interventions, including the particular need to ensure that such interventions are not perceived as wasteful of time, are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored perceptions toward physical activity and sport in the lives of youth with congenital heart disease. Thirteen cardiac participants were interviewed in the presence of their parents, and a process of inductive analysis was conducted. Sport was not considered a valued pursuit despite the belief that it is essential for the attainment of good health. Low-self efficacy and fatigue were influenced by covert fears and exclusion and further decreased the value ascribed to sport and physical activity. Nontraditional activities, support from others, and perceptions of mastery played a crucial role in enabling participation and facilitated the journey toward recovery. Findings are discussed within the context of self-efficacy theory and may inform the design of safe and enjoyable physical activity opportunities for this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: We examined whether subgroups of adolescents experienced disparate changes in school connectedness—a robust predictor of multiple health outcomes—from before the COVID‐19 pandemic to the first full school year following pandemic onset. METHODS: We used 2 waves of prospective survey data from 7178 students attending 41 Canadian secondary schools that participated during the 2019‐2020 (T1; pre‐COVID‐19 onset) and 2020‐2021 (T2; ongoing pandemic) school years. Fixed effects analyses tested differences in school connectedness changes by gender, race, bullying victimization, socioeconomic position, and school learning mode. RESULTS: Relatively greater declines in school connectedness were reported by students that identified as females, were bullied, perceived their family to be less financially comfortable than their classmates, and attended schools in lower income areas. Marginally greater school connectedness declines resulted among students attending schools that were fully online at T2 than those at schools using a blended model. CONCLUSION: Results point to disparate school connectedness declines during the pandemic, which may exacerbate pre‐existing health inequities by gender and socioeconomic position, and among bullied youth. IMPLICATIONS FOR SCHOOL HEALTH POLICY, PRACTICE, AND EQUITY: Effective strategies to improve school climates for equity denied groups are critical for pandemic recovery and preparedness for future related events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research continues to support the consideration of exercise as an adjunctive treatment for depression. Adopting a qualitative approach, the aim of this study was to extend our understanding of the motives and barriers to exercise faced by this clinical population, and to explore the role of physical activity in promoting psychological well-being, in a way that encompasses the variability and contextuality of the lives of individuals. Marking a departure from standard content analyses reported in the literature, instrumental case studies are developed that offer a different format for representing qualitative data. Given its longitudinal nature, this study demonstrates the fundamental importance of considering the wider context of participants' lives in order to understand the relationship between physical activity and psychological well-being. This association is likely to be complex and highly idiosyncratic. Such an understanding may inform a more critical insight into the potential of exercise as an antidepressant in terms of process and effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the use of exercise as an adjunct therapy for schizophrenia. Influence of exercise on the lives of participants and their mental health; Mechanisms of change; Effects on participants' perceptions of auditory hallucinations, self-esteem, sleep patterns and general behavior.

Purpose: To understand the awareness of sedentary behavior, as well as the perceived facilitators and barriers to reducing sedentary behaviors from the perspectives of patients undertaking an exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation program, and from staff involved in supporting patient self-management. Materials and methods: A qualitative study was conducted at a large cardiac rehabilitation program in a metropolitan city in Canada. Guided by an ecological framework, semi-structured interviews were conducted individually with 15 patients, and in two focus groups with six staff. Transcribed interviews were analyzed by thematic analysis. Results: Patients placed little importance on reducing sedentary behavior as they were unconvinced of the health benefits, did not perceive themselves to be sedentary, or associated such behaviors with enjoyment and relaxation. While staff were aware of the risks, they saw them as less critical than other health behaviors. Intrapersonal factors (physical and psychosocial health) and environment factors (the information environment, socio-cultural factors) within leisure time, the home, and work, influenced sedentary behavior. Conclusions: While these findings require further testing, future interventions may be effective if aimed at increasing awareness of the health benefits of reducing sedentary behavior, utilizing existing behavior change strategies, and using a participatory approach to tailor strategies to patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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 & 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: ParticipACTION is a Canadian physical activity communications and social marketing organization relaunched in 2007. The purpose of this study was to qualitatively investigate organizational capacity for physical activity promotion among Canadian organizations, and the influence of ParticipACTION on capacity five years after relaunch. Methods: Using a purposive sampling strategy, semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with 44 key informants representing national, provincial, and local organizations with a mandate to promote physical activity. Interview data were analyzed using a thematic analytic approach. Results: Organizational capacity in terms of partnerships and collaborations, and the general climate for physical activity promotion have improved since ParticipACTION's relaunch. Although financial resources reduced the ability of organizations to fulfil their mandates, internal factors such as skilled employees and sponsorships, and external factors such as technological improvements in communication and information sharing helped to offset this strain. There were mixed feelings on ParticipACTION's contribution to capacity. While ParticipACTION has brought more attention to inactivity, this was perceived as a complement to work already taking place. While some organizations perceived ParticipACTION's relaunch as competition to funding and access to popular media, others found it as an opportunity to co-brand social marketing campaigns, utilizing ParticipACTION's products and reputation. Conclusion: According to participants, organizational capacity to promote physical activity in Canada has increased since 2007 in subtle but important ways because of a strong climate for physical activity promotion, skilled employees, and information sharing technology. Organizational capacity changes were minimally attributed to ParticipACTION. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: ParticipACTION is a Canadian physical activity communications and social marketing organization relaunched in 2007. This study assesses the capacity of Canadian organizations to adopt, implement, and promote physical activity initiatives. The four objectives were to compare findings from baseline (2008) and follow-up (2013) with respect to: (1) awareness of ParticipACTION; (2) organizational capacity to adopt, implement and promote physical activity initiatives; (3) potential differences in capacity based on organizational size, sector, and mandate; and (4) assess perceptions of ParticipACTION five years after relaunch. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, representatives from local, provincial/territorial, and national organizations completed an online survey assessing capacity to adopt, implement, and promote physical activity. Descriptive statistics and one-way analyses of variance were conducted to examine the objectives. Results: Response rate for opening an email survey invitation and consenting to participate was 40.6% (685/1688) and 540 surveys were completed. Awareness of ParticipACTION increased from 54.6% at baseline to 93.9% at follow-up (Objective 1). Findings at both baseline and follow-up reflected good organizational capacity to adopt, implement and promote physical activity (Objective 2) although some varied by organizational sector and mandate (Objective 3). Most respondents reported that ParticipACTION provided positive leadership (65.3%), but there was less agreement regarding ParticipACTION's facilitation of infrastructure (44.0%) or organizational will/motivation (47.1%)(Objective 4). Conclusion: Canadian organizations continue to report having good capacity to adopt, implement, and promote physical activity. There was no discernible change in capacity indicators five years after ParticipACTION's relaunch although its broader contribution to the physical activity sector was endorsed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ParticipACTION is the Canadian physical activity communications and social marketing organization first launched in the fall of 1971 and then ceased operations in 2001. ParticipACTION was relaunched in 2007. Framed as a public health natural experiment, evidence was collected from a population-based survey of knowledge, awareness, understanding of physical activity, and physical activity levels among Canadians (individual level), and key informant surveys and interviews examining capacity, readiness and advocacy for physical activity promotion among physical activity organizations (organizational level). The purpose of this paper is to first provide an overview of some of the major initiatives undertaken by the 'new' ParticipACTION that may have contributed to any changes at these individual or organizational levels. Second, the paper sets the stage for the three empirical papers in this special series reporting follow-up results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Engaging stakeholders in the development of guidelines and plans for implementation is vital. The purpose of this study was to examine stakeholders' (parents, teachers, exercise professionals, paediatricians, and youth) perceptions of the Canadian 24-Hour Movement Behaviour Guidelines for Children and Youth ("Movement Guidelines"). Stakeholders (n = 104) engaged in semi-structured focus groups or interviews to discuss the perceived acceptability of the guidelines, potential barriers to implementation, and preferred methods and messengers of dissemination. A thematic analysis was conducted. Overall, there was consistent support across all stakeholder groups, with the exception of youth participants, for the Movement Guidelines. Stakeholders identified a range of barriers to the uptake of the guidelines including concerns with accurately defining key terms such as "recreational" screen time; everyday challenges such as financial and time constraints; and the possibility of the Movement Guidelines becoming just another source of stress and guilt for already busy and overwhelmed parents. Participants identified a range of recommended methods and messengers for future dissemination. School and medical settings were the most commonly recommended settings through which dissemination efforts should be delivered. Overall, participants representing a range of stakeholder groups were receptive to the new Movement Guidelines and endorsed their value. In complementing the Movement Guidelines, messaging and resources will need to be developed that address common concerns participants had regarding their dissemination and implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In addition to offering many physical health benefits, exercise may help improve mental health among individuals with schizophrenia through regulating affect. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to characterize affective responses experienced before, during and after a 10-min bout of exercise versus passive sitting among individuals with schizophrenia. A randomized crossover design compared affect related to feelings of pleasure and arousal at baseline, 6-min into the task, immediately post-task, and 10 min post-task to sitting. Thirty participants enroled in the study; 28 participants completed the study. Separate mixed model analyses of variance were conducted for pleasure and arousal, with test order as the between-subject factor, and time and task as within-subject factors. For pleasure, a significant main effect for time and a time x task interaction effect emerged. Post-hoc Bonferroni corrected t -tests ( α =.0125) revealed significant differences between pleasure at baseline and both immediately post-task and 10 min post-task. No other main effects or interactions emerged. Individuals with schizophrenia derive acute feelings of pleasure from exercise. Thus, exercise may provide a method of regulating affect to improve mental health. Future studies should examine the links between affective responses to health behaviours such as long-term adherence to exercise within this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: Physical activity (PA) counselling in primary care increases PA but is not consistently practiced. This study examined factors that optimise the delivery and impact of PA counselling. METHODS: A realist systematic review based on the PRECEDE-PROCEED model and RAMESES principles was conducted to identify essential components of PA counselling. MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, and Physical Education Index were searched from 2000 to 2013 for studies that evaluated family practice PA counselling. RESULTS: Of 1546 articles identified, 10 were eligible for review (3 systematic reviews, 5 randomised controlled trials, 2 observational studies). Counselling provided by clinicians or counsellors alone that explored motivation increased self-reported PA at least 12 months following intervention. Multiple sessions may sustain increased PA beyond 12 months. CONCLUSION: Given the paucity of eligible studies and limited detail reported about interventions, further research is needed to establish the optimal design and delivery of PA counselling. Research and planning should consider predisposing, reinforcing and enabling design features identified in these studies. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Since research shows that PA counselling promotes PA but is not widely practiced, primary care providers will require training and tools to operationalize PA counselling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Excessive video gaming may represent a behavioural addiction among adolescents. The objective of this study was to identify and describe the taxonomy of problem gamers based on responses to the Problem Video Game Playing (PVP) scale. Methods Data based on 3338 Ontario high schoolers sampled from 103 schools (aged 11-20; male = 51 %) who completed self-administered questionnaires. Following latent class extraction, a regression assessed the association between the derived classes and the covariates sex and socioeconomic status. We also assessed self-rated physical and mental health as auxiliary variables in the model to evaluate the predictive validity of the extracted classes. Results A 4-class model provided the best statistical fit to the nine PVP symptoms. The Severe PVP, High PVP, Low PVP and Normative classes comprised 1.9 %, 12.2 %, 36.0 % and 50.0 % of the sample, respectively. The Severe PVP class was characterized by having the highest probabilities of endorsing the PVP items. The High PVP class was differentiated from the Severe PVP class by having lower probabilities of endorsing the disregard for consequences and the lies and deception items and moderate probabilities of endorsing withdrawal and escape items. Significantly poorer physical and mental health outcomes differentiated the Severe PVP class from the remaining classes. Conclusions Adolescent problem video gamers are not homogeneous. They experience differing patterns of symptoms requiring attention of prevention programmers and clinicians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Microgrants are a mechanism for providing funding to community organizations or groups to support health initiatives. Little research to date has examined the use of microgrants in promoting physical activity (PA), and no studies have explored how microgrants may support PA promotion among adolescents. The purpose of this study was to explore the role of microgrants in enhancing PA opportunities for Canadian adolescents. Methods Employing a case study approach, nine community organizations from across Canada were selected as cases providing sports and physical activities with the support of microgrant funding. Researchers visited each organization and conducted semi-structured interviews with 40 program participants (12-25 years old, M=16.3, SD=2.6) and 17 adult organizers/instructors (23-57 years old, M=37.4, SD=10.0). Interview transcripts were inductively and deductively coded to identify concepts and create a hierarchy of themes. Results Analysis produced themes regarding participants' perceptions of the Funding, Running Programs and Events, the Impact of Program (for the Organization, Teen Participants, and the Community). Opportunities for PA programming would not have been possible without the microgrant funding. Microgrant funding was valuable in promoting PA for adolescents, and they afforded opportunities for adolescents to engage in new and/or nontraditional activities. In addition to promoting PA, the microgrants had benefits for participants and the community organizations including improved organizational capacity. Conclusions Microgrants appear to be an effective mechanism for enhancing community capacity to provide PA opportunities for Canadian adolescents by helping to reduce financial barriers and empowering adolescents to take an active role in identifying and hosting new and creative PA events within their communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Children’s independent mobility (CIM), or a child’s freedom to explore their neighbourhood unsupervised, is important for their psychological development and potentially enables daily physical activity. However, the correlates of CIM remain under-studied particularly in terms of the influence of the neighbourhood environment. Within this context, children’s independent mobility in Toronto, Canada, was examined using linear regression and ordered logit models. Findings demonstrate that a higher level of CIM was correlated with more physical activity. Parental perceptions related to neighbourhood safety, stranger danger and sociability were associated with CIM. A child’s independent mobility was also correlated with age, sex, language spoken at home and parental travel attitudes. Interventions to increase CIM should focus on enhancing the neighbourhood social environment. Increasing the independent mobility of girls and of children with diverse ethno-cultural backgrounds are also worthy of particular research and policy attention. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

With an increasing number of children attending regular early childhood education and care (ECEC), this setting presents an opportunity to develop physical activity habits and movement skills of children. These behaviours play an important role in the development and well-being of children. In 2017, an Active Play Standard was introduced in British Columbia, Canada, to mandate practices related to physical activity, screen time and movement skill development in licensed ECEC. A capacity-building initiative including training and online resources was released alongside these guidelines to support implementation. The purpose of this study was to qualitatively examine the barriers and facilitators ECEC practitioners faced in implementing the standard, and to explore the role of the capacity-building initiative. Data were collected via semi-structured telephone interviews with educators (n = 23). Data were coded using thematic analysis and sorted into three major themes influencing provision of physical activity opportunities: attributes and impact of the Active Play standard and capacity-building workshop, characteristics of providers and characteristics of ECEC settings. Future studies should consider targeting factors including organizational culture and climate, and provider capacity to provide physical activity and fundamental movement skill programming, and support for facility level policies and collaborative planning processes that create a positive physical activity culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine the amount of time children play outdoors and examine associations with weekday, weekend and after-school physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior (SB), and weight-status (normal-weight, overweight/obese). Methods Data were extracted from Project BEAT (Toronto, 2010-2011; www.beat.utoronto.ca). Children's (n=856; mean age=11±0.6years) PA and SB were measured using accelerometry. Outdoor play (OP) was assessed via parental report and collapsed into three categories (< 1h/day, 1-2h/day, > 2h/day) and differences in anthropometric and PA characteristics were assessed. Results 55.1%, 37.2%, and 7.7% of children played outdoors for < 1h/day, 1-2h/day and > 2h/day, respectively, on weekdays. OP was higher on weekends and in boys. OP was associated with SB, light PA and MVPA at all time-points, whereby children attaining < 1h/day had lower activity profiles. Boys playing outdoors for < 1h/day were more likely to be overweight/obese and had lower PA levels than normal weight boys. However, overweight/obese boys who spent > 2h/day playing outdoors had PA profiles similar to normal weight counterparts. Conclusion Encouraging children to spend more time outdoors may be an effective strategy for increasing PA, reducing SB, and preventing excess weight gain (particularly boys' play). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Active transportation (AT; e.g., walking and cycling) is increasingly promoted to increase youth physical activity (PA). Most previous research focused solely on school trips, and associations among AT and cardiovascular risk factors have seldom been examined in adolescents. Purpose: To address these important research gaps using data from the nationally representative 2007–2009 Canadian Health Measures Survey. Methods: A total of 1,016 adolescents aged 12–19 years reported their weekly time spent utilitarian walking and cycling, and wore an Actical accelerometer for 7 days. They underwent a series of physical tests (measures of fitness, body composition, blood pressure, and blood sampling) following standardized protocols. In 2013, differences in PA and health-related outcomes across levels of walking and cycling were assessed with ANCOVA analyses adjusted for age, gender, parental education, and usual daily PA. Results: Greater walking and cycling time was associated with higher moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA). Compared to adolescents reporting walking 1–5 hours/week, those reporting <1 hour/week had lower waist circumference and total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein (HDL) ratio and higher glycohemoglobin; those reporting >5 hours/week had better grip strength, lower total cholesterol, and total cholesterol/HDL ratio. Compared to adolescents reporting no cycling, those reporting ≥1 hour/week accumulated more light PA, had greater aerobic fitness, and lower BMI, waist circumference, and total cholesterol/HDL ratio; those who reported cycling <1 hour/week had lower total cholesterol. Conclusions: Utilitarian walking and cycling were associated with higher daily MVPA in youth. Cycling was associated with a more consistent pattern of health benefits than walking. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background Children's independent mobility (CIM) is critical to healthy development in childhood. The physical layout and social characteristics of neighbourhoods can impact opportunities for CIM. While global evidence is mounting on CIM, to the authors' knowledge, Canadian data on CIM and related health outcomes (i.e., physical activity (PA) behaviour) are missing. To examine if CIM is related to multiple characteristics of accelerometry-measured PA behaviour (total PA, light PA, moderate-to-vigorous PA, time spent sedentary) and whether associations between CIM and PA behaviour systematically vary by place of residence, stratifying by gender and type of day/period (weekdays, after-school, weekend). Methods Participants were recruited through Project BEAT (Built Environment and Active Transport; www.beat.utoronto.ca). Children (n = 856) were stratified into four neighbourhood classifications based on the period of neighbourhood development (urban built environment (BE) (old BE) versus inner-suburban BE (new BE)) and socioeconomic status (SES; low SES and high SES). Physical activity was measured via accelerometry (ActiGraph GT1M). CIM was assessed via parental report and two categories were created (low CIM, n = 332; high CIM, n = 524). A series of two-factor ANOVAs were used to determine gender-specific differences in PA for weekdays, weekend days and the after-school period, according to level of CIM, across four neighbourhood classifications. Results Children who were granted at least some independent mobility (high CIM) had more positive PA profiles across the school week, during the after-school period, and over the weekend; they were also less sedentary. The influence of CIM on PA behaviour was particularly salient during the after-school period. Associations of CIM with PA varied by gender, and also by neighbourhood classification. CIM seemed to matter more in urban neighbourhoods for boys and suburban neighbourhoods for girls. Conclusion Our findings highlight the importance of independent mobility to multiple characteristics of children's PA behaviour across the week. Furthermore, they emphasize that independent mobility-activity relationships need to be considered by gender and the type of neighbourhood independent mobility is offered in. Future work will focus on developing a predictive model of CIM that could be used to inform decision-making around alleviating barriers to CIM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Storytelling is perennial, and central to the human condition. Although illness may shatter identity and one’s role and place in the broader social world, narrative may aid in the process of self-reparation. Despite the merits of the narrative approach, it has been underutilized with children who are living with cystic fibrosis (CF). The role that illness narratives may play in influencing CF youths’ physical activity also remains poorly investigated. This article drew on the qualitative case study methodological tradition to narrate the stories of two children living with CF at a children’s hospital in Canada. The findings beg researchers to consider (a) how children with life-limiting diseases borrow multiple illness narrative types, (b) the role of development in influencing the kinds of stories that children can tell, and (c) the impact of illness narratives on physical activity. By rendering the tales of two CF youth in this study, we respond to Aurthur Frank’s call; taking a multiple narrative turn, we listen to stories of a different kind of suffering. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Context: Given its high prevalence and impact on quality of life, more research is needed in identifying factors that may prevent depression. This review examined whether physical activity (PA) is protective against the onset of depression. Evidence acquisition: A comprehensive search was conducted up until December 2012 in the following databases: MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, PsycINFO, SPORTDiscus, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Data were analyzed between July 2012 and February 2013. Articles were chosen for the review if the study used a prospective-based, longitudinal design and examined relationships between PA and depression over at least two time intervals. A formal quality assessment for each study also was conducted independently by the two reviewers. Evidence synthesis: The initial search yielded a total of 6363 citations. After a thorough selection process, 30 studies were included for analyses. Among these, 25 studies demonstrated that baseline PA was negatively associated with a risk of subsequent depression. The majority of these studies were of high methodologic quality, providing consistent evidence that PA may prevent future depression. There is promising evidence that any level of PA, including low levels (e.g., walking <150 minutes/weeks), can prevent future depression. Conclusions: From a population health perspective, promoting PA may serve as a valuable mental health promotion strategy in reducing the risk of developing depression. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: It is important to understand health-risk behaviours among young adults, as modifications in this can enhance and lessen the risk of chronic illness later in life. The purpose of the current study was to determine the prevalence of a broad range of health-risk behaviours among post-secondary students from across Canada, and to determine whether institutional variability exists in the prevalence of these behaviours. Methods: Data were collected from 8,182 undergraduate students enrolled in one of eight Canadian postsecondary institutions during the fall or spring of 2009, using the National College Health Assessment (NCHA). The NCHA consists of 60 questions, assessing student health status and engagement in various health behaviours. Results: Findings show relatively low prevalence in smoking (13.1%) marijuana (17.5%) or other illicit drug use (3.5%), and risky sexual behaviour (12%). Binge drinking, however, was much higher, with nearly 60% of students consuming more than 5 alcoholic drinks in a single occasion during the past 15 days. Similarly, prevalence rates for physical inactivity (72.2%), inadequate sleep (75.6%) and low fruit and vegetable intake (88.0%) were all high among the student population. Results also found that students in smaller institutions exhibited higher rates of inactivity, binge drinking, and marijuana and illicit drug use compared to institutions having a larger student body. Conclusion: Overall, findings point to the need for more concentrated health promotion campaigns, specifically targeting sleep, fruit and vegetables intake, and greater participation in physical activity. Given evidence of some institutional variability, future efforts are warranted in exploring how best to increase institutional commitment for collecting surveillance data on Canadian post-secondary students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study assessed the workday step counts of lower active (<10,000 daily steps) university employees using an automated, web-based walking intervention (Walk@Work). Methods: Academic and administrative staff (n=390; 45.6±10.8 years; BMI 27.2±5.5kg/m2; 290 women) at five campuses (Australia [x2], Canada, Northern Ireland and the United States), were given a pedometer, access to the website program (2010–11) and tasked with increasing workday walking by 1000 daily steps above baseline, every two weeks, over a six week period. Step count changes at four weeks post intervention were evaluated relative to campus and baseline walking. Results: Across the sample, step counts significantly increased from baseline to post-intervention (1477 daily steps; p=0.001). Variations in increases were evident between campuses (largest difference of 870 daily steps; p=0.04) and for baseline activity status. Those least active at baseline (<5000 daily steps; n=125) increased step counts the most (1837 daily steps; p=0.001), whereas those most active (7500–9999 daily steps; n=79) increased the least (929 daily steps; p=0.001). Conclusions: Walk@Work increased workday walking by 25% in this sample overall. Increases occurred through an automated program, at campuses in different countries, and were most evident for those most in need of intervention. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background Walking to school is associated with higher levels of physical activity. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between school travel mode and physical activity using a sampling frame that purposefully locates schools in varying neighbourhoods. Methods Cross-sectional survey of 785 children (10.57 ± 0.7 years) in Toronto, Canada. Physical activity was measured by accelerometry and travel mode was self-reported by parents. Linear regression models accounting for school clustering effects examined the associations between mode choice, BMI, and physical activity and were estimated adjusting for age, types of neighbourhoods and travel distance to school. Results Significant associations between walking to school and moderate activity during weekdays were found. Interactions between walking to school and travel distance to school were found only in boys with significant associations between walking to school and higher physical activity levels in those living within 1000-1600 meters from school. Boys walking to school and living in this range accumulated 7.6 more minutes of daily MVPA than boys who were driven. Conclusions Walking to school can make a modest but significant contribution to overall physical activity. This contribution was modified by travel distance and not school neighbourhood socioeconomic status or the built environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To examine the prevalence and correlates of psychological distress in a school-based sample of Canadian adolescents. Method: Self-reported data of demographics, weight status, physical activity, screen-time, diet, substance use, and psychological distress were derived from a representative sample of 2935 students in grades 9 to 12 (Mage = 15.9 years) from the 2009 Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey. Results: Overall prevalence of psychological distress was 35.1%. Significant associations were shown between psychological distress and the following: being female, tobacco use, not meeting physical activity and screen-time recommendations, and inadequate consumption of breakfast and vegetables. Conclusions: These findings highlight the need for targeting greater physical health promotion for adolescents at risk of mental health problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The aims of this study were to identity the prevalence of carpooling as a school travel mode in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) and to examine attitudes toward automobile school travel and carpooling among adults who drive their children to school. Telephone interviews were conducted with 1,001 GTHA parents/guardians of elementary school-aged children. Analyses indicated that 1.7% of the sample used carpooling as the primary school travel mode in the a.m., while 33.8% of the sample drove their child to school in the a.m. One quarter (25%) of the total sample had participated in a carpool for school travel with neighbors or friends at times. The main reasons for automobile school travel were convenience and safety. Those drivers who indicated carpooling to be more convenient reported carpooling to be more appealing, to interfere less with their current household schedule, were more interested in carpooling, placed a greater importance on using an environment-friendly travel mode, and had a greater proportion of non-English speakers than drivers who indicated carpooling to be inconvenient. These findings confirm that carpooling is an under-utilized school travel mode, and that there may be some scope in intervening among parents/guardians who perceive carpooling to be potentially convenient. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: The declining prevalence of Active School Transportation (AST) has been accompanied by a decrease in independent mobility internationally. The objective of this study was to compare family demographics and AST related perceptions of parents who let their children walk unescorted to/from school to those parents who escort (walk and drive) their children to/from school. By comparing these groups, insight was gained into how we may encourage greater AST and independent mobility in youth living in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area, Canada. Methods: This study involved a cross-sectional design, using data from a self-reported questionnaire (n =1,016) that examined parental perceptions and attitudes regarding AST. A multinomial logistic regression analysis was used to explore the differences between households where children travelled independently to school or were escorted. Results: Findings revealed that unescorted children were: significantly older, the families spoke predominantly English at home, more likely to live within one kilometer from school, and their parents agreed to a greater extent that they chose to reside in the current neighborhood in order for their child to walk to/from school. The parents of the escorted children worried significantly more about strangers and bullies approaching their child as well as the traffic volume around school. Conclusions: From both a policy and research perspective, this study highlights the value of distinguishing between mode (i.e., walking or driving) and travel independence. For policy, our findings highlight the need for planning decisions about the siting of elementary schools to include considerations of the impact of catchment size on how children get to/from school. Given the importance of age, distance, and safety issues as significant correlates of independent mobility, research and practice should focus on the development and sustainability of non-infrastructure programs that alleviate parental safety concerns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Despite the benefits of physical activity for youth with cystic fibrosis (CF) and congenital heart disease (CHD), most are insufficiently active. More information is required on how to facilitate physical activity in these populations. Although there are no studies that provide information about participation in CF and CHD youth from the perspective of parents, the involvement of caregivers may be an important facilitator to physical activity in youth with chronic diseases. Objective: This qualitative study explored how the parents of youth with CF and CHD experience physical activity, and parents commented on both their own and their child’s physical activity. Methods: Twenty-nine parents from a CHD and CF clinic participated in a semi-structured interview, and a thematic analysis of the transcribed data was undertaken. Results: Parents discussed the numerous benefits and barriers associated with physical activity for both child and self. Role modeling was a critical social process to overcoming barriers. Parents experiences were situated within the broader family context characterized by a prevailing sense of stress and complexity. Conclusion: By illustrating how the parents of youth with CF and CHD understand the role of physical activity in their and their child’s life, this study provides valuable information regarding the development of interventions to increase physical activity among children with CF and CHD. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

BACKGROUND: Active school transport (AST), school travel using an active mode like walking, may be important to children's overall physical activity. A 'school travel plan' (STP) documents a school's transport characteristics and provides an action plan to address school and neighborhood barriers to AST. METHODS: We conducted a pilot STP intervention at 12 schools in 4 Canadian provinces. Facilitators and school personnel created and implemented AST action plans. Parent's self-reports (N = 1489) were the basis for evaluating the intervention. A content analysis identified type, frequency, and perceived success of initiatives. RESULTS: School travel plans emphasized education and promotion, and AST activities and events. Capital improvement projects were more common at schools in older suburban neighborhoods, whereas enforcement was more common at schools in newer suburban neighborhoods. Rates of active transportation increased from 43.8% to 45.9%. At follow-up, 13.3% of households reported less driving. Parents/caregivers cited weather, convenience, and trip chaining as primary reasons for continued driving. CONCLUSION: The STP process may facilitate changes to patterns of school travel. An STP can expand a school's capacity to address transportation issues through mobilization of diverse community resources. Future STP initiatives may benefit from addressing convenience, safety through enforcement, and by examining how schools can be supported in implementing infrastructure improvements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ParticipACTION is a Canadian physical activity communications and social marketing organization that has been relaunched in 2007 after a 6-year hiatus. The purpose of this study is to qualitatively identify and describe the expectations and challenges the relaunch of the new ParticipACTION may present for existing physical activity organizations. Using a purposeful sampling strategy, the authors conduct semistructured telephone interviews with 49 key informants representing a range of national, provincial, and local organizations with a mandate to promote physical activity. Overall, there is strong support in seeing ParticipACTION relaunched. However, organizational expectations and/or their ideal vision for it are mixed. Organizations envision and support its performing an overarching social marketing and advocacy role, and in providing tools and resources that supplement existing organizational activities. Four major organizational challenges are identified concerning overlapping mandates, partnership and leadership concerns, competition for funding, and capacity concerns. Social marketing initiatives, such as ParticipACTION, may not be able to maximize their impact unless they address the expectations and concerns of competing organizations with a mandate to promote physical activity. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The purpose of this study was to build a comprehensive picture of how physical activity relates to the transitional experiences during students' first year at university. To help inform the development of future intervention efforts, the current study conducted 8 focus groups (N = 45) to gain a better understanding of students' perceptions of physical activity, and to identify the salient barriers they encounter during their transition into university. Findings indicate that students recognized the benefits of physical activity, but were ambivalent about taking steps to be more active; however, did appear receptive towards the prospect of an intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Emerging frameworks to examine active school transportation (AST) commonly emphasize the built environment (BE) as having an influence on travel mode decisions. Objective measures of BE attributes have been recommended for advancing knowledge about the influence of the BE on school travel mode choice. An updated systematic review on the relationships between GIS-measured BE attributes and AST is required to inform future research in this area. The objectives of this review are: i) to examine and summarize the relationships between objectively measured BE features and AST in children and adolescents and ii) to critically discuss GIS methodologies used in this context. Methods: Six electronic databases, and websites were systematically searched, and reference lists were searched and screened to identify studies examining AST in students aged five to 18 and reporting GIS as an environmental measurement tool. Fourteen cross-sectional studies were identified. The analyses were classified in terms of density, diversity, and design and further differentiated by the measures used or environmental condition examined. Results: Only distance was consistently found to be negatively associated with AST. Consistent findings of positive or negative associations were not found for land use mix, residential density, and intersection density. Potential modifiers of any relationship between these attributes and AST included age, school travel mode, route direction (e.g., to/from school), and trip-end (home or school). Methodological limitations included inconsistencies in geocoding, selection of study sites, buffer methods and the shape of zones (Modifiable Areal Unit Problem [MAUP]), the quality of road and pedestrian infrastructure data, and school route estimation. Conclusions: The inconsistent use of spatial concepts limits the ability to draw conclusions about the relationship between objectively measured environmental attributes and AST. Future research should explore standardizing buffer size, assess the quality of street network datasets and, if necessary, customize existing datasets, and explore further attributes linked to safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stigma is a significant barrier to the improvement of the lives of people with schizophrenia. Little is known about the emergence of stigmatizing attitudes developmentally. The purpose of this study was to provide a provincial assessment of adolescent knowledge about schizophrenia and to identify the relationship between adolescent knowledge and social distance toward people with schizophrenia. Data were derived from the 2005 cycle of the Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey. In total, 3,117, 7th- to 12th-graders completed self-administered questionnaires that included a measure of schizophrenia knowledge and social distancing. Results indicated that the majority of adolescents had some knowledge about schizophrenia and low social distancing toward people with schizophrenia. Greater knowledge, increasing age, being female, and lower parental education were associated with less distancing attitudes. Educational campaigns to reduce stigma may still be warranted as one component of broader multilevel interventions to overcome mental illness stigma. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Physical activity intervention research involving individuals with serious mental illness are often not based on any theoretical framework. This study examined the construct validity of the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) in individuals with serious mental illness to guide future physical activity interventions. Methods: Fifty-four individuals completed surveys that asked about their current stage of change for physical activity, self-efficacy, and perceived advantages and disadvantages of being more physically active. Results: Most individuals reported being in the preparation stage of the TTM. As individuals approached the action and maintenance stages, self-efficacy and perceived benefits of physical activity increased significantly. Although perceived disadvantages decreased with each successive stage, this change was not significant. Conclusions: This study's findings support the TTM's application in this population to structure physical activity interventions given that self-efficacy, perceived benefits of and barriers to physical activity differed across stages and changes were in the direction predicted by theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The potential benefits of active school travel (AST) are widely recognized, yet there is consistent evidence of a systematic decline in the use of active modes of transportation to school since the middle part of the 20th century. This study explored parental accounts of the school travel mode choice decision-making process. Methods: Thirty-seven parents of children (17 who walked; 20 who were driven) from four elementary schools in Toronto, Canada participated in semi-structured interviews. The schools varied with respect to walkability of the built environment and socio-economic status. Thematic analysis of interview transcripts identified a two-stage decision-making process. Results: An initial decision concerned the issue of escorting or chauffeuring a child to/from school. This decision appeared to be primarily influenced by concerns about traffic, the child's personal safety, and the child's maturity and cognitive ability regarding navigating his/her way to/from school safely. Following the escort decision, parents considered mode choice, typically selecting what they perceived to be the easiest and most convenient way to travel. The ascription of convenience to the various modes of transportation was influenced by perceptions of travel time and/or distance to/from school. Convenience became a particularly salient theme for parents who found it necessary to complete multi-activity trip chains. Conclusions: The school travel mode choice decision process is complex. Future research and practice should continue to address safety concerns that are typically the focus of active school transport initiatives while addressing more explicitly the behavioural cost of competing mode choices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]