Physical Activity and Health-Related Quality of Life in Pregnant Women

Background: Physical inactivity and fatigue are two common phenomena in pregnancy with attendant negative consequences. However, reports on the nexus between physical activity (PA) and fatigue seems to be sparse in literature. Objectives: This study evaluated levels and correlation between PA and pregnancy-related fatigue among Nigerian pregnant women. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 189 consenting pregnant women from five selected health facilities in Osun State, south west, Nigeria, yielding a response rate of 94.5%. PA and fatigue were assessed using the pregnancy physical activity questionnaire and fatigue symptoms checklist over a three-month period (July to September, 2016). Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Significant level was set at P < 0.05. Results: The mean age of respondents in this study was 29.8 ± 5.11 years. The highest and least form of PA was household (1263 ± 633.4) and vigorous intensity (6.4 ± 6.8) PA. Fatigue was most severe in the third trimester of the pregnancy (48.7 ± 11.7) and least in the second trimester (43.7 ± 8.1). There was a significant difference in the fatigue scores across trimesters of pregnancy (P = 0.042), while there was no significant difference in the PA scores across trimesters of pregnancy (P > 0.05). There was a significant relationship between total PA and fatigue (r = 0.195; P = 0.009). Conclusions: Nigerian pregnant women seem averred to vigorous intensity, occupational, and sports related PA; however, they are mostly involved in light intensity and household physical activity. Pregnancy-related fatigue is dominant in the third trimester and least severe in the second trimester. There is significant relationship between pregnancy-related fatigue and physical activity except sedentary, moderate intensity, and occupational physical activity.

BackgroundSeveral studies have demonstrated a positive association between physical activity (PA) and health-related quality of life (HRQL). However, studies have suggested that this association depends both on the PA intensity and the domain of HRQL evaluated. This study aimed to explore the association between physical, mental and overall HRQL with recommended levels of PA. PA levels were divided into moderate and vigorous intensity leisure-time PA and total leisure-time PA.MethodsThe study included 1001 adults, 582 women (46 ± 17 years) and 419 men (43 ± 16 years), residents in Rio Claro-SP, Brazil. All participants completed the SF-36 questionnaire to assess HRQL and the long version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) to assess level and intensities of leisure-time PA. Total leisure-time PA at moderate intensity was classified as: less than 9 min/week, 10-149 min/week, 150-299 min/week and 300 min/week or more. Total leisure-time PA at vigorous intensity was classified as: less than 9 min/week, 10 to 74.9 min/week, 75-149 min/week and 150 min/week or more. Multiple linear regression was performed in STATA version 12.0.ResultsAmong women, moderate intensity and total leisure-time PA were associated with physical health. Among men, moderate and vigorous intensity and total leisure-time PA were associated with physical health and overall HRQL. Furthermore, moderate intensity and total leisure-time PA were associated with mental health in men. However, vigorous intensity PA was not associated with mental health for this group.ConclusionThe different domains of HRQL were associated with different levels and intensities of PA in leisure-time according to gender of adults. These findings indicate the complexity and importance of evaluating the HRQL stratified by gender and consider the different levels and intensities of PA.

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between varying intensities and types of physical activity (PA) and body fat amount and distribution among African American (n = 47), Native American (n = 46), and Caucasian women (n = 49), ages 40 to 83 years, enrolled in the Cross-Cultural Activity Participation Study. PA scores were obtained from detailed PA Records that included all PA performed during two, consecutive four-day periods, scheduled one month apart. PA was expressed as MET-mins/day of energy expended in moderate intensity (3–6 METs), moderate/vigorous intensity (> 3 METs), walking, sports/conditioning, household/yardwork, and occupational PA. BMI (weight in kg/height in meters2) was used as a measure of body fat amount. Waist circumference (cm) was used as a measure of body fat distribution. PA was categorized into 3 tertiles. Data were analyzed by multiple linear regression analysis. After adjustiing for age, site, and education, BMI and waist circumference were significantly related to moderate intensity PA, moderate/vigorous intensity PA, sports/conditioning, and occupational PA. BMI values of 30.3, 28.7, and 25.8, and waist circumference values of 89.4, 85.0, and 81.3 cm were observed for the low, moderate, and high tertiles of moderate/vigorous PA, respectively (p for trend < .05). Nonsignificant inverse relationships were observed between BMI and waist circumference and walking and household/yardwork. The associations were similar among ethnicites. These results suggest that moderate intensity PA in the form of sports/conditioning or occupational PA is inversely related to body fat amount and distribution. Intervention studies are needed to confirm the role of walking and household/yardwork as protective factors against the development of obesity. Supported by NIH WHI-SIP 22W-U48/CCU409664-03.

This study examined the potential influence of moderate intensity physical activity (PA) levels and gender on central pain modulation using conditioned pain modulation (CPM) in healthy men and women. Twenty four individuals (12 men and 12 women) who reported engaging in the moderate intensity PA for 150 min or more per week and 24 individuals (12 men and 12 women) who reported engaging in moderate intensity PA for 60 min or less per week completed a self-report PA questionnaire and a 7-day PA assessment using an accelerometer. Furthermore, the participants completed the CPM testing to evaluate the efficiency of central pain modulation. The active individuals scored higher on the PA questionnaire and spent more minutes for light, lifestyle, moderate and vigorous intensity PA than the less active individuals. The active men and women exhibited comparable magnitudes of CPM, and showed a greater magnitude of CPM when compared to their less active counterparts. However, these beneficial effects of higher dose moderate intensity PA disappeared when time spent for vigorous intensity PA was statistically controlled for. These results suggest that the higher dose moderate intensity PA does not add to the benefits from vigorous intensity PA to further improve central pain modulatory systems.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of time spent in moderate or vigorous intensity physical activity (PA) on blood lipids, after controlling for total PA in an older adult population. METHODS: Data were collected on 89 older adults (30 males, 59 females; 64.8 ± 8.1 y; 31.5 ±9.7 % body fat). Measures of body height, mass, 3-compartment body composition using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry were collected. A fasting blood sample was analyzed for total cholesterol (TC), HDL-C, LDL-C, and triglycerides (TRIG). Participants were then asked to wear an accelerometer (Actigraph 7164, Fort Walton Beach, FL) during all waking hours for seven consecutive days. Total time spent in moderate intensity PA (MPA) and vigorous intensity PA (VPA) was calculated with the Freedson et al. (1998) equation. Total PA level was determined from average total accelerometer counts/d. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were completed to determine the impact of time spent in MPA or VPA while controlling for age, gender, % BF and total PA on TC, HDL-C, LDL-C and TRIG. RESULTS: This group of older adults had borderline high TC (202.6 ± 40.7 mg/dL), normal TRIG (111.6 ±66.0 mg/dL), high HDL-C (62 ± 19.3 mg/dL), and near optimal/ above optimal LDL-C (112 ± 33.3 mg/dL). Participants spent an average of 32.6 ± 24.6 minutes in MPA (range: 0.7 to 127.7 minutes) and 3.1 ±7.2 minutes in VPA (range: 0-38.3 minutes). Regression analysis revealed that VPA accounted for 4.1% of the variance in HDL-C (p=0.017), after controlling for age, gender, %BF and total PA. MPA did not significantly impact HDL-C, and neither MPA or VPA significantly contributed to TC, LDL-C, or TRIG after controlling for age, gender, %BF and total PA. CONCLUSION: Although these participants engaged in 30 minutes of moderate intensity activity, this amount of activity was not associated with higher HDL-C or lower TC, TRG or LDL-C. These data show that a higher quality of PA appeared to have a stronger impact on HDL-C levels. This work was partially supported by a Career Development Award from the National Institute on Aging (K01AG025962)

PURPOSE The purpose of this investigation was to examine the pedometer accuracy in younger and older adults. METHODS Seventeen younger individuals (YI) and 28 elderly individuals wore a pedometer with a one-axial accelerometer (Life-Corder, LC) and an electrical pedometer (EC-200, YM) simultaneously for seven days on the left waist. The number of step was assessed by the two pedometers, and LC assessed the time spent in light, moderate and vigorous intensity physical activity. Elderly subjects were divided in one of two groups (active elderly: AE and inactive elderly: IE) according to the number of steps (=7500 steps/day). RESULTS Although AE took the higher number of steps and spent longer time in light intensity physical activity compared with YI (10736+/-3465 vs. 8866+/-1940 steps/day and 64+/-22 vs. 48+/-10 min/day, p<0.05), the time spent in moderate intensity physical activity did not differ significantly between two groups (32+/-18 vs. 35+/-12 min/day). In contrast, IE spent the same amount of time in light intensity physical activity (42+/-9 min/day) compared with YI (48+/-10 min/day), whereas the number of steps and the time spent in moderate intensity physical activity differed significantly (5402+/-1071 vs. 8866+/-1940 steps/day and 15+/-7 vs. 35+/-12 min/day, p<0.01). Furthermore, in IE, the relative time spent in light intensity physical activity (77+/-12%) was significantly longer than other two groups (p<0.01). The number of steps assessed by LC was significantly higher than the number of steps assessed by YM in overall subjects (8607+/-3197 steps/day vs. 7195+/-3144 steps/day, p<0.01), yet there was a strong relationship between the two measurements (r=0.962, p<0.01). The magnitude of the difference was significantly correlated with the relative time spent in light intensity (r=0.523, p<0.01) as well as the time spent in moderate intensity physical activity (r=−0.563, p<0.01). Consequently, in IE, the magnitude of difference (29+/-14%) was greater than in the other two groups (p<0.01), and the correlation between the two measurements was only modest (r=0.689, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS The pedometer accuracy may decrease in elderly individuals due to greater length of time spent in light intensity physical activity and to the minimal time spent in moderate intensity physical activity. Therefore, elderly individuals should be encouraged to improve/maintain the daily physical activity levels based on the intensity of physical activity rather than on the number of steps.

Central arterial stiffness and cerebral blood flow (CBF) are inversely related. Poor cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and low physical activity (PA) are related to both higher arterial stiffness and lower CBF. The present study examined (i) whether CRF or PA moderate the relationship between arterial stiffness and CBF and (ii) whether the intensity or the type of PA need to be considered. Participants (N=78, Mean AGE =64.2±6.14, 72% female) from the Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer's Prevention and the Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center were categorized into low, average and high fitness groups based on maximal graded exercise treadmill test performance. PA was assessed using the CHAMPS questionnaire. Based on hours/week, participants were classified as meeting the recommended 2.5 hours of moderate intensity PA per week (PA Rec Met). Weekly hours of moderate and low intensity PA were calculated as activities of > 3 or < 3 metabolic equivalents, respectively. Activity type was categorized as exercise-, sports/leisure- and work-related. Arterial stiffness was measured as aortic pulse wave velocity (aoPWV) by 2D phase contrast MRI. CBF was assessed by 4D flow MRI in the internal carotid arteries (ICAs), cavernous ICAs, middle cerebral arteries (MCAs), and via two composite measures of total and global flow. The association between aoPWV and CBF differed by fitness levels, with a negative relationship in the low fitness group and positive relationships in the average and high fitness groups (all P s<0.05). Significant moderating effects on the relationships between aoPWV and CBF were also observed for PA Rec Met (all P s<0.05), moderate intensity ( P =0.05) and exercise-related (all P s<0.02) PA. Average or high fitness, meeting the PA guidelines, and more specifically, moderate intensity and exercise-related PA seem to attenuate the negative relationship between aoPWV on CBF.

Effects of Physical Activity on Depression in Adults with Diabetes

Physical Activity Duration, Intensity, and Arterial Stiffening in Postmenopausal Women

The effects of acute bouts of physical activity (PA) on Strength of Desire (SoD) and Desire to Smoke (DtS) using individual participant data (IPD) from 19 acute randomised controlled studies were quantified. However, there is a need to identify factors influencing this relationship. To understand who most benefits from PA, whether changes in affect mediate these effects and whether any specific attributes of PA are associated with cigarette cravings. IPD (n = 930) contributed to one-stage IPD meta-analyses. Participants engaging in PA were compared against controls, using post-intervention DtS and SoD (when DtS is not available) with baseline adjustments. The craving scales were linearly rescaled to 0-100% (a mean difference between groups of -10 would indicate that post-intervention cravings were 10% lower in the PA compared with the control group). Demographic, smoking and other characteristics were examined as predictors and potential moderators, whereas change in affect was considered as a mediator. PA was categorised according to type, duration and intensity, to determine PA attributes associated with cravings reduction. None of the included covariates were shown to moderate or mediate the effects of PA. Intensity of PA was significantly associated with a reduction in cravings; moderate and vigorous intensity PA offered the most benefits. A one-stage IPD meta-analysis yielded effect sizes of -9.22 (-15.24; -3.20) for light, -34.57 (-42.64; -26.50) for moderate and -31.29 (-38.00; -24.57) for vigorous intensity in comparison with controls. Moderate intensity PA could be recommended to all smokers regardless of demographic, smoking and other characteristics.

Associations of physical activity, sedentary behavior and sleep duration with anxiety symptoms during pregnancy: An isotemporal substitution model

Validation of physical activity habit strength with subjective and objective criterion measures

To examine the effect of monitor placement (hip vs back) and of activity setting (treadmill vs track) on the output from the Manufacturing Technology Inc. (MTI), activity monitor (model WAM 7164). In a laboratory study, 28 subjects (14 men, 14 women) walked at a normal pace, walked at a fast pace, and jogged at a comfortable pace on an indoor track. These activities were repeated on a treadmill using the individual speeds from the track locomotion. Oxygen uptake was measured simultaneously using a portable metabolic system. One activity monitor was worn on the hip and one on the lower back. In a field study, 34 subjects (18 men, 16 women) each wore two monitors (hip and low back placement) for seven consecutive days. In the laboratory study, ANOVA showed significant effects of placement ( P = 0.009) and setting ( P < 0.001), indicating that activity counts differ between different body sites and different settings (track vs treadmill). Gross energy expenditure predictive equations were developed and thereafter evaluated in the field study. Time spent at moderate and vigorous intensity of physical activity was 38% and 85% ( P < 0.001) higher when calculated from the treadmill-based equations as compared to the track-based equations. Free-living physical activity estimates were not affected by the placement. The relationship between activity counts and energy expenditure during laboratory locomotion is placement and setting-specific. When habitual physical activity is assessed in free-living subjects, the treadmill derived relationship between energy expenditure and activity counts may overestimate time spent at moderate intensity of physical activity, whereas the placement of the monitor does not influence on the interpretation of the data.

BackgroundLittle is known about the association between different levels of physical activity (PA) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in the general Iranian population across sex groups. The current study aims to investigate the association between PA and HRQoL across sex groups, various types of physical activity (leisure time and occupational) and different dimensions of HRQoL in a large population of Tehranian adults.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS). Data was collected from 7800 adults on their PA habits and HRQoL. Information on PA and HRQoL were assessed using the Modifiable Activity Questionnaire (MAQ) and Short-Form 12-Item Health Survey version 2 (SF-12v2), respectively. Poor HRQoL was defined as the first quartile of HRQoL scores and logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association between physical activity levels and poor HRQoL.ResultsThe mean age of participants was 46.4 ± 14.9 years and 45.6% of them were male. Levels of PA were significantly associated with most subscales of HRQoL in both men (p < 0.05) and women (p < 0.01). In both sexes, leisure time PA was significantly correlated to all subscales of HRQoL (p < 0.05) except for bodily pain in both sexes and for social functioning and role emotional in men. In adjusted models, men with both moderate (OR: 1.55, 95%CI: 1.18–2.04; p = 0.002) and low (OR: 1.46, 95%CI: 1.11–1.91; p = 0.007) levels of PA had a significantly higher chance of reporting poor mental component summary (MCS) compared to their counterparts with high levels of PA. Furthermore, women with low levels of PA had a significantly higher chance of reporting poor physical component summary (PCS) (OR: 2.39, 95% CI: 1.63–3.49; p < 0.001) compared to those with high levels of PA.ConclusionThe findings show an association between PA and both domains of HRQoL in men and mostly the physical domain in women, suggesting a sex-specific pattern for this association, which could be considered to motivate participation in PA programs in future health promotion interventions.

<b>Background:</b> Inactivity and sedentariness are distinct behaviours that are likely to be particularly extreme in severe asthma (SA), and associated with poor disease outcomes. Physical activity (PA) and sedentary time (ST) in SA however have not been extensively examined. <b>Aim:</b> To measure PA and ST in patients with SA compared to healthy controls (HC), describing the associations of these behaviours with clinical outcomes. <b>Method:</b> Adults diagnosed with SA (n=61) and HC (n=42) underwent a multidimensional assessment involving measurement of lung function, exercise capacity, asthma control and health status. PA and ST were measured using a triaxial accelerometer (ActiGraph wGT3X-BT). <b>Results:</b> The SA group included 32 (53%) females, aged [median, IQR] 59 [43- 68] years. In the HC group 27 (64%) were females, aged 39 [31-64] years. Compared to HCs, people with SA accumulated fewer minutes/day in at least moderate intensity PA: 21.9 [12.9-36] versus 40.8 [29.2-51.2] (p &lt;0.001); and walked less steps per day: 5362 [4036-7802] versus 7498 [6008-8837] (p&lt;0.01). No statistically significant difference was found in ST. In a multivariate regression model daily step count was strongly and independently associated with better performance in the 6MWD in SA participants, explaining 35% of the adjusted variance [Coeff (95%CI) 0.017 (0.01 0.03); p &lt;0.001]. PA and ST were also associated with FEV1, asthma control and health status. <b>Conclusion:</b> People with SA perform less moderate and vigorous intensity PA than controls. Higher levels of PA and lower levels of ST are associated with better disease outcomes. Targeting inactivity maybe a beneficial non-pharmacological strategy in the management of severe asthma.