Influence Of Leisure-time Physical Activity Research Articles

Gender-modulated relationships among depression, light household tasks and physical activity: population-based moderation analysis

PurposeThis paper aims to study the influence of leisure-time physical activity on depression crises and the difficulty in performing light household tasks.Design/methodology/approachA population-based cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the 2020 European Health Survey in Spain. A total of 1,076 individuals diagnosed with depression were selected. ANOVA, chi-square, Fisher’s exact test and Mann–Whitney U test were applied, and a simple moderation analysis was conducted using the SPSS PROCESS 4.0 macro.FindingsWomen had higher percentages of some or much difficulty in performing domestic activities (p = 0.007). Differences were found between experiencing a crisis in the past 12 months versus not having one (p < 0.001): less physical activity was performed, perceived health was worse and difficulty in performing domestic activities increased. The moderation analysis confirmed the moderating effect of physical activity on the relationship between experiencing a crisis and having difficulty with domestic activities (p = 0.017).Research limitations/implicationsThe usual limitation of descriptive cross-sectional studies, which cannot establish causal relationships, must be added to low sample sizes in some categories.Practical implicationsThe analysis with gender differentiation, promoting gender-specific adapted practices, considering age and personal circumstances of the patient, appropriate exercise prescription, as well as its evaluation and follow-up, are areas where specialist nurses need to delve deeper to enhance the quality of care.Originality/valueLeisure-time physical activity moderates the relationship between experiencing a crisis and having difficulty with light household tasks: those who engage in occasional physical activity have less difficulty compared to those who do not engage in it.

Age-related change in peak oxygen uptake and the association to change in cardiovascular risk factor levels. The HUNT Study, Norway

Abstract Background Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is established as an important prognostic factor for future health, and specifically for cardiovascular disease. Few large studies have examined the longitudinal change in the gold-standard measure of CRF, namely peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), in free-living populations. Purpose To assess the age-related change in absolute and relative VO2peakin a previously healthy population sample, and to assess the influence of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) on age-related change in VO2peak. Furthermore, we wanted to assess the association between longitudinal change of VO2peak and change of cardiovascular risk factor levels. Methods Participants in the third wave of the Nord-Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT3, 2006–2008) free from cardiovascular, malignant, and pulmonary disease, and no use of antihypertensive medication were invited to cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET). Of the 4,656 participants completing a VO2peak test in HUNT3 1,505 performed a second CPET in HUNT4 (2017–2019). Anthropometric measures, blood samples, and self-reported questionnaires for leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) e.g was gathered at both time points. Linear mixed models were used to explore absolute (L/min) and relative (mL/kg/min) changes in VO2peak by age, sex and LTPA. The effect of age, sex, and LTPA (low, moderate, or high intensity and minutes of LTPA per week) on change in VO2peak was explored, and age, sex, and baseline VO2peak-adjusted linear regression models (excluding participants with relevant medication use from analyses) were used to assess the effect of change in VO2peak on change of cardiovascular risk factors. Results Average 10-year decline in relative VO2peak was 3.9 mL/kg/min (10%) in women and 5.5 mL/kg/min (12%) in men, increasing from a mean 3% in those 20 to 30 years old to about 20% in those 70 to 80 years old. The same pattern of a non-linear, accelerating decline in VO2peak was also found in results from the linear mixed models as illustrated in Figure 1, with a steeper decline for men. Both minutes and intensity of LTPA was associated with higher absolute and relative VO2peak, but the effect of LTPA on age-related decline in VO2peak diminished with age. A lower decline in relative VO2peak was associated with favourable changes of HDL cholesterol, total cholesterol (and the ratio to HDL cholesterol), triglycerides, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and resting heart rate. Conclusions The decline in absolute and relative VO2peak is non-linear, accelerates with age, and is more pronounced in men. LTPA attenuated the decline in VO2peak, but the effect diminished with high age. Maintaining VO2peak was associated with favourable changes in cardiovascular risk factor levels. Measures to maintain a higher VO2peak on the populational level may convey significant societal health benefits through cardiovascular risk reduction. Figure 1 Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Public hospital(s). Main funding source(s): The Liaison Committee for Education, Research and Innovation in Central Norway

Age-related change in peak oxygen uptake and change of cardiovascular risk factors. The HUNT Study

BackgroundLarge longitudinal studies on change in directly measured peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) is lacking, and its significance for change of cardiovascular risk factors is uncertain. We aimed to assess ten-year change in VO2peak and the influence of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA), and the association between change in VO2peak and change in cardiovascular risk factors. Methods and resultsA healthy general population sample had their VO2peak directly measured in two (n = 1431) surveys of the Nord-Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT3; 2006–2008 and HUNT4; 2017–19).Average ten-year decline in VO2peak was non-linear and progressed from 3% in the third to about 20% in the eight decade in life and was more pronounced in men. The fit linear mixed models including an additional 2,933 observations from subjects participating only in HUNT3 showed similar age-related decline. Self-reported adherence to LTPA recommendations was associated with better maintenance of VO2peak, with intensity seemingly more important than minutes of LTPA with higher age. Adjusted linear regression analyses showed that one mL/kg/min better maintenance of VO2peak was associated with favorable changes of individual cardiovascular risk factors (all p ≤ 0.002). Using logistic regression one mL/kg/min better maintenance of VO2peak was associated with lower adjusted odds ratio of hypertension (0.95 95% CI 0.92 to 0.98), dyslipidemia (0.92 95% CI 0.89 to 0.94), and metabolic syndrome (0.86 95% CI 0.83 to 0.90) at follow-up. ConclusionsAlthough VO2peak declines progressively with age, performing LTPA and especially high-intensity LTPA is associated with less decline. Maintaining VO2peak is associated with an improved cardiovascular risk profile.

Evaluation of the Results of Rehabilitation of Chronic Low Back Pain Syndrome in Physically Active and Inactive Patients During Leisure Time

Introduction: Movement is one of the main, modifiable factors (behaviour-dependent) that affects the health and quality of life of individuals and the entire population. Physical activity, including evidence-based active rehabilitation, is the subject of many studies on the prevention and treatment of spinal disorders, which are some of the most serious health problems. The largest group of people with spinal disorders are patients suffering from Nonspecific Low Back Pain (ang. Nonspecific Low Back Pain – NLBP), with kinesitherapy having the widest application in the chronic pain phase. A significant part of the research is devoted to the problem of movement in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain (CNLBP). One physiotherapy treatment method used in chronic low back pain syndrome is the DBC method. It is based on a detailed functional diagnosis, answers given to a standardized questionnaire, individualized treatment plans and active exercises with spinal resistance using specialized DBC equipment. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of leisure-time physical activity on the results of the DBC functional restoration program in patients with chronic, non-specific, low back pain after outpatient rehabilitation. The researchers tested the hypothesis that patients with regular physical activity attained better results of functional restoration compared to physically inactive participants. M aterials and Methods: The research group was comprised of one-hundred forty-seven participants. All subjects suffered from low back pain syndrome lasting for a period of at least three months without neurological symptoms. All symptoms were non-specific. The subjects were divided into two groups. Group 1 was comprised of participants who undertake regular physical activity for more than 45-minutes per exercise session, at least twice a week. Participants in Group 2 did not undertake any physical activity other than that resulting from everyday activities. The study commenced with an interview and standardized DBC questionnaire to get participants’ subjective assessment of the following parameters: current level of pain, functional limitations and scale of depression. A clinical trial was conducted prior to the measurement of objective parameters in order to exclude radicular pain (Lasegue test). Next, the objective parameters were measured: bioelectric activity of the lumbar erector spinae muscles (ang. surfasce electromyography – sEMG) on the right and left side in two positions: standing upright and leaning forward with straight legs. Also, DBC devices were used to measure the following range of motion of the lumbo-thoracic spine: flexion, extension, rotation and lateral flexion/bending. Upon completing the tests (Test 1) both groups were subject to active DBC therapeutic treatment. The therapy consisted of 12 meetings carried out within a 6 week period. Each session lasted for 1.5 hours. When the treatments ended testing was repeated for each group (Test 2). Results: Mean values of functional parameters of the lumbar spine were calculated for both groups. Statistical significance was determined between the preliminary (Test 1) and final (Test 2) tests. All the objective parameters in Group 1 showed statistically significant improvement post-therapy. Different results were observed in Group 2 for participants who did not perform regular physical activity. Although all parameters improved, only some achieved statistical significance. Significance between the two groups was also studied at the beginning of the experiment (Test 1) and after its completion (Test 2). There results showed no statistically significant difference in values of some objective parameters prior to the treatment, while some parameters differed. The treatment achieved a statistically significant improvement in the “active” group compared to the “inactive” one in almost every tested parameter excluding the extension. Significant differences between the groups were observed in the subjective parameters such as: functional limitations (ADL) (ang. Activity of Daily Living – ADL) and level of depression both in the first and last tests. Conclusions: Patients with chronic non-specific low back pain syndrome who remain physically active in leisure time and participated in the 6-week DBC rehabilitation program achieved a statistically significant improvement in the functional parameters of the spine. Patients with chronic non-specific low back pain syndrome who remain physically active in leisure time and participated in the 6-week DBC rehabilitation program improved more in the objective and subjective functional parameters of the spine in comparison with the inactive participants. Active leisure time contributes to the efficacy of physiotherapy for people with low back disorders.

Age Related Differences in Neighborhood Sense of Community: Impacts of the Neighborhood Environment and Leisure Time Physical Activity

Emerging research has found that both perceptions of the environment and leisure time physical activity (LTPA) behavior can contribute to sense of community (SOC) in the neighborhood. The strength of these associations, however, may vary according to age. This research examined the influence of LTPA and environmental perceptions on SOC among adults in four age groups to determine whether age-related differences existed among the causal pathways. Quota sampling was utilized to survey residents (N = 597) in Phoenix, Arizona. A multi-group structural equation modeling analysis indicated that all structural paths were significantly associated, yet distinct patterns were revealed depending on age. Notably, the positive relationship between perceptions of the neighborhood environment and SOC was strongest among older adults. Furthermore, LTPA was found to mediate the relationship, suggesting that engaging in physical activity during leisure time may be a promising strategy to promote neighborhood cohesion, particularly among adults aged 65 and older.

WIELOLETNI SYSTEMATYCZNY WYSIŁEK FIZYCZNY JAKO CZYNNIK MODYFIKUJĄCY WYSTĘPOWANIE MIAŻDŻYCY SUBKLINICZNEJ U MĘŻCZYZN AKTYWNYCH ZAWODOWO

Optimal dose of physical activity in the prevention of atherosclerosis remains unclear. The purpose of the study was to investigate the influence of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) on selected indices of atherosclerosis in the working-age population of men. The study was carried out in a cohort of asymptomatic men participating in follow-up examinations in the Healthy Men Clinic, Medical University of Lodz. Of the 132 men who responded to the invitation to participate in this study, 101 men were eligible for the non-invasive assessment of subclinical atherosclerosis indices. Self-reported PA was assessed by interviewer-administered validated questionnaires. During the latest follow-up subclinical atherosclerosis was measured by assessing the coronary artery calcification (CAC), the carotid inti ma-media thickness (IMT) and the reactive hyperemia index (RHI) using peripheral arterial tonometry (EndoPAT2000). Preliminary results have been elaborated in the group of 60 men (mean age: 61.3 +/- 8.85 years). The participants were predominantly white collar workers with low occupational LTPA. The cohort was divided into 3 groups according to the LTPA level. Both dose and energy expenditure of recreational PA significantly correlated with CA, IMT and RHI in the whole cohort. The majority of men maintained their baseline PA throughout the observation period. Men with the highest LTPA level had significantly lower mean CAC, IMT (p < 0.01), and significantly higher mean RHI (p < 0.05) compared to the least active group. On final examination men with high PA had also the most favorable cardiovascular profile. The preliminary results indicate the protective effect of high LTPA level in the context of subclinical atherosclerosis in men.

Leisure-time physical activity does not fully explain the higher body mass index in irregular-shift workers

To elucidate the influence of leisure-time physical activity on body mass index (BMI), appetite-related hormones, and sleep when working irregular shifts. A cross-sectional study was undertaken of 57 male truck drivers, 31 irregular-shift workers and 26 day-shift workers. Participants completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and were assessed for BMI. Subjects also provided a fasting blood sample for analysis of appetite-related hormones and wore an actigraphy device for seven consecutive days. Although leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) was generally low (<150 min/week) in both groups, the irregular-shift workers were more physically active than day-shift workers (99 ± 166 vs. 23 ± 76 min/week, p < 0.01). In spite of this, mean BMI of irregular-shift workers was 2 kg/m² greater than day-shift workers (28.4 ± 3.8 vs. 26.4 ± 3.6 kg/m², p = 0.04). Mean leptin concentration was 61 % higher in irregular-shift workers (5,205 ± 4,181 vs. 3,179 ± 2,413 pg/ml, p = 0.04). Among obese individuals, irregular-shift workers had higher leptin concentration (p < 0.01) and shorter sleep duration (p = 0.01) than obese day-shift workers. Elevated BMI was associated with high leptin and low ghrelin levels in this population of irregular-shift workers. No influence of LTPA on appetite-related hormones or sleep duration was found. We conclude that moderate LTPA is insufficient to attenuate the higher BMI associated with this type of irregular-shift work in truck drivers.

Moderate drinking, psychological factors, and cardiovascular protection: reply

We thank Dr Viktor Culic for his interest in our article ‘The combined influence of leisure-time physical activity and weekly alcohol intake on fatal ischaemic …

The combined influence of leisure-time physical activity and weekly alcohol intake on fatal ischaemic heart disease and all-cause mortality

To determine the combined influence of leisure-time physical activity and weekly alcohol intake on the risk of subsequent fatal ischaemic heart disease (IHD) and all-cause mortality. Prospective cohort study of 11 914 Danes aged 20 years or older and without pre-existing IHD. During approximately 20 years of follow-up, 1242 cases of fatal IHD occurred and 5901 died from all causes. Within both genders, being physically active was associated with lower hazard ratios (HR) of both fatal IHD and all-cause mortality than being physically inactive. Further, weekly alcohol intake was inversely associated with fatal IHD and had a U-shaped association with all-cause mortality. Within level of physical activity, non-drinkers had the highest HR of fatal IHD, whereas both non-drinkers and heavy drinkers had the highest HR of all-cause mortality. Further, the physically inactive had the highest HR of both fatal IHD and all-cause mortality within each category of weekly alcohol intake. Thus, the HR of both fatal IHD and all-cause mortality were low among the physically active who had a moderate alcohol intake. Conclusion Leisure-time physical activity and a moderate weekly alcohol intake are both important to lower the risk of fatal IHD and all-cause mortality.

Influence of physical activity and maturation status on bone mass and geometry in early pubertal girls1

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of leisure-time physical activity on the development of bone mass and density in early pubertal girls. Scores of physical activity were obtained from 242 Finnish girls (10-12 years old within Tanner Stages I-II) using a questionnaire. Bone mass and density were assessed using different densitometric techniques. At Tanner Stage I, active girls had significantly higher bone mineral mass (BMC) and areal bone mineral density (aBMD) of the whole body and cortical volumetric BMD and thickness of the tibial shaft compared with sedentary girls (P<0.05). On the other hand, the active girls at Tanner Stage II showed significantly higher values only in BMC and aBMD at the lumbar spine (P=0.017 and P=0.007, respectively). These indicated that girls at Tanner Stage I with higher leisure-time physical activity level benefited more from physical activity in terms of their bone development than their less active counterparts. Our results provide evidence that the most beneficial time for physical exercise to exhibit its effect on bone development is in the earlier pubertal period for normal school children, but the positive effect on the lumbar spine is also demonstrated in Tanner Stage II.

Influence of Leisure-Time Physical Activity on the Relationship between C-Reactive Protein and Hypertension in a Community-Based Elderly Population of Japan: The Tsurugaya Project

There are several studies indicating an association between C-reactive protein (CRP) and blood pressure (BP) in the Japanese population, but the influence of physical activity has not been considered. Therefore, we designed a cross-sectional survey to determine whether leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) modifies the relation between CRP and hypertension among Japanese elderly. Our study population comprised 643 subjects aged 70 years and over in whom CRP, home BP, and self-reported LTPA were measured. LPTA was categorized into three levels of intensity--walking, brisk walking, and sports-and a questionnaire was used to estimate the level in each patient. Hypertension was defined as a home systolic BP of 135 mmHg or over and/or home diastolic BP of 85 mmHg or over or current use of antihypertensive agents. LTPA levels were associated with both CRP and hypertension. After adjustment for factors affecting CRP and hypertension, and additional adjustment for LTPA levels, the odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of hypertension by CRP was 2.21 (range: 1.33-3.72), 1.99 (1.17-3.42), and 2.38 (1.36-4.21) times higher in subjects in the second, third, and fourth quartiles of CRP, as compared to subjects in the first quartile, respectively. A multiple regression model showed a positive and significant relation between log-transformed CRP and systolic BP after adjustment for potential confounding factors when participants taking antihypertensive medication were excluded. This is the first study to clarify that the positive significant relation between CRP and hypertension was independent of LTPA levels among Japanese elderly.