Amount Of Daily Physical Activity Research Articles

Mental Health Problems during the COVID-19 Pandemics and the Mitigation Effects of Exercise: A Longitudinal Study of College Students in China.

(1) Background: The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global public health emergency that has caused worldwide concern. Vast resources have been allocated to control the pandemic and treat patients. However, little attention has been paid to the adverse impact on mental health or effective mitigation strategies to improve mental health. (2) Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the adverse impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on Chinese college students’ mental health, understand the underlying mechanisms, and explore feasible mitigation strategies. (3) Methods: During the peak time of the COVID-19 outbreak in China, we conducted longitudinal surveys of sixty-six college students. Structured questionnaires collected information on demographics, physical activity, negative emotions, sleep quality, and aggressiveness level. A mixed-effect model was used to evaluate associations between variables, and the mediating effect of sleep quality was further explored. A generalized additive model was used to determine the dose-response relationships between the COVID-19 death count, physical activity, and negative emotions. (4) Results: The COVID-19 death count showed a direct negative impact on general sleep quality (β = 1.37, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 0.55, 2.19) and reduced aggressiveness (β = −6.57, 95% CI: −12.78, −0.36). In contrast, the COVID-19 death count imposed not a direct but an indirect impact on general negative emotions (indirect effect (IE) = 0.81, p = 0.012), stress (IE = 0.40, p < 0.001), and anxiety (IE = 0.27, p = 0.004) with sleep quality as a mediator. Moreover, physical activity directly alleviated general negative emotions (β = −0.12, 95% CI: −0.22, −0.01), and the maximal mitigation effect occurred when weekly physical activity was about 2500 METs. (5) Conclusions: (a) The severity of the COVID-19 outbreak has an indirect effect on negative emotions by affecting sleep quality. (b) A possible mitigation strategy for improving mental health includes taking suitable amounts of daily physical activity and sleeping well. (c) The COVID-19 outbreak has reduced people’s aggressiveness, probably by making people realize the fragility and preciousness of life.

The Association Between State Physical Education Laws and Student Physical Activity

This study examined the association between state physical education time requirements and physical activity and physical education outcomes among high school students. State physical education time requirement laws for 2004-2016 from the Classification of Laws Associated with School Students database were linked with 2005-2017 national Youth Risk Behavior Survey data using state and year identifiers. Analyses were conducted between 2018 and 2019 to assess associations between physical education time requirement laws and physical activity or physical education outcomes using multinomial logistic regressions, while controlling for sociodemographic characteristics, year-fixed effects, and state confounders. State laws requiring ≥90 minutes of physical education per week were associated with 3.1 percentage points lower probability of no days of physical activity ≥60 minutes (95% CI= -5.0, -1.1), 3.7 percentage points lower probability of no days of moderate exercise ≥30 minutes (95% CI= -6.2, -1.3), 4.2 percentage points lower probability of no days of vigorous exercise ≥20 minutes (95% CI= -5.2, -3.3), and 19.3 percentage points lower probability of not attending physical education class (95% CI= -34.4, -4.2). The laws were associated with a 2.4 percentage point higher probability of daily moderate exercise ≥30 minutes in male students (95% CI=0.6, 4.2) and a 3.4 percentage point higher probability in female students (95% CI=1.9, 4.9), with larger associations for female students (p<0.01). Findings from this study help support the role that physical education state requirements can play in enhancing adolescents' ability to meet recommended amounts of daily physical activity and the related public health benefits.

The Impact of Shorter, More Frequent Outdoor Play Periods on Preschoolers' Physical Activity during Childcare: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial.

Children’s physical activity levels are higher at the start of outdoor playtime, which suggests that shorter, more frequent play periods might result in greater amounts of daily physical activity. In this extension of the Supporting Physical Activity in the Childcare Environment (SPACE) cluster randomized controlled trial, we explored the impact of four 30-min daily outdoor unstructured play periods on preschoolers’ moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA). Experimental childcare centres (n = 6) implemented four 30-min daily outdoor playtimes for 8 weeks, while control centres (n = 6) maintained their two 60-min outdoor sessions. Actical™ accelerometers were used to measure preschoolers’ physical activity pre- and post-intervention for 5 days during childcare hours. Linear mixed effects models were used to determine the impact of the intervention on preschoolers’ MVPA. Of the 185 preschoolers enrolled (54.20% female; mean age = 39.90 months, SD = 7.24), 127 (65 experimental and 62 control) were included in the analysis (30% and 9% loss to follow-up for experimental and control group preschoolers, respectively). No significant differences in MVPA were observed between groups over time (p = 0.36). Preschoolers’ MVPA did not improve after the introduction of shorter outdoor play periods. The loss of data due to wear time noncompliance and participant attrition may have influenced these findings. Trial registration: ISRCTN70604107 (October 8, 2014).

A qualitative study examining the validity and comprehensibility of physical activity items: developed and tested in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis

BackgroundNot all physical activity (PA) questionnaires (PAQ) gather information regarding PA intensity, duration, and modes and only a few were developed specifically for children. We assessed children’s comprehensibility of items derived from two published PAQs used in children along with three items designed to ascertain PA intensity in order to assess comprehensibility of items and identify response errors. We modified items to create a new PAQ for children (ASCeND). We hypothesized that children would have comprehension difficulties with some original PAQ items and that ASCeND would be easier to comprehend, and would improve recall and reporting of PA.MethodsFor this qualitative study, we recruited 30 Swedish children [ages 10–16 years; mean age = 13.0 (SD = 1.8)]; median disease activity score = 4.5 (IQR 2.2–9.0); median disease duration = 5.0 (IQR 2.6–10.8) with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) from a children’s hospital-based rheumatology clinic. We conducted cognitive interviews to identify children’s comprehension of PAQ items. Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed, and independently analyzed. In phase one, 10 children were interviewed and items modified based on feedback. In phase two, an additional 20 children were interviewed to gather more feedback and further refine the modified items, to create the ASCeND.ResultsThe median interview time was 41 min (IQR 36–56). In phase one, 219 comments were generated regarding directions for recording PA duration, and transportation use, walking, dancing, weight-bearing exercise and cardio fitness. Based on feedback we modified the survey layout, clarified directions and collapsed or defined items to reduce redundancy. In phase two, 95 comments were generated. Most comments related to aerobic fitness and strenuous PA. Children had difficulty recalling total walking and other activities per day. Children used the weather on a particular day, sports practice, or gym schedules to recall time performing activities. The most comments regarding comprehension were generated about the 3-item PA intensity survey, suggesting children had problems responding to intensity items.ConclusionsThe newer layout facilitated recall of directions or efficiency in answering items. The 3-item intensity survey was difficult to answer. Sports-specific items helped children more accurately recall the amount of daily PA. The ASCeND appeared to be easy to answer and to comprehend.

A 12-week Intervention With Motivational Interviewing and Physical Activity Monitoring, to Enhance the Daily Amount of Physical Activity in Community Dwelling Older Adults - a Randomized Controlled Trial

A 12-week Intervention With Motivational Interviewing and Physical Activity Monitoring, to Enhance the Daily Amount of Physical Activity in Community Dwelling Older Adults - a Randomized Controlled Trial

Participation in school sports among children and adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis in the German National Paediatric Rheumatologic Database, 2000\u20132015: results from a prospective observational cohort study

BackgroundRegular school sports can help adolescents achieve the recommended amount of daily physical activity and provide knowledge, attitudes and behavioral skills that are needed in order to adopt and maintain a physically active lifestyle. Furthermore, it reaches all children including those that are at risk for engaging in more sedentary types of behavior. Since adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) are less involved in physical and social activities than their healthy peers, the objectives were to (1) estimate the prevalence of participation in school sports among patients with JIA; (2) determine the correlates associated with school sports absenteeism; and (3) investigate whether attendance in school sports has changed in the era of biologics.MethodsData from schoolchildren with JIA recorded in the German National Paediatric Rheumatologic Database (NPRD) in the years 2000 to 2015 were considered for the analyses. Data from the year 2015 were inspected to analyze correlates of school sports absenteeism. Whether school sports participation had changed between 2000 and 2015 was determined using linear mixed models.ResultsDuring the 15-year period, the participation rates in school sports were determined in 23,016 patients. The proportion of patients who participated in school sports almost always steadily increased from 31% in 2000 to 64% in 2015 (β = 0.017, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.015, 0.020), whereas the exemption rate simultaneously decreased from 44% in 2000 to 16% in 2015 [β = − 0.009, 95% CI -0.011, − 0.007]. In 2015, the data from 5879 patients (mean age 13.1 ± 3.3 years, female 65%, disease duration 5.9 ± 4.0 years, persistent oligoarthritis 37%) were available for evaluation. Full exemption from school sports (in 16.1% of cases) was associated with functional limitations, disease activity and any use of DMARDs, intra-articular glucocorticoid injections or physiotherapy.ConclusionsSchool sports attendance among children and adolescents with JIA has increased significantly over the past 15 years. Possible explanations include improved functional ability probably due to better treatment options. The integration of patients with child acceptable symptom states who have previously been fully exempted from school sports needs to be addressed in the future.

Association between physical activity, physical fitness and stress with bone mineral density of elderly: a narrative review

Introduction: Aging is a physiological process that decreases muscle, skeletal and autonomic capacity, which increases the likelihood of developing chronic diseases. In addition to these losses, stress can be an aggravating factor to senescence and may be indirectly identified by increased cortisol. Researches indicates that a good amount of daily physical activity and adequate levels of physical fitness can minimize age-related losses and minimize the impact on bone mineral density (BMD). Objective: to present how the level of physical activity, physical fitness and stress are associated with elderly people’s BMD. Methods: Pubmed and Medline databases were searched for scientific articles in Portuguese and English. The descriptors were: Stress, Physical Activity, Physical Fitness, Elderly and Bone Mineral Density. The research and the study of the scientific articles were carried out from October to December 2018. Conclusion: The level of moderate physical activity improves physical fitness and increases BMD. While high levels of cortisol contribute to decreased BMD.

Relationship between range of motion of foot joints and amount of physical activity in middle-aged male diabetic patients.

[Purpose] This study aimed to verify the relationship between foot range of motion and the amount of physical activity in diabetic patients. [Participants and Methods] There were twenty-eight male patients with diabetes (age ranged from 50 to 69 years old) and 10 healthy, non-diabetic male individuals within the same age range in the diabetes group and control group, respectively. The passive ranges of motion of the following joints were measured in the right foot of each participant: the ankle joint, the first metatarsophalangeal joint, and the subtalar joint. The amount of daily physical activity was estimated using the short Japanese version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. [Results] The mean range of motion of the ankle joints in the diabetic and control groups was 55.4 ± 8.4° and 69.1 ± 9.2°, respectively, whereas the mean range of motion of the first metatarsophalangeal joints in the diabetic and control groups was 82.9 ± 9.6° and 96.3 ± 8.9°, respectively. The diabetic group showed a significantly higher restriction in joint range of motion than did the control group. The amount of physical activity was a contributing factor toward the ankle range of motion according to multiple regression analysis. [Conclusion] We determined that the range of motion in the ankle joints of diabetic patients was affected by their level of physical activity.

No Association Between Active Commuting to School, Adiposity, Fitness, and Cognition in Spanish Children: The MOVI‐KIDS Study

Walking and bicycling (active commuting) to school may be a useful strategy to increase the daily amount of physical activity, and, potentially, improve children's health. However, it is unclear whether active commuting to school (ACS) has the potential to improve physical health and cognitive performance in children. Our aim was to examine the relationship between ACS with adiposity indicators, physical fitness, and cognitive performance in 4- to 7-year-old children. We conducted a cross-sectional study with 1159 children from the provinces of Cuenca and Ciudad Real, Spain. ACS was self-reported by parents. Adiposity (body mass index, waist circumference, body fat mass, and triceps skinfold thickness) and physical fitness (cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness) were measured by standard procedures. Cognitive performance was assessed using the Battery of General and Differential Aptitudes. Data analysis included analysis of covariance. We found no differences in adiposity, physical fitness, and cognitive performance between active commuters and nonactive commuters. Walking to school had no positive impact on adiposity, physical fitness, and cognition in 4- to 7-year-old children. Future studies should examine the intensity and duration of walking to school needed to provide benefits in health and cognitive performance.

Physical activity monitors to enhance the daily amount of physical activity in elderly\u2014a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundTo investigate the use of physical activity monitors (PAMs) for the elderly, the scientific literature should be systematically reviewed and the effect quantified, as the evidence seems inconclusive.Methods and designRandomized controlled trials and randomized crossover trials, with participants with a mean age above 65 years, comparing any PAM intervention with other control interventions or no intervention, will be included. This protocol is detailed according to the recommendations of the Cochrane Handbook, and it is reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols statement.ResultsWe will present results from the search in a flow diagram. The results from the analyses will include regular meta-analyses, stratified analyses, and meta-regressions. The results on each outcome of interest will be presented in a summary of findings table.DiscussionThis paper will explore and analyze the heterogeneity of the results and try to identify variables that will enhance the effect of PAMs in elderly. The results will be useful to researchers working with elderly and/or PAMs, health care professionals working with elderly, and relatives together with the elderly themselves.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO CRD42018083648.

Barriers to voluntary participation in sport for children: a systematic review

BackgroundNumerous studies have detailed the physical health benefits of children’s participation in sport and a growing body of research also highlights the benefits for mental health. Children who participate in sport have also been shown to be advantaged academically. However, despite the benefits there is evidence that children are leading increasingly sedentary lifestyles and are at greater risk of chronic disease than those with active lifestyles. Sport provides an important means for children to achieve their recommended amount of daily physical activity. This systematic review asks ‘what are those barriers to children’s participation in sport?’MethodsLiterature searches were carried out in June 2015 using; EMBASE, Medline, CINAHL and SportDiscus using the search terms barrier*, stop*, prevent*, participat*, taking part, Sports/, sport*, “physical education”, PE, child*, young person*, adolescen*. These were supplemented with hand searches. A total of 3434 records were identified of which 22 were suitable for inclusion in the review, two additional studies were identified from Google Scholar in November 2016. Both qualitative and quantitative studies were included. Study’s included in the review assessed children up to 18 years of age. Study quality was assessed using Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) tools.ResultsStudies took place in the school environment (n = 14), sports club (n = 1), community setting (n = 8) and adolescent care setting (n = 1). Frequently reported barriers across quantitative studies were ‘time’ (n = 4), ‘cost’ (n = 3), ‘opportunity/accessibility’ (n = 3) and ‘friends’ (n = 2). Frequently reported barriers across qualitative studies were ‘time’ (n = 6), 'cost' (n = 5), 'not being good at sport' (n = 6) and ‘fear of being judged/embarrassed’ (n = 6).ConclusionPolicy makers, parents and teachers should all be aware that ‘cost’ and ‘time’ are key barriers to participation in sport. More local sports opportunities are needed where costs are reduced. Schools and local clubs could better work together to provide more affordable local opportunities to increase children’s participation in sport.

Variation In Daily Physical Activity During An Exercise Intervention Period In Older Adult Japanese

Previous studies have reported that healthy middle-aged adults spend less time on physical activity during the weekend than during the weekday. However, there are few reports about this topic that include older Japanese adults. PURPOSE: To examine variation in the amount of daily physical activity during an exercise intervention for older Japanese adults. Variations between the sexes were also examined in this study. METHODS: Forty-one healthy adults (female: n = 24; male: n = 17; age: 73.2 ± 7.3 years) participated in an exercise intervention (UMIN000020678). The exercise program was conducted once a week for 3 months. Daily physical activity was measured using three-axis accelerometers (OMRON: HJA-750C). Physical activity data were categorized into two types: locomotive or household activity. For each day of the week, we compared locomotive and household activity between male and female participants using one-way ANOVA. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: For all participants, physical activity amounts for each day of the week (Monday-Sunday) was 21.7-23.0 Mets[BULLET OPERATOR]h/day. There were no significant (P < 0.05) differences among the days of the week. The average total amount of daily physical activity through all 7 days of the week was higher for female subjects (24.2 ± 4.5 Mets[BULLET OPERATOR]h/day) than for male participants (20.0 ± 3.9 Mets[BULLET OPERATOR]h/day). The average amount of locomotive activity was higher for male participants (5.42 ± 1.81 Mets[BULLET OPERATOR]h/day) than for female participants (4.8 ± 2.0 Mets[BULLET OPERATOR]h/day). However, the average amount of household activity was higher for female participants (19.3 ± 3.7 Mets[BULLET OPERATOR]h/day) than for male participants (14.6 ± 3.5 Mets[BULLET OPERATOR]h/day). CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that there is no significant variation in daily physical activity amounts in older Japanese adults during our exercise intervention. Furthermore, female participants in this intervention had higher total amounts of daily physical activity because of higher household physical activity amounnts, even though male participants had higher locomotor activity.

Functional Capacity Of Gastrointestinal Cancer Patients - A Pre-therapy Comparison To Breast Cancer Patients And Healthy Women

PURPOSE: Many studies of cancer patients report that frailty, cachexia and decreased physical function during chemotherapy (CT) predict a higher mortality risk. Although a high prevalence of these symptoms in gastrointestinal (GI) cancer patients is known, there is almost no data on functional status and body composition in this population. The aim of the study is to asses and compare the pre-therapy motor performance of advanced GI cancer patients in contrast to breast cancer patients and healthy controls. METHODS: In a 3-arm cross-sectional study female patients with advanced cancer (UICC ≥ III) (GI: n=17; 70.1±3.1 yrs; BMI 23.6±5.3 kg/m2; breast: n=17; 66.9±2.3 yrs; BMI 23.6±3.8 kg/m2) before first-line CT and 17 healthy age-matched women (69.4±1.4 yrs; BMI 24.2±3.3 kg/m2) are examined. Body composition was obtained from bioelectrical impedance analysis. The amount of daily physical activity (steps; MVPA/min·wk-1) was calculated from accelerometer (Actigraph) readings. A capacitive force platform (Zebris) was used for gait speed recordings during free level walking. Maximal isometric voluntary contraction force (MIVF) of the quadriceps muscle was assessed by a strain gauge force transducer (ASYS). RESULTS: ANOVA with post-hoc test and Bonferroni correction show significant differences in outcome measures of GI cancer patients compared to breast cancer patients and healthy women. GI cancer patients show lower values in phase angle (4.5±0.8°; 5.4±0.4°; 5.3±0.5°; p<.01) and isometric strength (5.5±2.2; 9.1±3.3; 8.4±1.8 N/kg; p<.01). Steps per day (3125±2396; 8703±4104 stp, p<.001), moderate to vigorous activity (7.3±11.9; 36.9±28.5 MVPA/min·wk-1; p=.001) and gait speed (3.5±1.1; 4.9±0.6 km/h; p<.001) are decreased compared to healthy women. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with advanced GI cancers demonstrate sufficient deficits in functional status and motor performance before CT compared to advanced breast cancer patients and healthy women. Gait speed, phase angle and force are below cut-off values for low prognosis of survival and may reflect a diminished tolerance of CT. Measures to improve muscle status, physical function and its effects on treatment is warranted in patients with advanced GI cancers.

298. Peripheral inflammation, Physical Activity and Cognition in Bipolar Disorder

Author(s): Dev, Sheena Isha | Advisor(s): Eyler, Lisa T | Abstract: Rationale: Bipolar disorder (BD) is associated with deficits in executive functions and processing speed, yet little is known about risk factors that contribute to the development and sustainment of these deficits. Studies have demonstrated chronic inflammation, characterized by high levels of pro-inflammatory interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP), and reduced physical activity in BD. Both chronic inflammation and low physical activity are linked to cognitive deficits in other clinical populations, though less is known about these associations in BD. The current dissertation project proposed to a) explore associations between cognition, inflammation and physical activity in BD; and b) examine potential lagged influences between variable mood symptoms, a primary clinical feature of BD, and the amount of daily physical activity exhibited.Design: Thirty-eight BD and 68 healthy comparison participants underwent psychiatric interview, neuropsychological assessment of executive functioning and processing speed, and a 15ml blood draw analyzed for blood serum concentration of IL-6 and CRP. For the following two weeks, participants submitted thrice-daily mood ratings on a smartphone device and wore an actigraphy watch designed to measure physical activity. Linear regression analyses determined associations between inflammation, cognition, and physical activity. Mixed effects linear regression determined the impact of mood on subsequent levels of physical activity. Results: BD patients exhibited worse executive functioning and processing speed, less physical activity, and greater levels of IL-6 and CRP; higher BMI in the BD group appeared to explain group differences in inflammation and physical activity. There were no significant associations between inflammation, physical activity, and cognition in BD. Further, mood ratings did not predict subsequent levels of physical activity exhibited by BD individuals. Conclusion: This study is among the first to examine relationships between inflammation, physical activity, and cognition in BD. Results suggest that inflammation and physical activity are not significant correlates of cognition in middle-aged BD individuals, and daily mood ratings do not predict next-day physical activity. Future studies are needed to better understand individual differences in cognitive performance in BD, as well as associations between inflammation and physical activity, in order to develop targeted treatment strategies aimed to reduce functional disability in this population.

Time to \u2018re-think\u2019 physical activity promotion for young people? Results from a repeated cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between knowledge of the current UK physical activity (PA) guidelines and amount of daily PA using a sample population of 11–16 year olds in Northern Ireland.MethodsCross-sectional survey data from the 2010 and 2013 Young Persons’ Behaviour and Attitudes Survey of 10,790 young people provided information on PA, knowledge of guidelines and socio-demographic characteristics. Multinomial logistic regression was used to investigate the associations between knowledge and amount of daily PA.ResultsResults from 2013 showed 67.0% of respondents were aware of PA guidelines with 15.4% reporting meeting them. Males were more likely to meet PA guidelines than females (OR 3.36, 95% CI 2.47, 4.59). Males who were active for 60 min or more, 7 days per week were less likely to be aware of guidelines (OR = 1.51, 95% CI 1.02, 2.24). For females, knowledge of PA guidelines had no significant association with amount of daily PA (OR = 1.74, 95% CI 0.99, 3.07). Those who did not enjoy being active were less likely to meet the guidelines (OR = 0.05, 95% CI 0.02, 0.12).ConclusionsKnowledge did not appear to be an important predictor of PA in young people. Consequently, threshold based messaging containing recommended minimum PA guideline information may not be appropriate for this age group. Re-branding PA promotion to include the use of humour may offer a new direction for public health messaging based around fun and enjoyment.

HealtheSteps\u2122 Study Protocol: a pragmatic randomized controlled trial promoting active living and healthy lifestyles in at-risk Canadian adults delivered in primary care and community-based clinics

BackgroundPhysical inactivity is one of the leading causes of chronic disease in Canadian adults. With less than 50% of Canadian adults reaching the recommended amount of daily physical activity, there is an urgent need for effective programs targeting this risk factor. HealtheSteps™ is a healthy lifestyle prescription program, developed from an extensive research base to address risk factors for chronic disease such as physical inactivity, sedentary behaviour and poor eating habits. HealtheSteps™ participants are provided with in-person lifestyle coaching and access to eHealth technologies delivered in community-based primary care clinics and health care organizations.Method/DesignTo determine the effectiveness of Healthesteps™, we will conduct a 6-month pragmatic randomized controlled trial with integrated process and economic evaluations of HealtheSteps™ in 5 clinic settings in Southwestern Ontario. 110 participants will be individually randomized (1:1; stratified by site) to either the intervention (HealtheSteps™ program) or comparator (Wait-list control). There are 3 phases of the HealtheSteps™ program, lasting 6 months each. The active phase consists of bi-monthly in-person coaching with access to a full suite of eHealth technology supports. During the maintenance phase I, the in-person coaching will be removed, but participants will still have access to the full suite of eHealth technology supports. In the final stage, maintenance phase II, access to the full suite of eHealth technology supports is removed and participants only have access to publicly available resources and tools.DiscussionThis trial aims to determine the effectiveness of the program in increasing physical activity levels and improving other health behaviours and indicators, the acceptability of the HealtheSteps™ program, and the direct cost for each person participating in the program as well as the costs associated with delivering the program at the different community sites. These results will inform future optimization and scaling up of the program into additional community-based primary care sites.Trial registrationNCT02413385 (Clinicaltrials.gov). Date Registered: April 6, 2015.

Objective assessment of station approach routes: Development and reliability of an audit for walking environments around metro stations in China

Abstract Transit users may achieve the recommended amount of daily physical activity solely by walking to and from transit stations. However, there are few objective assessments of the configuration and quality of walking environments of the station approaching routes in high density built environments. This problem is acute in many developing countries and in China in particular. Twenty-Five Chinese cities have built up 87 urban rail transit lines during last 6 years. These developments have not been generally accompanied by integration of walking environments with the transit stations. In this paper, we develop a 67-item urban rail walking access scan tool to measure the walking environments of access routes to urban rail transit. We explain and justify an original instrumental design and conduct reliability tests. We apply it to stations located in different urban contexts of a medium-high density city of Nanchang, China. Most items demonstrate substantial to perfect level of inter-rater reliability (Kappa or ICC>0.6; the testing was on 174 station-approaching road segments), and above moderate intra-rater reliability (Kappa or ICC>0.4; the testing was on 90 segments). Micro-scale environmental data of 756 train-station approaching streets are collected. We offer the instrument as a reliable, practical and easy-to-use tool for urban planner and designer in high density environments to understand and re-engineer the urban design around new transit stations as a means of facilitating the adoption of transit as a preferred active mode of travel.

Positive association between physical activity and PER3 expression in older adults

The circadian clock regulates many physiological functions including physical activity and feeding patterns. In addition, scheduled exercise and feeding themselves can affect the circadian clock. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the relationship between physical/feeding activity and expression of clock genes in hair follicle cells in older adults. Twenty adult men (age, 68 ± 7 years, mean ± SE) were examined in this cross-sectional study. Prior to hair follicle cell collection, the participants were asked to wear a uniaxial accelerometer for one week. The timings of breakfast, lunch, and dinner were also recorded. Hair follicle cells were then collected over a 24 h period at 4 h intervals. The amplitude of PER3 expression was positively correlated with moderate and vigorous physical activity (r = 0.582, p = 0.007) and peak oxygen uptake (r = 0.481, p = 0.032), but these correlations were not observed for NR1D1 or NR1D2. No association was noted between meal times and the amplitude or the acrophase for any of these three clock genes. These findings suggest that rhythmic expression of the circadian clock gene PER3 is associated with the amount of daily physical activity and physical fitness in older adults.

Nintento Wii as an educational implement. Reality or fiction?

The current society is in constant evolution in search of new methodologies that allow an integral formation of the students. The current scientific evidence has corroborated that one way to stimulate cognitive function is through the usual practice of physical activity (PA). It has been shown that the inclusion of play activities such as exergames (EX) during the academic day, helps to increase the amount of daily PA, as well as to improve socialization and cognitive performance. The aim of this research is to review if PA practice through the use of the Nintendo Wii console positively influences on cognition of children and adolescents. In conclusion, the practice of EX, and specifically the Nintendo Wii, can be key in the improvement of cognitive and academic performance.

Different Amounts of Physical Activity Measured by Pedometer and the Associations With Health Outcomes in Adults.

Physical activity level is an important tool to identify individuals predisposed to developing chronic diseases, which represent a major concern worldwide. To identify correlates of daily step counts measured using pedometers, as well as analyze the associations between health outcomes and 3 different amounts of daily physical activity. The sample comprised 278 participants (126 men and 153 women) with a mean age of 46.51 ± 9.02 years. Physical activity was assessed using pedometers for 7 consecutive days, and 3 amounts of daily physical activity were considered: ≥10,000 steps/day, ≥7500 steps/day, and <5000 steps/day. Sleep quality was assessed through a questionnaire, and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry was used to measure body fat. Sociodemographic and anthropometric data were also collected. The percentages of adults achieving at least 10,000 and 7500 steps/day on a minimum of 5 days of the evaluated week were 12.9% and 30.9%, respectively. Adults who reached ≥7500 steps/day had a lower likelihood of being obese (odds ratio [OR] = 0.38, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.17-0.85) and reporting worse sleep quality (OR = 0.58, 95% CI, 0.34-0.99). Adults who reached <5000 steps/day had a higher likelihood of reporting worse sleep quality (OR = 2.11, 95% CI, 1.17-3.82). Physical activity in adulthood, as measured by pedometer, constituted a behavior related to lower adiposity and better sleep quality.