Domestic Physical Activity Research Articles

Is the link between movement and mental health a two-way street? Prospective associations between physical activity, sedentary behaviour and depressive symptoms among women living in socioeconomically disadvantaged neighbourhoods.

This study aimed to investigate the bi-directional relationship between different domains of physical activity (PA), sedentary behaviour (SB) and depressive symptoms among women living in socioeconomically disadvantaged neighbourhoods in Victoria, Australia. Women (n=1033), aged 18-46years at Wave 1 (2007/08), completed self-report measures of PA (leisure-time, transport, occupational, domestic), SB (TV viewing, computer use, overall sitting time) and depressive symptoms (CES-D 10) at each study time-point (Wave 2: 2010/11, Wave 3: 2012/13). Separate linear mixed models were fitted to examine if change in depressive symptoms differed dependent on each of the baseline PA or SB measures. Similarly, baseline depressive symptoms were used as a predictor of change in PA and SB. In secondary analyses, associations between baseline PA or SB and odds of becoming 'at risk' of depression among those not 'at risk' at baseline were examined using logistic regression. There was no evidence that change in depressive symptoms differed depending on PA or SB at baseline. In general, there was also no evidence that change in PA or SB differed depending on baseline depressive symptoms. One exception was change in leisure-time PA, which declined more among those with heightened depressive symptoms at baseline (Interaction: β=-0.003, 95% CI=-0.007, -0.0003). Transport-related PA (adjusted OR=1.06, 95% CI=1.013, 1.101) and domestic PA (adjusted OR=1.02, 95% CI=1.003, 1.040) were associated with greater odds of becoming at risk of depression at wave 3. There was limited evidence of a bi-directional relationship between PA, SB and depressive symptoms in women living in socioeconomically disadvantaged neighbourhoods.

Physical Activity Levels of Physiotherapists across Practice Settings: A Cross-Sectional Comparison Using Self-Report Questionnaire and Accelerometer Measures.

Purpose: This article describes the physical activity of physiotherapists in British Columbia and examines differences across practice settings using self-report questionnaire and accelerometer-derived measures. Methods: Public and private practice physiotherapists aged 18-65 years were recruited through employee email lists and word of mouth to this cross-sectional study. Participants (n=98) completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Long Form (IPAQ-L) online to quantify self-reported physical activity across various domains (occupational, leisure time, domestic, and transportation). Of these, 38 agreed to wear an accelerometer for 7 days to objectively measure physical activity. Descriptive statistics were used to describe self-reported and accelerometer-measured physical activity across domains, and inferential statistics were used to compare physical activity patterns across practice sites. The correlation and agreement between self-report questionnaire and accelerometer measures were also calculated. Results: Almost all (99%) of the physiotherapists self-reported meeting physical activity guidelines, and only 58% were classified as meeting guidelines when using accelerometers. Public practice physiotherapists self-reported more total, occupational, and domestic physical activity and had higher measured occupational physical activity than private practice physiotherapists. Overall, there was poor agreement between self-report questionnaires and accelerometers. Conclusions: Physiotherapists are an active group, with those in public practice reporting and participating in more physical activity than those in private practice.

Nível de atividade física e gasto calórico em atividades de lazer de pacientes com diabetes mellitus

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar o nível de atividade física e o gasto calórico, em METs, em atividades de lazer de pacientes com diabetes mellitus, atendidos em uma Unidade Básica Distrital de Saúde de uma cidade do interior do Estado de São Paulo. A amostra de conveniência foi constituída por 134 pacientes com diabetes mellitus tipo 2, atendidos no período de maio a agosto de 2009. Para coleta de dados foram utilizados um formulário contendo variáveis demográficas e clínicas e o Questionário Internacional de Atividade Física (IPAQ). Para cálculo do nível de atividade física foi utilizado o Guidelines for Data Processing and Analysis, do IPAQ. Para análise dos dados utilizou-se estatística descritiva e Qui-quadrado. A média de idade dos sujeitos foi de 63,5 ± 10,27 anos e o tempo de diagnóstico de 11,71 ± 7,94 anos. Em relação ao nível de atividade física, 11,9% eram sedentários; 50% e 17,9% foram classificados como ativos e muito ativos, respectivamente. Verificou-se que 56% não realizavam atividade física no período de lazer. A média de tempo despendido na posição sentada foi superior a cinco horas ao dia. A metade dos sujeitos não realizava atividade física no período de lazer e apenas 20,1% alcançaram os níveis de atividade física recomendados para obtenção de benefícios à saúde. Apenas 20,5% dos sujeitos investigados alcançaram os níveis recomendados de gasto calórico (kcal) para obtenção de benefícios à saúde. A atividade física doméstica apresentou maior gasto calórico, calculado em METs, seguido pelas atividades de trabalho.

Non-occupational Physical Activity And The Risk Of Preterm Birth

Active participation in physical activity (PA) has been confirmed to help maintain health condition and reduce risks of developing chronic diseases in the general population. Systematic reviews and meta-analysis studies have been conducted to investigate the association between occupational physical activity and the risk of preterm birth (PTB). However, the influence of non-occupational physical activity, such as leisure-time physical activity (LTPA), domestic physical activity (DPA) and commuting physical activity (CPA), on incident preterm birth has not been evaluated separately. PURPOSE: To evaluate the association between non-occupational physical activity and risk of preterm birth. Design Meta-analysis of observational studies. Data source PubMed and EMBASE database was searched through Oct 2015. Eligibility criteria Observational studies published in English language, which reported relative risk (RR) and the corresponding confidence intervals (CIs) of PTB in relation to any non-occupational physical activity during pregnancy. RESULTS: Twenty-six observational studies (18 cohort and 8 case-control studies) were included in this meta-analysis. LTPA studies include 13 cohort studies totaling 167,087 participants and 4 case-control studies totaling 966 cases and 1,685 controls. DPA studies include 7 cohort studies totaling 11,009 participants and 3 case-control studies totaling 391 cases and 651 controls. CPA studies include 5 cohort studies totaling 5,489 participants and 2 case-control studies totaling 2,558 cases and 4,144 controls. For LTPA, comparing the highest to the lowest level of PA, the pooled RR was 0.83 (95% CI=0.74-0.93) for cohort studies and 0.60 (95% CI=0.43-0.84) for case-control studies. But, no evidence of reduced risk of PTB was observed with elevated DPA or CPA during pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: It was found in this meta-analysis that levels of leisure-time, but not domestic or commuting PA during pregnancy was inversely and significantly associated with risk of PTB. Further research is needed to confirm our findings and to determine the optimal intensity and duration of LTPA for pregnant women considering risk of PTB. Supported by the Graduate Abroad Visiting Program from Shanghai University of Sport, China (STFX20150103).

Self-reported Lifetime Physical Activity and Body Mass Index among Hispanic Women with and without Breast Cancer

Physical activity (PA) behavior is beneficial for the prevention and control of breast cancer (BC), the most prevalent and mortal type of cancer among Hispanic woman in Puerto Rico (PR). PURPOSE: To evaluate and compare self-reported lifetime PA behavior and its relation with body mass index (BMI). METHODS: This study is part of a larger on-going population-based case-control study of BC in PR with 146 Hispanic women: 51 with and 95 without BC (age range 30-79 years). Lifetime PA questionnaire inquired about PA in different stages (6-11, 12-13, 14-22, 23-50, 51-64, and 65+ years of age), the duration/day, and intensity. Present PA behavior was also evaluated with one question inquiring about minutes/day of brisk walking. Participants were classified as active or inactive based on the estimated MET-min/week (<600 = inactive, >600 = active). Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare the proportion of participants in each category of PA, and an independent t-test to compare BMI between groups. Association between PA behavior and BMI was evaluated with Spearman correlations. RESULTS: The majority of cases (98.7%) and controls (99.5%) were classified as active, with no between stage differences. Domestic PA was the most prevalent and leisure time PA the least prevalent type of PA in both groups; however, cases appear to engage more in leisure time and less in domestic type of PA compared with controls. BMI was higher in the older stages of life (>50 years). No significant association was observed between PA behavior and BMI; however, there was also a tendency for higher BMI among those extremely active based on present walking behavior. CONCLUSION: Results suggest a high level of self-reported PA behavior not associated with BMI among women with and without BC in PR. Self-reported PA behavior must be interpreted with caution.

Plasma orexin-A level associated with physical activity in obese people.

To measure the amount of physical activity (PA) among obese adults, investigate the association between plasma orexin-A level and PA patterns, and explore the effect of orexin on the prevention and control of obesity. Interviews were conducted in 218 participants (106 obese; 73 overweight; and 39 normal) who ranged in age between 18 and 70years using a survey that included sociodemographic variables. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-long version) was used to measure PA. A total of 178 participants agreed to submit blood sample collections, and plasma orexin-A content was measured by ELISA testing. The average level of orexin-A was 85.34±42.85ng/L in the obese group, 97.38±36.72ng/L in the overweight group, and 106.56±52.09ng/L in the control group, which was significantly different (P=0.03). The concentration of plasma orexin-A correlated with the total PA (P=0.000), moderate PA (obese=0.007; overweight: P=0.000; control: P=0.000), and walking PA (P=0.000) in all three groups. Working and domestic PAs were significantly associated with the plasma orexin-A level (P<0.0001). The plasma orexin-A level was associated with PA in obese and overweight people, including many aspects of daily life, such as working, domestic work, and walking especially.

Differential associations of urbanicity and income with physical activity in adults in urbanizing China: findings from the population-based China Health and Nutrition Survey 1991-2009.

BackgroundHigh urbanicity and income are risk factors for cardiovascular-related chronic diseases in low- and middle-income countries, perhaps due to low physical activity (PA) in urban, high income areas. Few studies have examined differences in PA over time according to income and urbanicity in a country experiencing rapid urbanization.MethodsWe used data from the China Health and Nutrition Survey, a population-based cohort of Chinese adults (n = 20,083; ages 18-75y) seen a maximum of 7 times from 1991-2009. We used sex-stratified, zero-inflated negative binomial regression models to examine occupational, domestic, leisure, travel, and total PA in Chinese adults according to year, urbanicity, income, and the interactions among urbanicity, income, and year, controlling for age and region of China.ResultsWe showed larger mean temporal PA declines for individuals living in relatively low urbanicity areas (1991: 500 MET-hours/week; 2009: 300 MET-hours/week) compared to high urbanicity areas (1991: 200 MET-hours/week; 2009: 125 MET-hours/week). In low urbanicity areas, the association between income and total PA went from negative in 1991 (p < 0.05) to positive by 2000 (p < 0.05). In relatively high urbanicity areas, the income-PA relationship was positive at all time points and was statistically significant at most time points after 1997 (p < 0.05). Leisure PA was the only domain of PA that increased over time, but >95 % of individuals in low urbanicity areas reported zero leisure PA at each time point.ConclusionsOur findings show changing associations for income and urbanicity with PA over 18 years of urbanization. Total PA was lower for individuals living in more versus less urban areas at all time points. However, these differences narrowed over time, which may relate to increases in individual-level income in less urban areas of China with urbanization. Low-income individuals in higher urbanicity areas are a particularly critical group to target to increase PA in China.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12966-015-0321-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Assessment of physical activity in older Belgian adults: validity and reliability of an adapted interview version of the long International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-L).

BackgroundAdequate monitoring of older adults’ physical activity (PA) is essential to develop effective health promotion programs. The present study examined criterion validity and test-retest reliability of the long International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-L), adapted for Belgian, community-dwelling older adults (65y and older).MethodsParticipants (n = 434) completed the last seven days version of IPAQ-L, modified for the Belgian population of community-dwelling older adults. This elderly-adapted version of IPAQ-L combined vigorous and moderate activities, and questions on gait speed and recreational cycling were added. Furthermore, participants wore an ActiGraph GT3X(+) accelerometer for at least five days. Criterion validity was determined by comparing self-reported weekly minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and weekly minutes of total PA with accelerometer data, defined by two different cut points (Freedson vs. Copeland). To examine test-retest reliability, a subsample of 29 participants completed IPAQ-L for a second time within a ten day interval.ResultsIPAQ-L showed moderate criterion validity for measuring weekly minutes of MVPA and total PA (Spearman’s ρ range 0.33–0.40). However, plots on agreement between self-reported and accelerometer PA showed a systematic over-reporting of IPAQ-L for MVPA. In contrast, plots indicated that IPAQ-L under-estimated levels of total PA, however, this under-estimation of total PA was substantially lower than the observed over-reporting of MVPA. Test-retest reliability was moderate-to-good for work-related PA, domestic PA, MVPA and total PA (ICC range 0.52–0.81), but poorer for transportation and recreational PA (ICC 0.44 and 0.43, respectively).ConclusionsCriterion validity results suggest that IPAQ-L is more valid to measure older adults’ weekly minutes of total PA than weekly MVPA minutes. Moreover, results might imply that content validity of IPAQ-L can be improved if specific light-intensity PA items are incorporated into IPAQ-L. Test-retest reliability of IPAQ-L was moderate to good, except for weekly minutes of transportation and recreational PA, probably due to week-to-week variability of these behaviors.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12889-015-1785-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Examining the reliability and validity of a modified version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, long form (IPAQ-LF) in Nigeria: a cross-sectional study

ObjectivesTo investigate the reliability and an aspect of validity of a modified version of the long International Physical Activity Questionnaire (Hausa IPAQ-LF) in Nigeria.DesignCross-sectional study, examining the reliability and construct...

Physical activity and awareness in breast screening attendees in Black Country, UK.

This study aimed to determine the physical activity levels and awareness of the influence of physical activity and overweight/obesity on breast cancer risk among NHS breast screening programme (NHSBSP) attendees. One hundred and eighty-eight (white British = 95%; post-menopausal = 80%) attendees completed a demographic and anthropometric data questionnaire, International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and awareness of breast cancer risk factors questionnaire. IPAQ data were reported as continuous measures (MET-min · week(-1)) and as categorical variables (low, moderate and high activities). The highest median physical activity levels were reported in the domestic physical activity domain (756 MET-min · week(-1)). Most participants were categorized as 'moderately active' (45%), while 30% were classified in the 'high activity' and 25% as 'low activity' categories. Almost a third of participants (30%) reported no leisure-time physical activity and 83% reported no vigorous physical activity. There was high awareness of the effects of physical activity (75%) and obesity (80%) on breast cancer risk. No significant differences were found between physical activity categories and awareness that physical activity can reduce breast cancer risk (p > 0.05). However, compared with moderate and high activity categories, participants in the 'low activity' category were significantly more likely to respond that they thought they achieved recommended physical activity levels (p < 0.05). Participants who are unaware of their inadequate physical activity levels may have a less positive intention to increase physical activity levels. Practical strategies aimed to increase knowledge of the recommended physical activity guidelines and facilitate the achievement of these guidelines may be required for NHSBSP attendees.

Heavy domestic, but not recreational, physical activity is associated with low back pain: Australian Twin low BACK pain (AUTBACK) study

To evaluate the association between domestic and recreational physical activity (PA) and low back pain (LBP) after adjusting for genetic and environmental influences. Twins were recruited through the Australian twin registry. LBP prevalence and domestic (vigorous gardening/heavy yard work) and recreational (light walking, moderate/vigorous) PA were assessed by a validated questionnaire. Associations were analysed using a cross-sectional analysis of the complete sample of 486 twins, including a matched case-control analysis of 69 twin pairs discordant for LBP. Logistic regression and the lincom post-estimation method were used for the analysis. Odds ratios (OR) with 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. The case-control analysis showed that LBP was significantly associated with heavy domestic PA (OR 2.88, 95 % CI 1.29-6.43), whereas no significant association was found with any form of recreational PA. The results of the lincom command indicated that being engaged in both heavy domestic and recreational PA (light walking or moderate/vigorous) was associated with a significantly increased probability of LBP compared with being engaged only in recreational PA (light walking or moderate/vigorous, ORs 3.48-4.22). Using the whole sample, we found weaker associations but in the same direction. We found evidence that heavy domestic PA is associated with an increased probability of LBP, and the combination of heavy domestic and recreational PA might increase the probability of LBP more so than heavy domestic or recreational PA alone. Associations being greater when using the co-twin case-control analysis indicate that genetic and environmental factors influence the relationship between PA and LBP, and demonstrate the value of a twin design.

Physical Activity and Risk of All-Cause and Cardiovascular Disease Mortality in Diabetic Adults From Great Britain: Pooled Analysis of 10 Population-Based Cohorts

OBJECTIVE To examine associations between specific types of physical activity and all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality in a large nationally representative sample of adults with diabetes from Great Britain. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS There were a total of 3,038 participants (675 deaths) with diabetes in the Health Survey for England and the Scottish Health Surveys conducted between 1997 and 2008. Participants aged ≥50 years at baseline were followed up for an average of 75.2 months for all-cause and CVD mortality. Data were collected on self-reported frequency, duration, and intensity of participation in sports and exercise, walking, and domestic physical activity, from which the number of MET-hours/week were derived. Sex-specific medians of time spent in each type of physical activity (for those physically active) were calculated, and Cox proportional hazards regression conducted to examine type-specific associations between the level of physical activity and all-cause and CVD mortality risk. RESULTS Inverse associations with all-cause and CVD mortality were observed for overall physical activity in a dose-response manner after adjusting for covariates. Compared with those who individuals were inactive, participants who reported some activity, but below the recommended amount, or who met the physical activity recommendations had a 26% (95% CI 39-11) and 35% (95% CI 47-21) lower all-cause mortality, respectively. Similar results were found for below/above median physical activity levels. Sports and exercise participation was inversely associated with all-cause (but not CVD) mortality, as were above average levels of walking. Domestic physical activity was not associated with mortality. CONCLUSIONS Moderate physical activity levels were associated with better prognosis in diabetic adults.

Estimated and forecasted trends in domain specific time-use and energy expenditure among adults in Russia

BackgroundExamination of historical trends and projections in estimated energy expenditure in Russia is important given the country’s economic downturns and growth.MethodsNationally representative data from the Russia Longitudinal Monitoring Survey (RLMS) from 1995–2011 was used to determine the metabolic equivalents of task (MET)-hours per week from occupational, domestic, travel, and active leisure physical activity (PA) domains, as well as sedentary leisure time (hours per week) among adults 18–60 years. Additionally, we projected what these values would be like in 2020 and 2030 if observed trends continue.ResultsAmong male adults, the largest contributor to total PA was occupational PA followed by travel PA. In contrast, domestic PA followed by occupational PA contributed most to total PA among female adults. Total PA was 282.9 MET-hours per week in 1995 and declined to 231.7 in 2011. Total PA is projected to decrease to 216.5 MET-hours per week in 2020 and to 193.0 MET-hours per week in 2030. The greatest relative declines are occurring in travel PA. Female adults are also exhibiting significant declines in domestic PA. Changes in occupational and active leisure PA are less distinct.ConclusionsPolicies and initiatives are needed to counteract the long-term decline of overall physical activity linked with a modernizing lifestyle and economy among Russian adults.

Levels of physical activity among a nationally representative sample of people in early old age: results of objective and self-reported assessments.

BackgroundDetailed assessment of physical activity (PA) in older adults is required to comprehensively describe habitual PA-levels in this growing population segment. Current evidence of population PA-levels is predominantly based on self-report.MethodsWe examined PA and sedentary behaviour in a nationally representative sample of British people aged 60–64, using individually-calibrated combined heart-rate and movement sensing and a validated questionnaire (EPAQ2), and the socio-demographic and behavioural factors that may explain between-individual variation in PA.ResultsBetween 2006–2010, 2224 participants completed EPAQ2 capturing the past year’s activity in four domains (leisure, work, transportation and domestic life) and 1787 participants provided 2–5 days of combined-sensing data. According to objective estimates, median(IQR) physical activity energy expenditure (PAEE) was 33.5 (25.3-42.2) and 35.5 (26.6- 47.3) kJ/kg/day for women and men, respectively. Median (IQR) time spent in moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA; >3MET), light-intensity PA (1.5-3 MET) and sedentary (<1.5 MET) was 26.0 (12.3-48.1) min/day, 5.4 (4.2-6.7) h/day and 18.0 (16.6-19.4) h/day, respectively, in women; and 41.0 (18.8-73.0) min/day, 5.2 (4.0-6.5) h/day and 17.9 (16.3-19.4) h/day in men. PAEE and time spent in MVPA were lower and sedentary time was greater in obese individuals, those with poor health, and those with lower educational attainment (women only). Questionnaire-derived PAEE and MVPA tended to have similar patterns of variation across socio-demographic strata. In the whole sample, domestic PA had the greatest relative contribution to total questionnaire-derived PAEE (58%), whereas occupational PA was the main driver among employed participants (54%). Only 2.2% of participants achieved an average of >30 min MVPA per day combined with >60 min strength-training per week.ConclusionsThe use of both self-report and objective monitoring to assess PA in early old age provides important information on the domains of PA, PAEE and time spent at different intensity levels. Our findings suggest PA levels are generally low and observed patterns of variation indicate specific subgroups who might benefit from targeted interventions to increase PA.

The physical activity transition among adults in China: 1991–2011

Previous studies have linked work, home production, travel activities and inactivity with weight and health outcomes. However, these focused on average physical activity (PA) over time rather than changes in PA and associated sociodemographic and economic factors and urbanicity. Using the 1991-2011 China Health and Nutrition Survey data, we estimated the metabolic equivalent of task hours per week for individuals in occupational, domestic, travel and active leisure domains and sedentary hours per week. We present the distributions among adult men and women (aged 18-60), and use quantile regression models to explore factors associated with these trends. Trend analyses on the distribution of PA show declines along the whole distribution of occupational PA for men and women and domestic PA for women in China. These patterns remain consistent after adjusting for individual- and household-level factors. Controlling for urbanicity mitigated the decrease in occupational PA, particularly for men, but not the decrease in domestic PA. Given China's rapid urbanization and its association with occupational PA declines and the strong time trend in domestic PA, there is a need to invest in interventions and policies that promote PA during leisure and travel times.

Does doing housework keep you healthy? The contribution of domestic physical activity to meeting current recommendations for health

BackgroundRecent lifestyle approaches to physical activity have included the promotion of domestic physical activities such as do-it-yourself or home maintenance, gardening and housework. Although it is acknowledged that any activity is better than none, there is a danger that those undertaking domestic ‘chores’ may assume that this activity is moderate intensity and therefore counts towards this 150 minute per week target The purpose of this paper was to report the contribution domestic physical activity makes to total weekly physical activity and the relationship between domestic physical activity and leanness in the Northern Ireland population.Methods4563 adults participated in this cross-sectional survey of physical activity behaviour. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using computer assisted personal interviewing. Gender and age group differences in domestic MVPA activity and the ratio of domestic to total MVPA were explored using non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis tests. Self-reported volume and intensity of physical activity (in bouts of 10 minutes or more) in the home and self-reported height and weight were used to determine the association between domestic physical activity and leanness using an ANCOVA having controlled for age, gender, socio-economic and smoking status.Results42.7% of the population report levels of physical activity which meet or exceed the current United Kingdom recommendations. Domestic physical activity accounts for 35.6% of the reported moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA). For women, if domestic physical activity was excluded from total MVPA, only 20.4% would be deemed to meet current recommendations. Time spent in domestic physical activity at moderate or vigorous intensity was found to be negatively associated with leanness (P = 0.024), [R Squared = .132 (Adjusted R Squared = .125)].ConclusionsDomestic physical activity accounts for a significant proportion of self-reported daily MVPA particularly among females and older adults however such activity is negatively associated with leanness suggesting that this activity may not be sufficient to provide all of the benefits normally associated with meeting the physical activity guidelines.

Domain-specific physical activity and health-related quality of life in university students

Information on the relationship between domain-specific physical activity (PA) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in the general population and specific groups is still scarce. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between PA in work, transport, domestic and leisure-time domains and HRQoL among university students. PA and HRQoL were assessed in a random stratified sample of 1750 university students using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire – long form and 12-item Short Form Health Survey, respectively. The Spearman's rank correlations, adjusted for age, community size, personal monthly budget, body mass index, smoking habits and alcohol intake ranged from −0.11 to 0.18 in female students and −0.29 to 0.19 in male students. Leisure-time, domestic, transport-related PA and total PA were positively related to HRQoL. Inverse correlations with HRQoL were only found for work-related PA in male students. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that only leisure-time PA was related to the Physical Summary Component score (β = 0.08 for females and β = 0.10 for males, P < 0.05). Domain-specific PA levels were not significantly related to the Mental Component Summary score. To get a more comprehensive insight in the relationship between PA and HRQoL, future studies should not only analyse total PA levels but also domain-specific PA levels. The evidence on the positive relationship of leisure-time, transport and domestic PA with HRQoL can potentially be used to support evidence-based promotion of PA in a university setting, and as a hypothesis for future longitudinal studies on such potential causal relationships.

Evaluating Effects of Self-Reported Domestic Physical Activity on Pregnancy and Neonatal Outcomes in “Stay at Home” Military Wives

To determine if an association exists between daily physical activity, and pregnancy/neonatal outcomes in stay at home military wives. This is a prospective observational study of pregnant military wives who do not work outside the home. Participants completed a validated questionnaire of their daily activity from which the average energy expenditure per day (kcal/day) was calculated. Participants were grouped, according to their energy expenditure and assessed for antepartum, intrapartum, and neonatal outcomes. There were 55 women (group 1) who expended ≤ 2,200 kcal/day, 77 expended 2,201 to 3,000 kcal/day, and 58 expended ≥ 3,001 kcal/day. Group 1 had the lowest maternal weight at first visit (p < 0.001) and delivery (p < 0.001) and highest percentage of primigravidas (p = 0.002). After adjusting for key maternal characteristics, women in group 1 were more likely to develop gestational diabetes. Although not significant, the women in group 1 had more intrauterine growth restriction and preterm labor whereas group 3 had a greater risk of antepartum hemorrhage. Primigravida women of low weight not working are most likely to use the least energy compared to the heaviest women who use the most calories and are more likely to develop gestational diabetes.

Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Associations of Categories of Physical Activities with Dimensions of Subjective Well-Being in Taiwanese Older Adults

Physical activity takes place in different social contexts such as leisure, home, and work. However, the differential associations of these distinct categories of activity with aspects of well-being have rarely been investigated. This study was designed to estimate independent associations of (a) leisure-time, (b) domestic and (c) work-related physical activities with subjective well-being in older adults. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2009 with 2,295 community-dwelling older adults aged 65 or older in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Among them, 307 participants were selected for a 3-year follow-up study in 2012. The results based on cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses demonstrated that leisure-time physical activity, after multivariate adjustment, was positively associated with five dimensions of well-being, including ‘physical’, ‘psychological’, ‘independence’, ‘learning and growth’, and ‘social’ well-being. Household physical activity was positively associated only with ‘social’ well-being. Occupational physical activity was not related to any dimension of well-being. The study suggests that associations between physical activity and dimensions of subjective well-being during later life are dependent on the social context in which the activity takes place. This study indicates that physical activity taken as leisure has greatest potential to enhance the quality of life of older adults.

Smoking, breastfeeding, physical inactivity, contact with animals, and size of the family influence the risk of inflammatory bowel disease: A Slovak case-control study.

The aetiology of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is not known but is likely to involve a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental risk factors. Smoking has been associated consistently with a higher risk of Crohn's disease (CD), while appendectomy and smoking appear to diminish the risk of ulcerative colitis (UC). The roles of other environmental factors are unclear. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association of CD and UC with several environmental risk factors. This case-control study included 338 patients (190 CD, 148 UC) and 355 controls. All subjects completed a detailed questionnaire regarding breastfeeding duration, history of helminthic infections, allergic diseases, appendectomy, household size, housing type, contact with specific domestic animals, physical activity, and smoking. Associations between risk factors and CD and UC were investigated by univariate and multivariate analysis. On multivariate analysis, CD associated with smoking at diagnosis (odds ratio, OR, 3.7, 95% CI 2.2-6.2; p < 0.001), being breastfed for <6 months (OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.7-4.4; p < 0.001), and less than two childhood sporting activities weekly (OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.5-5.0; p < 0.001) and inversely associated with frequent contact with cats in childhood (OR 0.6, 95% CI 0.4-0.9; p < 0.03). UC associated with less than two sporting weekly activities in childhood (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.1-3.5, p = 0.02), fewer household members in childhood (OR 0.8, 95% CI 0.7-0.98, p = 0.03), and being breastfed for <6 months (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.02-2.8, p = 0.04). A composite environmental risk index for CD revealed that 47 and 14% of the controls and patients with CD had no risk factors, respectively, and that 14 and 38% of the controls and patients with CD had at least two risk factors, respectively. CD and UC associated with infrequent childhood sports activities and short breastfeeding. Furthermore, CD associated with smoking and infrequent contact with animals in childhood. UC associated with a smaller family size in childhood.