The Around the Clock Terminology Consortium: A global consensus on terminology to discuss the 24-hour cycle of physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and sleep

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Website

Under development.

Principal Investigator

Ryan Stanley Falck

The University of British Columbia, Canada

Timeline

9/2/2024 – 7/31/2026

Other participants

Kirk I. Erickson | AdventHealth Research Institute, Neuroscience Institute | United States of America

Ester Cerin | Australian Catholic University-Melbourne Campus & The University of Hong Kong | Australia & China

Liye Zou | Shenzhen University | China

Ashleigh E. Smith | University of South Australia | Australia

Francisco B. Ortega | University of Granada | Spain

Jennifer C. Davis | University of British Columbia-Okangan Campus | Canada

Jasper Schipperijn | University of Southern Denmark | Denmark

Jannique van Uffelen | KU Leuven | Belgium

António Palmeira | Universidade Lusófona & Universidade do Porto | Portugal

Michelle W. Voss | The University of Iowa | United States of America

David W. Dunstan | Deakin University & Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute | Australia

Linda C. Li | The University of British Columbia | Canada

Jairo H. Migueles | University of Granada | Spain

Nucharapon Liangruenrom | Mahidol University | Thailand

Guilherme Moraes Balbim| The University of British Columbia | Canada

Jennifer R. Tomasone | Queen’s University | Canada

Matthew N. Ahmadi | University of Sydney | Australia

Karen Spruyt | Université de Paris | France

Frank Hookin Fu | Hong Kong Baptist University | China

Lora Giangregorio | University of Waterloo | Canada

Zhaowei Kong | University of Macau | China

Sjaan R. Gomersall | The University of Queensland | Australia

Jean-Phillipe Chaput | University of Ottawa | Canada

Miao Miao | Peking University | China

Natan Feter | Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, School of Medicine | Brazil

Keerthana Swaminathan | Manipal Academy of Higher Education | India

Robert Schinke | Laurentian University | Canada

Yiqun Gan | Peking University |China

Shigeru Inoue | Tokyo Medical University | Japan

Varadayini Gorhe | MindFirst Performance Psychology | India

Takumi Abe | Meiji University | Japan

Maurelle D’Sa | Edge Hill University | United Kingdom

Yu-Kai Chang | National Taiwan Normal University | Taiwan

Amy Shirong Lu | Northeastern University | United States of America

David Lubans | University of Newcastle & University of Jyväskylä | Australia and Finland

Åsa B Tornberg | Lund University | Sweden

Teresa Liu-Ambrose | The University of British Columbia | Canada

Abstract

Physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and sleep occupy the 24-hour cycle and are associated with a multitude of health outcomes. As this field of research rapidly increases, a key question emerges: what should we collectively call these behaviours? In September 2024, we established the Around the Clock Terminology Consortium (ACT-C) – an internationally representative group of researchers and key interest-holder organizations to develop a consensus in terminology for the 24-hour cycle of physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and sleep. We are currently conducting a Delphi consensus project to establish internationally agreed-upon terminology for the 24-hour cycle of physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and sleep, with the aim of improving future research, public health policy, and practice guidelines. Our efforts will assist policymakers, researchers, and practitioners in aligning strategies and recommendations under a unified terminological framework for the 24-hour day.

Levelling the Playing Field: A Scalable Community-wide Strategy to Improve Equity in Children’s Access to a Universal Sports Voucher Program

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Website

https://unisa.edu.au/research/arena

Principal Investigator

Professor Carol Maher

University of South Australia, Australia

Timeline

7/1/2024 – 7/1/2027

Other participants

LUKE WOLFENDEN – University of Newcastle, Australia​​

RACHEL CURTIS – University of South Australia, Australia​​

AARON DAVIS – University of South Australia, Australia​​

LINDSEY REECE – Australian Sports Commission​, Australia​

DOT DUMUID – University of South Australia, Australia​​

MICHELLE CRISP – Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing​, Australia​

RACHEL MILTE – Flinders University, Australia​​

NICKY RIDGERS – University of South Australia, Australia​

SIMONE LICARI – Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing​, Australia​

BEN HOPKINS – City of Salisbury​, Australia​

MYFANWY MOGFORD – City of Salisbury​, Australia​

BRIDGET FOLEY – Australia​

CATHERINE SIMPSON – University of South Australia, Australia​​

CARA SAVARTON – Dept for Education​, Australia​

DAMIAN CREASER – Alcohol and Drug Foundation, Australia​​

THERESA BROWN – Play It On, Australia​

Abstract

Children’s wellbeing, encompassing physical, emotional, mental, and social health, is crucial to their overall development and long-term success. Our research reveals a six-year decline in the wellbeing of South Australian children, particularly among those from low SES backgrounds.

Participating in sports substantially boosts children’s wellbeing, with a 15% uplift seen for children from disadvantaged backgrounds. However, disadvantaged children do less sport. Their parents have told us that financial constraints are the number one barrier limiting their children’s access to sport and recreation.

The South Australian Government offers a universal Sports Voucher scheme, a financial initiative aiming to promote sports participation. However, it is underutilised by children from low-SES (and particularly urban and CALD) backgrounds. Clearly, we must adapt its delivery to ensure that socioeconomically disadvantaged children can optimally benefit from the voucher and unlock the health and wellbeing advantages of sport and recreation participation.

In response, we have formed a consortium of policy, NGO, service providers and academic partners with a mission to co-design (Phase 1) and evaluate a community-wide strategy to enhance access to the Sports Voucher scheme for low SES children (Phase 2). We will pilot the program in the City of Salisbury, a large, socioeconomically disadvantaged, culturally diverse LGA.

Our project is founded on five formative studies conducted with study partners. It leverages data linkage, and emphasises community engagement and intervention strategies with strong potential for ongoing implementation and scale-up.

Dialling up Health: A Non-Inferiority Trial of an AI Enhanced Telephone Lifestyle Counselling Service

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Coming soon

Website

Coming soon

Principal Investigator

Carol Maher

University of South Australia; Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA); Australia

Timeline

1/1/2024 – 12/31/2027

Other participants

Katina D’onise; University of South Australia; Australia

Karen Murphy; University of South Australia; UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences; Australia

Ashleigh Smith; University of South Australia; Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA); Australia

Rachel Milte; Flinders University; College of Nursing and Health Sciences; Australia

Aaron Davis; University of South Australia; UniSA Creative; Australia

Ben Singh; University of South Australia; Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA); Australia

Rachel Curtis; University of South Australia; Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA); Australia

Dot Dumuid; University of South Australia; Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA); Australia

Francios Fraysse; University of South Australia; Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA); Australia

Jacinta Brinsley; University of South Australia; Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA); Australia

Tara Cain; University of South Australia; Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA); Australia

Abstract

The global escalation of chronic diseases related to physical inactivity and poor diet presents formidable challenges for individuals and healthcare systems alike. These conditions, accounting for vast rates of morbidity and mortality, impose an unsustainable burden on healthcare resources.

While personalised lifestyle interventions targeting physical inactivity and poor diet have proven effective in mitigating chronic disease risk factors, their broad implementation is impeded by cost and geographical limitations. Therefore, scalable and cost-effective solutions that maintain effectiveness and are suitable for remote delivery are urgently needed.

Digital health platforms, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), offer considerable potential to bridge this implementation gap. These platforms present an opportunity to launch scalable, personalised programs that stimulate positive behaviour change and foster improved health outcomes on a population scale. This project aims to address this pressing need through the design and evaluation of an AI-based intervention for weight loss, physical activity, and dietary change.

Our project builds on extensive formative work, which includes a published systematic review, a promising feasibility trial, and a process evaluation of our award-winning first-generation AI coaching software.

In Stage 1 of the study, we will employ a co-design process with consumers, clinicians, health service personnel and software developers. This approach ensures that our refined AI-powered virtual health coach aligns with consumers and service providers’ needs and expectations while leveraging the latest advancements in AI technology.

In Stage 2, we will evaluate this innovative, scalable lifestyle intervention in a non-inferiority

Type 2 hybrid implementation-effectiveness randomised controlled trial in priority populations, including rural and regional and older adults. We anticipate the study will validate the effectiveness of a blended human and virtual health coach program in improving physical activity, diet, and weight status.

This model, if proven successful, could serve as a blueprint for other health services, showcasing the potential of digital technology to complement human support and extend its reach to a wider audience.

Research Topics

Physical Activity;Nutrition;Population and Digital Health

Multimodal intervention to improve pain and health-related quality of life in patients with non-specific chronic low back pain

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Website

https://www.instagram.com/backfitproject?igsh=MW84bWVnN2x1bG83ag==

Principal Investigator

Víctor Segura-Jiménez

Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain

Timeline

1/1/2023 – 12/31/2025

Other participants

Belén Donoso, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain.

Yolanda Castellote Caballero, University of Jaén, Jaén, Spain.

Manuel Delgado Fernández, University of Granada, Granada, Spain.

Gema Gómez-Jurado, Hospital Unviversitario Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain.

Gavriella Tsiarleston, Insituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain.

María Dolores López-Fernández, Insituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain.

Gemma Álvarez Corral, Hospital Unviversitario Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain.

Abstract

Low back pain (LBP) is among the most common health problems seen in primary care. Chronic LBP is defined as pain located between the lower limit of the ribs and the sacral region that lasts more than 12 weeks. In most cases, it is attributed to a non-specific cause by being classified as non-specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP). The present project will try to ascertain the mediating value of habitual physical activity, sedentary behaviour and physical fitness in endogenous pain modulation, disability and other health outcomes in patients with NSCLBP, as well as analysing the effectiveness of a multimodal intervention on endogenous pain modulation disability and other health outcomes in this population. The current project will implement a randomized control trial with a 2-phase intervention program in clinical setting: phase 1 (rehabilitation exercise + behaviour change + education + mindfulness) with a total duration of 8 weeks; phase 2 (phase 1 + additional 8-week functional resistance training, with a total duration of 16 weeks). The control group will not receive any treatment during the intervention period. Long-term follow-up (2 years) will be carried out to study the prognosis of the disease among the different intervention groups and the associations between the variables of interest. The total duration of the project will be 36 months.

Research Topics

Nutrition;Physical Activity;Sedentary Behavior;Sleep;Physical fitness, Body composition, Mental Health

Multidimensional approach (exercise and mindfulness) for health improvement in patients with non-specific chronic low back pain

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Website

https://www.instagram.com/backfitproject?igsh=MW84bWVnN2x1bG83ag==

Principal Investigator

Víctor Segura-Jiménez

Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain

Timeline

4/20/2021 – 4/19/2026

Other participants

Belén Donoso, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain.

Yolanda Castellote Caballero, University of Jaén, Jaén, Spain.

Manuel Delgado Fernández, University of Granada, Granada, Spain.

Gavriella Tsiarleston, Insituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain.

Yolanda Gil-Gutiérrez, Insituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain.

Rocío Pozulelo-Calvo, Hospital Unviversitario Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain.

Abstract

Low back pain (LBP) is among the most common health problems seen in primary care. Chronic LBP is defined as pain located between the lower limit of the ribs and the sacral region that lasts more than 12 weeks. In most cases, it is attributed to a non-specific cause by being classified as non-specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP). No previous study has included a fully supervised multimodal program covering diverse dimensions of the patients with NSCLBP. More research is needed to understand the effect and magnitude of multimodal programs on health in patients with NSCLBP. The present project will try to ascertain the mediating value of habitual physical activity, sedentary behaviour and the level of physical fitness in pain and disability in patients with NSCLBP, as well as analysing the effectiveness of a multimodal intervention in several health outcomes in this population. The current project will implement a randomized control trial with two intervention programs in clinical setting [(1) exercise; (2) exercise + mindfulness]. The control group will be provided with the usual care received in the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service: stretching, breathing and motor control exercises 2 days / week (45 minutes per session) during a period of 8 weeks. Intervention group 1 will undergo an exercise program 2 days / week (45 minutes per session) during a period of 8 weeks. Intervention will be applied by adapting rehabilitation exercising with focus on working the core muscles, starting with low-intensity isometric contraction of the core muscles that stabilize the trunk; increasing intensity by performing functional tasks. Intervention group 2 will receive the same treatment that intervention group 1 and will carry out a mindfulness program 1 day / week (2.5 hour per session, in addition to an optional retreat for patients, lasting 6-8 hours) during a period of 8 weeks. The project is framed within the Healthcare System and therefore the duration of the sessions will be adjusted as much as possible to the reality of the healthcare centres, so that in the future, if they are successful, they can be approached from clinical practice by professionals in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Services. Long-term follow-up (2 years) will be carried out to study the prognosis of the disease among the different intervention groups. The inclusion of several behavioural and health outcomes will allow to analyse the association of the levels of physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and trunk muscle strength/endurance with pain, disability, quality of life and gait parameters in patients with NSCLBP.

Research Topics

Physical Activity;Sedentary Behavior;Sleep;Physical fitness

INtervention on the DEterminants of, and Expertise in, Physical activity behaviours

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Website

https://www.indeep-project.eu

Principal Investigator

Kieran Dowd

Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest | Ireland

Timeline

3/1/2024 – 3/1/2028

Other participants

Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest | IE

UNIVERSITY OF LIMERICK | IE

UNIVERSITETET I AGDER | NO

STICHTING VU | NL

LEIBNIZ-INSTITUT FUR PRAVENTIONSFORSCHUNG UNDEPIDEMIOLOGIE – BIPS GMBH

UNIVERSITEIT GENT | BE

COFAC Universidade Lusofona | PT

STICHTING VUMC | NL

Abstract

The INtervention on the DEterminants of, and Expertise in, Physical activity behaviours (INDEEP) research programme and training network will train a new generation of doctoral researchers who will gain expertise in innovative, interdisciplinary research activity in physical activity (PA) and health promotion. Specifically, the doctoral network will support the theoretical and applied development of the state-of-the-art of determinants of PA and evidence-based population level PA interventions, by promoting international, interdisciplinary and intersectoral mobility across the PA for health sector. Progressing the work achieved in the JPI HDHL DEDIPAC KH, COST Action CA19101 (DE-PASS) responded directly to the gaps and research needs in relation to the absence of European harmonised data on PA and their determinants. Grounded in DE-PASS, the INDEEP network seeks to generate excellence in research and training, providing graduates that will advance the state-of-the-art in PA promotion, through a comprehensive understanding of the associated determinants. INDEEP addresses the need for a genuinely multidisciplinary approach to addressing the challenges of improving PA in youth and across the lifespan, arising from the poor efficacy of existing approaches to PA change. The network ultimately aims to provide an intervention development toolbox, supporting the integration of determinants of PA behaviours, behaviour change theory and intervention co-creation to aid in the development of evidence-based interventions which integrate top-down and bottom-up intervention approaches. Outcomes beyond the lifetime of this project have the potential to have important societal and global impacts, including contributing to achieve many of the Bangkok Declaration Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including contributing to good health and well-being, gender equality, work and economic growth, reduced societal inequalities, sustainable communities and climate action.

Youth-centred Participatory Action

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Website

Principal Investigator

Mai Chin a Paw

Amsterdam VuMC, The Netherlands

Timeline

1/2/2023 – 1/2/2028

Other participants

VUmc Stichting VUmc Mai Chin A Paw (f) AC NL

ALEX Stichting Alexander Ivet Pieper (f) NGO NL

SDU University of Southern Denmark Jasper Schipperijn (m) AC DK

AAK Aalborg Kommune Denise Bakholm (f) GOV DK

WITS University of the Witwatersrand Catherine Draper (f) AC ZA

WHC Wits Health Consortium Lisa Ware (f) AC ZA

RUN Redeemer’s University Adewale Oyeyemi (m) AC NG

VARCE Value Re-Orientation for Community Enhancement Ademola Adebisi (m) NGO NG

ITM Instituut voor Tropische Geneeskunde Sara Van Belle (f) AC BE

COFAC Universidade Lusofona António Palmeira (m) AC PT

Abstract

BACKGROUND

A vast majority of teenagers do not meet guidelines for healthy movement behaviours (i.e. physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep), posing major risks for developing multiple non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Sustainable implementation of lifestyle interventions focused on teenagers is a key challenge.

AIM

YoPAAPE aims to tailor, implement and evaluate social and physical environmental interventions for structural improvement in the lifestyle of teenagers (12-18 years) in vulnerable life situations to reduce their NCD risk.

APPROACH

YoPAAPE introduces teen-centred, evidence-informed co-creation to tackle the complex real-world challenge of unhealthy lifestyles and health inequalities. In urban environments in HICs (DK, NL) and LMICs (NG, ZA), we will engage teenagers and other key stakeholders in local co-creation communities. Together with academic researchers and local stakeholders, teenagers will be central in 1) mapping the local system, including needs and opportunities; 2) tailoring interventions to the local context; 3) implementing, and 4) evaluating interventions guided by our novel SUPER-AIM framework assessing local Systems, User perspective, Participatory co-creation process, Reach, Effects, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance of interventions in an integrated manner.

IMPACT

All results will be integrated in an open access YoPAAPE toolbox targeted at researchers, public health practitioners and authorities, policy makers, and citizens. YoPAAPE will establish an infrastructure for teen-centred co-creation including capacity building, mentoring, and participation of teenagers as leaders and co-researchers. This infrastructure will nurture sustainable implementation of teenager-responsive preventive interventions tailored to the local context, improving their agency, movement behaviours and wellbeing, ultimately halting the rise of NCDs and associated healthcare costs.

Paternal influences on children’s weight related behaviors

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Website

https://reporter.nih.gov/search/j6PfhLtzXEajcxSr4It6fw/project-details/10612899

Principal Investigator

Kirsten Davison and Jess Haines

USA (Davison) and Canada (Haines) 

Timeline

8/12/2019 – 4/30/2025

Other participants

Sebastien Haneuse (USA), Brent McBride (USA), Rebekah Levine Coley (USA)

Abstract

Approximately 15% of children under 5 have obesity. Research shows that parents are the primary influence on young children’s weight-related behaviors and resulting weight status. However, research in this area has focused almost exclusively on mothers; less than 10% of studies on parenting and childhood obesity published since 2009 include any results for fathers. Overlooking fathers in childhood obesity research is concerning given emerging research identifying the strong influence of fathers on children’s weight outcomes. Guided by the Lifecourse Theory and leveraging a unique opportunity in a large, national study (the Growing Up Today Study, GUTS), we will develop a large cohort of fathers and examine: (Aim 1) preconception and contemporary factors influencing fathers’ weight-related parenting; (Aim 2) developmental pathways linking fathers’ preconception behaviors, weight-related parenting and children’s weight outcomes and behaviors, and (Aim 3) how fathers’ parenting compares and interacts with that of mothers. To address these aims, we will use utilize existing measures of fathers’ weight-related behaviors collected since adolescence and compile new data on their parenting engagement and their food, physical activity, media and sleep parenting practices. This study’s large (n=1000) and diverse sample of fathers – including biological, adoptive and social fathers – provides an unparalleled, time-sensitive opportunity to examine the influence of fathers on their young children’s weight-related behaviors and outcomes. Results from this study will guide the timing, intensity and content of preconception care and family-based childhood obesity prevention interventions.