- Young, Janet, Symons, Caroline, Pain, Michelle, Harvey, Jack, Eime, Rochelle, Craike, Melinda, Payne, Warren
- Authors: Young, Janet , Symons, Caroline , Pain, Michelle , Harvey, Jack , Eime, Rochelle , Craike, Melinda , Payne, Warren
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: European Physical Education Review Vol. 21, no. 4 (2015), p. 451-466
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: In light of the importance attributed to the presence of positive role models in promoting physical activity during adolescence, this study examined role models of adolescent girls and their influence on physical activity. Seven hundred and thirty two girls in Years 7 and 11 from metropolitan and non-metropolitan regions of Victoria, Australia, were surveyed regarding whether they had a role model (in general, not limited to sport), and if they did, the gender, age, type and sporting background of that individual. Participants were also asked about the amount of physical activity they did. Descriptive statistics and a series of generalised estimating equations, one-way ANOVAs and a chi-square analysis were conducted to analyse the data. The majority of participants nominated a family member, peer or celebrity sportsperson as their role model who was female, played sport and was less than 50 years of age. Non-metropolitan-based adolescent girls, and Year 11 adolescent girls, were more likely to select a role model who they knew played sport than metropolitan-based adolescent girls and Year 7 girls respectively. In the first two years of the study girls whose role models played sport were significantly more physically active than girls whose role models did not play sport. It is recommended that family members, peers and sports people are included as role models in programmes designed to increase physical activity.
The physical activity and sport participation framework—a policy model toward being physically active across the lifespan
- Westerbeek, Hans, Eime, Rochelle
- Authors: Westerbeek, Hans , Eime, Rochelle
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Frontiers in Sports and Active Living Vol. 3, no. (2021), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The changing social and policy context in which sport is produced, delivered, and consumed is considered as a foundation for proposing a new integrated framework that incorporates participation in sport with participation in leisure-time physical activity (PA) more broadly. In order to position sport in the broader context of leisure-time PA, the concept of physical literacy is reviewed and integrated into the theoretical foundations of a new lifespan framework. It is argued that historically, sport policy largely focused on competitive club-based sport and elite performance and that in line with this, talent development pathway models were developed and implemented. However, with increasing physical inactivity globally, these models do not apply to the general population. This is why we propose a population-based “whole of sport ecosystem” lifespan model—the Physical Activity and Sport Participation (PASP) framework. We conclude that this framework may serve as a holistic policy and implementation guide for all in the sport ecosystem. This includes governmental PA and sport policy makers, sport governing bodies and clubs, and the ever-increasing range of private PA and sport providers and also health agencies. In recognition of the changing patterns of participation in PA and sport across the lifespan, the PASP framework can contribute to coordinated and integrated PA and sport policy development, which, in turn, can lead to strategies that tackle the global physical inactivity crisis. © 2021 Westerbeek and Eime.
- Authors: Westerbeek, Hans , Eime, Rochelle
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Frontiers in Sports and Active Living Vol. 3, no. (2021), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The changing social and policy context in which sport is produced, delivered, and consumed is considered as a foundation for proposing a new integrated framework that incorporates participation in sport with participation in leisure-time physical activity (PA) more broadly. In order to position sport in the broader context of leisure-time PA, the concept of physical literacy is reviewed and integrated into the theoretical foundations of a new lifespan framework. It is argued that historically, sport policy largely focused on competitive club-based sport and elite performance and that in line with this, talent development pathway models were developed and implemented. However, with increasing physical inactivity globally, these models do not apply to the general population. This is why we propose a population-based “whole of sport ecosystem” lifespan model—the Physical Activity and Sport Participation (PASP) framework. We conclude that this framework may serve as a holistic policy and implementation guide for all in the sport ecosystem. This includes governmental PA and sport policy makers, sport governing bodies and clubs, and the ever-increasing range of private PA and sport providers and also health agencies. In recognition of the changing patterns of participation in PA and sport across the lifespan, the PASP framework can contribute to coordinated and integrated PA and sport policy development, which, in turn, can lead to strategies that tackle the global physical inactivity crisis. © 2021 Westerbeek and Eime.
Participation trends in holistic movement practices : A 10-year comparison of yoga/Pilates and t'ai chi/qigong use among a national sample of 195,926 Australians
- Vergeer, Ineke, Bennie, Jason, Charity, Melanie, Harvey, Jack, van Uffelen, Jannique, Biddle, Stuart, Eime, Rochelle
- Authors: Vergeer, Ineke , Bennie, Jason , Charity, Melanie , Harvey, Jack , van Uffelen, Jannique , Biddle, Stuart , Eime, Rochelle
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine Vol. 17, no. 1 (2017), p. 1-13
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: In recent decades, the evidence supporting the physical and mental health benefits of holistic movement practices such as yoga and t'ai chi have become increasingly established. Consequently, investigating the participation prevalence and patterns of these practices is a relevant pursuit in the public health field. Few studies have provided population-level assessment of participation rates, however, and even fewer have focused on patterns over time. The purpose of this study was to examine participation prevalence and trends in yoga/Pilates and t'ai chi/qigong over a ten-year period in a nationally representative sample of Australians aged 15 years and over, with particular attention to sex and age. A secondary purpose was to juxtapose these findings with participation trends in traditional fitness activities over the same period. Methods: Data comprised modes and types of physical activity, age, and sex variables collected through the Exercise, Recreation and Sport Survey (ERASS), a series of independent cross-sectional Australia-wide surveys conducted yearly between 2001 and 2010. For each year, weighted population estimates were calculated for those participating in yoga/Pilates, t'ai chi/qigong, and fitness activities (e.g. aerobics, calisthenics). Linear regression and multiple logistic regression analyses were used to examine trends in prevalence rates over time and differences among sex and age (15-34; 35-54; 55+ years) groups, respectively. Results: Average prevalence rates between 2001 and 2010 were 3.0% (95% CI 2.9-3.1) for yoga/Pilates, 0.6% (95% CI 0.5-0.6) for t'ai chi/qigong, and 19.2% (95% CI 18.9-19.4) for fitness activities. Across the decade, overall participation rates remained relatively stable for yoga/Pilates and t'ai chi/qigong, while increasing linearly for fitness activities. For both genders and in all three age groups, participation in fitness activities increased, whereas only in the 55+ age group was there a significant increase in yoga/Pilates participation; participation in t'ai chi/qigong declined significantly in the two younger age groups. Conclusions: Participation rates in yoga/Pilates and t'ai chi/qigong in Australia were low and relatively stable. As fitness activities increased in popularity across the decade, holistic movement practices did not. These findings point to the need to investigate activity-specific barriers and facilitators to participation, including intrapersonal, interpersonal, organisational, and environmental factors. © 2017 The Author(s).
- Authors: Vergeer, Ineke , Bennie, Jason , Charity, Melanie , Harvey, Jack , van Uffelen, Jannique , Biddle, Stuart , Eime, Rochelle
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine Vol. 17, no. 1 (2017), p. 1-13
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: In recent decades, the evidence supporting the physical and mental health benefits of holistic movement practices such as yoga and t'ai chi have become increasingly established. Consequently, investigating the participation prevalence and patterns of these practices is a relevant pursuit in the public health field. Few studies have provided population-level assessment of participation rates, however, and even fewer have focused on patterns over time. The purpose of this study was to examine participation prevalence and trends in yoga/Pilates and t'ai chi/qigong over a ten-year period in a nationally representative sample of Australians aged 15 years and over, with particular attention to sex and age. A secondary purpose was to juxtapose these findings with participation trends in traditional fitness activities over the same period. Methods: Data comprised modes and types of physical activity, age, and sex variables collected through the Exercise, Recreation and Sport Survey (ERASS), a series of independent cross-sectional Australia-wide surveys conducted yearly between 2001 and 2010. For each year, weighted population estimates were calculated for those participating in yoga/Pilates, t'ai chi/qigong, and fitness activities (e.g. aerobics, calisthenics). Linear regression and multiple logistic regression analyses were used to examine trends in prevalence rates over time and differences among sex and age (15-34; 35-54; 55+ years) groups, respectively. Results: Average prevalence rates between 2001 and 2010 were 3.0% (95% CI 2.9-3.1) for yoga/Pilates, 0.6% (95% CI 0.5-0.6) for t'ai chi/qigong, and 19.2% (95% CI 18.9-19.4) for fitness activities. Across the decade, overall participation rates remained relatively stable for yoga/Pilates and t'ai chi/qigong, while increasing linearly for fitness activities. For both genders and in all three age groups, participation in fitness activities increased, whereas only in the 55+ age group was there a significant increase in yoga/Pilates participation; participation in t'ai chi/qigong declined significantly in the two younger age groups. Conclusions: Participation rates in yoga/Pilates and t'ai chi/qigong in Australia were low and relatively stable. As fitness activities increased in popularity across the decade, holistic movement practices did not. These findings point to the need to investigate activity-specific barriers and facilitators to participation, including intrapersonal, interpersonal, organisational, and environmental factors. © 2017 The Author(s).
Participant characteristics of users of holistic movement practices in Australia
- Vergeer, Ineke, Bennie, Jason, Charity, Melanie, van Uffelen, Jannique, Harvey, Jack, Biddle, Stuart, Eime, Rochelle
- Authors: Vergeer, Ineke , Bennie, Jason , Charity, Melanie , van Uffelen, Jannique , Harvey, Jack , Biddle, Stuart , Eime, Rochelle
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice Vol. 31, no. (2018), p. 181-187
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the characteristics of users of holistic movement practices in Australia to people who were physically active but not using holistic movement practices. A second aim was to compare characteristics of users of specific holistic movement practices (yoga/Pilates and t'ai chi/qigong). Design: We performed a secondary data analysis on pooled data of a nationally-representative physical activity survey conducted yearly 2001–2010 (n = 195,926). Setting: Australia-wide Exercise, Recreation, and Sport Survey (ERASS). Main outcome measures: A range of socio-demographic and participation characteristics were documented and compared between users and non-users of holistic movement practices and between yoga/Pilates and t'ai chi/qigong users, employing descriptive statistics, chi square, and multiple logistic regression analyses. Results: Users of holistic movement practices (n = 6826) were significantly more likely than non-users to be female, older, have fewer children at home, and have higher levels of education, socio-economic background, and physical activity involvement (p < 0.001). Yoga/Pilates (n = 5733) and t'ai chi/qigong (n = 947) users were also found to differ on a number of characteristics, including age, sex, socioeconomic background, and marital status. Conclusion: As a group, Australian users of holistic movement practices differ on a range of characteristics from those Australians active in other types of physical activities. However, differences between yoga/Pilates and t'ai chi/qigong users suggest these practices attract somewhat different sub-populations. To what extent these differences are due to characteristics inherent to the practices themselves or to differences in delivery-related parameters needs to be examined in future research.
- Authors: Vergeer, Ineke , Bennie, Jason , Charity, Melanie , van Uffelen, Jannique , Harvey, Jack , Biddle, Stuart , Eime, Rochelle
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice Vol. 31, no. (2018), p. 181-187
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the characteristics of users of holistic movement practices in Australia to people who were physically active but not using holistic movement practices. A second aim was to compare characteristics of users of specific holistic movement practices (yoga/Pilates and t'ai chi/qigong). Design: We performed a secondary data analysis on pooled data of a nationally-representative physical activity survey conducted yearly 2001–2010 (n = 195,926). Setting: Australia-wide Exercise, Recreation, and Sport Survey (ERASS). Main outcome measures: A range of socio-demographic and participation characteristics were documented and compared between users and non-users of holistic movement practices and between yoga/Pilates and t'ai chi/qigong users, employing descriptive statistics, chi square, and multiple logistic regression analyses. Results: Users of holistic movement practices (n = 6826) were significantly more likely than non-users to be female, older, have fewer children at home, and have higher levels of education, socio-economic background, and physical activity involvement (p < 0.001). Yoga/Pilates (n = 5733) and t'ai chi/qigong (n = 947) users were also found to differ on a number of characteristics, including age, sex, socioeconomic background, and marital status. Conclusion: As a group, Australian users of holistic movement practices differ on a range of characteristics from those Australians active in other types of physical activities. However, differences between yoga/Pilates and t'ai chi/qigong users suggest these practices attract somewhat different sub-populations. To what extent these differences are due to characteristics inherent to the practices themselves or to differences in delivery-related parameters needs to be examined in future research.
- Symons, Caroline, Polman, Remco, Moore, Melisa, Borkholes, Erika, Eime, Rochelle, Harvey, Jack, Craike, Melinda, Banting, Lauren, Payne, Warren
- Authors: Symons, Caroline , Polman, Remco , Moore, Melisa , Borkholes, Erika , Eime, Rochelle , Harvey, Jack , Craike, Melinda , Banting, Lauren , Payne, Warren
- Date: 2013
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Annals of Leisure Research Vol. 16, no. 2 (2013), p. 115-129
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: This study examined the relationship between educational year level, regional differences in adolescent girls' body image perceptions, body mass index (BMI), physical activity (PA) level, self-reported health, and dietary behaviour. Also, the role of PA behavioural regulation on body image was examined. The sample (N=732; Year 7 aged 12.23 years and Year 11 aged 16.18 years) included girls in Year 7 (n=489) and in Year 11 (n=243), recruited from 17 metropolitan and 14 rural schools in Victoria, Australia. Girls completed a self-report questionnaire. Novel outcomes from this study revealed year level and region differences in girls' body image perceptions, BMI, and health behaviours. Body dissatisfaction was associated with poorer perceived health, and health behaviours, such as low PA levels and dieting and external PA motivational orientation. Interventions are needed to promote positive body image and intrinsic motivation for PA to increase PA levels among adolescent girls living in metropolitan and rural regions of Australia.
Spatial epidemiology : A new approach for understanding and preventing sport injuries
- Singh, Himalaya, Fortington, Lauren, Eime, Rochelle, Thompson, Helen, Finch, Caroline
- Authors: Singh, Himalaya , Fortington, Lauren , Eime, Rochelle , Thompson, Helen , Finch, Caroline
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Australasian Epidemiologist Vol. 22, no. 1 (2015), p. 32-34
- Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/1058737
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: In order to develop effective strategies to prevent sports injuries, we need to have an understanding of the people and populations who are most at risk of injury as well as the risk factors associated with sustaining injury. Spatial epidemiology is a method used to address questions of when, where, to whom and how health outcomes such as sports injuries occur at a population level, taking into account geographic variation. The aim of this article is to outline the potential application of spatial epidemiology to achieve a better understanding of sports injuries to inform prevention strategies.
Community sports clubs : Are they only about playing sport, or do they have broader health promotion and social responsibilities?
- Robertson, Jonathan, Eime, Rochelle, Westerbeek, Hans
- Authors: Robertson, Jonathan , Eime, Rochelle , Westerbeek, Hans
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Annals of Leisure Research Vol. 22, no. 2 (2019), p. 215-232
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Community sport organisations face increasing pressure from stakeholders to devote resources to activities that help them appear as being socially responsible actors in society. This study extends the concept of social responsibility from the corporate sport domain to investigate the relative importance of social responsibilities for community sport clubs. Items were developed from the Global Reporting Initiative and International Standards Organisation guidance on socially responsible organisations. A three-wave Delphi study was conducted internationally with 33 sport management academics and 23 national sport organisation managers. This study found that community sport clubs are primarily responsible for enhancing sport participation, creating a safe and inclusive environment, and ensuring the club is economically and legally sound. It is concluded that for sport clubs to be socially responsible organisations, their focus should be on fulfilling obligations that meaningfully impact their community, before devoting scarce resources to activities beyond their immediate capacity.
- Authors: Robertson, Jonathan , Eime, Rochelle , Westerbeek, Hans
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Annals of Leisure Research Vol. 22, no. 2 (2019), p. 215-232
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Community sport organisations face increasing pressure from stakeholders to devote resources to activities that help them appear as being socially responsible actors in society. This study extends the concept of social responsibility from the corporate sport domain to investigate the relative importance of social responsibilities for community sport clubs. Items were developed from the Global Reporting Initiative and International Standards Organisation guidance on socially responsible organisations. A three-wave Delphi study was conducted internationally with 33 sport management academics and 23 national sport organisation managers. This study found that community sport clubs are primarily responsible for enhancing sport participation, creating a safe and inclusive environment, and ensuring the club is economically and legally sound. It is concluded that for sport clubs to be socially responsible organisations, their focus should be on fulfilling obligations that meaningfully impact their community, before devoting scarce resources to activities beyond their immediate capacity.
What is the best way to develop healthy and welcoming sports clubs?
- Payne, Warren, Eime, Rochelle, Casey, Meghan, Donaldson, Alex
- Authors: Payne, Warren , Eime, Rochelle , Casey, Meghan , Donaldson, Alex
- Date: 2009
- Type: Text , Conference paper
- Relation: Paper presented at 2009 Australia Conference of Science and Medicine in Sport, Seventh National Physical Activity Conference, Sixth National Sports Injury Prevention Conference, Be Active '09, Brisbane, Queensland : 14th-17th October 2009
- Full Text: false
- Description: Introduction: Optimizing sporting organisations’ capacity to promote health requires development and implementation of appropriate policies and practices. One part of public health policy development involves establishing and enforcing rules and regulations via either externally enforced regulation (Regulatory Approach: RA) or by providing a broad regulatory framework to empower individuals and organisations to pro-actively identify and address contextually relevant issues through member participation (Self-assessment Approach: SA). SA is generally preferred in health promotion to facilitate organizational change, sustainability and ownership. Recently health promotion agencies have funded Sports Governing Organisations (SGOs) to develop policies and practices to promote the adoption of healthy and welcoming environments (HWEs) in affiliated clubs, thereby enhancing active participation and membership. The purpose of this study was to determine which of the two approaches should be used when implementing policy to promote HWEs in clubs. Methodology: Part A: Two focus groups were held, each with representatives of four SGOs. Part B: In-depth exploration involving interviews with SGO HWE program coordinators and representatives of individual community clubs (RA: n = 7, SA: n = 12) in two sports, one using RA and one SA. Results/conclusions: Part A revealed four SGOs adopted SA, two adopted RA, and two had no formal program. With the SA, there was a conscious effort by SGOs not to overload the community clubs given the limited capacity of club volunteers. The approach focused on providing best practice examples and tools to enable clubs to identify their own needs and priorities. The RA was considered very formal and directed, and usually implemented in a staged way as part of a comprehensive club development program. One SGO believed that the RA made it easier for clubs to better understand the HWE program. Part B revealed that both approaches had preferred elements. The club representatives liked the RA as it provided clear guidelines and expectations. It also assisted in standardising policies and practices and therefore assisted clubs to sustain effective management systems. The SA required that clubs had the capacity to identify their needs and priorities through the use of SGO-provided resources. Clubs reportedly enjoyed identifying their own priorities and continually developing within their own capacities and time frames. This approach favoured the development of HWE practices rather than policies. In contrast to accepted health promotion approaches, RA and SA were equally endorsed by their recipients. These findings will be discussed in relation to models of organisational transformation and capacity building.
Linking school-based sport programs to sport club membership
- Payne, Warren, Eime, Rochelle, Harvey, Jack, Maher, Shelley, Strachan, J.
- Authors: Payne, Warren , Eime, Rochelle , Harvey, Jack , Maher, Shelley , Strachan, J.
- Date: 2006
- Type: Text , Conference paper
- Relation: Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport Vol. 9, no. Supplement 1 (2006), p. 39-40
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: This research was undertaken as part of the evaluation of the VicHealth Participation for Health (PfH) Scheme. VicHealth allocate A$ 3.3 million per year to support Victorian state sporting associations (SSAs) through the PfH Scheme to increase population physical activity levels and health via increasing membership of sporting clubs. SSAs were required to allocate a portion of these funds to participation based programs. While setting for participation was not directed, many (n = 27, 44.0%) of the SSAs conducted school-based sport programs. This research sought to explore the factors affecting the linking of school-based programs with sporting club membership. SSAs reported that 50.6% of the PfH Scheme programs (n = 43) were delivered in a school setting. Focus-group discussions found that, in general, the SSAs did not see the school-based programs being a vehicle for directly recruiting club members. Rather, the programs were used to increase the visibility of the sport, train teachers in the sport and to involve children in physical activity. Barriers to linking school-based program participation to club membership included conflict in program delivery time with club activities, and limited ability of club volunteers to assist with school-based programs. A case-study will be presented which involves the introduction of yachting into schools. In general, the SSAs believed school-based engagement was a poor investment. They also felt that agencies such as VicHealth should advocate for the provision of adequate sport infrastructure within schools rather than the schools relying upon the limited resources of the sporting sector to provide school sport services.
Transferring organisational partnerships to physical activity participation : What works and why
- Payne, Warren, Casey, Meghan, Eime, Rochelle, Brown, Sue, Rathbun, K.
- Authors: Payne, Warren , Casey, Meghan , Eime, Rochelle , Brown, Sue , Rathbun, K.
- Date: 2006
- Type: Text , Conference paper
- Relation: Paper presented at ASICS Conference of Science and Medicine in Sport 2006, Fiji : 19th-21st October 2006
- Full Text: false
- Description: The purpose of this research was to explore and understand the nature of organisational partnerships and how they may best be able to facilitate sustainable participation in physical activity. This research was undertaken as part of the evaluation of the VicHealth Partnerships in Community Sport and Active Recreation (PICSAR) Scheme during 2004–2006. Eight programs were explored in depth using a range of interview and survey techniques. Two of these programs will be presented using a case study approach in order to explore the factors affecting the development of organisational partnerships and the subsequent engagement of individuals in physical activity. These cases have been developed using the Capacity Building Framework of the NSW Health Department (2001) and the VicHealth Capacity Building Continuum (2005). The cases highlight that organisational partnerships that have been formed expediently to attract grant funding and focus largely upon the delivery of individual programs are less successful in providing sustained physical activity options than those that operate at both the individual and system (organisational) level. It is recommended that funding agencies who promote partnership development emphasise partnership development prior to program funds being released and the establishment of programs that are embedded within an organisation's core business.
- Description: 2003003134
- Payne, Warren, Eime, Rochelle, Harvey, Jack
- Authors: Payne, Warren , Eime, Rochelle , Harvey, Jack
- Date: 2005
- Type: Text , Report
- Full Text: false
- Description: This report relates to an extensive state-wide research program aimed at exploring the nexus between sport and health; and in particular the development of health promoting sporting clubs. It includes innovative contributions to the development of theoretical frameworks that enable these areas to be integrated in a meaningful manner. The report was reviewed by a panel of specialists in the field of health promotion. The recommendations of this research have been adopted by the Victorian Health Promotion Foundation (VicHealth).
- Description: K1
- Description: 2003002927
Psychological, physical, and sexual violence against children in Australian community sport : frequency, perpetrator, and victim characteristics
- Pankowiak, Aurelie, Woessner, Mary, Parent, Sylvie, Vertommen, Tine, Eime, Rochelle, Spaaij, Ramon, Harvey, Jack, Parker, Alexandra
- Authors: Pankowiak, Aurelie , Woessner, Mary , Parent, Sylvie , Vertommen, Tine , Eime, Rochelle , Spaaij, Ramon , Harvey, Jack , Parker, Alexandra
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Interpersonal Violence Vol. 38, no. 3-4 (2023), p. 4338-4365
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Childhood sport participation is associated with physical, social, and mental health benefits, which are more likely to be realized if the sport environment is safe. However, our understanding of children’s experience of psychological, physical, and sexual violence in community sport in Australia is limited. The aims of this study were to provide preliminary evidence on the extent of experiences of violence during childhood participation in Australian community sport and to identify common perpetrators of and risk factors for violence. The Violence Towards Athletes Questionnaire (VTAQ) was administered online to a convenience sample of Australian adults (>18 years), retrospectively reporting experiences of violence during childhood community sport. Frequencies of experience of violence were calculated and Chi-square tests were conducted to determine differences between genders. In total, there were 886 respondents included in the analysis. Most survey respondents were women (63%) and about a third were men (35%). About 82% of respondents experienced violence in sport as a child. Psychological violence was most prevalent (76%), followed by physical (66%) and sexual (38%) violence. Peers perpetrated the highest rates of psychological violence (69%), and the rates of physical and psychological violence by coaches (both >50%) were also high. Age, sexual orientation, disability, and hours of weekly sport participation as a child were all associated with childhood experience of violence in sport. The rates of interpersonal violence against children in sport were high. This novel data on perpetrators of the violence and the risk factors for experiencing violence provides further context to inform safeguarding strategies in sport. A national prevalence study is recommended to advance our understanding of the childhood experiences of violence in Australian sport. © The Author(s) 2022.
- Authors: Pankowiak, Aurelie , Woessner, Mary , Parent, Sylvie , Vertommen, Tine , Eime, Rochelle , Spaaij, Ramon , Harvey, Jack , Parker, Alexandra
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Interpersonal Violence Vol. 38, no. 3-4 (2023), p. 4338-4365
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Childhood sport participation is associated with physical, social, and mental health benefits, which are more likely to be realized if the sport environment is safe. However, our understanding of children’s experience of psychological, physical, and sexual violence in community sport in Australia is limited. The aims of this study were to provide preliminary evidence on the extent of experiences of violence during childhood participation in Australian community sport and to identify common perpetrators of and risk factors for violence. The Violence Towards Athletes Questionnaire (VTAQ) was administered online to a convenience sample of Australian adults (>18 years), retrospectively reporting experiences of violence during childhood community sport. Frequencies of experience of violence were calculated and Chi-square tests were conducted to determine differences between genders. In total, there were 886 respondents included in the analysis. Most survey respondents were women (63%) and about a third were men (35%). About 82% of respondents experienced violence in sport as a child. Psychological violence was most prevalent (76%), followed by physical (66%) and sexual (38%) violence. Peers perpetrated the highest rates of psychological violence (69%), and the rates of physical and psychological violence by coaches (both >50%) were also high. Age, sexual orientation, disability, and hours of weekly sport participation as a child were all associated with childhood experience of violence in sport. The rates of interpersonal violence against children in sport were high. This novel data on perpetrators of the violence and the risk factors for experiencing violence provides further context to inform safeguarding strategies in sport. A national prevalence study is recommended to advance our understanding of the childhood experiences of violence in Australian sport. © The Author(s) 2022.
Participation and dropout of Hockey New South Wales participants in 2017 and 2018: a longitudinal study
- Owen, Katherine, Foley, Bridget, Eime, Rochelle, Rose, Catriona, Reece, Lindsey
- Authors: Owen, Katherine , Foley, Bridget , Eime, Rochelle , Rose, Catriona , Reece, Lindsey
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: BMC Sports Science Medicine and Rehabilitation Vol. 14, no. 1 (2022), p. 103-103
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Sports have a focus on increasing participation, which contributes to increasing population levels of physical activity, social cohesion and longevity of the sport. The primary aim of this study was to examine reasons for drop-out of a popular team sport in Australia, Field Hockey and identify opportunities to increase participation. This longitudinal study obtained routinely collected registered player data from Hockey New South Wales over two consecutive years, and survey data from registered players who dropped out. Logistic regression models identified demographic subgroups who were more likely to drop out of sport, and the reasons for dropping out. In 2018, 8463 (31%) of hockey players did not return to play hockey after the previous season and 805 (10%) of these completed a survey. Specific groups who were more likely to stop playing included 5-6 years (OR: 2.1, 95% CI 1.8-2.6 reference: 12-17 years), females (OR: 1.1, 95% CI 1.0-1.2 reference: males), Indigenous (OR: 1.2, 95% CI 1.1-1.4 reference: non-Indigenous), most disadvantaged (OR: 1.1, 95% CI 1.0-1.2 reference: least disadvantaged) or regional and remote (1.1, 95% CI 1.0-1.2 reference: major cities). Top reasons for drop out were medical/age (17%), change in circumstances (16%) and high cost (13%), lack of time (13%) and lack of enjoyment (7%). Although Hockey successfully reaches a large proportion of underrepresented groups in sport, these groups are more likely to drop out. Sports should consult these groups to develop enjoyable, flexible, and modifiable versions of the game that are appropriate to their needs.
- Authors: Owen, Katherine , Foley, Bridget , Eime, Rochelle , Rose, Catriona , Reece, Lindsey
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: BMC Sports Science Medicine and Rehabilitation Vol. 14, no. 1 (2022), p. 103-103
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Sports have a focus on increasing participation, which contributes to increasing population levels of physical activity, social cohesion and longevity of the sport. The primary aim of this study was to examine reasons for drop-out of a popular team sport in Australia, Field Hockey and identify opportunities to increase participation. This longitudinal study obtained routinely collected registered player data from Hockey New South Wales over two consecutive years, and survey data from registered players who dropped out. Logistic regression models identified demographic subgroups who were more likely to drop out of sport, and the reasons for dropping out. In 2018, 8463 (31%) of hockey players did not return to play hockey after the previous season and 805 (10%) of these completed a survey. Specific groups who were more likely to stop playing included 5-6 years (OR: 2.1, 95% CI 1.8-2.6 reference: 12-17 years), females (OR: 1.1, 95% CI 1.0-1.2 reference: males), Indigenous (OR: 1.2, 95% CI 1.1-1.4 reference: non-Indigenous), most disadvantaged (OR: 1.1, 95% CI 1.0-1.2 reference: least disadvantaged) or regional and remote (1.1, 95% CI 1.0-1.2 reference: major cities). Top reasons for drop out were medical/age (17%), change in circumstances (16%) and high cost (13%), lack of time (13%) and lack of enjoyment (7%). Although Hockey successfully reaches a large proportion of underrepresented groups in sport, these groups are more likely to drop out. Sports should consult these groups to develop enjoyable, flexible, and modifiable versions of the game that are appropriate to their needs.
The epidemiology of head, face and eye injuries to female lacrosse players in Australia
- Otago, Leonie, Adamcewicz, Erin, Eime, Rochelle, Maher, Shelley
- Authors: Otago, Leonie , Adamcewicz, Erin , Eime, Rochelle , Maher, Shelley
- Date: 2007
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International journal of injury control and safety promotion Vol. 14, no. 4 (2007), p. 259-261
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: C1
- Description: 2003005621
- Authors: Otago, Leonie , Adamcewicz, Erin , Eime, Rochelle , Maher, Shelley
- Date: 2007
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International journal of injury control and safety promotion Vol. 14, no. 4 (2007), p. 259-261
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: C1
- Description: 2003005621
A systematic literature review of sport and physical activity participation in culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) migrant populations.
- O'Driscoll, Tea, Banting, Lauren, Borkholes, Erika, Eime, Rochelle, Polman, Remco
- Authors: O'Driscoll, Tea , Banting, Lauren , Borkholes, Erika , Eime, Rochelle , Polman, Remco
- Date: 2013
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal Immigrant and Minority Health Vol. 16, no. 3 (2013), p. 515-530
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- Reviewed:
- Description: Culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) migrants face significant health risks as they adapt to new cultures. These risks are exacerbated by their limited participation in preventative behaviours such as sports and physical activity. The review aimed to identify studies that examined the correlates of sport and physical activity participation in migrants. The systematic review identified 72 papers, including 6 interventions, 18 qualitative and 48 quantitative studies. The 44 identified correlates highlight the complexities involved in working with migrants. The correlates were grouped in four themes using the social ecological model; acculturation, demographic, psychosocial and environmental/organisational. The social ecological model identified general correlates such as social support and safety. However, there were unique correlates relating to individuals who are facing cultural changes such as acculturation and language. Overall, there is a lack of contextualisation of CALD migrants' sport and physical activity experiences because many studies fail to consider acculturation comprehensively.
- Authors: O'Driscoll, Tea , Banting, Lauren , Borkholes, Erika , Eime, Rochelle , Polman, Remco
- Date: 2013
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal Immigrant and Minority Health Vol. 16, no. 3 (2013), p. 515-530
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) migrants face significant health risks as they adapt to new cultures. These risks are exacerbated by their limited participation in preventative behaviours such as sports and physical activity. The review aimed to identify studies that examined the correlates of sport and physical activity participation in migrants. The systematic review identified 72 papers, including 6 interventions, 18 qualitative and 48 quantitative studies. The 44 identified correlates highlight the complexities involved in working with migrants. The correlates were grouped in four themes using the social ecological model; acculturation, demographic, psychosocial and environmental/organisational. The social ecological model identified general correlates such as social support and safety. However, there were unique correlates relating to individuals who are facing cultural changes such as acculturation and language. Overall, there is a lack of contextualisation of CALD migrants' sport and physical activity experiences because many studies fail to consider acculturation comprehensively.
A mixed-methods case study exploring the impact of participation in community activity groups for older adults on physical activity, health and wellbeing
- Lindsay-Smith, Gabrielle, Eime, Rochelle, O'Sullivan, Grant, Harvey, Jack, van Uffelen, Jannique
- Authors: Lindsay-Smith, Gabrielle , Eime, Rochelle , O'Sullivan, Grant , Harvey, Jack , van Uffelen, Jannique
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Bmc Geriatrics Vol. 19, no. 1 (2019), p. 1-15
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- Description: Background Regular physical activity (PA) has many health benefits but declines with age. Community multi-activity groups offering volunteer-led socially-oriented activity programs could provide an opportunity for older people to maintain or increase PA levels and promote their health. The aim of this study was to examine the potential effect of becoming a member of an existing community activity group on PA levels, physical and mental health-related quality of life (HR QoL), comparing any impacts associated with participation in physical activity or social activity programs. Methods This mixed-methods case study, combining a longitudinal quantitative-survey with qualitative focus groups to contextualise the survey results, focused on an Australian community organisation called Life Activities Clubs (LACs). LACs provide various physical activities (e.g. walking, cycling, dancing) and social activities (e.g. book groups, dine-outs, craft). Data were collected using a self-report survey administered at baseline, six and twelve-months after joining and group differences between participants of PA programs (PA group) and social programs (social group) were analysed using linear mixed-models. Two focus groups with LAC members were held, one representing each activity type and analysed using content and thematic analysis. Results 35 people (mean age 67) completed the surveys and 11 people participated in the focus groups. PA levels and physical health-related QoL were maintained over 1 year in the PA group, and declined between baseline and 12-months in the social group. Focus groups suggested social aspects of PA programs increased motivation to maintain regular attendance and do more PA than participants would on their own and that physical activities provided health benefits. Mental HR QoL did not change in either group, focus groups suggested this was because the social aspects of both types of program provide benefits relating to mental health including stress relief, enjoyment and adapting to major life events, to prevent a decline in QoL. Conclusions Community PA programs appear to maintain PA levels and physical HR QoL in older adults, and both social and PA programs may maintain mental HR QoL. Incorporating both types of program into one organisation may also encourage less physically active members to try physical activities.
- Authors: Lindsay-Smith, Gabrielle , Eime, Rochelle , O'Sullivan, Grant , Harvey, Jack , van Uffelen, Jannique
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Bmc Geriatrics Vol. 19, no. 1 (2019), p. 1-15
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background Regular physical activity (PA) has many health benefits but declines with age. Community multi-activity groups offering volunteer-led socially-oriented activity programs could provide an opportunity for older people to maintain or increase PA levels and promote their health. The aim of this study was to examine the potential effect of becoming a member of an existing community activity group on PA levels, physical and mental health-related quality of life (HR QoL), comparing any impacts associated with participation in physical activity or social activity programs. Methods This mixed-methods case study, combining a longitudinal quantitative-survey with qualitative focus groups to contextualise the survey results, focused on an Australian community organisation called Life Activities Clubs (LACs). LACs provide various physical activities (e.g. walking, cycling, dancing) and social activities (e.g. book groups, dine-outs, craft). Data were collected using a self-report survey administered at baseline, six and twelve-months after joining and group differences between participants of PA programs (PA group) and social programs (social group) were analysed using linear mixed-models. Two focus groups with LAC members were held, one representing each activity type and analysed using content and thematic analysis. Results 35 people (mean age 67) completed the surveys and 11 people participated in the focus groups. PA levels and physical health-related QoL were maintained over 1 year in the PA group, and declined between baseline and 12-months in the social group. Focus groups suggested social aspects of PA programs increased motivation to maintain regular attendance and do more PA than participants would on their own and that physical activities provided health benefits. Mental HR QoL did not change in either group, focus groups suggested this was because the social aspects of both types of program provide benefits relating to mental health including stress relief, enjoyment and adapting to major life events, to prevent a decline in QoL. Conclusions Community PA programs appear to maintain PA levels and physical HR QoL in older adults, and both social and PA programs may maintain mental HR QoL. Incorporating both types of program into one organisation may also encourage less physically active members to try physical activities.
A mixed methods case study exploring the impact of membership of a multi-activity, multicentre community group on social wellbeing of older adults
- Lindsay-Smith, Gabrielle, O'Sullivan, Grant, Eime, Rochelle, Harvey, Jack, van Uffelen, Jannique
- Authors: Lindsay-Smith, Gabrielle , O'Sullivan, Grant , Eime, Rochelle , Harvey, Jack , van Uffelen, Jannique
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: BMC Geriatrics Vol. 18, no. 1 (2018), p. 1-14
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- Description: Background: Social wellbeing factors such as loneliness and social support have a major impact on the health of older adults and can contribute to physical and mental wellbeing. However, with increasing age, social contacts and social support typically decrease and levels of loneliness increase. Group social engagement appears to have additional benefits for the health of older adults compared to socialising individually with friends and family, but further research is required to confirm whether group activities can be beneficial for the social wellbeing of older adults. Methods: This one-year longitudinal mixed methods study investigated the effect of joining a community group, offering a range of social and physical activities, on social wellbeing of adults with a mean age of 70. The study combined a quantitative survey assessing loneliness and social support (n = 28; three time-points, analysed using linear mixed models) and a qualitative focus group study (n = 11, analysed using thematic analysis) of members from Life Activities Clubs Victoria, Australia. Results: There was a significant reduction in loneliness (p = 0.023) and a trend toward an increase in social support (p = 0.056) in the first year after joining. The focus group confirmed these observations and suggested that social support may take longer than 1 year to develop. Focus groups also identified that group membership provided important opportunities for developing new and diverse social connections through shared interest and experience. These connections were key in improving the social wellbeing of members, especially in their sense of feeling supported or connected and less lonely. Participants agreed that increasing connections was especially beneficial following significant life events such as retirement, moving to a new house or partners becoming unwell. Conclusions: Becoming a member of a community group offering social and physical activities may improve social wellbeing in older adults, especially following significant life events such as retirement or moving-house, where social network changes. These results indicate that ageing policy and strategies would benefit from encouraging long-term participation in social groups to assist in adapting to changes that occur in later life and optimise healthy ageing.
- Authors: Lindsay-Smith, Gabrielle , O'Sullivan, Grant , Eime, Rochelle , Harvey, Jack , van Uffelen, Jannique
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: BMC Geriatrics Vol. 18, no. 1 (2018), p. 1-14
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: Social wellbeing factors such as loneliness and social support have a major impact on the health of older adults and can contribute to physical and mental wellbeing. However, with increasing age, social contacts and social support typically decrease and levels of loneliness increase. Group social engagement appears to have additional benefits for the health of older adults compared to socialising individually with friends and family, but further research is required to confirm whether group activities can be beneficial for the social wellbeing of older adults. Methods: This one-year longitudinal mixed methods study investigated the effect of joining a community group, offering a range of social and physical activities, on social wellbeing of adults with a mean age of 70. The study combined a quantitative survey assessing loneliness and social support (n = 28; three time-points, analysed using linear mixed models) and a qualitative focus group study (n = 11, analysed using thematic analysis) of members from Life Activities Clubs Victoria, Australia. Results: There was a significant reduction in loneliness (p = 0.023) and a trend toward an increase in social support (p = 0.056) in the first year after joining. The focus group confirmed these observations and suggested that social support may take longer than 1 year to develop. Focus groups also identified that group membership provided important opportunities for developing new and diverse social connections through shared interest and experience. These connections were key in improving the social wellbeing of members, especially in their sense of feeling supported or connected and less lonely. Participants agreed that increasing connections was especially beneficial following significant life events such as retirement, moving to a new house or partners becoming unwell. Conclusions: Becoming a member of a community group offering social and physical activities may improve social wellbeing in older adults, especially following significant life events such as retirement or moving-house, where social network changes. These results indicate that ageing policy and strategies would benefit from encouraging long-term participation in social groups to assist in adapting to changes that occur in later life and optimise healthy ageing.
The association between social support and physical activity in older adults : A systematic review
- Lindsay Smith, Gabrielle, Banting, Lauren, Eime, Rochelle, O'Sullivan, Grant, van Uffelen, Jannique
- Authors: Lindsay Smith, Gabrielle , Banting, Lauren , Eime, Rochelle , O'Sullivan, Grant , van Uffelen, Jannique
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity Vol. 14, no. 1 (2017), p. 1-21
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: The promotion of active and healthy ageing is becoming increasingly important as the population ages. Physical activity (PA) significantly reduces all-cause mortality and contributes to the prevention of many chronic illnesses. However, the proportion of people globally who are active enough to gain these health benefits is low and decreases with age. Social support (SS) is a social determinant of health that may improve PA in older adults, but the association has not been systematically reviewed. This review had three aims: 1) Systematically review and summarise studies examining the association between SS, or loneliness, and PA in older adults; 2) clarify if specific types of SS are positively associated with PA; and 3) investigate whether the association between SS and PA differs between PA domains. Methods: Quantitative studies examining a relationship between SS, or loneliness, and PA levels in healthy, older adults over 60 were identified using MEDLINE, PSYCInfo, SportDiscus, CINAHL and PubMed, and through reference lists of included studies. Quality of these studies was rated. Results: This review included 27 papers, of which 22 were cross sectional studies, three were prospective/longitudinal and two were intervention studies. Overall, the study quality was moderate. Four articles examined the relation of PA with general SS, 17 with SS specific to PA (SSPA), and six with loneliness. The results suggest that there is a positive association between SSPA and PA levels in older adults, especially when it comes from family members. No clear associations were identified between general SS, SSPA from friends, or loneliness and PA levels. When measured separately, leisure time PA (LTPA) was associated with SS in a greater percentage of studies than when a number of PA domains were measured together. Conclusions: The evidence surrounding the relationship between SS, or loneliness, and PA in older adults suggests that people with greater SS for PA are more likely to do LTPA, especially when the SS comes from family members. However, high variability in measurement methods used to assess both SS and PA in included studies made it difficult to compare studies. © 2017 The Author(s).
- Authors: Lindsay Smith, Gabrielle , Banting, Lauren , Eime, Rochelle , O'Sullivan, Grant , van Uffelen, Jannique
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity Vol. 14, no. 1 (2017), p. 1-21
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: The promotion of active and healthy ageing is becoming increasingly important as the population ages. Physical activity (PA) significantly reduces all-cause mortality and contributes to the prevention of many chronic illnesses. However, the proportion of people globally who are active enough to gain these health benefits is low and decreases with age. Social support (SS) is a social determinant of health that may improve PA in older adults, but the association has not been systematically reviewed. This review had three aims: 1) Systematically review and summarise studies examining the association between SS, or loneliness, and PA in older adults; 2) clarify if specific types of SS are positively associated with PA; and 3) investigate whether the association between SS and PA differs between PA domains. Methods: Quantitative studies examining a relationship between SS, or loneliness, and PA levels in healthy, older adults over 60 were identified using MEDLINE, PSYCInfo, SportDiscus, CINAHL and PubMed, and through reference lists of included studies. Quality of these studies was rated. Results: This review included 27 papers, of which 22 were cross sectional studies, three were prospective/longitudinal and two were intervention studies. Overall, the study quality was moderate. Four articles examined the relation of PA with general SS, 17 with SS specific to PA (SSPA), and six with loneliness. The results suggest that there is a positive association between SSPA and PA levels in older adults, especially when it comes from family members. No clear associations were identified between general SS, SSPA from friends, or loneliness and PA levels. When measured separately, leisure time PA (LTPA) was associated with SS in a greater percentage of studies than when a number of PA domains were measured together. Conclusions: The evidence surrounding the relationship between SS, or loneliness, and PA in older adults suggests that people with greater SS for PA are more likely to do LTPA, especially when the SS comes from family members. However, high variability in measurement methods used to assess both SS and PA in included studies made it difficult to compare studies. © 2017 The Author(s).
- Kokko, Sami, Donaldson, Alex, Geidne, Susanna, Seghers, Jan, Scheerder, Jeroen, Meganck, Jeroen, Lane, Aoife, Kelly, Bridget, Casey, Meghan, Eime, Rochelle, Villberg, Jari, Kannas, Lasse
- Authors: Kokko, Sami , Donaldson, Alex , Geidne, Susanna , Seghers, Jan , Scheerder, Jeroen , Meganck, Jeroen , Lane, Aoife , Kelly, Bridget , Casey, Meghan , Eime, Rochelle , Villberg, Jari , Kannas, Lasse
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Global Health Promotion Vol. 23, no. 1 Suppl (2016), p. 75-84
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: This paper seeks to review the current international health-promoting sports club (HPSC) research, drawing together findings based on case studies from various countries to illustrate the status of HPSCs. In addition, future challenges for HPSC research and implementation are considered. The review includes six case studies from five countries. In summary, there are two major research themes in this area, namely 'research into HPSC activity' and 'research into HPSC networks'. The first theme investigates the extent to which sports clubs and/or national sports organisations invest in health promotion (HP) - both in policy and practice. The latter theme is driven by an intention to widen the scope of HPSCs to reach novel internal actors, like parents, siblings, etc., and/or external non-sporting bodies, like communities, schools, etc. The future challenges for HPSC research require a better understanding of the motives, barriers and capacities of sports clubs and coaches. Sports organisations, clubs and coaches generally support the intent of the HPSC concept, but even with the best evidence- or theory-based HP programmes/guidelines/standards, nothing will happen in practice if the nature and capacities of sports clubs are not better acknowledged. Therefore, a call for embracing implementation science is finally made to enhance implementation.
Are they ‘worth their weight in gold’? Sport for older adults: benefits and barriers of their participation for sporting organisations
- Jenkin, Claire, Eime, Rochelle, Westerbeek, Hans, O’Sullivan, Grant, van Uffelen, Jannique
- Authors: Jenkin, Claire , Eime, Rochelle , Westerbeek, Hans , O’Sullivan, Grant , van Uffelen, Jannique
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Sport Policy Vol. 8, no. 4 (2016), p. 663-680
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The ageing global population has led to an increased focus on health for older adults. However, older adults have not been a specific priority for some sporting organisations (SOs). Thus, there is an emerging opportunity for this age group to be considered within international sport policy. The aim of this study was to understand the benefits and barriers that SOs encounter when engaging older adults. Eight focus group interviews (n = 49) were held with representatives of Australian national sporting organisations (NSOs), and older adults who were either sport club or non-sport club members. The socioecological model domains, interpersonal, organisational and policy, were used as a framework for thematic analysis, and organisational capacity building concepts were utilised to explain the findings. Common perceived benefits included interpersonal benefits (intergenerational opportunities and role models) and organisational benefits (volunteering, financial contributions and maximised facility usage) for engaging older adults. Common perceived barriers included interpersonal barriers (competing priorities and perceived societal expectations), organisational barriers (lack of appropriate playing opportunities, lack of facility access and lack of club capacity) and policy barriers (strategic organisational focus on children and elite sport and risk management). Whilst participation in sport is not common for older adults, their involvement can be invaluable for sport clubs. It is not anticipated that any policy focus on older adults will significantly increase active participation for this age group. However, any increase in older adults’ sport participation either through actively playing, supporting family and friends and/or volunteering will contribute to the positive health of individuals, sport clubs and the community. © 2016 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
- Authors: Jenkin, Claire , Eime, Rochelle , Westerbeek, Hans , O’Sullivan, Grant , van Uffelen, Jannique
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Sport Policy Vol. 8, no. 4 (2016), p. 663-680
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The ageing global population has led to an increased focus on health for older adults. However, older adults have not been a specific priority for some sporting organisations (SOs). Thus, there is an emerging opportunity for this age group to be considered within international sport policy. The aim of this study was to understand the benefits and barriers that SOs encounter when engaging older adults. Eight focus group interviews (n = 49) were held with representatives of Australian national sporting organisations (NSOs), and older adults who were either sport club or non-sport club members. The socioecological model domains, interpersonal, organisational and policy, were used as a framework for thematic analysis, and organisational capacity building concepts were utilised to explain the findings. Common perceived benefits included interpersonal benefits (intergenerational opportunities and role models) and organisational benefits (volunteering, financial contributions and maximised facility usage) for engaging older adults. Common perceived barriers included interpersonal barriers (competing priorities and perceived societal expectations), organisational barriers (lack of appropriate playing opportunities, lack of facility access and lack of club capacity) and policy barriers (strategic organisational focus on children and elite sport and risk management). Whilst participation in sport is not common for older adults, their involvement can be invaluable for sport clubs. It is not anticipated that any policy focus on older adults will significantly increase active participation for this age group. However, any increase in older adults’ sport participation either through actively playing, supporting family and friends and/or volunteering will contribute to the positive health of individuals, sport clubs and the community. © 2016 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.