Exercise Habits Research Articles

Factors related to sedentary behavior of pregnant women during the second/third trimester: prospective results from the large-scale Japan Environment and Children's Study.

Prolonged sedentary behavior in pregnant women is reported to be associated with worse health-related indices and pregnancy outcomes. The aim of this study was to identify relevant factors that can be targeted in interventions to reduce sedentary behavior during pregnancy. Of 103,057 pregnancies registered in the Japan Environment and Children's Study, 83,733 pregnant women were included for analysis after excluding multiple enrollments, nonresponses, and missing outcome data. Data were collected using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and analyzed using logisticregression models to calculate crude and adjusted odds ratios. Missing data were handled using multiple imputations, and statistical analyses were performed using SAS software. Mean sedentary behavior time increased from 5.4 h/day before pregnancy to 5.9 h/day during pregnancy. The percentage of women classified in the high sedentary behavior group increased from 25.6% before pregnancy to 31.2% during pregnancy. Factors associated with high sedentary behavior during pregnancy included longer hours spent watching television and playing video games before pregnancy, higher annual household income, and working status during pregnancy. Possible protective factors against high sedentary behavior included engaging in ≥ 150 min of moderatetovigorous physical activity per week before pregnancy. This large-scale cohort study provides valuable insights into sedentary behavior patterns among pregnant women in Japan. To reduce the amount of time engaged in sedentary behavior during pregnancy, the planning and management of time spent watching TV and playing video games as well as establishing exercise habits before pregnancy are recommended.

Sex Differences in Glycemia and Self-Management Strategies for Exercise in an Active Adults Cohort with Type 1 Diabetes.

To examine potential differences in glucose levels during and after exercise between sexes in adults with type 1 diabetes. The T1DEXI study was a prospective, 4-week free-living observational study in adults with type 1 diabetes. Ninety-one females were matched on age and insulin-modality to 91 males. Participants completed exercise study videos and personal exercise sessions. Study-collected food, insulin, exercise, and glucose data surrounding exercise and on sedentary days were compared between sexes to examine how they impact glucose levels during and after exercise. Female participants had higher glucose levels than male participants when starting study exercise (8.5 ± 2.8 vs. 8.0 ± 2.8 mmol/L, p=0.01) and when starting personal exercise activities (8.4 ± 2.9 vs. 7.8 ± 2.7 mmol/L, p=0.05). Glucose declines during study exercise were comparable between female and male participants (adjusted mean: -0.8 vs. -1.0 mmol/L respectively, p=0.11), but smaller in female participants during personal exercise (adjusted mean: -0.9 vs. -1.4 mmol/L, p<0.001). 24-hour mean glucose levels were also higher in female participants on sedentary days (p=0.04). Daily macronutrient consumption was similar between sexes after adjusting for weight, as were food, exercise, and insulin habits surrounding exercise. Female participants had higher pre-exercise glucose levels compared to male participants, and smaller glucose declines during personal exercise, but there were no observable differences in food, exercise, and insulin habits.

Relationship between exercise habits and social isolation in older patients with predialysis CKD: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Background Maintaining exercise habits in older patients with predialysis chronic kidney disease (CKD) is important to prevent conversion to renal replacement therapy and improve prognosis. This study identified factors influencing exercise habits in older patients with predialysis CKD. Methods This cross-sectional study included 113 patients aged ≥ 65 years with stages 3–5 predialysis CKD who were admitted for CKD education purposes. Exercise habits were assessed using the transtheoretical model. Social isolation was assessed using the Lubben Social Network Scale (LSNS-6). Furthermore, the short physical performance battery (SPPB) and grip strength, exercise self-efficacy (SE), hemoglobin, and estimated glomerular filtration rate of the participants were assessed. Results Among the 55 patients who maintained exercise habits, 20 (57.1%) were at CKD stage 3, 19 (43.2%) were at CKD stage 4, and 16 (47.1%) were at CKD stage 5. The LSNS-6, SPPB, grip strength, and exercise SE scores significantly differed between the with exercise habits group and without exercise habits group (p &lt; 0.05). The multivariate logistic regression analysis results indicated that the LSNS-6 (OR:1.10; 95%CI:1.022–1.210) and exercise SE (OR:1.10; 95%CI:1.009–1.199) were significantly associated with exercise habits (p &lt; 0.05). Conversely, no significant associations were found between exercise habits and SPPB, grip strength, renal function, or anemia. Conclusions Social isolation and SE may be an important factor influencing exercise habits in older patients with predialysis CKD.

Association between physical activity patterns of working-age adults and social jetlag, depressive symptoms, and presenteeism.

This study aimed to evaluate the association of physical activity with social jetlag, depressive symptoms, and presenteeism. This cross-sectional study included 8,247 working-age adults (females, 44.6%; age, 20-64 years). Social jetlag was defined as the absolute difference between the midpoint of bedtime and wake time on workdays and free days. Depression symptoms were assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, and presenteeism was evaluated using the Work Functioning Impairment Scale. Exercise habits were classified into four groups based on the World Health Organization guidelines: non-active (NA; n=4,223), insufficiently active (IA; n=3,009: exercise below guideline levels), weekend warriors (WW; n=220: exercise 1-2 times per week meeting guideline levels), and regularly active (RA; n=793: exercise at least 3 days per week meeting guideline levels). Using multiple and Poisson regression analyses, we examined the association between exercise habits and each outcome. Social jetlag, depression, and presenteeism were more favorable with shorter sedentary times and longer durations of moderate- and vigorous-intensity exercise. Compared with the RA group, the NA group had a significantly higher prevalence of social jetlag (prevalence ratio [PR]=1.30), depression (PR=1.31), and presenteeism (PR=1.35). The IA group had a significantly higher prevalence of depression (PR=1.33) and presenteeism (PR=1.38). Exercising with a certain frequency and intensity may help prevent symptoms of depression and social jetlag, and consequently prevent presenteeism.

An Analysis of the Situation of Hypochondriasis and Exercise Habit Variables of Korean Middle-Aged Women in Their 40s to 50s

The Article Abstract is not available

Cigarette Smoking Impairs Cardiorespiratory and Metabolic Response at Peak Incremental Exercise and during Recovery in Young, Physically Active Adults

ABSTRACT Purpose: Cigarette smoking (CS) induces systemic changes that impair cardiorespiratory and muscular function both at rest and during exercise. Although these abnormalities are reported in sedentary, middle-aged smokers (SM) with pulmonary disease, few and controversial studies focused on young, physically active SM at the early stage of smoking history. This study aimed at assessing the impact CS on cardiorespiratory and metabolic response during an incremental test and the subsequent recovery in young, physically active SM without known lung or cardiovascular disease. Methods: After pulmonary function evaluation, 12 SM (age: 22±2 yr; body mass: 75±8 kg; stature: 1.78±0.06 m; 12±4 cigarette/day for 6±2 years; mean±SD) and 12 non-smokers (CTRL; age: 23±1 yr; body mass: 76±8 kg; stature: 1.79±0.08 m) matched for age and exercise habits, underwent an exhaustive incremental step test (25 W/2 min) on a cycle ergometer. Pulmonary O2 uptake (V’O2), expiratory ventilation (V’E), heart rate (f H) responses and lactate concentration were assessed during the test and subsequent recovery. Results: Despite similar static lung volumes, SM reported lower peak expiratory flow (-23%; P = 0.003) and maximal voluntary ventilation (-10%; P = 0.003). At submaximal exercise, no differences in the cardiorespiratory and metabolic were noted between the two groups. However, SM exhibited ventilatory (P &lt; 0.01) and lactate thresholds at lower work rates (P = 0.01). At peak exercise, SM exhibited lower V’O2 (-8%; P = 0.02), mechanical power (-11%; P = 0.02) and V’E (-9%; P = 0.01). During recovery, SM showed longer time constants (τ) in V’O2 (+52%; P = 0.002), V’E (+19%; P = 0.027) and f H (+21%; P = 0.022) and smaller f H at 30 s of recovery (HRR30; -31%; P = 0.032). Conclusions: These results are compatible with an early CS-related impairment of the cardiorespiratory and metabolic function even in young individuals with relatively short smoking history.

Association between exercise habits in adolescence and old age and the risk of mild cognitive impairment: the Bunkyo health study

BackgroundExercise in adolescence and old age improves cognitive function in older adults, but the combined effect of exercise habits in both periods is controversial. This study aimed to clarify the relationship between exercise habits in adolescence and old age and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and to compare regional brain volumes and blood biochemical markers associated with cognitive function in older adults.MethodsBaseline data of 1615 participants aged 65–84 years from the Bunkyo Health Study were analyzed. MCI was diagnosed using the Japanese version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. Participants were divided into four groups based on their exercise habits in adolescence (13–18 years) and old age: no exercise in either period (None-None), exercise in adolescence only (Active-None), exercise in old age only (None-Active), and exercise in both periods (Active-Active). Logistic regression models estimated the odds ratios (ORs) of MCI prevalence. Regional brain volumes, such as the prefrontal cortex, temporal lobe, parietal cortex, and hippocampus, and blood biochemical markers, such as BDNF, IGF-1, and homocysteine, were compared between groups.ResultsThe OR for MCI was significantly lower in the Active-Active group than in the None-None group (OR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.41–0.94). However, there were no significant differences in regional brain volumes and blood biochemical markers between the Active-Active and None-None groups.ConclusionsOlder adults with exercise habits in both adolescence and old age have a lower risk of MCI. However, specific regional brain volumes and biochemical markers may not be associated with differences in cognitive function in older adults.

Gym and swim: a co-facilitated exercise program that improves community connection, confidence, and exercise habits in a community mental health service.

High rates of cardiometabolic disease and poor physical health outcomes contribute to significant premature mortality in people living with severe mental illness (PLWSMI). Lifestyle interventions such as exercise are known to improve both physical and mental health outcomes, however the best way to deliver exercise programs for PLWSMI remains a challenge. This paper uses a pragmatic program evaluation of a co-delivered low-cost community-based exercise program implemented over a 6-month period. Of 46 referrals in the first half of 2023 to the SLHD Gym and Swim program, 13 gave consent to participate in standardised measures and qualitative interviews. Findings revealed an increase in average hours of sport/exercise, improvements in confidence to exercise independently and within group settings, as well as achievement of individualised goals. The success of the program was in part due to the co-facilitation between peer support workers and exercise physiologists, community connection and the established partnership between the public health service and the local government council. Results offer evidence to adopt and implement accessible and low-cost exercise opportunities in the community external to health services to address barriers of attendance for PLWSMI.

Trends in Exercise-Related Internet Search Keywords by Sex, Age, and Lifestyle: Infodemiological Study.

Exercise prescription by physicians is beneficial for initiating or intensifying physical activity. However, providing specific exercise prescriptions is challenging; therefore, few physicians prescribe exercise. This infodemiological study aimed to understand trends in exercise-related internet search keywords based on sex, age, and environmental factors to help doctors prescribe exercise more easily. Search keyword volume was collected from Yahoo! JAPAN for 2022. Ten exercise-related terms were analyzed to assess exercise interest. Total search activities were analyzed by sex and age. Characteristic scores were based on the Japanese prefecture. By performing hierarchical cluster analysis, regional features were examined, and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to assess relationships with population and industry data. The top-searched term was "Pilates" (266,000 queries). Male individuals showed higher interest in activities such as "running" (25,400/40,700, 62.4%), "muscle training" (65,800/111,000, 59.3%), and "hiking" (23,400/40,400, 57.9%) than female individuals. Female individuals exhibited higher interest in "Pilates" (199,000/266,000, 74.8%), "yoga" (86,200/117,000, 73.7%), and "tai chi" (45,300/65,900, 68.7%) than male individuals. Based on age, search activity was highest in the 40-49 years age group for both male and female individuals across most terms. For male individuals, 7 of the 10 searched terms' volume peaked for those in their 40s; "stretch" was most popular among those in their 50s; and "tai chi" and "radio calisthenics" had the highest search volume for those in their 70s. Female individuals in their 40s led the search volume for 9 of the 10 terms, with the exception of "tai chi," which peaked for those in their 70s. Hierarchical cluster analysis using a characteristic score as a variable classified prefectures into 4 clusters. The characteristics of these clusters were as follows: cluster 1 had the largest population and a thriving tertiary industry, and individuals tended to search for Pilates and yoga. Following cluster 1, cluster 2, with its substantial population, had a thriving secondary industry, with searches for radio calisthenics and exercise bike. Cluster 4 had a small population, a thriving primary industry, and the lowest search volume for any term. Cluster 3 had a similar population to that of cluster 4 but had a larger secondary industry. Male individuals show more interest in individual activities, such as running, whereas female individuals are interested in group activities, such as Pilates. Despite the high search volume among individuals in their 40s, actual exercise habits are low among those in their 30s to 50s. Search volumes for instructor-led exercises are higher in cluster 1 than in other cluster areas, and the total number of searches decreases as the community size decreases. These results suggest that trends in search behavior depending on sex, age, and environment factors are essential when prescribing exercise for effective behavioral change.

Occupational accidents among rice farmers in Northern Vietnam

This study investigated the rate of agricultural occupational accidents among rice farmers in rural Northern Vietnam and identified factors associated with these accidents. A cross-sectional study was conducted on rice farmers in rural Thai Binh province, Northern Vietnam. A multi-stage random sampling method was used to select 1,171 rice farmers from six communes. Data were collected through structured interviews at the participants’ homes using a pilot-tested questionnaire that gathered information on occupational accidents in the previous six months, including their causes, frequency, and related injuries. Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the factors associated with occupational accidents, considering variables such as age, gender, alcohol consumption, daily exercise, and working hours. Model fit was evaluated using goodness-of-fit tests, and significant variables were identified based on a p-value of < 0.05. Of the 1,171 rice farmers, 17.5% reported experiencing at least one occupational accident in the preceding six months. Sharp objects were the leading cause of accidents (46.3%), followed by falls (37.1%). Additionally, 41.0% of farmers who experienced accidents reported having three or more incidents in the past six months. The multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the likelihood of occupational accidents was significantly associated with increasing age, female gender, lack of daily exercise, alcohol consumption, and longer working hours. The final model showed good fit, with these variables demonstrating independent contributions to the accident risk. This study found a significant prevalence of occupational accidents among rice farmers in Northern Vietnam. Factors such as age, gender, exercise habits, alcohol use, and working hours were associated with higher accident risk. Future research should focus on exploring the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of farmers regarding accident prevention, and interventions should be developed to address these risk factors and improve safety in rice cultivation.

Knowledge, attitude, and perception of exercises among post-hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients: A cross-sectional study.

Exercise rehabilitation is crucial for the recovery after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). This study aimed to investigate knowledge, attitude, and perception (KAP) of exercise among post-HSCT patients. This cross-sectional study was conducted at Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University between January 2020 and December 2022 among post-HSCT patients, using a self-designed questionnaire. A total of 192 patients were included, with the mean age of 37.90 ± 11.96 years; 116 (60.42%) reported to exercise before. The mean KAP scores were 9.22 ± 2.05 (possible range: 0-12), 43.51 ± 5.47 (possible range: 12-60) and 51.79 ± 7.45 (possible range: 15-75), respectively. Patients previously inactive in exercise exhibited significant differences in KAP scores from active patients: attitude total score, positive attitude, perception total score, willingness to exercise, aerobic exercise, breathing training (all P < .001), with a noteworthy distinction in resistance exercise (P = .018). According to structural equation modeling, perception was directly influenced by knowledge (β = 0.87, P < .001), attitude (β = 0.26, P = .007), and exercise habits (β = 3.36, P = .001), as well as indirectly by education (β = 0.44, P = .010) and knowledge (β = 0.18, P = .029). Post-HSCT patients had adequate knowledge, moderate attitude and perception of exercises, even 1 year after HSCT. Patients inactive in exercises exhibited significant differences in knowledge and exercise perception from active patients. Healthcare professionals should tailor education, target attitude, and personalize exercise plans to facilitate effective recovery post-HSCT.

Foam Rolling Intervention Improves Lactate Clearance After High-Intensity Exercise

The acute effects of a foam rolling intervention on lactate clearance and the impaired executive function associated with fatigue after high-intensity exercise remain unclear. This study examined whether foam rolling is an effective tool for fatigue recovery. Eighteen healthy adults without consistent exercise habits participated in this study. Participants performed high-intensity exercises, and the post-exercise foam rolling intervention was compared to the control condition. Measurements included lactate, vigor/fatigue by the Profile of Mood States 2nd Edition, cognitive function (cognitive task performance), leg and body rating of perceived exertion pre- and post-exercise, and post-intervention. Blood lactate concentrations post-foam rolling intervention (−7.3 ± 3.0 mmol/L) were significantly reduced among all participants. Increased lactate clearance by foam rolling correlated with a faster recovery of executive function for those with greater lactate clearance. However, cognitive fatigue was not observed after high-intensity exercise (p = 0.086, r = 0.41). Lactate clearance was not significantly correlated with the rating of perceived exertion in the foam rolling condition. The rating of the perceived exertion decreased with increased lactate clearance for those with greater lactate clearance in the control condition (leg: r = 0.778; body: r = 0.669). In conclusion, foam rolling intervention may be effective for exhausting exercise recovery.

The internal relationship of college students’ physical exercise behavior and related factors based on ecological model

Background: The persistence of college students’ physical exercise behavior has an important impact on their physical health level and their positive psychological effects. The health behavior ecology model is more comprehensive and progressive than other exercise psychology theories in explaining the effect of physical activity intervention on long-term maintenance. Based on this, In this study, using the socio-ecological model theory as the entry point, applying five different levels of influencing factors in the theoretical model to the field of adolescent physical exercise behavior, The aim is to seek the internal connection between the ecological factors that promote college students’ physical exercise behavior through the investigation, so as to provide corresponding intervention strategies for promoting the healthy development of their physical fitness. So as to promote the formation of college students’ physical exercise habits. Methods: In 2023, 1015 college students were surveyed by questionnaire and measurement scale, followed by descriptive statistical analysis of college students’ current physical exercise behavior, and factor analysis of ecological factors affecting college students’ physical exercise. Results: From the behavior characteristics of college students’ physical exercise, different gender of college students in physical exercise, weekly exercise, exercise time is very significant difference (P &lt; 0.001), the boys in sports participation higher than girls 15.2%, choose occasionally exercise boy’s ratio 10% higher than girls, girls do not participate in exercise more than boys. In terms of exercise time, a few boys choose to do physical exercise on weekends; the proportion of boys in more than 60 min of physical exercise is 7 percentage points higher than girls. In the time of extracurricular exercise, support of parents and physical exercise (P &lt; 0.05), there was no significant difference between male and female students in the aspects of intensity of each exercise, participation in sports competition and reasons for not exercise (P &gt; 0.05). The principal component analysis of the influencing factors of college students’ physical exercise behavior was conducted from the individual, family, school, community, and policy levels. The KOM value was 0.984, which met the judgment criteria of factor analysis. Through principal component analysis of the above five levels, according to the requirements of factors greater than 1, the individual level, family level, school level and policy level respectively two factors, corresponding cumulative contribution rate is 56.545%, 595.350%, 64.870% and 85.700% respectively, community level three factors, corresponding to the cumulative contribution rate of 76.450%. Conclusion: The advantage of the health behavior ecology model is that the comprehensive intervention strategies based on multi-level, multi-level effects greatly expand people’s understanding of the intervention. This model is applied to the field of physical health promotion of college students, to study human exercise behavior through the joint action of physiological, psychological and environmental factors, so as to more comprehensively reveal the various factors of exercise behavior, as well as the mutual relationship and influence between them. The results of this study indicate that: among the ecological factors that affect the physical exercise behavior of college students, the individual factors of college students are a necessary condition for physical exercise, while family, school and community factors affect the direction of the change and development of college students’ physical exercise behavior. Policy factors are a powerful driving force for college students’ physical exercise behavior. Only by considering the relationship between the relevant factors can we better understand the characteristics of college students’ physical exercise development, put forward the corresponding intervention strategies, and promote the formation of college students’ physical exercise habits through effective ways.

Construction and application of the emergency resilience capability evaluation scale and model for grassroots medical workers: a cross-sectional study in Guangzhou, China

ObjectivePublic health emergencies pose a serious challenge to the ability of medical personnel to respond. We aimed to establish a scientific and effective resilience capability assessment scale for grassroots medical workers and explore the way to improve resilience.Research designDeveloped a resilience ability assessment scale and applied it on the medical personnel who worked in community health service centers for more than 1 year. Related indicators were identified through literature review and the Delphi method. The established scale was given weight using the attribute analytic hierarchy process, and the evaluation model was built through the grey correlation analysis.Principal findingsA three-level indicator scale was established, which included three first-level indicators [professional quality (weight 0.346), psychological capital (weight 0.614), and emergency attitude (weight 0.040)]. The second-level indicators had 13 contents and were further subdivided into 46 three-level indicators. The overall resilience ability assessment score of 347 medical workers in Guangzhou was only 0.787. However, steady scientific-exercise habits and relative training can help improve their public health emergency resilience ability (p &amp;lt; 0.05).ConclusionThe establishment of the scale can provide a strategic basis for improving the resilience strength of grass-roots medical personnel. We should encourage this group to form a good habit of exercise, strengthen their crisis awareness by actively organizing theoretical training and practical exercises on public health emergencies, and improve their psychological capital level.Patient or public contributionIn this study, 347 medical workers from 6 basic medical institutions in Guangzhou participated in the questionnaire.

Exercise Habits and Mental Health Outcomes among Students in a Technology University in China

This study employed a descriptive-comparative-correlational research approach to examine the relationship between students' exercise habits and their mental health outcomes at a multi-disciplinary university in Zhengzhou, Henan Province. The college of physical education, which provides training across 22 colleges and 73 undergraduate majors, served as the study’s setting, involving a large sample of 32,760 undergraduate students. Using stratified random sampling, the researchers selected a representative sample of 380 students, with a 5% margin of error, to identify patterns and explore relationships between exercise habits and mental health. A structured questionnaire, developed to assess exercise habits and mental health, underwent content and face validation, with reliability measured using Cronbach’s Alpha (0.980 and 0.974). Data collection took place in person, with the results processed using SPSS and analyzed through means, standard deviation, and Pearson’s r correlation. Findings indicated significant positive correlations between various dimensions of exercise habits—including routine stability, goal persistence, adaptability to change, and social influences—and mental health outcomes such as stress levels, coping mechanisms, social support, sleep quality, and access to mental health resources. Notably, adaptability to change exhibited the highest correlation with coping mechanisms and overall mental health (r = 0.804), underscoring the importance of flexible exercise routines in managing mental health. The study’s insights emphasize that consistent, varied, and socially supported exercise habits are associated with reduced stress, enhanced coping strategies, and improved overall mental health. Promoting regular physical activity and addressing barriers to exercise can foster better mental health among students, suggesting the need for integrated physical and mental health programs within academic institutions.

Trends in exercise initiation and participation among employed breast cancer survivors undergoing curative treatment.

This study aimed to explore exercise behavior changes among employed breast cancer survivors, focusing on those who did not engage in physical activity prior to their diagnosis, and to identify factors associated with exercise initiation post-treatment in an ethnically and socioeconomically diverse population. A prospective, longitudinal study was conducted involving 497 employed women aged 18-64 with stage I-III breast cancer. Participants completed surveys about their exercise habits before diagnosis and four months post-treatment. Statistical analyses, including chi-squared tests and multivariable logistic regression, were used to identify factors associated with exercise initiation. Among the 130 participants who did not exercise before diagnosis, 64% initiated exercise post-treatment. Key factors influencing exercise initiation included not having employer-provided health insurance and receiving radiotherapy. No significant associations were found with age, income, or comorbidities. The study highlights that a substantial proportion of employed breast cancer survivors who did not exercise before their diagnosis began exercising after treatment. Factors such as insurance type and treatment modality play a role in this behavior change. Understanding these factors can inform interventions aimed at increasing exercise participation among breast cancer survivors, which is crucial for improving physical function, symptom management, and potentially survival outcomes.

EVALUASI FAKTOR YANG BERHUBUNGAN DENGAN HIPERTENSI PADA LANSIA

Knowing what factors influence the incidence of hypertension in the elderly is a very important effort. This observational analytical research with a cross-sectional approach aims to determine the relationship between age, gender, family history, smoking habits, exercise habits, coffee drinking habits, excessive salt consumption, type A personality, obesity, stress levels and identify the most important factors. dominantly influences the incidence of hypertension in the elderly. The research subjects were 91 respondents. Hypertension was categorized using JCN, obesity using BMI, stress using the Holmes scale and personality type using the Rosenman Scale. Interview guidelines were used to collect data on age, gender, family history, smoking habits, exercise habits, coffee drinking habits, excessive salt consumption, personality type, obesity, and stress levels. Factors that influence hypertension in the elderly include; age, family history, obesity and stress. Age in this study is the factor that has (OR=53.94) the most influence on the incidence of hypertension in the elderly.

Influence of self-reported physical exercise on musculoskeletal pain among Chinese medical students.

From January to April 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic affected eastern China, leading medical students to adopt home protection measures that significantly altered their physical activity and lifestyle habits. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain (MSP) among medical students during home protection and to analyze the influence of demographic factors, physical exercise habits during normal school life, home protection data on MSP. This research provides a foundation for developing interventions to reduce MSP among medical students. A cross-sectional survey was conducted at Nanjing Medical University in Jiangsu Province from January to April 2020, utilizing the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) to measure MSP. Multivariate logistic regression identified factors influencing MSP. A total of 859 students participated, with a 40.2% prevalence of MSP during home protection. Multivariate analysis showed that female sex (OR: 1.648; 95% CI: 1.157-2.347), irregular physical exercise during school (OR: 1.648; 95% CI: 1.157-2.347), and less than or equal to six hours of sleep per day during home protection (OR: 1.474; 95% CI: 1.020-2.131) were significant risk factors. The high prevalence of MSP underscores the need for interventions that focus on gender-specific risks, promote regular physical exercise, and ensure adequate sleep.

Association between wearable activity trackers usage and levels of physical activity among Athens Medical Society members

Abstract Introduction Wearable Activity Trackers (WAT) provide real-time feedback on activity levels and play a pivotal role in fostering an active lifestyle. Moreover, WAT can encourage doctors’ awareness to be more conscious of their daily physical activity whose exercise habits range between different medical specialties. Purpose The aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of WAT usage on physicians’ exercise habits according to the recommendations of ESC Guidelines. Methods This cross-sectional study comprised 742 physicians of the Athens Medical Society (AMS), Greece. The study instrument was a self-administered questionnaire mailed in October 2023 to evaluate physicians’ usage of WAT, baseline characteristics of population, specialty, and physical exercise habits. European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Guidelines recommend at least 150 min/week of moderate-intensity exercise in all healthy adults. Subjects were divided in two groups according to their usage of WAT or not in their everyday life: 1. Daily usage of WAT (Group A); 2. No regular or even on usage of WAT (Group B). Results A considerably high proportion of the total population use WAT daily (38%). Between Group A and Group B there was no difference in age (49±12 years vs. 51±13 years, p=0.07), male sex prevalence (55% vs. 49%, p=0.08) and BMI (25.7± 4.6 kg/m2 vs. 25.2± 4.1 kg/m2, p=0.11). Interestingly, there was statistically significant difference in mean exercise endurance training time between Group A and Group B (301±304 min. vs. 209±268 min., p&amp;lt;0.001) (Figure 1) and in the proportion of the doctors who follow the ESC Recommendations (63.5% vs. 47.2%, p&amp;lt;0.001). Furthermore, most of the physicians who use WAT have awareness for ESC Guidelines (59% vs. 47%, p&amp;lt;0.001), and most of them apply diet to lose weight (36% vs. 29%, p=0.04). Finally, WAT were mostly used by 4 main specialties: Cardiology (47%), Endocrinology (44%), Surgery (35%) and Internal Medicine (25%), with cardiologists reporting the higher use (p=0.045). Conclusion This study underscores the widespread adoption of WAT among physicians, highlighting their potential to positively influence exercise habits and adherence to ESC Guidelines. Physicians using WAT demonstrated increased exercise endurance training time, greater awareness of ESC Guidelines, and a higher propensity to implement weight loss diets compared to non-users. Additionally, variations in WAT usage and awareness of ESC Guidelines across medical specialties emphasize the need for targeted interventions to promote physical activity and enhance overall health among healthcare professionals.

Physical activity habits among members of the Athens Medical Society in Greece

Abstract Introduction Benefits of regular physical activity and exercise are well documented. Healthcare workers play a crucial role in counseling and appropriately referring their patients to adopt physical activity. However, doctors’ exercise habits range between different medical specialties and health service infrastructure. Purpose In this study, we assess physicians’ exercise performance according to the recommendations of 2020 ESC Guidelines. Methods The population of this cross-sectional study comprised 742 physicians of the Athens Medical Society (AMS), Greece. The study instrument was a self-administered questionnaire mailed in October 2023 to investigate physicians’ exercise habits, baseline characteristics of population, specialty, and health service infrastructure [Greek National Healthcare System (GNHS) or Private Practice (PP)]. European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Guidelines recommend at least 150 min/week of moderate-intensity exercise in all healthy adults. Subjects were divided in two groups according to their compliance to ESC Guidelines: 1. Moderate-intensity endurance exercise training per week ≥ 150 min (Group A); 2. Moderate-intensity endurance exercise training per week &amp;lt;150 min (Group B). Results The recommended exercise training per week goal is achieved by the majority of AMS members (53.4%) with an estimated mean exercise endurance training time of 240 ± 285 minutes. Between Group A and Group B there was no difference in age (50±12years vs. 50±13years, p=0.73), whereas there was significant difference in male sex prevalence (58% vs. 43%, p &amp;lt;0.001), in Body Mass Index (24.7 ± 3.8 kg/m2 vs. 26.2 ± 4.7 kg/m2, p &amp;lt;0.001), in Smoking habits (17.4% vs. 23.5%, p=0.04), in diabetes mellitus incidence (6.6% vs. 11.8%, p= 0.01) and in the use of activity monitoring wearables (45.2% vs. 29.8%, p&amp;lt;0.001). Interestingly, there was significant difference between GNHS and PP doctors representation in Group A and B with more doctors in the PP categorized in the Group A (p=0.008) (Figure 1). Importantly, logistic regression analysis revealed that even after adjustment for the aforementioned confounders there was significant under-representation of the GNHS in the Group A or otherwise doctors in the GNHS have 33% decrease odds of achieving the recommended exercise training per week (Odds Ratio: 0.676, 95%CI 0.484, 0.943, p=0.02) (Table 1). Conclusion A significant proportion of the AMS members follows the recommended ESC guidelines for minimum exercise training per week. Several factors affect their adherence to exercise time recommendation. Interestingly, AMS doctors working on the GNHS independently of other factors are less adherent to exercise recommendations. These findings emphasize the need to strengthen prevention strategies to AMS.