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Barriers to physical activity levels in people with cancer who are undergoing chemotherapy:a narrative systematic review with mapping to the capability, opportunity, motivation behaviour (COM-B) model
No full textPurpose: Cancer is a leading cause of death and disability. Chemotherapy is one of the most common treatments. Physical activity (PA) can improve chemotherapy side effects, fatigue, adherence, survival rates and quality of life. However, people who are undergoing chemotherapy are insufficiently active. This review aimed to identify the barriers to PA in adults who are undergoing chemotherapy for the treatment of cancer. Methods: Databases were searched for articles that met the eligibility criteria and screened to determine eligibility and risk of bias using the Clinical Appraisal Study Programme Qualitative Checklist. Studies included adults aged > 18 years who were currently undergoing chemotherapy for any type or stage of cancer. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to develop themes, which were deductively mapped to the capability, opportunity, motivation behaviour (COM-B) model and presented narratively. The behaviour change wheel intervention functions enabled identification of potential strategies to address barriers. Results: A total of 9774 articles were screened. Twenty studies were eligible, including 1085 participants. Side effects of cancer and chemotherapy, other health conditions (capability), knowledge gaps, accessibility, environmental factors, and lack of social support (opportunity); negative emotional response, not having time/prioritising other commitments, and low motivation (motivation) were identified as barriers to PA. Fatigue was the most commonly identified single barrier. Intervention functions to improve PA levels include environmental restructuring, education, training and enablement. Conclusion: The most commonly reported barriers to PA in people who are undergoing chemotherapy included side effects of cancer and chemotherapy, not having time/prioritising other commitments, knowledge and accessibility. Changes to service accessibility and delivery, and education for the cancer care team and people who are undergoing chemotherapy should be implemented to support increasing PA levels.</p
Teachers’ perspectives on principal support for addressing homophobic, biphobic, and transphobic bullying in Australian high schools
No full textResearch has suggested that the attitudes and priorities of school principals may influence how teachers and other staff support gender and sexuality diverse students, and handle bullying where it arises. The present study presents qualitative data from an online survey disseminated to staff working in Australian high schools (N = 62). The aim was to understand how participants regard the leadership of their principal team (including deputy/vice and assistant principals) in this space, and what additional support leadership could offer to assist staff in effectively addressing homophobic, biphobic, and transphobic bullying. Using reflexive thematic analysis, five themes were developed. Results suggest that there is a strong desire for explicit communication from leadership about expectations for dealing with prejudiced bullying. While wellbeing staff and classroom teachers may have the most day-to-day involvement with bullying intervention, participants indicated that principal involvement in creating a safe climate for gender and sexuality diverse members of the school community, and intervening in bullying where necessary, can fortify the efforts of other staff. Principal support may be particularly crucial in when considering religious and cultural sensitivities.</p
Life in the Fast Lane:Performance Predictions for the Newest 50-m Events on the Olympic Games Swimming Schedule
Full text linkPurpose: We aimed to (1) generate performance predictions for the new 50-m backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly events, recently added to the Olympic Games swimming schedule, for both the Singapore 2025 World Aquatics Championships and the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games and (2) evaluate the accuracy of this already-established predictive model for these new events, using performances at the Singapore 2025 World Aquatics Championships as the criterion. Methods: Race data from the 2011 to 2025 World Aquatics Championships were extracted and categorized into 3 performance categories: medalists (rank first to third), finalists but not medalists (rank fourth to eighth), and semifinalists but not finalists (rank ninth to 16th). An exponential-smoothing forecasting method in Microsoft Excel was used to predict future performances. Model accuracy was assessed by comparing predicted versus actual results from the Singapore 2025 World Aquatics Championships, using mean absolute error (MAE). Results: The model demonstrated high predictive accuracy, with an overall average MAE of 0.94% (±0.58%). The lowest error was observed in the women’s 50-m butterfly (rank first to third, MAE = 0.04%), with the highest error observed in the men’s 50-m butterfly (rank first to third, MAE = 2.02%). Discussion: These results confirm the utility of predictive analytics in elite swimming, supporting evidence-based decision making for coaches and national swimming federations. The model’s high accuracy across the new 50-m form stroke events reinforces its value as a planning tool through the Los Angeles Olympic cycle.</p
“You've got to exercise more … What does that mean?” understanding experiences of physical activity during chemotherapy (EPAC):A mixed methods study informed by the COM-B model
No full textPurpose While the benefits of physical activity (PA) during cancer are well known, people undergoing chemotherapy are insufficiently active. This study aims to understand the experiences of PA throughout chemotherapy (EPAC). Methods The EPAC study used a mixed methods design informed by the capability, opportunity, motivation-behaviour (COM-B) model. Participants currently undergoing outpatient chemotherapy for the treatment of cancer, their carers or cancer care clinicians participated in a semi-structured interview or focus group and a questionnaire. The Godin-Shepard Leisure-Time Questionnaire identified current and pre-chemotherapy PA levels. Qualitative data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis, and deductively mapped to the COM-B. Descriptive analysis was used for quantitative data. Results Despite 91 % of people undergoing chemotherapy expressing a desire to be more active, only 17 % were classified as 'active'. Additionally, 78 % of participants reported a decrease in PA during chemotherapy. Ten focus groups and 37 interviews were completed with 40 clinicians, 23 patients, and ten carers. From these, eight themes were developed: PA is part of life; All too much; Physical capacity; Inconsistent education; A desire for PA to be integrated; Tailored access to services; Organisational design and resources; and Workforce sustainability. Subthemes mapped to all components of the COM-B framework. Conclusion Overall, people undergoing chemotherapy wanted to be more active. Experiences across the groups emphasise the need for increased support to improve opportunities, capability and motivation for PA. These findings demonstrate the need for changes to clinical practice to embed PA into routine chemotherapy care through models that reflect the realities of treatment and its side effects, the workforce, and service design.</p
A Creative Learning Approach – National Gallery of Australia
No full textJoin Dr Naomi Zouwer, Lecturer Teacher Education, Faculty of Education, University of Canberra and Harriet Body, Creative Learning Convener, National Gallery in this 1.5 hour talk and hands-on workshop that will discuss the process and outcomes of the Creative Learning Project, a collaborative research project between the University of Canberra (UC) and the National Gallery of Australia,The Creative Learning Project has led to the development of a new pedagogical model for the National Gallery, a Creative Learning Approach that involves pedagogical strategies specifically tailored to the Gallery’s audiences, institutional purpose, and national role.The project offers a compelling case for co-creation and co-research as a methodology for developing educational strategies that are contextually relevant, meaningful, and enduring. By embedding the Creative Learning Approach across its school education programs, the Gallery addresses its immediate educational aims and contributes to broader global conversations around evidence-based, innovative learning in museums and galleries. Most importantly, this work demonstrates that when cultural institutions centre collaboration, creativity, and context, they can produce learning experiences that are not only impactful but deeply aligned with their mission, values, and communities