Daily Activity Levels Research Articles

Promoting active lifestyles in schools. Effect of school day on daily physical activity levels

Introduction: The effect of school day is a major factor in everyday rhythms during childhood and adolescence. The relevance of Physical Activity (PA) in school-aged children raises the need to: (a) analyse whether Primary School pupils achieve the recommended levels of daily PA; (b) find out the impact of school day and, specifically, Physical Education (PE) classes on levels of PA compared to weekends; and (c) explore the differences according to sex in daily PA at these ages. Method: A cross-sectional study was carried out, using a sample of 126 participants (aged 10.2±0.48 years; 51.6% girls, 48.4% boys) from primary schools. Data on the steps taken by pupils during a week were recorded with an ADXK362 three-axis accelerometer integrated into a wristband. Descriptive (means and standard deviation) and inferential analyses (Student’s T-Test) were performed, assuming a 95% confidence interval (p<0.05). The magnitude of the difference was quantified with power (1-β), α=0.05 (bilateral). Results: The average of steps was lower than the minimum recommended, revealing a weekly pattern in which, the most active children were so throughout the week and vice versa. Significant variations were found depending on the days of the week (r=0.40, p<0.001, d= 0.63) or whether they had PE classes (r=0.65, p<0.001, d= 0.79). School day contributed significantly to greater activity and families were less physically active on weekends (t=6.62, p<0.001, d=0.70). Girls had a lower level of PA than boys, and more difficulty reaching the recommended levels of daily PA (t=-4.05, p<0.001, d=0.96), except on weekends. Conclusion: Pupils do not reach the minimum recommended daily steps for their age, with a well-established gender gap in favour of boys. School day (especially when PE is taught) increases their daily PA more than at weekends.

Mental status and Physical Activity during COVID 19 Pandemic Confinement: A Study on Adult Kuwaiti

Background: Due to the novel COVID 19 pandemic and its associated social distancing and confinement procedures, the lifestyle of the individuals and their daily routine were affected and hence, their health. This study aims to find if physical activity level of the Kuwaiti adults during COVID 19 pandemic confinement have an influence on their mental status. Moreover, this study is investigating whether there are significant differences in the lifestyle behaviors, health and mental status attributed to the gender variable. Methods: in this study, a self-reported across-sectional survey was distributed online on a sample of (357) Kuwaiti adults. The demographic data were collected through a self-completed DCI. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated from self-reported weight (kg) and height (cm). Mental status was assessed by WHO-5 and the Physical Activity (PA) level was assessed using IPAQ. The variables were presented in the form of means, frequencies and percentages. One –way Chi-square test was used to compare between the groups and Chi-Square test for categorical variables. Moreover, the relationships between physical activity and mental status were examined using Pearson correlation analysis. Results: The results of this study revealed on a low level of physical activity (62.5%), excellent health status (79.3%), weak sleep quality (68.9%) and good mental status (64.4%). The results showed also that the previous variables are different according to the gender variable. Conclusion: This study found that there is a significant relationship between the mental status and the level of daily physical activity, and it was found that the mental status scores better the higher the level of physical activity.

An Attempt to Assess the Impact of Pandemic Restrictions on the Lifestyle, Diet, and Body Mass Index of Children with Endocrine Diseases-Preliminary Results.

Background: Home isolation during the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic lockdown strongly impacted everyday life, affecting, in particular, eating habits and everyday activity. The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of the pandemic on behaviors and subsequent changes in body mass index (BMI) in children from Southern Poland. Methods: The study included 206 participants (104 females and 102 males) with a complete analysis of 177 participants (96 females and 81 males) with a mean age of 12.8 ± 2.6 years admitted to three pediatric endocrinology clinics (Rzeszów, Kraków, and Katowice) due to simple obesity, type 1 diabetes mellitus, somatotropin pituitary deficiency on growth hormone replacement therapy, and other endocrine and metabolic disorders between June and September 2020. The study used a self-prepared questionnaire regarding eating habits, physical activity, screen time, and sleep before and during the lockdown. Anthropometric measurements were performed under clinical settings twice (before the pandemic in January–March 2020, and in June–September 2020). Results: During the lockdown, BMI z-scores increased over the whole group, especially in obese children (0.073 ± 0.18, p = 0.002). The number of children who declared low and high physical activity of more than 60 min per day declined from 41.2% and 18.6% to 31.1% and 6.2% (p = 0.03 and p < 0.001), respectively; sleep times over 8 h increased (46.9% vs. 60.4% p = 0.007); screen times over 5 h daily increased (14.7% to 46.9%, p < 0.001). Eating habits did not change significantly. Conclusions: Daily physical activity and sleep levels were affected by the pandemic leading to the increase of BMI, especially in obese patients with endocrine disorders. During the COVID-19 pandemic, forward-thinking strategies must be developed to prevent childhood obesity.

Relationship of Hand Grip Strength on The Upper Extremity Function, Activities of Daily Living and Physical Activity Level ın Patients with Postmastectomy Lymphedema: A Pilot Study

This study aimed to investigate the relationship of hand grip strength on upper extremity functionality, activities of daily living, and physical activity level in female patients with lymphedema who have undergone breast cancer surgery. A total of 15 female patients with a diagnosis of lymphedema associated with breast cancer treatment were included in the study. The presence and severity of lymphedema were determined by circumference measurement. A hand dynamometer was used to evaluate the hand grip strength. Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire (DASH); Milliken Activities of Daily Living Scale (MAS);and the long form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire(IPAQ) were used to evaluate upper extremity functionality, daily living activity, and physical activity level, respectively. The mean age of the patients was 51±10.6 years. DASH score was significantly related with age (r:0.639; p:0,010). The relationship between the hand grip strength of the affected side and the hand grip strength of the unaffected side was statistically positively significant (r:0.756; p:0.001).It was determined that hand grip strength was related to the total MAS value and the DASH score (r:0.609;p:0.016 and r:-0.624; p:0.013, respectively). The relationship between postoperative lymphedema development time with affected side hand grip strength and total MAS score was statistically significant (r:0.574; p:0.025 and r:0.766; p:0.001, respectively). There were no correlations between IPAQ score and hand grip strength, DASH, and MAS values (p&amp;gt;0.05). Considering these results, we concluded that improving hand grip strength in the early period may increase upper extremity functionality and quality of life for these patients.

Impact of the physical rehabilitation onset time in early recovery period of ischemic stroke (second stage of medical rehabilitation) on the level of daily activity and independence

Ischemic stroke (IS) is the leading cause of neurological inpatient care, readmission, and long-term disability. Until now, there is no single point of view on when the second stage of medical rehabilitation after an IS should be started and the amount of the rehabilitation activities.Objective: to compare the effectiveness of the course of motor rehabilitation during the first 30–90 days and 91–180 days after IS.Patients and methods. The patients were divided into two groups: group 1 included 44 patients in whom ≤3 months passed from IS onset, and group 2–39 patients in whom &gt;3 but &lt;6 months have passed since the IS onset. All patients included in the study received physiotherapy exercises, simulator exercises, robotic mechanotherapy, physiotherapy, massage, speech therapy, cognitive training, and secondary IS prevention.Results and discussion. In both groups patients got a positive treatment result: a significant increase in muscle strength, gait stability, quality, and speed. The number of patients who achieved independence (≤2 points on the Rankin scale) before the start of the rehabilitation course among patients of group 1 was 9.4%, after the end of the course – 40.6%. More initially independent patients were included in the group 2 – 28.6%; after a course of rehabilitation, the proportion of independent patients increased to 35.7%.Conclusion. Rehabilitation courses are effective in patients who have had IS, both in the first three months and in the period from the 4th to the 6th month. It is advisable to conduct the second stage of medical rehabilitation earlier after a stroke.

The Interplay Between Affect, Dog's Physical Activity and Dog–Owner Relationship

Leaving a dog home alone is part of everyday life for most dog owners. Previous research shows that dog–owner relationship has multifarious effects on dog behavior. However, little is known about the interplay between dog–owner relationship, physical activity of the dog, and affective experiences at the time of the owner leaving home and reunion when the owner comes home. In this paper, we explored how the general (daily, home alone, and over the 2-week study period) physical activity of the dog, and owner's perceptions of the dog's affective state were correlated at those particular moments. Nineteen volunteer dog owners had their dogs (N = 19) wear two activity trackers (ActiGraph wGT2X-GT and FitBark2) for 2 weeks 24 h/day. Prior to the 2-week continuous physical activity measurement period, the owners filled in questionnaires about the dog–owner relationship and the dog behavior. In daily questionnaires, owners described and assessed their own and their perception of the emotion-related experiences of their dog and behavior of the dog at the moment of separation and reunion. The results indicated that the dog–owner relationship has an interplay with the mean daily and weekly physical activity levels of the dog. An indication of strong emotional dog–owner relationship (especially related to the attentiveness of the dog, continuous companionship, and time spent together when relaxing) correlated positively with the mean daily activity levels of the dog during the first measurement week of the study. Results also suggest that the mean daily and over the 2-week measurement period physical activity of the dog correlated the affective experiences of the dog and owner as reported by the owner when the dog was left home alone. More research is needed to understand the interplay between affect, physical activity of the dog, dog–owner relationship, and the effects of these factors on, and their interplay with, the welfare of dogs.

A Decision Support System for Optimizing Nutrient in Daily Lunch Intake among College Students in Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines using Linear Programming

Objectives: This study aims to develop a decision support system to find food choices that will optimize nutrient intake among college students given their food choices and budget by formulating and solving linear programming models. Methods: Survey interviews among college students in various colleges and universities around Cagayan de Oro City were conducted to determine the foods which they usually eat as well as their usual budget for lunch. Moreover, cafeterias and fast-food chains located near school areas were also visited to ascertain the kind of foods they serve to students as well as the corresponding prices per serving of these foods. Using this information such as costs per food serving, nutrient content, student meal budget and their food preferences, linear programming models are then formulated and solved while making sure that individual nutrient requirements are met. The models are then incorporated into an excel-based program to present a userfriendly decision support system (DSS) for determining lunch menu options. Findings: Results of the study show various lunch food combinations for male and female college students. Recommended food menu costs vary according to sex, age, BMI classification and level of daily activity. For example, the lowest for normal BMI male between 14-18 years old is PhP 40 while the lowest food menu cost for 14-18 years old female with normal BMI is PhP 45. In particular, the DSS developed in this study allow students to input their preferences such as choice of drink, viand, number of servings preferred and budget allotted for a particular meal, as well key-in their personal attributes (such as height, weight, physical activities engaged in) which are then used as basis for computing the recommended lunch menu options. Novelty. This study provides students the guide for a more nutritionally-filled lunch menu that is within their budget. Keywords: Nutrition; Food choices; Linear Programming; Optimization; Decision Support System

The Level of Kinesiophobia and Its Relationship with Physical Activity in People with a History of Ankle Sprain

Introduction: Kinesiophobia is one of the leading clinical factors in recovery from injury. The stressful situation of an ankle joint injury can cause severe withdrawal and fear of the patient to undertake physical activity, resulting in hypokinesia. Aims: The aim of the study was to demonstrate the relationship between the level of daily physical activity reported by the respondent after an ankle sprain and severity of the kinesiophobia phenomenon. Material and methods: The study comprised 78 people (mean age 23.1 years ± 3.3) with a history of ankle sprain injury. This population was divided into 2 groups, taking the given level of physical activity into account. GR1 consisted of 34 patients with an activity level of 0-3 hours a week of sports activity, GR2 was made up of 44 individuals reporting a level of physical activity &gt; 3 hours a week. In order to obtain the necessary results, the respondents filled in their own personal data sheet; and 3 standardised questionnaires translated into Polish: Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM); Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (FABQ); Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK-17). Results: A high level of physical activity helps to avoid limitations in ankle and foot functioning. A relationship was found between functional limitations and the intensity of fear regarding movement according to the FABQ questionnaire. The limitations of the foot function translate into higher results for the FABQ questionnaire. No other statistically significant relationships were found. Conclusions: Kinesiophobia is a protective factor in the acute disease/injury phase. Physiologically, its level should decrease as functional abilities are regained. If the functional limitations remain high, the fear of movement also increases. Regular, high-level physical activity significantly improves the functioning of the ankle and foot, and reduces the level of kinesiophobia.

Treatment of urinary incontinence in women with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease\u2014a randomised controlled study

BackgroundLittle is known regarding treatment of urinary incontinence (UI) in women with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The aim of the study was to explore the efficacy of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) or cough-suppression techniques (CST) on UI in women with COPD.MethodsA three-armed, two-centred, single-blinded, randomised controlled study was performed. Subjects were randomised to (a) PFMT for 16 weeks, (b) 2–3 educational sessions in CST, or (c) written information only. All participants completed questionnaires about UI, cough symptoms, and health status and underwent clinical examinations to evaluate the strength of the pelvic floor muscles and exercise capacity. Daily physical activity levels were measured using an activity monitor and lung function with spirometry. With a significance level of 5% and an 80% chance of detecting a significant difference between groups of 2.5 points on the ICIQ UI SF score, our sample size calculation showed that a total of 78 women, 26 in each group, was required to complete the study.ResultsDuring the period 2016 to 2018, 95 women were invited to the study. A total of 42 were recruited, three were excluded and 10 (24%) dropped out during the follow-up period. Mean ICIQ-UI SF total baseline score was 9.6 (range: 1–17) and 7.0 (range: 0–16) at follow-up. Changes in subjective UI as measured with the ICIQ-UI SF questionnaire were seen in the PFMT group and control group, but not in the CST group.ConclusionDue to the low number of available participants and recruitment difficulties including practical issues such as travel distance, lack of interest, poor state of health, and high number of comorbidities, our results are inconclusive. However, reduced subjective UI was observed in the PFMT and control groups with a trend towards best effect in the PFMT group. Screening for UI is advisable in all women with COPD to be able to identify and treat these women to reduce symptom burden and improve quality of life. Future studies should focus on barriers to recruitment as well as randomised controlled studies with larger sample sizes.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT02614105. 25th November 2015.

Effect of PEP flute self-care versus usual care in early covid-19: non-drug, open label, randomised controlled trial in a Danish community setting

ObjectiveTo determine whether positive expiratory pressure (PEP) by PEP flute self-care is effective in reducing respiratory symptoms among community dwelling adults with SARS-CoV-2 infection and early stage covid-19.DesignNon-drug, open label,...

Abstract 13062: The Effect of Empagliflozin on Contractile Reserve in Heart Failure: Prespecified Sub-Study of a Randomized, Double-Blind, and Placebo-Controlled Trial

Introduction: Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors improve cardiac structure but most studies suggest no change in left ventricular (LV) systolic function at rest. Whether SGLT2 inhibitors improve LV contractile reserve is unknown. We investigated the effect of empagliflozin on LV contractile reserve in patients with heart failure (HF) and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Methods: Prespecified sub-study of the Empire HF trial, a double-blind, placebo-controlled, and randomized trial. Patients with LV ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤40% on guideline-directed HF therapy were randomized (1:1) to empagliflozin 10 mg or placebo for 12 weeks. The treatment effect on contractile reserve was assessed by low dose dobutamine stress echocardiography. Results: In total, 120 patients were included. The mean age was 68 (SD 10) years, 83% were male, and the mean LVEF was 38 (SD 10) %. Respectively 60 (100%) and 59 (98%) patients in the empagliflozin and placebo groups completed stress echocardiography. No statistically significant effect of empagliflozin was observed for the contractile reserve assessed by LV-GLS [adjusted mean absolute change, empagliflozin versus placebo, 0.7% (95% CI -0.5 to 2.0, P=0.25)] or LVEF [adjusted mean absolute change, empagliflozin versus placebo, 2.2% (95% CI -1.4 to 5.8, P=0.22)] from baseline to 12 weeks. LV-GLS contractile reserve was associated with accelerometer-measured daily activity level [coefficient, -24 accelerometer counts (95% CI -46 to -1.8, P=0.03)] as opposed to LVEF contractile reserve [coefficient, -2.9 accelerometer counts (95% CI -10 to 4.5, P=0.43)]. Conclusions: Empagliflozin for 12 weeks added to guideline-directed HF therapy did not improve LV contractile reserve in patients with HFrEF. Registration: NCT03198585. https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03198585?term=Empire+HF&amp;draw=2&amp;rank=1

Combined effect of daily physical activity and social relationships on sleep disorder among older adults: cross-sectional and longitudinal study based on data from the Kasama study

BackgroundThis study investigated whether daily physical activity of older adults, combined with social relationships, is associated with the risk of sleep disorder. Further, it determined whether a high level of one variable with a low level of the other, leads to a significantly lower risk of sleep disorder than low levels of both.MethodsThe sample comprised 1339 community-dwelling older Japanese adults: 988 in Study 1 and 351 in Study 2. The level of daily physical activity and range of social relationships were assessed using the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly and the Lubben Social Network Scale, respectively. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index was used to assess sleep disorder. To test the combined relationships and effects in Studies 1 and 2, the medians for the respective scores of each of the following four groups that the participants were categorized into, were calculated: (1) low activity group with low social relationships, (2) low activity group with high social relationships, (3) high activity group with low social relationships, and (4) high activity group with high social relationships. After adjusting for potential confounders, a logistic regression analysis was conducted in Study 1. After adjusting for potential confounders, a Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was conducted in Study 2.ResultsStudy 1 revealed that the high activity group with high social relationships showed a significantly lower risk of sleep disorder (ORs: 0.585, 95% CI: 0.404–0.847) than the low activity group with low social relationships. Study 2 also revealed that the high activity group with high social relationships showed a significantly lower prevalence of sleep disorder (HRs: 0.564, 95% CI: 0.327–0.974) than the low activity group with low social relationships.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that for older adults with high social relationships, being physically active is favorably associated with sleep quality. However, a high level of one variable with a low level of the other has not been confirmed in improving sleep quality among older adults.

THE RELATIONSHIP OF PARTNER SUPPORT WITH VARIOUS ACTIVITIES OF THE ELDERLY HYPERTENSION

Hypertension is a health problem that many elderly suffer from. Blood pressure in the elderly with hypertension can be controlled in various ways, namely doing physical activity regularly, performing activities related to cognitive function, and controlling stress levels so as not to affect contractions or pulsations of the heart and nervous system that can cause blood pressure to increase. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship of partner support with physical, mental, and social activities of the elderly with hypertension.This study used a correlational non-experimental design with a cross-sectional approach. The number of samples were 102 respondents in the Morokrembangan area, where the sampling used Nonprobability Sampling method, namely Purposive Sampling. The research instrument used partner support questionnaires, Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ), mental health practices, social activities and demographic characteristics. The analysis used Spearman Rho test.The results of this study were there was a relationship between partner support with physical activity (p = 0.000; r = 0.589 ), mental activity (p = 0.000; r = 0.778 ), and social activity (p = 0.000; r = 0.671) with positive and unidirectional correlation.As you get older, daily activities will decrease too. The better the support provided by the partner, the higher the level of daily activities carried out by the elderly. Therefore, elderly couples are expected to provide mutual support in carrying out physical, mental, and social activities.

Wearable Cardioverter-Defibrillator-Measured Step Count for the Surveillance of Physical Fitness during Cardiac Rehabilitation.

Background: The wearable cardioverter–defibrillator (WCD) has a built-in accelerometer, which allows tracking of patients’ physical activity by remote monitoring. It is unclear whether WCD-measured physical activity, step count, and heart rate correlate with established tools for the assessment of cardiopulmonary fitness such as the 6-min walk test (6MWT). Objective: To correlate measurements of patient physical activity through the WCD with a supervised 6MWT during in-patient cardiac rehabilitation (CR) and to allow their use as surrogate parameters of cardiopulmonary fitness in an out-patient setting. Methods: Consecutive patients with a history of WCD use treated at our center and an in-patient CR following an index hospitalization were included. Baseline characteristics, measurements of WCD accelerometer (median daily step count, median daily activity level), median daily heart rate, and clinically supervised 6MWT at admission and discharge of CR were obtained. Results: Forty-one patients with a mean age of 55.5 (±11.5) years were included. Thirty-five patients (85.4%) were male and 28 patients (68%) had a primary prophylactic WCD-indication. The most common underlying heart diseases were ischemic heart disease (24 patients 58.6%) and dilated cardiomyopathy (13 patients, 31.7%). Median CR duration was 20 (IQR 19.75–26.25) days. 6MWT distance increased from a mean of 329 m (±107) to 470 m (±116) during CR (p < 0.0001). The median daily step count and activity level increased significantly, from 5542 steps (IQR 3718–7055) to 8778 (IQR 6229–12,920, p < 0.0001) and median 117 × 106 (IQR 96 × 106–142 × 106) threshold value exceedance (TVE) to 146 × 106 TVE (IQR 110 × 106–169 × 106, p < 0.0001), respectively. The median heart rate was 74.9 bpm (IQR 65.8–84.5) and 70.2 (IQR 64.1–77.3, p = 0.09) at admission and discharge, respectively. Of all three parameters, median daily step count showed the best correlation to the results of the 6MWT at admission and discharge (r = 0.32, p = 0.04 and 0.37, p = 0.02, respectively). Conclusions: Remote monitoring of median daily step count as assessed by the WCD’s accelerometer showed positive correlation with the 6MWT and could serve as a surrogate for cardiopulmonary exercise capacity. Assessment of daily step count and activity level measured remotely by the WCD could help to tailor optimal exercise instruction for patients not attending CR.

Changes in Physical Activity Are Associated with Corresponding Changes in Psychological Well-Being: A Pandemic Case Study.

Societal crises and personal challenges are often followed by substantial changes in physical activity. Is there a link between such changes and psychological well-being? Seeking to answer this question, we conducted a correlational study on a representative sample in Sweden during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic (N = 1035). About 49% of the sample had decreased their physical activity compared to their self-reported activity level prior to the pandemic, whereas 32% had increased it. The results showed a positive and robust association between changes in daily activity level and corresponding changes in psychological well-being. Specifically, individuals who had reduced their physical activity over the last year reported lower life satisfaction than before, and individuals who had increased their physical activity reported higher life satisfaction than before. The amount of complete physical inactivity (sitting) showed a similar pattern as the exercise data, meaning that individuals who reported increasing inactivity per day also reported a greater decline in life satisfaction. Additional analyses showed that the association between daily activity level and life satisfaction was somewhat stronger for men than for women, but there was no difference when comparing individual versus organized activities. The current study was based on a cross-sectional design, measuring self-reported change over time. Recent work from other research teams have used longitudinal data and experience-sampling in different settings, finding similar results. We conclude that there is good reason to recommend physical exercise as a coping strategy in difficult times.

Assessment of sexual and physical activity of patients after implantation of left ventricular assist device (LVAD)

Abstract Background Patients with cardiovascular diseases also suffer from problems related to the sexual sphere, among others: reduction or loss of libido, avoiding sexual activity, impotence. They may result from depressive disorders and the fear of the appearance of health and life-threatening symptoms during sexual intercourse (dyspnea, angina, myocardial infarction, arrhythmias, sudden death). The aim of the study was to evaluate sexual and physical activity in patients after implantation of left ventricular assist device (LVAD). Methodology The study included 50 men aged 18–66, average 55 years, after LVAD implantation. Finally 20 patients did not complete the program and were excluded from the analysis. The subjects were assessed by a sexologist in terms of the quality of sexual life and erectile dysfunction. Sexological counselling and education (positions during intercourse, safety recommendations) and physical activity (training forms, frequency and duration of training) were conducted, 13 patients were qualified for pharmacological treatment of erectile dysfunction. The level of physical activity (according to International Physical Activity Questionnaire, IPAQ) and sexual satisfaction (questionnaire) as well as quality of sexual life (Mell-Krat Scale) were assessed before LVAD implantation and after 6 months. Additionally, exercise tolerance was evaluated with 6 minute walk test (6-MWT). The tests were repeated after 6 months. Results After the implementation of sexual and physical activity education, a significant improvement was observed in the results of the parameters tested: 6-MWT [m]: 355.5 (131.1) vs. 465.5 (93.8), p&amp;lt;0.001, IPAQ [met / min / week]: 1.411.5 (513.4, 2.465.2) vs. 3.870.0 (983.0, 5.274.0), p&amp;lt;0.002, sexual satisfaction: 26.5 (24.2, 28.0) vs. 28.5 (27.2, 29.0), p&amp;lt;0.01. The quality of sex life in the whole group significantly decreased after LVAD implantation compared to the period before onset of the disease, Mell-Krat Scale score: 50.0 (46.0, 51.8) vs. 26.0 (9.2, 48.5), p&amp;lt;0.001. In patients who received pharmacological treatment, the quality of sexual life assessed by the Mell-Krat Scale improved significantly: before treatment 10.0 (8.0, 13.0) vs. 34.0 (6.0, 37.0) after treatment, p&amp;lt;0.006, but did not return to pre-onset levels. A significant positive correlation was observed between the assessment of sexual satisfaction and the results of 6-MWT and IPAQ score. Conclusions Sexual health education significantly improves sexual satisfaction in patients following LVAD implantation. Increasing exercise tolerance and the level of daily activity has a positive effect on the subjective assessment of sexual satisfaction. However, the quality of sexual life significantly decreases after LVAD implantation and even after pharmacological treatment it does not return to the level from before the onset of the disease. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – EU funding. Main funding source(s): STRATEGMED II - RH-ROT - NATIONAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER

Deliberation of Gaming Addiction to Physical Activity and Health: A Case Study in South Korea

Every country is working on refining their latest technology to enables people to gain satisfaction in life. Playing games is considered one of the ways to socialize and meet around and create bonding. However, study in South Korea and China revealed that 24% of children in the respective country are diagnosed with heavy internet addiction especially in gaming. Hence, the current study attempted to determine the effect of virtual mobile and computer gaming on physical and health among undergraduate students at the University of Suwon (USW), South Korea. Through a quantitative survey among University of Suwon students, this study confirmed high level of daily routine activity, sleeping disorder, and anxiety. On the other hand, they also have moderate levels of depression and low level of social dysfunction. This study concluded that in general, the undergraduate students in Suwon University have moderate health level and the students are still facing the consequences of the effects of addiction due to heavy usage on mobile and computer gaming.

Measuring Physical Activity in Children With Cochlear Implants Using Self-Reported PAQ-C Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Physical inactivity is common during periods of self-isolation, but for children with special needs, there are crucial benefits to be gained from maintaining moderate to vigorous physical activity throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to compare the physical activity levels of children with cochlear implants and their typically developed peers before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The sample included 135 children with cochlear implants and 105 typically developed peers. We compared the daily activity levels of the two groups, measured by a 10-item questionnaire and the triangulation method. Results of this study showed that the girls were less active than the boys. Most items had adequate variance, and their means were close to the center of the range of values. The PAQ-C scores for the children with cochlear implants were distributed across a wider range than the scores for the typically developed children. Children with cochlear implants were physically active during school hours but were less active outside school, spending 3 to 6 hours per day using digital media during the COVID-19 pandemic. Children with cochlear implants need to increase their physical activity in and out of school by increasing their level of independence and their ability to adapt to social life. Giving information about physical activity opportunities to parents of children with cochlear implants is an important issue. School presents an opportunity for children to engage in regular physical activity, which is beneficial for their health status.

Enhancing the Physical Activity Levels of Frail Older Adults with a Wearable Activity Tracker-Based Exercise Intervention: A Pilot Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial.

A wearable activity tracker (WAT) incorporated with behavioral change techniques (BCTs) increases physical activity in younger adults; however, its effectiveness with frail older adults is unknown. The feasibility and preliminary effects of a WAT-based exercise intervention to increase physical activity levels in frail older adults was investigated in this pilot study involving 40 community-dwelling frail older adults. The experimental group received a 14-week WAT-based group exercise intervention and a 3-month follow-up, while the control group only received similar physical training and all BCTs. The recruitment rate was 93%, and the average attendance rate was 85.2% and 82.2% in the WAT and control groups, respectively, establishing feasibility. Adherence to wearing the WAT was 94.2% and 92% during the intervention and follow-up periods, respectively. A significant interaction effect between time and group was found in all physical assessments, possibly lasting for 3 months post-intervention. However, no significant difference between groups was observed in any daily activity level by the ActiGraph measurement. The majority of the WAT group’s ActiGraph measurements reverted to baseline levels at the 1-month follow-up. Thus, the WAT-based exercise program has potential for employment among community-dwelling frail older adults, but sustaining the effects after the intervention remains a major challenge.

Energy Requirement for Elderly CKD Patients.

The correct management of energy intake is crucial in CKD (chronic kidney disease) patients to limit the risk of protein energy wasting especially during low-protein regimes, but also to prevent overweight/obesity. The aim of this study was to assess the energy requirement of older CKD patients using objective measurements. This cross-sectional study enrolled 67 patients (aged 60–86 years) with CKD stages 3–5 not on dialysis, all of whom were metabolically and nutritionally stable. All patients underwent indirect calorimetry and measurement of daily physical activity level expressed by the average daily Metabolic Equivalent Task, using an accelerometer, in order to measure total energy expenditure (mTEE). Estimated TEE (eTEE) was derived from predictive equations for resting energy expenditure and physical activity levels coefficients. The mTEE were lower than eTEE-based on Harris–Benedict or Schofield or Mifflin equations (1689 ± 523 vs. 2320 ± 434 or 2357 ± 410 or 2237 ± 375 Kcal, p < 0.001, respectively). On average mTEE was 36.5% lower than eTEE. When eTEE was recalculated using ideal body weight the gap between mTEE and eTEE was reduced to 26.3%. A high prevalence of a sedentary lifestyle and reduced physical capabilities were also detected. In conclusion, our data support the energy intake of 25–35 Kcal/Kg/d recently proposed by the NKF-KDOQI (National Kidney Foundation-Kidney Disease Improving Quality Initiative) guidelines on nutritional treatment of CKD, which seem to be more adequate and applicable than that of previous guidelines (30–35 Kcal/Kg/d) in elderly stable CKD patients with a sedentary lifestyle. According to our findings we believe that an energy intake even lower than 25 Kcal/Kg/d may be adequate in metabolically stable, elderly CKD patients with a sedentary lifestyle.