Average Number Of Steps Research Articles

The Relationship Between Mental Health Status and Daily Step Count in Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract Aim This study was conducted to determine the relationship between the mental health status and daily step count of adult individuals. Methods The research was conducted between November 2023 and April 2024 with a descriptive cross-sectional design. The research population consisted of 386 individuals over the age of 18 who voluntarily filled out public electronic forums on online platforms. Data were collected with the socio-demographic characteristics diagnostic form consisting of 21 questions, the average number of steps in the last week, and the General Health Survey-28 (GHQ-28). Data were evaluated using descriptive statistics, normality statistics, analysis of variance (ANOVA), t test, Kruskal Wallis variance analysis, Mann-Whitney U test. Statistical significance level was accepted as p < 0.05 Results GHQ-28 total score average was found to be 5.59 ± 6.52. 42.0% of the participants received a score of 5 or above on the GHQ-28 and were considered at risk for mental health. The individuals’ average weekly step count was mean=5269±3065 steps and 43% were basal-limited active. According to GHQ-28, the average weekly step count of individuals in the mental health risk group (4528.62 ±2892.31) was lower than those who were not at risk (5804.63 ±3081.67) (p < 0.05). According to step count categories, individuals who were basal-limited active (51.2%) and low active (39.4%) were found to be at higher risk for mental health than those who were slightly active (36.0%) and active-highly active (18.4%) (p < 0.05). A weak negative correlation was found between the average number of steps and the scores obtained from the GHQ-28 (r = -.187; p = 0.000). Conclusions It was determined that more than half (51.2%) of the individuals (42.0%) in the risk group in terms of mental health were sedentary, that is, basal-limited active (less than 2500-4999 steps). Key messages • Increasing awareness about the positive effects of individuals’ daily step counts on mental health can contribute positively to the promotion of health. • As part of policies aimed at enhancing mental health within society, implementations directed towards increasing daily step counts can contribute positively to the improvement of public health.

Effectiveness of a pain neuroscience education programme on the physical activity of patients with chronic low back pain compared with a standard back school programme: protocol for a randomised controlled study (END-LC)

IntroductionEducation is recognised as an effective and necessary approach in chronic low back pain. Nevertheless, data regarding the effectiveness of education in promoting physical activity in the medium term or...

Higher number of steps is related to lower endogenous progesterone but not estradiol levels in women.

Sex steroid hormones are important not only for reproduction but also for many aspects of women's health, including the risk of breast cancer. Physical activity has been shown to influence sex hormone levels in women. This study aimed to investigate a relationship between the average daily number of steps and the sex hormone (estradiol and progesterone) levels in premenopausal women. Data were collected from 85 healthy, urban women of reproductive age who performed at least 180 minutes/week of moderate physical activity for two complete menstrual cycles. Physical activity was measured using wrist bands. Estradiol and progesterone concentrations were measured in daily-collected saliva samples in the second menstrual cycle. There was a significant negative association between the average number of steps taken daily and salivary progesterone levels after adjusting for potential confounding factors (age, BMI). Women who took more than 10,000 steps a day had significantly lower progesterone levels compared to women who took less than 10,000 steps. The association between physical activity and estradiol levels was statistically insignificant. Our results indicate that taking at least 10,000 steps a day reduces progesterone levels, but this intensity of physical activity may not be high enough to affect estradiol levels. Daily step tracking is a valuable element of health promotion, but currently recommended levels of physical activity may not be high enough for healthy premenopausal women to significantly reduce both sex hormone levels and thus their risk of postmenopausal breast cancer.

Hide ‘n seek: individual behavioural responses of cattle excreting different amounts of nematode eggs—potential threshold for pasture contamination assessment

The aim of this study was to investigate how the activity of cattle under natural grazing conditions is related to their individual parasite contribution (IPC). Potentially, the individuals contributing the most to the contamination of the pasture with gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) could then be identified and selectively treated based on sensor data thresholds. A total of 58 steers of the dairy breeds Swedish Red (SR, n = 19) and Swedish Holstein (SH, n = 39) were used for sensor-based data collection that lasted for a total of 10 weeks from 4 May to 13 July 2022. All steers were inoculated with a priming dose of nematode larvae and weighed in conjunction with the pasture release. The animals were then divided into four experimental groups and treated with ivermectin (IVM PO, Boehringer Ingelheim, 0.5 mg/kg BW) at different intervals to obtain an exposure contrast (Group A was left untreated, Group B/IVM PO-4w was treated after 4 weeks, Group C/IVM PO-8w was treated after 8 weeks, and Group D/IVM PO-4&8w was treated after 4 weeks and then after 8 weeks). The steers were weighed on four further occasions, during which faecal samples were also taken for parasite testing. Activity data were collected using leg-mounted IceQube sensors and body weight data and faecal samples were collected bi-weekly. The new threshold metric (IPC) was proposed for individuals with different faecal egg count (FEC) levels [NO (no contribution) <20 EPG, LO (low contribution) = 20–150 EPG, ME (medium contribution) = 150–250 EPG, and HI (high contribution) ≥250 EPG] The effects of IPC on activity patterns were analysed stepwise using a Generalised Estimating Equations model implemented in Python programming language. Results showed significant effects of different IPC values on motion index and number of steps taken (adjusted p-value of 0.008, 0.018, 0.041, and 0.001 for individuals with NO, LO, ME, and HI IPC values, respectively). There were some breed effects on the average number of steps and minutes spent lying. The results also provide alternative threshold methods aimed at finding more sustainable ways of using anthelmintics and integrating individual data into future parasite control strategies.

Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) in Healthy Japanese Female University Students Showed Early Morning Lower Sensor Glucose Values.

In this study, Continuous Glucose Monitoring, a 24-h continuous sensor measurement of the glucose level, was performed on 35 female university students in their 20s. The results showed that 51.4% of the subjects had at least one episode of low sensor glucose level <54 mg/dL during the entire measurement period. This severe low glucose level condition was defined as lower sensor glucose values and it tended to occur more frequently during the early morning hours, especially from 3:00 am to 7:00 am. There were no significant differences in the BMI, the average number of steps, the total energy intake, the energy ratio of proteins, fats, or carbohydrates, or the alcohol intake between the lower sensor glucose values occurrence and the non-lower sensor glucose values occurrence groups. In regard to the early morning lower sensor glucose values observed in healthy female university students, we consider that further studies are required.

Impact of an After-School Club on Elementary Students’ and Staff Members’ Physical Activity Levels, Mood Levels, and Stress Levels

Guided by the conceptual framework of the Comprehensive School Physical Activity Program (CSPAP), the purpose of this study was to determine if a walking club after school for teachers and students increased physical activity levels, reduced stress, and improved mood. The participants were 51 (67% male, 33% female) fourth- to eighth-grade students and eight staff members at a charter school in the Southwest United States, along with nine comparison teachers. They participated in an 8-week after-school walking/running club twice a week for 45 min. Participants wore a pedometer and completed validated instruments to assess stress levels and mood. Descriptive statistics were performed. Group differences were explored with t tests. Overall, the average number of steps during the 13 school days for students was 7,657 (SD = 2,661). The after-school program added an additional 2,585 (SD = 699) steps to their day. Staff members were less active at school with 5,896.33 (SD = 2,617) steps, but equally or more active in the after-school program with 3,063 (SD = 331) steps. The t-test results were significant, showing students and teachers reported less stress at the end of the program. Only staff members completed the mood instrument, and there were significantly more positive mood indicators and fewer negative mood indicators at the posttest. Comparison teachers had similar steps at school. Because the intervention group of teachers reported more stress at pretest, their decreased stress values were similar to the comparison teachers at posttest. Participating in an after-school walking/running club can increase daily physical activity, decrease stress levels, and improve overall mood, specifically, if teachers want to feel more interested and inspired and less distressed, irritable, and nervous.

Predictors of Sustained Physical Activity During the COVID-19 Pandemic in People With Parkinson Disease in Sweden.

During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, people with Parkinson disease (PwPD) reported deterioration in health and physical activity. The aim of this study was to describe 1-year changes in physical activity and perceived health in PwPD during the COVID-19 pandemic and to identify predictors of sustained physical activity. This study compared perceived health and sensor-derived physical activity (Actigraph GT3x) in PwPD between the first (June to July 2020) and third waves (June to July 2021) of the pandemic. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to predict sustained physical activity across the study period using personal factors, disease severity, and functioning as independent variables. Sixty-three PwPD (mean age 71.0 years, 41% females) completed both baseline and 1-year follow-up (26 lost to follow-up). PwPD showed a decrease in average number of steps per day (Δ415 steps, P = 0.048), moderate-to-vigorous-physical activity (Δ7 minutes, P = 0.007) and increase in sedentary time (Δ36 minutes, P <.001) between baseline and 1-year follow-up. While self-perceived walking impairments and depressive symptoms increased significantly, balance confidence decreased between baseline and 1-year follow-up, no significant changes occurred for self-rated health, quality of life, or anxiety. Significant predictors of sustained physical activity levels were 15 years or more of education (odds ratio [OR] = 7.38, P = 0.013) and higher perceived walking ability (OR = 0.18, P = 0.041). Among PwPD with mild to moderate disease severity living in Sweden, factors associated with reduced physical activity levels during the COVID-19 pandemic included older age, lower education levels, and greater perceived walking difficulties.

Assessment of physical activity in hemodialysis and factors associated with a sedentary lifestyle

Background A sedentary lifestyle is an important risk factor for mortality, especially cardiovascular mortality. This risk is increased in hemodialysis patients owing to the presence of other comorbidities. The aims of this study were to assess physical activity in hemodialysis patients and to figure out factors associated with sedentary lifestyle. Patients and methods This was a cross-sectional, descriptive, analytical study. It was conducted over a 2-month period. The study included patients who had been on regular hemodialysis for at least 6 months. Patients with physical disability were not included. Physical activity was assessed using an accelerometer. Results There were 30 included patients, of whom 22 were male and eight female. The mean age of the patients was 43.40 ± 15.14 years. The average number of steps per day was 7464.32 ± 4166.82 steps/day. The average number of steps per dialysis day was 6605.41 ± 4251.27 steps/day. According to the number of steps per day, 26.7% of patients were sedentary, 26.7% of patients were less active, and 46.6% were active. Factors associated with sedentary behavior were the sex (P=0.028), the age (P=0.001), and the day of dialysis (P=0.0001). Conclusion Sedentary lifestyle was frequent in our study. This high frequency is explained by several factors related to chronic kidney disease and hemodialysis itself.

Sarcopenia, obesity, and their association with selected behavioral factors in active older adults.

Introduction: The number of obese people in the world is increasing, as is the number of sarcopenic people among the older adults. Although both states are concerning, they can be positively influenced by selected behavioral factors such as adequate nutrition and physical activity. We were interested in the prevalence of sarcopenic obesity in active older people and the influence of behavioral factors on this phenomenon. Methods: The study included 38 older adults (21 women) with a mean age of 75.3 ± 5.0 years. Sarcopenic parameters were determined with different tests: Handgrip Test, Chair Stand Test, Gait Speed, Timed Up and Go Test, and Short Physical Performance Battery. Body composition was measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Physical activity level was measured using accelerometers, and nutritional status was assessed using the Mini-Nutritional Assessment and MEDLIFE Index questionnaire. Results: Of all included active participants (the average number of steps per day was 8,916 ± 3,543), 47.4% of them were obese. Of all included women, 52.4% were obese. Sarcopenic obesity was found in three (7.9%) participants. Nutritional status correlated with strength of lower extremities and physical performance tests (gait speed, Timed Up and Go Test and Short Physical performance battery). Higher number of steps per day positively correlates with physical performance. Discussion: Interestingly, we did not find any correlation between the main obesity parameter such as percent body fat or body mass index (and thus sarcopenic obesity) and any of the selected behavioral factors (physical activity, sedentary behavior, or dietary habits). In conclusion, reaching the recommended levels of physical activity in older adults may not be sufficient to prevent the occurrence of obesity and sarcopenic obesity.

Impact of postoperative physical activity on the development of pneumonia in the subacute phase after esophagectomy in patients with esophageal cancer: A retrospective cohort study.

Physical activity is important to improve recovery following surgery. This study investigated the impact of physical activity on the development of pneumonia after radical esophagectomy in patients with thoracic esophageal cancer in the subacute phase from postoperative day 11 to hospital discharge. This retrospective cohort study included 83 patients who underwent radical esophagectomy for esophageal cancer between 2016 and 2022. Physical activity was measured using an activity tracker, and the average number of steps between postoperative days 8 and 10 was examined. The primary outcome was pneumonia (Clavien-Dindo classification 2 or higher) developing between postoperative day 11 and hospital discharge. We used the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis to calculate the optimal cutoff value of physical activity that can predict the development of pneumonia and define low physical activity. We used logistic regression analysis to investigate the impact of low physical activity on postoperative pneumonia. Pneumonia developed in 10 patients (12.0%) during the observation period. The optimal cutoff value of physical activity for predicting pneumonia was 1494 steps per day (sensitivity: 60.0%, specificity: 89.0%, area under the curve: 0.743). In multivariate analysis, low physical activity was an independent predictor of incident pneumonia [odds ratio: 12.10, 95% confidence interval: 2.21-65.90, p=0.004], with adjustment for age, gastric tube reconstruction route, and postoperative recurrent nerve palsy. Physical activity following radical esophagectomy in patients with thoracic esophageal cancer was an independent predictor of the development of pneumonia in the subacute phase after radical esophagectomy.

Association of low physical activity with higher respiratory tract infections frequency among pre-school children.

There is no consensus on the benefits of physical activity (PA) regarding upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) among children. This study aimed to determine an association between the PA level and URTIs in preschoolers. In 4-7-year-old participants, URTI symptoms were monitored using the Polish version of the Wisconsin Upper Respiratory System Survey for Kids. The daily number of steps, PA intensity, and sleep duration were measured with a Garmin-vivofit pedometer. The lag effect between the initial level of daily PA and the frequency of infections was evaluated. The average daily step count from healthy days was a significant determinant of the total number of days with the URTI symptoms, and it accounted for 44% (p < 0.001) of this variable variance. A low level of baseline PA (initial 14-day "run-in" observation period) was associated with an increased risk of URTI. In the non-sport group, the severity of the URTI symptoms depended on the number of daily steps. No significant correlation was found between sleep duration and the number of URTI days. Low levels of PA in preschoolers result in increased susceptibility to respiratory infections. Parents should encourage children to engage in PA to prevent URTIs. In pre-school children, higher physical activity (PA) is associated with fewer days of upper respiratory tract infection symptoms (URTIS). Children with a higher average daily step count have fewer days with URTIS over a long-term observation period. A change in the average number of steps per day by 1000 changed the number of days with symptoms of URTI by 4 days. The severity of URTIS was inversely related to the degree of PA. Children who participate in sports 3 or more hours per week have fewer URTIS than those who do not engage in sports regularly.

Two-point resistances of symmetric polyhedral networks

A random walk along the edges of a polyhedron consists of starting at a particular vertex, choosing one of its adjacent neighbors at random, stepping to that neighbor, and then repeating the process until a specified vertex is reached. The average number of steps it takes to get from a given vertex to another is called the hitting time. For polyhedra with some degree of symmetry, there are groups of vertices that have the same hitting time from a given starting vertex. These groups form symmetrically equivalent layers within the polyhedron. This paper explores a number of novel approaches to calculating these layers based on Euclidean distance, minimum length paths, and the number of edges of each face of the polyhedron. After the hitting times have been found, the equivalent resistance between any two vertices of the network is easily calculated. The physical relevance of this problem is discussed, a comparison with other approaches to solving it is made and some open questions are mentioned.

Application of Remote Patient Monitoring Technology in Medical Rehabilitation Programs

AIM. To develop an original information technology for remote monitoring and to conduct a scientific justification for its use for monitoring and evaluating the motor regimen and the main physiological parameters of patients in a rehabilitation center. MATERIAL AND METHODS. The original architecture of the software and hardware complex was used (certificate of state registration of the computer program No. 2022611766 of February 1, 2022), allowing to the attending physician’s PC and wearable devices (smart watches) of the patient with the function of the 24-hour registration of motor activity and heart rate indicators of users. The study involved 21 patients, who underwent medical rehabilitation courses in a round-the-clock hospital. 11 patients underwent cardiorehabilitation programs for the diagnosis of chronic coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction in the past (I25.2 according to ICD-10); 10 patients due to a condition after COVID-19 (U09.9 according to ICD-10). RESULTS AND DISCUSSION. When comparing the motor characteristics of the 2 study groups, it was found that the average number of steps per day was 9004.6 in the group of patients with a diagnosis of I25.2, which equals the distance of 6.6±2.63 km, and 10072.4 steps per day and 7.45±3.12 km in the group with a diagnosis of U09.9, respectively (p&lt;0.001). In both groups, during the course of medical rehabilitation, as a rule, 3 peaks of an increase in motor load were observed – on days 2-3, 5-6 and 8. The period of physical activity in group I25.2 averaged 5:45±0:33 hours, and in group U09.9 – 5:30±0:23 hours. The total density of motor load in both groups corresponded to ≈ 35-36%. However, the average time of motor load spent on active physical rehabilitation procedures in the group with a diagnosis of I25.2 was 1:45±0:17 hours, and in the group U09.9 only 1:05±0:14 (p&lt;0.01). In this connection, the motor density of the motor load of rehabilitation measures in the groups corresponded to 26.6% and 19.8%. CONCLUSION. The software package for remote monitoring of the motor regime and the main physiological parameters of patients has demonstrated the possibility of its use in medical practice, namely for patients at the 2nd stage of medical rehabilitation in a round-the-clock hospital and can be recommended for inclusion in programs of spa treatment.

Functional Capacity and Physical Activity Level in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease undergoing Hemodialysis

To minimize the problems resulting from chronic kidney disease, the practice of physical activities is indicated and consequently the improvement of physical capacity. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the correlation between functional capacity and physical activity level in patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis. This cross-sectional study was conducted with 24 individuals at hemodialysis clinic in the northwestern portion of the state of Rio Grande do Sul/Brazil. The outcome variables were distance traveled on the six-minute walk test (6MWT) and physical activity level determined by the average number of steps per day measured using a pedometer (objective measure) as well as the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) (subjective measure). It was shown that the distance travelled on the 6MWT was not correlated with the average number of steps per day or results of the IPAQ. In contrast, a moderate correlation was found between the two physical activity measures (pedometer and IPAQ). The patients were classified as insufficiently active and also had low functional capacity, with a mean of 53.93% of the predicted distance on the 6MWT. It is concluded that no significant correlation was found between functional capacity measured using the 6MWT and physical activity level measured using a pedometer and the IPAQ. A moderate correlation was found between the pedometer and IPAQ. The patients were insufficiently active and achieved low percentages of the predicted distance on the 6MWT.

A Vision-Based Bio-Inspired Reinforcement Learning Algorithms for Manipulator Obstacle Avoidance

Path planning for robotic manipulators has proven to be a challenging issue in industrial applications. Despite providing precise waypoints, the traditional path planning algorithm requires a predefined map and is ineffective in complex, unknown environments. Reinforcement learning techniques can be used in cases where there is a no environmental map. For vision-based path planning and obstacle avoidance in assembly line operations, this study introduces various Reinforcement Learning (RL) algorithms based on discrete state-action space, such as Q-Learning, Deep Q Network (DQN), State-Action-Reward- State-Action (SARSA), and Double Deep Q Network (DDQN). By positioning the camera in an eye-to-hand position, this work used color-based segmentation to identify the locations of obstacles, start, and goal points. The homogeneous transformation technique was used to further convert the pixel values into robot coordinates. Furthermore, by adjusting the number of episodes, steps per episode, learning rate, and discount factor, a performance study of several RL algorithms was carried out. To further tune the training hyperparameters, genetic algorithms (GA) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) were employed. The length of the path travelled, the average reward, the average number of steps, and the time required to reach the objective point were all measured and compared for each of the test cases. Finally, the suggested methodology was evaluated using a live camera that recorded the robot workspace in real-time. The ideal path was then drawn using a TAL BRABO 5 DOF manipulator. It was concluded that waypoints obtained via Double DQN showed an improved performance and were able to avoid the obstacles and reach the goal point smoothly and efficiently.

Nurses’ steps, distance traveled, and perceived physical demands in a three-shift schedule

BackgroundThe physical job demands of hospital nurses are known to be very high. Although many studies have measured the physical activities of nurses subjectively using questionnaires, it remains necessary to quantify and measure nurses’ physical activity at work using objective indicators. This study was conducted to address this gap in the literature by analyzing nurses’ physical activity using both objective measurements and subjective perceptions. The number of steps, distance traveled, and actual work hours were measured during work, and the influence of related factors was analyzed.MethodsUsing a cross-sectional design, survey and activity tracking data were collected from nurses who worked in three shifts in two tertiary hospitals located in the capital region of South Korea. The participants comprised 117 nurses working in four different units (medical ward, surgical ward, intensive care unit, emergency room), and data from 351 shifts were used in the final analysis. Between-group differences in the main variables were analyzed using the t-test, the Mann–Whitney test, analysis of variance, or the Kruskal–Wallis test, as appropriate. The relationships were examined through multiple linear regression analysis.ResultsThe average number of steps and distance traveled were greatest for nurses working in the emergency room, followed by the intensive care unit, surgical ward, and medical ward (in descending order). Younger nurses and those with shorter unit experience tended to have the greatest number of steps and distance traveled.ConclusionUsing activity trackers, this study derived physical activity measures such as number of steps and distance traveled, enabling an objective examination of physical activity during shifts. Nurses’ level of physical activity differed depending on the type of nursing unit, nurses’ age, and unit experience. These results suggest the need for support programs that are specific to the job demands of specific nursing units.

Tracking the Impact of Weather on Equine Activity While Pastured

Keeping horses outdoors on pasture full-time with free access to shelter holds numerous advantages over housing in stalls, promoting both better mental and physical health. One reason for these benefits is the potential for increased physical activity in horses outdoors on pasture versus those confined to stalls. However, it is not guaranteed the horse will take advantage of this opportunity for greater movement. For this reason, it is important to understand the various reasons why horse activity patterns change. The objective of this study was to investigate how various weather factors – including temperature, humidity, precipitation, and wind speed – directly affect equine movement. To achieve this, horses on two similarly-managed farms were equipped with triaxial accelerometers during five independent time periods from January to August. These devices tracked number of steps, standing time, time lying down, and number of lying bouts. The movement data were then compared to the corresponding weather conditions. No strong correlations were found between the recorded movement of the horses and any of the environmental conditions. However, differences in average number of steps and average time lying down were observed between farms and across testing periods, suggesting other influences such as ground conditions and the use of blankets. Further studies are needed to determine the best management practices to encourage pasture activity and support optimal equine physical health.

Bi-Directionality between Physical Activity within School and Fundamental Movement Skills in School-Aged Students: A Cross-Lagged Study.

Background: Evidence has indicated the health importance of fundamental movement skills (FMS) and physical activity (PA) in children and their relationships seems bidirectional. However, their bidirectional relationship has not yet been fully answered in the literature. Aim: This study sought to determine bidirectional relationship between FMS and PA in children using cross-lagged study design. Methods: A total of 183 second-level students (8.8 ± 1.1 years old) from three primary schools in Henan Province, China were selected as subjects. The average number of steps per school day was used as the amount of PA in the school environment; the third edition of the test of gross motor development was used for FMS testing. The baseline data (T1) and tracking data (T2) were collected at the beginning and end of the fall semester, respectively. The two tests were separated by 3 months (11 weeks), and a cross-lag model analysis was performed. Based on the hypothetical model, we tested the cross-lag effect of children’s PA and FMS. Results: The model fit index was χ2/df = 2.861 (p < 0.001, n = 183); goodness of fit index GFI = 0.900; NFI = 0.909; CFI = 0.931 and the 95%CI was between 0.071–0.192. The RMSEA = 0.063, and the standardized residual root mean square SRMR = 0.029. The T1 FMS can be used to predict the number of steps in the T2 teaching days with statistical significance (β = 0.22, 95% CI: 0.07–0.38, p = 0.003). However, the T1 steps cannot be used to predict the T2 FMS (β = 0.05, 95% CI: 0.07–0.13, p = 0.475). Further analysis shows that the main contributor to these relationships are ball skills in the FMS. Conclusions: The relationship between children’s fundamental movement skills and PA is not two-way. Students with higher FMS are expected to reach higher levels of PA after undergoing school PA in a teaching cycle. The PA of the students can be improved by improving their motor skills, which further improves their physical and mental health.

An Improved Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm and Its Application to the Extreme Value Optimization Problem of Multivariable Function.

It is proposed to improve the study of particle optimization and its application in order to solve the problem of inefficiency and lack of local optimization skills in the use of particle herd optimization. Firstly, the basic principle, mathematical description, algorithm parameters, and flow of the original (Particle Swarm Optimization, PSO) algorithm are introduced, and then the standard PSO algorithm is introduced; thirdly, over the last 10 years, four types of improvements have been proposed through the study of improved particle algorithms. The improved algorithm is applied to the extreme value optimization problem of multivariable function. The simulation results show that the basic (Cloud Particle Swarm Optimization, CPSO) algorithm within 500 generations has not reached convergence for 8 times, 6 times, 4 times, and 5 times, respectively. In the case of convergence, the average number of steps is much higher than ICPSO, and the improved algorithm converges completely. In terms of time performance, the convergence time of ICPSO is much better than that of CPSO algorithm. Therefore, the improved particle optimization algorithm ensures the effectiveness of the improvement measures, such as small optimization algebra, fast merging speed, high efficiency, and good population diversity.

Physical activity is extremely low and should be encouraged in patients with severe aortic stenosis waiting for transcatheter aortic valve implantation

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): Amsterdam UMC - location AMC Background Physical activity is crucial to preserve muscle mass and muscle function, which is hard to regain at older age. Therefore, even short periods of physical inactivity can be harmful for older adults. Due to symptoms of aortic stenosis patients planned for an elective Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) treatment could be at risk of physical inactivity. Specifically, because many of these patients are already older and frail, this could be harmful for physical functioning and even mortality at the long-term. Purpose To determine physical activity in patients planned for TAVI, using a wearable. Methods Consecutive patients undergoing TAVI from January 2020 to September 2021 were included. All patients were asked to wear a Stepwatch activity monitor to objectively measure physical activity in the period before the TAVI. The Stepwatch is a valid tool to determine physical activity in frail and older adults, because it is able to detect slow or irregular movement. Patients were asked to wear the Stepwatch for seven consecutive days during every awake hour. By three complete days of at least 10 hours of wear time the data were included in the analysis. Two parameters were collected: the number of steps per day and activity time at moderate intensity. For number of steps per day patients were classified as extremely inactive (&amp;lt;2500), inactive (&amp;lt;7500) or active (&amp;gt;7500). For time at moderate intensity, it was determined how many patients did meet the activity guidelines (&amp;gt;150 min of moderate activity per week). Results In total 89 patients were included; mean age was 81 ± 5 years and 54% was male. Average number of steps per day were 6249 ± 2999. In total 19% (n=17) of the patients were extreme inactive, 67% (n=59) were inactive, and 15% (n=13) were active. Patients were moderate active for a median of 8 [IQR: 0 – 43] minutes per week. In total 6% (n=5) of the patients met the recommended guidelines of at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week. Conclusion Older and frail patients with severe aortic stenosis planned for TAVI are mainly inactive. Most patients only moved at low intensity and a very small number of patients (6%) met the activity guidelines. The extremely low physical activity in patients waiting for TAVI, make them at high risk for muscle breakdown and adverse health outcomes at the longer term. (P)rehabilitation interventions should be developed to encourage patients with severe aortic stenosis to become more active during waiting time before TAVI.