Unit 3 AOS 1

Assessment of Physical Activity

100

How much physical activity is recommended for adults of a healthy weight?

Put together at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity on most, preferably all, days. If you can, also enjoy some regular, vigorous activity for extra health and fitness.

200

Outline 3 reasons for measuring physical activity at a population level

Any three of the following: - To document the frequency and distribution of physical activity in defined population groups - To monitor the achievement of physical activity guidelines and population trends over time - To study the relationship between physical activity and health conditions (for example cardiovascular risk factors, Type 2 diabetes, obesity, cancer and mental health) - To determine the amount or dose of physical activity required to influence specific health parameters - To identify the biological, psychological and environmental factors that influence physical activity - To evaluate the effectiveness of large-scale physical activity intervention programs

300

Explain two advantages of using an accelerometer rather than a recall instrument when measuring the physical activity of an eight-year-old child.

Two advantages are: - A good alternative to self-reporting physical activity by children (as children under 10 cannot accurately recall their behaviour) - Can assess physical activity that is difficult to capture (e.g. children’s physical activity, incidental/light-intensity physical activity and sedentary time)

400

State and explain one measure that would be highly appropriate to assess the physical activity of a person with an intellectually disability or a person from a non-English speaking background

Direct observation - as you can watch people's behaviour within specific settings, providing rich detailed and accurate information about several dimensions of physical activity

500

Explain why an individual can be highly sedentary and yet still meet the National Physical Activity Guidelines

Generally physical activity and sedentary behaviour are measured separately, therefore although an individual could spend many hours sitting in front of a television or reading or engaging in other sedentary behaviours, if they engage in at least moderate-intensity physical activity for at least 30 minutes most days they would still meet the guidelines. Children and youth however can still meet the physical activity guideline even if they exceed the sedentary behaviour guidelines.

Changing physical activity behaviour: the social-ecological model

100

Identify the four levels of the social-ecological model

Individual factors Interpersonal factors physical environment policy

200

Describe what is meant by tailoring in relation to programs that promote physical activity. Include an example in your response

Tailoring allows a counsellor (personal trainer) to prescribe a physical activity plan to meet the individual needs of each person. Individual factors to consider include social support, access to walking trails and other facilities, work hours and settings, whether the person is a morning person, when they eat throughout the day, cultural factors, family structure, fitness levels and climate. So it is too simplistic to think you could just write a one-size-fits-aphysical activity program just because you know what the individual’s goals

300

Describe four examples of environmental changes that could be made to facilities in a workplace to promote physical activity are.

Examples include: Installation of shower and changing facilities to promote active transportation to the workplace Placing signage near elevators encouraging people to take the stairs. This can raise awareness of the easy ways to increase incidental physical activity Bicycle racks can be installed to encourage active transportation to work The installation of gymnasium equipment such as exercise bikes and treadmills An ‘activity room’ containing table tennis may act as a physical activity prompt for employees

400

Explain the meaning reciprocal causation in relation to the social-ecological models of physical activity

Reciprocal causation is the interaction between the individual and the environment. In other words, individual behaviour can influence the environment and the environment can influence the individual behaviour.

500

Evaluate the National Physical Activity Guidelines against the social ecological model

Individual: The individual level is partially addressed through providing guidelines, recommendations and information specific to age Social: The social environment level is not addressed. While the social environment is referred to (such as saying that physical activity is a good social outlet and good for social development of youth) it is not tackled in the intervention Physical: The physical level is not addressed Policy: The policy level is addressed through the recommendations for physical activity and screen time

Promoting Physical Activity

100

What are the three settings?

School - Workplace - Community

200

Identify the characteristics of a workplace setting that makes its suitable setting for intervention

Workplaces are an ideal setting because the majority of the adult population works either part-time or full-time for a significant proportion of their adult lives. During this time adults also spend a large proportion of their waking hours within workplace settings. Workplace settings bring together large groups of people, who can provide each other with social support or share environmental resources.

300

Outline 4 benefits to employers of promoting physical activity in a workplace setting

Improved employee morale Increased productivity (quality and quantity) Reduced absenteeism Increased capability for employees to handle stress Improved community relations Reduced staff turnover

400

Describe 5 approaches that could be adopted in a workplace setting to promote physical activity

The following examples could be adopted in a workplace setting for the promotion of physical activity: - organise with your work colleagues to go for a walk during your lunch break or before or after work - try taking public transport to work and leave the car at home - get off the bus or train one stop earlier and walk, if it isn’t a 10-minute walk to either home or work - schedule meeting places you can walk to from work - park your car a 10 to 15 minute walk away if you drive to work - get your work colleagues involved in a team sport or get a corporate membership to a local gym - take the stairs instead of the lift or escalator

500

Describe three strategies that have been employed within the community-based 10,000 steps program

Any three of the following examples: - Library pedometer loan scheme: Residents were able to borrow a pedometer from all Mackay City Council libraries for a period of four weeks. All promotional information was also displayed within the libraries. - Walkway signage: A series of signs were put up around several walking circuits, each circuit is approximately 5000 steps (3.5 – 4.2 km depending on your stride length). Each circuit takes around 50 minutes to complete. A mixture of totem poles and stencils on the ground were used to maximise visibility of the signage. - Walkway maps: A brochure (print media) containing maps of the signed walkways were printed and distributed to community health centres, visitors centres, libraries, shopping centres and pharmacies. - 10,000 Steps Challenge: As described in this chapter, this was targeted to challenge other communities. - Local media campaigns (mass media): A four week advertising blitz was implemented in 2007 to coincide with the community challenge. Numerous newspaper articles were published about the program.

Bonus Round

100

Vigorous activity can be expressed in M.E.Ts as being a value of:

Equal to or greater than 6 METS

200

Mass media interventions aim to reach groups of individuals using a means other than personal contact. Which one of the following is NOT a key role of mass media?

Tailoring programs to meet specific needs

300

Why is the socio-ecological model known as ‘multifaceted’?

All dimensions link together to create reason to all levels, to enhance physical activity

400

What are the attributes of a good physical activity promotion/intervention?

Key areas students should cover in the think pair share include, but are not limited to: • Meets most (if not all) levels of the socio-ecological model • Easy to implement • Cost effective • Can be targeted at a specific setting • Clearly outlined aim • Easy to assess effectiveness • Easily promoted

500

List five professions or occupations that are likely to use counselling as a strategy to promote individuals to be more physically active.

Five professions or occupations include: personal trainer general practitioner (GP) physical activity adviser fitness instructor psychologist