Common Physical Activity Research Articles

Agility as a predictor of physical literacy, activity levels and sport involvement

Objective: Given the increasing importance being placed on levels of youths’ physical literacy (PL), physical activity (PA) and sport involvement (SI), it would seem plausible to investigate a common physical activity outcome (PAO) that would go to predict success throughout these domains. The impact of various demographic variables, on physical performance, is of interest. This study hypothesised that levels of agility predict the success in a number of PAOs. Design: A variance (ANOVA), with repeated measures, was conducted to determine if the physical performance responses differed significantly from each other for selected PAO. Setting: Two hundred and thirty-four (234) school-aged students (11–17+ years) had data (quantitative) collected across six PAOs, which were selected based on their inherent connections to domains. Method: Correlation matrices and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) were further used to examine and diagrammatically represent the significance (p < 0.05—p < 0.000) of associations and relationships (r) between levels of agility and each PAO. Results: Strength of the direct effect identifies that higher levels of agility, being male (r = .208**, p < 0.001) and a light—moderate BMI (r = .223**, p < 0.05), significantly moderates the pathways between all PAOs. The SEM indicated that the approach fits the data set very well (p < .05, Chi Square/DF<3, and other fit values in the .95–1.00 region). Conclusion: Findings suggest that more attention should be directed towards promoting the inherent benefits of improving school-aged students’ agility levels, with an aim to developing reciprocating positive impacts on domains.

Accuracy of Wrist-Worn Activity Monitors During Common Daily Physical Activities and Types of Structured Exercise: Evaluation Study.

BackgroundWrist-worn activity monitors are often used to monitor heart rate (HR) and energy expenditure (EE) in a variety of settings including more recently in medical applications. The use of real-time physiological signals to inform medical systems including drug delivery systems and decision support systems will depend on the accuracy of the signals being measured, including accuracy of HR and EE. Prior studies assessed accuracy of wearables only during steady-state aerobic exercise.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to validate the accuracy of both HR and EE for 2 common wrist-worn devices during a variety of dynamic activities that represent various physical activities associated with daily living including structured exercise.MethodsWe assessed the accuracy of both HR and EE for two common wrist-worn devices (Fitbit Charge 2 and Garmin vívosmart HR+) during dynamic activities. Over a 2-day period, 20 healthy adults (age: mean 27.5 [SD 6.0] years; body mass index: mean 22.5 [SD 2.3] kg/m2; 11 females) performed a maximal oxygen uptake test, free-weight resistance circuit, interval training session, and activities of daily living. Validity was assessed using an HR chest strap (Polar) and portable indirect calorimetry (Cosmed). Accuracy of the commercial wearables versus research-grade standards was determined using Bland-Altman analysis, correlational analysis, and error bias.ResultsFitbit and Garmin were reasonably accurate at measuring HR but with an overall negative bias. There was more error observed during high-intensity activities when there was a lack of repetitive wrist motion and when the exercise mode indicator was not used. The Garmin estimated HR with a mean relative error (RE, %) of −3.3% (SD 16.7), whereas Fitbit estimated HR with an RE of −4.7% (SD 19.6) across all activities. The highest error was observed during high-intensity intervals on bike (Fitbit: −11.4% [SD 35.7]; Garmin: −14.3% [SD 20.5]) and lowest error during high-intensity intervals on treadmill (Fitbit: −1.7% [SD 11.5]; Garmin: −0.5% [SD 9.4]). Fitbit and Garmin EE estimates differed significantly, with Garmin having less negative bias (Fitbit: −19.3% [SD 28.9], Garmin: −1.6% [SD 30.6], P<.001) across all activities, and with both correlating poorly with indirect calorimetry measures.ConclusionsTwo common wrist-worn devices (Fitbit Charge 2 and Garmin vívosmart HR+) show good HR accuracy, with a small negative bias, and reasonable EE estimates during low to moderate-intensity exercise and during a variety of common daily activities and exercise. Accuracy was compromised markedly when the activity indicator was not used on the watch or when activities involving less wrist motion such as cycle ergometry were done.

The association between the longitudinal course of common mental disorders and subsequent physical activity status in young adults: A 30-year birth cohort study

Low physical activity is a major public health concern. There has been extensive research examining the role of physical activity as a potentially modifiable risk factor for the onset of mental illness. However, fewer studies have reported how mental disorders affect future physical activity. Using data from a large birth cohort, the current study explored the association between the longitudinal course of common mental disorders (affective disorders, anxiety disorders, and substance use disorders, as well as any common mental disorder) and subsequent physical activity status among young adults living in Australia. Prospective data from the Mater-University of Queensland Study of Pregnancy, consisting of 1611 young adults, were analyzed. The longitudinal course of mental disorder diagnoses between ages 21 and 30 was derived from the Composite International Diagnostic Interview. Physical activity status at age 30 was estimated using International Physical Activity Questionnaire long form. Logistic regression was used to examine the association between the longitudinal course of common mental disorders between 21 and 30 years and subsequent physical activity status at age 30. After adjusting for confounding factors, there was no association between the longitudinal course of affective disorders, anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, or any common mental disorder at ages 21 and 30 and physical activity status at age 30. Our findings suggest that there is no longitudinal association between the common mental disorder diagnoses and physical activity status among young adults living in Australia.

Timing and Predictors of Mild and Severe Heat Illness among New Military Enlistees.

Heat illnesses are important and potentially fatal conditions among physically active individuals. We determined predictors of heat illness among enlistees in a large military population experiencing common physical activity patterns. We estimated the adjusted odds of mild (MHI) and severe (SHI) heat illness associated with demographic, health-related, and geographic factors among active-duty, US Army soldiers enlisting between January 2011 and December 2014 (N = 238,168) using discrete-time multivariable logistic regression analyses. We observed 2612 incident cases of MHI and 732 incident cases of SHI during 427,922 person-years of follow-up, with a mean and median of 21.6 and 21 months per subject. During the first 6 duty months, 71.3% of the MHIs and 60.2% of the SHIs occurred, peaking at month 2. The odds of MHI quadrupled among those with prior SHI (odds ratio [OR], 4.02; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.67-6.03). Body mass index (BMI) extremes increased the odds substantially (OR at BMI ≥30 kg·m: for MHI, 1.41 (CI, 1.19-1.67); for SHI, 1.94 (CI, 1.47-2.56); OR at BMI <18.5 kg·m: for MHI, 1.50 (CI, 1.01-2.21); for SHI, 2.26 (CI, 1.16-4.39)). Tobacco use was associated with a 55% increase (CI, 1.37-1.77) in MHI odds. The odds of MHI increased if taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, opioids, or methylphenidate stimulants. Lower age and lower entry aptitude scores were associated with progressively increased MHI odds. Most heat illnesses occurred at the outset of service, indicating the need for focused prevention methods at the initiation of military duty. Prior heat illness, BMI extremes, medications, and tobacco use represent potentially actionable risk factors to address by education, policy, and/or clinician intervention.

Correlates of changes in walking during the retirement transition: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis

Retirement from employment involves disruption in daily routines and has been associated with positive and negative changes in physical activity. Walking is the most common physical activity among older Americans. The factors that influence changes in walking after retirement are unknown. The study objective was to identify correlates of within-person change in recreational walking (for leisure) and transport walking (to get places) during the retirement transition among a multi-ethnic cohort of adults (N = 928) from six US communities. Correlates were measured at the individual (e.g., gender), interpersonal (e.g., social support), and community (e.g., density of walking destinations) levels at study exams between 2000 and 2012. Comparing pre- and post-retirement measures (average 4.5 years apart), 50% of participants increased recreational walking by 60 min or more per week, 31% decreased by 60 min or more per week, and 19% maintained their recreational walking. Forty-one percent of participants increased transport walking by 60 min or more per week, 40% decreased by 60 min or more per week, and 19% maintained their transport walking after retirement. Correlates differed for recreational and transport walking and for increases compared to decreases in walking. Self-rated health, chronic conditions, and perceptions of the neighborhood walking environment were associated with changes in both types of walking after retirement. Further, some correlates differed by gender and retirement age. Findings can inform the targeting of interventions to promote walking during the retirement transition.

¡Nosotros corremos, nosotros jugamos! [we run, we play!]: Children’s perceptions of physical activity in Mexican-origin border communities

The US border between Texas and Mexico has a growing population of Mexican-origin children that are at high risk for obesity and have a lack of physical activity opportunities, resources, and environmental infrastructure. The purpose of this research was to explore children’s perspectives of their physical activity behaviors through in-depth interviews. Five children (ages: 7–11) were recruited to participate and describe facilitators, barriers, and current and desired physical activities. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, harmoniously coded, and analyzed for content. The most common physical activity type was football for boys, jump rope for girls, and general play activities for all. Having friends as social supporters and ability to be active at school were physical activity facilitators for all children; enjoyment was identified for boys and having general play activities for girls. Lack of equipment at home was a barrier identified by all children; homework was identified by boys and lack of social support from siblings for girls. All children desired to do more activities with friends. Girls wanted to visit the park more, where boys wanted more equipment to begin new activities. Gender differences are common and have previously been attributed to societal norms. Desired physical activity consisted of longing to participate in more of their current activities involving contact sports for boys and general play for girls. Interviews conducted in neutral settings can allow for natural, unrestricted responses from children. New activities should be introduced to expand desired activity and subsequently increase physical activity within these populations. Social, economic, and geographic risk factors combined with a lack of access to physical activity resources and opportunities predispose children within the colonias of the Texas border to have elevated risk for childhood obesity. Additionally, these children face many barriers to establishing and maintaining nationally recommended physical activity levels. Asking children their perspective regarding physical activity is useful in gaining insight into current and desired behavior. Children’s responses to questions regarding facilitators and barriers for physical activity behavior may be used to inform priority areas for health promotion initiatives.

Digital behaviour change interventions to facilitate physical activity in osteoarthritis: a systematic review

BackgroundDigital behaviour change interventions (DBCIs) might offer an opportunity to support people with osteoarthritis (OA) to self-manage and monitor their levels of physical activity (PA).ObjectivesTo determine the effectiveness of DBCIs for increasing physical activity in people with OA; to identify theory and techniques used; to examine outcome measures for physical activity; to document how uptake and usage is reported.MethodsElectronic databases were searched up to July 2017. Interventions for adults with OA, which aimed to increase levels of physical activity, delivered via a digital platform, were included.ResultsNine studies met the inclusion criteria. Six reported significant increases in physical activity. Interventions were mostly based on Social Cognitive Theory. Numerous behaviour change techniques (BCTs) were used. Most common physical activity outcomes measures were; self-reported aerobic exercise and self-reported strengthening exercises. Two studies used wearable activity monitors. A wide variety of methods were employed to report uptake and usage of DBCIs.ConclusionsExisting DBCIs can have a short-term positive effect on levels of physical activity in this population, but it remains unclear how effective they might be, over a longer period of time. It is vital to document and evaluate how individual components influence the outcome and effectiveness of an intervention. Future interventions should identify BCTs used in the development stages, and use valid measures of both physical activity, and intervention usage, so that results are transparent and comparable.

"What Is a Step?" Differences in How a Step Is Detected among Three Popular Activity Monitors That Have Impacted Physical Activity Research.

(1) Background: This study compared manually-counted treadmill walking steps from the hip-worn DigiwalkerSW200 and OmronHJ720ITC, and hip and wrist-worn ActiGraph GT3X+ and GT9X; determined brand-specific acceleration amplitude (g) and/or frequency (Hz) step-detection thresholds; and quantified key features of the acceleration signal during walking. (2) Methods: Twenty participants (Age: 26.7 ± 4.9 years) performed treadmill walking between 0.89-to-1.79 m/s (2–4 mph) while wearing a hip-worn DigiwalkerSW200, OmronHJ720ITC, GT3X+ and GT9X, and a wrist-worn GT3X+ and GT9X. A DigiwalkerSW200 and OmronHJ720ITC underwent shaker testing to determine device-specific frequency and amplitude step-detection thresholds. Simulated signal testing was used to determine thresholds for the ActiGraph step algorithm. Steps during human testing were compared using bias and confidence intervals. (3) Results: The OmronHJ720ITC was most accurate during treadmill walking. Hip and wrist-worn ActiGraph outputs were significantly different from the criterion. The DigiwalkerSW200 records steps for movements with a total acceleration of ≥1.21 g. The OmronHJ720ITC detects a step when movement has an acceleration ≥0.10 g with a dominant frequency of ≥1 Hz. The step-threshold for the ActiLife algorithm is variable based on signal frequency. Acceleration signals at the hip and wrist have distinctive patterns during treadmill walking. (4) Conclusions: Three common research-grade physical activity monitors employ different step-detection strategies, which causes variability in step output.

Patterns of physical activity in sedentary older individuals with type 2 diabetes

BackgroundThe Community Healthy Activities Model Program for Seniors (CHAMPS) survey, summarized into weekly caloric expenditures, is a common physical activity (PA) assessment tool among older adults. Specific types of PA reported in the CHAMPS have not been systematically analyzed. We applied latent class analysis to identify the patterns of PA among sedentary older adults with diabetes reported in the CHAMPS survey.MethodsLatent class models of PA were identified using the CHAMPS survey data reported by 115 individuals aged ≥60 years with type 2 diabetes whom volunteered for a clinical study of PA. Multinomial logistic regression was used to assess independent predictors of a specific latent class, including age, sex, and performance in physical function tests.ResultsNinety-three percent of the participants were classified into 3 latent classes. Participants in latent class 1 (60.9%) primarily reported domestic-focused activities. Participants in latent class 2 and 3 (19.5% and 19.6%, respectively) reported domestic-focused activities, in addition to leisure-time physical activities and structured exercise activities. Latent class 1, with more women than men (73% vs.27%), had the lowest caloric expenditure, whereas class 3, with fewer women than men (28% vs. 72%), had the highest caloric expenditure (all p < 0.001). Latent class 2 had the fastest Timed-Up- and Go (7.65 ± 1.28 s; p = 0.03).ConclusionsIndividual PA response in CHAMPS can be categorized using latent class models into meaningful patterns which can inform PA interventions. Customized PA programs should consider the heterogeneity of the activities among sedentary older adults.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT00344240; retrospectively registered 23 June 2006.

Towards co-designing active ageing strategies: A qualitative study to develop a meaningful physical activity typology for later life.

BackgroundPhysical activity levels decline in later life despite the known benefits for physical, cognitive and mental health. Older people find it difficult to meet activity targets; therefore, more realistic and meaningful strategies are needed. We aimed to develop a typology of older people's motivations and lifelong habits of being active as a starting point to co‐designing active ageing strategies in a workshop.MethodsWe conducted semi‐structured interviews with 27 participants aged 65‐80 in Norfolk, UK, and participant observation with 17 of them. At a workshop with 13 study participants and 6 government and civil society representatives, we invited reflections on preliminary findings.ResultsThree types were developed. “Exercisers” had engaged in sport and exercise throughout their life but experienced physical ill health and limitations as barriers. “Out‐and‐about‐ers” pursued social engagement and a variety of interests but experienced biographical disruption through retirement and loss of companions that limited social activities in later life. A final type characterized people who preferred “sedentary/solitary” activities. A workshop elicited suggestions for new strategies relating to these types that addressed people's specific motivations. An example was to combine social engagement and physical activity in “dog‐parent”‐walking schemes to link people through shared responsibility for a dog.ConclusionsWe suggest that these potential strategies map more closely onto the everyday life‐worlds in which public health might seek to intervene than common physical activity interventions. Most notably, this means a more differentiated understanding of barriers, and acknowledging that intellectual, social or solitary pursuits can include incidental physical activity.

GeriActive: Wearable App for Monitoring and Encouraging Physical Activity among Older Adults.

The ability to monitor a person's level of daily activity can inform self-management of physical activity and assist in augmenting behavioral interventions. For older adults, the importance of regular physical activity is critical to reduce the risk of long-term disability. In this work, we present GeriActive, an application on the Amulet wrist-worn device that monitors in real time older adults' daily activity levels (low, moderate and vigorous), which we categorized using metabolic equivalents (METs). The app implements an activity-level detection model we developed using a linear Support Vector Machine (SVM). We trained our model using data from volunteer subjects (n=29) who performed common physical activities (sit, stand, lay down, walk and run) and obtained an accuracy of 94.3% with leave-one-subject-out (LOSO) cross-validation. We ran a week-long field study to evaluate the usability and battery life of the GeriActive system where 5 older adults wore the Amulet as it monitored their activity level. Their feedback showed that our system has the potential to be usable and useful. Our evaluation further revealed a battery life of at least 1 week. The results are promising, indicating that the app may be used for activity-level monitoring by individuals or researchers for health delivery interventions that could improve the health of older adults.

Report Card Grades on the Physical Activity of Children and Youth Comparing 30 Very High Human Development Index Countries.

To better understand the childhood physical inactivity crisis, Report Cards on physical activity of children and youth were prepared concurrently in 30 very high Human Development Index countries. The aim of this article was to present, describe, and compare the findings from these Report Cards. The Report Cards were developed using a harmonized process for data gathering, assessing, and assigning grades to 10 common physical activity indicators. Descriptive statistics were calculated after converting letter grades to interval variables, and correlational analyses between the 10 common indicators were performed using Spearman's rank correlation coefficients. A matrix of 300 grades was obtained with substantial variations within and between countries. Low grades were observed for behavioral indicators, and higher grades were observed for sources of influence indicators, indicating a disconnect between supports and desired behaviors. This analysis summarizes the level and context of the physical activity of children and youth among very high Human Development Index countries, and provides additional evidence that the situation regarding physical activity in children and youth is very concerning. Unless a major shift to a more active lifestyle happens soon, a high rate of noncommunicable diseases can be anticipated when this generation of children reaches adulthood.

Energy Cost of Common Physical Activities in Preschoolers.

To determine the energy cost of common physical activities in preschoolers and to compare it with the Compendium of Energy Expenditure for Youth (CEEY). In total, 42 children [age: 4.8 (0.8)y; body mass index: 15.3 (2.0) kg/m2; 22 boys] completed 13 common physical activities covering sedentary to vigorous intensities, while energy expenditure (EE) was measured continuously by indirect calorimetry. Activity-specific metabolic equivalents (AME) were calculated as the EE observed during each single activity divided by the EE during observed rest. Independent t tests were applied to analyze differences between boys and girls and between AME and CEEY. No significant differences in AME were observed between girls and boys. Except for playing hide-and-seek, all indoor activities revealed significantly higher energy costs compared with those stated in the compendium. Significant differences in outdoor activities were found for riding a tricycle [5.67 (95% confidence interval, 4.94-6.4) AME vs 6.2 metabolic equivalents, riding a bike, P < .05] and for fast walking [5.42 (95% confidence interval, 4.84-6.0) AME vs 4.6 metabolic equivalents, P < .05]. Applying the CEEY to preschoolers will lead to a substantial underestimation of EE. Therefore, we recommend that a CEEY for preschool children be developed if measurement of EE is not feasible.

Reference data for ultrasound bone characteristics in Hungarian children aged 7–19 years

Backround: Osteoporosis is a common disease and physical activity (PA) has a favourable influence on bone status.Aim: To establish normative data for calcaneal quantitative ultrasound (QUS) bone characteristics in children and to analyse the relationships between PA, anthropometric and bone parameters.Subjects and methods: Hungarian children aged 7–19 (n = 2674; 1325 girls, 1349 boys) provided PA, anthropometric and bone data. QUS parameters were registered with Sonost3000 densitometer (speed of sound: SOS, m/s; broadband ultrasound attenuation: BUA, dB/MHz; bone quantity index (BQI = αSOS + βBUA). Reference centiles of QUS parameters were constructed by LMS method. Multivariate linear regression models were used to analyse the relationships.Results: QUS bone parameters increased with age. There were no gender differences, except in 11- and 19-year-old children, where boys showed higher values. SOS (1497.15 ± 15.72 vs 1494.05 ± 14.81 m/s) and BQI (65.31 ± 16.71 vs 62.26 ± 15.78) were higher in athletic children. The regression model revealed significant relations between SOS and age, relative muscle mass and PA; BUA correlated with gender, morphological age, BMI, relative muscle mass and PA.Conclusions: Changes in the bone parameters among 7–19-year-old Hungarian children depended on age, anthropometric dimensions and the level of PA. The normative data could be used for monitoring QUS bone parameters in children, leading to more effective interventions for healthy bones.

Predicting Physical Activity and Healthy Nutrition Behaviors Using Social Cognitive Theory: Cross-Sectional Survey among Undergraduate Students in Chongqing, China.

(1) Background: Generally suggested public health measures to reduce obesity were to limit television (TV) viewing, enhance daily physical activities, enable the consumption of fruit and vegetables, and reduce sugar-sweetened beverage intake. This study analyzed the extent to which selected social cognitive theory constructs can predict these behaviors among Chinese undergraduate students. (2) Methods: This cross-sectional study included 1976 undergraduate students from six universities in Chongqing, China. A self-administered five-point Likert common physical activity and nutrition behavior scale based on social cognitive theory was utilized. (3) Results: This study included 687 (34.77%) males and 1289 (65.23%) females. A total of 60.14% of the students engaged in exercise for less than 30 min per day. Approximately 16.5% of the participants spent at least 4 h watching TV and sitting in front of a computer daily. Approximately 79% of the participants consumed less than five cups of fruit and vegetables daily. Undergraduate students who had high self-efficacy scores had more leisure time physical activities. Those who have high expectation scores had considerable time watching TV and sitting in front of a computer. Undergraduate students who had high expectation and self-efficacy scores had substantially low consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages. Those who had high self-efficacy scores consumed considerable amounts of fruit and vegetables. Furthermore, the type of university, BMI group, gender, age, lack of siblings, and grade level were associated with the aforementioned four behaviors. (4) Conclusion: Physical inactivity and unhealthy nutrition behaviors are common among undergraduate students. This study used social cognitive theory to provide several implications for limiting the TV viewing, enhancing daily physical activities, consuming fruit and vegetables, and reducing sugar-sweetened beverage intake among undergraduate students.

Physical activity and mental health: commentary on Suetani et al. 2016: common mental disorders and recent physical activity status: findings from a National Community Survey.

Physical activity and mental health: commentary on Suetani et al. 2016: common mental disorders and recent physical activity status: findings from a National Community Survey.

Multinational Population-Based Health Surveys Linked to Outcome Data: An Untapped Resource

ABSTRACTObjectivesIncreasingly, national health surveys are being linked to vital statistics and health care information, providing a new and unique source of individual population health data. Given that nationally-representative health surveys are performed in over a hundred countries, these linkages create comprehensive data sets that are potentially larger than most existing cohort studies. To date, this resource has not been utilized.&#x0D; ApproachThe purpose, study base, content and methods of the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) cycles 2.1 (2003-04) and 3.1 (2005-06) and the United States 2000 and 2005 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) were examined for comparability and consistency. Smoking, alcohol, physical activity and diet questions were identified, question construct and response categorization were compared, and variable constructions possible for both national health surveys were created. All respondents 20+ years of age were identified and stratified by country and sex. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate 5-year hazards of mortality associated with the common smoking, alcohol, physical activity and diet variables.&#x0D; ResultsThe CCHS and NHIS are highly consistent and comparable. Health behaviour questions are similar and permit the creation of smoking, alcohol, physical activity and diet variables that are comparable across surveys. A total of 284 475 survey respondents from Canada and the United States (CCHS, N= 226 731; NHIS, N= 57 744) were included. The largest mortality hazards were associated with female heavy smokers in both Canada (HR: 2.91; 95% CI: 2.52, 3.37) and the United States (Female HR: 2.96; 95% CI: 2.59, 3.38), compared to non-smokers. Moderate variation in the age adjusted all-cause mortality hazard ratios was observed; both smoking and physical activity hazard ratios were consistently higher in the United States than in Canada.&#x0D; ConclusionThis study provides initial support for the methodological feasibility of pooling linked population health surveys however, challenges introduced by dissimilarities will require the use of innovative methodologies, and discussions regarding how to manage jurisdictional data restrictions and privacy issues are needed. Pooled population health data has the potential to improve national and international health surveillance and public health.

Do Bariatric Patients Follow Dietary and Lifestyle Recommendations during the First Postoperative Year?

Data on adherence to postoperative lifestyle recommendations by bariatric patients are scarce. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate adherence to selected recommendations during the first year following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) surgery. A prospective cohort study with 12months of follow-up on 100 LSG patients was conducted. Data were collected at baseline and at 3 (M3), 6 (M6), and 12 (M12) months post-surgery and included anthropometrics, biochemical tests, food intake, food tolerance, common surgery-related side effects, physical activity (PA), supplementation, and number of follow-up meetings with a dietitian. Data were available for 77 patients (57.1% women, mean age 43.1±9.3years and preoperative BMI 42.1±4.8kg/m2). Only a minority of the patients adhered to the recommended protein intake ≥60g/day at all time points (≤40.3%) and ≥6 meetings with a dietitian at M12 (41.6%). Half of the patients performed ≥150min/week of PA at all time points (≤50.6%) as recommended. PA of ≥150min/week was associated with better lipid and glucose changes at M6 and M12 (P≤0.044). Most of the patients adhered to the recommended supplementation at all time points (≥57.1%). Adherence to supplementation at M12 was significantly associated with higher serum levels of folic acid, iron, hemoglobin, and vitamins D and B12 (P≤0.056 for all). Adherence to all recommendations was not significantly associated with excess weight loss ≥60% at M12 (P≥0.195 for all). Bariatric patients have medium to high adherence to the major lifestyle recommendations during the first year following LSG; however, adherence to those recommendations was not related to better weight loss at short-term follow-up. Adherence to recommended supplementation was associated with better micronutrient status 1year postoperatively.

Wrist-worn triaxial accelerometry predicts the energy expenditure of non-vigorous daily physical activities.

Triaxial accelerometry is commonly used to estimate oxygen uptake (VO2) and energy expenditure in health and fitness studies. We tested the correlation of a triaxial accelerometer in terms of a summation of vector magnitudes with gravity subtracted (SVMgs) and measured VO2 for different daily physical activities. Original research, cross-sectional. Twenty volunteers wore a triaxial accelerometer on both wrists while performing 12 assigned daily physical activities for 6min for each activity. The VO2 was determined by indirect calorimetry using a portable metabolic measurement system. The last 3min of each activity was assumed to represent steady-state. The VO2 measured during these periods was averaged and converted into metabolic equivalents (METs). The range of VO2 for all activities was 0.18-3.2L/min (0.8-12.2 METs). Significant differences in SVMgs existed between accelerometer placements on the dominant (120.9±8.7gmin) versus non-dominant hand (99.9±6.8gmin; P=0.016) for the lowest levels of physical activity defined as <1.5 METs. Piecewise linear regression model using 6 METs as the transition point showed similar significant correlations for the non-dominant wrist (r2=0.85; P<0.001) and the dominant wrist (r2=0.86; P<0.001). Using the non-dominant wrist below 6 METs, the slope of the relationship between SVMgs and METs was 105.3±4.3 (95% CI 96.9 to 113.7) indicating an increase in SVMgs of approximately 100 units for every MET increase in oxygen uptake. Wrist-worn triaxial accelerometry reliably predicted energy expenditure during common physical activities <6 METs. More consistent correlations were found when the accelerometer was worn on the non-dominant wrist rather than the dominant wrist.

Common mental disorders and recent physical activity status: findings from a National Community Survey.

To explore the association between histories of common mental disorders, delusional-like experiences, and recent physical activity using a large nationally representative population-based sample from Australia. We predicted that a past history of a common mental disorder or delusional-like experiences would be associated with insufficient physical activity. The study was based on the Australian National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing 2007 (n=8841). The Composite International Diagnostic Interview was used to identify a lifetime and past year history of common mental disorders and delusional-like experiences. Physical activity over the preceding week was estimated using the questions based on the Active Australia survey with respondents classified as (a) insufficiently physically active versus (b) sufficiently physically active based on national recommendations. We examined the relationship between the variables of interest using logistic regression, adjusting for potential confounding factors. Almost half of the participants (46.0%) were classified as sufficiently physically active. Compared to those with no past mental disorder, those with lifetime or past year history of common mental disorders did not differ on recent physical activity status. Furthermore, we found no significant association between the number of lifetime mental disorders or the presence of delusional-like experience and recent physical activity status. Our findings suggest that a diagnosis of common mental disorder, with or without recent symptoms and comorbid diagnoses, or even having self-ascribed perception of poor mental well-being, is not associated with insufficient physical activity.