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Aromaa M, Putro H, Lilja-Maula L, Rajamäki MM. Comparison of habitual physical activity in French Bulldogs, Pugs and normocephalic dogs by accelerometry. Anim Welf 2023; 32:e60. [PMID: 38487414 PMCID: PMC10936329 DOI: 10.1017/awf.2023.80] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) is a major welfare concern in flat-faced dog breeds. As BOAS causes respiratory difficulties and exercise intolerance, it can reduce dogs' daily quality of life (QOL). However, evaluation of QOL in dogs is difficult, and many owners perceive BOAS signs as 'normal' for the breed. Accelerometers that measure frequency, duration and intensity of activities can offer an objective way of evaluating dogs' daily activity and thereby deliver potential insights into QOL. The aim of this study was to assess habitual physical activity of 48 brachycephalic and 23 non-brachycephalic dogs using accelerometers. The accelerometers were used for one week and owners filled in a questionnaire regarding their dog's well-being and activities. Veterinary-assessed BOAS grading for brachycephalic dogs was determined. Compared with controls, more severely affected French Bulldogs and Pugs had significantly lower total activity counts and spent less time in high activity. In Pugs, mildly affected dogs were also less active, but age can be a contributing factor here, as older age decreased activity in Pugs and controls showed a wider age range. In French Bulldogs, those dogs with no or mild signs of BOAS did not differ from controls regarding their daily activity. In conclusion, accelerometers were easy to use for objective measurement of daily activity in bracycephalic dogs, although a degree of discomfort due to the collar was reported. Results showed that BOAS signs were associated with decreased habitual physical activity. These findings emphasise the importance of actions taken to reduce incidence of BOAS in brachycephalic breeds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mimma Aromaa
- Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, PO Box 57, FI-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Heikki Putro
- Veterinary surgery Eläinlääkäriasema HauMau, Hietaniemenkatu 7, FI-00100 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Liisa Lilja-Maula
- Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, PO Box 57, FI-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Minna M Rajamäki
- Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, PO Box 57, FI-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland
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2
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Ng M, Wenden E, Lester L, Westgarth C, Christian H. A mobile health intervention to encourage physical activity in children: a randomised controlled trial. BMC Pediatr 2022; 22:276. [PMID: 35562656 PMCID: PMC9103068 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-022-03336-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite immense benefits of physical activity on health and developmental outcomes, few children achieve recommended daily levels of physical activity. Given more than half of families with children own a dog, we investigated the effect of a mobile health (mHealth) intervention to encourage dog-facilitated physical activity through increased family dog walking and children’s active play with their dog. Methods The PLAYCE PAWS study was a three-armed randomised pilot trial conducted in Perth, Western Australia. Children aged 5-10 years with a family dog were randomised to 4 weeks of either 1) SMS-only intervention, 2) ‘SMS + pedometer’ intervention or 3) ‘usual care’ control. The mHealth intervention involved SMS messages to parents; the ‘SMS + pedometer’ group also received a dog pedometer and personalised dog steps diary. Parent-reported measures were collected at baseline, 1- and 3-months post intervention. The primary outcome was weekly frequency of family dog walking and dog play; secondary outcomes were child attachment to the dog and feasibility of the intervention. Results A total of 150 children were randomised in staggered blocks to SMS-only (n = 50), ‘SMS + pedometer’ (n = 50) or usual care (n = 50). No differences were observed in family dog walking and dog play at 1-month. SMS-only children (OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.17, 5.83, P = 0.019) and all intervention children (OR 1.97, 95% CI 1.01, 3.86, P = 0.048) were more likely to increase total dog-facilitated physical activity (sum of family dog walking and dog play responses) at 3-months. The positive associations with total dog-facilitated physical activity disappeared (all P > 0.05) after adjusting for socio-demographic factors. Conclusions The PLAYCE PAWS mHealth intervention did not significantly affect dog-facilitated physical activity in children. Given high levels of dog ownership in the community, SMS prompts could be a low-cost intervention to encourage more physical activity in children. Further research is needed to understand how increased interaction with the family dog impacts on children’s overall physical activity and other health and development outcomes. Trial registration ANZCTR, ACTRN12620000288921, retrospectively registered on 4/3/2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Ng
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia.
| | - Elizabeth Wenden
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia.,School of Population and Global Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Leanne Lester
- School of Human Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
| | - Carri Westgarth
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Neston, UK
| | - Hayley Christian
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia.,School of Population and Global Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
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3
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Effectiveness of Social Media-Based Interventions for the Promotion of Physical Activity: Scoping Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182413018. [PMID: 34948628 PMCID: PMC8702047 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182413018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
A global target of the World Health Organization (WHO) is to reduce physical inactivity among all adults and adolescents by approximately fifteen percent by 2030. Social media could have an impact in this effort because of its enormous reach, potentially addressing underserved populations in need for physical activity (PA) interventions. This scoping review provides a broad overview of social media-based interventions and systematically maps the evidence regarding their effectiveness for PA promotion and other health outcomes. Scopus and Medline were searched using the terms “physical activity” and “social media” and the names of key social media platforms. Following the PRISMA guidelines for scoping reviews, abstracts and full texts were screened for eligibility. In total, 12,321 publications were identified and 53 met the inclusion criteria. The use of Facebook was most prevalent in PA interventions, followed by study-specific platforms. More than one third of the studies revealed positive effects regarding the promotion of PA. Additionally, social media-based interventions positively affected other physical dimensions of health (e.g., weight or blood pressure). Results pertaining to feasibility were heterogeneous. Social media seems to be a promising tool for increasing PA at the population level. Future studies should take the abundance of platforms into account and select social media platforms consciously.
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Hall EJ, Carter AJ, Farnworth MJ. Exploring Owner Perceptions of the Impacts of Seasonal Weather Variations on Canine Activity and Potential Consequences for Human-Canine Relationships. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11113302. [PMID: 34828033 PMCID: PMC8614552 DOI: 10.3390/ani11113302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Dog walking is important for maintaining the good health and welfare of pet dogs. Environmental factors such as weather conditions have been previously identified as potential barriers to dog walking but, so far, focus has been on the impact this has on the human. With more seasonal weather variation predicted due to climate change, it is unclear if weather also impacts on the willingness of dogs to undertake exercise and thus the overall activity levels of pet dogs. An online survey recruited 3153 respondents to outline the impact of summer and winter weather conditions on daily canine activity levels. Owners reported their dogs were more impacted by cold (48.2% less likely to exercise their dog in the cold) and ice (64.0% less likely), than rain (25.3% less likely). In hot weather, 81.7% of owners reported reduced exercise duration and 87.0% reported less vigorous exercise by their dogs. As extreme weather events are likely to become more commonplace, it is likely this will negatively impact dog activity levels. Climate change mitigation strategies must therefore include considerations for dogs, if our canine companions are to retain their positions of service and companionship. Abstract Climate change is leading to more instances of seasonal weather variation. Studies have explored the impact of adverse winter weather on dog walking, but the impact on the dog’s overall activity levels have not been previously considered. This study explored dog owner perceptions of the effects of both summer and winter weather on their dog’s activity levels. An international online survey recruited 3153 respondents between May and December 2018, to explore the impact of summer and winter weather conditions on baseline activity levels. Owners reported their dogs were more impacted by cold (48.2% less likely to exercise their dog in the cold) and ice (64.0% less likely), than rain (25.3% were less likely). In hot weather, over 80% of owners reported reduced exercise duration and vigour for their dogs. Carrying water or walking near water to facilitate activity in the summer was the most popular mitigation strategy (90.8%). Participation in dog sports appeared to reduce the impact of winter weather on canine activity and increase owner awareness of cooling strategies to facilitate summer activity. Strategies to promote safe activity participation are needed to maintain canine activity levels amidst rising global temperatures, including better understanding of cooling strategies for exercising dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily J. Hall
- School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences, Nottingham Trent University, Brackenhurst, Nottingham NG25 0QF, UK;
- Correspondence:
| | - Anne J. Carter
- School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences, Nottingham Trent University, Brackenhurst, Nottingham NG25 0QF, UK;
| | - Mark J. Farnworth
- Department of Veterinary Health & Animal Sciences, Harper Adams University, Newport TF10 8NB, UK;
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Petkovic J, Duench S, Trawin J, Dewidar O, Pardo Pardo J, Simeon R, DesMeules M, Gagnon D, Hatcher Roberts J, Hossain A, Pottie K, Rader T, Tugwell P, Yoganathan M, Presseau J, Welch V. Behavioural interventions delivered through interactive social media for health behaviour change, health outcomes, and health equity in the adult population. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2021; 5:CD012932. [PMID: 34057201 PMCID: PMC8406980 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd012932.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social networking platforms offer a wide reach for public health interventions allowing communication with broad audiences using tools that are generally free and straightforward to use and may be combined with other components, such as public health policies. We define interactive social media as activities, practices, or behaviours among communities of people who have gathered online to interactively share information, knowledge, and opinions. OBJECTIVES We aimed to assess the effectiveness of interactive social media interventions, in which adults are able to communicate directly with each other, on changing health behaviours, body functions, psychological health, well-being, and adverse effects. Our secondary objective was to assess the effects of these interventions on the health of populations who experience health inequity as defined by PROGRESS-Plus. We assessed whether there is evidence about PROGRESS-Plus populations being included in studies and whether results are analysed across any of these characteristics. SEARCH METHODS We searched CENTRAL, CINAHL, Embase, MEDLINE (including trial registries) and PsycINFO. We used Google, Web of Science, and relevant web sites to identify additional studies and searched reference lists of included studies. We searched for published and unpublished studies from 2001 until June 1, 2020. We did not limit results by language. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs), controlled before-and-after (CBAs) and interrupted time series studies (ITSs). We included studies in which the intervention website, app, or social media platform described a goal of changing a health behaviour, or included a behaviour change technique. The social media intervention had to be delivered to adults via a commonly-used social media platform or one that mimicked a commonly-used platform. We included studies comparing an interactive social media intervention alone or as a component of a multi-component intervention with either a non-interactive social media control or an active but less-interactive social media comparator (e.g. a moderated versus an unmoderated discussion group). Our main outcomes were health behaviours (e.g. physical activity), body function outcomes (e.g. blood glucose), psychological health outcomes (e.g. depression), well-being, and adverse events. Our secondary outcomes were process outcomes important for behaviour change and included knowledge, attitudes, intention and motivation, perceived susceptibility, self-efficacy, and social support. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We used a pre-tested data extraction form and collected data independently, in duplicate. Because we aimed to assess broad outcomes, we extracted only one outcome per main and secondary outcome categories prioritised by those that were the primary outcome as reported by the study authors, used in a sample size calculation, and patient-important. MAIN RESULTS We included 88 studies (871,378 participants), of which 84 were RCTs, three were CBAs and one was an ITS. The majority of the studies were conducted in the USA (54%). In total, 86% were conducted in high-income countries and the remaining 14% in upper middle-income countries. The most commonly used social media platform was Facebook (39%) with few studies utilising other platforms such as WeChat, Twitter, WhatsApp, and Google Hangouts. Many studies (48%) used web-based communities or apps that mimic functions of these well-known social media platforms. We compared studies assessing interactive social media interventions with non-interactive social media interventions, which included paper-based or in-person interventions or no intervention. We only reported the RCT results in our 'Summary of findings' table. We found a range of effects on health behaviours, such as breastfeeding, condom use, diet quality, medication adherence, medical screening and testing, physical activity, tobacco use, and vaccination. For example, these interventions may increase physical activity and medical screening tests but there was little to no effect for other health behaviours, such as improved diet or reduced tobacco use (20,139 participants in 54 RCTs). For body function outcomes, interactive social media interventions may result in small but important positive effects, such as a small but important positive effect on weight loss and a small but important reduction in resting heart rate (4521 participants in 30 RCTs). Interactive social media may improve overall well-being (standardised mean difference (SMD) 0.46, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.14 to 0.79, moderate effect, low-certainty evidence) demonstrated by an increase of 3.77 points on a general well-being scale (from 1.15 to 6.48 points higher) where scores range from 14 to 70 (3792 participants in 16 studies). We found no difference in effect on psychological outcomes (depression and distress) representing a difference of 0.1 points on a standard scale in which scores range from 0 to 63 points (SMD -0.01, 95% CI -0.14 to 0.12, low-certainty evidence, 2070 participants in 12 RCTs). We also compared studies assessing interactive social media interventions with those with an active but less interactive social media control (11 studies). Four RCTs (1523 participants) that reported on physical activity found an improvement demonstrated by an increase of 28 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per week (from 10 to 47 minutes more, SMD 0.35, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.59, small effect, very low-certainty evidence). Two studies found little to no difference in well-being for those in the intervention and control groups (SMD 0.02, 95% CI -0.08 to 0.13, small effect, low-certainty evidence), demonstrated by a mean change of 0.4 points on a scale with a range of 0 to 100. Adverse events related to the social media component of the interventions, such as privacy issues, were not reported in any of our included studies. We were unable to conduct planned subgroup analyses related to health equity as only four studies reported relevant data. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS This review combined data for a variety of outcomes and found that social media interventions that aim to increase physical activity may be effective and social media interventions may improve well-being. While we assessed many other outcomes, there were too few studies to compare or, where there were studies, the evidence was uncertain. None of our included studies reported adverse effects related to the social media component of the intervention. Future studies should assess adverse events related to the interactive social media component and should report on population characteristics to increase our understanding of the potential effect of these interventions on reducing health inequities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Omar Dewidar
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Jordi Pardo Pardo
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, The Ottawa Hospital - General Campus, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Rosiane Simeon
- Bruyère Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Marie DesMeules
- Social Determinants and Science Integration/ Direction des déterminants sociaux et de l'intégration scientifique, Public Health Agency of Canada/Agence de santé publique du Canada, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Diane Gagnon
- Department of Communication, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | | | - Alomgir Hossain
- Cardiovascular Research Methods Centre, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Kevin Pottie
- Family Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Tamara Rader
- Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH), Ottawa, Canada
| | - Peter Tugwell
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | | | - Justin Presseau
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Vivian Welch
- Methods Centre, Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
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Ng M, Wenden E, Lester L, Westgarth C, Christian H. A study protocol for a randomised controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of a dog-facilitated physical activity minimal intervention on young children's physical activity, health and development: the PLAYCE PAWS trial. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:51. [PMID: 33407318 PMCID: PMC7789606 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-10034-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pet ownership brings many health benefits to individuals. In children developmental benefits can extend to improved self-esteem, better social competence and decreased loneliness. The majority of households with children own a dog, however only a small proportion of children gain the benefits of dog ownership through dog walking and play. There are few intervention studies investigating the impact of dog-facilitated physical activity in children. The PLAYCE PAWS study aims to test a minimal-contact intervention through the use of mobile health ("mhealth") strategies, i.e. text (SMS) messages, to parents to encourage their children to walk and play with their dog more, and evaluate the impact on children's overall physical activity and development. METHODS/DESIGN The PLAYCE PAWS intervention study will target parents in dog-owning families with children aged 5 to 8 years in Perth, Western Australia. Approximately 150 dog-owning parents and children will be randomly allocated into either one of two intervention groups or a 'usual care' control group. The first intervention group will receive SMS messages over 4 weeks to encourage and prompt parents to undertake dog walking and dog play with their child. The second intervention group will receive the same text messages, plus a dog pedometer and personalised 'dog steps' diary for their child to complete. Parent-reported outcome measures include changes in children's dog walking and play, overall physical activity, socio-emotional development, self-regulation, self-esteem, empathy, and level of attachment to their dog. DISCUSSION The PLAYCE PAWS study appears to be the first to examine the effectiveness of a low-cost, mhealth intervention for increasing young children's physical activity through dog walking and play. Given the high prevalence of dogs as family pets, this study presents a valuable opportunity to investigate if mHealth interventions encourage children to walk and play with their dog more, and if there are any associated impact on children's overall physical activity and socio-emotional well-being. If effective, a larger trial or program could be implemented at low-cost and with wide reach in the community. TRIAL REGISTRATION ANZCTR, ACTRN12620000288921 . Registered 4th March 2020 - Retrospectively registered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Ng
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia.
| | - Elizabeth Wenden
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia.,School of Population and Global Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Leanne Lester
- School of Human Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
| | - Carri Westgarth
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Neston, UK
| | - Hayley Christian
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia.,School of Population and Global Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
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Simeon R, Dewidar O, Trawin J, Duench S, Manson H, Pardo Pardo J, Petkovic J, Hatcher Roberts J, Tugwell P, Yoganathan M, Presseau J, Welch V. Behavior Change Techniques Included in Reports of Social Media Interventions for Promoting Health Behaviors in Adults: Content Analysis Within a Systematic Review. J Med Internet Res 2020; 22:e16002. [PMID: 32525482 PMCID: PMC7317628 DOI: 10.2196/16002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Revised: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 03/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social media are an increasingly commonly used platform for delivering health promotion interventions. Although recent research has focused on the effectiveness of social media interventions for health promotion, very little is known about the optimal content within such interventions, and the active ingredients to promote health behavior change using social media are not clear. Identifying which behavior change techniques (BCTs) are reported may help to clarify the content of interventions using a generalizable terminology that may facilitate future intervention development. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to identify which BCTs are reported in social media interventions for promoting health behavior change in adults. METHODS We included 71 studies conducted with adult participants (aged ≥18 years) and for which social media intervention was considered interactive in a Cochrane review of the effectiveness of such interventions. We developed a coding manual informed by the Behavior Change Technique Taxonomy version 1 (BCTTv1) to identify BCTs in the included studies. We identified BCTs in all study arms (including control) and described BCTs in the group and self-directed components of studies. We characterized the dose of delivery for each BCT by low and high intensity. We used descriptive analyses to characterize the reported BCTs. RESULTS Our data consisted of 71 studies published from 2001 to 2017, mainly conducted in high-income countries (n=65). Most studies (n=31) used tailored, interactive websites to deliver the intervention; Facebook was the most used mainstream platform. In developing our coding manual, we adapted some BCTTv1 instructions to better capture unique nuances of how BCTs were operationalized in social media with respect to likes, retweets, smiles, congratulations, and badges. Social support (unspecified), instruction on how to perform the behavior, and credible source were most frequently identified BCTs in intervention arms of studies and group-delivery settings, whereas instruction on how to perform the behavior was most commonly applied in self-directed components of studies, control arms, and individual participant settings. Instruction on how to perform the behavior was also the most frequently reported BCT in both intervention and control arms simultaneously. Instruction on how to perform the behavior, social support (unspecified), self-monitoring of behavior, information about health consequences, and credible source were identified in the top 5 BCTs delivered with the highest intensity. CONCLUSIONS This study within a review provides a detailed description of the BCTs and their dose to promote behavior change in web-based, interactive social media interventions. Clarifying active ingredients in social media interventions and the intensity of their delivery may help to develop future interventions that can more clearly build upon the existing evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosiane Simeon
- Bruyère Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Omar Dewidar
- Bruyère Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Jessica Trawin
- Bruyère Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Stephanie Duench
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Heather Manson
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jordi Pardo Pardo
- Cochrane Musculoskeletal Group, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Jennifer Petkovic
- Bruyère Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Janet Hatcher Roberts
- Bruyère Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Peter Tugwell
- Bruyère Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Health Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | - Justin Presseau
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Health Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Vivian Welch
- Bruyère Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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Webb TL, du Plessis H, Christian H, Raffan E, Rohlf V, White GA. Understanding obesity among companion dogs: New measures of owner's beliefs and behaviour and associations with body condition scores. Prev Vet Med 2020; 180:105029. [PMID: 32474335 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2020.105029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Revised: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
This research aimed to improve our understanding of how owners' beliefs and behaviour are associated with obesity in companion dogs. To do this, we employed new theoretical frameworks and integrated previously reported measures to curate a collection of brief, user-friendly self-report measures to assess owner factors. The reliability and validity of these was examined in two phases of empirical research, each with a cross-sectional questionnaire design that also examined the validity of assessing body condition score (BCS) from photographs submitted by owners. Phase 1 (n = 47 dog owners from France) found that the brief owner-report measures correlated with the long-form measures (all correlations except one exceeded r = 0.70). BCS as coded from photographs were highly correlated with a vet's assessment of the same dogs (r = 0.67). Phase 2 (n = 3339 dog owners from France, Germany, the UK, Italy, and Russia) investigated which measures are associated with obesity among companion dogs. Perceptions of the dog's vulnerability to the threat of obesity, perceived weight status, perceived costs associated with ownership, normative beliefs about feeding, social support from friends, and being in the precontemplation stage of change predicted BCS alongside demographic factors (e.g., dog's age, neutered status). Taken together, the findings provide a method for assessing a wide range of factors that may be associated with obesity among companion dogs and point to potential targets for interventions designed to reduce obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hayley Christian
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Australia
| | - Eleanor Raffan
- Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science-Metabolic Research Laboratories, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Gavin A White
- University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, UK
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Rhodes RE, Baranova M, Christian H, Westgarth C. Increasing physical activity by four legs rather than two: systematic review of dog-facilitated physical activity interventions. Br J Sports Med 2020; 54:1202-1207. [PMID: 31959677 DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2019-101156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Regular walking is a critical target of physical activity (PA) promotion, and dog walking is a feasible PA intervention for a large segment of the population. The purpose of this paper was to review PA interventions that have involved canine interactions and to evaluate their effectiveness. A secondary aim of this review was to highlight the populations, settings, designs and intervention components that have been applied so as to inform future research. DESIGN Systematic review. DATA SOURCES We carried out literature searches to August 2019 using six common databases. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Studies included published papers in peer-reviewed journals and grey literature (theses and dissertations) in the English language that included any PA behaviour change design (ie, randomised controlled trial, quasi-experimental) that focused on canine-related intervention. We grouped findings by population, setting, medium, research design and quality, theory and behaviour change techniques applied. RESULTS The initial search yielded 25 010 publications which were reduced to 13 independent studies of medium and high risks of bias after screening for eligibility criteria. The approaches to intervene on PA were varied and included loaner dogs, new dog owners and the promotion of walking among established dog owners. Findings were consistent in showing that canine-assisted interventions do increase PA (82% of the studies had changes favouring the canine-facilitated intervention). Exploratory subanalyses showed that specific study characteristics and methods may have moderated the effects. Compared with studies with longer follow-up periods, studies with shorter follow-up favoured behaviour changes of the canine intervention over the control condition. CONCLUSION Canine-based PA interventions appear effective, but future research should move beyond feasibility and proof of concept studies to increase rigour, quality and generalisability of findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan E Rhodes
- School of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Maria Baranova
- School of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Hayley Christian
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Centre for Child Health Research, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
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Chen EY. To a Future Where Everyone Can Walk a Dog Even if They Don't Own One. Front Public Health 2018; 6:349. [PMID: 30560114 PMCID: PMC6284364 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2018.00349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Eunice Y Chen
- Department of Psychology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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11
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Christian H, Bauman A, Epping JN, Levine GN, McCormack G, Rhodes RE, Richards E, Rock M, Westgarth C. Encouraging Dog Walking for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention. Am J Lifestyle Med 2018; 12:233-243. [PMID: 30202393 PMCID: PMC6124971 DOI: 10.1177/1559827616643686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2015] [Revised: 02/20/2016] [Accepted: 03/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Regular physical activity is associated with numerous health benefits, including the prevention of many chronic diseases and conditions or a reduction in their adverse effects. Intervention studies suggest that promoting dog walking among dog owners who do not routinely walk their dogs may be an effective strategy for increasing and maintaining regular physical activity. Strategies that emphasize the value of dog walking for both dogs and people, promote the context-dependent repetition of dog walking, enhance the social-interaction benefits, encourage family dog walking, and ensure availability of public space for dog walking may encourage increased dog walking. Research also supports organizing buddy systems via "loaner" dogs to facilitate informal walking by dog owners and non-dog owners. Given the number of homes that have dogs, strategies that promote dog walking could be effective at increasing physical activity levels among a significant proportion of the population. Maximizing the potential for dog walking to positively influence the health of individual people (and dogs) will only occur through implementing programs with broad population-level reach. Policies that facilitate dog walking at the community and population levels, such as "dogs allowed" places, off-leash zones, and dog-friendly built environments and parks, may contribute to greater physical activity through dog walking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayley Christian
- School of Population Health and Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia (HC)
- School of Public Health, Sydney University, Sydney, Australia (AB)
- International Dog Walking Activity Group (ID-WAG), Atlanta, Georgia (JNE)
- Baylor College of Medicine and Michael E. DeBakey Medical Center, Houston, Texas (GNL)
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada (GM, MR)
- School of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada (RER)
- School of Nursing, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana (ER)
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Institute of Infection and Global Health, and School of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Neston, UK (CW)
| | - Adrian Bauman
- School of Population Health and Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia (HC)
- School of Public Health, Sydney University, Sydney, Australia (AB)
- International Dog Walking Activity Group (ID-WAG), Atlanta, Georgia (JNE)
- Baylor College of Medicine and Michael E. DeBakey Medical Center, Houston, Texas (GNL)
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada (GM, MR)
- School of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada (RER)
- School of Nursing, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana (ER)
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Institute of Infection and Global Health, and School of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Neston, UK (CW)
| | - Jacqueline N Epping
- School of Population Health and Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia (HC)
- School of Public Health, Sydney University, Sydney, Australia (AB)
- International Dog Walking Activity Group (ID-WAG), Atlanta, Georgia (JNE)
- Baylor College of Medicine and Michael E. DeBakey Medical Center, Houston, Texas (GNL)
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada (GM, MR)
- School of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada (RER)
- School of Nursing, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana (ER)
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Institute of Infection and Global Health, and School of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Neston, UK (CW)
| | - Glenn N Levine
- School of Population Health and Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia (HC)
- School of Public Health, Sydney University, Sydney, Australia (AB)
- International Dog Walking Activity Group (ID-WAG), Atlanta, Georgia (JNE)
- Baylor College of Medicine and Michael E. DeBakey Medical Center, Houston, Texas (GNL)
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada (GM, MR)
- School of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada (RER)
- School of Nursing, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana (ER)
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Institute of Infection and Global Health, and School of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Neston, UK (CW)
| | - Gavin McCormack
- School of Population Health and Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia (HC)
- School of Public Health, Sydney University, Sydney, Australia (AB)
- International Dog Walking Activity Group (ID-WAG), Atlanta, Georgia (JNE)
- Baylor College of Medicine and Michael E. DeBakey Medical Center, Houston, Texas (GNL)
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada (GM, MR)
- School of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada (RER)
- School of Nursing, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana (ER)
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Institute of Infection and Global Health, and School of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Neston, UK (CW)
| | - Ryan E Rhodes
- School of Population Health and Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia (HC)
- School of Public Health, Sydney University, Sydney, Australia (AB)
- International Dog Walking Activity Group (ID-WAG), Atlanta, Georgia (JNE)
- Baylor College of Medicine and Michael E. DeBakey Medical Center, Houston, Texas (GNL)
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada (GM, MR)
- School of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada (RER)
- School of Nursing, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana (ER)
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Institute of Infection and Global Health, and School of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Neston, UK (CW)
| | - Elizabeth Richards
- School of Population Health and Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia (HC)
- School of Public Health, Sydney University, Sydney, Australia (AB)
- International Dog Walking Activity Group (ID-WAG), Atlanta, Georgia (JNE)
- Baylor College of Medicine and Michael E. DeBakey Medical Center, Houston, Texas (GNL)
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada (GM, MR)
- School of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada (RER)
- School of Nursing, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana (ER)
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Institute of Infection and Global Health, and School of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Neston, UK (CW)
| | - Melanie Rock
- School of Population Health and Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia (HC)
- School of Public Health, Sydney University, Sydney, Australia (AB)
- International Dog Walking Activity Group (ID-WAG), Atlanta, Georgia (JNE)
- Baylor College of Medicine and Michael E. DeBakey Medical Center, Houston, Texas (GNL)
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada (GM, MR)
- School of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada (RER)
- School of Nursing, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana (ER)
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Institute of Infection and Global Health, and School of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Neston, UK (CW)
| | - Carri Westgarth
- School of Population Health and Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia (HC)
- School of Public Health, Sydney University, Sydney, Australia (AB)
- International Dog Walking Activity Group (ID-WAG), Atlanta, Georgia (JNE)
- Baylor College of Medicine and Michael E. DeBakey Medical Center, Houston, Texas (GNL)
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada (GM, MR)
- School of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada (RER)
- School of Nursing, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana (ER)
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Institute of Infection and Global Health, and School of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Neston, UK (CW)
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12
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Elaheebocus SMRA, Weal M, Morrison L, Yardley L. Peer-Based Social Media Features in Behavior Change Interventions: Systematic Review. J Med Internet Res 2018; 20:e20. [PMID: 29472174 PMCID: PMC5843796 DOI: 10.2196/jmir.8342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2017] [Revised: 09/18/2017] [Accepted: 11/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Incorporating social media features into digital behavior change interventions (DBCIs) has the potential to contribute positively to their success. However, the lack of clear design principles to describe and guide the use of these features in behavioral interventions limits cross-study comparisons of their uses and effects. Objective The aim of this study was to provide a systematic review of DBCIs targeting modifiable behavioral risk factors that have included social media features as part of their intervention infrastructure. A taxonomy of social media features is presented to inform the development, description, and evaluation of behavioral interventions. Methods Search terms were used in 8 databases to identify DBCIs that incorporated social media features and targeted tobacco smoking, diet and nutrition, physical activities, or alcohol consumption. The screening and review process was performed by 2 independent researchers. Results A total of 5264 articles were screened, and 143 articles describing a total of 134 studies were retained for full review. The majority of studies (70%) reported positive outcomes, followed by 28% finding no effects with regard to their respective objectives and hypothesis, and 2% of the studies found that their interventions had negative outcomes. Few studies reported on the association between the inclusion of social media features and intervention effect. A taxonomy of social media features used in behavioral interventions has been presented with 36 social media features organized under 7 high-level categories. The taxonomy has been used to guide the analysis of this review. Conclusions Although social media features are commonly included in DBCIs, there is an acute lack of information with respect to their effect on outcomes and a lack of clear guidance to inform the selection process based on the features’ suitability for the different behaviors. The proposed taxonomy along with the set of recommendations included in this review will support future research aimed at isolating and reporting the effects of social media features on DBCIs, cross-study comparisons, and evaluations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheik Mohammad Roushdat Ally Elaheebocus
- School of Electronics and Computer Science, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom.,Department of Digital Technologies, Faculty of Information, Communication and Digital Technologies, University of Mauritius, Reduit, Mauritius
| | - Mark Weal
- School of Electronics and Computer Science, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Leanne Morrison
- Academic Unit of Psychology, Faculty of Social, Human, and Mathematical Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Lucy Yardley
- Academic Unit of Psychology, Faculty of Social, Human, and Mathematical Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
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Rovniak LS, Kong L, Hovell MF, Ding D, Sallis JF, Ray CA, Kraschnewski JL, Matthews SA, Kiser E, Chinchilli VM, George DR, Sciamanna CN. Engineering Online and In-Person Social Networks for Physical Activity: A Randomized Trial. Ann Behav Med 2017; 50:885-897. [PMID: 27405724 DOI: 10.1007/s12160-016-9814-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social networks can influence physical activity, but little is known about how best to engineer online and in-person social networks to increase activity. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to conduct a randomized trial based on the Social Networks for Activity Promotion model to assess the incremental contributions of different procedures for building social networks on objectively measured outcomes. METHODS Physically inactive adults (n = 308, age, 50.3 (SD = 8.3) years, 38.3 % male, 83.4 % overweight/obese) were randomized to one of three groups. The Promotion group evaluated the effects of weekly emailed tips emphasizing social network interactions for walking (e.g., encouragement, informational support); the Activity group evaluated the incremental effect of adding an evidence-based online fitness walking intervention to the weekly tips; and the Social Networks group evaluated the additional incremental effect of providing access to an online networking site for walking as well as prompting walking/activity across diverse settings. The primary outcome was mean change in accelerometer-measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), assessed at 3 and 9 months from baseline. RESULTS Participants increased their MVPA by 21.0 min/week, 95 % CI [5.9, 36.1], p = .005, at 3 months, and this change was sustained at 9 months, with no between-group differences. CONCLUSIONS Although the structure of procedures for targeting social networks varied across intervention groups, the functional effect of these procedures on physical activity was similar. Future research should evaluate if more powerful reinforcers improve the effects of social network interventions. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER The trial was registered with the ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01142804).
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Affiliation(s)
- Liza S Rovniak
- Departments of Medicine and Public Health Sciences, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA, USA.
| | - Lan Kong
- Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA, USA
| | | | - Ding Ding
- University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Chester A Ray
- Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Jennifer L Kraschnewski
- Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA, USA
| | | | - Elizabeth Kiser
- Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Vernon M Chinchilli
- Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Daniel R George
- Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Christopher N Sciamanna
- Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA, USA
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Carter AJ, Hall EJ. Investigating factors affecting the body temperature of dogs competing in cross country (canicross) races in the UK. J Therm Biol 2017; 72:33-38. [PMID: 29496012 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2017.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2017] [Revised: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Increasing numbers of people are running with their dogs, particularly in harness through the sport canicross. Whilst canicross races are typically held in the winter months, some human centred events are encouraging running with dogs in summer months, potentially putting dogs at risk of heat related injuries, including heatstroke. The aim of this project was to investigate the effects of ambient conditions and running speed on post-race temperature of canicross dogs in the UK, and investigate the potential risk of heatstroke to canicross racing dogs. The effects of canine characteristics (e.g. gender, coat colour) were explored in order to identify factors that could increase the risk of exercise-induced hyperthermia (defined as body temperature exceeding the upper normal limit of 38.8°C).108 dogs were recruited from 10 race days, where ambient conditions ranged from - 5 to 11°C measured as universal thermal comfort index (UTCI). 281 post race tympanic membrane temperatures were recorded, ranging from 37.0-42.5°C. There was a weak correlation between speed and post-race temperature (r = 0.269, P < 0.001). Whilst no correlation between any single environmental factor or UTCI and post-race temperature was found, the proportion of dogs developing exercise-induced hyperthermia during the race increased with UTCI (r = 0.688, P = 0.028). Male dogs (χ(1) = 18.286, P < 0.001), and dark coated dogs (χ(2) = 8.234, P = 0.014), were significantly more likely to finish the race with a temperature exceeding 40.6°C. Prolonged elevati°n of body temperature above this temperature is likely to cause heatstroke. At every race dogs exceeded this critical temperature, with 10.7% (n = 30) of the overall study population exceeding this temperature throughout the study period. The results suggest male dogs, dark coloured dogs, and increased speed of running all increase the risk of heatstroke in racing canicross dogs. Further research is required to investigate the impact of environmental conditions on post-race cooling, to better understand safe running conditions for dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne J Carter
- School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Science, Nottingham Trent University, Brackenhurst, Southwell, Nottinghamshire NG25 0QF, UK.
| | - Emily J Hall
- School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Science, Nottingham Trent University, Brackenhurst, Southwell, Nottinghamshire NG25 0QF, UK.
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Westgarth C, Christley RM, Marvin G, Perkins E. I Walk My Dog Because It Makes Me Happy: A Qualitative Study to Understand Why Dogs Motivate Walking and Improved Health. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2017; 14:ijerph14080936. [PMID: 28825614 PMCID: PMC5580638 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph14080936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2017] [Revised: 08/11/2017] [Accepted: 08/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Dog walking is a popular everyday physical activity. Dog owners are generally more active than non-owners, but some rarely walk with their dog. The strength of the dog–owner relationship is known to be correlated with dog walking, and this qualitative study investigates why. Twenty-six interviews were combined with autoethnography of dog walking experiences. Dog walking was constructed as “for the dog”, however, owners represented their dog’s needs in a way which aligned with their own. Central to the construction of need was perceptions of dog personality and behaviour. Owners reported deriving positive outcomes from dog walking, most notably, feelings of “happiness”, but these were “contingent” on the perception that their dogs were enjoying the experience. Owner physical activity and social interaction were secondary bonuses but rarely motivating. Perceptions and beliefs of owners about dog walking were continually negotiated, depending on how the needs of the owner and dog were constructed at that time. Complex social interactions with the “significant other” of a pet can strongly motivate human health behaviour. Potential interventions to promote dog walking need to account for this complexity and the effect of the dog-owner relationship on owner mental wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carri Westgarth
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZX, UK.
- Institute of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZX, UK.
| | - Robert M Christley
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZX, UK.
- Institute of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZX, UK.
| | - Garry Marvin
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Roehampton, London SW15 5PJ, UK.
| | - Elizabeth Perkins
- Department of Health Services Research, Institute of Psychology, Health and Society, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZX, UK.
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Hajna S, Ross NA, Joseph L, Harper S, Dasgupta K. Neighbourhood Walkability and Daily Steps in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0151544. [PMID: 26991308 PMCID: PMC4798718 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0151544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2015] [Accepted: 03/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction There is evidence that greater neighbourhood walkability (i.e., neighbourhoods with more amenities and well-connected streets) is associated with higher levels of total walking in Europe and in Asia, but it remains unclear if this association holds in the Canadian context and in chronic disease populations. We examined the relationships of different walkability measures to biosensor-assessed total walking (i.e., steps/day) in adults with type 2 diabetes living in Montreal (QC, Canada). Materials and Methods Participants (60.5±10.4 years; 48.1% women) were recruited through McGill University-affiliated clinics (June 2006 to May 2008). Steps/day were assessed once per season for one year with pedometers. Neighbourhood walkability was evaluated through participant reports, in-field audits, Geographic Information Systems (GIS)-derived measures, and the Walk Score®. Relationships between walkability and daily steps were estimated using Bayesian longitudinal hierarchical linear regression models (n = 131). Results Participants who reported living in the most compared to the least walkable neighbourhoods completed 1345 more steps/day (95% Credible Interval: 718, 1976; Quartiles 4 versus 1). Those living in the most compared to the least walkable neighbourhoods (based on GIS-derived walkability) completed 606 more steps per day (95% CrI: 8, 1203). No statistically significant associations with steps were observed for audit-assessed walkability or the Walk Score®. Conclusions Adults with type 2 diabetes who perceived their neighbourhoods as more walkable accumulated more daily steps. This suggests that knowledge of local neighborhood features that enhance walking is a meaningful predictor of higher levels of walking and an important component of neighbourhood walkability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Hajna
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, 1020 Pine Avenue West, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Nancy A. Ross
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, 1020 Pine Avenue West, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Geography, McGill University, 805 Sherbrooke Street West, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Lawrence Joseph
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, 1020 Pine Avenue West, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Division of Clinical Epidemiology, McGill University Health Centre, 687 Pine Avenue West, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Sam Harper
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, 1020 Pine Avenue West, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Kaberi Dasgupta
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, 1020 Pine Avenue West, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Division of Clinical Epidemiology, McGill University Health Centre, 687 Pine Avenue West, Montréal, QC, Canada
- * E-mail:
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18
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Pet ownership and brief human-animal interactions can serve as a form of social support and convey a host of beneficial psychological and physiological health benefits. This article critically examines recent relevant literature on the pet-health connection. RECENT FINDINGS Cross-sectional studies indicate correlations between pet ownership and numerous aspects of positive health outcomes, including improvements on cardiovascular measures and decreases in loneliness. Quasi-experimental studies and better controlled experimental studies corroborate these associations and suggest that owning and/or interacting with a pet may be causally related to some positive health outcomes. SUMMARY The value of pet ownership and animal-assisted therapy (AAT), as a nonpharmacological treatment modality, augmentation to traditional treatment, and healthy preventive behavior (in the case of pet ownership), is starting to be realized. However, more investigations that employ randomized controlled trials with larger sample sizes and investigations that more closely examine the underlying mechanism of the pet-health effect, such as oxytocin, are needed.
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