Walking Frequency Research Articles

Effects of lidocaine-plus-meloxicam treatment on behavioral and physiological changes, and leukocyte heat shock protein 90 gene expression after surgical castration in Hanwoo bulls.

This study examined the effects of surgical castration and lidocaine-plus-meloxicam treatment on growth, physiology, behaviors, and leukocyte heat shock protein 90 (HSP 90) gene expression in Hanwoo (Korean cattle) bulls. Twenty Hanwoo bulls (body weight 248.8 ± 28.5 kg, age 9.4 ± 1.04 months) were assigned to three treatments: surgical castration with lidocaine injection (5 mL in the scrotum) and oral meloxicam administration (1 mg/kg body weight; LM; n = 7); surgical castration with placebo injection (5 mL of 0.9% NaCl) and oral placebo administration (lactose, 1 mg/kg body weight; CAS; n = 7); and shame castration (SHAM; n = 6). Meloxicam and lactose were administered 3 h before castration, and lidocaine and NaCl were injected immediately before castration. Surgical castration was performed with a Newberry knife and a Henderson castration tool. Wight was measured the day before and 14 d after castration, and behavior was observed from 0.5 h to 4.5 h post-castration. Blood was collected at -1 d, 0.5 h, 6 h, 1 d, 3 d, 7 d, and 14 d after castration to measure plasma cortisol, haptoglobin, and leukocyte HSP 90 mRNA. Castration tended to decrease average daily gain (p = 0.06), but the LM treatment did not affect weight gain. Bulls in CAS showed higher cortisol concentration (p < 0.05) at 0.5 and 6 h after castration compared to SHAM, with no difference between CAS and LM. Castration increased haptoglobin concentration at 1 and 3 d after castration (p < 0.05) while LM bulls showed decreased haptoglobin concentration (p < 0.05) than CAS bulls at these times. HSP90 mRNA was increased at 6 h post-castration while LM did not reduce its expression, suggesting HSP90 may serve as an acute stress marker in castrated bulls. Castration increased (p < 0.05) frequencies of drinking, lying, walking, leg lifting, kicking, and stiff gait, while decreasing (p < 0.05) eating frequency. LM alleviated (p < 0.05) drinking, leg lifting, kicking, and stiff gait. Collectively, castration resulted in physiological changes, increased leukocyte HSP90 gene expression, and altered behaviors. These findings suggest that lidocaine-plus-meloxicam treatment partially mitigates pain and inflammation in the castrated bulls.

Kalman filter time scale algorithm based on noise characteristics of optically pumped cesium clock

Abstract The time scale algorithm plays an important role in time keeping. Currently, the time scale algorithm primarily adopts the predictability weighting algorithm for microwave clocks. Due to the different working principles and performance of optically pumped small cesium clocks compared with microwave clocks, a new time scale algorithm must be developed to adapt to optically pumped clocks. Based on the noise characteristics of the optically pumped clocks, the state model is established and the time scale is calculated using the Kalman filtering algorithm. The state model of the optically pumped clocks simultaneously considers the effects of white frequency modulation, flicker frequency modulation, and random walk frequency modulation. The proposed algorithm models the flicker frequency modulation for filtering estimation, which effectively improves the stability of the time scale. Here, the flicker frequency modulation is modeled through the linear combination of Markov processes, and the impact of different numbers of Markov processes on the time scale stability is analyzed. Compared with the predictability weighted algorithm, the results obtained by the proposed algorithm demonstrate that the frequency stability of the Kalman filtering time scale based on the noise characteristics was better than that of the predictability algorithm. Taking rapid Coordinated Universal Time (UTCr) as a reference, the frequency stabilities of the time scale based on three optically pumped clocks obtained by the proposed algorithm were 1.14 × 10−14 for 15 days and 5.50 × 10−15 for 30 days.

Association between number of days of leisure sports participation and frequency of symptoms of sleep, social isolation, and diet

Aims: This study examined the association between the number of days of walking participation and frequency of eating, depressive, and sleep disorders symptoms.Methods: Data of 231,351 Korean adults were obtained from the 2022 Community Health Survey. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association, which was also analyzed by sex and age. The results showed that the more days adults with eating or depressive disorder walked, the less likely they were to suffer from symptoms. Additionally, the more severe the eating or depressive disorder symptoms, the greater the effect of walking. Thus, walking was effective in reducing the symptoms of eating and depressive disorders. For adults with sleep disorders, walking compared with not walking was more likely to cause symptoms. However, regardless of the age and sex, as the number of walking days increased, the degree of sleep disturbance decreased. Specifically, for eating disorder symptoms, adults who walked 5 or more days per week compared with those who did not walk were 0.939 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.912–0.968, P<0.001), 0.755 (95% CI: 0.705–0.808, P<0.001), and 0.667 (95% CI: 0.623–0.713, P<0.001) less likely to suffer from eating disorder symptoms for several days, more than a week, and almost daily, respectively. For depressive disorder symptoms, adults who walked 5 or more days per week compared with those who did not walk were 0.967 (95% CI: 0.938–0.997, P<0.05), 0.717 (95% CI: 0.666–0.773, P<0.001), and 0.645 (95% CI: 0.594–0.700, P<0.001) less likely to suffer from depressive disorder symptoms for several days, more than a week, and almost daily, respectively. For sleep disorder symptoms, adults who walked 5 or more days per week compared with those who did not walk were 1.126 (95% CI: 1.095–1.158, P<0.001) more likely to suffer sleep disorder symptoms for several days.Conclusion: Walking was effective for women with eating disorders and depression and for men with sleep disorders. Furthermore, the effect of walking was greater among individuals aged 65 years or older, as they were less likely to suffer from eating, depressive, and sleep disorder symptoms than those observed among individuals aged 19–44 and 45–64 years. The results of this study serve as foundational data for the development and implementation of walking programs that improve the quality of life of people suffering from eating, depressive, and sleep disorder symptoms.

Association of attachment with level of physical activity among dog owners: A cross-sectional study.

This cross-sectional study examined the association of attachment with the frequency of dog walking and physical activity level among dog owners. We analyzed data collected in an internet survey conducted by the Japan Pet Food Association in 2023. Valid data were obtained from 1041 dog owners. The mean (SD) age of participants was 52.5 (14.9) years, with 57.5% being women. Ordinal logistic regression models showed that a higher attachment score was associated with a higher frequency of dog walking after controlling for important confounders (B = 0.04, SE = 0.02, p<0.01, Adjusted R2 = 0.03). Linear regression models showed that a higher attachment score was associated with a higher moderate-vigorous physical activity level (B = 1.43, SE = 0.44, p<0.01, Adjusted R2 = 0.01). These results suggest that dog owners with strong attachment maintain physical activity levels through caring for their dogs. Higher levels of physical activity might have protective effects against adverse health outcomes.

Safety of direct oral anticoagulants in patients with atrial fibrillation aged 80 years and older: clinical risk factors

BACKGROUND: Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are associated with bleeding, particularly in the geriatric population. Most studies focus on predicting major bleeding, but clinically relevant non-major bleeding (CRNMB) is equally important in practice. АIM: To assess the ability of clinical factors to predict the risk of CRNMB with the use of DOACs in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) aged 80 years and older. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 367 patients on DOACs with non-valvular AF aged 80 years and older were evaluated; the median age was 84 [82; 88] years. Key characteristics of the groups were analyzed, including gender, age, and body mass index. CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED scales were used to assess the risk of ischemic stroke and bleeding, respectively. Comorbidities, Charlson Comorbidity Index, and risk factors of chronic non-communicable diseases were considered. In addition, number of medications taken, physical examination data, history of atherosclerosis, and laboratory test results were collected. RESULTS: In univariate analysis, significant risk factors for the development of CRNMB with all DOACs included higher walking frequency (p=0.022), lower heart rate (p=0.08), and history of gastric and duodenal ulcer [odds ratio 5.34; 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.31–12.0; p 0.001]. In multivariate analysis, a model for predicting CRNMB was developed using age, type of DOAC, liver disease, acute cerebrovascular accident, history of gastric and duodenal ulcer as predictors. The resulting model had a predictive accuracy of 62.6% (95% CI 57.4–67.6), a sensitivity of 66.5% (95% CI 59.4–73.1), and a specificity of 58.2% (95% CI 50.4–65.7). CONCLUSION: The study identified specific modifiable, potentially modifiable, and non-modifiable risk factors for developing CRNMB in AF patients aged 80 years and over taking DOACs. An electronic system to support medical decision making, risk factor management, and public quality of life can be created using results of the study.

The pathways linking green spaces to reduced climate change anxiety

Exposure to green space could by hypothesized as having the potential to alleviate climate change anxiety. However, empirical evidence is lacking. This study aimed to explore the relationship between green space exposure and climate change anxiety, and to determine whether this association was mediated by green physical activity, extreme weather, and environmental comfort. Through an online survey with geographic location tracking capabilities, we calculated greenness values using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and forest cover around the homes of 653 participants, as well as self-reported measures of green space and visibility of trees from their windows. Two domains of climate change anxiety (emotional and cognitive impairment and functional impairment), generalized anxiety disorder, green physical activity (frequency of green walking and green leisure physical activity), extreme weather, and environmental comfort were also measured by questionnaire. A generalized additive model was used to test for nonlinear trends. Subsequently, structural equation modeling was employed to assess the mediating effects. Our results showed a weak linear relationship (p < 0.10) between perceived green space and functional impairment related to climate change anxiety, with environmental comfort playing a mediating role in this relationship. In sensitivity analyses where the outcome variables were binary coded (low and high levels of climate change anxiety), perceived green space was associated with a reduced risk of climate change anxiety (p < 0.05). Overall, we found limited evidence for green space exposure being associated with less climate change anxiety. Given the preliminary nature and limitations of this research, we call for future studies to examine these findings using better measurements, larger and more diverse populations, and more rigorous methods conducive to causal inference.

The association of mental health with physical activity and its dimensions in Chinese adults: A cross-sectional study.

Selecting the most efficient type of physical activity that improves mental health can assist in choosing appropriate interventions. Hence, the objective of this study was to evaluate the associations between physical activity and its various aspects, including weekly physical activity, weekly walking and exercise sessions, and the frequency of walking and exercise per week, with the mental health of Chinese adults. This cross-sectional study was carried out in Hangzhou (2023) involving 512 adults aged 18 and 64. Each participant received a self-completed questionnaire comprising three sections. The initial section focused on gathering basic information about the participants, such as gender, age, annual income, and marital status. The second section consisted of the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), which aimed to evaluate the mental health status of the participants. Lastly, the third section included the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Version (IPAQ-SV), which assessed the metabolic equivalent (MET) of activities like walking, moderate-intensity exercises, and high-intensity exercises. The study found that mental health problems affected 25.74% of adults, while physical inactivity was prevalent in 49.63% of adults. The statistical model was highly significant (F = 25.143, p < 0.001), suggesting that at least one predictor has a significant impact on mental health. The model accounted for 39% of the variance in mental health, with all variables showing predictive value. Notably, the number of walking days per week emerged as the most influential predictor of mental health (β = -0.392), followed by level of weekly physical activity in MET, the number of exercise training sessions per week, weekly exercise training in MET, and weekly walking in MET (β = -0.312, -0.301, -0.212, and -0.202, respectively). Adults can allocate more days per week to walking and their usual physical activity to improve their mental health.

Saudi Radiology Technologists' Perception of Occupational Hazards from a Personal and Social Lens.

Occupational hazards among healthcare workers (HCWs) present serious risks, from infectious diseases to physical and chemical dangers, along with psychological stress, all of which threaten their health and safety. This study aims to identify the unique challenges and hazards encountered by radiology technologists in in Saudi Arabia by assessing the key factors contributing to these risks. A descriptive questionnaire study was conducted in January-February 2023, targeting 75 radiology technologists at King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC), Jeddah, with participants recruited via non-probability convenience sampling and invited to complete a widely recognized questionnaire previously used among radiographers. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and the Kruskal-Wallis H-test was conducted to examine the relationships between demographic factors and different aspects of occupational hazards. Of the 75 technologists contacted, 63 responded, resulting in an 84% participation rate. Workload, work shifts, and patient-related factors are major contributors to occupational hazards, surpassing technologist-specific and organizational elements. Additionally, 68.3% cited rigid leadership and unequal treatment as aggravating factors, while insufficient staffing, inadequate protective devices, and patient interaction were also significant concerns. Over 60% identified bending, lifting heavy patients, prolonged radiation exposure, and frequent walking as major hazard sources. Key occupational hazards factors facing radiology technologists include high workloads, work shifts, and patient-related issues, with 68.3% citing rigid leadership and unequal treatment as exacerbating risks. Insufficient staffing and protective devices, along with demanding work conditions, further heighten these hazards. This study emphasizes the need for targeted interventions in staffing, resources, and culture to improve radiology technologists' safety.

How do urban block built environments affect older adults' walking activities and health effects: a case study in Nanjing, China.

Research on the relationship between microscale built environments and physical activity among older adults in densely populated old urban areas with high aging rates is scarce. Particularly, the relationship between urban block land-use pattern and older adults' walking activities have not yet been completely understood. This study examined the daily walking habits and socioeconomic attributes of older adults in 17 blocks with different built environment characteristics in Nanjing City, China. A multi-layer linear model was used to quantitatively analyse the mechanism underlying the effects of various factors on the health of older adults. The result shows significant positive correlation between neighborhood walkability and the enhancement of walking frequency and activity. For every 10% increase in pedestrian road connectivity and land use, the walking activity volume increased by 22.4 and 12%, and the BMI increased by 9.1 and 7.3% toward the standard range, respectively. For every 10% increase in distance between residence and plaza and park, the walking activity volume decreased by 5.4 and 3.2%, and BMI decreased by 9.9 and 6.3%, respectively. For every 10.4% increase in land mixed-use rate and per capita green area, BMI increased by 19.4%. Furthermore, higher household income and number of family members have significant correlation with walking activities and health effects. Moreover, the block-scale built environment and walking activities jointly affected health, with a cross-functional relationship between multiple factors.

Long-Time Coherent Integration Method for Passive Bistatic Radar Using Frequency Hopping Signals.

Long-time coherent integration using frequency hopping signals is a challenging problem for passive bistatic radar due to its frequency hopping characteristics. Apart from range walk, range curve, and Doppler frequency migration, Doppler diffusion caused by frequency hopping characteristics occurs within the observation time, which also lowers the detection performance. To deal with this problem, a novel coherent integration method for frequency hopping signals based on passive bistatic radar is proposed in this paper. In this novel method, range curve and range walk are eliminated by applying generalized Keystone transform. Then, Doppler frequency migration caused by the target's acceleration is compensated for by a parameter search with a designed search scope. Finally, Doppler frequency migration caused by frequency hopping characteristics is compensated for by designing a new acceleration compensation function and a revised rotation factor for Fourier transform. Since migration effects caused by frequency hopping characteristics are considered and compensated for when using frequency hopping signals, the weak target echo can be better integrated in the observation time compared to when using the existing methods. The simulation results and performance analysis illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.

Association of foods consumption and physical activity with prefrailty and frailty among Chinese older adults in urban communities: A cross-sectional study.

Frailty has become a public health challenge in China. To investigate the association of foods consumption and physical activity with prefrailty and frailty among older Chinese adults in urban communities. In a cross-sectional study from February to July 2023, 1183 older adults aged between 65y-88y were enrolled from urban communities in Chongqing and Shandong province, China. Frailty Index (FI) was applied to measure prefrailty and frailty. Partial proportional odds model was used to assess the association between foods consumption, physical activity and prefrailty/frailty. Higher Dietary Diversity Score (DDS), (OR=0.61, 95% CI=0.46-0.80; OR=0.47, 95% CI=0.28-0.79), Consuming animal-based foods ≥2 times/day (OR=0.62, 95% CI=0.47-0.82; OR=0.54, 95% CI=0.33-0.88), soy products ≥2 times/week (OR=0.69, 95% CI=0.53-0.89; OR=0.51, 95% CI=0.31-0.84), fresh vegetables ≥2 times/day (OR=0.42, 95% CI=0.31-0.57; OR=0.41, 95% CI=0.23-0.72), and nuts ≥2 times/week (OR=0.71, 95% CI=0.55-0.91; OR=0.52, 95% CI=0.32-0.85) was associated with a lower risk of prefrailty and frailty. In addition, higher frequency and longer duration of walking (OR=0.61, 95% CI=0.42-0.88; OR=0.63, 95% CI=0.48-0.81), exercise (OR=0.48, 95% CI=0.35-0.64; OR=0.44, 95% CI=0.32-0.61) per week were significantly associated with lower risk of prefrailty. Furthermore, higher frequency and longer duration of walking (OR=0.42, 95% CI=0.25-0.72; OR=0.46, 95% CI=0.29-0.74), and housework (OR=0.39, 95% CI=0.24-0.65; OR=0.57, 95% CI=0.34-0.96) per week, were significantly associated with lower frailty. Higher DDS and higher frequency of animal-based foods, soy products, fresh vegetables, and nuts consumption is significantly associated with lower risk of prefrailty and frailty. Additionally, walking and exercising are significantly associated with lower risk of prefrailty, while walking and doing housework is significantly associated with lower frailty.

Comparison of evaluations of human-induced floor vibration based on different design guidelines

This paper presents a comparative study on the evaluation of human-induced floor vibrations based on different design guidelines, including AISC DG11, ISO 10137:2007, SCI P354, and JGJT441–2019. Dynamic responses of floors are captured using FEM (Finite Element Method) simulations, with respect to varying thicknesses under different walking patterns and frequencies. The same single-step walking force model is applied across all scenarios to mitigate differences in floor comfort evaluation results due to varying walking force models, with a target to identify the differences induced by floor thicknesses, and walking patterns and frequencies. The dynamic responses are evaluated with respect to different evaluation indices in terms of floor comfort based on the adopted design guidelines. The findings reveal that resonance can occur even when the fundamental frequency of the floor is not equal to the walking frequency, but equal to (or very close to) an integral multiple of the walking frequency. The findings also reveal that walking patterns can affect the evaluation results of floor comfort, and walking at a fixed location may not give the worst evaluation scenario. Statistical analyses revealing the relationship between peak acceleration and floor thickness for walking at a fixed location can be mimicked using an exponential function, while for walking along fixed routes, a fifth-order polynomial function is more appropriate in depicting the relationship between peak acceleration and landing location. Comparison of the evaluation results indicates that different guidelines may give inconsistent or conflicting conclusions in terms of floor comfort, and among the adopted guidelines, ISO 10137:2007 imposes the strictest comfort requirements, while SCI P354 (VDV approach) offers the loosest criteria.

Efficacy of Daily Walking as a Potential Predictor of Improved Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes in Korea.

This study examines whether health-related quality of life (HRQoL) scores differ due to the frequency of walking or physical activity (PA) throughout a week in diabetic patients in Korea. This population-based cross-sectional study used data from the 2018-2021 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The dependent variable was HRQoL scores as measured with EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D). The independent variables were defined as three types of PA: (1) walking; (2) moderate; and (3) vigorous. An estimated population size of 2,376,066 was included in this study. The mean (95% confidence interval (CI)) age of patients was 60.12 years (59.23, 60.81), and 53.0% were female. The mean (95% CI) of EQ-5D was 0.867 (0.857, 0.877). The majority of diabetic patients reported walking daily (39.05%, 95% CI; 36.28-41.81%), while a significant proportion did not engage in moderate (65.45%, 95% CI; 62.79-68.11%) or vigorous (78.38%, 95% CI; 73.02-77.73%) PA at all. After controlling for covariates, EQ-5D scores significantly increased when patients had walked once per week for at least 10 min in the Tobit regression model. The frequency of walking was the most significant predicting factor for better HRQoL in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Wearable Pressure Sensing System Appliedin Sports Assistive Monitoring and Technological Rehabilitation

In the aging society, chronic diseases have become a very common problem. Many elderly people have at least one chronic disease. Most chronic diseases are caused by poor diet and lack of physical activity. As the body ages, chronic diseases will develop. Therefore, it is important to establish a healthy lifestyle. The best way to prevent chronic diseases is to diagnose them early and self-check your health. In terms of self-check, most hospitals provide good testing equipment for the public to use. However, in Taiwan, most elderly people with chronic diseases are not aware of any abnormalities in their bodies. They often go to the hospital for a doctor's check only after experiencing a serious injury. For example, diabetic patients are tend to foot pressure distribution imbalance and foot deformation due to peripheral nerve damage caused by diabetes. In severe cases, long-term friction can cause wound infection and lead to amputation. Parkinson's disease, which commonly occurs in the elderly, is the main cause of falls in the elderly. Therefore, early self-check is very important.We used TENG technology to develop high-performance pressure sensors. The sensors are made of biocompatible silicone and conductive silicone, which are soft, flexible, and durable. We installed the sensors in insoles. We hope that by allowing patients to wear corrective insoles to detect the current foot pressure in real time, we can first collect data on the pressure distribution and walking frequency of healthy people. Then, we can compare the data to abnormal walking patterns. Finally, we can use machine learning to analyze and classify the data to predict the risk of patients developing complications of chronic diseases. This allows patients to do a simple self-check at home without having to go to a large hospital for a complex examination, which also avoids wasting unnecessary medical resources.

Exploring the group heterogeneity in the impact of social cohesion on the walking frequency of older adults in China.

Walkable neighborhoods are closely related to an increase in walking frequency and the strengthening of social cohesion. These factors, in turn, contribute to lower BMI and other positive health-related outcomes. However, with a rapid increase in aging populations in China and the fact that women are facing more challenges than men as they age, especially mobility challenges because they tend to live longer leading to probabilities to become widowed. Nevertheless, less attention has been paid to understanding the gender difference between these relationships. Based on a survey of 533 older adults in Dalian, China, this study tried to investigate the intertwined relationship between perceived walkability, social cohesion, walking frequency, and BMI. A Structural Equation Model (SEM) and multiple-group analysis were applied to test the proposed framework. First, results show that gender differences existed among the above interrelationships, and the most substantial gender gap was found in effects of social cohesion on BMI. Second, perceived walkability only has a direct effect (0.149) on walking frequencies for female seniors. Third, although the relationships between perceived walkability and BMI are not directly related in both male and female models, the indirect connection (-0.053) is substituted for female seniors. Besides, the inhibiting effect of walking on BMI, which is -0.511, is also valid for female seniors. Finally, in terms of the role of social cohesion, both the positive impacts of perceived walkability on it (0.225 for males and 0.325 for females) and its promoting effects on walking have been confirmed in male (0.142) and female models (0.103). The negative direct effect of social cohesion on BMI (-0.083) is only confirmed in male seniors. Insights derived from this analysis can help bring forward gender-specific interventions to build a more inclusive walkable and social environment to improve the mobility and physical health of older adults.

The Effect of Walking on Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Previous literature lacks summative information on the mental health benefits achieved from different forms of walking. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of different forms of walking in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety. This was a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effects of walking on depressive and anxiety symptoms. MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Embase, PsycINFO, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database (AMED), CINAHL, and Web of Science were searched on April 5, 2022. Two authors independently screened the studies and extracted the data. Random-effects meta-analysis was used to synthesize the data. Results were summarized as standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% CIs in forest plots. The risk of bias was assessed by using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. This review included 75 RCTs with 8636 participants; 68 studies reported depressive symptoms, 39 reported anxiety symptoms, and 32 reported both as the outcomes. One study reported the results for adolescents and was not included in the meta-analysis. The pooled results for adults indicated that walking could significantly reduce depressive symptoms (RCTs: n=44; SMD -0.591, 95% CI -0.778 to -0.403; I2=84.8%; τ2=0.3008; P<.001) and anxiety symptoms (RCTs: n=26; SMD -0.446, 95% CI -0.628 to -0.265; I2=81.1%; τ2=0.1530; P<.001) when compared with the inactive controls. Walking could significantly reduce depressive or anxiety symptoms in most subgroups, including different walking frequency, duration, location (indoor or outdoor), and format (group or individual) subgroups (all P values were <.05). Adult participants who were depressed (RCTs: n=5; SMD -1.863, 95% CI -2.764 to -0.962; I2=86.4%; τ2=0.8929) and those who were not depressed (RCTs: n=39; SMD -0.442, 95% CI -0.604 to -0.280; I2=77.5%; τ2=0.1742) could benefit from walking effects on their depressive symptoms, and participants who were depressed could benefit more (P=.002). In addition, there was no significant difference between walking and active controls in reducing depressive symptoms (RCTs: n=17; SMD -0.126, 95% CI -0.343 to 0.092; I2=58%; τ2=0.1058; P=.26) and anxiety symptoms (14 RCTs, SMD -0.053, 95% CI -0.311 to 0.206, I2=67.7%, τ2=0.1421; P=.69). Various forms of walking can be effective in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety, and the effects of walking are comparable to active controls. Walking can be adopted as an evidence-based intervention for reducing depression and anxiety. More evidence on the effect of low-intensity walking is needed in the future.

Effects of walking on epigenetic age acceleration: a Mendelian randomization study

IntroductionWalking stands as the most prevalent physical activity in the daily lives of individuals and is closely associated with physical functioning and the aging process. Nonetheless, the precise cause-and-effect connection between walking and aging remains unexplored. The epigenetic clock emerges as the most promising biological indicator of aging, capable of mirroring the biological age of the human body and facilitating an investigation into the association between walking and aging. Our primary objective is to investigate the causal impact of walking with epigenetic age acceleration (EAA).MethodsWe conducted a two-sample two-way Mendelian randomization (MR) study to investigate the causal relationship between walking and EAA. Walking and Leisure sedentary behavior data were sourced from UK Biobank, while EAA data were gathered from a total of 28 cohorts. The MR analysis was carried out using several methods, including the inverse variance weighted (IVW), weighted median, MR-Egger, and robust adjusted profile score (RAPS). To ensure the robustness of our findings, we conducted sensitivity analyses, which involved the MR-Egger intercept test, Cochran’s Q test, and MR-PRESSO, to account for and mitigate potential pleiotropy.ResultsThe IVW MR results indicate a significant impact of usual walking pace on GrimAge (BETA = − 1.84, 95% CI (− 2.94, − 0.75)), PhenoAge (BETA = − 1.57, 95% CI (− 3.05, − 0.08)), Horvath (BETA = − 1.09 (− 2.14, − 0.04)), and Hannum (BETA = − 1.63, 95% CI (− 2.70, − 0.56)). Usual walking pace is significantly associated with a delay in epigenetic aging acceleration (EAA) (P < 0.05). Moreover, the direction of effect predicted by the gene remained consistent across RAPS outcomes and sensitivity MR analyses. There is a lack of robust causal relationships between other walking conditions, such as walking duration and walking frequency, on EAA (P > 0.05).ConclusionOur evidence demonstrates that a higher usual walking pace is associated with a deceleration of the acceleration of all four classical epigenetic clocks acceleration.

Physical Inactivity and Sedentariness in Older Hearing Loss patients: Restoration With Hearing Aids.

Hearing loss causes numerous functional deficits. However, few studies have been conducted to assess the association between hearing loss and physical inactivity. This study aimed to evaluate the physical activity and sedentary behavior of hearing loss patients and their relation with the use of hearing aids. We extracted participants over 60 years of age with information on hearing status and physical activities from the eighth Korea National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey conducted from 2019 to 2020. We classified them into four groups: a normal hearing group (≤25 dB), a mild hearing loss group (>25 dB and ≤40 dB), a moderate hearing loss group (>40 dB and ≤50 dB), and a non-serviceable hearing group (>50 dB). Additionally, we extracted hearing aid users with hearing levels exceeding 50 dB. After adjusting other factors, the non-serviceable hearing group walked less frequently than the moderate (p = 0.004) and mild hearing loss group (p < 0.001) and walked less and sat more than the normal hearing group (walking frequency: p < 0.001; walking time: p = 0.020; and sitting time: p = 0.034). Also, the hearing aid users walked more frequently (p = 0.003) and for longer (p = 0.045) than the non-serviceable hearing group. Hearing loss is associated with reduced walking and a sedentary lifestyle. The use of hearing aids is associated with improved physical activity. Appropriate interventions, including hearing aids, should be provided to hearing loss patients. 3 (individual cross-sectional study) Laryngoscope, 134:5109-5115, 2024.

Pedestrians’ receptivity to fully automated vehicles: Assessing the psychometric properties of the PRQF and survey in France

One of the biggest challenges facing the human-centered design of fully automated vehicles (FAVs) is their interaction with vulnerable road users. Measuring pedestrians’ perceptions is particularly important to know whether they will be receptive to the introduction of FAVs on the road. In this context, the present study aimed to examine and validate the structure of the Pedestrian Receptivity Questionnaire for FAVs (PRQF) in France. A second objective was to explore the receptivity of French pedestrians towards FAVs, its effects on behavioral intention when interacting with FAVs, and acceptance of FAVs. To meet these objectives, 474 participants living in France answered an online survey (age range: 18–83 years; 39 % of males), which included the PRQF, the behavioral intention to cross the road in front of a FAV and their acceptance, as pedestrians, of the introduction of FAVs on the road. Several scales and items were also included to measure familiarity with FAVs and new technologies, as well as self-reported pedestrian behavior using the pedestrian behavior scale (PBS) and sociodemographic information. A series of statistical analyses indicated a three-dimensional factor structure in the answers of the French respondents to the PRQF, i.e., Positive Attitude, Supportive Social Norms, and Compatibility. These dimensions differed from those revealed in earlier questionnaire validation studies. However, in line with other studies on automated vehicle acceptance, these dimensions were influenced by several sociodemographic factors (age, sex, level of education, walking frequency, location, possession and duration of driving license). The results also indicated a mixed receptivity of the French respondents to FAVs. Their behavioral intentions to cross the road in front of an approaching FAV were further explained by the Positive Attitude dimension of the PRQF and their self-declared behaviors as pedestrians, particularly in terms of positive and violation behaviors. Acceptance of FAVs in the respondents’ living area was predicted by the Positive Attitude dimension and by self-declared behaviors as pedestrians (in terms of aggressive behaviors particularly). The respondents’ age and familiarity with FAVs and new technologies were also predictive of their FAV acceptance. Several research and practical perspectives are proposed accordingly.

Walking Activity and Physical Function Among Mexican American Older Adults Over 9Years of Follow Up.

Walking activity has been associated with reduction in the development of chronic disease, cognitive and physical function impairment, disability, and mortality. The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between walking activity and physical function over 9years of follow-up among Mexican Americans aged 78years and older. Participants (N = 998) were from the Hispanic Established Population for the Epidemiologic Study of the Elderly (2007-2016). Measures included walking activity duration and frequency, socio-demographics, body mass index, medical conditions, pain, depressive symptoms, limitation in activities of daily living, and the Mini-Mental State Examination. Low physical function was defined as scoring <7 on the Short Physical Performance Battery. At baseline, participants were grouped into nonwalkers (n = 653), walked <150minutes/week (n = 144), and walked 150minutes/week or more (n = 201). A Generalized Estimating Equation model was used to estimate the odds ratio and 95% CI of low physical performance as a function of walking activity status. Compared with nonwalkers, participants walking < 150minutes/week had lower odds (odds ratio = 0.66, 95% CI, 0.51-0.86) of low physical function over time, after controlling for all covariates, as did those walking ≥ 150minutes/week (odds ratio = 0.54, 95% CI, 0.41-0.71). Mexican American older adults who engage in any walking activity are at reduced risk of low physical function, even those with disability. Interventions at the individual and community level are recommended to reduce physical function impairment, even in those with preexisting medical conditions or disability.