Differences In Physical Activity Participation Research Articles

Race and ethnic differences in physical activity, osteopenia, and osteoporosis: results from NHANES 2009-2010, 2013-2014, 2017-2018.

Most older adults do not engage in the recommended levels of physical activity to improve health, and there are racial and ethnic differences in physical activity participation. This study aims to evaluate whether meeting the physical activity recommendation is related to osteopenia and osteoporosis in a racially and ethnically diverse sample of older adults. Femoral neck bone mineral density (BMD) data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES 2009-2010, 2013-2014, 2017-2018) was obtained from 5252adults 60-80 years old. Self-reported physical activity was categorized into met recommendation, some physical activity, and no physical activity. We used linear regression models to examine the association between physical activity and BMD for each race and ethnic group adjusting for sociodemographics and other selected variables. Non-Latino Blacks (NLB) and Latinos reported the lowest prevalence of meeting the physical activity recommendation, compared with Non-Latino Whites (NLW) (40.0%, 44.0%, and 51.4%, respectively; p < 0.0001). Further, NLB and Latinos had a lower prevalence of osteoporosis when compared to NLW (5.4%, 7.3%, and 9.1% respectively; p < 0.0001). There was a 0.03 g/cm2 difference in BMD between those who met the physical activity recommendation when compared to the no physical activity group; however, this decreased after adjusting for selected covariates. Considering the prevalence and burden of osteopenia and osteoporosis, and projected increases in the racial and ethnic diversity of the older population, more research is needed to further understand the association between meeting the physical activity recommendation and bone health among racial and ethnic diverse older adults.

Differences in physical activity participation among young adults in Aotearoa New Zealand

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to examine socio-demographic differences in physical activity (aerobic and muscle-strengthening) among young adults (18–24 years).MethodsData collected between 2017–2019 as a part of Sport New Zealand’s Active NZ survey were examined using logistic regression analyses to determine the odds of participants meeting aerobic, muscle-strengthening and combined physical activity recommendations. Gender, ethnicity, employment/student status, disability status, and socio-economic deprivation were included as explanatory variables in analyses.ResultsThe proportion of young adults meeting recommendations varied according to physical activity type (aerobic:63.2%; strength:40.1%; combined:37.2%). Young adults not employed/studying had lower odds of meeting recommendations than those full-time employed (OR = 0.43 [0.34–0.54]). Physical activity levels differ according to gender and this intersects with ethnicity, employment/student status, and social deprivation. For example, the odds of Pasifika young adults meeting combined physical activity recommendations compared to Europeans were not different (OR = 0.95 [0.76–1.19]), but when stratified by gender the odds were significantly higher for men (OR = 1.55 [1.11–2.16]) and significantly lower for women (OR = 0.64 [0.47–0.89]. Similarly, young adults in high deprivation areas had lower odds of meeting combined physical activity recommendations than those in low deprivation areas (OR = 0.81 [0.68–0.95]), but this was mainly due to the difference among women (OR = 0.68 [0.54–0.85]) as there was no difference among men (OR = 0.97 [0.76–1.25]).ConclusionsIntersections between socio-demographic characteristics should be considered when promoting physical activity among young adults in Aotearoa New Zealand, particularly young adults not employed/studying, and young women who live in deprived areas or identify as Asian or Pasifika. Tailored approaches according to activity type for each of these groups are required.

Razlike u fizičkoj aktivnosti adolescenata različitih polova uzrasta od 12 do 15 godina različitim danima u nedelji

Achieving the recommended daily level of physical activity (PA) in adolescent boys and girls helps improve their cardiovascular health, maintain a healthy body weight, and promote mental health. The purpose of our study was to determine whether there were statistically significant differences between boys and girls aged 12 to 15 years with respect to age and amount of PA on different days of the week. The sample included 606 7th, 8th, and 9th grade students from four Slovenian elementary schools who participated in the study by completing a questionnaire (IPAQ; International Physical Activity Questionnaire, 2006). We used a quantitative research approach and the method was causal-non-experimental. The Shapiro-Wilk test was used to determine whether the data were normally distributed at a statistically significant level of risk (p &gt; 0.05). Because of the non-normal distribution of the variables (p &lt; 0.001), the non-parametric Mann-Whitney test was used to determine statistically significant differences between genders, and the Kruskal-Wallis test was used to determine statistically significant differences between age groups. Boys were statistically significantly more active than girls on all days of the week except Wednesday (Mon.: p=0.018; Tues.: p=0.001; Thurs.: p=0.020; Fri.: p=0.015, Sat.: p=0.012; Sun.: p=0.001). Significant differences in PA levels between seventh-, eighth-, and ninthgraders occurred only on Sundays (p&lt;0.001), with PA levels changing with student age. The study's findings that adolescent boys are statistically significantly more active than girls raise concerns about gender differences in PA participation during this critical developmental period. Such differences may contribute to long-term health consequences and perpetuate gender inequalities in overall fitness and well-being. The observed differences in PA between boys and girls during adolescence highlight the need for targeted interventions and strategies to promote and improve PA among girls. Addressing the underlying factors that contribute to lower activity levels among girls is essential to promoting a more equitable and inclusive approach to PA promotion.

Physical Activity Level and Social-Ecological Influence Factors in Chinese Information Technology Professionals: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Objective Information technology (IT) population in China has expanded rapidly in recent decades, which has suffered severe health problems due to a lack of physical activity (PA). However, little is known about the influence and solutions of PA deficiency. The current research was designed to explore the associations between the amount of PA and potential influenced factors based on the social-ecological model (SEM) and thus to provide rationales for PA promotion. Method Six hundred and five IT professionals from five cities of China were surveyed in terms of PA in daily life as well as the potential PA influence factors based on SEM models that consisted of individual, interpersonal, environmental, and political levels in the current study. Hierarchical linear regression analyses were conducted to examine the association of the potential PA influence factors and PA amount. Result About 54.7% of the sample did not fulfill the PA recommendation of 600 MET per week, and there are significant gender differences in PA participation. Factors related to the individual (self-efficacy and value recognition), interpersonal (social support), environmental (workplace and community environment), and polity-level factors (policy advocacy) were found to be significantly associated with Chinese IT professionals' participation in PA. Conclusion Numerous correlates from individual-level to political-level factors are all important predictors of PA. Exercise value recognition and self-efficacy accounted for much of the association. Environmental variables may further influence exercise behavior. Therefore, conducting intervention efforts for individual, interpersonal, environmental, and political change of Chinese IT professionals is recommended.

Associations between Light Rail Transit and physical activity: a systematic review

ABSTRACT Investment in public transport is on the rise as many cities around the world aim to reduce their carbon footprint and improve population health. One such investment is building or extending Light Rail Transit (LRT). Focusing on studies in the USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, this paper reports the results of a systematic review on the associations between LRT and physical activity. This systematic review adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Twenty studies were identified through a search of five bibliographic databases (Web of Science, Transport Research International Documentation (TRID), Scopus, Medline, and SPORTDiscus) (n=5,866) and a systematic Google search (n=446). At least two reviewers conducted the search and reviewed the titles and abstract of each identified article to include in the review. Standardized data extraction forms were used to document information from each selected article. The forms included a risk of bias assessment tool. Two reviewers completed the Effective Public Health Practice Project (EPHPP) Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies. Our findings show that moderate certainty of evidence exists for the relationship between LRT and walking behaviour. Here, all studies, most of which were natural experiments (n = 6), found a positive association between LRT and walking behaviour, with LRT leading to an increase of 7–40% in walking in most studies (n = 7 out of 8). A positive relationship between LRT and moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) and between LRT and cycling was also often identified; however, results were inconsistent, and certainty of evidence is low for MPVA, and very low for cycling. Further, some studies (n = 3) identify differences in physical activity participation at different LRT stations, suggesting that station design, surrounding land use, and built environment play important roles in promoting physical activity around LRT. Given this, practitioners can be relatively confident that LRT investments will result in increased walking behaviour.

Physical Activity And Barriers To Participation Among Middle School Students In Howard County, Maryland

PURPOSE: To identify pre-COVID-19 levels of physical activity, health behaviors related to physical activity and barriers to participation among middle school youth in Howard County, Maryland. METHODS: Cross-sectional data from the 2018 Maryland Middle School (6th through 8th grade) Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) for Howard County, Maryland (n = 1584) was assessed to characterize associations between physical activity, health behaviors and barriers. Meeting physical activity guidelines was defined as engaging in 7 days of physical activity per week at least 60 minutes per day. Social determinants included access to food, access to sports teams and social support; health behaviors included screen time (e.g., television, computers, video games, etc.). Prevalence estimates and confidence intervals were computed for all outcomes. RESULTS: Overall, 30.3% of children are meeting the criteria for physical activity. A greater percentage of males (36.5%, 95% CI = 32.7-40.5) were meeting these guidelines than females (23.7%, 95% CI = 19.3-28.8). Among black students, significantly fewer females (13.7%, 95% CI = 7.0-25.1) met the requirements than males (35.9%, 95% CI = 29.0-43.6). More white students (74.7%, 95% CI = 67.0-81.1) participated on at least one sports team compared to black (53.7%, 95% CI = 48.2-59.1) and Hispanic/Latino (51.9%, 95% CI = 42.1-61.5) students. Lack of access to food due to finances was reported more frequently for black students (19.7%, 95%CI = 15.3 - 25.2) than white students (7.7%, 95%CI = 4.9 - 12.0). Fewer white students (6.2%, 95%CI = 4.1 - 9.2) were concerned about their quantity of food than black (21.1%, 95%CI = 15.4 - 28.1) or Hispanic students (19.4%, 95%CI = 11.6 - 30.8). In 2018, the overall proportion of students playing video or computer games (3+ hours per day) was 38.9% (95%CI 32.8-45.4), compared to 16.5% (95%CI = 13.8-19.5) watching television. There were no statistically significant differences between gender and race. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, less than one third of middle school students are meeting national physical activity guidelines. There are significant differences in physical activity participation between gender and races, with minorities reporting greater exposure to food and financial hardships.

Trends in Walking, Moderate, and Vigorous Physical Activity Participation Across the Socioeconomic Gradient in New South Wales, Australia From 2002 to 2015

A combination of walking, other moderate physical activity, and vigorous physical activity is recommended for achieving good health. Vigorous activity has unique health benefits but may be less accessible to disadvantaged people. To reduce health inequity, we need to understand the differences in physical activity participation among socioeconomic subgroups and whether this is changing over time. Data from the 2002 to 2015 Adult New South Wales Population Health Surveys (164,652 responses) were analyzed to investigate trends in walking, moderate and vigorous physical activity participation by socioeconomic status as measured by educational attainment. Analysis used age- and sex-adjusted multivariable linear models that accounted for complex survey design. In 2002, the highest socioeconomic group spent 18.5 (95% confidence interval, 8.2-28.8) minutes per week more than the lowest socioeconomic group being vigorously active. By 2015, this gap had steadily increased to 41.4 (95% confidence interval, 27.6-55.1) minutes per week. Inequity between groups was also found for duration of moderate activity but not for time spent walking. Low participation in vigorous activity in the lowest socioeconomic group is likely driving increasing inequities in physical activity and widening participation gaps over time. Barriers preventing the most disadvantaged people in New South Wales from engaging in vigorous activity should be addressed urgently.

Physical literacy profiles are associated with differences in children’s physical activity participation: A latent profile analysis approach

ObjectivesDespite physical literacy receiving increased attention as a potential gateway to physical activity participation, research establishing the link between physical literacy as a higher-order latent construct and physical activity is scant. The purpose of this study was to identify physical literacy profiles of children, and in turn, whether these profiles were associated with differences in physical activity participation. MethodsDesign: Prospective cohort study. Children (N = 2015; 49% girls) completed a battery of measures to assess physical literacy (i.e., motor competence, confidence, motivation and enjoyment) in 5th grade. Physical activity participation was reported in the 5th and 8th grades. Latent profile analysis was applied to identify physical literacy profiles and estimate the effects of profile membership on physical activity participation. ResultsFive unique profiles emerged including high (61.8%), moderate (19.8%) and low physical literacy (6.7%) as well as two inconsistent low physical literacy profiles characterized by divergent high enjoyment (9.7%) and very low enjoyment (2%). After adjusting for socioeconomic status and gender, physical activity participation was greatest among the high physical literacy profile, followed by the moderate physical literacy profile and was lowest across the three low physical literacy profiles. Differences in physical activity participation observed across the profiles remained consistent over time. ConclusionsThis is the first time a person-centered approach has been applied to understand how the domains of physical literacy interact with each other to influence physical activity patterns. Results suggest physical literacy plays a formative role in shaping physical activity trajectories from a young age.

Physical activity participation according to the pyramidal, sensory, and cerebellar functional systems in multiple sclerosis.

The objective of the study was to examine the differences in physical activity participation with the pyramidal, cerebellar, and sensory functional systems in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). This cross-sectional study included 289 PwMS with a median EDSS of 2.0 (range 0-6.5) and a mean disease duration of 6.8 (SD = 8.4) years. The Godin leisure-time exercise questionnaire (GLTEQ) assessed physical activity participation. The sample was divided into seven groups according to the pyramidal, cerebellar, and sensory functional system scores derived from the EDSS data. Additionally, PwMS were divided into three physical activity subgroups (active, moderately active, and insufficiently active). Furthermore, PwMS were categorized into four levels of disability based on their global Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score [very mild (0-1.5), mild (2.0-3.5), moderate (4.0-5.5), and severe (6.0-6.5)]. In the physical activity subgroups, 159 (55.0%) were classified as insufficiently active, 59 (20.4%) as moderately active, and 71 (24.6%) as active. Pyramidal, cerebellar, and sensory impairments were demonstrated in 134 (46.4%), 73 (25.3%), and 85 (29.4%) patients, respectively. No differences were found for the GLTEQ scores for all seven functional system groups (P value = 0.168). As for the EDSS disability subgroups, the percentage of active patients (moderately at least) were 60%, 45.8%, 36.5%, and 15.4%, for the very mild, mild, moderate, and severe subgroups, respectively. This study found that participation in leisure-time physical activity is independent from the pyramidal, cerebellar, and sensory functional systems in PwMS.

Racial and Ethnic Differences in Physical Activity and Bone Density: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2007–2008

IntroductionParticipation in regular physical activity (PA) may help maintain bone health as people age. However, most American adults do not engage in the recommended minimum levels of PA, and there are racial/ethnic differences in PA participation. This study aimed to determine whether current physical activity is related to bone density in a racially/ethnically diverse sample after controlling for age, sex, body mass index, poverty–income ratio, tobacco use, vitamin D and calcium intake, and use of osteoporosis medications.MethodsWe obtained data on femoral bone mineral density for 2,819 adults aged 40 to 80 years who self-reported their race/ethnicity on the 2007–2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Data on PA levels were obtained by self-report. We used linear regression models to examine the association between PA and bone density for each racial/ethnic group.ResultsA greater percentage of non-Hispanic blacks (60.9%) and Hispanics (53.3%) reported low levels of PA than non-Hispanic whites (45.3%, P < .001). Non-Hispanic blacks (16.3%) and Hispanics (18.5%) had a lower prevalence of osteopenia than non-Hispanic whites (25.5%; P = .01) but were similar in the prevalence of normal and osteoporosis categories when compared with whites. There was a 0.031 g/cm2 difference in bone density between those in the high PA versus the low PA category (P = .003). This association remained (β = 0.027, P < .001) after adjusting for race/ethnicity, sex, body mass index, poverty–income ratio, tobacco use, and use of osteoporosis medications.ConclusionDespite lower levels of activity, blacks and Hispanics were not more likely to have osteoporosis, and high levels of activity were significantly associated with higher bone density even when controlling for race/ethnicity and confounders. The lack of consistency in bone density differences suggests that the cause of the differences maybe multifactorial.

A randomized trial examining a physical activity intervention for the prevention of postpartum depression: The healthy mom trial

Statement of problemSupport for the effect of physical activity on postpartum depression is mixed. The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of a physical activity intervention for the prevention of postpartum depression. MethodWomen who were less than eight weeks postpartum (n = 130), had a history of depression or a maternal family history of depression, were not currently depressed, and were otherwise healthy were randomly assigned to a theory-based physical activity intervention or a wellness/support contact control condition. Both conditions were delivered over the telephone and lasted six months. ResultsEight percent of the women in each condition met the diagnostic criteria for depression at six months based on the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders (SCID-I). Participants in the physical activity condition reported fewer depressive symptoms as measured by the PHQ-9 than the wellness/support condition at six months after controlling for baseline depressive symptoms. There were no differences in physical activity participation between the two conditions (128 min per week for the exercise condition and 122 min for the control condition based on an objective measure). A higher level of physical activity participation was related to fewer depressive symptoms regardless of study condition (p < .05). ConclusionsParticipants in the exercise intervention did not report lower rates of depression relative to the wellness/support condition at six months. Women in the wellness/support condition exercised more than anticipated and therefore, additional research utilizing a true control group is needed.

Differences in Physical Activity Participation between University Employees With and Without a Worksite Health Promotion Program

The purpose of this study was to assess differences in physical activity (PA) among university employees with and without a formal health promotion program. Three state university campuses without health promotion programs and four campuses with a program participated in this study. PA participation was assessed via survey to all campus employees. PA was compared for those with (n=426) and without a program (n=371). The results indicated that there was no significant difference (p&gt;.05) in the amount of vigorous PA days per week between those with (M=1.87 ± 2.29) and without a program (M=1.6 ± 1.87).There was no significant difference (p&gt;.05) in the amount of moderate PA days per week between those with (M= 2.18 ± 2.43) and without a program (M= 1.88 ± 2.03). There were significant differences (p

The Correlates of Leisure Time Physical Activity among an Adults Population from Southern Taiwan

BackgroundAssessing the correlates of practicing physical activity during leisure time is important with regard to planning and designing public health strategies to increase beneficial behaviors among adult populations. Although the importance of leisure time physical activity (LTPA) is highlighted in many Western countries, there are not many publications on physical activity patterns, and even less on their correlates, in non-Western societies. The goal of this study was thus to explore the determinants influencing adults' leisure time physical activity (LTPA) in a city in southern Taiwan.MethodsA cross-sectional population-based study was conducted in 2007, using a standardized questionnaire. Energy expenditure was dichotomized into two groups based on the recommended levels of moderate physical activity from LTPA: ≥10 or < 10 MET·hr·wk-1. Logistic regression analyses were applied to the results.ResultsA total of 762 subjects with valid data took part in the study (mean age 53.8 ± 13.8 years). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, we found the following results: Age was positively associated with LTPA. Adults with stronger perceived convenience of exercise facilities (OR = 2.04; 95%CI = 1.28-3.24) and past exercise experience in school (OR = 1.86; 95%CI= 1.19-2.91) participated in more LTPA. Subjects with more general social support (OR = 1.66;95%CI = 1.13-2.44), greater knowledge about the health benefits of exercise (OR = 1.85;95%CI = 1.25-2.74), more sports media consumption (OR = 1.94;95%CI = 1.26-2.98), and higher self-efficacy (OR = 3.99;95%CI = 2.67-5.97) were more likely to engage in LTPA. Further analysis comparing different sources of social support showed only social support from friends had a significant positive association (OR = 1.73;95%CI = 1.14-2.63) with increased LTPA.ConclusionsLTPA in southern city of Taiwan showed some unique associations with age, socioeconomic status and media consumption that are not commonly reported in the Western World and similar associations with regards to psychosocial correlates of LTPA participation. Further studies from developing countries are warranted to highlight culture-specific differences in physical activity participation.

Talking or acting? Gender differences in physical activity participation in Israel at the threshold of the 21st century

Lack of physical activity is an important factor that leads to poor health, mortality, and high costs of medical treatment in the Western world. Advances in technology in the past couple of decades have made lifestyles more passive, and have thus affected the population’s health. Although the number of Israelis declaring that they participate regularly in physical activity is rising, this number is still lower than in the Western world. The aim of this research is to map the adult Jewish population according to participation in physical activity and attitudes towards physical activity and sport.Data were collected as part of the International Social Survey Program (ISSP) in 2007 via face-to-face interviews. In the current sample of participants aged 18 years old and above, 1032 interviewees were divided into groups by cluster analysis.Findings suggest that we cannot refer to the population as a whole, but rather as four different types: a) athlete at heart – pro-sport as well as physically active; b) anti-sport – holds a negative attitude towards sport and is not physically active; c) armchair sportsperson – holds a positive attitude towards sport, but is not physically active; and d) trendy sportsperson – an active person who holds a neutral or negative attitude towards sport.While attempting to characterize the types by gender, the study suggests that women tend to be part of the anti-sport and trendy sportsperson groups, unlike men who tend to be part of the athlete at heart and armchair sportsperson groups. At the same time, differences related more to attitudes than behaviour. Men hold positive stances towards sport moreso than women, who participate in physical activity more for instrumental reasons.

Physical Activity among Adolescents in New South Wales (Australia)

To examine secular trends, seasonal and socioeconomic differences in physical activity participation among Australian adolescents in 1997 and 2004. Repeat cross-sectional school survey, conducted in 1997 and 2004. School students were randomly selected from grades 8 and 10 in New South Wales Australia (1997, N = 2026; 2004 N = 1771). Time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was assessed by self-reported participation in organized and nonorganized physical activity separately for summer and winter by sex, grade, and socioeconomic status (SES). Between survey periods, the proportion of students reporting > or = 60 min.d(-1) of MVPA increased, except among grade 10 boys during winter. MVPA (min.d(-1)) increased among all groups during summer school terms, during winter school terms, MVPA was relatively stable between surveys for grade 8 students but inconsistent among grade 10 students. Organized MVPA increased among all groups in both summer (19-49 min.d(-1)) and winter (7-21 min.d(-1)) school terms. Participation in nonorganized MVPA increased only during summer school terms (4-32 min.d(-1)) and decreased during winter school terms (7-17 min.d(-1)). MVPA increased consistently among students in the high-SES group compared with other SES groups, independent of season, and in some cases MVPA decreased in low-SES groups during winter school terms. Overall, the patterns of change were similar for boys and girls, with substantial increases in summer school terms and insubstantial changes during winter school terms (with the exception of a decrease among grade 10 boys). There was a direct association between change in participation in MVPA and SES, indicating that interventions are required to focus on the needs of less-advantaged students.

339 The role of psychosocial factors in explaining socio-economic differences in physical activity participation

339 The role of psychosocial factors in explaining socio-economic differences in physical activity participation

Young People’s Motivational Profiles in Physical Activity: A Cluster Analysis

A great deal has been written about the motivation of young people in physical activity, and the determinants of activity for this age group have been identified as a research priority. Despite this, there are few large-scale studies identifying “types” or “clusters” of young people based on their scores on validated motivation inventories. This study reports the results of a cluster analysis of a large national sample (n = 2,510) of 12- to 15-year-olds using contemporary approaches to physical activity motivation: achievement goal orientations, self-determination theory (including amotivation), the nature of athletic ability beliefs, and perceived competence. Five meaningful clusters were identified reflecting two highly motivated and two less well-motivated clusters, as well as a clearly amotivated cluster. Groupings were validated by investigating differences in physical activity participation and perceptions of physical self-worth. Some clusters reflected age and gender differences. The results provide valuable information for likely strategies to promote physical activity in young people.