Habitual Physical Activity Levels Research Articles

A live online exercise program for older adults improves depression and life-space mobility: A mixed-methods pilot randomized controlled trial.

Aging is the primary risk factor for sarcopenia and mobility limitations. Exercise reduces these risks, but older adults have low levels of participation in physical activity and exercise. We investigated the preliminary effectiveness of a live, online exercise program on community-dwelling older adults' physical activity levels. A mixed-method pilot randomized controlled trial was conducted according to CONSORT 2010 statement: extension for pilot and feasibility trials. Sedentary older adults (65-80 years) were randomly assigned to the online exercise intervention (ACTIVE) or a waitlist control (CON) group. Outcomes were measured pre-randomization and following the 8-week intervention for ACTIVE and CON and two months following the end of the intervention for the ACTIVE group. Outcomes included habitual physical activity levels, depression, anxiety, loneliness, life-space mobility, nutrition risk, and feasibility. All participants were invited to participate post-intervention in individual semi-structured qualitative interviews. Reporting of the qualitative research followed the checklist for the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting research. Seventeen older adults (71% women) were allocated to ACTIVE group, while 15 were allocated to CON group (87% women). Following the intervention, participants in the ACTIVE group reported reduced symptoms of depression (ACTIVE: pre = 4.2 ± 2.5; post = 2.2 ± 1.9; CON: pre = 3.5 ± 2.1, post = 3.5 ± 2.1; p <0.001) and improved life-space mobility (ACTIVE: pre = 62.4 ± 14.7; post = 71.8 ± 16.0; CON: pre = 65.1 ± 19.0, post = 63.6 ± 22.0; p = 0.003) compared to waitlist control participants. The ACTIVE group had good adherence (97%) and acceptability (98%). Twenty-two participants participated in qualitative interviews. Five themes were identified, including (1) Feasibility of the online exercise program; (2) Perceived health benefits and improvements; (3) Registered Kinesiologists and Physiotherapists contributed to perceived safety; (4) Social connectivity associated with synchronous/live delivery; and (5) Growing old gracefully and preventing disability. Our online exercise program was acceptable to older adults, had good adherence, reduced depression, and increased life space. Participants reported improved functional and mental health benefits. Further research is warranted to expand on these findings. NCT04627493; 13/11/2020.

Effect of habitual physical activity on motor performance and prefrontal cortex activity during implicit motor learning.

Acute bouts of exercise have been shown to improve motor learning. However, whether these benefits can be observed from habitual physical activity (PA) levels remains unclear and has important implications around PA guidelines to promote motor learning across the lifespan. This study investigated the effect of habitual PA levels on brain activity within the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) during procedural motor skill acquisition. Twenty-six right-handed healthy young adults had physical activity levels quantified by calculating the metabolic equivalent of task (METs) in minutes per week, derived from the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) over the DLPFC was recorded to measure neural activation during a serial reaction time task (SRTT). Behavioural indicators of procedural motor skill acquisition were quantified as reaction time and accuracy of correct trials during the SRTT. DLPFC activation was characterised as task-related changes in oxyhaemoglobin (∆[HbO2]). Findings showed that higher PA levels were associated with improvements in reaction time during procedural motor skill acquisition (p = 0.03). However, no significant effects of PA levels on accuracy or ∆[HbO2] during procedural motor skill acquisition were observed. These findings show that while habitual PA may promote motor performance in young adults, this is not reflected by changes in the DLPFC area of the brain.

Toowoomba Healthy Towns: A Citizen Science Initiative on Active Transport in Regional South East Queensland, Australia.

Engaging in active transport will enable individuals across the life course to increase their habitual levels of physical activity. The aim of this study was to engage citizen scientists (CS) to identify factors that influence active transport in their community. The Our Voice citizen science methodology developed at Stanford University was employed. CS completed a "discovery walk," taking photos of things that help or hinder active transport. Three groups were recruited: children aged 10-12years (n = 11), adults (n = 12), and older adults >65years (n = 10). CS rated each photo and provided a narrative explaining their reason for taking the photo. Once all CS in a specific age group had completed the walk, they met for a group discussion. The CS worked together to analyze the data, arranging them into themes and identifying priority actions. Two CS representatives from each age group presented their findings to the local council decision makers. Children highlighted the need for safer crossings, especially from their school to the local park, and suggested zebra crossings as a solution. The adults highlighted that road signs prioritized vehicles, not pedestrians, and requested that this be reversed. Older adults noted that the poor condition of the pavements made it harder for people in wheelchairs to navigate. The CS recommendations have informed the council's walking and cycling network program. Engaging with citizen science provided the community with an opportunity to advocate for meaningful yet realistic improvements in the built environment that could promote neighborhood active transport and physical activity across the lifespan.

Exercise and footwear in medial knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial comparing flat flexible footwear to stable supportive shoes

Abstract Objective This randomized controlled trial (RCT) investigated whether adding daily use of flat flexible footwear (FFF) to a strengthening and aerobic exercise programme improved short- and longer-term outcomes compared to adding stable supportive shoes (SSS) in people with medial tibiofemoral osteoarthritis (OA). Methods Participants (n = 97) with medial tibiofemoral OA were randomly assigned (1:1) to FFF (n = 50) or SSS (n = 47) group. Participants in both group received a 9-month intervention (3 months supervised followed by 6 months unsupervised exercise). The primary outcome was change in knee pain on walking at 3 months measured using a 11-point numeric rating scale (NRS). Secondary outcomes included change from baseline to 3 and 9 months in severity of knee pain overall (NRS), physical function (WOMAC subscale), habitual physical activity level (PASE), quality of life (QoL) (EQ-5D-5L), and markers of inflammation (Effusion- and Hoffa-synovitis) and structural disease progression (bone marrow lesions (BMLs)). Results There were no significant differences between the groups in the change in pain on walking (between-group difference, -0.67 [95% CI, -1.62 to 0.29]) at 3 months. Knee pain on walking and overall knee pain significantly decreased in both groups at 3 months and 9 months. Physical function and QoL improved in both groups at 3 months and at 9 months. We found no between-group differences in any secondary outcome at any time. Conclusions FFF added to exercise therapy did not provide additional better symptom- nor structure-modification benefit compared to conventional SSS and exercise in people with medial tibiofemoral OA. Clinical trial registration number ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03796832)

Changes in the urinary metabolome accompanied alterations in body mass and composition in women with overweight – impact of high versus low protein breakfast

IntroductionUnderstanding why subjects with overweight and with obesity vary in their response to dietary interventions is of major interest for developing personalized strategies for body mass regulation.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between changes in the urine metabolome and body mass during a breakfast meal intervention. Furthermore, we aimed to elucidate if the baseline urine metabolome could predict the response to the two types of breakfast meals (high versus low protein) during the intervention.MethodsA total of 75 young, women with overweight were randomly allocated to one of two intervention groups: (1) High-protein (HP) or (2) low-protein (LP) breakfast as part of their habitual diet during a 12-week intervention. Beside the breakfast meal, participants were instructed to eat their habitual diet and maintain their habitual physical activity level. Nuclear magnetic resonance-based metabolomics was conducted on urine samples collected at baseline (wk 0), mid-intervention (wk 6), and at endpoint (wk 12). At baseline and endpoint, body mass was measured and DXA was used to measure lean body mass and fat mass.ResultsThe baseline urine metabolite profile showed a slightly higher correlation (R2 = 0.56) to body mass in comparison with lean body mass (R2 = 0.51) and fat mass (R2 = 0.53). Baseline 24-h urinary excretion of trigonelline (p = 0.04), N, N-dimethylglycine (p = 0.02), and trimethylamine (p = 0.03) were significantly higher in individuals who responded with a reduction in body mass to the HP breakfast.ConclusionsDifferences in the urine metabolome were seen for women that obtained a body weight loss in the response to the HP breakfast intervention and women who did not obtain a body weight loss, indicating that the urine metabolome contains information about the metabolic phenotype that influences the responsiveness to dietary interventions.

Poor Health Behaviour in Medical Students at a South African University: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study.

Personal health behaviours and lifestyle habits of health professionals influence their counselling practices related to non-communicable diseases (NCDs). There are limited data on the prevalence of unhealthy lifestyle habits among medical students and the impact of acquired health knowledge throughout the curriculum. The aim of this study was to determine and compare the prevalence of modifiable behavioural NCD risk factors of medical students in different academic years at a South African tertiary institution. A cross-sectional observational study of 532 consenting medical students was conducted. Participants completed five online questionnaires regarding lifestyle behaviours (physical activity, dietary habits, smoking, alcohol consumption and sleep). Lifestyle-related risk factors with the highest prevalence were poor sleep quality (66.0%), low levels of habitual physical activity (55.8%) and low-to-moderate diet quality (54.5%). There were no differences between academic years for all risk factors measured. Over 60% of the cohort had two or more NCD risk factors and this prevalence did not differ across the degree program with the acquisition of more health knowledge. Medical students have a high prevalence of poor sleep quality, low levels of physical activity and low-to-moderate diet quality, which does not appear to change over the course of their academic career. Sleep hygiene, regular physical activity and healthy nutrition should be targeted in intervention programmes and be more prevalent in the medical curriculum.

Exploring the contribution of inter-individual factors to the development of physiological heat strain in older adults exposed to simulated indoor overheating.

Older adults are at elevated risk of heat-related mortality due to age-associated declines in thermoregulatory and cardiovascular function. However, the inter-individual factors that exacerbate physiological heat strain during heat exposure remain unclear, making it challenging to identify more heat-vulnerable subgroups. We therefore explored factors contributing to inter-individual variability in physiological responses of older adults exposed to simulated hot weather. Thirty-seven older adults (61-80 years, 16 females) rested for 8 h in 31 and 36 °C (45% relative humidity). Core (rectal) temperature, heart rate (HR), HR variability, mean arterial pressure (MAP), and cardiac autonomic responses to standing were measured at baseline and end-exposure. Bootstrapped least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression was used to evaluate whether variation in these responses was related to type 2 diabetes (T2D, n=10), hypertension (n=18), age, sex, body morphology, habitual physical activity levels, and/or heat-acclimatization. T2D was identified as a predictor of end-exposure HR (with vs. without: 13 beats/min (bootstrap 95% confidence interval: 6, 23)), seated MAP (-7mmHg (-18, 1)), and the systolic pressure response to standing (20mmHg (4, 36)). HR was also influenced by sex (female vs. male: 8 beats/min (1, 16)). No other predictors were identified. The inter-individual factors explored did not meaningfully contribute to the variation in body temperature responses in older adults exposed to simulated indoor overheating. By contrast, cardiovascular responses were exacerbated in females and individuals with T2D. These findings improve understanding of how inter-individual differences contribute to heat-induced physiological strain in older persons.

Patients with total hip arthroplasty were more physically active 9.6 years after surgery: a case-control study of 429 hip arthroplasty cases and 29,272 participants from a population-based health study.

Few studies report on long-term levels of physical activity after THA compared with a control population. This case-control study aimed to find the long-term habitual level of leisure-time physical activity after THA and compare it with a large control group. A randomized sample of 856 patients, treated with primary THA, were identified from the Norwegian Arthroplasty Register. 429 (50%) responded to a questionnaire with a mean follow-up time of 9.6 years. We compared them with a control group of 29,272 (64%) from a population-based health study. Physical activity was measured with a questionnaire and categorized into groups according to the general recommendations for physical activity. 245 (63%) of the THA cases reported a level of leisure-time physical activity meeting the general recommendations, compared with 10,803 (39%) in the control group. The difference persisted at all ages (50-90 years). In sex, age, and BMI-adjusted regression models the chance of meeting the physical activity recommendations was higher in the THA group than in the control group (OR 2.9, 95% confidence interval 2.4-3.6). The majority of the patients with THA reported a level of leisure-time physical activity meeting the general recommendations for physical activity. THA patients were more physically active in their leisure time than a control group representing a normal population.

Physical function as a marker to assess the effects of occupational long-term pesticide exposure.

In this cross-sectional study, we determined the relative impact of long-term occupational exposure to pesticides on physical performance and perception of tiredness. Experimental data was collected in locus from agricultural communities and included surveys to assess the duration of exposure to pesticides, social status, habitual physical activity levels, presence of common mental disorders (CMD), and self-reported tiredness. Plasmatic cholinesterase (PChE), body composition and traditional functional performance tests (Handgrip strength-HGS; Time up and go-TUG; and Sit-to-stand-STS) were obtained. From the 127 individuals tested, cluster analysis yielded 80 individuals divided in Direct Exposed (n = 37) and Indirect Exposed (n = 43); Tired (n = 16), and Not Tired (n = 64). PChE values were within the reference values (5209.64-13943.53 U/L). Pesticide exposure had no influence on PChE levels, CMD or fatigue (p > 0.05), while Self-reported tiredness had (p < 0.05). Principal Component Analyses showed that HGS; STS and TUG (i.e., physical performance variables) are negatively influenced by two independent factors: pesticide exposure and self-reported tiredness. We conclude that chronic pesticide exposure and tiredness can negatively impact physical performance, independently, without clinically significant changes in PChE levels that is a biomarker used to track pesticide intoxication. Functional physical tests can be a useful tool to identify chronic pesticide exposure, and help with the limitations of commonly used parameters (i.e. PChE and CMD). Self-reported tiredness is a confounding variable.

Lived Experiences of Sexuality and Sexual Functioning in Males with SCI: A Mixed-Methods Study.

Sexual dysfunction is highly prevalent in males with spinal cord injury (SCI) and has been recognized to be a key recovery priority. This cross-sectional, mixed-methods study aimed to investigate the major themes linked to sexual functioning in males with chronic (>1 year) SCI. Twenty male participants with SCI, aged 25 to 59 years, completed validated questionnaires exploring sexual function/satisfaction and health-related quality of life and a semi-structured interview with an experienced sexual medicine physician. Sex hormone concentrations and metabolic biomarkers, along with body composition and habitual physical activity levels, were assessed. Interview recordings were transcribed and thematic analysis performed using combined COM-B (Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, and Behavior) and biopsychosocial models to identify and organize major contributors and barriers to sexual functioning. Metabolic and hormonal biomarkers largely fell within normal physiological ranges despite reduced sexual functioning reported in our cohort (19/20 participants reported some degree of erectile dysfunction). Qualitative analysis of interview transcripts revealed 24 themes. Adaptability was important for improving sexual satisfaction. Attraction and attentiveness to sex and partners remained stable over time, while the desire for intimacy increased post injury. Sexual social norms, and comparisons to the able-bodied population, provided challenges for sexual activity and partnership. Environmental concerns regarding access to sexual health resources and accessible physical spaces during intimacy were relevant. Mood disorders and general life stressors negatively impacted sexual desire, while physical activity encouraged sexual activity. By considering a holistic view of sexuality in males with SCI, we identified key contributors and barriers to sexual functioning for the cohort studied.

The association of physical activity and sedentary behaviour with low back pain disability trajectories: A prospective cohort study

BackgroundMultiple factors influence the recovery process of low back pain (LBP). The identification and increased knowledge of risk factors might contribute to a better understanding of the course of LBP. ObjectivesTo investigate the association of habitual physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour (SB), measured at baseline, with disability trajectories in adults with LBP. MethodsA prospective cohort study where habitual PA levels were measured using the Short QUestionnaire to ASsess Health enhancing physical activity (SQUASH), SB was calculated as average sedentary hours per day, and LBP disability using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Participants completed the questionnaires at one and a half, three, six, and twelve months. Linear mixed models were estimated to describe the association of habitual PA levels SB measured at baseline with disability trajectories. Other predictors were gender, education level, age, pain, number of previous episodes of LBP, and duration of LBP. ResultsHabitual SB measured at baseline in adults (n = 347) with LBP were not associated with disability trajectories. For PA, participants with one metabolic equivalent of task (MET) hour per day above average recovered 0.04 [95% CI 0.004 to 0.076] points on the ODI per month faster than participants with an average amount of MET hours per day. ConclusionsHabitual SB was not associated with LBP disability trajectories over a one-year follow-up. High levels of habitual PA at baseline were associated with improved recovery in LBP disability trajectory, but the finding is not clinically relevant.

Associations between monitor-independent movement summary (MIMS) and fall risk appraisal combining fear of falling and physiological fall risk in community-dwelling older adults.

Introduction: Fall Risk Appraisal (FRA), a process that integrates perceived and objective fall risk measures, serves as a crucial component for understanding the incongruence between fear of falling (FOF) and physiological fall risk in older adults. Despite its importance, scant research has been undertaken to investigate how habitual physical activity (PA) levels, quantified in Monitor-Independent Movement Summary (MIMS), vary across FRA categories. MIMS is a device-independent acceleration summary metric that helps standardize data analysis across studies by accounting for discrepancies in raw data among research-grade and consumer devices. Objective: This cross-sectional study explores the associations between MIMS (volume and intensity) and FRA in a sample of older adults in the United States. Methods: We assessed FOF (Short Falls Efficacy Scale-International), physiological fall risk (balance: BTrackS Balance, leg strength: 30-s sit-to-stand test) and 7-day free-living PA (ActiGraph GT9X) in 178 community-dwelling older adults. PA volume was summarized as average daily MIMS (MIMS/day). PA intensity was calculated as peak 30-min MIMS (average of highest 30 non-consecutive MIMS minutes/day), representing a PA index of higher-intensity epochs. FRA categorized participants into following four groups: Rational (low FOF-low physiological fall risk), Irrational (high FOF-low physiological fall risk), Incongruent (low FOF-high physiological fall risk) and Congruent (high FOF-high physiological fall risk). Results: Compared to rational group, average MIMS/day and peak 30-min MIMS were, respectively, 15.8% (p = .025) and 14.0% (p = .004) lower in irrational group, and 16.6% (p = .013) and 17.5% (p < .001) lower in congruent group. No significant differences were detected between incongruent and rational groups. Multiple regression analyses showed that, after adjusting for age, gender, and BMI (reference: rational), only irrational FRA was significantly associated with lower PA volume (β = -1,452.8 MIMS/day, p = .034); whereas irrational and congruent FRAs were significantly associated with lower "peak PA intensity" (irrational: β = -5.40 MIMS/day, p = .007; congruent: β = -5.43 MIMS/day, p = .004). Conclusion: These findings highlight that FOF is a significant barrier for older adults to participate in high-intensity PA, regardless of their balance and strength. Therefore, PA programs for older adults should develop tailored intervention strategies (cognitive reframing, balance and strength exercises, or both) based on an individual's FOF and physiological fall risk.

A novel referral strategy to enhance the enrollment of patients with heart failure in cardiac rehabilitation: A feasibility study.

Rehabilitation targeting patients with cardiac conditions are evident and acknowledged in clinical guidelines. However, participation rates remain suboptimal, with only 50% of all patients with cardiac conditions participating in these programs across Europe. Considering the well-documented effects of rehabilitation, increasing the referral rate to cardiac rehabilitation would be desirable. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of a novel referral strategy that could potentially enhance enrollment in cardiac rehabilitation for patients with heart failure. This prospective feasibility study incorporating both quantitative and qualitative methods was conducted in an outpatient heart failure clinic and a municipal health care center. 106 patients with heart failure were referred to the heart failure clinic from September 2021 through July 2022. A 15-20 min face-to-face physiotherapy consultation was incorporated into usual care, evaluating patients' habitual and actual level of functioning, disability, and physical activity and assessing their potential need and motivation for cardiac rehabilitation. Three predefined quantitative feasibility outcomes: reach, referral rate, and data completeness were assessed. Additionally, semi-structured interviews explored acceptability among patients and health care professionals at the municipal health care center and the hospital. Finally, the potential effect was assessed based on the enrollment rate. Physiotherapy consultations were offered to 86% of eligible patients; of these, 52% were referred to cardiac rehabilitation. Ninety-one percent data completeness was achieved. The intervention was well-accepted by patients and health care professionals. The enrollment rate reached 79%. The novel referral strategy proved feasible concerning reach and data completeness, although the referral rate suggested that further refinements are required before a full-scale trial. The novel referral strategy was well-accepted, and enrollment rate approached an acceptable level.

RELAÇÃO QUANTITATIVA ENTRE ATIVIDADE FÍSICA E ANTI-HIPERTENSIVOS EM IDOSAS

ABSTRACT Introduction: Physical activity is an important tool to manage systemic arterial hypertension. However, less is known about the relationship of physical activity with the number of antihypertensive drugs used by older adults. Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the number of antihypertensive drugs used by older female adults (aged ≥ 60 years) with a low level of physical activity with the number used by those with a high level of physical activity, and to verify how many participants used more than two antihypertensive drugs. Methods: Twenty-eight physically active older women with systemic arterial hypertension who participated in a physical activity program for community-dwelling older female adults were divided into two groups: participants who presented lower habitual physical activity levels were placed in group 1 and participants that presented higher habitual physical activity levels were placed in group 2, according to the Baecke questionnaire. In addition, the number of antihypertensive drugs used by participants was collected. Results: The number of prescribed antihypertensive drugs was 2.0 (median) for both groups investigated. There was no significant difference between groups regarding the number of antihypertensive tablets prescribed (p&gt;0.05). Although there was no statistical difference, a higher proportion of participants from the lower physical activity group used more than two antihypertensive drugs. Conclusion: The level of habitual physical activity did not affect the number of antihypertensive tablets used by hypertensive elderly women. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies – investigation of treatment results.

Sleep and fine motor skills: the influence of sex and level of physical activity

To examine the influence of sleep quality on psychophysiological testing results and autonomic state in university students of both sexes with different habitual physical activity level. One hundred and twenty-four 6th year medical students (88 women and 36 men) and 80 sport science students (42 women and 38 men) underwent a comprehensive psychophysiological study, including 7 tests: simple motor reaction, choice reaction, reaction under conditions of interference, reaction to a moving object, critical fusion frequency, as well as static and dynamic (by profile) dexterity tests. Autonomic status was assessed using heart rate variability, sleep quality and alertness were assessed based on self-report, and in athletes, using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Questionnaire (PSQI). In the male athletes' group with morning chronotype the sleep quality was better than in medical students. Only female medical students demonstrated a deterioration in praxis with an increase in the severity of evening features in the chronotype and a decrease in self-assessment of sleep quality. Increased sleepiness in the first half hour after awakening significantly reduced the quality of performance of psychometric tests in all subjects. The most informative was critical fusion frequency, which was lower in girls with «poor» sleep, as well as the reaction to a moving object. In addition, sympathetic drive was increased in female medical students with poor self-rated sleep quality. A decrease in the quality of sleep in students causes fine motor impairment, mediated by sex, the level of habitual physical activity and circadian chronotype.

Self‐reported physical activity levels do not predict brain beta amyloid levels in older cognitively normal adults over time

AbstractBackgroundAnimal studies have consistently shown that physical activity reduces brain levels of beta‐amyloid (Aβ). However, human studies of physical activity and Alzheimer’s disease (AD)‐related brain biomarkers have produced somewhat inconsistent findings. To date, most human studies examining physical activity and Aβ have utilised cross‐sectional analyses and relatively small sample sizes. As brain Aβ is detectable decades prior to the onset of clinical symptoms, examination using longitudinal brain imaging is vital to provide insight into how ongoing physical activity levels impact the progression of AD. In addition, the causal direction of these relationships requires further investigation; some research suggests physical activity levels may decline prior to dementia diagnosis.MethodHabitual physical activity and Aβ measures were collected over 15 years from 731 cognitively normal older adults (60 years and over) participating in the Australian Imaging, Biomarkers and Lifestyle Study of Ageing. Physical activity was assessed via the self‐reported International Physical Activity Questionnaire and brain Aβ measures obtained via PET imaging. Regression modelling examined the cross‐sectional and longitudinal relationships between physical activity and brain Aβ. Moderation analyses examined the impact of apolipoprotein (APOE) ε4 carriage on the physical activity‐Aβ relationship. To further examine the causal nature of this relationship, the trajectory of physical activity levels for individuals as a predictor of either high or low Aβ brain load was also examined.ResultPhysical activity was not associated with brain Aβ at baseline (β = ‐0.001, p = 0.131) or over time (β = ‐0.101, p = 0.571). APOE ε4 status did not moderate the relationship between physical activity and brain Aβ over time (β = 0.04, p = 0.917). Brain Aβ levels were not associated with physical activity trajectory (β = ‐54.26, p = 0.590).ConclusionOur study did not identify a relationship between habitual physical activity and brain Aβ levels. Future longitudinal studies should examine middle‐aged participants to assess whether physical activity influences Aβ accumulation earlier in life.

Association between biomarkers of redox status and cytokines with different patterns of habitual physical activity in eutrophic and overweight/obese preschoolers: multivariate analysis of a cross-sectional study

BackgroundAlthough it is well known that obesity is frequently associated with reduced levels of habitual physical activity (HPA), which contributes to determining severe oxidative stress and inflammatory state, this association is however unknown in preschoolers so far. This study aimed to investigate the association between biomarkers of redox status and cytokines with different patterns of HPA according to the adiposity of preschoolers.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in 50 preschoolers (25 overweight/obese, OW/OB and 25 eutrophic, EU), matched for age, sex, economic level, and maternal education. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities, substances reactive to thiobarbituric acid (TBARS), soluble tumor necrosis factor receptors (sTNFRs), and leptin levels were evaluated. HPA levels were evaluated by accelerometry (ActiGraph GT9X accelerometer). Correlation, multiple linear regression, and partial least squares regression analysis were used to determine the association between redox status biomarkers and cytokines with different patterns of HPA (HPA level, bouts of moderate to vigorous physical activity [MVPA], and multivariate pattern of HPA) in EU and OW/OB preschoolers.ResultsOW/OB preschoolers had lower CAT activity, higher levels of TAC, TBARS, and cytokines, and similar levels of HPA to EU preschoolers. In EU preschoolers, SOD activity exhibited a stronger negative association with moderate intensity ranges of HPA (R2 = 0.18), and negative correlation with sTNFRs (r = -0.40 to -0.46). TBARS had a stronger positive association with ranges of light intensity in the multivariate pattern of HPA (R2 = 0.10). In OW/OB preschoolers, the HPA multivariate associative pattern was predominantly from vigorous intensity ranges. Thus, SOD activity had a positive association with the multivariate pattern of HPA (R2 = 0.38) and MVPA bouts (β [95% CI] = 0.457 [0.0026. 0.0576]). TAC had a negative association with the multivariate pattern of HPA (R2 = 0.38) and MVPA bouts (β [95% CI] = -0.718 [-0.0025. -0.0003]). Additionally, leptin levels were lower in OW/OB preschoolers engaged in vigorous physical activity (VPA) (8000–9999 counts/min) for longer periods of time.ConclusionThe results of this study indicate that OW/OB preschoolers have higher levels of oxidative stress biomarkers and pro-inflammatory cytokines compared to EU preschoolers. Moreover, VPA may exert antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects in OW/OB preschoolers.

Physical activity and brain amyloid beta: A longitudinal analysis of cognitively unimpaired older adults.

The current study evaluated the relationship between habitual physical activity (PA) levels and brain amyloid beta (Aβ) over 15 years in a cohort of cognitively unimpaired older adults. PA and Aβ measures were collected over multiple timepoints from 731 cognitively unimpaired older adults participating in the Australian Imaging, Biomarkers and Lifestyle (AIBL) Study of Aging. Regression modeling examined cross-sectional and longitudinal relationships between PA and brain Aβ. Moderation analyses examined apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 carriage impact on the PA-Aβ relationship. PA was not associated with brain Aβ at baseline (β=-0.001, p=0.72) or over time (β=-0.26, p=0.24). APOE ε4 status did not moderate the PA-Aβ relationship over time (β=0.12, p=0.73). Brain Aβ levels did not predict PA trajectory (β=-54.26, p=0.59). Our study did not identify a relationship between habitual PA and brain Aβ levels. Physical activity levels did not predict brain amyloid beta (Aβ) levels over time in cognitively unimpaired older adults (≥60 years of age). Apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 carrier status did not moderate the physical activity-brain Aβ relationship over time. Physical activity trajectories were not impacted by brain Aβ levels.

Effect of Aging on Movement Quality in Australian Urban Firefighters.

Redshaw, AS, Carrick-Ranson, G, Bennett, H, Norton, KI, and Walker, A. Effect of aging on movement quality in Australian urban firefighters. J Strength Cond Res 37(11): e601-e608, 2023-Adequate levels of movement quality (MQ) are required to safely perform occupational tasks in physically demanding and hazardous professions such as firefighting. Although it is well established that MQ deteriorates with age in population studies, there is conflicting evidence in older tactical populations. This study sought to examine the relationship between age and MQ in Australian urban firefighters. The impact of physical activity, injury history, and body mass index on MQ were also explored. The MQ of 324 professional Australian urban firefighters was assessed using MovementSCREEN MQ assessment tool. Scores of whole-body MQ ranged from 35.3 to 82.6 (0-100 scale), with a mean score of 59.2 ± 10.0. There was a moderate, negative association between MQ and age (r = -0.500; p ≤ 0.001), with those older than 50 years of age having significantly lower scores of MQ than their younger counterparts (p ≤ 0.001). Secondary analysis found that higher body mass index (r = -0.285; p ≤ 0.001), lower habitual physical activity levels (r = 0.165; p ≤ 0.003), and the presence of any musculoskeletal injury in the previous 12 months (p = 0.016) had significant negative effects on composite MQ. Firefighters older than 50, obese, and engaging in low levels of physical activity should be considered a high priority for functional strength training interventions to maintain adequate MQ throughout their careers.

Comparison of Stress Level, Habitual Physical Activity Level and Immune Profile of People Living With HIV

The objective of this study was to compare the level of stress, the habitual level of Physical Activity and the immunological profile of people living with HIV. The present study had as sample 307 individuals of both sexes, X̅ = 46.8 ± 9.2 years, with positive HIV serology. Socioeconomic information was collected using an instrument, CD4+ lymphocyte count and HIV viral load were collected from the patients' medical records. Stress level was assessed using Lipp's Stress Symptom Inventory (ISSL), and Baecke's questionnaire was used to classify physical activity level. The Man-Whitney test was used to compare the variables and the Spearman test to verify the relationship between the variables adopting p &lt; 0.05 as the significance level. As a result, the study showed that 26.9% of the individuals are in the stress exhaustion phase, in relation to the level of physical activity, 28.2% were identified as "active", 23.1% as "very active", 23.1% as "insufficiently active", and 24.1% as "sedentary". The presence of stress was prevalent in sedentary individuals (13.6%) with longer duration of infection (27.3%) and with lymphocyte counts above 500mm (43.3%). The CD4+ count showed a significant result when compared to the level of stress, (U=1848.50; p=0.02). A relationship between depression/anxiety and stress was identified (r = 0.407; p &gt; 0.001). We conclude that the presence of stress has an effect on TCD4+ count and that the higher the depression/anxiety symptoms the higher the stress level in PLHIV. Keywords: Viral Load, CD4 Lymphocyte Count, Psychological Stress, HIV