Multi-Component Physical Activity Interventions in the UK Must Consider Determinants of Activity to Increase Effectiveness

Abstract

Interventions to increase physical activity in children have adopted broad approaches and achieved varying success. There is a need to adopt approaches underpinned with a theoretical basis. Accordingly, the aim here was to implement and evaluate a 12-week intervention designed using the concepts of the COM-B model to determine the effect this has on physical activity levels. One hundred and forty-seven school-age children (mean age 8.9 ± 1.3 years) took part in a 12-week program delivered in a school setting. Topics included physical activity, healthy eating, sleep quality and reducing screen time/sedentary activities when not in school. A sample of participants wore a wrist-worn accelerometer for seven days pre-and post-intervention (N = 11). The physical activity frequency was unchanged (2.9 ± 1.0 AU) when compared with post-intervention values (3.1 ± 0.8 AU, mean increase 6.8 ± 3.7%, p > 0.05). Changes were observed in the daily consumption of fruit and vegetables (pre-intervention 44.6% vs. post-intervention 60.2%, p < 0.05). Sedentary time, light activity, moderate activity and vigorous activity were unchanged post-intervention (p > 0.05). There is a need to adopt a broader approach that incorporates a theoretical basis and considers the complex ways by which physical activity behaviours are influenced.

What determines participation in sport for older adults in England: A multilevel analysis of Active Lives data

“…These methods should understand the contextual differences in the needs, experiences, and attitudes of older adults participating and not participating in sport. Further, consistent with research [53][54][55], the present analysis found that indices of multiple deprivation are inversely associated with sports participation. Barriers to participation in sport or physical activity stemming from deprivation include the provision of and access to facilities and public transport, reduced disposable income, health inequalities, and crime [53][54][55], factors likely exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic [12].…”

“…Further, consistent with research [53][54][55], the present analysis found that indices of multiple deprivation are inversely associated with sports participation. Barriers to participation in sport or physical activity stemming from deprivation include the provision of and access to facilities and public transport, reduced disposable income, health inequalities, and crime [53][54][55], factors likely exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic [12]. In addressing these societal challenges to accessing opportunity, Sport England (i.e., Uniting the Movement) and UK Government (i.e., Get Active) strategies place emphasis on the importance of place-based approaches to target those most at need and whole-systems models which encourage collective working (e.g., local delivery pilots).…”

Most People Hate Physical Education and Most Drop Out of Physical Activity: In Search of Credible Curriculum Alternatives

“…There is limited evidence to suggest that they will increase lifelong participation, with both positive and negatives of implementation still remaining to be fully established [50]. Improving PA rates amongst children is repeatedly targeted and well documented in various health strategies around the globe because of an increasing Western "obesity epidemic" [51]. In England, the National Health Service (2018, [52]) established that 20% of children aged 10-11 years old were classed as obese with rising levels for children across the primary school years.…”