Frequency Of Vigorous Physical Activity Research Articles

Effect of vigorous-intensity physical activity on incident cognitive impairment in high-risk hypertension.

We investigated the effect vigorous physical activity (VPA) on the risk of incident mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and probable dementia among individuals with high-risk hypertension. Baseline self-reported frequency of VPA was categorized into low VPA (<1 session/week), and high VPA (≥1 session/week). We used multivariate Cox regression analysis to examine the association of VPA categories with incident MCI and probable dementia events. Participants in the high VPA category, compared with low VPA, experienced lower events rates (per 1000 person-years) of MCI (13.9vs 19.7), probable dementia (6.3vs 9.0), and MCI/probable dementia (18.5vs 25.8). In the multivariate Cox regression model, high VPA, compared with low VPA, was associated with lower risk of MCI, probable dementia, and MCI/probable dementia (HR [95% CI]: 0.81 [0.68-0.97], 0.80 [0.63-1.03], and 0.82 [0.70-0.96]), respectively. This study provides evidence that VPA may preserve cognitive function in high-risk patients with hypertension. Hypertension is associated with an increased risk of cognitive impairment Physical activity (PA) is associated with a lower risk of decline in cognition The effect of ≥1 sessions of vigorous-intensity PA (VPA) per week was assessed This analysis included SPRINT MIND trial participants with high-risk hypertension ≥1 VPA sessions/week was associated with lower risk of future cognitive impairment.

The association between parameters of physical activity and olfactory function-the importance of frequency and moderate intensity.

Overall physical activity (PA) has been linked to decreased olfactory dysfunction and could improve olfactory function. Additionally, decreased olfactory function can contribute to reduced overall PA levels, given its association with neurodegenerative disorders. This study aims to examine the relationship between specific PA parameters (duration, frequency, intensity) and olfactory function in adults. A total of 3,527 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2013-2014 underwent assessments for weekly PA duration, frequency, and intensity, alongside a smell test (including odors such as chocolate, strawberry, grape, onion, smoke, natural gas, leather, and soap). Correlation analyses and binary logistic regressions using SPSS were used to evaluate associations. The total smell score exhibited small yet significant positive correlations with the duration, frequency, and volume of moderate PA (correlation coefficients ranging between 0.05 and 0.08; all p ≤ 0.05) and frequency of vigorous PA (correlation coefficient of 0.05; p < 0.05). For moderate PA, the duration, frequency, and volume were significantly and positively associated with the ability to correctly detect the smell of grapes while the frequency was significantly and positively associated with the ability to identify smoke and leather odors (odds ratios ranging from 1.01 to 1.07; p < 0.05). For vigorous PA, the frequency of PA was positively associated with the detection of grape smell (odds ratio of 1.05; p < 0.05). Some parameters of an active lifestyle are associated with improved odds of accurately identifying odors by up to 7.4%. Moderate PA duration, frequency, and volume were linked to better olfactory scores, while high-intensity PA had limited associations.

Association Between Physical Activity and the Prevalence of Kidney Stones in American Adults: Results From a Multiyear National Survey

ObjectiveTo investigate the association between physical activity and the prevalence of kidney stones. MethodsA cross-section study was conducted using data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007-2018. Physical activity was evaluated based on the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to elucidate the association between physical activity (patterns, intensity, duration and frequency of moderate and vigorous physical activity) and the prevalence of kidney stones after adjusting for potential confounders. Stratified and interaction analyses were conducted to detect potential effect modifiers. In addition, physical activity was assessed using metabolic equivalent and physical volume, and followed the regression above. Water intake was obtained from the day 2 dietary recall and was included in the sensitivity analysis. ResultsA total of 34,390 participants were included in the analysis. The multivariable logistic regression revealed that individuals who engaged in moderate physical activity for 30-60 minutes per day had a significant inverse association with the prevalence of kidney stones in the fully-adjusted model (OR=0.804, 95%CI 0.700 to 0.923), while no more significant finding was observed for other physical activity parameters. Interaction and stratified analyses indicated no covariate modifying the association. The results above were robust in the sensitivity analysis. ConclusionThe duration of moderate physical activity (30-60 mins/day) is inversely associated with the prevalence of kidney stones, while no more significant association was observed between other physical activity parameters (including patterns, intensity, duration and frequency of vigorous physical activity, frequency of moderate physical activity) and kidney stones. Data availabilityData available in a publicly accessible repository that does not issue DOIs. Publicly available datasets were analyzed in this study. These data can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhanes/index.htm.

Cross-sectional association between frequency of vigorous physical activity and academic achievement in 214,808 adolescents.

This study explores the intricate link between vigorous physical activity and academic achievement in adolescents. By analyzing data from the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) survey, it seeks to understand how engaging in high-intensity physical activities influences academic achievement. A comprehensive cross-sectional analysis was conducted on a vast dataset comprising 214,808 adolescents aged 11, 13, and 15 years. The frequency of vigorous physical activity was determined through self-reports, while academic achievement was assessed based on students' self-perceptions, reflecting their understanding of teachers' evaluations of their academic performance. Adolescents who reported engaging in vigorous physical activity daily were more likely to report higher academic achievement. This positive correlation was consistent across various demographic groups, including different age cohorts and both genders, indicating a universal benefit of regular vigorous physical activity on perceived academic success. The findings of this study underscore the significant role that regular vigorous physical activity plays in the academic lives of adolescents. The correlation between daily vigorous physical activity and enhanced self-reported academic achievement suggests that encouraging high-intensity physical activities in schools could be a key strategy in boosting educational outcomes.

Sedentary behavior from television watching elevates GlycA levels: A bidirectional Mendelian randomization study.

Current evidence linking sedentary behavior (SB), physical activity (PA), and inflammation raises questions about their causal relationships, prompting concerns about potential residual confounding or reverse causation. A bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was conducted. SB data (n = 408,815) from "computer use," "television watching," and "driving" were included. The PA data encompassed nine types of PA (n = 460,376) over the last four weeks and included data on the frequency of vigorous PA (n = 440,512) and moderate PA (n = 440,266) for over 10 min. Additionally, three genome-wide association study datasets (n = 64,949) on light, moderate, and vigorous exercise were included to minimize potential bias from changes in exercise intensity. Inflammation data included levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) (n = 575,531), glycoprotein acetyl (GlycA) (n = 115,082), interleukin (IL)-8, IL-6, IL-6 receptor (IL-6R), and soluble IL-6R (sIL-6R) (n = 35,278). All datasets represented participants of European ancestry. Television watching as an SB showed significant positive causal effects on GlycA and CRP (inverse variance weighted (IVW), odds ratios (OR): 1.34, 95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.25-1.44, p = 3.570 × 10-17; IVW, OR: 1.21, 95% CI: 1.16-1.26, p = 1.500 × 10-19, respectively), with more robust evidence for GlycA. In the direction from inflammation to PA, a negative causal relationship between CRP and"number of days/week of moderate PA 10+ minutes"was observed (IVW, OR: 0.92, 95% CI: 0.89-0.96, p = 3.260 × 10-5). Sensitivity analyses were used to verify the robustness and reliability of the results. However, other initially observed associations ceased to be significant after controlling for obesity-related confounders. Our MR analysis suggested a potential causal relationship between television watching and chronic low-grade inflammation, with more substantial evidence for GlycA. Additionally, different types of SB may have varying effects on inflammation. Obesity-related traits could partly or entirely influence the relationship between SB, PA, and inflammatory markers. Furthermore, Our findings indicate that SB is an independent risk factor for inflammation, separate from PA, and highlight the different mechanisms by which SB and PA affect disease.

Association between physical activity and taste-The advantage of increased intensity for some but not all individuals.

Taste is a key sensory modulator of energy intake, and while the effects of acute physical activity (PA) on taste have been recently confirmed, its chronic effects remain poorly documented. Data were extracted from the NHANES database, including salty and bitter taste tests, moderate PA (MPA) and vigorous PA (VPA) levels, and anthropometric data. Binary logistic regressions were conducted, and odds ratios (ORs) represent the association between physical activity level and successful taste tests. 3,114 participants (51.5% women, mean age 58.5±11.9 years, mean BMI 29.5±7.0 kg/m2) were analyzed. For the tongue tip test, the frequency of VPA was associated with a better score for the bitter and total taste test, while duration of VPA was associated with a better score for the bitter, salty, and total taste test (OR [1.01-1.06], p<0.05). For the whole mouth test, MPA frequency improved the bitter taste score (OR = 1.06, p = 0.01) while VPA frequency and duration were associated with better scores for bitter, salty, and total taste tests (OR [1.01-1.15], p<0.05). These findings were distinctively influenced by weight status and gender, with males and individuals without obesity mainly beneficiating from an active lifestyle. This study underlines the link between PA, particularly its frequency and intensity, and improved taste preservation. These findings emphasize the potential benefits of regular VPA for optimizing taste perception, although questions remain regarding the advantages for individuals with obesity and the lack of association observed in women who might already have a preserved profile.

Frequency of vigorous physical activity and depressive symptoms across adolescence: Disentangling the reciprocal associations between different groups and subtypes of symptoms

Physical activity has a demonstrated positive effect on youth depressive symptoms. However, very few studies have explored the bi-directionality of the links between physical activity and depression. The present study aims at filling this gap and tests whether any associations are moderated by sex. Moreover, the role of subtype of depressive symptoms, vegetative (i.e., lack of energy, poor sleep) or non-vegetative (i.e., mood-related), is explored. Participants were 910 12–13 year-old Swedish adolescents (56% girls) who answered a three-wave survey at ages 12–13 (T1), 15–16 (T2), and 18–19 (T3). Using a cross-lagged structural model, depression predicted decreased frequency of vigorous physical activity (VPA) from T1 to T2 (β = −0.09, p < .05) and from T2 to T3 (β = −0.10, p < .01), while frequency of VPA at T2 decreased depression at T3 (β = −0.12, p < .05). Associations did not differ between boys and girls. Non-vegetative symptoms predicted decreased frequency of VPA from T1 to T2 (β = −0.10, p < .05), while frequency of VPA at T2 predicted decreased non-vegetative symptoms at T3 (β = −0.15, p < .05). Vegetative symptoms predicted decreased frequency of VPA from T1 to T2 (β = −0.09, p < .05), while have a reciprocal influence with VPA from T2 to T3. Overall, our results highlight an association across adolescence between VPA and depression. The association becomes stronger and reciprocal in middle adolescence, which suggests this period as an effective developmental time to plan physical-activity-based interventions to decrease youth depressive symptoms.

Association between vigorous physical activity and life satisfaction in adolescents.

PurposeThe association between overall physical activity (PA) and life satisfaction has been confirmed in adolescents. However, the associations between different forms of PA at various intensities and life satisfaction are under-studied. This study aimed to explore the association between vigorous PA (VPA) and life satisfaction, and whether the associations vary by gender and age.MethodsUsing data from the Health Behavior in School-aged Children (HSBC) investigation, the research samples of 11- to 15-year-old adolescents were included for further. The information on VPA was collected via two self-reported questions, including frequency per week and hours per week. Life satisfaction was assessed by a ladder of 0–10 scores, with being higher indicating better life satisfaction. Logistic models were carried out to analyse the association between VPA and life satisfaction among adolescents, and results were presented with odd ratio (OR) and associated 95% confidence interval.ResultsAmong the 214,080 (49.2% male) adolescents studied, both boy and girl participants reporting higher frequency of VPA per week were more likely to be associated with higher life satisfaction (e.g., in boys, VPA for every day: OR = 1.054; in girls: VPA for every day: OR = 1.047). More hours of VPA was also associated with better life satisfaction in adolescents (in overall sample, 7 h or more: OR = 1.178).ConclusionsIn conclusion, this research provided evidence on the roles of VPA on life satisfaction among adolescents aged 11–15. Considering life satisfaction is regarded as an indicator of adolescents' psychological health development, our study supports and extends the evidence for the importance of VPA in adolescence.

Vigorous Physical Activity as a Risk Factor for Central Serous Chorioretinopathy

To evaluate whether frequent vigorous physical activity (PA) is significantly associated with active central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) and may represent a risk factor for CSCR. Case-control study. This was a multicenter study. The patient population comprised consecutive patients with active CSCR and a comparable control group of healthy participants. Both groups were interrogated about their PA using a shortened version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. The Ainsworth Compendium of Physical Activities was taken as a reference for the activities requiring vigorous effort and to quantify the energy expended, expressed in metabolic equivalent of task (MET). As a main outcome measure, a moderate/high practice of vigorous PA was opposed to an absent/low practice of vigorous PA in the 2 groups. A total of 105 patients with CSCR and 105 healthy controls were included in the study. Moderate/high vigorous PA was observed in 63.5% of the patients with CSCR and in 26% of the controls (P=.0001). The MET values of vigorous PA were 2173.2 ± 2081.5 in the CSCR group and 1216.3 ± 524 in the control group (P=.029). The potential risk of disease associated with moderate/high vigorous PA was 5.58 (odds ratio; 95% confidence interval 3.01-10.69, P=.0001). This study demonstrates a significant association of vigorous PA with CSCR, indicating an increased probability of disease by 5.58 times. Frequent and intense PA, with the hypertensive episodes that it entails, can break the precarious hemodynamic balance in the choroid of individuals predisposed to CSCR, thereby favoring choroidal vascular decompensation and active disease.

Relationship between physical activity and incidence of dementia in people aged 50 and over in Europe

Objective The aim of this study was to analyse the relationship between physical activity and the incidence of dementia in a cohort of people aged 50 years or older without dementia from different countries in Europe between the years 2013 and 2015. Methods Prospective longitudinal design study (2013-2015) with a sample of 46,141 people without dementia in 2013 who participated in the SHARE project in waves 5 and 6, where 15 European countries participated. We defined dementia as a self-report of Alzheimer’s disease, organic brain syndrome, senility, or any other serious memory impairment during follow-up. The frequency of moderate, vigorous and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity in 2013 was obtained from a validated questionnaire. Incidences of dementia by year (between 2013 and 2015) were calculated for each category of physical activity. Poisson regression models with robust variance were fitted for the association between physical activity and dementia. Results The incidence of dementia was 7.4 [95%CI = 6.8-7.9] cases per 1000 persons per year. Very frequent moderate physical activity is a protective factor for dementia independently of the frequency of vigorous physical activity and inversely. The risk of dementia was 2.36 [95%CI = 1.77-3.14] higher in people who hardly ever, or never did moderate-to-vigorous physical activity comparing to people engaged in it more than once a week independently of the baseline cognitive level. Conclusion Physical activity is associated with the incidence of dementia in people aged 50 and over in both men and women in Europe.

Trajectories of subjective health status among married postmenopausal women based on the ecological system theory: a longitudinal analysis using a latent growth model

This study investigated the trajectory of subjective health status in married postmenopausal women and aimed to identify predictive factors affecting subjective health status. Data were obtained from women who participated in wave 4 (2012) of the Korean Longitudinal Survey of Women & Families Longitudinal Study and continued to the latest phase (wave 7, 2018). A latent growth model (LGM) was used to analyze data from 1,719 married postmenopausal women in the framework of the ecological system theory. The mean age of the participants at wave 4 was 56.39±4.71 years, and the average subjective health status was around the midpoint (3.19±0.84). LGM analysis confirmed that subjective health status decreased over time (initial B=3.21, slope B=-0.03). The factors affecting initial subjective health were age, body mass index, frequency of vigorous physical activity (microsystem level), marital satisfaction (mesosystem level), and medical service utilization (macrosystem level). Medical service utilization and the frequency of vigorous physical activity were identified as predictive factors affecting the slope in subjective health status. The model fit was satisfactory (TLI=.92, CFI=.95, and RMSEA=.04). This analysis of the trajectory of subjective health status of married postmenopausal women over time confirmed that subjective health is influenced by overall ecological system factors, including the microsystem, mesosystem, exosystem, macrosystem, and chronosystem. Therefore, it is necessary to assess physical activity and support policies promoting access to medical services in order to improve the subjective health status of married postmenopausal women.

Association between social support and frequency of physical activity in adult workers.

The benefits of taking up physical activity are well established and social support has been identified as one of the main determinants of this behavior. To investigate the association between social support and weekly frequency of physical activity in adults working at a public university in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This is a cross-sectional population study with a convenience sample of 189 contract workers of both sexes, aged from 21 to 72 years (39.00 ± 11.43). The instruments employed were the short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and the Social Support for Physical Activities Scale. Fisher's exact test was used to estimate the distribution of physical activity frequency. Poisson regression was used for association analyses. The significance level was set at 5%. A significant association was detected between social support and weekly physical activity frequency (p < 0.05). Social support for physical activity of moderate or vigorous intensity was associated with both weekly frequency of walking (odds ratio [OR]: 1.32; 95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 1.11-1.58) and weekly frequency of vigorous physical activity (OR: 1.34; 95%CI: 1.08-1.67). Additionally, people who reported receiving social support for walking were more likely to have increased weekly frequency of walking (OR: 1.22; 95%CI: 1.00-1.49). Social support for physical activity from relatives and friends is associated with weekly physical activity frequency. Notwithstanding, this association was stronger for weekly frequency of vigorous intensity physical activity.

Physical Activity and Episodic Memory: An Analysis of Longitudinal Associations Over 12 Years

It is widely established that physical activity is associated with better cognitive outcomes, and accumulating evidence suggests that mind-body practice (MBP) may yield similar benefits. Personality is related to both daily activities and cognition, but its role in the association between MBP and cognition is not well understood. The current study examines bidirectional temporal associations between personality traits, MBP, and cognition in healthy adults. We used data from waves 2 and 3 (2004-2014) of the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study from a total of 2,050 individuals (age: M=64 years, SD=11, range=42 to 92; 56% women). We applied a cross-lagged regression analysis to examine bidirectional effects between MBP, Big Five personality traits, and two cognitive domains (episodic memory and executive function) and controlled for sociodemographic factors, health, and functional status covariates in wave 2. After controlling for covariates, MBP was independently associated with a more favorable change in episodic memory, but not in executive function. Regarding cross-lagged effects of cognitive function, episodic memory was related to subsequent MBP and agreeableness, and executive function was related to subsequent MBP, openness, and conscientiousness. Agreeableness had a negative effect on subsequent executive function. The findings point toward bidirectional associations between cognitive function MBP, while there was no evidence for cross-lagged associations between personality and MBP. Future research should guide us whether MBP can counteract cognitive decline as an alternative and complementary practice and the role that personality can play in such interventions.

Examining the Relationship Between Physical Activity and Self-Efficacy for Exercise Among Overweight and Obese Marshallese Adults.

This study examined associations between physical activity frequency and self-efficacy for exercise (SEE) among Marshallese adults in the United States. Data were collected from overweight and obese Marshallese participants (N = 378) enrolled in a Diabetes Prevention Program trial. Logistic and ordinal logistic regressions were employed to examine associations between physical activity and SEE, adjusting for covariates. SEE was significantly associated with engaging in sufficient total physical activity [odds ratio (OR) = 1.70], moderate physical activity (OR = 2.23), and vigorous physical activity (OR = 2.13). Unemployment was associated with less frequent moderate physical activity (OR = 0.59). Younger age (OR = 0.98), being male (OR = 2.67), and reporting excellent health (OR = 3.14) or good health (OR = 2.06) were associated with more frequent vigorous physical activity. Physical activity is a modifiable lifestyle behavior associated with many chronic disease disparities faced by the Marshallese community, and the study results will be useful for practitioners and researchers working to address these disparities.

Factors associated with health-related quality of life of military policemen in Salvador, Brazil: cross-sectional study

BackgroundBrazil is a violent society and police officers play a fundamental role in this scenario. Police work is a stressful occupation. Dealing with routine violence, police officers must have high standards of physical and mental health. Patrolling the streets involves several risks and stressful situations that may hamper military policemen's quality of life. The identification of factors associated with health-related quality of life may help in planning and providing adequate care to military policemen. This study aimed to identify factors associated with health-related quality of life of military policemen in Salvador, Brazil.MethodsA cross-sectional design study investigated a random sample of 329 male military police officers, engaged in patrolling the streets of Salvador, Brazil. A structured questionnaire applied to the policemen collected information about age, education, marital status, income, house ownership, car ownership, police rank, working day, alcohol consumption, smoking, frequency of vigorous physical activity, obesity (body mass index ≥ 30.0), and work ability. Health-related quality of life was evaluated through the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36). Work ability was assessed through the Work Ability Index questionnaire. Poor work ability was defined by a 7–27 points score. Multiple linear regression models were used to measure the impact of police officers characteristics on the variation in the Physical Component and Mental Component Summary scores.ResultsNormalised scores were below 50.0% for seven out of the eight SF-36 domains and for the two component summaries. The SF-36 Physical Component Summary was significantly (P < 0.05) associated with poor work ability, while the Mental Component Summary was associated with poor work ability, excessive alcohol consumption, and younger age (24–34 years). Multivariate analysis estimated that the Physical Component Summary was 7.386 units (%) lower among policemen with poor work ability compared to those with moderate/good/excellent work ability. The Mental Component Summary was 12.755 units lower among those with poor work ability, 5.354 units lower among those with excessive alcohol consumption, and 5.532 units higher among those with younger age.ConclusionsThe military police officers investigated presented low health-related quality of life, associated with younger age, excessive alcohol consumption, and poor work ability.

Facets of Impulsivity in Relation to Diet Quality and Physical Activity in Adolescence.

Although the construct of impulsivity has generally been found to be associated with obesity and health behaviors in adults, research among adolescents is more limited and studies have yet to elucidate which facets of impulsivity may be most salient with regard to different eating and physical activity behaviors. Therefore, the present cross-sectional study assessed facets of impulsivity, measured by the UPPS-P questionnaire, in relation to health behaviors among adolescents. A sample of 2797 high school students from Los Angeles, California completed self-report measures during the ninth grade. The UPPS-P subscales (i.e., (lack of) premeditation, sensation seeking, (lack of) perseverance, negative urgency, positive urgency) were examined as predictors of unhealthy diet quality (i.e., frequency of consumption of high-fat foods and sweet food and drinks, measured by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Quick Food Scan) and frequency of vigorous physical activity (measured by the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System). Greater sensation seeking, positive urgency, and negative urgency was associated with greater unhealthy diet quality (ps < 0.001). Greater negative urgency and lack of perseverance was associated with less frequent vigorous physical activity, whereas greater sensation seeking, lack of premeditation, and positive urgency was associated with more frequent vigorous physical activity (ps < 0.05). While negative urgency (i.e., impulsivity in the context of negative emotions) was consistently associated with poor health behaviors, other facets of impulsivity may potentiate vigorous physical activity in youth. Together these findings underscore the importance of considering the multidimensional nature of impulsivity in relation to adolescents’ health behaviors and highlight areas for future longitudinal research.

Long-Term Habitual Vigorous Physical Activity Is Associated With Lower Visit-to-Visit Systolic Blood Pressure Variability: Insights From the SPRINT Trial.

Our work aimed to investigate the association between vigorous physical activity and visit-to-visit systolic blood pressure variability (BPV). We conducted a post hoc analysis of SPRINT (Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial), a well-characterized cohort of participants randomized to intensive (<120 mm Hg) or standard (<140 mm Hg) systolic blood pressure targets. We assessed whether patients with hypertension who habitually engage in vigorous physical activity would have lower visit-to-visit systolic BPV compared with those who do not engage in vigorous physical activity. Visit-to-visit systolic BPV was calculated by SD, average real variability (ARV), and SD independent of the mean (SDIM) using measurements taken during the 1-, 2-, 3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-month study visits. A medical history questionnaire assessed vigorous physical activity, which was divided into 3 categories according to the frequency of vigorous physical activity. A total of 7,571 participants were eligible for analysis (34.8% female, mean age 67.9 ± 9.3 years). During a follow-up of 1-year, vigorous physical activity could significantly reduce SD, ARV, and SDIM across increasing frequency of vigorous physical activity. There were negative linear trends between frequency of vigorous physical activity and visit-to-visit systolic BPV. Long-term engagement in vigorous physical activity was associated with lower visit-to-visit systolic BPV. SPRINT (Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial); Trial Number: NCT01206062, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01206062.

MOVING AND GROOVING: ACTIVITY BENEFITS OF SOCIAL INTEGRATION MAY DEPEND ON RELATIONSHIP QUALITY

New evidence indicates that being more socially integrated increases physical and leisure activities (Fingerman et al., 2019), thus reducing the health risks of being sedentary. Yet socially integrated individuals often have both positive (e.g., supportive) and ambivalent (e.g., supportive and conflictual) relationships. The current study investigated whether the two kinds of relationships exhibit comparable associations with activity levels, and in turn, health. In-person interviews conducted with a national sample of adults ages 65 to 91 (N = 916) assessed participants’ social ties, frequency of vigorous physical activity and leisure activities, and functional health limitations. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses structured to test mediation were conducted. Having more social ties (both positive and ambivalent) was associated with more frequent physical and leisure activity. After adjusting for demographic characteristics, both kinds of social ties were related to health limitations, albeit in opposite directions, with positive ties related to fewer limitations and ambivalent ties related to more limitations. Once physical and leisure activities were included, the association between positive ties and health limitations became nonsignificant, whereas the adverse effect of ambivalent ties remained unchanged. These findings reveal that the health benefits of positive, but not ambivalent, social ties may be explained by physical and leisure activities. This ability to get people up and moving has, until recently, been an overlooked benefit of social integration. Further investigation of the quality of social ties will extend knowledge of the pathways by which they affect health.

An Examination of the Relationship between Discrimination, Depression, and Hypertension in Native Hawaiians.

Native Hawaiians bear a disproportionate burden of hypertension. Discrimination and depression are potential hypertension risk factors. Although the relationship between discrimination and depression is well established, how these factors affect hypertension risk in indigenous populations remains unknown. We examined the relationship between discrimination, depression, and hypertension in adult Native Hawaiians. We hypothesized that greater frequency of perceived discrimination and greater frequency of depressive symptoms would independently increase the likelihood of having hypertension. Surveys were mailed to 540 adult Native Hawaiians residing on five Hawaiian Homesteads. The surveys measured: hypertension status, sociodemographic factors (age, gender, income, employment status), body mass index (BMI), physical activity frequency, smoking, Hawaiian cultural affiliation, American cultural affiliation, perceived discrimination, and depressive symptoms. Respondents (n=171) were mostly female (71%), a mean age of 57yrs, and 54% reported having hypertension. The logistic regression model included perceived discrimination, depression, BMI, frequency of vigorous physical activity, and Hawaiian cultural affiliation, and sociodemographic variables. The model showed that Hawaiian cultural affiliation and discrimination were significantly related to hypertension status. Depression was not related to hypertension status. Interaction analysis found that for individuals with lower Hawaiian cultural affiliation, frequent perceived discrimination was significantly associated with lower odds of having hypertension. The negative association between perceived discrimination and hypertension status was opposite from hypothesized. However, the interaction suggests this relationship holds only for less culturally affiliated individuals. These results underscore the varied nature of hypertension determinants and may have clinical implications for the treatment of hypertension in Native Hawaiians.

The Effect of Cochlear Implants on Cognitive Function in Older Adults: Initial Baseline and 18-Month Follow Up Results for a Prospective International Longitudinal Study.

In older adults, hearing loss is independently associated with an increased rate of cognitive decline, and has been identified to be a modifiable risk factor for dementia. The mechanism underlying the cognitive decline associated with hearing loss is not understood, but it is known that the greater the hearing loss, the faster the rate of decline. It is unknown whether remediation of hearing loss with hearing devices can delay cognitive decline. This 5-year international longitudinal study is investigating the impact of cochlear implants on cognitive function in older people with severe-profound hearing loss, and whether remediation of hearing loss could delay the onset of cognitive impairment. This is the first study to examine the major primary risk factors associated with dementia in the same cohort. Participants were assessed before cochlear implantation and 18 months later using an identical battery including a visually presented cognitive assessment tool (Cogstate battery) that is highly sensitive to small changes in cognition and suitable for use with people with hearing loss. Hearing and speech perception ability were assessed in sound-treated conditions by an audiologist, and a range of questionnaire tools was administered to assess self-perceived ease of listening, quality of life, physical activity, diet, social and emotional loneliness, isolation, anxiety, and depression. A detailed medical health history was taken. Pre-operatively, despite the small initial sample size (n = 59), increased hearing loss and age predicted significantly poorer executive function and visual attention, while tertiary education predicted better executive function. Better self-reported quality of life was correlated with better visual learning performance, and engaging in frequent vigorous physical activity was correlated with poorer visual learning performance. At 18 months, for the first 20 participants, significant benefits of cochlear implants were seen in terms of speech perception, communication ability, and quality of life. Multiple linear regression modeling showed executive function improved significantly for non-tertiary educated males, while cognitive function remained stable for other participants. Further follow-up at 18 month intervals with a larger sample will reveal the effects of cochlear implant intervention on all outcomes, and whether this can delay cognitive decline.