Current Physical Activity Levels Research Articles

Return to sports after Anterior Cruciate Ligament reconstruction in women

BackgroundAnterior Cruciate Ligament injury is a serious injury, which mainly occurs in pivoting sports and the risk is higher in women. PurposeThe purpose of this study was to evaluate to what extent women return to their previous sports activity after an ACL reconstruction. Another purpose was to characterize those who successfully return and those who do not. Materials and MethodsSixty-four women, who had undergone ACL surgery using a hamstring graft, were evaluated three to six months after surgery with a battery of strength tests and self-assessment scales. The women answered, on average 26 months after surgery, a web-based questionnaire with questions about if and to what extent they had succeeded in returning to their previous physical activity. ResultsThirty women (47%) reported that they had returned to their previous physical activity level. They also increased their level of activity after returning. Those women who returned had a higher hamstrings limb symmetry index (LSI), a higher goal for their future physical activity, a higher current physical activity level and scored higher on all five dimensions of the Knee Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS). ConclusionsWomen who successfully returned to their pre-injury sports activity, had, in the early postoperative tests a higher physical activity, a higher goal for their future physical activity, lower pain and symptoms, better knee function, a higher knee related quality of life and a higher LSI compared with those women that did not return. Level of evidenceII, prognostic study.

Corticospinal Excitability Following Short-Term Motor Imagery Training of a Strength Task

Abstract Motor imagery and actual movement engage similar neural structures, however, whether they produce similar training-related corticospinal adaptations has yet to be established. The aim of this study was to compare changes in strength and corticospinal excitability following short-term motor imagery strength training and short-term strength training. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) was applied over the contralateral motor cortex (M1) to elicit motor-evoked potentials in the dominant biceps brachii muscle prior to and following 3-week strength training using actual bicep curls or motor imagery of bicep curls. The strength training (n = 6) and motor imagery (n = 6) groups underwent three supervised training sessions per week for 3 weeks. Participants completed four sets of six to eight repetitions (actual or imagined) at a training load of 80% of their one-repetition maximum. The control group (n = 6) were required to maintain their current level of physical activity. Both training groups exhibited large performance gains in strength (p < 0.001; strength training 39% improvement, imagery 16% improvement), which were significantly different between groups (p = 0.027). TMS revealed that the performance improvements observed in both imagery and strength training were accompanied by increases in corticospinal excitability (p < 0.001), however, these differences were not significantly different between groups (p = 0.920). Our findings suggest that both strength training and motor imagery training utilised similar neural substrates within the primary M1, however, strength training resulted in greater gains in strength than motor imagery strength training. This difference in strength increases may be attributed to adaptations during strength training that are not confined to the primary M1. These findings have theoretical implications for functional equivalent views of motor imagery as well as important therapeutic implications.

児童期の健康関連体力に及ぼす出生時体重と 現在の身体活動量の影響

Lower birth weight has been associated with lower cardiorespiratory fitness（CRF）and muscular strength in later life. The aim of this study was to examine whether physical activity may modify associations of birth weight with CRF and muscular strength in children, as well as the relative contributions of birth weight and current physical activity levels to the fitness. The subjects were 535 elementary school children aged 7-12 years. Data were collected on current weight and height. Birth weight was reported according to the Maternal and Child Health Handbook records. CRF was measured by a 20 metre shuttle run test and muscular strength was assessed by grip strength. Information on physical activity was obtained by a questionnaire filled by parents, which asks weekly time spent on habitual exercise activity（min/week).We calculated the time spent in exercise activity higher than 3 METs as moderate to vigorous physical activity（MVPA）and higher than 6 METs as vigorous physical activity（VPA). Lower birth weight was associated with lower CRF（β = 0.087, p = 0.010), after adjustment for sex, months of age, schools, and current height and body mass index（kg/m2). This association was little changed by MVPA（β = 0.090, p＝0.008）or VPA（β = 0.088, p = 0.007), however, VPA was a stronger predictor of CRF than birth weight（β = 0.237, p ‹ 0.001). Birth weight was not associated with muscular strength. The results showed that the association of birth weight with CRF was not modified by physical activity levels in childhood. However, VPA was found to be a stronger predictor of CRF than was birth weight, suggesting that physically active lifestyle which focus on vigorous intensity activity may have a much more important role in development of CRF than an individualʼs low birth weight.

Clinical Implications

HomeHypertensionVol. 60, No. 5Clinical Implications Free AccessResearch ArticlePDF/EPUBAboutView PDFView EPUBSections ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload citationsTrack citationsPermissions ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InMendeleyReddit Jump toFree AccessResearch ArticlePDF/EPUBClinical Implications Originally published1 Nov 2012https://doi.org/10.1161/HYP.0b013e31827679abHypertension. 2012;60:1087Blood Pressure Characteristics and Early Onset Preeclampsia (page 1338)Download figureDownload PowerPointSome women develop preeclampsia very early in their pregnancy. Interestingly, such women are also more likely to have a family history of preeclampsia, develop preeclampsia again in subsequent pregnancies, and have a higher risk of later cardiovascular disease. These observations raise the possibility that women develop early onset preeclampsia because they have distinct, heritable, physiological traits that predispose them to both preeclampsia and later cardiovascular disease. In this issue of Hypertension, Lazdam et al report distinct differences in blood pressure characteristics during pregnancy, and <13 years later, in women who develop early onset preeclampsia. They demonstrate for the first time that compared with those with late-onset preeclampsia or normotensive pregnancies, such women have persistently higher blood pressure 6 weeks after delivery, a substantially greater increase in blood pressure over the next decade relative to levels during pregnancy, and significantly higher nocturnal blood pressures in later life. Lazdam et al then studied blood pressure in the offspring and found that those born to the pregnancies complicated by early onset disease had 6 mm Hg higher systolic blood pressure compared with those born to either late-onset disease or normotensive pregnancy. Characterization of the biology that underlies these distinct variations in blood pressure behavior may identify pathways for novel interventions. Furthermore, a diagnosis of early onset disease seems to identify individuals who may warrant targeted blood pressure surveillance.Determinants of Adolescent Left Ventricular Mass (page 1266)Cardiac left ventricular hypertrophy is a strong independent predictor of cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality in adulthood. Left ventricular growth and geometric remodeling in adolescence may have long-term consequences on cardiovascular health in later life. However, factors influencing left ventricular mass in early life are poorly characterized. The determinants of left ventricular mass and patterns of geometric remodeling in healthy adolescents with specific emphasis on birth size and growth in early childhood were studied. Left ventricular measurements were obtained with echocardiography in 418 adolescents at 15 years of age in a prospective atherosclerosis prevention study, Special Turku Coronary Risk Factor Intervention Project (STRIP). Birth weight was directly associated with left ventricular mass, regardless of sex and current weight, pulse pressure, and physical activity level. Growth in early childhood was not associated with left ventricular mass in adolescence. Adolescents who were overweight had 17 g greater left ventricular mass than those with normal body mass index. The results indicate that birth weight has a long-lasting impact on left ventricular mass and normal body weight is beneficial for cardiac structure in adolescents, whereas weight gain during the first 2 years of life does not associate with adolescent left ventricular mass. These data extend the knowledge of the determinants of left ventricular mass from early life to adolescence, relevant for the prevention of cardiovascular disease.Is Blood Pressure Variability a Risk Factor? (page 1138)Download figureDownload PowerPointAttempts to anchor blood pressure variability as an established cardiovascular risk factor span ≈30 years. Recent findings challenge the concept of usual blood pressure and led to the proposition to consider blood pressure variability in the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of patients with hypertension. Because these findings originated from post hoc analyses within the context of clinical trials in selected high-risk patients or in patients with a history of stroke, confirmation from an unbiased population sample was necessary. In this issue of Hypertension, results from the prospective Flemish Study on Environment, Genes and Health Outcomes (FLEMENGHO) indicate that systolic blood pressure variability does not have any independent prognostic significance over and beyond mean systolic pressure. These findings from 2944 randomly recruited participants, representative of a general population, and followed up for a median of 12 years, suggest that what matters most in the management of hypertension is to reduce the blood pressure level, as recommended in current guidelines. FLEMENGHO results do not support blood pressure variability as an independent risk factor. Previous Back to top Next FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails November 2012Vol 60, Issue 5 Advertisement Article InformationMetrics © 2012 American Heart Association, Inc.https://doi.org/10.1161/HYP.0b013e31827679ab Originally publishedNovember 1, 2012 PDF download Advertisement

Effects of current physical activity on affective response to exercise: Physical and social–cognitive mechanisms

Affective responses during exercise are often important determinants of exercise initiation and maintenance. Current physical activity may be one individual difference that is associated with the degree to which individuals have positive (or negative) affective experiences during exercise. The objective of this study was to explore physical and cognitive explanations of the relationship between current activity status (more versus less active) and affective response during a 30-minute bout of moderate-intensity exercise. Participants reported their current level of physical activity, exercise self-efficacy and affect during a 30-minute bout of moderate-intensity exercise. More active individuals experienced higher levels of positive affect and tranquillity and lower levels of negative affect and fatigue during exercise. Multivariate models for each affective state indicated separate processes through which physical activity may be associated with changes in affect during exercise. These models indicate that affect experienced during physical activity is related to the current activity level and these relationships can be partially explained by the physical and cognitive factors explored in this study. Recommendations for future research to elucidate whether positive affective response to physical activity improves as a function of becoming more active over time are discussed.

Endocrine and Clinical Correlates of Myostatin Serum Concentration in Men—the STRAMBO Study

Myostatin is expressed mainly in skeletal muscle cells and acts as an inhibitor of muscle growth and differentiation. However, data on the determinants of serum myostatin concentrations in humans are limited. The aim of the study was to assess the correlates of serum myostatin concentrations in men. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of the STRAMBO cohort. Men holding private health insurance coverage with Mutuelle de Travailleurs de la Région Lyonnaise were included in the study. A total of 1121 male volunteers aged 20-87 yr participated in the study. Nonfasting blood samples were collected. We measured the association of the investigated variables with circulating myostatin levels. Serum myostatin levels increased slightly with age until 57 yr and then decreased. Circulating myostatin levels showed circannual variation, with the highest concentration in spring. In men older than 57 yr, serum myostatin levels decreased across increasing quartiles of body mass index and of total central and peripheral fat mass (P<0.05 to <0.001). Serum myostatin levels were positively correlated with serum levels of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25OHD), even after adjustment for season. Average myostatin levels were 0.47 sd higher in men with 25OHD above 40 ng/ml, compared with those with 25OHD below 20 ng/ml (P<0.05). Current smokers had lower myostatin concentration. Neither current physical activity nor serum levels of PTH, testosterone, and 17β-estradiol were associated with myostatin concentrations. In men, circulating myostatin levels show seasonal changes and are associated with age, body mass index, fat mass, smoking, and 25OHD levels.

The physician's role in prescribing physical activity for the prevention and treatment of essential hypertension.

Blood pressure control and prevention of hypertension can be achieved by both pharmacological and lifestyle interventions; one important lifestyle intervention is physical activity. Participation in regular physical activity can modestly lower blood pressure by reducing total peripheral resistance; it can also reduce the risk of developing hypertension and improve morbidity and mortality outcomes. Therefore, physical activity is a recommended intervention for the majority of hypertensive or prehypertensive patients. The precise level of physical activity required to lower blood pressure is unknown; however, in the UK, national minimum physical activity guidelines would seem appropriate for most hypertensives. Current patient physical activity levels can be assessed easily using retrospective recall questionnaires; preparticipation screening and exercise modifications for high-risk patients may reduce the risk of adverse events during subsequent exercise; and identification of a patient's willingness to increase physical activity levels may help to tailor physical activity advice. Health professional counselling or advice on physical activity is currently the most effective researched intervention. Its success can be maximized by delivering physical activity advice and counselling multiple times using different health professionals in person or over the telephone and by offering additional written materials. While the most effective methods for increasing physical activity levels in patients are probably still unclear, physical activity is an advisable intervention for the majority of hypertensive patients.

Body stability of the elderly in the aspect of their daily physical activity

Abstract One of the problems of the elderly is to reduce the efficiency of regulation of the balance of the body, often resulting in deterioration of their stability and falls. Whole physical activity is one of the elements which in a measurable way are affecting the ability to function independently in society. Efforts are, therefore, studies aimed at understanding the impact of physical activity on the level of balance control in the elderly and attempts to develop the best strategy for prevention and promotion physical activity The aim of this study was to determine the efficiency of the regulation of body balance and stability in the elderly in terms of their daily physical activity Material and methods: The study included 66 people aged over 65 years of age. Based on questionnaire it was identified the level of health and current level of physical activity. Basic stabilometric parameters were evaluated using AccuGait platform while maintaining a standing upright posture with and without visual control and while the platform was set horizontally and tiltable in four basic directions. Also performed attempts to tilt the body to the limit of stability in four basic directions. The results: Based on analysis of the path length, speed and size swingings fields, it was found that in people who are less active physically disabling visual control did not start a sufficient mechanisms of the body balance control, especially when the base of support is not positioned horizontally. These patients also showed a significant the lack of skills of narrowing the margin of safety when the body was leaned to the back Conclusions:Seniors with lower levels of physical activity are generally characterized by lower sensitivity of proprioception. Older people who are less physically active showed deterioration of stability of the body especially in the direction to the back. Physical activity associated only with functioning independently in the home environment may not be a sufficient stimulus of maintenance the efficiency of elderly.

Health Promotion in Older Chinese

Aging, in conjunction with decreasing physical activity, is associated with a range of health problems. Simple, low-maintenance, population-based means of promoting activity to counteract the age-associated decline are required. We therefore assessed the effect of pedometry and buddy support to increase physical activity. We undertook a clustered randomized trial (HKCTR-346) of 24 community centers involving 399 older Chinese participants (≥ 60 yr). Centers were randomly allocated to 1) pedometry and buddy, 2) pedometry and no buddy, 3) no pedometry and buddy, and 4) no pedometry and no buddy with a 2 × 2 factorial design. The trial simultaneously tested the individual and combined effects of the interventions. The intervention groups also received monthly organized group activities to provide encouragement and support. Outcome measures were assessed at 6 and 12 months, including physical fitness and activity and cardiovascular disease risk factors (anthropometry and blood pressure). From the 24 centers, 356 volunteers (89.2%) completed the study. Those receiving the interventions had higher mean physical activity levels at 12 months of 1820 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 1360-2290) and 1260 (95% CI = 780-1740) MET·min·wk(-1), respectively relative to the decrease in the control groups. The buddy peer support intervention significantly improved mean aerobic fitness (12% [95% CI = 4%-21%]) and reduced both body fat (-0.6% [95% CI = -1.1% to 0.0%]) and time to complete the 2.5-m get-up-and-go test (-0.27 [95% CI = -0.53 to -0.01] s). No other improvements in the cardiovascular disease risk factors were observed. The combination of motivational tools was no better than the individual interventions. Both motivational interventions increased physical activity levels, and the buddy style improved fitness. These tools could be useful adjuncts in the prevention of obesity and age-related complications.

Evaluation and Development of Non-Exercise Prediction Models of Maximal Oxygen Consumption in Azerbaijan-Iranian Young Men

LANGUAGE NOTE | Document text in English; abstract also in Chinese.&#x0D; The purpose of this study was to develop a regression equation to predict maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) based on non-exercise (N-EX) data and to investigate the validity of these equations in healthy young men. One hundred healthy men (age: 18-26 years) were randomly separated in two equal groups (n=50). All participants, successfully completed a maximal graded exercise test (GXT) to assess VO2max (Mean = 45.56 ml × kg-1 × min-1, SD = 4.14). The N-EX data collected just before the maximal GXT including participants’ age; body mass index (BMI); perceived functional ability (PFA) to walk, jog, or run given distances; and current physical activity (PA-R) level. Methodological differences among these methods (new equation and GXT in the validation group) were analyzed with Bland-Altman (1986) method. A good correlation coefficients were observed between VO2max and body mass index (BMI) (r = -0.50), PFA (r = 0.71) and PA-R (r = 0.70) in the development group (p&lt; 0.05). Multiple linear regression generated the following N-EX prediction equation: VO2max (ml × kg-1 × min-1) = 47.718 – (0.38516 × BMI) + (0.8541 × PA-R) + (0.2539 × PFA). When new VO2max prediction equation were applied to the validation group, high agreement were also observed between measured VO2max by GXT and predicted VO2max (mean±SD: 0.58±2.53) (p&lt; 0.05). This study provided an N-EX regression model that yields relatively accurate results and it is a convenient way to predict VO2max in Azerbaijan–Iranian young men with a similar cardiorespiratory fitness level. Authors recommend further studies to elucidate generality of the new equation.&#x0D; 本研究旨在計算預測年青人最大攝氧量的公式，邀請了100位健康男士，分成兩組進行測驗。結果顯示，推算最大攝氧量的公式如下: VO2max (ml × kg-1 × min-1) = 47.718 – (0.38516 × BMI) + (0.8541 × PA-R) + (0.2539 × PFA) 。

Temporal relationships between screen-time and physical activity with cardiorespiratory fitness in English Schoolchildren: A 2-year longitudinal study

ObjectiveTo determine the temporal relationships screen-time and physical activity have with cardiorespiratory fitness. MethodMeasures were made over two years (2008–2010) in 1500 participants aged 11.5 (SD 0.5) years at baseline. ResultsTracking coefficients were low-to-moderate for all measures. At follow-up, 25% of participants moved from having low (<2h) to high (≥2h) daily screen-time and 6% became unfit according to FITNESSGRAM standards. Baseline screen-time was the strongest univariate predictor of becoming unfit. Multivariate analysis controlling for decimal age, BMI and deprivation confirmed baseline screen-time as the strongest independent predictor of becoming unfit over the 2-year study period (OR 2.4; 95%CI:1.4–4.0). Current (OR 2.3; 95%CI:1.3–4.0) and previous (OR 1.7; 95%CI:1.0–2.9) physical activity levels also independently predicted becoming unfit. ConclusionThere is currently no guidance for limiting screen-time in UK children. These longitudinal data add to the cross-sectional evidence of lower physical activity and fitness in children reporting ≥2h daily screen-time. More importantly, these data demonstrate that high screen-time during childhood is an independent predictor of lower cardiorespiratory fitness in adolescence.

Physical Activity and Total Antioxidant Capacity across an Adult Lifespan of Men

The aim of the study was to determine the association between the long-term physical activity (PA) and the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of blood serum and their association with coexisting risk factors of cardiometabolic diseases in a group of relatively healthy men. The research was conducted among 422 males age 19.2-89.8 yr, either sedentary or involved in recreational sports activities. Anthropometric measurements, lipid profile, and measurement of glucose and uric acid levels were performed in every man. Current PA, historical PA, and aerobic fitness (physical working capacity) were assessed. TAC was determined with two spectrophotometric methods: the ferric reducing ability of serum (TAC-FRAS) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (TAC-DPPH) tests. TAC was not related to the age of the subjects. Higher current and historical PA were associated with a more favorable cardiometabolic risk profile but not TAC. In fact, current PA level was connected with lower values of TAC-FRAS. Values of both TAC-FRAS and TAC-DPPH decreased with an increase of aerobic capacity. Individuals with coexisting anthropometric and biochemical risk factors of cardiovascular diseases and with elevated values of arterial pressure had higher TAC. Values of both TAC-FRAS (r = 0.66) and TAC-DPPH (r = 0.39) were strongly positively correlated with uric acid level. Overweight, obesity, higher blood pressure, unfavorable blood lipid profile, and especially higher uric acid levels are connected with greater TAC of blood serum across an adult man's life. High PA and fitness are associated with a more favorable overall risk profile of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases but are related to lower TAC.

Self-efficacy is independently associated with brain volume in older women

ageing is highly associated with neurodegeneration and atrophy of the brain. Evidence suggests that personality variables are risk factors for reduced brain volume. We examine whether falls-related self-efficacy is independently associated with brain volume. a cross-sectional analysis of whether falls-related self-efficacy is independently associated with brain volumes (total, grey and white matter). Three multivariate regression models were constructed. Covariates included in the models were age, global cognition, systolic blood pressure, functional comorbidity index and current physical activity level. MRI scans were acquired from 79 community-dwelling senior women aged 65-75 years old. Falls-related self-efficacy was assessed by the activities-specific balance confidence (ABC) scale. after accounting for covariates, falls-related self-efficacy was independently associated with both total brain volume and total grey matter volume. The final model for total brain volume accounted for 17% of the variance, with the ABC score accounting for 8%. For total grey matter volume, the final model accounted for 24% of the variance, with the ABC score accounting for 10%. we provide novel evidence that falls-related self-efficacy, a modifiable risk factor for healthy ageing, is positively associated with total brain volume and total grey matter volume. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00426881.

Falls and physical activity in persons with multiple sclerosis.

Objectives. To examine the association between fall history and physical activity using an objective measure of physical activity (i.e., accelerometry) in persons with multiple sclerosis. Design. A community-based sample of 75 ambulatory persons with multiple sclerosis volunteered for the investigation. Participants self-reported fall history in the last year, underwent a neurological exam to determine Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score, and wore an accelerometer around the waist for 7 consecutive days to determine physical activity. Results. Overall, 37 persons (49.3% of the sample) reported falling in the last year with 28 of the 37 falling more than once. Persons who fell in the last year had a significantly lower number of steps/day than nonfallers (3510 versus 4940 steps/day; P < .05). However, when controlling for disability status there was no statistically significant difference between fallers and nonfallers (4092 versus 4373 steps/day; P > .05). Conclusions. Collectively, the findings suggest that fall history may have little impact on current physical activity levels in persons with multiple sclerosis.

Still and Heavy - Obesity and Physical Inactivity among Singaporean Youths- Consequences and Challenges for the 21st Century

Singaporean youths are a very sedentary lot where current levels of habitual physical activity in school and outside of school are grossly inadequate to meet guidelines for having a normal body mass index and for good metabolic health. Though youth obesity rates among Singaporeans appear to be stable over the last 10 years, hovering about 10%, emergent evidence shows that Singaporean youth who were sitting for too much of the day, as a consequence had twice the risk of suffering from insulin resistance which is a precursor to metabolic syndrome. Sedentary behaviours including schooling-associated activities have also contributed to worrisome rates of myopia among young people. Inactive physiology research among Singaporean youths represents a challenge and a fertile area for future attention. Innovative whole school, home and community approaches are required to keep active youths moving on a sustained basis and to engage sedentary youths in becoming physically active.

Evidence of an Early Physical Activity Reduction in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients

Gouzi F, Préfaut C, Abdellaoui A, Vuillemin A, Molinari N, Ninot G, Caris G, Hayot M. Evidence of an early physical activity reduction in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Objective To compare the lifetime pattern of physical activity (PA) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients and sedentary healthy subjects (SHS) using a PA questionnaire with a lifetime period of recall (Quantification de l'Activité Physique [QUANTAP] system), and to compare the pattern of PA reduction in COPD patients with the onset of breathlessness and other relevant clinical events in this disease (diagnosis, first rehabilitation, onset of smoking). Design Cross-sectional comparative study. Settings Outpatient university hospital and inpatient pulmonary rehabilitation center. Participants COPD patients (n=129; mean age ± SD, 61±10y; forced expiratory volume in 1s, 57±23%) and SHS (n=29; mean age ± SD, 61±5y; <150min·wk −1 of moderate-vigorous PA). Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures Lifetime PA was compared in COPD patients and SHS using the QUANTAP system. The patients with COPD and SHS underwent pulmonary function, exercise, and quadriceps endurance testing. The current PA level was assessed with a triaxial accelerometer and the Voorrips questionnaire. The age at the onset of breathlessness was also recorded. Results Accelerometry showed no significant difference between patients and SHS (in vector magnitude units, 136±56 vs 135±47; P=.95). Within the past 15 years, the cumulated PA level was not different for each 5-year period. Then, from the period of 16 to 40 years ago, it was systematically higher in patients compared with SHS (in metabolic equivalent/y −1; median [interquartile range], 6973 [5400–12,207] vs 4248 [3545–5919]; P<.05). The COPD patients reduced their PA earlier than the SHS (45y vs 55y; P<.01), and the PA was dropped before the onset of breathlessness (45y vs 49y; P<.001). Conclusions The observation of an early PA reduction, preceding the onset of breathlessness, suggests the implication of prior pathologic mechanisms in the PA reduction of COPD patients.

Evaluation of Physical Activity Counseling in Primary Care Using Direct Observation of the 5As

The 5As (ask, advise, assess, assist, arrange) are recommended as a strategy for brief physical activity counseling in primary care. There is no reference standard for measurement, however, and patient participation is not well understood. This study's objectives were to (1) develop a coding scheme to measure the 5As using audio-recordings of primary care visits and (2) describe the degree to which patients and physicians accomplish the 5As. We developed a coding scheme using previously published definitions of the 5As, direct-observation measures, and evaluation of audio-recorded discussions of physical activity. We applied the coding scheme to 361 audio-recorded visits by patients reporting low levels of physical activity and 28 physicians in northeast Ohio. The coding scheme achieved good inter-rater agreement for each of the 5As (κ = 0.62-1.0). A total of 135 visits included discussion of physical activity. Although ask tasks occurred in 91% of visits, it infrequently elicited sufficient detail about current activity. Patient readiness to change physical activity (assess) was infrequently directly elicited by the physician (24%), but readiness was commonly expressed by the patient in response to an assessment of current level of physical activity (53%). Ambivalence was infrequently followed by physician assistance (49%). Our newly developed measure showed that (1) physicians infrequently assess patient readiness to change, (2) patient expressions of ambivalence are common, and (3) specific mention of recommended guidelines for exercise is nearly absent. Future work should increase clinician skills in exploring ambivalence and readiness to change, as well as improve explicit mention of recommended guidelines for physical activity.

Abstract B57: Comparing determinants of physical activity in Puerto Rican, Mexican-American, and non-Hispanic white breast cancer survivors

Abstract Purpose: Among the plethora of benefits of moderate to vigorous levels of physical activity for breast cancer survivors is a link to reduced risk for cancer recurrence. However, after the experience of cancer, many breast cancer survivors who were not previously active will stay inactive; and, those who were active do not return to their previous level of activity. Latinas are among the least physically active segments of the U.S. population. Utilizing a Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) based model as a guide, we conducted a cross sectional survey to investigate similarities and differences in SCT variables associated with current level of physical activity in Puerto Rican, Mexican-American and non-Hispanic white breast cancer survivors. The results reported here are being used to culturally adapt an exercise intervention specific for Mexican-American and Puerto Rican breast cancer survivors. Methods: A total of 150 breast cancer survivors completed an interviewer-guided survey. Fifty Puerto-Rican (PR) participants completed the survey in San Juan Puerto Rico in the Oncologic Hospital. Fifty Mexican-American (MA) and fifty non-Hispanic (NHW) white breast cancer survivors completed the survey in the Breast Clinic at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center. The survey included information on: current physical activity (Godin Leisure Time Exercise Scale, [GLTES]); current health status; and, anthropometric measures of BMI (kg/m2) with hip and waist circumferences (W:H). SCT measures included: exercise self-efficacy (ESE), barriers self-efficacy (BSE), modeling (MOD), social support from friends (SSFR), and social support from family (SSFA). Descriptive statistics, one-way analysis of variance and correlation analyses were conducted for the three groups. Results: Participants were similar in age (M=56.75, SD=11.0), BMI (M=29.0, SD=5.7) and level of co-morbidity (M=1.63, SD=1.42). There were differences in GLTES score (p&amp;lt;.001) with the PR group having the lowest level (M=14.0, SD=19.1), MA lower level (M=33.5, SD=18.8) and NHW highest levels (M=43.7, SD=27.6) of activity. SCT variables that differed between groups were ESE (p=.05), MOD (p=.034) and SSAF (p=.052). SCT variables associated with current physical activity differed between the three groups: for NHW BSE (r=.58, p&amp;lt;.001) and SSFA (r=.26, p=.01); for PR ESE (r=.58, p&amp;lt;.001), BSE (r=.58, p&amp;lt;.001); and, for MA MOD (r=.41, p=.003) were associated with current physical activity. Conclusions: Consistent with current literature, Hispanic breast cancer survivors indicate that they are less physically active than non-Hispanic whites. Variables associated with current physical activity differ between Hispanic breast cancer survivor groups and non-Hispanic whites. Further research to understand culturally specific variables of exercise behaviors for ethnic breast cancer survivors are warranted in order to develop culturally competent interventions that can result in increased physical activity. Citation Information: Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2011;20(10 Suppl):B57.

Heart Rate-Determined Physical Activity In New Zealand School Children: A Cross- Sectional Study

The aim of this study was to examine current levels of physical activity determined via heart rate monitoring. A total of 176 children (85 boys, 91 girls) aged 5-13 years wore sealed Polar heart rate monitors for at least 10 hours per day on at least 3 days. Mean daily minutes of moderate to vigorous-intensity physical activity was 65 ± 43 (mean ± SD) for boys and 54 ± 37 for girls. Daily minutes of vigorous-intensity activity was 31 ± 24 and 24 ± 21 for boys and girls respectively. Significant differences in physical activity levels were observed between school day and weekends, boys and girls, and among age and geographical groups. Only 36% of boys and 22% of girls met the New Zealand physical activity guideline. This research indicates that a large proportion of New Zealand children are not meeting physical activity recommendations. Keywords—activity guidelines, moderate activity, sedentary, vigorous activity

Maternal over-nutrition and offspring obesity predisposition: targets for preventative interventions

Obesity now represents one of the major health care issues of the 21st century. Its prevalence has increased exponentially in both the developed and developing world during the last couple of decades. Such a rapid rise can therefore not be explained by a change in genotype, but must result from environmental factors and their interaction with our genes. There is clear evidence to show that current environmental factors such as current diet and level of physical activity can influence our risk of obesity. However, there is growing evidence to suggest that factors acting during very early life can influence long-term energy balance. One such factor that is emerging as an important player is maternal obesity and/or over-nutrition during pregnancy and lactation. Early life may therefore represent a critical period during which intervention strategies could be developed to reduce the prevalence of obesity.