Activity Recommendations Research Articles

Physical activity and sedentarism among non-binary gender identified university students

Abstract Background Physical inactivity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) are modifiable risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Data indicates that non-binary gender identified people find it difficult to perform PA, this is a disadvantage for them to reach their full health potential. Methods Students were selected by convenience sampling to complete a survey between October-November 2023. A validated PA questionnaire was included. PA and SB were classified into 4 levels: Active but sedentary, extremely sedentary, physically active and discreetly active. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Results Out of 32 students did not identified themselves as binary gender. In our sample, 28,1% (vs 12.9% binary students) don’t do PA. Of those doing PA, 52,2% don’t meet World Health Organization recommendations. Among those who perform PA, there no difference in the amount of minutes/week of moderate or intense physical activity performed. Regarding SB, 93,8% spend >6 hours/day in SB (vs 84.7% binary students, mean 7,82 vs 8,75, Sg. 0,032). When grouped into PA/SB categories 65,6% (vs 40,5%) were extremely sedentary in contrast to 1,4% physically active (vs 8.8%). Conclusions In Spain, 1 in 4 young people does not identify with the male/female categories. In our sample, physical inactivity and sedentarism are higher among those who do not identify as male/female. Once they commit to physical activity, there is no difference in the time spent between those who meet the WHO recommendations. More research is needed to understand the reasons for these differences and ensure barrier-free access to healthy lifestyle habits on campus. Key messages • Non-binary gender identified students are less physically active and more sedentary than their peers. • Once they commit to physical activity recommendations, there are no differences among their performance.

The interplay between healthy lifestyle and body mass index in metabolic syndrome

Abstract The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) tends to increase as body mass index (BMI) increases. However, the interplay between BMI and overall healthy lifestyle in MS remains unclear. We aimed to examine the association between healthy lifestyle and MS in BMI categories. Data comprised participants aged 30-64 years from the Healthy Finland Survey representing the Finnish adults (n = 2027). Information was collected through health examination measurements, blood sampling and questionnaires in 2023. Healthy Lifestyle Score (HLS) was defined as: 1) vegetables and fruits several times/day; 2) adherence to physical activity recommendations; 3) sufficient sleep duration; 4) no current daily smoking; 5) no risky alcohol drinking. Total score ranged 0-5; categorized as 0-2 (unhealthiest), 3, 4-5 (healthiest). MS was defined as exceeding risk limit in ≥ 3 of the following conditions: waist circumference, fasting glucose, triglycerides, blood pressure and HDL-cholesterol. BMI (kg/m2) was categorized as normal weight (<25), overweight, and obesity (≥ 30). Weighted prevalence and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) stratified by sex were calculated considering sampling design and non-response. In both sexes, the prevalence of MS was lowest in those with normal weight and healthiest lifestyle (men 7%; 95% CI 2-11; women 9%; 6-13) and highest in those with obesity and unhealthiest lifestyle (m 86%; 80-92; w 67%; 56-78). In men, the prevalence of MS decreased within each BMI class as HLS scores increased, but the difference between healthiest and unhealthiest lifestyle was greatest in those with normal weight (7% vs. 26%) and lowest in those with obesity (71% vs. 86%). In women, the differences were greatest among those with overweight. Obesity and unhealthy lifestyle together form a major risk factor for MS. Differences in the prevalence of MS according to lifestyle were evident especially in men with normal weight or overweight, but decreased when the obesity threshold was exceeded. Key messages • Obesity is strongly linked to the high prevalence of metabolic syndrome but maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important regardless of body mass index. • The results indicate the importance of multifaceted prevention influencing lifestyle factors and supporting weight management to enhance the cost-effective prevention of metabolic risk accumulation.

Changes in overweight and overweight-related health behavior in higher education students in Finland

Abstract Introduction Covid-19 pandemic may have had negative effects on overweight and overweight-related health behavior in young adults. The aim was to examine the changes in overweight, physical activity, sedentary behavior and daytime tiredness in higher education students during and after the pandemic. Methods Two cross-sectional student representative surveys (aged 18-34 y) were conducted in 2021 (n = 6258, response rate 53 %) and 2024 (n = 3638, response rate 31 %). Overweight (BMI ≥25 kg/m2) was based on self-reported height and weight. Physical activity was dichotomized into those meeting physical activity recommendations and others. Sedentary behavior was dichotomized into sitting in front of TV, computer or smart device over three hours a day during leisure time and others. Daytime tiredness was dichotomized into those feeling tired 6-7 days a week and others. Results The preliminary results indicate that overweight in women increased from 34 % to 39 % whereas no increase was observed among men (47 % vs. 46 %) between 2021 and 2024. Meeting the physical activity recommendation increased from 46 % to 55 %, the change being similar for both sexes. Sitting over three hours in leisure time in front of TV, computer or smart device decreased from 54 % to 50 %. In men, the prevalence of sitting decreased (62% vs. 57 %) whereas in women no statistically significant change was observed (47% vs 45 %). No statistically significant change was observed in feeling tired almost every day (26 % vs 24 %). Conclusions Among higher education students, an increase in prevalence of overweight in women was observed for three years period. Favourable changes were observed in physical activity in both men and women, and sedentary behavior in men. Surveillance of the long-term health consequences of the pandemic in young adults is important for planning and targeting preventive activities. Key messages • Overweight increased among female higher education students after COVID-19 pandemic. • Factors supporting favourable changes in health behaviour of young adults after pandemic should be examined in longitudinal setting.

Light Physical Activity Throughout the Day and Physical Function in Older Adults

Abstract Background Light physical activity (LPA) plays a crucial role in preventing muscle loss and disability in older adults. Since LPA makes up a significant portion of daily activity, understanding how the timing of LPA influences physical function is important for designing effective health interventions. Methods This cross-sectional study investigated the association between the timing of LPA and physical function among 200 older adults (mean age 76.3, 55.5% female) attending the geriatric outpatient clinic at National Taiwan University Hospital. LPA was objectively measured using wrist-worn accelerometers for seven consecutive days. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to identify distinct patterns of LPA timing. Participants underwent assessments of grip strength, basic mobility, walking speed, and lower limb muscle strength. Multivariable linear regression models were adjusted for potential confounders, including gender, age, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and accelerometer wear time. Results Our findings revealed that higher levels of LPA during the morning to noon period were positively associated with better performance across all four physical function tests. Moreover, after controlling for relevant confounders, increased LPA in the late afternoon and evening was positively associated with enhanced basic mobility, walking speed, and lower limb muscle strength. Conclusions This study highlights the importance of considering LPA timing when promoting physical function in older adults, independent of MVPA participation. Encouraging LPA, particularly during the morning to noon period, could be a valuable strategy for maintaining and improving physical capabilities in this population. These findings provide actionable insights for clinicians and health professionals when tailoring physical activity recommendations for older adults within geriatric care settings. Key messages • Morning LPA boosts physical function in seniors, enhancing grip, mobility, walking speed, and muscle strength. • Timing of light activity crucial for older adults’ physical health, with morning to noon activity showing most benefits.

Changes in physical activity and sedentary behavior during COVID-19 pandemic restrictions in Germany

Abstract Background During the COVID-19 pandemic’s first wave, mobility restrictions and protective measures have impacted both public and private life. In Germany, the population was advised to stay home except for work, outdoor sport activities, and essential shopping. This study aims to evaluate how these measures affected physical activity and sedentary behavior, focusing on identifying the groups most affected. Methods In April and May 2020, we distributed a COVID-19-specific questionnaire to participants of the German National Cohort (NAKO). The questionnaire was specifically designed to assess changes in physical activity and sedentary behavior compared to pre-restriction levels, along with data on anxiety and depressive symptoms. Results Around 26 % of the 152,421 respondents reported increased sedentary time, and about 38 % reported reduced participation in sport activities compared to pre-restriction levels. Over one-third of those who previously met the WHO’s physical activity recommendation could not maintain it during the restrictions. There was also a notable decline in active transportation (M = - 0.12; 95% CI: -.126; -.117), whereas participants spent more time on recreational physical activities (M = 0.12; 95% CI: .117; .126). Based on multivariable linear and log-binomial regression models, we found that younger people were more affected by the restrictions than older adults. Factors such as transitioning to remote work, self-rated health, and depressive symptoms strongly correlated with changes in all physical activity domains, including sedentary behavior and adherence to physical activity guidelines. Conclusions The shift towards inactivity or low-intensity activities during the nationwide restrictions poses potential long-term health risks, highlighting the urgent need for public health policies to address the negative impact of COVID-19 restrictions on physical activity and sedentary behavior.

Muscle-strengthening activity is associated with total alcohol consumption and binge drinking among U.S. college students

Objective: To examine the association of muscle-strengthening activity with total alcohol consumption (AC) and binge drinking (BD). Participants: College students (n = 1623) from a large United States university. Methods: Students self-reported their physical activity (PA), AC, and socio-demographic characteristics via an online survey. Hierarchical regression models were computed to examine the association of aerobic PA, and muscle-strengthening activity with total AC and BD. Results: After adjusting for socio-demographic characteristics and aerobic PA, muscle-strengthening activity and achieving muscle strengthening activity recommendations explained a significant proportion of unique variance in total AC (β = .16, p < .001 and β = .16, p < .001, respectively). Similarly, with each additional day of muscle-strengthening activity the odds of reporting BD were 20.9% higher, and individuals who met muscle-strengthening activity recommendations had 93.2% higher odds of reporting BD. Conclusions: Muscle-strengthening activity should be accounted for when examining the relationship between PA and AC.

Human papillomavirus vaccine to prevent CIN3 or worse (CIN3+): A nationwide case-control study in Japan.

An increase in cervical cancer incidence has been reported in Japan. The Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare of Japan has resumed the active recommendation of regular HPV vaccines in 2022. In Japan, the preventive effect of CIN3+ in the real world has not yet been demonstrated in age-adjusted cohort or case-control studies. This study aimed to estimate the effect of the HPV vaccine against CIN3+ in Japanese women. This nationwide case-control study from April 2013 to March 2020 targeted women aged 20-26 years old at the time of cervical screening. We compared HPV vaccination exposure between those with abnormal and those with normal cytology. Abnormal cytology was classified into cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN)1+, CIN2+, and CIN3+. We calculated the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of the above endpoints and vaccination exposure using the conditional logistic regression model and estimated vaccine effectiveness using the formula (1 -OR) × 100. A total of 2790 cases and 13,990 controls (one-to-five matching) were eligible in 37 municipalities in Japan. In this study, 61 CIN3 (2.2%) and 10 squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) (0.4%) were found. The OR for CIN3+ versus controls was 0.14 (95% CI, 0.03-0.75), equating to a vaccine effectiveness of 86%. Of the 10 patients who had SCC none were vaccinated. This nationwide case-control study in Japan demonstrated a substantial risk reduction in CIN3+ among women who did versus those who did not receive HPV vaccination.

The Relationship between Sleep and Physical Activity by Age, Race, and Gender.

Cardiometabolic diseases remain the leading cause of death in the United States. Lifestyle factors contribute the majority of risk for these diseases. Although diet and exercise have been the primary focus of research on modifiable behaviors to target for interventions to prevent cardiometabolic disease, recent evidence suggests that sleep also plays an important role. Indeed, the updated American Heart Association campaign includes sleep as one of its "Essential Eight". This review details the reciprocally reinforcing positive relationship between sleep and daytime physical activity behaviors and explores how this relationship differs based on age, gender and race. For example, interventions to improve moderate intensity physical activity may be particularly beneficial to women, older adults, and Black Americans, who are at increased risk for sleep disturbances. Communicating to Americans the importance of managing their time to meet current physical activity and sleep recommendations is a challenge given that there are so many competing behaviors consuming large amounts of time (e.g., social media, gaming), but is critical given the importance of these behaviors for cardiometabolic health.

Texas Dance for Health: Mixed Methods Pilot Study Promoting Physical Activity Among Older Adults

ABSTRACT Purpose Regular physical activity is essential for healthy aging. Less than 25% of older U.S. adults meet physical activity recommendations. The primary aim of Texas Dance for Health (D4H) was to determine whether older adults could achieve recommended aerobic physical activity intensity by dancing. Secondary aims were (1) determining participants’ attendance and enjoyment and (2) building a community-academic partnership. Design RE-AIM was the design framework for this mixed methods, nurse-facilitated, 8-week pilot study in the Spring of 2023. Weekly sessions comprised check-in, mini-lessons, dancing, and data collection. Participants danced sitting, standing, or both. Methods We divided each participant's pulse rate by maximum aerobic capacity to determine weekly activity intensity. Participants completed Physical Activity Enjoyment and Rating of Perceived Exertion scales after each session. Nurses collected attendance data and facilitated Table Talks (Weeks 4 and 8) to explore participants’ enjoyment and solicit feedback for improving and sustaining Dance for Health (D4H). Observations and field notes provided data regarding time, cost, logistics, and overall feasibility. Findings Across eight weeks, 68 to 84% of participants reached target heart rates. Nearly one-quarter of participants attended all sessions, with 65.7% attending > 5 sessions. At Week 8, the mean enjoyment score was 6.7 of 7. No adverse consequences occurred. Partners and participants identified strategies for sustainability. Conclusions D4H was an enjoyable way for older adults to reach recommended aerobic physical activity intensity. Feasible in costs and logistics, D4H design addressed key barriers to older adult physical activity. Clinical Evidence Dancing is an effective multicomponent fitness intervention for community dwelling older adults.

Physical activity in the Fontan population: provider recommendations and patient actions.

Emerging evidence suggests that routine physical activity may improve exercise capacity, long-term outcomes, and quality of life in individuals with Fontan circulation. Despite this, it is unclear how active these individuals are and what guidance they receive from medical providers regarding physical activity. The aim of this study was to survey Fontan patients on personal physical activity behaviours and their cardiologist-directed physical activity recommendations to set abaseline for future targeted efforts to improve this. An electronic survey assessing physical activity habits and cardiologist-directed guidance was developed in concert with content experts and patients/parents and shared via a social media campaign with Fontan patients and their families. A total of 168 individuals completed the survey. The median age of respondents was 10 years, 51% identifying as male. Overall, 21% of respondents spend > 5 hours per week engaged in low-exertion activity and only 7% spend > 5 hours per week engaged in high-exertion activity. In all domains questioned, pre-adolescents reported higher participation rates than adolescents. Nearly half (43%) of respondents reported that they do not discuss activity recommendations with their cardiologist. Despite increasing evidence over the last two decades demonstrating the benefit of exercise for individuals living with Fontan circulation, only a minority of patients report engaging in significant amounts of physical activity or discussing activity goals with their cardiologist. Specific, individualized, and actionable education needs to be provided to patients, families, and providers to promote and support regular physical activity in this patient population.

LANDSLIDES IN SARAJEVO CANTON OBSERVED THROUGH VALID REGULATIONS AND COMPETENT INSTITUTIONS, AND THE IMPORTANCE OF ADOPTING A UNIFORM REGULATION ON LANDSLIDES

Landslides, as modern processes on the surface of the terrain, present a challenge in spatial planning, planning and construction of new settlements, and construction of infrastructure facilities. A special challenge is the planning and construction of settlements and infrastructure facilities in hillside areas. The City of Sarajevo, with its four city municipalities, represents the most populated part of Sarajevo Canton. The situation is similar with non-urban municipalities. A special challenge is the illegal settlements created on hillside areas of the four city municipalities. Many hillside settlements were created unplanned, often within the scope of registered landslides and unstable terrain. The construction of such settlements was not accompanied by the construction of the necessary infrastructure (road communications, fecal and storm sewers), which poses a danger of starting new and reactivating calmed landslides. Society's commitment to climate change brings into focus the landslides that occur as a product of climate change. Special attention is paid to unplanned urban areas on the slopes, where the risk of landslides is increased due to climate change. According to official information, about 1,000 landslides have been registered in Sarajevo Canton. The data on the number of landslides in the area of the Sarajevo Canton date back deep into the past and as such have been updated on several occasions. The last addition of data was carried out in the phase of amending the Spatial Plan, in 2010, when the Terrain Stability Map of Sarajevo Canton was updated. In Sarajevo Canton, special attention is paid to the rehabilitation of landslides that endanger people and material goods, and to the stabilization of the terrain during the development of construction land, for which considerable financial resources are allocated from different levels of government (Federation, Canton and municipalities). Aggravating circumstance are regulations that only partially treat landslides. Certain regulations are unclear, some of them set strict requirements for emergency landslide rehabilitation, while certain regulations are in conflict. The institutional approach for the purpose of research, registration, rehabilitation and monitoring of landslides is not fully aligned with the current regulations. Jurisdiction is partially prescribed and as such is often unclear. The mandated competences of individual levels of government are not harmonized. Remedial measures were implemented on many landslides in the past period, but without clear indications of the effects of the remediation. As a solution to the problem, a proposal for the adoption of a single regulation on landslides was initiated. This paper cites the example of the Sarajevo Canton, where the activities for the adoption of a law on landslides were initiated, but ended unsuccessfully several times, with recommendations for further activities.

Physical Activity in Mild Vascular Cognitive Impairment: Results of the AFIVASC Randomized Controlled Trial at 6 Months.

Vascular cognitive impairment is frequent, in mild (mVCI) or severe forms (vascular dementia). To do a randomized controlled-trial to evaluate the impact of physical activity on cognition (primary outcome), neurocognitive measures, quality of life, functional status, and physical function (secondary outcomes), in patients with mVCI. A hundred and four patients with mVCI (mean age 71.2 years; 53 women) were randomized for a six-month intervention of moderate physical activity (60-minute sessions, 3 times/week) (n = 53) or best-practice "usual care" (n = 51). Comprehensive evaluations of primary and secondary outcomes included an objective measure of physical activity through accelerometry at baseline and after intervention. Mean session attendance was 58%. Adverse events were negligible. After 6 months, no significant primary outcome change was observed, either in the intervention or 'usual care' group. The intervention group improved significantly in some secondary outcomes in physical function - aerobic capacity (U = 403; p = 0.000) and agility (U = 453; p = 0.005) after 6 months. Regardless of randomization arm, a post-hoc analysis based on fulfilling at least 21.5 minutes/day of moderate or 10.7 minutes/day of vigorous physical activity (World Health Organization-WHO standards) revealed improvements. These were not only in motor capacity but also on the global measure of cognition, executive functions and memory. Physical activity was safe and beneficial regarding domains of physical function. No significant cognitive decline was registered over 6-months, regardless of intervention allocation. Larger samples, longer follow-ups and focus on intervention adherence are needed to fully analyze the impact of WHO recommendations for physical activity in mVCI populations.

Affective response to daily physical activity in younger and older adults.

Many older adults do not meet the physical activity recommendations of the American Heart Association; hence, it is important to understand the factors that can facilitate regular physical activity in older adults. Notably, the role of affective response has been understudied. Mixed findings have been reported in terms of age effects in affective response to daily physical activity. This study aimed to determine age differences in affective response to daily physical activity and whether these differences are associated with overall physical activity levels. Further, the role of contextual factors in age differences in affective response following daily physical activity was examined. Younger (n = 59) and older adults (n = 60) completed 1 week of experience sampling during which they responded to daily prompts about their affect and physical activity. Overall physical activity levels were estimated via actigraphy. In both age groups, daily physical activity was similarly associated with greater high-arousal positive (HAP) affect relative to other activities. Across age groups, participants reported more HAP affect when engaging in daily physical activity in a group compared to alone. Greater duration and enjoyment of daily physical activity were more strongly associated with greater HAP affect in younger adults relative to older adults. Affective responses following bouts of daily physical activity did not predict overall physical activity levels for either age group. Overall, older adults may experience similar positive affective response to younger adults following daily physical activity relative to other activities. These affective responses may have a limited role in physical activity engagement in daily life. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

The Egyptian 24-h movement guidelines for children and adolescents: an integration of physical activity, sedentary behaviour, sleep and eating habits—by the Egyptian Academy of Bone and Muscle health

BackgroundThe objectives of this work were as follows: (1) to develop holistic recommendations for physical activity, sleep, sedentary behaviours and eating habits adapted to children and adolescent life stage (5–17 years) and targeting optimal metabolic cycle and achieving energy balance; (2) to provide evidence-based information that can be used by the government, policy makers, healthcare professionals, community, schools as well as families to endorse active, healthy, living in apparently healthy children and youth aged 5–17 years, and as a base for monitoring the activities, particularly the physical ones, on the people level. The Egyptian Academy of Bone and Muscle Health followed an established guideline development process to create the Egyptian 24-h movement clinical guideline for children and adolescents. Online databases (PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library) were searched for relevant peer-reviewed studies that met the a priori inclusion criteria.ResultsA total of 41 studies met the inclusion criteria. Leveraging evidence from the review of the literature led to the development of 11 key questions covering 8 domains. Fifteen statements focus on the overall identified targets through integration of the movement activities and eating behaviour. Results revealed a major change in the previous basic understandings as it shifts away from segregated into integrated movement behaviour and dietary habit paradigm. Based on this, the final guideline was developed providing evidence-based recommendations for a “Healthy 24-h day”, for Egyptian children and adolescents.ConclusionThe 24-h composition of movement behaviours has principal implications for health at all ages. The developed guideline provides an up-to-date evidence-based recommendation towards a holistic approach for favourable daily life activities and adopts a feasible perspective by outlining these activities within a 24-h period. In addition, eating and dietary elements have been included to complete the energy cycle. Children and adolescents who meet the 24-h movement guidelines generally report more favourable health indicators than those who do not.

Physical Activity before and After Bariatric Surgery.

Lifestyle changes including reduced calorie intake and increased physical activity (PA) improve the prognosis associated with bariatric surgery (BS) and metabolic indices. Early implementation of exercise leads to improved physical performance, better glycemic control and lipid profile, reduces the risks associated with anesthesia, and accelerates recovery from surgery. Undertaking systematic exercise after BS is associated with a better quality of life, improves insulin sensitivity, results in additional weight loss, reduces adverse effects on bone mass, and results in better body composition. The aim of this review was to summarize recommendations for physical activity in patients undergoing BS and to highlight the key role of physical activity in this patient group.

Multidimensional Impact of Regular Physical Activity on Adolescent Mental Health, Integrating Neurobiological and Psychosocial Mechanisms

Background: Frequent exercise promotes social connection, increases neuroplasticity, and regulates neurotransmitters to enhance teenage mental health by lowering anxiety, improving depression, and improving cognitive performance. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of exercise on mental health status among youths aged 12–18 in terms of depression, anxiety, and self-esteem. Methodology: This study employed a cross-sectional survey design whereby 300 adolescents were selected and divided into control group and the special intervention group. The structured physical activities were 3 times per week for 12 months for the subjects in the intervention group. Physical Activity, Mental Health, Neurobiological and Psychosocial Parameters were measured regularly and collected raw data were represented through SPSS version 26.0 by applying t-tests analyses. p≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Depression scores were significantly reduced among adolescents in the intervention group which stood at 8.4 points less than those in the control group (p&lt;0. 01). Also, self esteem increased by 12 percent in the intervention group while only 3% for the control group, p= 0.02 The existence of a positive connection between PA and better mental health was consistent even when statistical control was made for covariates. Conclusion: Physical exercise is proven to have a positive effect and to decrease the level of depression and anxiety in adolescents and to increase self-esteem. These results therefore support the recommendation of physical activity in mental health care approaches for this age bracket.

Aerobic Conditioning in Geriatric Rehabilitation

This article reviews the historical development of aerobic conditioning. The many physiological effects of aerobic conditioning are presented including the effects on cardiovascular, muscular, and neuromuscular health leading to increased physical endurance and increased lifespan. Aerobic exercise prescription follows the frequency, intensity, time, and type, as well as the volume and progression principles. Frequency recommendations are at least 3 d/wk and 3 to 5 d/wk appears to be conducive to meeting overall physical activity recommendations. Intensity determination is based on several methods that include heart rate methods, ratings of perceived exertion (Borg and OMNI), the talk test, and the counting talk test. Time recommendations include at least 150 to 300 minutes a week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, 75 to 150 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity, or an equivalent combination of moderate- and vigorous-intensity aerobic activities. Type recommendations include any aerobic activities involving major muscle groups used in a continuous or intermittent manner. Volume recommendations include ≥500 to 1000 metabolic equivalent minutes per week and approximately 150 min/wk of moderate-intensity activity. Progression recommendations include the gradual advancing of the exercise duration, frequency, and intensity, making sure that the progressions allows for the best adherence to aerobic exercise on an ongoing basis. The benefits of aerobic exercise have been shown to be important for every aspect of living a healthy lifestyle across the age span, particularly for aging adults, adults with chronic conditions, and adults with disabilities.

“Everyone has a role in Rehabilitation” - Delivering staff education on rehabilitation skills in a post-acute rehabilitation unit

Abstract Background Due to a combination of disrupted services, it was observed that there was a gap in nursing and HCA knowledge of their crucial role within the rehabilitation process for the patients in an older person's post-acute rehabilitation unit. The purpose of this study was to highlight the importance of delivering nursing and healthcare assistant care (HCA) through the lens of goal specific rehabilitation. Methods A staff education programme was designed covering topics of rehabilitation including interdisciplinary team working, therapy group interventions, role of HCA in rehabilitation, personal care, toileting, continence, pressure areas, manual handling, weight bearing status, pain management, mobility aids, equipment, orthopaedic braces and physical activity recommendations in the older adult. A pre and post knowledge-based questionnaire was completed specific to each topic with maximum score 100% indicating full knowledge of the topic. Handouts and resources were created and provided at each session. Education was facilitated by an OT and PT, on a weekly basis. Participants were given the opportunity to provide feedback on the education session. An analysis of the pre/post questionnaire scores was completed using Microsoft Excel. Results Of the 26 staff (HCA and nurses) on the unit, 23 completed the education. Staff scored an average of 45% on the pre-education questionnaire and 76% on the post-education questionnaire. There was a significant increase in the post education session score (p&amp;lt;0.0001). Participants reported benefited from education session (87% strongly agreed n=20, 13% agreed n=3). Conclusion Peer to peer staff educations within the MDT improved knowledge in core aspects of rehabilitation care. To enhance patient experience and outcome the full MDT should feel part of the rehabilitation programme and be aware of the individuals' goals and their role to achieve the goal. This education initiative was beneficial in reinforcing the rehabilitation ethos of the ward and addressing gaps in ward staff’s knowledge.

Personal Goals, User Engagement, and Meal Adherence within a Personalised AI-Based Mobile Application for Nutrition and Physical Activity.

Mobile applications have been shown to be an effective and feasible intervention medium for improving healthy food intake in different target groups. As part of the PeRsOnalized nutriTion for hEalthy livINg (PROTEIN) European Union H2020 project, the PROTEIN mobile application was developed as an end-user environment, aiming to facilitate healthier lifestyles through artificial intelligence (AI)-based personalised dietary and physical activity recommendations. Recommendations were generated by an AI advisor for different user groups, combining users' personal information and preferences with a custom knowledge-based system developed by experts to create personalised, evidence-based nutrition and activity plans. The PROTEIN app was piloted across different user groups in five European countries (Belgium, Germany, Greece, Portugal, and the United Kingdom). Data from the PROTEIN app's user database (n = 579) and the PROTEIN end-user questionnaire (n = 446) were analysed using the chi-square test of independence to identify associations between personal goals, meal recommendations, and meal adherence among different gender, age, and user groups. The results indicate that weight loss-related goals are more prevalent, as well as more engaging, across all users. Health- and physical activity-related goals are key for increased meal adherence, with further differentiation evident between age and user groups. Congruency between user groups and their respective goals is also important for increased meal adherence. Our study outcomes, and the overall research framework created by the PROTEIN project, can be used to inform the future development of nutrition mobile applications and enable researchers and application designers/developers to better address personalisation for specific user groups, with a focus on user intent, as well as in-app features.

“We are an active family”: a randomized trial protocol to evaluate a family-system social identity intervention to promote child physical activity

BackgroundRegular engagement in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) during childhood yields a myriad of health benefits, and contributes to sustained MVPA behaviors into adulthood. Given the influence of parents on shaping their child’s MVPA behaviour, the family system represents a viable target for intervention. The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of two intervention conditions designed to increase child MVPA: (1) A standard education + planning intervention providing information about benefits, action planning, and coping planning; and (2) An augmented physical activity education + planning intervention that includes the components of the standard intervention, as well as a focus on family identity promotion and developing as an active member of the family.MethodsA two-arm parallel single-blinded randomized trial will compare the two conditions over 6 months. Eligible families have at least one child aged 6–12 years who is not meeting the physical activity recommendations within the Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines (i.e.,<60 min/day of MVPA). Intervention materials targeting family identity promotion will be delivered online via zoom following baseline assessment, with booster sessions at 6-weeks and 3-months. Child MVPA will be measured by wGT3X-BT Actigraph accelerometry at baseline, 6-weeks, 3-months, and 6-months as the primary outcome. At these same time points, parent cognition (e.g., attitudes, perceived control, behavioral regulation, habit, identity) and support behaviours, and parent-child co-activity will be assessed via questionnaire as secondary outcomes. Child-health fitness measures will be also administered through fitness testing at baseline and 6-months as secondary outcomes. Finally, upon completion of the trial’s 6-month measures, a follow-up end-of-trial interview will be conducted with parents to examine parents’ experiences with the intervention.ResultsSo far, 30 families have been enrolled from the Southern Vancouver Island and Vancouver Lower Mainland area. Recruitment will be continuing through 2026 with a target of 148 families.DiscussionThis study will contribute to the understanding of effective strategies to increase child physical activity by comparing two intervention approaches. Both provide parents with education on physical activity benefits, action planning, and coping planning supports. However, one intervention also incorporates components focused on promoting an active family identity and involving all family members in physical activity together. The findings from this study have the potential to inform the design and implementation of public health initiatives aimed at improving physical activity participation in children and guide the development of more effective interventions that leverage the crucial role of parents and the family system in shaping children’s physical activity behaviors.Trial RegistrationThe clinical trial registration ID is NCT05794789. This trial was registered with clinicaltrials.gov on March 2nd, 2023, with the last updated release on September 28th, 2023.