Daily Physical Activity Levels Research Articles

An ergonomic assessment of British Army Infantry career training courses to identify opportunities for evidence-based interventions to enhance role-related physical fitness

An ergonomic assessment was conducted to quantify the activities and physical demands during the British Army’s 8-week Platoon Sergeant and Section Commander Battle Courses (PSBC, SCBC). Twenty PSBC and 18 SCBC male infantry soldiers volunteered. Body Mass (BM) was measured pre- and post-course, with course physical activity levels (PAL), energy expenditure (EE) and sleep profiles quantified using tri-axial accelerometery. The courses were predominately field-based, involving slow and rapid load carriage tasks, digging and moving casualties. Average daily EE (SCBC = 4020 ± 599 vs. PSBC = 3876 ± 525 kcal.day−1; p>0.05) and BM decreases were similar (SCBC = −3.9 ± 2.9 vs. PSBC = −2.0 ± 2.7 kg; p>0.05). Daily PAL was higher for SCBC than PSBC (2.1 ± 0.3 vs. 2.0 ± 0.3, p=0.041), likely due to greater moderate-vigorous activity levels (p=0.003). Daily sleep durations were variable, but similar across courses (≈5.1 hr.day−1; p>0.05). These data confirm these courses are arduous and can be used to inform course-specific physical screening tests and training to increase course success.

The association of previous and current non-chronic low back pain with daily physical activity in middle- and older-aged adults.

Low back pain (LBP) is a leading cause of years lived with disability. However, the association of non-chronic LBP with levels of daily physical activity (PA) remains poorly explored. This study investigated the association between previous and current non-chronic LBP with daily PA and compliance with PA recommendations in middle and older-aged adults. This is a cross-sectional analysis including volunteers from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging who answered questions about LBP and wore an Actiheart accelerometer for 7days. Generalized linear models and logistic models were used and adjusted for potential confounders. 662 volunteers were included (50.8% women, 68.1% white), aged 68.0 (± 11.4) years. Previous non-chronic LBP was reported by 240 (36.3%) participants with mean pain intensity of 3.5 ± 2.0 (ranging from 0 to 10). Current non-chronic LBP was reported by 5.7% (n = 38) with mean pain intensity of 4.1 ± 2.3. Participants reporting current non-chronic LBP had lower levels of total (β -0.18, 95% CI -0.34 to -0.02) and vigorous (β -0.29, 95% CI -0.56 to -0.007) daily PA and lower odds of meeting PA recommendations (OR 0.20, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.92) compared to those reporting no LBP. No association was observed for LBP intensity. Conversely, previous non-chronic LBP showed no statistically significant association with daily PA levels. The presence of current non-chronic LBP seems to be negatively associated with PA levels driven mainly by lower engagement in vigorous PA. No association was observed for pain intensity.

Особенности секреции интерлейкина-6 и скорость окисления жиров у детей с конституционально-экзогенным ожирением с различным уровнем физической активности

Physical inactivity is accompanied by a decrease of skeletal muscle mass and is one of the main reasons for obesity. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) acts as a paracrine and endocrine regulator of the intensity of carbohydrate and fat metabolism during exercises. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the fat oxidation rate and serum IL-6 in children with simple obesity depending on the level of daily physical activity (PA). Methods used: a cross-sectional, single-center sampling study that included 53 children aged 12 to 18 y/o (27 boys/26 girls) with obesity (SDS BMI 3.0 [2.6;3.3]) divided into two groups depending on the level of daily PA was conducted. The maximal fat oxidation (MFO) was assessed during ergometric stress testing with gas analysis. The IL-6 was assessed by ELISA at baseline and after a single physical activity. The level of daily PA was determined using the IPAQ international questionnaire Results: basal IL-6 level in children with obesity and low PA was 1.18 [0.42;1.55] pg/ml and was statistically significantly increased compared to the group of children without physical inactivity, 0.57 [0.22;0.8] pg/ml (p=0.029). The values of IL-6 after physical activity in both boys and girls with obesity and physical inactivity were statistically significantly increased compared with the group of children with obesity and moderate/high PA (p=0.032 and p=0.012 for boys and girls, respectively). The MFO in children with a low level of PA was 0.33 [0.22;0.41] g/min and did not significantly differ statistically from the group of peers with moderate or high PA (0.31 [0.25;0.36] g/min; p=0.431). Conclusion: a sedentary lifestyle in obese children leads to an increase in both basal and stimulated IL-6 secretion and is not accompanied by a decrease in maximal fat oxidation.

Multi-Context Strategies and Opportunities for Increasing Levels of Physical Activity in Children and Young People: A Literature Review.

In today's society, low levels of physical activity are observed in the child and adolescent population, which can cause numerous pathologies, such as obesity and mental health problems. This article aims to compile all the contexts and scenarios where it is possible to increase the levels of daily physical activity of children and young people, and which have significant scientific support. To do so, a literature review was carried out examining four key contexts for intervention: school, extracurricular, family, and socio-community. The results indicate that the school context, with strategies such as physical education classes and active breaks, is crucial but insufficient on its own, so it is essential to complement it with interventions in extracurricular, family, and socio-community environments. The involvement of families, access to adequate infrastructure such as parks and green areas, and the responsible use of technology, including active video games and the role of influencers on social networks, are presented as key elements to combat a sedentary lifestyle. It is important to highlight the importance of establishing socio-educational programs that adopt a comprehensive approach to promote physical activity in children and youth, highlighting the scientific evidence that supports the effectiveness of intervening in multiple scenarios. This review concludes that a coordinated approach between different actors (schools, families, communities) is necessary to ensure that children and youth reach adequate levels of physical activity, which not only improves their physical health, but also their mental well-being and cognitive development.

Impact of daily physical activity level on mental health and quality of life in substance use disorders patients

ABSTRACT Background Substance use disorders patients often exhibit low levels of physical activity. However, the daily level of physical activity appears to significantly impact the patient’s rehabilitation process. Methods This study analyses the daily level of physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form) in a group of 125 patients undergoing rehabilitation, and its relationship with levels of mental health (Depression Anxiety Stress Scale) and quality of life (Short Form Health Survey). Additionally, gender differences in all measured variables were analyzed. Results The results show a strong correlation between daily physical activity and levels of mental health (ρ>0.787), as well as a moderate correlation between physical activity levels and quality of life (ρ:0.406–0.586). Furthermore, when analyzing gender differences, women exhibited lower levels compared to men in physical activity (p < 0.001), mental health (p < 0.05), and different quality of life indicators (p < 0.05). Conclusion The results of this study indicate that the level of daily physical activity could influence the quality of life and mental health of patients during the rehabilitation process. Therefore, rehabilitation treatments should include strategies to increase patients’ daily physical activity levels. Furthermore, considering the gender disparities identified, additional studies are warranted in this field.

Daily brisk walking increases intestinal acetic acid in short-chain fatty adults in healthy young adults: A randomized controlled trial

Introduction: In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of daily physical activity levels, specifically brisk walking, on short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production through the modulation of SCFA-producing bacteria in young individuals. Methods: This 12-week randomized comparative trial included 30 participants. The participants were assigned to either the group that walked 8000 steps daily, including 20 minutes of brisk walking at an intensity of≥5 metabolic equivalents (BW group), or the group that walked 8000 steps daily at their customary pace (CP group). The SCFA levels and composition of the intestinal microbiota were assessed before and after the intervention. Daily physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness were monitored using an accelerometer and the incremental shuttle walking test (ISWT), respectively. Results: The BW group exhibited a significant increase in the level of acetic acid, a type of SCFA, following the intervention. The relative abundance of intestinal Bifidobacterium was significantly higher in participants who successfully completed 20 minutes of brisk walking during the intervention. Conclusion: Daily brisk walking for 20 minutes enhances acetic acid production by fostering the proliferation of Bifidobacterium in young individuals.

The motivational impact of sport education model on daily physical activity levels among university students: a mediation analysis

This study investigates the effects of the sport education model on physical literacy and its subsequent impact on daily physical activity levels among university students. Through mediation analysis, this study seeks to uncover the role of situational motivation in these effects. The participants in this study consist of 188 university students (male n = 132, female n = 70; mean age: 18.53 years) who were exposed to an 8-class, 10-lesson season as part of their physical education curriculum. Self-report measures were collected at baseline (1st lesson), post-intervention (10th lesson), and follow-up phases (5 weeks after). The results reveal significant mediation effects at the post-intervention (β = 0.201, t = 3.576, p < .001) and follow-up (β = 0.187, t = 3.069, p < .01) phases. Additionally, significant direct effects of physical literacy on physical activity metabolic minutes were found in the post-intervention phase (β = 0.293, t = 1.807, p < .05). Gender differences were also observed in the multigroup analysis. These findings demonstrated the motivation mediates the impact of the sport education model on promoting physical activity and highlight the multidimensional nature of physical literacy. Future research is recommended to explore the application of this pedagogical model in different educational contexts and populations, utilising robust analytical methods.

Associations Between Biodiversity, Forest Characteristics, Distance to Blue Space and Accelerometer-Measured Physical Activity—Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 Study

We studied how the quantity and quality of residential green spaces and distance to different types of blue spaces are associated with the accelerometer-measured physical activity (PA) among adults with different levels of total daily PA. The associations of the participants’ socio-demographic and personal characteristics and environmental features with light PA (LPA) and moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) were analyzed using linear mixed models (n = 5470). The results indicated that greater residential forest area was associated with higher LPA among those with high level of total daily PA and with less MVPA among those with low level of total daily PA. Environments with high tree stand structure diversity or close to sea were associated with higher MVPA in high PA group. Varied natural environment can encourage leisure time activities in nearby nature, but individuals’ personal and socioeconomic variables seemed to be more strongly associated with LPA and MVPA than environmental characteristics.

Genetic associations between physical activity levels and functional outcome after ischemic stroke: Insights from Mendelian randomization

ObjectiveThe genetic relationship between daily physical activity (PA) levels and functional outcome after ischemic stroke remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the genetic associations of PA on functional outcome after ischemic stroke using Mendelian randomization (MR). MethodsWe conducted two-sample MR analyses using genome-wide association studies (GWASs). This included data on light physical activity (LPA) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) from the UK Biobank, and functional outcome after ischemic stroke from the Genetics of ischemic stroke Functional Outcome (GISCOME). The inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method served as our primary MR analysis approach, supplemented by several sensitivity analyses. ResultsIn univariable Mendelian randomization (UVMR) analysis, MVPA was significantly associated with a reduced risk of poor functional outcome (OR = 0.15, 95 % CI = 0.04–0.56, P < 0.01), whereas LPA had no genetic relationship (OR = 0.37, 95 % CI = 0.002–51.40, P = 0.69). In multivariate Mendelian randomization (MVMR) analysis adjusting for potentially confounding traits including hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and smoking, the overall patterns between MVPA and poststroke outcome remained (OR = 0.23, 95 % CI = 0.07–0.78, P = 0.02). ConclusionMVPA is a protective factor for functional outcome after ischemic stroke. This finding is important for the rehabilitation and functional outcome of stroke patients.

Mobility Abilities Mediate the Association of a More Active Lifestyle With Mobility Disability in Older Adults.

Few studies have analyzed sensor-derived metrics of mobility abilities and total daily physical activity (TDPA). We tested whether sensor-derived mobility metrics and TDPA indices are independently associated with mobility disabilities. This cohort study derived mobility abilities from a belt-worn sensor that recorded annual supervised gait testing. TDPA indices were obtained from a wrist-worn activity monitor. Mobility disability was determined by self-report and inability to perform an 8-feet walk task. Baseline associations of mobility metrics and TDPA (separately and together) were examined with logistic regressions and incident associations (average 7 years follow-up) with Cox models. Mediation analysis quantified the extent mobility metrics mediate the association of TDPA with mobility disability. 724 ambulatory older adults (mean age 82 years, 77.4% female) were studied. In separate models, mobility abilities (eg, step time variability, turning angular velocity) and TDPA were related to mobility disabilities. Examined together in a single model, mobility abilities remained associated with mobility disabilities, while TDPA was attenuated. This attenuation of TDPA could be explained by mediation analysis that showed about 50% of TDPA associations with mobility disabilities is mediated via mobility abilities (prevalent mobility disability 54%, incident mobility disability 40%, incident loss of ambulation 50%; all p's < .001). Sensor-derived mobility metrics assess more diverse facets of mobility. These metrics mediate approximately half of the association of higher levels of daily physical activity with reduced mobility disability in older adults. Findings may inform the design of targeted interventions to reduce mobility disability in late life.

Design and implementation of a home-based online exercise program for individu-als surviving cancer

Starting point: Pediatric individuals with acute lymphoblastic leukemia undergo extensive chemotherapy treatment and, as a result, suffer from fatigue and, therefore, a decrease in their daily physical activity level, even after the cessation of the treatment. The symptoms of post-treatment thus disable the participation of the children in sports and games, which play a major role in childhood and adolescence. Group: Thirteen 5- to 15-year-old individuals surviving cancer with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (1 and 3 years after cancer treatment) were recruited to an 8-week home-based exercise program. Methods: This study aims to present the design and possibilities of implementing a home-based online exercise program for children who have overcome cancer, taking into account their age and the logistical availability of such physical therapy. Results: Thirteen individuals completed the home-based online exercise program, and the success rate of participation ranged from 79.2% to 95.8%. The overall success rate was 85.6%. The design and implementation of a home-based online exercise program in our conditions proved to be advantageous and often the only way to allow individuals surviving cancer to exercise in real-time, as the distance of many families from exercise centers proved to be a significant obstacle in creating habits of regular exercise in children. Conclusions: We demonstrated that individuals surviving cancer and their parents are interested in physical activity interventions and a home-based online exercise program is available and convenient.

Examination of the Effects of Pilates Exercises on Sleep Quality and Physical Activity.

In this study, it was aimed to examine the effects of pilates exercises applied to university students for 8 weeks on physical activity and sleep quality scores. Forty students (20 female, 20 male) studying at Nevşehir Hacı Bektaş Veli University voluntarily participated in the study. Individuals participating in the study were administered the International Physical Activity Assessment Questionnaire (IPAQ); short form and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) as well as personal information forms including demographic variables. Then, the experimental group practiced Pilates exercises for 8 weeks, 2 days a week, 60 minutes a day, and the training and measurement process was completed by retaking the information obtained as pre-tests through the forms. In the analysis of the data, the normality test was evaluated with Kolmogorov Smirnov and Shapiro-Wilks tests, and Pearson correlation analysis was used for the relationships between variables with normal distribution. Independent Sample T Test was used to compare variables. Confidence interval was 95% and values below p&amp;lt;0.05 were considered significant. According to the analysis results of the participants, it was determined that there were significant differences in favor of the experimental group in the Sleep Quality score (p=,041), Physical Activity total (p=,000) score and physical activity sub-dimensions (High, Medium, Walking) scores of 8-week pilates practices applied to university students. In addition, there was a moderate (r=637) positive correlation between total physical activity score and physical activity sub-dimensions. As a result, regular pilates exercises provided statistically significant differences in sleep quality, physical activity total score and physical activity sub-dimensions and increased the daily physical activity level in participants with a sports background. In the light of these results, we can recommend pilates exercises to increase physical activity level and sleep quality.

Effects of short-term upper extremity exercise training in office workers during COVID-19 restrictions: A randomized controlled trial.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, physical inactivity and inactivity-related health problems have deepened in many individuals, including office workers. It is not yet known whether there are exercise programs through telerehabilitation that will provide rapid relief in a short time in office workers who apply part or full-time teleworking system. To comparatively investigate influences of short-term upper extremity exercise trainings (UEET) on pain, musculoskeletal discomforts (MSD), physical activity (PA), mood, and quality of life (QOL) in office workers during COVID-19 restrictions. Thirty office workers were divided into exercise (EG) (UEET and walking advice) and control (CG) (walking advice) groups. The UEET was applied for at least 20-40 minutes/day, 5-7 days/week for a one week between February 2022 and June 2022. Office workers' pain, MSD, PA level, mood and QOL were measured. Baseline characteristics of groups (EG: 37.8±7.04 years, CG: 41.6±7.97 years) were similar (p > 0.05). Following UEET, scores of office workers in EG on total step count, vigorous PA, moderate-intensity PA, walking, total PA, physical functioning, and body pain subscales of QOL significantly increased compared to scores of office workers in CG, while scores on neck, back and hip discomforts and anxiety and depression significantly decreased (p < 0.05). One-week UEET and walking advice can improve office workers' daily step counts, MSD, PA levels, mood, and QOL. Office workers who have a busy work schedule may do these UEET and walking exercises in break times to relieve perception of discomfort.

Tracking Real-World Physical Activity in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Over One Year: Results from a Monocentric, Prospective, Observational Cohort Study.

Lung function constraints and comorbidities such as coronary heart disease, sarcopenia, and mood disorders make chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients avoid physical activity (PA). However, PA represents an important pillar of COPD management and is explicitly recommended by professional associations to enhance physical functioning and positively modulate disease progression. In this monocentric, prospective, observational feasibility study, it was our primary objective to investigate the association between PA and the evolution of the COPD assessment test (CAT) and the occurrence of acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD), respectively. To this end, we equipped 42 COPD patients with an activity tracking wearable and telemonitored their daily PA levels over one year using a dedicated web-based interface. Patients additionally provided weekly CAT scores using the same telehealth platform and came in for 3 study visits to assess functional parameters and biochemical markers related to nutrition and inflammation. A principal study finding was that PA was inversely associated with CAT score (drop of 0.21 points associated with an increase of 1000 daily steps, p = 0.004), and that the 50% of patients with higher PA levels showed less CAT score progression over time (0.42 points per year) than the 50% of patients with lower PA levels (3.26 points per year) (p < 0.001). In addition, higher PA levels were significantly associated with a lower likelihood of experiencing a moderate-to-severe AECOPD (31% risk reduction associated with an increase of 1000 daily steps, p = 0.0097). Our study demonstrates the relevance of PA for key COPD outcome metrics in a real-world setting and underpins the importance of PA for COPD self-management in everyday life. Our study paves the way for future intervention trials to prospectively identify medically relevant PA thresholds and establish training recommendations for different patient subgroups.

Effect of home-based prehabilitation on objectively measured physical activity in patients undergoing elective major cardiac and non-cardiac surgery. Data from a randomized controlled trial

Abstract Background Low functional capacity in patients undergoing major elective surgery is associated with postoperative complications. Prehabilitation aims to increase functional capacity by increasing preoperative physical activity. Low functional capacity in patients eligible for major surgery is associated with high age and comorbid burden. In this population, center-based prehabilitation is a barrier for participation. Therefore, we developed a multimodal home-based prehabilitation intervention. Data regarding the effectiveness of a home-based prehabilitation intervention to increase physical activity before surgery is limited. We hypothesize that home-based prehabilitation leads to an increase in physical activity in patients undergoing major cardiac and non-cardiac surgery. Methods We included patients aged over 65 with a proven low functional capacity and/or ventilatory efficiency measured by preoperative cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Patients were randomized to either standard of care or intervention. The intervention group received a home-based prehabilitation intervention 2-4 weeks before surgery. As part of the multimodal intervention, patients were prescribed a walking regimen according to the physical activity guidelines published by the World Health Organization (WHO). Patients were followed-up with weekly telephone calls by a physiotherapist to increase adherence and motivation. All patients were provided a wrist-worn tri-axial accelerometer at the baseline visit. The accelerometer was collected at the ward once the patient entered the hospital for surgery. Physical activity was estimated by calculating the average Euclidean norm minus one (ENMO, milligravity [mg]) per day. Baseline characteristics were tested by Wilcoxon rank-sum test and a linear model for the primary outcome was performed to adjust for confounders. Data analysis was performed using R Studio. Results 37 patients scheduled for cardiac and 62 for non-cardiac surgery were included (Table 1). Mean group difference of daily physical activity levels in non-cardiac surgery patients was 3.01 mg (p = 0.03, 95% CI [0.3, 5.6]). Mean group difference of daily physical activity levels in cardiac surgery patients was 0.27 mg (p = 0.95, 95% CI [-4.1, 5.0]) (Figure 1). Patients undergoing cardiac surgery had higher overall activity levels compared to non-cardiac also when adjusted for age. Conclusion Home-based prehabilitation increases preoperative physical activity levels in patients undergoing major non-cardiac surgery, but not in patients undergoing major cardiac surgery. Higher activity levels in cardiac surgery patients was unexpected, but may be explained by previous inclusion of patients with cardiac diseases in exercise-based rehabilitation and physical activity recommendations at routine cardiac follow-up visits. Table 1 Figure 1

Psychometric property and measurement invariance of perceived benefits and barriers of physical activity in Chinese adolescents

Background/ObjectiveThe perceived benefits and barriers to physical activity play crucial roles in determining daily physical activity levels. However, previous studies have employed tools lacking adequate validation, leading to inconsistent conclusions about the impact of these two factors. Therefore, this national, population-based study was conducted to assess the psychometric properties, measurement invariance, and predictive validity of the Chinese versions of the perceived benefits (C-PBEPA) and barriers to physical activity (C-PBAPA) scales. MethodsThe final sample (N = 2942, 49.3 % for boys) was randomly split into two subsamples. The first subsample was used for exploratory factor analysis and the second subsample was used for confirmatory factor analysis. Measurement invariance across gender and age groups were examined. Structural equation models were developed to examine the predictive validity of the revised C-PBEPA and C-PBAPA on moderate to vigorous PA. ResultsThe results showed that both scales were unidimensional, had excellent model fit (e.g., X2/df < 3, CFI >0.9, RMSEA <0.06) and demonstrated convergent validity. Findings also revealed lack of scalar invariance for C-PBAPA between preadolescents and adolescents’ groups (ΔCFI >0.01) and supported the predictive validity of both scales (p < 0.001). ConclusionThe study demonstrated that the revised C-PBEPA and C-PBAPA are valid scales for measuring Chinese adolescents’ perceived benefits and barriers to PA.

Home-based tele-exercise training and physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic in chronic kidney disease patients.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and lockdown reduced physical activity levels in hemodialysis (HD) patients and kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). This study aimed to describe physical activity levels during lockdown and assess the effects of an online home-based exercise training program on physical activity levels in HD patients and KTRs. Forty-five HD patients and thirty-five KTRs were divided into four groups: exercise groups 1 (ΕΧ-HD) and 2 (EX-KTR) followed a 4-month tele-exercise training program, while control groups received usual care. All participants at baseline and at the end of the study completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), while their daily physical activity levels were recorded via a step counting application. At the end of the study, the repeated measures analysis revealed a significant effect of time, group, and time-by-group interaction in the average steps per day, walking, and moderate activity for the exercise-HD group (p < 0.05). Similarly, the analysis revealed a notable effect of time, group, and time-by-group interaction in the exercise-KTR group in average daily steps, vigorous and walking activity (p < 0.05). Multiple regression analysis showed that the level of physical activity at the end of the study was related to the urban place of residence and theparticipation in the 4-month exercise program of both HD patients and KTRs. Participation in a tele-exercise training program led to favorable effects on physical activity levels both in HD patients and KTRsduring lockdown.

Higher levels of physical activity are associated with less evasive coping, better physical function and quality of life in patients with axial spondyloarthritis.

To evaluate daily physical activity (PA) in relation to psychosocial factors, such as anxiety, depression and different types of coping strategies, as well as patient- and disease-related factors in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). Consecutive outpatients from the Groningen Leeuwarden AxSpA (GLAS) cohort completed the modified Short Questionnaire to assess health-enhancing PA (mSQUASH), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Coping with Rheumatic Stressors (CORS) questionnaires, as well as standardized patient- and disease-related assessments. Univariable and multivariable linear regression analyses and comparison of lowest and highest PA tertiles were performed to explore associations between the HADS, CORS, patient- and disease-related factors and PA. In total, 84 axSpA patients were included; 60% male, mean age 49 (SD ±14) years, median symptom duration 20 (25th-75th percentiles: 12-31) years, mean ASDAS 2.1 (±1.0). Higher PA levels were significantly associated with better scores on patient-reported disease activity (BASDAI), physical function (BASFI) and quality of life (ASQoL). Furthermore, higher levels of PA were associated with less impact of axSpA on wellbeing and lower HADS depression scores. In the multivariable linear regression model, less use of the coping strategy 'decreasing activities' (β: -376.4; p 0.003) and lower BMI (β:-235.5; p: 0.030) were independently associated with higher level of PA. Comparison of patients from the lowest and highest PA tertiles showed results similar to those found in the regression analyses. In this cohort of axSpA patients, higher levels of daily PA were associated with better patient-reported outcomes and lower depression scores. Additionally, the passive coping strategy "decreasing activities" and lifestyle factor BMI were independently associated with PA. Besides anti-inflammatory treatment, coping strategies and lifestyle should be taken into account in the management of individual axSpA patients. Incorporating these aspects into patient education could increase patient awareness and self-efficacy. In the future, longitudinal studies are needed to better understand the complex relationship between patient-, disease- and psychosocial factors associated with daily PA.

Evaluating Weight Loss Efficacy in Obesity Treatment with Allurion's Ingestible Gastric Balloon: A Retrospective Study Utilizing the Scale App Health Tracker.

Obesity represents a growing public health concern, affecting more than 15% of the global adult population and involving a multi-billion market that comprises nutritional, surgical, psychological, and multidisciplinary interventions. The objective of this retrospective study was to evaluate the short-term efficacy and body weight measurements associated with differing levels of physical activity following the use of Allurion's ingestible gastric balloon that was designed to increase feelings of fullness and decrease food consumption, being naturally eliminated after approximately 16 weeks. This study involved 571 individuals who qualified for the intervention for being older than 20 years with a body mass index (BMI) of 27 kg/m2 or more. Utilizing the Scale App Health Tracker and Allurion's smartwatch, this study was able to track vital signs and physical activity in real time. The participants had an average initial BMI of 34.1 kg/m2 and a median age of 41 years. Notable outcomes were observed in both study groups, "Less Active" and "More Active", which were classified by achieving less or more than a median number of 8000 daily steps. Specifically, body fat percentage saw a reduction from 33.1 ± 9.4 to 28.3 ± 10.2 in the less active group and from 32.2 to 27.5 in the more active group, with both groups achieving statistical significance (p < 0.001). Additionally, there was a significant reduction in average weight, dropping from 98.2 ± 22.8 kg to 84.6 ± 19.3 kg in the less active group and from 97.7 ± 21.0 kg to 82.1 ± 22.9 kg in the more active group (both p < 0.001). Interestingly, those in the more active group also experienced a significant increase in lean mass compared to their less active counterparts (p = 0.045), although no substantial differences in weight loss, BMI reduction, and total body fat decrease were observed between the two groups. This investigation confirms the hypothesis that Allurion's ingestible gastric balloon significantly reduces weight in the short term and enhances several physical health metrics, demonstrating effectiveness as an autonomous method for challenging weight management, regardless of the level of daily physical activity.

Daily glucose pattern and physical activity levels in cancer survivors: preliminary results from remote monitoring

Background: Cancer survivors have elevated risk for type 2 diabetes. Increasing physical activity improves glucose control. However, this evidence is majorly based on blood glucose metrics (e.g., glucose or hemoglobin A1c) at a single point in time. Little is known about the effect of physical activity on blood glucose changes throughout a day in cancer survivors. Thus, we tested the hypothesis that higher physical activity levels is associated with a more favorable daily glucose pattern in cancer survivors in free-living settings. Methods: This is a preliminary analysis of an ongoing randomized controlled trial (Project KNOWN) to examine the effect of physical activity on daily glucose pattern via continuous remote monitoring. A total of 11 cancer survivors were included in this analysis (90% female, 90% white, average age 62.5 years [range 44-76 yr], 67% obese, and 75% hypertension). Participants wore a wrist-worn accelerometer (for daily steps) and a blinded continuous glucose monitor (CGM; for daily glucose averages [interstitial glucose was measured at every 15 minutes] and daily frequency of glucose spikes [defined as glucose level &gt;140 mg/dL]) for two weeks. Multilevel regression model was used to account for multiple observations within each individual and to separate the within-person (WP) and between-person (BP) effects. The WP effect represents deviation from one’s own mean on any given day, and the BP effect represents the individual mean deviation from the study sample mean. To explore moderating effect on the relationship between physical activity and daily glucose, inflammatory biomarkers, blood lipids, blood pressure and body fatness (DEXA scan) were measured. Results: At the WP level, participants with elevated (&gt;4 mg/L) systemic C-reactive protein (marker of inflammatory status), on the day when they had higher-than-usual step count, their glucose average was also lower than their usual level ( p=0.04). At the BP level, daily steps were negatively associated with daily frequency of glucose spikes in participants with less severe hypertension, lower % gynoid fat, and higher android/gynoid ratio than others in the study sample (all p&lt;0.05). Further, daily steps were negatively associated with daily glucose average in participants with higher trunk-to-total fat ratio than others (p&lt;0.05). Discussion: This preliminary study demonstrated the use of data from wearable sensors to analyze intra- and inter-person variability in daily glucose patterns in cancer survivors. Results suggested the impact of physical activity on daily glucose patterns might differ by a person’s physiological status. Future research can further characterize meaningful daily glucose dynamics from CGM data in cancer survivors to better understand how physical activity may have downstream effect on their health outcomes. American Institute for Cancer Research. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.