Current Physical Activity Recommendations Research Articles

Relationships between Motor Competence, Physical Activity, and Obesity in British Preschool Aged Children.

Background: This cross-sectional study aimed to examine associations between motor competence, physical activity, and obesity in British children aged three to five years. Method: Motor competence (MC) was assessed using the Test of Gross Motor Development-2. Physical activity (PA) was assessed using triaxial wrist-worn accelerometers. Children were assessed on compliance to current PA recommendations of ≥180 min of total PA (TPA) and ≥60 min of moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) for health benefits. Associations were explored with Pearson’s product moments and weight-status, and sex-differences were explored with independent t-tests and chi-squared analysis. Results: A total of 166 children (55% males; 4.28 ± 0.74 years) completed MC and PA assessments. Associations were found between PA and MC (TPA and overall MC, TPA and object-control MC (OC), MVPA and overall MC, and MVPA and OC). This study suggests that good motor competence is an important correlate of children meeting physical activity guidelines for health.

Monitoring population levels of physical activity and sedentary time in Norway across the lifespan.

The pandemic of physical inactivity is recognized globally but there is a scarcity of studies employing valid and reliable assessment methods of physical activity (PA) across the lifespan. The purpose of this study is to provide a comprehensive description of objectively measured PA, sedentary time, and prevalence of meeting PA recommendations, in a population-based sample of Norwegian children, adolescents and adults. Children and adolescents (6, 9 and 15-year-olds) were surveyed in 2011, and adults and older people (20-85-year-olds) were surveyed in 2014/15, including more than 8000 individuals. Anthropometric data were measured in children and adolescents and self-reported in the adult sample. PA was assessed by ActiGraph accelerometers for seven consecutive days, and PA indices include total PA (counts per minute), intensity-specific PA, and adherence to PA recommendations. Six-year-olds are 21% and 70% more active than 9- and 15-year-olds, respectively (P<0.001). Nine-year-olds are 40% more active compared to 15-year-olds (P<0.001). Moving from adolescence (15-year-olds) into adulthood (20-65years) yields a further reduction in total PA by 18%. Among six-, nine- and 15-year olds, 90%, 77%, and 48% meet the current PA recommendations, respectively, while adherence among adults and older people are 33% and 31%, respectively. Overweight and obese individuals had lower odds of meeting PA recommendations. The results from the Norwegian surveillance system indicate a strong association between age and indices of physical activity. The vast majority of Norwegian adults do not meet the PA recommendations and public health action are needed to increase PA in Norway.

PO-279 Bidirectional Associations Between Physical Activity and Adiposity From Childhood to Early Adulthood

Objective Inverse association between physical activity and adiposity in children and adolescents have been documented in numerous studies. However, few studies have examined the direction of causation between these two variables. We aimed to examine the prospective bidirectional associations between physical activity and adiposity from childhood to early adulthood.&#x0D; Methods A total of 396 girls (mean age, 11.2 years at baseline) participated in a longitudinal study with 1, 2, 4, and 7 year follow-ups. Body height and weight were measured, body composition was assessed by DXA and BMI and fat mass index (FMI) were calculated. Leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) and physical inactivity was obtained from questionnaire and physical activity score and inactivity time was calculated. A bivariate cross-lagged panel model was used to estimate the bidirectional associations between physical activity and measures of adiposity across follow-up waves.&#x0D; We further examined whether persistently high or persistently low physical activity or change of physical activity level from low to high and high to low during pubertal years had differential effects on adiposity. For this, the study participants were first divided into two groups according to the median values of their LTPA scores at baseline and at the 7 year follow-up visit. Then four activity groups were formed: consistently high (CH), consistently low (CL), change from high to low (HL), and change from low to high (LH). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) with least significant difference post hoc test was used to compare differences in adiposity between the LTPA groups.&#x0D; Results BMI at each measurement wave strongly predicted subsequent BMI (standardized path coefficients ranged from 0.87 to 0.95, p &lt; 0.001 for all). Similar pattern was observed for LTPA and physical inactivity, though the path coefficients tended to be notably smaller. This auto-regressive part of the model indicates that the temporal stability of BMI from childhood to early adulthood is higher than the temporal stability of LTPA or physical inactivity over the same time period.&#x0D; The cross-lagged effects indicated that higher BMI at baseline and at 4-year follow-up predicted lower LTPA at 2-year and 7-year follow-ups, respectively (p&lt;0.05 for both), but LTPA did not predict subsequent BMI at any time point. Similarly, higher FMI at baseline and at 2-year follow-up predicted lower LTPA at subsequent follow-up waves (p&lt;0.05 for both). No associations were found between sedentary time and adiposity between any time points.&#x0D; The difference in participation in LTPA between consistently high and consistently low PA groups were on average 4 hours per week (p&lt;0.001); however, no significant difference in FMI was found at baseline, 2-year or 7-year follow-up). Similarly, no significant difference in FMI was found between the groups whose LTPA level changed from high to low or from low to high. &#x0D; Conclusions Our results suggest that reduced physical activity in children and adolescents is the result of increased fatness rather than its cause. Current physical activity recommendations may not be sufficient to combat pediatric obesity.

El impacto de la actividad física durante el embarazo en el aumento de peso y los resultados del parto

Introducción: La actividad física regular durante el embarazo se ha asociado previamente con la prevención de complicaciones del parto; sin embargo, la evidencia actual es inconsistente. Por lo tanto, este estudio analiza cómo la actividad física afecta el nacimiento prematuro, puntaje de Apgar en el primer minuto, peso al nacer, inducción del parto, cesárea, uso de analgesia y anestesia, duración de la segunda etapa del parto y aumento de peso durante el embarazo.&#x0D; Métodos: Participaron en el estudio 2.921 mujeres, seleccionadas del Estudio Longitudinal Europeo de Embarazo e Infancia (ELSPAC), que se inició en la República Checa a principios de la década de 1990. Los datos de actividad física se obtuvieron a través de cuestionarios autoadministrados durante el segundo trimestre del embarazo, mientras que los datos asociados con el parto se obtuvieron a través de cuestionarios administrados por profesionales de la salud. Se utilizó un análisis univariado para evaluar la influencia de la actividad física en las complicaciones del parto. El efecto de la actividad física sobre el aumento de peso durante el embarazo y la duración de la segunda etapa del trabajo de parto se analizaron mediante una prueba de Mann-Whitney y una prueba t de una muestra, respectivamente.&#x0D; Resultados: Los resultados del parto analizados se encontraron afectados por la edad materna, la masa corporal previa al embarazo y el número de hijos nacidos vivos previos. Ni las actividades físicas particulares ni su volumen influyeron en las complicaciones del parto ni en la duración de la segunda etapa del parto. Sin embargo, se descubrió que las actividades físicas como aeróbicos, keep fit ejercicio, nadar, entrenar con pesas y andar en bicicleta afectan el aumento de peso durante el embarazo. Además, el 34.9% de las mujeres embarazadas analizadas no alcanzaron la actividad física mínima recomendada.&#x0D; Conclusiones: La actividad física entre las mujeres embarazadas se ha establecido como beneficiosa; este estudio también confirma que las recomendaciones actuales de actividad física para mujeres embarazadas sanas no tienen efectos negativos en el parto ni en el bebé nonato.

Personal Activity Intelligence and Mortality in Patients with Cardiovascular Disease: The HUNT Study

ObjectiveTo test whether Personal Activity Intelligence (PAI), a personalized metric of physical activity (PA) tracking, is associated with all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality in patients with self-reported CVD and to determine whether these associations change depending on whether contemporary PA recommendations are met. Patients and MethodsA total of 3133 patients with CVD (mean [SD] age, 67.6 [10.3] years; 64% men) were followed from the date of participation in the Nord-Trøndelag Health Study (between January 1, 1984, and February 28, 1986) until the date of death or the end of follow-up (December 31, 2015). The participants' weekly PAI score was calculated and divided into 4 groups (PAI scores of 0, ≤50, 51-99, and ≥100). We used Cox proportional hazards regression models to estimate hazard ratios for CVD and all-cause mortality rates. ResultsAfter mean follow-up of 12.5 years (39,157 person-years), there were 2936 deaths (94%), including 1936 CVD deaths. Participants with weekly PAI scores of 100 or greater had 36% (95% CI, 21%-48%) and 24% (95% CI, 10%-35%) lower risk of mortality from CVD and all causes, respectively, compared with the inactive group. Participants had similar risk reductions associated with their weekly PAI scores regardless of following contemporary PA recommendations or not. ConclusionObtaining a weekly PAI score of at least 100 was associated with lower mortality risk from CVD and all causes in individuals with CVD regardless of whether the current PA recommendations were met.

“I Want to Survive and Thrive”

In this article, we review current diet and physical activity recommendations for long-time survivors of breast cancer. We also hear the voice of a survivor and her response to the diagnosis of a postmenopausal breast cancer, the type of care she received, and her readiness to respond to diet and physical activity recommendations. Suggestions for interprofessional nutrition and physical activity counseling across the continuum of cancer care are given.

Feasibility of a Multicomponent Program to Promote Physical Activity and Nutrition in Georgia Low-Income Early Care and Education Settings.

This article describes the process and intermediate outcomes from a program implemented in 65 Early Care and Education (ECE) centers serving low-income families throughout Georgia during the 2014-2017 school years. The HealthMPowers' Empowering Healthy Choices in Schools, Homes, and Communities ECE program was based on the organization's previously successful elementary school program and aligns with current early childhood nutrition and physical activity recommendations. Participating centers worked with HealthMPowers for up to 3 years. A team from each center led changes by conducting annual self-assessments, creating and implementing improvement plans, and implementing nutrition and physical activity programs using educational resources and environmental cues. A monitoring and evaluation plan provided ongoing feedback to HealthMPowers and centers. Family and staff surveys provided insights into behaviors of children, families, and staff. Process measures included specific benchmarks (e.g., center leadership team formation, improvement plan implementation). Annual self-assessment results served as intermediate outcome measures. As of 2017, 65 centers had enrolled in the program. All centers formed a health team and completed the baseline self-assessment and most implemented an improvement plan (88%). At the 1-year follow-up self-assessment, centers reported improvements from baseline including never offering food incentives for good behavior (75%-86%), conducting taste testing at least once a month (61%-79%), and rarely/never serving sugar-sweetened beverages (93%-96%). Initial process measures from a multicomponent health promotion program in ECE were promising. An integrated continuous improvement approach to working with child care settings is feasible and likely effective.

Association of objectively measured physical activity and sedentary time with health-related quality of life in women with fibromyalgia: The al-Ándalus project

PurposeTo examine the association of physical activity (PA) intensity levels and sedentary time with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in women with fibromyalgia and whether patients meeting the current PA guidelines present better HRQoL. MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 407 women with fibromyalgia aged 51.4 ± 7.6 years. The time spent (min/day) in different PA intensity levels (light, moderate, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary time were measured with triaxial accelerometry. The proportion of women meeting the American PA recommendations (≥150 min/week of MVPA in bouts ≥10 min) was also calculated. HRQoL domains (physical function, physical role, bodily pain, general health, vitality, social functioning, emotional role, and mental health), as well as physical and mental components, were assessed using the 36-item Short-Form Health Survey. ResultsAll PA intensity levels were positively correlated with different HRQoL dimensions (rpartial between 0.10 and 0.23, all p < 0.05). MVPA was independently associated with social functioning (p < 0.05). Sedentary time was independently associated with physical function, physical role, bodily pain, vitality, social functioning, and both the physical and mental component summary score (all p < 0.05). Patients meeting the PA recommendations presented better scores for bodily pain (mean = 24.2 (95%CI: 21.3–27.2) vs. mean = 20.4 (95%CI: 18.9–21.9), p = 0.023) and better scores for social functioning (mean = 48.7 (95%CI: 43.9–44.8) vs. mean = 42.3 (95%CI: 39.8–44.8), p = 0.024). ConclusionMVPA (positively) and sedentary time (negatively) are independently associated with HRQoL in women with fibromyalgia. Meeting the current PA recommendations is significantly associated with better scores for bodily pain and social functioning. These results highlight the importance of being physically active and avoiding sedentary behaviors in this population.

First-Year Osteopathic Medical Students' Knowledge of and Attitudes Toward Physical Activity.

Current guidelines recommend that primary care physicians provide physical activity counseling as part of routine preventive health care. However, education regarding physical activity counseling often is not included or is inadequately covered in medical school curriculum, and it is unclear whether future physicians are prepared to offer effective counseling in this area. To examine first-year medical students' knowledge of and attitudes toward physical activity and the importance of physical activity in patient counseling. An anonymous electronic survey was distributed to all first-year students enrolled at the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine. The survey assessed students' knowledge, beliefs, and behavior regarding physical activity and physical activity counseling for patients. The frequencies of students' weekly physical activity were computed to assess students' physical activity behaviors. Attitudes toward personal importance of physical activity and physical activity counseling in primary care were also assessed by response frequency. The relationship between students' knowledge of and participation in physical activity and the priority placed on exercise for future patients were assessed by correlation. Of 243 potential participants, 144 students (59.3%) returned the survey. The majority of students (131 of 144 [91.0%]) indicated that living a healthy lifestyle was very or extremely important to them, and 125 of 144 (86.9%) prioritized physical activity as moderately, very, or extremely important. Of 122 students, 81 (66.4%) exercised for at least 30 minutes on 3 or more of the past 7 days, and 36 (29.5%) reported doing so on 5 or more of the past 7 days. Nearly all of the students (127 of 133 [95.5%]) indicated that exercise is important for their future patients, 97 of 133 (72.9%) indicated feeling moderately or extremely comfortable counseling patients on exercise, and 113 of 134 (84.3%) desired to include physical activity counseling in their practice. Fifty of 134 students (40.3%) indicated that they were aware of current physical activity recommendations for adults in the United States; however, of these 50 students, 1 (2.0%) provided a correct definition of the national recommendations. Although students prioritized healthy lifestyles for themselves and their future patients and indicated a desire to include physical activity counseling as part of routine clinical care, the majority were unaware of the current physical activity recommendations. Thus, there is a need to address physical activity recommendations in the medical school curriculum.

The effect of lifelong exercise frequency on arterial stiffness.

This study examined the effect of different 'doses' of lifelong (>25years) exercise on arterial stiffening (a hallmark of vascular ageing) in older adults. There are clear dose-dependent effects of lifelong exercise training on human arterial stiffness that vary according to the site and size of the arteries. Similar to what we have observed previously with ventricular stiffening, 4-5daysweek-1 of committed exercise over a lifetime are necessary to preserve 'youthful' vascular compliance, especially of the large central arteries. Casual exercise training of two to three times per week may be sufficient for middle-sized arteries like the carotid to minimize arterial stiffening with ageing. However, there is little effect of exercise training on the small-sized peripheral arteries at any dose. Central arterial stiffness increases with sedentary ageing. While near-daily, vigorous lifelong (>25years) endurance exercise training prevents arterial stiffening with ageing, this rigorous routine of exercise training over a lifetime is impractical for most individuals. The aim was to examine whether a less frequent 'dose' of lifelong exercise training (four to five sessions per week for >30min) that is consistent with current physical activity recommendations elicits similar benefits on central arterial stiffening with ageing. A cross-sectional examination of 102 seniors (>60years old) who had a consistent lifelong exercise history was performed. Subjects were stratified into four groups based on exercise frequency as an index of exercise 'dose': sedentary: fewer than two sessions per week; casual exercisers: two to three sessions per week; committed exercisers: four to five sessions per week; and Masters athletes: six to seven sessions per week plus regular competitions. Detailed measurements of arterial stiffness and left ventricular afterload were collected. Biological aortic age and central pulse wave velocity were younger in committed exercisers and Masters athletes compared to sedentary seniors. Total arterial compliance index (TACi) was lower, while carotid β-stiffness index and effective arterial elastance were higher in sedentary seniors compared to the other groups. There appeared to be a dose-response threshold for carotid β-stiffness index and TACi. Peripheral arterial stiffness was not significantly different among the groups. These data suggest that four to five weekly exercise sessions over a lifetime is associated with reduced central arterial stiffness in the elderly. A less frequent dose of lifelong exercise (two to three sessions per week) is associated with decreased ventricular afterload and peripheral resistance, while peripheral arterial stiffness is unaffected by any dose of exercise.

Relationship between Diet Quality, Physical Activity and Health-Related Quality of Life in Older Adults: Findings from 2007-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

A growing body of research shows that diet quality and physical activity (PA) are associated with health-related quality of life (HRQOL). However, no study to date has assessed this association using the Healthy Eating Index-2015 as a measure of diet quality. Furthermore, few studies have examined the association between PA dose and HRQOL among a nationally representative sample of older adults. To investigate the relationship between diet quality, physical activity, and HRQOL. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using data obtained from 5,311 adults aged 60+ years who took part in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 2007 and 2014. HRQOL was assessed by general health status, and number of physically unhealthy days, mentally unhealthy days, and inactive days in past 30 days. Diet quality was assessed by the Healthy Eating Index-2015 using data generated by two 24-hour dietary recalls. PA was measured by the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. Multivariate logistic/or linear regression models were used to examine the association between diet quality, PA and HRQOL controlling for confounders and accounting for complex sampling. Approximately half of the participants (55.2%) were women, 45.1% met current PA recommendations, 65% had less healthful diets according to the Healthy Eating Index-2015. Diet quality was associated with HROQL. For every 1-point diet quality score increase, the likelihood of respondents rating their general health as being excellent/good increased by 3% (OR=1.03, 95%CI: 1.02, 1.04), and number of inactive days (β =-0.03, 95%CI: -0.05, 0.00) and mental unhealthy days (β =-0.03, 95%CI: -0.05, -0.01) declined by 0.03 days. PA was associated with all HROQL measures and respondents with high PA levels reported better general health (OR=3.53, 95%CI: 2.69, 4.63), fewer inactive days (β =-1.53, 95%CI: -2.11, -0.95), fewer physical unhealthy days (β =-1.88, 95%CI: -2.74, -1.02) than individuals with low PA levels but not fewer mentally unhealthy days. Among older adults in this study, eating a healthier diet and being physically active were associated with better general health and reporting fewer physical unhealthy days and inactive days. Study results provide valuable information that could inform policies, programs and interventions designed to improve HRQOL in older adults and reduce potentially preventable health disparities.

Physical Activity Device Reliability and Validity during Pregnancy and Postpartum.

This study aimed to determine the reliability and validity of PA devices worn on the hip, ankle, and triceps during pregnancy and postpartum. Thirty-three women performed six activities of daily living and one treadmill walk at approximately 21 and 32 wk of pregnancy, and 12 wk postpartum. There were two visits at each time period, 1 wk apart. Energy expenditure (oxygen consumption) was measured by using indirect calorimetry (IC; criterion measure), whereas PA was quantified by using accelerometers and pedometers placed at the right hip and ankle and left triceps. Interclass reliability and monitor validity compared with IC in relative (mL·kg·min) terms were calculated using Pearson correlation. Both multitrial and single-trial intraclass reliabilities (ICC) were estimated using ANOVA to assess monitor reliability at each time period. SEM values were calculated in relative terms for each time period. The reliability of the devices was moderate/strong because 66% of the Pearson correlations were between 0.6 and 1.0. Multitrial ICC values were largely in the moderate/strong range because 38% of the ICC values were between 0.6 and 0.79 and 50% were between 0.8 and 1.0. The SEM values for each device between visits ranged from 7% to 23% of the mean values. Comparison between IC and devices showed that 40% and 46% of the validity coefficients were between 0.4 and 0.59 and between 0.6 and 0.79, respectively. PA devices show moderate/strong reliability and moderate validity for measuring PA during pregnancy and postpartum.

Cardiorespiratory fitness and adiposity in breast cancer survivors: is meeting current physical activity recommendations really enough?

Breast cancer (BC) survivors are becoming increasingly predisposed to cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality. Low cardiorespiratory fitness and physical activity (PA) levels, as well as high values of adiposity indices, contribute to CVD risk. We evaluated adiposity, cardiorespiratory profile, and PA levels in two independent cohorts of BC survivors. Data were collected from two groups (99% women) from different areas of Madrid (Spain): group 1, n = 110, age 51.4 ± 9.7years, median time from diagnosis 365days (95% confidence interval [CI], 354-401), and group 2, n = 93, age 54.7 ± 8.9years, 1714days (95% CI, 1502-1938). We estimated peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) and measured body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip index, and accelerometry-determined PA. Both groups had values of BMI in the overweight range (25.3 ± 4.3 and 27.1 ± 5.1kg/m2, p = 0.003). Estimated VO2peak levels were lower in group 2 than in group 1 (28.1 ± 9.1 and 23.7 ± 8.8ml/kg/min, p < 0.001), although levels in both groups were low. Yet, the majority of participants in both groups (81 and 88%, p = 0.234) met international PA recommendations (235 ± 196 and 351 ± 173min/week of moderate-vigorous PA, p < 0.001). Both groups had very low levels of vigorous PA. These results were essentially independent of type of treatment (anthracycline/radiotherapy). We found a poor cardiorespiratory profile in two independent BC cohorts that differed in median time from diagnosis (as well in socioeconomic status), supporting the notion that implementation of PA (possibly focusing on vigorous PA) and dietary intervention is urgently needed in this patient population.

Perceptions and attitudes of primary healthcare providers in Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia, toward the promotion of physical activity

Background: Physical inactivity increases the risk of several chronic, non-communicable diseases that ultimately reduces life expectancy. Recently, major lifestyle changes in Saudi Arabia due to economic growth resulted in physical inactivity and low level of physical fitness. Health care professionals can play an important role in developing awareness about physical fitness among people. However, little is known about the impact of current health promotion practices of healthcare providers. This cross-sectional study evaluates primary healthcare providers’ attitudes, knowledge and awareness associated with advising patients about PA during routine consultations. Methods: A quantitative survey on 803 respondents who comprised of general physicians, nurses, nurse assistants, dieticians and health educators in five districts of Riyadh city, Saudi Arabia was conducted using convenience-sampling method. Results: The data showed that most of the primary care staffs are quite enthusiastic in promoting physical activity among the patients and revealed that they routinely discussed and advised about the benefits of physical fitness. However, there are some factors acting as barriers for promoting PA, such as lack of time, lack of educational materials for patients, lack of proper training and protocols, lack of patient cooperation and lack of financial incentive. Conclusion: Proper strategies should be developed to motivate primary healthcare providers, so that they can encourage the general population to be more active physically. Hence, there is an urgent need to integrate PA promotion into practice consultation in Saudi Arabia. In addition, more efforts are required from the policy makers and health professionals to gather sufficient knowledge about current physical activity recommendations.

Physical Activity, Body Mass Index, and Clustered Metabolic Risk in U.S. Adolescents: 2007-2012 Nhanes.

While studies to date have shown that children and adolescents who meet the current physical activity (PA) recommendations and maintain a healthy body weight demonstrate significantly lower cardiometabolic risk, there are some studies that suggest that the relationship between PA and metabolic risk may be mediated by adiposity. The aim of the present study was to examine variation in clustered metabolic risk (cMetS) in adolescents classified as not overweight/active (NOA), not overweight/not active (NONA), overweight/active (OA), and overweight/not active (ONA). The sample included adolescent participants (n = 875; 12-17 years) of the 2007-2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The cMetS score included triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, fasting plasma glucose, and mean arterial pressure. Age- and sex-specific body mass index (BMI) percentiles were utilized; overweight was defined as BMI percentile ≥85th. Activity data included self-reported frequency of moderate-to-vigorous PA. Adolescents reporting ≥60 min/day of PA were considered "active." General linear models, adjusted for age, sex, and race-ethnicity, were used. A 6-year fasting sample weight was applied to the analyses to ensure representativeness of the data. The cMetS scores were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in OA and ONA adolescents compared to NOA (β = 1.08 and β = 1.57, respectively). In ONA males, cMetS was significantly (P < 0.01) higher compared to NOA males. In OA and ONA females, cMetS scores were significantly higher compared to the referent group (P < 0.01 for both). The cMetS scores were increased in overweight adolescents compared to those who were not overweight, regardless of their reported activity level.

Lifespan leisure physical activity profile, brain plasticity and cognitive function in old age

ABSTRACTObjectives: Despite the evidence suggesting physical activity (PA) as a major factor for the prevention of age-related cognitive decline, only a few studies have systematically investigated the impact of leisure PA during the lifespan (LLPA). This study investigates the effects of LLPA on cognitive function (CF) and brain plasticity (BP) in old age.Method: Participants’ (n = 50, 72 ± 5 yrs, 27 females) LLPA energy expenditure and volume was assessed via a validated questionnaire investigating five epochs (14–80 yrs). Using current WHO PA recommendations as reference, participants were stratified into energy expenditure and volume groups. CF outcomes were attention, executive functions, working memory and memory. BP was assessed using magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRSI) and brain derived neurotropic factor (BDNF).Results: Correlation analysis revealed associations of mean LLPA energy expenditure with attention (CF) and N-acetylaspartate to choline ratios (NAA/Cho) (MRSI). ANOVA revealed higher interference control performance (CF) and NAA/Cho in participants complying with current PA recommendations (2-3 h per week) compared to non-compliers. Further CF and BP outcomes including BDNF were not associated with LLPA.Conclusion: Lifelong adherence to minimum recommended PA seems to be associated with markers of cognitive function and neuronal integrity in old age.

The Association between Physical Activity and Metabolic Syndrome in Older Adults with Obesity.

Physical activity reduces the likelihood of developing metabolic syndrome (MetS). However, the association between different physical activity levels and MetS remains unclear in older adults with obesity. This cross-sectional study used four waves of data (2007-2008, 2009-2010, 2011-2012, 2013-2014) from two datasets: The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and United Sates Department of Agriculture's Food Patterns Equivalents Database. The sample included adults 60+ years of age (n= 613) with obesity who had physical activity and MetS data. Physical activity was assessed using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire and categorized into three physical activity levels (low, medium, and high); and medium or high physical activity levels are aligned with or exceed current physical activity recommendations. Participants were classified as having MetS using a commonly agreed upon definition. Multiple logistic regression models examined the association between the three physical activity levels and MetS risk factors and MetS. All analyses adjusted for potential confounding variables and accounted for complex sampling. Of 613 respondents, 72.1% (n=431) were classified as having MetS, and 44.3% (n = 263) had not met physical activity recommendations. Participants with high levels of physical activity had a lower risk of MetS (OR = 0.31, 95%CI: 0.13, 0.72) and more healthful levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (OR = 0.39, 95%CI: 0.18, 0.84), blood pressure (OR = 0.39, 95%CI: 0.20, 0.77), fasting glucose (OR = 0.34, 95%CI: 0.15, 0.78) than participants categorized as having low physical activity. Physical activity is associated with lower risk of MetS only for participants with the highest level of physical activity, which suggests that physical activity dosage is important to reduce MetS risk in older adults with obesity.

From Epidemiology to Psychology: Physical Activity Recommendations in Transition!?

Current physical activity recommendations are based on epidemiological-medical findings. They define what doses of physical activity are necessary for positive health effects: adults should be physically active at least 2½ hours per week with moderate or 1¼ hours with high intensity. However, some people find it difficult to implement these recommendations and to be active in the longer term. For optimal long-term adherence, physical activity recommendations should also be based on psychology. Affective responses prove to be a relevant influencing factor: when individuals experience physical activities as pleasant, they will maintain it in the longer term. Consistently experiencing displeasure, dropout is a likely outcome. Choosing moderately intense activities that meet individual preferences can optimize affective responses.

The association of various social capital indicators and physical activity participation among Turkish adolescents

BackgroundPhysical activity participation (PAP) has been proven to improve health and promote optimal growth among adolescents. However, most adolescents do not meet the current physical activity (PA) recommendations in Turkey. The role of the social environment and social factors on PAP is being increasingly recognized. Although social capital (SC) indicators have been examined in high-income countries, there are few studies on developing countries. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between SC indicators and PAP among Turkish adolescents. MethodsA survey was conducted among 19 high schools in 4 different cities in Turkey in 2016. A total of 506 female and 729 male high school students participated in this study. The dependent variable was overall PAP, which was measured using the short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. The independent variables included self-perceived family, neighborhood, and school SC. Self-rated health and obesity status, measured by body mass index, were other study covariates in multiple binary logistic regression models. Chi-square tests were used to assess the differences between genders. ResultsPAP levels were significantly different between males and females. A higher percentage of males reported PAP (77.4%) compared to females (51.0%). Among males, teacher–student interpersonal trust and informal social control were inversely associated with PAP, while high students interpersonal trust was positively associated with increased odds of PAP. For females, students interpersonal trust was inversely associated with PAP. ConclusionVarious SC indicators are associated with PAP for males and females. These associations are different from findings of studies conducted in developed countries. Therefore, health-promotion interventions and policies should consider gender and different social agents on the social and cultural background to improve PAP among Turkish adolescents.

Effect of a six month walking intervention on platelet function in older sedentary adults: A randomised controlled trial

Introduction: Atherosclerosis develops asymptomatically over many years and is the underlying driver in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular and peripheral vascular disease, ischaemic stroke and vascular dementia. Recent evidence has augmented the understanding of atherogenesis, and activated platelets are now known to be in the causal pathway of atherosclerosis, in addition to their pivotal role in acute thrombotic events in the later stages of vascular disease. The interaction between activated platelets and monocytes results in the formation of monocyte-platelet aggregates (MPAs), which provide a pathway for monocyte adhesion and infiltration into the sub-endothelial space, and initiates the release of pro-inflammatory mediators involved in atherosclerosis. The measurement of MPAs, rarely undertaken in previous studies, provides the most sensitive method to determine the activation of platelets in vivo. Regular participation in exercise can lower cardiovascular risk, but little is known regarding the impact of exercise training on platelet function or the presence of MPAs. Walking is a modality of exercise that allows sedentary individuals to meet current physical activity (PA) recommendations.