A longitudinal examination of the associations between cannabis use, physical activity, and CSEP guideline achievement among youth in the COMPASS study

Background: There is a lack of conclusive longitudinal literature regarding cannabis use frequency and physical activity in Canadian youth. While it is documented that rates of physical activity are decreasing and cannabis use in Canadian youth is among the highest in the world, the strength and direction of this longitudinal association is contradictory. Objectives: This thesis will examine the relationship between cannabis use and physical activity through two main objectives: 1) Are the changes in cannabis use frequency over time associated with the relative change in MVPA? 2) Are the changes in cannabis use frequency over time associated with the likelihood of meeting the CSEP PA guidelines at two-year follow-up? Methods: Data from years 5 (2016-17), 6 (2017-18), and 7 (2018-19) of the COMPASS study were used. Overall, 7400 Grade 9 to 12 students attending 75 schools were included in the analyses. Linear mixed regression models and generalized estimating equations were used to longitudinally examine the associations between student-level characteristics and cannabis use on the relative change in MVPA and the likelihood of meeting the CSEP guidelines, respectively. Results: Less than a third (28%) of youth reported achieving the CSEP guidelines at baseline, with the average MVPA decreasing by approximately 12% from baseline to two-year follow-up. Cannabis use in youth also increased from approximately 8% to approximately 31% by two-year follow-up. However, it was found that neither the increase nor the decrease in cannabis use was associated with either relative changes in MVPA or CSEP guideline achievement at two-year follow-up. A decrease in relative MVPA was seen for students who reported being underweight (β= -14.4 (SE=6.48)), and had met the CSEP guidelines at baseline (β= -56.6 (SE=4.65)), where an increase in relative MVPA was seen for those who were in grade 11 (β= 47.7 (SE=17.81)). Youth who were males (aOR=2.07, 95% CI = 1.83, 2.34), current binge drinkers (aOR=1.35, 95% CI = 1.09, 1.69), and met the guidelines at baseline (aOR=3.59, 95% CI = 3.16, 4.09) had higher odds of meeting the CSEP guidelines at two-year follow-up. Students who were non-white (aOR=0.86, 95% CI = 0.75, 0.98), were underweight (aOR = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.68, 0.98) or had not stated weight status (aOR = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.55, 0.72) were of lower odds of meeting the CSEP guidelines at two-year follow-up. The interaction between cannabis use and CSEP achievement at baseline was not significantly associated with CSEP achievement at two-year follow-up. Conclusion: Few student-level characteristics were associated with CSEP guideline achievement and relative MVPA in youth. However, this research provides a valuable understanding to this longitudinal association with cannabis use and other student-level characteristics. Using this research, future initiatives can better prioritize the needs of at-risk student populations. Future research should continue to investigate this complex relationship longitudinally in attempt to promote youth health and mitigate harmful health behaviours

IMPROVING PHYSICAL LITERACY IN MIDDLE SCHOOL INDIGENOUS AND NON-INDIGENOUS STUDENTS

Physical activity levels in Canadian youth are decreasing. This Organizational Improvement Plan (OIP) focuses on improving physical literacy in middle school Indigenous and non-Indigenous students in a Northern Ontario urban school. The Daily Physical Activity (DPA) policy in Ontario public elementary schools has achieved about 50% fidelity in classrooms since its inception in 2005 (Allison, et al., 2016; Ontario Agency for Health Protection and Promotion, 2015, p. 60). Leading a physically active lifestyle is essential for education outcomes, public health, and general health and wellbeing. Improving physical literacy in youth increases their motivation to be physically active, and through a Quality Daily Physical Education (QDPE) program, can also increase student achievement significantly (Dudley, 2019, October 8; PHE, 2020). Students engaged in physical education programming where learning is prioritized are more motivated to learn across all subjects (Dudley, 2018). From a public health perspective, the urgency for Canadians to become more active has never been more critical. The rate of non-communicated diseases (NCDs) can be reduced significantly by meeting the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP) physical activity guidelines. At the current rate, 50% of non-Indigenous and 80% of Indigenous youth will develop diabetes in their lifetime (Diabetes Canada, 2018). Currently, only 35% of five to seventeen-year-olds, and under 16% of 18-79 year-olds, are meeting CSEP’s physical activity guidelines (ParticipACTION, 2018). This OIP explores how a culturally responsive framework along with community connections are essential in improving physical literacy in middle school Indigenous and non-Indigenous students. Developing physically literate youth is essential for the future of our youth, education system, and public healthcare

Can Resistance Training Contribute to the Aerobic Components of the Physical Activity Guidelines?

International Journal of Exercise Science 7(4) : 278-285, 2014. To evaluate if resistance training can reach Moderate to Vigorous Intensity (MVI) and contribute to the aerobic component of the international physical activity guidelines. Sixteen participants aged between 20 and 35 were recruited. Heart rate was recorded by heart rate monitor during a resistance training program. Based on maximal heart rate, time spent at MVI (55-69% of maximal heart rate) was calculated. Participants displayed a HR equal or above MVI for 51.5% ± 21.7% of time. When stratifying by lower and upper body sessions, that proportion was median (25-75th); 75.0% (32.5%-89.2%) and 45.8% (30.0%-66.8%) respectively. Body mass (r=.68; p\u3c.01), body mass index (r=.54; p=.03), and leg press strength (r=.59; p=02) were positively associated with time spent at MVI. Assuming 10-minute bouts of aerobic exercise are not needed to achieve health benefits, it is possible to reach MVI with resistance training. Emphasis on the importance of performing resistance training should be done to reach the aerobic component of the physical activity guidelines and optimize health benefits. This provides an alternative option to those who may have difficulty or be unable to reach the required aerobic intensity by traditional aerobic exercises

Hierarchical framework to improve individualised exercise prescription in adults : a critical review

Physical activity (PA) guidelines for the general population are designed to mitigate the rise of chronic and debilitating diseases brought by inactivity and sedentariness. Although essential, they are insufficient as rates of cardiovascular, pulmonary, renal, metabolic and other devastating and life-long diseases remain on the rise. This systemic failure supports the need for an improved exercise prescription approach that targets the individual. Significant interindividual variability of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) responses to exercise are partly explained by biological and methodological factors, and the modulation of exercise volume and intensity seem to be key in improving prescription guidelines. The use of physiological thresholds, such as lactate, ventilation, as well as critical power, have demonstrated excellent results to improve CRF in those struggling to respond to the current homogenous prescription of exercise. However, assessing physiological thresholds requires laboratory resources and expertise and is incompatible for a general population approach. A case must be made that balances the effectiveness of an exercise programme to improve CRF and accessibility of resources. A population-wide approach of exercise prescription guidelines should include free and accessible self-assessed threshold tools, such as rate of perceived exertion, where the homeostatic perturbation induced by exercise reflects physiological thresholds. The present critical review outlines factors for individuals exercise prescription and proposes a new theoretical hierarchal framework to help shape PA guidelines based on accessibility and effectiveness as part of a personalised exercise prescription that targets the individual.Peer reviewe

Supporting Pregnant People in Prenatal Physical Activity & Exercise: Brief In-Service Training Integrating the 6 Rs Framework to Facilitate Counseling by Healthcare Professionals

Studies show that physical inactivity in pregnancy is attributed to pregnant people receiving inadequate and incomplete prenatal physical activity and exercise (PAE) counseling from healthcare professionals (HCPs). There is a gap in the knowledge translation of prenatal PAE guidelines and pregnant people are uncertain how to safely engage in PAE. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to evaluate the effect of an online brief in-service training integrating the 6 Rs Framework on Rainier Valley Birth & Health Center HCPs’ (i.e., Certified Nurse-Midwives and Licensed Midwives) attitudes, beliefs, knowledge, and practices pertaining to antenatal PAE. Quantitative data was collected using Likert-scale and multiple-choice questions that were modified with permission from a tool developed and published by Leiferman and colleagues. The primary investigator assessed provider knowledge of physical activity guidelines in pregnancy and the 6 Rs Framework which was used with permission of Donnelly and colleagues. Open-ended questions assessed provider confidence in PAE prescription. All respondents on the postsurvey agreed that it is important to discuss PAE with pregnant patients, and 86 percent felt confident in doing so. Interestingly however, when respondents were asked to provide an example of how to safely prescribe PAE to a pregnant patient using the principles of frequency, intensity, time, and type, only one respondent addressed all components of the question completely. Despite having access to clinical tools and suitable resources and recommendations to facilitate exercise prescription, most HCPs could not cite specific and consistent PAE guidance. It is unclear whether providing clinics with in-service training on antenatal PAE will reduce the prevalence of physical inactivity in pregnancy, but it is likely to be effective in improving the understanding of barriers at both the provider and patient levels which can translate to benefit gains for patients and the community

“If I want to be able to keep going, I must be active.” Exploring older adults’ perspectives of remote physical activity supports: a mixed-methods study

IntroductionPandemic-related public health restrictions limited older adults’ physical activity programs and opportunities. Physical activity supports shifted to remote options, however, information on their adoption and effectiveness is limited. This study aims to describe the remote supports received by older adults and their perceived effectiveness. Additionally, it aims to describe facilitators and barriers to remote supports for physical activity among older adults, particularly those reliant on technology.MethodsThis study used an explanatory, sequential, mixed-methods design. Community-dwelling older adults (≥ 60 years) were recruited to partake in a web-based survey and an optional semi-structured follow-up interview informed by the COM-B model. Participant characteristics, perceived effectiveness of remote supports, and the presence and severity of barriers were described. Changes in physical activity levels before and during the pandemic were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Qualitative data underwent inductive thematic analysis.ResultsFifty seven older adults (68.3 ± 7.1 years, 43 Female) completed the survey, of which 15 participants (67.4 ± 5.8 years, 12 Female) participated in interviews. The majority were Caucasian, highly educated, and resided in Canada. Total physical activity levels showed no statistically significant change from before to during the pandemic (p = 0.74); however, at-home exercise participation and technology usage increased. Pre-recorded and real-time virtual exercise supports were perceived as most effective. Main barriers included limited contact with exercise professionals, limited access to exercise equipment or space, and decreased mental wellness. Thematic analysis identified five main themes: (i) Enabled by knowledge and resources; (ii) Diverse motivations for physical activity; (iii) Fostering participation through social connection; (iv) Supervision and safety: enabling adherence; and (v) Virtual exercise: a sustainable option with technological considerations.ConclusionVirtual platforms show promise in supporting older adults’ physical activity at home, especially for those with limited in-person access. Our study suggests that both real-time and pre-recorded virtual exercise supports are feasible, depending on technological capacity and support. While interactive real-time virtual programs allow interaction with professionals and peers, pre-recorded programs provide timing flexibility. Further research is needed to establish best practices for safe and effective virtual exercise programming, promoting its long-term adoption for supporting a wider range of older adults

Identifying the Influence of Parents\u27 and Children\u27s Perceptions of their Built and Social Environments on Children\u27s Mode of Travel to and from School

This study examined the influence of parents’ and children’s perceptions of their built and social environments on children’s use of active transportation (AT) between home and school. A mixed-methods approach was used including an environmental/behavioural survey completed by students (grades 5 through 8) and parents from 32 schools throughout London, Ontario, (n=1,623); Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for generating built environment variables to be controlled for; Principal Component factor analysis; and step-wise logistic regression models that divided analysis between the journey to and from school to determine the most influential factors in either direction. Children’s personal attitudes were the primary barrier for use of AT in both directions between home and school with “having no one to walk with” and “it being easier to have someone to drive them” being associated variables within both factors. Urban planners, public health professionals, and policy makers need to improve environments, develop AT promotional initiatives, and develop policies that remove barriers to allow more children to profit from the health benefits associated with AT

You don't have to keep score!: a teacher's journey to a new way of being

Researchers in the field of health and physical education have long been concerned about the physical education experiences of female students in their middle and high school years. The purpose of this research was to examine how teaching a female only physical education class deepened my understanding of teaching female students in physical education. In an attempt to meet the needs and interests of female students, a girls-only physical education class was offered. This project used the principles of existential action research. Qualitative data collection methods used for this study included teacher journaling, descriptive “field notes” and a critical “friend”. The following themes emerged from this experience: autopilot, students looking for something new, opportunities for leadership or ownership, guest instructors, changing perspectives on teaching high school physical education, a positive classroom environment, and physical education and life. The findings are not intended to be generalizable to other physical education teaching situations. However, given that there are many ways of being a teacher in physical education, an approach focused on building relationships with students and meeting the needs and interests unique to each class may be more appealing to students. As a result of this research, specifically through the emergence of the themes, I believe I have gained a deeper understanding of teaching female students as it relates to their experiences in physical education

Adherence to physical activity for adults with depression: the role of the nurse practitioner - an integrative literature review

Depression is a significant problem for Canadians, as is the declining overall health of adults due to sedentary lifestyles. The purpose of this integrative literature review is to examine how nurse practitioners, providing primary health care in Canada, can facilitate adherence to physical activity for adults with mild to moderate depression. Background knowledge of depression, physical activity and adherence is presented along with an overview of primary health care. A Medline search collected 15 research articles for analysis. Key findings included reduced adherence to exercise for adults with depression, positive effects on mood from moderate intensity exercise, health promotion challenges within primary care, and interdisciplinary approaches to improving adherence. Recommendations are presented using the 5 A's approach and include the application of psychological theories, assessment of readiness for exercise, individualized exercise prescription targeting public health guidelines, enlisting social supports, frequent follow-up, along with additional education to practitioners. --Leaf ii.The original print copy of this thesis may be available here: http://wizard.unbc.ca/record=b194727