A “start to swim” program for health-enhancement purpose: a Delphi study

Conference (2012, July)

Introduction Popularity of “start to run” or “start to cycle” programs increases with the evidence that regular physical activity contributes to the prevention and management of a wide range of chronic ... [more ▼]

Introduction Popularity of “start to run” or “start to cycle” programs increases with the evidence that regular physical activity contributes to the prevention and management of a wide range of chronic diseases (Rippe and Angelopoulos, 2010). Nevertheless, start to swim programs could lead to even more health-enhancing outcomes (Chase et al., 2008). The aim of this study was to obtain a “start to swim” model program by means of a two-round Delphi study. Methods In the first round, 10 key-experts in sport physiology (n=4) or in swimming coaching (n=6) outlined possible relevant components of the “start to swim” program in a semi-structured interview. Initial exclusion criterion, program set-up, program key principles, program progression and final goals were interrogated. Then, a facilitator provided an anonymous summary of the experts’ suggestions from the previous round as well as the arguments they provided for their choice. In the second round, experts were asked to comment on this summary before providing a final form to this program. Results After two rounds, the experts agreed on a collective and coached intervention with 2 sessions per week and a progressive replacing of the coach by a group leader during a 4 months program. People without medical contraindication and able to swim 25 meters could take part to this program. The final goal-setting is personal and based on each individual progression and motivation. Sessions are endurance-oriented and divided between traditional swimming sessions and diversified aquatic activities. In order to support this active lifestyle in a long-term basis, referring to swimming clubs or other aquatic activities associations are performed by the coach at the end of the program. Discussion The start to swim program take into consideration behavioural and social aspects necessary for a successful adoption and maintenance of physical activity (Khan et al, 2002). Consistent with previous findings, a group-based program (Cox et al., 2008) with individually adapted-goals (Marcus and Forsyth, 2003) could lead to a long-term adherence to exercise. Future studies should include systematic evaluation of the “start to swim” program before translation into the community. [less ▲]

Exploration de l’activité physique au sein d’une communauté : l’offre des acteurs locaux du sport

Conference (2012, May 24)

Les Belges font actuellement partie des Européens les moins actifs physiquement (EORG, 2010). Il semble dès lors important de s’interroger sur l’efficacité des démarches actuellement entreprises par les ... [more ▼]

Les Belges font actuellement partie des Européens les moins actifs physiquement (EORG, 2010). Il semble dès lors important de s’interroger sur l’efficacité des démarches actuellement entreprises par les acteurs de promotion de l’activité physique (AP), particulièrement au niveau local puisque la commune est considérée comme une véritable plaque tournante en la matière. Dans le cadre d’une approche écologique, notre objectif consistait donc à identifier la place que tient le développement d’un style de vie actif dans le discours des responsables sportifs. Dans cette perspective, 40 responsables d’associations sportives ainsi que les autorités communales ont été interrogés afin de caractériser plus précisément la politique sportive au sein d’une commune belge francophone. Par l’intermédiaire d’entretiens structurés, la collecte des données a permis de préciser les activités proposées, la philosophie, le public cible, l’encadrement, l’accessibilité ou encore les relations entretenues par chacun des acteurs locaux du sport auprès des autorités politiques locales. Notre démarche s’inscrit dans l’analyse des décisions pré-interactives de tout processus visant à intervenir sur le terrain. L’offre sportive proposée dans cette communauté semble quantitativement suffisante lorsque l’on observe le nombre et la diversité des activités sportives proposées. Cependant, une approche plus qualitative permet de rendre compte d’un certain déficit dans la prise en charge spécifique de publics à risque (ainés, femmes), d’un manque de formation pédagogique chez les encadrants sportifs ainsi que d’une accessibilité réduite de plusieurs infrastructures. Enfin, malgré des opinions analogues relatives à la politique locale en matière d’AP, la communication entre les différents responsables d’organisations sportives semble déficiente. Face aux problématiques rencontrées dans cette communauté, les perspectives de développement de stratégies de promotion de l’activité physique selon une approche écologique sont discutées. Les approches multisectorielles mises en place dans d’autres pays européens (HEPA) peuvent notamment servir d’exemples de « bonnes pratiques » (Martin et al., 2006). [less ▲]

Students and staff’s opinions about the reflective practice process implemented in a pre-service physical education teacher programme

in Asian Journal of Exercise and Sports Science (2012), 9(1), 67-84

Teachers' reflection is considered as a determining factor in physical education teacher education (PETE). Despite the emphasis that is provided to this approach, it is noteworthy that it is not proposed ... [more ▼]

Teachers' reflection is considered as a determining factor in physical education teacher education (PETE). Despite the emphasis that is provided to this approach, it is noteworthy that it is not proposed systematically in higher education. A specific unit focusing on reflective practice was developed at the University of Liege (Wallonia, Belgium). This paper reports the opinions of the preservice PE teachers' n = 18) as well as involved staff members (n = 3) about the process. Students completed a questionnaire after completion of their preservice programme. Staff members' reports (n =22) of their reflective practice sessions (RPS) as well as one final report focusing on the whole process were analysed. Findings showed that the opinions are mainly positive, with the staff members rating the process at a higher level than the students. If the latter emphasized the interest of the RPS, they underlined the organisational constraints and regretted the requirements dealing with the formalizing of the reflections. [less ▲]

Physiotherapists' representations about physical activity

Poster (2011, June 24)

This study aimed to analyze the knowledge and representations of physiotherapists about the physical activity (PA) key concepts. 185 physiotherapists fulfilled a questionnaire related to their knowledge ... [more ▼]

This study aimed to analyze the knowledge and representations of physiotherapists about the physical activity (PA) key concepts. 185 physiotherapists fulfilled a questionnaire related to their knowledge about PA (1) definition, (2) benefits for health, (3) criterion for an effective practice and (4) recommendations. The results shows that the physiotherapists’ knowledge about the key concepts of PA and its implications for PA promotion are surprisingly low. Even if they are aware about the population actual lack of PA practice, their recommendations provided to the public would be inaccurate. Future directions for a more effective action of the physiotherapists as PA promoters are discussed. [less ▲]

Emotional competencies of the sport coach: A qualitative approach within a physical activity programme for multiple sclerosis patients.

in Sanchez Molina, J. A.; Carballo, O.; Gonzalez Valeiro, M. A. (Eds.) Actas del Congreso Internacional de la AIESEP 2010 « Place and role of physical educators in promoting an active lifestyle » (2011)

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is characterised by functional impairments (fatigue, motor weakness, spasticity, poor balance) and limitations in social functioning. Accordingly, persons with MS are more affected ... [more ▼]

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is characterised by functional impairments (fatigue, motor weakness, spasticity, poor balance) and limitations in social functioning. Accordingly, persons with MS are more affected by sedentarity and not enough aware of their physical capacities. Finally, those behaviours lead to physical deconditioning and general poor health in this population. To encourage physical activity with MS people, a specific coaching programme whereby MS patient are individually supported by a sport coach has been launched at the University Hospital Center of Liège. In this context this study aimed to (1) describe the intervention of the coach ;(2) link emotional competencies and behaviors of the coach ; (3) propose recommendations to improve MS patient’s physical activity management. Behaviors, attitudes, values, representations and emotional competencies of seven coaches were analyzed using both visible (audio and video recording) and invisible (questionnaires and interviews) data. Results show that coaching efficacy with MS patient implies a high support and cooperation level of the coach and a highly specific approach characterized by a systematic appraisal of patient’s behaviors revealing his current psychological and physical state. Recommendations for the coach education with an emphasis on social and emotional skills are discussed. [less ▲]

L’EPS : de l’exception à la normalité

in Revue de l'Education Physique (2010), 50(2), 55-61

Les auteurs expliquent pourquoi l'éducation physique et sportive peut jouer un rôle prépondérant dans notre société et comment elle pourrait accéder à une réelle reconnaissance au sein de la communauté ... [more ▼]

Les auteurs expliquent pourquoi l'éducation physique et sportive peut jouer un rôle prépondérant dans notre société et comment elle pourrait accéder à une réelle reconnaissance au sein de la communauté éducative. [less ▲]