Average Physical Activity Level Research Articles

Physical Activity of Working-Age People in View of Their Income Status.

Objective The study examines relationships between physical activity levels and income status of working-age city residents. Methods The study was carried out in the years 2014 and 2015 in Wrocław, Poland. The study sample comprised 4332 participants (2276 women; 2056 men) aged 18 to 64 years. Respondents' habitual physical activity levels were measured with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF), while their income status was assessed with author's own Socio-Economic Status of Working-Age People Questionnaire (S-ESQ). Results The results revealed positive correlations between the level of physical activity and income status of male and female working-age residents of Wrocław. The highest physical activity levels were noted among respondents with a steady income, as well as among respondents with the highest income and savings and with no debts. The odds for respondents' above average physical activity levels were the greatest in women with the highest income and with savings and in debt-free men and women. Conclusion Effective actions should be developed aimed at improvement of physical activity levels of people in an adverse financial situation.

Структура та рівень рухової активності студентів закладів вищої освіти

Актуальність. Актуальність дослідження визначається суперечностями між позитивним впливом оптимальної рухової активності на ефективне функціонування організму та низьким рівнем її сформованості в студентів. Мета дослідження полягає у визначенні структури та рівня рухової активності студентів вищих закладів освіти. Методи. Використано міжнародний опитувальник рухової активності методика (IPAQ). Усього в педагогічному досліджені брало участь 1160 студентів (323 хлопців та 837 дівчат) 1–4 курсів денної форми навчання Східноєвропейського національного університету імені Лесі Українки. Результати. У більшості респондентів (57 %) спостерігаємо низький рівень рухової активності. 30 % молоді мають середній рівень рухової активності й лише 13 % – високий. Установлено, що високий рівень рухової активності найнижчий у першокурсників. У процесі навчання рівень рухової активності практично не змінюється та суттєво не позначається на кількості локомоцій студентів. Обраний фах суттєво не впливає на рівень рухової активності молоді. До факторів, які проявляють своєрідний вплив на звичний рівень рухової активності, належать місце народження й проживання студентів. Найбільша кількість осіб із високим рівнем рухової активності місцем свого народження вказали велике місто (16,4 %). Низький рівень рухової активності найбільше виявляють студенти із сіл і невеликих міст (65 % і 59,1 % відповідно). Висновки. Установлений рівень рухової активності є недостатнім і не сприяє підтриманню належного функціонального стану організму. Тренувальний ефект має високий рівень рухової активності, до якого належать самостійні або спеціально організовані заняття фізичними вправами. Але цей компонент рухової активності перебуває переважно лише у вигляді обов’язкових навчальних занять фізичними вправами. Якщо таких занять немає, тоді відсутній високий рівень рухової активності.

Level of Physical Activity of the Students at the University of Tuzla According to IPAQ

The study was conducted using the long version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and the aim of this research is to determine the level of physical activity and differences among students, of the University of Tuzla, in relation to gender. The study was conducted on a sample of 813 students (321 male and 492 female) 1st cycle of studies at the University of Tuzla. The results of present study showed that average level of total physical activity for male students was 6013.493 MET-minutes/week, while female students showed average level of total physical activity was 4619.381 MET-minutes/week. We conclude that the total data indicates that in this group of students the physical activity level is sufficient and that there is a lower physical activity among females than males. Also there is a need to continuously take measures for promoting the sports at Universities with the aim of raising the health status of students to a higher level.

Hubungan pengetahuan gizi, tingkat kecukupan zat gizi, dan aktivitas fisik dengan status gizi pada guru SMP

Background: The quality of human resources is a major factor necessary for the successful implementation of national development. Teachers have a very important role in the development of human resources in the field of education. Empirical evidence indicates quality of human resources determined from good nutritional status, and this is determined by nutritional knowledge, the amount of food intake consumed and the physical activity of a person.Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between nutritional knowledge, nutritional adequacy level, and physical activity with nutritional status of teacher in SMPN 1 Dramaga Bogor. Methods: The research design used was cross sectional with total of 35 subjects. The data collected consist of data individual and family characteristic, nutritional status, food consumption, physical activity, fitness index, sporting habit, nutritional knowledge and general description of the school. The method of this research is most of the subjects (74.3%) is women with average age classified into middle adult to last adult. Result: Most of the subjects (68.6%) was government employee with average working time was 6 to 8 hours. Most of the subjects have nutritional status obesity chategorized (51.4%). Energy consumption level was classified as medium deficits, protein was low deficits, fats excessive and carbohydrates sufficient. The average level of physical activity on the weekend clasified low, whereas on the weekday classified medium. Most subjects have very low levels of fitness (71.4%) and their knowledge of nutrition was sufficient (74.3%). Conclusion: There was a significant possitive correlation between work time (p=0.023, r=0.384) and sporting habit with BMI (p=0.011, r=0.504).

Expectation for Physical Activity to Minimize Dementia Risk and Physical Activity Level Among Older Adults.

This study aimed to examine whether the expectation for physical activity to minimize dementia risk was associated with physical activity level and whether this association was moderated by perceived high value of dementia prevention among older adults. Participants (n = 2,824) completed questionnaires and wore accelerometers to measure their average daily steps and levels of physical activity. The expectation for physical activity to minimize dementia risk, perceived value of dementia prevention, and potential covariates (expectation of other desirable outcomes, demographics, and health-related factors) were also measured. The main effects of the expectation and perceived value and their interaction were not significant for physical activity variables in generalized linear models. These findings indicate that expecting physical activity in minimizing dementia risk might not be sufficient to influence physical activity behavior regardless of perceived high value of dementia prevention among older adults.

Back pain in physically inactive students compared to physical education students with a high and average level of physical activity studying in Poland

BackgroundThe aim of the study was (1) to characterise back pain in physically inactive students as well as in trained (with a high level of physical activity) and untrained (with an average level of physical activity) physical education (PE) students and (2) to find out whether there exist differences regarding the declared incidence of back pain (within the last 12 months) between physically inactive students and PE students as well as between trained (with a high level of physical activity) and untrained (with an average level of physical activity) PE students.MethodsThe study included 1321 1st-, 2nd- and 3rd-year students (full-time bachelor degree course) of Physical Education, Physiotherapy, Pedagogy as well as Tourism and Recreation from 4 universities in Poland. A questionnaire prepared by the authors was applied as a research tool. The 10-point Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was used to assess pain intensity. Prior to the study, the reliability of the questionnaire was assessed by conducting it on the group of 20 participants twice with a shorter interval. No significant differences between the results obtained in the two surveys were revealed (p < 0.05).ResultsIn the group of 1311 study participants, 927 (70.7%) respondents declared having experienced back pain within the last 12 months. Physically inactive students declared back pain frequency similar to the frequency declared by their counterparts studying physical education (p > 0.05). Back pain was more common in the group of trained students than among untrained individuals (p < 0.05). Back pain was mainly located in the lumbar spine.ConclusionsA frequent occurrence of back pain (70.7%) was noted in the examined groups of students. The percentage of students declaring back pain increased in the course of studies (p < 0.05) and, according to the students’ declarations, it was located mainly in the lumbar spine. No significant differences regarding the incidence of back pain were found between physically inactive students and physical education students (p > 0.05). The trained students declared back pain more often than their untrained counterparts (p < 0.05).

Total energy expenditure of 10- to 12-year-old Japanese children measured using the doubly labeled water method

BackgroundTo establish Japanese children’s estimated energy requirements, total energy expenditure (TEE) data measured using the doubly labeled water (DLW) method is needed. This study aimed to 1) obtain basic TEE data from Japanese children measured using DLW (TEEDLW), 2) compare TEEDLW with TEE estimated by various estimation formulas to calculate their accuracy, and 3) develop a new equation to estimate TEE using body composition and pedometers.MethodsTEE was measured using DLW in 56 10- to 12-year-old Japanese children (33 boys, 23 girls). Physical activity level (PAL) was calculated by dividing TEEDLW by estimated resting energy expenditure. To assess their physical activity, participants wore pedometers during the 7-d DLW period. Total body water was calculated from 2H and 18O; fat-free mass (FFM) and fat mass (FM) were then determined.ResultsIn boys and girls of normal weight, TEEDLW was 2067 ± 230 kcal/d and 1830 ± 262 kcal/d, respectively. Average PAL was 1.58 ± 0.17. FFM was strongly related to TEE (r = 0.702, p < 0.01). After adjusting for FFM and FM, step count was significantly associated with TEE (r = 0.707, p < 0.01). The TEE estimation formula used in the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI) for the United States and Canada estimated TEEDLW with high accuracy (bias: 2.0%) in both sexes. We developed new equations for TEE consisting of FFM and step count, which accounted for 68% and 65% of TEE variance in boys and girls, respectively: boys, 47.1 × FFM (kg) + 0.0568 × step count (steps/d) – 122, and girls, 55.5 × FFM (kg) + 0.0315 × step count (steps/d) - 117.ConclusionsThe TEE in 10- to 12-year-old Japanese children measured using DLW was approximately 7% lower for boys and 12% lower for girls compared to the current Japanese DRI. If PAL can be accurately determined, the equation in the DRI for the United States and Canada may be applicable to Japanese children. In addition, TEE could be predicted using FFM and step count.

Physical Activities of Young Girls in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Background: Physical education classes are non-existent in Saudi girls’ curriculum at all educational levels and physical activities are not permitted at public schools. The study aimed to assess physical activities for female students in intermediate and high schools. Methods: A questionnaire was completed by 1519 participants from 18 schools in Jeddah City. Activities at school and after school were reported. About 63% of the girls preferred to have physical education classes at school.Results: Girls thought that they were performing (43.2%) enough physical activities and (74%) rated themselves as performing an average level of physical activity in comparison with their peers. Only 32% linked the importance of physical activities to their health. Cars are the main transportation methods to and from school (87 %) and 8% walked to school. Some physical activities (59.2%) are performed at school [walking during break times (42%) or running (5.2%)]. Only 40% were involved in light activities after school while 54% participated in washing up or cleaning the house. Other activities outside school, e.g. walking, shopping, bowling, horse riding and table tennis was reported by 48% of the participants. Moderate activities such as swimming, cycling, dancing, or competitive running was reported by 70% of the respondents. Only 13% joining fitness centres.Conclusion: Results emphasized the central role and obligation of decision makers in protecting young consumers through providing a healthy environment in schools.

Relation between depressive symptoms and cytokines associated with cardio- metabolic risk in African American women

Cardiometabolic diseases are the most prevalent diseases in the United States. Depressive symptoms are considered to be significant risk factors for cardiometabolic diseases, however, it is not clear if the relation between depressive symptoms and cardiometabolic risk is applicable in diverse populations. We examined the relations of depressive symptom subtypes to cardiometabolic disease-associated cytokines in a sample of African-American women. Participants were 30 African-American women (average age = 59 years) living in low income neighborhoods of Washington, DC who completed the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Revised scale (CESD-R) and provided blood samples. Multiple regression analyses examined whether the CESD-R total score and the CESD-R subscales (entered separately) were associated with IL-1b, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-18. Analyses were adjusted for age, average physical activity level (as measured using physical activity tracker data), and body mass index (BMI). Results showed that sadness, loss of interest, and worthlessness were associated with increased levels of both IL-1b and IL-18, however, only IL-1b was associated with greater feelings of depression (total score), fatigue, and poorer sleep. IL-6 and IL-8 were not shown to have any significant relationship with any depressive symptom subtypes. These results indicate that depressive symptoms in African American women are associated with increased levels of inflammation, suggesting that negative psychological well- being may modulate the immune system in a manner that increases risk for development of cardiometabolic diseases.

Fysisk aktivitet i Aktivitetsskolen

Artikkelen tar utgangspunkt i en studie av 20 andreklassebarns fysiske aktivitet gjennom en dag ved Aktivitetsskolen i Oslo. Resultatene viser et relativt høyt gjennomsnittlig fysisk aktivitetsnivået blant de undersøkte barna. Den fysiske aktiviteten kjennetegnes av hyppige vekslinger mellom type aktivitet og intensitet. Hoveddelen av barnas fysiske aktivitet oppstår i barnestyrt lek utendørs sammen med andre barn. Barnestyrt aktivitet har høyere intensitet enn voksenstyrt aktivitet, og intensitetsnivået er høyere ute enn inne. Det høye gjennomsnittlige aktivitetsnivået er i tråd med Aktivitetsskolens målsetning angående fysisk aktivitet. Samtidig er det store individuelle forskjeller, noe som kan tyde på at Aktivitetsskolen ikke lykkes med å stimulere til fysisk aktivitet for de minst aktive barna. Resultatene leder mot en anbefaling om økt pedagogisk kompetanse blant ansatte med tanke på tilrettelegging for fysisk aktivitet. Dette er spesielt viktig for barn med lavt aktivitetsnivå. I tillegg må AKS-ansatte ha tid og mulighet til å være til stede i barnas aktiviteter. English abstract This article is based on a study of 20 second-graders’ physical activity during a day in the After-School Program in Oslo. The results show that among the children studied, the average physical activity level is relatively high. The children’s activity is characterized by frequent changes in type of activity and intensity. The majority of children’s physical activity occurs in self-managed play outdoors together with other children. The self-managed physical activity is of higher intensity than the adult organized andthe intensity level is higher outdoors than indoors. The high average level of physical activity is in accordance with the aims of the After-School Program in Oslo. However, there are large individual differences. This may indicate that the After-School Program fails to promote physical activity for the least active children. The results lead to a recommendation for increased pedagogical competency among employees considering facilitating physical activity in After-School Programs. This is particularly important for children with low level of physical activity. In addition, the employees must have time and opportunity to be present in children’s activities.

Analysis of Physical Activity Among Free-Living Nonagenarians From a Sardinian Longevous Population.

Physical activity was identified as a major determinant of longevity. Using wearable accelerometers, we evaluated energy expenditure (EE), including resting- (REE) and total-energy expenditure (TEE), physical activity level (PAL), percentage of PAL ≥ 3 metabolic equivalent tasks (METs), number of steps, resting index (RI%) and sleep patterns in 44 free-living nonagenarians (27 men) residing in a Sardinian village famous for its longevous population. The average REE and TEE recorded were 1275 ± 163kcal/day and 2284 ± 543 in the men and 952 ± 108kcal/day and 1810 ± 302 in the women, respectively. The average PAL was 1.8, and the percentage of physical activity >3 METs was greater than 40%. A significant negative correlation (p < 0.05) between disability and PAL was found among the women. This study provides evidence that nonagenarians from the longevous population of Sardinia show excellent physical functionality indexes. Their longevity might result, at least in part, from their ability to stay physically fit during aging.

Objectively Measured Daily Physical Activity and Postural Changes as Related to Positive and Negative Affect Using Ambulatory Monitoring Assessments.

The aim of the study was to determine whether objectively measured daily physical activity and posture of sitting, standing, and sit-to-stand transitions are associated with daily assessments of affect. Participants (N = 51, 49% female) wore ActivPal accelerometers for 24 h/d for seven consecutive days. Time spent sitting, standing, and being physically active and sit-to-stand transitions were derived for each day. Participants also completed a mood inventory each evening. Multilevel models examined within- and between-person associations of daily physical activity with positive and negative affect, adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, education, and sleep duration. Within-person associations showed that a 1-hour increase in daily physical activity was associated with a decrease in negative affect over the same day (B = -0.11, 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.21 to -0.01). Between-person associations indicated a borderline significant association between higher average daily physical activity levels and higher positive affect (B = 1.85, 95% CI = -0.25 to 3.94). There were no between- or within-person associations between sitting, standing, and sit-to-stand transitions with affect. Promoting physical activity may be a potential intervention strategy to acutely suppress negative affective states.

Organized and non-organized physical activity of 7-10 year-old children

Aim. The aim of the study was to acquire knowledge on the contribution of younger school children in organized and nonorganized physical activity. Basic procedures. The main research method was a diagnostic survey. The level of physical activity was determined on the basis of the frequency (number of days per week) and volume (number of hours per week) of organized and non-organized activity. The SPSS 21 (IBM Corp., 2012) programme was used for statistical analysis of the results. Results. The highest percentage values among the subjects in each age group were recorded in the range of the average level of physical activity. Approximately 2/3 of the subjects in each age group participated in organized physical activity. Almost every third child exercised once a week, the activity lasted one hour. Among the forms of organized physical activity in which children are most likely to participate, those which dominate include: corrective gymnastics, dance and swimming. The vast majority of subjects preferred non-organized physical activity. Daily contact with such activity occurred in the case of about 1/4 of the subjects. Over 1/3 of the participants spent more than 4 hours a week on such activity. Only a few performed this type for 1 hour, and with age, this duration gradually decreased. A typical form of non-organized physical activity was cycling. Games using a ball, other various games, football, roller-skating and swimming were also popular. Conclusions. The studied participants were more likely to perform non-organized forms of movement than those organized. In addition to physical activity, quite a large percentage of the surveyed children spent their free time in front of the TV or playing computer games. Along with the increase in age, there was a rise in the interest in tennis, football and computer games, and there was less interest in skiing or playing games.

The relationships between urban parks, residents' physical activity, and mental health benefits: A case study from Beijing, China

The role of urban parks in improving public health has been analyzed in the context of urban design in developed countries, but has seldom been considered in developing countries such as China. Previous studies have found positive correlations between parks and residents' physical activity and mental health status. In this study, we conducted a questionnaire survey to investigate respondents' physical activity status and its relationship with urban parks. The impact of different activities engaged in during park use on positive mental health was examined.The average physical activity level of the sample was 92.7 min of moderate to vigorous physical activity per day. Park users were more active in all forms of physical activity, except transport walking, than non-users. The presence of a park within 500 m from home and park use were significantly associated with total physical activity. Physical activity in parks significantly restored visitors' moods and energy levels, and interaction with nature brought mental health benefits in terms of relaxation and self-perceived confidence. Overall, this study found a positive correlation of urban parks with public physical activity and positive mental health benefits. However, further research is needed to improve the understanding of this relationship in the context of China.

LEVEL OF MOTOR SKILLS IN YOUNGER PRIMARY-SCHOOL CHILDREN AND THEIR SELECTED CONDITIONS

Aim. To assess the motor skill level of younger primary school children (grade 1-3) and the relationship between the motor skills of the participants and their knowledge on physical culture and physical activity. Basic procedures. The study was conducted among randomly selected children enrolled in grades 1-3 of primary schools in Krakow. 334 students aged 7-8, 365 aged 8-9 and 317 aged 9-10 took part in the study. The basic method was a diagnostic survey, and the technique was a questionnaire and school achievement testing. The SPSS 21 (IBM Corp., 2012) programme was used for statistical analysis of the study results. Statistically significant correlations were assumed at p &amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.01 and were marked by two asterisks. Results. The highest percentage of subjects regarding the level of motor skills was in the middle and high ranges. The analysis of the results also showed an average level of physical activity and knowledge about physical culture in the majority of participants. Research also showed a statistically significant positive correlation between motor skills and the level of physical activity of children and the level of knowledge about physical culture. Conclusions. Younger school-girls and school-boys are generally above average in terms of selected motor skills. The age of the examined children clearly differentiated their level of motor skills. There was a statistically significant correlation between the motor skills and physical activity of children in their free time and their knowledge on physical culture.

Exercise Self-Efficacy as a Mediator between Goal-Setting and Physical Activity: Developing the Workplace as a Setting for Promoting Physical Activity.

BackgroundPhysical activity (PA) is ranked as a leading health indicator and the workplace is a key setting to promote PA. The purpose of this study was to examine how goal-setting and exercise self-efficacy (SE) during a health promotion program influenced PA level among Japanese workers.MethodsUsing a cross-sectional study design, we surveyed 281 employees. The short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to assess PA level. Exercise SE was assessed using a partially modified version of Oka's exercise SE scale. Personal goals were assessed as the total numbers of “yes” responses to five items regarding “details of personal goals to perform PA”. A mediational model was used to examine whether exercise SE mediates between the number of personal goals and PA level.ResultsThe mean age of the participants was 46.3 years, 76.2% were men, and the most common occupational category was software engineer (30.6%). The average PA level per week exceeded the recommended level in 127 participants (45.2%). One hundred and eighty-four participants (65.5%) set some form of concrete personal goal to perform PA. The relationship between the number of personal goals and PA level was mediated by exercise SE.ConclusionOur study showed that exercise SE mediates goal-setting and increases PA. The results suggest that the components of PA promotion programs should be tailored to enhance participants' confidence in performing PA.

The level of leisure time physical activity of students vs. the health locus of control

According to the theory of Health Locus of Control there is a correlation between the health locus of control and performing health-oriented activities. The aim of this work is to present the relationship between the level of students’ leisure time physical activity and the health locus of control. The study covered students from Poland, Slovakia and Ukraine. It comprised 3851 full-time students, aged 25 or less, studying at different departments (polytechnics, humanities, medical studies, mathematics and natural science as well as physical education). Two research tools were used in the study: MHLC form B (The Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale) and Minnesota Leisure Time Physical Activity Questionnaire MLTPAQ. The findings were processed by means of descriptive methods and the method of statistical inference. The average level of leisure time physical activity of women is lower than men’s by approximately one third. The students representing the medium level of physical activity (1000-1999 kcal/week) constituted the highest percentage (32.5 %). Regardless of gender, people with a higher level of physical activity are characterised by a higher level of internal locus of their health control. Together with the increase in the level of leisure time physical activity, the internal locus of health control increases as well. In the test group women constitute the highest percentage of people whose level of physical activity is below the recommended health standards (below 1000 kcal/week).

Physical Activity Levels in Chinese One-Year-Old Children and Their Parents, an Early STOPP China Study.

BackgroundPhysical activity (PA) is associated with health benefits, already in childhood. However, little is known about actual levels, patterns and gender differences in PA level in very young children. This study examines Chinese one-year-old children and their parents’ PA levels and patterns, and assesses the correlations between children’s PA level and gender, body mass index standard deviation score (BMI SDS), parental BMI and parental PA level.MethodsData from 123 families participating in the Early STOPP China study were used. Families were recruited based on parental BMI and were classified as either high-risk or low-risk of obesity. Parents and children wore an ActiGraph GT3X+ to assess the average PA levels. PA levels and hourly patterns during weekdays and weekends were examined as were correlations with gender, BMI SDS, parental BMI and parental PA levels.ResultsThere were no significant differences in children’s averaged PA between risk groups, genders, or between weekdays and weekends. Children’s peak average activity level was at 7 pm and they were least active at 3 pm (p<0.001). Both mothers and fathers demonstrated a similar PA pattern as their children, although paternal PA level was consistently lower than that of mothers and children. No significant association was found between children’s PA and their gender, BMI SDS, parental BMI or paternal PA levels. Maternal PA was found positively associated with child PA (p<0.05).ConclusionPA in one-year-old Chinese children vary over the day but weekdays and weekends are similar. At this age, children’s PA is not related to gender, BMI SDS, parental BMI or paternal PA. Larger scale studies with more contextual information are needed to improve the understanding of our findings.

Relationship between Metabolic Syndrome and Rheumatoid Arthritis.

BackgroundRheumatoid arthritis (RA) and metabolic syndrome (Mets) are considered to be diseases with common traits that can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease incidence; studies in other countries examined the relationship between these diseases. However, existing studies did not show consistent results. In the present study, the relationship between RA and Mets in Koreans was examined using the data of the 4th and 5th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES).MethodsThe present study used the data of the 4th and 5th KNHANES, conducted between 2007 and 2012. Among 25,812 adults aged over 40, 19,893 were selected as study subjects, excluding 5,919 who did not have variable information needed for the analysis. T-test and chi-square test were used for the analysis of related variables. To determine the relationship between diagnostic status of RA and Mets, multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed by controlling confounding variables, which were selected through literature review and statistical analysis.ResultsMultivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the relationship between diagnostic status of RA and Mets. When age, education level, average monthly household income, smoking, alcohol consumption, and level of physical activity were adjusted, the prevalence of Mets was lower in RA patients (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.79; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.65 to 0.96). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the relationship between treatment status of RA and Mets. When age, education level, average monthly household income, smoking, alcohol consumption, and level of physical activity were adjusted, there was a significant negative correlation in women (aOR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.44 to 0.96).ConclusionThe relationship between RA and Mets showed a significantly negative correlation in Korean women. The group that received RA treatment showed significantly lower prevalence of the Mets as compared to the untreated group in Korean RA women.

Association between Premenstrual Syndrome and Daily Physical Activity Levels

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and daily physical activity. Methods: Three hundred forty-nine women (18-50 years) were analyzed. We investigated body mass index, PMS symptoms, physical activity level, and some factors related to PMS (age, sleep time, caffeine intake, alcohol intake, smoking status). Participants were grouped according to physical activity level into low, normal, and high physical activity groups. Binominal logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between PMS and daily physical activity level. Results: The average physical activity levels of the low, normal and high physical activity groups were 301.4 ± 233.8 kcal, 975.0 ± 187.3 kcal, and 4558.7 ± 3798.5 kcal, respectively. The incidence of PMS was higher in both the low physical activity group (OR=2.45, 95% CI=1.18-5.11) and high physical activity group (OR=2.13, 95% CI=1.01-4.50) than in the normal physical activity group. Conclusion: PMS rates were higher in women who have either low or high daily physical activity levels than in those with normal physical activity levels. Therefore, women should be advised to avoid inactivity or excessive daily physical activity.