Aerobic Physical Activity Guidelines Research Articles

The Difference in the Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome According to Meeting Guidelines for Aerobic Physical Activity and Muscle-Strengthening Exercise: A Cross-Sectional Study Performed Using the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2014-2019.

Physical activity and muscle strengthening are essential for preventing and managing metabolic syndrome. This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and meeting the guidelines for aerobic physical activity (APA), muscle strengthening exercise (MSE), and combined exercise. We used data from 22,467 Koreans aged 40 years or older, who participated in in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) 2014-2019. We used the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) to measure physical activity and surveyed frequency of MSE through a questionnaire. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to the American heart association and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Compared with none exercise group, odds ratios of APA, MSE, and combined exercise group (CEG) on metabolic syndrome prevalence were 0.85 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.74-0.98), 0.81 (95% CI, 0.67-0.99), and 0.65 (95% CI, 0.54-0.78) among men, respectively. Among women, ORs of APA, MSE, and CEG were 0.83 (95% CI, 0.73-0.93), 0.73 (95% CI, 0.58-0.91), and 0.74 (95% CI, 0.58-0.93), respectively. This study showed that meeting guidelines for APA and MSE was associated with lower prevalence of metabolic syndrome. Furthermore, subjects who met both APA and MSE had the lowest metabolic syndrome prevalence.

Long-term Weight Training and Mortality in U.S. Male Health Professionals With and Without Type 2 Diabetes.

To investigate the relationship between long-term weight training and mortality in male health professionals with and without type 2 diabetes. We analyzed 31,140 men without type 2 diabetes and 2,588 with type 2 diabetes from the Health Professionals Follow-up Study (1992-2018). Information on weight training was repeatedly assessed using a biennial questionnaire. Cox regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs. During up to 26 years of follow-up, we documented 12,607 deaths (988 deaths among men with type 2 diabetes). Among participants without type 2 diabetes, 1-59 and 60-149 min/week of long-term weight training were associated with 14% (HR 0.86; 95% CI 0.82-0.89) and 8% (HR 0.92; 95% CI 0.85-0.99) lower mortality versus no weight training, respectively, after adjustment for aerobic activity. However, ≥150 min/week of weight training was not significantly associated with mortality (HR 1.05; 95% CI 0.91-1.20; overall P trend = 0.94; P quadratic < 0.001). Meeting the recommended aerobic physical activity guideline (≥150 min/week) and performing any weight training were associated with 20-34% lower mortality. Among participants with type 2 diabetes, a moderate level of pre-diagnosis weight training was associated with lower mortality, whereas post-diagnosis weight training showed no association. Performing both weight training and aerobic activity before and after diagnosis was associated with lower mortality. A moderate level of long-term weight training was associated with lower mortality, independently of aerobic activity, among male health professionals with and without type 2 diabetes. Addition of weight training to aerobic activities may provide further benefit in mortality risk reduction. Studies are required to confirm our findings in diverse populations.

Factors influencing engagement in hospital-based exercise oncology programs: A narrative review.

Among cancer survivors, there are numerous health benefits of exercise engagement; however, less than 15% of survivors meet current aerobic and strength physical activity guidelines. Exercise programs provided by a cancer hospital are commonly noted as a facilitator and preference to exercise engagement. The study aimed to review the evidence and describe the barriers, facilitators, preferences, and factors associated with cancer survivors' engagement in hospital-based exercise oncology programs. Electronic databases (PubMed and Scopus) were searched to identify relevant papers published before July 1, 2021. Original research papers reporting on barriers, facilitators, preferences, or factors associated with participation in hospital-based exercise oncology programs were included. A total of 300 potentially relevant articles were identified, of which 10 met eligibility criteria. Barriers to participation in hospital-based exercise oncology programs included program accessibility, treatment-related side effects, and uncertainty about exercise. Program individualization, peer support, and staff support were reported as facilitators. Survivors also expressed that they preferred flexibility in the time, location, and mode of exercise programming. Baseline quality of life, fitness, and marital status were all identified as potential factors associated with engagement in hospital-based exercise oncology programs. These findings are useful for the development and implementation of hospital-based exercise oncology programs to optimize exercise program engagement.

Comparison of Participation in Strength Activity Between Wearable Device Users and Nonusers: 2017 Behavioral Risk Factors Surveillance System.

There are many benefits associated with engaging in strength physical activity. Many studies did not examine the engagement of strength activity among wearable device users. This study aimed to examine the association between wearable device usage and engagement of strength activity in free-living settings using nationally representative data. A total of 8250 adult wearable device users and nonusers from 8 states of the 2017 Behavioral Risk Factors Surveillance System were included in analysis. Multiple regression models were performed to determine the association between the dependent variables of strength activities and the independent variable of wearable devices. Wearable device users were 1.26 (95% confidence interval, 1.01-1.81) times the odds of nonusers in engaging in strength activity. Users also had higher odds of meeting both the strength and aerobic physical activity guidelines than nonusers (odds ratio = 1.49; 95% confidence interval, 1.07-2.06; adjusted odds ratio = 1.43; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-2.00). No associations were found between wearable device utilization and frequency of strength activity per week. Wearable device users were more likely to engage in strength activity than nonusers. However, additional studies are needed to determine the effectiveness of wearable devices in promoting strength activity.

Online Physical Activity Advice For Older Adults During COVID-19: Results Of A Pilot Study

Older adults in quarantine due to the COVID-19 pandemic likely have turned to the internet for advice on exercise and health. PURPOSE: Given adherence to physical activity guidelines (PAGs) lowers risk of sickness and death due to COVID-19, this presentation presents the results of a pilot study to determine the extent messages of online physical activity promotion articles tailored to older adults, and published during the COVID-19 pandemic, aligned with US. 2018 PAGs. METHODS: An apriori inclusion criteria was used (e.g., online article, in English, published March 2020-February 2021). Three search engines set to private browsing were used: Bing, Google, and Yahoo. After piloting search terms, an internet search was conducted within a 24-hour period (February 10, 2021). Two review levels (title & full text) narrowed the initial sample from 763 articles to 15. The Content Analysis Approach to Theory-specified Persuasive Educational Communication (CAATSPEC) guided the line-by-line categorization of article messages into three categories: PAG-mismatch, -partial match, - full match. The coding form contained 15 PAGs across four topic areas: aerobic, muscle, older adult, sedentary adult. The coding form and procedures were refined across three practice phases using a random set of like, pre-pandemic articles. Rater reliability was verified using a random subset of the study sample (n = 9/15). Preliminary results are based on the analysis of the article subset (n = 9) and second author coding (chosen apriori). RESULTS: Between-rater reliability was fair (1st vs 2nd author, ICC = .56). Within-rater reliability was excellent (2nd author, 3-day grace period, ICC = .99). The pilot articles contained the following fitness topics: aerobic (100%), muscle (78%) and safety (78%). Twenty-six advisements that explicitly aligned with 8 PAGs were tallied. Most tallies were a partial match (92%). None were a mismatch. Advisements fell within three PAG categories: older adult (46%), sedentary adults (36%), and muscle fitness (15%). Zero statements mirrored aerobic PAGs. CONCLUSION: Pilot data suggests older adults seeking credible advice for maintaining their health during COVID-19 likely receive little advice matching PAGs through online articles. Implication of these findings and project next steps will be presented.

The use of mobile apps and fitness trackers to promote healthy behaviors during COVID-19: A cross-sectional survey.

To examine i) the use of mobile apps and fitness trackers in adults during the COVID-19 pandemic to support health behaviors; ii) the use of COVID-19 apps; iii) associations between using mobile apps and fitness trackers, and health behaviors; iv) differences in usage amongst population subgroups. An online cross-sectional survey was conducted during June-September 2020. The survey was developed and reviewed independently by co-authors to establish face validity. Associations between using mobile apps and fitness trackers and health behaviors were examined using multivariate logistic regression models. Subgroup analyses were conducted using Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests. Three open-ended questions were included to elicit participants' views; thematic analysis was conducted. Participants included 552 adults (76.7% women; mean age: 38±13.6 years); 59.9% used mobile apps for health, 38.2% used fitness trackers, and 46.3% used COVID-19 apps. Users of mobile apps or fitness trackers had almost two times the odds of meeting aerobic physical activity guidelines compared to non-users (odds ratio = 1.91, 95% confidence interval 1.07 to 3.46, P = .03). More women used health apps than men (64.0% vs 46.8%, P = .004). Compared to people aged 18-44 (46.1%), more people aged 60+ (74.5%) and more people aged 45-60 (57.6%) used a COVID-19 related app (P < .001). Qualitative data suggest people viewed technologies (especially social media) as a 'double-edged sword': helping with maintaining a sense of normalcy and staying active and socially connected, but also having a negative emotional effect stemming from seeing COVID-related news. People also found that mobile apps did not adapt quickly enough to the circumstances caused by COVID-19. Use of mobile apps and fitness trackers during the pandemic was associated with higher levels of physical activity, in a sample of educated and likely health-conscious individuals. Future research is needed to understand whether the association between using mobile devices and physical activity is maintained in the long-term.

Identifying the most proximal multi-level factors associated with meeting each of the 24-h movement behavior recommendations in a sample of autistic adults

BackgroundAutistic adults have poorer 24-h movement behaviors, including lower levels of physical activity, more time spent being sedentary, and shorter sleep duration than neurotypical adults. Social ecological frameworks posit that 24-h movement behaviors are determined by multi-level domains; however, not known is which multi-level factors are most important to meeting each of the 24-h movement behavior guidelines among autistic adults. ObjectiveThis study examined the relative importance of a range of multi-level determinants on meeting guidelines for the 24-h movement behaviors of aerobic physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep. MethodsWe administered at cross-sectional electronic survey to a national self-selecting, convenience sample of autistic adults and caregivers of autistic adults residing in the USA. We used machine learning to examine the relative variable importance (VIMP) of 55 multi-level variables with meeting recommendations for physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep duration. VIMPs >0 indicate predictive variables/domains. ResultsA greater number of group activities attended in the last 3-months, and greater independence in completing activities of daily living were most important to meeting aerobic physical activity guidelines. Group activity participation and marital status were important to meeting sedentary behavior guidelines while having a fewer number of comorbidities was most important to achieving adequate sleep. ConclusionsThese data support hypotheses about the role of family and social level interventions targeting movement behaviors in autistic adults.

Five-Year Trend in Adherence Rate to Aerobic Physical Activity Guidelines among Korean Adults in Metropolitan Cities: 2016-2020 Korea Community Health Survey.

This study investigated the five-year (2016–2020) trend in physical activity adherence rate (PAR)—before and after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic—and its association with socioeconomic status and community environment among Korean adults. Data were analyzed from the Korea Community Health Survey 2016–2020 concerning adults (19–65 years old) living in seven metropolitan municipalities of South Korea (N = 190,761). The independent variables were socioeconomic status (household income and educational attainment) and community environment (density of physical activity facilities and social cohesion), and the dependent variable was the PAR, as measured by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form, a recall-based subjective survey. Multilevel logistic regression models with age, sex, and body mass index as covariates were applied. The results showed that the PAR increased from 37.26% (2016) to 40.84% (2019), during the pre-COVID-19 pandemic, but it sharply decreased to 31.59% (2020) during the COVID-19 confinement (trend p < 0.001); PAR disparities were observed following socioeconomic status, as indicated by household income (trend p < 0.001) and educational attainment (trend p < 0.001). Furthermore, significant moderation effects were observed from socioeconomic status and community environment, but the direction of the effects varied by indicator and COVID-19-related confinement period. Lower educational attainment and higher income were associated with a greater decrease in PAR during the pandemic. This study shows that PAR substantively decreased in South Korea during the COVID-19 pandemic, although it had shown a steady increase through 2019. In addition, PAR disparities by socioeconomic status were found, and socioeconomic status and community environment had distinct influences on PAR trends, depending on their indicators and pre- and post-pandemic periods. Lower educational attainment is associated with greater decreases in PAR during the pandemic, suggesting the necessity for a public campaign to maintain a physically active lifestyle during such social disaster.

QuickStats: Age-Adjusted Percentage* of Adults Aged ≥18 Years Who Met the 2018 Federal Physical Activity Guidelines for Both Muscle-Strengthening and Aerobic Physical Activity,† by Urbanization Level§ - National Health Interview Survey, United States, 2020¶.

QuickStats: Age-Adjusted Percentage* of Adults Aged ≥18 Years Who Met the 2018 Federal Physical Activity Guidelines for Both Muscle-Strengthening and Aerobic Physical Activity,† by Urbanization Level§ - National Health Interview Survey, United States, 2020¶.

Health-Promoting Behavior and Lifestyle Characteristics of Students as a Function of Sex and Academic Level.

University students frequently engage in unhealthy behaviors. However, there is a lack of studies examining a wide range of their lifestyle characteristics by sex and academic level of study. This cross-sectional survey of students enrolled in BSc, MSc, or PhD programs at one university in Germany (N = 3389) assessed physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior (SB), nutrition, sleep quality, and alcohol, tobacco, and other drug (ATOD) use by sex and academic level and was conducted with EvaSys version 8.0. Chi-squared tests compared categorical variables by sex, and binary logistic regression analyses adjusted for sex with Bonferroni adjustments evaluated differences across academic level. Although 91% of students achieved the aerobic PA guidelines, only 30% achieved the muscle strengthening exercises (MSE) guidelines, and 44% had high SB. Likewise, <10% met the fruit and vegetable consumption (FVC) recommendations, >40% of students experienced impaired sleep, and >30% had hazardous alcohol consumption. Less than 20% of the sample achieved the guideline/recommendation of all three PA, MSE and SB. Some behaviors exhibited significant sex and academic level differences. The identified at-risk groups included males (lower FVC), females (eating more during stress), and BSc students (poorer nutrition/sleep quality, more ATOD use). Given the above findings, multipronged strategies are needed with an overarching focus highlighting the health–academic achievement links. Behavioral interventions and environmental policies are required to raise awareness and promote student health.

Modifiable Risk Factors for Alzheimer Disease and Related Dementias Among Adults Aged ≥45 Years - United States, 2019.

Alzheimer disease,* the most common cause of dementia, affects an estimated 6.5 million persons aged ≥65 years in the United States (1). A growing body of evidence has identified potential modifiable risk factors for Alzheimer disease and related dementias (ADRD) (1-3). In 2021, the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease (National Plan) introduced a new goal to "accelerate action to promote healthy aging and reduce risk factors for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias" to help delay onset or slow the progression of ADRD (3). To assess the status of eight potential modifiable risk factors (i.e., high blood pressure, not meeting the aerobic physical activity guideline, obesity, diabetes, depression, current cigarette smoking, hearing loss, and binge drinking), investigators analyzed data from the cognitive decline module that was administered to adults aged ≥45 years in 31 states and the District of Columbia (DC)† in the 2019 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey. Among the risk factors, prevalence was highest for high blood pressure (49.9%) and lowest for binge drinking (10.3%) and varied by selected demographic characteristics. Adults with subjective cognitive decline (SCD),§ an early indicator of possible future ADRD (4), were more likely to report four or more risk factors than were those without SCD (34.3% versus 13.1%). Prevalence of SCD was 11.3% overall and increased from 3.9% among adults with no risk factors to 25.0% among those with four or more risk factors. Implementing evidence-based strategies to address modifiable risk factors can help achieve the National Plan's new goal to reduce risk for ADRD while promoting health aging.¶,*.

Physical Activity Trends in Korean Adults from Korea National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey from 2014 to 2019.

The current study aimed to examine the adherence trend for aerobic and muscle-strengthening physical activity (PA) guidelines among Korean adults using the Korea National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey from 2014 to 2019. Korean adults (N = 2642) were included in the current study to examine the trend of PA adherence from 2014 to 2019. The PA guidelines are: (a) aerobic activity (a minimum of 150 min moderate to vigorous PA weekly) and (b) muscle-strengthening activity (a minimum of two days weekly). Self-report questionnaires in the survey measured both activities. The adherence to PA guidelines by survey year was examined using a multivariable logistic regression analysis adjusted for covariates. There was a significant decreasing trend in which the adherence rate to aerobic PA guidelines changed from 57.0% in 2014 to 45.6% in 2019 (p < 0.001). On the other hand, the trend in adherence rate to muscle-strengthening activity was not significant (p = 0.976). The adherence rate to muscle-strengthening activity guideline was slightly increased but still low from 20.8% to 23.3% during 2014–2019. The aerobic PA guidelines are significantly decreasing, and more than half of the Korean adults in 2019 have not followed the guidelines. In addition, there has been a slight increase in muscle-strengthening activity; however, the adherence rate is meager. Therefore, this study suggests that Korean adults’ aerobic and muscle-strengthening PA participation is necessary for their low adherence rate and decline tendency.

Abstract P073: Does Physical Activity Modify The Association Between High-density Lipoprotein Cholesterol And All-cause Mortality?

Introduction: There is well-known inverse dose-response relationship between high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality. However, only recently is the entire spectrum of HDL-C being examined with mortality. A similar dose-response relationship with mortality exists with physical activity (PA). Engaging in regular PA has consistently been shown to lower both CVD and all-cause mortality by 20-30%. This study examined the association between HDL-C and mortality by PA categories created around the current federal PA guidelines for United States Adults. Hypothesis: Level of PA participation will modify mortality risk across a spectrum of HDL-C levels. Methods: The study sample (n=8,535) included participants (age 20-79 years) from the 1999-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. PA was classified into three distinct categories: Those meeting neither of the PA guidelines (category 1), those meeting only the aerobic PA guideline (category 2), and those meeting both the aerobic PA and muscular strengthening activity guidelines (category 3). HDL-C was categorized into eight groups (≤30, 31-40, 41-50, 51-60 [referent group], 61-70, 70-80, and &gt;80 mg/dL). All-cause mortality served as the dependent variable in this study. Cox proportional hazard models were used for all analyses. Results: Among those in PA category 1, a statistically significant increase in all-cause mortality risk was found for those with an HDL-C of 71-80 (HR 1.94, 95% CI 1.14-3.32) and &gt;80 mg/dL (HR 2.18, 95% CI 1.25-3.79). In those with an HDL-C &lt;30 mg/dL, a borderline significant increase in all-cause mortality risk was found (HR 1.67, 95% CI 0.96-2.89, p=0.06) Among those in PA categories 2 and 3, no significant increases in all-cause mortality risk were found. Conclusions: Results suggest that meeting at least the aerobic PA guideline mitigates the increased risk for all-cause mortality in those with very high HDL-C and potentially very low HDL-C. Future studies are warranted to investigate the effects of PA on mortality across measures of HDL-C.

Adolescents Are Less Physically Active Than Adults After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

Background:Sources of physical activity (PA) and motivation for return to sport after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) differ between adolescents and adults. It is unclear whether these differences influence participation in PA during the first year after ACLR when individuals are transitioning from rehabilitative care to unrestricted activity.Purpose:To compare device-assessed measures of PA between adolescents and adults at 6 to 12 months after ACLR.Study Design:Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:Included were 22 adolescents (age, 15.9 ± 1.2 years; time since surgery = 8.0 ± 2.1 months) and 23 adults (age, 22.5 ± 5.0 years; time since surgery = 8.2 ± 2.1 months) who were cleared for unrestricted PA after primary unilateral ACLR. Participants were considered physically active if they met their age-specific United States Department of Health and Human Services PA guidelines. Participants wore an accelerometer-based PA monitor for at least 7 days. Daily minutes of moderate to vigorous–PA (MVPA) and daily step counts were reported and compared between age groups using analysis of covariance, with monitor wear time and sex included as covariates. The association between age group and meeting age-specific PA guidelines was assessed using binary logistic regression and reported as an odds ratio.Results:Adults with ACLR participated in 16 minutes more MVPA per day (49 ± 22 vs 33 ± 16 minutes per day; P < .001) and took 2212 more steps per day (8365 ± 2294 vs 6153 ± 1765 steps per day; P < .001) when compared with adolescent participants. In addition, 83% of adults were physically active, compared with 9% of adolescents (odds ratio = 60.2; 95% CI, 7.6-493.4).Conclusion:Adolescents with ACLR were less physically active than adults with ACLR, and only 9% of adolescents met aerobic PA guidelines. This is concerning because PA patterns adopted early in life are predictive of PA patterns in adulthood. Our findings indicate a need to better understand underlying causes of reduced PA among adolescents with ACLR and to develop intervention strategies that promote engagement in adequate PA after rehabilitation.

Health-Enhancing Physical Activity in Europe-Combined Aerobic Physical Activity and Muscle-Strengthening Exercise Guideline Adherence Among 280,605 Adults From 28 European Countries.

Compared with engaging in aerobic physical activity (aerobic PA; eg,walking, running, cycling) or muscle-strengthening exercise (MSE; eg,weight/resistance training) alone, epidemiological evidence suggests that combining both is linked to better health. However, the assessment of both PA modes is rare in health surveillance. This article provides the first multicountry study on the descriptive epidemiology of combined moderate to vigorous PA-MSE guideline adherence. Data were drawn from the European Health Interview Survey wave 2 (2013-2014), comprising samples from 28 European countries (n = 280,605). Self-reported aerobic PA and MSE were assessed using the validated European Health Interview Survey Physical Activity Questionnaire. The authors calculated the weighted proportions meeting the health-enhancing PA guideline (aerobic PA ≥ 150min/wk and MSE ≥ 2 sessions/wk). Poisson regression assessed the prevalence ratios for meeting the combined guideline across sociodemographic factors and by country. A total of 15.0% met the health-enhancing PA guideline. The lowest prevalence was from respondents from Southern and Central European countries (Romania, Poland, and Croatia, range: 0.5%-5.7%). Poorer self-rated health, older age, lower income, being female, and being obese had a lower likelihood of meeting the combined guideline. Most European adults do not meet the health-enhancing PA guideline that includes both aerobic PA and MSE.

Physical Activity in the Workplace: Does Just Working Meet Activity Recommendations?

Background: The physical activity (PA) health paradox hypothesizes that occupational physical activity (OPA) and leisure time PA have differential cardiovascular health effects due to increased cardiovascular load without adequate recovery; however, research describing worker PA lacks high-quality objective OPA measurement. This study aimed to objectively describe PA profiles of men reporting high OPA and make comparisons to aerobic PA and OPA recommendations. Methods: Male food service, material moving, health care, or maintenance workers wore activity (ActiGraph® and activPAL®) and heart rate monitors for 7 days. Participants recorded work, non-work, and sleep times in a diary. PA was operationalized as time spent in sedentary behavior, upright time, light, moderate, vigorous, and moderate-to-vigorous PA during work and non-work hours. PA profiles were described and compared with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention aerobic PA guidelines (≥21.4 minute/day) and OPA recommendations (<30 minute/hour upright and intensity of <30% heart rate reserve). Findings: Nineteen male workers (68% White, age = 46.6±7.9 years) were more active on workdays than non-workdays (sedentary: 492.3 vs. 629.7 minute/day; upright: 462.4 vs. 325.2 minute/day; moderate-to-vigorous PA: 72.4 vs. 41.5 minute/day, respectively; all p < .05). Most participants (17/19) achieved aerobic PA guidelines across all days with more achieving on workdays (19/19) than non-workdays (13/19). OPA often exceeded recommended limits with participants accumulating 39.6±12.2 minutes/work hour upright and 30.3±25.9% of working time >30% heart rate reserve. Conclusions/Application to Practice: Male workers reporting high OPA typically met aerobic PA guidelines but exceeded recommended OPA limits. The long-term health implications of such activity profiles should be investigated.

U.S. Older Adults' Participation in Balance Activities.

The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, second edition recommends that older adults do multicomponent physical activity, which includes balance training in addition to aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities. The authors estimated the prevalence of U.S. older adults (age ≥65years) who do balance activities and meet the aerobic and muscle-strengthening physical activity guidelines. The authors analyzed data on 1,012 respondents to the 2019 FallStyles survey, a nationwide web-based panel survey. Approximately four in 10 respondents (40.7%) reported doing balance activities on ≥1day/week, 34.0% on ≥2days/week, and 25.3% on ≥3days/week. Prevalence differed by sex, education level, income level, census region, body mass index category, and meeting the aerobic and/or muscle-strengthening guidelines. The combined prevalence of participation in balance activities and meeting aerobic and muscle-strengthening guidelines ranged from 12.0% for ≥3days/week to 15.8% for ≥1day/week. Opportunities exist to introduce and increase participation in balance and multicomponent activities by older adults.

Physical Activity and Body Mass Index (BMI) as Predictors of Health-related Quality of Life in Montana Adults

Background: Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is an important concept related to how health status affects a person’s life. Engaging in physical activity (PA) and maintaining healthy body weight are each linked to favorable HRQOL. However, the extent to which PA and body weight independently influence HRQOL is less known. The aim of this research was to examine how meeting PA guidelines and body mass index (BMI) affect a measure of HRQOL in adults. Methods: The Montana Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS, 2019) was used for this study. Three different PA guideline variables were used and included a two-level aerobic PA (APA) (met APA or did not meet APA) measure, a two-level muscle strengthening activity (MSA) (met MSA or did not meet MSA) measure, and a two-level PA guidelines (APA/MSA) (met both APA and MSA or did not meet both) measure. BMI was calculated from self-reported height and weight (kg/m2). HRQOL was assessed from a question asking participants to rate their general health with the following response options: “excellent”, “very good”, “good”, “fair” or “poor”. Multinomial logistic regression was used to examine the independent effects of PA and BMI on each HRQOL rating (relative to excellent) while controlling for sociodemographic variables. Results: Differences in HRQOL prevalence was seen within all sociodemographic variables except sex. Additionally, BMI was significantly (p Mean = 30.30, SE = 0.32) compared to those reporting excellent, very good or good health (Mean = 27.28, SE = 0.09), with a similar trend seen across all sociodemographic groups. The fully adjusted regression model including APA/MSA showed decreased odds of very good (OR = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.60 – 0.92), good (OR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.49 – 0.78), fair (OR = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.40 – 0.78), and poor health (OR = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.28 – 0.69) (relative to excellent health) for adults meeting both APA and MSA. In the same model, increased odds was seen for very good (OR = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.06 – 1.10), good (OR = 1.15, 95% CI: 1.13 – 1.18), fair (OR = 1.19, 95% CI: 1.16 – 1.23), and poor health (OR = 1.16, 95% CI: 1.12 – 1.21) (relative to excellent health) for each 1-unit increase in BMI (1.00 kg/m2). Similar findings were seen in the separate APA model but not the MSA model. Conclusion: This study found that meeting PA guidelines and BMI were both independently related to HRQOL in adults. However, meeting MSA showed lower effects and inconsistent effects on HRQOL. Health promotion specialists concerned with improving HRQOL should promote both APA and MSA guidelines along with healthy body weight behavior. Physical activity programming should consider APA a priority over MSA for improving HRQOL in Montana adults.

Relationship between Meeting Physical Activity Guideline Parameters and Body Mass Index (BMI) in Adults

Background: Physical activity (PA) and risk of obesity are inversely related in adult populations. However, the extent to which meeting different PA guidelines influence body mass index (BMI) is less known. The aim of this research was to examine how different PA guideline parameters affect BMI in adults. Methods: The Montana Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS, 2019) was used for this study. Four different PA guideline variables were used and included 1) 2-level aerobic PA (APA) (met APA or did not meet APA), 2) 2-level muscle strengthening activity (MSA) (met MSA or did not meet MSA), 3) 4-level PA (met both APA and MSA, met APA only, met MSA only, or met neither), and 4) 3-level APA categories (active, insufficiently active, or inactive). BMI was calculated from self-reported height and weight (kg/m2). Multiple linear regression was used to examine the effect of each PA guideline parameter on BMI while controlling for sociodemographic variables. Results: Findings showed that meeting the 2-level APA (slope (b) = -0.74 kg/m2, p < .0001) or the 2-level MSA (b = -0.75 kg/m2, p < .0001) guideline was associated with lower mean BMI. In the 4-level PA model, as compared to meeting neither guideline, meeting APA only (b = -0.58 kg/m2, p = .0119) or meeting both APA and MSA (b = -1.32 kg/m2, p < .0001) was associated with lower mean BMI. Meeting MSA only did not show significantly (p = .1748) different BMI from those meeting neither guideline. In the 3-level APA model, as compared to those categorized as inactive, those categorized as active (b = -0.91 kg/m2, p < .0001) had lower mean BMI. Those categorized as insufficiently active did not have significantly (p = .1748) different BMI from those categorized as inactive. Furthermore, the 4-level PA guidelines × sex interaction was significant (p = .030) and indicated lower mean BMI for females meeting either MSA only (b = -1.05 kg/m2, p = .0215), APA only (b = -1.14 kg/m2, p = .0014), or both APA and MSA (b = -1.84 kg/m2, p < .0001) guideline (p for trend < .0001). Whereas for males, only meeting both APA and MSA was associated with lower mean BMI (b = -0.77 kg/m2, p = .0077). Conclusion: This study found that meeting either APA or MSA guideline is associated with lower BMI in adults. However, sex-specific analyses indicate that this is true for females only and in dose-response fashion. Lower BMI in males is only associated with meeting both APA and MSA guidelines. Health promotion specialists concerned with obesity should understand the influence that each PA guideline has on relative body weight. Physical activity programming should promote both APA and MSA among adults in Montana.

Walking and Other Common Physical Activities Among Adults with Arthritis — United States, 2019

The numerous health benefits of physical activity include reduced risk for chronic disease and improved mental health and quality of life (1). Physical activity can improve physical function and reduce pain and fall risk among adults with arthritis, a group of approximately 100 conditions affecting joints and surrounding tissues (most commonly osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus) (1). Despite these benefits, the 54.6 million U.S. adults currently living with arthritis are generally less active than adults without arthritis, and only 36.2% of adults with arthritis are aerobically active (i.e., meet aerobic physical activity guidelines*) (2). Little is known about which physical activities adults with arthritis engage in. CDC analyzed 2019 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data to examine the most common nonwork-related physical activities among adults with arthritis who reported any physical activity during the past month, nationally and by state. In 2019, 67.2% of adults with arthritis reported engaging in physical activity in the past month; among these persons, the most commonly reported activities were walking (70.8%), gardening (13.3%), and weightlifting (7.3%). In 45 U.S. states, at least two thirds of adults with arthritis who engaged in physical activity reported walking. Health care providers can help inactive adults with arthritis become active and, by encouraging physical activity and referring these persons to evidence-based physical activity programs, improve their health and quality of life.