Main goal of the Sport Physical Education And Coaching in Health Project (SPEACH/Erasmus+ sport 5... more Main goal of the Sport Physical Education And Coaching in Health Project (SPEACH/Erasmus+ sport 557083-EPP-1-2014-1-NL-SPO-SCP) is to increase awareness and behavioural change in sport professionals and European citizens towards an active and healthy lifestyle. Sedentariness and physical inactivity are a cross-national problem. Therefore, the project builds upon a strong collaborative-partnership to contribute in solving this problem on the European level and to increase sport and physical activity participation.
Background: Physical inactivity is a growing health problem in Europe and worldwide. The current ... more Background: Physical inactivity is a growing health problem in Europe and worldwide. The current levels of physical inactivity are due to insufficient participation in leisure time physical activity and an increase in sedentary behavior (WHO, 2017). The " Sport, Physical Education and Coaching for Health " (SPEACH) project, co-financed by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union (2015-2017) aims to set sustainable and conferrable grounding in order to prepare pupils and young athletes (but also adults in regards of a holistic 'healthy aging') towards a healthy lifestyle through HEPA (Health Enhancing Physical Activity) related education during their physical education (PE) classes and/or their training sessions in sport clubs. To achieve this, the project pursued to develop HEPA related modules, which may be included into existing education structures in the areas of sport coaching and PE. Methods: In order to design effective programs a systematic approach to ...
Health enhancing physical inactivity is a growing concern leading to health problems in Europe an... more Health enhancing physical inactivity is a growing concern leading to health problems in Europe and nationwide. WHO (2017) stated that the current levels of physical inactivity are the consequence of insufficient participation in physical activity and an increase in sedentary behavior. The British Heart Foundation (2015) also reported that 13 to 15 years in England were sedentary for six hours or more for both genders (boys = 24%, girls = 16%) on weekdays, and there was a spike of sedentary behaviour on weekend days with 43% of boys and 37% for this age group. The "Sport, Physical Education and Coaching for Health" (SPEACH) project, is an Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union (2015-2017). The key purpose of the project to prepare professional practitioners in higher and vocational education in the areas of Physical Education, Sports and Physical Activity to change behaviors of the citizens of Europe and increase physical activity. To achieve this, the project culminated ...
de Jong J, Mombarg R, Nauta J, Skovgaard T, Nørager Johansen D, Szabo-Alexi P, Dragos P, Benjamin... more de Jong J, Mombarg R, Nauta J, Skovgaard T, Nørager Johansen D, Szabo-Alexi P, Dragos P, Benjaminse A 1 School of Sport Studies, Hanze University of Applied Sciences Groningen, the Netherlands [email protected] 2 Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, the Netherlands 3 Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Denmark 4 Physical Education, Sports and Physical Therapy Department, University of Oradea, Romania 5 University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Center for Human Movement Sciences, Groningen, Netherlands
Background: Research ethics review practices vary considerably across countries and this variabil... more Background: Research ethics review practices vary considerably across countries and this variability poses a challenge for international research programmes. Although published guidelines exist, which describe underlying principles that should be considered and pragmatic approaches that could be followed in seeking ethics approval, most have roots in biomedical and clinical research. The result is that there is generally less clarity around institutional and/or country-level structures for ethics review of health policy and social sciences research. This is an important
Evidence shows that regular physical activity is enhanced by supporting environment. Studies are ... more Evidence shows that regular physical activity is enhanced by supporting environment. Studies are needed to integrate research evidence into health enhancing, cross-sector physical activity (HEPA) policy making. This article presents the rationale, study design, measurement procedures and the initial results of the first phase of six European countries in a five-year research project (2011-2016), REsearch into POlicy to enhance Physical Activity (REPOPA). REPOPA is programmatic research; it consists of linked studies; the first phase studied the use of evidence in 21 policies in implementation to learn more in depth from the policy making process and carried out 86 qualitative stakeholder interviews. The second, ongoing phase builds on the central findings of the first phase in each country; it consists of two sets of interventions: game simulations to study cross-sector collaboration and organizational change processes in the use of evidence and locally tailored interventions to increase knowledge integration. The results of the first two study phases will be tested and validated among policy makers and other stakeholders in the third phase using a Delphi process. Initial results from the first project phase showed the lack of explicit evidence use in HEPA policy making. Facilitators and barriers of the evidence use were the availability of institutional resources and support but also networking between researchers and policy makers. REPOPA will increase understanding use of research evidence in different contexts; develop guidance and tools and establish sustainable structures such as networks and platforms between academics and policy makers across relevant sectors.
Background: Accumulating sufficient moderate to vigorous physical activity is recognized as a key... more Background: Accumulating sufficient moderate to vigorous physical activity is recognized as a key determinant of physical, physiological, developmental, mental, cognitive, and social health among children and youth (aged 5–17 y). The Global Matrix 3.0 of Report Card grades on physical activity was developed to achieve a better understanding of the global variation in child and youth physical activity and associated supports. Methods: Work groups from 49 countries followed harmonized procedures to develop their Report Cards by grading 10 common indicators using the best available data. The participating countries were divided into 3 categories using the United Nations’ human development index (HDI) classification (low or medium, high, and very high HDI). Results: A total of 490 grades, including 369 letter grades and 121 incomplete grades, were assigned by the 49 work groups. Overall, an average grade of “C-,” “D+,” and “C-” was obtained for the low and medium HDI countries, high HDI...
Evidence & Policy: A Journal of Research, Debate and Practice
This article analyses the use of research evidence (RE) in three policy processes, at the local l... more This article analyses the use of research evidence (RE) in three policy processes, at the local level, dealing with physical activity. We analysed an extensive number of policy documents and a total of 14 interviews with policymakers. Results show an unsystematic way of using RE, where demographic and statistical data as well as expert consultation were mostly used. Lack of transparency of RE use complicated the tracking of sources from introduction to actual policy impact. It can be concluded that the policymakers engaged in health issues have a wider use of RE than the policymakers working with more sports-oriented issues.
... Document details. Title The prevalence and focus of workplace fitness programs in Denmark: re... more ... Document details. Title The prevalence and focus of workplace fitness programs in Denmark: results of a national survey. Authors Skovgaard, T.; Berggren, F. Journal The Sport Journal 2006 Vol. 9 No. 4 pp. unpaginated URL ...
... Prepared for the Danish National Board of Health by: Thomas Skovgaard, Danish Cancer Society ... more ... Prepared for the Danish National Board of Health by: Thomas Skovgaard, Danish Cancer Society Maj Britt Dahl Nielsen, National Research Center for the Working Environment Arja R. Aro, University of Southern Denmark, Institute of Public Health, Department of Health ...
Page 1. Evidens i forebyggelsen 2007 Page 2. Evidens i forebyggelsen Udarbejdet for Sundhedsstyre... more Page 1. Evidens i forebyggelsen 2007 Page 2. Evidens i forebyggelsen Udarbejdet for Sundhedsstyrelsen af: Thomas Skovgaard Maj Britt Dahl Nielsen Arja R. Aro Alle fra Institut for Sundhedstjenesteforskning, Syddansk Universitet ...
From 4 to 7 April 2016, 24 researchers from 8 countries and from a variety of academic discipline... more From 4 to 7 April 2016, 24 researchers from 8 countries and from a variety of academic disciplines gathered in Snekkersten, Denmark, to reach evidence-based consensus about physical activity in children and youth, that is, individuals between 6 and 18 years. Physical activity is an overarching term that consists of many structured and unstructured forms within school and out-of-school-time contexts, including organised sport, physical education, outdoor recreation, motor skill development programmes, recess, and active transportation such as biking and walking. This consensus statement presents the accord on the effects of physical activity on children's and youth's fitness, health, cognitive functioning, engagement, motivation, psychological well-being and social inclusion, as well as presenting educational and physical activity implementation strategies. The consensus was obtained through an iterative process that began with presentation of the state-of-the art in each dom...
Binding assays are increasingly used as a screening method for protein kinase inhibitors; however... more Binding assays are increasingly used as a screening method for protein kinase inhibitors; however, as yet only a weak correlation with enzymatic activity-based assays has been demonstrated. We show that the correlation between the two types of assays can be improved using more precise screening conditions. Furthermore a marked improvement in the correlation was found by using kinase constructs containing the catalytic domain in presence of additional domains or subunits.
'Exercise on Prescription&amp... more 'Exercise on Prescription' (EoP) is used for initiating physical activity among sedentary patients with signs of lifestyle diseases. EoP is personalized secondary prevention in primary healthcare. This review addresses EoP using a Health Technology Assessment perspective and aims to answer the following questions: (1) Does EoP increase physical activity level or physical fitness, and is more intensive EoP more effective than less intensive? (2) Is EoP acceptable and feasible in general practice? (3) Is EoP acceptable to and feasible for sedentary patients? (4) Is EoP cost-effective? EoP studies were searched using Medline thesaurus topic, Medline WinSPIRS, reference lists of recent reviews, and NLM Gateway Locator plus. A total of 22 studies were included in the review. Most studies reported moderate improvements in physical activity or physical fitness for 6-12 months. Among patients receiving EoP 10% more had improved physical activity level compared with controls and mean aerobic fitness was improved by 5-10% among EoP patients compared with controls. Little evidence existed in support of the hypothesis that more intensive EoP is more effective. EoP was acceptable and feasible to GPs and patients volunteering for EoP. However, little is known about non-completers, patients declining EoP, and GPs not highly motivated for using EoP. Only one study addressed health economic issues. It found EoP cost-effective, but comparisons with other interventions have not been performed. Even though most studies in this review presented favourable results for EoP there is a lack of evidence in several fields. In particular we lack high-quality studies evaluating EoP schemes that are sustainable in everyday use in general practice.
Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, 2008
The aim of this study was to compare short- (0-4 months) and long-term (0-10 months) effects of h... more The aim of this study was to compare short- (0-4 months) and long-term (0-10 months) effects of high-intensive Exercise on Prescription (EoP) intervention (counseling and supervised exercise) implemented in primary healthcare in a number of Danish counties with a low-intensive intervention (counseling) using maximal oxygen uptake (VO(2max)) as the primary outcome. The study was conducted as a randomized trial in 2005-2006 with a high and a low-intensive group. All the patients referred to the EoP scheme by their GP in the counties of Vejle and Ribe, Denmark, were eligible for the trial. The high-intensive EoP group received 4 months of group-based supervised training and attended five motivational counseling sessions. The low-intensive group only attended four motivational counseling sessions. Three hundred and twenty-seven patients entered the EoP scheme, and 52 (16%) volunteered for the randomized trial. No short- or long-term differences were found between the high and the low-intensive groups for VO(2max) (short-term 95% CI -1.1; 4.4 mL O(2)/(kg min), long-term 95% CI -1.6 to 2.1). The present study did not demonstrate any significant clinical outcome for the high-intensive EoP intervention as opposed to the low-intensive intervention.
Main goal of the Sport Physical Education And Coaching in Health Project (SPEACH/Erasmus+ sport 5... more Main goal of the Sport Physical Education And Coaching in Health Project (SPEACH/Erasmus+ sport 557083-EPP-1-2014-1-NL-SPO-SCP) is to increase awareness and behavioural change in sport professionals and European citizens towards an active and healthy lifestyle. Sedentariness and physical inactivity are a cross-national problem. Therefore, the project builds upon a strong collaborative-partnership to contribute in solving this problem on the European level and to increase sport and physical activity participation.
Background: Physical inactivity is a growing health problem in Europe and worldwide. The current ... more Background: Physical inactivity is a growing health problem in Europe and worldwide. The current levels of physical inactivity are due to insufficient participation in leisure time physical activity and an increase in sedentary behavior (WHO, 2017). The " Sport, Physical Education and Coaching for Health " (SPEACH) project, co-financed by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union (2015-2017) aims to set sustainable and conferrable grounding in order to prepare pupils and young athletes (but also adults in regards of a holistic 'healthy aging') towards a healthy lifestyle through HEPA (Health Enhancing Physical Activity) related education during their physical education (PE) classes and/or their training sessions in sport clubs. To achieve this, the project pursued to develop HEPA related modules, which may be included into existing education structures in the areas of sport coaching and PE. Methods: In order to design effective programs a systematic approach to ...
Health enhancing physical inactivity is a growing concern leading to health problems in Europe an... more Health enhancing physical inactivity is a growing concern leading to health problems in Europe and nationwide. WHO (2017) stated that the current levels of physical inactivity are the consequence of insufficient participation in physical activity and an increase in sedentary behavior. The British Heart Foundation (2015) also reported that 13 to 15 years in England were sedentary for six hours or more for both genders (boys = 24%, girls = 16%) on weekdays, and there was a spike of sedentary behaviour on weekend days with 43% of boys and 37% for this age group. The "Sport, Physical Education and Coaching for Health" (SPEACH) project, is an Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union (2015-2017). The key purpose of the project to prepare professional practitioners in higher and vocational education in the areas of Physical Education, Sports and Physical Activity to change behaviors of the citizens of Europe and increase physical activity. To achieve this, the project culminated ...
de Jong J, Mombarg R, Nauta J, Skovgaard T, Nørager Johansen D, Szabo-Alexi P, Dragos P, Benjamin... more de Jong J, Mombarg R, Nauta J, Skovgaard T, Nørager Johansen D, Szabo-Alexi P, Dragos P, Benjaminse A 1 School of Sport Studies, Hanze University of Applied Sciences Groningen, the Netherlands [email protected] 2 Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, the Netherlands 3 Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Denmark 4 Physical Education, Sports and Physical Therapy Department, University of Oradea, Romania 5 University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Center for Human Movement Sciences, Groningen, Netherlands
Background: Research ethics review practices vary considerably across countries and this variabil... more Background: Research ethics review practices vary considerably across countries and this variability poses a challenge for international research programmes. Although published guidelines exist, which describe underlying principles that should be considered and pragmatic approaches that could be followed in seeking ethics approval, most have roots in biomedical and clinical research. The result is that there is generally less clarity around institutional and/or country-level structures for ethics review of health policy and social sciences research. This is an important
Evidence shows that regular physical activity is enhanced by supporting environment. Studies are ... more Evidence shows that regular physical activity is enhanced by supporting environment. Studies are needed to integrate research evidence into health enhancing, cross-sector physical activity (HEPA) policy making. This article presents the rationale, study design, measurement procedures and the initial results of the first phase of six European countries in a five-year research project (2011-2016), REsearch into POlicy to enhance Physical Activity (REPOPA). REPOPA is programmatic research; it consists of linked studies; the first phase studied the use of evidence in 21 policies in implementation to learn more in depth from the policy making process and carried out 86 qualitative stakeholder interviews. The second, ongoing phase builds on the central findings of the first phase in each country; it consists of two sets of interventions: game simulations to study cross-sector collaboration and organizational change processes in the use of evidence and locally tailored interventions to increase knowledge integration. The results of the first two study phases will be tested and validated among policy makers and other stakeholders in the third phase using a Delphi process. Initial results from the first project phase showed the lack of explicit evidence use in HEPA policy making. Facilitators and barriers of the evidence use were the availability of institutional resources and support but also networking between researchers and policy makers. REPOPA will increase understanding use of research evidence in different contexts; develop guidance and tools and establish sustainable structures such as networks and platforms between academics and policy makers across relevant sectors.
Background: Accumulating sufficient moderate to vigorous physical activity is recognized as a key... more Background: Accumulating sufficient moderate to vigorous physical activity is recognized as a key determinant of physical, physiological, developmental, mental, cognitive, and social health among children and youth (aged 5–17 y). The Global Matrix 3.0 of Report Card grades on physical activity was developed to achieve a better understanding of the global variation in child and youth physical activity and associated supports. Methods: Work groups from 49 countries followed harmonized procedures to develop their Report Cards by grading 10 common indicators using the best available data. The participating countries were divided into 3 categories using the United Nations’ human development index (HDI) classification (low or medium, high, and very high HDI). Results: A total of 490 grades, including 369 letter grades and 121 incomplete grades, were assigned by the 49 work groups. Overall, an average grade of “C-,” “D+,” and “C-” was obtained for the low and medium HDI countries, high HDI...
Evidence & Policy: A Journal of Research, Debate and Practice
This article analyses the use of research evidence (RE) in three policy processes, at the local l... more This article analyses the use of research evidence (RE) in three policy processes, at the local level, dealing with physical activity. We analysed an extensive number of policy documents and a total of 14 interviews with policymakers. Results show an unsystematic way of using RE, where demographic and statistical data as well as expert consultation were mostly used. Lack of transparency of RE use complicated the tracking of sources from introduction to actual policy impact. It can be concluded that the policymakers engaged in health issues have a wider use of RE than the policymakers working with more sports-oriented issues.
... Document details. Title The prevalence and focus of workplace fitness programs in Denmark: re... more ... Document details. Title The prevalence and focus of workplace fitness programs in Denmark: results of a national survey. Authors Skovgaard, T.; Berggren, F. Journal The Sport Journal 2006 Vol. 9 No. 4 pp. unpaginated URL ...
... Prepared for the Danish National Board of Health by: Thomas Skovgaard, Danish Cancer Society ... more ... Prepared for the Danish National Board of Health by: Thomas Skovgaard, Danish Cancer Society Maj Britt Dahl Nielsen, National Research Center for the Working Environment Arja R. Aro, University of Southern Denmark, Institute of Public Health, Department of Health ...
Page 1. Evidens i forebyggelsen 2007 Page 2. Evidens i forebyggelsen Udarbejdet for Sundhedsstyre... more Page 1. Evidens i forebyggelsen 2007 Page 2. Evidens i forebyggelsen Udarbejdet for Sundhedsstyrelsen af: Thomas Skovgaard Maj Britt Dahl Nielsen Arja R. Aro Alle fra Institut for Sundhedstjenesteforskning, Syddansk Universitet ...
From 4 to 7 April 2016, 24 researchers from 8 countries and from a variety of academic discipline... more From 4 to 7 April 2016, 24 researchers from 8 countries and from a variety of academic disciplines gathered in Snekkersten, Denmark, to reach evidence-based consensus about physical activity in children and youth, that is, individuals between 6 and 18 years. Physical activity is an overarching term that consists of many structured and unstructured forms within school and out-of-school-time contexts, including organised sport, physical education, outdoor recreation, motor skill development programmes, recess, and active transportation such as biking and walking. This consensus statement presents the accord on the effects of physical activity on children's and youth's fitness, health, cognitive functioning, engagement, motivation, psychological well-being and social inclusion, as well as presenting educational and physical activity implementation strategies. The consensus was obtained through an iterative process that began with presentation of the state-of-the art in each dom...
Binding assays are increasingly used as a screening method for protein kinase inhibitors; however... more Binding assays are increasingly used as a screening method for protein kinase inhibitors; however, as yet only a weak correlation with enzymatic activity-based assays has been demonstrated. We show that the correlation between the two types of assays can be improved using more precise screening conditions. Furthermore a marked improvement in the correlation was found by using kinase constructs containing the catalytic domain in presence of additional domains or subunits.
'Exercise on Prescription&amp... more 'Exercise on Prescription' (EoP) is used for initiating physical activity among sedentary patients with signs of lifestyle diseases. EoP is personalized secondary prevention in primary healthcare. This review addresses EoP using a Health Technology Assessment perspective and aims to answer the following questions: (1) Does EoP increase physical activity level or physical fitness, and is more intensive EoP more effective than less intensive? (2) Is EoP acceptable and feasible in general practice? (3) Is EoP acceptable to and feasible for sedentary patients? (4) Is EoP cost-effective? EoP studies were searched using Medline thesaurus topic, Medline WinSPIRS, reference lists of recent reviews, and NLM Gateway Locator plus. A total of 22 studies were included in the review. Most studies reported moderate improvements in physical activity or physical fitness for 6-12 months. Among patients receiving EoP 10% more had improved physical activity level compared with controls and mean aerobic fitness was improved by 5-10% among EoP patients compared with controls. Little evidence existed in support of the hypothesis that more intensive EoP is more effective. EoP was acceptable and feasible to GPs and patients volunteering for EoP. However, little is known about non-completers, patients declining EoP, and GPs not highly motivated for using EoP. Only one study addressed health economic issues. It found EoP cost-effective, but comparisons with other interventions have not been performed. Even though most studies in this review presented favourable results for EoP there is a lack of evidence in several fields. In particular we lack high-quality studies evaluating EoP schemes that are sustainable in everyday use in general practice.
Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, 2008
The aim of this study was to compare short- (0-4 months) and long-term (0-10 months) effects of h... more The aim of this study was to compare short- (0-4 months) and long-term (0-10 months) effects of high-intensive Exercise on Prescription (EoP) intervention (counseling and supervised exercise) implemented in primary healthcare in a number of Danish counties with a low-intensive intervention (counseling) using maximal oxygen uptake (VO(2max)) as the primary outcome. The study was conducted as a randomized trial in 2005-2006 with a high and a low-intensive group. All the patients referred to the EoP scheme by their GP in the counties of Vejle and Ribe, Denmark, were eligible for the trial. The high-intensive EoP group received 4 months of group-based supervised training and attended five motivational counseling sessions. The low-intensive group only attended four motivational counseling sessions. Three hundred and twenty-seven patients entered the EoP scheme, and 52 (16%) volunteered for the randomized trial. No short- or long-term differences were found between the high and the low-intensive groups for VO(2max) (short-term 95% CI -1.1; 4.4 mL O(2)/(kg min), long-term 95% CI -1.6 to 2.1). The present study did not demonstrate any significant clinical outcome for the high-intensive EoP intervention as opposed to the low-intensive intervention.
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Papers by T. Skovgaard