Initial Levels Of Physical Activity Research Articles

Adapting goals and motivational messages on smartphones for motivation to walk

Physical activity is one of the most recognised means of disease prevention. While several studies investigated different techniques for motivating people to walk (e.g. adaptive goal setting), only few studies considered user profiles to personalise interactions. In this article, we propose a new interaction model which adapts walking goals and motivational messages in a static way (using the initial physical activity level) and in a dynamic way (using previous days’ performance). We explain how we implemented this model in a mobile application counting and displaying in real time the number of steps, an adapted daily goal and personalised motivational messages throughout the day. We describe two field studies conducted with 32 and 50 users over four weeks. We compare the impacts of adapted daily goals and personalised motivational messages on users’ step counts and motivation to walk. Participants using the adapted version of the mobile application displayed an increase in their motivation to walk after the intervention and were more physically active than participants using non adapted versions of the mobile application.

Motor activity of children of middle school aget

Determine the level of physical activity of middle school students. Research organization. The contingent of subjects was made up of 5th-7th grade students of secondary schools of Lviv № 20, 50, 62. At the time of testing, they were 10-12 years old. A total of 86 schoolchildren took part in the study, including 46 boys and 40 girls. The results. According to the results of pedometry, we observe that the number of steps per day is higher for boys than for girls aged 12 years. According to the results of motor activity, 92.3% of boys and 85% of girls are rated as elementary. Conclusion. Most schoolchildren show low motor activity in everyday life and prefer a passive way of rest. The average values of physical activity of boys and girls aged 10-12 years (from 2542±691 to 4038±1838 steps/day) is at an extremely low level. More than a third (33.3-40.7%) of middle school-age children have initial levels of physical activity. At the same time, according to the results of self-assessment regarding the number of days per week, when students believe that they are engaged in intensive physical exercises for more than 60 minutes per day, the majority of respondents indicated an exaggerated number of days per week; because the number of their steps every day does not correspond at all to their answers in the questionnaire (real volumes of motor activity are lower than declared). This indicates that children mistakenly consider their motor activity sufficient. We see a significant reserve in increasing the competence of schoolchildren in physical education in the participation of schoolchildren in various forms of motor activity.

Potential value of home square-stepping exercises for inactive older adults: an exploratory case study

BackgroundMost older adults do not engage in regular physical activity. However, more research on options to partake in regular exercise in this population by reducing barriers and enhancing enablers while still reaching benefits is needed.MethodsUsing embedded mixed methods, 10 inactive older adults over the age of 65 completed a 3-week square-stepping exercise intervention to help overcome the initial barriers and activate initial enablers to perform regular exercise. Physical activity level was tracked at home with a pedometer using median steps/day over seven days for pre-post measure. Aerobic intensity while doing square-stepping exercises was quantified via a heart rate monitor in a supervised session. Each participant had an interview asking about barriers and enablers to regular exercise and if the intervention could modify any. Based on initial physical activity a framework matrix was used to pull potential barriers to compare, contrast, and search for patterns between participants with lower and higher initial physical activity levels.ResultsThe 3-week square-stepping exercise intervention helped participants overcome barriers such as being uncomfortable in a fitness facility and body image and activate enablers such as the use of home equipment and convenience. The median total steps/day increased by 12% (p = 0.02), and a moderate-intensity level was reached by 80% of the sample participants when performing the square stepping exercise during a supervised session. Common barriers such as having a suitable program, hard to keep the intensity were reported by participants regardless of the initial physical activity level.ConclusionRegardless of initial physical activity level, inactive older adults can increase physical activity level at the recommended intensity and overcome common barriers to exercise when performing square-stepping exercises, especially for those intimidated by a fitness facility setting and those concerned with their body image. A longer intervention including more participants using the square-stepping exercises is required to understand if square-stepping exercises can increase the proportion of older adults exercising regularly.

Abstract 13075: Initial Physical Activity Level is a Strong Predictor of Adherence to the Physical Activity Goal: A Secondary Analysis of the SMARTER Weight Loss Trial

Background: Over a third of excess coronary heart disease mortality in the US is related to inadequate physical activity (PA). Use of wearable activity trackers is beneficial for PA improvement in many populations. However, predictors of long-term adherence to PA remain unknown. Hypothesis: The 1 st week PA levels will be the strongest predictors of long-term adherence to the PA goal in adults with overweight or obesity in a mHealth weight loss intervention trial. Methods: A secondary analysis of a 12-month behavioral weight loss trial (SMARTER) that randomized 502 participants to either self-monitoring with tailored feedback messages (SM+FB, n=251) or self-monitoring alone (SM, n=251) was conducted. At baseline, each participant received a Fitbit Charge 2 and PA goal of ≥150 minutes of moderate or vigorous activity (MVPA) per week. The outcome of interest for this analysis was long-term PA adherence, i.e., the number of weeks adherent to PA goal over 12 months. Twenty-six explanatory variables were considered, including treatment assignment; baseline socio-demographics; health history; body mass index (<30 vs. ≥30 kg/m 2 ); psychosocial factors; and1 st week PA levels (<150 vs. ≥150 MVPA min/week). Machine learning methods (i.e., random forest regression trees and lasso regression) were used to identify predictors of long-term PA adherence. Results: The sample ranged in age from 19 to 75 years (57% were <50 years old), and was mostly Caucasian (83%), female (80%) and had a mean BMI 33.7 ± 4.0 kg/m 2 . The sample was randomly split 4:1 into training (n=394) and validation subsamples (n=104) which were comparable by treatment assignment. Both random forest and lasso regression identified 1 st week PA levels as the most important predictor of long-term PA adherence. The findings were confirmed in the validation cohort with an out-of-sample R-square of 40.2% from random forest and a R-square of 47.9% from lasso regression, suggesting good predictive abilities. Conclusion: This analysis confirmed higher initial PA levels as the strongest predictor of long-term PA adherence. The findings support screening for PA at study entry and developing tailored interventions for those with lower initial PA levels.

Health and social impacts of playing Pokémon Go on various player groups

Pokémon Go might be considered to be one of the most successful exergames ever released. When the game was released in the summer of 2016, Pokémon Go players spent more time exercising, being outdoors, and socializing with the unknown, family, and friends. There have been many papers that report on how playing Pokémon Go affects the player’s health. However, few studies report how playing the game has different health and social impact on different groups of players. Specifically, the paper investigates how Pokémon Go has different health and social effects on gender, where the game is played, how much video games players play, their initial physical activity level, and occupation. The survey results of over two thousand active Pokémon Go players show that playing Pokémon Go has a statistically significant positive effect on physical and social activity. It was also found that the game had a different effect on various groups of players and that 50% of the players reported positive health benefits, including weight loss, loss in body fat, and gain in muscle mass. The paper’s most significant result is how Pokémon Go managed to motivate groups who are hard to motivate to be physically and socially active.

Health behavior changes in adolescence and young adulthood: Implications for cardiometabolic risk.

Adolescence and young adulthood produce developmentally salient and contextual challenges for health behavior choices. The present study examines how changes in physical activity, nutrition, and sleep duration before and after high school graduation influence cardiometabolic risk (CMR) in adulthood (at ages 22-29). Youth (N = 662; Time 1 ages 12-18; 48% male) were followed biannually across 10 years. Piecewise latent growth curve modeling was used to assess how changes in physical activity, nutrition, and sleep duration before and after high school influence CMR in young adulthood, accounting for baseline levels of each health behavior. Sex differences in associations were examined. Higher initial (baseline) levels of physical activity and nutrition predicted lower CMR. Increases in physical activity and nutrition before and after high school also contributed to lower CMR. When examined simultaneously, initial levels of physical activity and sleep duration (for female participants only) and increases in nutrition had independent effects on CMR. Prevention approaches that take into account the salient developmental and contextual differences in adolescence and young adulthood may improve efforts to prevent CMR. (PsycINFO Database Record

The relationship between physical activity, fitness, physical complaints and BMI in German adults – results of a longitudinal study

Objectives: This study’s aims were to describe the development of physical activity, physical fitness (PF), subjective (physical complaints (PC)) and objective (Body mass index (BMI)) health measures and to examine the relationship between the development trajectories. In addition, the study also aimed to assess the influence of sociodemographic determinants (age, sex, socioeconomic status (SES)) in German adults over a period of 18 years. Methods: The longitudinal study population comprises of 721 men and women, aged 33–76 years over the study period. There was self-report of physical activity and PC and testing of physical fitness and BMI in each study year (1992, 1997, 2002 and 2010). Latent growth curve models were used to analyse the development. Results: Physical activity slightly increased while fitness, PC and BMI worsened over the course of 18 years. Sex, age and SES play important roles concerning physical activity, fitness and health. Several integrative associations could be detected between physical activity, fitness, PC and BMI as well as their trajectories. In particular, high initial levels of physical activity and fitness protect from high PC and BMI.The slope of physical activity was not significantly associated with slopes of fitness, PC and BMI. However, increase of fitness resulted in decrease of PC. Conclusions: A general positive development regarding the amount of physical activity could be detected. However, if it is only an unsystematic increase of physical activity, this is not in itself enough to achieve health benefits. The strengthening of fitness should be focused when increasing physical activity, since only then a health benefit is possible.

Effect of Two month Intervention to Improve Physical Activity of Evacuees in Temporary Housing after the Great East Japan Earthquake: Pilot Study

Objective: This study aims to clarify effects of intervention to improve the physical activity of elderly evacuees in temporary housing after The Great East Japan Earthquake, which occurred on March 11, 2011. Methods: A total of 15 subjects (5 men and 10 women) underwent a two-month intervention program, which consisted of multiple techniques including education, practice, and feedback, all of which were aimed to increase patients’ physical activity levels. Changes in physical activity levels were gauged according to the number of walking steps recorded with a triaxial accelerometer, or pedometer. Age, gender, and stage of self-efficacy were analyzed to determine which characteristics made it more likely for respondents to add more than 10% to their number of steps in the first 2 weeks and in the last 2 weeks of the study. Results: Three out of fifteen subjects (20.0%) increased their number of steps by more than 10% in postintervention. Males, and those who had smaller levels of physical activity pre-intervention were more likely to improve their number of steps (p<0.05). Conclusion: Multiple-strategy intervention for elderly evacuees in temporary housing is effective at improving the level of physical activity for males and individuals with low initial levels of physical activity.

Physical activity, heart rate variability-based stress and recovery, and subjective stress during a 9-month study period.

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between physical activity (PA) and objective heart rate variability (HRV)-based stress and recovery with subjective stress in a longitudinal setting. Working-age participants (n=221; 185 women, 36 men) were overweight (body mass index, 25.3-40.1kg/m2 ) and psychologically distressed (≥3/12 points on the General Health Questionnaire). Objective stress and recovery were based on HRV recordings over 1-3 work days. Subjective stress was assessed with the Perceived Stress Scale and PA level with a questionnaire. Data were collected at three time points: baseline, 10weeks post intervention, and at the 36-week follow-up. We adopted a latent growth model to investigate the initial level and change in PA, objective stress and recovery, and subjective stress at the three measurement time points. The results showed that initial levels of PA (P<0.001) and objective stress (P=0.001) and recovery (P<0.01) were associated with the change in subjective stress. The results persisted after adjustment for intervention group. The present results suggest that high PA and objectively assessed low stress and good recovery have positive effects on changes in subjective stress in the long-term.

Intervention effects on physical activity: the HEIA study - a cluster randomized controlled trial

BackgroundAlthough school-based interventions to promote physical activity in adolescents have been suggested in several recent reviews, questions have been raised regarding the effects of the strategies and the methodology applied and for whom the interventions are effective. The aim of the present study was to investigate effects of a school-based intervention program: the HEalth in Adolescents (HEIA) study, on change in physical activity, and furthermore, to explore whether potential effects varied by gender, weight status, initial physical activity level and parental education level.MethodsThis was a cluster randomized controlled 20 month intervention study which included 700 11-year-olds. Main outcome-variable was mean count per minute (cpm) derived from ActiGraph accelerometers (Model 7164/GT1M). Weight and height were measured objectively. Adolescents reported their pubertal status in a questionnaire and parents reported their education level on the consent form. Linear mixed models were used to test intervention effects and to account for the clustering effect of sampling by school.ResultsThe present study showed an intervention effect on overall physical activity at the level of p = 0.05 with a net effect of 50 cpm increase from baseline to post intervention in favour of the intervention group (95% CI −0.4, 100). Subgroup analyses showed that the effect appeared to be more profound among girls (Est 65 cpm, CI 5, 124, p = 0.03) and among participants in the low-activity group (Est 92 cpm, CI 41, 142, p < 0.001), as compared to boys and participants in the high-activity group, respectively. Furthermore, the intervention affected physical activity among the normal weight group more positively than among the overweight, and participants with parents having 13–16 years of education more positively than participants with parents having either a lower or higher number of years of education. The intervention seemed to succeed in reducing time spent sedentary among girls but not among boys.ConclusionsA comprehensive but feasible, multi-component school-based intervention can affect physical activity patterns in adolescents by increasing overall physical activity. This intervention effect seemed to be more profound in girls than boys, low-active adolescents compared to high-active adolescents, participants with normal weight compared to the overweight, and for participants with parents of middle education level as opposed to those with high and low education levels, respectively. An implementation of the HEIA intervention components in the school system may have a beneficial effect on public health by increasing overall physical activity among adolescents and possibly among girls and low-active adolescents in particular.

Age Differences in Expectations and Readiness Regarding Lifestyle Modifications in Individuals at High Risk of Diabetes

Bouchard DR, Langlois M-F, Domingue M-E, Brown C, LeBrun V, Baillargeon J-P. Age differences in expectations and readiness regarding lifestyle modifications in individuals at high risk of diabetes. ObjectiveThe main objective of this study was to determine whether expectations and readiness to modify eating habits and physical activity (PA) level are different between young and older individuals with prediabetes who agreed to participate in a lifestyle modification program. DesignCross-sectional analysis. SettingPrimary care or referral center. ParticipantsAdults between ages 27 and 78 years (N=74) were tested before starting a 12-month lifestyle intervention. InterventionsNot applicable. Main Outcome MeasuresThe visual analog scale questionnaire was used to assess expectations and readiness (ie, intentions, conviction, and self-confidence) to modify the PA level and eating habits. The PA level was assessed with a pedometer and eating habits with a questionnaire. Analyses were stratified by the age group: <60 years old versus ≥60 years old. ResultsBody mass loss expectations in terms of goal (−22.9% vs −17.9% of the current body mass; P=.04), acceptable (−15.6% vs −9.4%; P=.01), and failure (−7.6% vs −3.8%; P=.05) in future body mass loss were all greater for the younger group. Despite no significant age group difference in the initial PA level and eating habits, the youngest group had a greater intention to increase the PA level (89% vs 81%; P=.004) and to eat healthier (90% vs 85%; P=.001). Finally, the PA level and the consumption of fruits and vegetables, but not body mass, were associated with intentions or self-confidence to make some lifestyle modifications within age groups. ConclusionsIn individuals at high risk for diabetes, increasing age is associated with lower expectations and reduced readiness with regard to lifestyle modifications. Thus, age should be considered when planning a lifestyle modification program.

A latent growth model of adolescent physical activity as a function of depressive symptoms

BackgroundResearch indicates a possible relationship between adolescent depressive symptoms and physical activity, yet few studies have examined whether trajectories of adolescent physical activity differ among adolescents with and without elevated depressive symptoms. PurposeThis study documented change in physical activity from ages 12–17 years among youth with and without elevated depressive symptoms, and examined the influences of key family, physiological, and demographic covariates on activity patterns. MethodsData were from 371 youth. The sample was 50% female; 76% White, 12% African American, 4% Hispanic, 2% Asian, 2% American Indian, and 4% other or mixed races. Mean age was 12.05 years (SD = 1.63) at Time 1. Latent growth curve modeling (LGM), a cohort-sequential design, and a multiple-group design by level of depressive symptoms were employed. ResultsAdolescent physical activity declined significantly from ages 12–17 for those with and without elevated depressive symptoms. Adolescents with elevated symptoms had lower initial levels of physical activity than individuals without. For youth with low depressive symptoms, male sex and parental support of physical activity were related to higher initial levels of physical activity. For youth with elevated depressive symptoms, male sex, being White, and parental support were related to higher initial levels of physical activity. Additionally, for both groups, increases in parent physical activity were related to less of a decline in adolescent physical activity trajectories. ConclusionsFindings highlight the importance of parental support in promoting physical activity among adolescents with and without elevated depressive symptoms.

Physical Activity and Depressive Symptoms in Older Adults: 11-Year Follow-Up

Few studies have explored the reciprocal relationships between naturally occurring changes in physical activity and depressive symptoms in later life. This study examined the reciprocal associations between changes in physical activity and depressive symptoms in a population-based sample of Taiwanese older adults over an 11-year period. Analyses were based on nationally representative data from the Taiwan's Health and Living Status of the Elderly Survey collected in 1996, 1999, 2003, and 2007. Data from the fixed cohort of 1160 participants aged ≥67 years in 1996 with 11 years of follow-up were studied. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the ten-item Chinese version of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale. Physical activity was self-reported as the number of sessions per week. Latent growth modeling was used to examine the bidirectional associations between changes in physical activity and depressive symptoms when controlling for sociodemographic variables, lifestyle behaviors, and health status. Data analyses were completed in 2011. With multivariate adjustment, initial levels of physical activity were negatively associated with changes in depressive symptoms (β=-0.34, p<0.05). In contrast, early depressive symptoms were not related to change in physical activity (β=-0.17, p>0.05). Physical activity engagement in later life is associated with a lower risk of subsequent depressive symptoms, but the reverse association is not supported. The finding has underlying implications for future physical activity and mental health promotion in aged populations.

Prospective associations between leisure-time physical activity and cognitive performance among older adults across an 11-year period.

BackgroundFew studies have explored the relations between naturally occurring changes in physical activity and cognitive performance in later life. This study examined prospective associations between changes in physical activity and cognitive performance in a population-based sample of Taiwanese older adults during an 11-year period.MethodsAnalyses were based on nationally representative data from the Taiwan Health and Living Status of the Elderly Survey collected in 1996, 1999, 2003, and 2007. Data from a fixed cohort of 1160 participants who were aged 67 years or older in 1996 and followed for 11 years were included. Cognitive performance (outcome) was assessed using 5 questions from the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire. Physical activity (exposure) was self-reported as number of sessions per week. The latent growth model was used to examine associations between changes in physical activity and cognitive performance after controlling for sociodemographic variables, lifestyle behaviors, and health status.ResultsWith multivariate adjustment, higher initial levels of physical activity were significantly associated with better initial cognitive performance (standardized coefficient β = 0.17). A higher level of physical activity at baseline (1996) was significantly related to slower decline in cognitive performance, as compared with a lower level of activity (β = 0.22). The association between changes in physical activity and changes in cognitive performance was stronger (β = 0.36) than the previous 2 associations. The effect remained after excluding participants with cognitive decline before baseline.ConclusionsPhysical activity in later life is associated with slower age-related cognitive decline.

Measurement of Self-Efficacy and Proxy Efficacy for Middle School Youth Physical Activity

This study developed youth self-efficacy (SEPA) and proxy efficacy (PEPA) measures for physical activity (PA). Proxy efficacy was defined as a youth's confidence in his or her skills and abilities to get others to act in one's interests to create supportive environments for PA. Each spring of their sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-grade years, middle school students completed SEPA and PEPA questions and then, for 3 days, recalled their previous day's after-school PA. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses revealed a four-factor structure (SEPA for 1-3 days, SEPA for 5-7 days, PEPA-Parents, PEPA-School). Across study years, SEPA 1-3 days and 5-7 days increased and PEPA-Parents and PEPA-School decreased. Initial levels of PEPA-Parents and SEPA scales were associated with initial levels of PA. From sixth through seventh grade, changes in SEPA scales were associated with changes in PA. Studies should test whether interventions targeting self-efficacy and proxy efficacy influence PA.

A cohort-sequential latent growth model of physical activity from ages 12 to 17 years.

Despite serious public health implications of decreased physical activity during adolescence, few longitudinal studies have been conducted to determine the trajectory and important correlates of physical activity change during this period. This study examines change in physical activity from ages 12 to 17 years and the influences of personal, family, peer, and demographic factors on activity patterns. Data were from 371 youth. The sample was 50.1% female, 76% White, 12% African American, 4% Hispanic, 2% Asian, 2% American Indian, and 4% other or mixed races. Mean age was 12.05 years (SD = 1.63) at Time 1. Multivariate latent growth curve modeling (LGM), a cohort-sequential design, and a multiple-group design by sex were employed. Youth physical activity declined significantly from ages 12 to 17. Boys had higher initial levels of physical activity than girls. Efficacy to overcome barriers, physically active friends, and friend social support all played roles in reducing the decline in physical activity. Early maturing boys, although more physically active initially, experienced a greater decline in physical activity compared to later maturing boys. These findings encourage further research on the etiology and development of youth physical activity using procedures such as LGM to better understand the risk and protective factors associated with youth physical activity decline.