The International Journal Of Behavioral Nutrition And Physical Activity[JOURNAL]
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200 papers
Twenty years of behavioral nutrition- A reflection on the road less travelled.
Lien N, Collins Ao C, Hingle M … +1 more , R Rosenkranz R
Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act · 2025 Jul · PMID 40713823 · Full text
The term behavioral nutrition was introduced at the conception of the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity (IJBNPA) twenty-one years ago but it was not formally defined. This commentary des...
The term behavioral nutrition was introduced at the conception of the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity (IJBNPA) twenty-one years ago but it was not formally defined. This commentary describes and contrasts behavioral nutrition against other branches of nutrition sciences such as clinical nutrition and nutritional epidemiology. Examples of how IJBNPA has contributed to the development of behavioral nutrition is provided before concluding with some suggestions for further development. We hope that this will lead to more relevant and innovative submissions of behavioral nutrition research to IJBNPA.
Correction: Physical activity promotion in physical therapy, exercise therapy and other movement-based therapies: a scoping review and content analysis of intervention studies and theoretical works.
Matting L, Pfeifer K, Sudeck G … +3 more , Jung A, Langhirt F, Geidl W
Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act · 2025 Jul · PMID 40713751 · Full text
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Effects of a school-based physical activity intervention on children with intellectual disability: a cluster randomized trial.
Noetel M, Sanders T, Tracey D … +9 more , Lubans DR, Temple VA, Bennie A, Conigrave J, Babic M, Booker B, Pagano R, Boyer J, Lonsdale C
Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act · 2025 Jul · PMID 40713715 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Children living with disability have poorer health outcomes than their typically developing peers. They are less physically active and at increased risk of chronic disease. Teacher-led, whole-of-school physic...
BACKGROUND: Children living with disability have poorer health outcomes than their typically developing peers. They are less physically active and at increased risk of chronic disease. Teacher-led, whole-of-school physical activity interventions are promising levers for population-level change, but are seldom tested among children with disability. We aimed to evaluate the effect of a blended teacher-professional learning program (online and in-person) on fundamental movement skills (FMS) and physical activity among children with intellectual disability. METHODS: In this cluster randomized clinical trial, we randomized 20 government-funded primary schools, including 238 consenting students (Grades 2-5; aged 8-11 years at baseline). Ten schools received the blended teacher-professional learning intervention and 10 were assigned as waitlist controls. The professional learning was designed to support teachers as they implemented a whole-of-school intervention designed to enhance FMS and increase physical activity levels. The school-based intervention was mostly online learning, followed by lesson observations and site visits from project staff. Blinded assessors measured FMS competency using the Test of Gross Motor Development-3. Secondary outcomes were self-concept, enjoyment, wellbeing, 300-yard run time, and accelerometer-measured physical activity. RESULTS: We found no significant group-by-time effects for the primary outcome (FMS competency: b = 1.07 [95% CI -3.70, 5.84], p =.658) or any secondary outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: A school-based intervention did not improve FMS competency or physical activity in children with intellectual disability. Results may be attenuated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Alternatively, low intensity teacher-professional learning interventions may not be enough to improve FMS or physical activity among children with intellectual disability. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry registration number: ACTRN12620000405910, registered: 25/03/2020.
Maintaining physical activity in people with long-term conditions following engagement in physical activity referral schemes: barriers, enablers, and intervention strategies.
Gavin JP, Holt LC, Muckelt PE … +3 more , Sadler E, McDonough S, Barker M
Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act · 2025 Jul · PMID 40702509 · Full text
BACKGROUND: There is currently limited evidence on the long-term effectiveness of referral programs from healthcare to community sectors to help people with long-term conditions (LTCs) maintain physical activity. This st...
BACKGROUND: There is currently limited evidence on the long-term effectiveness of referral programs from healthcare to community sectors to help people with long-term conditions (LTCs) maintain physical activity. This study aimed to (i) identify the support needs of people with LTCs in maintaining physical activity following physical activity referral schemes (PARS); (ii) understand healthcare professionals' experiences of referring and delivering on PARS, and; (iii) begin co-designing a pathway integrating healthcare, leisure and community to maintain physical activity for LTCs. METHODS: A qualitative design involved (i) stakeholder mapping, ii) interviews with people with LTCs (n = 15) and healthcare professionals (n = 9), and; (iii) workshops with participants with LTCs (n = 6) and multi-sectoral professionals (n = 15). Workshops involved multi-sectoral professionals responsible for designing, delivering, referring and/or commissioning PARS across health, leisure and community sectors. Interviews and workshops were thematically analyzed, with themes mapped to the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation-Behavior (COM-B) model. RESULTS: Participants with LTCs recognized that although PARS increased their psychological and physical capabilities, aging and symptoms impacted their day-to-day capabilities and motivation. Professional feedback and monitoring, complemented by peer support, were essential in mitigating this and maintaining physical activity behaviors. Healthcare professionals were challenged by the time taken to identify community-based opportunities, navigating referrals, and lacked sufficient feedback on client progress, but felt group activities, enjoyment and social support were integral. Workshops highlighted the need for an integrated pathway from medical intervention to community-based support, to improve physical activity maintenance for LTCs. Better partnership working between multi-sectoral agencies was prioritized to increase scheme accessibility, including simple, standardized referrals. Using behavior change techniques to personalize support was also valued, including 'healthy conversations' training for healthcare professionals. CONCLUSIONS: Healthcare, leisure, and community sectors should collaborate to create accessible local activities that promote social support, feedback and monitoring, and public partnership. Healthcare professionals should consider individual capabilities, foster motivation during and after PARS, and facilitate networks for resources and knowledge sharing.
Association between child and youth physical activity and family functioning: a systematic review of observational studies.
Forghani Soong Y, Hollman H, Rhodes RE
Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act · 2025 Jul · PMID 40696406 · Full text
BACKGROUND: There are numerous psychosocial and health benefits linked to physical activity; however, 80% of children and youth are not meeting the recommended guidelines. Genetics, socio-economic status and familial fac...
BACKGROUND: There are numerous psychosocial and health benefits linked to physical activity; however, 80% of children and youth are not meeting the recommended guidelines. Genetics, socio-economic status and familial factors impact childhood movement behaviors. In particular, active families support well developed and resilient offspring. As the family unit is optimally placed during a critical time in development, it is pertinent to explore the relationship between family functioning and child and youth physical activity. PURPOSE: To synthesize and analyze the literature to determine the associations between general domains of family functioning (general family functioning, cohesion, communication, conflict, organization, family problem-solving ability, household chaos, and affective environment) and child and youth (children: aged five to 12, youth: aged 13 to 17) physical activity. METHODS: Literature searches across six databases were performed. INCLUSION: Studies that performed and presented a statistical analysis between direct measurements of child and youth physical activity and general domains of family functioning. EXCLUSION: Indirect measurements of family functioning (e.g., support and encouragement). The summary median effect sizes (Pearson r) and interquartile range [IQR] were calculated between child or youth physical activity and each family functioning domain. RESULTS: Search results k = 12,999. Included articles k = 43. Child physical activity had a small median effect size and indeterminate association with general family functioning (r = 0.09; [IQR]: -0.06 to 0.09) and cohesion (r = 0.06; [IQR]: 0.05 to 0.22). Youth physical activity presented with small median effect sizes and significant positive associations with the domains of general family functioning (r = 0.04; [IQR]: 0.02 to 0.06), cohesion (r = 0.09; [IQR]: 0.07 to 0.14), communication (r = 0.17; [IQR]: 0.09 to 0.40), and a negative association with the domain of conflict (r = -0.09; [IQR]: -0.21 to 0.02). Family problem-solving ability, organization, household chaos, and affective environment were understudied across both age groups. CONCLUSIONS: A small effect size in the domains of cohesion, communication, and conflict highlights the association between child and youth physical activity and family functioning. These findings provide a new avenue for researchers, programmers, and policy writers to target to support child and youth physical activity. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This review is registered with The National Institute for Health and Care Research at The International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO). PROSPERO ID number is CRD42023454220.
Correction: Daily time-use compositions of physical behaviours and its association with evaluative and experienced wellbeing: a multilevel compositional analysis.
Narayanan A, Duncan S, Smith C … +5 more , Le F, Mackay L, McPhee J, Chaix B, Stewart T
Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act · 2025 Jul · PMID 40682075 · Full text
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Changes in accelerometer-measured physical activity and self-reported leisure time physical activity from adolescence to young adulthood: a longitudinal cohort study from the Fit Futures Study.
Hammer TM, Johansson J, Emaus N … +9 more , Furberg AS, Gracia-Marco L, Morseth B, Nilsen OA, Ubago-Guisado E, Vlachopoulos D, Weitz M, Evensen E, Christoffersen T
Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act · 2025 Jul · PMID 40665358 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Adolescence is associated with declining physical activity (PA) levels, and potential prevailing changes into young adulthood are indicated, but less explored. This study investigates longitudinal changes in...
BACKGROUND: Adolescence is associated with declining physical activity (PA) levels, and potential prevailing changes into young adulthood are indicated, but less explored. This study investigates longitudinal changes in PA from adolescence to young adulthood among males and females in a North Norwegian cohort. METHODS: In the population-based Fit Futures Study, PA was assessed with both questionnaires (Saltin-Grimby Physical Activity Level Scale) and accelerometers (ActiGraph) at ages ~ 16 (n=936; n=674), ~ 18 (n=808; n=507), and ~ 27 (n=648; n=466). We used mixed effects models to analyze longitudinal changes in accelerometer-measured PA and sedentary time, alongside mixed effects multinomial logistic regression for changes in self-reported leisure time PA. RESULTS: We observed a significant non-linear U-shaped trend in accelerometer-measured moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) over time (p < 0.001), with an initial decline in minutes per day from age 16 (mean ± SD: 70.7 ± 25.2) to age 18 (62.3 ± 23.8), followed by an increase to age 27 (67.5 ± 30.4). At age 16, males exhibited higher MVPA than females. By age 18 and 27, MVPA levels were similar between sexes. Accelerometer-measured sedentary time decreased linearly across all three surveys (p = 0.002). We observed distributional shifts in self-reported leisure time PA over time: vigorously- and highly active proportions declined, while the moderately active proportion increased, and the proportion of sedentary participants remained stable (~ 20%). Compared to vigorously active, the odds of reporting sedentary (OR: 1.07, 95% CI: 1.03 to 1.11), moderately active (OR: 1.11, 95% CI: 1.07 to 1.15), and highly active (OR: 1.07, 95% CI: 1.03 to 1.11) increased with each year from age 16 (all p ≤ 0.001). Compared to moderately active, the odds of reporting other categories decreased over time (ORs: 0.92 to 0.96, all p ≤ 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: We observed non-linear changes in accelerometer-measured MVPA, indicating a U-shaped trend with a decline from 16 to 18 years, followed by an increase to age 27. Self-reported leisure time PA levels declined from adolescence to young adulthood, with decreasing proportions highly and vigorously active, while the proportion moderately active increased and the proportion of sedentary was unchanged. These results indicate that from adolescence to young adulthood, not all PA changes lead exclusively to increased sedentariness.
Associations between within-day step accumulation pattern and clinical measures of physical function: a change-for-change analysis of longitudinal data in community-dwelling older adults.
Hillsdon M, Schoenfelder A, Metcalf B … +3 more , Stathi A, Western MJ, Langford J
Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act · 2025 Jul · PMID 40665342 · Full text
BACKGROUND: While daily step count and stepping pace are linked to various health benefits in older adults, less is known about how the pattern of step accumulation affects physical function. For example, the same step c...
BACKGROUND: While daily step count and stepping pace are linked to various health benefits in older adults, less is known about how the pattern of step accumulation affects physical function. For example, the same step count could be accumulated through clusters of frequent, short bouts (e.g., during house cleaning) or fewer, longer bouts (e.g., walking to and from work). This study aimed to explore whether stepping patterns, and trends in these patterns, were associated with physical function in older adults. METHODS: We analysed accelerometer data from wrist-worn GENEActiv devices, from four time points over 24 months in n = 597 older adults (age ≥65 years, 68% female) participating in the REtirement in ACTion intervention. A step counting algorithm was used to create bouts of stepping (at least 10 steps > 20 steps/minute) before counting the steps in each bout and the average cadence. Total daily steps (20-175 steps/minute), slower-paced steps (20-62 steps/minute; below the median cadence), and faster-paced walking steps (63-175 steps/minute; above the median cadence) were then calculated. We used the frequency of stepping bouts, the time between them (mean and standard deviation) and their burstiness (short bursts of stepping bouts clustered together), to examine the daily patterns of step accumulation. Linear mixed-effects models were used to assess trends in stepping variables and their association with changes in objectively measured physical function (short physical performance battery: SPPB) over the two-year period. RESULTS: Total, slower-paced and faster-paced daily steps declined, along with the average number of stepping bouts. The time between stepping bouts increased. All components of burstiness, but not burstiness itself, were associated with changes in physical function, even when faster and slower steps (total steps) were in the same model (fewer stepping bouts = lower SPPB, greater SD = lower SPPB). Mean time between bouts was the strongest independent predictor, whereby a 10-minute increase in time between bouts was associated with a clinically important 0.46 decline in SPPB score (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Preventing increases in the time between stepping bouts could help preserve physical function in older adults. Future intervention trials targeting how bouts of stepping are spread throughout the day, rather than just total steps, may provide a more effective approach to promoting healthy physical functioning in older age.
Feasibility of a co-designed and personalised intervention to improve vegetable intake in rural-dwelling young adults.
Livingstone KM, Rawstorn JC, Partridge SR … +12 more , Zhang Y, O E, Godrich SL, McNaughton SA, Hendrie GA, Dullaghan KM, Abbott G, Blekkenhorst LC, Maddison R, Barnett S, Mathers JC, Alston L
Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act · 2025 Jul · PMID 40660295 · Full text
BACKGROUND: This study determined the feasibility, acceptability, engagement and efficacy of a co-designed and personalised digital intervention to increase vegetable intake (Veg4Me) in young (18-to-35 years) rural-dwell...
BACKGROUND: This study determined the feasibility, acceptability, engagement and efficacy of a co-designed and personalised digital intervention to increase vegetable intake (Veg4Me) in young (18-to-35 years) rural-dwelling Australian adults. METHODS: Participants living in rural Australia were recruited via local government networks and social media and randomised to receive 12-weeks’ access to personalised (intervention) or non-personalised (control) versions of the free Veg4Me web application. The intervention included: (1) personalised recipes, (2) geo-located food environment map, (3) healthy eating resources, (4) goal-setting portal, and (5) personalised e-newsletters. The primary outcome was feasibility (recruitment, participation, and retention rate). Secondary outcomes were user engagement, acceptability, and changes in dietary intake and habits. Descriptive statistics were presented for the intervention and control groups. Generalised linear models estimated group differences in outcomes at 12-weeks. RESULTS: Of the 125 eligible individuals who registered Veg4Me accounts, 116 were randomised and 83 completed postintervention data collection. Recruitment, participation and retention rates were 47%, 93% and 72%, respectively. Intervention participants had higher engagement (median 20 [IQR 3, 54] vs. 6 [IQR 1, 28] page visits/week) and acceptability of the intervention (76%; vs. 52%) than control. Almost all intervention participants liked having access to the recipe library (93%) and reported that the e-newsletters prompted them to access the intervention (90%). Most accessed the goal-setting function (78%), food environment map (76%), and healthy eating resources (63%). More intervention participants reported their vegetable intake had changed in the last 12 weeks, compared with the control (85% vs. 57%; p = 0.010). Mean vegetable intake at 12 weeks for intervention and control was 2.73 (SD 1.1) and 2.66 (SD 1.4) serves/day, respectively (p = 0.76). At 12 weeks, for the intervention and control, confidence to shop regularly for nutritious foods was 68% and 55% (p = 0.09), to cook root vegetables was 88% and 81% (p = 0.11), and to cook pulses was 54% and 48%, respectively (p = 0.52). CONCLUSIONS: A co-designed and personalised digital intervention to increase vegetable intake was feasible, engaging and acceptable among rural-dwelling young adults. Although change in reported vegetable intake was small, findings showed promise for improving dietary intake and habits. Larger trials of effectiveness are needed to determine whether personalised digital interventions can help address health inequities experienced by rural-dwelling young adults. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australia New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, ACTRN12623000179639, prospectively registered on 21/02/2023, according to the World Health Organizational Trial Registration Data Set. Universal Trial Number U1111-1284-9027.
Effects of physically active lessons and active breaks on cognitive performance and health indicators in elementary school children: a cluster randomized trial.
Melo JCN, Tejada J, Silva ECM … +4 more , Ywgne J, Oliveira DN, Gandarela L, Silva DR
Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act · 2025 Jul · PMID 40635070 · Full text
BACKGROUND: This cluster-randomized trial examined the effects of active breaks (AB) and physically active lessons (PAL) on cognitive function and health indicators in elementary school children. METHODS: Six schools wer...
BACKGROUND: This cluster-randomized trial examined the effects of active breaks (AB) and physically active lessons (PAL) on cognitive function and health indicators in elementary school children. METHODS: Six schools were randomly assigned to three groups: AB group (n = 61), PAL group (n = 77), and a control group (CTL, n = 46). First-year elementary school students participated (6.9 ± 0.6 years; 52.7% girls), and the interventions lasted eight weeks. Cognitive function was measured via reaction time and correct responses on computerized tests (Go/NoGo, DigitSpan, Mental Rotation, Visual Search, and Cueing Posner). Secondary outcomes included physical activity, quality of life, daytime sleepiness, and school perception. RESULTS: Significant group-by-time interactions were found in four tests: Go/NoGo (reaction time: p = 0.045), DigitSpan (correct responses: p = 0.020), Mental Rotation (reaction time: p = 0.049), and Cueing Posner (reaction time: p = 0.017). Only the PAL group presented a reduction in reaction time in inhibitory control (Go/NoGo) (change from baseline [Δ] = -106.4 ms; p < 0.001; d = 0.50), with a greater reduction than the AB group (difference-in-differences [DiD] = -107.3 ms; p = 0.019; d = 0.47). Short-term memory (Digit Span) improved only in the PAL group (Δ = + 0.6; p < 0.001; d = 0.44), with larger gains than the CTL group (DiD = + 0.7; p = 0.024; d = 0.54) and AB group (DiD = + 0.7; p = 0.010; d = 0.49). Spatial reasoning (Mental Rotation) improved in both the PAL (Δ = -1967.5 ms; p < 0.001; d = 0.72) and AB groups (Δ = -1477.8 ms; p < 0.001; d = 0.54), but only the PAL group showed a greater change than the CTL group (DiD = -1394.0 ms; p = 0.012; d = 0.54). Spatial orientation (Posner Cueing) improved in all groups (PAL group: Δ = -386.6 ms; p < 0.001; d = 0.68; CTL group: Δ = -183.8 ms; p = 0.024; d = 0.29; AB group: Δ = -158.4 ms; p = 0.007; d = 0.36), with the PAL group presenting greater reductions than the CTL (DiD = -202.8 ms; p = 0.045; d = 0.33) and AB groups (DiD = -228.2 ms; p = 0.007; d = 0.45). CONCLUSIONS: Physically active lessons enhanced various cognitive functions, while active breaks, although less impactful, also represent a beneficial strategy. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry (REBEC trial: RBR-10zxwdrh, retrospectively registered on 2025-01-09, https://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-10zxwdrh ).
To be climate-friendly, food-based dietary guidelines must include limits on total meat consumption - modeling from the case of France.
Kesse-Guyot E, Baudry J, Berlivet J … +9 more , Perraud E, Julia C, Touvier M, Allès B, Lairon D, Hercberg S, Fouillet H, Pointereau P, Mariotti F
Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act · 2025 Jul · PMID 40634968 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Although food-based dietary guidelines (FBDG) include guidelines for meat consumption, they most often do not explicitly include environmental considerations. For instance, in France, FBDG recommend consuming...
BACKGROUND: Although food-based dietary guidelines (FBDG) include guidelines for meat consumption, they most often do not explicitly include environmental considerations. For instance, in France, FBDG recommend consuming no more than 500 g of red meat and 150 g of processed meat per week. This study uses modeling to investigate the range of greenhouse gas emissions (GHGe) that can be achieved under FBDG compliance. METHODS: The study analyzed data collected in 2014 from 29,413 NutriNet-Santé participants to assess their adherence to the French FBDG. GHGe, cumulative energy demand (CED), and land occupation (LO) for organic and conventional foods were obtained from the DIALECTE database. First, diets adequate in nutrients, culturally acceptable, and consistent with FBDG were modeled while minimizing or maximizing GHGe. Then, the spectrum of diets between minimum and maximum GHGe was explored while minimizing total departure from the observed diet with a gradual constraint on GHGE using the same other constraints. Environmental, economic (monetary cost), nutritional, and health criteria (Health risk score denoting long-term risk for health associated with diet) were then estimated for each diet. RESULTS: The average observed adequacy to FBDG was low (19%, SD = 25%) and GHGe were 4.34 (SD = 2.7%) kgCO2eq/d. Under nutritional, acceptability and FBDG constraints, the GHGe range of the diets varied from 1.16 to 6.99 kgCO2eq/d, depending up to ∼ 85% on the level of meat consumption. A similar shape was observed for CED, LO, and Health Risk Score, but costs were consistently higher than in the observed diet, and exhibited a U-shape. A greater proportion of organic foods was noted in the lower-emission diet; however, this proportion was low in the meat-rich, high-emission diet. At isoenergetic diets, the diet with the lowest emissions had more vegetables, whole grains, and plant-based substitutes. CONCLUSIONS: While French dietary guidelines contribute, on average, to mitigating climate change and promoting health, this study emphasizes levers in recommended food consumption to more efficiently reduce diets' GHGe and points to total meat as the critical issue to better account for pressure on climate change. Other environmental pressures should also be taken into account when designing dietary guidelines.
GPS-based street-view greenspace exposure and wearable assessed physical activity in a prospective cohort of US women.
Yi L, Hart JE, Wilt G … +10 more , Hu CR, Jimenez MP, Lin PD, Suel E, Hystad P, Hankey S, Zhang W, Chavarro JE, Laden F, James P
Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act · 2025 Jul · PMID 40619433 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Increasing evidence positively links greenspace and physical activity (PA). However, most studies use measures of greenspace, such as satellite-based vegetation indices around the residence, which fail to cap...
BACKGROUND: Increasing evidence positively links greenspace and physical activity (PA). However, most studies use measures of greenspace, such as satellite-based vegetation indices around the residence, which fail to capture ground-level views and day-to-day dynamic exposures, potentially misclassifying greenspace and limiting policy relevance. METHODS: We analyzed data from the US-based Nurses' Health Study 3 Mobile Health Substudy (2018-2020). Participants wore Fitbits™ and provided smartphone global positioning system (GPS) for four 7-day periods throughout the year. Street-view greenspace (%trees, %grass, %other greenspace [flowers/plants/fields]) were derived from 2019 street-view imagery using deep-learning algorithms at a 100-meter resolution and linked to 10-minute GPS observations. Average steps-per-minute for were calculated for each 10-minute period following each GPS observation. Generalized Additive Mixed Models examined associations of street-view greenspace exposure with PA, adjusting for individual and area-level covariates. We considered effect modification by region, season, neighborhood walkability and socioeconomic status (SES), temperature, and precipitation. RESULTS: Our sample included 335 participants (mean= 39.4 years, n = 304,394 observations). Mean steps-per-minute per 10-minutes were 6.9 (SD = 14.6). An IQR increase (18.7%) in street-view trees was associated with a 0.36 steps-per-minute decrease (95%CI: -0.71, -0.01). In addition, an IQR increase (10.6%) in grass exposure was associated with a 0.59 steps-per-minute decrease (95% CI: -0.79, -0.40); however, the association was non-linear and flattened out after the 75th percentile of street-view grass. Conversely, an IQR increase (1.2%) in other greenspace was associated with a 1.99 steps-per-minute increase (95%CI: 0.01, 3.97). Associations were stronger in the spring and in higher SES neighborhoods, and among residents of the Northeast. CONCLUSIONS: In this prospective cohort, momentary street-view exposure to trees and grass was inversely associated with PA, while exposure to other greenspace was positively associated. Future research should confirm these results in other populations and explore the mechanisms through which specific greenspace components influence PA.
The impact of deprivation and neighbourhood food environments on home food environments, parental feeding practices, child eating behaviours, food preferences and BMI: The Family Food Experience Study-London.
D Smith A, Kininmonth A, Tommerup K … +6 more , Boniface D, Gericke C, Denning T, Summerbell C, Vogel C, Llewellyn C
Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act · 2025 Jul · PMID 40619417 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Childhood obesity inequalities in England persist despite targeted interventions focused on promoting healthy diets and food environments. This study, part of the Family Food Experience Study-London, aimed to...
BACKGROUND: Childhood obesity inequalities in England persist despite targeted interventions focused on promoting healthy diets and food environments. This study, part of the Family Food Experience Study-London, aimed to investigate the impact of deprivation and neighbourhood food environments on home food environments, parental feeding practices, child eating behaviours, food preferences, and child BMI. METHODS: Families (n = 728) with primary school-aged children were recruited from four socioeconomically diverse London boroughs in 2022. Data were collected through computer-assisted interviews (30.8% in-person, 69.2% telephone) on home food environment, parental feeding practices, and children's eating behaviours and food preferences. Deprivation was characterised using a composite measure of family and neighbourhood indicators of socioeconomic position. Neighbourhood food environment exposures were estimated from individualised activity spaces derived from home postcodes and reported commuting patterns. Child BMI was measured objectively. Generalised linear models examined cross-sectional associations between deprivation and neighbourhood food environment with family food-related outcomes, adjusting for school-level clustering, child sex, age and ethnicity. RESULTS: Greater family deprivation was significantly associated with more 'obesogenic' family food practices, child eating behaviours and child BMI. Deprivation was linked to higher food responsiveness (β = -0.12, p = 0.002), emotional overeating (β = -0.11, p < 0.001), and increased desire to drink (β = -0.26, p < 0.001). Parents in more deprived households used more emotional (β = -0.10, p < 0.05), instrumental (β = -0.11, p = 0.003) and pressuring feeding practices (β = -0.14, p < 0.001). Greater deprivation was also associated with a more obesogenic home food environment (β = -0.19, p < 0.001) and lower meal structure (β = 0.17, p < 0.001). Exposure to less healthy neighbourhood food environments around and between home and school were associated with a more obesogenic home food environment (β = -0.07, p < 0.01), but no significant associations were found with feeding practices, child eating behaviours or child BMI. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, family deprivation, rather than neighbourhood food environments, was more strongly linked to obesogenic feeding practices, child eating behaviours and child BMI. Policies focusing on improving neighbourhood food environments will likely be most effective if combined with those addressing systemic issues related to deprivation such as welfare policies (e.g. reforms to benefit caps) or targeted subsidies for healthy food. Future research should examine the independent and accumulative impact that environment and household interventions have on childhood obesity inequalities.
Contemporary challenges, needs and opportunities for emerging behavioral nutrition and physical activity researchers: a mixed-methods study.
Johnson BJ, Chappel SE, Shaw S … +10 more , Lawlor ER, Barrett S, Wilson K, St Laurent CW, Caldwell H, Bruijns BA, Burkart S, Willmott TJ, Lee D, Verswijveren SJJM
Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act · 2025 Jul · PMID 40619413 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Emerging researchers commonly navigate challenging and insecure working environments. Yet the impact on emerging behavioral nutrition and physical activity researchers is unknown. Hence, we sought to identify...
BACKGROUND: Emerging researchers commonly navigate challenging and insecure working environments. Yet the impact on emerging behavioral nutrition and physical activity researchers is unknown. Hence, we sought to identify the contemporary challenges, needs, and opportunities for emerging behavioral nutrition and physical activity researchers. METHODS: We employed a convergent mixed methods design, using an online survey. Participants completed socio-demographic questions, and rated the impact of personal and professional challenges, development needs with descriptive elaborations, and existing and desired professional development opportunities. Data analysis included thematic analysis of open-ended responses and descriptive statistics and multiple linear regressions of quantitative data. Integration of quantitative and qualitative data was through narrative and weaving. RESULTS: Emerging researchers (n = 111, 57% graduate students) from over 20 countries participated. Synthesised results related to all four domains of the Researcher Development Framework. Specifically, we identified 8 themes relating to conducting research (domain 1); physical and mental health, and networking (domain 2); grant funding, and employment opportunities (domain 3); and leadership, supportive work networks, and communication with non-academic audiences (domain 4). Financial comfort was a predictor of both professional and personal development needs. CONCLUSIONS: Our study highlights the multiple challenges emerging researchers face, with increasing demands of collective efforts to support sustainable career development. Our findings serve as a foundation for promoting an inclusive and equitable research environment for emerging researchers. Though individual-level solutions may help, greater impact is likely from systemic changes to increase job security, career progression pathways and availability of ECR-specific funding.
Contextual factors and implementation strategies for a multi-level community-based sodium reduction intervention in Chicago's South Side: a qualitative study.
Sanuade OA, Carroll AJ, Watson R … +9 more , Ye J, Hill JL, Chipman J, Wilson FA, King AJ, Kho A, Del Fiol G, Davis P, Smith JD
Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act · 2025 Jul · PMID 40619381 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Excessive sodium intake exacerbates rates of hypertension. African American adults have higher rates of hypertension in part due to a higher-sodium diet. The multi-level Communication for Behavioral Impact fo...
BACKGROUND: Excessive sodium intake exacerbates rates of hypertension. African American adults have higher rates of hypertension in part due to a higher-sodium diet. The multi-level Communication for Behavioral Impact for Sodium Reduction (COMBI-SR) community-based intervention effectively reduces sodium intake in international settings, but it has not yet been implemented and tested in the U.S. This study explored the contextual factors (barriers/facilitators) and implementation strategies for COMBI-SR in Chicago's South Side neighborhood-an area with high rates of hypertension. METHODS: Between May and November 2023, we conducted qualitative interviews with potential intervention recipients (n = 8), Research Ministry Ambassadors (n = 5) and healthcare professionals (n = 2), 1 focus group with potential intervention recipients (n = 9) and 3 focus groups with healthcare professionals (n = 10). The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) 2.0 guided the development of semi-structured interview guides. Thematic analysis was performed using CFIR 2.0 constructs to identify barriers and facilitators to implementation, and the Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change (ERIC) compilation to identify implementation strategies. RESULTS: Key barriers included a lack of awareness of sodium content in foods, socioeconomic disparities limiting access to healthy options, and cultural dietary traditions. Facilitators included strong community partnerships, engaged faith-based organizations, and openness to integrating technology, such as a mobile app, to help monitor and reduce sodium intake. Specific strategies to support sodium reduction involved simplifying public health messages, offering low sodium cooking demonstrations, promoting healthier food options through community outreach, and providing personalized education on reading nutrition labels and managing sodium intake. CONCLUSIONS: Successful implementation of COMBI-SR in Chicago's South Side requires addressing financial, educational, and cultural barriers while leveraging trusted community structures to promote sustainable sodium reduction. These findings will guide future efforts to implement COMBI-SR in the U.S., emphasizing culturally tailored messaging and ongoing community engagement to improve cardiovascular health.
Analysing longitudinal wearable physical activity data using non-stationary time series models.
Del Angel M, Nunes M, Peacock O … +2 more , Cranwell E, Thompson D
Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act · 2025 Jul · PMID 40598494 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Wearable devices have emerged as a new technology for monitoring physical activity over time. Conventional approaches to wearable physical activity data have tended to ignore temporal changes and, instead, ha...
BACKGROUND: Wearable devices have emerged as a new technology for monitoring physical activity over time. Conventional approaches to wearable physical activity data have tended to ignore temporal changes and, instead, have typically analysed summative measures and/or snapshots (e.g., averages over a specific period). In this report, we aimed to develop a novel statistical method to analyse longitudinal physical activity data accounting for the temporal structure in the data. METHODS: This research used secondary data from the Multidimensional Individualised Physical Activity (MIPACT) randomized controlled trial. Physical activity data over the 12-week intervention for 80 participants (28 women) aged between 43 and 70 years old met the criteria for inclusion in this analysis. We modelled the temporal dynamic of each participant using a Trend Locally Stationary Wavelet model, and we introduced the Time in Reference Region of Variability (TIRRV) to assess individual changes relative to baseline. RESULTS: The analysis of wearable physical activity data poses an important challenge for traditional statistical methods, which often fail to account for dependency between sequential data points and varying characteristics. In this work we demonstrate the effectiveness of a Trend Locally Stationary Wavelet model (TLSW) approach in analysing hourly resolution data from a 12-week intervention, enhancing the understanding of physical activity data, and providing meaningful insights at both individual and group levels. The TLSW considers the time dependency and structure of the data, enabling detailed trend and point-wise confidence intervals analysis. In addition to trends, the newly-developed TIRRV represents a baseline-informed metric to assess the success of individuals and groups over time. The application of these methods produce robust and readily understandable insights about the effect of interventions. CONCLUSIONS: The TLSW-based approach is a novel method for analysing physical activity collected using high-resolution wearable technology. The TLSW trends robustly characterize individual and group behaviour over extended periods of time. This novel approach enables researchers, clinicians, and patients to understand temporal changes in device-measured physical activity data in a way that was not possible previously.
Health-related outcomes of youth sport participation: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Bengtsson D, Svensson J, Wiman V … +3 more , Stenling A, Lundkvist E, Ivarsson A
Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act · 2025 Jul · PMID 40598359 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Participating in youth sports can benefit individuals' psychological (e.g., fewer depressive symptoms, improved self-esteem), social (e.g., improved social skills, learning to work with others as a team), and...
BACKGROUND: Participating in youth sports can benefit individuals' psychological (e.g., fewer depressive symptoms, improved self-esteem), social (e.g., improved social skills, learning to work with others as a team), and physical health-related outcomes (e.g., higher physical activity levels, lower body fat), aligning with global sustainable development goals. Nevertheless, little is known about the magnitude concerning the effects of youth sport participation on such health-related outcomes compared with nonparticipation over time from childhood to adulthood. In this paper, we systematically review the extant longitudinal research and estimate the effects of youth sport participation on several psychological, physical, and social outcomes compared with nonparticipation. METHODS: Electronic database searches were employed to identify English-language peer-reviewed studies published from the earliest date until October 4, 2024. By using a priori criteria for inclusion and exclusion, we included 46 out of 4588 identified individual studies in the systematic review and 38 of the eligible studies for calculation of Cohen's d effect size estimates. RESULTS: Together, the follow-up measurements of the included studies varied from 1 to 54 years after baseline, and the sample sizes ranged from 76 to over 50,000 participants. The meta-analysis revealed that youth sport participation had positive and statistically significant low- to medium-sized effects on physical activity, health and wellbeing, and negative small- to medium-sized effects on unhealthy body composition and mental ill-being over time. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides evidence that participating in youth sports can have health-promoting effects throughout childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. This advocates for collaborative efforts among national governments, sport governing bodies, communities, and sports clubs to create an accessible and inclusive youth sport environment where young people can thrive and reap the health benefits of sport participation.
Parents' experiences of family-based physical activity interventions: a systematic review and qualitative evidence synthesis.
Brennan C, Streight E, Cheng S … +1 more , Rhodes RE
Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act · 2025 Jul · PMID 40598290 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Children and adolescents are at increased risk of adverse health consequences linked to physical inactivity. Parental support is positively correlated with children and adolescents' physical activity (PA) lev...
BACKGROUND: Children and adolescents are at increased risk of adverse health consequences linked to physical inactivity. Parental support is positively correlated with children and adolescents' physical activity (PA) levels. As a result, family-based interventions are acknowledged as an effective strategy for enhancing PA among this cohort. However, the effects of these interventions on child and adolescent PA are often inconsistent, with calls for more in-depth understanding of the contextual issues related to intervention implementation and parents' experiences of interventions. The purpose of this review was to appraise and synthesize qualitative research regarding parents' experiences of family-based PA interventions. METHODS: Seven databases (MEDLINE, PsycINFO, SportDiscus, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, and ProQuest) were searched for studies published from inception to January 2024 that included qualitative evaluative data of parents' experiences of family-based PA interventions. The research quality of included studies was appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme. Qualitative data were extracted and thematically synthesized. RESULTS: A total of 7,770 articles were screened, of which 82 independent studies were included in the final synthesis. Three analytic themes were generated. (1) The reasons why parents enrolled in family-based interventions and the perceived benefits for parents, children, and families; (2) Parents' perspectives on intervention components, including their satisfaction, coherence, and suggestions for improvement; (3) The social and environmental factors shaping parents' intervention experiences and parental PA support. Findings show the benefits of PA, being a good role model and spending time together as motives for enrollment. Parents perceived child or adolescent's PA confidence and overall well-being and family functioning improved. Parents presented mixed views about planning, goal setting, self-monitoring, intervention materials and resources, and delivery. Child or adolescents' interest, social connections, financial constraints and availability of resources impacted parental engagement. CONCLUSIONS: This novel and comprehensive review offers practical recommendations to guide intervention development and inform future policy and practice such as: consider using co-design methods and social network analysis; promoting the benefits of PA on family functioning during recruitment; strengthening parents PA support identities; provide opportunities for social support for families post-intervention and educate coaches to create an environment of inclusivity and enjoyment. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42023421539.
Exploring nudging strategies for plant-based dietary choices in hospital patients: a quasi-experimental study.
Hünninghaus K, Schäfer HC, Plonka M … +3 more , Vallejo RM, Dobos G, Haller H
Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act · 2025 Jul · PMID 40597385 · Full text
BACKGROUND: The global food system is responsible for climate change, biodiversity loss, and land-use changes. At the same time, the prevalence of diet-related, chronic diseases is increasing worldwide. A dietary shift t...
BACKGROUND: The global food system is responsible for climate change, biodiversity loss, and land-use changes. At the same time, the prevalence of diet-related, chronic diseases is increasing worldwide. A dietary shift to a plant-based diet could protect both planetary and individual health. Nudging can positively influence dietary choices. We investigated how different nudges influenced inpatients' choices of plant-based menus. METHODS: A quasi-experimental study was conducted across three consecutive four-week phases at the University Hospital Essen, Germany. In the baseline phase, inpatients chose meals from a standard menu without any intervention. In a second phase, an order nudge was applied by listing the plant-based dish first on the menu. In the third phase, a combined nudge was applied, adding a verbal recommendation to the order nudge. Data from 6,575 inpatients (mean age: 57.3 ± 18.7; 50.6% female) covering 26,949 meal choices were analyzed using logistic regression and generalized linear modeling. RESULTS: Independent of nudging, female sex and younger age predicted plant-based menu choices (p <. 001, respectively). Controlling for the effects of sex and age, patients were nearly twice as likely to choose the plant-based menu during both intervention phases compared to baseline (order nudge: OR = 1.95; 95% CI [1.55-2.45]; p <.001; combined nudge: OR = 1.95; 95% CI, [1.56-2.44]; p <.001). However, there was no significant difference in plant-based menu selection between the two nudges (OR = 1.00; 95% CI [0.80-1.25]; p =.992). Subgroup analyses further revealed that both women and men as well as middle-aged (36-64 years) and older adults (≥ 65 years), but not younger adults (18-35), were significantly more likely to select plant-based menus during the interventions compared to baseline. Among both sexes and across all age groups, no differences in plant-based meal selection were found between the order and the combined nudge (all p >.001). CONCLUSION: Centrally implemented nudging is a simple and effective strategy that can increase patients' choice of plant-based menus, which in turn may promote patient health and contribute to positive environmental outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: DRKS00036763. Registered 29 April 2025.
Optimal dosage of group-based organized physical activity for enhancing social abilities in autistic children: insights from a multilevel meta-analysis.
He J, Gong Y, Yin M … +2 more , Zhang L, Wu X
Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act · 2025 Jul · PMID 40597379 · Full text
BACKGROUND: In response to current research trends emphasizing training programs to develop daily living skills in autistic children, this study employs a meta-analysis to explore the impact of group-based organized phys...
BACKGROUND: In response to current research trends emphasizing training programs to develop daily living skills in autistic children, this study employs a meta-analysis to explore the impact of group-based organized physical activity (GBOPA) on the social abilities of autistic children from multiple perspectives and further investigates its dose‒response relationship to define the "optimal" dose. METHODS: We searched the PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases to identify relevant studies and screen their references. The effect size was calculated via Hedges' g, and three-level random effects models were constructed via the metafor package in R. Moderation and regression analyses were conducted to explore significant influencing factors. RESULTS: This study included 24 articles from ten countries and included 1,042 participants (aged 4.56-11.11 years). The meta-analysis results clearly show that GBOPA can significantly improve social abilities (g = 0.48, Q = 114.84), including social functioning (g = 0.50, Q = 62.97) and communication (g = 0.37, Q = 48.07), in autistic children. Moderation analysis indicated that different age groups and training frequencies significantly affected social ability (between-group difference: p < 0.05). Specifically, interventions for early childhood children (g = 0.65) and a frequency of five sessions per week (g = 0.69) significantly enhanced the training effects on social ability. The multivariate meta-regression analysis results suggest that the optimal intervention for improving social ability in autistic children consists of 40 training sessions, each lasting 50 min. CONCLUSIONS: GBOPA can improve the social abilities of autistic children, including social functioning and communication. On the basis of existing evidence, GBOPA should be prioritized for early childhood autistic children (5 sessions per week, 50 min per session), followed by a transition to a maintenance intervention strategy (1-2 sessions per week) after completing the 8-week foundational cycle (a total of 2,000 min of exercise).
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