Leisure centre

Abstract: Based on the notion that quality management embraces efficiency and effectiveness, the Centre for Environmental and Recreation Management (CERM) has developed prototypes for performance indicators of efficiency and effectiveness that can be applied to sports and leisure centre management. Effectiveness indicators based on the principles of customer service quality (CSQ) measure customers' expectations compared to their perceptions of the centre's actual performance. The CERM has focused on leisure industry sectors, particularly public sports and leisure centres. This paper reports on the dimensions of customer satisfaction and the application of the CERMCSQ questionnaire to leisure centre management. Data are throughout Australia that trialed the CERMCSQ questionnaire during 1994. Conclusions are drawn from this data that indicate a four-dimension model may be appropriate for Australian sports and leisure centres. This model differs from an earlier one which proposed five CSQ dimensions based on applied r...

Abstract: There is a need for serious study of home-based leisure, and of the theoretical and methodological issues posed. Over half of leisure time is spent within the home environment, but there is little evidence concerning the choice of the home as a leisure centre or the social constraints which limit out-of-home leisure opportunities. An analysis of the structure and meaning of homebased leisure in relation to routine domestic tasks is required to challenge traditional concepts of ‘leisure’ developed in the context of outdoor recreation. The concepts of ‘home’, ‘family’ and ‘leisure’ need to be developed in terms of role, function, structure and meaning.

Abstract: OBJECTIVES: To measure the levels of exposure to nitrogen trichloride (NCl3) in the atmosphere of indoor swimming pools and to examine how they relate to irritant and chronic respiratory symptoms, indices of pulmonary function, and bronchial hyperresponsiveness to methacholine in lifeguards working in the pools. METHOD: 334 lifeguards (256 men; 78 women) recruited from 46 public swimming pools (n = 228) and 17 leisure centre swimming pools (n = 106) were examined. Concentrations of NCl3 were measured with area samplers. Symptoms were assessed by questionnaire and methacholine bronchial challenge (MBC) test by an abbreviated method. Subjects were labelled MBC+ if forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) fell by > or = 20%. The linear dose-response slope was calculated as the percentage fall in FEV1 at the last dose divided by the total dose given. RESULTS: 1262 samples were taken in the 63 pools. Mean NCl3 concentrations were greater in leisure than in public pools. A significant concentration-response relation was found between irritant eye, nasal, and throat symptoms-but not chronic respiratory symptoms-and exposure concentrations. Among women, the prevalence of MBC+ was twice as great as in men. Overall, no relation was found between bronchial hyperresponsiveness and exposure. CONCLUSIONS: The data show that lifeguards exposed to NCl3 in indoor swimming pools are at risk of developing irritant eye, nasal, and throat symptoms. Exposure to NCl3 does not seem to carry the risk of developing permanent bronchial hyperresponsiveness, but this association might have been influenced by self selection. The possibility that subjects exposed to NCl3 are at risk of developing transient bronchial hyperresponsiveness cannot be confidently ruled out.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To assess the cost-effectiveness of a primary care based intervention aimed at increasing levels of physical activity in inactive people aged 45-74. METHODS: A total of 714 inactive people aged 45-74, taken from two west London general practices, were randomised into two groups. Intervention subjects were invited to a consultation with an exercise development officer, and offered a personalised 10 week programme to increase their level of regular physical activity, combining leisure centre and home based activities. Control subjects were sent information on local leisure centres. All subjects were followed up at eight months. RESULTS: There was a net 10.6% (95% confidence interval 4.5 to 16.9%) reduction in the proportion of people classified as sedentary in the intervention group compared with the control group, eight months after the intervention. The intervention group also reported an increase in the mean number of episodes of physical activity per week, as compared with the control group (an additional 1.52 episodes (95% confidence interval 1.14 to 1.95)). The cost of moving a person out of the sedentary group was shown to be less than 650 Pounds. The cost of moving someone to the now commonly recommended level was estimated at almost 2500 Pounds. CONCLUSIONS: Moderate physical activity can be successfully encouraged in previously sedentary men and women aged 45-74 through a primary care based intervention. The process of recruitment was the most important variable cost. A high uptake rate would maximise cost-effectiveness, and sensitivity analysis suggests that unit costs could be halved with a more effective recruitment strategy.