High Moderate-to-vigorous Intensity Physical Activity Research Articles

Differences in physical activity, sedentary time, and anthropometric variables among children and adolescents: The TUBON project

Background. Although physical inactivity may lead to increasing obesity prevalence, research on anthropometric variables changes based on physical activity (PA) in children and adolescents is limited. PA decreases with age, while sedentary behavior increases. The study aimed to examine differences in objectively measured sedentary time, light-intensity physical activity (LPA), and moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) between children and adolescents, and the differences in the percentiles of anthropometric variables between physically active and inactive groups according to World Health Organization PA recommendations. Methods. A total of 759 participants aged 6-17 years (boys, n=358; girls, n=401) were included in the study. The ActiGraph wGT3x-BT accelerometer was used to measure sedentary time, LPA, and MVPA. Height, weight, waist circumference (WC), triceps skinfold thickness (T-SFT), and medial-calf skinfold thickness (M-SFT) were measured. Body fat percentage (BF%) and body mass index (BMI) were calculated, and the percentiles of anthropometric variables were categorized. Results. The findings showed that children had less sedentary time and a higher LPA than adolescents for both genders (p<0.05). Children had a higher MVPA than adolescents in girls (p<0.05), but the difference was insignificant in boys (p>0.05). In boys, physically active children were in lower percentiles for T-SFT and BF% than those who did not (p<0.05). In boys, adolescents who were physically inactive were in higher percentiles for BMI, T-SFT, M-SFT, and BF% (p<0.05). In addition, in girls, adolescents who were physically active were in lower percentiles of BMI, M-SFT, and BF%, whereas children who were physically active were in lower percentiles of M-SFT and BF% (p<0.05). Conclusion. Sedentary time increases while PA decreases with age. Children and adolescents who met the WHO PA recommendation had lower percentiles of anthropometric variables, indicating the importance of PA in preventing obesity in these age groups.

Associations between accelerometer-measured physical activity and sedentary behaviour with physical function among older women: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundThis study aimed to investigate the relationships between accelerometer-measured physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour (SB) with physical function (PF) among older Chinese women in the community.MethodsThe present study comprised 1,113 community-dwelling older females, with an average age of 65 ± 2 years. We employed a linear regression analysis to investigate the relationship between patterns of PA and SB with PF. PA variables consisted of total PA time, bouted PA time (a continuous PA that lasts equal to or more than 10 min), and sporadic PA time (a continuous PA that lasts less than 10 min). SB variables included total SB time, 30-min bout of SB (a continuous SB that lasts equal to or more than 30 min), and 60-min bout of SB (a continuous SB that lasts equal to or more than 60 min). PF variables comprised handgrip strength (HGS), one-legged stance test with eyes closed (OLSTEC), usual walking speed (UWS), maximum walking speed (MWS) and chair-stand time (CT). To explore the joint effects of moderate-to-vigorous-intensity PA (MVPA) and SB on PF, we divided the duration of SB and MVPA participation in older women into different combinations: low MVPA & high SB, low MVPA & low SB, high MVPA & high SB, high MVPA & low SB.ResultsThe study revealed a significant association between 30-min bout of SB and CT, which remained after adjusting for total MVPA time (P = 0.021). Both total MVPA and bouted MVPA were found to be positively associated with better UWS, MWS, CT, and PF Z-score. When the combination of low MVPA & high SB was used as a reference, the regression coefficients for PF ascended by 1.32 (P < 0.001) in the high MVPA & high SB group and by 1.13 (P < 0.001) in the high MVPA & low SB group.ConclusionsA significant association was observed between poorer lower limb function and prolonged, uninterrupted SB in older women, rather than with the total SB time. Concurrently, the insufficient engagement in MVPA may also be a crucial factor contributing to poorer PF in older women. Engaging in longer durations and higher intensity of PA, such as bouts of MVPA lasting a minimum of 10 min or longer, may contribute to better PF.

The cross-sectional and prospective associations of parental practices and environmental factors with 24-hour movement behaviours among school-aged Asian children

BackgroundParental practices and neighbourhood environmental factors may influence children’s movement behaviours. We aimed to investigate the cross-sectional and prospective associations of parental practices and neighbourhood environmental factors with accelerometer-measured 24-hour movement behaviours (24 h-MBs) among school-aged children in Singapore.MethodsThe Growing Up in Singapore Towards healthy Outcomes (GUSTO) study collected information on dimensions of parental practices and neighbourhood environment at age 5.5 years. Confirmatory factor analyses were performed to generate latent variables and used to compute overall parental practices [involvement in PA + support for PA + control of screen viewing context] and environmental scores [facilities for active play + active mobility facilitators + barriers*-1]. Children wore an accelerometer on their non-dominant wrist for seven consecutive days at ages 5.5 and 8 years. The R-package GGIR 2.6 was used to derive moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA), light-intensity physical activity (LPA), inactivity, and total-sleep (napping+night sleep) minutes per day. Associations were determined using compositional data analysis with multivariate linear regression models, taking into account potential confounders.ResultsAmong 425 children (48% girls, 59% Chinese), higher parental involvement in PA, parental support for PA and overall parental practices were associated with 24 h-MBs at ages 5.5 and 8 years, specifically with greater time spent in MVPA and less time being inactive relative to the remaining movement behaviours. The corresponding mean changes in the overall 24 h-MB for increasing parental practices from lowest to highest scores (− 2 to + 2 z-scores) indicated potential increases of up to 15-minutes in MVPA, 20-minutes in LPA, 5-minutes in sleep duration, and a reduction of 40-minutes in inactivity at age 5.5 years. At age 8 years, this could translate to approximately 15-minutes more of MVPA, 20-minutes more of LPA, a 20-minute reduction in sleep duration, and a 20-minute reduction in inactivity. Parental control of screen viewing contexts and neighbourhood environmental factors were not associated with 24 h-MBs.ConclusionsParental practices but not environmental factors were associated with higher MVPA and lower inactivity among Singaporean children, even at a later age. Further research may provide insights that support development of targeted public health strategies to promote healthier movement behaviours among children.Study registrationThis study was registered on 4th August 2010 and is available online at ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01174875.

Cortical hemodynamics and inhibitory processing in preadolescent children with low and high physical activity

BackgroundPreadolescent children undergo developmental changes in inhibitory control. Maintenance of high levels of moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA) has been suggested to promote its maturation. We compared inhibitory control between children with low and high MVPA as well as their inhibitory processing stream and changes in cortical hemodynamics. Method109 participants aged 10 to 13 years wore accelerometers over 7 days. Those with MVPA levels of 30 min/d or less and 60 min/d or more further performed a computerized Stroop Color-Word task. Electroencephalography and functional near-infrared spectroscopy were used to record changes in inhibitory processing and cortical hemodynamics, respectively. ResultsAn interaction of MVPA group and sex indicated better interference in highly-active boys, but the opposite pattern in girls. Independent from sex, the high compared to low MVPA group showed greater P300 and PSW amplitudes, whereas no group differences were found for N200, N450, and changes in cortical hemodynamics. ConclusionChildren with high MVPA differ from their less-active peers by a distinct inhibitory processing profile, which is characterized by altered allocation of attentional resources and conflict resolution. However, these alterations do not necessarily translate into better performance, especially since MVPA is linked with higher inhibitory control in boys only.

Abstract MP67: The Relationship of Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Physical Activity, and Coronary Artery Calcification to Incident Cardiovascular Disease Events in Cardia Participants

Introduction: Coronary artery calcification (CAC) score, physical activity (PA), and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) are all associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. While a U-shaped relationship between PA and CRF with CAC has been reported, CAC presence among highly fit individuals was suggested to be benign. Objective: To determine interactive associations of PA/CRF and CAC with outcomes in a cohort of middle-aged adults and to evaluate the relationship of PA/CRF with CAC incidence. Methods: CARDIA participants with CT-assessed CAC at year 20 (2005-06) were included (n=3141, mean age 45y, 57% female, 45% Black). Moderate to vigorous intensity PA (MVPA) was assessed by self-report and accelerometer. CRF was estimated with a treadmill test. Incident CVD events were adjudicated, and mortality data were obtained through 2019. CAC was reassessed at year 25 (2010-11). Cox models assessed hazard ratios (HRs) for CVD and mortality in groups defined by CAC and MVPA/CRF. Logistic models assessed associations with CAC incidence. Results: At baseline, more favorable CVD risk was found among participants with higher MVPA, higher CRF (&gt; median sex-specific duration), and absence of CAC. During a mean follow-up of 13 years, 166 CVD events and 171 deaths occurred. After multivariable adjustment, compared with no CAC and higher CRF (ref), the HRs (95% CIs) for CVD were 5.04 (2.49-10.20) for CAC and higher CRF, 2.26 (1.24-4.12) for no CAC and lower CRF, and 4.27 (2.24-8.14) for CAC and lower CRF (Figure, left panel). The respective HRs for mortality were 1.12 (0.45-2.77), 1.54 (0.91-2.60), and 3.23 (1.82-5.72) (Figure, right panel). Similar findings were observed with self-reported or accelerometer MVPA replacing CRF. Higher CRF and accelerometer MVPA were dose-responsively associated with a lower probability of developing CAC in a 5-year follow-up (P &lt; .01). Conclusions: PA and CRF were inversely associated with CAC incidence in middle-aged adults. CAC presence eliminated the cardiovascular risk advantage of high PA or high CRF.

Association Between Domain-Specific Physical Activity and Cardiometabolic Factors in a Multiethnic Asian Population: A Longitudinal Study.

To examine the association between domain-specific physical activity (PA) and cardiometabolic factors with longitudinal data, which is limited in current literature. Participants who attended the Singapore Multi-Ethnic Cohort and follow-up surveys were included in this study (N = 3950, mean age: 44.7y, female: 57.9%). Self-reported moderate- to vigorous-intensity PA (MVPA) for each domain (leisure-time, transportation, occupation, and household) was categorized into 4 levels: no, low, middle, and high MVPA. The longitudinal associations of domain-specific MVPA with cardiometabolic factors including systolic and diastolic blood pressures, low-density and high-density lipoprotein cholesterols, triglycerides, and body mass index were examined using Generalized Estimating Equations, accounting for confounding factors and repeated measurements. There were 5.2% participants who had no MVPA. For each domain, this rate ranged from 22.6% (household) to 83.3% (occupation). Leisure-time and occupation MVPAs had positive and linear associations with high-density lipoprotein cholesterols, corresponding to 0.030 (95% confidence interval, 0.015 to 0.045) mmol/L (leisure-time) and 0.063 (95% confidence interval, 0.043 to 0.083) mmol/L (occupation), when compared high with no respective MVPA. Occupation and household MVPAs were associated with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Transportation and occupation exhibited a positive and linear relationship with diastolic blood pressure. None of the domains were associated with body mass index, systolic blood pressures, or triglycerides. This study showed that each domain had differential association with individual cardiometabolic risk factors. As occupation, transportation, or household PA had unfavorable associations with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol or diastolic blood pressure, the overall beneficial impact of higher PA levels may not necessarily hold in the context of domain-specific PA and cardiovascular health. Further investigation is needed to corroborate our findings.

Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, and the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients: The MIDiab Study

The aim of this study was to explore the associations of moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA) time and sedentary (SED) time with a history of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and multifactorial (i.e., blood pressure (BP), body mass index (BMI), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)) control status among type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients in China. A cross-sectional analysis of 9152 people with type 2 diabetes from the Multifactorial Intervention on Type 2 Diabetes (MIDiab) study was performed. Patients were grouped according to their self-reported MVPA time (low, < 150 min·week −1 ; moderate, 150 to < 450 min·week −1 ; high, ≥ 450 min·week −1 ) and SED time (low, < 4 h·d –1 ; moderate, 4 to < 8 h·d –1 ; high, ≥ 8 h·d –1 ). Participants who self-reported a history of CVD were identified as having a CVD risk. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of CVD risk and multifactorial control status associated with MVPA time and SED time were estimated using mixed-effect logistic regression models, adjusting for China’s geographical region characteristics. The participants had a mean ± standard deviation (SD) age of (60.87 ± 8.44) years; 44.5% were women, and 25.1% had CVD. After adjustment for potential confounding factors, an inverse association between high MVPA time and CVD risk that was independent of SED time was found, whereas this association was not observed in the moderate-MVPA group. A higher MVPA time was more likely to have a positive effect on the control of BMI. Compared with the reference group (i.e., those with MVPA time ≥ 450 min·week −1 and SED time < 4 h·d –1 ), CVD risk was higher in the low-MVPA group: The OR associated with an SED time < 4 h·d –1 was 1.270 (95% CI, 1.040–1.553) and that associated with an SED time ≥ 8 h·d –1 was 1.499 (95% CI, 1.149–1.955). We found that a high MVPA time (i.e., more than 450 min·week −1 ) was associated with lower odds of CVD risk regardless of SED time among patients with T2DM.

Associations between Active Mobility Index and objectively measured physical activity among older adults

BackgroundActive mobility index (AMI) is a questionnaire to assess going-out behavior with physical and social activity. The association between AMI scores and objectively measured physical activity (PA) in older adults is unknown.MethodsCommunity-dwelling older adults aged ≥ 70 years participated in an examination and wore a triaxial accelerometer for seven or more days. The accelerometer measured the time of moderate-to-vigorous intensity PA (MVPA) and light intensity PA (LPA), and step counts. The AMI assessed life space (distance from the respondent’s home: < 1, 1–10, or > 10 km) and related activities during the previous month. The AMI total, physical, and social scores were calculated.ResultsThe analyzed data were 2499 participants (mean age: 75.5 ± 4.0 years; 54.4% female). Comparing PA among quartile groups of each AMI score, higher AMI total and physical score groups were associated with higher MVPA, LPA, and step counts (all P < 0.01). The Q4 group of AMI social scores showed significantly higher LPA and step counts than the Q1 and Q2 groups (P < 0.01). The logistic regression model showed higher score groups of AMI total and physical scores associated with increased adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of meeting recommended PA, ≥ 150 min/week of MVPA.ConclusionsOlder adults with higher AMI total and physical scores, engaged in more PA. Future studies can use the present findings when estimating PA in older adults from AMI scores and examining the association between AMI scores and health outcomes.

Self-Reported Physical Activity, QoL, Cardiac Function, and Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Women With HER2+ Breast Cancer

BackgroundWomen treated for breast cancer are at risk for worsening health-related quality of life (QoL), cardiac function, and cardiorespiratory fitness. ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to assess the associations of self-reported moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) during cancer treatment with concurrent measures of QoL and cardiac function and with post-treatment cardiorespiratory fitness in women with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–positive breast cancer receiving sequential anthracyclines and trastuzumab. MethodsEMBRACE-MRI 1 (Evaluation of Myocardial Changes During Breast Adenocarcinoma Therapy to Detect Cardiotoxicity Earlier With MRI) study participants who completed questionnaires for MVPA (modified Godin Leisure Time Physical Activity Questionnaire) and QoL (EQ-5D-3L, Minnesota Living With Heart Failure Questionnaire) and cardiac imaging every 3 months during treatment and post-treatment cardiopulmonary exercise testing were included. Participants engaging in ≥90 minutes of MVPA each week were labeled “active.” Generalized estimation equations and linear regression analyses were used to assess concurrent and post-treatment associations with MVPA and activity status, respectively. ResultsEighty-eight participants were included (mean age 51.4 ± 8.9 years). Mean MVPA minutes, QoL, and cardiac function (left ventricular ejection fraction, global longitudinal strain, E/A ratio, and E/e′ ratio) worsened by 6 months into trastuzumab therapy. Higher MVPA (per 30 minutes) during treatment was associated with better concurrent overall (β = −0.42) and physical (β = −0.24) Minnesota Living With Heart Failure Questionnaire scores, EQ-5D-3L index (β = 0.003), visual analogue scale score (β = 0.43), diastolic function (E/A ratio; β = 0.01), and global longitudinal strain (β = 0.04) at each time point (P ≤ 0.01 for all). Greater cumulative MVPA over the treatment period was associated with higher post-treatment cardiorespiratory fitness (peak oxygen consumption; β = 0.06 per 30 minutes; P < 0.001). ConclusionsHigher self-reported MVPA during treatment for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–positive breast cancer was associated with better QoL and diastolic and systolic left ventricular function measures during treatment and better post-treatment cardiorespiratory fitness.

Sedentary Behavior and Physical Functioning in Middle-Age and Older Adults Living in the United States: The Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke Study.

Sedentary behavior is associated with poor physical function in older adults, which can lead to accelerated skeletal muscle aging (sarcopenia) and premature mortality. We examined the independent and joint effects of sedentary behavior and moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) with measures of physical functioning. We studied 5408 participants in the REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke study who wore a hip-mounted accelerometer over seven consecutive days (2009-2013) and had self-reported and directly observed physical function (time walk, chair stand test) measured during an in-home visit conducted from 2013 to 2016. Greater sedentary time was significantly associated with poorer chair stand and timed walk scores. Substituting 30 min of sedentary time with 30 min of MVPA was associated with significant improvements in chair stands (β -0.57; P = 0.007) and timed walk (β -0.36; P = 0.01). Similar, but less robust, findings were observed for reallocations of sedentary time to light-intensity physical activity. In joint association analyses, high sedentary time in combination with low MVPA (but not in combination with high MVPA) was associated with poorer physical function compared with the referent group (low sedentary time/high MVPA; P < 0.001 for all). Greater time spent being sedentary was associated with worse physical functioning outcomes. However, reallocations of sedentary time to light-intensity physical activity, and especially MVPA, were associated with more favorable physical functioning. Interventions aimed to increase MVPA and reduce sedentary behavior should be a priority, especially among populations at greatest risk for sarcopenia and physical function decline.

Changes in physical activity patterns of students from primary to secondary school: a 5-year longitudinal study

This study aimed to annually examine anthropometric characteristics and physical activity (PA) among children transitioning from fourth grade (9–10 years of age) to eighth grade (13–14 years of age) in Japan. The participants’ (n = 63) age, grade, sex, weight, height, and weight status were recorded at baseline. Accelerometry assessments were performed annually following established protocols. Time spent on activities requiring ≥ 3 metabolic equivalents (METs), 1.6–2.9 METs, and ≤ 1.5 METs were defined as moderate-to-vigorous intensity PA (MVPA), light PA (LPA), and sedentary behavior (SB), respectively. Two linear mixed models were used to examine whether MVPA, LPA, and SB min/day changed over time. Fifty-five participants provided complete data. A significant, nonlinear, longitudinal decline in MVPA, an increase in SB, and a linear decline in LPA were observed. Changes in MVPA and SB were accelerated in seventh grade (12–13 years of age). Male sex and maintenance of normal weight status were associated with higher MVPA levels. Changes in LPA and SB were not associated with sex or weight status. During the transition period from primary to secondary school, MVPA and SB showed nonlinear accelerations. Sex and normal weight were associated with more time spent performing MVPA.

Longitudinal changes in objectively-measured physical activity and sedentary time among school-age children in Central Texas, US during the COVID-19 pandemic

BackgroundMost available evidence on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on child movement behaviors is from cross-sectional studies using self-report measures. This study aimed to identify change trajectories and their associated factors for objectively-assessed physical activity and sedentary time among an ethnically and socioeconomically diverse sample of school-age children from Central Texas, U.S.A., during COVID-19.MethodsPre- (Sept. 2019 – Feb. 2020) and during- (Oct. 2020 – March 2021) COVID-19 physical activity and sedentary behavior data were collected for school-age children (8–11 years) enrolled in the Safe Travel Environment Evaluation in Texas Schools (STREETS) cohort study. Daily time spent in moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary time were assessed using GT3X-wBT Actigraph accelerometers. Parent surveys were used to assess socio-ecological factors. Latent class linear mixed models were used to identify change trajectories of MVPA and sedentary time. Logistic regression models were used to assess the association between socio-ecological characteristics with physical activity and sedentary time change trajectory groups.ResultsThere was a significant decrease in mean daily MVPA (− 9.4 mins, SD = 18.54) and an increase in sedentary behavior (0.83 hrs, SD = 1.18). Two trajectory groups were identified for MVPA (‘decrease MPVA’ and ‘maintain high MVPA’), with the majority (82.1%) being in the ‘decrease MVPA’ group. Three trajectory groups were identified for sedentary behavior (‘moderate increase sedentary, ‘steep increase sedentary,’ and ‘decrease sedentary’), with most children (78.5%) being in the ‘moderate increase’ group. Girls had significantly lower odds of being in the ‘maintain high MVPA’ group than boys (OR = 0.27, 95% CI = 0.11, 0.61). Children living in neighborhoods with higher perceived social cohesion had significantly higher odds of being in the ‘maintain high MVPA’ group (OR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.06, 1.41), while those in neighborhoods with higher social cohesion had lower odds of being in the ‘decrease sedentary’ group (OR = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.74, 0.99).ConclusionsDeclines in physical activity and increases in sedentary time among most school-age children during COVID-19 in a socioeconomically and ethnically diverse U.S. sample, were observed in our study, especially among girls. These findings highlight the need to counteract the short-term negative changes in movement behaviors in response to COVID-19 among children.

Parent-adolescent agreement in reported moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic

PurposeTo describe the agreement between parent- and adolescent- reports of adolescent moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) and to determine sociodemographic factors associated with MVPA reporting differences during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsWe analyzed data collected in May 2020 from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study (ABCD, N = 4841), a U.S. prospective cohort study. We quantified past weekly adolescent MVPA levels as reported by the parent and adolescent (referent). Intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) and Bland-Altman plots were used to examine the degree of agreement between parent- and adolescent- reports.ResultsWhen quantifying adolescent MVPA during the same recall period, median (p25, p75) MVPA (h∙wk.− 1) was 2.17 (0.00, 6.00) as reported by adolescents and 1.52 (0.29, 4.75) by parents with a mean difference of 4.89. Statistically significant differences in reports of MVPA were found in households with income > $75,000: on average, adolescents reported higher MVPA levels than their parents. Bland-Altman plots illustrated that, among adolescents reporting no or little MVPA, there was higher parent-adolescent agreement. However, among adolescents reporting high levels of MVPA, there was less agreement between the parent- and adolescent- reports.ConclusionsDespite more time spent together at home during the pandemic, there was generally low agreement between parent- and adolescent- reports of adolescent MVPA. Future research could examine parent-adolescent agreement of MVPA within the context of device-based measures (e.g., accelerometers), determine reasons for differences in parent-adolescent reporting of MVPA, and inform interventions for improved parental involvement and monitoring of MVPA.

Maternal Sedentary Behavior and Physical Activity across Pregnancy and Early Childhood Growth.

Background: Evidence suggests in utero exposures are related to lifespan health of the offspring. Whether maternal activity profile during pregnancy impacts offspring health remains unknown. Methods: This follow-up study recruited mothers with objectively measured sedentary behavior (SED) and moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) from a previous cohort study. Maternal activity was analyzed across pregnancy (trajectory groups) and continuously by trimester. Offspring anthropometrics up to 24 months were abstracted from medical records (n = 62). Outcomes included childhood growth rate (incremental rate of BMI z-score change up to 24 months) and rapid growth (increased BMI z-score >0.67 at 12 months). Associations of maternal activity with growth rate were examined using mixed linear models and rapid growth using generalized linear models. Results: Forty percent of participants were in the high SED and 20% in the high MVPA trajectories during pregnancy. Higher SED, across pregnancy [slope (95% confidence interval; CI): 0.080 (0.024-0.061) ΔBMI z-score/month] and in the first trimester [standardized beta; std β (95% CI): 0.017 (0.007-0.026)], was related to accelerated growth rate. Higher MVPA, in the second and third trimesters, was associated with accelerated growth rate [std β (95% CI): trimester 2: 0.013 (0.002-0.024) and trimester 3:0.011 (0.003-0.020)] and greater risk of rapid growth [risk ratio (95% CI): trimester 2: 1.25 (1.009-1.555) and trimester 3: 1.25 (1.056-1.475)]. Conclusions: These findings add to growing evidence on the deleterious effects of high SED during pregnancy. The increased risk for accelerated growth with higher MVPA elicits further investigation. Overall, maternal activity profile shows promise as a modifiable behavior to improve intergenerational health.

Distinct physical activity and sedentary behavior trajectories in older adults during participation in a physical activity intervention: a latent class growth analysis

BackgroundThis study aimed to identify latent moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary behavior (SB) trajectories in older adults participating in a randomized intervention trial and to explore associations with baseline social-cognitive predictors.MethodsData were assessed at baseline (T0, participants were inactive or had recently become active), after a ten-week physical activity intervention (T1), and a second 24-week intervention phase (T2). Latent class growth analysis was used on accelerometer-assessed weekly MVPA and daily SB, respectively (n = 215 eligible participants). Activity changes within trajectory classes and baseline social-cognitive predictor differences between trajectory classes were analyzed.ResultsA “stable insufficient MVPA” (n = 197, p for difference in MVPA level at T0 and T2 (pT0-T2) = .789, effect size (Cohen’s d) = .03) and a “stable high MVPA” trajectory (n = 18, pT0-T2 = .137, d = .39), as well as a “slightly decreasing high SB” (n = 63, p for difference in SB (pT0-T2) = .022, d = .36) and a “slightly increasing moderate SB” trajectory (n = 152, pT0-T2 = .019, d = .27) emerged. Belonging to the “stable high MVPA” trajectory was associated with higher action planning levels compared to the “stable insufficient MVPA” trajectory (M = 5.46 versus 4.40, d = .50). Belonging to the “decreasing high SB” trajectory was associated with higher action self-efficacy levels compared to the “increasing moderate SB” trajectory (M = 5.27 versus 4.72, d = .33).ConclusionsChange occurred heterogeneously in latent (not directly observed) subgroups, with significant positive trajectories only observed in the highly sedentary.Trial registrationGerman Registry of Clinical Trials, DRKS00016073, Registered 10 January 2019.

Moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity among adolescents in the USA during the COVID-19 pandemic

This study aimed to evaluate adolescents’ moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) during the COVID-19 pandemic with regards to sociodemographic characteristics and determine mental health and resiliency factors associated with MVPA among a diverse national sample of adolescents ages 10–14 years. Data were collected during the pandemic in May 2020 from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study (ABCD, N = 5,153), a national prospective cohort study in the U.S. MVPA was quantified as the product of reported duration and frequency (hours per week), which was further summarized as the proportion meeting age-appropriate 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. A similar estimate was generated using MVPA data collected prior to the pandemic. Mental health and resiliency measures were collected during the pandemic. Regression models examined associations between mental health or resiliency measures and MVPA during the pandemic. Median MVPA was 2 h per week (IQR 0, 6). Overall, the percentage of the cohort meeting MVPA guidelines decreased from 16.1% (pre-pandemic) to 8.9% (during the pandemic). Racial/ethnic minority adolescents and adolescents from lower socioeconomic backgrounds were significantly less likely to meet MVPA guidelines during the pandemic. Poorer mental health, COVID-related worry, and stress were associated with lower MVPA, while more social support and coping behaviors were associated with higher MVPA during the pandemic. In this large, national sample of adolescents, the proportion of those meeting MVPA Guidelines was lower during the COVID-19 pandemic, with significant disparities by race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status. Interventions to promote social support and coping behaviors may improve MVPA levels among adolescents during the pandemic.

Active With Whom? Examining the Social Context of Physical Activity in Individuals After Stroke and Their Partners.

Engaging in regular moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) is crucial to reduce future health risk for individuals living with the effects of a stroke and their partners. Although numerous studies point to the importance of social factors in physical activity engagement, little is known about with whom individuals after stroke and their partners engage in physical activity with and whether different physical activity companions are uniquely associated with MVPA. Eighty-nine community-dwelling individuals after stroke (Mage = 68.64, SD = 10.44; 74% male) and 83 partners (Mage = 66.04, SD = 9.91; 24% male) completed 14 consecutive days of daily life assessments that included wearing physical activity monitors (accelerometers) and self-reporting physical activity companions (n = 1,961 days). Results show that average levels of MVPA were correlated between partners (r = 0.38), as were day-to-day MVPA fluctuations (r = 0.34). Importantly, for individuals after stroke, being active with their partner, but not with any other physical activity companion, was linked with elevated daily MVPA. In contrast, for partners of individuals after stroke, engaging in physical activity with a variety of different companions (partner, other family member, friend, colleague) was each associated with higher MVPA in daily life. For both individuals after stroke and their partners being active by oneself (without a companion) on a given day was not associated with elevated MVPA. Findings suggest that interventions that promote physical activity engagement should consider the role of meaningful others, with the partner being particularly key for individuals living with chronic health conditions.

Demographic, Socioeconomic, and Health-Related Predictors of Objectively Measured Sedentary Time and Physical Activity During Pregnancy.

Sedentary behavior (SED) and moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) have important implications for health; however, little is known about predictors of these behaviors during pregnancy. This cohort study measured SED (activPAL) and MVPA (GT3X) in each trimester of pregnancy. Univariate associations of demographic, socioeconomic, and pregnancy health-related factors with SED or MVPA were calculated. Associations with P < .10 were included in stepwise linear regression models to determine independent predictors in each trimester. Pregnant women (n = 127) were age 31.0 (4.9) years and 78% white. In regression models across trimesters, fewer children ≤ age 5 in the household (P < .04) and primarily sitting job activity (P < .008) were related to higher SED and use of assisted reproductive technology (P < .05) was associated with higher MVPA. In at least one trimester, younger age was related to higher SED (P = .014); no history of pregnancy loss (P < .04), being married (P = .003), employed (P < .004, full time or student), white race (P = .006), and higher education (P = .010) were associated with higher MVPA. Predictors of SED in pregnancy were more consistent, and differed from predictors of MVPA. These findings may help identify women at risk of high SED or low MVPA, though future research in larger samples is needed.

Maternal Sedentary Behavior and Physical Activity across Pregnancy and Early Childhood Motor Development.

Early childhood motor development is an important indicator of short- and long-term health. In utero exposures impact offspring health across the lifespan; however, whether maternal activity during pregnancy may impact early childhood motor development remains unknown. This prospective cohort study measured the motor development skills of n = 70 children born to mothers from a previously conducted cohort study which objectively measured activity profile, (sedentary behavior (SED) and moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA), across pregnancy. Mothers reported the motor development of their child using the Early Motor Questionnaire (EMQ). Linear regression models examined associations between maternal activity profile and EMQ scores. Maternal SED and MVPA were analyzed in two ways: trimester-specific and across pregnancy using trajectory groups. Children were 12–30 months of age, majority white (82%), and 52% male. Maternal SED during pregnancy was not associated with any EMQ domains (gross motor, fine motor, and perception action). Higher maternal MVPA, across pregnancy by trajectory group and in the first and second trimesters, was significantly associated with moderate-sized effects of more advanced fine motor and perception action scores. Higher MVPA in early pregnancy appears to be related to more advanced early childhood motor development. Therefore, maternal MVPA may be a modifiable behavior by which short- and long-term offspring health may be impacted.

Prospective Analysis of Leisure-Time Physical Activity in Midlife and Beyond and Brain Damage on MRI in Older Adults.

To test the hypothesis that greater levels of leisure-time moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) in midlife or late life are associated with larger gray matter volumes, less white matter disease, and fewer cerebrovascular lesions measured in late life, we utilized data from 1,604 participants enrolled in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study. Leisure-time MVPA was quantified using a past-year recall, interviewer-administered questionnaire at baseline and 25 years later and classified as none, low, middle, and high at each time point. The presence of cerebrovascular lesions, white matter hyperintensities (WMH), white matter integrity (mean fractional anisotropy [FA] and mean diffusivity [MD]), and gray matter volumes were quantified with 3T MRI in late life. The odds of cerebrovascular lesions were estimated with logistic regression. Linear regression estimated the mean differences in WMH, mean FA and MD, and gray matter volumes. Among 1,604 participants (mean age 53 years, 61% female, 27% Black), 550 (34%), 176 (11%), 250 (16%), and 628 (39%) reported no, low, middle, and high MVPA in midlife, respectively. Compared to no MVPA in midlife, high MVPA was associated with more intact white matter integrity in late life (mean FA difference 0.13 per SD [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.004, 0.26]; mean MD difference -0.11 per SD [95% CI -0.21, -0.004]). High MVPA in midlife was also associated with a lower odds of lacunar infarcts (odds ratio 0.68, 95% CI 0.46, 0.99). High MVPA was not associated with gray matter volumes. High MVPA compared to no MVPA in late life was associated with most brain measures. Greater levels of physical activity in midlife may protect against cerebrovascular sequelae in late life.