Christina Sandvand Omfjord

• Sigvartsen, Julie Ann; Gabrielsen, Leiv Einar; Abildsnes, Eirik; Stea, Tonje Holte; Omfjord, Christina Sandvand & Rohde, Gudrun-Elin (2016). Exploring the relationship between physical activity, life goals and health-related quality of life among high school students: a cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health. 16:709. doi: 10.1186/s12889-016-3407-0. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background: Two models were developed to increase high school students’ participation in physical education (PE): “motion enjoyment” and “sport enjoyment”. The first model focuses on increasing knowledge about the health benefits of a physically active lifestyle and thereby promoting a positive attitude towards physical activity, whereas the second model focuses on techniques and practices for enhancing athletic performance. The aims of the present study are to investigate and understand the similarities and differences between students selecting “motion enjoyment” vs. “sport enjoyment” and to examine the extent to which life goals and reported physical activity are associated with health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Method: A total of 156 high school students (mean age, 16 years [standard deviation = 0.8], 123 girls and 33 boys) were included in this cross-sectional study. HRQOL and life goals were measured using KIDSCREEN-10 and the Adolescent Life Goal Profile Scale, respectively. Physical activity was measured using a self-reporting questionnaire intended to describe the students’ leisure-time activity. Independent sample t-tests, chi-square, one-way analyses of variance and multiple regression analysis were applied. Results: Self-reported physical activity level and HRQOL were higher among students in the “sport enjoyment” program, while the perceived importance of life goals was the same regardless of the preferred PE model. Multiple regression analyses revealed that the perceived importance of relations-oriented life goals (B = −5.61; 95 % confidence interval CI = −10.53 to −0.70; p = .026), perceived importance of generativity-oriented life goals (B = 4.14.; 95 % CI = 0.85 to 7.422; p = .014), perceived attainability of relations-oriented life goals (B = 7.28; 95 % CI = 2.49 to 12.07; p = .003), age (B = −7.29; 95 % CI = −11.38 to −3.20; p = .001) and gender, with boys as the reference group (B = −12.10; 95 % CI = −19.09 to −5.11; p = .001), were independently associated with increased HRQOL. In exploring the relationships of self-reported physical activity during leisure time, stage of change (B = 3.53; 95 % CI = 1.49 to 5.51; p = .001), gender, with boys as the reference group (B = −8.90; 95 % CI = −15.80 to −2.00; p = .012), and age (B = −6.62; 95 % CI = −10.57 to −2.66; p = .001) were independently associated with increased HRQOL. Conclusion: Self-reported physical activity habits and life goals were associated with HRQOL to a limited extent. However, the perceived importance of life goals appears to reflect other aspects of individual well-being than HRQOL.

• Abildsnes, Eirik; Stea, Tonje Holte; Berntsen, Sveinung; Omfjord, Christina Sandvand & Rohde, Gudrun-Elin (2015). Physical education teachers' and public health nurses' perception of Norwegian high school students' participation in physical education - a focus group study. BMC Public Health. 15:1295. doi: 10.1186/s12889-015-2660-y. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background: High quality physical education programs in high schools may facilitate adoption of sustainable healthy living among adolescents. Public health nurses often meet students who avoid taking part in physical education programs. We aimed to explore physical education teachers’ and public health nurses’ perceptions of high school students’ attitudes towards physical education, and to explore physical education teachers’ thoughts about how to facilitate and promote students’ participation in class. Methods: Prior to an initiative from physical education teachers, introducing a new physical education model in two high schools in the South of Norway, we conducted focus groups with 6 physical education teachers and 8 public health nurses. After implementation of the new model, we conducted two additional focus group interviews with 10 physical education teachers. In analyses we used Systematic Text Condensation and an editing analysis style. Results: In general, the students were experienced as engaged and appreciating physical education lessons. Those who seldom attended often strived with other subjects in school as well, had mental health problems, or were characterized as outsiders in several arenas. Some students were reported to be reluctant to expose their bodies in showers after class, and students who seldom attended physical education class frequently visited the school health services. Although the majority of students were engaged in class, several of the students lacked knowledge about physical fitness and motoric skills to be able to master daily activities. The participants related the students’ competence and attitude towards participation in physical education class to previous experiences in junior high school, to the competence of physical education teachers, and to possibility for students to influence the content of physical education programs. Conclusions: The participants suggested that high school students’ attitudes towards participation in physical education is heterogeneous, depends on the students’ previous experiences, and on their present health and quality of life. All participants recommended adolescents to take part in program development, and selecting activities that generate competence, fun and enjoyment.

• Dahl, Hans A.; Høgseth, Johnny & Omfjord, Christina Sandvand (2005). Feiltrening hos idrettsutøvere : drøfting av en fysioterapitilnærming. Fysioterapeuten. ISSN 0016-3384. 72(6), p. 36–40. Full text in Research Archive
• Omfjord, Christina Sandvand & Dahl, Hans A. (2005). Feiltrening hos idrettsutøvere - drøfting av en fysioterapitilnærming. Fysioterapeuten. ISSN 0016-3384. p. 36–40. Full text in Research Archive

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