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O Paronen

Publications and source records attributed to O Paronen.

10 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2000

Stages of change in two modes of health-enhancing physical activity: methodological aspects and promotional implications.

Measurement scales for stages of change were developed and the stages were assessed in two specific modes of Health-Enhancing Physical Activity (HEPA) in a cross-sectional survey (N = 1516); representative samples were selected from three age groups, i.e. from three phases of adult life. Outdoor Aerobic Exercise (OAE) was used as an example of fitness activity; Everyday Commuting Activity (ECA) was selected to represent lifestyle physical activity. Scales used by the Prochaska team were modified for this study, and the stages of Precontemplation and Preparation were each divided into two new stages. Consistency of the stage measurement was moderate for OAE and good for ECA. As regards content validity, consistent associations were found between stage scores and contextual variables for both behaviors. The results show that, at a given time, a person can be in different stages in different modes of HEPA. Therefore, the behavior of interest must be specified before accurate information on the stages of change in a population can be obtained. The results also indicate the importance of contextual factors in HEPA promotion.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

How to understand a community--community assessment for the promotion of health-related physical activity.

A definition of the concept of community is given and the principles and the major components of community assessment for health-related physical activity are presented. Definitions of community can include a focus on geographic, social or cultural elements. Basically community assessment deals with a process having two main aspects. The first, quantitative and descriptive aspect consists of a community profile, a wellness profile, a behavioural profile and a service profile. The second, qualitative and analytical aspect deals with organizational capabilities and the community's readiness for change. This information can be used for programme planning, implementation, and evaluation in the process of community development.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

The versatile nature of physical activity--on the psychological, behavioural and contextual characteristics of health-related physical activity.

This paper presents a comprehensive characterisation of physical activity based on psychological, behavioural and contextual aspects. Based on the characterisation it suggests a promotional classification of physical activity into five categories. The categories are: 1, Occupational activity; 2, Lifestyle activity; 3, Recreation activity; 4, Fitness activity; and 5, Sport activity. Examples are given of activities in each category and of the related emotional aspects, outcome expectations, degree of personal choice and health benefits. The importance of the emotional component and the relevance of the outcome expectations are discussed and contextual considerations are presented on the basis of the promotional classification. The implications of the classification for the practice of health-enhancing physical activity promotion are discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Daily walking and cycling to work: their utility as health-enhancing physical activity.

The substantial health-enhancing potential of physical activity can be realised on population level best if people can incorporate physical activity into their daily life routines. Physically active commuting to and from work provides a promising mode for such activity. In a series of three studies we explored more specifically the population prevalence, the physiological effectiveness, and the promotional possibilities of commuting to work by walking and cycling in a mid-size Finnish town. The results of the questionnaire survey indicated that while about one-third of the working-age sample commuted by walking or cycling an additional one-quarter were in a position to either begin or increase physically active commuting. The controlled intervention study showed that this kind of moderate-intensity, high-frequency activity improved the health-related fitness and selected indices of metabolic health. The promotion project in a large industrial plant demonstrated that walking and cycling during work trips can be successfully promoted by relatively low cost measures. These experiences suggest that physically active commuting to work offers substantial potential as a health-enhancing measure for working-age population.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

How to develop local physical activity promotion programmes with national support: the Finnish experience.

Stimulated by recent research findings regarding the health effects of physical activity, an extensive policy development for sports and for health took place in Finland in the early 1990s resulting in two national programmes. The 'Finland on the Move' programme's aim was to stimulate new local projects by financial support, training and consultation services, and media promotion. The evaluation of the programme listed several general characteristics of successful local projects. The ongoing 'Fit for Life' programme is based on the experience gained from the previous programme, but is focused mostly on the 40-60-year-olds as a target group, and utilises a more intensive mass media approach. It is concluded that the two programmes have been successful in creating plenty of new local initiatives and increasing population participation related to physical activity. The Finnish experience demonstrates that deliberate efforts to communicate scientific knowledge can lead to a better acceptance of physical activity on the national level and that well-planned and sensitive state-level support of grassroots activities can succeed.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Physically active commuting to work--testing its potential for exercise promotion.

Physical activity has considerable health-enhancing potential. It will be realized, however, only if large number of people participate in adequate activity. This summary report describes the main results of four studies aimed to find out whether physically active commuting to work (PACW) meets the requirements of health and fitness enhancing activity. Three successive mail inquiries (N = 2014) indicated that PACW provided habitual exercise to one-third of employed urban population, and that more than one-fifth expressed willingness and being able to increase PACW. A randomized controlled trial on 68 inactive middle-aged men and women revealed that PACW (1 h daily for 10 wk) increased VO2max by 4.5% (P = 0.02), maximal treadmill time by 10.3% (P = 0.0007), and HDL cholesterol by 5% (P = 0.06). A demonstration project in a large industrial plant showed that PACW can be successfully promoted by low cost measures. In conclusion, these studies suggest that PACW may offer substantial potential as health and fitness enhancing measure provided that it can be practiced safely.

Bicycling↗
PubMed1989

Social support, life events and psychosomatic symptoms among 14-16-year-old adolescents.

The role of family, friends and confidants in mediating the impact of adverse life events on psychosomatic symptoms in mid-adolescence was studied. School children (n = 2013) completed questionnaires in class on three occasions during 17 months. Data about social support and life events for 12 months were gathered retrospectively in the final questionnaire. The differences in symptoms by life events and social support were already present at the beginning of the study. Those adolescents who had experienced adverse life events and reported a poor relationship with one or both parents had the highest levels of symptoms and the greatest increase in symptoms during the follow-up. Lack of friends was also associated with psychosomatic symptoms, especially among those who had experienced adverse life events. The results suggest that adolescents who lack parental or peer support are at risk for psychosomatic symptoms in general, and especially in the face of stressful life events.

Adolescent↗