Effects Of Daily Physical Activity Research Articles

Healthcare burden changes by restricted physical activities in lumbar spinal stenosis and spondylolisthesis: a retrospective large cohort study during the COVID-19 pandemic

BackgroundLumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) and spondylolisthesis (SPL) are characterized as degenerative spinal pathologies and share considerable similarities. However, opinions vary on whether to recommend exercise or restrict it for these diseases. Few studies have objectively compared the effects of daily physical activity on LSS and SPL because it is impossible to restrict activities ethnically and practically. We investigated the effect of restricting physical activity due to social distancing (SoD) on LSS and SPL, focusing on the aspect of healthcare burden changes during the pandemic period.MethodsWe included first-visit patients diagnosed exclusively with LSS and SPL in 2017 and followed them up for two years before and after the implementation of the SoD policy. As controls, patients who first visited in 2015 and were followed for four years without SoD were analyzed. The common data model was employed to analyze each patient’s diagnostic codes and treatments. Hospital visits and medical costs were analyzed by regression discontinuity in time to control for temporal effects on dependent variables.ResultsAmong 33,484 patients, 2,615 with LSS and 446 with SPL were included. A significant decrease in hospital visits was observed in the LSS (difference, -3.94 times/month·100 patients; p = 0.023) and SPL (difference, -3.44 times/month·100 patients; p = 0.026) groups after SoD. This decrease was not observed in the data from the control group. Concerning medical costs, the LSS group showed a statistically significant reduction in median copayment (difference, -$45/month·patient; p < 0.001) after SoD, whereas a significant change was not observed in the SPL group (difference, -$19/month·patient; p = 0.160).ConclusionRestricted physical activity during the SoD period decreased the healthcare burden for patients with LSS or, conversely, it did not significantly affect patients with SPL. Under circumstances of physical inactivity, patients with LSS may underrate their symptoms, while maintaining an appropriate activity level may be beneficial for patients with SPL.

Frailty and Quality of Life among Older Adults in Communities: The Mediation Effects of Daily Physical Activity and Healthy Life Self-Efficacy.

As the global population ages, frailty, which has been shown to affect and predict the quality of life (QoL) of older adults, has become a central issue. The aim of this study was to explore the mediating effects of daily physical activity (DPA) and healthy life self-efficacy (HLSE) on the relationship between frailty and QoL in older adults using a serial multiple mediation model. The cross-sectional study was conducted among 210 community-dwelling older adults in Taiwan. Data were collected using the Taiwanese version of the Tilburg Frailty Indicator, the EuroQoL visual analog scale, the Kihon Checklist, and the Chronic Disease Self-Efficacy Scales. The PROCESS macro for SPSS based on the bootstrap method was used to determine the mediating effects of DPA and HLSE on the relationship between frailty and QoL. The results showed that frailty was found to have both direct and indirect effects on QoL. As predicted, DPA and HLSE partially mediated the relationship between frailty and quality of life (DPA: B = -0.71, p &lt; 0.001; HLSE: B = -0.32, p &lt; 0.001). In addition, serial mediation analyses indicated that the association between frailty and QoL was partially mediated by DPA and HLSE in a sequential manner (B = -0.16, p &lt; 0.001). The serial mediation has a causal chain linking DPA and HLSE, with a specified direction of causal flow. According to the results of the serial multiple mediation model, the elderly should be encouraged to continue their activities in daily life, which not only improves self-efficacy and confidence in maintaining health but also reduces the negative impact of frailty on QoL.

Изучение комплексного влияния биосоциальных факторов на показатели морфофизиологической адаптации современной молодежи в условиях городского стресса

Materials and methods. The materials of complex anthropological surveys of the Department of Anthropology of Moscow State University 2020–2021 were used. The anthropometric characteristics, components of the physique, physiological indicators, psychological characteristics and data of a sociological survey of 245 respondents (176 girls and 69 boys) – students of different universities in Moscow aged 18 to 23 years were studied. To assess adaptive capabilities, an integrative indicator is calculated – the level of physical condition of the body (PCL). Results. Reliable correlations with PCL were obtained mainly in the group of girls: statistically significant relationships were revealed for a cluster of morphological features, blocks of body composition, functional indicators and physical activity, for the values of phase angle, specific metabolism and the indicator of orientation to appearance. In the group of boys, there were significantly fewer reliable correlations: as in girls, a block of functional indicators and specific metabolism, as well as the level of total thyroxine in the blood and satisfaction with body parameters were significantly associated with PCL. The structure of relationships between groups of traits is as follows: socio-cultural characteristics are associated with levels of anxiety, aggressiveness and depression; the component composition of the body – with physique and functional indicators, which also correlate with social characteristics (education of parents, number of children in the family, level of family income). Conclusion. The closeness of the connections between the PCL and the blocks of the body's component composition and functional indicators is due to the commonality of their biological nature and the unity of subsystems in the structure of the general human constitution. A small but statistically reliable association with the PCL of the level of physical activity confirms the positive effect of daily physical activity on the adaptive capabilities of the body. The reliable connection with the PCL of individual socio-cultural features reflects the degree of importance of the perception of the features of one's own physique in the life of modern boys and girls and indicates the influence of self-esteem of appearance not only on the psychological state and quality of life, but also on the physical condition of the body and adaptive capabilities. The results obtained are consistent with the concept of intersystem integration of the organism and confirm the influence of socio-economic and socio-cultural factors on the processes of morphophysiological and psychosocial adaptation of modern youth to the conditions of the superurbanized environment of the XXI century.

CHARACTERIZING THE COMBINED EFFECT OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY MEASURES ON STRUCTURAL PROGRESSION OF OA: THE MULTICENTER OSTEOARTHRITIS STUDY

Purpose: Physical activity is consistently recommended as a management strategy for knee osteoarthritis (OA); however, studying the effect of daily physical activity on structural progression of OA remains challenging. Accelerometry data, for example, quantifies activity but does not specify the type of activity or its complexity. Surveys often capture frequency and intensity of various complex activities and provide complementary information to that of accelerometry. Previous studies have used either surveys or accelerometry to assess the relation of physical activity to OA outcomes but not both.

Effect of physical activity and BMI SDS on bone metabolism in children and adolescents.

Children with obesity are known to have reduced bone density and are at a higher risk for fractures. This may be caused by decreased physical activity or a metabolic phenomenon. In this study, we evaluated associations of physical activity with bone metabolism in children and adolescents with and without obesity. Results from 574 visits of 397 subjects, 191 girls and 206 boys aged five to 18years (mean: 11.7±2.8) representing 180 children with (mean BMI SDS 2.5±0.4) and 217 without obesity (mean BMI SDS 0.2±1.0) from the LIFE Child study, a population-based cohort of children/adolescents with normal weight and with obesity were analyzed for the impact of their daily physical activity (MET/day, SenseWear Accelerometer) on serum SDS levels for bone formation (alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, procollagen type I N propeptide [P1NP]), bone resorption (beta-crosslaps), and calcium homeostasis (parathormone, OH-25-vitamin D) by a linear regression model adjusted for gender- and age-based differences. For male subjects, BMI SDS significantly influenced the association of physical activity to PTH, vitamin D, and beta-crosslaps SDS levels. A higher physical activity was accompanied by increased PTH but decreased vitamin D SDS levels in children with normal weight. In males with obesity, all levels remained unaltered. In females, BMI SDS significantly impacted the association of physical activity to PTH, vitamin D, P1NP, beta-crosslaps, and osteocalcin SDS levels. In females with obesity, higher physical activity was related to higher SDS levels of vitamin D, P1NP, and beta-crosslaps. In contrast, in normal weight females, only PTH SDS was higher. The effect of daily physical activity on bone metabolic markers and calciotropic hormones depends significantly on gender and BMI SDS. However, higher levels of physical activity were associated with increased bone turnover for female subjects with obesity only. Thus, motivating especially girls with obesity to be physically active may help improve their bone health.

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

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

“Why can't you sit still?”The effect of daily physical activity on childhood inattention/hyperactivity and the educational gender gap

Despite the compelling evidence of the long-run consequences of childhood inattention/hyperactivity and harmful side effects of stimulant medication, relatively little is known about accessible non-pharmacological options to reduce inattentive/hyperactive behaviours. This study evaluates the effect of daily exercise on inattentive/hyperactive behaviours among young children by leveraging evidence from a quasi-experiment generated when 3 Canadian provinces adopted mandatory requirements for all students in grades 1 through 6 to participate in 20–30 min of daily physical activity at school between 1994 and 2009. By exploiting plausibly exogenous variations in the timing of implementation and duration of physical activity mandated as well as over 20,000 observations on a sample of nationally representative children, our difference-in-differences estimates indicate that brief bouts of daily exercise at school effectively reduce inattention/hyperactivity in children – with the beneficial effect enhanced by the duration of exercise mandated. Importantly, most of the exercise effect is concentrated on boys. Since boys' higher rates of inattention/hyperactivity contribute to the explanation for boys’ lagging academic motivation and achievement, we argue that providing more scope for physical activity during the school day might be a feasible policy option not only for reducing inattentive/hyperactive behaviours, but also for helping to close the educational gender gap in the longer run.

The Effect of Daily Physical Activity on Increasing Physical Fitness and Academic Achievement of Elementary School

Theoretically, physical activity can improve physical fitness and cognitive functions. Students who do regular physical activity are expected to have fitness and fitness at the same time as their cognitive function grows and develops so that their academic achievement increases. Unfortunately, as technology advances and lifestyle changes, children's physical activity is decreasing. Effectiveness in achieving learning objectives continuously along with the level of student fitness and decreased cognitive function improvement. This study aims to examine the effect of daily physical activity on increasing students' fitness and academic achievement. The research method used is quasi-experimental with a matching-only design. As a sample, 30 grade 5 students of SDN Pesanggrahan I, Kwanyar, Bangkalan. The sample was divided into two groups, 15 students in the experimental group and 15 students in the control group. The treatment was given for 8 weeks with 3 meetings per week. The fitness variable was measured by a multistage fitness test, meanwhile, the academic achievement variable was measured by a series of questions prepared by the teacher. Data processing was carried out by analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) using the results of the pretest as covariates. The results showed that daily physical activity could improve physical fitness (F=45.91; p&lt;0.01) and student academic achievement (F=7.72; p&lt;0.01). The experimental group showed better physical fitness than the control group (F=100.91; p&lt;0.01). The experimental group also showed better academic achievement than the control group (F=19.45; p&lt;0.01). Based on the results of the analysis, it can be said that the application of daily physical activity for 2 months is proven to be effective in improving physical fitness and academic achievement of fifth-grade students at SDN Pesanggrahan I, Kwanyar, Bangkalan.

Effect of Daily Physical Activity on Sleep Characteristics in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Background. Sleep problems have been reported in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). One of the methods proposed to improve sleep characteristics is based on physical activity (PA). Objective. To assess characteristics of sleep and the effect of PA level on sleep quality in children with ASD compared to controls. Methods. Fifty boys with ASD (ASD; 10.8 ± 2.6 years) and 18 controls (CONT, 10.1 ± 2.2 years) wore an accelerometer device for five consecutive days to obtain measures of activity and sleep characteristics. Results. Some significant differences were reported between ASD and CONT groups. Wake-up time resistance was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in ASD. Total time for PA, and daily steps number were significantly lower in the ASD group (p < 0.05). Time for sedentary behavior was significantly higher (p < 0.01) in the ASD group. Using a principal component analysis and an agglomerative hierarchical analysis, we observed three clusters. Two showed the same poor-quality indices of sleep but two opposing profiles of PA, either an insufficient PA volume (cluster 1, Total time PA = 75.1 min; Daily steps: 7704) or an important PA volume (cluster 3, Total time PA = 222.1 min; Daily steps: 17,164). Cluster 2 was characterized by moderate participation in PA and children with the best sleep indices (Total time PA = 166.8 min; Daily steps: 12,718). Conclusion. The dose–response effect of exercise on sleep may indicate large individual differences but the present findings are important to prevent sedentary behaviors or to correct over-activity that could be detrimental to the sleep quality in children with ASD.

The Stress-Buffering Effect of Daily Physical Activity on Negative and Positive Affect

Previous studies show that physical activity is beneficial for emotional well-being. This study extends prior research by examining whether engagement in physical activity moderates the association between daily stressor severity and daily emotional well-being. We used data from the second wave of the National Study of Daily Experiences, a sub-project of the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study. Respondents (N = 1,851; ages 33 to84) reported their daily experiences across eight consecutive days. Multilevel models explored concurrent and lagged interaction effects between daily stressor severity and physical activity on negative and positive affect and whether these associations differed by age. Physical activity was measured by engagement in vigorous physical activity for at least 30 minutes. Results showed significant interactions between stressor severity and physical activity on same-day negative and positive affect. Specifically, stressor severity was associated with smaller elevation in daily negative affect on physically active days (b = 0.08, p < 0.001) compared to non-active days (b = 0.11, p < 0.001). Reductions in daily positive affect were greater on physically inactive days (b = -0.11, p < 0.001) compared to active days (b = -0.08, p < 0.001). These associations did not differ by age, but additional findings revealed that stressor severity was associated with greater elevation in negative affect among younger respondents (b = 0.12, p < 0.001) than older adults (b = 0.10, p < 0.001). These results highlight the importance of engagement in physical activity for emotional well-being under stressful situations in daily context.

The MIPAM trial: a 12-week intervention with motivational interviewing and physical activity monitoring to enhance the daily amount of physical activity in community-dwelling older adults \u2013 a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundPhysical Activity Monitors (PAMs) have been shown to effectively enhance level of physical activity (PA) in older adults. Motivational interviewing is a person-centred model where participants are guided using self-reflection and counselling, and addresses the behavioural and psychological aspects of why people initiate health behaviour change by prompting increases in motivation and self-efficacy. The addition of motivational interviewing to PA interventions may increase the effectiveness of PAMs for older adults.MethodsThis motivational interviewing and PA monitoring trial is designed as an investigator-blinded, two arm parallel group, randomized controlled superiority trial with primary endpoint after 12 weeks of intervention. The intervention group will receive a PAM-based intervention and motivational interviewing and the control group will only receive the PAM-based intervention. The primary outcome is PA, objectively measured as the average daily number of steps throughout the intervention period. Secondary outcome measures include self-reported PA health-related quality of life, loneliness, self-efficacy for exercise, outcome expectancy for exercise, and social relations. The outcomes will be analysed with a linear regression model investigating between-group differences, adjusted for baseline scores. Following the intention to treat principle, multiple imputation will be performed to handle missing values.DiscussionA moderate effect of daily PA measured using PAMs is expected in this superiority RCT investigating the effect of adding motivational interviewing to a PAM intervention. According to the World Health Organization, walking and cycling are key activities in regular PA and should be promoted. To increase the general public health and lower the burden of inactivity in older adults, cost-beneficial solutions should be investigated further. If this RCT shows that motivational interviewing can enhance the effect of PAM-based interventions, it might be included as an add-on intervention when appropriate. No matter what the results of this study will be, the conclusions will be relevant for clinicians as the dependence on technology is increasing, especially in relation to public health promotion.Trial registrationNCT03906162, April 1, 2019.

WELLNESS RIGHT FROM THE START

Apply It!Summary •Health and fitness professionals can protect young children from disease and other risks while making sure they reach their fullest potential by recognizing the effect of daily physical activity, positive childhood experiences, and family lifestyle habits on wellness. •By encouraging imaginative play with lots of expressive movement, young children can improve physical skills and other dimensions of wellness as they explore their environment, socialize with friends, learn from each other, create new games, and cope with challenges. Wellness is not merely the absence of disease but rather a state of physical, emotional, social, intellectual, environmental, and spiritual well-being that optimizes development and provides an opportunity for young children to reach their fullest potential. Because early childhood is a time of rapid growth and a critical period for developing healthy behaviors, girls and boys should participate daily in developmentally appropriate physical activities that support all dimensions of wellness. The first responder program illustrates creative ways to meet the needs and interests of young children through imaginative firefighter play. Because emerging technologies are changing the way today’s youth play, socialize, and think, concerted efforts are needed to protect a young child from disease and other risks while providing opportunities that influence overall wellness throughout the growing years.

Descriptive epidemiology of high frequency component based on heart rate variability from 10-second ECG data and daily physical activity among community adult residents: the Nagahama Study.

Characteristics of high frequency (HF) component based on heart rate variability (HRV) in a large general population remain unclear, particularly on the relationship with daily physical activity. We aimed to characterize the distribution of HF component and examine the association with daily physical activity among community residents. We performed spectral analysis of HRV from 10-second ECG recordings among 9135 residents aged 30 to 74 years in Nagahama City, Japan. HF components were log-transformed to consider the distribution. Simple correlations between HF and age were determined. Age-adjusted mean values of HF component were calculated for each questionnaire item related to daily physical activity. Multiple regression analysis was performed to examine the effect of daily physical activity on HF component value. Mean values of logarithmically-transformed HF component (lnHF) were higher in women than in men (p < 0.001). lnHF was inversely associated with age (r = -0.40, -0.49 for men, women, respectively). Adjusted mean lnHF for physically active people was significantly higher than that in inactive people (p < 0.001). HF components from 10-second ECG recordings were moderately and negatively correlated with age in both sexes, and positively correlated with daily physical activity in the general adult population. Maintaining the level of daily physical activity, especially to exercise regularly could keep the parasympathetic function high.

Association Between Circulating FGF21 Levels And Physical Activity In Abdominal Obese Adults

PURPOSE: Circulating fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is increased with abdominal obesity and may lead to the development of several chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Currently, the effect of daily physical activity on circulating FGF21 levels in abdominal obese adults is unclear. This study aimed to examine the cross-sectional association between circulating FGF21 levels and physical activity in abdominal obese adults. METHODS: This study recruited 207 middle-aged and older adults and classified them as 160 non-obese and 47 abdominal obese adults according to their abdominal circumference (men: ≥ 85 cm, women: ≥ 90 cm). Circulating serum FGF21 levels were evaluated using the ELIZA methods. Daily physical activity levels were objectively assessed using a uniaxial accelerometer and categorized into light-intensity physical activity (LPA) and moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA). RESULTS: Abdominal obese adults had a higher median value of serum FGF21 levels when compared with non-obese adults (102 pg/mL vs. 139 pg/mL, P = 0.006). Serum FGF21 levels were correlated negatively with the time spent in LPA (rs = −0.326, P = 0.025) and MVPA (rs = −0.349, P = 0.016) in abdominal obese adults, but not in non-obese adults. When the participants were divided into four groups according to abdominal obesity and physical activity status, the significant interaction was indicated between abdominal obesity and MVPA (F = 7.386, P = 0.007), but not LPA. Additionally, abdominal obese adults with higher MVPA levels had lower serum FGF21 levels (P = 0.004). Furthermore, the association between abdominal obesity, MVPA status and FGF21 levels remained significant after adjusting for age, sex, peak oxygen consumption, blood lipid and glucose, current smoking status, and using medications (F = 6.229, P = 0.013). CONCLUSIONS: Lower serum FGF21 concentration was inversely related to higher physical activity levels, particularly in abdominal obese adults. These findings suggest that daily MVPA is effective for decreasing serum FGF21 levels in middle-aged and older adults with abdominal obesity.

Physical Activity: A Missing Link in Asthma Care.

Asthma is the commonest respiratory disease and one of unceasingly increasing prevalence and burden. As such, asthma has attracted a major share or scientific interest and clinical attention. With the various clinical and pathophysiological aspects of asthma having been extensively investigated, the important association between asthma and physical activity remains underappreciated and insufficiently explored. Asthma impacts adversely on physical activity. Likewise, poor physical activity may lead to worse asthma outcomes. This concise clinical review presents the current recommendations for physical activity, discusses the available evidence on physical activity in asthma, and examines the causes of low physical activity in adult asthmatic patients. It also reviews the effect of daily physical activity and exercise training on the pathology and clinical outcomes of asthma. Finally, it summarizes the evidence on interventions targeting physical activity in asthma.

THE EFFECT OF DAILY PHYSICAL ACTIVITY ON THE ACTIVITY OF INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASES IN THERAPY-FREE PATIENTS.

SUMMARYIt has been suggested that various environmental factors play a very important role in the etiology of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) and that they have a significant effect on the course of these diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of daily physical activity on the activity of IBDs in therapy-free patients. This cross-sectional population based study was conducted in eastern Croatia from January to June 2016. The study included 312 patients, mean age 49.9±15.0 years, 53.2% of males and 46.8% of females; there were 63.4% of ulcerative colitis (UC) and 36.6% of Crohn’s disease (CD) patients. Sociodemographic characteristics of patients, data on their daily physical activity and type of therapy taken were collected through a specifically designed and validated questionnaire, while the activity of UC and CD was evaluated using the Mayo index and Harvey-Bradshaw index. The study showed that 24.0% of patients were not taking therapy. Daily physical activity was connected to IBD in study patients when taking both diseases collectively (Fisher exact test; p<0.001), as well as to the inactivity of CD (Fisher exact test; p=0.001) and UC (Fisher exact test; p=0.006), when observing each disease separately. Daily physical activity was connected to the inactivity of IBDs in patients not taking therapy. It is necessary to educate all IBD patients about the importance of physical activity in order to control their disease.

The effects of daily physical activity on functional fitness, isokinetic strength and body composition in elderly community-dwelling women

This study was developed in the Research Centre on Physical Activity Health and Leisure (CIAFEL) that is supported by Pest-OE/SAU/UI0617/2011.

Physical activity and interaction for less active pupils at elementary school: The experiences of teachers and parents

The aim of this study was to explore how teachers and parents experience and reflect on participation and interaction with and between less active fifth-grade pupils in physically active academic lessons, in the school playground and during physical activity homework. This study formed part of the Active Smarter Kids study investigating the effects of daily physical activity on academic performance and health, and generated qualitative data from focus group interviews with teachers and parents. We identified three main themes: (1) aiming at and planning for interaction – a critical prerequisite for learning; (2) negotiating collaborative interaction during activities at school; and (3) facilitating physical activity at home through collaboration. The promotion of collaborative interaction appeared as a powerful means of facilitating learning in physically active academic lessons at school and at home for less active pupils.

A Study of the Effects of Daily Physical Activity on Memory and Attention Capacities in College Students.

This study evaluated the relationship between daily physical activity (DPA) and memory capacity, as well as the association between daily activity and attention capacity, in college students in Taiwan. Participants (mean age = 20.79) wore wearable trackers for 106 days in order to collect DPA. These data were analyzed in association with their memory and attention capacities, as assessed using the spatial span test (SST) and the trail making test (TMT). The study showed significant negative correlations between memory capacity, time spent on the attention test (TSAT), calories burnt, and very active time duration (VATD) on the day before testing (r = −0.272, r = −0.176, r = 0.289, r = 0.254, resp.) and during the week prior to testing (r = −0.364, r = −0.395, r = 0.268, r = 0.241, resp.). The calories burnt and the VATD per day thresholds, which at best discriminated between normal-to-good and low attention capacity, were ≥2283 calories day−1, ≥20 minutes day−1 of very high activity (VHA) on the day before testing, or ≥13,640 calories week−1, ≥76 minutes week−1 of VHA during the week prior to testing. Findings indicated the short-term effects that VATD and calories burnt on the day before or during the week before testing significantly and negatively associated with memory and attention capacities of college students.

No additional effect of different types of physical activity on 10-hour muscle protein synthesis in elderly men on a controlled energy- and protein-sufficient diet

PurposeThe elderly lose skeletal muscle mass with age, which may be detrimental for function and quality of life. Both inactivity and heavy resistance exercise are known to have marked but opposite effects upon muscle mass. However, the potential effects of daily physical activity upon muscle protein synthesis (MPS) are less investigated. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of daily physical activities upon MPS in elderly individuals. MethodsA total of 24 elderly men (70±1year) were recruited and randomly assigned: inactivity in form of bed-rest (IA), daily physical activities (DA), or heavy resistance exercise (RE). All groups undertook a normal eating routine containing carbohydrates (52 E%), fat (32 E%), and protein (16 E%). Ingestion of labeled milk protein ([1-13C]leucine-labeled whey and caseinate) served to maintain tracer enrichment for determination of 10-hour myofibrillar protein fractional synthesis rates (FSR), and typical prerequisites for calculating FSR were fulfilled. Physical activities were monitored, and venous blood and muscle biopsies collected. ResultsPhysical activity was highest in the DA compared to both the IA and RE groups. Nutrient ingestion increased insulin, leucine, and phenylalanine plasma concentrations in all groups. [1-13C]leucine enrichment was stable throughout the 10-hour FSR period. Myofibrillar protein FSR were similar for IA, DA, and RE groups, 0.055±0.003%/h, 0.058±0.006%/h, and 0.065±0.008%/h, respectively (means±SE, P=0.44). ConclusionsIn elderly males, inactivity, daily activities, and resistance exercise interventions result in equal 10-hour, whole day MPS during an energy- and protein-sufficient diet regimen.