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Article
Publication date: 6 June 2023

Jenny Meggs, Susan Young and Annette Mckeown

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental condition with community prevalence globally of 2%–7% (M = 5%; Sayal et al., 2018). Clinicians are…

Abstract

Purpose

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental condition with community prevalence globally of 2%–7% (M = 5%; Sayal et al., 2018). Clinicians are routinely encouraged to explain to children and young people the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, including exercise (NICE NG87, 2018). Exercise has been proposed as a safe and low-cost adjunctive approach for ADHD and is reported to be accompanied by positive effects on several aspects of executive functioning (EF). The purpose of this narrative review was to synthesise the contemporary randomised control trial (RCT) studies that examine the effect of sport, physical activity and movement on EF in children and adolescents with ADHD.

Design/methodology/approach

A narrative review approach with a systematic literature search using PRISMA guidelines for screening and selecting relevant systematic reviews was used. The final review included four peer-review systematic reviews (>2019).

Findings

The results identified four RCT meta-analyses and findings showed that children and adolescents with lower baseline cognitive performance demonstrated greater improvements in functioning after physical activity interventions, particularly for tasks with higher executive function demands, where baseline performance reaches an optimal level. Findings suggest that 10–20 min of acute moderate-high-intensity exercise interventions (cycling/running) appeared to have positive effects on indices of inhibitory control. Preliminary evidence suggests that as little as 5 min of jumping exercises improved inhibitory control. Sixty to eighty minutes of moderately intense, repeated (chronic) exercise appeared to demonstrate the greatest beneficial impact on selective attention.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this review is the first to present the extant literature on the effect of physical activity and sport on symptoms of young people with ADHD. It presents evidence to suggest that exercise with progressively increasing cognitive demands may have positive effects for children with ADHD, specifically in terms of improving cognitive flexibility. Further large-scale clinical trials are needed to confirm the positive effects of physical exercise on cognitive functioning in children with ADHD.

Details

Mental Health Review Journal, vol. 28 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1361-9322

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 June 2021

Ajantha Sisira Kumara and Vilani Sachitra

The World Health Organization issued its global action plan on physical activities 2018–2030, emphasizing the importance of context-specific evidence on the subject. Accordingly…

Abstract

Purpose

The World Health Organization issued its global action plan on physical activities 2018–2030, emphasizing the importance of context-specific evidence on the subject. Accordingly, this study aims to provide unique and important policy insights on trends and drivers of participation in physical exercises by academic community in Sri Lankan universities.

Design/methodology/approach

For this purpose, we collected cross-sectional data (n = 456) in 2020 using a survey, and first, estimated a double-hurdle model to uncover covariates influencing likelihood and intensity of physical exercises overall. Second, count-data models are estimated to capture regularity of key exercises.

Findings

The results reveal that about 50% of members do not participate in any general physical exercise. Older members (marginal effect (ME) = 3.764, p < 0.01), non-Buddhists (ME = 54.889, p < 0.01) and alcohol consumers (ME = 32.178, p < 0.05) exhibit a higher intensity of participating in exercises overall. The intensity is lower for rural members (ME = −63.807, p < 0.01) and those with health insurance covers (ME = −31.447, p < 0.05). Individuals diagnosed for chronic illnesses show a higher likelihood of exercising but, their time devotion is limited. The number of children the academic staff members have as parents reduces the likelihood, but for those who choose to exercise have higher time devotion with increased number of children. The covariates play a similar role in determining regularity of key exercises: walking, jogging and exercising on workout machines.

Research limitations/implications

The results imply a need to promote exercising in general and particularly among younger, healthy, insured and female individuals living in rural sector.

Originality/value

The study covers an under-researched professional sub-group in an under-researched developing context, examining both the likelihood and regularity of exercising as both dimensions are equally important for individuals to maintain healthy lives.

Details

Health Education, vol. 121 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0965-4283

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 September 2008

J.C. Coulson, J. McKenna and M. Field

The purpose of this paper is to address the interplay of workplace exercising on self‐reported workplace performance.

3611

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address the interplay of workplace exercising on self‐reported workplace performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed methods design combined a randomised cross‐over trial with concurrent focus groups. Three workplaces (two private companies, one public service organisation) were purposefully selected for their provision of on‐site exercise facilities, size (>250 employees) and large proportion of sedentary occupations. Two mood diary questionnaires were distributed to employees exercising on‐site only. Order of questionnaire completion was randomised: self‐selected exercise‐day (ExD) or no‐exercise day (NExD) first. Exercise specifics (duration, intensity, mode) and ExD mood (pre‐/post‐exercise) were recorded. On NExD, mood was measured early and late in the working day. A 15‐item work performance grid was completed at day‐ends. Three on‐site focus groups were held concurrently to explore performance‐related topics.

Findings

Among 201 volunteer respondents (67 per cent female, mean age 38.2 years), mood improved on ExD, pre‐to‐post exercise (all p<0.01). Performance indicators were higher on ExD, versus NExD (all p<0.01), independent of exercise specifics and workload. Positive changes in performance outcomes were almost exclusively linked to changes in mood. Inductive analysis of focus groups revealed 13 (of 17) themes exhibiting positive outcomes. Employee tolerance and resilience were central to the subjective findings.

Research limitations/implications

The naturalistic, dual‐paradigm study demonstrated that workday exercise can improve white‐collar workers' mood and self‐reported performance on days when they exercise at work over days when they do not. There are clear implications not only for employee wellbeing, but also for competitive advantage and motivation by increasing opportunities for exercising at work.

Originality/value

This is one of the few studies that addresses the acute effects of exercise in the workplace in the same people. Self‐rated productivity effects attributable to exercising during the working day were strongly mediated by changes in mood. Statistical power is amplified within the cross‐over design.

Details

International Journal of Workplace Health Management, vol. 1 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-8351

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 July 2014

Rachel H. McQueen, James J. Harynuk, Wendy V. Wismer, Monika Keelan, Yin Xu and A. Paulina de la Mata

Fibre content can influence the intensity of odour that develops within clothing fabrics. However, little is known about how effective laundering is at removing malodours in…

Abstract

Purpose

Fibre content can influence the intensity of odour that develops within clothing fabrics. However, little is known about how effective laundering is at removing malodours in clothing which differ by fibre type. The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether a selected cotton fabric differed in odour intensity following multiple wear and wash cycles compared to a polyester fabric.

Design/methodology/approach

Eight (male and female) participants wore bisymmetrical cotton/polyester t-shirts during 20 exercise sessions over a ten-week trial period. Odour was evaluated via a sensory panel, bacterial populations were counted and selected odorous volatile organic compounds were measured with comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography and time-of-flight mass spectrometry detection. Analysis occurred both before and after the final (20th) wash cycle.

Findings

Findings showed that laundering was effective in reducing overall odour intensity (p0.001) and bacterial populations (p0.001) in both cotton and polyester fabrics. Odour was most intense on polyester fabrics following wear, not just before, but also after washing (p0.001); although, no differences in bacterial counts were found between fibre types (p>0.05). Chemical analysis found C4-C8 chained carboxylic acids on both types of unwashed fabrics, although they were more prevalent on polyester.

Originality/value

The findings suggest that the build-up of odour in polyester fabrics may be cumulative as important odorants such as the carboxylic acids were not as effectively removed from polyester compared to cotton.

Details

International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, vol. 26 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0955-6222

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 9 September 2020

Shih-Yung Chiu

This study aims to examine the effects of participating in physical activities on female college graduates' starting salaries. We used an instrumental variable (IV) approach to…

Abstract

This study aims to examine the effects of participating in physical activities on female college graduates' starting salaries. We used an instrumental variable (IV) approach to address the possible endogeneity problem. By using the Taiwan Higher Education Dataset, we discovered that participating in physical activities during college increased an individual's earnings by 3.06%. The significant positive effect of physical activity on salary demonstrated in this study is consistent with that in other relevant studies. This study also discovered that both the intensity and the persistence of participation in physical activities affected salary outcomes. Individuals earned 0.17%–2.41% more if they exercised for an additional hour per week, suggesting the importance of the intensity of participation in physical activities. In addition, persistent participation in physical activities was associated with a 3.08% higher salary.

Article
Publication date: 20 May 2020

Kiara Lewis, Leanne Livsey, Robert J. Naughton and Kim Burton

Exercise has the potential to provide benefits for people living with dementia, yet the balance of evidence is uncertain. This paper aims to provide an evidence synthesis to…

Abstract

Purpose

Exercise has the potential to provide benefits for people living with dementia, yet the balance of evidence is uncertain. This paper aims to provide an evidence synthesis to determine whether exercise improves their health and well-being and what exercise should be recommended.

Design/methodology/approach

Structured search for existing literature reviews on exercise for dementia. Relevant articles were selected and critically appraised against systematic criteria. The findings from 15 high quality reviews were collated by using a best evidence synthesis approach.

Findings

The evidence is convincing for improving physical health, promising for cognitive benefits, mixed for psychological benefits and limited for behavioural outcomes. No evidence of harm was found. Overall, exercise can improve physical and mental health for people living with dementia: there is sufficient evidence to recommend multimodal exercise.

Social implications

The potential beneficial outcomes are of significant importance both for people with dementia and their caregivers. In the absence of more specific findings, the current recommendation for older adults in general is pragmatically justified – some activity is better than none, more activity provides greater benefits. Adding social interaction may be important for psychological and behavioural outcomes.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first to encapsulate the literature to date on exercise for dementia. Combining the findings from previous reviews enabled a novel synthesis across the range of relevant interventions and outcomes.

Details

Quality in Ageing and Older Adults, vol. 21 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1471-7794

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 29 June 2016

Amy E. Ruhaak and Bryan G. Cook

Disruptive student behavior contributes to poor student outcomes, loss of classroom instructional time, and teacher burnout. Physical movement is an intervention that has been…

Abstract

Disruptive student behavior contributes to poor student outcomes, loss of classroom instructional time, and teacher burnout. Physical movement is an intervention that has been used to target and ameliorate disruptive student behavior for students with learning and behavioral disabilities. A review of two movement-based interventions – Brain Gym® and antecedent bouts of exercise – reveals different levels of research support. Brain Gym®, a commercial movement-based curriculum, is not supported by extant empirical research. Alternatively, a growing body of research empirically supports antecedent bouts of exercise as an effective behavioral intervention. This chapter provides a description and review of research for each intervention. Implications for instructional practice and recommendations are provided.

Details

Instructional Practices with and without Empirical Validity
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78635-125-8

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 March 2014

Paul Gorczynski and Hiren Patel

Most long-haul truck drivers are physically inactive. Despite being identified as a source of health information, online physical activity and exercise information has not been…

Abstract

Purpose

Most long-haul truck drivers are physically inactive. Despite being identified as a source of health information, online physical activity and exercise information has not been evaluated for this population. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the accessibility, accuracy, technical and theoretical quality, and readability of online physical activity, exercise, and sport information for long-haul truck drivers.

Design/methodology/approach

A standardized protocol was followed to identify and evaluate web sites. Web sites were included in the review if they met the following criteria: first, presented information on physical activity, exercise, or sport; second, provided information for long-haul truck drivers; and finally, provided information in English. Each web site was evaluated independently by the two study authors. After evaluating the web sites independently, the authors then met to discuss each construct for each web site.

Findings

Overall, 44 web sites were reviewed. Nine web sites provided information based on physical activity guidelines. Most web sites scored poorly on technical and theoretical quality. In total, 28 web sites provided information that was written above the recommended grade 8 reading level.

Research limitations/implications

Research has shown that theoretically designed physical activity and exercise interventions are more successful than those with no theoretical underpinnings. Creating web sites or online applications using behavioral theory and improving the readability of online health information may help increase levels of physical activity and improve overall health for this population.

Originality/value

No previous research has examined the quality of online physical activity, exercise, or sport information for long-haul truck drivers. This is the first study to examine how online health information for this population can be improved.

Details

International Journal of Workplace Health Management, vol. 7 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-8351

Keywords

Abstract

Details

The Global Private Health & Fitness Business: A Marketing Perspective
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80043-851-4

Article
Publication date: 12 October 2012

Yu‐Hsiu Kao, Yi‐Ching Huang, Pei‐Ying Chen and Kuo‐Ming Wang

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of an exercise education intervention on exercise behavior, depression and fatigue status of chronic kidney disease (CKD…

1701

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of an exercise education intervention on exercise behavior, depression and fatigue status of chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients.

Design/methodology/approach

This was a pilot study using an exercise education program as an intervention for CKD patients. The authors used the transtheoretical model (TTM) to design the exercise education programs. A total of 94 subjects diagnosed with CKD at a medical center in Taiwan participated in this quasi‐experimental study. Subjects were randomly divided into the experimental group (n=45) and the control group (n=49). The education program included written materials and teaching activities designed to encourage participants to initiate and continue regular exercise. Both groups took the pre‐test and post‐test containing a depression inventory, a fatigue scale and an exercise behavior inventory.

Findings

The findings indicated that changes in the exercise behavior, depression and fatigue status of the experimental group were statistically significant after the exercise education intervention compared with the control group.

Originality/value

The paper demonstrates that exercise education intervention can be administered by nursing staff, or a health educator, to encourage patients to exercise in order to enhance their quality of care.

Details

Health Education, vol. 112 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0965-4283

Keywords

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