The theory of expanded, extended, and enhanced opportunities for youth physical activity promotion

Background Physical activity interventions targeting children and adolescents (≤18 years) often focus on complex intra- and inter-personal behavioral constructs, social-ecological frameworks, or some combination of both. Recently published meta-analytical reviews and large-scale randomized controlled trials have demonstrated that these intervention approaches have largely produced minimal or no improvements in young people\u27s physical activity levels. Discussion In this paper, we propose that the main reason for previous studies\u27 limited effects is that fundamental mechanisms that lead to change in youth physical activity have often been overlooked or misunderstood. Evidence from observational and experimental studies is presented to support the development of a new theory positing that the primary mechanisms of change in many youth physical activity interventions are approaches that fall into one of the following three categories: (a) the expansion of opportunities for youth to be active by the inclusion of a new occasion to be active, (b) the extension of an existing physical activity opportunity by increasing the amount of time allocated for that opportunity, and/or (c) the enhancement of existing physical activity opportunities through strategies designed to increase physical activity above routine practice. Their application and considerations for intervention design and interpretation are presented. Summary The utility of these mechanisms, referred to as the Theory of Expanded, Extended, and Enhanced Opportunities (TEO), is demonstrated in their parsimony, logical appeal, support with empirical evidence, and the direct and immediate application to numerous settings and contexts. The TEO offers a new way to understand youth physical activity behaviors and provides a common taxonomy by which interventionists can identify appropriate targets for interventions across different settings and contexts. We believe the formalization of the TEO concepts will propel them to the forefront in the design of future intervention studies and through their use, lead to a greater impact on youth activity behaviors than what has been demonstrated in previous studies

Physical Activity Patterns Among Individuals Before and Soon After Bariatric Surgery

Purpose: Post-operative changes in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) may contribute to improved weight loss and long-term weight maintenance of individuals after bariatric surgery. Patients experience minimal changes in MVPA \u3e 6 months after surgery, but no studies have investigated early changes in physical activity after surgery. This study aims to assess MVPA changes during the rapid weight loss phase through self-reporting and objective measures. Methods: Physical activity patterns were assessed as minutes per day spent doing MVPA. A walking cadence of ≥ 100 steps per minute defined MVPA. Individuals completing gastric bypass (N = 7) and sleeve gastrectomy (N = 17) procedures (21 females, 3 males, age 42.2 ± 12.6 years, body mass 121.8 ± 24.8 kg, BMI 44.0 ± 6.5) completed office visits at 12 ± 6 days pre- and 35 ± 10 days post-operative. Each wore an ActiGraph GT3X tri-axial accelerometer at the hip for 7 days before and again for 7 days 30.6 ± 10 days after surgery. Assessments also included a subjective question about their anticipated and perceived post-operative MVPA (scale of − 3 to 3 with 3 being much more physically active and − 3 being much less). Results: Participants did not change their minutes per day of MVPA significantly (pre-operative 1.5 ± 2.1; post-operative 2.6 ± 5.6, NS). Participants predicted their post-operative physical activity level would increase (2.8 ± 0.4). The self-reported activity level on the same scale after surgery was significantly less than predicted (1.9 ± 1.0, p \u3c 0.05) but still suggested that participants thought they were more physically active. Conclusion: Consistent with reports \u3e 6 months after surgery, MVPA did not increase in the early post-operative period, despite patient expectations. The early post-operative period may be a time for behavioral intervention