Exercise Research Articles

Modifiable Risk Factors for Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Narrative Review With an Emphasis on Common Controversies and Epidemiologic Pitfalls.

Given the relatively low incidence, high prehospital death rate, substantial geographical differences, and complex disease origin (combination of genetic and environmental risk factors), epidemiologic research on subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and its risk factors is challenging. In practice, we are more or less forced to exploit compromised study designs and nonrepresentative data in such circumstances where it is almost impossible to gather comprehensive data through an optimal design. For example, hospital-based patient cohorts, administrative data repositories, and short-term population-based studies from small geographical regions are often used to research the incidence, case fatality, and risk factors of SAH, regardless of their inherent and self-evident limitations. Since studies on the epidemiology of SAH focus largely on identifying possible risk factors that could aid in disease diagnostics, treatment, and prevention, we aimed to review recent evidence on modifiable risk factors for SAH. In this context, we also try to explain the methodological reasons behind some of the conflicting results and to discuss the primary strengths and limitations of different study designs used in the field of SAH epidemiology. Based on our findings, smoking, high blood pressure, and possibly low physical activity are the only risk factors with high-quality evidence supporting their causal role in SAH. In addition, since all 3 commonly used study designs in SAH epidemiology, namely, hospital-based, population-based, and administrative register-based studies, have their own strengths and limitations, the most robust risk factor estimates and other epidemiologic measures of SAH can likely be established by combining various overlapping and high-quality sources of information in the future.

Prediction of cyanotic and acyanotic congenital heart disease using machine learning models

BACKGROUND Congenital heart disease is most commonly seen in neonates and it is a major cause of pediatric illness and childhood morbidity and mortality. AIM To identify and build the best predictive model for predicting cyanotic and acyanotic congenital heart disease in children during pregnancy and identify their potential risk factors. METHODS The data were collected from the Pediatric Cardiology Department at Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi Institute of Cardiology Multan, Pakistan from December 2017 to October 2019. A sample of 3900 mothers whose children were diagnosed with cyanotic or acyanotic congenital heart disease was taken. Multivariate outlier detection methods were used to identify the potential outliers. Different machine learning models were compared, and the best-fitted model was selected using the area under the curve, sensitivity, and specificity of the models. RESULTS Out of 3900 patients included, about 69.5% had acyanotic and 30.5% had cyanotic congenital heart disease. Males had more cases of acyanotic (53.6%) and cyanotic (54.5%) congenital heart disease as compared to females. The odds of having cyanotic was 1.28 times higher for children whose mothers used more fast food frequently during pregnancy. The artificial neural network model was selected as the best predictive model with an area under the curve of 0.9012, sensitivity of 65.76%, and specificity of 97.23%. CONCLUSION Children having a positive family history are at very high risk of having cyanotic and acyanotic congenital heart disease. Males are more at risk and their mothers need more care, good food, and physical activity during pregnancy. The best-fitted model for predicting cyanotic and acyanotic congenital heart disease is the artificial neural network. The results obtained and the best model identified will be useful for medical practitioners and public health scientists for an informed decision-making process about the earlier diagnosis and improve the health condition of children in Pakistan.

Physical Activity as a Victim, a Perpetrator, or Part of the Solution to the Climate Crisis?

Humanity is facing a polycrisis, including climate change, loss of biodiversity, and economic inequalities. This commentary examines the role of physical activity (PA) research in the context of climate change, highlighting 3 perspectives: PA as a victim, as a perpetrator, and as part of the solution. The first perspective conceptualizes PA as a victim of climate change, as heat waves, extreme weather events, and high ozone levels pose a threat to health-enhancing PA and sports; adaptation strategies are needed and potentially lifesaving. The second perspective describes PA as a perpetrator to climate change due to the significant carbon footprint of some forms of PA and sport. The third perspective focuses on PA as a solution to climate change, as some forms of PA-such as active transport and urban gardening-have both individual and planetary health benefits. In addition, PA provides health benefits in extreme situations by reducing stress and maintaining health in times of crisis. Each of these 3 perspectives can guide future research in the field of PA and health.

Longitudinal relationships between physical activity, body appreciation, and proactive coping in college students: A cross-lagged panel model

Previous studies have found a significant relationship between physical activity and proactive coping, but the directionality of the relationship and its underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The present study examined the longitudinal relationships between physical activity, proactive coping, and body appreciation. A total of 376 college students (265 males, 111 females; Mage = 22.55, SD = 2.26) were recruited for this three-wave survey. The results of cross-lagged panel models showed that physical activity positively predicted proactive coping in the future and that body appreciation had a positive reciprocal relationship with physical activity and proactive coping, respectively. However, the effect of proactive coping on physical activity was not significant. These findings provide support for helping adults cope with threats such as stress by recognizing the key role of physical activity.

Renegotiating the Biopolitics of Physical Activities among Ethnic Minority Groups in the Netherlands

Research on physical activities among religious and minority ethnic groups in Europe often focuses on classical public health issues or how to ‘empower’, and ‘equip’ people to stay healthy as well as integrated. In producing healthy citizens, bodies have been disciplined and are attuned to dominant discourses regarding religion, race, minority ethnic groups, and their health practices. This paper aims to show how minority ethnic groups, through physical activities, pursue their wellbeing beyond matters of integration and physical health. With a focus on participants from the predominantly Muslim Somali-Dutch and Christian Ghanaian-Dutch communities in the Netherlands, I argue from a biopolitical lens that physical activities are used by state institutions to ‘produce’ bodies in particular ways that are meaningful to the state. However, the demands of the state on ethnic minority groups often leads to the racialisation of bodies. Compliance with and resistance to disciplinary mechanisms emerge around understanding and engaging in physical activities. Thus, people adopt creative ways to incorporate physical activities into their daily routines, considering their migration situation and living conditions to address or negotiate issues of sociality, intimacy, and morality. This paper, therefore, shows how engaging in physical activities enables the embodiment of different forms of sociality, experience, and aesthetics that are important in the pursuit of wellbeing, especially when dealing with racisms.

A Practice Guide for Physical Therapists Prescribing Physical Exercise for Older Adults.

Physical activity and exercise are protective factors for physical and cognitive decline in older adults, but recent studies reveal that a large percentage of this population do not practice exercise at the levels recommended by international guidelines. The frequency, intensity, type, time, volume, and progression (FITT-VP) principles are a widely used method for prescribing physical exercise, allowing the development of a personalized exercise program that meets the needs of each individual. This masterclass is intended to serve as a professional application tool for physical therapists who prescribe physical exercise for older adults. We present a section for each FITT-VP principle to facilitate handling these principles individually when prescribing exercise for this population. Review of the scientific literature and international guidelines on the prescription of physical exercises for older adults. Aerobic, mobility, resistance, balance, and flexibility exercises, as well as functional training, should be included in an exercise program for older adults, which should be progressed using different methods for each of the exercise modalities. An exercise program for older adults should integrate different exercise modalities. Exercise progression should be performed following the FITT-VP principles and some specific progression factors recommended for each exercise modality. Considering the challenge faced by clinicians in designing a viable exercise program for older adults that responds to international recommendations, with this masterclass we hope to help physical therapists to plan an exercise program that is feasible and at the same time, responds to the expected needs of this population.

Active Learning Through Video Conferencing to Maintain Physical Activity Among Older Adults: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

This randomized pilot trial investigated the feasibility of an active learning physical activity intervention through video conferencing and its preliminary effects. Participants comprised community-dwelling older adults who could use e-mail. The intervention group underwent a 12-week active learning intervention via video conferencing to promote a healthy lifestyle, particularly physical activity. The control group received information via e-mail once per week. The amount of physical activity and sedentary behavior was measured using an accelerometer at baseline, postintervention, and 24-week postintervention (36weeks). Of the 31 participants, 29 were eligible and randomized into two groups (15 for the intervention and 14 for the control). Adherence to the intervention was 83%-100% (mean, 97%). Compared with the control group, the intervention group showed moderate maintenance effects on total physical activity and sedentary behavior at 36weeks. Active learning physical activity intervention through video conferencing was found to be feasible and contributed to the prevention of physical activity decline in older adults.

Get BusActive!: Protocol of a single-blinded randomised controlled trial incentivising public transport use for physical activity gain among young people and adults.

Population level physical activity generally does not meet recommended targets. Compared with private motor vehicle users, public transport users tend to be more physically active and financial incentives may encourage more public transport use, but these relationships are under-investigated. This paper describes the protocol of a randomised controlled trial that aimed to determine the effect of financially incentivising public transport use on physical activity in a regional Australian setting. Get BusActive! is a 9.5-month single-blinded randomised controlled trial. A convenience sample of Tasmanians aged ≥15 years will be randomised to a 14-week incentive-based intervention (bus trip target attainment rewarded by bus trip credits and weekly supportive text messages) or an active control following baseline measures and will be followed up ∼24 weeks later (maintenance phase). Both groups will receive written physical activity guidelines. The primary outcome is change in accelerometer-measured steps/day from baseline to immediately post intervention phase and maintenance phase. Secondary outcomes are change in: smartcard-measured bus trips/week; measured and self-reported minutes/week of physical activity and sitting; transport-related behaviour (using one-week travel diary), perspectives (e.g. enablers/barriers) and costs; health. Linear mixed model regression will determine group differences. Participant-level process evaluation will be conducted and intervention cost to the public transport provider determined. Get BusActive! will fill an important knowledge gap about the causal relationship between financially incentivised public transport use and physical activity-the findings will benefit health and transport-related decision makers. ACTRN12623000613606. U1111-1292-3414.

Correlation of physical activity with cognition and mental health in medical students

Low physical activity increases the number of non-communicable diseases. This phenomenon occurs in medical students. This study aimed to determine the correlation between sedentary behavior and physical activity on cognition, mental health, cortisol, and brain derived neurotropic factor (BDNF). Using a cross-sectional design of observational study, eighty-six medical students were involved in this study. The subjects were interviewed to assess cognitive function and depression levels. Saliva was taken to measure cortisol and BDNF level. Bivariate analysis was performed using the Spearman test. Depression is the only variable that correlates significantly with habitual physical activity (p=0.025, r=-0.214). Sedentary behavior has a weak correlation with cognitive failure, anxiety, and depression ([p=0.046, r=0.216]; [p=0.039, r=0.223]; [p=0.011, r=0.273]). The results found that high physical activity improves mental health and cognition. This study suggested that physical activity can alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety among medical students.

Peer support and healthy lifestyle among adolescents in urban areas in Indonesia

Unhealthy lifestyles among adolescents in urban areas are still a problem. Peers are role models in adolescent's lifestyle. However, little is known about the peer support in eating behavior, sedentary lifestyle and physical activities, which thus needs to be explored. This study aims to analyze the relationship between peer support and adolescent lifestyle. This study used a cross-sectional design with a sample size of 105 adolescents using proportional stratified random sampling. Data were collected by questionnaire. The Spearman rho test was performed to identify the relationship between peer support within a sedentary lifestyle and eating behavior, while to identify the relationship between peer support and physical activity using pearson, the level of significance was determined as p≤0.05. The results showed that there was a relationship between peer support and eating behavior (p=0.012; r=0.243) as well as adolescents' physical activity (p=0.001; r=0.324). There is no relationship between peer support and a sedentary lifestyle both on weekdays (p=0.181; r=0.131) and on weekends (p=0.735; r=0.033). The results show that peers have an important role in improving healthy lifestyle patterns in adolescents, especially in eating behavior and physical activity, so peer involvement interventions to improve healthy lifestyles in adolescents are recommended.

Exploring the Lived Experiences of Physical Activity in Community-Dwelling Adults Living With Dementia and Their Carers.

People living with dementia have the same right to well-being as anyone else, including physical activity. Yet, physical activity levels among people with dementia are lower than in the general population, and while the physical activity health benefits are well established, little is known about how people living with dementia experience physical activity. To explore these physical activity experiences, we visited six community settings in one English county and conducted informal interviews with 18 people who were either living with dementia and community dwelling (n = 4), caring for or who had cared for someone with dementia (n = 10), or providing a support service for people living with dementia and their carers (n = 4). Findings highlight both the challenges and facilitators presented by organized groups, service provider skills and qualities, and environmental factors. Additionally, these factors were influential in shaping the physical activity experience of people living with dementia. The findings may be relevant for people providing or planning support services, commissioners, policymakers, and researchers.

Associations of childhood physical activity and screen time with cardiometabolic health in preteens who were born to mothers with previous macrosomic delivery: Findings from the ROLO longitudinal birth cohort study.

Macrosomia (birthweight ≥4 kg) may alter the associations of physical activity (PA) and screen time (ST) throughout childhood with later cardiometabolic risk. To investigate associations of PA and ST over a 4-6-year follow-up period with cardiometabolic outcomes in preteens (9-11-year-olds) who were born to mothers with previous macrosomic delivery. This is an analysis of 402 preteens from the ROLO study, who were born to mothers that previously delivered an infant with macrosomia. Parental-reported measures of PA and ST were obtained in early childhood at 5-years of age. Preteen self-reported PA, parental-reported ST, anthropometry, dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, blood pressure, heart rate, cardiorespiratory endurance, and blood biomarkers were obtained at 9-11-years. Crude and adjusted linear regression models explored associations and the interaction of birthweight was investigated in all models. Early childhood PA and ST at the 5-year follow-up were not related to preteen cardiometabolic outcomes. In adjusted models, higher preteen PA was associated with lower sum of skinfolds (B = -3.00, 95% CI -5.98, -0.02, p = 0.048) and higher cardiorespiratory endurance (B = 0.50, 95% CI 0.20, 0.80, p = 0.001) at the same time point. No strong evidence for modification by birthweight was found. Higher preteen PA may have potential benefits for cardiometabolic health, irrespective of birthweight.

Impact of physical activity on quality of life in patients with epilepsy in a developing country: A cross-sectional, survey-based study

RationalePatients with epilepsy face different barriers based on ignorance and fear of themselves and others while exercising, this situation complicates attempts at exercise and promotes discrimination against patients. Physical activity has been associated with favorable results in the health of this population and can be used as a non-pharmacological treatment seeking to increase the health and improve living conditions of patients. Our study aims to explore how physical activity impacts quality-of-life perception in these patients. MethodsWe performed a cross-sectional, survey-based study conducted at the outpatient Epilepsy Clinic in the National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery “Manuel Velasco Suárez”. Patients between 17 and 65 years of age and with an established diagnosis of epilepsy were considered for participation. A 31-item questionnaire was administered to all participants face-to-face or by telephone. The questions included in the survey were selected from the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire and the Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventory to assess the level of exercise and perceived quality of life of participants. Descriptive and inferential Mann-Whitney U test statistical analysis was done using IBM SPSS Statistics 23.0 software. ResultsParticipants' mean age was 35.69 ± 11.93 years, 45 % were male and 55 % female. Significant differences were found in the domain of perceived quality of life in the self-reported physically active participants (p = 0.0256; 95 % IC: 1.00–15.22), with a mean score of 75.78 ± 16.64 in the active group vs. 67.66 ± 15.86 in the sedentary group. In those who complied with the exercise recommendations according to the WHO, there was significant evidence of improvement in the general quality of life (p = 0.0032; 95 % IC:4.9–23.9), with a mean score of 75.22 ± 15.92 in the active group vs. 60.76 ± 17.836 in the sedentary group. ConclusionsPhysical activity is associated with a significant impact on how patients with epilepsy perceive their quality of life. In addition, it improves memory and concentration in the tasks they perform in their daily lives.

Physical inactivity exacerbates pathologic inflammatory signalling at the single cell level in patients with systemic lupus

Physical activity is an adjunctive therapy that improves symptoms in people living with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), yet the mechanisms underlying this benefit remain unclear. We carried out a cohort study of 123 patients with SLE enrolled in the California Lupus Epidemiology Study (CLUES). The primary predictor variable was self-reported physical activity, which was measured using a previously validated instrument. We analyzed peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data available from the cohort. From the scRNA-seq data, we compared immune cell frequencies, cell-specific gene expression, biological signalling pathways, and upstream cytokine activation states between physically active and inactive patients, adjusting for age, sex and race. We found that physical activity influenced immune cell frequencies, with sedentary patients most notably demonstrating greater CD4+ T cell lymphopenia (Padj=0.028). Differential gene expression analysis identified a transcriptional signature of physical inactivity across five cell types. In CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, this signature was characterized by 686 and 445 differentially expressed genes (Padj<0.1). Gene set enrichment analysis demonstrated enrichment of proinflammatory genes in the TNF-α signalling through NF-kB, interferon-γ (IFN-γ), IL2/STAT5, and IL6/JAK/STAT3 signalling pathways. Computational prediction of upstream cytokine activation states suggested CD4+ T cells from physically inactive patients exhibited increased activation of TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL1Β, and other proinflammatory cytokines. Network analysis demonstrated interconnectivity of genes driving the proinflammatory state of sedentary patients. Findings were consistent in sensitivity analyses adjusting for corticosteroid treatment and physical function. Taken together, our findings suggest a mechanistic explanation for the observed benefits of physical activity in patients with SLE. Specifically, we find that physical inactivity is associated with altered frequencies and transcriptional profiles of immune cell populations and may exacerbate pathologic inflammatory signalling via CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. This work was supported by the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) (R01 AR069616, K23HL138461-01A1, K23AT011768) the US CDC (U01DP0670), and the CZ Biohub.

A systematic literature review on the impact of participation in sport and physical activities on psychological resilience

Participation in sports and physical activity (PA) is often considered a potential contributor to psychological resilience due to its physical, cognitive, and social benefits. This review aims to synthesize an extensive overview of the existing knowledge landscape, shedding light on the mechanisms through which sport and PA may contribute to psychological resilience among students. Guided by the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) statement review method, we comprehensively searched key databases, including EBSCOhost and Scopus. Note that a total of 353 publications were initially determined. The final finding data concludes that 15 met the selection criteria. The findings were synthesized based on three themes: enhancing positive mental health, reducing negative emotions, and mitigating depression and anxiety. These outcomes highlight the transformative potential of sports and PAs in nurturing a robust psychological foundation among student populations. However, it calls for more robust and standardized research approaches. This is with implications suggesting the integration of sports and PA into comprehensive mental health programs, emphasizing their multifaceted benefits beyond psychological resilience. Tailoring interventions, recognizing the social aspects, and emphasizing the personalized approach can contribute to more effective mental health promotion strategies for students.

Critical analysis of information provided by ChatGPT on lactate, exercise, fatigue, and muscle pain: current insights and future prospects for enhancement.

This study aimed to critically evaluate the information provided by ChatGPT on the role of lactate in fatigue and muscle pain during physical exercise. We inserted the prompt "What is the cause of fatigue and pain during exercise?" using ChatGPT versions 3.5 and 4o. In both versions, ChatGPT associated muscle fatigue with glycogen depletion and "lactic acid" accumulation, whereas pain was linked to processes such as inflammation and microtrauma. We deepened the investigation with ChatGPT 3.5, implementing user feedback to question the accuracy of the information about lactate. The response was then reformulated, involving a scientific debate about the true role of lactate in physical exercise and debunking the idea that it is the primary cause of muscle fatigue and pain. We also utilized the creation of a "well-crafted prompt," which included persona identification and thematic characterization, resulting in much more accurate information in both the ChatGPT 3.5 and 4o models, presenting a range of information from the physiological process of lactate to its true role in physical exercise. The results indicated that the accuracy of the responses provided by ChatGPT can vary depending on the data available in its database and, more importantly, on how the question is formulated. Therefore, it is indispensable that educators guide their students in the processes of managing the AI tool to mitigate risks of misinformation.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Generative artificial intelligence (AI), exemplified by ChatGPT, provides immediate and easily accessible answers about lactate and exercise. However, the reliability of this information may fluctuate, contingent upon the scope and intricacy of the knowledge derived from the training process before most recent update. Furthermore, a deep understanding of the basic principles of human physiology becomes crucial for the effective correction and safe use of this technology.

Impact of Physical Exercise to Reduce the Risk of Gestational Hypertension, A Role of Leptin and Adiponectin

Objective: To investigate the effect of exercise on the blood pressure of new-onset hypertension and non-hypertensive pregnant women and to determine the serum leptin and adiponectin levels and their response to exercise. Methodology: This quasi-experimental cross-over study was conducted at the Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Hayatabad Medical Complex Peshawar. Samples were processed and analyzed at Khyber Girls Medical College Peshawar from January 2022 to April 2022. A total of 140 pregnant females were recruited for this study through convenience sampling. Out of this total, 70 were normotensive for the control group and 70 were hypertensive (gestational hypertensive). All participants were included after taking an informed consent. Results: In normotensive pregnant women, mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure remained normal, and no hypertension developed. In gestational hypertensive women, 70% responded significantly to physical exercise. Post-exercise, Group A saw decreases in systolic BP , diastolic BP , and leptin levels, with an increase in adiponectin. Group B exhibited more pronounced changes by decreased systolic BP, diastolic BP, leptin, and increased adiponectin. Conclusions: We observed that recommended physical exercise during pregnancy is safe and beneficial for maternal health in pregnancy. Physical exercise significantly reduced the progression of GH and brought the serum leptin and adiponectin levels toward normal range. Therefore, physical activity should be encouraged in every healthy woman after addressing potential barriers to exercise during pregnancy. Keywords: Gestational hypertension, Exercise, Leptin, Adiponectin

A Novel Behavioral Intervention to Enhance Physical Activity for Older Veterans in a Skilled Nursing Facility.

Physical activity levels during skilled nursing facility (SNF) rehabilitation fall far below what is needed for successful community living and to prevent adverse events. This feasibility study's purpose was to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of an intervention designed to improve physical activity in patients admitted to SNFs for short-term rehabilitation. High-Intensity Rehabilitation plus Mobility combined a high-intensity (i.e.,high weight, low repetition), progressive (increasing in difficulty over time), and functional resistance rehabilitation intervention with a behavioral economics-based physical activity program. The behavioral economics component included five mobility sessions/week with structured goal setting, gamification, and loss aversion (the idea that people are more likely to change a behavior in response to a potential loss over a potential gain). SNF physical therapists, occupational therapists, and a mobility coach implemented the High-Intensity Rehabilitation plus Mobility protocol with older Veterans (n = 18) from a single SNF. Participants demonstrated high adherence to the mobility protocol and were highly satisfied with their rehabilitation. Treatment fidelity scores for clinicians were ≥95%. We did not observe a hypothesized 40% improvement in step counts or time spent upright. However, High-Intensity Rehabilitation plus Mobility participants made clinically important improvements in short physical performance battery scores and gait speed from admission to discharge that were qualitatively similar to or slightly higher than historical cohorts from the same SNF that had received usual care or high-intensity rehabilitation alone. These results suggest a structured physical activity program can be feasibly combined with high-intensity rehabilitation for SNF residents following a hospital stay.

Effect of Meal Frequency on Insulin Regulation in Athletes: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of meal frequency on total insulin secretion and insulin response in individuals who were engaged in physical activity. Methodology: The research was carried out at the Khyber Medical University, Peshawar, and examined how meal frequency affected the insulin responses in physically active participants (PAP) who were gathered from five sports clubs and four gyms. A sample size of 25 participants was determined based on power analysis. Data collection involved two days of dietary intervention, isocalorie on day one and two meals per day on day two, utilizing blood samples and using Calbiotech ELISAkit at predetermined intervals to test insulin levels. Descriptive statistics and other statistical tests like ANOVO and post HOC analysis were all included as part of the statistical analysis. Result: On day one, insulin levels at 15, 30, and 60 minutes ranged from 15.75 to 25.39 mIU/L, while on day two, particularly in the morning session, insulin levels were signifcantly lower, ranging from 7.23 to 19.51 mIU/L. Significant positive correlation was observed between muscle mass &amp; weight(r=0.632), waist circumference with BMI(r=0.941) and AUC of insulin with age (r=0.554). Conclusion: The significance of personalized dietary strategies for maximizing metabolic conditions in physically active individuals highlights the complex interplay between exercise, meal frequency as well as insulin dynamics. Keywords: Athletes, Blood Glucose, appetite regulations, Insulin

Physical fitness and its impact on psychological health during the COVID-19 lockdown

Both the countrywide lockdowns as well as the worldwide lockdown and social isolation norms had an immense psychological impact on the population as a consequence of the major change in lifestyle. The present study aimed to determine changes in physical activity during the second lockdown in the Indian population, and the impact of exercise on psychological health during the same time period. The study was conducted through circulation of online questionnaire and data was collected by snowball technique. The type of physical activity done by most people was under the low international physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ) category (56.36%) which increased during lockdown (63.57%). The IPAQ category of moderate activity showed a drop in numbers from 26.46% to 18.56% while high IPAQ scores were almost the same before and during lockdown. People with high and moderate IPAQ scores had a better psychological health status as compared to the Low category.