January 11, 2013

By Rosanne Prinsen, MSc
Resource Coordinator,  Alberta Centre for Active Living

Note: where possible, we provide the DOI link to research papers in the Info Round-Up.  To use it, cut and paste the DOI into the text box on this webpage: http://dx.doi.org/.  Access to research articles will be dependent on your institutional rights.

CHILDREN

SocialNetwork Analysis of Childhood and Youth Physical Activity: A Systematic Review

American Journal of Preventive Medicine Vol 43, Iss 6, Dec 2012, Pgs 636–642

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.amepre.2012.08.021

Friendship plays an important role in shaping physical activity behaviors. Physical activity interventions targeted at peer groups and that account for the influence of friendship groups might have utility as a means of increasing youth physical activity.

OLDER ADULTS

Walkingfour times weekly for at least 15 min is associated with longevity in a Cohortof very elderly people

Maturitas Available online 29 Dec 2012 In Press, Corrected Proof

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.maturitas.2012.12.001

This study investigated the role of walking outdoors on longevity, controlling for individual and other life-style factors as possible confounder...Findings suggest an independent and protective effect of walking on mortality and supports the encouragement of physical activity in advanced age for increasing longevity.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

Thecomplexity of measuring physical activity and sedentary behavior

Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport Vol 16, Iss 1, Jan 2013, Pg 1

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jsams.2012.11.897

Welcome to Volume 16 of the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport. We start this year with a series of varied and strong papers covering our four main discipline areas…. Measurement of physical activity and sedentary behaviour is a complex area, evident by the constantly changing and increasingly sophisticated instruments being developed. Methods range from observation, self-report, and reports by others to objective instrumentation such as accelerometers, pedometers, GPS systems, and other motion capture devices.

WorldDay for Physical Activity April 6th

Agita Mundo has organized a World Day for Physical Activity to take place on April 6. The theme is Together for an Active and Happy Life! You are encouraged to organize a walking parade or disseminate a "virtual walking" message via e-mail, Facebook, Twitter, etc. to your institution at 10am on April 6 that encourages physical activity. You may register your event on the Agita Mundo website.

URBAN DESIGN

Areaccessibility and characteristics of public open spaces associated with abetter cardiometabolic health?

Landscape and Urban Planning Available online Jan 2013 In Press, Corrected Proof

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.landurbplan.2012.11.011

These results suggest that the characteristics, not the number or proportion, of locally accessible POS are related to cardiometabolic health and, to some degree, physical activity. Maintaining or improving the quality of locally available POS might be a more effective urban design strategy to support cardiometabolic health than efforts to increase the accessibility of POS.

Associationsbetween physical activity and characteristics of urban green space

Urban Forestry & Urban Greening Available online Jan 2013 In Press, Corrected Proof

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2012.12.002

For PA in the nearest UGS positive associations with size, walking/cycling routes, wooded areas, water features, lights, pleasant views, bike rack, and parking lot were found. This indicates that PA in a UGS might be stimulated by providing these features there. However, interventions or longitudinal studies are needed to explore potential causal relationship.