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Effectiveness of a school-community linked program on physical activity levels and health-related quality of life for adolescent girls

  • Authors: Casey, Meghan , Harvey, Jack , Telford, Amanda , Eime, Rochelle , Mooney, Amanda , Payne, Warren
  • Date: 2014
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Bmc Public Health Vol. 14, no. (2014), p. 1-15
  • Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/arc/LP0990206
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  • Description: Background: This study evaluated the effectiveness of a school-community program on Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL; the primary outcome), physical activity (PA), and potential mediators of PA among adolescent girls living in low-socioeconomic rural/regional settings. Method: The study was a cluster-randomized controlled trial. Twelve communities with the requisite sports clubs and facilities were paired according to relevant criteria; one of each pair was randomly assigned to the intervention or control condition. Eight schools per condition were randomly selected from these communities and the intervention was conducted over one school year (2011). Female students in grades 7-9 in intervention schools participated in two 6-session PA units - a sport unit (football or tennis) and a recreational unit (leisure centre-based). These were incorporated into physical education (PE) curriculum and linked to PA opportunities for participation outside school. Students were surveyed at baseline and endpoint, self-reporting impact on primary and secondary outcome measures (HRQoL, PA) and PA mediators (e.g. self-efficacy). Linear mixed models for two-group (intervention, control) and three-group (completers, non-completers, control) analyses were conducted with baseline value, age and BMI as covariates, group as a fixed effect and school as random cluster effect. Results: Participants completing baseline and endpoint measures included: 358 intervention (baseline response rate 33.7%, retention rate 61.3%) and 256 control (14.1% and 84.0%). Adjustment for age and BMI made no substantive difference to outcomes, and there were no cluster effects. For HRQoL, after adjustment for baseline scores, the intervention group showed significantly higher scores on all three PedsQL scores (physical functioning: M +/- SE = 83.9 +/- 0.7, p = .005; psychosocial: 79.9 +/- 0.8, p = .001; total score: 81.3 +/- 0.7, p = .001) than the control group (80.9 +/- 0.8; 76.1 +/- 0.9 and 77.8 +/- 0.8). The three-group analysis found intervention non-completers had significantly higher PedsQL scores (84.0 +/- 0.8, p = .021; 80.4 +/- 0.9, p = .003; 81.7 +/- 0.8, p = .002;) than controls (80.9 +/- 0.8, 76.1 +/- 0.9 and 77.8 +/- 0.8). There were no significant differences for any PA measure. Intervention completers had significantly higher scores than non-completers and controls for some mediator variables (e.g. self-efficacy, behavioural control). Conclusion: Positive outcomes were achieved from a modest school-community linked intervention. The school component contributed to maintaining HRQoL; students who completed the community component derived a range of intra-personal and inter-personal benefits.

Linking secondary school physical education with community sport and recreation for girls: A process evaluation

  • Authors: Casey, Meghan , Telford, Amanda , Mooney, Amanda , Harvey, Jack , Eime, Rochelle , Payne, Warren
  • Date: 2014
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: BMC Public Health Vol. 14, no. 1039 (2014), p. 1-14
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  • Description: Background: The purpose of this study was to undertake a process evaluation to examine the reach, adoption and implementation of a school-community linked physical activity (PA) program for girls aged 12 - 15 years (School Years 7 - 9) using the RE-AIM framework. Methods. Various approaches were used to assess 'reach', 'adoption' and implementation: (a) a school environment survey of intervention schools (n = 6); (b) teacher feedback regarding the professional development component (91.1% response rate) and lesson implementation (60.8% response rate); and (c) post-intervention focus group interviews with physical education (PE) teachers (n = 29), students (n = 125), coaches (n = 13) and instructors (n = 8) regarding program experiences. Results: Reach and Adoption: Seven schools (n = 1491 Year 7-9 female student enrolment; 70% adoption rate), five tennis clubs, eight football clubs and five leisure centres participated in the program during 2011. Implementation: Program design and professional development opportunities (training, resource manual and opportunities to work with coaches and instructors during PE classes) supported implementation and student engagement in PA. However, there was a lack of individual and organisational readiness to adopt program principles. For some deliverers there were deeply embedded ideologies that were not aligned with the Game Sense teaching approach upon which the program was based. Further, cognitive components of the program such as self-management were not widely adopted as other components of the program tended to be prioritised. Conclusion: The program design and resources supported the success of the program, however, some aspects were not implemented as intended, which may have affected the likelihood of achieving further positive outcomes. Barriers to program implementation were identified and should be considered when designing school-community linked interventions. In particular, future programs should seek to assess and adjust for organizational readiness within the study design. For example, shared commitment and abilities of program deliverers to implement the program needs to be determined to support program implementation. Trial registration. ACTRN12614000446662. April 30th 2014.

Understanding how the components of a synthetic turf system contribute to increased surface temperature C3 - Procedia Engineering

  • Authors: Petrass, Lauren , Twomey, Dara , Harvey, Jack
  • Date: 2014
  • Type: Text , Conference paper
  • Relation: 2014 10th Conference of the International Sports Engineering Association, ISEA 2014 Vol. 72, p. 943-948
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  • Description: Surface temperatures of synthetic turf have become a factor of growing interest and concern, particularly in warmer regions like Australia. However, it is unclear which components of the synthetic turf system contribute to surface temperature. The aim of this paper was to compare the surface temperature of 34 different synthetic turf products that were exposed to the same environmental conditions to ascertain which components of the synthetic turf system and which environmental factors contributed to increased surface temperature. A total of 6,120 observations were taken on the 34 products over the summer months, giving 30 observations for each of the variables on each product. An analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) indicated that the type of infill and shockpad had small-medium, but significant, effects on surface temperature (p<0.001 and p=0.003, respectively), and the interaction between shockpad and tuft gauge was also significant (p=0.047). Level of solar radiation, ambient temperature and relative humidity (p<0.001 in all instances) were the only environmental variables that significantly influenced surface temperature. These findings confirm that both the composition of the synthetic turf system and environmental factors contribute to synthetic turf surface temperature, thus providing important information for synthetic turf manufacturers developing new cool climate products, or for local government authorities selecting products and/or informing safe play for end-users.
  • Description: E1

A study of caregiver characteristics and carer burden when caring for people with cognitive impairment from a Cognitive Dementia and Memory Service (CDAMS) clinic in regional Australia

A systematic review of the psychological and social benefits of participation in sport for adults : Informing development of a conceptual model of health through sport

  • Authors: Eime, Rochelle , Young, Janet , Harvey, Jack , Charity, Melanie , Payne, Warren
  • Date: 2013
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity Vol. 10, no. (2013), p. 1-14
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  • Description: Background: The definition of health incorporates the physical, social and mental domains, however the Physical Activity (PA) guidelines do not address social health. Furthermore, there is insufficient evidence about the levels or types of PA associated specifically with psychological health. This paper first presents the results of a systematic review of the psychological and social health benefits of participation in sport by adults. Secondly, the information arising from the systematic review has been used to develop a conceptual model of Health through Sport. Methods: A systematic review of 14 electronic databases was conducted in June 2012, and studies published since 1990 were considered for inclusion. Studies that addressed mental and/or social health benefits from participation in sport were included. Results: A total of 3668 publications were initially identified, of which 11 met the selection criteria. There were many different psychological and social health benefits reported, with the most commonly being wellbeing and reduced distress and stress. Sport may be associated with improved psychosocial health in addition to improvements attributable to participation in PA. Specifically, club-based or team-based sport seems to be associated with improved health outcomes compared to individual activities, due to the social nature of the participation. Notwithstanding this, individuals who prefer to participate in sport by themselves can still derive mental health benefits which can enhance the development of true-self-awareness and personal growth which is essential for social health. A conceptual model, Health through Sport, is proposed. The model depicts the relationship between psychological, psychosocial and social health domains, and their positive associations with sport participation, as reported in the literature. However, it is acknowledged that the capacity to determine the existence and direction of causal links between participation and health is limited by the cross-sectional nature of studies to date. Conclusion: It is recommended that participation in sport is advocated as a form of leisure-time PA for adults which can produce a range of health benefits. It is also recommended that the causal link between participation in sport and psycho-social health be further investigated and the conceptual model of Health through Sport tested. © 2013 Eime et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

A systematic review of the psychological and social benefits of participation in sport for children and adolescents: Informing development of a conceptual model of health through sport

  • Authors: Eime, Rochelle , Young, Janet , Harvey, Jack , Charity, Melanie , Payne, Warren
  • Date: 2013
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity Vol. 10, no. Article 98 (2013), p.
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  • Description: Background: There are specific guidelines regarding the level of physical activity (PA) required to provide health benefits. However, the research underpinning these PA guidelines does not address the element of social health. Furthermore, there is insufficient evidence about the levels or types of PA associated specifically with psychological health. This paper first presents the results of a systematic review of the psychological and social health benefits of participation in sport by children and adolescents. Secondly, the information arising from the systematic review has been used to develop a conceptual model.Methods: A systematic review of 14 electronic databases was conducted in June 2012, and studies published since 1990 were considered for inclusion. Studies that addressed mental and/or social health benefits from participation in sport were included.Results: A total of 3668 publications were initially identified, of which 30 met the selection criteria. There were many different psychological and social health benefits reported, with the most commonly being improved self-esteem, social interaction followed by fewer depressive symptoms. Sport may be associated with improved psychosocial health above and beyond improvements attributable to participation in PA. Specifically, team sport seems to be associated with improved health outcomes compared to individual activities, due to the social nature of the participation. A conceptual model, Health through Sport, is proposed. The model depicts the relationship between psychological, psychosocial and social health domains, and their positive associations with sport participation, as reported in the literature. However, it is acknowledged that the capacity to determine the existence and direction of causal links between participation and health is limited by the fact that the majority of studies identified (n=21) were cross-sectional.Conclusion: It is recommended that community sport participation is advocated as a form of leisure time PA for children and adolescents, in an effort to not only improve physical health in relation to such matters as the obesity crisis, but also to enhance psychological and social health outcomes. It is also recommended that the causal link between participation in sport and psychosocial health be further investigated and the conceptual model of Health through Sport tested. © 2013 Eime et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.
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Family support and ease of access link socio-economic status and sports club membership in adolescent girls : A mediation study

  • Authors: Eime, Rochelle , Harvey, Jack , Craike, Melinda , Symons, Caroline , Payne, Warren
  • Date: 2013
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity Vol. 10, no. (2013), p. 1-12
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  • Description: Background: Much research has been conducted into the determinants of physical activity (PA) participation among adolescent girls. However, the more specific question of what are the determinants of particular forms of PA participation, such as the link between participation through a sports club, has not been investigated. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between participation in a sports club and socio-economic status (SES), access to facilities, and family and peer support, for female adolescents.Methods: A survey of 732 female adolescent school students (521 metropolitan, 211 non-metropolitan; 489 Year 7, 243 Year 11) was conducted. The survey included demographic information (living arrangements, ethnicity indicators, and indicators of SES such as parental education and employment status and locality); access to facilities; and family and peer support (travel, encouragement, watching, praise, joint participation). For each characteristic, sports club participants and non-participants were compared using chi-square tests. Multiple mediation analyses were used to investigate the role of access, family and peer support in the link between SES and sport participation.Results: There were significant associations (p<0.05) between sports club participation and: all demographic characteristics; all measures of family and peer support; and access to sport-related facilities. Highest levels of participation were associated with monolingual Australian-born families, with two parents, at least one of whom was well-educated, with both parents employed, and high levels of parental assistance, engagement and support. Participation in club sport among both younger and older adolescent girls was significantly positively associated with the SES of both their neighbourhoods and their households, particularly in metropolitan areas. These associations were most strongly mediated by family support and by access to facilities.Conclusions: To facilitate and promote greater participation in club sport among adolescent girls from low SES neighbourhoods and households, strategies should target modifiable determinants such as facility access and parental support. This will involve improving access to sports facilities and promoting, encouraging and assisting parents to provide support for their daughters' participation in sport clubs. © 2013 Eime et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.
  • Description: 2003011031

Linking physical education with community sport and recreation : A program for adolescent girls

  • Authors: Casey, Meghan , Mooney, Amanda , Eime, Rochelle , Harvey, Jack , Smyth, John , Telford, Amanda , Payne, Warren
  • Date: 2013
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Health Promotion Practice Vol. 14, no. 5 (2013), p. 721-731
  • Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/arc/LP0990206
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  • Description: The engagement of adolescent girls in physical activity (PA) is a persistent challenge. School-based PA programs have often met with little success because of the lack of linkages between school and community PA settings. The Triple G program aimed to improve PA levels of secondary school girls (12-15 years) in regional Victoria, Australia. The program included a school-based physical education (PE) component that uniquely incorporated student-centered teaching and behavioral skill development. The school component was conceptually and practically linked to a community component that emphasized appropriate structures for participation. The program was informed by ethnographic fieldwork to understand the contextual factors that affect girls' participation in PA. A collaborative intervention design was undertaken to align with PE curriculum and coaching and instructional approaches in community PA settings. The theoretical framework for the intervention was the socioecological model that was underpinned by both individual-level (social cognitive theory) and organizational-level (building organizational/community capacity) strategies. The program model provides an innovative conceptual framework for linking school PE with community sport and recreation and may benefit other PA programs seeking to engage adolescent girls. The objective of this article is to describe program development and the unique theoretical framework and curriculum approaches.
  • Description: The engagement of adolescent girls in physical activity (PA) is a persistent challenge. School-based PA programs have often met with little success because of the lack of linkages between school and community PA settings. The Triple G program aimed to improve PA levels of secondary school girls (12-15 years) in regional Victoria, Australia. The program included a school-based physical education (PE) component that uniquely incorporated student-centered teaching and behavioral skill development. The school component was conceptually and practically linked to a community component that emphasized appropriate structures for participation. The program was informed by ethnographic fieldwork to understand the contextual factors that affect girls' participation in PA. A collaborative intervention design was undertaken to align with PE curriculum and coaching and instructional approaches in community PA settings. The theoretical framework for the intervention was the socioecological model that was underpinned by both individual-level (social cognitive theory) and organizational-level (building organizational/community capacity) strategies. The program model provides an innovative conceptual framework for linking school PE with community sport and recreation and may benefit other PA programs seeking to engage adolescent girls. The objective of this article is to describe program development and the unique theoretical framework and curriculum approaches. © 2012 Society for Public Health Education.

Longer leukocyte telomeres are associated with ultra-endurance exercise independent of cardiovascular risk factors

Sport and recreation spatial: Development of a national geographical information system for the sport and recreation sector

  • Authors: Eime, Rochelle , Harvey, Jack , Thompson, Helen , Feely, Paul
  • Date: 2013
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport Vol. 16, no. (2013), p. e10-e11
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  • Description: Introduction: The Sport and Recreation Spatial project is a collaborative partnership between national and state sport, recreation, health, government and university organisations. It involves the development of a geographical information system (GIS) for presenting spatial data relevant to all levels of the sport and recreation sector. Methods: The project was established to provide the sport and recreation sector with increased capacity for research, strategic planning, and development of participation programs and facilities. The integration of multiple large datasets provides a strong evidence base for the sport and recreation sector. The key research areas are: participation levels and trends; influences on participation; value of sport – the health benefits of participation; and places to play – the nexus between facilities and participation. The integrated, dynamic database system incorporates data about sport and recreation participation and facilities in conjunction with population demographic data. The initial tranche of participation data includes around 200,000 data records from the national Exercise, Recreation and Sport Survey (2001–2010) and over 1.8 million player, coach and umpire records from eight Victorian State Sporting Associations (2008–2012). Results: A live presentation of the GIS interface will demonstrate the wide range of interactive user-specified options and queries and the resulting “on-the-fly” generation of maps and associated tables illustrating participation trends across time and geographical locations. Discussion: This project is providing increased capacity for strategic planning and development of participation programs and facilities. Whilst we may know broad trends in participation across time, this project allows dynamic investigations across multiple datasets, of questions relating to specific geographical locations, which may pertain to population demographics, participation (player, coach and umpire) trends, and/or infrastructure development. National implementation of this system will provide social, health and economic benefits.

The effect of prescribed fluid consumption on physiology and work behavior of wildfire fighters

  • Authors: Raines, Jenni , Snow, Rodney , Petersen, Aaron , Harvey, Jack , Nichols, David , Aisbett, Brad
  • Date: 2013
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Applied Ergonomics Vol. 44, no. 3 (2013), p. 404-413
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  • Description: The purpose of this study was to examine 1) wildfire fighters' ability to consume the prescribed fluid volume (1200 mL h-1), 2) the effect of fluid intake on plasma sodium and hydration, and 3) the effect of fluid intake on firefighters' heart rate, core temperature and activity during emergency suppression shifts. Methods: Thirty-four firefighters were divided into ad libitum (AD, n = 17) and prescribed (PR, n = 17) drinking groups. Results: PR drinkers did not meet the prescribed fluid target, yet consumed over double the volume of AD drinkers. No differences between groups in plasma sodium or hydration were noted. PR drinking resulted in lower core temperature between 2 and 6 h. This did not coincide with reduced cardiovascular strain, greater work activity or larger distances covered when compared to AD drinkers. Conclusion: Extra fluid consumption (above AD) did not improve firefighter activity or physiological function (though PR firefighters core temperature was lower earlier in their shift). Firefighter can self-regulate their fluid consumption behavior and work rate to leave the fireground euhydrated. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd and The Ergonomics Society.

The relationship between body image, physical activity, perceived health, and behavioural regulation among Year 7 and Year 11 girls from metropolitan and rural Australia

  • 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
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  • 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.

Understanding the contexts of adolescent female participation in sport and physical activity

  • Authors: Eime, Rochelle , Harvey, Jack , Sawyer, Neroli , Craike, Melinda , Symons, Caroline , Polman, Remco , Payne, Warren
  • Date: 2013
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Research quarterly for exercise and sport Vol. 84, no. 2 (2013), p. 157-166
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  • Description: Purpose: Participation in physical activity (PA) is reported to decline in adolescence, particularly for girls. However, we do not know if this decline in PA is consistent across modes and settings or whether there are transfers of participation between modes and settings. Nor do we understand the changes in specific types of PA or the interaction between types of participation and different modes/settings. This study investigated contexts of PA participation for female adolescents at two life transition points. Method: A survey of 489 Year 7 and 243 Year 11 adolescent girls was conducted, incorporating a measure of overall PA level and participation rates in seven modes/settings and in specific types of sport and PA. Results: Less than half of the respondents met or exceeded the recommended level of moderate or vigorous PA-60 min or more-on the previous day, and there was no statistically significant difference in the proportions in Years 7 and 11 (39.5% vs. 45.9%; p > .05). However, older adolescents shifted their participation away from organized, competitive modes and settings toward nonorganized and noncompetitive modes and settings and individual types of PA. Conclusions: An understanding of the changes in PA modes and settings identified here can inform the planning of policies and implementation of programs for the promotion of PA by adolescent girls.

121 Telomere attrition is attenuated in ultra-marathon runners

  • Authors: Denham, Joshua , Nankervis, Scott , Debiec, Radek , Harvey, Jack , Pascoe, Deborah , Marques, Francine , O’Brien, Brendan , Zukowska-Szczechowska, Ewa , Tomaszewski, Maciej , Charchar, Fadi
  • Date: 2012
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Journal of Hypertension Vol. 30, no. e-Supplement (September 2012), p. e37
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  • Description: Background: Leukocyte telomere length is a marker of biological ageing and its shortening is associated with cardiovascular disease. Engagement in regular moderate-intensity physical activity is a recognised method of cardiovascular disease prevention. However, it is not clear whether repeated exposure to ultra-strenuous physical exercise is beneficial long-term and whether it may attenuate biological ageing. Methods: We compared leukocyte telomere length in context of inflammation and endothelial dysfunction between 67 male ultra-marathon runners and 67 age-, sex- and BMI-matched apparently healthy controls. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood and leukocyte telomere length was measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction assays. Adhesion molecules (sICAM-1, sE-selectin) and inflammatory markers (IL-6, C-reactive protein) concentrations were measured in 67 ultra-marathon runners by quantitative sandwich enzyme immunoassay technique, high-sensitive immunoassay and ultra-sensitive double antibody sandwich ELISA, respectively. Results: Adjusted (for age, BMI, blood pressure and lipids) leukocyte telomere length was approximately 13.8% greater in the ultra-marathon runners than in the controls (P<0.001). This translates into approximately 32.9 years difference in age-related telomere length attrition. There was a strong negative linear correlation between sICAM-1 and leukocyte telomere length in the ultra-marathon runners (r=-0.33; P=0.007) and this association retained its statistical significance after adjustment for age, BMI, blood pressure and lipids in multiple regression (P=0.026). Conclusion: Prolonged, intense physical exercise may attenuate cellular ageing possibly through a protective effect on endothelial function.
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A cross-cultural study in the UK and Australia of pay expectations and entitlements : A case of vanishing differences?

  • Authors: Davidson, Marilyn , Wood, Glenice , Harvey, Jack
  • Date: 2012
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Gender in Management Vol. 27, no. 3 (2012), p. 165-185
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  • Description: Purpose: Previous US research has consistently revealed females reporting lower pay expectations and entitlements compared to their male counterparts. The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether these gender differences still exist, specifically in British and Australian business students, or whether there has been a generation shift in attitudes. Design/methodology/approach: Quantitative data were analysed from 481 (252 females and 229 males) university students, on their responses to what they "expected" to earn five years after graduation and what they thought they "deserved" to earn. Students from two British universities (n=285) and two Australian universities (n=196) participated. Findings: Results revealed that the presence of very high values (outliers) reported by a small proportion of male respondents led to apparent gender differences in perceived entitlement (deserved salary). However, appropriately modified analyses showed no significant gender differences in expected salary, deserved salary or salary difference. Differences were observed between countries; in the UK expectations and views on deserved salary were higher than those expressed in Australia. In addition, in both countries' students from higher ranking universities expected higher salaries and believed they deserved a higher salary. Research limitations/implications: The sample is restricted to University business students and may not generalise to other groups. Practical implications: Implications of these findings reflect on gender pay inequities, along with methodological issues for future research. Originality/value: This paper challenges the long-held view that, in general, males have more positive expectations of their future salaries than females. While this has been reported in the past, the paper illustrates that in a contemporary sample across two countries, the great majority of male and female students had very similar expectations for their future salary. The paper proposes some explanations that may account for this phenomenon. The only clear gender difference observed was the presence of a small proportion of males with extremely high salary expectations; the paper highlights the necessity for appropriate statistical analysis of such highly skewed data. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited.

Can you swim? Self-report and actual swimming competence among young adults in Ballarat, Australia

  • Authors: Petrass, Lauren , Blitvich, Jennifer , McElroy, G. Keith , Harvey, Jack , Moran, Kevin
  • Date: 2012
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education Vol. 6, no. 2 (2012), p. 136-148
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  • Description: This paper reports the Australian findings in an international study comparing self-reported and actual swimming and aquatic skills of young adults. Physical Education and Sports Sciences students (n = 263) completed the "Can You Swim?" self-report survey and practical skills assessment, unaware that the practical tests replicated survey items. Relationships for comparisons between practical tests and their matched survey item were weak, indicating participants had inaccurate perceptions of their own swimming skills. Typically, they underestimated their competence in terms of distance and fundamental aquatic skills. Understanding of what constitutes different levels of swimming ability was poor; for example, most participants identified as average or good to excellent swimmers, but more than half of self-identified average swimmers and 20% of good to excellent swimmers estimated they could complete < 100 m of continuous swimming. The implications of study findings for drowning prevention and the need for further research are discussed. © 2012 Human Kinetics, Inc.
  • Description: 2003010667

Examining changes in the organisational capacity and sport related health promotion policies and practices of State sport organizations

  • Authors: Casey, Meghan , Harvey, Jack , Eime, Rochelle , Payne, Warren
  • Date: 2012
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Annals of Leisure Research Vol. 15, no. 3 (2012), p. 261-276
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  • Description: The aim of this paper is to evaluate changes in organizational capacity and sport-related health promotion policies and practices among State Sporting Organizations (SSOs) who participated in the Partnership for Health (PfH) scheme. The PfH scheme aimed to support the development and implementation of sport-related health promotion policies and practices at SSO-organized events and within their affiliated sports clubs. SSO representatives completed the Health Promotion and Sport Assessment Tool (HP-SAT) twice. Respondents reported capacities, policies, and practices prior to the scheme (retrospective pre-scheme survey), and current capacities, policies, and practices (post-scheme survey). The mean scores (on standardized scales: 0–100) for all components of organizational capacity for health promotion increased significantly between pre-scheme and post-scheme. Similarly, compliance scores for most sport-related health promotion policies and practices for SSO-organized events and support to clubs increased significantly. However, post-scheme strategic planning for health promotion remained low and scores for policies and practices for clubs were generally lower than for SSO-organized events. No significant differences were found between small and large SSOs regarding capacities, policies, or practices. The PfH scheme had a positive impact on most aspects of health promotion capacities, policies, and practices. However, there was room for further improvement in strategic planning and in support for affiliated clubs. Low levels of strategic planning should be addressed by SSOs, and a more extensive engagement between SSOs and affiliated clubs is required to operationalize health promotion strategies at club level.

A comparative study of factors influencing participation in sport and physical activity for metropolitan and rural female adolescents

  • Authors: Craike, Melinda , Symons, Caroline , Eime, Rochelle , Payne, Warren , Harvey, Jack
  • Date: 2011
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Annals of Leisure Research Vol. 14, no. 4 (2011), p. 355-368
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  • Description: The aim of this research was to provide a comparative analysis of the influence of behavioural alternatives, autonomy, competence and relatedness on participation in sport and physical activity for female adolescents within metropolitan and rural settings. Eighteen focus groups were conducted with a cross section of schools within metropolitan Melbourne and rural Victoria, Australia, involving 12-13-year olds and 15-16-year olds, using a semi-structured format. Content and thematic analyses were conducted on the data. Findings supported the sport commitment model by demonstrating that, in both rural and metropolitan settings, participation was influenced by the strength of commitment to a range of behavioural alternatives. Our findings also extended self-determination theory by suggesting that autonomy, competence, and relatedness were interrelated and their strength and influence on participation varied between settings. This study also has practical implications, including the promotion of more inclusive and supportive sports environments for female adolescents and promoting sport and physical activities as activity that promotes wellness, complements academic endeavours and reduces the stress of academic study. © 2011 Taylor & Francis.

A population-based survey of knowledge of first aid for burns in New South Wales

  • Authors: Harvey, Lara , Barr, Margo , Poulos, Roslyn , Finch, Caroline , Sherker, Shauna , Harvey, Jack
  • Date: 2011
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Medical Journal of Australia Vol. 195, no. 8 (2011), p. 465-468
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  • Description: Objective: To determine the current level of knowledge of first aid for a burn injury and sources of this knowledge among the general population of New South Wales. Design, setting and participants: People aged 16 years or older were interviewed as part of the 2007 NSW Population Health Survey, a continuous telephone survey of NSW residents. Main outcome measure: Weighted proportion of the population with optimal first aid knowledge for burns. Results: In total, 7320 respondents were asked questions related to burn injuries and first aid. Of the surveyed population, 82% reported that they would cool a burn with water, and 9% reported that they would cool the burn for the recommended 20 minutes. Few respondents reported that they would remove the patient’s clothing and keep the injured person warm. The most common sources of first aid information were a first aid book (42%) and the internet (33%). Speaking a language other than English at home, and being over 65 years of age were associated with a lack of first aid knowledge. Conclusions: A minority of people living in NSW know the optimal time for cooling a burn injury and other appropriate first aid steps for burns. This study demonstrates a gap in the public’s knowledge, especially among non-English speaking people and older people, and highlights the need for a clear, consistent first aid message.

Choking under pressure : The role of fear of negative evaluation

  • Authors: Mesagno, Christopher , Harvey, Jack , Janelle, Christopher
  • Date: 2011
  • Type: Text , Journal article
  • Relation: Psychology of Sport and Exercise Vol.13 , no.1 (2012), p.60-68
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  • Description: Objective: Conceptual models and predictors of choking under pressure (i.e., choking) have been proposed, but the role of fear of negative evaluation remains largely unknown. The purpose of the current study was to determine the degree to which fear of negative evaluation (FNE) may predispose athletes to choking. Design and method: 138 Experienced basketball players participated in a pre-selection stage, which involved completing a set of questionnaires that included the Brief Fear of Negative Evaluation-II (BFNE-II) questionnaire. Based on the scores from the BFNE-II, 34 athletes, categorized as either low- or high-FNE, were selected to perform basketball shots from five different areas of the court under low- and high-pressure phases. Shooting performance was evaluated based on the total number of successful shots out of 50 attempts. Results: Results indicated that the high-FNE athletes displayed a significant increase in anxiety and a significant decrease in performance from low- to high-pressure phases. The low-FNE group exhibited only minimal changes in anxiety throughout the study and was able to maintain performance under pressure. Further mediation analysis investigating significant difference in performance between FNE groups within the high-pressure phase indicated that that cognitive anxiety was a partial mediator between FNE group and performance, but somatic anxiety was not. Conclusions: Findings extend the existing choking literature by providing empirical support for the role of FNE in the context of the self-presentation model of choking. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd.