Higher Levels Of Physical Activity Research Articles

Physical Activity and Eating Habits of Polish Navy Soldiers and Border Guard Officers—A Comparative Analysis

Background: Physical fitness and a healthy body mass are important predictors of a good performance of military tasks. The purpose of this study was to assess the physical activity level and nutrition, in terms of the frequency of consumption of individual food groups, of Polish Navy soldiers and Maritime Unit of the Border Guard officers. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on 131 Polish Navy soldiers aged 33.1 ± 6.3 years old and 132 Maritime Unit of the Border Guard officers aged 38.6 ± 5.5 years old. In order to carry out research on physical activity, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire was used. Eating habits were assessed based on a Food Frequency Questionnaire for 61 groups of food products. Results: Over 80% of the soldiers and officers studied indicated high levels of physical activity. Only 8.2% of soldiers and 4.3% of officers indicated a low level of physical activity. Of the 61 food product groups analyzed, significant differences were found in the frequency of consumption of 17 products. These differences concerned almost all groups (except dairy products and eggs). Conclusions: To summarize, soldiers and officers presented high and moderate levels of physical activity. Taking into account the demonstrated frequent consumption of high-energy and high-fat products, such as sausages and red meat, as well as margarine, mayonnaise, and sugar, with the low frequency of fruit and vegetable consumption in both studied groups, it is advisable to conduct training among soldiers and officers in the field of health education.

Physical Activity as a Predictor of Internet Gaming Disorder in a Swiss Male Cohort (C-SURF): L'activité physique comme prédicteur des troubles liés aux jeux vidéo en ligne dans une cohorte de jeunes hommes suisses (C-SURF).

This study addresses the increasing global concerns surrounding Internet gaming disorder (IGD) by exploring their connection to physical activity (PA) as a potential preventive and early intervention measure. The research aims to examine the relationship between PA and the progression of IGD. Longitudinal data from the Cohort research on Substance Use Risk Factors involving young Swiss men undergoing army conscription was employed. PA levels were assessed using the International PA Questionnaire (IPAQ), while the Game Addiction Scale (GAS) and Compulsive Internet Use Scale determined IGD presence. Analysis involved zero-inflated negative binomial regression models. Higher PA levels were associated with lower IGD risk. Notably, individuals engaging in high physical exercise exhibited a lower IGD prevalence compared to those with moderate or low activity levels. The study suggests that intensive physical exercise might serve as a preventive strategy against developing IGD. This protective effect could stem from various mechanisms. However, the study's limitations, such as a male-only sample and a small low-activity group, should be considered when interpreting results. The longitudinal study demonstrates the positive influence of intense physical exercise on mitigating gaming-related issues. These findings underscore the potential of PA interventions in addressing the growing problem of IGDs and their impact on health. Further research is necessary to uncover underlying mechanisms behind the PA-IGD relationship and validate these findings across diverse demographics.

Associations Between Biodiversity, Forest Characteristics, Distance to Blue Space and Accelerometer-Measured Physical Activity—Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 Study

We studied how the quantity and quality of residential green spaces and distance to different types of blue spaces are associated with the accelerometer-measured physical activity (PA) among adults with different levels of total daily PA. The associations of the participants’ socio-demographic and personal characteristics and environmental features with light PA (LPA) and moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) were analyzed using linear mixed models (n = 5470). The results indicated that greater residential forest area was associated with higher LPA among those with high level of total daily PA and with less MVPA among those with low level of total daily PA. Environments with high tree stand structure diversity or close to sea were associated with higher MVPA in high PA group. Varied natural environment can encourage leisure time activities in nearby nature, but individuals’ personal and socioeconomic variables seemed to be more strongly associated with LPA and MVPA than environmental characteristics.

Associations of sugary beverage intake with type 2 diabetes and the role of physical activity: a prospective cohort study

BackgroundHigher consumption of sugary beverages (SB) has been associated with type 2 diabetes (T2D), but whether these associations are modified by physical activity remains unclear. This study aimed to examine the associations of SB intake, including sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB), artificially sweetened beverages (ASB), and natural juices (NJ) with the risk of incident T2D, and the potential role of physical activity.MethodsWe included 153,862 diabetes-free participants in the UK Biobank who completed both the International Physical Activity Questionnaire at recruitment (2006–2010) and at least one 24-h dietary recall questionnaire in 2009–2012. We assessed the associations of each SB with the risk of incident T2D using Cox proportional hazard models, and explored the interactions between each SB and physical activity.ResultsDuring a median follow-up of 11.8 years, 6631 participants developed incident T2D. Participants consuming more SSB and ASB (comparing > 2 to 0 unit/d) had a higher hazard of T2D (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.17, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.05–1.31 for SSB; 1.54, 1.37–1.74 for ASB), while medium intake of NJ showed an inverse association (HR> 0–1 vs. 0 unit/d: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.82–0.92; HR> 1–2 vs. 0 unit/d: 0.88, 95% CI: 0.81–0.97) with incident T2D. No significant interactions between physical activity and SSB/ASB were found (P-interaction=0.204 for SSB, 0.926 for ASB), but the protective association of medium NJ intake with T2D was stronger among participants with higher level of physical activity (P-interaction = 0.043).ConclusionsHigher intake of SSB and ASB was related to higher risks of T2D. Medium NJ intake was associated with a lower risk of T2D, particularly among individuals with higher physical activity level. These findings emphasized the importance of healthy beverage intake and adequate physical activity in diabetes prevention.

Prenatal exercise and its effects on postpartum mental health: systematic review and meta-analysis.

The perinatal period, spanning from pregnancy through the first year after childbirth, is characterized by significant physiological, psychological, and socio-contextual changes. Women face complex stressors including psychosocial pressures, financial constraints, interpersonal dynamics, anticipatory stress related to parenthood, hormonal fluctuations, and societal expectations. These factors collectively influence the perinatal experience, increasing vulnerabilities and stress levels. A systematic review was conducted in October 2023 using PubMed, SPORTDiscus, PsycInfo, and Scopus databases. Only English-language publications were included. For the meta-analysis, only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) were considered. Data extraction was performed independently by two reviewers using Covidence, focusing on study characteristics, population demographics, interventions, and outcomes. The initial search identified 2,373 articles, with 1,196 duplicates removed, leaving 1,177 articles. After screening titles and abstracts, 1,247 were excluded for not meeting the inclusion criteria, resulting in 30 full-text articles reviewed for eligibility by two researchers. Nineteen studies were included in the systematic review, with four in the meta-analysis. Results indicated that higher levels of physical activity during pregnancy were consistently associated with improved postpartum mental health outcomes, including reduced depressive symptoms, lower anxiety, and enhanced overall well-being. Low-intensity exercises, such as yoga, were particularly effective in reducing postpartum depressive symptoms. The impact of moderate-intensity exercise varied, with some studies showing no significant effects. The meta-analysis of four RCTs using the EPDS demonstrated a significant reduction in depression and anxiety symptoms among postpartum women who participated in physical activity interventions, with a substantial overall effect size. Developing physical activity and exercise regimens encompassing a range of intensities can address the unique physiological and psychological demands of the perinatal period, maximizing the therapeutic benefits of physical activity interventions.

Dietary reference intake for military operations: a scoping review.

Reports that collect and organize dietary reference intake (DRI) data for military operations in different countries and regions worldwide are limited.This scoping review aimed to collect and organize information on the status of formulating a DRI for military operations in each country. For the information search, we queried PubMed and Google for literature and reports on the DRI for military operations and summarized the content of the adopted literature and reports. The content and rationale for DRI for military operations in Australia, the United Kingdom (UK), the United States of America (USA), and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) can be summarized as follows: (1) Energy requirements: Four reports formulated physical activity levels (PALs) and corresponding energy requirements that differed from those for the civilian public. The PAL range for the military was set as high as 1.50-3.20, as opposed to the standard civilian upper PAL set at 1.20-2.20. (2) Protein: Three military reports outside of the UK had different standards than those for the civilian public with an increased intake in accordance with the high PAL while simultaneously preventing excessive intake.In the military, values were formulated 1.2-4.8 times higher than the standards for civilians (45-65 g/day to 55-307 g/day). (3) Macronutrient energy distribution: Four military reports established macronutrient energy distributions that differed from those for the civilian public. The DRI for the Australian and UK militaries was formulated such that as PAL increased, protein decreased, fat decreased or remained unchanged, and carbohydrate increased. (4) Sodium: Considering that military personnel sweat more due to high physical activity and their environment, two Australian and NATO reports were established with sodium levels that were twice as high as that of the civilian public (460-2,300 mg/day to 920-3,200 mg/day). Increasing sodium intake to <4,800 mg/day is recommended for individuals who sweat a lot or are not accustomed to hot environments. The DRI in Australia, the UK, USA, and NATO consider the physical activity and operating environment of military personnel, differing from those of the civilian population in terms of (1) energy requirements, (2) protein, (3) macronutrient energy distribution, and (4) sodium.

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.

Physical activity and persistence of supra-threshold depressive symptoms in older adults: A ten-year cohort study

Few multination-based studies have examined the longitudinal association between PA (physical activity) and persistence of supra-threshold depressive symptoms (SDS). This cohort study aimed to assess the influence of PA on persistence of SDS. Data were obtained from the Population Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE). The cohort was composed of individuals with SDS at baseline. Depressive symptoms were ascertained using the EURO-D scale, with a value over 4 indicatives of SDS. The study included 6,631 participants with SDS. After adjusting for nine different covariates at baseline and the changes of PA level during the follow-up period, compared to very low PA, moderately high (OR=0.82; 95 %CI: 0.69–0.98; p = 0.03), and high (OR=0.80; 95 %CI: 0.66–0.95; p = 0.01) PA levels were associated with significantly reduced persistence of depressive symptoms. In a propensity score analysis, matching low and high PA level for baseline scores of EURO-D, people with high PA levels reported a lower EURO-D of 0.53 points (p < 0.0001). In conclusion, among adults with depression, higher levels of PA were associated with a reduced persistence of depression. These real-world data complement evidence on efficacy of exercise as a treatment for depression and can inform clinical guidelines.

Changes in physical activity and all-cause mortality among individuals with dementia: a cohort study using the National Health Insurance Service Database in Korea

ObjectiveTo examine associations between the amount and changes in regular physical activity (PA) before and after diagnosis of dementia and all-cause mortality risk, and whether these associations differ by PA...

Association between thyroid function and osteoarthritis: a population-based cohort study

ObjectivesPrevious genetic and animal studies indicated a causal role of thyroid hormones in osteoarthritis (OA), which has not been observed in the general population. We aimed to investigate whether thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (FT4) were associated with hand, hip, or knee OA. MethodsParticipants from the Rotterdam Study with baseline TSH, FT4, and joint radiographs were included. We used multivariable regression models to investigate the association of thyroid function with the prevalence, severity, incidence, and progression of OA. We conducted stratified analyses by sex, age, body mass index (BMI) and weight-bearing physical activity. ResultsAmong 9054 participants included (mean age 65 years, 56.3% women), higher FT4 concentrations were associated with an increased risk of prevalent knee OA (OR 1.04 per pmol/L, 95% CI 1.01-1.06, corresponding to an OR of 1.62 across the reference range [i.e., 14pmol/L changes] of FT4) and more severe knee OA. There was a positive association between FT4 and overall progression of knee OA (OR 1.03 per pmol/L, 1.00-1.07). No association of TSH with hand, hip, or knee OA was identified. Stratified analysis revealed an association between FT4 and prevalent knee OA among individuals with BMI≥30 kg/m2 (OR 1.05 per pmol/L, 1.01-1.08) and those with high levels of weight-bearing physical activity (OR 1.05 per pmol/L, 1.01-1.10). ConclusionsOur study indicated that higher FT4 concentrations may increase the risk of knee OA. This association might be greater in individuals with extra joint loading, such as those with obesity.

Association between moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and attention among children aged 6-12 years: chain mediating effects of fundamental movement skills and aerobic fitness.

To explore the association between physical activity and attention among children aged 6-12 years and to determine whether fundamental movement skills and aerobic fitness mediate the association between physical activity and attention. A total of 1,086 school-aged children (mean age: 9.40 ± 2.03 years) were included in the present study. Physical activity was assessed using the International Physical Activity Scale-Short Form. Fundamental movement skills were assessed using the Test of Gross Motor Development, third edition, and aerobic fitness was evaluated using the 20-metre shuttle run. Attention was assessed by the d2 Attention Test. There were significant positive correlations between physical activity and fundamental movement skills, physical activity and aerobic fitness, and physical activity and attention (all p < 0.05). Both fundamental movement skills and aerobic fitness fully mediated the relationship between physical activity and attention. In addition, fundamental movement skills and aerobic fitness had chain-mediating effects on the relationship between physical activity and attention. High levels of physical activity were positively associated with attention among school-aged children. Fundamental movement skills and aerobic fitness played a chain-mediating role in the relationship between physical activity and attention.

The Paradox of Physical Activity and Coronary Artery Calcification: Implications for Cardiovascular Risk.

The introduction of CT scans and the subsequent Agatston score in the 1990s drastically improved our ability to detect coronary artery calcification (CAC). This led to its incorporation into cardiovascular risk assessment guidelines set forth by organizations such as the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC). Over time, these guidelines have evolved significantly, reflecting an increasing understanding of CAC. Physical activity has become a key factor in the management of cardiovascular disease. However, the relationship between physical activity and CAC remains complex. Although physical activity is generally beneficial for cardiovascular health, paradoxically, high levels of physical activity have been associated with elevated CAC scores. However, these higher CAC levels may indicate the presence of more stable, calcified plaques that provide protection against plaque rupture. These contradictory findings call for balanced interpretations that acknowledge the cardiovascular benefits of physical activity. This review examines the historical development of clinical guidelines for CAC, the paradoxical relationship between physical activity and CAC, and potential underlying mechanisms. It emphasizes the need for future research to utilize objective measures and consistent methodologies to better understand the relationship between physical activity and CAC.

Exploring protein biomarkers of physical activity and cardiovascular disease

Abstract Background The beneficial effects of physical activity on cardiovascular risk are well documented. Yet, the underlying mechanisms by which physical activity prevents cardiovascular disease remain unclear (1). Advancements of omics technology enables us to explore novel biomarkers of this complex molecular relationship and potentially unravel underlying molecular mechanisms involved in the progression of cardiovascular events. Purpose To investigate associations between long term physical activity and plasma proteins. As a second step investigate associations between identified plasma proteins and future myocardial infarction and mortality. Methods In the population based prospective cohort Uppsala Longitudinal Study of Adult Men (ULSAM), men were repeatedly investigated with a validated questionnaire on physical activity at ages 50, 60 and 70. 720 plasma proteins were analyzed at age 70 (n=782) with follow up on mortality data for 30 years. In the case-cohort MIMI (Markers of Imminent Myocardial Infarction study) the same plasma proteins were measured in disease-free individuals from six European cohorts. Individuals with acute myocardial infarction within 6 months from baseline were defined as cases (n=420) and up tto four cohort representatives per case were defined as controls (n=1598). Results Higher level of physical activity during 20 years was significantly associated with 12 plasma proteins, in a linear regression model adjusted for age, education and smoking after Bonferroni correction for multiple testing (p&amp;lt;0.000069). After additional adjustment for known cardiovascular risk factors (education, smoking status, BMI, blood pressure, low-density lipoprotein, diabetes diagnosis, and hypertensive-, lipid- or diabetes-treatment), all 12 proteins remained negatively associated with higher level of physical activity in the ULSAM cohort (p&amp;lt;0,05). Two proteins of the 12 proteins associated with physical activity were also significantly associated with future myocardial infarction in the MIMI study (FGF21 and IL6, p&amp;lt;0.05 for both) and 10 proteins were associated with increased mortality risk in the ULSAM cohort (p&amp;lt;0.05 for all). Moreover, proteins that were more negatively associated with physical activity were generally more positively associated with the risk of myocardial infarction in MIMI (Figure). Conclusion Multiple novel associations were found between long-term physical activity and plasma proteins. Some proteins were also associated with future myocardial infarction in an independent cohort which could suggest that the cardioprotective effects of physical activity to some degree may be mediated via the circulating proteome. Our findings encourage additional studies in order to understand the underlying causal mechanisms of these associations.

Income level is associated with differences in primary and secondary stroke prevention in China

IntroductionThe aim of this study was to assess differences in the effects of income level on the primary and secondary prevention of stroke in the Chinese population.Material and methodsThis was a population-based study using data from a China Kadoorie Biobank survey that began in 2004 in 10 geographical regions. Community residents (n = 512,715) aged 30–79 years were recruited. Stroke was determined by the self-reporting of a doctor’s diagnosis, and participants with a high risk of stroke were identified using the model developed in the Prediction for ASCVD Risk in China study.ResultsThe final numbers of people included in this study were 8,884 with stroke and 218,972 with a high risk of stroke. The participants’ income level was positively associated with high levels of physical activity and the consumption of a healthy diet, but negatively associated with the control of alcohol consumption (all p &lt; 0.05). In addition, positive associations were observed between the control of smoking and the use of antiplatelet and antihypertensive medication for primary prevention (all p &lt; 0.05), but there was a negative association with the control of blood pressure (p &lt; 0.001).ConclusionsLow-income individuals were less likely to control smoking and their diet and use preventive medications, while high-income individuals were less likely to control their alcohol consumption and blood pressure. Moreover, medication use was low for both primary and secondary prevention in high-income individuals.

Built environmental characteristics, physical activity in neighbourhoods of Accra, Ghana

Abstract There is increasing evidence that characteristics of the built environment can influence residents’ lifestyles, physical activity thereby influencing the development of obesity and non-communicable diseases even in low- and middle-income countries. The aim of this study is to describe the characteristics of the built and the social environment of neighbourhoods of Accra, Ghana, and to explore association between neighbourhood characteristics and the physical activity of the residents. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Accra, 12 neighbourhoods were randomly selected based on high and low values of residential density and socioeconomic status. Sociodemographic, household and neighbourhood information were collected with an adapted questionnaire of NEWS (Neighbourhood Environment Walkability Scale) for Africa. Physical activity was assessed by WHO Global Physical Activity Questionnaire and social cohesion by the Perceived Neighbourhood Social Cohesion Questionnaire. Differences between variables by neighbourhood types were analysed using Chi square test and Kruskal Wallis test. Generalized linear model was performed to determine the association between neighbourhood characteristics and residents’ physical activity. The built environmental characteristics of different neighbourhood types and the physical activity of the residents showed significant differences. The associations indicated that individuals living in high residential density neighbourhoods had increased levels of engaging in physical activities. Land use mix, street connectivity, safety, aesthetics and social cohesion of neighbourhoods showed correlation with physical activity of residents. The built environment and social characteristics of neighbourhoods can influence the lifestyle and physical activity of residents in Accra, Ghana. Key messages • High residential density neighbourhoods correlated with higher level of physical activity. • Land use, street connectivity, safety and aesthetic of neighbourhoods and social cohesion showed correlation with physical activity.

Predictors of cardiovascular disease risk: findings from the National Survey of Health and Development Cohort

Abstract Background Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a significant cause of mortality and morbidity within the UK. CVDs and all-cause mortality can be predicted with varying levels of certainty with different models. Purpose This study aimed to explore the incremental effect of risk factors and respective biomarkers on CVD events risk estimation models. Methods The National Survey for Health and Development (NSHD) birth cohort study, including 2547 women 2815 men, was used to model relationships between conventional and emerging risk factors and cardiometabolic and vascular outcomes, including myocardial infarction and stroke between 1999 and 2009. Logistic regression or XGBoost (eXtreme Gradient Boosting) models were used to predict the outcomes (myocardial infarction and strokes). Model fit was assessed by comparing predicted and known incident events in a two-by-two error matrix for binary outcomes. Results In a model including both sex and smoking alcohol intake (β = -0.029g; p &amp;lt; 0.05), body mass index (BMI) (β = 0.095 kg/m2; p &amp;lt; 0.05), glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) (β = 0.033 mmol/mol; p &amp;lt; 0.01) and total cholesterol/high density lipoprotein (TC/HDL) ratio (β = 0.459 mg/dL; p &amp;lt; 0.0001) waist-to-hip ratio (β = 5.632cm; p = 0.05) and waist circumference (β = 0.031cm; p &amp;lt; 0.01) were significant predictors of myocardial infarction. A lower risk was observed among those with higher average alcohol intake, whereas higher risk being observed among those with higher BMI, HbA1c levels, total cholesterol/HDL ratio, waist-to-hip ratio and waist circumference. For stroke, exercising 5+ times (β = -1.47; p &amp;lt; 0.01), systolic blood pressure (SBP) (β = 0.040mmHg; p &amp;lt; 0.001), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (β = 0.027mmHg; p &amp;lt; 0.001), pulse pressure (β = 0.033mmHg; p &amp;lt; 0.01), triglycerides (β = 0.388; p &amp;lt; 0.05) and total cholesterol/HDL ratio (β = 0.419; p &amp;lt; 0.01) were all significant predictors of stroke. We found that higher values of SBP, DBP, pulse pressure, triglycerides and total cholesterol/HDL ratio were associated with higher risk of stroke, whereas higher levels of physical activity were associated with a lower risk. Additionally, by combining BMI, HbA1c and total cholesterol/HDL ratio to the baseline model it provided the greatest F1 score of all models (0.123) and the greatest precision (6.7%), with a recall of 72.4%. With XGBoost we observed a reduced F1 score from 0.123 to 0.079, although adding information on alcohol intake and waist to hip ratio to this model, as previous analysis indicated great improvements in prediction, the F1 score obtained using the XGBoost increased from to 0.079 to 0.103. Conclusion This research shows that clinical and laboratory measurements play a potentially powerful role in predicting health outcomes when using evidence-based risk calculators. Using large cohorts allows for real-life long-term associations to be explored and quantified with a higher level of certainty for replicability across other populations.

Focus on residents’ mental health: the Public Health Residents’ Anonymous Survey in Italy (PHRASI)

Abstract The ‘Public Health Residents’ Anonymous Survey in Italy” (PHRASI) represented the first study to specifically investigate mental health and its determinants among Italian public health residents (PHRs). Using a voluntary, anonymous, electronic, 88-item questionnaire, the PHRASI study generated evidence on well-being, eating disorders, sleep disorders, alcohol abuse, depressive symptoms, and anxious symptoms among PHRs. This highlights the correlation with sociodemographic, lifestyle, and work-related characteristics during COVID-19 pandemic. The data was collected in a nationally representative sample of PHRs enrolled in any of the four course years of Italian Public Health schools. The recruitment took place through the communication channels of the Medical Residents’ Council of the Italian Society of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine in the summer 2022. The key findings reveal prevalence rates of mental health conditions comparable to those seen in other healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: 61% of residents report depressive symptoms and 36% report anxious symptoms. The study also highlights a negative correlation of these symptoms with characteristics of the training and working environment, such as the level of supervision and peer-to-peer support. A stronger social network and higher levels of physical activity emerged to be positively associated with well-being and depression. These and other findings will be available in the final report of the survey that will be presented during the congress. PHRASI led the way to the Residents’ Mental health Investigation, a Dynamic longitudinal study in Italy (ReMInDIt), that aims to explore potential cause-effect relationships between risk/protective factors and mental health outcomes. This evidence could guide the scientific community, school directors, universities, and policymakers in the continuous process of improving the educational quality and working conditions of PHRs. Key messages • Residency training and work environment impact the mental health of the PHR workforce. • It is important to deploy concrete efforts into building healthy work environments and guarantee adequate training for PHRs.

Urban transformation interventions for the promotion of active home-school mobility: overview

Abstract Background Active home-school mobility can contribute to a series of benefits, both for the health of children and adolescents (higher levels of physical activity, better cardio-metabolic profile, better school performance), and for the health of the general population and of environment (reduction of air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions). An overview of systematic reviews (RS) was conducted in order to evaluate mainly the effectiveness of interventions promoting active home-school mobility on physical activity, overweight/obesity, well-being and reduction of road accidents in children and adolescents. Methods The bibliographic search was carried out on the following databases: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, MEDLINE, Embase and CINAHL, without any limits. Endnote software was used for the systematic reviews (SRs) selection. Data relating to the main characteristics and results of the SRs were extracted. The assessment of the methodological quality of the SRs was carried out using the “Health Evidence™ Quality Assessment Tool”. Results On the basis of the relevance and adherence to the research PICO, n. 12 systematic literature reviews evaluating effects of interventions of interest in the study population. The strategies took multiple levels into consideration, i.e. they aimed at organizing the home-school journey to encourage active mobility, as well as training and information aimed at the population under study for the promotion of physical activity. Conclusions Combined interventions appear more effective in promoting active home-school mobility with a better impact on increasing physical activity levels. Further high quality studies are necessary to investigate the impact of these interventions also on the reduction of incidence of overweight/obesity and in terms of school performance. Key messages • Policy makers should promote programs to increase active home-school transport. • Further high quality studies are necessary to investigate the impact of these interventions also on the reduction of incidence of overweight/obesity and in terms of school performance.

Exploring the relationship between occupational stress, physical activity and sedentary behavior using the Job-Demand-Control Model.

To study the relationship between the occupational stress model, specifically the Job Demand-Control Model of Karasek, physical activity level and sedentary behavior. This is a cross-sectional, observational, descriptive study. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 100 volunteers working at Clermont Auvergne University. The questionnaire included the Karasek questionnaire and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. The results reveal that occupational characteristics play a significant role, with individuals exhibiting high job control showing reduced sitting time and increased physical activity compared to those with low job control. Job strain was associated with increased sitting time and decreased physical activity. Further analysis revealed that being in a state of job strain significantly predicted sitting for more than 7 h per day. Similarly, job strain and isostrain were explanatory factors for having a low to moderate physical activity level. Logistic regression quantified the risks, indicating that sitting for more than 7 h per day increased the risk of job strain by 4.80 times, while high physical activity levels and being male reduced the risk by 79 and 84%, respectively. Job strain also increased the risk of prolonged sitting by 5.06 times and low to moderate physical activity levels by 5.15 times. Additionally, mediation analysis revealed that a substantial portion of the association between sitting time and job strain was mediated by physical activity, and vice versa, emphasizing the interconnected nature of sedentary behavior and physical activity in influencing occupational stress. The study highlights the impact of sedentary behavior on occupational stress, assessed using Karasek's Job-Demand-Control Model. Despite being less studied, sedentary behavior appears to be a relevant contributor to occupational stress. Furthermore, the results emphasize the significant role of physical activity levels, suggesting that it plays a substantial part in the relationship between sedentary behavior and occupational stress.

High physical activity relates to higher risk of incident carotid plaque components

Abstract Background The rupture of carotid atherosclerotic plaque, primarily driven by plaque components, is among the leading causes of ischemic stroke. Although physical activity (PA) stands as a major modifiable target for prevention of atherosclerotic diseases, recent studies suggested a potential adverse impact of high-volume PA on atherosclerotic plaque burden in athletes. Data remains scarce from the community-dwelling population regarding to the impact of PA on the longitudinal change of carotid plaque components. Objectives To assess the association between PA and the incidence of carotid plaque components and explore whether the association of PA with stroke and all-cause mortality differs by the presence of plaque components. Methods Between 2007 and 2012, in a community- dwelling cohort in Netherlands, 1327 stroke-free persons (mean ± standard deviation age 72 ± 9 years, 45% women) with carotid atherosclerosis (carotid intima-media thickness &amp;gt; 2.5 mm) were invited for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to assess carotid plaque components. From these, 696 persons (1267 carotid arteries) underwent a follow-up MRI between 2014 and 2017 (median between-scan interval 6 years). Carotid plaque components included calcification, intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH), and lipid-rich necrotic core (LRNC). The volume of moderate, vigorous and total PA (unit: metabolic equivalent task hour, MET-h) was assessed using LASA Physical Activity Questionnaires around the time of the first MRI scan. Participants were followed for the occurrence of stroke or all-cause mortality until December 31, 2019. Generalized estimation equation and Cox regression models were used in the analyses, with adjustments for plaque size and other cardiovascular risk factors. Results Compared to lowest quintile PA group, participants in the highest quintile total PA group had a higher risk of new onset of plaque components, odds ratio (95%CI) 2.69 (1.21; 5.94) for calcification, 1.35 (0.82; 2.24) for LRNC and 1.93 (1.12; 3.34) for IPH (Figure 1). Similar associations were observed for vigorous PA but not for moderate PA. Over a median follow-up of 9.5 years, 118 persons suffered a stroke and 298 died. As shown in table 1, baseline IPH, rather than LRNC or calcification, modulated the associations of PA with stroke and all-cause mortality (P-interaction &amp;lt;0.05): higher total PA was associated with a lower risk of stroke among IPH-free persons, with the hazard ratio (95% CI) of 0.929 (0.867; 0.996) per 10 MET-h/week increase; no associations between PA and stroke were found among those with IPH. Similar associations were found between vigorous PA and all-cause mortality. Conclusions Among the middle-aged and elderly with subclinical atherosclerosis, high level PA, especially high vigorous PA, may lead to an unstable carotid plaque. The beneficial effect of PA on stroke and all-cause mortality is only among persons with a stable carotid plaque profile, especially without IPH.