Initiation Of Physical Activity Research Articles

Examining barriers, physical activity, and weight change among parents and nonparents in a weight loss intervention.

SummaryIntroductionLittle is known about the influence of children in the home on physical activity and weight among adults in weight loss interventions. This study evaluated the association between number of children in the home, weight loss, and weight regain in a behavioural weight loss intervention, and whether those relationships were mediated in sequence by physical activity barriers and physical activity changes.MethodsThe sample included 267 participants from a randomized trial who had complete data on study variables. Variables at baseline, 6, and 18 months included physical activity barriers, objectively measured minutes of moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and objectively measured weight used to calculate percent weight loss (PWL) from baseline to 6 months and percent weight regained (PWG) from 6 to 18 months.ResultsA greater number of children in the home was associated with less PWL at 6 months. This relationship was mediated by greater baseline physical activity barriers and a smaller increase in MVPA at 6 months. The mediated effect was no longer significant when controlling for changes in dietary intake. There was no relationship between number of children and PWG from 6 to 18 months.ConclusionsParents may need unique intervention supports to overcome barriers to initiation of physical activity to help them reach optimal weight loss.

Peer Support and Role Modelling Predict Physical Activity Change among Adolescents over Twelve Months.

Physical activity levels decline during adolescence; however, some individuals initiate or maintain physical activity participation during this period of life. Socialisation impacts physical activity participation, yet few studies have explored the role of parental and peer processes concurrently on youth physical activity transitions over time. This study examined whether mother's father's and friends' support, modelling and teasing predicted adolescents' physical activity initiation, drop-off or maintenance over twelve months. In total, 803 adolescents (62.5% females, M age = 13.72) from Dublin, Ireland, completed self-report measures of support, modelling, teasing, and physical activity. Participants were classified as physical activity maintainers (17.8%), low active maintainers (58.8%), drop-offs (10.3%) or physical activity initiators (13.1%). The results revealed that parental support and modelling were unrelated to adolescents' physical activity transitions, however mother's and father's support predicted sustained physical activity participation twelve months later. In contrast, peer processes predicted physical activity maintenance, initiation and drop-off at one-year follow-up underscoring the salient role of peers for adolescents' behaviour change. In line with expectancy-value theory, the findings indicate that parents and peers represent distinct socialising agents that impart their influence on adolescents' physical activity maintenance and behaviour change through various mechanisms, highlighting the need to consider both sources of socialisation concurrently in future studies of adolescent behaviour change.

The Effectiveness of Interventions to Maintain Exercise and Physical Activity in Post-Cardiac Rehabilitation Populations: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS OF RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIALS.

Cardiac rehabilitation is a medically supervised program addressing health behavior changes and promoting self-management among individuals with heart disease. This includes initiation of regular physical activity. However, long-term physical activity after cardiac rehabilitation among this population remains a challenge. This study was a systematic review and meta-analysis according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Randomized controlled trials were identified by searching multiple databases and were selected if they evaluated an intervention with a physical activity or exercise component among individuals who completed cardiac rehabilitation. A descriptive synthesis was performed for all studies and means and standard deviations were used for meta-analysis when possible. Risk of bias, heterogeneity, and publication bias were assessed. Twenty-five studies met the inclusion criteria and 19 were included in the meta-analysis. The mean age of participants across studies was 60 yr and 80% were male. Descriptive synthesis of the studies combined with meta-analysis results provided evidence of increased physical activity among intervention groups compared with control groups at follow-up. There is evidence to support the effectiveness of interventions aimed at maintaining physical activity and exercise among adults who have completed cardiac rehabilitation.

Retour d’expérience sur un programme de soins complémentaires associant activité physique adaptée, méditation basée sur la pleine conscience et soins en socio-esthétique

Increasing physical activity among cancer patients is one of the priority recommendations in tertiary prevention; the level of physical activity is one of the determining factors in reducing the risk of relapse and mortality. However, many barriers to initiation and maintenance of regular physical activity have been identified. A program combining bi-weekly adapted physical activity sessions, mindfulness-based meditation and socio-aesthetic care was put together in 2015, in a Cancer Center, in order to facilitate adherence and sustainable attendance. Data on patient participation of program components, patient satisfaction, and psycho-corporal changes, collected in ecological conditions between 2015 and 2017 from 144 participants, were retrospectively analyzed to provide a first assessment. Nearly 60% of the patients were in treatment, 17% were metastatic. The average participation time was 9 months, with an average of one physical activity session per week. Changes were observed, both quantitatively and qualitatively, in terms of emotional state, sleep and body image. The overall satisfaction rate was 96%. The conclusions of the study support the continuation of the program. The methodological limitations of this pilot format may be overtaken in future research, which will allow further in-depth investigations into the effects of combined approaches on sustainable physical activity.

Development of a gold-standard method for the identification of sedentary, light and moderate physical activities in older adults: Definitions for video annotation

ObjectivesThe development of a reliable method for the identification of sedentary, light and moderate physical activities in older adults. The method consists of a validated set of definitions for the identification of the initiation and termination of physical activities performed by older adult participants, video recorded during free-living and a laboratory setting. DesignInter-rater reliability assessment in a fully crossed design. MethodsAn iterative consensus process was used to define the initiation and termination of common activities of daily living. These definitions were then tested using videos recorded in two scenarios (1) by 9 raters who annotated a video recording, of a free-living protocol in a home environment, recorded in a first person view, using a body-worn camera and (2) by 7 raters who annotated a video recording, of older adults performing a semi-structured protocol in a living-lab environment, recorded in a third person view, using wall mounted cameras. ResultsInter-rater reliability was excellent for all items, with Krippendorff’s alpha and Fleiss’ kappa all above 0.84 and a percentage of agreement above 88%. All ICC(C,1) inter-rater values for the activity quantity and duration were all above 0.9. ConclusionsThis set of physical activity initiation and termination definitions offers independent researchers a gold standard method to allow for the consistent annotation of high-frequency video footage (25fps), in both a free-living and laboratory setting. When synchronised with body-worn or ambient sensors, this annotation will allow for the development and validation of physical activity classification systems to a higher resolution than before.

Self-Limiting Progressive Intensity to Promote Initiation and Maintenance of Physical Activity

ABSTRACTOlder adults with multiple chronic conditions face many challenges in initiating and maintaining regular physical activity. In addition to rate of perceived exertion, the utilization of self-limiting progressive intensity can play a significant role in physical activity initiation and maintenance to improve quality of life and life satisfaction in older adults. Self-limiting progressive intensity has therapeutic applications for various activity professionals in everyday practice. The purpose of this paper is to describe self-limiting progressive intensity as an alternate or adjunct method to promote the initiation and maintenance of physical activity in older adults with multiple chronic conditions.

Impact of Online Weight Management With Peer Coaching on Physical Activity Levels of Adults With Serious Mental Illness.

Many adults with serious mental illness are sedentary and experience significant medical illness burden. This study examined the effectiveness of online weight management with peer coaching (WebMOVE) for increasing general physical activity among adults with serious mental illness. Using quantitative and qualitative data from a randomized controlled trial (N=276), this study compared WebMOVE, in-person weight management for adults with serious mental illness (MOVE SMI), and usual care. Participants completed assessments of general physical activity (baseline, three months, and six months) and a qualitative assessment (six months). Mixed-effects models examined group × time interactions on general physical activity. There were significant differences between MOVE SMI and usual care for total physical activity at three (t=3.06, p=.002) and six (t=3.12, p=.002) months, walking at six months (t=1.99, p=.048), and moderate (t=2.12, p=.035) and vigorous (t=2.34, p=.020) physical activity at six months. There was a significant difference between WebMOVE and usual care for total physical activity at six months (t=2.02, p=.044) and a trend for a group difference in walking at six months (t=1.78, p=.076). These findings reflected a decline in physical activity among participants in usual care and an increase in physical activity among participants in MOVE SMI or WebMOVE. In-person weight management counseling increased total physical activity and led to initiation of moderate and vigorous physical activity among adults with serious mental illness. Computerized weight management counseling with peer support led to more gradual increases in total physical activity.

‘Let’s move:’ a systematic review of spouse-involved interventions to promote physical activity

Introduction: Physical inactivity elevates risk of chronic conditions and all-cause mortality. Given that health behavior changes often co-occur within couples, spouse-involved physical activity interventions have the potential to increase and maintain physical activity behavior of both partners. The purpose of this systematic review was to synthesize studies of physical activity interventions that include both partners in marital dyads to determine whether and how active involvement of both partners shapes the physical activity behavior change process. Methods: Randomized trials (N = 6) published through June 2017 were included in this systematic review under the following conditions: (1) both partners were directly involved in the intervention treatment group(s); (2) couples were randomly assigned to study conditions; and (3) physical activity or exercise was assessed as a primary outcome. Results: The six trials included 783 couples, with mean ages ranging from 27 to 71 years. These studies of couples and physical activity change were guided by established socio-behavioral perspectives and used a variety of strategies to promote behavior change. Overall, each of these studies demonstrated improvement in physical activity behavior, though improvements in physical activity did not differ consistently between intervention and comparison groups and sometimes were short-lived. Discussions: This systematic review provides initial support, albeit limited, that spouse-involved interventions can be effective in increasing physical activity. Addressing the needs and behavior change of both partners has the potential to increase effectiveness of couple-focused approaches to promote physical activity initiation and maintenance.

Understanding the experience of initiating community-based physical activity and social support by people with serious mental illness: a systematic review using a meta-ethnographic approach

BackgroundPeople with long-term serious mental illness live with severe and debilitating symptoms that can negatively influence their health and quality of life, leading to outcomes such as premature mortality, morbidity and obesity. An interplay of social, behavioural, biological and psychological factors is likely to contribute to their poor physical health. Participating in regular physical activity could bring symptomatic improvements, weight loss benefits, enhanced wellbeing and when undertaken in a community-based group setting can yield additional, important social support benefits. Yet poor uptake of physical activity by people with serious mental illness is a problem. This review will systematically search, appraise and synthesise the existing evidence that has explored the experience of community-based physical activity initiation and key features of social support within these contexts by adults with schizophrenia, bipolar affective disorder, major depressive disorder or psychosis using the meta-ethnography approach. This new understanding may be key in designing more acceptable and effective community-based group PA programmes that meet patients’ need and expectations.MethodsThis will be a systematic review of qualitative studies using the meta-ethnography approach. The following databases will be searched: ASSIA, CINAHL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE, Health Technology Assessment Database, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Sociological s, SPORTDiscus and Web of Science. Grey literature will also be sought. Eligible studies will use qualitative methodology; involve adults (≥18 years) with schizophrenia, bipolar affective disorder, major depressive disorder or psychosis; will report community-based group physical activity; and capture the experience of physical activity initiation and key features of social support from the perspective of the participant. Study selection and assessment of quality will be performed by two reviewers. Data will be extracted by one reviewer, tabled, and checked for accuracy by the second reviewer. The meta-ethnography approach by Noblit and Hare (Meta-ethnography: synthesizing qualitative studies 11, 1988) will be used to synthesise the data.DiscussionThis systematic review is expected to provide new insights into the experience of community-based group physical activity initiation for adults who have a serious mental illness to inform person-centred improvements to the management of serious mental illness through physical activity.Systematic review registrationThe protocol has been registered on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) on 22/03/2017; (registration number CRD42017059948).

How the built environment affects change in older people's physical activity: A mixed- methods approach using longitudinal health survey data in urban China

Although the general population in China is physically active, only 45% of older adults meet the World Health Organization's recommendation for weekly moderate-to-vigorous exercise, to achieve health benefits. This percentage is even lower (9.8%) in urban China. It is, therefore, important to understand the pathways by which physical activity behaviors are impacted by the built environment. This study utilized a mixed methods approach—interviews (n = 42) and longitudinal (2010–2015) health survey data (n = 3094) for older people residing in three neighborhoods in Huainan, a mid-sized city in Anhui Province, central eastern China. First, a content analysis of interview data was used to identify individual and built environment factors (motivators and barriers) that impacted physical activity within older people's activity spaces. Second, a multilevel path analysis was conducted using the health survey data to demonstrate the pathways by which these motivators and barriers contributed to the initiation, regulation, and maintenance of physical activity. This study found (a) that the liveliness of an apartment building and its proximity to functional spaces (fast-food stores, farmer's markets, supermarkets, pharmacies, schools, hospitals, PA facilities and natural and man-made water bodies) were important factors in attracting sedentary older people to initiate physical activity; (b) the social networks of apartment neighbors helped to initiate, regulate, and maintain physical activity; and housing closeness to functional spaces was important in maintaining physical activity, particularly for those older people with chronic diseases. To increase older people's overall physical activity, future interventions should focus on residential form and access to functional spaces, prior to investing in large-scale urban design interventions.

Exploring the role of social capital in community-based physical activity: qualitative insights from parkrun

There is a need to address social inequalities related to health and physical activity. Taking a practice-led approach to intervention research, this paper uses the case of parkrun – a rapidly growing weekly running initiative – to explore the potential of free, community-based opportunities to improve physical activity in low socio-economic groups. Our approach departs from individualistic behavioural research and draws on the concept of social capital in order to add to the sociological understanding of physical (in)activity. Interviews were carried out with previously inactive parkrun participants and were analysed thematically through the lens of social capital. Our analysis illustrates how: (1) participants often draw on existing social ties (family, friends, neighbours and colleagues) to initiate their participation in parkrun, (2) participants invest in and benefit from the aggregate labour of the wider parkrun community (their network of social relations) and therefore are privy to significant practical and affective support and (3) participants utilise acquired social capital to accumulate cultural capital related to injury management, performance and health. These findings add qualitative insight into existing literature highlighting social capital as a key resource in the initiation and maintenance of physical activity. In the ongoing effort to provide viable physical activity opportunities for low socio-economic groups, we optimistically argue that volunteer-led, community-based initiatives have the capacity to mobilise resource through social networks. However, in the context of persistent socio-economic inequalities, it is likely that relying on existing social capital to promote health-enhancing behaviour will limit the impact of this approach.

Key Strategies for Physical Activity Interventions Among Older Women: Process Evaluation of a Clinical Trial.

To describe strategies salient to physical activity (PA) initiation and maintenance among older women who participated in a clinical trial that tested a PA intervention. A descriptive phenomenological, qualitative design for a process evaluation of a successful clinical trial. Senior primary care clinics associated with a large medical center in a southern state. A total of 20 older women at least 60 years without advanced frailty. Purposive sampling using maximum variation technique was used to select participants. A semi-structured interview guide facilitated individual, in-depth interviews lasting 45 to 90 minutes. Narratives were analyzed using content analysis with constant comparison technique to summarize the data. Eight African American and 12 white older women with a mean age of 68 from control and intervention arms participated. Five central themes described salient strategies to promote and maintain PA: sensed benefits, motivation, and self-efficacy were central to success, while a reduction in barriers was essential before maintaining PA. The last theme, a life-changing awareness indicated that PA had become a shared value. An explanatory model describing interrelationships is presented. This study suggests key strategies to include in PA interventions with older women. An unexpected finding was that PA became a shared value, an action promoted by the Culture of Health initiative to improve population health and well-being.

Focal Muscle Vibration and Physical Exercise in Postmastectomy Recovery: An Explorative Study.

Background. Physical activity initiation and maintenance are particular challenges in the postmastectomy recovery and in particular Dragon Boat racing seems to be a useful sport activity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of focal muscle vibration as a proprioceptive input to improve upper limb functioning in a group of “paddlers” patients. Methods. A group of paddlers has been evaluated before vibratory treatment (T0), immediately after therapy (T1), after one week (T2), and after one month (T3) with DASH questionnaire, Body Image Scale, McGill pain questionnaire, Constant Scale, and Short Form 36 questionnaire. Results. Fourteen patients showed a significant reduction in disability score (p = 0,001) using DASH scale, an improvement of upper limb function (p = 0,001) using the Constant scale, and a reduction of pain (p = 0,007) at the McGill pain questionnaire. The Mental Composite Score of the Short Form 36 questionnaire showed significant results (p = 0,04) while no significant results had been found regarding the physical mental score (p = 0,08). Conclusion. Focal muscle vibration may be a useful treatment in a postmastectomy recovery of upper limb functionality.

Educational and Gender Differences in Health Behavior Changes After a Gateway Diagnosis

Hypertension represents a gateway diagnosis to more serious health problems that occur as people age. We examine educational differences in three health behavior changes people often make after receiving this diagnosis in middle or older age, and test whether these educational differences depend on (a) the complexity of the health behavior change and (b) gender. We use data from the Health and Retirement Study and conduct logistic regression analysis to examine the likelihood of modifying health behaviors post diagnosis. We find educational differences in three behavior changes-antihypertensive medication use, smoking cessation, and physical activity initiation-after a hypertension diagnosis. These educational differences in health behaviors were stronger among women compared with men. Upon receiving a hypertension diagnosis, education is a more important predictor of behavior changes for women compared with men, which may help explain gender differences in the socioeconomic gradient in health in the United States.

Interaction Effects of Happiness and Physical Activity on Smoking Initiation.

Our aim was to assess the potential relationships among happiness, physical activity, and smoking initiation among undergraduate medical students in Saudi Arabia. We performed a cross-sectional study of randomly selected first- to fifth-year undergraduate medical students. Smoking initiation was defined as "ever trying smoking a cigarette, waterpipe, cigar/cigarillo, or other type of tobacco, even one or 2 puffs." The short scale Oxford Happiness Questionnaire was used to assess each student's happiness. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed. Of the 406 students surveyed (208 boys, 198 girls), 86 (21.1%) had initiated smoking. We found an interaction between physical activity (PA) and happiness on smoking initiation (p-interaction = .012). Among boys with low levels of PA, lower levels of happiness were associated with a greater likelihood of smoking initiation (OR = 5.8, 95%CI = 1.9 - 17.5). Also, high levels of PA increased the chance of smoking initiation among male students with high levels of happiness (OR = 5.6, 95%CI = 2.1 - 14.5). Our results suggest that young men with low levels of happiness and low levels of PA, as well as high levels of PA and high levels of happiness, may be targeted as a priority population in tobacco control intervention programs.

Reducing the time interval between concussion and voluntary exercise restores motor impairment, short-term memory, and alterations to gene expression.

Despite the most common form of brain injury, there has been little progress in the prognosis and treatment of concussion/mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Current 'return-to-play' guidelines are conservative, deterring the initiation of physical and social activity until patients are asymptomatic; but the effects of post-injury exercise have not been adequately investigated. Therefore, this study examined the effects of voluntary exercise on concussion recovery. Using a translational rodent model of concussion, we examined the influence of exercise on injury-associated behaviours that comprise post-concussive syndrome (PCS) and gene expression changes (bdnf, dnmt1, Igf-1, pgc1-a, Tert) in prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. In addition, as we have previously demonstrated telomere length (TL) to be a reliable predictor of mTBI prognosis, TL was also examined. The results suggest that exercise initiated within 1-3days post-concussion significantly improved motor and cognitive functioning, but had limited efficacy treating emotional impairments. What is more, when deprived of social interaction and exercise, a combination similar to clinical recommendations for rest until symptom resolution, animals did not recover and exhibited impairments similar to typical mTBI animals. Exercise aided in restoration of mTBI-induced modifications to gene expression in both brain regions. An inverse relationship between the exercise return interval and TL was identified, indicating greater recovery with acute exercise reinstatement. Although additional strategies may need to be employed for emotional functioning, these findings support re-evaluation of 'return-to-play' guidelines, suggesting that exercise is valuable for the treatment of concussion.

Early Sexual Intercourse: Prospective Associations with Adolescents Physical Activity and Screen Time.

ObjectivesTo assess the prospective associations of physical activity behaviors and screen time with early sexual intercourse initiation (i.e., before 15 years) in a large sample of adolescents.MethodsWe used two waves of data from the Rotterdam Youth Monitor, a longitudinal study conducted in the Netherlands. The analysis sample consisted of 2,141 adolescents aged 12 to 14 years (mean age at baseline = 12.2 years, SD = 0.43). Physical activity (e.g., sports outside school), screen time (e.g., computer use), and early sexual intercourse initiation were assessed by means of self-report questionnaires. Logistic regression models were tested to assess the associations of physical activity behaviors and screen time (separately and simultaneously) with early sexual intercourse initiation, controlling for confounders (i.e., socio-demographics and substance use). Interaction effects with gender were tested to assess whether these associations differed significantly between boys and girls.ResultsThe only physical activity behavior that was a significant predictor of early sexual intercourse initiation was sports club membership. Adolescent boys and girls who were members of a sports club) were more likely to have had early sex (OR = 2.17; 95% CI = 1.33, 3.56. Significant gender interaction effects indicated that boys who watched TV ≥2 hours/day (OR = 2.00; 95% CI = 1.08, 3.68) and girls who used the computer ≥2 hours/day (OR = 3.92; 95% CI = 1.76, 8.69) were also significantly more likely to have engaged in early sex.ConclusionThese findings have implications for professionals in general pediatric healthcare, sexual health educators, policy makers, and parents, who should be aware of these possible prospective links between sports club membership, TV watching (for boys), and computer use (for girls), and early sexual intercourse initiation. However, continued research on determinants of adolescents’ early sexual initiation is needed to further contribute to the strategies for improving adolescents’ healthy sexual development and behaviors.

Relationships among Psychosocial Correlates and Stages of Change in a German-Chinese Sample

Promoting Health Enhancing Physical Activity (HEPA) behavior is an important undertaking in Germany as well as in China. In order to create successful interventions in different nations, knowledge about the relevant psychosocial correlates that may encourage successful progression through the behavior change process is necessary. Therefore, the relationships of selected psychosocial correlates of physical activity with stages of change were examined in a German-Chinese sample. In total, 2071 adults (865 Germans, 1206 Chinese) completed a questionnaire. The theoretical framework used was the FIT-model, which consists of the following stages of change: not considering, considering, preparing, exploring, fluctuating and maintaining. All data were analyzed with a two-way ANOVA. Significant main effects for the stages of change on all psychosocial correlates were found. Significant interactions between stages and nations emerged for all correlates except for social support, although these results revealed small effect sizes. To progress within the stages of inactivity, interventions should focus on outcome expectations, barriers, social support and affective attitudes. The successful initiation of physical activity depends on considerations of barriers, maintenance self-efficacy, intrinsic motivation and affective attitudes. These same correlates plus social support are relevant for long-term adherence to physical activity. In Germany, perceived barriers and emotional aspects of physical activity appear to be important for initiating and maintaining regular physical activity. Furthermore, for long-term adherence to physical activity, Germans—in contrast to Chinese adults—may not necessarily benefit from social support; however they could benefit from learning how to strengthen their physical activity outcome expectations.

Feasibility of Pairing Behavioral Activation With Exercise for Women With Type 2 Diabetes and Depression: The Get It Study Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Major depressive disorder is often comorbid with diabetes and associated with worse glycemic control. Exercise improves glycemic control and depression, and thus could be a parsimonious intervention for patients with comorbid diabetes and major depression. Because patients with diabetes and comorbid depression are often sedentary and lack motivation to exercise, we developed a group exercise intervention that integrates strategies from behavioral activation therapy for depression to increase motivation for and enjoyment of exercise. We conducted a 6-month pilot randomized controlled trial to test the feasibility of the behavioral activation exercise intervention (EX) for women with diabetes and depression. Of the 715 individuals who contacted us about the study, 29 participants were randomized to the EX condition or an enhanced usual care condition (EUC), which represents 4.1% of participants who initially contacted us. Inclusion criteria made recruitment challenging and limits the feasibility of recruiting women with diabetes and depression for a larger trial of the intervention. Retention was 96.5% and 86.2% at 3 and 6months. Participants reported high treatment acceptability; use of behavioral activation strategies and exercise class attendance was acceptable. No condition differences were observed for glycemic control, depressive symptoms, and physical activity, though depressive symptoms and self-reported physical activity improved over time. Compared to participants in the EUC condition, participants in the EX condition reported greater exercise enjoyment and no increase in avoidance behavior over time. Using behavioral activation strategies to increase exercise is feasible in a group exercise setting. However, whether these strategies can be delivered in a less intensive manner to a broader population of sedentary adults, for greater initiation and maintenance of physical activity, deserves further study.

Improved Physical Endurance Activity of Fruit of <I>Beta vulgaris</I>

Introduction : Beets are good sources of folate, potassium, vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, as well as nitrates. Beet juice may increase exercise endurance, improve blood flow, and help lower blood pressure. Beetroot contains inorganic nitrate (NO 3- ) as the main bioactive for cardiovascular and endurance exercise interactions; and the pigment class of betalains, predominately betanin and vulgaxanthin; and also phenolics.Endurance is the abitity to withstand stress or exertion and remain active for a long period of time. Physical endurance is the time span between the initiation of physical activity by an individual and the termination because of exhaustion. Aim : The aim of present study was to investigate the physical endurance activity of fruit extract of Beta vulgaris in experimental mice. Materials and Methods : Dry extract of Beta vulgaris was obtained from Green Chem.Swiss Albino mice of either sex weighing between 25 to 30 gm were taken for the purpose. Approval from Animal Ethics Committee was taken before starting the experiment. The animals were maintained under standard conditions in an animal house approved by the Committee for the Purpose of Control and Supervision on Experiments on Animals (CPCSEA).The Swiss albino mice either sex were divided into five groups each composed of six animals-Control (normal saline), Standard (caffeine 30 mg/kg p.o), Low (100 mg/kg p.o.), Medium (200 mg/kg p.o.) and High dose (400 mg/kg p.o.). In Rota Rod Model, after administration of the drug, one hour later all the animals were placed on rotating rod and observed for fall off time. Result and conclusion : The time spent on Rota rod in drug treated group was found to be increased as compared to control group. It shows increase in physical endurance power of the extract in mice.