Visual representation of the “broken pipeline” of key challenges for the exercise profession occurring from academic preparation to integration in healthcare

Check out the #EditorsChoice by Fowles et al: Exercise in medicine: challenges and opportunities integrating qualified exercise professionals (QEPs) into Canadian healthcare
🔗 https://ow.ly/ZwU850YtvmZ
@scottvharding.bsky.social
#healthcare #ExerciseTherapy #PhysicalActivity

Comparing 3 Goal-Setting Techniques to Promote Adherence to National Physical Activity Guidelines in Midlife Adults: #feasibility Trial of a Mechanistic Study Design Background: Engaging in regular aerobic physical activity (PA) during midlife is associated with reduced risk for Alzheimer disease and related dementias. Yet, most midlife adults fail to meet national PA guidelines. Goal setting is a commonly used behavior change technique to increase PA, but limited empirical evidence exists regarding whether certain types of goal setting are more effective than others. This study served as an initial step toward understanding how different goal-setting strategies may enhance PA and promote adherence to national PA guidelines among insufficiently active midlife adults with obesity. Objective: This study aimed to establish the #feasibility and acceptability of a 4-arm mechanistic trial design comparing 3 different PA goal-setting techniques with a non–goal-setting comparison condition. Methods: This study was a 6-month stage IA mechanistic trial (based on National Institute on Aging’s Stage Model) that randomized insufficiently active midlife adults with obesity to 1 of 4 study groups: (1) Static Goal-Setting Group (weekly moderate to vigorous physical activity [MVPA] goal of 150 minutes), (2) Self-Selected Goal-Setting Group (participants self-selected a weekly MVPA goal), (3) Incremental Goal-Setting Group (weekly MVPA goal 20% greater than the previous week), and (4) Non–Goal-Setting Comparison Group (encouraged to increase MVPA without specific reference to a weekly goal). All participants (n=24) received a standardized, Social Cognitive Theory–based PA promotion intervention, which consisted of structured action planning sessions and a Fitbit activity monitor for self-monitoring of MVPA. The only difference across study groups was the goal-setting technique implemented. Primary outcomes included #feasibility of study implementation, as assessed by recruitment, retention, and engagement rates; the ability to deliver the intervention as planned and collect outcomes necessary for evaluating the effects of different goal-setting techniques in a subsequent larger-scale trial; and participant acceptability of the intervention, as assessed by participant perceptions of and satisfaction with the intervention. Results: The sample (n=24; mean age 54.1, SD 5.8 years; mean BMI 36.3, SD 5.0 kg/m) was recruited in approximately 4 months, equating to an enrollment rate of 6 participants per month. Retention at 6 months was 87.5% (21/24). Participants completing the intervention attended 85.9% of action planning sessions and wore the Fitbit for >10 hours per day on 87.1% of intervention days. Data collection rates for outcome measures ranged from 96% to 100%. Most participants expressed satisfaction with the intervention, with 86% (18/21) reporting gaining knowledge about PA and 90% (19/21) reporting that they would recommend the study to a friend. Conclusions: The next step in this research is to build on these findings by conducting a larger-scale phase 1B proof-of-concept trial to examine the preliminary effects of the goal-setting techniques for increasing MVPA and promoting adherence to national aerobic PA guidelines. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05980052; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05980052

JMIR Formative Res: Comparing 3 Goal-Setting Techniques to Promote Adherence to National Physical Activity Guidelines in Midlife Adults: #feasibility Trial of a Mechanistic Study Design #PhysicalActivity #GoalSetting #HealthResearch #MidlifeHealth #AlzheimerAwareness

📢 New in #IJBNPA! Can accelerometer-based time series data and the corresponding patterns of #PhysicalActivity bout duration challenge current #PhysicalActivity guidelines?
🔗 Read more:
link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12966-0...

Nice to see David Suzuki promoting #physicalactivity

When it's done outside, it can also help develop connection to nature and pro-environmental behaviours 🌎

Evidence is abundant, but not all evidence travels the same distance.

👇 What has been most influential in your experience?
#PhysicalActivity #GlobalHealth #ExpertVoices

❓ #ISPAHAsks - Our ongoing conversation on #PhysicalActivity!
📊📚️ When it comes to influencing policy or practice, what type of evidence actually makes an impact?
🟢 Randomized trials?
🟢 Economic evaluations?
🟢 Implementation case studies?
🟢 Community-led insights?
🟢 Meta-analyses?
🟢 Monitoring data?

Let’s hear it for qualitative 🥳! Off to finish my read of Chapter 13…

#PhysicalActivity #HealthierFutures #Walking

Higher Activity Levels Reduce Cancer-Related Mortality Among Survivors - Oncology Nurse Advisor An analysis of data from the NCI Cohort Consortium Physical Activity and Cancer work group explored the benefits of recommended activity levels for cancer survivors.

#CancerMortality decreases with higher moderate to vigorous #physicalActivity levels across diagnoses. Published in @jamanetworkopen.com.

https://bit.ly/4ba179O

#CancerPrevention

A person holding an american football on a grassy field.

By: Amari Shutters

unsplash.com/photos/a-person-holding-...

🌎 Cyprus

#grass #sports #stadium #americanFootball #footballField #turf #physicalActivity #recreation #outdoorSport #championship #sportingEvent #athleticField

📢 Article coming soon! New research shows that WHEN physical activity happens matters, not just how much. This improves mortality prediction in older adults. Using minute‑level wearables + ML survival models. Graphical abstract below.
#PhysicalActivity #Wearables #Aging #PublicHealth #DigitalHealth

🚴 Findings show increased cycling confidence, helmet use, and mental wellbeing among students, with strong support from both students and teachers.

🔗 Read the article here: doi.org/10.1123/jpah...
🔗 Esther's ORCID: orcid.org/0009-0001-69...
#JPAH #PhysicalActivity

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Two graphs: A shows the correlation between sleep and mood. The mood score initially increases, peaks, and then declines. B shows the correlation between mood and sleep time, decreasing as mood score rises, then declining sharply as the score increases.

Among patients seeking mental health care, both shorter and longer than optimal #Sleep duration were associated with worse subsequent mood, and higher #PhysicalActivity was linked to improved mood, though with diminishing effects at higher levels.

ja.ma/4rzWs7C

⏳ Just 5 days left until our free webinar on cross-country collaboration and funding opportunities in the EURO Region!

🗓️ 18 March 2026 (Wednesday)
Online and open to all!
👉 Register now before it’s too late: buff.ly/9bevplI

#PhysicalActivity #ISPAH #EarlyCareerResearcher

Re-imagining local streets for the community

NSW Handbook for Activating Local Streets helps councils, communities & businesses plan vibrant events, incl. for #physicalactivity
www.transport.nsw.gov.au/system/files/media/docum...

Determinants of Mortality Special Issue

4/4
The authors found the key drivers to be #alcohol, #PhysicalActivity, and #education itself. Interventions targeting #HealthDisparities must start early – long before #ChronicDisease becomes visible. #MortalitySpecialIssue
doi.org/10.3368/jhr....

6/

Thank you for reading this Thread!

If you found it interesting, please share it!

Follow my profile @abricca.bsky.social for more on #exercise and #physicalactivity science

Understanding User Perspectives to Inform Personalized Physical Activity Promotion in a Health Care App: Qualitative Focus Group Interview Study Background: Health care apps are widely used to support weight loss and lifestyle modification. Many of these apps offer tailored feedback on dietary intake and nutritional behavior. However, most lack personalized features that promote physical activity (PA), which is important for weight management, metabolic health, and chronic disease prevention. To develop future personalized PA promotion functions, it is essential to understand users’ perceptions of PA. Objective: This study aimed to explore health care app users’ perception of PA, including perceived motivators and barriers. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted using focus group interviews with health care app users. Participants were recruited regardless of age, sex, or body mass index. A thematic analysis was conducted using a combination of inductive and deductive approaches. Question 1 (“How do you perceive the importance of physical activity?”) was analyzed inductively, whereas questions 2 (“What are the motivating factors for engaging in physical activity?”) and 3 (“What are the barriers to engaging in physical activity?”) were analyzed deductively based on the social ecological model. Results: Eleven participants were interviewed and were unfamiliar with the term “physical activity” but recognized the importance of movement and reducing sedentary behavior. The identified motivators included improvements in mood; changes in physical appearance; support from family; alignment with personal routines and conditions (eg, goal setting, feedback, reminders, and praise); and tailoring to physical condition, daily schedules, and weather. The reported barriers included time restrictions due to work, fatigue, weather, remote work, and social pressure in workplace settings. Conclusions: This study provides user-informed insights that can inform the design of personalized approaches better aligned with daily routines, competing demands, and situational barriers. Future work should evaluate how incorporating such user perspectives into personalized support strategies affects engagement and PA.

JMIR Formative Res: Understanding User Perspectives to Inform Personalized Physical Activity Promotion in a Health Care App: Qualitative Focus Group Interview Study #HealthCareApps #PhysicalActivity #WellnessJourney #UserEngagement #LifestyleModification

Exercise triggers memory-related brain rhythms in humans – BioNews Central One session of exercise boosts brain activity and activates neural rhythms important for learning and memory. ...

One session of #exercise boosts #BrainActivity and activates #NeuralRhythms important for #learning and #memory.
#PhysicalActivity #BrainFunction #BrainHealth

May be of interest @socpedresearch.bsky.social @e2e-spr.bsky.social @childrenandscreens.bsky.social

#ucsf #ucsfhealth #adolescenthealth #pediatrics #publichealth #screentime #physicalactivity #dailysteps #cardiovascularhealth #CVD

📢 New in #IJBNPA! Learn more about the effectiveness of a teacher-led #PhysicalActivity education program for #Preschoolers on movement skills and active behaviors.
🔗 Read more:
link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12966-0...

Creating a Lifetime of Movement for Women and Girls YouTube video by GM Moving

Yesterday was #InternationalWomensDay, a reminder that movement can be truly transformational for women and girls.

Women already value #PhysicalActivity, but barriers change across life. It’s about creating supportive environments and opportunities for everyone.

#GreaterManchester

✉️ Want the latest updates on ISPAH 2026 and the world of physical activity and health?

Our newsletter delivers early access to:
🔹 Event announcements
🔹 Expert insights
🔹 Research highlights
🔹 #ISPAH2026 updates

📬 Stay informed. Stay connected.

👉 Sign up here: buff.ly/TjHnB1q

#PhysicalActivity

Tailored Online Physical Activity Coaching for Middle-Aged and Older Adults With Cognitive and Mental Health Concerns: Single-Arm Pre-Post Intervention Study Background: Low levels of physical activity (PA) increase dementia risk, and for middle-aged and older adults with co-occurring cognitive concerns and mental health symptoms, dementia risk increases further. Despite clinical trials showing lower adherence to PA interventions in high-risk groups, there is a sparsity of interventions tailored to support unique behavior change needs. In EXCEL (Exercise for Cognitive Health) phase 1, we developed a model to understand the needs of this population and identified tailoring requirements to enhance engagement. Here we report the findings of a pilot online intervention designed to support middle-aged and older adults with subjective cognitive decline or mild cognitive impairment and mild to moderate symptoms of depression or anxiety to meet PA guidelines. Objective: We aimed to measure (1) efficacy of the intervention in promoting adoption of PA in line with national guidelines, (2) acceptability, feasibility, and safety of the intervention, (3) changes to dementia risk, PA levels, mental health symptoms, and stages of change, and (4) changes in potential cognitive mechanisms of change. Methods: A pilot individual 12-week online home-based PA intervention. Participants aged 45-80 years, experiencing both cognitive and mild-to-moderate anxiety and depression symptoms, were prescribed individually tailored PA programs combining aerobic and strength PA, plus balance training as indicated, with fortnightly online coaching. Results: A total of 55 participants were enrolled (46 females/9 males; mean age 62.2, SD 7.6 y). The intervention was effective; at baseline, only 3 of 55 (6%) participants met all applicable PA guidelines, compared to 24 of 55 (44%) participants post intervention (

New in JMIR Aging: Tailored Online Physical Activity Coaching for Middle-Aged and Older Adults With Cognitive and Mental Health Concerns: Single-Arm Pre-Post Intervention Study #PhysicalActivity #MentalHealth #CognitiveHealth #AgingWell #OnlineCoaching

Table 1. Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior in Adults With Severe Mental Illness. The table shows, for different disorders(major depressive, bipolar, schizophrenia) the guidelines, risks, sedentary time, and key adverse outcomes.

Among adults with severe mental illness, integrating #PhysicalActivity into psychiatric care improves psychiatric symptoms, cognitive health, and cardiometabolic outcomes, supporting longer life expectancy.

ja.ma/4la4Lp2

🔗 Read the article here: doi.org/10.1123/jpah...
👉 Samuel's ORCID ID: 0000-0002-5994-735X

#JPAH #PhysicalActivity

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📢 New in #IJBNPA! Discover the extent to which #Equity is addressed in #PhysicalActivity interventions for Chinese #Children and #Adolescents!
🔗 Read more:
link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12966-0...

The latest episode of the Conveners Podcast is live and this one is an essential listen for the industry, where Andy speaks with Guy Griffiths about the shift from traditional instruction to lifestyle coaching.

#WeAreFutureFit, #FutureFit, #PhysicalActivity, #Sport, #Health, #Activity, #Exercise

Integrating physical activity into the treatment of mental illness More about the review!

⚠️🏃Lack of exercise is both symptom and risk factor: People with #mentalillness die 10–20 years earlier – mainly from cardiovascular & metabolic diseases.

A team led by #MedUniVienna calls for #physicalactivity in #psychiatrictreatment.

📖 @jamapsychiatry.com​

Blueprint for an Active Australia with Elizabeth Calleja

We also discussed some of the many #physicalactivity initiatives by the @heartfoundationau.bsky.social which have been running in Australia for 20+ years!

📢 New in #IJBNPA! Discover the effectiveness of an intervention designed to improve #preschoolers 24-hour movement behaviors! #PhysicalActivity
🔗 Read more:
link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12966-0...