A5008283543- Obesity, Physical Activity, Diet
- Physical Activity and Health
- Children's Physical and Motor Development
- Health disparities and outcomes
- Child and Adolescent Health
- Technology Use by Older Adults
- Aging and Gerontology Research
- Child Nutrition and Feeding Issues
- Health and Lifestyle Studies
- Stroke Rehabilitation and Recovery
- Mobile Health and mHealth Applications
- Behavioral Health and Interventions
- School Health and Nursing Education
- Infant Development and Preterm Care
- COVID-19 and Mental Health
- Urban Transport and Accessibility
- Community Health and Development
- Child Nutrition and Water Access
- Child Development and Digital Technology
- Cerebral Palsy and Movement Disorders
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Research
- Older Adults Driving Studies
- Data Analysis and Archiving
- Primary Care and Health Outcomes
- ICT in Developing Communities
University of Stirling
2020-2024
University of Glasgow
2021-2022
University of Cape Town
2014-2021
Centro Universitário das Faculdades Metropolitanas Unidas
2019
Sports Science Institute of South Africa
2014-2018
In December 2018, the South African 24-hour movement guidelines for birth to 5 years were released. This article describes process used develop these guidelines.The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation-ADOLOPMENT approach was followed, with some pragmatic adaptions, using Australian early as a starting point. A consensus panel, including stakeholders in childhood development academics, formed assist process.At face-to-face meeting global local literatures...
Importance The prevalence estimates of physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep (collectively known as movement behaviors) in 3- 4-year-old children worldwide remains uncertain. Objective To report the proportion who met World Health Organization guidelines for across 33 countries. Design, Setting, Participants Pooled analysis data from 14 cross-sectional studies (July 2008 to September 2022) identified through systematic reviews personal networks. Thirty-three countries varying...
Introduction The benefits of physical activity for people living with long-term conditions (LTCs) are well established. However, the risks less documented. fear exacerbating symptoms and causing adverse events is a persuasive barrier to in this population. This work aimed agree clear statements use by healthcare professionals about medical LTCs through expert consensus. These addressed following questions: (1) Is increasing safe one or more LTC? (2) Are clinical syndromes associated common...
This study examined the impact of social distancing during COVID-19 pandemic on loneliness, wellbeing, and activity, including support, in Scottish older adults. A mixed methods online survey was used to examine these factors mid-lockdown, July 2020. Participants were asked state whether support had changed since pre-social distancing, provide details strategies keep socially active. total 1429 adults (84% aged 60+ years) living Scotland took part. The majority reported that regulations made...
Previous research has shown that the built environment plays a role in habitual levels of physical activity (PA), however much this been conducted adults and higher income countries. The aim pilot study was to examine strength association between PA South African older adults.Participants were recruited (n = 44, mean age 65 ± 8.5 years) from two suburbs, representing either high socioeconomic (HSA) or low area (LSA). Self-reported PA, subjective assessments neighborhood walkability...

 Background: The International Study of Movement Behaviours in the Early Years, SUNRISE, was initiated to assess extent which young children meet movement behaviour guidelines (physical activity, sedentary behaviour, screen time, sleep). Objective: South African SUNRISE pilot study assessed behaviours preschool from two low-income settings, and associations between these behaviours, adiposity, motor skills executive function (EF).
 Methods: Preschool child/parent pairs (n = 89)...
Purpose. The purpose of this research was to collect data inform intervention strategies optimise body composition in South African preschool children. Methods. Data were collected urban and rural settings. Weight status, physical activity, gross motor skill assessments conducted with 341 3-6-year-old children, 55 teachers parents/caregivers participated focus groups. Results. Overweight obesity a concern low-income settings (14%), but levels activity skills adequate across all Focus group...
Walking is recognized as an easily accessible mode of physical activity and therefore supported a strategy to promote health well-being. To complement walking, pedometers have been identified useful tool for monitoring ambulatory activity, typically measuring total steps/day. There is, however, little information concerning dose-response outcomes in relation intensity or duration sustained steps. We aimed examine this relationship, along with factors that mediate it, among employed adults.
Limited research reports on the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior (SB), sleep, gross motor skills (GMS) in low- middle-income countries. The aim of this study was to (1) describe BMI, PA, SB, sleep duration, GMS proficiency South African preschool children (2) identify relationships variables.BMI, including z scores for height, weight, BMI were determined. Seven-day measured using accelerometry. assessed Test Gross Motor Development...
Background. Healthy Active Kids South Africa (HAKSA) Report Cards were produced in 2007, 2010, 2014 and 2016. Objective. The 2018 Card aims to report on the latest available evidence relating physical activity (PA), nutrition body composition of African (SA) children adolescents. Methods. A review was conducted using following databases: PubMed; Journals Online; Africa-Wide (EBSCOhost). Articles published from January 2016 September included for by HAKSA scientific advisory group. Data...
Abstract The aim of this research study was to determine whether the level agreement between self‐reported and objective measures physical activity (PA) is influenced by cardiovascular fitness. Participants ( n = 113) completed Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ), a health risk assessment sub‐maximal 12‐minute step test. Age‐predicted used classify participants as lower fit higher (HF). ActiGraph (GT3X) accelerometers were worn for 7 consecutive days. Matthews cut points calculate...
Abstract Background Policymaking regarding physical activity (PA) and diet plays an important role in childhood health promotion. This study provides a detailed examination of Scottish government policy for child adolescent PA discusses strengths areas improvement. Methods documents (n = 18 [PA]; n 10 [diet])—published 2011–20—were reviewed grading using adapted version the Health-Enhancing Physical Activity Policy Audit Tool Version 2. Results There is clear evidence leadership commitment...
ABSTRACT Purpose There is a paucity of global data on sedentary behavior during early childhood. The purpose this study was to examine how device-measured in young children differed across geographically, economically, and sociodemographically diverse populations, an international sample. Methods This multinational, cross-sectional included from 1071 3–5 yr old 19 countries, collected between 2018 2020 (pre-COVID). Sedentary measured for three consecutive days using activPAL accelerometers....
This study aimed to investigate the extent which preschool children meet guidelines for screen time (<1 h/day) and sleep (10-13 h/24-h) explored home factors that affect these behaviors. Parents of preschoolers across income settings in South Africa (urban high-income n = 27, urban low-income 96 rural 142) completed a questionnaire. Urban had higher rates exceeding (67.0%) than from (26.0%) (3.5%) settings. Most (81.0%) met on weekdays weekends (75.0%). More guideline, comparison both Fewer...
The 2021 Active Healthy Kids Scotland Report Card aimed to identify secular trends and socio-economic inequalities, assess the physical activity health of children youth prior COVID-19. An expert panel searched for data published in 2018–2020. Grades were assigned nationally representative using Global Alliance methodology. panel, following national consultation, awarded grades: Community/Environment B-, Organized Sport Physical Activity Government/Policy C-/C+, Transportation C-,...
Early life is important for later health outcomes, yet there are few studies which adequately address all of the potential early insults that may affect and growth trajectories. This particularly evident in low- to middle-income countries such as South Africa, where women childbearing age vulnerable high levels physical inactivity, malnutrition, obesity. Pregnancy therefore be an opportune time change behaviours improve maternal offspring decrease inter-generational transfer risk. We show...
Virtual reality (VR) can support healthy ageing, but few devices have been trialed with frail older adults to increase physical activity. We conducted a preliminary mixed-methods implementation evaluation of an omnidirectional VR treadmill and static experience seven over six-week period in supported living facility. Frequency use pre-post functioning measures were collected, mainly establish technology suitability based on person characteristics. Diary entries following use, resident focus...
Abstract Objective The study aimed to investigate the relationship between physical activity, gross motor skills and adiposity in South African children of pre-school age. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting High-income urban, low-income urban rural settings Africa. Participants Children (3–6 years old, n 268) were recruited from high-income ( 46), 91) 122) settings. Height weight measured calculate main outcome variables: BMI BMI-for-age Z -score (BAZ). Height-for-age weight-for-age...
In 2018, South Africa developed 24-hour movement behavior guidelines for children from birth to 5 years. This study reports on the stakeholder consultation as part of this development process.An online survey was completed by 197 participants; 9 focus groups (with parents/caregivers, early childhood practitioners, and community health workers, total n = 70) were conducted, a meeting with stakeholders government nongovernment organizations (n 15) held.In survey, overwhelmingly agreed (97.0%)...
Abstract Background The extent to which income setting or rural and urban environments modify the association between sleep obesity in young children is unclear. aims of this cross-sectional observational study were (i) describe compare South African preschool from low-income (RL), (UL) high-income (UH) settings; (ii) test for associations parameters body mass index (BMI). Methods Participants preschoolers (5.2 ± 0.7y, 49.5% boys) RL ( n = 111), UL 65) UH 22) settings. Height weight...
Objectives Health and care resources are under increasing pressure, partly due to the ageing population. Physical activity supports healthy ageing, but motivating exercise is challenging. We aimed explore staff perceptions towards a virtual reality (VR) omnidirectional treadmill (MOTUS), at physical for older adult home residents. Design Interactive workshops qualitative evaluation. Settings Eight interactive were held six homes two university sites across Cornwall, England, from September...
Rising levels of obesity in South Africa require innovation community-level lifestyle change programmes. Our aim was to co-develop Impilo neZenkolo ('Health through Faith'), a healthy programme for low-income, black Africans delivered churches, and evaluate its feasibility, acceptability potential effectiveness. In the first phase we developed materials with church members. second trained lay leaders deliver assessed (observation, focus groups interviews) effectiveness (pre post measurement...
To assess physical activity (PA) and determine the proportion of preschoolers meeting PA recommendations in different income settings South Africa.Preschoolers from urban high-income (UH), low-income (UL), rural (RL) wore an ActiGraph GT3X+ accelerometer for 7 days. variables interest included volume moderate- to vigorous-intensity (MVPA) total (light- PA), hourly patterns, percentage children guidelines (180 min/d PA, inclusive 60 MVPA). Between-sex differences were assessed using t tests...