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Articles 1 - 18 of 18
Full-Text Articles in Medicine and Health Sciences
Learning Environments' Activity Potential For Preschoolers (Leapp): Study Rationale And Design, Patricia Tucker, Leigh Vanderloo, Courtney Newnham-Kanas, Shauna Burke, Jennifer Irwin, Andrew Johnson, Melissa Van Zandvoort
Learning Environments' Activity Potential For Preschoolers (Leapp): Study Rationale And Design, Patricia Tucker, Leigh Vanderloo, Courtney Newnham-Kanas, Shauna Burke, Jennifer Irwin, Andrew Johnson, Melissa Van Zandvoort
Trish Tucker
Background. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the study protocol for the Learning Environments’ Activity Potential for Preschoolers (LEAPP) study, the goal of which is to describe the activity levels of preschoolers attending various early learning venues and explore which attributes of these facilities (e.g. curriculum, policies, equipment, etc.) support activity participation. Design and Methods. This cross-sectional study aimed to recruit approximately 30 early learning environments requesting participation from preschoolers aged 2.5-5 years. Data collection included: Actical accelerometers (MiniMitter, Oregon, USA) to measure the activity levels of children for five consecutive days (15-second epoch length) …
Effectiveness Of Physical Activity Interventions For Preschoolers: A Meta-Analysis, Patricia Tucker, Elliott Gordon, Shauna Burke, Albert Carron
Effectiveness Of Physical Activity Interventions For Preschoolers: A Meta-Analysis, Patricia Tucker, Elliott Gordon, Shauna Burke, Albert Carron
Trish Tucker
Purpose: The purpose of the meta-analysis was to examine the effectiveness of physical activity interventions on physical activity participation among preschoolers. A secondary purpose was to investigate the influence of several possible moderator variables (e.g., intervention length, location, leadership, type) on moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Method: Nine databases were systematically searched for physical activity interventions. Studies were included if they contained statistics necessary to compute an effect size (ES), were written in or translated into English, examined physical activity in preschoolers, incorporated a physical activity intervention, and targeted preschool-aged children. Fifteen studies satisfied these criteria. ESs were calculated using a …
Preventing Paediatric Obesity; Recommendations From A Community-Based Qualitative Investigation, Patricia Tucker, Jennifer Irwin, L. Sangster Bouck, Meizi He, G. Pollett
Preventing Paediatric Obesity; Recommendations From A Community-Based Qualitative Investigation, Patricia Tucker, Jennifer Irwin, L. Sangster Bouck, Meizi He, G. Pollett
Trish Tucker
Childhood obesity is on the rise, and interventions targeted at pre-school-aged children are essential for the primary prevention of this disease. Physical activity programming and decreasing screen viewing may be advantageous ways to reduce the early onset of obesity. Parents' perceptions regarding effective tools and programmes to target obesity are needed to develop an efficacious programme. Ten semi-structured focus groups were conducted for this qualitative study. Two experienced moderators facilitated all focus groups which were conducted in local day cares, workplaces and play groups, frequented by parents. All focus groups were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Strategies to ensure trustworthiness of …
Physical Activity At Daycare: Issues, Challenges And Perspectives, Melissa Van Zandvoort, Patricia Tucker, Jennifer Irwin, Shauna Burke
Physical Activity At Daycare: Issues, Challenges And Perspectives, Melissa Van Zandvoort, Patricia Tucker, Jennifer Irwin, Shauna Burke
Trish Tucker
This study sought to examine London, Ontario‐based childcare providers’ perspectives of the barriers and facilitators to physical activity participation among preschoolers (i.e. children aged 2.5–5 years) attending daycare. A heterogeneous sample of childcare providers (n = 54; response rate 47%) working at public daycare facilities in London, Ontario participated. Using a qualitative methodology, eight semi‐structured focus groups were conducted between February and March 2009. Focus groups were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Inductive content analysis was used to code and categorize emerging themes. When asked to describe the barriers to engaging preschoolers in physical activity while at daycare, participants discussed …
Preschoolers' Physical Activity Behaviours: Parents' Perspectives, Jennifer Irwin, Meizi He, L. Sangster Bouck, Patricia Tucker, Graham Pollett
Preschoolers' Physical Activity Behaviours: Parents' Perspectives, Jennifer Irwin, Meizi He, L. Sangster Bouck, Patricia Tucker, Graham Pollett
Trish Tucker
OBJECTIVES: To understand parents' perspectives of their preschoolers' physical activity behaviours. METHODS: A maximum variation sample of 71 parents explored their preschoolers' physical activity behaviours through 10 semi-structured focus group discussions. RESULTS: Parents perceived Canada's Physical Activity Guidelines for Children as inadequate; that their preschoolers get and need more than 30-90 minutes of activity daily; and that physical activity habits must be established during the preschool years. Nine barriers against and facilitators toward adequate physical activity were proposed: child's age, weather, daycare, siblings, finances, time, society and safety, parents' impact, and child's activity preferences. DISCUSSION: The need for education and …
The Influence Of The Physical Environment And Sociodemographic Characteristics On Children's Mode Of Travel To And From School, Kristian Larsen, Jason Gilliland, Peter Hess, Patricia Tucker, Jennifer Irwin, Meizi He
The Influence Of The Physical Environment And Sociodemographic Characteristics On Children's Mode Of Travel To And From School, Kristian Larsen, Jason Gilliland, Peter Hess, Patricia Tucker, Jennifer Irwin, Meizi He
Trish Tucker
Objectives: We examined whether certain characteristics of the social and physical environment influence a child's mode of travel between home and school. Methods: Students aged 11 to 13 years from 21 schools throughout London, Ontario, answered questions from a travel behavior survey. A geographic information system linked survey responses for 614 students who lived within 1 mile of school to data on social and physical characteristics of environments around the home and school. Logistic regression analysis was used to test the influence of environmental factors on mode of travel (motorized vs "active") to and from school. Results: Over 62% of …
Response To ‘Reply To Van Zandvoort, Tucker, Irwin And Burke: Physical Activity At Daycare: Issues, Challenges And Perspectives’ By Albon, Melissa Van Zandvoort, Patricia Tucker, Jennifer Irwin, Shauna Burke
Response To ‘Reply To Van Zandvoort, Tucker, Irwin And Burke: Physical Activity At Daycare: Issues, Challenges And Perspectives’ By Albon, Melissa Van Zandvoort, Patricia Tucker, Jennifer Irwin, Shauna Burke
Trish Tucker
No abstract provided.
Adolescents' Perspectives Of Home, School And Neighborhood Environmental Influences On Physical Activity And Dietary Behaviors, Patricia Tucker, Jennifer Irwin, Jason Gilliland, Meizi He
Adolescents' Perspectives Of Home, School And Neighborhood Environmental Influences On Physical Activity And Dietary Behaviors, Patricia Tucker, Jennifer Irwin, Jason Gilliland, Meizi He
Trish Tucker
This investigation sought to gain an understanding of how youth perceive neighborhood environmental influences on their physical activity and eating behaviors. This qualitative study targeted a heterogeneous sample of 12- to 14- year-olds in London, Ontario, Canada. Using a semi-structured interview guide, we conducted nine focus groups (n = 60) and used inductive content analysis to investigate their discussions. Most participants discussed their school, parks, and opportunity structures around their homes as influencing their physical activity, and overwhelmingly reported the availability of fast-food restaurants, convenience stores, and slow-food restaurants in their neighborhoods as influencing their eating practices. The descriptive information …
University Students' Satisfaction With, Interest In Improving, And Receptivity To Attending Programs Aimed At Health And Well-Being, Patricia Tucker, Jennifer Irwin
University Students' Satisfaction With, Interest In Improving, And Receptivity To Attending Programs Aimed At Health And Well-Being, Patricia Tucker, Jennifer Irwin
Trish Tucker
The purpose of this pilot study is to investigate students' (a) satisfaction with nine health constructs, (b) interest in improving these health areas, and (c) receptivity to participating in programming targeting these areas. The study sample is composed of 1,778 undergraduate students from a Canadian university. Students complete a five-page paper-and-pencil questionnaire assessing the above objectives along a 5-point Likert-type scale. Students are most satisfied with their social health and report their lowest satisfaction with physical activity (M = 3.16, SD = 1.09). Overall, students are most interested in enhancing their physical activity (M = 4.10, SD = 0.79), followed …
Screen-Viewing Behaviors Among Preschoolers Parents' Perceptions, Meizi He, Jennifer Irwin, L. Sangster Bouck, Patricia Tucker, Graham Pollett
Screen-Viewing Behaviors Among Preschoolers Parents' Perceptions, Meizi He, Jennifer Irwin, L. Sangster Bouck, Patricia Tucker, Graham Pollett
Trish Tucker
BACKGROUND: Childhood obesity has emerged as a public health concern in Canada. It has been suggested that excessive screen viewing (i.e., television, computer, video) is a major factor contributing to the increased risk of obesity in children. Exploring young children's experiences with this modifiable behavior may be beneficial to the creation of a multifaceted program aimed at the primary prevention of obesity. OBJECTIVES: To seek parents' perceptions and insights pertaining to their preschoolers' screen-viewing behaviors. METHODS: This qualitative study targeted a heterogeneous sample of parents with children aged 2.5 to 5 years. Two experienced moderators using a semistructured interview guide …
The Influence Of Parents And The Home Environment On Preschoolers' Physical Activity Behaviours: A Qualitative Investigation Of Childcare Providers' Perspectives, Patricia Tucker, Melissa Van Zandvoort, Shauna Burke, Jennifer Irwin
The Influence Of Parents And The Home Environment On Preschoolers' Physical Activity Behaviours: A Qualitative Investigation Of Childcare Providers' Perspectives, Patricia Tucker, Melissa Van Zandvoort, Shauna Burke, Jennifer Irwin
Trish Tucker
BACKGROUND: Physical activity offers numerous physiological and psychological benefits for young children; however, many preschool-aged children are not engaging in sufficient activity. The home environment, inclusive of parent role modeling, has been identified as influencing preschoolers' physical activity. This study sought to examine childcare providers' perspectives of the importance of parents and the home environment for supporting the physical activity behaviours of preschool-aged children (aged 2.5-5 years) attending childcare. METHODS: A heterogeneous sample of childcare providers (n = 84; response rate 39%) working at childcare facilities in London, Ontario participated. Thirteen semi-structured focus groups were conducted in London centres between …
The Effect Of Season And Weather On Physical Activity: A Systematic Review, Patricia Tucker, Jason Gilliland
The Effect Of Season And Weather On Physical Activity: A Systematic Review, Patricia Tucker, Jason Gilliland
Trish Tucker
Objectives: This study reviewed previous studies to explore the effect of season, and consequently weather, on levels of physical activity. Study design and methods: Thirty-seven primary studies (published 1980–2006) representing a total of 291 883 participants (140 482 male and 152 085 female) from eight different countries are described, and the effect of season on moderate levels of physical activity is considered. Results: Upon review of the evidence, it appears that levels of physical activity vary with seasonality, and the ensuing effect of poor or extreme weather has been identified as a barrier to participation in physical activity among various …
Physical Activity Behaviors During The Preschool Years, Patricia Tucker, Jennifer Irwin
Physical Activity Behaviors During The Preschool Years, Patricia Tucker, Jennifer Irwin
Trish Tucker
This is the first Canadian study to measure physical activity participation and opportunities for outdoor playtime among preschoolers. Preschoolers in the London, Ontario study spent significantly more time engaging in high-intensity indoor activity versus outdoor activity. Daycare providers reported the children in their care had access to approximately 2 hours of daily outdoor playtime. Nearly half the study‟s parents reported their preschoolers did not engage in physical activity at the level needed for health gains. Insufficient activity among such a large segment of preschoolers has potentially serious physical and psychological health implications. Daycare settings afford ample opportunity for physical activity …
Environmental Influences On Physical Activity Levels In Youth, Patricia Tucker, Jennifer Irwin, Jason Gilliland, Meizi He, Kristian Larsen, Paul Hess
Environmental Influences On Physical Activity Levels In Youth, Patricia Tucker, Jennifer Irwin, Jason Gilliland, Meizi He, Kristian Larsen, Paul Hess
Trish Tucker
This study assessed the amount of physical activity engaged in by youth aged 11–13, in relation to: (1) the presence of neighborhood recreational opportunities, objectively measured within a geographic information system; and (2) parents’ perceptions of recreation opportunities in their neighborhoods. Students in grade 7 and 8 (n=811) in 21 elementary schools throughout London, Ontario completed the adapted Previous Day Physical Activity Recall and a questionnaire assessing environmental influences in the home and school neighborhoods. Parents/guardians of participants also completed a questionnaire eliciting demographic information and perceptions of the neighborhood environment. On average, students engaged in 159.9 min/day of physical …
Physical Activity At Daycare: Childcare Providers’ Perspectives For Improvements, Patricia Tucker, Melissa Van Zandvoort, Shauna Burke, Jennifer Irwin
Physical Activity At Daycare: Childcare Providers’ Perspectives For Improvements, Patricia Tucker, Melissa Van Zandvoort, Shauna Burke, Jennifer Irwin
Trish Tucker
In London, Ontario, approximately 45 percent of preschoolers are insufficiently active.With the large number of preschoolers who attend childcare (54%), and the low levels of physical activity among preschool-aged children, daycare centers may be an appropriate avenue to intervene. This study sought to collect childcare providers’ suggestions for improving physical activity during daycare hours and their perspectives regarding the feasibility of meeting the physical activity guidelines currently set out for preschoolers. This qualitative study targeted a heterogeneous sample of childcare providers (n = 54) working at YMCA daycare centers in London, Ontario. Eight focus groups were conducted. Saturation was reached …
University Students' Perspectives On A Physical Activity Record-Keeping Log, Patricia Tucker, Jennifer Irwin
University Students' Perspectives On A Physical Activity Record-Keeping Log, Patricia Tucker, Jennifer Irwin
Trish Tucker
This qualitative study explored characteristics of a record-keeping log that students would find appealing and be receptive to using. A heterogeneous sample of undergraduate university students aged 18 to 25 years participated. An experienced moderator, using a semistructured interview guide, conducted 13 focus groups (N = 65). All focus groups were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Inductive content analysis was conducted independently by two qualitative researchers. Measures were incorporated throughout the study to ensure data trustworthiness. Four themes illustrated students' suggestions for the log: layout, convenience, maximum distribution, and concerns. In particular, students discussed the use of a computer-based versus a …
Healthy Eating And Physical Activity Challenges And Opportunities In After-School Programs: Providers’ Perspectives, Heather Thomas, L. Fellner, Patricia Tucker, Jennifer Irwin
Healthy Eating And Physical Activity Challenges And Opportunities In After-School Programs: Providers’ Perspectives, Heather Thomas, L. Fellner, Patricia Tucker, Jennifer Irwin
Trish Tucker
The purpose of this study was to understand after-school program providers’ perspectives of (a) current physical activity and nutrition curriculum, practices, and challenges, and (b) necessary modifications, program suggestions or resource needs to improve the healthy eating and active living practices within their after-school program for children aged 6 to 12 years. This qualitative study targeted a sample of nine after-school program providers in London, Ontario. Data was collected via in-depth interviews and a demographic survey between January and April 2009. Strategies to enhance data trustworthiness were incorporated throughout. After-school program providers identified insufficient healthy eating curriculum and requested interactive, …
Physical Activity Among Preschoolers During Indoor And Outdoor Childcare Play Periods, Leigh Vanderloo, Patricia Tucker, Andrew Johnson, Jeffrey Holmes
Physical Activity Among Preschoolers During Indoor And Outdoor Childcare Play Periods, Leigh Vanderloo, Patricia Tucker, Andrew Johnson, Jeffrey Holmes
Trish Tucker
Preschoolers' (n = 31) physical activity (PA) levels during indoor and outdoor childcare hours were explored using accelerometers. Participants engaged in 0.54 min/h (SD = 0.59) of moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) and 14.42 min/h (SD = 6.78) of total PA (TPA) indoors compared with 5.03 min/h (SD = 4.92) of MVPA and 31.68 min/h (SD = 0.83) of TPA outdoors. Boys and girls engaged in significantly more TPA outdoors; however, only boys demonstrated a significant increase in MVPA outdoors.