Current Physical Activity Levels Research Articles

P132 Does weight-bearing physical activity track through the lifecourse? Findings from the Hertfordshire Cohort Study

Abstract Background/Aims Physical activity is known to be beneficial for musculoskeletal health across the lifecourse. We have previously demonstrated that regular participation in weight-bearing physical activity (WBPA) at the time of peak bone mass acquisition is associated with higher hip bone mineral density in late adulthood in women. Understanding how WBPA tracks across the lifecourse may help us develop interventions to promote WBPA for musculoskeletal benefit; we consider these relationships here. Methods The study population consisted of 128 men and 130 women from the Hertfordshire Cohort Study. Questionnaire data on participation in sports and leisure time exercise involving WBPA e.g. running, racquet sports, football, rugby, hockey and dancing, but not walking, cycling or swimming were collected for the following age bands: <18 years; ages 18-29 years; ages 30-49 years; and ≥50 years. Responses were coded as none/ once a month/ once a week/ ≥once a week. Data on current lifestyle and physical activity levels were also collected. Results The mean age of participants was 75.4 (SD 2.5) years in men and 75.7 (SD 2.6) years in women. Men tended to report higher levels of past WBPA throughout the lifecourse, with significant differences in WBPA up to the age of 18 years (p = 0.006) and 18-29 years (p < 0.001). Table 1 shows kappa statistics of relationships between reported WBPA levels at different ages. These decreased over time, and while broadly similar, the tracking was generally stronger in women than men. For example, we observed that participants who were active at 30-49 years were more likely to remain active in late adulthood with kappa in men 0.393 (95%CI: 0.295-0.442) and kappa in women 0.492 (95% CI: 0.400-0.555). Conclusion WBPA decreased with advancing age in both sexes, though was generally higher in men than women in this retrospective cohort study. The correlation between WBPA at different stages of the lifecourse weakened as time between the measurements increased in both sexes. Our results highlight the need for further work to understand the drivers to encourage WBPA at different stages in the lifecourse and to facilitate development of appropriate interventions to promote WBPA for musculoskeletal benefit. Disclosure J. Zhang: None. K. Jameson: None. L. Westbury: None. N. Fuggle: None. K. Ward: None. C. Cooper: None. E. Dennison: None.

Comparison Between Current and Pre-Pandemic Physical Activity Level of Freshmen College Students

Aim: The restricted mobility of the students during the global COVID pandemic impacted on their physical activity level (PAL) and physical fitness level (PFL). The objectives of the study were to (1) describe the current PAL and health- and skill-related PFL of 1st year college students, (2) determine the correlation between PAL and PFL, and (3) compare current and pre-pandemic perceived PALs. Methods: A descriptive research design was used. A retrospective data from students enrolled in Physical Education (PE) 1 was reviewed. International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used to measure PAL; health-related and skill-related PFL were measured using traditional PE-based standardized tests and 10-cm visual analog scale for perceived current and pre-pandemic PAL. Spearman rho was used to determine the correlation between PAL and PFL and paired t test to compare change in PAL. Results: The students had moderate PAL. All health-related and skill-related PFL was good except for flexibility and agility which was poor. Spearman rho correlations revealed a statistically significant correlation between PAL and muscle endurance (r = .397; n = 55; p = .004). Paired t test showed a statistically significant reduction in current compared with the pre-pandemic PAL t (54) = 2.34, p = 0.023. Conclusion and Implications: Freshmen students have acceptable PAL and PFL except for flexibility and agility while poor muscle endurance correlated with lower PAL. A reduction in their PAL was noted during the pandemic. This indicates the need for programs to improve students’ flexibility, agility, and muscle endurance to be incorporated in their PE classes and daily activities to improve their PAL and PFL.

Co-design of a school-based physical activity intervention for adolescent females in a disadvantaged community: insights from the Girls Active Project (GAP)

BackgroundGlobally, adolescents’ physical activity (PA) participation rates are low, particularly among lower socioeconomic groups, with females consistently the least active. The aim of this study was to co-design, with adolescent females, a school-based PA intervention in a single-sex, females-only designated disadvantaged post-primary school in Ireland. This involved using the Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW) and Public and Patient Involvement (PPI). This paper outlines the novel methodological approach taken.MethodsThe three stages 1) understand the behaviour, 2) identify intervention options, and 3) identify content and implementation options of the BCW guide is described. A student PPI Youth Advisory Group (YAG) (n = 8, aged 15–17) was established. Mixed-methods were used with students (n = 287, aged 12–18) and teachers (n = 7) to capture current self-reported PA levels and to identify factors influencing adolescent females’ PA behaviour in their school setting. The intervention options, content and implementation options were identified through discussion groups with the YAG. The Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) checklist was used to specify details of the intervention.ResultsJust 1.4% of the students in this sample reported meeting the recommended PA guidelines. Students identified having more ‘time’ as the strongest predictor to becoming more active in school (Mean = 4.01, 95% CI 3.91 to 4.12). Social influences, environmental context and resources, behavioural regulation, beliefs about capabilities, goals, and reinforcement emerged from the qualitative data as factors influencing PA behaviour at school. The BCW co-design process resulted in the identification of seven intervention functions, four policy categories and 21 Behaviour Change Techniques. The Girls Active Project (GAP) intervention, a peer-led, after-school PA programme was proposed.ConclusionsThis paper describes how the BCW, a comprehensive, evidence-based, theory-driven framework was used in combination with PPI to co-design a school-based intervention aimed to increase adolescent females’ PA levels. This approach could be replicated in other settings to develop targeted behavioural interventions in populations with specific demographic characteristics.

GPs' perspectives regarding their sedentary behaviour and physical activity: a qualitative interview study.

General practice is a highly sedentary occupation, with many GPs spending more than 10.5 hours sitting each workday. This excessive sedentary behaviour and lack of physical activity (PA) is potentially detrimental to the health of GPs, as well as their ability to counsel patients regarding sedentary behaviour and PA. There is a lack of prior research examining the perspectives of GPs regarding their sedentary behaviour and PA. To explore GPs' perspectives regarding their sedentary behaviour and PA. A qualitative interview study of GPs in Northern Ireland. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 13 GPs who had previously taken part in a study to objectively measure their levels of sedentary behaviour and PA. Interview transcripts were analysed using deductive thematic analysis. The Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) was used to facilitate identification of barriers and enablers affecting the ability of GPs to increase their PA. Key themes were categorised within six theoretical domains (environmental context and resources, social professional role and identity, goals, social influences, knowledge, and intentions) with sub-themes within each domain. Most GPs are unhappy with their current levels of sedentary behaviour and PA, and are concerned with how this is affecting their health. Numerous barriers and facilitators were identified affecting the ability of GPs to increase their PA, including working environment, and personal and professional responsibilities, among others. Addressing these could improve the health of GPs and their ability to counsel patients regarding sedentary behaviour and PA.

Association between coping with past ankle sprain, and current physical activity levels and sedentary times among senior soccer players in Japan

Association between coping with past ankle sprain, and current physical activity levels and sedentary times among senior soccer players in Japan

Resilience, Psychological Stress, Physical Activity, and BMI among United States Air National Guardsmen: The COVID-19 Pandemic.

BackgroundMilitary service members carry the responsibility to maintain physical and psychological readiness. As such, it is critical for researchers to begin unravelling the widespread impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on service member’s mental and physical wellbeing. The aim of this research was to investigate the complex relationships between BMI, physical activity, psychological stress and resilience among United States Air National Guardsmen (USANG), specifically during the pandemic.MethodsAn online survey was distributed to USANG members. The survey included measures of resilience (CD-RISC-25), perceived psychological stress (PSS), perceived psychological stress brought on by COVID-19 (COVID-19 PSL), current levels of physical activity (IPAQ-SF), perceived impact on physical activity brought on by COVID-19 (COVID-19 PAL), and BMI. Pearson’s correlation coefficients (r) were used to assess correlation significance (α ≤ 0.05), direction, and magnitude.ResultsA total of 110 responses met inclusion criteria for data interpretation. A majority reported a decline in physical activity 54.5%, while 60% reported an increase in psychological stress. According to BMI classifications, 60.9% were considered overweight or obese. Seven meaningful (effect size ≥ |2.0|) and statistically significant salient associations were identified resilience-PSS r = -0.38; resilience-COVID-19 PAL r = 0.21; PSS-COVID-19 PSL r = 0.35; PSS-COVID-19 PAL r = -0.23; COVID-19 PSL COVID-19 PAL r = -0.24; IPAQ-SF-BMI r = -0.23; BMI-Covid-19 PAL r = -0.32.ConclusionKey outcomes suggest resilience is inversely associated with assessed and perceived stress, resilience may influence health-related behaviour which subsequently might aid as a protective factor against psychological stress. Knowledge regarding the relationships between the aforementioned variables may help inform decisions by military leadership regarding future lockdowns.

Relationship between TV watching during childhood and adolescence and fitness in adulthood in the Raine Study cohort

ABSTRACT To investigate: (1) whether TV watching habits throughout childhood and adolescence, a proxy of sedentary behaviour, impacted cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in adulthood, and (2) whether any potential impact of TV watching in childhood and adolescence on CRF in adulthood was changed by adult physical activity (PA) levels. A longitudinal study with questionnaire data available regarding TV watching collected at ages 5, 8, 10, 14, 17 and 20 yrs, allowed trajectories of TV watching to be developed. At age 28 yrs, participants completed a V̇O2peak test and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. General linear models tested for differences in CRF (time to exhaustion TTE and V̇O2peak mL·kg−1·min−1) between TV watching trajectories. The secondary analysis tested the potential effect current PA levels has on the relationship between TV trajectory and fitness. In total, 449 participants [male n = 255 (56.8%), 28.3 ± 0.5 yrs; female n = 194 (43.2%), 28.2 ± 0.4 yrs] were included in the study. Three distinct trajectories of TV watching were identified: High TV, Increasing TV and Low TV. CRF was lowest in the High TV watching trajectory and increased progressively from High to Increasing TV and Increasing to Low TV (all P < .05). Within each of the TV trajectories, those engaging in high levels of current PA had greater CRF than those engaging in low and moderate PA. TV watching in childhood and adolescence negatively impacts upon adult fitness at the age of 28 years. However, this negative impact of historical TV watching on CRF can largely be attenuated by engaging in higher levels of PA in adulthood. Highlights High levels of TV watching during childhood and adolescence have negative downstream impacts on cardiorespiratory fitness in adulthood. Taking part in high levels of physical activity in adulthood partially reverses the negative impact of historical TV watching on adult fitness. Engaging in low levels of TV watching throughout childhood and adolescence does not protect individuals from the detrimental impact of low current physical activity levels. Our findings support important public health messages with relevance to parents, schools and government; to target low levels of sedentary time throughout the developmental years of life, whilst encouraging the adoption of regular physical activity across the lifespan including young adulthood.

Association of respiratory muscle strength with glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, duration of disease, and physical activity levels in patients with type 2 diabetes: A cross-sectional study

CONTEXT: Type 2 diabetes is a systemic disorder that propagates several pathological processes leading to a plethora of complications including those on skeletal muscle strength and lung function.AIMS: This study aims to evaluate the association of glycemic control, duration of disease, and physical activity level on respiratory muscle strength (RMS).SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the outpatient department setting after approval from the institutional ethics committee.SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level of recruited participants was recorded from a recent laboratory test and they were interviewed with the Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity (RAPA) tool to obtain their current physical activity levels. The evaluation of maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP) was performed using the MicroRespiratory Pressure Meter (MicroRPM) device.STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Pearson's correlation coefficient (r) was calculated for the RMS variables (MIP and MEP) against HbA1c, duration of disease, and RAPA Score.RESULTS: Twenty-six participants were evaluated. Significant correlations were found HbA1c with MIP (r = −0.45, P = 0.02) and RAPA Score with MIP (r = 0.42, P = 0.03) at P < 0.05.CONCLUSIONS: Inspiratory muscle strength is well associated with glycemic control and physical activity of the individual.

Development of a multivariable prediction model of functional exercise capacity in liver transplant recipients

BackgroundThe assessment of the functional exercise capacity in liver transplant recipients might allow identifying functional disabilities and proposing a personalized exercise model for this population. AimTo develop a population-specific, multivariable prediction model of the six-minute walk distance (6MWD) in liver transplant recipients. MethodsThis cross-sectional study enrolled 70 participants (men/women: 47/23; age 53 ± 12 years; 32 ± 32 months after liver transplantation). Functional exercise capacity was assessed using the six-minute walk test, considering the 6MWD as the dependent variable. Demographic, anthropometric and current physical activity level (International Physical Activity Questionnaire [IPAQ]) entered the model as independent variables. Disease-specific markers—pre-transplant model end-stage liver disease (MELD) and fatigue (Fatigue Severity Scale [FSS])—also entered the full model as independent variables. ResultsPatients walked 421 ± 102 m and predicted values of six-minute walk distance (6MWDP) yielded a group average of 421 ± 64 m. The full multivariable model was 6MWDp=514.998−2.319×Ageyears+48.151×Sexmen=1,women=0−0.751×BMIkg/m2+28.396×IPAQcode−2.443×FSS+0.406×Timemonths−0.785×MELD (adjusted R2 = 0.329, SE of bias = 79 m), suggesting that both demographic and disease-specific information partially determines the functional exercise capacity. ConclusionsBetter functional capacity, i.e. higher 6MWD, is associated with sex (men), lower age, BMI, fatigue or pre-transplant MELD, and higher physical activity in liver transplant recipients.

Comparison of Fitness and Physical Activity Levels of Obese People with Hypertension

This study assessed the relationships between the current level of physical activity (PA) and PA in childhood and the level of physical fitness (PF) of obese people aged 40+ with co-existing hypertension (HT). The study included 82 obese patients with co-existing HT in their history. In order to assess the level of PA, we used the IPAQ. PF was assessed by observing the performance of patients in a fitness test (a 30-s chair stand, a handgrip strength test, a sit-and-reach test, a one leg stand test, a plank test, a wall squat test, and a 2-min step-in-place test). According to the IPAQ category, 24.4% were classified as having a high level of PA, 45.1% a sufficient level of PA, and 30.5% an insufficient level of PA. We noted that the higher the level of PA, the higher the PF—even in obese participants with HT. On the other hand, co-existing diabetes lowered almost all analysed parameters, both biochemical and fitness. The current PA level, a deficiency in which seems to be related to low PF and/or HT, does seem to be related to the degree of PF.

Relationship between Depressive Symptomatology, Physical Activity, and Response to Online Health Messages

Although physical activity interventions are efficacious for decreasing depressive symptomatology severity, there are several barriers to accessing treatment, supporting the need for intervention delivery in more accessible and cost-effective modes. However, individuals may respond defensively to health messages if perceiving them as threatening, and thereby fail to change behaviors. Although online, health-based interventions are effective in leading to behavior change, limited research has been conducted to identify ways in which people respond differently to online health messages. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate how individuals differ in their acceptance and interpretation of online health-related messages as threatening, as well as their desire to improve health behaviors based on their current depressive and physical activity levels. A total of 197 participants (MAGE = 36.17 years, SDAGE = 12.52 years) drawn from Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk) were asked to read a message regarding the importance of physical activity for health. Their defensiveness and behavior change intentionality were evaluated in relation to physical activity and depressive symptomatology. Individuals who engaged in less physical activity were more accepting of the health message, more likely to find the article threatening, agree that less exercise was related to negative health issues, and agree they should increase their physical activity. Individuals with higher self-ratings of depressive symptomatology were less accepting of the health message, found the article more threatening, and believed it to be less important to increase their physical activity levels. However, neither physical activity nor depression symptom severity were related to whether an individual would actually increase their physical activity. There was no statistically significant correlation between physical activity and depression. Explanations for these findings are provided.

Life Course of Physical Activity and Risk and Prognosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis in a German ALS Registry.

Whether physical activity (PA) is a risk factor for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is controversial because data on lifelong PA are rare. The main objective of this study is to provide insight into PA as a potential risk factor for ALS, reporting data on cumulative PA, leisure-time PA, and occupational PA. This study also aims to gather evidence on the role of PA as a prognostic factor in disease course. Lifetime PA values collected by questionnaires addressing work and leisure time were quantified into metabolic equivalents (METs). A population-based case-control study embedded in the ALS Registry Swabia served to calculate the odds ratio (OR) of ALS by PA in different time intervals and prognosis. In ALS cases (393 cases, 791 age- and sex-matched controls), we observed reduced total PA at interview and up to 5 years before interview compared to controls. Total PA was not associated with ALS risk 5 to 55 years before interview. Heavy occupational work intensity was associated with increased ALS risk (OR 1.97, 95% confidence interval 1.34, 2.89). Total PA levels were associated with survival in a nonlinear manner: inactive patients and highest activity levels (25 MET-h/wk) revealed the worst survival time of 15.4 and 19.3 months, respectively. Best median survival with 29.8 months was seen at 10.5 MET-h/wk after adjustment for other prognostic factors. Lifetime combined PA decreased sharply several years before disease onset compared to controls. The risk of developing ALS was not associated with former total PA levels 5 to 55 years before interview in contrast to occupational PA, probably reflecting work-associated exposures. We found a strong nonlinear association of current and prediagnostic PA level and survival in ALS cases with the best survival with moderate PA. PA intensity may be a disease-modifying factor with an unfavorable outcome in sedentary and hyperactive behavior. This study provides Class III evidence that PA was not associated with the development of ALS.

The Support Person's Preferences and Perspectives of Physical Activity Programs for Older Adults With Cognitive Impairment.

Objectives: Physical activity (PA) is beneficial for older adults' cognition. There is limited research investigating perspectives of support persons (SPs) of next-of-kins (NOKs) with cognitive impairment. This exploratory study aimed to investigate perspectives of SPs of older adults with Alzheimer's Dementia (AD) or Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI).Methods: A telephone survey of 213 SPs of NOKs from the Australian Imaging, Biomarkers and Lifestyle Flagship Study of Ageing (AIBL) was undertaken to quantitatively assess SPs' beliefs and knowledge about PA benefits, current PA level of their NOK, and PA program preferences. The contribution of age, gender, diagnosis and mental health symptoms was assessed using multiple logistic regression analyses.Results: Many SPs were aware of PA benefits for memory (64%) and believed it would help their NOK (72%). Older SP age was associated with less awareness of benefits (p = 0.016). SPs caring for male NOKs were more likely to believe that PA would be helpful than those caring for female NOKs (p = 0.049). NOK AD diagnosis (rather than MCI) (p = 0.014), older age (p = 0.005) and female gender (p = 0.043) were associated with lower PA levels. SPs were mixed regarding preference for their NOKs to participate in individual (45%) or group (54%) PA. Many SPs wanted to participate in PA with their NOK (63%).Conclusions: The results highlight that SPs have high levels of awareness of the cognitive benefits of PA, and describe their preferences regarding PA programs. The findings provide new information to inform targeted public health messaging, PA prescribers and providers, and future research directions.

The interplay of actual and perceived physical fitness in children: Effects on motivation and physical activity

From a sport and exercise psychology perspective, both the actual and perceived physical fitness become important for motivation towards physical activity and persistent physical activity in children no later than middle childhood (Stodden et al., 2008). To date, the effects of actual and perceived physical fitness have been investigated from a variable-centered approach (Jekauc et al., 2017). However, within this approach, the accuracy of the perceived physical fitness remains unconsidered. As actual and perceived physical fitness levels can be divergent, especially in children due to greater egocentricity and hence less comparison processes (Harter, 2006), also the accuracy of perceived physical fitness should be considered.In total, 462 children from 3rd and, approximately nine months later, from 4th grade participated in this study (Mage = 8.79 years). Third-grade students were assessed on their actual physical fitness, perceived physical fitness, and physical activity. In fourth grade, students were asked to fill out questionnaires that assess motivational regulations and physical activity. Polynomial regressions with response surface analyses were conducted to analyze main effects and accuracy effects of actual and perceived physical fitness on motivation and physical activity. Analyses revealed that children with higher actual and perceived physical fitness levels show greater autonomous motivation, higher current physical activity levels and higher physical activity levels nine months later. In addition, children who perceive their physical fitness more accurately show more current physical activity. Results indicate that the interplay between actual and perceived physical fitness does not only have an effect on physical activity but also on autonomous motivation, which is a predictor for long-term physical activity. Therefore, intervention should focus on the promotion of actual and perceived physical fitness. In addition, the ability to accurately assess fitness should be promoted in this age group.

Exercise Is Medicine On Campus At Michigan Tech: Promoting Physical Activity During The Covid-19 Pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, physical activity levels have decreased by ~30% and sitting time has increased by ~30%. Recent call to actions by the ACSM and Physiological Society have urged widespread promotion and implementation of physical activity to keep communities healthy. PURPOSE: To leverage Exercise is Medicine on Campus (EIM-OC) and promote healthy living behaviors in our rural community during the pandemic. Specifically, we aimed to: 1) assess current levels of physical activity in the community, 2) increase public awareness about staying physically active during the pandemic and 3) offer a community physical activity program. METHODS: A team of kinesiology and biology students (n = 10) led our EIM-OC initiative. Levels of physical activity in the community were assessed through an online survey. Public awareness about physical activity was promoted through an infographic, virtual town hall, and discussion with health care providers. A 10-wk physical activity program was delivered through ZOOM and social media and included live workouts (3x/wk) consisting of home-based activities (e.g., aerobic exercise, resistance exercise using common household items, yoga). RESULTS: Twenty-nine adults (51 ± 17 yrs, 28 ± 6BMI) completed the survey. Majority of adults (72%) reported they were less physically active during the pandemic and 45% indicated that they had been encouraged by a health professional to remain active. Our message of staying physically active during the pandemic was communicated through website, email, radio, newspaper, social media, and state health department. More than 35 guided workouts (30-60 min) were delivered to healthy adults and those with reduced mobility. The physical activity program was also expanded to create a University-wide physical education course (50 students, 1 credit). CONCLUSIONS: Adults in our rural community reported they were moving less and not well informed about the importance of physically activity during the pandemic. As local health departments are currently overburdened with managing COVID-19, it is imperative for exercise specialists to help facilitate and communicate the importance of physical activity. EIM-OC provided a robust platform for us to deliver critical physical activity resources and keep our community active during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Impact Of COVID-19 On Physical Activity And Sedentary Behavior In Children: A Pilot Study

The coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) has interrupted the daily lives of many children. Transitioning to at-home learning as a result of stay-at-home orders and mandated school closures may reduce physical activity and increase sedentary behaviors. PURPOSE: To examine the impact of COVID-19 on physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) in children (age < 18 years). METHODS: Parents of school-aged children were surveyed about their child’s PA and SB prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey was designed to gather demographic information, assess PA (days per week that children were physically active for at least 60 minutes) and SB (hours spent watching TV on weekdays and weekend days). Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to examine differences in PA and SB prior to and during mandated school closures. RESULTS: Participants (n = 42) were mostly white (88%) and non-Hispanic or LatinX (95%). 57% of participants resided in Central New York and the youngest child in the household was 7 ± 4 yrs. Children engaged in 60+ minutes of physical activity on more days per week during COVID-19 when compared to days prior (3.8 days vs. 5.1 days; Z = -3.241, p < .01). Additionally, children spent more hours per weekday viewing TV during the pandemic (Z = -2.233, p = .026) whereas no change was seen in hours spent viewing TV on a weekend day (Z = -.187, p = .851). CONCLUSION: Our results revealed that children are meeting PA recommendations on more days per week during the pandemic when compared to before. Despite increased PA, a significant increase in weekday TV time was also observed. These findings are likely a result of stay-at-home orders and mandated school closures consequently affording children more time to be physically active at home while also viewing more TV on weekdays. The positive health implications of PA are well understood and suggest that parents should aim to maintain (or increase) their child’s current level of PA while also being vigilant about reducing screen time when engaging in (and potentially transitioning away from) remote learning.

Health-related quality of life, fatigue and health behaviours in Australian adolescent and young adult cancer survivors.

Current knowledge of the long-term health behaviours and well-being of adolescent and yong adult (AYA) cancer survivors is limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate the health behaviours of AYA cancer survivors compared to Australian normative data and describe their health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) and levels of fatigue. A cross-sectional online survey of participants aged 15-25years at diagnosis and 2-7years post treatment completion was conducted at a comprehensive cancer centre. Validated questionnaires assessed health behaviours and functioning including current physical activity (PA) levels, diet quality, fatigue (FACIT-F) and HR-QoL (AQoL-6D, Short Form 36v2 [SF-36v2]) were compared to Australian normative data. Ninety individuals completed the survey (26% response rate) with a mean age of 25.4years and median time post treatment of 61months (24-85months). Compared to normative data, a higher proportion of AYA cancer survivors was consuming the recommended daily serves of fruit and vegetables (16.7% vs. 3.9%, p<.0001), had a lower presence of overweight or obesity (46.7% vs. 57.7%, p=.04) and lower percentage of current smokers (2.2% vs. 16.7%, p<.0001). However, AYA cancer survivors reported increased fatigue (t[df=596]=-4.1, p<.0001) and reduced HR-QoL compared to normative data (t[df=533]=9.2, p<.0001) along with a higher proportion suffering from one or more chronic health conditions (65% vs. 40%, p<.0001). AYA cancer survivors from a single Australian institution, who were on average 5years post treatment, exhibited better health behaviours compared to Australian normative data, but still below recommended guidelines. However, they continue to experience issues with fatigue and reduced HR-QoL, especially in those not meeting the PA guidelines.

Effectiveness of stretching exercise program among nurses with neck pain: Palestinian perspective.

The study aimed to assess the effect of muscle stretching exercise on neck pain and disability among nurses in Palestine. A quasi-experimental, pre-post design with a convenience sample of 90 nurses with moderate-to-severe neck pain from two hospitals in Palestine participated in the study. The hospitals were randomly selected to be an experimental and the other one as a control group. The experimental group received the instruction to perform structured neck and around shoulder stretching exercises two sessions/day for 5 days/week for 1 month. The control group was told to maintain their current level of physical activity. Results showed that the magnitude of improvement in neck pain and disability was greater in the experimental group than in the control group (t(88) = 8.5, P = 0.001).

Past physical activity and its influence on female functioning during perimenopause.

The objective of the study was to assess correlations between practising sports at an elite level at a young age, and the current physical activity level, selected sociometric features and the severity of menopausal symptoms in women during perimenopause, which will contribute to the knowledge about undertaking sports activity. The study involved a total of 334 females aged 45-65. They were purposefully assigned to both a study and control group. The study group included 148 women - former elite athletes qualified based on the presumed criteria. The control group consisted of 154 women who did not meet the criterion of practising sports activity earlier in life. In order to conduct the study, we applied the method of a diagnostic survey. The outcome measure was a survey questionnaire and contained questions concerning sociometric features, some elements of gynaecological history, and physical activity undertaken in the past. The second part used the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and Blatt-Kupperman Menopausal Index. The groups were homogenous in terms of age and BMI. The former athletes most frequently used to practise athletics, team games and swimming. Both groups displayed no differences regarding the age at menarche, the onset of sexual activity, and the presence and regularity of menstruation. The former athletes had fewer children compared to the controls. They manifested a higher level of physical activity in particular areas and intensity categories. The comparison between the two groups did not show statistically significant differences in the severity of menopausal symptoms. Sports training in the past differentiates selected sociometric features such as economic activity and a numerous pregnancies and births. Sports training in the past has an impact on the current level of physical activity - the females who used to train present its higher level. Sports training in the past does not differentiate the severity of menopausal symptoms.

Relating Lifetime Activity Behavior to the Current Level of Physical Activity of Older Adults.

This study investigates methods of data gathering and management, along with the relationship of lifespan and older adults' activity. Community-dwelling older adults (n = 47, 81.7 ± 3.6years) completed the Lifetime Leisure Physical Activity Questionnaire. Current activity was assessed by use of accelerometers. The data were converted to the metabolic equivalent of task hours. Correlations between the main outcomes (metabolic equivalent of task/hour, Lifetime Leisure Physical Activity Questionnaire), as well as individual estimation errors for data adjustments, were computed. The accelerometer and Lifetime Leisure Physical Activity Questionnaire data for the last 12 months' activity were associated (r = .31, p = .033). The average overestimation in the self-reported data was 176%. The adapted data on lifetime physical activity reveals correlations between older adults' activity and the activity levels of three 15-year episodes (r = .354; r = .336; r = .323; each p < .05), as well as compliance with guidelines throughout life (Hotelling's T2 = 45-164; p ≤ .002). Our findings indicate a relationship between lifetime and older adults' activity and provide further support for lifelong engagement in physical activity.