scholarly journals How Reindeer Herders Cope with Harsh Winter Conditions in Northern Finland: Insights from an Interview Study

ARCTIC ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 74 (2) ◽  
pp. 188-205
Author(s):  
Minna Turunen ◽  
Päivi Soppela ◽  
Cara Ocobock
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Coniferous Forest ◽  
Weather Conditions ◽  
Cold Climate ◽  
Physical Work ◽  
Extreme Conditions ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Forest Zone ◽  
Winter Conditions ◽  
Cultural Strategies

Reindeer herding involves hard physical work carried out in a cold climate under variable weather conditions. In the fall and winter, herders’ work in northern Finland includes collecting and moving reindeer herds to round-up sites, working in round-ups, slaughtering and processing meat as well as daily feeding and monitoring of the animals in the field. To study the experiences and perceptions of coping with cold among physically active herders in harsh winter conditions, we interviewed 22 herders from six herding districts of the central reindeer management area within the north boreal coniferous forest zone. We focused on behavioral and cultural strategies that accompany the physiological cold adaptations. Semi-structured interviews revealed that the main behavioral and cultural strategies used by herders to successfully carry out their duties while avoiding cold-related injury include clothing, physical activity, nutrition, and shelter as well as protecting vehicles and devices. Herders across sex, age, and herding district reported using modern layered clothing developed for extreme conditions, often combined with traditional footwear and clothes made of reindeer fur or woollen fabric. In addition, herders increase their physical activity; eat warm, energy-rich foods; make fires; stay overnight or take breaks in a house or a cabin, a car, or other protected places to reduce exposure to the harsh environment. Coping with extreme conditions not only requires flexibility, preparedness, and innovation from the herders but also thoughtful caution when approaching and managing unexpected situations. We conclude that modernization of reindeer husbandry, climate change, and rapidly increasing land use competition not only drive herders to modify their behavioral and cultural coping mechanisms for extreme weather conditions but may also create new, unexpected vulnerabilities. 

scholarly journals EXPRESS: “It is the fear of exercise that stops me” – Attitudes and dimensions influencing physical activity in pulmonary hypertension patients

2021 ◽  
pp. 204589402110565
Author(s):  
Ciara McCormack ◽  
Sarah Cullivan ◽  
Brona Kehoe ◽  
Noel McCaffrey ◽  
Sean Gaine ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Pulmonary Hypertension ◽  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Perceived Value ◽  
Weather Conditions ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Physical Damage ◽  
Life Engagement ◽  
Considerable Morbidity

Pulmonary Hypertension (PH) is a progressive cardiorespiratory disease, that is characterized by considerable morbidity and mortality. While physical activity (PA) can improve symptoms and quality of life, engagement in this population is suboptimal. The aim of this study was to explore attitudes towards exercise and the dimensions that influence PA participation in individuals with PH. Virtual, semi-structured interviews were conducted with individuals, with a formal diagnosis of PH. Participants were recruited through the Pulmonary Hypertension Association of Ireland. Interviews were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Nineteen patients were interviewed (n=19). There was a female preponderance (n=13) and the mean age was 50 ± 12 years. Three themes were identified and included fear; perceived value of exercise; and environmental factors. Fear was the primary theme and included three sub-themes of fear of (i) over-exertion, (ii) physical damage and (iii) breathlessness. The perceived value of exercise encompassed two distinct sub-themes of perceived (i) exercise importance and (ii) benefits of exercise. Environmental factors included the terrain, weather conditions and location. Fear of overexertion, harm and dyspnoea strongly influenced attitudes to and engagement in PA. This study revealed heterogenous patient perspectives regarding the importance of PA and exercise. Future interventions that mitigate fear and promote the value of PA for individuals with PH may have considerable benefits in promoting PA engagement. Such interventions require multidisciplinary involvement, including specialised PH clinicians and exercise and behaviour change specialists.

Diversity in teachers’ approaches to movement integration: A qualitative study of lower secondary school teachers’ perceptions of a state school reform involving daily physical activity

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 429-447
Author(s):  
Henrik Taarsted Jørgensen ◽  
Sine Agergaard ◽  
Michalis Stylianou ◽  
Jens Troelsen
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
School Reform ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Policy And Practice ◽  
Teachers Perceptions ◽  
Physical Activity Policy ◽  
Danish School ◽  
Group Interviews ◽  
Movement Integration

In the context of implementing a physical activity policy as part of a national school reform in Denmark, the purpose of this study was to explore lower secondary teachers’ interpretations and perceptions of the physical activity policy with a focus on movement integration. In total, 14 teachers from four different schools were selected to take part in this qualitative study, which involved semi-structured interviews, focus group interviews, go-along observations and informal interviews. A thematic analysis framework was employed to identify and describe patterns of meaning within data. The findings showed substantial diversity among teachers’ interpretations and perceptions of movement integration, and consequently a lack of definitional clarity regarding movement integration and a possible misalignment between policy and practice. Teachers’ perceptions and interpretations of movement integration were influenced by other and more prioritised policies and discourses regarding academic achievement, as well as by intrapersonal, interpersonal and institutional factors. The findings also suggested a lack of support and collaboration within the school and provided insights into the strengths and weaknesses associated with the autonomy afforded in the Danish school reform.

scholarly journals Profiles of Loneliness and Social Isolation in Physically Active and Inactive Older Adults in Rural England

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (8) ◽  
pp. 3971
Author(s):  
Jolanthe de Koning ◽  
Suzanne H. Richards ◽  
Grace E. R. Wood ◽  
Afroditi Stathi
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Physical Environment ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Social Contact ◽  
Physical Activity Behaviour ◽  
Rural Setting ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Physically Active

Objective: Loneliness and social isolation are associated with higher risk of morbidity and mortality and physical inactivity in older age. This study explored the socioecological context in which both physically active and inactive older adults experience loneliness and/or social isolation in a UK rural setting. Design: A mixed-methods design employed semi structured interviews and accelerometer-measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Interviews explored the personal, social and environmental factors influencing engagement with physical activities, guided by an adapted-socioecological model of physical activity behaviour. Findings: Twenty-four older adults (MeanAge = 73 (5.8 SD); 12 women) were interviewed. Transcripts were thematically analysed and seven profiles of physical activity, social isolation and loneliness were identified. The high-MVPA group had established PA habits, reported several sources of social contact and evaluated their physical environment as activity friendly. The low MVPA group had diverse experiences of past engagement in social activities. Similar to the high MVPA, they reported a range of sources of social contact but they did not perceive the physical environment as activity friendly. Conclusions: Loneliness and/or social isolation was reported by both physically active and inactive older adults. There is wide diversity and complexity in types and intensity of PA, loneliness and social isolation profiles and personal, social and environmental contexts.

scholarly journals Performance of Strawberry Varieties Developed for Perennial Matted-Row Production in Annual Plasticulture in a Cold Climate Region

Agronomy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 1407
Author(s):  
Courtney A. Weber
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Fruit Size ◽  
Weather Conditions ◽  
Cold Climate ◽  
Annual Production ◽  
High Yield ◽  
Production Cycle ◽  
Late Season ◽  
Berry Weight ◽  
High Yields

Annual plasticulture production of strawberries promises superior weed control, fruit quality and yields. However, strawberry varieties adapted for perennial, matted-row production and local markets in cold climate regions have not been widely tested for adaptation to an annual production cycle. Productivity of seven short-day varieties developed for matted-row and/or annual production was examined in an annual plasticulture system in two consecutive trials in central NY (lat. 42.87° N, long. 76.99° W) harvested in 2013 and 2014. ‘Flavorfest’ demonstrated good performance in Trial 1 with high yield (390 g/plant) and large fruit size (13.9 g mean berry weight). ‘Jewel’ was shown to be well adapted to the annual plasticulture system with consistently high yields (330 and 390 g/plant) that equaled or surpassed other varieties and had moderate fruit size. ‘Chandler’ performed similarly to previous trials conducted in warmer regions with yield (340 g/plant) and fruit size (9.8 g mean berry weight) similar to ‘Jewel’. ‘Clancy’ yielded less but was consistent from year to year. The late season varieties Seneca and Ovation showed marked variability between years, possibly due to drastically different temperatures during flowering and fruit development in Trial 1 compared to Trial 2. High temperatures in Trial 1 likely caused higher early fruit yield, a compressed season and a precipitous decline in fruit size in the later season, thus reducing yield in the late season. Survival after a second dormant period was poor resulting in a small second harvest and reduced fruit size. Overall, the system demonstrated many of the expected benefits but may be more sensitive to weather conditions in the region. While many varieties developed for matted-row production may work well in an annual plasticulture system, not all varieties are equally adapted. Performance of each variety should be determined independently before large scale adoption by growers.

Occupational and Leisure-Time Physical Activity Have Different Relationships With Health: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study of Working Nurses

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Helen M. Parker ◽  
Robyn Gallagher ◽  
Christine Duffield ◽  
Ding Ding ◽  
David Sibbritt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Leisure Time ◽  
Leisure Time Physical Activity ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Physical Work ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Activity Questionnaires

Background: Recent research has focused on the potential benefits of physical activity in occupational settings in addition to leisure time. However, occupational physical activity (OPA) differs substantially for occupations that require heavy and repetitive physical work, such as nursing. We explored associations between leisure time and OPA and health outcomes in working nurses and midwives. Methods: Nurses who were enrolled in the Fit For the Future study (New South Wales, Australia) and who completed physical activity questionnaires (n = 4343) were classified according to high (HO) or low (LO) occupational and high (HL) or low (LL) leisure-time physical activity (LTPA): HO performed walking/heavy labor most/all of the time at work; HL met the guidelines of 150 minutes per week moderate to vigorous LTPA, creating 4 categories: HOLL, HOHL, LOHL, and LOLL. Results: HL predicted better self-rated health (unstandardized B = 0.51, 95% confidence interval, 0.44 to 0.57) and lower likelihood of ≥3 sick days in the past 12 months (OR: 0.71, 95% confidence interval, 0.61 to 0.83), whereas HO predicted higher likelihood of ≥3 sick days (OR: 1.17, 95% confidence interval, 1.01 to 1.35), adjusting for all variables. Conclusions: OPA may not confer the same health benefits as LTPA for nurses. Health-promoting interventions should emphasize the importance of achieving adequate moderate to vigorous LTPA for all, including those undertaking substantial OPA.

Body Weight Stigma in Physical Activity Settings

2018 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew C. Pickett ◽  
George B. Cunningham
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Body Weight ◽  
Weight Stigma ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Activity Settings ◽  
Activity Spaces ◽  
Strong Barrier ◽  
Body Ideals

Given societal body ideals praising thinness and muscularity, physical activity spaces can bedifficult to navigate for those in larger bodies. Thus, stigma serves as a strong barrier to participation. Inthis study, the authors explore ways that body stigma affects larger individuals’ participation in physicalactivity. This authors employed qualitative, semi-structured interviews (N = 9), regarding personal experi-ences of body weight stigma. Results suggest that body stigma is common and that various discriminatoryexperiences led participants away from participating. Given the prevalence of prejudicial behaviors, whichexclude larger individuals, the authors argue for more inclusive physical activity spaces and practices.

Rural Neighborhood Walkability: Implications for Assessment

2015 ◽  
Vol 12 (s1) ◽  
pp. S40-S45 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle C. Kegler ◽  
Iris Alcantara ◽  
Regine Haardörfer ◽  
Alexandra Gemma ◽  
Denise Ballard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Rural Communities ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Walking Distance ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Neighborhood Walkability ◽  
Bodies Of Water ◽  
Active Adults

Background:Physical activity levels, including walking, are lower in the southern U.S., particularly in rural areas. This study investigated the concept of rural neighborhood walkability to aid in developing tools for assessing walkability and to identify intervention targets in rural communities.Methods:Semi-structured interviews were conducted with physically active adults (n = 29) in rural Georgia. Mean age of participants was 55.9 years; 66% were male, 76% were white, and 24% were African American. Participants drew maps of their neighborhoods and discussed the relevance of typical domains of walkability to their decisions to exercise. Comparative analyses were conducted to identify major themes.Results:The majority felt the concept of neighborhood was applicable and viewed their neighborhood as small geographically (less than 0.5 square miles). Sidewalks were not viewed as essential for neighborhood-based physical activity and typical destinations for walking were largely absent. Destinations within walking distance included neighbors’ homes and bodies of water. Views were mixed on whether shade, safety, dogs, and aesthetics affected decisions to exercise in their neighborhoods.Conclusions:Measures of neighborhood walkability in rural areas should acknowledge the small size of self-defined neighborhoods, that walking in rural areas is likely for leisure time exercise, and that some domains may not be relevant.

scholarly journals Understanding Experiences of Fibromyalgia Patients Involved in the Fimouv Study During COVID-19 Lockdown

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claire Colas ◽  
Audrey Jumel ◽  
Marie-Pierre Vericel ◽  
Nathalie Barth ◽  
Jessica Manzanares ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Trial Registration ◽  
Therapeutic Education ◽  
Social Constraints ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Clinical Trial Registration ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Activity Program ◽  
Regular Practice

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic implied a period of lockdown for the general population, increasing the risk to develop some physical or mental disorders. In fibromyalgia patients, these disorders are part of the large clinical picture of the syndrome. Fibromyalgia management is especially based on a regular practice of physical activity. Lockdown imposed a break in rhythms, requiring a restructuring of scheduling. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the experiences of fibromyalgia patients during COVID-19 lockdown using a qualitative analysis.Method: 19 patients (52 ± 9 years old) who completed a 3-month therapeutic education and/or supervised physical activity program were invited to participate (Fimouv study, Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04107948). A sociologist collected data by means of semi-structured interviews and analyzed them using thematic content analysis.Results: Lockdown exacerbated the main symptoms of fibromyalgia, but adjusting the rhythms of life to fluctuations of these symptoms allowed a better quality of life. Patients felt the lack of physical activity and 68% found alternatives to remain physically active. The reduction of social constraints allowed them to better contend with their pathology. Fibromyalgia stopped being a main priority.Conclusion: Lockdown was positively experienced by fibromyalgia patients. They linked the absence of physical activity with increased pain and fatigue. Nevertheless, reducing social constraints could be a key for fibromyalgia management, where symptoms seemed to take less space in everyday life.Clinical Trial Registration:www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT04107948.

Physical activity experiences of youth with visual impairments: An Alaskan perspective

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 103-112 ◽  
Author(s):  
Justin A Haegele ◽  
Amanda Yessick ◽  
T Nicole Kirk
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Visual Impairments ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Case Study Design ◽  
Exploratory Case Study ◽  
Analytic Process

The purpose of this study was to explore the physical activity experiences of youth with visual impairments living in Alaska. This study utilized a descriptive-qualitative methodology using an exploratory case study design. A convenience sample of four (one female, three males; aged 12–18 years) Alaskan youths with visual impairments participated in this study. Data included semi-structured interviews, reflective interview notes, and observational notes. Data were transcribed verbatim, and thematic development was undertaken inductively using a three-step analytic process. Based on the analysis, two interrelated themes emerged from the data: (a) “I don’t really participate in sports other than at camp”: preferences for unstructured activities and (b) “my sister’s willing to do anything”: familial impact on physical activity. Results of this study can help inform future efforts to promote physical activity engagement among youth with visual impairments, particularly those living in geographic areas similar to Alaska.

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