Epidemiology Of Physical Activity Research Articles

Physical Activity Patterns in Adolescents and Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

ABSTRACT Introduction Limited information exists on the descriptive epidemiology of physical activity (PA) in individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID). The purpose of this study was to report device-measured PA and sedentary time for individuals with ID (age 10–70 yr) eligible to participate in PA promotion (i.e., self-reported PA <60–90 min·wk−1) and weight loss (i.e., body mass index ≥25 kg·m−2) clinical trials. We aimed to examine patterns of PA by diagnosis within a day and across days and US meteorological seasons. Methods This cross-sectional study used baseline accelerometer data from individuals with ID participating in clinical trials. The Troiano adult and Freedson child cut-points were used to classify sedentary time and PA, and Wilcoxon rank sum or Kruskal–Wallis tests assessed differences by age, diagnosis, weekday versus weekend, time of day, and season. Mixed effects linear regressions explored the effect of time of day, weekend, and season on PA and sedentary time. Results There were 330 individuals (57% female) who had valid wear time with an average of 14 ± 18 min·d−1 of moderate-to-vigorous PA (age 10–17 yr: 13 ± 16 min·d−1; age 18–24 yr: 18 ± 23 min·d−1; age ≥25 yr: 12 ± 13 min·d−1). Fewer minutes of moderate-to-vigorous PA were observed on the weekends (β = −0.10, P < 0.001) and in the morning (before 0900 h, β = −0.23, P < 0.001) and evening (after 1900 h, β = −0.32, P < 0.001) compared to weekdays and late afternoon (1500–1659h). Conclusion The promotion of PA to individuals with ID is needed, particularly during times when these individuals are not in school or at work (i.e., mornings, evenings, and weekends). Future research should explore PA patterns in adolescents and adults with ID who are normal weight and regularly participating in PA, sport, and fitness programs.

Epidemiology of physical activity and sedentary behavior levels among patients entering treatment for substance use disorder in the United States: a descriptive study.

Little is known about physical activity behaviors among people with SUD. This study aimed to (a) describe self-reported moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary (SED) behaviors of adults with SUD initiating treatment (b), determine the potential contributions of drug of choice (DOC) on these behaviors, and (c) determine the potential contributions of level of care and demographic variables on these behaviors. Secondary data that was collected via surveys including demographic information, psychological health, drug of choice, MVPA (categorized as inactive, insufficiently active, meets guidelines, exceeds guidelines) and SED (<4 h/day, 4-<6 h/day, 6-8 h/day, >8 h/day) were analyzed from 1,293 patients in inpatient/outpatient treatment facilities across the United States. On average, over half (51%) of patients entering treatment reported not meeting guidelines, but sitting time was generally low (median= 360 min/day). MVPA levels differed based on level of care (p<0.001) with 48% of patients in detox facilities reporting inactivity compared to 37% in residential and 29% in outpatient programs. MVPA and SED levels differed by sex with women less likely to report sitting <4 h/day (27.9% vs. 38.2%, p<0.001) and more likely to report sitting for >8 h/day (31.5% vs. 21.8%, p<0.001) compared to men. SED differed by race (p=0.01), with 54% of Black patients reporting <4 h/day compared to 33% of White patients. Understanding activity behavior patterns among individuals entering SUD treatment provides opportunities for identifying the extent of lifestyle behavior needs and opportunities to develop personalized treatment strategies.

De la epidemiología de la actividad física a la epidemiología crítica de las prácticas corporales: una propuesta desde Latinoamérica.

This essay aims to analyze the epidemiology of physical activity as a practical and epistemological field in dispute, based on the theoretical framework of international critical epidemiology. From this scientific point of view, the epidemiology of physical activity is radically marked by epistemological-health colonialism. This brand is expressed in the theoretical-practical distance from critical epidemiological thinking formulated in the global south, producing an artificial regional dependency and deep frustration in those who want to generate transformations in contemporary ways of living. It is suggested that a critical epidemiology of body practices is possible and necessary. In other words, the epidemiology developed in the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean can dialectically understand the determination, distribution and social reproduction of the phenomenon of bodily practices, since it resumes its critical formulations and intercultural science.

Primary Prevention of Cancer: A Multilevel Approach to Behavioral Risk Factor Reduction in Racially and Ethnically Minoritized Groups.

Cancer continues to be the second most common cause of death in the United States. Racially and ethnically minoritized populations continue to experience disparities in cancer prevention compared with majority populations. Multilevel interventions-from policy, communities, health care institutions, clinical teams, families, and individuals-may be uniquely suited to reducing health disparities through behavioral risk factor modification in these populations. The aim of this article is to provide a brief overview of the evidence for primary prevention among racially and ethnically minoritized subpopulations in the United States. We focus on the epidemiology of tobacco use, obesity, diet and physical activity, alcohol use, sun exposure, and smoking, as well as increasing uptake of the Human Papillomavirus Vaccine (HPV), as mutable behavioral risk factors. We describe interventions at the policy level, including raising excise taxes on tobacco products; within communities and with community partners, for safe greenways and parks, and local healthful food; health care institutions, with reminder systems for HPV vaccinations; among clinicians, by screening for alcohol use and providing tailored weight reduction approaches; families, with HPV education; and among individuals, routinely using sun protection. A multilevel approach to primary prevention of cancer can modify many of the risk factors in racially and ethnically minoritized populations for whom cancer is already a burden.

Patterns and correlates of physical activity and sedentary behavior among Bangkok residents: A cross-sectional study.

Physical inactivity and sedentary behavior are significant risk factors for various non-communicable diseases. Bangkok, Thailand's capital, is one of the fastest-growing metropolitans in Southeast Asia. Few studies have investigated the epidemiology of physical activity and sedentary behavior among Bangkok residents. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of combined physical activity and sedentary behavior patterns among Bangkok residents and examine relationships between participants' characteristics and the combined movement patterns. We analyzed data from the nationally representative 2021 Health Behavior Survey conducted by the Thailand National Statistical Office. The Global Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to assess physical activity and sedentary behavior. 'Sufficiently active' was defined as meeting the World Health Organization's guidelines for aerobic physical activity (≥150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per week). 'Low sedentary time' was defined as sitting for ≤7 hours per day. Participants were categorized into one of four movement patterns: highly active/low sedentary, highly active/highly sedentary, low active/low sedentary, and low active/highly sedentary. Multinomial logistic regression was used to identify the factors associated with each group of four movement patterns. Among the 3,137 individuals included in the study, the majority were categorized as highly active/highly sedentary (64.8%), followed by highly active/low sedentary (17.9%) and low active/highly sedentary (14.3%). Only a few (3.0%) of participants were categorized as being low active/low sedentary. Compared to males, female participants had a significantly higher likelihood of belonging to the highly active/low sedentary (AOR = 1.69, 95%CI: 1.25, 2.28) or highly active/highly sedentary (AOR = 1.51, 95%CI: 1.19, 1.93) group, rather than the low active/high sedentary group. Compared to unemployed/retired participants, those in labor-intensive occupations had a significantly higher likelihood of being in the highly active/low sedentary group (AOR = 1.89, 95%CI: 1.22, 2.94). Compared to participants with no chronic physical conditions, participants who reported multimorbidity had a significantly lower likelihood of being in the highly active/low sedentary group (AOR = 0.60, 95%CI: 0.37, 0.98). This study provides valuable insights into the patterns of physical activity and sedentary behavior among residents of Bangkok using up-to-date data. The majority belonged to the highly active/highly sedentary group, followed by the highly active/low sedentary group. Correlates such as sex, occupation, and chronic conditions were associated with these patterns. Targeted interventions in recreational activities, workplaces, and urban areas, including screen time control measures, movement breaks and improved built environments, are crucial in reducing sedentary behavior and promoting physical activity.

The Epidemiology of Domain-Specific Physical Activity in New Zealand Adults: A Nationally Representative Cross-Sectional Survey.

Surveillance of domain-specific physical activity (PA) helps to target interventions to promote PA. We examined the sociodemographic correlates of domain-specific PA in New Zealand adults. A nationally representative sample of 13,887 adults completed the International PA Questionnaire-long form in 2019/20. Three measures of total and domain-specific (leisure, travel, home, and work) PA were calculated: (1)weekly participation, (2)mean weekly metabolic energy equivalent minutes (MET-min), and (3)median weekly MET-min among those who undertook PA. Results were weighted to the New Zealand adult population. The average contribution of domain-specific activity to total PA was 37.5% for work activities (participation = 43.6%; median participating MET-min = 2790), 31.9% for home activities (participation = 82.2%; median participating MET-min = 1185), 19.4% for leisure activities (participation = 64.7%; median participating MET-min = 933), and 11.2% for travel activities (participation = 64.0%; median MET-min among participants = 495). Women accumulated more home PA and less work PA than men. Total PA was higher in middle-aged adults, with diverse patterns by age within domains. Māori accumulated less leisure PA than New Zealand Europeans but higher total PA. Asian groups reported lower PA across all domains. Higher area deprivation was negatively associated with leisure PA. Sociodemographic patterns varied by measure. For example, gender was not associated with total PA participation, but men accumulated higher MET-min when taking part in PA than women. Inequalities in PA varied by domain and sociodemographic group. These results should be used to inform interventions to improve PA.

Physical Activity in Functionally Monocular Persons in the United States, 2003-2006.

Real-world physical activity patterns in monocular persons have not been previously characterized. This study uses a nationally representative sample to compare the physical activity levels of functionally monocular to binocularly sighted persons in the United States. This cross-sectional study uses data from the 2003-2004 and 2005-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) to compare differences in physical activity between functionally monocular and binocular participants. The main outcome measures were accelerometer-measured mean steps per day and mean daily minutes of moderate or vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Statistical analysis was conducted using multivariable negative binomial regression models adjusted for age. In total, 7967 NHANES participants had complete visual acuity and accelerometer data. The mean age at baseline was 44.5 years, and a majority were Caucasian (73%) and female (51%). In models adjusted for age only, functionally monocular participants (n = 172) took fewer steps (9277 with 95% confidence interval [CI], 8800-9753 vs. 10,057 with 95% CI, 9832-10,281) and engaged in similar minutes of MVPA (26.75 with 95% CI, 22.0-31.5 vs. 26.70 with 95% CI, 25.6-27.7) per day compared to binocularly sighted participants (n = 7758). In our final model, functionally monocular participants took 16% fewer steps per day (P < 0.01) and engaged in 26% fewer minutes per day of MVPA (P = 0.01). Poorer visual acuity, older age, female gender, obesity, congestive heart failure, and arthritis were also associated with a statistically significant decrease in physical activity in both models. Functionally monocular persons have lower physical activity levels compared to those with binocular eyesight in the United States, even after adjusting for better-eye visual acuity. Our translational study provides insight into the epidemiology of physical activity and its impact on population health. We quantify real-world physical activity in two at-risk populations, monocular and blind individuals.

Evidence on physical activity and sedentary behaviour in Ghana: A rapid scoping review

In Ghana, more than four in ten deaths in 2016 resulted from non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Physical inactivity and sedentary behaviours are important risk factors for NCDs. No previous systematic reviews examining physical activity and sedentary behaviour among Ghanaians were identified. Therefore, this rapid scoping review was conducted to find and synthesise what is known about the epidemiology of physical activity and sedentary behaviour of children and adults in Ghana. MEDLINE was searched for eligible studies and a narrative synthesis was conducted based on 17 identified papers as well as the 2008 Demographic and Health Survey report. Little recent high-quality data on prevalence of physical activity or sedentary behaviour in Ghana was found. Existing nationally representative data is now more than ten years old. The data identified suggest that the majority of Ghanaian adults, aged 18+ years, are physically active, achieving or exceeding World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendations (84.3% according to data collected in 2007-2008). Studies reporting sedentary behaviour in adults further suggest that the majority of Ghanaians are minimally sedentary. The most consistent associations with physical activity were by gender (men achieved more than women), employment (the employed, particularly in skilled manual jobs, achieved more than the unemployed), urban or rural residence (rural inhabitants achieved more than urban inhabitants) and socio-economic status (lower physical activity with increasing socio-economic status). Meanwhile, the few existing studies of physical activity in children (all of which investigated children aged 12+ years) suggest that the proportion of children achieving WHO recommendations on physical activity may be lower than for adults. A similar gender trend exists for children as in the adult data, with boys achieving more physical activity than girls. Physical activity is accrued most frequently through active travel, and active occupations, while leisure time physical activity is low. This means that the Ghanaian population may be vulnerable to becoming increasingly inactive as work and travel become more frequently mechanised and sedentary. Key words: Ghana, review, non-communicable disease, Epidemiology, Physical activity, behaviour

Epidemiology of physical inactivity in Nigeria: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BackgroundPhysical activity is crucial to preventing noncommunicable diseases. This study aimed to provide up-to-date evidence on the epidemiology of insufficient physical activity across Nigeria to increase awareness and prompt relevant policy and public health response.MethodsA systematic literature search of community-based studies on physical inactivity was conducted. We constructed a meta-regression epidemiologic model to determine the age-adjusted prevalence and number of physically inactive persons in Nigeria for 1995 and 2020.ResultsFifteen studies covering a population of 13 814 adults met our selection criteria. The pooled crude prevalence of physically inactive persons in Nigeria was 52.0% (95% CI: 33.7–70.4), with prevalence in women higher at 55.8% (95% CI: 29.4–82.3) compared to men at 49.3% (95% CI: 24.7–73.9). Across settings, prevalence of physically inactive persons was significantly higher among urban dwellers (56.8%, 35.3–78.4) compared to rural dwellers (18.9%, 11.9–49.8). Among persons aged 20–79 years, the total number of physically inactive persons increased from 14.4 million to 48.6 million between 1995 and 2020, equivalent to a 240% increase over the 25-year period.ConclusionsA comprehensive and robust strategy that addresses occupational policies, town planning, awareness and information, and sociocultural and contextual issues is crucial to improving physical activity levels in Nigeria.

The South American Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Network (SAPASEN).

The present article describes the South American Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Network, which was designed to provide ongoing transnational empirical evidence about physical activity and sedentary behavior in South America. The first goal of this initiative was to form a representative body of researchers and policy makers from all South American countries (Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay and Venezuela) to establish priorities and targets for the short, medium and long term. Examples are given of connecting physical activity and sedentary data from existing surveys in several of the partner countries. The main objective of the South American Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Network will be to impact policies on physical activity and sedentary behavior in South America according to the singularities of each country or region. By encouraging an inclusive and collaborative effort, we expect that the South American Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Network will support the connection between researchers from South America as well as provide a better comprehension of the epidemiology of physical activity and sedentary behavior regionally.

The epidemiology of aerobic physical activity and muscle-strengthening activity guideline adherence among 383,928\u2009U.S. adults

BackgroundThe World Health Organization’s ‘Global Recommendations on Physical Activity for Health’ state that adults should engage in regular moderate-to-vigorous intensity aerobic physical activity (MVPA; e.g. walking, running, cycling) and muscle-strengthening activity (MSA; e.g. strength/resistance training). However, assessment of both MVPA and MSA is rare in physical activity surveillance. The aim of this study is to describe the prevalence, correlates and chronic health conditions associated with meeting the combined MVPA-MSA guidelines among a population representative sample of U.S. adults.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, data were drawn from the U.S. 2015 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. During telephone interviews, MVPA and MSA were assessed using validated questionnaires. We calculated the proportions meeting both the global MVPA and MSA physical activity guidelines (MVPA ≥150 min/week and MSA ≥2 sessions/week). Poisson regressions with a robust error variance were used to assess: (i) prevalence ratios (PR) for meeting both guidelines across sociodemographic factors (e.g. age, sex, education, income, race/ethnicity); and (ii) PRs of 12 common chronic health conditions (e.g. diabetes, coronary heart disease, hypertension, depression) across different categories of physical activity guideline adherence (met neither [reference]; MSA only; MVPA only; met both).ResultsAmong 383,928 adults (aged 18–80 years), 23.5% (95% CI: 20.1, 20.6%) met the combined MVPA-MSA guidelines. Those with poorer self-rated health, older adults, women, lower education/income and current smokers were less likely to meet the combined guidelines. After adjustment for covariates (e.g. age, self-rated health, income, smoking) compared with meeting neither guidelines, MSA only and MVPA only, meeting the combined MVPA-MSA guidelines was associated with the lowest PRs for all health conditions (APR range: 0.44–0.76), and the clustering of ≥6 chronic health conditions (APR = 0.33; 95% CI: 0.31–0.35).ConclusionsEight out of ten U.S. adults do not meet the global physical activity guidelines. This study supports the need for comprehensive health promotion strategies to increase the uptake and adherence of MVPA-MSA among U.S. adults. Large-scale interventions should target specific population sub-groups including older adults, women, those with poorer health and lower education/income.

Descriptive Epidemiology of Uruguayan Adults' Leisure Time Physical Activity.

Policymakers rely on information for describing and monitoring levels of physical activity among the population. However, in Uruguay there is no research presenting physical activity practices nationwide. The present study aims to describe the leisure time physical activity levels and their unequal distribution among Uruguayan adults. Data from the 2014 Uruguayan National Health Survey (n = 3543 adults aged > 15 years) were analysed. Physical activity was measured by questionnaire, with participants reporting the number of days and time spent doing physical activity during leisure time in a typical week. Only 25.1% of the participants met the international recommendations for physical activity. Males were twice as active as females in early adulthood in terms of time. The absolute socioeconomic gap between the poorest and wealthiest income quintiles was around 20 percentage points, and participants with the highest physical activity levels were within the wealthiest and highest-educational levels. A low proportion of the population met the proxy of the international recommendations for physical activity. Important socioeconomic inequalities have been found in physical activity practices and must be considered in public health interventions.

An Integrative Approach for Deciphering the Causal Associations of Physical Activity and Cancer Risk: The Role of Adiposity.

Higher physical activity levels have been associated with about 10% to 25% reductions in up to 13 cancers. In isolation, these results are suggestive but not compelling enough to conclude causal associations, except for colon and breast cancer. However, knowledge on the relationships between obesity and cancer, between physical activity and overall and visceral adiposity, and between physical activity and obesity-related mediators of cancer risk can inform the epidemiology of physical activity and cancer. Excluding primarily smoking-related malignancies, for which residual confounding by smoking may occur, all 13 cancers associated with lower physical activity are also obesity-related. Moreover, the magnitude of the inverse association between physical activity and cancer type correlates highly with the association with body mass index (BMI) and cancer type (Spearman r = .79, two-sided P = .004). Physical activity lowers essentially all the obesity-related mediators of cancer, probably mediated largely through reductions in visceral adiposity. These findings strongly suggest that physical activity and adiposity are largely operating through similar carcinogenic mechanisms. That BMI has more robust associations than physical activity with cancer largely reflects that most populations studied have had great variation in BMI and little in physical activity. In populations with higher levels of physical activity and a lower range of BMI, physical activity may appear relatively more important. It may be useful to emphasize to clinicians and the public that physical activity, by acting on the same mechanisms, is likely to reduce risk of obesity-related cancers, even if the impact on lowering BMI is minimal.

Epidemiology Of Self-reported Physical Activity In Eight Latin American Countries

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of physical inactivity in Latin America was one of the highest reported worldwide. The purpose of this study was a comparative international study of population PA prevalence across eight countries from Latin American. METHODS: Data from the Latin American Study of Nutrition and Health (ELANS) were included in the analysis. The sample included 9,218 adolescents and adults aged 15-65 years. PA was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. PA was compared among countries, gender, age group, socioeconomic, educational level and different PA domains. In addition to using the MET-minutes/week rank, we also used the rating in active or insufficiently active based in minutes/week. Individuals were categorized as active (mean ≥150 min/week) or insufficiently active (mean ≤150 min/week). RESULTS: The prevalence of physically active individuals was 52.5%. Men were more active than women in all countries. Only 13.4% of the population had high PA level and 27.4% showed moderate PA level. More than half (59.3%) of subjects exhibited low levels of PA. The prevalence of physically active individuals slightly, increased from low to high socioeconomic level. Regarding the educational level, the prevalence of physically active individuals was similar among those who have a lower educational levels, high school studies, and university degrees (52.4, 52.0, and 52.3%). The largest fraction of transportation time was explained by walking time (87%). Vigorous-intensity PA was the one that contributes the most for the total leisure time (52%). Recreation/sport time contributes with 25% to total leisure time. The total of minutes of PA is explained in 55% by leisure time and in 45% by transportation time. Most of the countries more than 80% of total MET-minutes/week were explained by walking (44%) and vigorous- intensity PA (39%). The only exceptions were Ecuador and Chile, the two countries with the highest levels of PA. CONCLUSIONS: The high percentage of Latin American subjects insufficiently active people and with low levels of PA should be of concern. Measures are needed to promote the practice of PA. If assessment methods are used consistently over time within this world region, trend data will inform countries about the success of their efforts to promote PA.

Descriptive epidemiology of physical activity among Omani adults: the Oman World Health Survey, 2008.

There is an increasing burden of obesity and obesity-related noncommunicable diseases in Gulf Cooperation Council countries, including Oman. This descriptive, epidemiological study assessed physical activity among 2977 Omani adults using a population-based household survey in 2008. Overall, 54.2% of men and 41.6% of women were physically active; the rate was higher in younger cohorts and varied significantly by region of residence. Physical activity related to the transportation (walking and cycling) domain was higher than in the leisure or work domains. Unmarried men aged 30-39 years were twice as likely to be physically active (OR 2.25) and unmarried women aged 40+ years were half as likely to be active (OR 0.58) than their married counterparts. Young women not working were less active (OR 0.18) than working women. Higher education was significantly associated with leisure activity for men aged 30+ years and women aged 40+ years. Further research to understand regional variations and to identify culturally appropriate strategies to promote physical activity is required.

The descriptive epidemiology of total physical activity, muscle-strengthening exercises and sedentary behaviour among Australian adults – results from the National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey

BackgroundThe current Australia's Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines recommend that adults engage in regular moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA) and strength training (ST), and minimise time spent in sedentary behaviours (SB). However, evidence about the specific individual and concurrent distribution of these behaviours in Australia is scarce. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and sociodemographic correlates of MVPA, ST and SB in a national-representative sample of Australian adults.MethodsData were collected using face-to-face interviews, as part of the National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey 2011–12. The population-weighted proportions meeting the MVPA (≥150 min/week), ST (≥2 sessions/week) and combined MVPA-ST guidelines, and proportions classified as having ‘low levels of SB’ (<480 min/day) were calculated, and their associations with selected sociodemographic and health-related variables were assessed using multiple logistic regression analyses. This was also done for those at potentially ‘high-risk’, defined as insufficient MVPA-ST and ‘high-sedentary’ behaviour.ResultsOut of 9345 participants (response rate = 77.0 %), aged 18–85 years, 52.6 % (95 % CI: 51.2 %–54.0 %), 18.6 % (95 % CI: 17.5 %–19.7 %) and 15.0 % (95 % CI: 13.9 %–16.1 %) met the MVPA, ST and combined MVPA-ST guidelines, respectively. Female gender, older age, low/medium education, poorer self-rated health, being classified as underweight or obese, and being a current smoker were independently associated with lower odds of meeting the MVPA, ST and combined MVPA-ST guidelines. A total of 78.9 % (95 % CI: 77.9 %–80.0 %) were classified as having low levels of SB. Females, older adults and those with lower education were more likely to report lower levels of SB, whilst those with poor self-rated health and obese individuals were less likely to report lower levels of SB (i.e. SB = ≥480 min/day). A total of 8.9 % (95 % CI: 8.1 %–9.6 %) were categorised as individuals at potentially ‘high-risk’. Those with poorer self-rated health, obese individuals, those aged 25–44, and current smokers were more likely to be in the ‘high risk’ group.ConclusionsThe large majority of Australian adults do not meet the full physical activity guidelines and/or report excessive SB. Our results call for public health interventions to reduce physical inactivity and SB in Australia, particularly among the subgroups at the highest risk of these unhealthy behaviours.

Progress on epidemiology of depression and physical activity in elderly people

Progress on epidemiology of depression and physical activity in elderly people

II. Physical activity: measurement and behavioral patterns in children and youth.

With physical activity levels among children and adolescents at an all-time low, there is a critical need for scientists and public health officials alike to further examine the physical activity behaviors of this population. Accordingly, this chapter will act as an entrée to the rest of the monograph by providing a general overview of the epidemiology of physical activity among youth in the United States. In so doing, we discuss the following: public health guidelines for youth-based physical activity, current rates and trends of physical activity participation in youth, issues related to physical education rates in school systems, lifestyle practices that encourage sedentary behaviors and attendant disease states, a synopsis of the health-related benefits of a physically active lifestyle, promotion of and opportunities for increased engagement, and comparisons of objective and subjective methods of measuring physical activity.

F-27 Free Communication/Poster - Epidemiology of Physical Activity and Health in Adults

Collegiate wrestlers may be required to drop a large percentage of their body mass as they transition from off-season training to in-season competition; however, it is unclear what type of effect this potential reduction in body mass may have on strength and power. PURPOSE: The purpose of this investigation was to quantify the impact of transitioning from off-season training to competition on body composition, and strength and power characteristics of collegiate wrestlers. METHODS: Ten collegiate wrestlers (21.2±2.1yrs, 175.1±7.7cm, 75.3±10.7kg) participated in this study. Wrestlers completed two trials separated by five weeks. The first trial corresponded with the transition from off-season training to in-season training, the second corresponded with the first competition of the collegiate wrestling season. Each trial consisted of body composition determination by hydrostatic weighing, maximal isometric knee extension contractions performed at angles of 30°, 45°, and 60° (Biodex, Shirley, NY), T-test and hexagon agility testing, and a 30s Wingate test performed at 7.5% of body mass (Monark 874E, Monark Exercise AB, Sweden). Pre and post statistical comparisons were made using a paired t-test, with a Bonferroni adjustment. RESULTS: There was a decrease in body fat percentage (7.7±3.6% to 5.1±3.8%, p<0.05), and T-test time (10.24±0.51s to 10.05±0.61s, p<0.05); however, body mass, power (absolute and relative), strength (absolute and relative), and hexagon test time were unaffected during the initial in-season training phase. CONCLUSION: It was anticipated that there would be a decrease in body mass as wrestlers prepared for competition. Although that was not the case, wrestlers still managed to reduce body fat percentage, and improve agility based on T-test time. The lack of change in body mass, and maintenance of strength and power characteristics suggest that this group of wrestlers entered their initial training phase in good condition and near competition weight.

E-30 Free Communication/Poster - Epidemiology of Physical Activity and Health in Older Adults

Multiple, physical collisions are inherent to the sport of rugby and expose the body to large magnitudes of direct force, with a consequential risk of injury. Despite the significant forces to the spine of players during rugby collisions and tackles, there have been few published reports of vertebral fractures in this population. PURPOSE: To investigate the prevalence of vertebral deformities consistent with vertebral fracture in a group of professional male rugby players. METHODS: Ninety five professional rugby league (n=52) and rugby union (n=43) players (n=95; age 25.9 (SD 4.3) years; body mass index: 29.5 (SD 2.9) kg.m2) participated in the research. There were 49 backs and 46 forwards. Each participant received one vertebral fracture assessment (VFA), and one total body and lumbar spine DXA scan. Primary outcomes were type and grade of vertebral fracture identified using VFA and according to the Genant classification. Secondary outcomes were lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD), total lean mass and fat mass. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty vertebral deformities in total were identified. Seventy five were graded mild (grade 1), 40 moderate (grade 2) and 6 severe (grade 3). Multiple deformities (>2) were found in 37 players (39%). There were no differences in prevalence between codes, or between forwards and backs (both 1.2 v 1.4; p>0.05). The most common sites of deformity were T8 (n=23), T9 (n=18) and T10 (n=21). The most frequent deformity identified was wedge fracture (n=50), followed by biconcave (n=44) and crush (n=26). All severe deformities were wedge. Mean (SD) lumbar spine BMD Z-score was 2.7 (1.3) indicating markedly high player bone mass in comparison with age- and sex-matched norms. Prevalent vertebral deformity was not associated with age, anthropometry, or BMD, suggesting that other factors, especially trauma, may be implicated in aetiology. CONCLUSION: We observed a high number of predominantly asymptomatic vertebral deformities consistent with fracture in professional rugby players of both codes. The short term and long term implications for injury risk and health are unknown, and warrant timely, prospective investigation.