Association Of Physical Activity Levels Research Articles

Association of Physical Activity Level, Income and Environmental Factors Among Chinese Adults

The purpose of this study was to evaluate associations between physical activity level and income and environmental factors among chinese adults. Through the empirical study of the survey data, it is found that: (1) after controlling for the relevant variables, residents' income has a positive impact on residents' participation in physical activities, and the regression coefficient is 0.541 (P < 0.01) (2) In the regression model after adding environmental variables, the regression coefficient of environmental variables increased from 0.401 (P < 0.01) to the highest 1.32 (P < 0.01) (3) Through the comparison of the KHB decomposition method, the intermediary effect of residents' income on environmental factors and participation in physical activities is 0.134 (P < 0.01), and the intermediary effect ratio is 27.01%. Suggestions: first, the government and society should actively provide public goods needed for physical activities to meet the needs of residents for physical activities; second, the government should strengthen the supply of sports facilities in residential areas, speed up the transformation of villages in cities and improve the living conditions in residential areas; third, through legislation to protect residents' income, improving income is not only to give citizens enough sense of security and happiness but also a way to improve residents' participation in physical activities.

The Association Between Physical Activity Level and Severity of Knee Osteoarthritis: A Single Centre Study in Saudi Arabia.

Background and aimKnee osteoarthritis (OA) is a disabling joint disease that results in degeneration of the joint cartilage. Many studies demonstrate the risk factors and complications of knee osteoarthritis, but how physical activity impacts the osteoarthritis severity needs to be studied. The study aimed to assess the impact and association of physical activity level with the severity of knee osteoarthritis among patients attending a single center in the Aseer region, southwest Saudi Arabia.MethodsAn analytical cross-sectional study was conducted targeting all patients clinically diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis in the Aseer region from June 2021 to September 2021. Data was collected using a pre-structured online questionnaire. The questionnaire included patients' socio-demographic data and clinical data on knee osteoarthritis. The level of physical activity was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). The severity of knee osteoarthritis was assessed using the index of severity for osteoarthritis of the knee.ResultsOut of 473 patients clinically diagnosed with knee OA, only 145 patients met our inclusion criteria. Patients' ages ranged from 35 years to 71 years, with a mean age of 44.3 (±12.9) years. A total of 122 (84.1%) patients were females. Sixty-five (44.8%) patients complained of knee OA for less than two years, 46 (31.7%) for two to five years, and 34 (23.4%) were diagnosed for more than five years. A total of 96 (66.2%) had a low level of physical activity, 32 (22.1%) had a moderate level of physical activity, while 17 (11.7%) had a high level of physical activity. Thirty-eight (26.2%) cases complained of extremely severe knee OA, 37 (25.5%) had very severe knee OA, 28 (19.3%) complained of severe knee OA, 36 (24.9%) had mild to moderate knee OA, while six (4.1%) had minimal knee OA. There was a significant beneficial effect of physical activity on the severity of knee OA.ConclusionThe study revealed that physical activity, especially at high levels, was associated with lower knee OA severity which means a beneficial effect. Most of the patients included in the study had severe to extremely severe knee OA with low physical activity levels.

Physical Activity Level and Its Association with Mental Health and Quality of Life in Females during Menses

Background: During a normal menstrual cycle, the lining of a woman's uterus sheds. This cycle is part of a woman's reproductive system and prepares the body for a possible pregnancy. It is also called a period, menses or cycle. A menstrual cycle is considered to begin on the first day of a period. The average cycle is 28 days long; however, a cycle can range in length from 21 days to about 35 days. Girls start menstruating at the average age of 12, but it can range from 8-16 years. The most common symptoms that is been seen during menses are Moodiness, Trouble sleeping, Food cravings, Cramps in the lower abdomen and back. Physical activity plays a key role in maintaining or improving an individual’s wellness. Physical activity (PA) is beneficial for women’s health as it is associated with a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease; breast and colon cancers; type 2 diabetes; osteoporosis; and other adverse health outcomes and also reduces the risk of depression and perceived stress levels. Some women report low physical activity level and energy level during the time of menses. Data from various literatures suggests that there is high prevalence of anemia in India and during menses, due blood loss, the severity level increases. During menses, due to blood loss, hormonal level fluctuations, there occurs extreme pain, mood swings, social stigma as a part of culture; all this alters the mental health status and quality of life. Purpose of the study: To determine the Physical activity level in females during menses. The objective is to find the association of Physical activity level with mental health and quality of life. Methodology: A google form was shared in whatsapp consisting of all 3 questionnaires (IAPQ- International Physical activity questionnaire short form), Quality of life was assessed through (WHOBREF). Mental health was assessed by General health questionnaire (GH-12).The consent and details of the study were also mentioned in the form. All the data were analysed. Results: A total 100 responses were analyzed and out of that 55% were physically active and remaining 45% were inactive. For the association of PA level with quality of life and mental health status, there was a significant association (p&lt;0.05) Conclusions: The overall PA level is 55% in this study. There is also positive influence of PA on general health aspects. Given that a proper understanding of physical activity and doing it on a regular basis can be effective in the health and life of young women and also improving the mental health status and overall quality of life. Keywords: Physical activity, mental health and Quality of life. Keywords:[Physical activity, Mental health, Quality of life, Menses]

Small steps, strong shield: directly measured, moderate physical activity in 65 361 adults is associated with significant protective effects from severe COVID-19 outcomes

ObjectiveTo determine the association between directly measured physical activity and hospitalisation, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, ventilation and mortality rates in patients with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19.MethodsDirectly measured physical...

Physical activity and carotid atherosclerosis risk reduction in population with high risk for cardiovascular diseases: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundDecreased physical activity had been reported to be a common causal and modifiable risk factor for major vascular events. However, the relationship of physical activity and sedentary leisure time with carotid atherosclerosis in population with high risk for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) is still inconclusive. We aimed to evaluate the association of physical activity and sedentary leisure time with the risk of carotid atherosclerosis, and investigate any possible effect modifiers in population with high risk for CVDs.Methods The study population was drawn from the China Patient-Centered Evaluative Assessment of Cardiac Events (PEACE) Million Persons Project-Jiangsu project, which is a population-based screening project that included permanent residents aged 35-75 years from 6 surveillance cities in Jiangsu Province. Linear regression models were used to evaluate the association of physical activity and sedentary leisure time with carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT). The risks of abnormal carotid artery and carotid plaque (CP) were estimated by odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using logistic regression.ResultsOverall, a total of 10,920 participants were enrolled in the final analysis. There was a significant inverse association of physical activity level with CIMT (per SD increase: β=-0.0103; 95%CI: -0.0154, -0.0053). The risk of abnormal carotid artery and CP decreased significantly with the increase of physical activity level (per SD increase: OR=0.908, 95%CI: 0.869-0.948; OR=0.900, 95%CI: 0.857-0.945, respectively). When physical activity level was categorized as quartiles, a significantly lower risk of abnormal carotid artery and CP was found in quartiles 2-4 with quartile 1 as reference (P<0.05 for all). Furthermore, the inverse association were stronger in participants with age ≥60 years (vs. <60 years, Pinteraction<0.001 for both). However, there were no significant association of sedentary leisure time with CIMT, abnormal carotid artery and CP.ConclusionsIn population with high risk for CVDs, physical activity was inversely associated with CIMT, abnormal carotid artery and CP, particularly among the elders. Sedentary leisure time was not associated with them. These results suggested that physical activity is important for carotid vascular health, and perhaps especially in elder population.

Association of physical activity level with body composition in 12-14 years old children: A pilot study

Objective: The prevalence of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents increased dramatically. Reduced regular physical activity (PA) is considered one of the major factors behind this worldwide epidemic and related health problems. This study aimed to determine the association between PA level and body composition components in 12-14 years old girls and boys living in Altındağ district, Ankara. Materials and methods: A total of 234 boys and 224 girls aged 12-14 years participated in this study. PA level was assessed by the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children (PAQ-C) and body composition was measured by bioelectric impedance. Two-way ANOVA with Bonferroni post hoc test and Pearson Correlation Coefficient tests were used in data analysis. Results: Findings of the study showed that children aged 12 years had higher total PA score than aged 13 and 14 years (p&lt;0.05), showing decreased PA level with age. Boys had significantly higher total PA score in all age groups than girls (p&lt;0.05). Girls with healthy weight and overweight showed significantly higher total PA score than girls with obesity. Girls had higher fat mass and body fat percentage than boys in all age groups (p&lt;0.05). Fat mass was inversely associated with total PA score in all age groups (12 years old r=-0.28; p&lt;0.001, 13 years old r=-0.16; p=0.047, 14 years old r=-0.21; p=0.007). Conclusions: PA participation of children declines with age. Reduced PA level is significantly associated with increased fat mass, indicating the importance of PA in maintaining a healthy weight in this age group.

Association of physical activity levels and prevalence of major degenerative diseases: Evidence from the national health and nutrition examination survey (NHANES) 1999-2018.

Degenerative diseases are associated with lower healthy life expectancy and higher mortality. Physical activity (PA) has demonstrated a fundamental role in the prevention and control of several pathologies associated to the aging process. The aim of this study was to analyze the association of PA with the prevalence of sarcopenia, osteoporosis and osteoarthritis in non-institutionalized American population. Cross-sectional study carried out in participants aged ≥50years from the 1999-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Sarcopenia was defined using appendicular lean mass adjusted for body mass index (ALM:BMI; men <0.789kg/m2, women <0.512kg/m2). Osteoporosis was defined as bone mineral density T-score ≤-2.5 of femur neck. Osteoarthritis and PA were self-reported, and total PA was used to classify participants in groups. The Odds Ratios among the different PA levels for each disease were examined. Performing at least 150 MET-min/week of PA was associated with reduced odds for sarcopenia; performing >1800 MET-min/week was associated with reduced odds for osteoporosis; and performing 150-1800 MET-min/week of PA was associated with reduced odds for osteoarthritis after adjust the results by several confounders. The benefits of PA in sarcopenia, osteoporosis, and osteoarthritis prevention are evident among Americans aged ≥50years.

Association of Physical Activity Level With Risk of Dementia in a Nationwide Cohort in Korea

Current guidelines recommend 500 to 999 metabolic equivalent (MET)-minutes per week (MET-min/wk) of regular physical activity. However, evidence regarding the association between light-intensity physical activity (LPA) and dementia in older adults is inconsistent. To assess the association between physical activity and new-onset dementia, focusing on the dose-response association between physical activity and dementia and the association of LPA with the incidence of dementia. For this nationwide retrospective cohort study, we analyzed 62 286 participants aged 65 years or older without preexisting dementia who had available health checkup data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service database from January 2009 to December 2012. Participants were followed up until December 31, 2013, and data analysis was performed from July 2020 to January 2021. Physical activity level was assessed using a standardized, self-reported questionnaire at baseline. Physical activity-related energy expenditure (in MET-min/wk) was calculated by summing the product of frequency, intensity, and duration. Incidence of dementia. Incidence rates were calculated by dividing the number of events by the person-time at risk (presented as the incidence per 1000 person-years). Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs for dementia were analyzed according to physical activity level. Competing risk regression was performed by using the Fine-Gray subdistribution hazard model, with mortality as the competing risk for dementia events. Multivariable regression models were constructed with adjustment for various patient characteristics. Incident dementia occurring 2 years after enrollment was assessed, and separate analyses included all follow-up periods. Restricted cubic spline curves were used to examine the association of continuous values of physical activity with dementia. Among 62 286 participants, 60.4% were women, and the mean (SD) age was 73.2 (5.3) years. During a median follow-up of 42 months, 3757 participants (6.0%) developed dementia, and the overall incidence was 21.6 per 1000 person-years. Compared with inactive individuals (0 MET-min/wk), insufficiently active (1-499 MET-min/wk; mean, 284 MET-min/wk), active (500-999 MET-min/wk; mean, 675 MET-min/wk), and highly active participants (≥1000 MET-min/wk; mean, 1627 MET-min/wk) showed 10% (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 0.90; 95% CI, 0.81-0.99), 20% (adjusted HR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.71-0.92), and 28% (adjusted HR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.60-0.83) reduced dementia risk, respectively. Thus, a progressive decrease in the adjusted HR of dementia was associated with increasing physical activity level, and a restricted cubic spline curve showed that this association started with a low amount of total physical activity. This association was consistent regardless of age, sex, and other comorbidities or after censoring for stroke. Compared with total sedentary behavior, even a low amount of LPA (1-299 MET-min/wk; mean, 189 MET-min/wk) was associated with reduced dementia risk (adjusted HR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.74-0.99). In older adults, an increased physical activity level, including a low amount of LPA, was associated with a reduced risk of dementia. Promotion of LPA might reduce the risk of dementia in older adults.

Associations of obesity, physical activity level, inflammation and cardiometabolic health with COVID-19 mortality: a prospective analysis of the UK Biobank cohort

ObjectivesTo investigate the associations of physical activity level with COVID-19 mortality risk across body mass index (BMI) categories, and to determine whether any protective association of a higher physical activity...

Physical inactivity and headache disorders: Cross-sectional analysis in the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil).

Physical inactivity has been linked to headache disorders but estimates based on the current World Health Organization physical activity guidelines are unknown. To test the associations between headache disorders and physical inactivity in the ELSA-Brasil cohort. In a cross-sectional analysis, linear (continuous variables) and logistic regression models (categorical variables) tested the associations of physical activity levels in the leisure time, commuting time, and combined leisure time physical activity + commuting time physical activity domains with headache disorders, adjusted for the effects of sociodemographic data, cardiovascular risk variables, psychiatric disorders, and migraine prophylaxis medication. Of 15,105 participants, 14,847 (54.4% women) provided data on physical activity levels and headache. Higher physical activity levels (continuous values) in the leisure time physical activity domain associated with lower migraine and tension-type headache occurrence and lower headache attack frequency, while in the commuting time physical activity domain it associated with more frequent headache attacks. Compared to people who met World Health Organization physical activity levels in the leisure time physical activity or combining leisure time physical activity + commuting time physical activity domains (i.e. ≥150 min.wk-1 of moderate and/or ≥75 min.wk-1 of vigorous physical activity), physical inactivity associated with higher migraine occurrence, while somewhat active (i.e. not meeting World Health Organization recommendations) associated with higher migraine and tension-type headache occurrence. Physical inactivity in the commuting time physical activity domain associated with higher tension-type headache in men and lower migraine in women. Physical inactivity within vigorous leisure time physical activity intensity, but not moderate leisure time physical activity, associated with higher migraine, mostly in women. Finally, physical inactivity associated with higher headache attack frequency regardless headache subtype. Physical inactivity and unmet World Health Organization physical activity levels associate with primary headaches, with heterogeneous associations regarding headache subtype, sex, physical activity domain/intensity, and headache frequency in the ELSA-Brasil study.

Levels of physical activity and its association with antigravity muscles.

This study was conducted to determine the association of physical activity levels with the strength of antigravity muscles in medical students of Isra University, Islamabad. An analytical cross sectional survey was conducted on 200 medical students of Isra University, Islamabad, aged between 17-25 years. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire- Short Form 7 (IPAQ-SF-7) was used to determine the physical activity levels, while Manual Muscle Testing (MMT) was used for evaluating the strength of antigravity muscles. The mean age of the study participants was 21.27±1.784. Of the 200 participants, 155 (77.5%) were females and 45 (22.5%) were males. A significant association was found between physical activity levels and the antigravity muscles' strength (p<0.001). This study concluded that physical activity levels were significantly associated with the strength of the antigravity muscles in medical students.

Association of physical activity levels and the prevalence of COVID-19-associated hospitalization

ObjectivesWe compared physical activity levels before the outbreak and quarantine measures with COVID-19-associated hospitalization prevalence in surviving patients infected with SARS-CoV-2. Additionally, we investigated the association of physical activity levels with symptoms of the disease, length of hospital stay, and mechanical ventilation. DesignObservational, cross-sectional. MethodsBetween June 2020 and August 2020, we invited Brazilian survivors and fully recovered patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 to respond to an online questionnaire. We shared the electronic link to the questionnaire on the internet. We collected data about clinical outcomes (symptoms, medications, hospitalization, and length of hospital stay) and cofactors, such as age, sex, ethnicity, preexisting diseases, socioeconomic and educational, and physical activity levels using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ short version). ResultsOut of 938 patients, 91 (9.7%) were hospitalized due to COVID-19. In a univariate analysis, sex, age, and BMI were all associated with hospitalizations due to COVID-19. Men had a higher prevalence of hospitalization (66.6%, p = 0.013). Patients older than 65 years, obese, and with preexisting disease had a higher prevalence of COVID-19-related hospitalizations. In a multivariate regression model, performance of at least 150 min/wk (moderate) and/or 75 min/wk (vigorous) physical activity was associated with a lower prevalence of hospitalizations after adjustment for age, sex, BMI, and preexisting diseases (PR = 0.657; p = 0.046). ConclusionsSufficient physical activity levels were associated with a lower prevalence of COVID-19-related hospitalizations. Performing at least 150 min a week of moderate-intensity, or 75 min a week of vigorous-intensity physical activity was associated with 34.3% reduction in prevalence.

Associations of Physical Activity Level and Variability With 6-Month Weight Change Among 26,935 Users of Connected Devices: Observational Real-Life Study.

BackgroundPhysical activity (PA) is a modifiable lifestyle factor that can be targeted to increase energy expenditure and promote weight loss. However, the amount of PA required for weight loss remains inconsistent. Wearable activity trackers constitute a valuable opportunity to obtain objective measurements of PA and study large populations in real-life settings.ObjectiveWe aim to study the associations of initial device-assessed PA characteristics (average step counts and step count variability) and their evolution with 6-month weight change.MethodsWe analyzed data from 26,935 Withings-connected device users (wearable activity trackers and digital scales). To assess the initial PA characteristics and their 6-month changes, we used data recorded during the first and sixth 30-day periods of activity tracker use. For each of these periods, we used the monthly mean of daily step values as a proxy for PA level and derived the monthly coefficient of variation (CV) of daily step values to estimate PA level variability. Associations between initial PA characteristics and 6-month weight change were assessed using multivariable linear regression analyses controlled for age, sex, blood pressure, heart rate, and the predominant season. Restricted cubic spline regression was performed to better characterize the continuous shape of the associations between PA characteristics and weight change. Secondary analyses were performed by analyzing the 6-month evolution of PA characteristics in relation to weight change.ResultsOur results revealed that both a greater PA level and lower PA level variability were associated with weight loss. Compared with individuals who were initially in the sedentary category (<5000 steps/day), individuals who were low active (5000-7499 steps/day), somewhat active (7500-9999 steps/day), and active (≥10,000 steps/day) had a 0.21-kg, a 0.52-kg, and a 1.17-kg greater decrease in weight, respectively (95% CI −0.36 to −0.06, −0.70 to −0.33, and −1.42 to −0.93, respectively). Compared with users whose PA level CV was >63%, users whose PA level CV ranged from 51% to 63%, 40% to 51%, and was ≤40%, had a 0.19-kg, a 0.23-kg, and a 0.33-kg greater decrease in weight, respectively (95% CI −0.38 to −0.01, −0.41 to −0.04, and −0.53 to −0.13, respectively). We also observed that each 1000 steps/day increase in PA level over the 6-month follow-up was associated with a 0.26-kg (95% CI −0.29 to −0.23) decrease in weight. No association was found between the 6-month changes in PA level variability and weight change.ConclusionsOur results add to the current body of knowledge that health benefits can be observed below the 10,000 steps/day threshold and suggest that not only increased mean PA level but also greater regularity of the PA level may play important roles in short-term weight loss.

Association of physical activity levels and brain white matter in older Latino adults

ABSTRACT Objective Investigate the associations between self-reported physical activity (PA) engagement and white matter (WM) health (i.e. volume, integrity, and hyperintensities) in older Latinos. Design Cross-sectional study with community-dwelling older adults from predominantly Latino neighborhoods. Participants: Thirty-four cognitively healthy older Latinos from two different cohorts. Measurements: Participants self-reported demographic information, PA engagement [Community Healthy Activities Model Program for Seniors (CHAMPS) Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Adults] and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We used high-resolution three-dimensional T1- and T2-FLAIR weighted images and diffusion tensor imaging acquired via 3 T MRI. We performed a series of hierarchical linear regression models with the addition of relevant covariates to examine the associations between self-reported PA levels and WM volume, integrity, and hyperintensities (separately). We adjusted p-values with the use of the Benjamini-Hochberg's false discovery rate procedure. Results Higher reported levels of leisure-time moderate-to-vigorous PA were significantly associated with higher WM volume of the posterior cingulate (β = 0.220, SE = 0.125, 95% CI 0.009-0.431, p = 0.047) and isthmus cingulate (β = 0.212, SE = 0.110, 95% CI 0.001-0.443, p = 0.044) after controlling for intracranial volume. Higher levels of total PA were significantly associated with higher overall WM volume of these same regions (posterior cingulate: β = 0.220, SE = 0.125, CI 0.024-0.421, p = 0.046; isthmus cingulate: β = 0.220, SE = 0.125, 95% CI 0.003-0.393; p = 0.040). Significant p-values did not withstand Benjamini-Hochberg’s adjustment. PA was not significantly associated with WM integrity or WM hyperintensities. Conclusion Higher levels of PA, particularly higher leisure-time moderate-to-vigorous PA, might be associated with greater WM volume in select white matter regions key to brain network integration for physical and cognitive functioning in older Latinos. More research is needed to further confirm these associations.

The Association of Physical Activity Level and the Risk Factors of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in the Elderly Female Patients

Background: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is becoming more prevalent among elderly women. Sedentary lifestyle is an important etiological factor of NAFLD. Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the association between physical activity level (PAL) and the risk factors of NAFLD in the elderly female patients. Methods: This study was conducted on 40 elderly women with NAFLD, who were aged 62.25 ± 1.97 years, weighed 86.70 ± 3.81 kilograms, and had the body mass index (BMI) of 34.54 ± 2.38 kg/m2. The women were selected from 90 volunteers. The PAL was measured using the rapid assessment of physical activity (RAPA) questionnaire. As the outcomes, we measured anthropometric indices, sitting systolic and diastolic blood pressure, lipid profile, glycemic indices, liver enzymes, and fatty liver grade in the fasting state. The outcome variables were statistically normalized and expressed as mean and standard deviation (SD). The association between the PAL and NAFLD risk factors was evaluated using Pearson’s correlation-coefficient. Results: The risk factors of NAFLD were inversely correlated with the PAL, except for high-density lipoprotein, which was positively correlated with the PAL (r = 0.495; P = 0.001). In addition, low PAL had a significant correlation with a higher fatty liver grade (r = -0.464; P = 0.003), while the PAL was inversely associated with the NAFLD risk factors. Conclusions: According to the results, the PAL and fatty liver grade had a significant correlation, which indicated the potential health benefits of adequate PAL for the elderly women with NAFLD.

Are blue-collar workers more physically active than white-collar at work?

This study evaluates the physical activity level at work and leisure time of white-collar and two groups of blue-collar workers from the latex glove industry and the association of physical activity level and musculoskeletal complains and work ability. The workers’ sociodemographic and behavioral health characteristics, work ability index, musculoskeletal complains, total step count and caloric expenditure for three consecutive days, were assessed. The blue-collar workers that move most from the workstation (longD) were more physically active at work compared to white-collar and blue-collar that moved close the workstation (shortD). But in leisure-time the result is reversed, white-collar and blue-collar groups were significantly more active. There was no association between physical activity level and musculoskeletal pain intensity and work ability. All the groups of workers exhibited satisfactory physical activity levels, but only blue-collar (longD) were more physically active (10,000 steps per day).

Psychological Distress and Physical-Activity Levels among People Consulting a Healthy Life Centre for Lifestyle Change

Aims: Healthy Life Centres were developed in Norway to support lifestyle-changes. Aims of the study were: First, to assess physical-activity levels and psychological distress among participants at one centre and compare them to representative samples. Second, to investigate associations of physical activity level and mental distress. Methods: Participants between 18-71 years of age were included (N = 120). Accelerometer-based levels of physical activity (ActiGraph GT3X) and psychological distress (Hopkins Symptom Check List-10) were compared to national, representative samples of healthy Norwegians and overweight/obese nationals. Associations between indicators of physical activity levels and psychological distress were analysed. Results: The participants were predominantly obese (77%) and had symptoms of psychological distress (77%). They engaged in 73% less light physical activity but performed 15% more moderate-vigorous physical activity compared to the representative samples. However, moderate-vigorous physical activity was not adequately sustained in our sample, so significantly fewer participants fulfilled physical-activity level recommendations (16% versus 32%), but not in comparison to the national obese sample (12% versus 19%). The prevalence of psychological distress was seven times higher compared to the national sample, and five times higher than the overweight/obese sample. Associations of physical activity and psychological distress were non-significant. Conclusion: The prevalence of psychological distress was unexpectedly high, and in combination with obesity it indicates a challenging strive when aiming to increase physical activity levels. Therefore, the Healthy Life Centre participants may also benefit from psychological counselling, though more research from HLCs and similar services is needed to conclude on the subject. Publisher's Note: A corrigendum relating to this article has been published at http://doi.org/10.5334/paah.84 .

Association of physical activity, sedentary behaviours and sleep duration with cardiovascular diseases and lipid profiles: a Mendelian randomization analysis

BackgroundObservational studies have shown that moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), vigorous physical activity (VPA), sedentary behaviours, and sleep duration were associated with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and lipid levels. However, whether such observations reflect causality remain largely unknown. We aimed to investigate the causal associations of physical activity, sedentary behaviours, and sleep duration with coronary artery disease (CAD), myocardial infarction (MI), stroke and lipid levels.MethodsWe conducted a Mendelian randomization (MR) study using genetic variants as instruments which are associated with physical activity, sedentary behaviours, and sleep duration to examine the causal effects on CVDs and lipid levels. This study included analyses of 4 potentially modifiable factors and 7 outcomes. Thus, the threshold of statistical significance is P = 1.8 × 10− 3 (0.05/4 × 7) after Bonferroni correction.ResultsIn the present study, there was suggestive evidence for associations of genetically predicted VPA with CAD (odds ratio, 0.65; 95% confidence intervals, 0.47–0.90; P = 0.009) and MI (0.74; 0.59–0.93; P = 0.010). However, genetically predicted VPA, MVPA, sleep duration and sedentary behaviours did not show significant associations with stroke and any lipid levels.ConclusionsOur findings from the MR approach provided suggestive evidence that vigorous exercise decreased risk of CAD and MI, but not stroke. However, there was no evidence to support causal associations of MVPA,sleep duration or sedentary behaviours with cardiovascular risk and lipid levels.Translational perspectiveThe findings of this study did not point out specific recommendations on increasing physical activity required to deliver significant health benefits. Nevertheless, the findings allowed clinicians and public health practitioners to provide advice about increasing the total amount of excising time by demonstrating that such advice can be effective. Reliable assessment of the association of physical activity levels with different subtypes of CVDs is needed to provide the basis for a comprehensive clinical approach on CVDs prevention, which can be achieved through lifestyle interventions in addition to drug therapy.

Longitudinal associations of physical activity levels with morphological and functional changes related with aging: The MAPT study.

The biological process of aging is characterized by molecular and physiological processes that lead to alterations in the organism. There is still a lack of a consensus about the measurement of biological aging, but physical activity (PA) could be a potential marker of an aging phenotype. Measurements of body composition, muscle quality (MQ), blood biochemistry, and neurodegeneration were assessed over three years. Physical activity levels were measured using a self-reported questionnaire. Three-year progression of PA levels showed that those who maintained low levels of PA was significantly associated with the evolution of brain and hippocampal volume, compared to inactive individuals. Similar results were found always active individuals, but also had better cognition. PA levels are associated with some elements of biological aging, but more studies with objective-based PA measurements could provide a more in-depth knowledge on biological aging.

Accelerometer-measured Physical Activity, Reproductive Hormones, and DNA Methylation.

Limited studies have examined the association of physical activity with reproductive hormones, DNA methylation, and pubertal status among adolescents. Among 248 boys and 271 girls, we estimated daily physical activity levels based on 7 d of wrist-worn accelerometer data. We used an isotemporal substitution paradigm and sex-stratified regression models to examine the association of physical activity levels with 1) testosterone, cortisol, progesterone, and androstenedione concentrations; 2) DNA methylation of long interspersed nucleotide (LINE-1) repeats and the genes H19, hydroxysteroid (11-Beta) dehydrogenase 2 (HSD11B2), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARA) from blood leukocytes; and 3) Tanner stages, adjusted for age, BMI, and socioeconomic status. In boys, substituting 30 min of moderate physical activity for 30 min of sedentary behavior per day was associated with 29% (-49%, 0%) of lower testosterone and 29% (4%, 61%) of higher progesterone. Substituting 30 min of light physical activity for sedentary behavior was associated with 13% (-22%, -2%) of lower progesterone. Among girls, 30 min of additional sedentary behavior was associated with 8% (-15%, 0%) of lower testosterone and 24% (8%, 42%) of higher progesterone concentrations. Substituting 30 min of moderate physical activity for sedentary behavior was associated with 15% (0%, 31%) of higher cortisol, whereas substituting the same amount of light physical activity for sedentary behavior was associated with 22% (-39%, 0%) of lower progesterone. Substituting 30 min of vigorous physical activity for sedentary behavior per day was associated with almost six times higher levels (5.83, 95% confidence interval = 1.79-9.86) of HSD11B2 methylation in boys. Accelerometer-measured daily physical activity was associated with reproductive hormones and HSD11B2 DNA methylation, differed by sex and activity intensity levels.