Ashleigh Thornton

University of Western Australia

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Papers

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i-10 index

Research Trends

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Co-Authors

Ben Jackson

University of Western Australia

Michael Rosenberg

University of Western Australia

James A. Dimmock

James Cook University

Catherine Elliott

University of Western Australia

Bonnie J. Furzer

Fremantle Hospital

Melissa K. Licari

The Kids Research Institute Australia

Hayley Christian

The Kids Research Institute Australia

Stewart G. Trost

University of Queensland

Jane Valentine

Princess Margaret Hospital for Children

Brodie Ward

University of Western Australia

Cooperative Institutions

University of Western Australia

The Kids Research Institute Australia

Curtin University

Princess Margaret Hospital for Children

Perth Children's Hospital

Center for Health, Exercise and Sport Sciences

Speech Pathology Australia

Government of Western Australia Department of Health

University of Queensland

North Metropolitan Health Service

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Research Field

A systematic review of mirror neuron system function in developmental coordination disorder: Imitation, motor imagery, and neuroimaging evidence

Research in Developmental Disabilities (2015)

Jess E. Reynolds Ashleigh Thornton Catherine Elliott Jacqueline Williams Brendan Lay

CINAHL

PsycINFO

Mirror neuron

10.1016/j.ridd.2015.09.015

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Citations (49)

Can Proficiency Criteria Be Accurately Identified During Real-Time Fundamental Movement Skill Assessment?

Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport (2019)

Brodie Ward Ashleigh Thornton Brendan Lay Nigel T. M. Chen Michael Rosenberg

Purpose: Fundamental movement skill (FMS) assessors in education environments rely upon real-time FMS assessment; however, the recognition of individual proficiency criteria during real-time process-oriented FMS assessment may be problematic. Few studies consider the accuracy of identifying individual proficiency criteria in process-oriented FMS assessment, even though criteria are relied upon for intervention planning. This study aimed to further understand assessors' ability to recognize proficiency criteria during real-time FMS assessment and the impact of assessor experience on assessment accuracy. Methods: 10 primary teachers, and 7 pediatric professionals assessed 10 performances of four FMSs (Jump, Hop, Kick, Throw) presented in videos and point-light displays using the Test of Gross Motor Development-2. Results: Accuracy in identifying proficiency criteria was moderate for both pediatric professionals (74.73%) and primary teachers (69.58%), with no differences between groups. In contrast, reliability of overall proficiency scores was good to excellent (ICC>0.8) in both groups. Some individual criteria may be more difficult to assess, evidenced by large average accuracy ranges within skills (e.g., 46% difference between Throw criteria 1 (34%) and 2 (80%)). Conclusions: The study reinforces the difficulty of observing proficiency criteria during real-time FMS assessment regardless of assessor experience. Results suggest that assessors can accurately score overall FMS proficiency, whilst accurate identification of proficiency criteria is problematic. Accurate criterion identification is crucial to understand skill deficiencies and inform subsequent intervention. Attentional demands during real-time assessment may be too great to allow accurate criterion identification, even by experienced assessors, which presents an important consideration for test administrators and developers.

Identification

Gross motor skill

10.1080/02701367.2019.1646852

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Citations (8)

The Effect of Upgrades to Childcare Outdoor Spaces on Preschoolers’ Physical Activity: Findings from a Natural Experiment

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (2020)

Michelle Ng Michael Rosenberg Ashleigh Thornton Leanne Lester Stewart G. Trost

Physical inactivity is a significant risk factor for childhood obesity. Preventing obesity in the early years reduces the risk of developing chronic health conditions later. Early childhood education and care (ECEC) services are important settings to establish good preschooler physical activity behaviors. This natural experiment investigated the influence of ECEC outdoor physical environment upgrade on preschoolers’ physical activity (aged 2–5 years). Centers implemented upgrades without researcher input. Physical activity was measured by 7-day accelerometry for intervention (n = 159; 6 centers) and control (n = 138; 5 centers) groups. ECEC outdoor space was assessed using a modified Environment and Policy Assessment and Observation (EPAO) Instrument. Key outcomes were measured at baseline and 6–12 months follow-up. Fixed sandboxes, balls, portable slides, portable floor play equipment (e.g., tumbling mats), and natural grassed areas were positively associated with activity levels; fixed tunnels and twirling equipment were negatively associated with activity levels (all p < 0.05). Post-upgrade portable play equipment (balls, twirling equipment, slides, floor play equipment) increased intervention preschoolers’ moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) levels compared to control (p < 0.05). Intervention preschoolers were more active than control at follow-up (58.09 vs. 42.13 min/day increase in total physical activity; 30.46 vs. 19.16 min/day increase in MVPA (all p < 0.001)). Since few preschoolers meet daily activity recommendations while at ECEC, the findings may help ECEC providers to optimize outdoor physical environments and encourage more active play among preschoolers.

Natural experiment

Outdoor activity

10.3390/ijerph17020468

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Citations (21)

Effect of targeted movement interventions on pain and quality of life in children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy: a pilot single subject research design to test feasibility of parent-reported assessments

Disability and Rehabilitation (2022)

Nadine Smith Simon Garbellini Natasha Bear Ashleigh Thornton Peta Watts

To determine the feasibility of using parent-reported outcome measures of the Paediatric Pain Profile (PPP), Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC) and Care and Comfort Hypertonicity Questionnaire (CCHQ) as repeated outcome measures of change at weekly intervals for children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy (CP). The secondary aim was to explore the efficacy of individualised movement intervention.In this pilot feasibility study a single subject research design was utilised. Three children with dyskinetic CP, completed 5 weeks of parent-reported baseline assessments, 8 weekly sessions of intervention and 5 weeks of follow up.All children completed 18 weeks of the study, with no missing data. There was evidence of parent-reported improvements in their child's pain and care and comfort between the baseline and intervention phases.The PPP, SDSC and CCHQ were feasible to assess pain, sleep and comfort before and after an intervention in children with dyskinetic CP. There is preliminary evidence that individualised movement intervention as little as once a week may help improve pain, sleep and improve ease of care and comfort. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONThe Paediatric Pain Profile is feasible to identify and monitor pain, as frequently as weekly, in children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy (CP).There is preliminary evidence that movement can decrease pain in children with dyskinetic CP.Assessments and treatment in this group may be interrupted due to their complex health issues which may be a limitation when collecting repeated measures.

10.1080/09638288.2022.2072007

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Citations (1)

Perceptions of a family-based lifestyle intervention for children with overweight and obesity: a qualitative study on sustainability, self-regulation, and program optimization

BMC Public Health (2022)

Kaila C. Putter Ben Jackson Ashleigh Thornton Claire Willis Kong Min Bryce Goh

Abstract Background Family-based lifestyle interventions (FBLIs) are an important method for treating childhood weight problems. Despite being recognized as an effective intervention method, the optimal structure of these interventions for children’s overweight and obesity has yet to be determined. Our aim was to better understand participants’ (a) implementation of behaviour strategies and long-term outcomes, (b) perceptions regarding the optimal structure of FBLIs, and (c) insights into psychological concepts that may explain the success of these programs. Methods Purposive sampling was used to recruit participants. We conducted focus groups as well as one-to-one interviews with parents ( n = 53) and children ( n = 50; aged 7–13, M = 9.4 yr, SD = 3.1) three months following their involvement in a 10-week, multi-component, FBLI involving education and activities relating to healthy nutrition, physical activity, and behavior modification. Using an interpretivist approach, a qualitative study design was employed to examine participant experiences. Results We identified three higher-order categories: (a) participants’ program experiences and perceptions (b) lifestyle changes post-program, and (c) recommendations for optimizing family-based programs. Themes identified within these categories included (a) support and structure & content, (b) diet and physical activity, and (c) in-program recommendations and post-program recommendations. Conclusions We identified several challenges that can impair lasting behavior change (e.g., physical activity participation) following involvement in a FBLI. On optimizing these programs, participants emphasized fun, interactive content, interpersonal support, appropriate educational content, and behavior change techniques. Concepts rooted in motivational theory could help address calls for greater theoretical and mechanistic insight in FBLIs. Findings may support research advancement and assist health professionals to more consistently realize the potential of these interventions.

Biostatistics

10.1186/s12889-022-13956-6

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Citations (5)

Adaptation of the Resistance Training Skills Battery for Use in Children Across the Motor Proficiency Spectrum

Pediatric Exercise Science (2016)

Marc Daniel Bebich-Philip Ashleigh Thornton S. Reid Kemi Wright Bonnie Furzer

The study aim was to adapt the Resistance Training Skills Battery for use in children and assess its interrater and intrarater reliability. The RTSBc provides an assessment of resistance training (RT) skill competency and an indication of readiness to perform RT. The RTSBc includes 6 basic RT skills. Scoring for individual RT skills is based on the number of performance criteria correctly demonstrated and a gross resistance training skills quotient for children (RTSQc) is calculated by summing the individual skill scores.Twenty participants (mean age = 8.2 ± 1.8 years) were assessed while performing the RTSBc on 2 occasions. The 3 raters completing the assessments had varying levels of movement analysis and RT experience and received training in how to appraise RT skill competency using the RTSBc.Interrater reliability for the 3 raters was very good for the RTSQc (ICC = 0.92) and individual RT skills (ICC range = 0.82-0.94). Intrarater reliability of the live rater was also very good for the RTSQc (ICC = 0.97) and individual RT skills (ICC range = 0.87-0.95).This study has demonstrated the interrater and intrarater reliability of the RTSBc for children with varying levels of motor proficiency. The RTSBc can be used reliably within and between-raters to assess the RT skill competency of children.

Inter-Rater Reliability

Intra-rater reliability

Movement assessment

Gross motor skill

10.1123/pes.2015-0216

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Citations (13)

‘They deserve a treat’: the nature and antecedents of parental licensing surrounding children’s physical activity

Public Health Nutrition (2020)

Kwok Hong Law James A. Dimmock Ashleigh Thornton Joanna Nicholas Gordon Ho

Abstract Objective: Little is known about parents’ compensatory health beliefs (CHB) surrounding their children’s engagement in physical activity (PA). Our aim was to provide evidence regarding the nature of, and factors underpinning, parents’ PA-related compensatory beliefs for their children. Design: A qualitative descriptive approach and thematic content analysis were employed. Setting: Parents were recruited from community sport and PA programmes. Participants: Eighteen parents aged 32–52 years (mean age = 40·8 ( sd 5·4) years; six males; twelve females). Results: Analyses indicated that parents compensate through ‘passive’ or ‘active’ means. Among parents who compensated, most described their provision of ‘treat’ foods/drinks and a minority described allowing extended sedentary time to their children. Parents’ reasons underpinning these beliefs related to their child’s general physical/health status and psychological characteristics, and their own motivation and mood state. Conclusions: These findings provide the first evidence of unhealthy dietary and sedentary behaviour CHB that parents may hold regarding their children’s involvement in PA.

Thematic Analysis

Underpinning

10.1017/s1368980020002554

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Citations (5)

Parents and the Pygmalion Effect: Exploring relations between parent efficacy beliefs and children's fundamental movement skills

Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology (2017)

Carolyn M. Clancy Ben Jackson James A. Dimmock Ashleigh Thornton

Source

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Citations (4)

Construct validity evidence for a measure of peer athletic reputation (PAthR) in high school physical education

Psychology of sport and exercise (2015)

Timothy C. Howle Peter R. Whipp Felicity Gairns Ashleigh Thornton Amanda L. Rebar

Physical Education

Amotivation

Deci-

10.1016/j.psychsport.2015.12.006

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Citations (3)

Early Moves: a protocol for a population-based prospective cohort study to establish general movements as an early biomarker of cognitive impairment in infants

BMJ Open (2021)

Catherine Elliott Caroline Alexander Alison Salt Alicia J. Spittle Roslyn N. Boyd

Introduction The current diagnostic pathways for cognitive impairment rarely identify babies at risk before 2 years of age. Very early detection and timely targeted intervention has potential to improve outcomes for these children and support them to reach their full life potential. Early Moves aims to identify early biomarkers, including general movements (GMs), for babies at risk of cognitive impairment, allowing early intervention within critical developmental windows to enable these children to have the best possible start to life. Method and analysis Early Moves is a double-masked prospective cohort study that will recruit 3000 term and preterm babies from a secondary care setting. Early Moves will determine the diagnostic value of abnormal GMs (at writhing and fidgety age) for mild, moderate and severe cognitive delay at 2 years measured by the Bayley-4. Parents will use the Baby Moves smartphone application to video their babies’ GMs. Trained GMs assessors will be masked to any risk factors and assessors of the primary outcome will be masked to the GMs result. Automated scoring of GMs will be developed through applying machine-based learning to the data and the predictive value for an abnormal GM will be investigated. Screening algorithms for identification of children at risk of cognitive impairment, using the GM assessment (GMA), and routinely collected social and environmental profile data will be developed to allow more accurate prediction of cognitive outcome at 2 years. A cost evaluation for GMA implementation in preparation for national implementation will be undertaken including exploring the relationship between cognitive status and healthcare utilisation, medical costs, health-related quality of life and caregiver burden. Ethics and dissemination Ethics approval has been granted by the Medical Research Ethics Committee of Joondalup Health Services and the Health Service Human Research Ethics Committee (1902) of Curtin University (HRE2019-0739). Trial registration number ACTRN12619001422112.

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-041695

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Citations (12)