Leisure-time Physical Activity Habits Research Articles

Young women's leisure time physical activity determinants: a mixed methods approach.

The aim of the study was to analyze the habits, motives and barriers related to Leisure Time Physical Activity (LTPA) among young women of Gipuzkoa, from a mixed approach. A total of 526 women aged 18-29 (24.60 ± 3.30 years) responded to the Gipuzkoa Women's Physical Activity Questionnaire (GWPAQ), seven of which were later interviewed. The main motives for LTPA were intrapersonal - related to health and enjoyment - and to interpersonal networks. However, the main barriers facing LTPA were mostly intrapersonal, such as lack of time, tiredness, and laziness. Contextual factors such as the availability of safe spaces, previous negative experiences, or negative self-perception of motor competence also emerged as conditioning factors in young women's LTPA habits. This study may help to promote policies aimed at incentivizing LTPA for young women based on their needs and interests, by addressing the diversity of factors.

Positive Association of Physical Activity with Both Objective and Perceived Measures of the Neighborhood Environment among Older Adults: The Aichi Workers' Cohort Study.

We examined the association between objective and perceived neighborhood characteristics and self-reported leisure-time physical activity (PA) in older Japanese residents living in areas ranging from metropolitan to rural in 2016. Objective measures used were walkability and the numbers of parks/green spaces and sports facilities within 500 or 1000 m of subjects’ homes, calculated using geographic information systems. Subjective measures were the subjects’ perceptions of their neighborhoods, assessed using a structured questionnaire. All variables were divided into three groups, and the lowest tertile was used as the reference. We assessed the location and frequency of strolling or brisk walking, moderate-intensity PA, and vigorous-intensity PA (sports) using a self-reported questionnaire and defined as performing a certain type of PA 3–4 times/week as a habit. Living in a neighborhood in the highest tertile for walkability and number of parks/green spaces as well as perception of having good access to recreational facilities, observing others exercising and the presence of walkable sidewalks was associated with walking and sports habits (multivariable odds ratios (ORs): 1.33–2.46, all p < 0.05). Interestingly, objective measures of PA-friendly environmental features were inversely associated with moderate-intensity PA habits, potentially because moderate-intensity PA consisted predominantly of gardening. In conclusion, living in an environment supportive of PA, whether objectively or subjectively measured, is related to leisure-time PA habits among older Japanese adults.

Physical Activity Facilitators and Barriers Among Retired Women in North Carolina: A Qualitative Study.

BACKGROUND Women are less likely than men to be physically active and more likely to reduce their physical activity as they age. The objective of this research was to understand barriers that might prevent North Carolina women from being physically active after retirement as well as aspects of retirement that might facilitate a more physically active lifestyle to inform intervention strategies applicable to retired women.METHOD Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 recently retired women living in North Carolina. Interviews were recorded and transcribed. Content analysis was used to identify themes related to barriers and facilitators of physical activity after retirement.RESULTS Six themes were identified. One theme was the development of leisure-time physical activity habits over the lifespan. Five other themes described how physical activity after retirement was influenced by prior occupational physical activity, concurrent life transitions (e.g., becoming a caregiver), health, social support, and the community environment.LIMITATIONS Women in this study were active participants in community organizations, which might make their experiences unique from those of women who are not engaged with their communities. However, similarities in themes in this and other qualitative studies corroborate the broader transferability of findings.CONCLUSION Interventions to promote physical activity among retired North Carolina women should consider emphasizing health benefits of physical activity and improving walking environments and access to physical activity facilities. Local residents should be involved in intervention design to address unique barriers among women who retire from physically demanding jobs or become caregivers.

Physical Inactivity from Youth to Adulthood and Risk of Impaired Glucose Metabolism.

Physical activity (PA) is important in the prevention and treatment of impaired glucose metabolism. However, association of physical inactivity during the transition between childhood and adulthood with glucose metabolism is unknown. Therefore, we studied the association of persistent physical inactivity since childhood with glucose metabolism in adulthood. Data were drawn from the ongoing, Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study with repeated follow-ups between 1980 and 2011 (baseline age, 3-18 yr; n = 3596). Impaired glucose metabolism was defined as having impaired fasting glucose (6.1-6.9 mmol·L) or type 2 diabetes in adulthood. Leisure-time PA habits were repeatedly collected with a standardized questionnaire and expressed as a PA Index. Using PA Index, four groups were formed (n = 2000): 1) persistently low PA, 2) decreasingly active, 3) increasingly active, and 4) persistently active subjects. Poisson regression model was used to examine the association between PA groups and impaired glucose metabolism. The proportion of the sample with impaired glucose metabolism was 16.1% in individuals with persistently low PA, 14.5% in decreasingly active, 6.8% in increasingly active, and 11.1% in persistently active. Compared with individuals with persistently low PA, age and sex-adjusted risk for impaired glucose metabolism were lower in those who increased PA (relative risk [RR], 0.47; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.29-0.76) and in those who were persistently active (RR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.51-0.97), but similar in those who decreased PA (RR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.66-1.36). Persistently physically inactive lifestyle from youth to adulthood is associated with increased risk of impaired glucose metabolism in adulthood. Importantly, a moderate increase in PA lowered the risk. The results highlight the importance of avoiding physically inactive lifestyle at all stages of life.

Leisure-time physical activity in youth as a predictor of adult leisure physical activity among Japanese workers: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundWorkers in Japan are not sufficiently active; however, it remains unclear how their leisure-time physical activity habits may be developed. This cross-sectional study investigated the relationship of age- and intensity-specific leisure-time physical activity in youth to adulthood leisure-time physical activity habits among Japanese workers.MethodsIn 2012, 968 workers (333 males and 635 females) from three companies and six hospitals in the Tokai region of Japan agreed to complete and submit a self-administered questionnaire. Intensity-specific leisure-time physical activity at ages 12 and 20 years was assessed retrospectively, and workers’ current participation in regular leisure-time physical activity was assessed as an outcome measure. Multivariable-adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using logistic regression analysis.ResultsMean ages for males and females were 40 and 37 years, respectively. Strenuous leisure-time physical activity at age 12 years was significantly positively associated with adulthood participation in leisure-time physical activity among male workers [adjusted OR (95% CI) = 2.29 (1.02, 5.14)]. Additionally, both strenuous and moderate physical activity at age 20 years was significantly positively associated with participation in regular leisure-time physical activity in adulthood among males and females.ConclusionsOur results suggest that some leisure-time physical activity in youth may predict adult workers’ participation in regular leisure-time physical activity in Japan. Encouragement of leisure-time physical activity in youth could therefore be an effective measure to develop adult leisure-time physical activity habits among workers.

Internet use and leisure time physical activity of adults – A nationwide survey

We examined the relationships between physical activity and Internet use habits, using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and the Health Action Process Approach (HAPA) model as a framework. The purpose was to examine how Internet access, digital use, and time spent online correlate with the odds of engaging in three types of PA: strenuous, moderate, and muscle-strengthening Data relied on the Annual Social Survey conducted by Israel's Central Bureau of Statistics in 2010, with 6035 participants aged 20–65. Logistic regressions revealed that the odds of engaging versus not engaging in three types of physical activity were higher among Internet users compared to non-users. The odds of engaging versus not engaging in strenuous physical activity were higher among those who used the Internet for studying, social media, and downloading; in strengthening muscles were higher among those who used the Internet for seeking information and social media; and in moderate physical activity were higher among those who used the Internet for studying, compared to non-users. We suggest that the measured digital uses represent intention and action plans similar in their determinants to being physically active. Health care decision makers should increase availability of information on the Internet regarding a healthy lifestyle, concentrating on leisure-time physical activity habits.

Physical Activity, Aerobic Capacity, and Total Antioxidant Capacity in Healthy Men and in Men with Coronary Heart Disease.

Objective. The purpose of the study was to assess total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of blood serum in relation with habitual leisure time physical activity (LTPA) and aerobic capacity in a group of 90 men with coronary heart disease (CHD) aged 34.8–77.0 years and in 90 age-matched peers without CHD. Methods. Two spectrophotometric methods were applied to assess TAC: Ferric Reducing Ability of Serum (TAC-FRAS) and 2.2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (TAC-DPPH) tests. Aerobic capacity was expressed as physical working capacity at 85% of the maximal heart rate (PWC85%HRmax). Results. CHD patients had higher values of TACFRAS (1.37 ± 0.28 versus 1.27 ± 0.23 mmol FeCl2·L−1; P < 0.05) but there were no group differences for TAC-DPPH and for uric acid (UA). Negative correlation was found between LTPA (also when calculated per kg of body mass) and TAC-DPPH in CHD patients. In CHD patients, TAC-FRAS and UA were lower in subjects with higher aerobic capacity expressed as PWC85%HRmax/kg. Those associations were not found in healthy men. Conclusions. We conclude that TAC of blood serum is moderately adversely related to LTPA and aerobic capacity in patients with CHD. UA, as the main determinant of serum TAC, may be partially responsible for those associations.

Disparities in dietary habits and physical activity in Denmark and trends from 1995 to 2008.

To examine social disparities in dietary-, alcohol- and leisure-time physical activity habits in Danish adults from 1995 to 2008 and to test the hypothesis of widening disparities. Four cross-sectional surveys of representative samples of the Danish population aged 20-75 years were analysed, a total of 7900 respondents. Dietary and alcohol habits were measured by a 7-day pre-coded food diary and physical activity and education by a face-to-face interview. Multivariate analyses were used to test associations between explanatory variables and response variables and the hypothesis of widening disparities. In all analyses, both diet quality and physical inactivity differed systematically with educational group and with healthier habits for the group with long education. Only for alcohol habits was an opposite social gradient seen. Disparities persisted over all time periods. The analyses using "The Concentration Index" did not change any of the conclusions. Gender also influenced diet quality. Men had dietary and alcohol habits furthest away from the guidelines. A trend of healthier habits was also found over the time period. Social disparities in diet quality and leisure-time physical activity were seen for all examined time periods and with no significant change therefore, there is no support to the hypothesis of widening social disparities in all educational groups some improvement of dietary habits was found, especially for those foods where comprehensive initiatives had taken place however, social disparities still exist there is an ongoing need to address these disparities in order to reduce social inequality in health.

Persistence or change in leisure-time physical activity habits and waist gain during early adulthood: a twin-study.

ObjectiveTo determine the relationship between persistence or change in leisure-time physical activity habits and waist gain among young adults.Design and MethodsPopulation-based cohort study among 3383 Finnish twin individuals (1578 men) from five birth cohorts (1975–1979), who answered questionnaires at mean ages of 24.4 y (SD 0.9) and 33.9 y (SD 1.2), with reported self-measured waist circumference. Persistence or change in leisure-time physical activity habits was defined based on thirds of activity metabolic equivalent h/day during follow-up (mean 9.5 y; SD 0.7).ResultsDecreased activity was linked to greater waist gain compared to increased activity (3.6 cm, P<0.001 for men; 3.1 cm, P<0.001 for women). Among same-sex activity discordant twin pairs, twins who decreased activity gained an average 2.8 cm (95%CI 0.4 to 5.1, P=0.009) more waist than their co-twins who increased activity (n=85 pairs); among MZ twin pairs (n=43), the difference was 4.2 cm (95%CI 1.2 to 7.2, P=0.008).ConclusionsAmong young adults, an increase in leisure-time physical activity or staying active during a decade of follow-up was associated with less waist gain, but any decrease in activity level, regardless baseline activity, led to waist gain that was similar to that associated with being persistently inactive.

Genetic and Environmental Influences on Longitudinal Changes in Leisure-Time Physical Activity From Adolescence to Young Adulthood

The aim of this study was to estimate genetic and environmental influences on the longitudinal evolution of leisure-time physical activity habits from adolescence to young adulthood. Data were gathered at four time points, at mean ages 16.2, 17.1, 18.6, and 24.5 years. At baseline, the sample comprised 5,216 monozygotic and dizygotic twins, born 1975-1979, and, at the last follow-up point, of 4,531 monozygotic and dizygotic twins. Physical activity volume was assessed as frequency of leisure-time physical activity and participants were categorized into three groups: inactive, moderately active, and active. Genetic and environmental influences were estimated using a multivariate, longitudinal Cholesky decomposition with a 'multifactorial liability threshold' approach. The results suggest that, in both sexes the heritability of leisure-time physical activity remained moderate (~43-52%) during adolescence, declining to ~30% in young adulthood. Shared environmental influences increased from adolescence (~18-26%) to young adulthood (43% in men and 49% in women). Specific environmental influences remained relatively stable during the total follow-up (~20-30%). New genetic, shared, and specific environmental influences at every follow-up point were suggested by the low correlations across occasions. In conclusion, the study demonstrated gender differences in genetic influences in the evolution of leisure-time physical activity habits from adolescence to young adulthood. However, shared environmental influences, especially in women, were crucial in explaining longitudinal changes in leisure-time physical activity. These outcomes emphasize the need of gender-specific measures to promote physical activity habits during young adulthood.

Leisure‐time physical activity and artery lumen diameters: A monozygotic co‐twin control study

Exercise is thought to increase the diameter of the conduit arteries supplying the muscles involved. We studied the effects of a physically active vs inactive lifestyle on artery diameters in monozygotic (MZ) twin pairs discordant over 30 years for leisure-time physical activity habits. In a population-based co-twin control study design, six middle-aged (50-65 years) same-sex MZ twin pairs with long-term discordance for physical activity were comprehensively identified from the Finnish Twin Cohort (TWINACTIVE study). Discordance was initially defined in 1975 and the same co-twin remained significantly more active during the 32-year follow-up. The main outcomes were arterial lumen diameters measured from maximal intensity projections of contrast-enhanced MR angiography images. Paired differences between active and inactive co-twins were studied. Compared with inactive members, active members of MZ twin pairs had larger diameters for the distal aorta and iliac and femoral arteries (P<0.05 for all comparisons). The mean intrapair differences in the diameters of the arteries in these locations were 19% or larger. No significant differences between active and inactive co-twins (P>0.2 for all comparisons) were found in the dimensions of the carotid arteries. Our genetically controlled study confirms that habitual physical activity during adulthood enlarges arteries in a site-specific manner.

Do As I Do: Exercise Habits of Physical Therapists, Physical Therapist Assistants, and Student Physical Therapists

Physical therapy practitioners are among the many health care professionals who can counsel their patients to address the public health care concern of physical inactivity. Health care providers who are physically active themselves are more likely to counsel patients on the benefits of activity. The purposes of this study were: (1) to examine the leisure-time physical activity habits of physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and student physical therapists in the United States using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and American College of Sports Medicine (CDC-ACSM) recommendations and (2) to compare these habits with those of the general population and other health care professionals. A cross-sectional survey design was used. There were 2 data sources. A random sample of American Physical Therapy Association members completed an online survey that included questions about physical activity habits worded in same manner as the leisure-time activities section of the 2005 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). The final study sample comprised 1,238 participants: 923 physical therapists, 210 student physical therapists, and 105 physical therapist assistants. The 2005 NHIS public use data files were the source for the same information about the general US population and for a subset of health care professionals. Rates of participation in vigorous and moderate physical activity were analyzed. Physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and student physical therapists exercised at higher rates than adults and health-diagnosing professionals in the 2005 NHIS. Limitations The study may be limited by sampling and response bias. This study identified that physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and student physical therapists are meeting CDC-ACSM physical activity guidelines at higher rates than the US adult population and health-diagnosing professionals. These rates exceed the physical activity targets set for adults in Healthy People 2010.

Leisure-time physical activity and high-risk fat: a longitudinal population-based twin study

Exercise is thought to reduce high-risk body fat, but intervention studies are frequently limited by short follow-ups and observational studies by genetic selection. Therefore, we studied the effects of a physically inactive vs active lifestyle on high-risk (visceral, liver and intramuscular) fat in twin pairs discordant for leisure-time physical activity habits for over 30 years. A longitudinal population-based twin study. Sixteen middle-aged (50-74 years) same-sex twin pairs (seven monozygotic (MZ), nine dizygotic (DZ)) with long-term discordance for physical activity habits were comprehensively identified from the Finnish Twin Cohort (TWINACTIVE study). Discordance was initially defined in 1975 and the same co-twin remained significantly more active during the 32-year-long follow-up. Magnetic resonance imaging-assessed visceral, liver and intramuscular fat. In within-pair analyses carried out after the adult life-long discordance in physical activity habits, the physically inactive co-twins had 50% greater visceral fat area compared with the active co-twins (mean difference 55.5 cm2, 95% confidence interval (CI) 7.0-104.1, P=0.010). The liver fat score was 170% higher (13.2, 95% CI 3.5-22.8, P=0.030) and the intramuscular fat area 54% higher (4.9 cm2, 95% CI 1.9-7.9, P=0.002) among the inactive co-twins. All the trends were similar for MZ and DZ pairs. Peak oxygen uptake was inversely associated with visceral (r=-0.46, P=0.012) and intramuscular fat area (r=-0.48, P=0.028), with similar trends in intrapair difference correlations (r=-0.57, P=0.021 and r=-0.50, P=0.056, respectively). The intrapair difference correlation between visceral and intramuscular fat was also high (r=0.65, P=0.009). Regular physical activity seems to be an important factor in preventing the accumulation of high-risk fat over time, even after controlling for genetic liability and childhood environment. Therefore, the prevention and treatment of obesity should emphasize the role of regular leisure-time physical activity.

Effects of 32-Year Leisure Time Physical Activity Discordance in Twin Pairs on Health (TWINACTIVE Study): Aims, Design and Results for Physical Fitness

The physically active lifestyle is associated with low future morbidity and mortality, but the causality between physical activity and health is not always clear. As some inherited biological characteristics and childhood experiences may cause selection bias in observational studies, we sought to take them into account by identifying 16 twin pairs (7 MZ, 9 DZ, mean age 60 years) discordant for leisure time physical activity habits for thirty years. We conducted detailed health-related examinations among these twin pairs. Our main aims were to study the effects of physical activity and genes on fitness and body composition, with special reference to body fat compartments, metabolic syndrome components and related diseases and risk factor levels, status of arteries, structure and function of the heart, bone properties, and muscle and fat tissue-related mechanisms linked to physical activity and chronic disease development. Our physical activity assessments showed that inactive co-twins were on average 8.8 MET hours/day less active than their active co-twins through out their midlife (2.2+/-2.3 vs. 11.0+/-4.1 MET h/day, p< .001). Follow-up fitness tests showed that physically inactive co-twins were less fit than their active co-twins (estimated VO(2peak) 26.4+/-4.9 vs. 32.5+/-5.5 ml/kg/min, p< .001). Similar differences were found in both MZ and DZ pairs. On the basis of earlier epidemiological observations on nonrelated individuals, these physical activity and fitness differences are large enough to cause differences in many mechanisms and risk factors related to the development of chronic diseases and to permit future analyses.

Does an Overweight Child Transform into a Sedentary Adolescent?

Childhood overweight is an increasing epidemic in all western societies. Sedentary lifestyle has a major influence on this worrisome phenomenon. Since overweight is associated with physical inactivity at all ages, it is important to study if childhood overweight increases the risk of becoming sedentary in adolescence. PURPOSe:To assess the prevalence of overweight since early childhood in 13-year-old physically active and sedentary adolescents. METHODS: This study is a part of the prospective randomized Special Turku Coronary Risk Factor Intervention Project for children on-going in Turku, Finland since infancy of the participants and based on annual nutrition and lifestyle counseling. Leisure-time physical activity habits were assessed at the age of 13 years by a self-reported questionnaire (n=558). Leisure-time physical activity index (PAI; MET h/wk) was calculated by multiplying mean weekly leisure-time exercise intensity, duration and frequency. According to PAI tertile cut-off points the girls and boys were divided into 3 groups and the least and most active groups were compared: 1) Sedentary, mean PAI 3.1 for girls (n=88) and 8.2 MET h/wk for boys (n=114) and 2) Active, mean PAI 54.8 (n=53) and 58.7 MET h/wk (n=91), respectively. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated annually as body weight (kg)/height (m2). International age and sex specific BMI criteria (Cole et al. BMJ 2000) were used to classify overweight from the age of 2 years onwards on altogether 338 Sedentary and Active children. Binary response logistic regression analysis with generalized estimating equations was used to detect longitudinal differences in the proportion of overweight girls and boys. RESULTS: 13-year-old Sedentary girls had been more often overweight than Active girls already since the age of 2 years (P<0.05). In the Sedentary and Active boys the proportion of overweight children at 2–13 years of age was, however, similar. Interestingly, ∼80% of girls being overweight at the age of 6 years (n=31, 22%) were Sedentary as adolescents. CONCLUSIONS: Girls who are overweight as children are at a special risk of becoming sedentary adolescents. Supported by the Finnish Ministry of Education, the Finnish Cultural Foundation and the Juho Vainio Foundation.

Leisure-Time Physical Activity And Cardiovascular Risk Factors In Adolescents

Associations between leisure-time physical activity and cardiovascular risk factors are generally weak in observational studies in adolescents. PURPOSE: To study associations between leisure-time physical activity and blood lipids, lipoproteins and blood pressure in 13-year-old boys and girls. METHODS: This study is a part of the large prospective randomized STRIP study (Special Turku Coronary Risk Factor Intervention Project) on-going in Turku, Finland. In infancy, the children (n=1062) were randomized to an intervention group with regular dietary and lifestyle counselling and to a control group. Leisure-time physical activity habits were assessed during a study visit at age 13 by a self-reported questionnaire. Leisure-time physical activity index (PAI; MET h/wk) was calculated by multiplying mean leisure-time exercise intensity, duration and frequency (n=544). According to PAI, the girls and boys were divided into 3 groups and the least and most active groups were compared: 1) Sedentary, mean PAI 3.2 MET h/wk for intervention girls (n=39) and 3.1 for control girls (n=48), 8.6 for intervention boys (n=46) and 8.0 for control boys (n=64), 2) Active, mean PAI 56.3 MET h/wk (n=27) and 53.2 (n=26) for girls, 58.0 (n=49) and 59.7 (n=41) for boys, respectively. Cardiovascular risk factors included total cholesterol, HDL, HDL/total cholesterol ratio, LDL, triglyceride, systolic and diastolic blood pressure. ANCOVA with BMI and pubertal status as covariates was used to test differences in cardiovascular risk factors between the PAI groups. RESULTS: In the dietary counselling groups, HDL was higher in physically active boys than in sedentary boys (mean 1.24 vs. 1.13 mmol/L, adjusted p=0.034). In the control groups, HDL and HDL/total cholesterol ratio were higher in physically active girls than in sedentary girls (mean 1.29 vs. 1.16 mmol/L, adjusted p=0.021 and 0.31 vs. 0.27, adjusted p=0.0076, respectively). No other differences between groups were found. CONCLUSION: Cross-sectional associations between leisure-time physical activity and cardiovascular risk factors are weak and inconsistent in 13-year-old adolescents. However, it remains to be seen if this longitudinal study is able to find possible relationships in the future.

Association between hs-CRP, Leisure-time Physical Activity and Body Weight in Children

C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration is a novel risk marker for cardiovascular disease. Exercise training has been shown to reduce CRP concentration in adults. PURPOSE: To study if physically active children have lower CRP concentration than sedentary children. Additionally to study the association of CRP with body weight. METHODS: This study is a part of the large prospective randomized STRIP study (Special Turku Coronary Risk Factor Intervention Project) on-going in Turku, Finland. Leisure-time physical activity habits were assessed during a study visit at age 13 (n=565) by a self-reported questionnaire. Leisure-time physical activity index (PAI; MET h/wk) was calculated by leisure-time exercise intensity, duration and frequency (n=558: 294 boys, 264 girls). According to PAI the girls and boys were divided into 3 groups: 1) Sedentary, mean PAI 3.1 for girls (n=89) and 8.2 for boys (n=114) 2) Average Active, mean PAI 24.7 (n=121) and 30.7 (n=89), respectively and 3) Active, mean PAI 54.8 (n=54) and 58.7 (n=91), respectively. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) concentration (n=532) was assayed by a turbidimetric immunoassay (Wako Chemicals GmbH, Neuss, Germany). The sensitivity of the method was 0.06 mg/L. Concentration under the detection limit was interpreted as 0.05 mg/L (n=14) and concentration >10 mg/L as 10.0 mg/L (n=4). Due to the skewed distribution of the hs-CRP concentrations, log-transformation was used. ANCOVA with BMI as a covariate was used to test the differences in hs-CRP between the groups. T-test was used to compare overweight boys (BMI >21.9, 16%) and girls (BMI >22.6, 14%) to children with normal body weight. RESULTS: Physically active 13-year-old children had similar hs-CRP concentration to Sedentary and Average Active children. The mean (median) hs-CRP concentration in the Sedentary, Average Active and Active boys was 0.75 (0.23), 0.58 (0.21) and 0.46 (0.19) mg/L, respectively (NS). In girls the corresponding concentrations were 0.42 (0.19), 0.52 (0.16) and 0.44 (0.20) mg/L (NS). Overweight children were found in all 3 activity groups. Interestingly, overweight girls and boys had higher (p <0.0001) mean hs-CRP concentration (1.31 and 1.29 mg/L, respectively) than girls and boys with normal body weight (0.32 and 0.47 mg/L, respectively). CONCLUSION: Physically active 13-year-old children have similar hs-CRP concentration to sedentary children. It is evident that physical activity and body weight have interesting and challenging interrelations.

Physical Activity and 10.5 Year Mortality in the Multiple Risk Factor Intervention Trial (MRFIT)

The effect of habitual leisure time physical activity (LTPA) on the 10.5-year total and cause-specific mortality rates was studied in 12,138 middle-aged men at high risk for coronary heart disease (CHD) who participated in the MRFIT. The level of LTPA as determined by the Minnesota questionnaire was inversely related to rate of death from cardiovascular (CVD), coronary heart disease (CHD), and all-causes, but was unrelated to the cancer death rate. The least active men (LTPA tertile 1) had excess mortality rates of 22%, 27%, and 15% for CVD, CHD, all-causes, respectively, as compared to more active men in the middle third (tertile 2). Additional LTPA (tertile 3) was not associated with further attenuation of mortality rates. Proportional hazards regression analysis only slightly weakened risk differentials. This study supports previous observations that regular LTPA is associated with a reduced rate of CVD mortality, independent of other risk factor levels.

Habitual leisure‐time physical activity is associated with differences in various risk factors for coronary artery disease

Various risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD) were compared in 100 healthy, male factory workers, divided into two groups of 50 each on the basis of their leisure-time activity. The two groups, designated as sedentary and physically active, were similar in terms of age and body mass index, but the physically active group had a significantly slower pulse rate. In addition, the plasma glucose and insulin responses to an oral glucose load were significantly lower in physically active individuals. Furthermore, fasting plasma triglyceride concentration was significantly lower and the high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol concentration was higher in the physically active individuals. Thus, substantial benefits in terms of CAD risk were associated with increased leisure-time physical activity.

A comparison of myocardial function in former athletes and non-athletes

Heart rate (HR), total electromechanical systole (Q-S2), left ventricular ejection time (LVET), pre-ejection period (PEP), and diastole (D) were compared in 350 former athletes and 156 non-athletes, age 27-74. The two cohorts had been equated according to habitual leisure time physical activity. Former athletes exhibited significantly longer Q-S2 and PEP at rest, and significantly lower HR and lengthened Q-S2, LVET, PEP, and D at one minute following a standard two minute step test (less than 0.05). Significantly differences were observed between athletes and non-athletes in the light and moderate activity categories. There were no significant differences between former athletes and non-athletes currently engaged in strenuous leisure time physical activity. Comparisons were made among the three levels of habitual leisure time physical activity with each group and revealed that HR was lower and Q-S2, LVET, PEP, and D were longer at rest and following exercise as the level of physical activity increased. There were more significant differences among former athletes than among non-athletes. Most of these differences were between light to moderate and light to strenuous levels of activity. The evidence suggests an advantage in myocardial function among former athletes compared to their non-athlete counterparts.