Centre for Active Living

1993 Alberta Survey on Active Living (90 pages)

1997 Alberta Survey on Active Living (50 pages)

1999 Alberta Survey on Active Living: A Concise Report (26 pages)

2002 Alberta Survey on Active Living: A Concise Report (23 pages)

2005 Alberta Survey on Active Living: A Concise Report (16 pages)

2006 Understanding Reported Rates of Physical Activity: Comparing the Results of the Alberta Survey on Physical Activity and Canadian Community Health Survey (12 pages)

2007 Alberta Survey on Active Living: A Concise Report (24 pages)

2009 Alberta Survey on Active Living: A Concise Report (26 pages)

2011 Alberta Survey on Active Living: A Concise Report (23 pages)

2019 Active Workplace Audit Toolkit (46 pages)

2013 Alberta Walking Survey - A Concise Report (33 pages)

2012 Sacred Circle – Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative (SCADI): Evaluation Report (23 pages)

1995 Benefits of Recreation Research Update (42 pages)

2010 BEEP Summary Report: Built Environment, Health and Obesity (8 pages)

2010 BEEP Exploring Residents’ Perceptions of Neighbourhood Environments (4 pages)

2001 Evidence of Effective Active Living Interventions (56 pages)

Poster: Indigenous and Rural Understandings of “Inclusion” for Organizational and Community Physical Activity Promotion: Narratives from Health Promotion Practitioners and Social Workers in Rural Alberta (1 page)

Physical Activity for All: Understanding Inclusion - Summary Report (8 pages)

1996 Alberta Sport and Recreation Injury Survey Final Report (49 pages)

1995 The Well-Being of Seniors in Alberta (109 pages)

1999 Availability of Physical Activity Programs in Alberta Continuing Care Facilities(10 pages)

2005 Overcoming Ageism in Active Living (23 pages)

Poster: Using an Ecological Approach to Understanding the Barriers and Facilitators to Physical Activity Promotion among Seniors in Rural and Urban Contexts in Alberta (1 page)

Fall Prevention

2010 An Environmental Scan of Active Living and Fall Prevention Programs for Older Adults in Alberta: Summary Report (8 pages)

Preventing Falls Through Physical Activity: A Guide for People Working with Older Adults (42 pages)

Home Support Exercise Program

2006 Home Support Exercise Program (HSEP) in Alberta: Chinook Health Region Pilot-Test Evaluation Results (14 pages)

2006 Helping Older People Be Active at Home: The Effectiveness of the Home Support Exercise Program (29 pages)

Rural Route to Active Aging

2007 Rural Route to Active Aging Focus Group Report: What We Heard in Rural Alberta (20 pages)

2008 The Rural Route to Active Aging: Evaluation Survey Results Final Report (13 pages)

The Rural Route to Active Aging: A Guide for People Who Want to Stay Active as They Age (26 pages)

2001 Alberta Physical Education Study (ALPES): Final Report (27 pages)

1997 ASAA Student Survey: Highlights Report (60 pages)

After School Programs

2012 What's Happening in After-school Programs? (16 pages)

Healthy Active School Symposia

2014 Healthy Active School Symposia Evaluation Report (87 pages)

2014-2015 Healthy Active School Symposia Provincial Report (124 pages)

2015-2016 Healthy Active School Symposia Evaluation Report (96 pages)

Healthy School Community Partnerships

2015 Healthy School - Community Partnerships Evaluation (25 pages)

School Active Transportation

2010 An Environmental Scan of Active Transportation Programs in Alberta Schools: Summary Report (8 pages)

2018 School Active Transportation Survey: A Perspective from Champions (27 pages)

1992 Survey of Workplace Physical Activity and Health Promotion Programs (66 pages)

1992 Alberta Survey of Workplace Physical Activity and Health Promotion Programs - Physical Activity Results (66 pages)

2000 Workplace Active Living in Alberta: A Needs Assessment (35 pages)

2003 Workplace Physical Activity Framework (36 pages)

2004 An Environmental Scan of Workplace Wellness Programs in Alberta (40 pages)

2015 Increasing Physical Activity and Decreasing Sedentary Behaviour in the Workplace (36 pages)

Moving ahead: The economic impact of reducing physical inactivity and sedentary behaviour

February 2015, Volume 22, Number 1

This Research Update article summarizes an analysis of the economic impact of getting 10 per cent of Canadians with suboptimal levels of physical activity to move more and reduce sedentary behaviour. By 2040, gross domestic product would grow $7.5 billion and $2.6 billion in health care costs would be reduced.

Authors: Fares Bounajm, Thy Dinh, Louis Thériault.

Adolescent girls' motivation to engage in various physical activity environments

April 2015, Volume 22, Number 2

This Research Update summarizes a qualitative study that explored psychosocial factors related to adolescent girls’ motivation to engage in physical activity within the contexts of physical education, organized sport, and leisure time.

Authors: Kimberley McFadden, Hilary Davies, Tanya Scarapicchia & Catherine Sabiston.

Exploring the impact of community investment in recreation spaces on health equity and physical activity

May 2015, Volume 22, Number 3

This Research Update summarizes a study that evaluated the implementation of a municipal revitalization strategy for recreation facilities and open spaces in Strathcona County, Alberta.

Authors: Candace Nykiforuk, Tanya Berry, Helen Vallianatos, Laura Nieuwendyk, Ana Belon, Jennifer Ann McGetrick, & Elizabeth Campbell.

Can physical activity prevent depression?

February 2014, Volume 21, Number 1

This Research Update article outlines research findings from a systematic review that examined whether physical activity protects against depression, and the amount of physical activity needed to help prevent the onset of depression. The authors suggest that promoting physical activity may be a useful health promotion strategy to reduce the risk of depression.

Authors: George Mammen, Guy Faulkner.

Physical activity preferences for people with type 2 diabetes

May 2014, Volume 21, Number 2

This article explains how tailoring physical activity programs to participants’ preferences may increase physical activity behaviour and influence quality of life among those with type 2 diabetes.

Author: Cynthia Forbes.

Physical activity following pregnancy in women at risk for cardiovascular disease

July 2014, Volume 21, Number 3

This Research Update article highlights recent findings from a study examining the impact of postpartum exercise in women at risk for the future development of cardiovascular disease.

Authors: Margie H. Davenport, Craig D. Steinback.

Parental perceptions of the Canadian sedentary behaviour guidelines for the early years

November 2014, Volume 21, Number 4

This Research Update article summarizes a study of parental perceptions of the Canadian Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines for the Early Years and presents potential strategies to effectively communicate the guidelines to parents, to increase their adoption.

Authors: Val Carson, Valerie Carson, Marianne Clark, Tanya Berry, Nicholas L. Holt, Amy Latimer-Cheung.

The WHY ACT NOW (Wellness and Health in Youth-Aboriginal Communities in Transition NOW) Project

December 2014, Volume 21, Number 5

This Research Update article highlights the WHY ACT NOW project, which investigated the lifestyle of Indigenous and multi-ethnic youth in Edmonton, Alberta.

Authors: Sangita Sharma, Fariba Kolahdooz, Maryam Daemi.

Play Around the World: A service-learning opportunity

January 2020, Volume 31, Number 01

Play is a fundamental right in the everyday lives of children worldwide. This WellSpring highlights the Play Around the World program as an academic service-learning opportunity for University of Alberta students. The core learning areas and theoretical underpinnings of the program are outlined, along with reflections from recent students about their experiences as play leaders.

Author: Mary Ann Rintoul.

An optimal exercise option for breast cancer patients: Combining aerobic and resistance exercise programs

February 2020, Volume 31, Number 02

Being physically active while battling breast cancer can have many benefits to one’s health. However, how much exercise is best and what types of exercises are most beneficial? This article provides an overview of the benefits as well as exercise recommendations.

Authors: Ki-Yong An, Andria R. Morielli, Dong-Woo Kang, Christine M. Friedenreich, Donald C. McKenzie, Karen Gelmon, John R. Mackey, Robert D. Reid, Kerry S. Courneya.

Active living and population health in the era of climate crisis

March 2020, Volume 31, Number 03

Climate change has emerged as a global concern for population health that is expected to impact millions worldwide. This WellSpring highlights the interconnected impact of climate change and human health and behaviours, including its relationship to physical activity and sedentary behaviours. It also provides practical information for practitioners to consider in their practice.

Authors: Eun-Young Lee, Shawn Hakimi, and Evaline Zisis.

Using recreation therapy to promote inclusion and active participation

April 2020, Volume 31, Number 04

There is an increase in readily-available information regarding alternative therapy options. Recreation therapy approaches are starting to experience a shift, moving from programs that are centered around issues of concern, to focusing on inclusion and promoting participation. This WellSpring issue takes a look at how recreation therapy delivered through group activities can benefit children, youth, adults, and older adults, and why recreation therapy is growing in popularity.

Author: Amy MacFarlane.

The role of play during a global pandemic

May 2020, Volume 31, Number 05

In times of uncertainty, play can serve as an important outlet for people of all ages and abilities, but especially children and youth. This WellSpring issue takes a look at the concept of play, what play may look like and its benefits during COVID-19, and tips for parents to support healthy play.

Authors: Kassi Boyd, Jennifer Leo.

Eight ways to support brain health for rural older adults

June 2020, Volume 31, Number 06

Age is the greatest risk factor for developing dementia, and the number of rural older adults is rising in Canada. As the rural population ages, there is an increasing need for knowledge on brain health and cognitive health promotion within a rural context. This WellSpring issue takes a look at ways to support brain health from the perspective of rural older adults.

Authors: Juanita Bacsu, Shanthi Johnson.

Virtual Gym: aiding older adults with exercise compliance through serious gameplay

July 2020, Volume 31, Number 07

Many older adults are interested in activities to maintain or improve their health. Although there are several options for seniors to remain fit, individualized exercise sessions prescribed by health practitioners lead to the best results. Virtual Gym is an exercise platform for health practitioners to provide game-like exercise for older adults, with individualized configurations to match the user's capabilities.

Authors: Eleni Stroulia, Victor Fernández.

Reducing inequities: suggestions and guidance for increasing walking in socio-economically disadvantaged groups

August 2020, Volume 31, Number 08

For socio-economically disadvantaged groups, walking is one way to improve participation in physical activity and to reduce the disparities in health. In this WellSpring, the researchers identify factors associated with walking that can assist practitioners and decision-makers to design effective interventions that increase walking to improve health among disadvantaged groups.

Authors: Toni A Hilland, Matthew Bourke, Glen Wiesner, Enrique Garcia Bengoechea, Alexandra G. Parker, Michaela Pascoe, Melinda Craike.

Tele-Rehab 2.0: providing quality rehabilitation services remotely to Albertans through and beyond COVID-19

September 2020, Volume 31, Number 09

As part of the physical activity continuum, rehabilitation is an important element to get people back to being physically active. This issue introduces the Tele-Rehabilitation 2.0 project which is a novel approach to increasing access to professional services.

Author: Emily Young.

Farewell

October 2020

As a knowledge translation organization, the Centre for Active Living (CAL) has supported physical activity professionals with information, resources, and educational opportunities for just over 31 years. Due to a lack of government funding, it is with heavy hearts that we are writing this final WellSpring and will be closing June 30, 2021.

Are we lazy, or just being efficient? The brain’s struggle to avoid sedentary behaviours

January 2019, Volume 30, Number 01

Inactive lifestyles are on the rise despite strong efforts to promote and support physical activity. Although many are aware of the benefits of an active lifestyle, there may be differences between intentions to be active and acting on these intentions. This WellSpring highlights this discrepancy and provides tips for practitioners and policy-makers to support individuals and the greater population in achieving their daily physical activity goals.

Authors: Matthieu P Boisgontier, Boris Cheval.

Friendship networks and children’s physical activity

February 2019, Volume 30, Number 02

Children spend a lot of time with their friends at school, in the neighbourhood, and during organized activities. As a result, friends may influence the behaviour and choices of one another. This WellSpring highlights a study undertaken in elementary schools within Edmonton and Fort McMurray, Alberta that aimed to understand how friendships may influence the physical activity participation of children.

Authors: Jodie Stearns, John C Spence.

GoGet.Fit: Connecting practitioners to support individuals in their pursuit to become active

March 2019, Volume 30, Number 03

The GoGet.Fit application is one tool that can be used by healthcare professionals to help support clients’ physical activity and progress in building an active lifestyle. This WellSpring provides an overview of the GoGet.Fit app’s features, as well as some of its successes.

Author: Peter Rawlek.

Exercise helps kids with cancer: Exercise guidelines, research, and practice in pediatric oncology

April 2019, Volume 30, Number 04

Exercise among cancer patients has many physiological, mental, and social wellbeing effects during and after treatments. This WellSpring highlights the various programs that support free physical activity opportunities developed for children and youth that have been diagnosed with cancer, survivors of pediatric cancer, and their siblings, as a means to support and empower them to be physically active and experience a sense of normalcy.

Authors: Amanda Wurz, Conné Lategan, Lotta Hamari, Kate Wilson, S. Nicole Culos-Reed.

GO! Run: Closing the gender gap in girls’ participation in sport and physical activity

May 2019, Volume 30, Number 05

There are many challenges girls can face when trying to participate in sport and physical activity that have contributed to a decline in their participation. GO! Run is a free, running program for girls only, developed to increase girls’ participation in physical activity opportunities by breaking down some the many barriers. This WellSpring provides an overview of the program’s success across Alberta and how schools can start their own program.

Author: Hayley Degaust.

How inclusive are we? A look at the effectiveness of physical activity interventions for disadvantaged groups

June 2019, Volume 30, Number 06

Although policies and programs to support physical activity exist, they may not be accessed or utilized by individuals from socio-economically disadvantaged groups. This WellSpring highlights effective evidence-based approaches that can assist practitioners and decision-makers when designing and implementing physical activity policies and programs to reach these disadvantaged groups.

Authors: Melinda Craike, Glen Wiesner, Toni A Hilland, Enrique García Bengoechea.

Big Red Ride: Promoting outdoor physical activity and social connection for health-challenged older adults

July 2019, Volume 30, Number 07

While many Canadians are living healthier into their later years, there is also an increasing number of older adults living with “frailty” and, thus, more complex health challenges. This WellSpring introduces a unique community bike program called the Big Red Ride, which enables frail older adults to get out and be active outdoors.

Author: Annie Treday.

How do we get more people moving? Examining the many great benefits of physical activity

August 2019, Volume 30, Number 08

The benefits of physical activity for all population groups are well-established. This WellSpring highlights some of the many benefits including individual, psychological, community, environmental, and workplace benefits, and it provides a variety of ideas for policy decisions that will support increased physical activity.

Authors: Nora Johnston, Soultana Macridis.

Integrating exercise into mental health care: Development of the Exercise and Depression Toolkit

September 2019, Volume 30, Number 09

Depression is a serious illness and one of the leading causes of disability in Canada and globally. This WellSpring highlights the Exercise and Depression Toolkit, a new evidence-based resource to aid healthcare practitioners in facilitating conversations around exercise as a treatment for depression.

Authors: Krista Glowacki, Guy Faulkner.

The Active Workplace Audit Toolkit: A new resource to help workplaces move more and sit less

October 2019, Volume 30, Number 10

Office-based workplace settings are an ideal location for implementing interventions to support increasing physical activity and reducing sedentary behaviour. This WellSpring highlights a new toolkit for workplace champions, human resource professionals, and health and wellness promoters to identify ways of supporting office-based employees to move more and sit less throughout the work day.

Authors: Soultana Macridis, Erin Gorman, Christina Loitz.

Better with age: Move more today for a healthier tomorrow—The 2019 ParticipACTION Report Card on Physical Activity for Adults

November 2019, Volume 30, Number 11

The inaugural edition of the ParticipACTION Report Card on Physical Activity for Adults represents a targeted and purposeful synthesis of the literature and data sources. The purpose of this WellSpring is to provide an overview of the development process and to summarize the results 2019 ParticipACTION Report Card for Adults.

Authors: Nora Johnston, Soultana Macridis.

Physical activity programming for new parents

December 2019, Volume 30, Number 12

Physical activity can provide parents of newborns and infants with an opportunity to ease the transition to parenthood, while improving both their physical and mental health. To support parents, the City of Edmonton offers a variety of physical activity programs that not only provide a safe opportunity to exercise, but also support opportunities to meet other parents and socialize. This issue provides an overview of these programs.

Authors: Jen Dick, Nora Johnston.

Active Living Research: Building evidence for action

January 2018, Volume 29, Number 01

Active Living Research is an inter-disciplinary team with internationally-recognized expertise and strong connections in public health, transportation, planning, parks & recreation, school activity programs, behavioural science, and obesity prevention. Their goal is to support, share, and put into practice research that can promote daily physical activity for children and families across the world.

Authors: Carmen Cutter, Amanda Walker.

Physical activity and mild cognitive impairment: The Moving for Memory program

February 2018, Volume 29, Number 02

There is evidence to suggest that regular physical activity can have a positive impact on brain health. To support patients experiencing memory changes and decline, the Edmonton Southside Primary Care Network began a pilot project called the Moving for Memory Program. This article provides an overview of the benefits of physical activity on brain health, as well as their 12-week Moving for Memory Program.

Authors: Lisa Workman, Stephanie Schlaak.

Physical Literacy And You (PLAY) Groups in Alberta

March 2018, Volume 29, Number 03

With recent interest in supporting physical literacy, Be Fit For Life Centres and many partners supported the creation of PLAY Groups — a forum for professionals and volunteers with an interest in physical activity to work together to support physical literacy development in their communities. This article provides an overview of PLAY Groups in Alberta and how to get involved.

Author: Megan McKinlay.

A medical clinic in the park: The MOVE program

April 2018, Volume 29, Number 04

Primary care is an optimal setting for most prevention and screening services in the healthcare system. This issue highlights MOVE, a physician-led, interdisciplinary exercise program that encourages physical activity among patients while in the great outdoors.

Author: Doug Klein.

Kids’ Steps in the Summer at University Camps: The KiSS UC study

May 2018, Volume 29, Number 05

When school is out, child and youth opportunities to be active may be reduced. Summer camps can provide an opportunity for children and youth to maintain their daily activity levels. This WellSpring highlights study findings from the KiSS UC study that examined daily step counts of camp attendees and achievement of recommendations through informal and formal physical activities.

Author: Patricia Doyle-Baker.

Using wellness ambassadors: A success story for promoting workplace health

June 2018, Volume 29, Number 06

Developing strategies to support workplace wellness can be rewarding for both employees and employers. However, it can be difficult to reach and engage all employees. This WellSpring article provides an overview of the City of Grande Prairie’s Wellness Committee and highlights their program and strategies utilized to reach all City employees with wellness activities.

Authors: Lana Sieben, Rick Demaray.

The brain + body equation: Canadian kids need to move more to boost their brain health

July 2018, Volume 29, Number 07

The 2018 ParticipACTION Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth highlights the important relationship between physical activity and brain health. Achieving physical activity recommendations can translate to success in the classroom, on the field, and with friends. This WellSpring focuses on the importance of this relationship and provides an overview of the 2018 Report Card grades.

Authors: Mark Tremblay, Joel Barnes, Leigh Vanderloo.

Indigenous women’s physical activity and wellbeing practices: New research

August 2018, Volume 29, Number 08

Participating in physical activity provides many health benefits and overall wellbeing. However, little is understood about how it is valued and understood within Indigenous communities. This WellSpring highlights study findings of Anishinaabeg women’s experiences of physical activity, which can inform community-based practitioners, researchers, and scholars about Indigenous ways of practices and physicality.

Author: Tricia D. McGuire-Adams.

Reducing prolonged sedentary behaviour after a stroke: STand Up Frequently From Stroke (STUFFS)

September 2018, Volume 29, Number 09

Individuals who have experienced a stroke often face physical challenges with walking and general movement. This can lead to prolonged periods of sedentary behaviour during the months post-stroke. This article highlights the benefits and importance of interrupting sedentary behaviour with bouts of physical activity to reduce the risk of developing health-related issues and support steps towards recovery.

Authors: Victor E. Ezeugwu, Patricia J. Manns.

Diabetes Canada clinical practice guidelines: What’s new in the physical activity chapter

October 2018, Volume 29, Number 10

By being physically active, people with type 2 diabetes can improve their glucose control and may reduce their need for insulin and medications to manage the disease. But how much physical activity is enough to achieve these benefits? This issue highlights the new clinical practice guidelines to support prevention and management of type 2 diabetes through physical activity.

Author: Ronald J. Sigal.

Physical activity throughout pregnancy: A prescription for improved maternal/fetal health

November 2018, Volume 29, Number 11

Being physically active throughout pregnancy can be beneficial for both mother and baby. But how much and at what intensity is recommended? This WellSpring highlights the new 2019 Canadian Guideline for Physical Activity throughout Pregnancy which provides a specific prescription to engage in physical activity that is both safe and beneficial for mothers and babies.

Authors: Margie H. Davenport, Victoria L. Meah.

Finding Balance: Preventing older adult falls

December 2018, Volume 29, Number 12

With an aging population comes the risk of falling and injuring oneself. Preventative measures can be taken to support the reducing the risk of falling. This WellSpring provides an overview of the Finding Balance program, led by the Injury Prevention Centre at the University of Alberta, that aims to support practitioners and the aging population across the province to reduce their risk of falls and support active, independent living.

Author: Cathy Gladwin.

UPnGO with ParticipACTION: Building active workplaces

January 2017, Volume 28, Number 1

To combat sedentary behaviour and support physical activity opportunities in the workplace, ParticipACTION developed UPnGO with ParticipACTION — a workplace physical activity program that aims to make physical activity acceptable and the norm in the workplace. Currently in its piloting phase, this article provides an overview of the program and successes in pilot worksites.

Authors: Rachel Shantz, Guy Faulkner, Erica Lau.

Championing mall walking groups: Experiences from the Edmonton West Primary Care Network

February 2017, Volume 28, Number 2

Walking groups provide an opportunity for all to be physically active. As such, the Edmonton West Primary Care Network began their first mall walking group three years ago. Experiences from the perspective of the facilitator are shared, including benefits, challenges and lessons learned on the delivery of the mall walking program.

Authors: Kevin Thomson, Joe Hoffman.

Rethinking how physical activity messages are thought about: Implications for successful promotion

March 2017, Volume 28, Number 3

In the world of physical activity and exercise, the messages delivered to the public can often be complex and compete among each other. Within this, the physical activity promoter’s message may be limited. This article provides insight for practitioners on aspects to consider to increase impact of promotion efforts.

Author: Tanya Berry.

How did we get so sedentary? Sedentary behaviours among Canadian adults

April 2017, Volume 28, Number 4

We live in a time where our modern environments have become increasingly automated, requiring less physical exertion for daily living and resulting in more sedentary behaviour time. So how sedentary are Canadians? Using data from the Canadian Community Health Survey, this article highlights how sedentary behaviours vary across Canada and across specific characteristics among the Canadian adult population.

Author: Katya Herman.

Longevity worth living

May 2017, Volume 28, Number 5

Shepherd’s Care Foundation is working to identify and develop opportunities to support and enable its aging residents to live healthy and independent lives. This includes engaging residents in the process of research and program development to provide simple and safe activities to promote wellness, as well as fit the needs and interests of residents. This article highlights the research, program process, and changes in residents’ perceptions of personal and physical health after participation in physical activities.

Author: Kelly Deis.

Outdoor fitness equipment in public parks: Is it an effective physical activity intervention?

June 2017, Volume 28, Number 6

Free access to outdoor fitness equipment in urban parks is one strategy that can support increases in public access to places to be physically active. Such parks have been shown to be successful in larger cities around the world, but how effective are active parks in the Alberta context? This article highlights the use and the perceptions of park users in two active parks in Lethbridge, Alberta.

Authors: Jennifer L Copeland, Cheryl Currie, Ali Walker.

Motherhood, fitness, feelings and Fitbits: Exploring the experiences of mothers in New Zealand who wear a physical activity monitor

July 2017, Volume 28, Number 7

Wearable physical activity monitors, such as the Fitbit or Jawbone, are the latest tools in physical activity technology. These devices allow individuals to track various physical activities throughout the day. However, little is understood as to how individuals interpret and use the data, or how the data shapes behaviours and everyday life. This study explored these topics among mothers who use these devices.

Author: Marianne Clark.

Why cancer survivors need to move more: Building an Alberta exercise program

August 2017, Volume 28, Number 8

Although research evidence has shown strong benefits from exercise for cancer survivors, exercise programming has not been part of the care provided to survivors in Alberta until recently. This article highlights the Alberta Cancer Exercise (ACE) study, which aims to build a clinic-to-community model that ensures exercise becomes part of cancer survivorship care.

Authors: S. Nicole Culos-Reed, Tanya Williamson, Christopher Sellar, Margaret McNeely.

Creating walkable communities in Alberta

September 2017, Volume 28, Number 9

Walking is a popular activity among Albertans and can provide many health benefits. However, the environments in which we live may not always be easy to walk in. This article highlights the benefits of walkability and provides an overview of the WalkABle Alberta project with community examples and the international Walk21 Calgary conference.

Author: S. Graham Matsalla.

New sedentary behaviour definitions: A terminology consensus project by the Sedentary Behaviour Research Network

October 2017, Volume 28, Number 10

The Sedentary Behavior Research Network (SBRN) – Terminology Consensus Project Process and Outcome was a collaborative project authored by 84 researchers from 20 countries. The project aimed to develop consensus definitions to reduce confusion and inconsistency in the field of health research related to sedentary behaviour.

Authors: Salomé Aubert, Joel Barnes, Mark Tremblay.

Balancing the risk and reward of physical activity: Using the Get Active Questionnaire by the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP)

November 2017, Volume 28, Number 11

The new Get Active Questionnaire tool, which can be found on the CSEP website, can be used in a variety of different settings to support pre-participation screening in physical activities. The tool helps individuals and practitioners identify risk factors that should be considered before engaging in physical activities.

Authors: Kirstin Lane, Jennifer Copeland.

Run to Quit: A national physical activity-based smoking cessation intervention

December 2017, Volume 28, Number 12

Smoking tobacco is a public health threat globally, and finding successful ways and programs to help people quit smoking is vital. Run to Quit is a national program that combines smoking cessation and physical activity to support adults on their journey to quit smoking. This edition of WellSpring provides an overview of the program, how it is being evaluated, and the initial evaluation results.

Authors: Krista Glowacki, Carly Priebe, Guy Faulkner

Physical activity and tobacco: Let's join forces!

January 2016, Volume 27, Number 1

Physical activity and healthy eating are often targeted as the key health behaviours in programming for healthy living. Tobacco use is rarely discussed in physical activity programming. Find Your Stride is a new learn to walk/run program for individuals who use tobacco or have recently quit. This article provides some rationale and information about incorporating tobacco reduction promotion in healthy living programming.

Author: Angela Torry

Move your body. Move your mood.

February 2016, Volume 27, Number 2

Physical activity is an essential part of the development of healthy youth and supports the maintenance of psychological wellbeing. This article shares the findings and recommendations from the Alberta-based Move Your Mood physical activity program for youth seeking mental health support.

Author: Denise Fredeen

Sweat is the best antidepressant: But where do we go from here?

March 2016, Volume 27, Number 3

Physical activity can prevent and treat mental illness, as well as improve overall well-being. The exact dose-response relationship between physical activity and depression is unclear. Although following the Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines seem to be an appropriate amount for the prevention of depression. Health professionals have an important role to play in establishing inter-professional collaboration to move forward the use of physical activity for prevention and treatment.

Author: Guy Faulkner

Let’s get social! Using social media to build and maintain active living communities

April 2016, Volume 27, Number 4

Social media is unique from these forms of communication, as it has the potential to reach a larger audience, allows for two-way communication and fosters brand personality, awareness and recognition. This article will provide an overview of factors to consider when using social media to promote active living and build communities in the field.

Author: Christina Loitz

Fitting it in: How being new to Canada influences physical activity

May 2016, Volume 27, Number 5

Overall, transitioning to Canadian life influenced participation in physical activity through family, social relationships, costs of being active and the cold Canadian climate. Implications for practice and policy are suggested, including enhanced community engagement and organizational modifications.

Authors: Kimberley Curtin, Christina Loitz, Nancy Spencer-Cavaliere, Ernest Khalema

Reach, twirl, curl up small! Exploring physical literacy in the early years

June 2016, Volume 27, Number 6

Physical activity in the early years (0-5 years) is an important factor for children's development, both physically and mentally. Developing physical literacy in the early years should be child-centered and most importantly, fun. This article highlights the importance of physical literacy and introduces the Calgary Be Fit For Life resources to support parents and childcare workers develop physical literacy in young children.

Author: Leah Yardley

Are Canadian kids too tired to move? The 2016 ParticipACTION Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth

July 2016, Volume 27, Number 7

The 2016 ParticipACTION Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth introduces the important inter-relationships among physical activity, sedentary behaviours and sleep, and for the first time, assigns a grade to sleep. As part of a whole-day approach, the new Canadian 24-hour movement guidelines recommend that children and youth need to "Sweat, Step, Sleep and Sit" in the right amounts. Key recommendations for parents/families, schools, and governments/policy-makers are provided to help kids sit less, move more, and sleep better.

Authors: Mark S. Tremblay, Joel Barnes, Allana LeBlanc, Katherine Janson

Repurposing our streets for physical activity: The Open Streets Model

August 2016, Volume 27, Number 8

From Bogota, Columbia, to Thunder Bay, Ontario, Open Streets provides communities with the opportunity to be active on the streets. Open Streets are free recreation programs that temporarily closes the streets to traffic and open them to people to walk, bike, and just be physically. People can engage with their local community and businesses, as well as learn more about community amenities and programs.

Author: Alyssa Bird

Integrating physical activity, sleep and sedentary behaviour — a world first!

September 2016, Volume 27, Number 9

The new Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Children and Youth: An Integration of Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviour, and Sleep was developed through a robust and transparent process, and it is the first developed anywhere in the world. It emphasizes the importance of a healthy balance of movement behaviours and recommends that children "Sweat, Step, Sleep and Sit" in the right amounts to be healthy.

Authors: Mark S. Tremblay, Veronica J. Poitras.

Tallying the global economic burden of physical inactivity

October 2016, Volume 27, Number 10

Understanding the economic burden of behavioural risk factors, such as physical inactivity in relation to other risk factors, is essential for prioritization of health efforts. This article highlights an approach to understanding the economic burden of behavioural risk factors; shares new data about the global health and economic burden of physical inactivity and chronic disease; and provides a new insight for physical activity practitioners to explore and advocate for increased attention on physical inactivity as a major risk factor for chronic disease.

Author: Peter T. Katzmarzyk.

To do it, you’ve got to own it! Creating lasting community-based physical activity programs

November 2016, Volume 27, Number 11

Engaging community stakeholders while developing and implementing programs/interventions can have implications for meaningful impact in terms of ownership and sustainability. Research has shown that without community engagement and ownership, programs have a lesser chance of achieving traction. Key strategies for effective engagement of community stakeholders are provided.

Authors: Jon Salsberg, Soultana Macridis.

"Sport is community": Urban Indigenous peoples' meanings of community within sport

December 2016, Volume 27, Number 12

Sport and community are often interconnected, yet little is understood about community within the context of sport for Indigenous youth. Understanding community is important to be able to enhance sport opportunities for Indigenous youth. A study was undertaken with Edmonton-based Indigenous youth and adults to examine the meaning of community within the context of sport. Key findings and implications for practice are provided.

Authors: Tara-Leigh McHugh, Nora Johnston.

Promoting physical activity among tweens in Québec: the WIXX multimedia communication campaign

January 2015, Volume 26, Number 1

This article features the Québec-based WIXX campaign which is modeled on the successful American VERB™ campaign to promote physical activity among tweens.

Authors: Marilie Laferté, Frédéric Therrien, Ariane Bélanger-Gravel, François Lagarde, Lise Gauvin.

Physical activity in nature: Lessons learned from a preschool program

March 2015, Volume 26, Number 2

This article outlines the nature-based, experiential and immersive model followed by the Educating Children Outside preschool program on Vancouver Island. The author offers tips and inspiration for practitioners to promote outdoor physical activity, while discussing lessons learned by educators in the program.

Author: Chris Filler

Creating more inclusive exercise groups

June 2015, Volume 26, Number 3

This WellSpring offers insight into creating welcoming and inclusive group exercise classes, drawing from the author’s hands-on experiences in working with people who experience disability within a group exercise setting. The author offers several recommendations on how to start and maintain a culture of inclusion in group exercise classes.

Author: Joanna Auger

Exercise counselling and use of exercise professionals by physicians: Findings from a scoping review

July 2015, Volume 26, Number 4

This WellSpring article summarizes the findings from a scoping review examining family physicians’ approach to different forms of exercise/physical activity counselling and referral in their practice.

Authors: Lisa Campkin, Patricia K. Doyle-Baker

The influences of sedentary behaviour versus physical activity on cardiovascular health in pregnancy

August 2015, Volume 26, Number 5

This article identifies that physical inactivity and excessive sedentary behaviour time are two independent cardiovascular risk factors for women during pregnancy. Possible mechanisms for hypertensive disorders are explained.

Authors: Charlotte W. Usselman, Bridget J. Hooper, Craig D. Steinback, Margie H. Davenport

I move, you move, we all move! Counselling ideas to get families more active

September 2015, Volume 26, Number 6

All family members benefit from engaging in a physically active lifestyle. Practitioners can encourage clients to be physically active regularly with their family. Being creative, planning ahead and participating in enjoyable activities are some of the ideas for supporting families to adopt and maintain of an active way of life.

Author: Rhiannon Jacek

People in motion. More places. More often.

October 2015, Volume 26, Number 7

People experiencing disability or mobility impairments often encounter unique barriers in community fitness centres. The AIMFREE audit tool helps recreational facilities identify space, design and usage barriers, in order to improve the accessibility of their centre.

Authors: Bobbi-Jo Atchison, Nora Johnston

Standing up to sedentary behaviour

November 2015, Volume 26, Number 8

Sedentary behaviour and physical inactivity are two separate public health issues. Practitioners should speak with their clients about both negative health behaviours. This article includes strategies for facilitating conversations with clients and decision-makers.

Author: Andrew McCloskey

What grandparents, parents, and kids say about play!

December 2015, Volume 26, Number 9

The experiences and perceptions of children’s active free play has changed over the generations. This article describes finds from inter-generational interviews and provides some suggestions on how to facilitate active free play today.

Authors: Kacey C. Neely, Meghan Ingstrup, Shannon Pynn, Nicholas L. Holt

Workplace physical activity programs for all: Focus on people with mobility issues

January 2014, Volume 25, Number 1

This article offers several suggestions and tips for employers on how to make workplace physical activity programs, incentives and facilities inclusive and welcoming to people of different levels of mobility.

Authors: Christina Loitz, Amy MacKinnon.

Alberta Centre for Active Living Celebrates 25 Years of Promoting Physical Activity

March 2014, Volume 25, Number 2

This WellSpring article offers a retrospective on the Alberta Centre for Active Living’s 25-year history of research, education and advocacy for the promotion of physical activity and physical activity expertise. Several milestones, successes and initiatives are highlighted, along with insights and recollections from past and current physical activity leaders.

Author: Don Buchanan.

Are employees fit for work? Reducing musculoskeletal injuries in the workplace

April 2014, Volume 25, Number 3

This article addresses the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs), examines some of the risk factors, and suggests ways to reduce and prevent MSIs in the workplace.

Author: Lindsay Clement.

Therapeutic recreation: Supporting physical activity and well-being

June 2014, Volume 25, Number 4

This article describes how recreation therapists support physical activity. A patient-centred recreation therapy initiative, "Golf Clinic", is highlighted.

Author: Michelle Svarich.

Tips for practitioners on promoting pelvic health & pelvic floor muscle training

September 2014, Volume 25, Number 5

This article discusses a common and often forgotten physical activity barrier of reduced bladder control, arising from pelvic floor dysfunction or pelvic health issues. The author provides suggestions and insights to health practitioners about the importance of promoting pelvic health, particularly pelvic floor muscle training.

Author: Mary Wood.

Active transportation for the school journey

October 2014, Volume 25, Number 6

This WellSpring article outlines the benefits and challenges of using active transportation for travel to and from school. The authors offer practical suggestions for students, parents, practitioners, and the extended community to become involved in walking, wheeling or cycling to and from school. The article also provides several ideas on promoting or using active transportation beyond school communities.

Authors: Raelene Steckly, Lesley McEwan.