PRISM :: Browsing by Author "McDonough, Meghan H."

Browsing by Author "McDonough, Meghan H."

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Open Access
Addressing Key Stakeholders to Assess the Reach of a Community-Based Pediatric Oncology Physical Activity Program
(2018-07-03) Kronlund, Liam James; Culos-Reed, Susan Nicole; Guilcher, Gregory M. T.; McDonough, Meghan H.
Physical activity provides both physical and psychosocial benefits to children with cancer. The Pediatric Cancer Patients and Survivors Engaging in Exercise for Recovery (PEER) program is a community-based pediatric oncology program supporting the physical, social, and mental wellbeing of children affected by cancer. Using the RE-AIM framework to assess the reach of the PEER program, we implemented a mixed methodology approach to gather both quantitative and qualitative data from key stakeholders. Participants included healthcare professionals practicing in pediatric oncology, parents/guardians of PEER program users and parents/guardians non-users, adolescent PEER program users and eligible adolescent non-users, and Kids Cancer Care informants. Participants completed a preliminary survey followed by an optional 30-minute in-person or telephone interview with the study coordinator. The results generated six main themes around factors that impact the reach including knowledge, program support, sharing information, program referrals, participation barriers, and participation facilitators. Understanding these themes related to the PEER program’s reach provides potential solutions to foster increased PEER program awareness and uptake by the pediatric cancer community.
Open Access
Afterschool dynamics: The role of peers and the recreational environment in adolescent emotional safety
(2019-08-08) Wong, Janet Bao-Guang; McDonough, Meghan H.; Bridel, William; Culos-Reed, Susan Nicole
Afterschool recreational environments are valued for their contributions to adolescent development, and can be especially beneficial in low-income communities. However, attending a program is not necessarily sufficient for effective development. Afterschool programs can be enhanced by ensuring the spaces are emotionally safe, an attribute valued by adolescents. Social relationships and aspects of the physical environment have the potential to influence feelings of emotional safety; however, most of the existing literature on emotional safety focuses on young children and early adolescents. The purpose of this study was to explore adolescents’ perspectives of their interactions with their peers and the recreational environment, and how these interactions may contribute to their feelings of emotional safety. A qualitative case study was conducted with afterschool programs in low-income neighbourhoods in Calgary, Alberta. Adolescent experiences of emotional safety were explored through interviews with ten 11-15-year-old adolescents, and ten program staff. Adolescents expressed feeling emotionally safe when they and their problems were understood, not attacked, and did not need to be hidden. Youth expressed that the size of, familiarity with, and materials in a space affected their feelings of freedom and their interactions with peers and staff, which had implications for emotional safety. Youth noted that when messages supporting emotional safety were communicated verbally by staff, or displayed throughout the spaces, they supported their emotional safety. Findings suggest the need for youth to have acceptance from their peers, environments that are home-like, and relationships that provide youth an outlet to share. Recommendations are for staff to communicate with youth using language that facilitates trust, having sports and non-sport activities in programming to prevent division and exclusion, and having private areas that allow for youth to separate themselves if needed. These recommendations may also have application in informing development of emotionally safe recreational contexts in communities.
Open Access
Canadian Female Alpine Athletes’ Constructions of Risk and Gender
(2020-11-04) Kelly, Danika; Bridel, William; Din, Cari; McDonough, Meghan H.; Johnston, Dawn
Female alpine athletes’ constructions of gender and risk are poorly addressed in the academic record. The vast majority of publications focus on the reproductive risks inherent in being in a less oxygenated environment and not on the experiences of female alpinists themselves. For my master’s project, I explored the experiences of female athletes in alpine sport. The primary objective was to gain greater understanding of Canadian female athletes’ constructions of gender and risk in alpine environments and in relation to the larger cultural context. Informed largely by Michel Foucault’s concepts of agency and governmentality, as well as Pirkko Markula’s feminist interpretations of Foucault’s perspectives on the (moving) body, and following the tenets of feminist qualitative research methods, I interviewed women alpine athletes living in and around Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Five participants agreed to complete two one-on-one interviews using go-along or moving interviewing techniques; they also agreed to take part in a guided-group-conversation comprised of all five participants and me. The process of analysis was completed, in part, through participant validation between each interview and thus, participant-driven analysis was integral to this project. Participants constructed gender and risk largely through a comparison of doing what they felt they ought, which usually centred on their careers and families, and what they wanted, which centred on the draw that they felt toward the alpine. Valuable insights were also gained on research methods and (the making of) community.
Open Access
Community dance supports older adults’ successful aging, physical literacy, and embodiment: a case study
(2022-07) Paglione, Vanessa; Kenny, Sarah J.; McDonough, Meghan H.; Din, Cari; Bridel, William
Community dance offers a physical, artistic, and social activity led by a dance artist, which encourages participation at any age or skill level. As Canada’s population ages, there is a need to understand programming which may be enjoyable and motivating to participate in and supports numerous aspects of older adults’ lives. Dancing has the potential to support many aspects of health, yet current literature focuses primarily on the physical health benefits of dancing. This thesis examined one specific dance class, striving to gain insight about the holistic benefits related to aging, experiences of physical activity, and embodiment that community dance may offer older adults. The first study included three semi-structured interviews with the dance instructor to explore their perspective on the impact participation in community dance class had on participants, and the pedagogical behaviors used to elicit those benefits when instructing the class. The second study included semi-structured interviews with five older adults to examine their experiences of participating in the community dance class. Collectively, interviews with both the instructor and dancers suggested dancing offered an opportunity for older adults to connect to their own embodiment. Social connection and music were perceived in both studies as essential to the dancing experience. Dance can support feelings of confidence when instructors intentionally strive for participants to experience success. The dance class also offered an opportunity for older adults to connect to their creativity and artistry. Artistry and creativity can positively contribute to one’s psychosocial experiences of physical activity and ability to connect with others. Overall, dancing offers a promising activity that supports older adults in numerous aspects of their lives. Policy that supports funding for and access to facilitates to offer community dance programming is needed.
Open Access
Connecting breast cancer survivors for exercise: protocol for a two-arm randomized controlled trial
(2021-10-14) Smith-Turchyn, Jenna; McCowan, Michelle E.; O’Loughlin, Erin; Fong, Angela J.; McDonough, Meghan H.; Santa Mina, Daniel; Arbour-Nicitopoulos, Kelly P.; Trinh, Linda; Jones, Jennifer M.; Bender, Jackie L.; Culos-Reed, S. N.; Tomasone, Jennifer R.; Vani, Madison F.; Sabiston, Catherine M.
Abstract Background Peer-based exercise interventions that cultivate new opportunities for support with a fellow cancer survivor may result in increased exercise volume. It is not clear whether adding qualified exercise professional (QEP) support to peer-based interventions improves health outcomes. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to determine whether breast cancer survivor (BCS) dyads who receive 10 weekly sessions of virtually delivered QEP support have improved outcomes compared to BCS dyads who do not receive QEP support. Methods Participants Adult BCS with medical clearance for exercise, who have an internet-connected device, and currently engage in < 150 min of moderate-intensity exercise per week. Intervention BCS will be matched using evidence-based criteria. The intervention group will receive dyadic exercise information sessions and a program tailored by a QEP for 10 weeks (intervention period) and have access to the QEP for an additional 4 weeks (tapering period). The control will not receive any QEP support. Outcomes The primary outcome is post-intervention self-reported exercise volume. Secondary outcomes include device-assessed exercise volume (i.e., Fitbit), social support, and health-related quality of life. Randomization 108 participants, matched in dyads, will be randomized 1:1 to the MatchQEP or Match groups using a web-based scheme. Statistical analysis Outcomes will be measured at baseline, post-intervention, post-tapering, and at 12 weeks post-intervention follow-up. Discussion The findings from this RCT will determine if matched BCS dyads who receive 10 weeks of virtually delivered QEP support have higher levels of self-report and device-measured exercise, social support, and health related quality of life compared to matched dyads without QEP-delivered exercise guidance. To our knowledge this will be the first study to assess the combined effect of peer- and QEP support on exercise volume. Project findings will inform and optimize intervention methods aimed to increase exercise among BCS through accessible exercise supports. Trial Registration: The study is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (study identifier: NCT04771975, protocol Version Number: 2, date: July 22, 2021).
Open Access
Effect of age, sex and aerobic exercise on cerebrovascular regulation in older adults: Results from the Brain in Motion Study
(2019-09-17) Wyer, Leanna; Poulin, Marc J.; Phillips, Aaron Alexander; McDonough, Meghan H.; Longman, Richard Stewart
Background: By 2024, 20% of Canada’s population will be 65 and older. Aging is associated with progressive declines in cerebrovascular and cognitive function and an increased prevalence of age-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Physical activity has been associated with improvements in cerebrovascular function and cognitive performance, and may help to prevent and/or delay AD. However, the underlying time-course by which enhanced physical activity may be protective for brain health and differences between men and women is poorly understood. Objective: To determine the influence of age and sex on the cerebrovascular responses to submaximal exercise and euoxic hypercapnia in older adults. Furthermore, this study assessed the effects of a 6-month aerobic exercise intervention on cerebrovascular measures and evaluated outcomes after three and six months of exercise. Design: 202 participants aged 66.5 ± 6.5 years (mean ± SD, 101 females) completed the aerobic exercise intervention. Measurements took place pre-, mid- and post-intervention including demographic information, maximal aerobic capacity (VO2max) and cerebrovascular function. Linear mixed models adjusted for covariates were used to measure the physiological responses to submaximal exercise and euoxic hypercapnia pre-intervention and the changes in middle cerebral artery peak blood flow velocity (VP), mean arterial pressure (MAP) and cerebrovascular resistance (CVRi) and conductance (CVCi) indices after three and six months of aerobic exercise. Results: Pre-intervention, both age and sex were significant predictors of VP (p=0.002; p<0.010), CVRi (p<0.001; p=0.029), and CVCi (p<0.001; p=0.004) during exercise. Compared to rest, acute exercise led to increases in VP, CVRi and MAP and decreases in CVCi (p<0.001). Three months of aerobic exercise led to increases in VP (p=0.005) and CVCi (p=0.021) and decreases in CVRi (p=0.002) in women only, with no further changes observed after an additional three months of exercise. Conclusion: Male sex and increasing age were associated with lower VP, CVCi and higher CVRi. Three months of aerobic exercise led to improvements in cerebrovascular measures in women that were maintained in the latter three months of the intervention in healthy, older adults. Such results have important implications for the role of physical activity in improving health outcomes and the differences observed with aging and sex.
Open Access
Experiences With Social Participation in Group Physical Activity Programs for Older Adults
(Human Kinetics, Inc., 2021-06-24) Zimmer, Chantelle; McDonough, Meghan H.; Hewson, Jennifer; Toohey, Ann; Din, Cari; Crocker, Peter R.E.; Bennett, Erica V.
Little is known about how social participation can be facilitated among older adults in group physical activity and its psychosocial benefits that contribute to successful aging. This study aimed to understand older adults’ experiences with social participation in group physical activity programs. Using interpretive description methodology, 16 observations, eight focus groups, and two interviews with participants unable to attend focus groups were conducted with adults 55 years and older attending programs across four recreation facilities. Group programs were found to influence social participation through (a) a meaningful context for connecting and (b) instructors’ expectations of social interaction. Social participation in these programs addressed psychosocial needs by (c) increasing social contact and interaction, (d) fostering social relationships and belonging, and (e) promoting regular engagement. Training for instructors should include balancing the physical aspects of program delivery with the social, while also considering older adults’ diverse needs and preferences for social interaction.
Embargo
Experiences with social support among older adult women participating in gay square dancing
(Elsevier, 2023-04) Beselt, L. Jayne; McDonough, Meghan H.; Walsh, Christine A.; Kenny, Sarah J.
LGBTQI2S+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, intersex, and two-spirit, etc.) individuals face unique challenges to physical activity participation, such as discrimination and exclusion. Square dance is a form of collaborative group dancing and while traditionally a heteronormative form of dance, gay square dance is typically open to everyone, regardless of sexual orientation. Square dancing offers opportunities to belong to a community of others engaged in the same activity, which older adults often find satisfying. The aim of this research was to understand how older adults who identify as women experience social support in the context of participating in gay square dance and the role previous experiences of social exclusion play in influencing these experiences. Fourteen self-identified women (age range 55–79 years; n = 11 White, n = 1 Black, n = 2 Jewish) belonging to a gay square dance club participated. Participants self-identified as heterosexual (n = 7), lesbian (n = 3), pansexual (n = 1), bisexual (n = 1), or did not identify with existing terminology (n = 2). Interviews were conducted during a gay square-dancing festival and thematically analyzed. Findings highlighted that participants experienced acceptance which affirmed their sense of self and enabled their authentic selves. To foster a sense of belonging and close relationships, specific actions (e.g., demonstrative welcoming of newcomers, mutual support) were taken by other participants in the group. Physical touch is an inherent part of square dancing, which took on different meanings for participants and was overall perceived as safe. Inclusive groups like gay square dance clubs are an important and consistent means where older adult women can experience meaningful social relationships and interactions.
Open Access
The Feasibility and Impact of a Painted Designs Intervention on School Children’s Physical Activity
(Taylor and Francis Group, 2022-06-16) Wong, Janet B.; McCallum, Kyle S.; Frehlich, Levi; Bridel, William; McDonough, Meghan H.; McCormack, Gavin R.; Fox, Kris; Brunton, Laura; Yardley, Leah; Emery, Carolyn A.; Hagel, Brent
Interventions such as painted designs on school tarmacs may increase children’s physical activity during school hours. This mixed-methods study examined the influence of a painted designs (e.g., traditional games, random circles) intervention on the physical activity experiences of elementary school children. Systematic observations and accelerometer data were collected to evaluate the type and quantity of student physical activity. Interviews were used to explore teacher and student experiences. Observed physical activity was not significantly different between intervention and control schools (t(43) = 0.22, p = 0.83), and children at the intervention schools undertook less physical activity (steps, moderate, vigorous, and combined moderate-to-vigorous activity) as compared with the control school (t = 2.71- 4.35, p < 0.05). Teachers and students commented that the painted designs were confusing but held potential for inclusiveness, physical activity, and learning. Additional resources and instruction may assist in better use of painted designs for physical activity and academic learning.
Embargo
The Feasibility of a Physical Activity Intervention for Advanced Multiple Myeloma Patients: A Mixed Methods Study.
(2019-06-04) Albinati, Natalia Kara Renee; Culos-Reed, Susan Nicole; Abdul-Razzak, Amane; McDonough, Meghan H.; Gyurcsik, Nancy C.
Purpose: The primary aims of the Physical Activity in Advanced Cancer Treatment (PAACT) intervention were to 1) examine the feasibility of a group- and home-based PA program for individuals with advance multiple myeloma (MM) and 2) qualitatively explore the patient’s experience in the program. Secondary aims were to obtain preliminary data on physical fitness and patient-reported outcomes. Methods: In this single-arm study, advanced MM patients (DS stage II-III) participated in a 12-week aerobic and resistance training exercise program, along with the option of a palliative care consultation. Participants attended once-weekly group exercise classes and received individualized home-based exercise booklets. Semi-structured interviews were conducted both midway and at the end of the program with a subset of participants and a thematic analysis approach was utilized. Results: In total, 19 MM patients were enrolled. The program was feasible as demonstrated by recruitment (34.5%), attendance at group classes (72.9%), attrition (15.8%) and safety outcomes (no adverse events). Thematic analysis revealed that the main facilitators were the exercise instructors and the supportive social environment. Barriers included side-effects of cancer treatments and a lack of motivation for home exercise. The main impacts were the perceived benefits to well-being with control over one’s health and exercise behaviour emerging as a core theme. Palliative care consultations were appreciated and helpful, although symptom burden did not always warrant palliative care. Conclusion: Group-and home-based exercise is feasible for advanced MM survivors. Participant experiences indicated that there were numerous perceived physical and mental benefits to participation. These findings may be used to inform the design and implementation of larger PA trials to examine the efficacy of PA interventions and palliative care in this population.
Open Access
Impact of Bilateral Training on Overhand Throwing Performance: Speed, Accuracy, Technique, and Upper-body Kinematics
(2021-01) Weisberg, Alanna Danielle; Katz, Larry; Lee, Hyun Suk; McDonough, Meghan H.; Paskevich, David M.
Manuscript 1: The Sport Technology Research Lab developed an overhand throwing, eight task-component rubric designed to be used in multiple populations. This study assessed its inter-rater and intra-rater reliability. Three groups of raters, two individuals and one panel of three (consensus panel), assessed 480 video recorded overhand throws conducted by healthy adults. Individual raters assessed all videos twice with two weeks between the sessions. The consensus panel assessed all throws once. An ICC 2,k from aggregated data, independent t-tests, KR-20 and percentage agreements were conducted to assess reliability. Independent t-tests showed a significant difference between individual raters and the consensus panel, where the consensus panel scored performance significantly lower. KR-20 and percentage agreements demonstrated high reliability total scores, and moderate-high reliability for the eight task components. ICC 2,k showed high total reliability, suggesting the rubric is a reliable scale when evaluating the overhand throw in adults. However, inconsistencies in individual task components need to be addressed before the scale is used. Manuscript 2: The overhand throw is a complex whole-body motor skill that is fundamental to many sports and activities. The primary outcomes of the overhand throw are ball speed and accuracy. The momentum generated to complete the movement begins in the lower body and transfers through the trunk to the throwing arm. This study’s primary purpose was to evaluate the impact of the non-throwing arm on the ball speed during an overhand throw with both the dominant and non-dominant arms. Eighteen participants (age: 20.20±2.90 yrs., nine females) were divided into two intervention groups: a pulling group taught to engage the non-throwing arm through a pull towards the body, and a non-pulling group taught the overhand throw using a component-based physical education curriculum. Each participant completed 24 total throws, twelve for each side (dominant and non-dominant arm). Ball speed and kinematic data were collected using an eight-camera motion analysis system and were assessed using a pre-post study design. Throwing with both the dominant and non-dominant arms resulted in improvement in both training groups, but there was a much higher Cohen’s D effect size for increased ball velocity when the non-throwing arm was engaged.
Open Access
Instructor Social Support in the Group Physical Activity Context: Older Participants’ Perspectives
(Human Kinetics, 2023-03-22) Morrison, Lindsay; McDonough, Meghan H.; Zimmer, Chantelle; Din, Cari; Hewson, Jennifer; Toohey, Ann; Crocker, Peter R. E.; Bennett, Erica V.
Instructors in organized physical activity classes can be a source of social support through their relationships with participants, influence on participants’ interactions with each other, and design of activities. Grounded in interpretive description, the objective of this study was to examine older adults’ experiences of and their perspectives on group physical activity instructors’ supportive behaviors. Observations of 16 group physical activity classes (N = 295) and focus groups or interviews with N = 38 class participants aged ≥ 55 (n = 29 women) were conducted at four municipal recreation facilities in a Canadian city. Five themes shed light on how instructors provided social support: (a) supporting autonomous engagement, (b) developing caring connections, (c) fostering trust through expert instruction, (d) managing conflict directly and effectively, and (e) creating a climate where people want to go. Instructor training should consider older adults’ social support needs and help instructors embody behaviors that support continued physical activity participation, thereby contributing to healthy aging.
Open Access
An Interpretative Phenomenological Investigation of the Experiences of Physically Active Women Living in Large Bodies
(2019-08-27) Lambert, Angela M.; Russell-Mayhew, Shelly K.; Mudry, Tanya E.; McDonough, Meghan H.; Russell-Mayhew, Shelly K.
Weight stigma, the devaluation of individuals perceived to be large-bodied, can be an obstacle to participation in physical activity. Although perceived, internalized, and experienced weight stigma are correlated with physical activity avoidance, many women who live in large bodies are physically active. Using interpretative phenomenological analysis, this research explored how six adult women who identified as both large-bodied and physically active understood their lived experiences. The analysis uncovered five superordinate themes central to the participants’ experiences: (1) largeness as a representation of a flaw or failure, (2) distancing from the largeness-as-flaw perspective, (3) patterns of contradictory perspectives, (4) adoption of a (too-) large-body identity, and (5) protective mechanism that mitigate harm. Participants adopted a large-body identity, managed their large-body identity in the context of weight stigma, and understood and navigated between two contradictory ways of viewing body size and physical activity. This research is valuable on two levels. Firstly, it deepened the understanding of the lived experience of physically active women who live in large bodies. Secondly, it explored the identity management of women who saw themselves as physically active and large-bodied. This research offered a number of implications for counselling, medical, and physical activity professions. Professionals should be aware of the complicated relationships clients may have with physical activity and body size. Additionally, short-term mental-health and wellbeing benefits of physical activity may be more effective motivators toward physical-activity identity development in women who identify as large-bodied compared to weight loss.
Open Access
Investigating 24-Hour Movement Behaviours of Children and Youth Attending Summer Camps
(2018-09-19) Grewal, Eshleen Kaur; Doyle-Baker, Patricia Katherine; McDonough, Meghan H.; Copeland, Jennifer L.; Sheehan, Dwayne Patrick
The KiSS UC study (n=224) measured all four movement behaviours from the Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines: light physical activity (LPA), moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), sleep, and sedentary behaviour (SB). The study objectives were to determine the: 1) proportion of participants meeting those guidelines, 2) factors associated with meeting the guidelines (sex, age, camp type, ethnicity, number of other children in the household, parent education), and 3) out-of-camp activities engaged in. Garmin vivofits measured LPA and sleep; Garmin heart rate monitors and Actihearts measured MVPA; SB and out-of-camp activities were assessed using questionnaires (CAPL, CPAQ, respectively). A large proportion of participants met the LPA (88%), MVPA (100%), sleep (65%), and SB (78%) guidelines. Age, parent education, sex, and number of other children in the household were significant predictors for sleep and SB. In summary, summer camps may be a setting where each of the Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines can be met.
Open Access
A Meta-Study of Qualitative Research on Social Support Related to Physical Activity Among Older Adults
(Human Kinetics, 2022-01-03) Beselt, L. Jayne; Patterson, Michelle C.; McDonough, Meghan H.; MacKay, Scott
Physical activity (PA) and social support have known benefits for the wellbeing and health of older adults, and social support is associated with PA behavior and positive affective experiences in PA contexts. The aim of this study was to synthesize qualitative research conducted on the experiences of social support related to PA among older adults (age ≥55 years). Following meta-study methodology, we searched 9 databases and extracted information from 31 studies. Results were synthesised in terms of common themes, and in light of theoretical and methodological perspectives used. The qualitative literature identifies supportive behaviors and social network outcomes which may be useful for informing how best to support older adults to be physically active. This literature rarely reflected the experiences of vulnerable populations and future research should aim to further understand supportive behaviors which enable older adults to overcome barriers and challenges to being physically active.
Open Access
Motivation and Social Factors Associated with Exercise Fidelity in a Basketball Neuromuscular Training Prevention Warm-up in Youth
(2019-09-18) Befus, Kimberley Darlene; Emery, Carolyn A.; McDonough, Meghan H.; Pasanen, Kati; Kenny, Sarah J.; McCormack, Gavin R.
Objective: To establish the reliability of an observational tool for the evaluation of exercise fidelity and to understand the influence of motivational and social factors, in the basketball context, on exercise fidelity to the SHRed Injuries Basketball Neuromuscular warm-up program in youth. Methods: First, an inter-rater reliability study for the evaluation of exercise fidelity by an expert and non-expert rater which consisting of two rounds of training, practice and exercise fidelity evaluation using video clips. Percent agreement and Bland Altman agreement were used to evaluate the reliability of ratings between an expert and non-expert rater. Second, a prospective cohort study in which 66 high school basketball players, participating in the 2018-2019 school basketball season, completed questionnaires which addressed the constructs of perceived autonomy support, quality of change-oriented feedback, motivation and perceived competence, in the basketball context. Approximately one-week later players were filmed completing the warm-up as part of their normal routine. Exercise fidelity was evaluated by the non-expert rater using the video clips. Conditional process analysis was used to analyse the purposed models. Results: An acceptable level of reliability was reached for the evaluation of exercise fidelity. Autonomy support was a direct negative predictor and an indirect positive predictor, via autonomous motivation, of exercise fidelity. Autonomous motivation was a positive predictor of exercise fidelity. Self-determined motivation and quality of change-oriented feedback were not found to be significant predictors of exercise fidelity. Conclusions: Autonomy support and autonomous motivation may play a role in player adherence to an injury prevention warm-up program.
Open Access
Older Adults’ Physical Activity and Social Participation During COVID-19
(Routledge, 2022-06-30) Morrison, Lindsay; McDonough, Meghan H.; Won, Stephanie; Matsune, AJ; Hewson, Jennifer
COVID-19 disrupted older adults’ physical and social participation. We examined changes in social participation and physical activity during COVID-19 and perceptions of precautionary measures and online or outdoor classes in 155 older adults (Mage = 70.50 ± 4.62 years). Patrons at Calgary recreation centers ≥ 65 years recruited via e-mail were surveyed between August-September 2020. Social participation (p <0.01) and resistance (p <0.01) and flexibility (p =0.03) physical activity declined. Mild physical activity increased (p =0.03). 33.57% attended online classes. Most precautionary measures were endorsed. Understanding behavior and receptivity to precautions helps providers adapt to COVID-19.
Open Access
Prospective Associations Between Older Adults' Social Connections and Trajectories of Change in Physical Activity and Psychological Well-Being During the COVID-19 Pandemic
(2024-09-19) Lavallée, Niana; McDonough, Meghan H.; Kenny, Sarah J.; Zimmer, Chantelle; Culos-Reed, Nicole; Campbell, Tavis
Social connections show promising evidence for increasing physical activity participation and improving psychological well-being among older adults. However, there is limited longitudinal examinations of associations between different social connection constructs and changes in physical activity and psychological well-being, particularly across periods of rapid change. The purpose of this thesis was to prospectively examine associations between baseline values of social connections and trajectories of change in physical activity and psychological well-being among adults 55 years of age and older. Data was collected over a 6-month period during the COVID-19 pandemic. A single dataset was used for both studies in this thesis. The first study examined associations between seven social connection constructs and trajectories of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and light-intensity physical activity during a period in the COVID-19 pandemic when access to community-based programs was restricted and then restored to follow public health requirements. Six monthly surveys were administered between October 2021 and May 2022 (N = 890). Hypotheses were tested using latent growth curve modelling. Injunctive and descriptive norms did not significantly change over time. Social network and relatedness had a negative linear change whereas social support amount and quality had a positive linear change. Social participation and light-intensity physical activity changed quadratically, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity demonstrated linear and quadratic change over time. Social network negatively predicted the positive quadratic curve of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, and descriptive norms positively predicted the quadratic curve of light-intensity physical activity. The second study investigated associations between seven social connection constructs and trajectories of change in stress, negative affect, and positive affect among an older adult sample. Latent growth curve modelling indicated stress and negative affect declined linearly, while positive affect followed a positive quadratic change. Descriptive norms negatively predicted the change in stress, whereas social participation positively predicted the change in negative affect and negatively predicted the change in positive affect. Together findings from these studies provide insights into the nature of these relationships and suggests levels of social connections may make older adults resilient to factors that change their physical activity and psychological well-being.
Open Access
The Relationship Between Cohesion, Collective Efficacy, Communication and Performance Outcomes in Youth Team Sports
(2019-09-20) Yasuda, Yuto; Paskevich, David M.; Dorsch, Kim D.; McDonough, Meghan H.; Sheehan, Dwayne Patrick
One of the foremost challenges for coaches and applied sport psychologists working with teams is enhancing group functioning to maximize team performance. Group dynamics theorists and practitioners have consistently highlighted the importance of a number of group variables (communication, cohesion, and collective efficacy) which are positively associated with team success, and as a result could be a target for group interventions. To develop more effective interventions when working with sports teams, the relationships between communication, cohesion, collective efficacy and performance outcome should be examined. Thus, the purpose of this research is to examine the relationships between communication, cohesion, collective efficacy, and performance outcome in competitive youth sport soccer teams. The participants were competitive youth soccer players in Calgary Minor Soccer Association in Calgary, Canada. A cross-sectional study conducted at the end of a season measured communication, cohesion, collective efficacy, and performance outcome. Based on structural equation modelling, communication was marginally significant and positively related to cohesion. Also, cohesion was positively related to collective efficacy, which in turn, led to higher performance outcome. Also, communication was negatively related to performance outcome. Cohesion had an indirect effect on performance outcome. Therefore, the model proposed in this study was partially verified. That is, communication (behaviour in a team), team cohesion, situation-specific team confidence, and performance outcome were linearly related. Also, it is possible that the strong relationship between communication and performance outcome was due to multicollinearity. For team building interventions to enhance performance in team sports, communication should be considered with caution as communication was positively related to cohesion, but negatively related to performance outcome.
Open Access
The role of peers and the recreational environment in adolescent emotional safety
(Taylor and Francis Group, 2022-03-04) Wong, Janet B.; McDonough, Meghan H.; Bridel, William; Culos-Reed, S. Nicole
Emotional safety is important for facilitating positive outcomes in afterschool programs. Emotional safety is not clearly conceptualized, and participants’ understandings of, and experiences with how the social and built environment contribute to emotional safety in afterschool programs is not well established. This qualitative case study examined early and middle adolescents’ experiences with their peers and the program environment, and how those experiences contributed to their feelings of emotional safety, from the perspective of both youth and staff working in afterschool recreational programs. Ten adolescents between the ages of 11 and 15 along with 10 staff at two afterschool programs in low-income urban neighbourhoods were interviewed. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Adolescents described emotional safety as being understood and not feeling like they had to hide their authentic selves. Youth felt emotionally safe among trusted peers and staff who would protect them, when they felt free and had choices, and when they were in spaces where they felt comfortable. Findings have implications for youth afterschool programming and among staff who work with youth.