Beneficial Effects Of Physical Activity Research Articles

Voluntary wheel running reduces tumor growth and increases capillarity in the heart during doxorubicin chemotherapy in a murine model of breast cancer.

Introduction: The possible beneficial effects of physical activity during doxorubicin treatment of breast cancer need further investigation as many of the existing studies have been done on non-tumor-bearing models. Therefore, in this study, we aim to assess whether short-term voluntary wheel-running exercise during doxorubicin treatment of breast cancer-bearing mice could induce beneficial cardiac effects and enhance chemotherapy efficacy. Methods: Murine breast cancer I3TC cells were inoculated subcutaneously to the flank of female FVB mice (n = 16) that were divided into exercised and non-exercised groups. Two weeks later, doxorubicin treatment was started via intraperitoneal administration (5mg/kg weekly for 3weeks). Organs were harvested a day after the last dose. Results: The tumor volume over time was significantly different between the groups, with the exercising group having lower tumor volumes. The exercised group had increased body weight gain, tumor apoptosis, capillaries per cardiomyocytes, and cardiac lactate dehydrogenase activity compared to the unexercised group, but tumor blood vessel density and maturation and tumor and cardiac HIF1-α and VEGF-A levels did not differ from those of the non-exercised group. Discussion: We conclude that even short-term light exercise such as voluntary wheel running exercise can decrease the subcutaneous mammary tumor growth, possibly via increased tumor apoptosis. The increase in cardiac capillaries per cardiomyocytes may also have positive effects on cancer treatment outcomes.

Interaction between type 2 diabetes polygenic risk and physical activity on cardiovascular outcomes.

The beneficial effects of exercise on reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease are established. However, the potential interaction between genetic risk for type 2 diabetes and physical activity on cardiovascular outcomes remains elusive. We aimed to investigate the effect of type 2 diabetes genetic risk-physical activity interaction on cardiovascular outcomes in individuals with diabetes. Using the UK Biobank cohort, we investigated the effect of type 2 diabetes genetic risk-physical activity interaction on 3-point and 4-point major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), in 25,701 diabetic participants. We used a polygenic risk score for type 2 diabetes (PRS_T2D) as a measure of genetic risk for type 2 diabetes. We observed significant interaction between PRS_T2D and physical activity on cardiovascular outcomes (3-point MACE: P trend for interaction = 0.0081; 4-point MACE: P trend for interaction = 0.0037). Among participants whose PRS_T2D was in the first or second quartile, but not in the third or fourth quartile, each 10 metabolic equivalents (METs) hours per week of physical activity decreased the risk of 3-point or 4-point MACE. Furthermore, restricted cubic spline analysis indicated that intense physical activity (>80 METs hours per week, which was self-reported by 12.7% of participants) increased the risk of cardiovascular outcomes among participants whose PRS_T2D was in the fourth quartile. Subgroup analysis suggested that negative impact of intense physical activity was observed only in non-insulin users. The beneficial effect of physical activity on cardiovascular outcomes were disappeared among those with high genetic risk for type 2 diabetes.

Physical activity on executive function in sedentary individuals: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Physical activity has been demonstrated to promote cognitive performance. However, the relationship between physical activity and executive function (EF) in sedentary individuals is not fully understood. This meta-analysis examined the impact of physical activity on EF in sedentary individuals and evaluated potential moderators of the relationship between physical activity and EF. In accordance with the PRISMA guidelines, the electronic databases MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO and Web of Science were searched. Included studies had to report sedentary individuals randomized to either a physical activity group or a control group. Subgroup analyses of EF sub-domains, exercise prescription and age were conducted alongside the overall meta-analysis. Thirteen RCT studies were included, with a total of 752 participants. Results showed a small to moderate beneficial effect of physical activity on EF (SMD = 0.24, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.40). In subgroup analysis by EF sub-domains, physical activity enhanced inhibitory control (SMD = 0.38, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.63) and working memory (SMD = 0.22, 95% CI -0.05 to 0.49), but not cognitive flexibility (SMD = 0.11, 95% CI -0.18 to 0.41). Interventions with an intervention length > 12 weeks improved overall EF (SMD = 0.26, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.46), but intervention length ≤ 12 weeks did not (SMD = 0.20, 95% CI -0.08 to 0.47). Interventions with session time ≥ 45 minutes improved overall EF (SMD = 0.47, 95% CI 0.22 to 0.77), but session time < 45 minutes did not (0.17, 95% CI -0.11 to 0.44). Physical activity improves EF for older adults (age ≥ 60 years) (SMD = 0.25, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.42), but not for younger individuals (age < 60 years) (SMD = 0.17, 95% CI -0.25 to 0.59). Overall, physical activity has a beneficial effect on EF in sedentary individuals, although the influence may be domain specific and influenced by exercise prescription and age. These findings have practical implications for those seeking to improve EF in sedentary individuals through physical activity.

Associations between physical activity and health outcomes in clinical and non-clinical populations: A systematic meta-umbrella review

Background: The beneficial effect of physical activity in various health conditions is recognised, but the consistency and magnitude of its outcomes remain debated. Therefore, we aimed to chart the evidence of the association between physical activity and health outcomes in clinical and non-clinical populations. Methods: We conducted a meta-umbrella review using a semiquantitative and descriptive analysis. We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and CINHAL databases from inception to February 28, 2023, for umbrella reviews that evaluated the relationship between physical activity and health outcomes using validated methods to assess evidence levels. Two reviewers independently screened, extracted data, and assessed quality of the umbrella reviews. The overlap analysis of component meta-analyses within the umbrella reviews was performed using the Corrected Covered Area (CCA) method. To ensure consistency, pooled effect estimates were converted to equivalent odds ratios (eORs). Results: Sixteen umbrella reviews with a total of 130 statistically significant associations were included. The sole risk-demonstrating association, supported by convincing evidence, was between intensive sports and atrial fibrillation (eOR=1.64, 95%CI=1.10-2.43). The strongest protective associations, supported by convincing and highly suggestive evidence, were between any physical activity and the incidence of Parkinson's disease (eOR=0.66, 95%CI=0.57-0.78), Alzheimer's disease (eOR=0.62, 95%CI=0.52-0.72), cognitive decline (eOR=0.67; 95%CI=0.57-0.78), breast cancer incidence (eOR=0.87, 95%CI=0.84-0.90), endometrial cancer incidence (eOR=0.79, 95%CI=0.74-0.85), and between recreational physical activity and the incidence/mortality of cancer (eOR=0.70, 95%CI=0.60-0.83). The remaining ones demonstrated lower levels of evidence, while 60 (46.2%) of those exhibited multiple levels of evidence, displaying a lack of consistency. Conclusion: Despite the inconsistent evidence across associations, the contribution of regular physical activity to maintaining both physical and mental health cannot be underestimated, particularly when it comes to cognitive and cancer outcomes. The association between intensive sports and potential risk of atrial fibrillation requires further consideration though.

P09.05.A IMPACT OF A 16-WEEK SUPERVISED EXERCISE INTERVENTION ON CANCER-RELATED FATIGUE IN PATIENTS WITH NEWLY DIAGNOSED GLIOBLASTOMA UNDERGOING ADJUVANT CHEMOTHERAPY

Abstract BACKGROUND Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is considered one of the most prevalent symptoms in brain tumor patients undergoing concurrent chemoradiation (approx. 80 % of those affected). Several studies have identified beneficial effects of physical activity on reducing CRF. However, few studies have examined the reduction of CRF by exercise in glioma patients. Here we present prospective data showing the effect of an intensive 16-week supervised exercise intervention on CRF in neuro-oncological patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS Between July 2020 and April 2023, patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma and after surgery and concomitant radiochemotherapy have been recruited for this single-arm trial in progress. Participants have received a 16-week supervised training intervention on a 1:1-basis consisting of two intensive 50-minute sessions per week (bicycle ergometry at an average of 75 % of maximum heart rate and progressive whole-body resistance training). CRF has been assessed using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ C30). We calculated change scores (scores: 0-100; 100=max. fatigue) from baseline, after 8 weeks, and post-intervention (week 16). RESULTS So far, 26 glioblastoma patients (13 women) aged 35-84 years (mean 59 years) participated in the exercise intervention. All patients received adjuvant chemotherapy (50 % Stupp, 42 % CeTeG, 8 % other). Paired t-test indicated a statistically significant reduction in CRF from baseline to post-intervention (p=.030; 95 % CI: -0.5 - 24.2). Mean scores reduced from 40.4 to 36.2 (week 8) to 26.9 (week 16). However, the decrease between week 0 and week 8 was not yet significant (p=.281; 95 % CI: -7.6 - 13.6). CONCLUSION The present trial shows that a 16-week supervised exercise program can reduce CRF in glioblastoma patients despite adjuvant chemotherapy. Thus, and consistent with studies of exercise interventions in patients of other tumor types, glioblastoma patients have the opportunity to actively contribute to the reduction of tumor- and therapy-induced side effects through intensive physical training.

Platelet-derived exerkine CXCL4/platelet factor 4 rejuvenates hippocampal neurogenesis and restores cognitive function in aged mice

The beneficial effects of physical activity on brain ageing are well recognised, with exerkines, factors that are secreted into the circulation in response to exercise, emerging as likely mediators of this response. However, the source and identity of these exerkines remain unclear. Here we provide evidence that an anti-geronic exerkine is secreted by platelets. We show that platelets are activated by exercise and are required for the exercise-induced increase in hippocampal precursor cell proliferation in aged mice. We also demonstrate that increasing the systemic levels of the platelet-derived exerkine CXCL4/platelet factor 4 (PF4) ameliorates age-related regenerative and cognitive impairments in a hippocampal neurogenesis-dependent manner. Together these findings highlight the role of platelets in mediating the rejuvenating effects of exercise during physiological brain ageing.

The effect of physical activity on white matter integrity in aging and prodromal to mild Alzheimer's disease with vascular comorbidity.

Physical activity is a modifiable lifestyle factor that has been previously associated with reduced vascular burden and reduced risk of dementia. This study tested whether physical activity (i.e., being inactive vs. active) contributed to preservation of white matter microstructure in healthy aging controls and patients in prodromal to mild Alzheimer's disease with low/high vascular burden. A total of 213 participants were recruited from memory clinics. They were classified as being either physically active (n = 113) or inactive (n = 100) based on the Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Aging and Dementia (CAIDE) questionnaire. Diffusion-weighted images were acquired for all participants and pre-processed based on a standard protocol. A factorial design using voxel-wise tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) was adopted, with 5,000 permutations and threshold-free cluster enhancement (TFCE), to identify significant clusters for fractional anisotropy (FA), axial diffusivity (AxD), mean diffusivity (MD), and radial diffusivity (RD). Clusters of higher FA and lower AxD, MD, and RD values were found for physically active compared with inactive participants that were widespread covering mainly association and projection tracts but also some commissural tracts. A three-way Group × Physical Activity × Vascular Burden interaction effect was found for FA mostly in a variety of projection tracts with a right predominance, and some commissural and association tracts. Post hoc analyses revealed higher FA in patients with high vascular burden who were physically active compared with those patients with high vascular burden who were inactive mainly in projection and association/limbic tracts with a right predominance. Additionally, higher FA was observed in physically active patients with high vascular burden as compared with physically inactive controls with high vascular burden, mainly in bilateral projection fibers and cerebellar regions. Voxel-wise TBSS analysis revealed better preservation of white matter microstructure that was prominent in the high-risk group such as the patients with high vascular burden, specifically those who were physically active. The beneficial effects of physical activity on white matter microstructure were not observed in the controls.

The Effect of Physical Activity Intervention on Motor Proficiency in Children and Adolescents with ADHD: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a frequently diagnosed neurodevelopmental disorder in children and adolescents. The objective of this review was to synthesize empirical studies that investigated the effects of physical activity (PA) on motor proficiency in this population. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following the cochrane guidelines for systematic reviews. In May 2022, a systematic search of eight electronic databases retrieved 476 results, which were screened independently by two reviewers. Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 12 studies were selected for systematic review, and 10 were included in the meta-analysis. A beneficial effect of PA on overall motor proficiency (SMD = 1.12; 95% CI [0.63 to 1.61]; p < 0.05) was observed. Similar positive effects were found for motor proficiency composites, including object control, fine manual control, and body coordination. These results indicate that PA improves the motor proficiency of children and adolescents with ADHD.

Multi-Level Meta-Analysis of Physical Activity Interventions During Childhood: Effects of Physical Activity on Cognition and Academic Achievement

There is evidence that physical activity positively influences cognition and academic outcomes in childhood. This systematic review used a three-level meta-analytic approach, which handles nested effect sizes, to assess the impact of physical activity interventions. Ninety-two randomised control trials in typically developing children (5–12 years old, N = 25,334) were identified. Control group type and intervention characteristics including duration, frequency, and teacher qualification were explored as potential moderators. Results showed physical activity interventions improved on-task behaviour with a large effect size (g = 1.04, p = 0.03 (95% CI: 0.08–2.00), very low-certainty evidence) and led to moderate improvements in creativity (g = 0.70, p < 0.01 (0.20–1.20), low-certainty evidence). Small beneficial effects were found for fluid intelligence (g = 0.16, p = 0.03 (0.02, 0.30), moderate-certainty evidence) and working memory (g = 0.18, p = 0.01 (0.07–0.29), very low-certainty evidence), but no overall benefit was observed for attention, inhibitory control, planning, cognitive flexibility or academic outcomes. Heterogeneity was high, and moderator analyses indicated beneficial effects of physical activity (PA) with academic instruction of 6–10-week duration with moderate or moderate to vigorous intensity on mathematics outcomes and enriched PA programmes on language outcomes. In contrast, aerobic PA with moderate to vigorous intensity benefitted executive function outcomes. These results therefore suggest differential mechanisms of impact of different types of PA on different aspects of cognition.

Higher daily physical activity levels may facilitate pre-diabetes regression to normoglycemia: A longitudinal study among an Iranian population

The possible association of habitual physical activity (PA) and the risk of pre-diabetes (Pre-DM) progression to type 2 diabetes (T2D) or the chance of returning to normoglycemia was investigated. This cohort study included 1167 Pre-DM individuals (mean age of 53.5 years, and 45.3% men) who participated in the third phase of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (2006–2008) and followed up to a median of 9 years. PA, including leisure time and job activities, was measured using a reliable and validated Iranian version of the Modifiable Activity Questionnaire and reported as metabolic equivalent (MET)-minutes per week. The odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of incident T2D and returning to normoglycemia were estimated in relation to PA levels (i.e., per every 500 MET-minutes/week, or across categories of PA levels < 600 as a reference, 600–1500 and > 1500 MET-minutes/week). During the study follow-up, 39.0 % progressed to T2D, and 37.8% returned to normoglycemia. Compared to subjects with a PA < 600 MET-minutes/week, the chance of regression to normoglycemia increased by 58% [OR = 1.58, 95% CI = 1.03–2.40 ∼ relative risk (RR) = 1.32, 95% CI = 1.02–1.63] among the participants who had a PA > 1500 MET-minutes/week. We further noted that each 500 MET-min/week activity corresponded to an elevated chance of returning to normoglycemia by 5% (OR = 1.05, 95% CI = 1.01–1.11). The study’s findings provided evidence that higher daily PA levels may facilitate Pre-DM regression to normoglycemia. The beneficial effect of PA in Pre-DM subjects needs to exceed the recommended levels (i.e., 600 MET-minutes/week).

Influence of Strenuous Physical Activity and Cardiorespiratory Fitness on Age-Related Differences in Brain Activations During Varieties of Cognitive Control

While there is extensive literature on the beneficial effects of physical activity on age differences in cognitive control, limited research exists on comparing the contributions of strenuous physical activity (sPA) and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) to fluctuations in the blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) signals during varieties of cognitive control. The current study addresses this gap in knowledge by investigating BOLD signal differences between high-fit and low-fit older adults, determined by their sPA or CRF, during a novel fMRI task with a hybrid block and event-related design that included transient activations (during switching, updating and their combination trials) and sustained activations (during proactive and reactive control blocks). fBOLD signals from older (n = 25) were compared to more functionally efficient younger (n = 15) adults. High-sPA old showed higher task accuracy than Low-sPA old and similar accuracy as young. Whole-brain fMRI analyses identified higher BOLD activations (esp. dlPFC/MFG) in high-fit old during updating and combination trials that were similar to young, suggesting maintenance of BOLD signals in higher fit older adults during working memory updating. Additionally, both High-sPA and High-CRF related compensatory overactivation were observed in left parietal and occipital areas during sustained activations, which were positively correlated with older adults' accuracy. These results suggest that physical fitness is a modifier of age-related changes in BOLD signal modulation elicited in response to increasing cognitive control demands, with higher fitness in old contributing to both compensatory overactivations and maintenance of task-related brain activations during cognitive control, whereas lower fitness contributed to maladaptive overactivations during lower cognitive demands.

The "adult inactivity triad" in patients with chronic kidney disease: A review.

The "pediatric inactivity triad" framework consists of three complex, interrelated conditions influencing physical inactivity and associated health risks. Evidence on the beneficial effects of physical activity in adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD) continues to grow, but few studies have explored the complex interactions behind inactivity in this population. Based on the "pediatric inactivity triad" framework and prior research, we would like to propose a new concept, the "adult inactivity triad" in CKD, including (1) exercise deficit disorder, (2) sarcopenia, and (3) physical illiteracy. Individuals can shift from "adult inactivity triad" to "adult activity triad" and move at different rates and directions along the arrows in each of the three components. This review explores and summarizes previous research on the three main adult inactivity triad components in the chronic kidney disease population.

Measuring objective fatigability and autonomic dysfunction in clinical populations: How and why?

Fatigue is a major symptom in many diseases, often among the most common and severe ones and may last for an extremely long period. Chronic fatigue impacts quality of life, reduces the capacity to perform activities of daily living, and has socioeconomical consequences such as impairing return to work. Despite the high prevalence and deleterious consequences of fatigue, little is known about its etiology. Numerous causes have been proposed to explain chronic fatigue. They encompass psychosocial and behavioral aspects (e.g., sleep disorders) and biological (e.g., inflammation), hematological (e.g., anemia) as well as physiological origins. Among the potential causes of chronic fatigue is the role of altered acute fatigue resistance, i.e. an increased fatigability for a given exercise, that is related to physical deconditioning. For instance, we and others have recently evidenced that relationships between chronic fatigue and increased objective fatigability, defined as an abnormal deterioration of functional capacity (maximal force or power), provided objective fatigability is appropriately measured. Indeed, in most studies in the field of chronic diseases, objective fatigability is measured during single-joint, isometric exercises. While those studies are valuable from a fundamental science point of view, they do not allow to test the patients in ecological situations when the purpose is to search for a link with chronic fatigue. As a complementary measure to the evaluation of neuromuscular function (i.e., fatigability), studying the dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) is also of great interest in the context of fatigue. The challenge of evaluating objective fatigability and ANS dysfunction appropriately (i.e.,. how?) will be discussed in the first part of the present article. New tools recently developed to measure objective fatigability and muscle function will be presented. In the second part of the paper, we will discuss the interest of measuring objective fatigability and ANS (i.e. why?). Despite the beneficial effects of physical activity in attenuating chronic fatigue have been demonstrated, a better evaluation of fatigue etiology will allow to personalize the training intervention. We believe this is key in order to account for the complex, multifactorial nature of chronic fatigue.

The Association of Physical Activity Behaviors and Patterns With Aging Acceleration: Evidence From the UKBiobank.

Prior evidence suggests that physical activity may reduce the risk of multiple diseases and mortality. However, whether and how physical activity affects the aging process remains largely unexplored. We included 284479 UK Biobank participants and computed leukocyte telomere length (LTL) deviation (ie, the difference between genetically determined and observed LTL) and biological age acceleration (defined as the discrepancy between the phenotypic age of a person and the average phenotypic age in the cohort of individuals with the same age and sex) as the indexes for aging acceleration. Linear and logistic models were used to estimate the associations of self-reported physical activity items and patterns (identified by principal component analysis), as well as accelerometer-assessed physical activity, with aging acceleration. Analyses of physical activity patterns indicated, a higher level of adherence to activity patterns predominated by strenuous sports, other exercises, walking for pleasure, heavy and light housework, and public transportation use was associated with a lower risk of aging acceleration, whereas a higher level of adherence to patterns predominated by job-related activities was associated with a higher risk of aging acceleration. Analysis among 62418 participants with accelerometer-measured physical activity corroborated these results. Physical activity, such as strenuous sports and other exercises in leisure time and the use of public transportation, was associated with reduced biological aging. Besides highlighting the importance of engaging in physical activity for healthy aging, our results provide further evidence for the beneficial effect of physical activity on the telomere attrition process.

Significant Dose-Response Association of Physical Activity and Diet Quality With Mortality in Adults With Suspected NAFLD in a Population Study.

We aimed to determine whether higher levels (volume and intensity) of physical activity (PA) and diet quality (DQ) are associated with better survival rates in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Using data from the 2011-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 3,548 participants with a Fatty Liver Index ≥60 were included. PA was collected using a wrist-worn triaxial accelerometer and expressed as 2 metrics using Monitor-Independent Movement Summary (MIMS) units: the average of daily MIMS, which represents volume, and peak 30-minute MIMS, which is the average of the highest 30 MIMS min/d and represents intensity. DQ was assessed by the Healthy Eating Index-2015. Mortality follow-up was recorded using the National Death Index linkage through December 31, 2019. Our analyses revealed a dose-dependent, nonlinear association of PA (volume and intensity) with all-cause mortality and a dose-dependent, linear association of DQ with all-cause mortality. The maximum protective dose of PA volume was observed at 14,300 MIMS/min (adj. HR: 0.20, 95% CI: 0.11-0.38). The maximum protective dose of PA intensity was observed at 54.25 MIMS/min (adj. HR: 0.10, 95% CI: 0.05-0.23), beyond which mortality risks flattened. The Healthy Eating Index-2015 showed its maximum protective effect at 66.17 (adj. HR: 0.54, 95% CI: 0.40-0.74). Higher PA (volume and intensity) levels were associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular-related but not cancer-related mortality. A healthier diet was linked to a reduced risk of cardiovascular-specific and cancer-specific mortality. Sensitivity analyses showed that the beneficial effects of PA and DQ on survival rates remained significant across sex, racial/ethnic, and age groups as well as in participants without NAFLD. Our findings suggest that higher daily accumulated and peak effort PA and DQ are associated with lower all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in US adults with NAFLD.

Active and Happy? Physical Activity and Life Satisfaction among Young Educated Women.

Physical activity belongs to the group of health-promoting behaviors. It also affects emotional well-being, which is linked to a higher quality of life. Individuals who participate in physical activity practice regardless of age reap several positive health benefits that affect both body and mind. The aim of this study was to assess the life satisfaction of young adults in the context of physical activity undertaken. Study material was collected via anonymous questionnaire surveys among 328 young women (between the ages of 18 and 30 with secondary or higher education) in Poland. Satisfaction with life was assessed using The Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). Statistical calculations were performed using the STATISTICA 13.3 program, Stat Soft Poland. Interdependence of unmeasured characteristics was assessed using the X2 test. Multivariate analysis for the direct effect of physical activity on life satisfaction (LS) and the influence of frequency of physical fitness on life satisfaction was performed based on regular OLS multiple regression. The majority of respondents (74.7%) reported engaging in physical exercise. The mean level of life satisfaction was 4.5 ± 1.1 (on a scale of 1 to 7). Multivariate analysis showed no statistically significant relationship with life satisfaction in the physically active and inactive groups. It was observed that significantly higher levels of life satisfaction were found among respondents: married 5.1 ± 1.1, median = 5.2 (4.5-5.9) compared to single 4.4 ± 1.2, median = 4.6 (3.6-5.2) and in informal relationships 4.5 ± 1.0, median = 4.4 (3.8-5.2); p = 0.02; declaring rather good 4.5 ± 1.0, median = 4.6 (3.8-5.2) or very good health 4.8 ± 1.1, median = 5.0 (4.2-5.6) compared to rather poor 4.1 ± 1.0, median = 4.1 (3.4-4.8) and poor health 3.6 ± 1.4, median = 3.1 (2.6-4.4); p = 0.0006; rating their physical condition moderately 4.7 ± 1.1, median = 4.8 (4.0-5.6) or highly 4.9 ± 1.0, median = 5.0 (4.3-5.4) compared to rating their fitness low 4.2 ± 0.9, median = 4.2 (3.6-4.8); p < 0.0001. Multivariate analyses confirmed a significant effect of marital status and subjective assessment of physical condition on the average level of life satisfaction. Physical activity does not differentiate the level of life satisfaction in the studied group of young women. Marital status and the subjective assessment of physical condition are factors that have a significant impact on the level of satisfaction with the life of young women. Given the beneficial effect of physical activity on the sense of satisfaction with life, which can lead to an increase in its quality, physical activity should be promoted, not only among children but also in the group of young adults.

Influence of physical activity on cognitive functions - Potential mechanisms and benefits

Background and Study Aim. The results of many research indicate that systematic physical activity has also positive effect on functions of the central nervous system. For example, improvement of the cognitive functions level, such as memory and learning, under the influence of systematic physical training has been demonstrated. The positive effect of physical activity on the central nervous system is especially visible and widely described with regard to elderly people, who develop many adverse remodeling changes in the structure of the brain. However, particularly interesting are the studies which show that also among young people a positive effect of physical activity on cognitive processes is observed. Currently, several hypotheses are proposed, presenting potential mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of physical activity on the central nervous system. The first hypothesis assumes the beneficial effect of physical activity on the expression of hippocampal genes related to synaptic plasticity. The second hypothesis assumes that physical effort per se is an inducer of the secretion of the growth factors (e.g., BDNF, IGF-1), which have a trophic effect on the nervous system. In addition, the results of the latest scientific studies indicate that the positive effect of physical activity on the central nervous system may be due to the action of phospholipase (Gpld-1), released to the bloodstream from the liver under the influence of physical exercise. This work indicates that due to the influence on cognitive functions, physical activity is absolutely essential to both elderly and young people population.&#x0D; Conclusions. It seems necessary to educate both young and elderly people that the proper level of physical activity is a key factor allowing to maintain both physical and mental health at an appropriate, desirable level.

Underlying mechanisms for physical activity-induced brain plasticity

Physical activity is an important component in daily life which become more important when comes to health-related complications. Physical activity regardless the type and intensity, can bring beneficial effect for general health and can improve skills in several aspects including learning tasks and response to stimuli along with other health benefits. By recruiting regular physical activity and exercise, which happened for athletes, some structural and functional changes may occur in some regions of brain including increase in network connection, increase the speed of message transformation, increase in gray matter, synaptic plasticity and brain plasticity. There are several suggested mechanisms for physical activity-induced brain plasticity including increase in gene expression, BDNF, IGF-1, VEGF and activation of cellular cascade. Although the beneficial effects of physical activity on brain flexibility is well known which is reviled in athletes, the most effective type of activity which can affect brain flexibility the most, is not clear yet.

Impact of Physical Activity on Anxiety, Depression, Stress and Quality of Life of the Older People in Brazil.

Population aging all over the world invites older people to be active, considering physical activity (PA) as associated with reduced anxiety, depression and stress and a high quality of life (QOL) in older people. To analyze anxiety, depression, stress and QOL as a function of PA in older people. Descriptive analytical research. Six hundred and ninety older people answered the instrument composed of sociodemographic questions, followed by questions from the WHOQOL-Old, Baecke-Old, WHOQOL-SRPB, Stress Perception Scale, Beck Anxiety Inventory and Beck Depression Inventory. The beneficial effect of PA on the elderly is evident in this sample with such a high QoL (73%) and such a high level of physical activity (84%), and even with an advanced level of education (75%) and high spirituality (99.6%). The influence of PA on the anxiety and stress cluster showed Pearson's chi-square = 9.9, DF = 4, p = 0.04239, critical value = 9.5. The influence of PA on the anxiety, depression and stress cluster showed Pearson's chi-square = 6.8; DF = 5; p-value = 0.24; critical value = 11.1. In the elderly, PA has a significant relationship with anxiety, stress and QOL. In addition, the high level of QOL of the elderly in the sample demonstrates the capacity for PA, educational level and spirituality for personal satisfaction.

Beneficial Effects of Physical Activity on Stroke: A Narrative Review

Stroke is a major health issue in the category of non communicable diseases, placing a significant burden on developed and developing countries in terms of long-term and specialised care. In today’s era, controlling the highly prevalent non communicable diseases is a primary focus, with preventive strategies taking precedence over treatment strategies. Physical inactivity is one of the contributing factors to stroke, highlighting the immense significance of physical activity for stroke survivors. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate and understand the positive effects of physical activity in preventing and managing stroke. This narrative review aims to explore and summarise the beneficial effects of physical activity in stroke prevention and management. By narrating these benefits, we hope to encourage stroke survivors to engage in sufficient physical activity to maximise their advantages.