69 results on '"Webster CA"'
Search Results
2. Toward a whole-of-virtual school framework for promoting student physical activity: a scoping review protocol.
- Author
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Killian CM, Opuda E, Webster CA, Ha T, Dauenhauer B, and Krause JM
- Subjects
- Humans, Adolescent, Child, Scoping Reviews As Topic, Exercise, Health Promotion methods, Schools, Students
- Abstract
Background: The advent of full-time virtual schooling presents unique challenges and opportunities for the promotion of physical activity (PA) among children and adolescents. Despite the recognized benefits of PA as an essential component for combating non-communicable diseases and ensuring holistic development, there is a notable gap in understanding how to effectively integrate PA within the digital learning environments of full-time virtual schools. Current efforts to promote student PA are targeted for implementation exclusively in contexts characterized by physical school campuses that are bound to their surrounding local communities. This is problematic given the digital, widely distributed, and contextually unmoored nature of virtual schooling. Our aim in this scoping review is to advance research on whole-of-school physical activity promotion within full-time virtual schools by examining the published literature on whole-of-school PA promotion within full-time virtual schools. Specifically, this review will map the literature, consolidate knowledge claims and practical implications, and identify evidence gaps that merit further investigation., Methods/design: This review will be conducted using evidence-informed scoping review methodology and reporting guidelines. Articles will be included if they are peer-reviewed English-language research, commentary, practical, or grey literature and relate to the participation, support, design, development, and/or provision of remote online PA interventions delivered through primary/elementary and/or secondary/middle school/high schools. Searches will be conducted in PsycInfo, ERIC, SportDiscus, and Web of Science. Additional hand-searching, reference scans, and grey literature searches will also be performed. Two trained research assistants will independently complete study screening and selection and data charting with guidance from a senior author. Charted data will be displayed in table form, and depending on the results, data will also be synthesized through qualitative content analysis using the Active Schools guiding framework as an analytical and interpretive lens., Discussion: This scoping review will serve as a guidepost for the application and advancement of research on whole-of-school PA promotion through full-time virtual schools. The results will address the increased importance of equitable online learning and PA promotion due to the expanding virtual education landscape, with implications for public health and education policy., Systematic Review Registration: Open Science Framework: https://osf.io/f6wau/ ., (© 2024. The Author(s).)
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- 2024
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3. Development and evaluation of the Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation to deliver Physical Activity in School Scale (COM-PASS).
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Verdonschot A, Beauchamp MR, Brusseau TA, Chinapaw MJM, Christiansen LB, Daly-Smith A, Eather N, Fairclough SJ, Faulkner G, Foweather L, García-Hermoso A, Ha AS, Harris N, Jaakkola T, Jago R, Kennedy SG, Lander NJ, Lonsdale C, Manios Y, Mazzoli E, Murtagh E, Nathan N, Naylor PJ, Noetel M, O'Keeffe B, Resaland GK, Ridgers ND, Ridley K, Riley N, Rosenkranz RR, Rosenkranz SK, Sääkslahti A, Sczygiol SM, Skovgaard T, van Sluijs EMF, Smith JJ, Smith M, Stratton G, Vidal-Conti J, Webster CA, Young ES, and Lubans DR
- Subjects
- Humans, Surveys and Questionnaires, Female, Male, Health Promotion methods, School Health Services, Adult, Middle Aged, Reproducibility of Results, Health Behavior, Factor Analysis, Statistical, Motivation, Exercise psychology, Delphi Technique, Schools, School Teachers psychology
- Abstract
Background: Teachers are recognized as 'key agents' for the delivery of physical activity programs and policies in schools. The aim of our study was to develop and evaluate a tool to assess teachers' capability, opportunity, and motivation to deliver school-based physical activity interventions., Methods: The development and evaluation of the Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation to deliver Physical Activity in School Scale (COM-PASS) involved three phases. In Phase 1, we invited academic experts to participate in a Delphi study to rate, provide recommendations, and achieve consensus on questionnaire items that were based on the Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation Behavior (COM-B) model. Each item was ranked on the degree to which it matched the content of the COM-B model, using a 5-point scale ranging from '1 = Poor match' to '5 = Excellent match'. In Phase 2, we interviewed primary and secondary school teachers using a 'think-aloud' approach to assess their understanding of the items. In Phase 3, teachers (n = 196) completed the COM-PASS to assess structural validity using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA)., Results: Thirty-eight academic experts from 14 countries completed three rounds of the Delphi study. In the first round, items had an average rating score of 4.04, in the second round 4.51, and in the third (final) round 4.78. The final tool included 14 items, which related to the six constructs of the COM-B model: physical capability, psychological capability, physical opportunity, social opportunity, reflective motivation, and automatic motivation. In Phase 2, ten teachers shared their interpretation of COM-PASS via a 20-min interview, which resulted in minor changes. In Phase 3, CFA of the 3-factor model (i.e., capability, opportunity, and motivation) revealed an adequate fit to the data (χ
2 = 122.6, p < .001, CFI = .945, TLI = .924, RMSEA = .066). The internal consistencies of the three subscale scores were acceptable (i.e., capability: α = .75, opportunity: α = .75, motivation: α = .81)., Conclusion: COM-PASS is a valid and reliable tool for assessing teachers' capability, opportunity, and motivation to deliver physical activity interventions in schools. Further studies examining additional psychometric properties of the COM-PASS are warranted., (© 2024. The Author(s).)- Published
- 2024
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4. Systematic review and meta-analysis of physical activity interventions to increase elementary children's motor competence: a comprehensive school physical activity program perspective.
- Author
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Moon J, Webster CA, Stodden DF, Brian A, Mulvey KL, Beets M, Egan CA, McIntosh LIF, Merica CB, and Russ L
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- Humans, Child, Child, Preschool, School Health Services, Health Promotion methods, Motor Skills physiology, Schools, Exercise
- Abstract
Background: Regular participation in physical activity (PA) benefits children's health and well-being and protects against the development of unhealthy body weight. A key factor in children's PA participation is their motor competence (MC). The comprehensive school physical activity program (CSPAP) framework offers a way to classify existing PA interventions that have included children's MC development and understand the potential avenues for supporting children's MC. However, there have been no systematic reviews or meta-analyses of PA interventions and their effects on the MC of elementary school children (aged 5-12 years) from a CSPAP perspective., Methods: This study was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement. We searched seven electronic databases (PubMed/Medline, Embase, ERIC, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL, Web of Science, and PsycINFO) for articles on 29 November 2021. The CSPAP framework was used to categorize the different intervention approaches. This review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020179866)., Results: Twenty-seven studies were included in the review, and twenty-six studies were included in the meta-analysis. A wide range of PA intervention approaches (e.g., single component or multicomponent) within the context of the CSPAP framework appear to be promising pathways in enhancing children's MC. The results of the aggregate meta-analysis presented that effect sizes for the development of MC from pre-and post- intervention ranged from moderate to large (Hedges' g = 0.41-0.79). The analysis revealed that the predicted moderators, including study length, delivery agent, and study design, did not result in statistically significant moderate variations in MC outcomes. There was, however, considerable heterogeneity in study design, instruments, and study context, and studies were implemented in over 11 countries across diverse settings., Conclusions: This study uniquely contributes to the literature through its primary focus on the effectiveness of PA interventions on elementary children's MC. This review emphasizes the importance of customizing CSPAP to fit the specific characteristics of each school setting, including its environmental, demographic, and resource attributes. The effectiveness of CSPAP, particularly its physical education (PE) component, is significantly enhanced when these programs are adapted to address the unique needs of each school. This adaptation can be effectively achieved through targeted professional teacher training, ensuring that PE programs are not only contextually relevant but also optimized for maximum impact in diverse educational environments. Researchers and practitioners should pursue how to effectively translate the evidence into practice to better conceptualize CSPAPs designed for children's MC development., (© 2024. The Author(s).)
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- 2024
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5. Whole-of-school physical activity implementation in the context of the Dubai Fitness Challenge.
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McMahon C, Webster CA, Weaver RG, El Haber C, Tekkurşun Demir G, Ismail ZM, Naqvi SZF, Ghani M, Kepenek Ş, Kherraf M, Krishnakumar T, Prakash P, and Seo Y
- Subjects
- Adolescent, Humans, Child, Students, Motivation, Population Groups, School Health Services, Health Promotion methods, Exercise, Schools
- Abstract
Introduction: Physical activity (PA) promotion among school-aged youth is a global health priority. Recommendations for such promotion include implementing whole-of-school approaches that maximize resources across the school environment. This study examined schools' participation in an annual, government-led, and emirate-wide initiative in Dubai, called the Dubai Fitness Challenge, in which the goal is to accrue 30 minutes of PA every day for 30 days (as such, the initiative is colloquially referred to as "Dubai 30x30")., Methods: A mixed-methods design was employed for this study. Three schools were recruited using convenience sampling. Participants were 18 physical education teachers, 20 classroom teachers, 2 principals and 45 students. Data sources included surveys, focus groups, and interviews. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, multinomial logistic regression, and open and axial coding to develop themes., Results: School staff reported that most Dubai 30x30 activities were provided in physical education, at break times during school, and before and after school. Students reported that they mainly participated in Dubai 30x30 activities during physical education and occasionally participated in activities after school and on weekends. During school, students were more likely to reach higher PA intensity levels when they were in contexts other than the regular classroom setting. Among school staff, physical education teachers were most involved and classroom teachers were least involved in promoting Dubai 30x30. Parent engagement was high. Staff perceived that Dubai 30x30 brought the community together, but physical education teachers also indicated there was a lack of implementation guidance and they felt burdened. Participants believed Dubai 30x30 increased PA participation and helped to promote their schools., Discussion: This study provides an initial glimpse into schools' participation in Dubai 30x30 and suggests that a whole-of-school PA lens is useful in gleaning information that could help to increase and optimize PA opportunities for students., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright: © 2024 McMahon et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.)
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- 2024
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6. CPR Quality Officer role to improve CPR quality: A multi-centred international simulation randomised control trial.
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Sumera K, Ilczak T, Bakkerud M, Lane JD, Pallas J, Martorell SO, Sumera A, Webster CA, Quinn T, Sandars J, and Niroshan Siriwardena A
- Abstract
Background: An out-of-hospital cardiac arrest requires early recognition, prompt and quality clinical interventions, and coordination between different clinicians to improve outcomes. Clinical team leaders and clinical teams have high levels of cognitive burden. We aimed to investigate the effect of a dedicated Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Quality Officer role on team performance., Methods: This multi-centre randomised control trial used simulation in universities from the UK, Poland, and Norway. Student Paramedics participated in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest scenarios before randomisation to either traditional roles or assigning one member as the CPR Quality Officer. The quality of CPR was measured using QCPR® and Advanced Life Support (ALS) elements were evaluated., Results: In total, 36 teams (108 individuals) participated. CPR quality from the first attempt (72.45%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 64.94 to 79.97) significantly increased after addition of the CPR Quality role (81.14%, 95% CI 74.20 to 88.07, p = 0.045). Improvement was not seen in the control group. The time to first defibrillation had no significant difference in the intervention group between the first attempt (53.77, 95% CI 36.57-70.98) and the second attempt (48.68, 95% CI 31.31-66.05, p = 0.84). The time to manage an obstructive airway in the intervention group showed significant difference (p = 0.006) in the first attempt (168.95, 95% CI 110.54-227.37) compared with the second attempt (136.95, 95% CI 87.03-186.88, p = 0.1)., Conclusion: A dedicated CPR Quality Officer in simulated scenarios improved the quality of CPR compressions without a negative impact on time to first defibrillation, managing the airway, or adherence to local ALS protocols., Competing Interests: The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests: [Laerdal™ provided identical mannequins to each research centre free of charge for the data collection period. The company had no part in the design and analysis nor conducted the project.]., (© 2023 The Author(s).)
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- 2024
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7. Determining current approaches to the evaluation of the quality of healthcare simulation-based education provision: a scoping review.
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Pogson R, Henderson H, Holland M, Sumera A, Sumera K, and Webster CA
- Abstract
Background: With an increase in simulation being used in healthcare education, there is a need to ensure the quality of simulation-based education is high. This scoping review was conducted to answer the question: What are the current approaches to the evaluation of the quality of health-care simulation-based education provision? Methods: Databases PubMed, Cochrane, ERIC, CINAHL and Medline were searched in March 2023 to retrieve peer-reviewed healthcare research and review articles written in the English language within the last 20 years. All data were extracted from six studies, themed and presented in the main text and in tabular form. Results: Two scoping reviews, one systematic review and three research articles were included. Three main themes were found: adherence to existing design frameworks, lack of validation of these frameworks and lack of evaluation frameworks, and a proposed evaluation framework. Many of the excluded articles focussed on gaining participant feedback to evaluate simulation activities, rather than evaluating the quality of the design and implementation of the simulation. Conclusions: Benchmarking of current United Kingdom (UK) healthcare simulation against UK and international simulation standards is required to increase its quality, therefore, an agreed UK template framework to evaluate simulation packages is recommended., Competing Interests: No competing interests were disclosed., (Copyright: © 2023 Pogson R et al.)
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- 2023
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8. Classroom teachers' "off-the-shelf" use of movement integration products and its impact on children's sedentary behavior and physical activity.
- Author
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Weaver RG, Dugger R, Burkart S, von Klinggraeff L, Hunt ET, Beets MW, Webster CA, Chen B, Armstrong B, Adams EL, and Rehling J
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- Humans, Child, Female, Male, Exercise, Students, Schools, Sedentary Behavior, Educational Personnel
- Abstract
Movement integration (MI) products are one of many MI strategies that aim to reduce students' sedentary behavior (SB) and increase physical activity (PA) during classroom time. This study examined elementary classroom teachers' off-the-shelf (i.e., no researcher support) use of MI products (GoNoodle Plus [GN], ABC for Fitness [ABC], Take10) and their impact on students' SB and PA. Teachers (N = 57) at five schools received one MI product and reported MI strategy uses/day while student (n = 1,098, 52% female, 66% Black) accelerometer-determined SB and PA was assessed. Mixed regression models estimated changes in MI uses/day and SB and PA during the school day prior to and after teachers received the MI product. GoNoodle was the only MI product where overall MI strategy uses/day increased (∆ = 0.8, 95% CI = 0.1, 1.4). Across products, students' SB increased (∆ = 2.2, 95% CI = 1.2, 3.1) while light (∆ = -1.7, 95% CI = 1.2, 3.1) and MVPA (∆ = -0.5, 95% CI = -0.8, -0.2) decreased. For GN SB (∆ = -3.3, 95% CI = -7.8, 1.3), light (∆ = 2.5, 95% CI = -0.7, 5.7), and MVPA (∆ = 0.8, 95% CI = -0.9, 2.5), did not show statistically significant change. For Take10 SB (∆ = 1.0, 95% CI = -0.2, 2.2) and MVPA (∆ = 0.1, 95% CI = -0.3, 0.6) did not change while light PA decreased (∆ = -1.1, 95% CI = -2.0, -0.3). For ABC SB increased (∆ = 11.1, 95% CI = 8.4, 13.9) while light (∆ = -7.0, 95% CI = -8.9, -5.0) and MVPA (∆ = -4.2, 95% CI = -5.2, -3.1) decreased. GN shows promise for classroom teacher use. However, given limited uptake of the other products and the lack of change in children's SB and PA, this study suggests that off-the-shelf MI products cannot be integrated into classroom routines without additional support., (© Society of Behavioral Medicine 2022. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)
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- 2022
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9. Physical Education Teachers' Perceived Effectiveness in Association with Student Attendance, Teacher Adaptability, External Educational Supports, and Teaching Format During the COVID-19 Pandemic.
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Kuhn AP, Thompson HR, Webster CA, Burgeson C, Chriqui J, Okutoyi T, and Hager ER
- Abstract
Spring 2020 pandemic-control policies included an abrupt shift to remote teaching, which may have affected physical education (PE) teachers' perceived effectiveness. This study examined K-12 PE teachers' perceived effectiveness in association with student attendance, teacher adaptability, PE supports, teaching format (in-person, remote synchronous, remote asynchronous, etc.), and teacher- and school-level demographics at three time points (pre-pandemic 2019-early 2020, Spring 2020, 2020-2021 school year). An electronic survey was developed by an expert panel and distributed to U.S. public school PE teachers (convenience sampling via school health-related organizations). For analyses, teacher perceived effectiveness was dichotomized (very/extremely effective= "1"; not at all/slightly/moderately effective= "0"). Logistic regression models assessed associations between perceived effectiveness and independent variables (student attendance, teacher adaptability, PE supports, teaching format, and demographic variables) at each time point. Respondents ( n =134; M age=46) were mostly female (62%), general PE teachers (82%, versus adapted), had a graduate degree (66%), had >11 years of teaching experience (63%), and from 26 states. Perception of being very/extremely effective was highest pre-pandemic 2019-early 2020 (93%), lowest in Spring 2020 (12%), and recovered somewhat in 2020-2021 (45%). During the 2020-2021 school year, teachers had greater odds of perceiving they were more effective if they reported having higher student attendance (OR 1.06 [CI:1.02-1.09], p >.001) and higher adaptability (OR 1.22 [CI: 1.09-1.37], p >.001), adjusting for gender, education level, years of experience, grade level taught, and Title I status. Professional development opportunities are needed for remote teaching of PE to enhance teachers' adaptability and perceived effectiveness during potential future school closures., Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest The authors have no conflicts of interest., (© JHEAL, 2022.)
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- 2022
10. Flipping the Script: An Initial Exploration of Flipped Learning as an Enhanced Alternative to Traditional Physical Education Lessons.
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Killian CM, Espinoza SM, Webster CA, Long B, Urtel M, Mays Woods A, and D'Agostino EM
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- Adolescent, Humans, Male, Exercise, Students, Social Class, Physical Education and Training, Schools
- Abstract
Background: Physical activity (PA) is related to a variety of positive outcomes for youth and physical education (PE) represents a primary school-based environment where students can engage in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Limitations exist in secondary schools with low socio-economic status, where MVPA engagement is generally below the recommended 50% of lesson time. Growing evidence suggests that using a flipped learning approach (FLA) may naturally enhance PE lessons as outlined by The Theory of Expanded, Extended, and Enhanced Opportunities for Youth Physical Activity Promotion., Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the impact of the FLA to traditional instruction on student MVPA, lesson context, and teacher involvement during middle school PE lessons., Methods: Participants were 56 male students from two 7th-grade classes from a low-SES, suburban school. This study employed the System for Observing Fitness Instruction Time (SOFIT). Data were examined through descriptive statistics. Linear regression models were used to predict SOFIT outcomes as a function of FLA versus traditional instruction., Results: Students in the FLA class spent significantly more class time in MVPA ( p < 0.01). Regression models predicted participants in FLA classes would spend 55% more class time in MVPA ( p < 0.01). After adjusting for covariates, models showed students in FLA classes would spend almost 18 more minutes in MVPA than students in traditional classes ( p < 0.01)., Discussion/conclusion: The FLA may be a practical lesson enhancement strategy to increase student MVPA and improve PE opportunities for students in low SES schools when compared to the use of traditional instruction. The results of this study demonstrated positive potential of using FLA in PE but should be considered within the context of their limitations. Further examination of the FLA is warranted.
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- 2022
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11. Association of Physical Educators' Socialization Experiences and Confidence with Respect to Comprehensive School Physical Activity Program Implementation.
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Merica CB, Egan CA, Webster CA, Mindrila D, Karp GG, Paul DR, and Orendorff KL
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- Adolescent, Exercise, Humans, Physical Education and Training, School Teachers, Schools, Socialization, Teacher Training
- Abstract
Comprehensive school physical activity programs (CSPAPs) are recommended to support physical education (PE) and increase the amount of physical activity (PA) youth receive each day. However, adoption of CSPAPs in the United States is low. PE teachers are well positioned to lead the implementation of CSPAPs, but research is needed to better understand (a) PE teachers' confidence to assume the multiple roles involved with CSPAP implementation and (b) the factors that are associated with such confidence. This study examined PE teachers' role breadth self-efficacy (RBSE) as a measure of PE teachers' CSPAP-related confidence and its association with seminal life experiences as framed within teacher socialization theory. A survey was emailed to a stratified-random sample of 2976 PE teachers and distributed on social media, garnering a total of 259 responses. Exploratory structural equation modeling supported a three-factor solution for teacher socialization variables (acculturation, professional socialization and organizational socialization), in line with the theoretical framework, and a single factor solution for RBSE. Professional socialization and organizational socialization were significant predictors of RBSE, and qualitative data from open-ended survey questions supported these relationships. The results highlight the importance of preservice teacher education and current employment contexts in PE teachers' CSPAP-related confidence.
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- 2022
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12. The Comprehensive School Physical Activity Program: An Invited Review.
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Webster CA
- Abstract
Physical inactivity is a global challenge that necessitates early intervention during childhood. Schools are positioned to make a significant impact on children's current and future physical activity behavior, but numerous barriers hinder the implementation and sustainability of school-based physical activity opportunities. The purpose of this invited article is to provide an overview of the comprehensive school physical activity program (CSPAP) as a concept, framework, and promising approach to institutionalizing physical activity within the school environment. Despite the availability of numerous published reviews on the topic, a broad, up-to-date panorama of the CSPAP literature that encompasses and consolidates historical, conceptual, empirical, and practical perspectives is currently lacking. Contained within this article is an explanation of the public health context that undergirds the CSPAP concept, a historical perspective of the concept's origins and evolution, examples of CSPAP research, recommendations for advancing the knowledge base, and evidence-informed frameworks and principles for professional practice., Competing Interests: The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article., (© 2022 The Author(s).)
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- 2022
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13. Staff Involvement and Family and Community Engagement.
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Webster CA, Hoke A, Cornett K, Goh TL, and Kuhn AP
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- 2022
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14. Parents' Perceptions and Engagement Regarding School-Based Physical Activity Promotion.
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Webster CA, McLoughlin G, Starrett A, Papa J, Erwin H, Reed JA, Carson RL, and Burgeson C
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- Child, Cross-Sectional Studies, Humans, Parents, Surveys and Questionnaires, Exercise, Schools
- Abstract
Purpose: This study examined parents' perceived importance of, and engagement in, school-based physical activity (PA) promotion., Design: A cross-sectional, quantitative survey design was employed., Setting: The survey was conducted in the United States., Subjects: Using a probability-based panel (AmeriSpeak®), a national sample of 3599 parents was randomly recruited to participate in the survey and 1015 participants (28.2%) completed it. Parents or legal guardians of children enrolled in K-12 during the 2017-2018 school year were eligible to participate., Measures: The survey was developed and distributed by a national collaborative for active schools with the support of a national research center., Analysis: Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling and path analysis., Results: The data supported a 6-factor solution encompassing perceived importance of PA before, during, and after school, communication with administrators, and volunteering and participating in school-based PA (CFI = .974, RMSEA = .034, SRMR = .056). Path coefficients from perceived importance of PA before/after school to current (β = .43; 95%CI[.25, .61]) and future communication with administrators (β = .40; 95%CI[.23, .55]) were statistically significant, as were coefficients from perceived importance of PA before/after school to past (β = .60; 95%CI[.35, .83]) and current volunteering/participating in school-based PA (β = .63; 95%CI[.42, .85])., Conclusion: Parents' perceived importance of school-based PA opportunities before and after school warrants emphasis in future research and advocacy.
- Published
- 2021
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15. Virtual Physical Education During COVID-19: Exploring Future Directions for Equitable Online Learning Tools.
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D'Agostino EM, Urtel M, Webster CA, McMullen J, and Culp B
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Introduction: School closures prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic reduced opportunities for US youth to be physically active and disproportionately impacted health disparities in this population. Physical education provides the largest intervention to support the physical activity of school-aged youth, but teachers' opinions about how to maintain quality programming during virtual learning periods remain unexplored. Applying a diversity, equity and inclusion framework, this study explored physical education teachers' perceived significance of different design features for an online teaching tool to promote physical activity equity during school closures. Methods: Previous literature and focus groups informed the development of a survey administered in summer/fall 2020. Survey participants ( n = 60) were physical education teachers from 400 randomly selected US preschool-12th grade schools drawing from a national database. Participants rated the significance of four design features in relation to five key attributes of an online supplement to in-person physical education programs. One-way ANOVAs were used to assess differences in teachers' ratings by demographic characteristics. Results: Between-group differences were found in teacher ratings of design features related to the usability, accessibility, equitability, and formal assessment capabilities of an online physical education tool. Differences were based on teacher gender, school level, and geographic location. Conclusions: Future research to promote physical activity equity among preschool-12th grade youth should examine tailored virtual physical education learning tools that address what teachers perceive to be the most significant design features to support equitable physical education among diverse student groups., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2021 D'Agostino, Urtel, Webster, McMullen and Culp.)
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- 2021
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16. Physical distancing ≠ physical inactivity.
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Meyer SM, Landry MJ, Gustat J, Lemon SC, and Webster CA
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- Humans, SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19 prevention & control, Healthy Lifestyle, Physical Distancing, Public Health, Sedentary Behavior
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During this time of global health crisis, physical distancing, along with mask wearing, has emerged as the sine qua non social practice to protect ourselves and others from COVID-19. But as physical distancing ensues and all eyes remain fixed on the novel coronavirus, another, albeit careworn, pandemic rages on. Physical inactivity, the world's fourth leading cause of death, may indeed be exacerbated by physical distancing measures, such as sheltering at home and closing or limiting access to recreation and exercise facilities. The purpose of this paper is to urge public health and medical professionals not to forget the importance of physical activity to whole-person health, recognize the importance of physical activity as a potential COVID-19 mitigation strategy and to serve as advocates for promoting active lifestyles. It is imperative that the national call for physical distancing not be interpreted as a call for physical inactivity., (© Society of Behavioral Medicine 2021. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)
- Published
- 2021
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17. Recommendations for Administrators' Involvement in School-Based Health Promotion: A Scoping Review.
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Webster CA, Glascoe G, Moore C, Dauenhauer B, Egan CA, Russ LB, Orendorff K, and Buschmeier C
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- Exercise, Humans, Administrative Personnel, Health Promotion organization & administration, School Health Services organization & administration
- Abstract
School administrator involvement is recognized as a key factor in the extent to which school health promotion programs and initiatives are successfully implemented. The aims of this scoping review are to: (a) Identify existing documents that contain recommendations regarding the involvement of school administrators in school-based health promotion; (b) distill and summarize the recommendations; (c) examine differences in the recommendations by targeted professional level, professional group, health promotion content focus, and by whether the recommendations are evidence-based or opinion-based; and (d) evaluate the research informing the recommendations. We drew upon the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines to conduct the review. Our team conducted a comprehensive literature search with no date or geographic restrictions from January 2018 through April 2018 using four electronic databases: Academic Search Complete, Google Scholar, Physical Education Index, and PubMed. Eligibility criteria included any online documents, in English, that contained recommendations targeting school administrators' (e.g., principals, assistant principals, superintendents) involvement (e.g., support, endorsement, advocacy) in school health programming (e.g., physical activity, nutrition, wellness). The search yielded a total of 1225 records, which we screened by title, then by abstract, and finally by full text, resulting in 61 records that met inclusion criteria. Data (e.g., recommendations, targeted contexts, targeted administrators) from these records were extracted for a content analysis. Included records contained 80 distinct recommendations, which we summarized into three themes (Collaboration, Advocacy, and Support) using a content analysis. Separate content analyses revealed no qualitative differences in the recommendations by professional level, professional group, or content focus, or by whether the recommendations were evidence-based or opinion-based. Twenty-one of the included records were peer-reviewed research articles. Using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT), we appraised qualitative research articles the highest and mixed methods research articles the lowest. This review provides a basis for future research and professional practice aiming to increase school administrators' involvement in school-based health promotion.
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- 2020
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18. A Systematic Review and Qualitative Synthesis Resulting in a Typology of Elementary Classroom Movement Integration Interventions.
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Vazou S, Webster CA, Stewart G, Candal P, Egan CA, Pennell A, and Russ LB
- Abstract
Background/objective: Movement integration (MI) involves infusing physical activity into normal classroom time. A wide range of MI interventions have succeeded in increasing children's participation in physical activity. However, no previous research has attempted to unpack the various MI intervention approaches. Therefore, this study aimed to systematically review, qualitatively analyze, and develop a typology of MI interventions conducted in primary/elementary school settings., Subjects/methods: Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed to identify published MI interventions. Irrelevant records were removed first by title, then by abstract, and finally by full texts of articles, resulting in 72 studies being retained for qualitative analysis. A deductive approach, using previous MI research as an a priori analytic framework, alongside inductive techniques were used to analyze the data., Results: Four types of MI interventions were identified and labeled based on their design: student-driven, teacher-driven, researcher-teacher collaboration, and researcher-driven. Each type was further refined based on the MI strategies (movement breaks, active lessons, other: opening activity, transitions, reward, awareness), the level of intrapersonal and institutional support (training, resources), and the delivery (dose, intensity, type, fidelity). Nearly half of the interventions were researcher-driven, which may undermine the sustainability of MI as a routine practice by teachers in schools. An imbalance is evident on the MI strategies, with transitions, opening and awareness activities, and rewards being limitedly studied. Delivery should be further examined with a strong focus on reporting fidelity., Conclusions: There are distinct approaches that are most often employed to promote the use of MI and these approaches may often lack a minimum standard for reporting MI intervention details. This typology may be useful to effectively translate the evidence into practice in real-life settings to better understand and study MI interventions.
- Published
- 2020
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19. Understanding Elementary Classroom Teachers' Use of Movement Integration Resources.
- Author
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Webster CA, Starrett A, Rehling J, Chen B, Beets MW, and Weaver RG
- Abstract
Movement integration (MI)-infusing physical activity (PA) into normal classroom time during school-is an evidence-based strategy to support public health goals and enhance educational outcomes for elementary children. However, few elementary classroom teachers in the United States appear to be using MI resources. In order to understand teachers' MI resource use, this study's purpose was 3-fold: (a) to examine teachers' perceptions about MI and MI resources, (b) to identify teachers' latent class membership based on their perceptions, and (c) to determine the extent to which teachers' MI preferences, demographics, background, and school context predict class membership. We recruited a national sample of participants ( N = 420) who completed an electronic survey including six sections: perceived benefits of MI, perceived barriers to using MI resources, satisfaction with MI resources, perceived importance of different MI resource characteristics, MI resource preferences, and participant demographics, background, and school context. Data analysis consisted of descriptive analyses, exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, latent profile analysis, and multinomial regression analysis. Participants mostly agreed about the benefits of MI and were satisfied with the MI resources they were using but had varying perceptions about the presence of barriers to using MI resources. Participants rated the integration of an MI resource with the academic curriculum, the amount of time required for teacher training, the type of training materials provided, and the timing of the training as the most important characteristics they would consider before adopting a resource. Factor analyses supported single factor solutions for perceived benefits, perceived barriers, and satisfaction, and a three-factor solution for perceived importance of different MI resource characteristics (Curriculum Integration, Training Logistics, and Feasibility). Based on these factors, we identified five latent classes of teachers. Regression results showed that desirable latent class membership depended on certain MI preferences and demographic, background, and school context characteristics. Teacher educators and interventionists should consider teachers' MI perceptions, the nature of MI trainings, teacher characteristics, and school context in efforts to increase teachers' use of MI resources. Further research is needed to explore the intrinsic value of MI for teachers, given MI's education- and public health-related benefits., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.
- Published
- 2020
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20. Ability of the Public to Recognize Dogs Considered to Be Dangerous under the Dangerous Dogs Act in the United Kingdom.
- Author
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Webster CA and Farnworth MJ
- Subjects
- Adolescent, Adult, Animal Welfare legislation & jurisprudence, Animals, Female, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Pedigree, Species Specificity, Surveys and Questionnaires, United Kingdom, Dogs classification
- Abstract
Canine aggression came into the public eye in the United Kingdom in the late 1980s prompting enactment of the UK Dangerous Dogs Act , which prohibits four breeds or "types" of dogs. The act faced strong opposition surrounding correct identification of prohibited dogs. A questionnaire was distributed to the public via an online platform, especially targetting those who have worked with dogs. The questionnaire assessed respondents' abilities to identify the four banned types of dogs from other breeds and their capability to identify Pit Bull Terrier types from other similar dog types. Identification of both banned breeds, F(1, 20) = 57.746, p < .001, and bull breeds, F(1, 20) = 9.293, p = .006, was significantly lower than identification of other breeds. Recognition of Pit Bull Terrier types from similar types of dogs was generally poor, although people in a dog-related profession, as opposed to those in other professions, could correctly distinguish more pit bull-type dogs (U = 46,164.0, n
1 = 187, n2 = 575, p = .003). Findings suggest public understanding of dangerous dogs is poor, and it may impact societal perceptions of dogs more widely.- Published
- 2019
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21. Systematically Observed Movement Integration in a Low Socioeconomic School District: A Cross-Sectional, Observational Study.
- Author
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Stewart G, Webster CA, Brian A, Stodden D, Egan CA, and Weaver RG
- Subjects
- Adult, Cross-Sectional Studies, Female, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Poverty, Program Evaluation, Rural Population, Exercise, Health Promotion organization & administration, School Teachers organization & administration, Schools organization & administration
- Abstract
Purpose: To describe teacher's integration of activity into general education classroom time (ie, movement integration-MI)., Design: Cross-sectional, observational., Setting: Eight elementary schools in a rural, low-income school district., Participants: Elementary classroom teachers (N = 48)., Measure: Classroom teachers were observed using the System for Observing Student Movement in Academic Routines and Transitions (SOSMART) on random, unannounced days during the 2015-16 academic year., Analysis: Descriptive statistics were calculated for the frequency and types of MI being used., Results: Of the 9398 SOSMART scans completed, students engaged in movement in 41.3% of the scans. Student movement was observed to be teacher directed in 14.4% and nonteacher directed in 26.9% of scans. Nonteacher-directed movement consisted mostly of transitions ( M = 99.5%) in which movement occurred as a result of preestablished classroom rules, protocols, and organization., Conclusion: This is one of the first studies to provide objective information about MI. These descriptive data lay the groundwork for future correlational and experimental research that can lead to the development of effective intervention design to increase MI use in schools.
- Published
- 2019
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22. Facilitators and Barriers to Movement Integration in Elementary Classrooms: A Systematic Review.
- Author
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Michael RD, Webster CA, Egan CA, Nilges L, Brian A, Johnson R, and Carson RL
- Subjects
- Child, Curriculum, Family, Humans, School Teachers psychology, Teacher Training, Exercise, Health Promotion methods, Movement, Physical Education and Training organization & administration, Schools organization & administration
- Abstract
Purpose: A systematic review was conducted to identify facilitators and barriers to movement integration (MI) in elementary school classrooms., Method: Online databases (Educational Resources Information Center, Google Scholar, PsycINFO, and PubMed) served as data sources for the study. Following the PRISMA guidelines, relevant published research on MI was identified and screened for inclusion in a qualitative synthesis. Content analysis of the included articles (N = 28) was used to identify themes of MI facilitators and barriers. Facilitators and barriers were then categorized using a social-ecological framework., Results: A total of 12 themes of MI facilitators and barriers were identified and categorized into two social-ecological levels: institutional factors (e.g., administrative support, resources) and intrapersonal factors (e.g., teacher confidence, ease of implementation)., Conclusion: This review can inform research and practice aimed at supporting the implementation of MI in elementary classrooms.
- Published
- 2019
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23. Evaluation of a classroom movement integration training delivered in a low socioeconomic school district.
- Author
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Stewart G, Webster CA, Weaver RG, Stodden DF, Brian A, Egan CA, Michael RD, Sacko R, and Patey M
- Subjects
- Adult, Black or African American, Female, Humans, Middle Aged, Program Evaluation, Socioeconomic Factors, Exercise, Health Promotion organization & administration, Inservice Training organization & administration, School Health Services organization & administration
- Abstract
Movement integration (MI), which involves infusing physical activity (PA) into general education classrooms, is an evidence-based strategy within whole-of-school approaches for helping children meet the national PA guideline of at least 60 min per day. This study evaluated an MI training delivered in a low socioeconomic elementary school that had recently invested in three movement facilitative classrooms (a kinesthetic classroom and two activity labs). We investigated (a) the training's fidelity in meeting recommended best practices for professional development and (b) school professionals' perspectives of the training. Eight school professionals participated in the study, including five classroom teachers, two activity lab supervisors, and the principal. The researchers used a video of the training to rate the fidelity of the training to best practice recommendations. Interviews, field notes, and informal conversations with participants were qualitatively analyzed for themes. The training received a total fidelity score of 42%. Qualitative findings highlighted participants' varied perspectives of the training's purpose, challenges associated with the training and future recommendations for MI trainings. For MI trainings to be a valuable asset in increasing teachers' value and effective implementation of MI, trainings need to be designed to be in line with best practice recommendations and teachers' perceived needs., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2019
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24. Case study of a health optimizing physical education-based comprehensive school physical activity program.
- Author
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Egan CA, Webster CA, Stewart GL, Weaver RG, Russ LB, Brian A, and Stodden DF
- Subjects
- Adolescent, Child, Diet, Female, Humans, Interviews as Topic, Male, Needs Assessment, Program Evaluation, Qualitative Research, Socioeconomic Factors, Teacher Training organization & administration, Urban Population, Exercise, Health Promotion organization & administration, Physical Education and Training organization & administration, School Health Services organization & administration
- Abstract
In this article, we report a qualitative case study, in which we examined enablers and barriers related to the development, implementation, and sustainability of a comprehensive school physical activity program (CSPAP) aligned with the Health Optimizing Physical Education (HOPE) curriculum model at a middle school. Literature on program-diffusion and school-university partnerships guided data collection and analysis. Data sources included semi-structured interviews with the program implementation team (n = 9) and the school's health and physical education teachers (n = 7); a focus group interview with students; documents (e.g., lesson plans), and observations. Constant comparison techniques were used to code and draw out themes from the data. Findings revealed the extensive effort needed for program implementation and highlighted the importance of strong external support mechanisms, conducting needs assessments, and training teachers to market physical activity programming. Partnerships may provide critical support for schools in their efforts to generate and sustain CSPAPs., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2019
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25. An Intervention to Increase Students' Physical Activity: A 2-Year Pilot Study.
- Author
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Weaver RG, Webster CA, Beets MW, Brazendale K, Schisler L, and Aziz M
- Subjects
- Accelerometry methods, Adult, Child, Cross-Sectional Studies, Female, Humans, Male, Physical Education and Training, Pilot Projects, Poverty, Schools organization & administration, Exercise physiology, Health Promotion, School Teachers organization & administration, Students statistics & numerical data
- Abstract
Introduction: Schools are called upon to provide children with 30 minutes/day of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Most school-based physical activity interventions have not targeted schools that serve children from low-income families. This study evaluated the effects of a pilot, competency-building professional development program on the school day MVPA and total activity (light- to vigorous-intensity activity) of students from schools that serve low-income families., Study Design: Single group intervention with multiple follow-up repeated cross-sectional measures., Setting/participants: Students attending eight elementary schools in one low-income school district serving 3,719 students., Intervention: Participatory-based, experiential, competency-building professional development workshop for physical education and classroom teachers. Baseline was fall 2015, and the intervention was delivered during spring 2016 through spring 2017., Main Outcome Measures: Hip-placed accelerometers were used to derive the percentage of children accumulating 30 minutes of MVPA during the school day, minutes of MVPA, and time spent sedentary. Analyses were conducted during July 2017., Results: A total of 1,570 first- and fourth-grade students (49.8% girls, 87.0% African American, 88% free and reduced-price lunch) were measured across the project. Primary analyses indicated that the percentage of girls and boys meeting the 30-minutes/day guideline increased by 9.3% (95% CI=4.7%, 13.9%) and 10.4% (95% CI=5.5%, 15.3%), respectively. A corresponding increase of 1.7 (95% CI=0.5, 2.8) and 2.5 (95% CI=1.1, 3.8) MVPA minutes accumulated during the school day were observed for both girls and boys, respectively. Primary analyses indicated that statistically significant increases in MVPA and total activity for boys and girls were observed across the school day, during classroom time, and during physical education., Conclusions: Participatory-based, experiential, competency-building professional development is an effective strategy for increasing students' MVPA and total activity in low-income schools. However, data from this study indicate that targeting settings outside of the school day may be more appropriate given that schools were providing more than two thirds of the recommended 30 minutes/day of MVPA prior to intervention., (Copyright © 2018 American Journal of Preventive Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2018
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26. Initial Outcomes of a Participatory-Based, Competency-Building Approach to Increasing Physical Education Teachers' Physical Activity Promotion and Students' Physical Activity: A Pilot Study.
- Author
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Weaver RG, Webster CA, Beets MW, Brazendale K, Chandler J, Schisler L, and Aziz M
- Subjects
- Child, Female, Humans, Male, Pilot Projects, Program Evaluation, School Health Services, Exercise physiology, Health Promotion methods, Physical Education and Training methods, School Teachers, Students statistics & numerical data
- Abstract
This study examined the initial effects of a participatory-based, competency-/skill-building professional development workshop for physical education (PE) teachers on the use of physical activity (PA) promotion practices (e.g., eliminating lines, small-sided games) and students' moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). A total of 823 students (52.8% boys) wore accelerometers at baseline (fall 2015) and outcome (spring 2016) on PE and non-PE days. The System for Observing Fitness Instruction Time+ measured changes in PA promotion practices. Teachers ( n = 9) attended a 90-minute workshop prior to outcome data collection. Mixed-model linear regressions estimated changes in teacher practices and students' MVPA. Three of the nine targeted PA promotion practices changed in the desired direction (i.e., p < .05; increased motor content and lessons taught outdoors, reduced activities with lines), with three more teacher practices trending in the desired direction (i.e., reduced management time and activities with elimination, increased small-sided games). During PE, boys and girls increased MVPA by 2.0 (95% confidence interval [1.1, 3.0]), and 1.3 (95% confidence interval [0.5-2.0]) minutes, respectively. However, there were no statistically significant changes in boys' or girls' MVPA during the school day. Greater implementation of promotion practices by the PE teachers was associated with boys', but not girls', MVPA during PE. Girls in high- and low-implementing teachers' lessons experienced increases in MVPA, suggesting that even small changes in PA promotion practices can increase girls' MVPA during PE. Overall, the workshops were effective at increasing teachers' PA promotion and students' MVPA in PE. Other school-based strategies that complement and extend efforts targeting PE are recommended to increase children's total daily PA.
- Published
- 2018
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27. Two-year process evaluation of a pilot program to increase elementary children's physical activity during school.
- Author
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Webster CA, Weaver RG, Egan CA, Brian A, and Vazou S
- Subjects
- Adult, Analysis of Variance, Community-Based Participatory Research, Female, Humans, Interprofessional Relations, Interviews as Topic, Male, Middle Aged, Pilot Projects, Process Assessment, Health Care, Program Evaluation, Schools, Young Adult, Exercise psychology, Health Promotion methods, Perception, School Teachers psychology
- Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine implementation processes in elementary classrooms during a 2-year (Fall 2014 to Spring 2016) pilot intervention program, Partnerships for Active Children in Elementary Schools (PACES). We examined (a) the effect of PACES on the extent of movement integration (MI) and (b) changes in teachers' perceptions regarding MI. Purposively selected classrooms (grades 1-3) across four schools (3 intervention, 1 control) participated in the study. The sample included classroom teachers (N = 12) in Fall 2014 and Spring 2015, but the number of participants dropped to eight in Fall 2015 and Spring 2016. PACES consisted of three partnership approaches (a virtual community of practice, community-based participatory research, and university service learning) intended to increase the extent of MI in the intervention classrooms. We collected process data using the System for Observing Student Movement in Academic Routines and Transitions (SOSMART) and teacher interviews. PACES did not significantly impact the extent of observed MI. Interviews indicated that the intervention had both strengths and limitations. Building interpersonal support for teachers is important to their use of MI. A different measurement schedule (e.g., collecting MI data each day of the school week) may be required to more thoroughly capture MI instances., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2018
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28. Partnerships for Active Children in Elementary Schools: Outcomes of a 2-Year Pilot Study to Increase Physical Activity During the School Day.
- Author
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Weaver RG, Webster CA, Egan C, Campos CMC, Michael RD, and Vazou S
- Subjects
- Accelerometry, Child, Female, Humans, Male, Pilot Projects, Racial Groups, Sedentary Behavior, Sex Factors, Time Factors, Exercise, Health Promotion organization & administration, Physical Education and Training organization & administration, Schools organization & administration
- Abstract
Purpose: To evaluate the impact of the pilot study Partnerships for Active Children in Elementary Schools on the percentage of children achieving the Institute of Medicine guideline of 30 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) during the school day., Design: Pre/multiple post-quasi-experimental., Setting: Four elementary schools., Participants: Physical education (n = 3) and classroom teachers (n = 12) and students (n = 229)., Intervention: Partnerships for Active Children in Elementary Schools was a multicomponent, theory-driven intervention facilitated through school-university partnerships. Intervention approaches included communities of practice, community-based participatory research, and service learning., Measures: Accelerometer-derived percentage of children accumulating 30 minutes of MVPA during the school day., Analysis: Multilevel mixed-effects regression estimated MVPA differences over time., Results: Compared to control, a 2.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.0% to 4.8%) and 8.8% (95% CI: -0.3% to 15.4%) increase in the percentage of time girls and boys engaged in MVPA during the school day was observed. The percentage of boys and girls in the intervention group achieving 30 minutes of MVPA/day increased from 57.5% to 70.7% and 35.4% to 56.9%, respectively. Boys and girls in the control group decreased from 61.5% to 56.4% and 52.6% to 41.9%, respectively. However, these changes did not reach statistical significance., Conclusion: Partnerships for Active Children in Elementary Schools demonstrated meaningful impact on children's MVPA during the school day by increasing boys' and girls' MVPA. However, additional strategies may be required to help schools achieve the Institute of Medicine guideline.
- Published
- 2018
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29. The Application of an Implementation Science Framework to Comprehensive School Physical Activity Programs: Be a Champion!
- Author
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Moore JB, Carson RL, Webster CA, Singletary CR, Castelli DM, Pate RR, Beets MW, and Beighle A
- Abstract
Comprehensive school physical activity programs (CSPAPs) have been endorsed as a promising strategy to increase youth physical activity (PA) in school settings. A CSPAP is a five-component approach, which includes opportunities before, during, and after school for PA. Extensive resources are available to public health practitioners and school officials regarding what should be implemented, but little guidance and few resources are available regarding how to effectively implement a CSPAP. Implementation science provides a number of conceptual frameworks that can guide implementation of a CSPAP, but few published studies have employed an implementation science framework to a CSPAP. Therefore, we developed Be a Champion! (BAC), which represents a synthesis of implementation science strategies, modified for application to CSPAPs implementation in schools while allowing for local tailoring of the approach. This article describes BAC while providing examples from the implementation of a CSPAP in three rural elementary schools.
- Published
- 2018
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30. Evaluation of a statewide dissemination and implementation of physical activity intervention in afterschool programs: a nonrandomized trial.
- Author
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Beets MW, Glenn Weaver R, Turner-McGrievy G, Saunders RP, Webster CA, Moore JB, Brazendale K, and Chandler J
- Subjects
- Accelerometry, Child, Child, Preschool, Faith-Based Organizations, Female, Fitness Centers, Follow-Up Studies, Health Plan Implementation, Humans, Male, Program Evaluation, Schools, Sedentary Behavior, Exercise, Health Promotion
- Abstract
In 2015, YMCA-operated afterschool programs (ASPs) across South Carolina pledged to achieve the national standard that calls for every child to accumulate 30 min/day of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) during program time. This study shares the first-year findings related to the dissemination, implementation, and outcomes associated with the statewide intervention to achieve the MVPA Standard. Twenty ASPs were sampled from all YMCA-operated ASPs (N = 97) and visited at baseline (spring 2015) and first-year follow-up (spring 2016). Programs were provided standardized professional development training to increase the MVPA children accumulated while attending ASPs. The training focused on extending the scheduled time for activity opportunities and modifying commonly played games to increase MVPA. The RE-AIM framework was used to evaluate the statewide intervention. Accelerometer-derived MVPA was the primary outcome. Implementation was evaluated via direct observation. Intent-to-treat (ITT) and as-treated comparisons were conducted in summer 2016. Reach/adoption was variable, with attendance at trainings ranging from 0 to 100% across ASPs. Effectiveness of the intervention using ITT models indicated no changes from baseline in the percentage of programs meeting the MVPA standard for boys or girls. Implementation levels also varied and were related to increases in both boys' and girls' MVPA for moderate and high implementers. Findings indicate improvements in MVPA can be made from attending the trainings and implementing some or all of the training components. Additional work is necessary to identify ways to ensure staff attend trainings to implement strategies and to identify which specific factors contributed to increases in MVPA.
- Published
- 2017
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31. Combining Cytotoxicity Assessment and Xenopus laevis Phenotypic Abnormality Assay as a Predictor of Nanomaterial Safety.
- Author
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Al-Yousuf K, Webster CA, Wheeler GN, Bombelli FB, and Sherwood V
- Subjects
- Animals, Blotting, Western, Cell Line, High-Throughput Screening Assays, Microscopy, Electron, Transmission, Models, Animal, Phenotype, Xenopus laevis, Biological Assay, Embryo, Nonmammalian abnormalities, Nanostructures toxicity, Toxicity Tests
- Abstract
The African clawed frog, Xenopus laevis, has been used as an efficient pre-clinical screening tool to predict drug safety during the early stages of the drug discovery process. X. laevis is a relatively inexpensive model that can be used in whole organism high-throughput assays whilst maintaining a high degree of homology to the higher vertebrate models often used in scientific research. Despite an ever-increasing volume of biomedical nanoparticles (NPs) in development, their unique physico-chemical properties challenge the use of standard toxicology assays. Here, we present a protocol that directly compares the sensitivity of X. laevis development as a tool to assess potential NP toxicity by observation of embryo phenotypic abnormalities/lethality after NP exposure, to in vitro cytotoxicity obtained using mammalian cell lines. In combination with conventional cytotoxicity assays, the X. laevis phenotypic assay provides accurate data to efficiently assess the safety of novel biomedical NPs. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc., (Copyright © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.)
- Published
- 2017
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32. Stiffness and proprioceptive contributions of ankle braces and the influence of localized muscle fatigue.
- Author
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Webster CA, Nussbaum MA, and Madigan ML
- Subjects
- Adult, Ankle Joint physiology, Braces adverse effects, Female, Humans, Male, Recurrence, Ankle physiology, Ankle Injuries therapy, Braces standards, Muscle Fatigue, Muscle, Skeletal physiology, Proprioception
- Abstract
Ankle braces are a common treatment to reduce ankle sprain recurrence among individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI). Bracing provides supplemental external joint stiffness and/or improved proprioceptive acuity. The goals of this study were to assess the effects of two ankle braces on joint position sense (JPS) and ankle stiffness, and determine whether bracing effects are reduced with localized muscle fatigue. Measures of JPS and ankle stiffness were obtained from participants with CAI (n=12) for three conditions (no brace, a neoprene wrap brace, and a semi-rigid brace), before and after inducing localized muscle fatigue at the ankle. Pre-fatigue JPS measures did not differ between brace conditions, but pre-fatigue stiffness was ∼0.8 and 2.5Nm/rad (∼5 and 14%) greater for the semi-rigid brace than the neoprene and no brace conditions, respectively. Fatigue increased absolute JPS errors by 0.3° (∼6 to 12%) across all conditions. Stiffness was unaffected by fatigue among females. Among males, fatigue increased stiffness by 0.75Nm/rad (∼3.3%) with the semi-rigid brace and decreased stiffness by 0.32Nm/rad (1.5%) with no brace. The semi-rigid brace may better protect males from sprains while either brace may be effective for females., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2017
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33. Movement integration in elementary classrooms: Teacher perceptions and implications for program planning.
- Author
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Webster CA, Zarrett N, Cook BS, Egan C, Nesbitt D, and Weaver RG
- Subjects
- Child, Female, Humans, Interviews as Topic, Male, Program Evaluation, Exercise, Health Promotion organization & administration, Perception, School Teachers psychology, Schools organization & administration
- Abstract
Movement integration (MI), which involves infusing physical activity (PA) into regular classroom time in schools, is widely recommended to help children meet the national guideline of 60min of PA each day. Understanding the perspective of elementary classroom teachers (ECTs) toward MI is critical to program planning for interventions/professional development. This study examined the MI perceptions of ECTs in order to inform the design and implementation of a school-based pilot program that focused in part on increasing children's PA through MI. Twelve ECTs (Grades 1-3) from four schools were selected to participate based on their responses to a survey about their use of MI. Based on the idea that MI programming should be designed with particular attention to teachers who integrate relatively few movement opportunities in their classrooms, the intent was to select the teacher who reported integrating movement the least at her/his respective grade level at each school. However, not all of these teachers agreed to participate in the study. The final sample included two groups of ECTs, including eight lowest integrating teachers and four additional teachers. Each ECT participated in an interview during the semester before the pilot program was implemented. Through qualitative analysis of the interview transcripts, four themes emerged: (a) challenges and barriers (e.g., lack of time), (b) current and ideal resources (e.g., school support), (c) current implementation processes (e.g., scheduling MI into daily routines), and (e) teachers' ideas and tips for MI (e.g., stick with it and learn as you go). The themes were supported by data from both groups of teachers. This study's findings can inform future efforts to increase movement opportunities for children during regular classroom time., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2017
- Full Text
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34. Development of the System for Observing Student Movement in Academic Routines and Transitions (SOSMART).
- Author
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Russ LB, Webster CA, Beets MW, Egan C, Weaver RG, Harvey R, and Phillips DS
- Subjects
- Child, Female, Humans, Male, Program Evaluation, Reproducibility of Results, Sedentary Behavior, Surveys and Questionnaires, Exercise, Health Promotion organization & administration, Schools organization & administration
- Abstract
National attention on whole-of-school approaches to decrease children's sedentary behavior and increase physical activity includes movement integration (MI) in classrooms. The purpose of this study was to describe instrument development, reliability, and validity of the System for Observing Student Movement in Academic Routines and Transitions (SOSMART), designed to assess MI in elementary classrooms. An a priori conceptual framework was developed based on existing literature. The framework was expanded/refined using videos from elementary classrooms and a Delphi survey. The survey, sent to 85 experts, yielded a 38% response rate. The final system includes 11 MI variables (three categories of teacher variables, two categories of student variables) and uses a 20-second continuous interval recording format. Reliability and validity data were collected in 12 classrooms across four elementary schools. Instrument reliability was tested using interval-by-interval percentage agreement for each category. Construct validity was tested by estimating multilevel random effects logistic regression models comparing student accelerometer derived activity with the presence/absence of each MI variable. Intraobserver reliability resulted in 97.5% agreement and exceeded 80% on all variables. Construct validity was supported for 8 out of 11 MI variables. SOSMART can provide valid, reliable, and objective data about MI in elementary schools.
- Published
- 2017
- Full Text
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35. Accelerometry-Derived Physical Activity of First Through Third Grade Children During the Segmented School Day.
- Author
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Weaver RG, Crimarco A, Brusseau TA, Webster CA, Burns RD, and Hannon JC
- Subjects
- Accelerometry, Child, Female, Humans, Male, Physical Education and Training statistics & numerical data, Sex Factors, Socioeconomic Factors, United States, Exercise, Schools statistics & numerical data
- Abstract
Background: Schools should provide children 30 minutes/day of moderate-to-vigorous-physical-activity (MVPA). Determining school day segments that contribute to children's MVPA can inform school-based activity promotion. The purpose of this paper was to identify the proportion of children accumulating 30 minutes/day of school-based MVPA, and to identify school day segments' contribution to children's MVPA., Methods: First-third graders (N = 323 [173 girls and 150 boys]) accelerometer-derived sedentary behaviors, light activity, and MVPA were measured for 1 to 5 school days. Children's activity was estimated during class time, lunch, physical education (PE), and recess. To explore disparities in MVPA, children were stratified into high/low-active groups., Results: Girls and boys accumulated 30.4 and 34.4 minutes/day of MVPA on PE days and 23.5 and 27.3 minutes/day of MVPA on non-PE days. This translated to 36.5 and 44.1% of girls and boys accumulating 30 minutes of MVPA on PE days and 16.3 and 36.5% on non-PE days. On PE days, PE contributed the most MVPA for girls and boys (11.8 and 13.0 minutes/day), followed by class time (11.4 and 12.5 minutes/day), recess (5.2 and 6.5 minutes/day), and lunch (2.0 and 2.4 minutes/day). Disparities between high/low children were greatest during PE and class time., Conclusions: Most children were not accumulating 30 minutes/day of MVPA. PE and class time are promising school day segments for promoting MVPA., (© 2016, American School Health Association.)
- Published
- 2016
- Full Text
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36. Localized Ankle Fatigue Development and Fatigue Perception in Adults With or Without Chronic Ankle Instability.
- Author
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Webster CA and Nussbaum MA
- Subjects
- Adult, Chronic Disease, Fatigue physiopathology, Female, Humans, Joint Instability physiopathology, Male, Young Adult, Ankle Joint physiopathology, Exercise physiology, Fatigue etiology, Joint Instability complications, Muscle Fatigue physiology, Perception
- Abstract
Context: Fatigue could contribute to ankle-sprain injuries during sport, particularly for individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI)., Objective: To examine whether adults with or without CAI develop fatigue at similar rates when performing ankle exercises at the same relative effort level and whether these groups differ in their subjective perceptions of fatigue., Design: Controlled laboratory study., Setting: Biomechanics research laboratory., Patients or Other Participants: A total of 11 volunteers with CAI (1 man, 10 women; age = 23.5 ± 3.0 years, height = 168.0 ± 11.2 cm, mass = 64.3 ± 13.5 kg) were recruited for the unstable-ankle group, and 11 volunteers matched for age, height, mass, and sex (1 man, 10 women; age = 24.1 ± 2.1 years, height = 169.5 ± 9.7 cm, mass = 62.3 ± 9.7 kg) were recruited as control participants., Intervention(s): Localized muscle fatigue (LMF) was induced in the ankle of the dominant limb using a custom fatigue protocol. Plantar-flexion and dorsiflexion exertions were completed at a rate of 12 cycles per minute at isotonic loads equal to 70% and 30%, respectively, of individual maximal voluntary isometric strength. Intermittent measures of maximal voluntary isometric strength and ratings of perceived exertion (RPEs) were obtained., Main Outcome Measure(s): We compared isometric-strength measures and RPE scores at each observation time (prefatigue and at 4, 8, 12, and 16 minutes into the fatigue protocol) and the group correlations between changes in strength and changes in RPE scores., Results: Based on ankle-strength measures, the 2 test groups developed LMF at similar rates when exercising at equivalent levels of relative effort. The 2 groups also reported similar levels of discomfort as fatigue progressed., Conclusions: The rate of LMF development at the ankle and the associated perception of fatigue did not differ between adults with or without CAI.
- Published
- 2016
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37. Synthesis of Diagnostic Silicon Nanoparticles for Targeted Delivery of Thiourea to Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor-Expressing Cancer Cells.
- Author
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Behray M, Webster CA, Pereira S, Ghosh P, Krishnamurthy S, Al-Jamal WT, and Chao Y
- Subjects
- Caco-2 Cells, Colonic Neoplasms genetics, Colonic Neoplasms pathology, ErbB Receptors genetics, Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic drug effects, Humans, Nanoparticles chemistry, Particle Size, Silicon administration & dosage, Silicon chemistry, Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared, Surface Properties, Thiourea administration & dosage, Thiourea chemistry, Colonic Neoplasms drug therapy, ErbB Receptors biosynthesis, Nanoparticles administration & dosage
- Abstract
The novel thiourea-functionalized silicon nanoparticles (SiNPs) have been successfully synthesized using allylamine and sulforaphane, an important anticancer drug, followed by a hydrosilylation reaction on the surface of hydrogen terminated SiNPs. Their physiochemical properties have been investigated by photoluminescence emission, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and elemental analysis. The MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] assay has been employed to evaluate in vitro toxicity in human colorectal adenocarcinoma (Caco-2) cells and human normal colon epithelial (CCD) cells. The results show significant toxicity of thiourea SiNPs after 72 h of incubation in the cancer cell line, and the toxicity is concentration dependent and saturated for concentrations above 100 μg/mL. Confocal microscopy images have demonstrated the internalization of thiourea-functionalized SiNPs inside the cells. Flow cytometry data has confirmed receptor-mediated targeting in cancer cells. This nanocomposite takes advantage of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) active targeting of the ligand in addition to the photoluminescence properties of SiNPs for bioimaging purposes. The results suggest that this novel nanosystem can be extrapolated for active targeting of the receptors that are overexpressed in cancer cells such as EGFR using the targeting characteristics of thiourea-functionalized SiNPs and therefore encourage further investigation and development of anticancer agents specifically exploiting the EGFR inhibitory activity of such nanoparticles.
- Published
- 2016
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
38. An early developmental vertebrate model for nanomaterial safety: bridging cell-based and mammalian toxicity assessment.
- Author
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Webster CA, Di Silvio D, Devarajan A, Bigini P, Micotti E, Giudice C, Salmona M, Wheeler GN, Sherwood V, and Bombelli FB
- Subjects
- Animals, Cell Line, Cell Survival drug effects, Ferric Compounds toxicity, Humans, Mice, Xenopus laevis embryology, Nanoparticles toxicity, Toxicity Tests methods
- Abstract
Aim: With the rise in production of nanoparticles (NPs) for an ever-increasing number of applications, there is an urgent need to efficiently assess their potential toxicity. We propose a NP hazard assessment protocol that combines mammalian cytotoxicity data with embryonic vertebrate abnormality scoring to determine an overall toxicity index., Results: We observed that, after exposure to a range of NPs, Xenopus phenotypic scoring showed a strong correlation with cell based in vitro assays. Magnetite-cored NPs, negative for toxicity in vitro and Xenopus, were further confirmed as nontoxic in mice., Conclusion: The results highlight the potential of Xenopus embryo analysis as a fast screening approach for toxicity assessment of NPs, which could be introduced for the routine testing of nanomaterials.
- Published
- 2016
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
39. Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Multi-Component Interventions Through Schools to Increase Physical Activity.
- Author
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Russ LB, Webster CA, Beets MW, and Phillips DS
- Subjects
- Adolescent, Humans, Schools, Exercise, Physical Education and Training methods
- Abstract
Background: A "whole-of-school" approach is nationally endorsed to increase youth physical activity (PA). Aligned with this approach, comprehensive school physical activity programs (CSPAP) are recommended. Distinct components of a CSPAP include physical education (PE), PA during the school day (PADS), PA before/after school (PABAS), staff wellness (SW), and family/community engagement (FCE). The effectiveness of interventions incorporating multiple CSPAP components is unclear. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted examining the effectiveness of multicomponent interventions on youth total daily PA., Methods: Electronic databases were searched for published studies that (1) occurred in the US; (2) targeted K-12 (5-18 years old); (3) were interventions; (4) reflected ≥ 2 CSPAP components, with at least 1 targeting school-based PA during school hours; and (5) reported outcomes as daily PA improvements. Standardized mean effects (Hedge's g) from pooled random effects inverse-variance models were estimated., Results: Across 14 studies, 12 included PE, 5 PADS, 1 PABAS, 2 SW, and 14 FCE. No studies included all 5 CSPAP components. Overall, intervention impact was small (0.11, 95% CI 0.03-0.19)., Conclusions: As designed, there is limited evidence of the effectiveness of multicomponent interventions to increase youth total daily PA. Increased alignment with CSPAP recommendations may improve intervention effectiveness.
- Published
- 2015
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40. Synthesis of Carbohydrate Capped Silicon Nanoparticles and their Reduced Cytotoxicity, In Vivo Toxicity, and Cellular Uptake.
- Author
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Ahire JH, Behray M, Webster CA, Wang Q, Sherwood V, Saengkrit N, Ruktanonchai U, Woramongkolchai N, and Chao Y
- Subjects
- Carbohydrates pharmacology, Cell Line, Tumor, Cell Proliferation drug effects, Humans, MCF-7 Cells, Particle Size, Silicon pharmacology, Tetrazolium Salts, Thiazoles, Toxicity Tests methods, Carbohydrates chemistry, Nanoparticles chemistry, Silicon chemistry
- Abstract
The development of smart targeted nanoparticles (NPs) that can identify and deliver drugs at a sustained rate directly to cancer cells may provide better efficacy and lower toxicity for treating primary and advanced metastatic tumors. Obtaining knowledge of the diseases at the molecular level can facilitate the identification of biological targets. In particular, carbohydrate-mediated molecular recognitions using nano-vehicles are likely to increasingly affect cancer treatment methods, opening a new area in biomedical applications. Here, silicon NPs (SiNPs) capped with carbohydrates including galactose, glucose, mannose, and lactose are successfully synthesized from amine terminated SiNPs. The MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] analysis shows an extensive reduction in toxicity of SiNPs by functionalizing with carbohydrate moiety both in vitro and in vivo. Cellular uptake is investigated with flow cytometry and confocal fluorescence microscope. The results show the carbohydrate capped SiNPs can be internalized in the cells within 24 h of incubation, and can be taken up more readily by cancer cells than noncancerous cells. Moreover, these results reinforce the use of carbohydrates for the internalization of a variety of similar compounds into cancer cells., (© 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)
- Published
- 2015
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41. Integrating movement in academic classrooms: understanding, applying and advancing the knowledge base.
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Webster CA, Russ L, Vazou S, Goh TL, and Erwin H
- Subjects
- Adolescent, Child, Child, Preschool, Energy Metabolism, Humans, Program Evaluation, School Health Services, Schools, Health Promotion, Motor Activity, Obesity prevention & control, Physical Education and Training
- Abstract
In the context of comprehensive and coordinated approaches to school health, academic classrooms have gained attention as a promising setting for increasing physical activity and reducing sedentary time among children. The aims of this paper are to review the rationale and knowledge base related to movement integration in academic classrooms, consider the practical applications of current knowledge to interventions and teacher education, and suggest directions for future research. Specifically, this paper (i) situates movement integration amid policy and research related to children's health and the school as a health-promoting environment; (ii) highlights the benefits of movement integration; (iii) summarizes movement integration programs and interventions; (iv) examines factors associated with classroom teachers' movement integration; (v) offers strategies for translating research to practice and (vi) forwards recommendations for future inquiry related to the effectiveness and sustainability of efforts to integrate movement into classroom routines. This paper provides a comprehensive resource for developing state-of-the-art initiatives to maximize children's movement in academic classrooms as a key strategy for important goals in both education and public health., (© 2015 World Obesity.)
- Published
- 2015
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42. A systematic review of public health-aligned recommendations for preparing physical education teacher candidates.
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Webster CA, Webster L, Russ L, Molina S, Lee H, and Cribbs J
- Subjects
- Humans, Education, Professional standards, Faculty, Health Promotion, Physical Education and Training standards, Professional Competence, Public Health Practice standards, Schools
- Abstract
Purpose: Since Sallis and McKenzie's seminal article in 1991 outlining physical education's role in public health, increased attention has been given to promoting youth physical activity in schools. The present study systematically reviewed the literature from 1991 to 2013 to identify recommendations for the preparation of physical education teacher candidates (PETCs) from a public health perspective., Method: Eight online databases (e.g., Educational Resources Information Center, Google Scholar) served as data sources for the study. Multiple combinations of key terms (e.g., physical education teacher education [PETE], public health, health-oriented) were used to identify relevant literature meeting search criteria. A content analysis was used to identify 47 distinct recommendations from 25 included articles and to synthesize these recommendations into major areas of focus., Results: Three major areas of focus were identified: (a) candidate profile (e.g., PETCs should be physically active and fit role models), (b) candidate knowledge (e.g., PETCs should know about behavior change theories), and (c) candidate skills (e.g., PETCs should be able to advocate for school-based physical activity)., Conclusion: This review can serve as a blueprint for PETE programs seeking to align professional preparation with public health goals.
- Published
- 2015
- Full Text
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43. Effects of a competency-based professional development training on children's physical activity and staff physical activity promotion in summer day camps.
- Author
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Weaver RG, Beets MW, Turner-McGrievy G, Webster CA, and Moore J
- Subjects
- Adolescent, Adult, Child, Humans, South Carolina, Child Day Care Centers, Exercise, Health Behavior, Health Promotion methods, Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care, Professional Competence, Staff Development methods
- Abstract
The YMCA of the USA serves more than nine million youth in its summer day camping programs nationwide. In spring 2011, the YMCA of Columbia, SC, with support from the University of South Carolina, adopted a competency-based staff-level training approach in an attempt to align staff behaviors with the YMCA of the USA new physical activity standards for summer camp programs. This chapter presents findings from a multiyear evaluation of a competency-based training approach using a single group design with preassessments and multiple postassessments. Training consisted of participatory exercises and video demonstrations. Data on staff physical activity promotion behaviors were collected using SOSPAN, an instrument that utilizes momentary time sampling to record instances of staff physical activity promotion behaviors consistent with physical activity standards. This chapter describes how a competency-based professional development training may be effective at increasing physical activity promoting and decreasing physical activity discouraging staff behaviors and related child activity levels., (© 2014 WILEY PERIODICALS, INC.)
- Published
- 2014
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44. The scope of nanoparticle therapies for future metastatic melanoma treatment.
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Bombelli FB, Webster CA, Moncrieff M, and Sherwood V
- Subjects
- Drug Delivery Systems, Humans, Melanoma mortality, Melanoma secondary, Melanoma drug therapy, Nanoparticles therapeutic use
- Abstract
Metastatic melanoma is a highly aggressive malignancy that has traditionally been very difficult to treat. However, after decades of basic research into the signal transduction pathways that promote cancer cell survival, chemoresistance, growth, and crosstalk with the immune system, targeted therapies have now been developed that offer improved survival for patients with metastatic melanoma. Some of the most promising therapies that have been developed include ipilimumab, an anti-cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 antibody that enhances T-cell activity in the tumour, and selective BRAF inhibitors, such as vemurafenib that blocks tumour cell proliferation in patients with activating BRAF mutations. Although these treatments offer substantial hope for patients, they are not without their drawbacks, which include adverse side-effects, drug resistance, and eventual relapse. Nanotherapeutics holds significant promise to circumvent these shortcomings and has the additional advantage of potentially functioning as a diagnostic device. We will discuss the scope of the use of such multimodal nanoparticles for melanoma treatment and ask whether such particles can offer patients with metastatic melanoma improved prognoses for the future., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2014
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45. Synthesis, characterisation and photochemistry of platinum diselenolenes.
- Author
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Morley CP, Webster CA, Douglas P, Rofe K, and Di Vaira M
- Abstract
The reaction between [Pt(PPh(3))(4)] and cycloocteno-1,2,3-selenadiazole or bis-cycloocteno-1,4-diselenin in toluene under reflux yielded the poorly soluble mononuclear platinum diselenolene [Pt(Se(2)C(8)H(12))(PPh(3))(2)], 1c. Treatment of [Pt(C(2)H(4))(PR(3))(2)] with a bis-cycloalkeno-1,4-diselenin in a mixture of 1,4-dioxane, THF and toluene under reflux led in good yield to the platinum diselenolenes [Pt(Se(2)C(n+4)H(2n+4))(PR(3))(2)] (R = Et (2), Bu (3); n = 3 (b), 4 (c)). The analogous complexes [Pt(Se(2)C(8)H(12))(L)] (L = dppm: 4c; L = dppe: 5c; L = dppp: 6c) were prepared from 1c via ligand exchange with chelating phosphines. All new compounds have been characterised by multinuclear NMR, IR and UV-visible spectroscopy and mass spectrometry, and their luminescence properties have been examined. The molecular structures of [Pt(Se(2)C(7)H(10))(PEt(3))(2)] (2b), [Pt(Se(2)C(8)H(12))(PEt(3))(2)] (2c) and [Pt(Se(2)C(8)H(12))(dppm)] (4c) have been determined by X-ray crystallography.
- Published
- 2010
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46. Palladium diselenolenes: a new group of near-infrared lumophores.
- Author
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Rofe K, Douglas P, Morley CP, Webster CA, and Pichereau JG
- Abstract
We describe the photochemical characteristics of two phosphorescent palladium diselenolenes [Pd(2)(Se(2)C(8)H(12))(2)(PBu(3))(2)] (1) and [Pd(2)(Se(2)C(8)H(12))(2)(PPh(3))(2)] (2) which, to the best of our knowledge, are the first reported examples of luminescent Pd-Se compounds. Both compounds exhibit broadband near-infrared phosphorescence in the solid state, with lambda(max) of 717 nm for 1 and 792 nm for 2 at 298 K, and 752 nm for 1 and 785 nm for 2 at 77 K. No phosphorescence was detected for either compound when they were dissolved in nitrogen-purged acetonitrile or toluene solution at 298 K but they do phosphoresce at 77 K in organic glasses with emission quantum yields of 0.12 (+/-0.01) for 1 and 0.13 (+/-0.01) for 2 in an ethanol/diethylether/toluene (1:2:1) (EDT) glass. Emission lifetimes at 77 K are the same whether in the solid state or in an organic glass with first order fit lifetimes of tau = 18.8 (+/-0.7) micros and 11.5 (+/-0.3) micros for 1 and 2, respectively. Combination of these lifetimes with quantum yields gives radiative lifetimes of 151 (+/-13) micros and 86 (+/-7) micros for compounds 1 and 2, respectively, at 77 K in EDT glass. At 77 K solid state quantum yields are estimated to be of the same order of magnitude as those in glasses, and these decrease by a factor of about 3-5 in going from 77 to 298 K. In the solid state at 298 K emission lifetimes are 1.83 (+/-0.02) micros and 7.0 (+/-0.3) micros for 1 and 2, respectively. We could detect no transients by nanosecond flash photolysis which could be assigned to the triplet state in room temperature solution, and no emission assignable to singlet oxygen across the wavelength range 1200-1350 nm upon 550 nm excitation of either 1 or 2 in acetonitrile solution. We estimate the quantum yield of singlet oxygen formation to be less than about 5 x 10(-4), which is also an upper limit for the yield of triplet states of any significant lifetime in fluid solution. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations of the S(0) to S(1) and T(1) transitions show a shift in molecular orbital character from one with significant -ene pi involvement but very little P involvement in the ground-state to one with less -ene pi but greater P involvement in the excited states; there is also a significant shift in the distribution of involvement of atomic orbitals on the four Se atoms.
- Published
- 2009
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47. The x-ray light valve: a potentially low-cost, digital radiographic imaging system--a liquid crystal cell design for chest radiography.
- Author
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Szeto TC, Webster CA, Koprinarov I, and Rowlands JA
- Subjects
- Costs and Cost Analysis, X-Rays, Liquid Crystals, Radiographic Image Enhancement economics, Radiographic Image Enhancement instrumentation, Radiography, Thoracic economics, Radiography, Thoracic instrumentation
- Abstract
Digital x-ray radiographic systems are desirable as they offer high quality images which can be processed, transferred, and stored without secondary steps. However, current clinical systems are extraordinarily expensive in comparison to film-based systems. Thus, there is a need for an economical digital imaging system for general radiology. The x-ray light valve (XLV) is a novel digital x-ray detector concept with the potential for high image quality and low cost. The XLV is comprised of a photoconductive detector layer and liquid crystal (LC) cell physically coupled in a sandwich structure. Upon exposure to x rays, charge is collected at the surface of the photoconductor, causing a change in the reflective properties of the LC cell. The visible image so formed can subsequently be digitized with an optical scanner. By choosing the properties of the LC cell in combination with the appropriate photoconductor thickness and bias potentials, the XLV can be optimized for various diagnostic imaging tasks. Specifically for chest radiography, we identified three potentially practical reflective cell designs by selecting from those commonly used in LC display technology. The relationship between reflectance and x-ray exposure (i.e., the characteristic curve) was determined for all three cells using a theoretical model. The results indicate that the reflective electrically controlled birefringence (r-ECB) cell is the preferred choice for chest radiography, provided that the characteristic curve can be shifted towards lower exposures. The feasibility of the shift of the characteristic curve is shown experimentally. The experimental results thus demonstrate that an XLV based on the r-ECB cell design exhibits a characteristic curve suitable for chest radiography.
- Published
- 2008
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
48. The x-ray light valve: a potentially low-cost, digital radiographic imaging system-concept and implementation considerations.
- Author
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Webster CA, Koprinarov I, Germann S, and Rowlands JA
- Subjects
- Costs and Cost Analysis, Electric Capacitance, Time Factors, X-Rays, Radiographic Image Enhancement economics, Radiographic Image Enhancement instrumentation
- Abstract
New x-ray radiographic systems based on large-area flat-panel technology have revolutionized our capability to produce digital x-ray images. However, these imagers are extraordinarily expensive compared to the systems they are replacing. Hence, there is a need for a low-cost digital imaging system for general applications in radiology. A novel potentially low-cost radiographic imaging system based on established technologies is proposed-the X-Ray Light Valve (XLV). This is a potentially high-quality digital x-ray detector made of a photoconducting layer and a liquid-crystal cell, physically coupled in a sandwich structure. Upon exposure to x rays, charge is collected on the surface of the photoconductor. This causes a change in the optical properties of the liquid-crystal cell and a visible image is generated. Subsequently, it is digitized by a scanned optical imager. The image formation is based on controlled modulation of light from an external source. The operation and practical implementation of the XLV system are described. The potential performance of the complete system and issues related to sensitivity, spatial resolution, noise, and speed are discussed. The feasibility of clinical use of an XLV device based on amorphous selenium (a-Se) as the photoconductor and a reflective electrically controlled birefringence cell is analyzed. The results of our analysis indicate that the XLV can potentially be adapted to a wide variety of radiographic tasks.
- Published
- 2008
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
49. The x-ray light valve: a low-cost digital radiographic imaging system.
- Author
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Koprinarov I, Webster CA, MacDougall RD, and Rowlands JA
- Subjects
- Electrodes, Liquid Crystals, Transducers, X-Rays, Cost Savings, Radiographic Image Enhancement instrumentation
- Abstract
In recent years new digital x-ray radiographic and fluoroscopic systems based on large-area flat-panel technology have revolutionized our capability of producing x-ray images. However, such imagers are extraordinarily expensive and their rapid image acquisition capability is not required for many applications such as radiography. Here we report a novel approach to achieve a high-quality digital radiographic system at a cost which is only a small fraction of competitive digital technologies. The results demonstrate that our proposed x-ray light valve system has excellent spatial resolution and adequate sensitivity compared to existing technologies.
- Published
- 2007
- Full Text
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50. Synthesis and characterization of Pd and Pt complexes of 1,3-bis(ferrocenylchalcogeno)propanes: crystal structures of FcSe(CH2)3SeFc and [M{FcE(CH2)3E'Fc}2](PF6)2 (M = Pd, Pt; E, E' = Se, Te; Fc = [Fe(eta5-C5H5)(eta5-C5H4)]).
- Author
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Jing S, Morley CP, Webster CA, and Di Vaira M
- Abstract
Reaction of a 1,3-bis(ferrocenylchalcogeno)propane, FcE(CH2)3E'Fc (L: E, E' = Se or Te; Fc = [Fe(eta5-C5H5)(eta5-C5H4)]), with a palladium(II) or platinum(II) precursor [M(NCMe)4](PF6)2 (M = Pd or Pt) in acetonitrile at room temperature led in good yield to the bis-chelate complexes [ML2](PF6)2. The structures of FcSe(CH2)3SeFc and all six complexes have been determined by X-ray crystallography. Electrochemical studies showed that electronic communication between ferrocenyl groups, absent in all three bis(ferrocenylchalcogeno)propanes, is established on complexation only for E = Se and E' = Se or Te, when the through-bond Fe...Fe distance is reduced to 13.17 A or less.
- Published
- 2006
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
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