Pilot study of a dog walking randomized intervention: effects of a focus on canine exercise

Objective

The promotion of dog walking among owners who do not walk their dogs regularly may be a viable physical activity intervention aperture, yet research is very limited and no intervention studies have employed control groups. Therefore, the purpose of this pilot study was to examine the viability of dog walking for physical activity intervention using messages targeting canine exercise.

Method

Inactive dog owners (n = 58) were randomized to either a standard control condition or the intervention (persuasive material about canine health from walking and a calendar to mark walks) after completing a baseline questionnaire package and wearing a pedometer for one week. Participants (standard condition n = 28; intervention condition n = 30) completed the six and 12 week follow-up questionnaire packages.

Results

Intention to treat analyses showed that both groups increased physical activity significantly across the 12 weeks (η² = 0.09 to 0.21). The intervention group resulted in significantly higher step-counts compared to the control group (Δ 1823 steps) and showed significantly higher trajectories from baseline to 12 weeks in the self-reported physical activity measures (η² = 0.11 to 0.27).

Conclusion

The results are promising for the viability of increasing dog walking as a means for physical activity promotion and suggest that theoretical fidelity targeting canine exercise may be a helpful approach.     

Effect of a lifestyle intervention on adiposity and fitness in socially disadvantaged subgroups of preschoolers: a cluster-randomized trial (Ballabeina)

Objective

A multidimensional lifestyle intervention performed in 652 preschoolers (72% of migrant, 38% of low educational level (EL) parents) reduced body fat, but not BMI and improved fitness. The objective of this study is to examine whether the intervention was equally effective in children of migrant and/or low EL parents.

Methods

Cluster-randomized controlled single blinded trial, conducted in 2008/09 in 40 randomly selected preschools in Switzerland. The culturally tailored intervention consisted of a physical activity program and lessons on nutrition, media use and sleep. Primary outcomes included BMI and aerobic fitness. Secondary outcomes included %body fat, waist circumference and motor agility.

Results

Children of migrant parents benefitted similarly from the intervention compared to their counterparts (p for interaction ≥ 0.09). However, children of low EL parents benefitted less, although these differences did not reach statistical significance (p for interaction ≥ 0.06). Average intervention effect sizes for BMI were − 0.10, − 0.05, − 0.11 and 0.04 kg/m² and for aerobic fitness were 0.55, 0.20, 0.37 and − 0.05 stages for children of non-migrant, migrant, middle/high EL and low EL parents, respectively.

Conclusions

This intervention was similarly effective among preschoolers of migrant parents compared to their counterparts, while children of low EL parents benefitted less.     

Associations of physical activity with neighborhood environments and transportation modes in older Japanese adults

Objective

We investigated associations of walking and other leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) with environmental characteristics and transportation modes in older Japanese adults.

Methods

This cross-sectional study in 2010-2011 used data from 421 community-dwelling older adults aged 65-85 years living in Kasama City, rural Japan. We used the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly to assess walking and other LTPAs, and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Environment Module for neighborhood environments.

Results

After adjusting for confounders, we found that good traffic safety and aesthetics were positively associated with high levels of walking (ORs = 1.64-2.12); whereas, good access to public transportation was negatively associated with walking (OR = 0.64, 95% CI = 0.42-0.98). Good access to recreational facilities, presence of sidewalks, absence of hills, seeing people exercise, and aesthetically pleasing surroundings were positively associated with high levels of LTPA except walking (ORs = 1.61-2.13). Individuals who rode bicycles more than once per week were more likely to engage in a LTPA except walking (1-3 days: OR = 1.72, 95% CI = 1.03-2.87; ≥ 4 days: OR = 2.90, 95% CI = 1.71-4.93).

Conclusion

This study adds information on correlates of physical activity among older Japanese adults; the positive association between LTPA except walking and the frequency of bicycle travel is an especially new and intriguing finding.     

Dose-response relationship between walking and the attenuation of inherited weight

Objective

Genetic factors account for 40%-70% of the variation in body mass index (BMI). We sought to test whether moderate intensity physical activity affected parent-offspring relationships for body mass index and regional adiposity in 26,587 female and 6428 male walkers surveyed in the United States in 2000.

Methods

Survey questionnaires provided self-reported usual walking distance, height, weight, and waist circumference, and mother's and father's adiposity (1 = lean, 2 = normal, 3 = overweight, and 4 = very overweight). Regression analyses were used to test whether the contribution of parental adiposities to the walkers' body mass indexes and waist circumferences diminished with walking.

Results

In the most sedentary group (walking < 1.5 km/d), average parental adiposity was a significant determinant of the walkers' body mass indexes and waist circumferences (female: P < 10⁻¹⁵; male: P < 10⁻¹³). Greater walking distance significantly diminished the effect of average parents' adiposity on the walkers' body mass indexes (female: P < 10⁻¹⁰; male P = 0.003) and waist circumferences (female: P < 10⁻⁶; male P = 0.01). Compared to the most sedentary female walkers, the effect of parental adiposity was reduced 36% for body mass indexes and 41% for waist circumferences (corresponding reductions in men were 36% and 46%, respectively).

Conclusion

These results suggest that moderate intensity physical activity attenuates inheritance of both total and regional adiposity in a dose-dependent manner.     

Interactions between psychosocial and built environment factors in explaining older adults' physical activity

Objective

To evaluate ecological model predictions of cross-level interactions among psychosocial and environmental correlates of physical activity in 719 community-dwelling older adults in the Baltimore, Maryland and Seattle, Washington areas during 2005-2008.

Method

Walkability, access to parks and recreation facilities and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) minutes per week (min/week) were measured objectively. Neighborhood aesthetics, walking facilities, social support, self-efficacy, barriers and transportation and leisure walking min/week were self-reported.

Results

Walkability interacted with social support in explaining total MVPA (B = 13.71) and with social support (B = 7.90), self-efficacy (B = 7.66) and barriers (B = − 8.26) in explaining walking for transportation. Aesthetics interacted with barriers in explaining total MVPA (B = − 12.20) and walking facilities interacted with self-efficacy in explaining walking for leisure (B = − 10.88; Ps < .05). Summarizing across the interactions, living in a supportive environment (vs. unsupportive) was related to 30-59 more min/week of physical activity for participants with more positive psychosocial attributes, but only 0-28 more min/week for participants with less positive psychosocial attributes.

Conclusion

Results supported synergistic interactions between built environment and psychosocial factors in explaining physical activity among older adults. Findings suggest multilevel interventions may be most effective in increasing physical activity.     

A population-based randomized controlled trial of the effect of combining a pedometer with an intervention toolkit on physical activity among individuals with low levels of physical activity or fitness

Objectives

To examine if receiving a pedometer along with an intervention toolkit is associated with increased physical activity, aerobic fitness and better self-rated health among individuals with low levels of physical activity or fitness.

Methods

The intervention was nested in the Danish Health Examination Survey (DANHES) and carried out in 2008. Participants were randomly assigned to either a pedometer group (n = 326) or a control group (n = 329). Physical activity, aerobic fitness, and self-rated health were measured at baseline and at 3-month follow-up, and differences were tested by Wilcoxons signed rank tests and Chi-squared tests.

Results

At follow-up, no significant differences in physical activity, aerobic fitness and self-rated health were found between the groups. However, the oldest participants in the pedometer group reported significantly more walking time compared to the controls (controls = 368 min/week, pedometer group = 680 min/week, P = 0.05). Among participants who completed the intervention, a significant effect on total walking time was observed (median difference = 225 min/week, P = 0.04).

Conclusions

The results suggest that receiving a pedometer and along with an intervention toolkit can increase walking time in older individuals, but not in younger individuals. Thus, this type of intervention offers great potential for promoting physical activity in older individuals.Trial registration number: NCT01071811     

The effect of a school-based active commuting intervention on children's commuting physical activity and daily physical activity

Objective

To investigate the effect of a school-based intervention called Travelling Green (TG) on children's walking to and from school and total daily physical activity.

Method

A quasi-experiment with 166 Scottish children (8-9 years) was conducted in 2009. One group (n = 79) received TG and another group (n = 87) acted as a comparison. The intervention lasted 6 weeks and consisted of educational lessons and goal-setting tasks. Steps and MVPA (daily, a.m. commute, p.m. commute, and total commute) were measured for 5 days pre- and post-intervention using accelerometers.

Results

Mean steps (daily, a.m., p.m., and total commute) decreased from pre- to post-intervention in both groups (TG by 901, 49, 222, and 271 steps/day and comparison by 2528, 205, 120, and 325 steps/day, respectively). No significant group by time interactions were found for a.m., p.m., and total commuting steps. A medium (partial eta squared = 0.09) and significant (p < 0.05) group by time interaction was found for total daily steps. MVPA results were similar to step results.

Conclusions

TG has a little effect on walking to and from school. However, for total daily steps and daily MVPA, TG results in a smaller seasonal decrease than for children who do not receive the intervention.     

Dog walking: its association with physical activity guideline adherence and its correlates

Objective

We examined the prevalence and correlates of dog walking among dog owners, and whether dog walking is associated with meeting the American College of Sports Medicine/American Heart Association physical activity guidelines.

Methods

In March 2008, we mailed a survey to dog-owning clients from two San Diego County veterinary clinics. Useable data were obtained from 984 respondents, and 75 of these completed retest surveys. We assessed associations between potential correlates and dog walking (i.e., yes/no dog walking for at least 10 min in past week).

Results

Test-retest reliability of measures was generally high. Approximately one-third of the sample (31.5%) were not dog walkers. Proportions of dog walkers versus non-dog walkers meeting United States guidelines were 64.3% and 55.0%, respectively. Dog walking was independently associated with meeting guidelines in a multivariate model (odds ratio = 1.59, p = 0.004). Three variables were independently associated with dog walking in a multivariate model: dog encouragement of dog walking, dog-walking obligation, and dog-walking self-efficacy.

Conclusion

Dog walking was associated with meeting physical activity guidelines, making it a viable method for promoting physical activity. Dog-walking obligation and self-efficacy may be important mediators of dog walking and may need to be targeted if interventions are to be successful.     

Neighborhood environment profiles related to physical activity and weight status: a latent profile analysis

Background

Neighborhood built environments (BE) include combinations of co-existing stimuli influencing physical activity (PA). Dealing with numerous environmental variables and complexity presents a significant challenge. The current analysis explored whether a range of reported BE features associated with adults' physical activity produced distinct multivariate patterns, and tested whether adults' PA and body mass differed by BE profiles.

Methods

Participants (20-65 years, 48.2% female, 26% ethnic minority) were recruited between 2002 and 2005 from 32 neighborhoods from Seattle-King County, WA (N = 1287) and Baltimore, MD-Washington, DC regions (N = 912). Independent Latent Profile Analyses were conducted in each region with 11 environmental variables from the Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale. Validity of the neighborhood profiles was examined by their relationship to PA (accelerometer-derived moderate-to-vigorous minutes/day, self-reported minutes/week of walking for transportation and leisure) and self-reported BMI using ANCOVA models.

Results

Neighborhood profiles for Seattle and Baltimore regions were visually similar, suggesting generalizability. High-walkable recreationally-dense neighborhoods differed significantly from other neighborhood types by as much as 13 MVPA minutes/day, almost 60 minutes/week of walking for transportation, and 75 min/week of leisure-time activity. Neighborhood profiles also differed significantly for BMI.

Discussion

These findings could help identify optimal patterns of environmental attributes that facilitate physical activity and improve weight status.     

Physical activity, cardiorespiratory fitness, and obesity among Chinese children

Objective

To investigate the relationships of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and physical activity (PA) with the risk of overweight/obesity in Chinese schoolchildren.

Methods

A total of 1795 children aged 8-13 years at baseline were followed-up for 18 months from 2006 to 2008 in Guangzhou, China. Children were categorized as “normal weight”, “overweight”, and “obese” using Chinese obesity cut-off points. Data on self-reported PA were obtained. CRF was determined by the 20-meter multistage fitness test, and the sex-specific median values were set as the cut-off points for the classification of high and low CRF.

Results

Significantly higher CRF was found in children with normal weight (from 6.55 to 8.65 ml/kg/min) or physically active children (from 0.42 to 1.22 ml/kg/min) compared with the reference group. CRF was inversely associated with the kg/m² change in BMI during the follow-up period (β = − 0.63 kg/m² and − 0.64 kg/m² for boys and girls, respectively, both p < 0.001). Significant association of baseline CRF with overweight/obesity was found in boys (odds ratio (OR) 8.71; 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.59-29.26, p < 0.001), whereas the association was marginally insignificant in girls (OR 6.87; 95% CI 0.96-49.09, p = 0.055).

Conclusions

The results showed a strong negative association between CRF levels and children's BMI and weight gain.     

Does the use of standing 'hot' desks change sedentary work time in an open plan office?

Objective

This study assessed the use of standing ‘hot’ desks in an open plan office and their impact on sedentary work time.

Method

Australian employees (n = 11; 46.9 [9.8] years; BMI 25.9 [3.5 kg/m²]) wore an armband accelerometer for two consecutive working weeks (November-December 2010). In the second week, employees were encouraged to use a pod of four standing ‘hot’ desks to stand and work as often as possible. Desk use was recorded using time logs. The percentages of daily work time spent in sedentary (< 1.6 METs), light (1.6-3.0 METs) and moderate + (> 3 METs) intensity categories were calculated for each week, relative to the total daily time at work. Paired sample t tests were used to compare weekly differences.

Results

Employees spent 8:09 ± 0:31 h/day at work and ‘hot’ desk use ranged from zero to 9:35 h for the week. There were no significant changes in mean time spent in sedentary (difference of − 0.1%), light (difference of 0.8%) and moderate + (− 0.7%) intensity categories. However, individual changes in sedentary work time ranged from − 5.9 to 6.4%.

Conclusions

Volitional use of standing ‘hot’ desks varied and while individual changes were apparent, desk use did not alter overall sedentary work time in this sample.     

Physical activity and dietary behavior change in Internet-based weight loss interventions: comparing two multiple-behavior change indices

Objective

To investigate the effects of two Internet-based weight loss interventions on physical activity (PA) and dietary behaviors using two approaches for computing combined behavior change.

Method

Participants were 352 overweight/obese women and men completing 12-month interventions in San Diego, California during 2002-2007. Moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) and sedentary time were measured with accelerometers, and dietary fat and fruit and vegetable intake were assessed with food frequency questionnaires. Longitudinal analyses tested the effect of the intervention on combined health behavior change quantified using a standardized residualized change index (SRCI) and a risk factor change index (RFCI).

Results

At baseline, participants engaged in an average of 153 min/week of MVPA and 525 min/day of sedentary time, and consumed 37% of calories from fat and < 3 fruits and vegetables per day. The interventions had a significant effect on combined behavior change as measured with each approach (p < 0.001). The intervention effect was larger (p < 0.001) when evaluated using the SRCI (standardized regression coefficient [Beta] = 0.30) than the RFCI (β = − 0.18).

Conclusion

Interventions that target both PA and dietary behaviors appear effective. The SRCI was more sensitive for evaluating the intervention, but the RFCI may be easier to use for communicating public health significance.     

Effects of a physical activity and nutrition program for seniors on body mass index and waist-to-hip ratio: a randomised controlled trial

Objective

To investigate whether a home-based program, physical activity and nutrition for seniors (PANS), made positive changes to central obesity, measured by body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR).

Methods

A 6-month randomised controlled trial was conducted targeting overweight and sedentary older adults aged 60 to 70 years residing in low to medium socio-economic suburbs within metropolitan Perth. Intervention participants (n = 248) received mailed materials and telephone/email support to improve nutrition and physical activity levels. Controls (n = 230) received small incentives to complete baseline and post-intervention questionnaires. Both groups reported anthropometric measures following specific written instructions. Generalised estimating equation models were used to assess repeated outcomes of BMI and WHR over both time points.

Results

176 intervention and 199 controls (response rate 78.5%) with complete data were available for analysis. After controlling for demographic and other confounding factors, the intervention group demonstrated a small (0.02) but significant reduction in WHR (p = 0.03) compared to controls, no apparent change in BMI was evident for both groups. The 0.02 reduction in mean WHR corresponded to a 2.11 cm decrease in waist circumference for a typical hip circumference.

Conclusion

PANS appears to improve the WHR of participants. Changes in BMI might require a longer term intervention to take effect, and/or a follow-up study to confirm its sustainability.     

Knowledge of energy balance guidelines and associated clinical care practices: the U.S. National Survey of Energy Balance Related Care among Primary Care Physicians

Objective

To assess primary care physicians' (PCPs) knowledge of energy balance related guidelines and the association with sociodemographic characteristics and clinical care practices.

Method

As part of the 2008 U.S. nationally representative National Survey of Energy Balance Related Care among Primary Care Physicians (EB-PCP), 1776 PCPs from four specialties who treated adults (n = 1060) or children and adolescents (n = 716) completed surveys on sociodemographic information, knowledge of energy balance guidelines, and clinical care practices.

Results

EB-PCP response rate was 64.5%. For PCPs treating children, knowledge of guidelines for healthy BMI percentile, physical activity, and fruit and vegetables intake was 36.5%, 27.0%, and 62.9%, respectively. For PCPs treating adults, knowledge of guidelines for overweight, obesity, physical activity, and fruit and vegetables intake was 81.4%, 81.3%, 70.9%, and 63.5%, respectively. Generally, younger, female physicians were more likely to exhibit correct knowledge. Knowledge of weight-related guidelines was associated with assessment of body mass index (BMI) and use of BMI-for-age growth charts.

Conclusion

Knowledge of energy balance guidelines among PCPs treating children is low, among PCPs treating adults it appeared high for overweight and obesity-related clinical guidelines and moderate for physical activity and diet, and was mostly unrelated to clinical practices among all PCPs.     

The Alberta Physical Activity and Breast Cancer Prevention Trial: quality of life outcomes

Objective

Interventions for disease prevention should also be evaluated for quality of life (QoL) effects. Few exercise trials have examined QoL in the context of primary disease prevention. Here, we report the QoL outcomes from the Alberta Physical Activity and Breast Cancer Prevention (ALPHA) Trial.

Methods

The ALPHA trial was a randomized controlled trial in Calgary and Edmonton, Canada between May 2003 and July 2007 that compared an exercise intervention to a sedentary lifestyle among 320 sedentary, postmenopausal women. The exercise group was asked to perform moderate-to-vigorous intensity aerobic exercise 45 min/day, 5 days/week for 1 year. QoL was assessed by the short form-36 health survey.

Results

Compared to the control group, the exercise group maintained significantly better physical functioning (p < 0.001), general health (p < 0.001), vitality (p = 0.002), and bodily pain (p = 0.020) by 4-5 points which exceeds the 3.0 minimally important difference for these scales. Changes in body composition partially mediated the intervention effects. Antidepressant use and the presence of comorbidities moderated some intervention effects.

Conclusions

A 1-year moderate-to-vigorous aerobic exercise program prevents declines in the physical aspects of QoL in postmenopausal women. Exercise may have a potentially important advantage for breast cancer prevention compared to other lifestyle or biomedical interventions.     

Associations between anxious-depressed symptoms and cardiovascular risk factors in a longitudinal childhood study

Objective

To examine the influence of anxious/depressed scores on cardiovascular risk factors throughout childhood.

Methods

Data from the Western Australian Pregnancy Cohort (Raine) Study, a study of 2900 pregnancies recruited between 1989 and 1991, were used. Anxious-depressed scores (derived from the Childhood Behavior Checklist), body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure were measured at 5 (n = 1681), 8 (n = 1697), 10 (n = 1575) and 14 (n = 1386) years. At age 14 depressive symptom scores (Beck Depression Inventory for Youth), anxious-depressed scores (Youth Self-Report (YSR) and Teacher Report Form (TRF)) and fasting lipid, glucose and insulin were also available. Cross sectional and longitudinal analyses were conducted.

Results

At age 14, girls with higher anxious-depressed scores had higher BMI (p ≤ 0.005) and homeostasis model assessment-estimated insulin resistance (p ≤ 0.0001). This equated to a difference of 0.6 kg/m² and 0.3 units in predicted BMI and HOMA-IR respectively (top 5% vs. score of zero). Boys with higher anxious-depressed scores had lower systolic blood pressure trajectories (p = 0.024).

Conclusion

Depressive scores appear to have differing influences on BMI, homeostasis model assessment-estimated insulin resistance and systolic blood pressure in boys and girls. Paradoxically boys with higher anxious-depressed scores had lower blood pressure throughout childhood.     

Severe presentations of Rift Valley Fever in Madagascar

Objective

The authors describe clinical and epidemiologic characteristics of severe presentations of Rift valley fever (RVF) during the 2008 epidemic in Madagascar.

Methodology

The diagnosis was confirmed by RVF virus polymerase chain reaction (PCR), or detection of specifics antibodies by Elisa.

Results

Sixteen cases of severe RVF were recorded. The sex-ratio was 7/1 and median age was 32 years (20/59 years). The risk factors of infection were: contact with infected animals or their meat (n = 8), and travelling to a risk area (n = 2). Hemorrhagic, neurological, and ocular manifestations were observed respectively in 87.5%, 43.8% and 6.3% of cases. All patients who died (n = 4) presented with a hemorrhagic form of the disease.

Conclusion

The hemorrhagic form was the most frequent presentation of RVF and was responsible for a high level of mortality. Epidemiologic surveillance must be implemented.     

Decaying behavioral effects in a randomized, multi-year fruit and vegetable intake intervention

Objective

To examine the effects of a multi-component, theory-based, 2.5-year intervention on children's fruit and vegetable consumption, preferences, knowledge and body mass index.

Methods

Four inner city elementary schools in the Northeastern United States were randomized to an intervention (n = 149) or control group (n = 148) in 2005. Fruit and vegetable consumption during school lunch (measured by plate waste), preferences, and knowledge, as well as body mass index, were assessed five times across 3.5 years (pre-intervention, spring 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009). Hierarchical linear modeling was used to analyze program outcomes.

Results

At the first post-test assessment, children in the experimental group ate 0.28 more servings/lunch of fruit and vegetable relative to children in the control group and changes in fruit and vegetable consumption were found in each year throughout the program. However, this effect declined steadily across time so that by the delayed one-year follow-up period there was no difference between the groups in fruit and vegetable consumption. There were persistent intervention effects on children's knowledge. There were no effects on fruit and vegetable preferences and body mass index throughout the study.

Conclusion

Although there was initial fruit and vegetable behavior change, annual measurements indicated a gradual decay of behavioral effects. These data have implications for the design of school-based fruit and vegetable interventions.     

Safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity of inactivated trivalent seasonal influenza vaccine administered with a needle-free disposable-syringe jet injector

Background

Jet injectors (JIs) avoid safety drawbacks of needle-syringe (N-S) while generating similar immune responses. A new generation of disposable-syringe jet injectors (DSJIs) overcomes the cross-contamination risk of multi-use-nozzle devices used in 20th-century campaigns. In the first study in humans, the newly-US-licensed LectraJet^® model M3 RA DSJI was compared to N-S.

Methods

Sixty healthy adults received one 0.5 mL intramuscular dose of the 2009-2010 seasonal, trivalent, inactivated influenza vaccine (TIV) in randomized, double-masked fashion by either DSJI (n = 30) or N-S (n = 30). Adverse reactions were monitored for 90 days after injection, and serologic responses assayed by hemagglutination inhibition (HI) at days 28 and 90.

Results

There were no related serious adverse events (SAEs), nor differing rates of unsolicited AEs between DSJI and N-S. Solicited erythema and induration occurred more often after DSJI, but were transient and well-tolerated; a trend was noted for fewer systemic reactions by DSJI. Pre-vaccination HI geometric mean titers (GMT) increased by 28 days for H1N1, H3N2, and B antigens by 13-, 14-, and 8-fold via DSJI, and by 7-, 10-, and 7-fold for N-S, respectively. No trending differences in GMT, seroconversion, or seroprotection were noted; sample sizes precluded non-inferiority assessment.

Conclusions

DSJI delivery of TIV is well-tolerated and immunogenic.