Actual Physical Activity Research Articles

Preoperative Activity Levels in Patients Who Undergo Total Hip Arthroplasty Distinctively Affect the Postoperative Recovery Process and Forgotten Joint Score-12: A Prospective Cohort Study Using a Triaxial Accelerometer.

This longitudinal study of Arctic residents investigates how physical activity and sleep, known to be affected by extreme Arctic photoperiods, are linked to blood lipid profiles and thus cardiovascular disease risk in this particularly vulnerable population. We analyzed parametric and non-parametric actigraphy data of physical activity (PA) and sleep measures across three distinct photoperiods (winter solstice, spring equinox, and summer solstice) in a cohort of Arctic residents. Multiple regression models, adjusted for photoperiod, were employed to determine independent associations of PA and sleep parameters with total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglycerides (TG). Robust circadian rhythms in PA were significantly associated with improved lipid profiles. Specifically, lower intra-daily variability IV (β = 0.423, p < 0.001) and higher inter-daily stability IS (β = -0.263, p = 0.019) of PA, indicating stable and predictable daily activity patterns, were associated with lower TG and TG/HDL-C ratios. A greater amplitude of PA rhythms was also associated with lower TG (β = -0.345, p = 0.002). An earlier timing of daily activity (acrophase) was associated with higher TC and LDL-C (β = -0.492, p < 0.001), while earlier wake times (β = -0.309, p = 0.009) and higher sleep efficiency (β = 0.237, p = 0.011) were associated with higher HDL-C. These findings highlight the relevance of circadian rhythmicity in dyslipidemia management, particularly in extreme photoperiods, suggesting that lifestyle interventions promoting stable daily activity and sleep patterns may be associated with improved metabolic health and reduced cardiovascular risk.

Association between questionnaire- and accelerometer-measured physical activity and incidence of cardiovascular disease in subjects with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease

Physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) are two key lifestyle factors with profound implications for bone health across the lifespan. While PA is recognized for its positive effects on bone mineral density (BMD) and fracture prevention, emerging evidence highlights the detrimental consequences of prolonged sedentary time, independent of PA levels. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the impact of PA and SB on bone health outcomes, focusing on BMD and fracture risk in children, adolescents, adults, and older populations. A selection of epidemiological studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses was analyzed to explore the associations between movement behaviors and bone health indicators across different life stages. Particular attention was given to studies objectively measuring SB and PA and to the substitution effects of sedentary time with light or moderate-to-vigorous PA. In children and adolescents, higher levels of SB are associated with lower BMD, particularly at weight-bearing sites, while participation in weight-bearing and impact-loading PA positively influences bone mass accrual. In adults and older individuals, regular PA, including moderate-to-vigorous intensity weight-bearing PA and resistance training activities, is consistently linked to greater BMD and reduced fracture risk. Conversely, high sedentary time is associated with lower BMD and increased fracture incidence, particularly among frail or pre-frail individuals. Importantly, replacing sedentary time with even light-intensity PA yields measurable benefits for bone health, particularly among older adults and postmenopausal women, and may contribute to a reduced risk of fractures, although evidence remains limited. Promoting PA while minimizing SB should be central to clinical practice and public health policies aimed at maximizing and preserving skeletal health and preventing osteoporotic fractures, across the lifespan. Early intervention, continuous promotion across life stages, and adherence to WHO guidelines offer an effective, evidence-based framework for lifelong bone health maintenance.

Physical fitness (PF) is an important marker of health and well-being. This study aimed to quantify associations of social environment and physical activity (PA) related factors with different aspects of PF among adolescents. The cross-sectional study included 4925 (51% girls) schoolchildren aged 11-18 years. Participants were tested for PF using the Eurofit battery (covering 8 aspects of PF), with their social environment (parents' education, family's and friends' support for PA), personal motivation for PA, actual PA level, and sports participation status were self-reported. Age- and sex- adjusted body mass index (BMI) cut-points were used to classify weight status as overweight or normal weight. Associations were quantified using hierarchical linear regression analysis. Up to 45% of the variability in PF was explained by BMI and environmental factors. While age, sex, BMI and parents' education associated with PF most strongly, personal motivation for PA (R2 = 0.007 on average per aspect of PF), friends' support for PA (R2 = 0.009) and especially sports participation (R2 = 0.014) were also significant correlates of PF. However, familial support for PA and current PA level were typically non-significant correlates. In conclusion, parents' education, sports participation, personal motivation and friends' support for PA should be promoted to foster PF of adolescents.

We aimed to assess the physical activity (PA) and exercise profiles of persons with IBD, their limitations in undertaking PA/exercise, and how PA correlates with active disease and fatigue in a Canadian population-based sample. A cross-sectional survey study was undertaken by participants in the University of Manitoba IBD Research Registry. The survey included sociodemographic factors, PA/exercise, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), Inflammatory Bowel Disease Symptom Inventory (IBDSI), and Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS). Bivariate and logistic regression analyses assessed the association between PA and disease activity and fatigue. The survey was completed by 1257 of 2740 invitees (45.8%). Because of 163 missing age or PA responses, 1094 were included in the data analysis. The mean age of participants was 60.8+/-13.0 years. Activity status was inactive in 42.5%, moderately active in 32.0%, and highly active in 25.5%. Activity levels were similar for those >55 versus those <55 years. Thirty-eight percent reported that IBD never impacted their PA/exercise. Persons with Crohn's disease were more likely to be inactive than persons with ulcerative colitis. Logistic regression analysis showed that the odds of engaging in lower levels of PA were greater for persons with active IBDSI versus persons with non-active IBDSI (aOR: 1.51, 95% CI: 1.11-2.04), with an increase in MFIS score (aOR: 1.02, 95% CI: 1.01-1.03), in females with ulcerative colitis, and in those who smoke. These findings underscore the need for tailored PA/exercise guidelines for individuals with IBD. Future research should explore objective measures of PA to better understand PA/exercise in both younger and older adult populations.

Social undermining of dietary and physical activity behavior may impact one's ability to lose or maintain weight. This review aims to identify how social undermining of dietary and physical activity behavior has been conceptualized and measured in the existing literature, and what is known about its effects on weight management. Studies were retrieved from three electronic databases and were included if they focused on examining the social undermining of dietary and physical activity behavior in adults. Two coders independently evaluated the eligibility criteria of each study and extracted data. Thirty-three studies were identified. Populations included individuals enrolled in weight loss programs (k = 11) and non-treatment-seeking populations (k = 22). Many study participants were White, but 11 studies sampled non-White populations exclusively. Multiple measures have been used to assess the social undermining of dietary and physical activity behavior, many having limited evidence of reliability and validity. Although studies on prevalence are limited, undermining has been reported to occur in 28% of individuals, and family has been identified as a primary source of undermining. Studies aiming to link undermining with actual eating and physical activity behaviors and weight outcomes are limited, and these links have been supported in some studies. Few studies examined the undermining intentionality, defined undermining, or tested individual characteristics associated with undermining. Future research should seek to improve the measurement of undermining and use a variety of additional research methods to move the field toward better understanding and ability to address social undermining of weight behaviors. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).

Existing research primarily focuses on external strategies for promoting physical activity, while the influence of individual characteristics on engagement in physical activities has been largely overlooked. This study aims to explore the impact of combining individual regulatory focus and exercise information frame on cognition, emotion, intention, and behavior based on the regulatory fit theory. In Study 1, participants were randomly assigned to read one of two types of exercise information with different frames but the same content after measuring their chronic regulatory focus. Subsequently, they completed a measure of exercise-related cognition, emotion, and intention. Study 2 replicated this by manipulating situational regulatory focus and extended this by tracking participants' actual engagement in physical activity for one week. Both studies revealed significant interactions between regulatory focus and the information frame on information value, emotional intensity, and behavioral intention, indicating the regulatory fit effect. More importantly, Study 2 found a significant interaction on vigorous physical activity during one week after the manipulation of situational focus. When chronic/situational regulatory focus fit with the exercise information frame, individuals evaluated the exercise information more positively, showed more positive emotions, were more willing to take part in exercise, and engaged in more actual physical activity.

Perceived physical competence (e.g. perceived motor skills, perceived athletic competence) is hypothesised to mediate the association between actual motor competence and physical activity in children, and this mediated association is expected to be stronger in older children and adolescents. However, no meta-analyses to date have synthesised the hypothesised mediation effect. The purpose of this study was to systematically identify and synthesise the existing literature on the hypothesised mediation model between actual motor competence, perceived physical competence and physical activity in children and adolescents using structural equation modelling meta-analysis. Five electronic databases were searched from inception to December 2023 using a range of keywords for actual motor competence, perceived physical competence, physical activity and children/adolescents. Machine learning assisted screening was used to identify studies which reported the association between at least two of the variables in the hypothesised model in children and adolescents aged 4-18years. One-stage structural equation modelling meta-analysis was used to test the hypothesised model. Moderation analysis was conducted to determine whether any of the model parameters differed as a function of children's age. A total of 218 reports that reported on 213 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. Results from studies which examined the concurrent association between actual motor competence (gross motor, locomotion, object control), perceived physical competence, and physical activity demonstrated that perceived physical competence only had a small absolute (0.029 ≤ r ≤ 0.034) and relative (16.7-20.6% of total effect) mediating effect on the association between actual motor competence and physical activity. Results from studies which examined lagged associations (11% of included studies) also demonstrated a small bidirectional mediation effect of perceived physical competence. The moderation model demonstrated the mediation effect was significantly stronger in adolescents than children, albeit still weak. Perceived physical competence is not a strong mediator of the association between actual motor competence and physical activity in children and adolescents. Given that the association between perceived physical competence and actual motor competence with physical activity are largely independent, there may be benefits to targeting both motor skills and perceived physical competence to increase engagement in physical activity.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship of any error (delta; ∆) between the image of one's own walking rhythm and the actual walking rhythm and physical activity, as a new motor imagery assessment. The subjects were classified into two groups: a high activity group (HA-Group) having high physical activity with less than four hours of sitting time per day, and a low activity group (LA-Group) having low physical activity with more than four hours of daily sitting time. Visual rhythm, auditory rhythm, mental comfortable walking rhythm, and mental maximum walking rhythm were used to assess new motor imagery. Their beats per minute were measured and any error (delta; ∆) from the actual rhythm was calculated: ∆ visual rhythm, ∆ auditory rhythm, ∆ mental normal gait rhythm, and ∆ mental maximal gait rhythm. When comparing the two groups, the HA-Group had significantly higher ∆ visual rhythm, lower ∆ auditory rhythm, higher ∆ mental comfortable walking rhythm, and lower ∆ mental maximum walking rhythm ability than the LA-Group. Furthermore, in an ANCOVA with age, ∆visual rhythm, and ∆auditory rhythm as adjustment factors, the HA-Group had significantly lower ∆mental maximum walking rhythm than the LA-Group. These results showed that the rhythmic assessment of the imagery of maximum walking was associated with stationery time. It is possible that the more inaccurate the imagery of maximum walking, the longer the sitting or lying time.

To investigate the awareness, implementation and factors influencing physical activity (PA) engagement among Chinese patients with radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (r-axSpA), and their relationships with disease status. This cross-sectional study enrolled 151 r-axSpA patients and evaluated their awareness of PA while collecting sociodemographic and disease-related parameters. PA levels were assessed with the Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire (GLTEQ) and daily steps recorded by smartphones. Influencing factors were evaluated using the Inflammatory arthritis FAcilitators and Barriers (IFAB) questionnaire. Spearman's correlation analysis was used to explore relationships between variables. Among 151 r-axSpA patients, 98.0% were aware of health benefits of PA, and 97.4% reported that physicians had recommended PA to them. However, fewer patients knew the World Health Organization recommendations on aerobic PA (33.8%) and muscle-strengthening activities (33.1%), as well as the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) recommendations for PA (55.6%). According to daily steps, only 13.2% were classified as active. Individual exercise (62.3%) was the main form. A sedentary group (GLTEQ score < 14) demonstrated significantly poorer awareness of recommendations and higher disease activity compared with a moderately active/active group (GLTEQ score ≥ 14). Awareness of EULAR recommendations was positively correlated with GLTEQ score (P = 0.003). IFAB6 (lack of motivation, P = 0.015) and IFAB8 (knowledge of benefits of PA, P = 0.045) showed significant differences between the sedentary and the moderately active/active group. Despite recognizing health benefits of PA, patients had limited awareness of PA recommendations and under-engaged in PA. This insufficient awareness correlated with lower activity and worse disease status. Healthcare professionals should enhance PA education and encourage regular PA.

Introduction: Recreational physical activity (PA) is cardio-protective but often underutilized, and women in the general population engage less in leisure PA compared to men. Whether this disparity extends to individuals after a myocardial infarction (MI) in midlife, a high-risk group that may especially benefit from PA promotion, is unknown. Methods: We recruited women and men ≤ 61 years of age who were hospitalized for MI in the previous 8 months in metropolitan Atlanta, balancing the number by sex. We evaluated leisure PA behavior with the validated, self-reported Baecke Habitual Physical Activity Questionnaire. We constructed a linear mixed-effect model to estimate the association between gender and the PA leisure score, then adjusted sequentially for demographics (age, race, income, education), obesity status, and heart failure ( Table ). Results: Our sample included 619 participants (46% women, 59% black) with mean age 51 years (SD: 7). On a Likert scale of 1 (least) to 5 (most), the mean (SD) PA leisure score was lower among women (2.4 (0.5)) compared to men (2.5 (0.5); p=&lt;0.05). Walking was the most common leisure PA activity reported by both groups. In all models, we found that there was a statistically significantly lower PA leisure score for women compared to men ( Table ). More men than women reported they walked (31% vs. 22%), biked (8% vs. 2%), or played sports (10% vs. 2%) often or always during leisure time. Results remained similar when patients with poor functional capacity (defined using the Duke Activity Score Index) were excluded. Discussion: Women reported significantly lower leisure PA as compared to men. Interventions and education about promoting PA, especially walking, should be considered in this patient population.

Individuals have their sport of choice, but the choice is shared for almost a lifetime. The reason why the choice endures is not conclusive; therefore, this research tries to establish why individuals have varying perceptions regarding sports. It is plausible to assume that the variations are because of variations in race, occupation, and culture. As a result, the below information has been gained and we learned about Korea, the United States, and Japan, which have multiple differences. Whether people participate in which type of sports was gathered through surveys and comparisons of sports channels. Namely, "Sport Classification," "The K-12 Physical Education System (textbooks)," "Survey (actual physical activity)," and "Simple Notification Service (SNS) Activity" have been explored to ascertain the reason for any sport being participated in specifically. First, Korea, the United States, and Japan have various physical education courses. Therefore, the results influence people's preferences. Second, people's posts in SNS and actual physical activity were different. Third, the level of relationship between sports types was also different. Finally, sports that serve as hubs being regarded as centers among sports types were popular in Korea, the United States, India, and Japan[1][2][3]..

BackgroundThe Trans-theoretical Model (TTM) has been applied in numerous empirical studies concerning physical activity (PA) interventions for children and adolescents. Consequently, the aim of this review is to identify and synthesize the evidence regarding the effectiveness of TTM-based interventions in promoting PA behavior change among this demographic, with the goal of informing future research and policy development.MethodsA systematic review was performed followed the PRISMA guideline, protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023416216). Computer-based searches were conducted in the CNKI, Wan-Fang, VIP, Web of Science (WOS), PubMed, and EBSCO databases to identify relevant literature. Two researchers independently conducted the literature screening and quality assessment. The quality of the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was evaluated using the Risk of Bias Assessment Tool version 5.1.0, as recommended by the Cochrane Collaboration Network. For quality assessment of quasi experiments (QEs), the Risk Of Bias In Non-randomised Studies-of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tool was employed.ResultsA total of 22 articles were included in the systematic review. Stage-matched interventions and interventions designed based on a more complete structure of the TTM are more likely to promote an increase in the actual levels of PA among children and adolescents, as well as to facilitate an increase in their PA stages. Interventions that combine health information and health behavior feedback are more likely to promote an increase in actual PA levels and the advancement of PA stages; while interventions that include PA programs are more likely to facilitate improvements in health indicators.ConclusionThe effectiveness of TTM-based PA behavior change interventions for children and adolescents depends on the specific measures employed. Interventions that are stage-matched and integrate multiple behavior change techniques using the complete TTM structure are more likely to enhance PA and its associated health benefits. However, there are several normative issues that remain. These include the misuse of incremental stages as a substitute for PA, neglect of stage specificity when applying the model, a lack of framework for behavior change techniques in targeted interventions, and an absence of a dynamic feedback process.

Objectives: This study aimed to assess women's knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding physical activity in Kabul, Afghanistan, and evaluate their correlation with CVD risk factors, such as hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and fasting blood sugar levels. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2023 to March 2024 at Watan Hospital, involving 425 women aged 20 years and above. Data were collected using a standardized questionnaire, including demographic and lifestyle-related sections. Physical activity awareness, attitudes, and performance were categorized into weak, moderate, and good levels. Participants' health parameters, including blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose levels, were measured and analyzed using SPSS v.27 to explore associations between physical activity levels and CVD risk factors. Results: Good awareness of physical activity was reported by 58.8% of participants, while 32.9% demonstrated good performance. Regular exercise was significantly associated with healthier fasting blood sugar levels (86.7% ≤ 100 mg/dL) (p &lt; 0.001), cholesterol levels (83.3% ≤ 200 mg/dL) (p &lt; 0.001), and blood pressure (83.3% ≤ 140 mmHg) (p &lt; 0.001). However, the frequency of exercise showed no statistically significant impact on these parameters. Conclusion: Despite moderate-to-good awareness, a considerable gap exists in women's actual physical activity performance. Regular physical activity is strongly associated with improved metabolic and cardiovascular health outcomes. Interventions targeting behavioral change, addressing sociocultural barriers, and promoting sustainable physical activity practices are critical to reducing the CVD burden among women in Afghanistan.

Abstract Background It is known that physical activity (PA)/exercise is associated with a reduced risk in chronic disease. However, less is known about its impact on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) specifically. Research generally uses the terms ‘PA’ and ‘exercise’ interchangeably, which although similar, are overlapping classifications of activity. As a result, interpreting and comparing existing findings can be challenging. Aims We aimed to assess the physical activity and exercise profiles of persons with IBD, their limitations in undertaking PA/exercise, and how PA correlates with active disease and fatigue in a population-based sample in Manitoba, Canada. Methods A cross-sectional survey study was undertaken by participants in the University of Manitoba IBD Research Registry. The survey included sociodemographic factors, PA/exercise, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), Inflammatory Bowel Disease Symptom Inventory (IBDSI), and Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS). Bivariate and logistic regression analyses were used to assess the association between PA and disease activity and fatigue. Results The survey was completed by 1257 of 2740 invitees (45.8%). The mean age of participants was 60.8 +/- 13.0 years. The most common type of PA and exercise that respondents participated in were walking for leisure/exercise (84%) and the most common type of PA and exercise avoided was running/jogging (16%). Physically active status per IPAQ was categorized as inactive-low in 42.5%, moderately active in 32.0%, and highly active in 25.5%. Average fatigue levels were mean 24.9 SD 18.9 per MFIS. PA and fatigue levels were similar for those &amp;gt;55 vs those &amp;lt;55 years. For ulcerative colitis (UC) persons, after adjusting for demographic and clinical factors, the odds of lower levels of PA were greater among females [aOR 95% CI, 1.76 (1.12-2.78)], ever smoked [aOR 95% CI, 2.55 (1.11-5.73)], active disease (per IBDS) [aOR 95% CI, 1.68 (1.07-2.62)], and with an increase in MFIS total score [aOR 95% CI, 1.02 (1.01-1.04)]. Conclusions There was a high rate of inactive to low PA among persons with IBD. Females with UC especially need to be encouraged to increase their PA. While it is not surprising that persons with active disease may have reduced or even avoided PA, this requires further study. Since as a result, PA may reduce deconditioning that may accompany periods of active disease and increased fatigue. These findings underscore the need for tailored PA/exercise guidelines for individuals with IBD. Future research should explore objective measures of PA to better understand PA/exercise in both younger and older adult populations. Funding Agencies CAG, None

BackgroundThe global decline in physical activity (PA) among the youth has been exacerbated by the pandemic’s impact on their lifestyles. Addressing these adverse effects post-pandemic by supporting preferred physical activities among young individuals is crucial. The aim of the study is to investigate and compare the long-term trends in PA preferences among individuals in Poland and the Czech Republic, exploring the impact of global lifestyle challenges over the past 14 years, including the pandemic, on PA behaviors and choices.MethodsThe study design is cross-sectional and data gathering was in the period between 2007 and 2020, this research encompassed 19,235 participants aged 15 to 26. PA preferences were gauged using the Questionnaire on Physical Activity Preferences, while actual PA levels were measured through the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Long Form. Crossing table, Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA, binary logistic regression and effect size coefficients were conducted.ResultsAmong the participants, individual physical activities were favoured by 24% of Czech and 25% of Polish boys, and 23% of Czech and 25% of Polish girls. A positive correlation was found between the preference for running and higher levels of recreational, vigorous, and overall weekly PA. Additionally, an increased preference for running was associated with a higher likelihood of meeting weekly PA recommendations for both girls (OR = 1.82, CI = 1.62–2.04, p < 0.001) and boys (OR = 1.61, CI = 1.44–1.82, p < 0.001) in both countries.ConclusionsOver a 14-year period, swimming, cycling, and running emerged as the most preferred PA across both Czech and Polish youth, with a notable increase in running, especially among Czech boys. Polish boys and girls also showed a growing preference for running, while Polish girls demonstrated a notable increase in badminton and ice-skating. The preference for running was associated with a higher likelihood of meeting PA recommendations, especially among Polish boys and Czech girls. Notably, activities like running, swimming, and cycling exhibited resilience to both pandemic-related restrictions and broader global lifestyle challenges, underscoring the importance of long-term monitoring of PA preferences for effective health promotion.

The positive effects of physical activity (PA) on sleep are widely promoted by public health organizations and supported by abundant empirical evidence. Nonetheless, there remains a dearth of studies investigating the association between daytime PA and nighttime sleep among non-urban and nonindustrial populations that habitually engage in PA as part of their subsistence strategy. Here, we examined the bidirectional relationship between PA and sleep. We also looked at age, gender, and occupation-level differences in moderate-to-vigorous-intensity PA (MVPA), low-intensity PA (LPA), and sedentary activity durations among Basotho and Xhoxa agropastoralists residing in rural villages in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. We analyzed activity and sleep data collected from 113 individuals using MotionWatch actigraphy wristwatches across three field seasons (7111 individual days). Percentage daily total MVPA decreased with age, though older participants maintained low activity levels and did not suffer from poorer sleep compared to younger participants. Herders spent more percentage of their day in higher-intensity activity than non-herders. Overall, women had greater daily percentage MVPA and lower percentage sedentary activity than men. Durations of total MVPA and LPA decreased total sleep time (TST) and improved sleep quality (increased sleep efficiency (SE), decreased fragmentation, and decreased percentage wake after sleep onset). Daytime PA measures were not affected by sleep duration or quality from the previous night. Among this group of habitually active agropastoralists, low-to-moderate-intensity PA durations consistently predicted higher sleep quality. Our findings showed that sleep quality was more strongly affected by PA than sleep duration.

The extensive benefits of physical activity (PA) are well known. However, PA participation among pregnant women remains low. This study evaluated PA levels and associated factors, including barriers and facilitators in pregnant women in Harare, Zimbabwe. This cross-sectional study recruited 517 pregnant women receiving antenatal care across ten primary healthcare clinics. Data were collected using the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire (PPAQ), Exercise Benefits and Barriers Scale (EBBS) and EQ-5D-5L. We used descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression for analyses. The mean age of the study participants was 26.1 (±5.9) years. 89% of the pregnant women did not meet the WHO recommendations of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity PA. For women who were active, most engaged in moderate intensity (41.9%) PA and household activity (51.1%). The most perceived barriers and facilitators to PA were reported as exercise environment and life enhancement, respectively. Lower education (AOR 5.24 [1.69: 16.19]), multigravida (AOR .47 [.31: .42]), not exercising pre-pregnancy (AOR 2.02 [1.30: 3.13]), perceived decreased current PA level (AOR 2.04 [1.22: 3.43]) and not being advised by a doctor on exercise (AOR 2.05 [1.04: 4.04]) were associated with physical inactivity. Physical inactivity is endemic among Zimbabwean pregnant women, there is a need for bespoke and contextualized interventions. Implementing supervised and group-based antenatal exercise classes must be considered.

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic heightened anxiety levels globally, disproportionately affecting low-and middle-income countries (LMICs). Physical activity (PA) has shown potential to alleviate mental health challenges, including anxiety. This study explores the relationship between PA and anxiety among Tanzanian adults during the pandemic, examining whether self-reported health status moderates this relationship and identifying demographic variations.MethodsData from 213 adults were collected using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scale. Self-reported health was also reported.ResultsVigorous physical activity was significantly associated with lower anxiety, while moderate physical activity showed weaker effects. Walking and sedentary behavior were not significantly associated with anxiety. Health status did not moderate these relationships, but subgroup analyses indicated stronger effects of vigorous physical activity among men and younger adults.ConclusionThese findings highlight the relevance of PA, particularly vigorous and moderate physical activity, in supporting mental health in LMIC contexts such as Tanzania. The findings further underscore the importance of targeted, culturally relevant physical activity interventions in LMICs to mitigate anxiety and enhance mental health resilience.