Mapping academically gifted students’ relationship to physical activity: A scoping review

Patients with severe OSA consume greater amounts of cholesterol, protein, and fat as well as have greater caloric expenditure. However, it is not known whether their activity levels or diet change after treatment with CPAP. To investigate this issue, serial assessments of activity and dietary intake were performed in the Apnea Positive Pressure Long-term Efficacy Study (APPLES); a 6-month randomized controlled study of CPAP vs. sham CPAP on neurocognitive outcomes. Subjects were recruited into APPLES at 5 sites through clinic encounters or public advertisement. After undergoing a diagnostic polysomnogram, subjects were randomized to CPAP or sham if their AHI was ≥ 10. Adherence was assessed using data cards from the devices. At the Tucson and Walla Walla sites, subjects were asked to complete validated activity and food frequency questionnaires at baseline and their 4-month visit. Activity and diet data were available at baseline and after 4 months treatment with CPAP or sham in up to 231 subjects (117 CPAP, 114 Sham). Mean age, AHI, BMI, and Epworth Sleepiness Score (ESS) for this cohort were 55 ± 13 [SD] years, 44 ± 27 /h, 33 ± 7.8 kg/m(2), and 10 ± 4, respectively. The participants lacking activity and diet data were younger, had lower AHI and arousal index, and had better sleep efficiency (p < 0.05). The BMI was higher among women in both CPAP and Sham groups. However, compared to women, men had higher AHI only in the CPAP group (50 vs. 34). Similarly, the arousal index was higher among men in CPAP group. Level of adherence defined as hours of device usage per night at 4 months was significantly higher among men in CPAP group (4.0 ± 2.9 vs. 2.6 ± 2.6). No changes in consumption of total calories, protein, carbohydrate or fat were noted after 4 months. Except for a modest increase in recreational activity in women (268 ± 85 vs. 170 ± 47 calories, p < 0.05), there also were no changes in activity patterns. Except for a modest increase in recreational activity in women, OSA patients treated with CPAP do not substantially change their diet or physical activity habits after treatment. .

The purpose of this study was to test for reciprocal relations between physical self-concept (PSC) and participation in physical activity (PA). We hypothesized specific bidirectional relations between PSC dimensions (i.e., perceived endurance, sport competence, and strength and body attractiveness) and participation in corresponding types of PA (i.e., aerobic exercise, team or individual sports, and strength training). Data were gathered from a questionnaire administered to 386 college students on two occasions (3-month interval) to assess PSC and participation in PA. Structural equation modeling revealed significant paths between each PSC dimension and a corresponding type of PA. Students reported more frequent participation in a specific PA when their PSC concerning the activity was high. However, participation in a given PA did not predict subsequent PSC in the corresponding PA, suggesting unidirectional effects of previous PSC on subsequent participation in PA. These results suggest that strategies that contribute to reinforce PSC are primordial and should be targeted as key components for designing effective PA behavior change interventions among college students.

Why physically active people report lower anxiety than those who are inactive is not well understood. This study examined whether physical self-concept and self-esteem would mediate associations of self-reported physical activity with anxiety disorder symptoms in young women, a population with elevated risk for developing an anxiety disorder. College women (N = 1036, mean ± SD = 19.7 ± 2.9 yr) completed a physical activity recall, the Psychiatric Diagnostic Screening Questionnaire, and the Physical Self-Description Questionnaire. Structural equation modeling was used to test hypotheses. Physical activity had inverse, indirect associations with symptoms of social phobia, generalized anxiety disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder that were expressed through its positive association with specific and global physical self-concept and self-esteem. The results were independent of similar relations with symptoms of major depressive disorder as well as the estimates of body fatness and use of psychotropic medications. These correlational findings provide initial evidence to warrant experimental efficacy trials of whether physical activity will reduce the risk of anxiety disorders in young women by positive influences on physical self-concept and self-esteem.

Physical activity and health

Physical activity in the prevention and treatment of obesity and its comorbidities: evidence report of independent panel to assess the role of physical activity in the treatment of obesity and its comorbidities.

ObjectiveHabits, defined as well‐learned associations between cues and behaviours, are essential for health‐related behaviours, including physical activity (PA). Despite the sensitivity of habits to context changes, little remains known about the influence of a context change on the interplay between PA habits and behaviours. We investigated the evolution of PA habits amidst the spring COVID‐19 lockdown, a major context change. Moreover, we examined the association of PA behaviours and autonomous motivation with this evolution.DesignThree‐wave observational longitudinal design.MethodsPA habits, behaviours, and autonomous motivation were collected through online surveys in 283 French and Swiss participants. Variables were self‐reported with reference to three time‐points: before‐, mid‐, and end‐lockdown.ResultsMixed effect modelling revealed a decrease in PA habits from before‐ to mid‐lockdown, especially among individuals with strong before‐lockdown habits. Path analysis showed that before‐lockdown PA habits were not associated with mid‐lockdown PA behaviours (β = −.02, p = .837), while mid‐lockdown PA habits were positively related to end‐lockdown PA behaviours (β = .23, p = .021). Autonomous motivation was directly associated with PA habits (ps < .001) and withto before‐ and mid‐lockdown PA behaviours (ps < .001) (but not with end‐lockdown PA behaviours) and did not moderate the relations between PA behaviours and habits (ps > .072).ConclusionPA habits were altered, and their influence on PA behaviours was impeded during the COVID‐19 lockdown. Engagement in PA behaviours and autonomous motivation helped in counteracting PA habits disruption.

Background: We examined the effect of power training on habitual, intervention and total physical activity (PA) levels in older adults with type 2 diabetes and their relationship to metabolic control. Materials and Methods: 103 adults with type 2 diabetes were randomized to receive supervised power training or sham exercise three times/week for 12 months. Habitual, intervention, and total PA, as well as insulin resistance (HOMA2-IR) and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), were measured. Results: Participants were aged 67.9 ± 5.5 yrs, with well-controlled diabetes (HbA1c = 7.1%) and higher than average habitual PA levels compared to healthy peers. Habitual PA did not change significantly over 12 months (p = 0.74), and there was no effect of group assignment on change over time in habitual PA over 0–6 (p = 0.16) or 0–6–12 months (p = 0.51). By contrast, intervention PA, leg press tonnage and total PA increased over both 6- and 12-month timepoints (p = 0.0001), and these changes were significantly greater in the power training compared to the sham exercise group across timepoints (p = 0.0001). However, there were no associations between changes in any PA measures over time and changes in metabolic profile. Conclusion: Structured high-intensity power training may be an effective strategy to enhance overall PA in this high-risk cohort.

Asthma is a heterogeneous chronic airway disease which may reduce capability for physical activity. In healthy peers, physical activity is influenced by psychosocial and socioeconomic factors. Knowledge about the role of these factors has not been mapped in children and adolescents with asthma. The main objective of this scoping review was to identify psychosocial and socioeconomic factors associated with physical activity level in children and adolescents with asthma in the literature. The specific objectives were to map the instruments used to measure these factors, report on the construction and validation of these instruments, map psychosocial and socioeconomic issues related to physical activity level reported in qualitative studies, and identify gaps in knowledge about the relationship between psychosocial and socioeconomic factors and physical activity level in children and adolescents with asthma. Children and adolescents with asthma aged six to 18 years. Psychosocial and socioeconomic factors related to physical activity level and participation. All physical activity contexts. Quantitative and qualitative primary studies in English, with no date limit. The databases searched included nine major databases for health and sports science, and five databases for unpublished studies. After screening and identification of studies, the reference lists of all identified reports were searched, and forward citation searches were conducted using four databases. The following data were extracted: (a) relevant study characteristics and assessment of physical activity level, (b) instruments used to assess psychosocial and socioeconomic factors, (c) association between physical activity level and these factors, (d) construction and validation of instruments, and (e) psychosocial and socioeconomic issues related to physical activity participation. Twenty-one quantitative and 13 qualitative studies were included. In cross-sectional studies, enjoyment, physical self-concept, self-efficacy, attitudes and beliefs about physical activity and health, psychological distress, health-related quality of life, and social support were more often reported as being correlated with physical activity level. In three studies, the construct validity was assessed by factor analysis and construct reliability tests for the study population. Qualitative studies reported 10 issues related to physical activity participation, and capability and being like peers were most commonly reported. There was no direct evidence that qualitative research informed the development or adjustment of instruments in quantitative studies. Seven psychosocial factors correlated with physical activity level; capability and being like peers were the most commonly reported issues. Reports of the construction and validation of instruments were sparse.

Aims: To explore physical activity (PA) habits among the medical students and examine the correlation with their grade point average (GPA) achievement at College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the medical students (n = 409), during the academic year 2012–2013. Students’ physical activity habits were self-reported. GPA, body mass index (BMI) and body fat percent (BF%) were collected and analyzed with SPSS software.Results: Out of 409 students, 193 (47.2%) students reported being physically active. Our result showed a significant positive association between students’ PA habits and high-GPA achievement (χ2 = 10.65, p = 0.001). The greatest odds ratio of high GPA was found among the fourth year students (OR = 3.08, CI: 1.15–8.28, p = 0.025) and fifth year students (OR = 5.07, CI: 1.48–17.31, p = 0.010). In addition, significant association was found between the normal BMI and high-GPA achievers (χ2 = 8.30; p = 0.016). However, no statistically, significant association was found between BF% and GPA.Conclusions: The present study showed a positive associations was found between PA habits and high academic achievement. In addition, positive association was found between PA, obese students and GPA achievement. Therefore, there is a need for the establishment of physical activity education and public health programs to promote importance of PA in Saudi population.

BackgroundThe long-term role that parental encouragement and attitudes about fitness and exercise play in adolescents' physical activity and sedentary behavior habits remains unclear. This paper aims to longitudinally examine how parental encouragement to be physically active and parental concern about staying fit are associated with adolescents' physical activity and sedentary behavior habits five years later.MethodsProject EAT-II adolescent and young adult participants (1130 male, 1386 female) completed surveys while in middle school or high school (1998–1999), and again 5 years later. Participants were asked whether their mother and father encourage them to be physically active and care about staying fit and exercising. Adolescent moderate and vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and TV/video watching (hours/week) were assessed. Linear regression models adjusted for socio-demographic characteristics and baseline behavior were used to examine the association of Time 1 parental factors with behavioral outcomes among adolescents and young adults five years later (Time 2).ResultsAfter adjustment for socio-demographic characteristics and baseline MVPA, adolescent-reported maternal and paternal encouragement to be active, and paternal care for fitness, were positively associated with weekly hours of MVPA after five years in young adult males (p for trend ≤ .01). The positive relationship between maternal encouragement and MVPA approached significance among high-school aged females (p for trend = .06), and paternal encouragement was positively related to MVPA among high-school aged males (p for trend = .02). While maternal encouragement to be active was associated with decreased TV/video time among younger females (p for trend = .02), other parental factors were not associated with lower TV/video time among the other groups.ConclusionParental encouragement to be active was associated with increased physical activity among males and younger females 5 years later. Younger adolescents appear to be especially influenced by their same-sex parent. These findings suggest that encouragement may be more influential than parental concern for fitness on adolescents' physical activity habits. Further research is needed to determine how parents can help adolescents decrease sedentary behavior time.

Regular physical activity and physical fitness are closely related to a positive health status in humans. In this context, the muscle becomes more important due to its function as an endocrine organ. Muscle tissue secretes “myokines” in response to physical activity and it is speculated that these myokines are involved in physical activity induced positive health effects. Recently, the newly discovered myokine Irisin thought to be secreted by the muscle in response to physical activity and might be related to the health inducing effect by inducing browning of white adipose tissue. Speculating that myokines at least partly mediate exercise related health effects one would assume that regular physical activity and physical fitness are associated with resting Irisin concentrations in healthy humans. To investigate the association between resting Irisin concentration and either short-term physical activity, habitual physical activity, or physical fitness, data of 300 healthy participants from the cross-sectional KarMeN-study were analyzed. By applying different activity measurements we determined short-term and habitual physical activity, as well as physical fitness. Fasting serum samples were collected to determine resting Irisin concentrations by Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay.Multivariate linear regression analysis served to investigate associations of the individual physical activity parameters with Irisin concentrations. Therefore, lean body mass and total fat mass (both determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) as well as age and parameters of glucose metabolism were included as confounders in multivariate linear regression analysis. Results showed that Irisin serum concentrations were not related to measures of physical activity and physical fitness in healthy humans under resting conditions, irrespective of the applied methods. Therefore we assume that if physical activity related effects are partly induced by myokines, permanently increased Irisin serum concentration may not be necessary to induce health-related exercise effects.

(1) Background: The main goals of this study were to describe the physical activity (PA) and sleep habits of 8-12-year-old children according to their gender and to evaluate the relationship between PA and sleep habits (i.e., duration and timing). (2) Methods: A total of 236 children (114 boys and 122 girls) completed the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children (PAQ-C) and an ad hoc sleep habits questionnaire. (3) Results: Boys were more physically active than girls (2.62 ± 0.51 vs. 2.46 ± 0.48, p = 0.026) and enacted higher PA levels in school recess (3.82 ± 1.36 vs. 3.56 ± 1.38, p = 0.003), during the afternoon (3.37 ± 1.20 vs. 2.89 ± 1.12, p = 0.003), and during weekends (3.54 ± 1.20 vs. 3.18 ± 0.48, p = 0.009). Per sleep habits, boys had a significantly later bedtime (21:53 ± 2:08 vs. 21:34 ± 2:14, p = 0.009) and a significantly smaller total sleep duration (9.64 ± 0.86 vs. 9.89 ± 0.87 h, p = 0.023) than girls. No significant correlations between PA and sleep habits were found. (4) Conclusions: We found differences in the PA and sleep habits between school-age boys and girls. Institutions and entities should consider designing specific interventions to improve PA and sleep habits according to gender.

Background: Habitual physical activity (HPA) has many potential health benefits in children. Early childhood (0-6 years) is a critical period for carry-over of patterns of HPA into adulthood. Children with cerebral palsy (CP) have lower HPA compared to their peers with typical development. Studies of HPA in young children with CP under the age of 5 years are limited. Aim: The broad aims of this research were to examine the relationships between HPA, time spent sedentary (TSS), gross motor function, community mobility and parent-reported quality of life in children with CP aged 4-5 years old across the full spectrum of functional severity according to the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS). Design: Data were derived from two population-based cohort studies, the Queensland CP Child Study of Motor Function and Brain Development and the Queensland CP Chid Study of Growth, Nutrition and Physical Activity. Children with CP were invited to the former study and subsequently enter to the latter study. Participants aged 4-5 years were included in this study. This thesis comprises six reports including four published and two currently under peer-review: (1) a systematic review of the relationship between HPA and motor capacity in children with CP; (2) a validation study of accelerometer cut-points; (3) a cross-sectional study of HPA levels; (4) a relationship between HPA, TSS, motor capacity and capability; (5) a relationship between HPA and quality of life (QOL); and (6) a longitudinal study of HPA levels and TSS in preschool children with CP aged 18 months to 5 years across all GMFCS levels. Participants: Queensland children diagnosed with CP who were born between 2006-2009 were eligible for inclusion. Children with progressive motor disorders were excluded and the analysis was restricted to participants 4-5 years corrected age. The longitudinal study included participants from both cohort studies aged 18 months to 5 years who had completed 3-day physical activity records. Procedure: Participants were categorised for gross motor function using the GMFCS. Motor capacity was assessed using the 66-item gross motor function measure (GMFM-66). The ActiGraph® accelerometer was attached at participant’s lower back to obtain measurements for HPA for all waking activities that were not water-based over a 3 days period. A corresponding activity diary, the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI) functional skills of mobility domain (for assessing community mobility) and the parent proxy of the Cerebral Palsy Quality of Life questionnaire for Children (CP QOL-Child) were completed by parents of participants. Results: The systematic review confirmed that motor capacity is directly related to HPA, and various subjective and objective measures of HPA were identified. There were limited studies using objective measures of HPA in young children with CP. The validation of accelerometer cut-points for sedentary time demonstrated that the previously established cut-point of 820 counts per minute for children with typical development was also valid in children with CP across all GMFCS levels. This cut-point was used to determine TSS for the cross-sectional studies. The cross-sectional study of HPA showed that children with CP aged 4-5 years spent more than half of their day in sedentary time (58% in independently-ambulant group (GMFCS I-II), 74% in marginally-ambulant group (GMFCS III), and 93% in non-ambulant group (GMFCS IV-V)). Independently-ambulant children with CP (GMFCS I-II) had significantly higher HPA, lower TSS (p<0.001) and were more likely to meet the Australian Physical Activity Guidelines compared to those who were marginally-ambulant and non-ambulant (GMFCS III-V). Examination of the relationships between the GMFM-66 and PEDI functional skills of mobility domain on HPA and TSS identified significantly positive associations with HPA (p<0.001) and significantly negative associations with TSS (p<0.001). After stratification for ambulatory status the significant associations were found in ambulant children with CP but not in non-ambulant children with CP. Analysis of the relationship between HPA and QOL found that HPA was not associated with the parent-reported CP QOL-Child when controlling for motor capacity. The GMFM-66 explained 39% of variance in feelings about functioning, 27% of variance in emotional well-being and 18% of variance in access to services domain. The longitudinal study of HPA and TSS in children aged 18 to 60 months showed that HPA levels were stable in GMFCS I-II and significantly increased in GMFCS III-V (p<0.001). Sedentary time significantly increased in all participants at aged 48 and 60 months (p<0.05). For every year increase in age, HPA decreased while TSS significantly increased 2.4% and 6.9% for GMFCS I-II and III-V, respectively (p<0.05). Conclusions: This research shows that strategies to improve HPA and reduce TSS are needed in young children with CP from aged 36 months, especially for those who are marginally-ambulant and non-ambulant. Gross motor function is an important factor that is associated with HPA and TSS in this group of children, and is also associated with QOL domains of feelings about functioning, emotional well-being and self-esteem, and access to services.

BackgroundHabits are obtained as a consequence of cue-contingent behavioural repetition. Context cues stimulate strong habits without an individual contemplating that action has been initiated. Because of its health-enhancing effects, making physical activity a part of one’s life is essential. This study examined the associations of physical activity (PA) behaviours with PA habits and the role of autonomous motivation in developing PA habits.MethodsThis study used a cross-sectional design. A structured questionnaire was implemented through emails to 226 university students, where PA levels, habits and autonomous motivation were self-reported.ResultsBinary logistic regression identified age groups, gender and participants who were trying to lose weight as the significant predictors in meeting physical activity guidelines. Path analysis showed that moderate-intensity physical activity (β = 0.045, CI = 0.069–0.248) and strength training exercises (β = 0.133, CI = 0.148–0.674) were significantly associated with PA habits (p < 0.01). Autonomous motivation was directly associated with PA habits (β = 0.062, CI = [0.295–0.541], p < 0.01) and was also significantly related to moderate-intensity physical activity (β = 0.243, CI = [0.078–0.266], p < 0.01) and strength training exercises (β = 0.202, CI = [0.033–0.594], p < 0.05).ConclusionsThe emphasis on experiment-based logic and interest in habit formation in the research community is extensive. As the college years offer an excellent opportunity to establish healthy behavioural interventions, encouraging students in regular PA and exhibiting an autonomous motivation towards PA may be necessary.

Designing Gain- and Loss-Framed Messages to Increase Physical Activity among University Students Living in two Different Cultures