Greater Number Of Steps Research Articles

PSVIII-A-3 Activity Behavior and Growth Performance During Summer of Grazing Beef Heifers with Divergent Residual Feed Intake

Abstract Concerns about sustainability of beef production systems generate an interest in improved feed efficiency; however, there is a lack of research evaluating cattle activity budgets in response to the interaction between residual feed intake (RFI) and environment while grazing. Lying behavior and activity can provide insight into how animals interact with the environment and serve as an indicator of animal comfort. Furthermore, exposure to severe environmental factors can change behavioral patterns and impair animal performance. Therefore, this study evaluated activity budgets and performance in grazing beef heifers with divergent residual feed intake (RFI) during the summer season. From July to August 2022, forty-four crossbred beef heifers [358 ± 4.78 kg of body weight (BW); approximately 14 months of age] previously tested for RFI in drylot and classified as more (n = 21; LOW-RFI = -0.9 ± 0.70) or less feed efficient (n = 23; HIGH-RFI = 1.3 ± 1.00) were grazed at 2.72 AUM/ha over 7 wk in Alberta, Canada. IceRoboticTM pedometers (IceQube+) were used to track 24-hr heifer activity budgets [n = 43; total steps and lying and standing time (min/d and min/h) for 36 d]. Full BW was obtained on d -1, 0, 14, 28, 42, and 43 while fat scan on rib and rump were measured by ultrasound (Aloka 500 V diagnostic real-time) on d 0 and 42. Air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and solar radiation information were collected within 1 km of the grazed area to calculate the Comprehensive Climate Index (CCI). Based on CCI, weather conditions were considered to impose risk to cause mild, moderate, severe, and extreme stress for 5, 18, 7, and 1 days, respectively. For BW, average daily gain (ADG), rump (RF) and rib fat (RiF), the data were analyzed as a completely randomized design, while behavior activity included repeated measures. An RFI x day interaction was observed for lying and standing times (P = 0.02) and total steps (P = 0.001). Greater number of steps (P < 0.01) and an increased standing time (P < 0.01) were observed in HIGH-RFI heifers. RFI × hour interaction was observed for lying and standing times (P = 0.006), where LOW-RFI heifers spent more time lying at 10:00 am (P < 0.01). Furthermore, LOW-RFI heifers had decreased number of steps per hour throughout the study (P = 0.03; 178 vs 191 ± 4.1). No effects were observed for ADG, BW, RF, and RiF (P > 0.24). In summary, selected activity behaviors differed between beef heifers with divergent residual feed intake while summer grazing. Further studies are needed to investigate the effects of continuous changes in weather conditions to better understand the environmental impacts on animal behavior while selecting for more efficient beef cattle.

Children with developmental coordination disorder are less able to fine-tune muscle activity in anticipation of postural perturbations than typically developing counterparts.

The majority of children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) struggle with static and dynamic balance, yet there is limited understanding of the underlying neuromechanical mechanisms that underpin poor balance control in these children. Eighteen children with DCD and seven typically developing (TD) children aged 7-10 years stood with eyes open on a moveable platform progressively translated antero-posteriorly through three frequencies (0.1, 0.25 and 0.5 Hz). Myoelectric activity of eight leg muscles, whole-body 3D kinematics and centre of pressure were recorded. At each frequency, postural data were divided into transition-state and steady-state cycles. Data were analyzed using a linear mixed model with follow-up Tukey's pairwise comparisons. At the slowest frequency, children with DCD behaved like age-matched TD controls. At the fastest frequency, children with DCD took a greater number of steps, had a greater centre of mass variability, had a greater centre of pressure area, and tended to activate their muscles earlier and for longer than TD children. Children with DCD did not alter their postural response following prolonged exposure to platform movement, however they made more, non-structured postural adjustments in the medio-lateral direction as task difficulty increased. At the faster oscillation frequencies, children with DCD adopted a different muscle recruitment strategy to TD children. Activating their muscles earlier and for longer may suggest that children with DCD attempt to predict and react to postural disturbances, however the resulting anticipatory muscle excitation patterns do not seem as finely tuned to the perturbation as those demonstrated by TD children. Future work should examine the impact of balance training interventions on the muscle recruitment strategies of children with DCD, to ensure optimal interventions can be prescribed.

Dual-task performance in seniors with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease: a longitudinal study

BACKGROUND: Motor performance in older adults with cognitive impairment is worse under dual task conditions, increasing the risk of falls. However, there is a lack of studies that analyze this performance over time in people with different cognitive profiles. AIM: This study aimed to compare the performance of an isolated task and a dual task in people with preserved cognition (PrC), mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer`s disease (AD). METHOD: Data were collected on two occasions (T1; T2), thirty-two months apart. Participants (n=51) were separated between groups: PrC (n=22), MCI (n=19) and AD (n=10). They were analyzed in three situations: 1) isolated motor task - Timed up and go test (TUGT); 2) cognitive-motor test (CMT)– dialing on the phone; 3) dual task (DT). To compare the performance of the dual task between the groups, delta was calculated and the ANCOVA test was applied. RESULTS: Although the cost of the dual task was not significantly different over time in any group, we found increases in the time required to complete the TUGT (p<0.01) and TUGT-DT (p>0.01) after 32 months in the AD group and a reduction in time in the PrC and MCI groups. A greater number of steps in the TUGT-DT (p<0.01) and an increase in cadence in the TUGT (p=0.01) and TUGT-DT (p<0.01) were also found in the AD group. CONCLUSION:We suggest that a more functional task, such as walking while typing on the phone, may be considered a more sensitive way of assessing older adults with AD.

Nurses’ steps, distance traveled, and perceived physical demands in a three-shift schedule

BackgroundThe physical job demands of hospital nurses are known to be very high. Although many studies have measured the physical activities of nurses subjectively using questionnaires, it remains necessary to quantify and measure nurses’ physical activity at work using objective indicators. This study was conducted to address this gap in the literature by analyzing nurses’ physical activity using both objective measurements and subjective perceptions. The number of steps, distance traveled, and actual work hours were measured during work, and the influence of related factors was analyzed.MethodsUsing a cross-sectional design, survey and activity tracking data were collected from nurses who worked in three shifts in two tertiary hospitals located in the capital region of South Korea. The participants comprised 117 nurses working in four different units (medical ward, surgical ward, intensive care unit, emergency room), and data from 351 shifts were used in the final analysis. Between-group differences in the main variables were analyzed using the t-test, the Mann–Whitney test, analysis of variance, or the Kruskal–Wallis test, as appropriate. The relationships were examined through multiple linear regression analysis.ResultsThe average number of steps and distance traveled were greatest for nurses working in the emergency room, followed by the intensive care unit, surgical ward, and medical ward (in descending order). Younger nurses and those with shorter unit experience tended to have the greatest number of steps and distance traveled.ConclusionUsing activity trackers, this study derived physical activity measures such as number of steps and distance traveled, enabling an objective examination of physical activity during shifts. Nurses’ level of physical activity differed depending on the type of nursing unit, nurses’ age, and unit experience. These results suggest the need for support programs that are specific to the job demands of specific nursing units.

Defining The Optimal Duration Of Familiarization For An INT Intervention For Children With Autism

PURPOSE: A period of familiarization to exercise interventions is recommended for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Unknown, however, is how long this familiarization period should be to ensure optimal engagement in the exercise intervention. To address this gap in understanding, this study sought to define the required duration needed for a familiarization period for a school-based integrative neuromuscular training (INT) intervention for children with ASD. METHODS: Nine children (6.9 years ±1.5) with a diagnosis of ASD were recruited to complete a school-based INT intervention, partaking in three, one-hour weekly sessions for seven weeks. The INT intervention was implemented via games aimed at the interests of the children and was adapted to each child’s specific needs. Pedometer data were collected for seven weeks, and the average number of steps taken per week were calculated. Completion of the familiarization period was denoted by a significant increase in step count between weeks, followed by a plateau or continued increase in subsequent weeks. Data were analysed using a one-way ANOVA, and Tukey's post hoc analysis, to identify changes in step counts over time. Statistical significance was set at an alpha level of p < 0.05. RESULTS: There was a significant effect for time over the seven weeks (p < 0.01). Post hoc analysis displayed significant differences and a greater number of steps taken following week five (p < 0.05) with no significant increases in steps between weeks five, six, and seven suggesting a plateau occurred. Steps averaged 48 ± 9.6 per minute for week one and increased to an average of 68 ± 4.9 per minute for week seven. CONCLUSIONS: Results indicate that a familiarization period of four weeks is needed when introducing an INT intervention to children with ASD.

Analysis of Older Adults in Spanish Care Facilities, Risk of Falling and Daily Activity Using Xiaomi Mi Band 2.

Background: Presently the use of technological devices such as wearable devices has emerged. Physical activity monitoring with wearable sensors is an easy and non-intrusive approach to encourage preventive care for older adults. It may be useful to follow a continuous assessment of the risk of falling. The objective is to explore the relationship between the daily activity measured by Xiaomi Mi Band 2 and the risk of falling of older adults residing in or attending care facilities. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on three different institutions located in Galicia (autonomous community) (Spain). Results: A total of 31 older adults were included in the study, with a mean age of 84 ± 8.71 years old. The main findings obtained were that a greater number of steps and distance could be related to a lower probability of falling, of dependency in basic activities of daily living, or of mobility problems. Conclusions: The importance of focusing on daily steps, intrinsically related to the objective assessment of daily physical activity, is that it is a modifiable factor that impacts different aspects of health and quality of life.

The Influence of an Initial Face-to-Face Meeting in an E-mail Delivered Physical Activity Intervention: A Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

This paper examines the influence of an initial face-to-face meeting in an e-mail delivered physical activity intervention. RMANCOVA was conducted to examine differences between e-mail and face-to-face arms in mean weekly steps adjusted for baseline steps, sex, and body mass index (BMI). Overall, 68 participants were analyzed (face-to-face: (n=35); e-mail: (n=33). Participants in the face-to-face arm walked a greater number of steps each week; however, differences between arms pre- and post-intervention were not statistically significant (F (1, 60) = 0.31, p = .5796). These findings suggest that a physical activity intervention where initial instructions are delivered via e-mail is not statistically significantly different from a face-to-face approach.

Changes to steps, lying, and eating behavior during lactation in Jersey and Holstein cows and the relationship to feed intake, yield, and weight

Devices that record behavior automatically have made it possible to accurately measure the lying and eating behavior of large numbers of dairy cows. During lactation, weight, feed intake, and production of cows change; however, longitudinal studies of how the behavior of dairy cows is correlated with production traits during lactation are limited. This study describes changes in duration of lying and eating behavior throughout lactation and how these variables are related to changes in milk yield, live weight, and feed intake in lactating primi- and multiparous Holstein and Jersey cows. Data were from 255 cow lactations (43 primi- and 80 multiparous Jersey cows, and 56 primi- and 76 multiparous Holstein cows) from 5 to 200 d in milk. Leg-mounted tags were used to record lying time and steps; ad libitum feed intake (of a partial mixed ration) variables were recorded from feed bins on weight cells; and milk yield and live weight were recorded during automatic milking, all on a daily basis. The lactation trajectory was split into 4 segments. Data were analyzed using mixed effects linear models. Holstein cows spent more time lying and eating than Jersey cows, whereas Jersey cows had a greater number of steps (25-37%). First-lactation cows spent less time eating and had more steps than older cows. Average daily lying time was approximately 1 h longer during February than the shortest lying time, which was observed in August. Both Holstein and Jersey multiparous cows had longer lying times than cows in first parity after parturition; however, the lying time of multiparous cows decreased, whereas that of primiparous cows increased in the beginning of lactation. Later in lactation, older cows tended to increase duration of lying more than younger cows did. The daily change in behavior (lying, eating, and steps) and milk yield, live weight, and dry matter intake, characterized as slopes in the lactation period for each cow, were not strongly correlated. However, we found a moderate correlation between changes in milk yield and dry matter intake, and between changes in eating time and rate of eating. An increase in eating rate in multiparous Holstein cows was correlated with increasing lying time. In conclusion, the use of automated behavior recording enabled thorough investigations of relationships between a range of behavior traits and frequently recorded production traits, and revealed that patterns of change during lactation are strongly affected by breed and parity.

Consistency of temperament traits and their relationships with milk yield in lactating primiparous F1 Holstein - Gyr cows

The objectives of the present study were: a) to evaluate the consistency of temperament traits of primiparous F1 Holstein - Gyr cows throughout time and across distinct handling situations (milking temperament and handling temperament in the corral), and b) to assess the relationships between temperament traits and milk yield. The milking temperament was characterized by the movement of the hind legs (number of steps and kicks), in addition to recording the frequencies of defecation, urination, rumination and kicking off the milking cluster, as well as recording individual daily milk yield. To evaluate handling temperament in the corral, the following data were recorded: ET (entrance time, time to walk along the single-file race and enter the squeeze chute); CS (crush score, assessing the reactivity within the squeeze chute, in scores from 1 = no movement to 4 = frequent and vigorous movements); FS (flight speed); FD (flight distance) and NOT (novel object test, recording latency for the animal to interact with an unfamiliar object). The number of steps during milking was negatively correlated with ET (r = −0.285; P < 0.01) and positively with FS (r = 0.355; P < 0.01), FD (r = 0.245; P < 0.05) and NOT (r = 0.283; P < 0.05), indicating that the animals which took a greater number of STEPS during milking were faster to enter and exit the squeeze chute, kept a greater distance from the observer and were more cautious to interact with the novel object. In turn, the frequency of kicking off the milking cluster was positively correlated with ET (r = 0.230; P < 0.05) and CS (r = 0.322; P < 0.01), but negatively with NOT (r = −0.386; P < 0.01), indicating that the animals that kicked off the milking cluster were more reactive in the chute and had a greater disposition to interact with the novel object. Milk yield was negatively correlated with the number of KICKS (r = −0.244; P < 0.05) and positively with the rumination (r = 0.324; P < 0.01). Rumination was the only behavioural trait with effect on the milk yield (F2,78 = 4.02; P < 0.05). The temperament of crossed Holstein-Gyr dairy cows was consistent over time and through the different handling situations and milking temperament traits were associated with milk yield, unlike handling temperament.

Concurrent validity of Nokia Go activity tracker in walking and free-living conditions.

Consumer-based activity trackers aim at quantifying physical activity in a wide range of contexts. Nevertheless, they need to be validated before they are confidently used. This study assessed the concurrent validity of the Nokia Go against reference devices, according to different sensor locations, in two measurement conditions: during a walking task and during a 24-hour free-living condition. We examined the agreement between devices and between locations in the number of steps and total sleep time by using intraclass correlation coefficient and Bland-Altman method. In the walking task, the agreement is good to excellent for steps between the Nokia Go and the reference device. In the free-living condition, there is a systematic underestimation of steps in comparison with the ActiGraph. Excellent agreement was found between locations. The device worn at the hip indicated the lowest number of steps, and the device located at the dominant wrist indicated the greatest number of steps. There are high discrepancies in step count between devices because of the different types of activities in daily life. The Nokia Go may be confidently used for step counting during pure walking tasks, at different locations. However, the lack of concurrent validity with ActiGraph call for caution regarding their use in daily living conditions.

Kinematics and postural muscular activity during continuous oscillating platform movement in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy

BackgroundReactive and anticipatory postural activity has been described in single discrete perturbations in youth with cerebral palsy (CP) but not in continuous perturbation situations. Research QuestionWe sought to determine how the ability to control postural responses (as reflected in the number of steps taken, postural muscle activity, and marker-pair trajectory cross-correlations) compares between typically developing (TD) youth and age-matched youth with CP when exposed to various frequencies of continuous platform oscillation. We also sought to determine if youth with CP could further modify postural activity based on knowledge of platform movement. MethodsEleven youth with CP and sixteen TD youth aged 7–17 years stood with eyes open on a movable platform progressively translated antero-posteriorly through four speeds in experimenter-triggered and self-triggered perturbations. Postural muscle activity and 3D kinematics were recorded. The Anchoring Index and marker-pair trajectories were used to quantify body stabilization strategies. Transition states and steady states were analysed. Mann Whitney-U tests analysed between-group differences at each frequency. ResultsAt lower frequencies (0.1 and 0.25 Hz) youth with CP behaved like age-matched TD controls. At higher frequencies (0.5 and 0.61 Hz), youth with CP took a greater number of steps, had a preference for stabilizing their head on the trunk, had low marker-pair correlations with high temporal lag, and showed increased tonic activity compared to their TD peers. SignificanceHigher frequency platform movements proved more difficult for youth with CP, however, like TD youth, they shifted from reactive to anticipatory mechanisms when the platform frequency remained constant by taking advantage of knowledge of platform movement. When given control over perturbation onset, further evidence of anticipatory mechanisms was observed following the transition to a new oscillation frequency.

The short-term and long-term cost-effectiveness of a pedometer-based intervention in primary care: a within trial analysis and beyond-trial modelling

BackgroundThere is little evidence of the cost-effectiveness of pedometer-based interventions. We examined the short-term and long-term cost-effectiveness of a pedometer-based walking intervention in inactive adults. MethodsData were collected as part of a three-arm cluster-randomised trial conducted (2012–14) in seven primary care practices in London to assess the effectiveness of pedometer-based walking interventions (PACE-UP trial). Eligible participants were inactive adults aged 45–75 years, without contraindications to increasing moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. 11 015 people were mailed an invitation. 6399 were non-responders, and 548 individuals who self-reported as being active were excluded. 1023 people were randomised to usual care (control, n=338), postal pedometer (339), and nurse-supported pedometer interventions (346). 956 participants (93%) provided outcome data. Intervention groups received pedometers, 12 week walking programmes, and diaries to record physical activity. The nurse group was also offered three physical activity consultations. A within trial cost-effectiveness analysis was done at 1 year. Additionally, a Markov model, using routine data obtained via reviews of epidemiological and economic literature, was used to extend trial results to a life-time horizon. Cost per change in physical activity (step count, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity in ≥10 minute bouts) and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) for interventions were assessed. Costs (in 2013 prices) are presented from a health-care provider's perspective and uncertainty as a cost-effectiveness acceptability curve. Ethics approval was provided by London Research Ethics Committee (Hampstead). PACE-UP is registered with Current Controlled Trials, ISRCTN98538934. FindingsIn the short term, incremental cost per step and cost per min in a 10 min or more bout of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity were £0·19 and £3·61, respectively, for nurse-support. The postal group took a greater number of steps and cost less. In the long term, the postal group dominated both control and nurse groups in that QALY gains (759, 95% CI 400 to 1247) added to increased cost savings (−£11 million, 95% CI −12 to −10), resulting in an incremental net monetary benefit of £26 million (based on a hypothetical cohort of 100 000 people). The postal group had a 50% chance of being cost-effective in terms of QALYs at 1 year and, at a £20 000 per QALY threshold, robustly dominated both nurse and control groups in the long term. InterpretationA pedometer-based intervention delivered by post, compared with current practice, would deliver cost savings in the short term and the most quality of life benefits in the long term. FundingThe PACE-UP trial was funded by the National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment Programme (project number HTA 10/32/02 ISRCTN42122561).

Timing of reactive stepping among individuals with sub-acute stroke: effects of 'single-task' and 'dual-task' conditions.

Performance decrements in balance tasks are often observed when a secondary cognitive task is performed simultaneously. This study aimed to determine whether increased cognitive load resulted in altered reactive stepping in individuals with sub-acute stroke, compared to a reactive stepping trial with no secondary task. The secondary purpose was to determine whether differences existed between the first usual-response trial, subsequent usual-response trials, and the dual-task condition. Individuals with sub-acute stroke were exposed to external perturbations to elicit reactive steps. Perturbations were performed under a usual-response (single-task) and dual-task condition. Measures of step timing and number of steps were based on force plate and video data, respectively; these measures were compared between the usual-response and dual-task trials, and between the first usual-response trial, later usual-response trials (trials 2–5) and a dual-task trial. A longer time of unloading onset and greater number of steps were identified for the first usual-response trial compared to later usual-response trials. No significant differences were identified between usual-response and dual-task trials. Although improvements were observed from the first to subsequent usual-response lean-and-release trials, performance then tended to decrease with the introduction of the dual-task condition. These findings suggest that when introduced after usual-response trials, the dual-task trial may represent the first trial of a new condition, which may be beneficial in reducing the potential for adaptation that may occur after multiple repetitions of a reactive stepping task. Therefore, these findings may lend support to the introduction of a new condition (i.e. a dual-task trial) in addition to usual-response trials when assessing reactive balance in individuals with stroke.

Abstract P138: The Association of a Greater Step Count with Body Composition in Young Adults

Introduction: Walking has been associated with a reduction of cardiovascular disease risk, but there remains limited information on the association between volume of steps and body composition. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to examine the association between the number of steps per day and percent body fat in young, generally healthy adults. Hypothesis: It is hypothesized that those with a greater number of steps per day will have a decreased percent body fat, compared to those who spend more time in sedentary behavior. Methods: A sample of 418 young adults (49% male), between the ages of 21 and 35 and a body mass index (BMI) between 20 and 35 kg/m2 provided valid objective activity data. Participants were given a SenseWear mini armband to wear for ten days with compliance set at 7 days of wear time, including 2 weekend days, with at least 21 hours of verifiable time per day. Step count was averaged per day based off the total days of armband wear. In addition, participants completed a dual x-ray absorptiometry scan to measure fat mass and fat free mass, percent body fat (BF) was then calculated. Results: The average BMI of the sample was 25.3 kg/m2 with a percent body fat of 22.5% and 34.1% for males and females, respectively. Males had higher step counts than females (p=.005). Quintiles were created based off average steps per day (±SD) (mean values for least steps to most steps: 4051 ± 336; 4503 ± 800; 7286 ± 360; 8544 ± 436; 12,011 ± 2,140). There was a linear trend across quintiles (p for trend &lt; .01) of decreasing percent body fat with increased steps, after adjusting for age and sex. No significant difference between step quintiles was observed for BMI (p for trend = .06) after adjusting for the same covariates. Results were similar when analyzing males and females separately. Conclusion: In conclusion, these results indicate that a higher step count is associated with lower BF. Given that percent body fat is associated with various health outcomes and the fact that walking is an inexpensive and feasible activity for most populations, further efforts are needed to increase steps/day in US adults.

Motion analysis of axial rotation and gait stability during turning in people with Parkinson's disease

BackgroundAxial rigidity and postural instability in people with Parkinson's disease (PD) may contribute to turning difficulty. This study examined the rotation of axial segments and gait instability during turning in people with PD. MethodsThirteen PD and twelve age-matched healthy adults were recruited. Participants performed the timed Up-and-Go test and were recorded by a 3D motion capture system. Axial rotation was evaluated by the rotation onset of the head, thorax and pelvis. Gait stability was evaluated by the center of mass and center of pressure inclination angle. Turning performance was evaluated by turning time and turning steps. ResultsDuring turning, PD adults rotated the head, thorax and pelvis simultaneously, whereas healthy adults rotated in a cranial to caudal sequence. Further, PD adults had a smaller sagittal inclination angle (p<0.001) but larger frontal inclination angle (p=0.006) than healthy adults. PD adults also turned slower (p=0.002) with a greater number of steps (p<0.001) than healthy adults. Last, PD adults showed a significant correlation between the sagittal inclination angle and turning steps (Spearman's ρ=−0.63), while healthy adults showed a significant correlation between frontal inclination angle and turning steps (Spearman's ρ=−0.67). ConclusionThis study demonstrated the axial rigidity in PD adults during turning may reduce forward progression and increase lateral instability. The reduced progression is associated with extra turning steps and the increased lateral instability may result in great fall risk.

Physical activity measured using global positioning system tracking in non-small cell lung cancer: an observational study.

Increasingly physical activity (PA) is being recognized as an important outcome in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We investigated PA using novel global positioning system (GPS) tracking individuals with NSCLC and a group of similar-aged healthy individuals. A prospective cross-sectional multicenter study. Fifty individuals with NSCLC from 3 Australian tertiary hospitals and 35 similar-aged healthy individuals without cancer were included. Individuals with NSCLC were assessed pretreatment. Primary measures were triaxial accelerometery (steps/day) and GPS tracking (outdoor PA behavior). Secondary measures were questionnaires assessing depression, motivation to exercise, and environmental barriers to PA. Between-group comparisons were analyzed using analysis of covariance. Individuals with NSCLC engaged in significantly less PA than similar-aged healthy individuals (mean difference 2363 steps/day, P = .007) and had higher levels of depression (P = .027) and lower motivation to exercise (P = .001). Daily outdoor walking time (P = .874) and distance travelled away from home (P = .883) were not different between groups. Individuals with NSCLC spent less time outdoors in their local neighborhood area (P < .001). A greater number of steps per day was seen in patients who were less depressed (r = .39) or had better access to nonresidential destinations such as shopping centers (r = .25). Global positioning system tracking appears to be a feasible methodology for adult cancer patients and holds promise for use in future studies investigating PA and or lifestyle behaviors.

Promoting healthy lifestyles in high school adolescents: a randomized controlled trial.

Although obesity and mental health disorders are two major public health problems in adolescents that affect academic performance, few rigorously designed experimental studies have been conducted in high schools. The goal of the study was to test the efficacy of the COPE (Creating Opportunities for Personal Empowerment) Healthy Lifestyles TEEN (Thinking, Emotions, Exercise, Nutrition) Program, versus an attention control program (Healthy Teens) on: healthy lifestyle behaviors, BMI, mental health, social skills, and academic performance of high school adolescents immediately after and at 6 months post-intervention. A cluster RCT was conducted. Data were collected from January 2010 to May of 2012 and analyzed in 2012-2013. A total of 779 culturally diverse adolescents in the U.S. Southwest participated in the trial. COPE was a cognitive-behavioral skills-building intervention with 20 minutes of physical activity integrated into a health course, taught by teachers once a week for 15 weeks. The attention control program was a 15-session, 15-week program that covered common health topics. Primary outcomes assessed immediately after and 6 months post-intervention were healthy lifestyle behaviors and BMI. Secondary outcomes included mental health, alcohol and drug use, social skills, and academic performance. Post-intervention, COPE teens had a greater number of steps per day (p=0.03) and a lower BMI (p=0.01) than did those in Healthy Teens, and higher average scores on all Social Skills Rating System subscales (p-values <0.05). Teens in the COPE group with extremely elevated depression scores at pre-intervention had significantly lower depression scores than the Healthy Teens group (p=0.02). Alcohol use was 12.96% in the COPE group and 19.94% in the Healthy Teens group (p=0.04). COPE teens had higher health course grades than did control teens. At 6 months post-intervention, COPE teens had a lower mean BMI than teens in Healthy Teens (COPE=24.72, Healthy Teens=25.05, adjusted M=-0.34, 95% CI=-0.56, -0.11). The proportion of those overweight was significantly different from pre-intervention to 6-month follow-up (chi-square=4.69, p=0.03), with COPE decreasing the proportion of overweight teens, versus an increase in overweight in control adolescents. There also was a trend for COPE Teens to report less alcohol use at 6 months (p=0.06). COPE can improve short- and more long-term outcomes in high school teens. This study is registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov NCT01704768.

Reliability of Quantitative Magnetic Resonance Imaging Methods in the Assessment of Spinal Canal Stenosis and Cord Compression in Cervical Myelopathy

Prospective, blinded reliability study of quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measures in patients with cervical myelopathy. To assess the intra- and interobserver reliability of commonly used quantitative MRI measures such as transverse area (TA) of spinal cord, compression ratio (CR), maximum canal compromise (MCC), and maximum spinal cord compression (MSCC). There is no consensus on an optimal quantitative MRI method(s) in assessing canal stenosis and cord compression. Seven surgeons performed measurements on 17 digital MR images, on 4 separate occasions. The degree of stenosis was evaluated by measuring TA and CR on axial T2, MCC, and MSCC on midsagittal T1- and T2-weighted MRI sequences, respectively. Statistical analyses included repeated-measures analysis of variance and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). The mean ± SD for intraobserver ICC was 0.88 ± 0.1 for MCC, 0.76 ± 0.08 for MSCC, 0.92 ± 0.07 for TA, and 0.82 ± 0.13 for CR. In addition, the interobserver ICC was 0.75 ± 0.04 for MCC, 0.79 ± 0.09 for MSCC, 0.80 ± 0.05 for CR, and 0.86 ± 0.03 for TA. Higher degree of canal compromise (MCC) was associated with lower modified version of Japanese Orthopaedic Association Scale score (P = 0.05). Also, a strong association was found between MSCC and lower modified version of Japanese Orthopaedic Association Scale score, greater number of steps, and longer walking time (P < 0.05). All 4 measurement techniques demonstrated a good to moderately high degree of intra- and interobserver reliability. Highest reliability was noted in the assessment of T2-weighted sequences and axial MRI. Our results show that the measurements of MCC, MSCC, and CR are sufficiently reliable and correlate well with clinical severity of cervical myelopathy.

Turning strategies in patients with cerebellar ataxia

Turning while walking is a common but demanding task requiring modification of the motor program from linear walking to lateral turning and it is associated with a high risk of falls. Patients with cerebellar ataxia have unstable gait and report a high incidence of falls. In the present study, we investigated the motor strategies adopted by ataxic patients when performing turns of different degrees and directions of rotation. Ten ataxic patients and 10 controls were analyzed while performing 30°/90° turns to the right/left. We recorded the number of completed turn tasks, the number of steps needed, and the time taken to complete the task, time-distance parameters and the onset of head, trunk and pelvis reorientation. The ataxic patients were less able to complete 90° turns, displayed a greater stride width, shorter step length, and greater number of steps when turning, and were unable to flexibly adjust their stride width across the turning task. The duration of the turning task and of the segmental reorientation did not differ from control values. Our findings indicate that ataxic patients have more difficulties in performing large turns and adopt a series of compensatory strategy aimed at reducing the instability associated with turning, such as enlarge the base of support, shorten the step length, increase the number of steps, and use the "multi-step" rather than the "spin-turn" strategy. Given the high risk of falls related to this task, it would be useful to include turning training in the rehabilitation protocol of ataxic patients.

Investigation of mercury concentrations in fur of phocid seals using stable isotopes as tracers of trophic levels and geographical regions

Recent studies have shown that the complementary analysis of mercury (Hg) concentrations and stable isotopic ratios of nitrogen (δ15N) and carbon (δ13C) can be useful for investigating the trophic influence on the Hg exposure and accumulation in marine top predators. In this study, we propose to evaluate the interspecies variability of Hg concentrations in phocids from polar areas and to compare Hg bioaccumulation between both hemispheres. Mercury concentrations, δ15N and δ13C were measured in fur from 85 individuals representing 7 phocidae species, a Ross seal (Ommatophoca rossii), Weddell seals (Leptonychotes weddellii), crabeater seals (Lobodon carcinophagus), harbour seals (Phoca vitulina), grey seals (Halichoerus grypus), ringed seals (Pusa hispida) and a bearded seal (Erignathus barbatus), from Greenland, Denmark and Antarctica. Our results showed a positive correlation between Hg concentrations and δ15N values among all individuals. Seals from the Northern ecosystems displayed greater Hg concentrations, δ15N and δ13C values than those from the Southern waters. Those geographical differences in Hg and stable isotopes values were likely due to higher environmental Hg concentrations and somewhat greater number of steps in Arctic food webs. Moreover, dissimilarities in feeding habits among species were shown through δ15N and δ13C analysis, resulting in an important interspecific variation in fur Hg concentrations. A trophic segregation was observed between crabeater seals and the other species, resulting from the very specific diet of krill of this species and leading to the lowest observed Hg concentrations.