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Item How did the depression and anxiety levels of older New Zealanders change during the COVID-19 pandemic?(Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group, 2024-10-10) McLean T; Williams M; Stephens CThere has been widespread concern about the mental health impact of the global COVID-19 outbreak. Fears have been raised that depression and anxiety among older people may have increased in the pandemic, and that adverse health behaviours, such as increased alcohol use and decreased physical activity, may have contributed to the mental health decline. This study aimed to examine changes in depression, anxiety, alcohol use and physical activity scores of people aged 55 and older in New Zealand over the initial months of the pandemic. The sample included 3,171 people who responded to wave 7 (August-November 2018) and wave 8 (June-September 2020) of the Health, Work and Retirement Study. Analyses were carried out using paired t tests and multilevel mediation modelling. There was no evidence of significant changes in depression or anxiety. Alcohol use and physical activity were shown to decrease significantly, albeit to a small degree, and there was evidence of an indirect effect of time on depression via physical activity. These findings suggest a general resilience among older people 3 to 6 months into the pandemic. However, increased attention should be paid to promoting physical exercise among older people, as a means of decreasing depression risk.Item Promoting health through waka ama(Global Journal of Community Psychology Practice) Severinsen C; Reweti ACultural identity and participation in society are acknowledged as key determinants of health. This research aims to identify successful measures to improve health and reduce inequities through a focus on waka ama (outrigger canoe). Waka ama is the fastest growing sport in Aotearoa New Zealand, and is increasingly used as a vehicle for health promotion. The research is informed by a kaupapa M?ori framework, utilising narratives to explore paddlers’ experience in being involved in waka ama. Waka ama is unique as a sport because, as well as the physical benefits for paddlers, it also has a strong foundation in indigenous knowledge and practice. The research findings are presented in the form of a short professionally-produced documentary. The short film showcases waka ama and its contribution to the health of paddlers. It presents the local initiative, providing an exemplar of best practice and practical health promotion solutions to inform wider communities. The film features interviews with paddlers, and footage of waka ama action.Item Does meeting physical activity guidelines in normal weight females influence body fatness? : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics at Massey University, Albany, New Zealand(Massey University, 2014) Swift, RichardPurpose: To investigate the associations among objectively measured physical activity and markers of body composition in normal weight, New Zealand European women. Methods: Anthropometric measures were performed in 107 women aged 16-45 years with a BMI between 18.5 to 25 kg/m2. Accelerometers were worn over 7 days to assess sedentary time (<100 counts per minute), light (100 - 2019), moderate (2200 - 5998) and vigorous (>5999) physical activity. Independent t-tests were used to compare associations between participants with normal (<30%) and high (=30%) body fat. Partial correlations examined the independent associations of physical activity behaviours on body fat. Results: Participants with normal body fat completed significantly more moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) minutes per week (P = .002) and MVPA% (P =.021). Achieving current physical activity recommendations of = 150 mins/week of MVPA, resulted in lower body fat (P =.038). Achieving =300 mins/week of moderate physical activity showed a trend towards significance for lower body fat (P = .076), while achieving =150 mins/week of vigorous activity showed significantly lower body fat% (P = .022). Partial correlations determined the significance of MVPA on body fat% independent of sedentary (r [104] = -.258 P = 0.008) and light activity (r [104] = -.273 P = 0.005). Conclusion: Achieving current exercise recommendations was associated with lower body fat % in normal weight women. Our data suggest this association is stronger for vigorous activity, and is independent of the amount of sedentary activity achieved. Increasing vigorous physical activity may be important for improving body composition in this group.Item Superior running economy in obese compared to normal-weight males at metabolically comparable work rates : a thesis presented in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Sport and Exercise at Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand(Massey University, 2014) Stewart, James AndrewIntroduction: During weight bearing physical activities such as walking or running, obese individuals generally expend more total energy than their lighter counterparts. Running economy (RE) is an important physiological measure in the sports performance field and is defined as the aerobic capacity per kilogram of body mass required to sustain a given submaximal running speed. RE can also help us assess how other individuals would cope with a certain intensity of activity. Superior RE is seen in elite endurance athletes by using less oxygen per kilogram of body mass at a given speed. Fit/trained individuals display a superior RE compared to unfit/untrained individuals. Normal weight subjects have previously been shown to display a superior RE than obese individuals; furthermore, low cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is an important reversible cardiovascular disease risk factor, while obesity is a major risk factor for non-communicable diseases. Although RE has previously been assessed at absolute exercise intensities to compare between groups, (i.e. obese vs. normal weight) individuals exercise at a metabolic rate that is scaled to body size and relativised for fitness level. Purpose: To assess RE and the physiological responses of normal weight-unfit (NWU) and obese-fit (OBF) adult males during treadmill running when relative exercise intensities are selected. It was hypothesised that the RE of OBF would be superior to that observed for NWU. Methods: Healthy NWU (n = 12, 38.2 ± 9.1 yrs, 77.3 ± 6.4 kg, 24.0 ± 1.3 kg·m-2) and OBF (n = 11, 38.5 ± 6.0 yrs, 103.8 ± 8.0 kg, 33.3 ± 2.2 kg·m-2) volunteered for the study. Following risk stratification assessment for coronary artery disease and a treadmill walking ECG, participants completed two laboratory based tests. Participants firstly completed a submaximal incremental graded exercise test up to 85% HRmax (age predicted) on a treadmill. Individual linear regression analysis was then used to predict maximal aerobic power ( O2max) for each participant. Following a minimum 72 hour recovery period, participants then completed a further test at two independent intensities: ventilatory threshold (VT) and 40% delta (Δ) as identified from the GXT. Each independent intensity was sustained for 6 minutes duration, separated by 5 minutes of standing recovery. Physiological markers (Heart Rate [HR], oxygen uptake [ O2], minute ventilation [ E] and respiratory exchange ratio [RER]) were continuously monitored, while the ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and stride rate were recorded at 3 minutes and at the completion of each exercise stage. Results: OBF elicited a significantly higher running speed at VT (8.5 vs. 7.6 km·h-1; P < 0.01) and at 40% Δ (10.1 vs. 8.8 km·h-1; P < 0.01) compared to NWU V! V! V! Abstract Superior Running Economy in Obese Compared to Normal-Weight Males respectively. OBF displayed a significantly superior (lower) RE (210.7 ± 8.0 vs. 253.2 ± 7.6 mL·kg-1·km-1; P = 0.001), than in NWU respectively. No significant differences were observed between VT and 40% Δ (P > 0.05). When RE was assessed relative to fat free mass (FFM), no differences were found between OBF and NWU (P > 0.05). However, a significant difference in RE was observed at VT compared to 40% Δ (322.3 ± 7.3 & 368.8 ± 8.9 mL·FFM-1·km-1, respectively; P < 0.001). Conclusion: Despite running at a faster speed, fit and obese individuals displayed a superior running economy compared to normal weight unfit individuals during treadmill running at relative moderate and heavy exercise intensities when expressed as mL·kg-1·km-1. When expressed relative to fat free mass (mL·FFM-1·km-1) no differences in RE were observed between groups. Fitness and training status rather than weight status may be more of an important moderating factor when examining differences in RE between individuals. The proposed mechanisms for the results remain unclear. It is acknowledges that greater subject numbers including obese unfit and normal weight fit would have allowed for a more valid interpretation of the present findings. From a public health perspective these results indicate that increasing physical activity and fitness level should be a priority for adults engaging in an exercise programme more so than weight loss, as superior economy could reduce the relative level of physical exertion during everyday tasks.Item Child-centred physical activity : effect on motor skill development in toddlers : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment for the requirements of a Master of Science in Sport and Exercise Science at Massey University, Albany, New Zealand(Massey University, 2013) Pigou, Deborah SusanBackground: Over the last 20-30 years, children’s physical activity levels have decreased significantly resulting in obesity rates reaching epidemic levels. To date there has been very little research regarding physical activity in toddlers, with the majority of research focussing on young children (3-5 year-olds) or on children at risk of motor or neurological deficiencies. Purpose: To investigate the effects of a nine-week, child-centred physical activity programme on cognitive and motor skill development, safety skills, balance and parent supervision in typically developing 12-24 month-old children. Methods: In a randomised, controlled design, 90 toddlers (age 17.0 ± 2.6 months; 52.2% male) and their parents were split into two treatment groups stratified by age and gender at baseline. The intervention completed was either nine weeks (one school term) of one-hour child-centred physical activity classes or normal physical activity for nine weeks. In the school holiday periods prior to, and following the intervention period anthropometric measures (mass and height), overall development (Bayley Scales of Infant Development – Screening Test), safety skills (nine-skill test battery), balance measures (centre of pressure) and parent-child supervision were assessed. Results: The nine-week physical activity intervention was successful in improving the overall safety skills score (p < 0.05). In addition, the ability to climb over a small-runged A-frame while using a cylinder grip and safe face-the-slope dismount and the execution of a safety roll down a foam wedge were improved as the result of the intervention (p < 0.05). There was no effect of the exercise intervention on overall development, measures of balance or supervision aspects. A main effect of Age Group on the mean change score in all subscales was reported with younger children (12-18 months) tending to show greater improvements as compared to older children (18-24 months). Regression analysis showed that 27.8% of the change in overall development could be predicted by knowing the age of the child and whether their day-to-day environment was mostly home care with their parent or other adult, or not. Conclusions: This was the first randomised, controlled trial that examined the effects of a child-centred physical activity programme on overall development, safety skills, balance and supervision in 12-24 month-old children in New Zealand. There is a need for more randomised, controlled trials that incorporate a multitude of external factors that may influence development, namely cognitive and motor skill development.Item Understanding the relationship between activity and neighbourhoods (URBAN) study: research design and methodology(Badland, 2009) Badland H; Schofield GM; Witten KL; Schluter P; Mavoa S; Kearns RA; Hinckson E; Oliver M; Kaiwai HM; Jensen VG; Ergler C; McGrath L; McPhee JBuilt environment attributes are recognized as being important contributors to physical activity (PA) engagement and body size in adults and children. However, much of the existing research in this emergent public health field is hindered by methodological limitations, including: population and site homogeneity, reliance on self-report measures, aggregated measures of PA, and inadequate statistical modeling. As an integral component of multi-country collaborative research, the Understanding the Relationship between Activity and Neighbourhoods (URBAN) Study seeks to overcome these limitations by determining the strengths of association between detailed measures of the neighborhood built environment with PA levels across multiple domains and body size measures in adults and children. This article outlines the research protocol developed for the URBAN Study.Item The impact of participating in an activity programme (10,000 steps @ work lite programme) on dietary change : a thesis presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Nutritional Science at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand(Massey University, 2009) Hartshorn, NikkiHigh levels of diet related chronic disease in New Zealand has lead to the development of health promotion programmes. The work place is an important venue to implement health promotion programmes to encourage staff to make healthy lifestyle choices. The aim of this research is to examine if a physical activity programme may be a ‘gateway’ to other positive behavioral changes such as healthy eating and/or cutting down smoking. This research introduces a health promotion programme to employees at a call centre. The intervention involved 3 groups: the health promotion group (HPG), which received both the physical activity programme (10,000 steps @ work ‘lite’ programme) plus nutritional information; the nutritional group (NG), which received only the nutritional information and the control group (CG), which did not take part in the intervention. The impact of the nutritional seminars with or without the exercise programme was measured by the participants’ reported fruit, vegetable, snack consumption and transtheoretical stages of change for exercise, fruit and vegetable intake, healthy snacking and smoking. A questionnaire was used to collect data retrospectively. The health promotion group (HPG) made positive changes in all behaviours unlike the nutritional group (NG) and the control group (CG). This provides some support for the hypothesis that physical exercise may act as a ‘gateway’ to other positive behavioural changes.Item Physical activity participation in community dwelling stroke survivors: Synergy and dissonance between motivation and capability. A qualitative study(Elsevier, 2016) Morris JH; Oliver T; Kroll T; Joice SA; Willaims BObjectives The evidence supporting benefits of physical activity (PA) on fitness, functioning, health and secondary prevention after strokeis compelling. However, many stroke survivors remain insufficiently active. This study explored survivors’ perspectives and experiences ofPA participation to develop an explanatory framework that physiotherapists and other health professionals can use to develop person-specificstrategies for PA promotion.Design Qualitative study using semi-structured in-depth interviews. Data was audio-recorded and transcribed. Analysis followed theFramework Approach.Setting Community setting, interviews conducted within participants’ homes.Participants Community dwelling stroke survivors (n = 38) six months or more after the end of their rehabilitation, purposively selected bydisability, PA participation and socio-demographic status.Results Findings suggest that survivors’ beliefs, attitudes, and physical and social context generated synergy or dissonance between motivation(desire to be active) and capability (resources to be active) for PA participation. Dissonance occurred when motivated survivors had limitedcapability for activity, often leading to frustration. Confidence to achieve goals and determination to overcome barriers, acted as activitycatalysts when other influences were synergistic. We illustrate these relationships in a dynamic explanatory model that can be used to supportboth novel interventions and personal activity plans.Conclusions This study suggests a shift is required from purely pragmatic approaches to PA promotion towards conceptual solutions. Under-standing how synergy or dissonance between motivation and capability influence individual survivors’ behaviour will support physiotherapists and other health professionals in promoting PA. This study provides a model for developing person-centred, tailored interventions that address barriers encountered by stroke survivors.Item Predictors and risks of body fat profiles in young New Zealand European, Māori and Pacific women: study protocol for the women’s EXPLORE study(SpringerOpen, 1/12/2015) Kruger R; Shultz SP; McNaughton SA; Russell AP; Firestone RT; George L; Beck KL; Conlon CA; von Hurst PR; Breier B; Jayasinghe SN; O Brien WJ; Jones B; Stonehouse WBackground: Body mass index (BMI) (kg/m2) is used internationally to assess body mass or adiposity. However, BMI does not discriminate body fat content or distribution and may vary among ethnicities. Many women with normal BMI are considered healthy, but may have an unidentified “hidden fat” profile associated with higher metabolic disease risk. If only BMI is used to indicate healthy body size, it may fail to predict underlying risks of diseases of lifestyle among population subgroups with normal BMI and different adiposity levels or distributions. Higher body fat levels are often attributed to excessive dietary intake and/or inadequate physical activity. These environmental influences regulate genes and proteins that alter energy expenditure/storage. Micro ribonucleic acid (miRNAs) can influence these genes and proteins, are sensitive to diet and exercise and may influence the varied metabolic responses observed between individuals. The study aims are to investigate associations between different body fat profiles and metabolic disease risk; dietary and physical activity patterns as predictors of body fat profiles; and whether these risk factors are associated with the expression of microRNAs related to energy expenditure or fat storage in young New Zealand women. Given the rising prevalence of obesity globally, this research will address a unique gap of knowledge in obesity research. Methods/Design: A cross-sectional design to investigate 675 NZ European, Māori, and Pacific women aged 16–45 years. Women are classified into three main body fat profiles (n = 225 per ethnicity; n = 75 per body fat profile): 1) normal BMI, normal body fat percentage (BF%); 2) normal BMI, high BF%; 3) high BMI, high BF%. Regional body composition, biomarkers of metabolic disease risk (i.e. fasting insulin, glucose, HbA1c, lipids), inflammation (i.e. IL-6, TNF-alpha, hs-CRP), associations between lifestyle factors (i.e. dietary intake, physical activity, taste perceptions) and microRNA expression will be investigated. Discussion: This research targets post-menarcheal, premenopausal women, potentially exhibiting lifestyle behaviours resulting in excess body fat affecting metabolic health. These behaviours may be characterised by specific patterns of microRNA expression that will be explored in terms of tailored solutions specific to body fat profile groups and ethnicities. Trial registration: ACTRN12613000714785Item ACE and UCP2 gene polymorphisms and their association with baseline and exercise-related changes in the functional performance of older adults(PeerJ Inc., 28/05/2015) Keogh JWL; Palmer BR; Taylor D; Kilding AEMaintaining high levels of physical function is an important aspect of successful ageing. While muscle mass and strength contribute to functional performance in older adults, little is known about the possible genetic basis for the heterogeneity of physical function in older adults and in how older adults respond to exercise. Two genes that have possible roles in determining levels of muscle mass, strength and function in young and older adults are angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and mitochondrial uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2). This study examined whether polymorphisms in these two individual genes were associated with baseline functional performance levels and/or the training-related changes following exercise in previously untrained older adults. Five-eight Caucasian older adults (mean age 69.8 years) with no recent history of resistance training enrolled in a 12 week program of resistance, balance and cardiovascular exercises aimed at improving functional performance. Performance in 6 functional tasks was recorded at baseline and after 12 weeks. Genomic DNA was assayed for the ACE intron 16 insertion/deletion (I/D) and the UCP2 G-866A polymorphism. Baseline differences among genotype groups were tested using analysis of variance. Genotype differences in absolute and relative changes in physical function among the exercisers were tested using a general linear model, adjusting for age and gender. The genotype frequencies for each of the studied polymorphisms conformed to the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The ACE I/D genotype was significantly associated with mean baseline measures of handgrip strength (II 30.9 ± 3.01 v. ID 31.7 ± 1.48 v. DD 29.3 ± 2.18 kg, p < 0.001), 8ft Up and Go time (II 6.45 ± 0.48 v. ID/DD 4.41 ± 0.19 s, p < 0.001) and 6 min walk distance (II 458 ± 28.7 v. ID/DD 546 ± 12.1m, p = 0.008). The UCP2 G-866A genotype was also associated with baseline 8ft Up and Go time (GG 5.45 ± 0.35 v. GA 4.47 ± 0.26 v. AA 3.89 ± 0.71 s, p = 0.045). After 12 weeks  How to cite this article Keogh et al. (2015), ACE and UCP2 gene polymorphisms and their association with baseline and exercise-related changes in the functional performance of older adults. PeerJ 3:e980; DOI 10.7717/peerj.980  of training, a significant difference between UCP2 G-886A genotype groups for change in 8ft Up and Go time was detected (GG −0.68 ± 0.17 v. GA −0.10 ± 0.14 v. AA +0.05 ± 0.31 s, p = 0.023). While several interesting and possibly consistent associations with older adults’ baseline functional performance were found for the ACE and UCP2 polymorphisms, we found no strong evidence of genetic associations with exercise responses in this study. The relative equivalence of some of these training-response findings to the literature may have reflected the current study’s focus on physical function rather than just strength, the relatively high levels of baseline function for some genotype groups as well as the greater statistical power for detecting baseline differences than the training-related changes.
