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Background: Recent physical activity research is limited by intention-behavior discordance and is beginning to recognize the importance of automatic processes in exercise. The purpose of the current study was to examine the role of multidimensional exercise self-efficacy (SE), explicit-implicit evaluative discrepancies (EIEDs) for health, and appearance on the intention-behavior gap in exercise. Methods: A total of 141 middle-aged inactive participants (mean age = 46.12 [8.17] y) completed measures of intentions, SE, and explicit and implicit evaluations of exercise outcomes. The participants were classified as inclined actors (n = 107) if they successfully started the exercise program and inclined abstainers (n = 35) if they were not successful. Results: The inclined actors and abstainers did not differ on intentions to exercise; however, the inclined actors had higher coping SE and lower EIEDs for health. In addition, the coping SE (Exp [ß] = 1.03) and EIEDs for health (Exp [ß] = -0.405) were significant predictors of being an inclined actor. Conclusions: The interaction between explicit and implicit processes in regard to health motives for exercise appears to influence the successful enactment of exercise from positive intentions. As most physical activity promotion strategies focus on health as a reason to be active, the role of implicit and explicit evaluations on behavioral decisions to exercise may inform future interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to determine whether athletes who practice biofeedback are able to self-regulate by reaching resonance frequency and gaining physiological control quicker than if practice time integrates imagery or a rest period. Intervention effectiveness (e.g., intervention length, time spent training) was also explored. Twenty-seven university athletes were assigned to one of three groups: (a) biofeedback (i.e., continuous training), (b) biofeedback/imagery (i.e., interspersed with imagery), and (c) biofeedback/rest (i.e., interspersed with a rest period). Five biofeedback sessions training respiration rate, heart rate variability, and skin conductance were conducted. A repeated-measure analysis of variance showed a significant interaction between groups over time (p ≤.05) for respiration rate, heart rate variability, and skin conductance, indicating that resonance frequency and physiological control was regained following imagery or a rest period. Postmanipulation check data found intervention length and training time to be sufficient. Combining imagery with biofeedback may optimize management of psychophysiological processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Discrepancies between automatically activated associations (i.e., implicit evaluations) and explicit evaluations of motives (measured with a questionnaire) could lead to greater information processing to resolve discrepancies or self-regulatory failures that may affect behavior. This research examined the relationship of health and appearance exercise-related explicit-implicit evaluative discrepancies, the interaction between implicit and explicit evaluations, and the combined value of explicit and implicit evaluations (i.e., the summed scores) to dropout from a yearlong exercise program. Participants (N = 253) completed implicit health and appearance measures and explicit health and appearance motives at baseline, prior to starting the exercise program. The sum of implicit and explicit appearance measures was positively related to weeks in the program, and discrepancy between the implicit and explicit health measures was negatively related to length of time in the program. Implicit exercise evaluations and their relationships to oft-cited motives such as appearance and health may inform exercise dropout. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Drawing from self-determination theory (SDT), the present study examined the relationship between motivation and eudaimonic well-being in the sport context. Method: The association between motivation and eudaimonic well-being was assessed using a latent variable model through Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Three hundred ninety-nine athletes (Mage = 25.08, SD = 7.35) from 15 different individual and team sports completed a questionnaire package. Results: Results indicated that integrated and identified regulations positively predicted athletes' eudaimonic well-being. External regulation was also a positive predictor of eudaimonic well-being, while introjected regulation and amotivation negatively predicted athletes' eudaimonic well-being. Finally, athletes' intrinsic motivation did not significantly predict their eudaimonic well-being. Conclusions: Results highlight the complex link between different types of sport motivation and athletes' well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Walking aids are often introduced to older adults to enable independent mobility. Single‐point canes are the most common device used. Benefits are tempered by research suggesting that walking aids increase fall risk. A better understanding of the effect of walking aid use on gait performance is required. Objective: To evaluate differences in the effect of initial single‐point cane use on gait between younger (YAs) and older adults (OAs). Design Cross‐sectional. Setting: Community‐dwelling. Participants: Twenty‐six YAs (mean age ± standard deviation [SD]: 23.7 ± 2.8 years) and 25 OAs (mean age ± SD: 70.8 ± 14.1 years) participated. Inclusion criteria were 18 to 35 years of age for YAs or ≥50 years for OAs, be able to ambulate unassisted, and without any condition affecting mobility. Interventions: Not applicable. Main Outcome Measure(s): Gait velocity and stride time variability under different walking path configurations (straight path, Groningen Meander Walking Test, Figure‐of‐8 Walk Test) and conditions (unassisted walking, walking with a single‐point cane, and walking with a single‐point cane while completing a cognitive task) were recorded in a laboratory. The arithmetic task of subtracting 1s from 100 was used as the secondary cognitive task. Data analysis included separate three‐way mixed analyses of variance (ANOVAs; path/condition/group). Results: There was a statistically significant two‐way interaction between walking path and condition for velocity (P <.001, ω2 = 0.03) and stride time variability (P =.032, ω2 = 0.02). In addition, a significant main effect of group was also observed (velocity: P =.004, ω2 = 0.07; stride time variability: P =.001, ω2 = 0.09). Conclusions: Using a single‐point cane decreased velocity and increased stride time variability in both YAs and OAs. However, the cognitive load and effect on gait of initial cane use was not different between age groups. Standardized guidelines aimed at facilitating a clientʼs transition toward the safe use of a walking aid are needed. Future research should evaluate if training can mitigate some of the adverse changes to gait stability observed with initial walking aid use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Cognitive deficits and gait and balance problems are progressive in people with Alzheimer's dementia. Yet, mobility aids are associated with an increased falls risk in people with dementia. Our objectives were to identify the perceptions of people living with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's dementia, and their caregivers, on the use of mobility aids. Methods: A qualitative study using semi-structured, face-to-face interviews was conducted. Communitydwelling older adults with dementia attending a day hospital program were recruited. Thematic analysis was conducted and the text was coded into broad themes aligned with the research questions. The coded text was examined for patterns and similarities, and grouped to form inductive themes. Results: Twenty-four people (12 living with dementia and their 12 caregivers) participated. Five themes were identified: (1) acknowledgement of need; (2) protecting a sense of self; (3) caregiver oversight and relief of burden; (4) healthcare professional involvement; (5) environment and design of aids. Conclusions: The findings suggest that people with Alzheimer's dementia and their caregivers regard mobility aid use as increasing independence. There is a role for healthcare professionals to be involved in the prescription, provision and training for use of mobility aids among people living with dementia to ensure uptake and safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transition to parenthood is associated with declines in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and increases in light PA (LPA). One potential mechanism for this change in PA that occur at the onset of parenthood is housework. We examined housework load and PA levels of three cohorts of couples across 12 months recruited from Victoria, British Columbia, Canada between January 2007 and December 2011. Participants (N = 314; 102 not expecting a child, 136 expecting first-child, 76 expecting second child) completed baseline demographics and 7-day accelerometry, followed by assessments at 6 and 12 months. Hierarchical linear regression assessed the association between PA, housework, and perceptions of partner's workload. New fathers' but not new mothers' housework was positively related to their LPA at 12 months. Perceptions of partners' workload were positively related to new mothers LPA, and negatively related to new fathers MVPA at 12 months. Mediation analysis determined if perceived behavioral control accounts for the relationship between the discrepancy in housework between partners' PA. Results suggest that if a woman perceives their partner to do more housework their own PA increases, whereas for men their PA decreases. These findings highlight the importance of the division of housework on PA for both mothers and fathers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To understand personal, educational and clinical experiences and the attitudes of physiotherapy students towards people with dementia. Methods: Online survey questionnaire. Physiotherapy students in the last year of a two-year Masters of Physical Therapy (MPT) entry-to-practice degree program (n = 59) were surveyed. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. Results: Fifty-five students participated (93%). The majority of students (n = 52/55, 77%) had at least one clinical placement working with people with dementia. Overall, 53% (n = 29/55) felt their academic training was sufficient to effectively work with people with dementia. Moreover, 82% (n = 45/55) reported their confidence was greatest working with people who could communicate well verbally. Conclusions: Disease-based knowledge was strong, yet just over half felt their academic training was sufficient to effectively work with people with dementia. The findings support the need for more training, particularly in communication strategies, to support students to effectively work with client with dementia upon graduation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: People with dementia fall twice as often and have more serious fall-related injuries than healthy older adults. While gait impairment as a generic term is understood as a fall risk factor in this population, a clear elaboration of the specific components of gait that are associated with falls risk is needed for knowledge translation to clinical practice and the development of fall prevention strategies for people with dementia.Objective: To review gait parameters and characteristics associated with falls in people with dementia.Methods: Electronic databases CINAHL, EMBASE, MedLine, PsycINFO, and PubMed were searched (from inception to April 2017) to identify prospective cohort studies evaluating the association between gait and falls in people with dementia.Results: Increased double support time variability, use of mobility aids, walking outdoors, higher scores on the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale, and lower average walking bouts were associated with elevated risk of any fall. Increased double support time and step length variability were associated with recurrent falls. The reviewed articles do not support using the Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment and the Timed Up-and-Go tests to predict any fall in this population. There is limited research on the use of dual-task gait assessments for predicting falls in people with dementia.Conclusion: This systematic review shows the specific spatiotemporal gait parameters and features that are associated with falls in people with dementia. Future research is recommended to focus on developing specialized treatment methods for these specific gait impairments in this patient population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cognitive deficits and gait problems are common and progressive in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Prescription of a 4-wheeled walker is a common intervention to improve stability and independence, yet can be associated with an increased falls risk.Objectives: 1) To examine changes in spatial-temporal gait parameters while using a 4-wheeled walker under different walking conditions, and 2) to determine the cognitive and gait task costs of walking with the aid in adults with AD and healthy older adults.Methods: Twenty participants with AD (age 79.1±7.1 years) and 22 controls (age 68.5±10.7 years) walked using a 4-wheeled walker in a straight (6 m) and Figure of 8 path under three task conditions: single-task (no aid), dual-task (walking with aid), and multi-task (walking with aid while counting backwards by ones).Results: Gait velocity was statistically slower in adults with AD than the controls across all conditions (all p values <0.025). Stride time variability was significantly different between groups for straight path single task (p = 0.045), straight path multi-task (p = 0.031), and Figure of 8 multi-task (0.036). Gait and cognitive task costs increased while multi-tasking, with performance decrement greater for people with AD. None of the people with AD self-prioritized gait over the cognitive task while walking in a straight path, yet 75% were able to shift prioritization to gait in the complex walking path.Conclusion: Learning to use a 4-wheeled walker is cognitively demanding and any additional tasks increases the demands, further adversely affecting gait. The increased cognitive demands result in a decrease in gait velocity that is greatest in adults with AD. Future research needs to investigate the effects of mobility aid training on gait performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: People with Alzheimer's disease (AD) exhibit balance and walking impairments that increase falls risk. Prescription of a mobility aid is done to improve stability, yet also requires increased cognitive resources. Single-point canes require unique motor sequencing for safe use. The effect of learning to use a single-point cane has not been evaluated in people with AD.Objectives: In people with AD and healthy adult controls: 1) examine changes in gait while using a cane under various walking conditions; and 2) determine the cognitive and gait costs associated with concurrent cane walking while multi-tasking.Methods: Seventeen participants with AD (age 82.1±5.6 years) and 25 healthy controls (age 70.8±14.1 years) walked using a single-point cane in a straight (6 meter) and a complex (Figure of 8) path under three conditions: single-task (no aid), dual-task (walking with aid), and multi-task (walking with aid while counting backwards by ones). Velocity and stride time variability were recorded with accelerometers.Results: Gait velocity significantly slowed for both groups in all conditions and stride time variability was greater in the AD group. Overall, multi-tasking produced a decrease in gait and cognitive demands for both groups, with more people with AD self-prioritizing the cognitive task over the gait task.Conclusion: Learning to use a cane demands cognitive resources that lead to detrimental changes in velocity and stride time variability. This was most pronounced in people with mild to moderate AD. Future research needs to investigate the effects of mobility aid training on gait performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Walking is a cognition intensive activity and impaired walking is associated with an increased fall risk in people with Alzheimer's dementia (AD). Walking in a curved path configuration increases complexity of the task, reflects real-life environments and situations when falls occur. The effect of walking path task complexity has not been evaluated in people with AD.Research Question: The purpose was 1) to assess the utility of a curved path walking task to detect differences in gait performance between people with AD and healthy controls and 2) to assess the relationship of cognitive function to gait performance on straight path and curved path walking.Methods: Participants with AD (n = 14, mean age ± SD = 73.08 ± 9.22) and age and sex matched controls (n = 14, mean age = 72.86 ± 9.53) were recruited. Time to complete a 6-meter straight path and a curved path (Figure of 8 Test) walking task was recorded. Steps taken, accuracy and qualitative measures of smoothness were rated for curved-path walking. Measures of global cognition (MMSE, MoCA) and executive function (Trail making A and B, Digit Span forwards and backwards) were assessed.Results: Gait was significantly slower in people with AD for both the straight-path (AD = 6.05 ± 1.26 s, Control = 5.09 ± 0.76 s, p = 0.02) and curved-path walking (AD = 11.25 ± 4.87 s, Control = 8.28 ± 2.44 s, p =  0.05). In addition, smoothness scores were significantly lower for people with AD (AD = 1.93±1.26; Control = 3.00±0.00, p = 0.004).Significance: Walking in a curved path resulted in a significant deterioration in gait quality in the people with AD. Executive function was related only to curved path walking, in which lower executive function scores were associated with longer time to walk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study examined the relationship between exercise imagery and exercise dependence, building on the limitations of previous work that has considered exercise dependence as a single factor construct. Examining the relationship between imagery and separate exercise dependence symptoms is vital to expand what is known about exercise dependence, but also to inform interventions to address exercise dependence. A total of 339 male (n = 99) and female (n = 240) adults completed measures of exercise dependence and imagery. Structural equation modelling revealed that different types of imagery were related to different exercise dependence symptoms. Appearance and health imagery were positively associated with tolerance, reduction in other activities, and lack of control symptoms. Routines imagery was positively associated with intention effects, whereas technique imagery was negatively associated with intention effects. Feelings imagery was positively associated with withdrawal symptoms of exercise dependence. These differential effects highlight the importance of considering exercise dependence multidimensionally; in particular, patterns of exercise imagery use may have important implications for interventions aimed at reducing/preventing exercise dependence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Within team sport, cohesion is associated with group level outcomes such as team performance hut also with beneficial individual outcomes, which may include reduced levels of anxiety associated with self-presentational concerns (Canon, Estabrooks, Horton, Prapavessis, & Hausenblas, 1999) inherent in sport competition (Leary, 1992). The purpose was to examine the relationship between perceptions of cohesion and self-presentational concerns. Competitive team sport athletes (N=163) completed measures of cohesion, self-presentational concerns and trait sport anxiety. Structural Equation Modeling determined that perceptions of cohesion (R= -.20) accounted for 4% of the variance of self-presentation in sport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physical activity studies have often excluded women, resulting in limited information regarding the influences on women's non-participation. The present study aimed to explore the exercise views and cognitions of inactive adult women. Forty women aged 25-75 took part in the focus groups. Themes that emerged from the interviews included merits of exercise, thoughts and feelings, knowledge, barriers, and strategies. Results indicated that inactivity is due to a variety of culminating factors; health-promotion strategies need to specifically target different age groups. These strategies include increasing awareness of the social and psychological benefits of exercise, exercise as a supplement to activities of daily living, changing the perception of what constitutes exercise, and representing exercisers as a variety of ages and body shapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Walking with a 4-wheeled walker is a complex motor task. • People with Alzheimer's dementia experienced using a 4-wheeled walker were tested. • Complex walking paths and cognitive challenge resulted in increased instability. • People self-prioritized gait over the cognitive task in the most complex tests. Learning to walk with a 4-wheeled walker increases cognitive demands in people with Alzheimer's dementia (AD). However, it is expected that experience will offset the increased cognitive demand. Current research has not yet evaluated gait in people with AD experienced in using a 4-wheeled walker under complex gait situations. What is the effect of dual-task testing on the spatial-temporal gait parameters and cognitive performance of people with AD experienced with a 4-wheeled walker? Twenty-three adults with mild to moderate AD (87.4 ± 6.2 years, 48 % female) and at least 6 months of walker use experience participated. Three walking configurations: 1) straight path (SP), 2) Groningen Meander Walking Test (GMWT), and 3) Figure of 8 path (F8) were tested under two walking conditions: 1) single-task (walking with aid) and 2) dual-task (walking with aid and completing a cognitive task). Tri-axial accelerometers collected velocity, cadence and stride time variability (STV). Gait and cognitive task cost were the percentage difference between single-task and dual-task conditions. Two-way repeated measures ANOVAs were used to answer the study question. A significant interaction between walking configuration and condition was found for velocity (p = 0.002, ω2 = 0.36), cadence (p = 0.04, ω2 = 0.15) and STV (p < 0.001, ω2 = 0.53). Velocity and cadence decreased and STV increased with increasing walking configuration complexity and upon dual-tasking. Dual-task gait and cognitive task cost deteriorated in all walking configurations, but gait was prioritized in the GMWT and F8 configurations. Despite familiarity, experienced walker users with AD exhibit impaired gait when walking in complex situations which increases falls risk. Upon dual-task, individuals with AD self-prioritized a posture-first strategy in complex configurations. Dual-task testing in experienced users results in slower walking, fewer steps and increased STV, which increases falls risk in people with mild to moderate AD and becomes most pronounced in complex environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]