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Featured researches published by Catherine Woods.


International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity | 2008

Active commuting to school: How far is too far?

Norah M. Nelson; Eimear Foley; Donal J. O'Gorman; Niall M. Moyna; Catherine Woods

BackgroundWalking and cycling to school provide a convenient opportunity to incorporate physical activity into an adolescents daily routine. School proximity to residential homes has been identified as an important determinant of active commuting among children. The purpose of this study is to identify if distance is a barrier to active commuting among adolescents, and if there is a criterion distance above which adolescents choose not to walk or cycle.MethodsData was collected in 2003–05 from a cross-sectional cohort of 15–17 yr old adolescents in 61 post primary schools in Ireland. Participants self-reported distance, mode of transport to school and barriers to active commuting. Trained researchers took physical measurements of height and weight. The relation between mode of transport, gender and population density was examined. Distance was entered into a bivariate logistic regression model to predict mode choice, controlling for gender, population density socio-economic status and school clusters.ResultsOf the 4013 adolescents who participated (48.1% female, mean age 16.02 ± 0.661), one third walked or cycled to school. A higher proportion of males than females commuted actively (41.0 vs. 33.8%, χ2 (1) = 22.21, p < 0.001, r = -0.074). Adolescents living in more densely populated areas had greater odds of active commuting than those in the most sparsely populated areas (χ2 (df = 3) = 839.64, p < 0.001). In each density category, active commuters travelled shorter distances to school. After controlling for gender and population density, a 1-mile increase in distance decreased the odds of active commuting by 71% (χ2 (df = 1) = 2591.86, p < 0.001). The majority of walkers lived within 1.5 miles and cyclists within 2.5 miles. Over 90% of adolescents who perceived distance as a barrier to active commuting lived further than 2.5 miles from school.ConclusionDistance is an important perceived barrier to active commuting and a predictor of mode choice among adolescents. Distances within 2.5 miles are achievable for adolescent walkers and cyclists. Alternative strategies for increasing physical activity are required for individuals living outside of this criterion.


Preventive Medicine | 2010

Pedometer step count and BMI of Irish primary school children aged 6-9 years

Sarahjane Belton; Philip Brady; Sarah Meegan; Catherine Woods

OBJECTIVE (1) To assess step count and Body Mass Index in Irish children, (2) to examine variation in (i) weekday and weekend activity, (ii) during-school and after-school activity, and (3) to evaluate the utility of pedometer based PA recommendations for health in predicting Body Mass Index. METHODS Three hundred and one Irish primary school children aged 6-9 years wore a sealed pedometer for seven consecutive days in 2008, had their height and weight measured, and completed a short Physical Activity questionnaire. RESULTS The majority of children were classed as of normal weight, and met the age and sex specific pedometer recommendations for health. Children took significantly more steps at weekends than on weekdays, and after school than during school. A child being classed as normal or overweight/obese based on Body Mass Index did not predict the likelihood of them meeting the pedometer recommendations. CONCLUSIONS The majority of children were achieving sufficient steps/day for health but interventions to target those falling short should be considered. Further research examining the relationship between steps per day and Body Mass Index is warranted.


European Physical Education Review | 2010

The evaluation of a cooperating physical education teachers programme (COPET)

Sarahjane Belton; Catherine Woods; Carol Dunning; Sarah Meegan

The purpose of this research was to investigate the impact of a cooperating physical education (PE) teachers programme from a cooperating teacher’s perspective. Teaching practice is acknowledged as one of the most important areas of undergraduate teacher preparation. As part of a new undergraduate PE teacher education (PETE) programme, a cooperating PE teachers programme (COPET) was designed in an effort to maximize the learning opportunities for student teachers when on placement. The programme was piloted with a cohort of 26 cooperating teachers supervising 28 student teachers. Following a two-week teaching practice placement, three focus group interviews were held with 11 cooperating teachers to evaluate the effectiveness of the COPET programme. Findings indicate the cooperating teachers found the COPET programme very useful in defining their role on teaching practice. This paper presents the findings of the evaluation, and addresses some of the issues and challenges surrounding sustainability of the programme.


PLOS ONE | 2015

Prevalence and correlates of physical inactivity in community-dwelling older adults in Ireland

Elaine M. Murtagh; Marie H. Murphy; Niamh Murphy; Catherine Woods; Alan M. Nevill; Aoife Lane

The public health challenges associated with rapid population ageing are likely to be exacerbated by poor physical activity levels. The purpose of this study was to identify correlates of physical inactivity in a population-representative sample of older adults in Ireland. This paper reports a secondary analysis of data from 4892 adults aged 60+ from the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA). TILDA includes an assessment of the mental and physical health, and social and financial circumstances of participants assessed in a home interview and self-completion questionnaire. Chi squared statistics and forced entry logistic regression were used to identify factors associated with physical inactivity. Females were over twice as likely to be inactive as their male counterparts (Odds Ratio 2.2). Increasing old age was associated with inactivity among males and females. Those who reported above secondary level education, no reported falls in the last year and no fear of falling were less likely to be physically inactive. While older adults who noted poor/fair self-reported health, that they did not look after grandchildren, did not own a car or did not attend a course were also more likely to be inactive than those who reported positively for these items. Gender displayed a strong but often contrasting influence on factors that affect physical activity among older adults. Among females, living alone or in a rural area, retirement, fair/poor emotional health and activity being limited by illness were all significantly associated with inactivity. While cohabiting, being employed and residing in an urban area were related to low levels of activity in males. Our findings identify specific groups of the older Irish population who may be at particular risk of physical inactivity and thereby the associated physiological and psychological hazards. These results can support the development of tailored interventions to promote healthy ageing.


Sport Education and Society | 2015

What young people say about physical activity: the Children's Sport Participation and Physical Activity (CSPPA) study

Deborah Tannehill; Ann MacPhail; Julia Walsh; Catherine Woods

The Childrens Sport Participation and Physical Activity (CSPPA) study is a unique multi-centre/discipline study undertaken by three Irish institutions, Dublin City University, University of Limerick and University College Cork. The study sought to assess participation in physical activity, physical education and sport (PAPES) among 10–18 year olds in Ireland. This paper shares what Irish children and young people convey, using their own voices, about their sport and physical activity (PA) experiences and how such experiences may result in their feeling included or excluded in PAPES. Eighteen focus groups (FG) with 124 boys and girls elicited descriptive data from students and were conducted with homogeneous groups of 6–8 boys and girls aged 12–18 years (selected for convenience) identified as male/female, primary/post-primary and generally active/inactive. Five themes (‘being with friends’, ‘variety in activity content’, ‘experiencing fun’, ‘time constraints’ and ‘opportunity to be outside’) ran across the three PAPES opportunities for young people. Overall data revealed that these young people have a positive attitude towards PA which does not diminish as they age despite activity levels decreasing. Other choices of activity participation (e.g. debate, music), or more focused activities took the place of previous choices as young people came to realise what they most enjoyed. If we are to encourage and provide opportunities for young people to choose active lifestyles, it is important that we address what these young people report affects their involvement in PA across a number of contexts. Two such developments within Irish school and community contexts are discussed: Active School Flag initiative and Senior Cycle Physical Education framework.


Journal of Sports Sciences | 2002

An examination of the relationship between physical activity stage of change and body weight in young men and women

Catherine Woods; Nanette Mutrie; Pamela H. Scott; C. Simpson

Sixty percent of the Scottish population is not active enough to derive health benefits and approximately 51% are classified as overweight or obese (The Scottish Office Department of Health, 1999: Towards a Healthier Scotland: A White Paper on Health. Edinburgh: Stationery Office). Exercise alone has been shown to be an effective strategy for reducing obesity (Ross et al., 2000: Exercise and Sport Science Reviews, 28, 165-170).


Journal of Physical Activity and Health | 2009

The Take PART Study (Physical Activity Research for Teenagers): Rationale and Methods

Catherine Woods; Norah M. Nelson; Donal J. O’Gorman; Eimear Foley; Niall M. Moyna

BACKGROUND The Take PART study--Physical Activity Research for Teenagers--was undertaken to assess (1) physical activity and sedentary behaviors, (2) indices of health and fitness, and (3) to provide information, from a social ecological perspective, on the correlates of physical activity in a large sample of 15- to 17-year-old Irish adolescents. This manuscript outlines the rationale and methodology of the Take PART study. METHODS A sample of 4720 students (mean age=16.03 years+/-0.66, range 15 to 17 years; 49.5% female) participated. Fifty participants were assessed during each 3-hour school visit, with a ratio of 1 researcher to 10 students. Standardized testing procedures and extensive researcher training ensured that intertester and intratester reliability for all physical measures was >or=.85. The height, weight, waist circumference, hip circumference, blood pressure, and cardiorespiratory fitness protocols are explained. The questionnaire used well-known, valid, and reliable self-report measures. Where appropriate, additional psychometric testing was undertaken. CONCLUSIONS Take PART is a school-based study. Its methods are simple, easy to replicate, financially viable, and scientifically valid. Its unique dataset will allow the evaluation of a social ecological approach as a viable option for improving understanding of youth inactivity. Ultimately, this knowledge will assist in successful intervention design.


European Physical Education Review | 2011

The impact of the COPET programme on student PE teachers’ teaching practice experiences:

Carol Dunning; Sarah Meegan; Catherine Woods; Sarah Jane Belton

Teaching practice is a decisive event in a student teacher’s training and shapes the beginnings of their life in the teaching profession. It is widely recognized that student teachers’ learning opportunities can be maximized during teaching practice by cooperating teacher contribution (Hardy, 1999; O’Sullivan, 2003; Rikard and Veal, 1996; Tjeerdsma, 1998). Though the practice of cooperating teachers being involved in teacher education has been in place in other countries for many years, it is a relatively new concept in Ireland. This study aimed to explore student teachers’ perspectives of the impact of a cooperating physical education (PE) teachers’ programme that was implemented during teaching practice. The programme was piloted with 30 student teachers and 26 cooperating teachers during a two week teaching practice placement. Three focus group interviews were held with 14 student teachers to examine their experiences and to evaluate the effectiveness of the programme. The findings revealed that increased interaction with a cooperating teacher had a positive impact on the student teacher’s teaching and learning experience. Recommendations for future improvement of the programme are based on developing a larger cohort of willing cooperating teachers to ensure that all student teachers are afforded equal opportunities with regard to feedback and support during teaching practice.


Irish Educational Studies | 2012

An examination of the relationship between enjoyment, physical education, physical activity and health in Irish adolescents

Catherine Woods; Deborah Tannehill; Julia Walsh

Enjoyment of physical activity (EPA) is positively correlated with activity, yet little is known of its relationship with enjoyment of physical education (EPE). This studys purpose was to explore EPE and its relationship to EPA. Cross-sectional data (N=4122, average age 14.5±1.7 years, 48% male) were collected as part of the CSPPA study (Childrens Sport Participation and Physical Activity). Adolescents completed a self-report questionnaire on physical activity behaviour and physical education. A sub-sample (n=902) completed a battery of physical health measures. Only 12% met the recommended physical activity guidelines (PAGL) for health. Few (10%) received the recommended minutes of physical education curriculum per week. Girls and older pupils received less physical education than boys and younger peers. Physical education classes were dominated by games, particularly for boys. EPE was positively correlated to EPA, and decreased as minutes of physical education decreased. Adolescents with high EPE and EPA were most likely to meet the PAGL. High EPE was correlated to a better health profile. If the factors that influence EPE are prevalent in physical education, then these youth are more likely to be happier, healthier and active beyond the school gates.


Journal of Medical Internet Research | 2017

Behavior Change Techniques in Physical Activity eHealth Interventions for People With Cardiovascular Disease: Systematic Review

Orlaith Duff; Deirdre Walsh; Bróna Furlong; Noel E. O'Connor; Kieran Moran; Catherine Woods

Background Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of premature death and disability in Europe, accounting for 4 million deaths per year and costing the European Union economy almost €196 billion annually. There is strong evidence to suggest that exercise-based secondary rehabilitation programs can decrease the mortality risk and improve health among patients with CVD. Theory-informed use of behavior change techniques (BCTs) is important in the design of cardiac rehabilitation programs aimed at changing cardiovascular risk factors. Electronic health (eHealth) is the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) for health. This emerging area of health care has the ability to enhance self-management of chronic disease by making health care more accessible, affordable, and available to the public. However, evidence-based information on the use of BCTs in eHealth interventions is limited, and particularly so, for individuals living with CVD. Objective The aim of this systematic review was to assess the application of BCTs in eHealth interventions designed to increase physical activity (PA) in CVD populations. Methods A total of 7 electronic databases, including EBSCOhost (MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Academic Search Complete, SPORTDiscus with Full Text, and CINAHL Complete), Scopus, and Web of Science (Core Collection) were searched. Two authors independently reviewed references using the software package Covidence (Veritas Health Innovation). The reviewers met to resolve any discrepancies, with a third independent reviewer acting as an arbitrator when required. Following this, data were extracted from the papers that met the inclusion criteria. Bias assessment of the studies was carried out using the Cochrane Collaboration’s tool for assessing the risk of bias within Covidence; this was followed by a narrative synthesis. Results Out of the 987 studies that were identified, 14 were included in the review. An additional 9 studies were added following a hand search of review paper references. The average number of BCTs used across the 23 studies was 7.2 (range 1-19). The top three most frequently used BCTs included information about health consequences (78%, 18/23), goal setting (behavior; 74%, 17/23), and joint third, self-monitoring of behavior and social support (practical) were included in 11 studies (48%, 11/23) each. Conclusions This systematic review is the first to investigate the use of BCTs in PA eHealth interventions specifically designed for people with CVD. This research will have clear implications for health care policy and research by outlining the BCTs used in eHealth interventions for chronic illnesses, in particular CVD, thereby providing clear foundations for further research and developments in the area.

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Roselien Buys

Katholieke Universiteit Leuven

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Véronique Cornelissen

Katholieke Universiteit Leuven

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Niamh Murphy

Waterford Institute of Technology

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