Sally A.M. Fenton

Physical activity and sedentary behaviours among grassroots football players: A comparison across three European countries

The purpose of the present study was to determine and compare the levels of objectively assessed physical activity (PA) and sedentary time (ST) among male players aged 10–14 who participate in grassroots football in three European countries (i.e. England, France, and Greece). In addition, the study also examined the relationship of objective levels of PA to a self-report measure of PA frequency used in the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children survey for young football players. A total of 331 participants provided at least three days of valid accelerometer data and completed a self-report measure of PA. The results revealed that players accumulated 122.33 minutes of moderate- to vigorous PA (MVPA) and 488.19 minutes of ST per day. Multiple analyses of covariance controlling for years of experience in football revealed slightly significant differences between the three countries for light PA, MVPA, and the number of active days defined as meeting the [World Health Organization. (2010). Global recommendations on physical activity for health. Geneva: Author. Retrieved from http://whqlibdoc.who.int/publications/2010/9789241599979_eng.pdf] guidelines of 60 minutes of MVPA per day. English participants spent less time in light PA but more time in MVPA than the Greek or French players. Greek participants had more active days than their English and French counterparts. The self-report measure of PA was not significantly associated with objective PA in this sample of male football participants. Findings suggest that young Europeans who play football meet WHO guidelines for MVPA, but their adoption of an active lifestyle might not protect them from ST behaviours.

Optimising physical activity engagement during youth sport: a self-determination theory approach

ABSTRACT Research suggests participation in youth sport does not guarantee physical activity (PA) guidelines are met. Studies indicate few children achieve recommended levels of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) during their youth sport involvement, and habitual levels of MVPA are below the recommended 60 min per day. Informed by self-determination theory, this study examined whether the coach-created social environment and related player motivation predict variability in objectively measured MVPA within the youth sport setting. Seventy three male youth sport footballers (Mean age = 11.66 ± 1.62) completed a multisection questionnaire assessing their perceptions of the social environment created in youth sport (autonomy supportive and controlling) and motivation towards their football participation (autonomous and controlled). Intensity of PA during youth sport was measured using accelerometers (GT3X, ActiGraph). Results supported a model in which perceptions of autonomy support significantly and positively predicted autonomous motivation towards football, which in turn significantly and positively predicted youth sport MVPA (% time). A significant indirect effect was observed for perceptions of autonomy support on youth sport %MVPA via autonomous motivation. Results have implications for optimising MVPA engagement during youth sport and increasing daily MVPA towards recommended and health-enhancing levels on youth sport days.

Fostering autonomous motivation, physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness in rheumatoid arthritis: protocol and rationale for a randomised control trial

BackgroundPeople with rheumatoid arthritis are at greater risk of morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular disease than the general population. Sustained physical activity increases cardio-respiratory fitness and reduces cardiovascular disease risk factors. However, little is known about how we can effectively promote long-term participation in physical activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The literature consistently calls for physical activity interventions, and their implementation, to be theoretically-grounded.Methods/DesignThis paper documents the protocol of a randomised control trial that investigates whether a Self-determination Theory-based intervention fosters the adoption and maintenance of physical activity (3, 6 and 12 months) sufficient to provide sustained cardiovascular and personal well-being benefits in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The cost effectiveness of the intervention will also be determined. The trial is registered as Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN04121489.DiscussionResults from this trial will provide guidance regarding key social environmental factors that can be manipulated to support motivational processes conducive to positive health behaviour change and optimal functioning in patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Inter-participant variability in daily physical activity and sedentary time among male youth sport footballers: independent associations with indicators of adiposity and cardiorespiratory fitness

Abstract Participation in youth sport is assumed to promote and contribute towards more physically active lifestyles among children and adolescents. The aim of this study was to examine inter-participant variability in objectively measured habitual physical activity (PA) behaviours and sedentary time among youth sport participants and their implications for health. One-hundred-and-eighteen male youth sport footballers (Mean ± s = 11.72 ± 1.60) wore a GT3X accelerometer for 7 days. Average daily PA [min · day−1, in light (LPA), moderate (MPA), vigorous (VPA) and combined moderate-to-vigorous (MVPA)] and sedentary time were calculated. Participants’ body mass index adjusted for age and sex (BMI–standard deviation score), per cent body fat (BF%), waist circumference and cardiorespiratory fitness were assessed. Results revealed that variability in daily PA behaviours and sedentary time (min · day−1) was associated with BMI–standard deviation score [VPA (−), MVPA (−)], BF% [sedentary time (+), VPA (−), MVPA (−)], waist circumference [sedentary time (+), LPA (−)] and cardiorespiratory fitness [sedentary time (−), MPA (+), VPA (+), MVPA (+)]. Whilst sedentary time and MVPA were not related to health outcomes independent of one another, associations with markers of adiposity and cardiorespiratory fitness were stronger for sedentary time. Sedentary time was also significantly positively related to waist circumference independent of VPA. Results demonstrate inter-participant variability in habitual PA and sedentary time among youth sport participants which holds implications for their health. Thus, promoting PA and, in particular, reducing sedentary time may contribute towards the prevention of adverse health consequences associated with a physically inactive lifestyle for children and adolescents active in the youth sport context.

The Contribution of Youth Sport Football to Weekend Physical Activity for Males Aged 9 to 16 Years: Variability Related to Age and Playing Position.

The aims of this study were (1) to determine minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (PA) and vigorous PA accrued in youth sport football (also internationally referred to as soccer), and the contribution toward daily weekend moderate-to-vigorous PA and vigorous PA for males aged 9-16 years, and (2) to investigate variability in these outcomes related to age and playing position. One hundred and nine male grassroots footballers (Mean age = 11.98 ± 1.75 years) wore a GT3× accelerometer for 7 days. Weekend youth sport football participation and playing position were recorded. Youth sport football moderate-to-vigorous PA (M = 51.51 ± 17.99) and vigorous PA (M = 27.78 ± 14.55) contributed 60.27% and 70.68% toward daily weekend moderate-to-vigorous PA and vigorous PA, respectively. Overall, 36.70% of participants accumulated ≥60 min moderate-to-vigorous PA and 69.70% accrued ≥ 20 min of vigorous PA during youth sport. For participants aged 13 to16 years, youth sport football moderate-to-vigorous PA and vigorous PA were significantly higher, and contributed a greater amount toward daily weekend moderate-to-vigorous PA and vigorous PA than for participants aged 9-12 years (p = <.01). Youth sport football is an important source of moderate-to-vigorous PA and vigorous PA at the weekend for male youth, and particularly for adolescents. Participation may offer opportunity for weekend engagement in vigorous PA toward health enhancing levels.

Rheumatoid arthritis: Sedentary behaviour in RA — a new research agenda

Sedentary behaviour is reported to have adverse consequences for metabolic, functional and cardiovascular health — outcomes already prevalent in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This commentary considers the relevance of sedentary behaviour in the context of RA, highlighting the limitations of past work and offering suggestions for a new research agenda.

Sedentary behaviour in rheumatoid arthritis: definition, measurement and implications for health

RA is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by high grade-inflammation, and associated with elevated cardiovascular risk, rheumatoid-cachexia and functional impairment. Sedentary behaviour (SB) is linked to heightened inflammation, and is highly pervasive in RA, likely as a result of compromised physical function and persistent fatigue. This high sedentarity may exacerbate the inflammatory process in RA, and hold relevance for disease-related outcomes. The aim of this narrative review is to provide an overview of the definition, measurement and health relevance of SB in the context of RA. Contradictions are highlighted with regard to the manner in which SB is operationalized, and the significance of SB for disease outcomes in RA is outlined. The advantages and disadvantages of SB measurement approaches are also discussed. Against this background, we summarize studies that have reported SB and its health correlates in RA, and propose directions for future research.

Sitting time is negatively related to microvascular endothelium-dependent function in rheumatoid arthritis

BACKGROUND Sedentary behaviour is linked to increased cardiovascular disease risk in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), but the biological processes underlying this relationship are not understood. OBJECTIVES To investigate the cross-sectional associations of habitual sedentary behaviour, with endothelial function in RA. METHODS Sixty-eight RA patients (Mage = 55 ± 12 years) underwent Laser Doppler Imaging with iontophoresis, to assess microvascular endothelium-dependent (acetylcholine, ACh) and endothelium-independent (sodium nitroprusside, SNP) function. Large-vessel endothelium-dependent and endothelium-independent functions were measured via flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and glyceryl trinitrate dilation (GTN), respectively. Habitual sedentary behaviour (hours/week sitting) was self-reported (International Physical Activity Questionnaire). RESULTS Regressions revealed sitting time significantly negatively predicted microvascular endothelium-dependent function (ACh, unstandardizedβ = -3.25, p = .02, 95% CI [-6.07, -.42], R2 = 0.06), but did not associate with other endothelial function outcomes (SNP, FMD, GTN). CONCLUSION Habitual sedentary behaviour (sitting time) appears to be adversely linked to microvascular endothelium-dependent function among people living with RA.

Effectiveness of behavioural change techniques in physiotherapy interventions to promote physical activity adherence in patients with hip and knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review protocol

Introduction Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative articular disease, the highest cause of individual level disability and a significant socioeconomic burden to healthcare services. Patient education and physical activity (PA) prescription are recommended components of interventions in several healthcare guidelines and are commonly provided by physiotherapists. However, these interventions lack long-term clinical effectiveness. Patient adherence to PA prescription requires patients to modify their PA behaviour and appears critical in maintaining symptomatic improvements. This systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of behavioural change techniques (BCTs) used in physiotherapy interventions to improve PA adherence. Methods and analysis Medline, Cochrane and PEDro registers of Controlled Trials, EMBASE, CINAHL and PsycInfo databases, and key grey literature sources will be rigorously searched for randomised controlled trials that compared a physiotherapy intervention incorporating BCTs with other therapies, placebo interventions, usual care or no-treatment. Two independent researchers will conduct literature searches, assess trial eligibility, extract data, conduct risk of bias assessment (using Cochrane risk of bias tool), classify BCTs and evaluate the quality of the body of literature following Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) guidelines. Narrative synthesis of key outcomes will be presented and meta-analysis will be performed if included trials are clinically homogenous, based on their intervention and comparator groups and outcome measures. This review will be reported in line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta-Analysis guidelines. Ethics and dissemination Research ethics approval is not required. This review will help inform clinicians and researchers on the most effective behavioural change techniques used in physiotherapy interventions to enhance adherence to PA prescription for patients with lower limb OA. The findings will be disseminated through publication in a peer-reviewed journal and conference presentations. Trial registration number PROSPERO CRD42016039932.

Correlates of sedentary behaviour and light physical activity in people living with rheumatoid arthritis: protocol for a longitudinal study

Background: Sedentary behaviour (SB) is associated with adverse health outcomes in the general population. Replacing sedentary time with light intensity physical activity (LPA) has been linked with improvements in all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality in adults. People with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) typically spend long periods of time sedentary, but the health consequences of ‘too much sitting’, and possible benefits of LPA, have not been fully explored in this population. Moreover, little is known regarding the determinants of these behaviours among people living with RA, and such knowledge is required for the development of effective behavioural interventions. Aims: To examine longitudinal relationships between: 1) objectively-assessed SB/LPA with health outcomes in RA, 2) hypothesised determinants of SB/LPA with objectively-assessed SB/LPA in RA. Methods: This longitudinal study will secure assessments at baseline (Time 1) and 6-month follow-up (Time 2) from RA patients. At both time points, physical assessments will be undertaken, and questionnaires administered to measure physical (e.g., percentage body fat, disease activity, physical function, pain) and psychological (e.g., depression, anxiety, vitality) health outcomes. Additional questionnaires will be administered to establish hypothesised determinants (i.e., psychosocial, individual differences, and physical environmental). Participants will wear the ActiGraph GT3X accelerometer and activPAL3μTM for 7 days to objectively measure SB and LPA. Discussion: Findings will elucidate the health correlates of SB in RA, as well as the relevance of interventions targeting reductions in SB by promoting LPA. Results will also assist in identifying intervention targets (i.e., determinants), with the potential to encourage SB change in RA.