Showing papers by "Wendy J. Brown published in 2010"

Measuring total and domain-specific sitting: A study of reliability and validity

Abstract: MARSHALL, A. L., Y. D. MILLER, N. W. BURTON, and W. J. BROWN. Measuring Total and Domain-Specific Sitting: A Study of Reliability and Validity. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc., Vol. 42, No. 6, pp. 1094-1102, 2010. Purpose: Although independent relationships between sitting behaviors (mainly television viewing) and health outcomes have been reported, few studies have examined the measurement properties of self-report sitting questions. This study assessed gender-specific test-retest reliability and validity of a questionnaire that assessed time spent sitting on weekdays and weekend days: 1) traveling to and from places, 2) at work, 3) watching television, 4) using a computer at home, and 5) for leisure, not including television. Methods: Test-retest reliability of domain-specific sitting time (min.d(-1)) on weekdays and weekend days was assessed using data collected on two occasions (median = 11 d apart). Validity of domain-specific self-reported sitting time on weekdays and weekend days was assessed against log data and sedentary accelerometer data. Results: Complete repeat questionnaire and log data were obtained from 157 women (aged 51-59 yr) and 96 men (aged 45-63 yr). Reliability coefficients were high for weekday sitting time at work, watching television, and using a computer at home (r = 0.84-0.78) but lower for weekend days across all domains (r = 0.23-0.74). Validity coefficients were highest for weekday sitting time at work and using a computer at home (r = 0.69-0.74). With the exception of computer use and watching television for women, validity of the weekend-day sitting time items was low. Conclusions: This study confirms the importance of measuring domain-and day-specific sitting time. The measurement properties of questions that assess structured domain-specific and weekday sitting time were acceptable and may be used in future studies that aim to elucidate associations between domain-specific sitting and health outcomes.

Feasibility and effectiveness of psychosocial resilience training: A pilot study of the READY program

Abstract: Despite many studies on the characteristics associated with resilience, there is little research on interventions to promote resilience in adults. The aims of this study were to gather preliminary information regarding the feasibility of implementing a group psychosocial resilience training program (REsilience and Activity for every DaY, READY) in a workplace setting, and to assess if program would potentially promote well-being. The program targets five protective factors identified from empirical evidence: Positive emotions, cognitive flexibility, social support, life meaning, and active coping. Resilience enhancement strategies reflect core acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) processes and cognitive behavior therapy strategies. Sessions involve psychoeducation, discussions, experiential exercises, and home assignments. Sixteen participants completed 11 x two h group sessions over 13 weeks. Baseline and post-intervention assessment included self-administered questionnaires, pedometer step counts, and physical and hematological measures. Data were analyzed using standardized mean differences and paired t-tests. There was a significant improvement between baseline and post intervention scores on measures of mastery (p = 0.001), positive emotions (p = 0.002), personal growth (p = 0.004), mindfulness (p = 0.004), acceptance (p = 0.012), stress (p = 0.013), self acceptance (p = 0.016), valued living (p = 0.022), autonomy (p = 0.032) and total cholesterol (p = 0.025). Participants rated the program and materials very highly. These results indicate that the READY program is feasible to implement as a group training program in a workplace setting to promote psychosocial well-being.

Body mass index and survival in men and women aged 70 to 75

Abstract: Objectives To examine in an older population all-cause and cause-specific mortality associated with underweight (body mass index (BMI) or =30.0). Design Cohort study. Setting The Health in Men Study and the Australian Longitudinal Study of Women's Health. Participants Adults aged 70 to 75, 4,677 men and 4,563 women recruited in 1996 and followed for up to 10 years. Measurements Relative risk of all-cause mortality and cause-specific (cardiovascular disease, cancer, and chronic respiratory disease) mortality. Results Mortality risk was lowest for overweight participants. The risk of death for overweight participants was 13% less than for normal-weight participants (hazard ratio (HR)=0.87, 95% CI=0.78-0.94). The risk of death was similar for obese and normal-weight participants (HR=0.98, 95% CI=0.85-1.11). Being sedentary doubled the mortality risk for women across all levels of BMI (HR=2.08, 95% CI=1.79-2.41) but resulted in only a 28% greater risk for men (HR=1.28 (95% CI=1.14-1.44). Conclusion These results lend further credence to claims that the BMI thresholds for overweight and obese are overly restrictive for older people. Overweight older people are not at greater mortality risk than those who are normal weight. Being sedentary was associated with a greater risk of mortality in women than in men.

Does sports club participation contribute to health-related quality of life?

Abstract: Several studies have reported on the associations between participation in physical activity (PA) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) (5,7,8,15,17,19,21). Most of these have used the 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) (33), which is a comprehensive, validated measure of HRQoL, with eight subscales (physical functioning, role physical, bodily pain, general health, vitality, social functioning, role emotional, and mental health) and two summary scores (the physical component summary (PCS) and the mental component summary (MCS)) (32,33). Most previous studies have reported positive associations between PA and general health (5,15,19), social functioning (5,19), and vitality (5,19,35) subscales in general population samples, but with the exception of walking (5), they have not examined the relationships between participation in different types of PA and HRQoL. In Australia, most of the evidence on relationships between PA and HRQoL has come from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health (ALSWH) (8,9,19). Because the ALSWH uses a generic measure of participation in walking and in moderate- and vigorous-intensity PA, the data cannot be used to provide insight into the associations between different types of PA, such as playing sport and going to the gym, and HRQoL. This is important because in Australia nearly 30% of people 15 yr and older participate in organized sport or recreation through a community sports club or organization (2). A positive aspect of participation in club-based sport is that those adults involved in sports clubs are significantly more likely to achieve recommended levels of PA than those who are not (16). As community sports clubs provide opportunities for social interaction through both structured (organized and competitive) and unstructured (social) participation in sport (14), it has been suggested that involvement in club sport may impact positively on social and mental well-being (27,29,31). For example, clubs may work as social catalysts, leading to enhanced involvement and participation (24), with potentially greater physical and mental health benefits from club sport participation than from other forms of PA (26,30). It has been reported that elements of social and mental well-being, such as social connectedness, social support, peer bonding, increased life satisfaction, and self-esteem, may reduce stress, anxiety, and depression and can be enhanced by participation in organized sport (10,26,27,29,30). Relationships between participation in club-based sport and HRQoL have not however been examined. The sport sector is beginning to adopt health promotion principles through the establishment of strategies such as the development of healthy and welcoming environments (13). The healthy and welcoming environments strategy incorporates social support principles and policies through a "welcoming and inclusive environment" component that focuses on engagement and maintenance of club participants (13). These principles are well supported in the PA literature because social support has been identified as a determinant for PA engagement and maintenance, and the promotion of PA in a social context is endorsed (27,28). Because women are less likely to be physically active than men (3) and given that women living in rural areas have poorer health (34) and higher rates of overweight and obesity (4,9) than their metropolitan counterparts, women living in rural areas were the focus of this study. Among adult women living in Victoria, walking is the most common form of PA, with 32.7% reporting participation in walking for exercise. The next most common type of PA for women in this age group is aerobics/fitness (15.2%). The most popular sports played by Victorian women are netball (5.2%) and tennis (4.9%). Of all types of sports and physical recreation activities, these sports rank fourth and fifth in participation rates (2). Because of their relative popularity in Victoria, tennis and netball were selected as the club sports of interest, and walking and gymnasium-based activities were selected as the other forms of activity. The main aim of this research was to compare levels of HRQoL and life satisfaction in members of sporting clubs and those who participate in other common forms of PA. Given the suggested benefits of participation in sports clubs and teams on many aspects of social and mental well-being, we hypothesized that HRQoL and life satisfaction would be greater among sports club participants than among those who participate only in the more individual PA and members of a normative population of women

What do IPAQ questions mean to older adults? Lessons from cognitive interviews.

Abstract: Most questionnaires used for physical activity (PA) surveillance have been developed for adults aged ≤65 years. Given the health benefits of PA for older adults and the aging of the population, it is important to include adults aged 65+ years in PA surveillance. However, few studies have examined how well older adults understand PA surveillance questionnaires. This study aimed to document older adults' understanding of questions from the International PA Questionnaire (IPAQ), which is used worldwide for PA surveillance. Participants were 41 community-dwelling adults aged 65-89 years. They each completed IPAQ in a face-to-face semi-structured interview, using the "think-aloud" method, in which they expressed their thoughts out loud as they answered IPAQ questions. Interviews were transcribed and coded according to a three-stage model: understanding the intent of the question; performing the primary task (conducting the mental operations required to formulate a response); and response formatting (mapping the response into pre-specified response options). Most difficulties occurred during the understanding and performing the primary task stages. Errors included recalling PA in an "average" week, not in the previous 7 days; including PA lasting <10 minutes/session; reporting the same PA twice or thrice; and including the total time of an activity for which only a part of that time was at the intensity specified in the question. Participants were unclear what activities fitted within a question's scope and used a variety of strategies for determining the frequency and duration of their activities. Participants experienced more difficulties with the moderate-intensity PA and walking questions than with the vigorous-intensity PA questions. The sitting time question, particularly difficult for many participants, required the use of an answer strategy different from that used to answer questions about PA. These findings indicate a need for caution in administering IPAQ to adults aged ≥65 years. Most errors resulted in over-reporting, although errors resulting in under-reporting were also noted. Given the nature of the errors made by participants, it is possible that similar errors occur when IPAQ is used in younger populations and that the errors identified could be minimized with small modifications to IPAQ.

Neighborhood disadvantage and physical activity : baseline results from the HABITAT multilevel longitudinal study

Abstract: PURPOSE: To examine the association between neighborhood disadvantage and physical activity (PA). ---------- METHODS: We use data from the HABITAT multilevel longitudinal study of PA among mid-aged (40-65 years) men and women (n=11, 037, 68.5% response rate) living in 200 neighborhoods in Brisbane, Australia. PA was measured using three questions from the Active Australia Survey (general walking, moderate, and vigorous activity), one indicator of total activity, and two questions about walking and cycling for transport. The PA measures were operationalized using multiple categories based on time and estimated energy expenditure that were interpretable with reference to the latest PA recommendations. The association between neighborhood disadvantage and PA was examined using multilevel multinomial logistic regression and Markov Chain Monte Carlo simulation. The contribution of neighborhood disadvantage to between-neighborhood variation in PA was assessed using the 80% interval odds ratio. ---------- RESULTS: After adjustment for sex, age, living arrangement, education, occupation, and household income, reported participation in all measures and levels of PA varied significantly across Brisbane’s neighborhoods, and neighborhood disadvantage accounted for some of this variation. Residents of advantaged neighborhoods reported significantly higher levels of total activity, general walking, moderate, and vigorous activity; however, they were less likely to walk for transport. There was no statistically significant association between neighborhood disadvantage and cycling for transport. In terms of total PA, residents of advantaged neighborhoods were more likely to exceed PA recommendations. ---------- CONCLUSIONS: Neighborhoods may exert a contextual effect on residents’ likelihood of participating in PA. The greater propensity of residents in advantaged neighborhoods to do high levels of total PA may contribute to lower rates of cardiovascular disease and obesity in these areas

A preliminary study of the effects of Tai Chi and Qigong medical exercise on indicators of metabolic syndrome, glycaemic control, health-related quality of life, and psychological health in adults with elevated blood glucose

Abstract: Objectives To evaluate the feasibility, acceptability and effects of a Tai Chi and Qigong exercise programme in adults with elevated blood glucose. Design, Setting, and Participants A single group pre–post feasibility trial with 11 participants (3 male and 8 female; aged 42–65 years) with elevated blood glucose. Intervention Participants attended Tai Chi and Qigong exercise training for 1 to 1.5 h, 3 times per week for 12 weeks, and were encouraged to practise the exercises at home. Main Outcome Measures Indicators of metabolic syndrome (body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol); glucose control (HbA1c, fasting insulin and insulin resistance (HOMA)); health-related quality of life; stress and depressive symptoms. Results There was good adherence and high acceptability. There were significant improvements in four of the seven indicators of metabolic syndrome including BMI (mean difference −1.05, p Conclusions The programme was feasible and acceptable and participants showed improvements in metabolic and psychological variables. A larger controlled trial is now needed to confirm these promising preliminary results.

Are Active Australia physical activity questions valid for older adults

Abstract: Objective The Active Australia Survey (AAS) is used for physical activity (PA) surveillance in the general Australian adult population, but its validity in older adults has not been evaluated. Our aim was to examine the convergent validity of the AAS questions in older adults. Design The AAS was validated against pedometer step counts as an objective measure of PA, self-reported physical function, and a step-test to assess cardiorespiratory fitness. Method Participants were community-dwelling adults, aged 65-89 y, with the ability to walk 100 m. They completed a self-administered AAS and the step-test in one interview. One week earlier, they completed the Short Form-36 physical function subscale. Between these two interviews, they each wore a YAMAX Digiwalker SW200 pedometer and recorded daily steps. Using the AAS data, daily walking minutes and total PA minutes (walking, moderate-intensity PA and vigorous-intensity PA) were compared with the validity measures using Spearman rank-order correlations. Fifty-three adults completed the study. Results Median daily walking minutes were 34.2 (interquartile range [IQR] 17.1, 60.0), and median daily total PA minutes were 68.6 (IQR 31.4, 113.6). Walking and total PA minutes were both moderately correlated with pedometer steps (Spearman correlation r=0.42, p=0.003, for each) but not with step-test seconds to completion (r=-0.11, p=0.44; r=-0.25, p=0.08, respectively). Total PA minutes were significantly correlated with physical function scores (r=0.39, p=0.004), but walking minutes were not (r=0.15, p=0.29). Conclusions This initial examination of the psychometric properties of the AAS for older adults suggests that this surveillance tool has acceptable convergent validity for ambulatory, community-dwelling older adults.

Sitting time is associated with weight, but not with weight gain in mid-aged Australian women.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to examine the associations between sitting time, weight, and weight gain in Australian women born in 1946–1951. Data were from 8,233 women who completed surveys for the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health (ALSWH) in 2001, 2004, and 2007. Associations between sitting time and weight, and between sitting time and weight change in each 3-year period were examined using repeated measures modeling. The associations between weight and change in sitting time were also examined. Analyses were stratified for BMI categories: normal weight (18.5 ≤ BMI < 25), overweight (25 ≤ BMI < 30), and obese (BMI ≥ 30). In cross-sectional models, each additional hour of sitting time was associated with 110 g (95% confidence interval (CI): 40–180) and 260 g (95% CI: 140–380) additional weight in overweight and obese women, respectively (fully adjusted model). In prospective analyses, sitting time was not consistently associated with weight change, after adjustment for other variables, and weight was not associated with change in sitting time over successive 3-year periods. In conclusion, although the cross-sectional associations between sitting time and weight were evident in overweight and obese women, there was no consistent association between sitting time and weight gain. A potential explanation is that prospective associations may only be apparent over longer periods of time. These results do not support a role for reducing sitting time as a short-term means of weight control in mid-aged women.

Major dietary patterns of young and middle aged women: results from a prospective Australian cohort study.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to assess the major dietary patterns of two age cohorts of women, to determine to the extent to which the dietary patterns differ between the cohorts and to assess whether they vary according to sociodemographic and behavioural characteristics and patterns of nutrient intake. Dietary intake was assessed using an 80-item food frequency questionnaire for women aged 50–55 years (n=10 150; ‘middle age’) in 2001 and aged 25–30 years (n=7371; ‘young’) in 2003, from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health. Factor analysis using principal component extraction was used to identify dietary patterns, and a pattern score was calculated from the consumption of the food items identified with each dietary pattern. Associations between the dietary pattern scores and sociodemographic and behavioural characteristics and nutrient intakes were investigated using regression analysis. Six dietary patterns were identified and were labelled: cooked vegetables; fruit; Mediterranean-style; processed meat, meat and takeaway; reduced fat dairy; and high-fat and sugar foods. Regression analysis revealed that healthier dietary patterns were significantly associated with other favourable health-related behaviours, higher socioeconomic status and living in urban areas (P-values <0.05). In spite of differences in the level of consumption of individual food items, the similarity in dietary patterns across two generations of women suggests that policies and interventions to improve diet should focus on social and economic factors and general health-related behaviour rather than different age groups.

Determinants of Weight Gain in Young Women: A Review of the Literature

Abstract: Background: Young adult women (18–36 years) are gaining weight at rates higher than women in other age groups. Given its long-term deleterious health effects, it is important to know the determinants of this weight gain. However, other than in relation to pregnancy, little is known about the determinants of weight gain in this population group. Materials and Methods: Papers examining nonpregnancy weight gain in young women were identified through a literature search in PubMed in August 2008. Subsequently, reference lists of included papers were checked for additional eligible papers. Results: A total of 29 papers were included in this review. They were grouped into five categories on the basis of the main identified determinants of weight gain: contraception (4); dietary behaviors (3); quitting smoking (1); physical activity (PA) (1); and university transition (20 papers). Study duration ranged from 13 days to 15 years. Weight was objectively measured in 25 studies and self-reported in 4 studies....

Are Psychologists Willing and Able to Promote Physical Activity as Part of Psychological Treatment

Abstract: Physical activity can provide psychological benefits, but there is little research on psychologists' promoting activity as part of psychological treatment. This study assessed psychologists' attitudes to and frequency of providing activity advice and counseling. A mail questionnaire sent to 620 psychologists provided 236 responses (38%). Items assessed frequency of providing activity advice and counseling, confidence to provide activity advice and counseling, perceived efficacy of activity for managing physical and psychological conditions, acceptability of activity advice and counseling, knowledge of national activity guidelines, exposure to training in activity promotion, and practice and sociodemographic characteristics. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression analyses. Among respondents, 83% reported often recommending activity, 67% often provided activity advice, and 28% often did activity counseling. There was a high level of acceptability for physical activity promotion as part of psychological treatment. Over 80% of respondents were confident to provide general activity advice, discuss activity options, and problem solve barriers to activity, but less than half were confident to monitor activity levels or to tailor advice. Factors significantly associated with providing activity advice and counseling were: if the psychologist reported doing regular exercise, confidence to provide general activity advice, high acceptability, working in private practice, and clients presenting with general health and well-being issues (p < 0.05). Seventy-two percent of respondents were interested in attending a workshop on providing activity advice and counseling. Many psychologists are willing and potentially able to promote physical activity as part of psychological treatment and would be likely to participate in relevant professional development.

Colorectal cancer survivors’ exercise experiences and preferences : qualitative findings from an exercise rehabilitation programme immediately after chemotherapy

Abstract: Little is known about cancer survivors’ experiences with and preferences for exercise programmes offered during rehabilitation (immediately after cancer treatment). This study documented colorectal cancer survivors’ experiences in an exercise rehabilitation programme and their preferences for programme content and delivery. At the completion of 12-weeks of supervised exercise, 10 participants took part in one-on-one semi-structured interviews. Data from these interviews were coded, and themes were identified using qualitative software. Key findings were that most participants experienced improvements in treatment symptoms, including reduced fatigue and increased energy and confidence to do activities of daily living. They also reported that interactions with the exercise trainer and a flexible programme delivery were important aspects of the intervention. Most participants reported that they preferred having a choice of exercise, starting to exercise within a month after completing treatment, having supervision and maintaining a one-on-one format. Frustrations included scheduling conflicts and a lack of a transition out of the programme. The findings indicate that colorectal cancers experience benefits from exercise offered immediately after treatment and prefer individual attention from exercise staff. They further indicate directions for the implementation of future exercise programmes with this population.

Efficacy of a progressive walking program and glucosamine sulphate supplementation on osteoarthritic symptoms of the hip and knee: a feasibility trial

Abstract: Introduction Management of osteoarthritis (OA) includes the use of non-pharmacological and pharmacological therapies. Although walking is commonly recommended for reducing pain and increasing physical function in people with OA, glucosamine sulphate has also been used to alleviate pain and slow the progression of OA. This study evaluated the effects of a progressive walking program and glucosamine sulphate intake on OA symptoms and physical activity participation in people with mild to moderate hip or knee OA.

What Is a Healthy Body Mass Index for Women in Their Seventies? Results From the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health

Abstract: Background. This study examines the relevance of the World Health Organization (WHO) optimal range for body mass index (BMI) of 18.5-25 kg/m(2) to morbidity in older women.

Domestic violence experienced by women attending an accident and emergency department

Abstract: The aim of the study was to establish the extent and severity of domestic violence experienced by women attending the accident and emergency department of a large teaching hospital in Newcastle. The data were collected over a five-week period in 1992. All women between 17 and 80 years, attending the emergency or ambulatory areas between 8 a.m. and midnight, were asked to complete a confidential structured interview. A total of 401 women participated in the study, representing 82 per cent of eligible women approached. Each participant was asked if she had ever been physically hurt by someone close to her. Questions were asked to determine the relationship to the perpetrator, the type and cause of injury, treatment necessary and help sought Seven (1.7 per cent, 95 per cent confidence interval (CI) 0.46 to 3.02) of the women surveyed were attending the hospital as a direct result of an incident of domestic violence, and 100 women (25 per cent, CI 21 to 29) had experienced domestic violence at some time. Bruising, fractures and cuts were the most common forms of injury, with the most common locations being the head, face and chest. Weapons, such as guns and knives, were used in 20 per cent of the incidents. A considerable number of the women (68 per cent) did not seek help at the time of their injuries. As a substantial proportion of women have experienced domestic violence in their lives, accident and emergency workers should receive training in recognising and assisting victims of domestic violence.

Health across generations: findings from the Australian longitudinal study on women's health

Abstract: The International Collaboration for a Life Course Approach to Reproductive Health and Chronic Disease Events (InterLACE) project is a global research collaboration that aims to advance understanding of women's reproductive health in relation to chronic disease risk by pooling individual participant data from several cohort and cross-sectional studies. The aim of this paper is to describe the characteristics of contributing studies and to present the distribution of demographic and reproductive factors and chronic disease outcomes in InterLACE.

The feasibility of a home-based moderate-intensity physical activity intervention in obese children and adolescents

Abstract: Objectives: To explore the feasibility of conducting a 10-week home-based physical activity (PA) program and to evaluate the changes in insulin sensitivity commensurate with the program in obese young people. Design: Open-labelled intervention Setting: Home-based intervention with clinical assessments at a tertiary paediatric hospital. Subjects 18 obese (BMI>International Obesity Task Force age and sex-specific cut-offs) children and adolescents (8-18 years, 11 girls/7 boys) were recruited. 15 participants (9 girls/6 boys, mean±SE age 11.8±0.6 years, BMI-SDS 3.5±0.1, 6 prepubertal / 9 pubertal) completed the intervention. Intervention The program comprised biweekly home-visits over 10 weeks with personalized plans implemented aiming to increase moderate-intensity PA. Pedometers and physical activity diaries were used as self-monitoring tools. The goals were to a) teach participants behavioural skills related to adopting and maintaining an active lifestyle and b) increase daily participation in PA. Outcome measures: Mean steps per day were assessed. Insulin sensitivity (S I ) assessed by the Frequently Sampled Intravenous Glucose Tolerance Test (FSIGT) and other components of the insulin resistance syndrome were measured. Results: Mean steps per day increased significantly from 10,363±927 (baseline) to 13,013±1131 (week 10) (p I was also significantly increased despite no change in BMI-SDS and remained so after an additional 10-weeks follow-up. Conclusions: The results suggest that such a home-based PA program is feasible. Insulin sensitivity improved without changes in BMI. More rigorous evaluations of such programs are warranted.

Setting targets: a three‐stage model for determining priorities for health promotion

Abstract: This paper describes a three-stage model for setting targets for health promotion. The model was developed in 1992 in response to the need to identify priority areas for health promotion for women in the Hunter Region of New South Wales. The approach enabled epidemiological data and views from the community to be synthesised and integrated with those of experts from health and social services (key informants), using a nominal group process. The reliability of the method was investigated by replicating the process with two groups of key informants. There was considerable commonality in the targets generated by the two groups. The process resulted in the identification of seven targets that reflected the concerns of the community and local experts as well as the health priorities suggested by local epidemiological data. The model used could be adapted for determining priorities in a wide range of health and health care settings, where available resources restrict the range of services or activities which can be offered.

Evidence-based policy and practice of physical activity in Australia: awareness and attitudes of attendees at a national physical activity conference (the PAPPA study).

Abstract: ISSUE ADDRESSED: evidence that regular moderate-intensity physical activity confers substantial health benefits has been available for more than a decade. Recent studies suggest that the availability of evidence is in itself insufficient for the development of evidence-based public policy and that comprehensive translation mechanisms are needed. This paper explores the current sources of information about effective interventions among physical activity professionals, their awareness and uptake of evidence reviews, their use of the national physical activity network AusPANet and their beliefs about evidence-based policy and practice in physical activity. METHODS: this Physical Activity Policy and Practice in Australia (PAPPA) study reports data from a survey of 115 key physical activity professionals attending the Sixth National Physical Activity Conference in Adelaide, Australia, October 2007. Respondents answered questions about awareness and use of evidence sources and about their beliefs regarding policy and practice in physical activity. RESULTS: only 37% of respondents could accurately identify the main policy messages on 'physical activity and health' as defined in the seminal US Surgeon General's report; 48% reported using the current 'Be Active Australia' national strategic framework on more than two occasions; and just over 35% reported using the most recent national evidence synthesis 'Getting Australia Active II'. CONCLUSIONS: the study identifies gaps in knowledge about physical activity and health, gaps in understanding contemporary policy and gaps in translation strategies. Notwithstanding the possible limitations of evidence reviews and syntheses as a determinant of policy and practice, it is apparent that the dissemination of physical activity guidelines and evidence summaries has been less than optimal in Australia. Language: en