Insufficient Physical Activity Research Articles

The new normal for children’s physical activity and screen viewing: a multi-perspective qualitative analysis of behaviours a year after the COVID-19 lockdowns in the UK

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted children’s physical activity. Recent evidence indicated children’s accelerometer-measured physical activity levels have, on average, returned to near pre-pandemic levels in 2022, though sedentary behaviour remains higher. However, insufficient physical activity levels among children continues to be a critical public health issue in the UK, with only 41% meeting physical activity guidelines. This study aimed to provide in-depth analysis of how the pandemic has shaped children’s physical activity patterns beyond the short-term periods following lockdowns and identify the new challenges to engaging children in physical activity. Methods One-to-one interviews with parents (n = 22), school staff (n = 9), and six focus groups with children aged 10–11 years (n = 45) were conducted between February and July 2022. Topics explored changes to children’s physical activity and sedentary behaviour patterns, including screen-viewing, and factors influencing any changes. The framework method was used for analysis. Results Five themes were generated. Theme 1 described residual lockdown habits, including increased screen-viewing within the home, while activities outside the home continued to feel less spontaneous. Theme 2 highlighted an interrupted development of social, emotional, and physical skills among children compared to what would be expected pre-pandemic. This coincided with Theme 3 which reflected increased mental health challenges among families, creating complex barriers to children’s physical activity. A new normal for child physical activity was evoked and explored in Theme 4, with greater dependence on structured and organised activities. However, Theme 5 highlighted that girls and children with lower socio-economic position may be especially at risk of decreased physical activity. Conclusions There is a new normal for children’s physical activity that is characterised by increased dependence on structured and organised physical activities, such as active clubs, and less on unstructured and spontaneous physical activities, such as physical play. While this may suit many children, girls and children from lower socio-economic households face barriers to participating in the new normal. It is important that affordable and equitable opportunities are provided to all children to prevent physical activity and health inequalities.

Assessment of Exercise Capacity in Patients Diagnosed with Moderate and Severe Bronchial Asthma: Preliminary Prospective Observational Study.

The main objective of the study was to assess exercise capacity and physical activity levels in patients with bronchial asthma compared to a control group without asthma, as well as to investigate how asthma severity affects the results of the 6MWT and physical activity as measured by the IPAQ questionnaire. A total of 63 individuals were studied, divided into two groups: Group A, consisting of 33 individuals with bronchial asthma, and Group B, consisting of 30 individuals from the general population without bronchial asthma. In both groups, the following assessments were performed: The Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and the Borg rating of perceived exertion scale (the Borg RPE scale) ABB. It was demonstrated that patients with moderate asthma covered more distance during the 6MWT than patients diagnosed with severe asthma. The difference in metres covered between the two groups was statistically significant (p < 0.001), which could be observed during the walk test. The results indicate that a larger proportion of patients with asthma (76%) fall into the insufficient physical activity category compared to those without asthma (24%). Conversely, a higher percentage of non-asthmatic individuals (66.67%) report sufficient physical activity compared to asthmatic patients (33.33%)(P=0.005). This study demonstrated that asthma severity significantly impacts exercise capacity, as shown by shorter distances covered in the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) among patients with severe asthma. While overall physical activity levels (measured by the IPAQ) were not significantly different between asthma and non-asthma groups, asthma patients exhibited significantly more sitting time, suggesting a more sedentary lifestyle.

Prevalence of physical inactivity and associated factors among adults in Eastern African countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol

IntroductionPhysical inactivity is a major global public health concern, increasing the risk factor of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and mortality. The WHO has initiated the Global Action Plan on Physical Activity...

Transtheoretical Model-based Interventions are Effective in Promoting Healthy Behaviors Related to Modifiable Risk Factors of Noncommunicable Diseases: A Systematic Review

Introduction: Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart diseases, type II diabetes mellitus, cancers, and stroke represent significant public health challenges globally. Modifiable risk factors, including insufficient physical activity (PA), overweight or obesity, and smoking, contribute significantly to the prevalence of these diseases. The transtheoretical model (TTM) offers a structured approach to behavior change, identifying stages of readiness and change processes. This systematic review (SR) aims to evaluate the effectiveness of TTM-based interventions in promoting healthy behaviors to mitigate these risk factors. Methods: This systematic review addresses the PICO question: In adults aged 18 years and older with modifiable risk behaviors related to NCDs, how effective are TTM-based interventions compared to standard care in increasing physical activity levels (PAL), reducing weight or body mass index, improving dietary habits, and promoting smoking cessation (SC)? A comprehensive search of predetermined databases was conducted using nine research strings, adhering to strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. A six-stage process was employed to select studies for inclusion, followed by data extraction and narrative synthesis to identify relevant patterns, trends, and associations. Results: Of the 259 articles retrieved, eight met the inclusion criteria. Baseline assessments determined participants’ readiness for change. TTM-based interventions included feedback or counseling sessions, feedback materials, and reports delivered in-person, online, and by telephone. Follow-up durations varied from 2 weeks to 2 years. Five out of six studies supported the effectiveness of TTM-based interventions in enhancing PAL. Four out of five studies demonstrated their efficacy in weight management and improving dietary habits. However, only two out of five studies confirmed their effectiveness in SC. Discussion: The findings indicate that TTM-based interventions are promising for improving PAL and, to a lesser extent, for managing weight and promoting healthy dietary behaviors. The limited effectiveness observed in SC interventions suggest a need for further research and possibly tailored strategies within this context. Conclusion: TTM-based interventions effectively promote PA and weight management, with moderate success in improving dietary habits. However, their effectiveness in SC remains inconclusive, highlighting the necessity for further investigation and potential refinement of intervention strategies.

Comparative risk assessment modeling of cardiovascular and all-cause burden attributable to sitting time and physical inactivity: evidence from Argentina.

Although there is evidence that sitting time (ST) and insufficient physical activity (PA) are associated with premature mortality, the burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and all-cause mortality (ACM) attributable to the combined effects of ST and PA in counterfactual scenarios is limited. Potential impact fractions (PIFs) were used to calculate premature deaths (PDs) and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). Cause-eliminated life tables were utilized to estimate health-adjusted life expectancy (HALE) gains. Monte Carlo simulations were performed for uncertainty analysis. The theoretical minimum risk exposure level (ST < 4 $\mathrm{h} \cdot{\mathrm{d}}^{-1}$, PA > 65 $\mathrm{min} \cdot{\mathrm{d}}^{-1}$) could prevent 16.7% of CVD deaths and 12.3% of all-cause deaths annually. This would save 669 to 2,630 DALYs per 100,000 and increase healthy life years by 0.57 to 2.94. Increasing PA to > 65 $\mathrm{min} \cdot{\mathrm{d}}^{-1}$ while maintaining ST could yield gains in HALE from 0.49 (CVD) to 2.60 (ACM) years. Reducing ST to < 4 $\mathrm{h}\cdot{\mathrm{d}}^{-1}$ while keeping PA constant could lead to gains in HALE from 0.07 (CVD) to 0.34 (ACM) years. A 50% reduction in suboptimal ST (≥ 4 $\mathrm{h}\cdot{\mathrm{d}}^{-1}$) doubled HALE gains, ranging from 0.11 to 0.63years. Public health decision-makers should prioritize vulnerable populations, including older adults and individuals with inadequate PA levels.

Preschool Teachers Perspectives on Outdoor Play Among Malaysia’s Preschoolers

This study investigates the significance of outdoor play environments for preschool children in Malaysia. Utilizing a qualitative approach, the research explores how preschool teachers and children promote outdoor activities within school curricula, while also examining barriers and concerns surrounding outdoor play provision. While international research suggests weather significantly influences perceptions of outdoor play, limited Malaysian perspectives exist. This study addresses this gap by exploring the perspectives of Malaysian preschool teachers, parents, and children, discussing strategies for promoting outdoor learning. Focusing on the physical, emotional, and well-being dimensions associated with young children's physical activity, the study highlights the importance of outdoor play in their learning and development. It examines how practitioners and parents perceive outdoor play, analyzes barriers hindering its provision, and assesses whether these barriers justify limited outdoor play opportunities. Findings reveal distinct perspectives on outdoor play between teachers and parents, yet a shared recognition of its importance and benefits. The study also identifies concerns regarding potential risks associated with insufficient physical activity and reflects on adult awareness and involvement in promoting outdoor play. Notably, the research incorporates children's voices, ensuring their perspectives are acknowledged and valued. This study has implications for early childhood teachers’ practices and offers recommendations for future research. It aims to encourage increased outdoor play integration in preschools and motivate Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) organizations to prioritize outdoor learning. By exploring practitioner and parental perspectives on the importance of outdoor play and examining how adults plan and promote it in children’s lives, this research contributes valuable knowledge to the field of early childhood education.

Interrelationships between affective disorders in the form of depression and obesity and overweight - A systematic review

Both depression and obesity are significant health, social and economic problems. Depressive disorders were the second most common psychiatric disorder in 2017 after anxiety disorders. According to data published by the World Health Organization (WHO), depression affects about 280 million people worldwide, which is about 3.8 percent of the population. The etiology of depressive disorders is very complex and still not fully understood. The theories described so far complement each other. The factors underlying the development of depressive disorders can be divided into biological, psychological and other factors. Eating disorders in the form of overweight and obesity result from a loss of balance between anabolic and catabolic processes. This is most often led by insufficient physical activity and excess caloric intake. Hormonal disorders, genetic factors and environmental factors may also play an important role in the pathogenesis of obesity. The steadily increasing number of people suffering from depression and obesity prompts the search for links between these two seemingly unrelated disease entities. According to current knowledge, these diseases are bi-directionally linked by genetic, psychological, metabolic and social factors. Depression is associated with an increase in the risk of obesity by about 37% relative to those without depression. Obesity is associated with an increase in the risk of depressive disorders by about 18%. Understanding the links that exist between depressive disorders and obesity enables the search for new therapeutic options. The most important conclusion from the scientific research conducted so far is the advantage of simultaneous treatment of obesity and depression over treating these disease entities individually.

Metabolic syndrome among patients with type 2 diabetes in Jordan: A cross-sectional study.

Metabolic syndrome is a major public health problem worldwide and an independent predictor of cardiovascular disease in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). This study aimed to determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its individual components among Jordanian patients with T2DM. A cross-sectional design was conducted among T2DM patients at the National Center for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Genetics in Jordan. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and clinical data extracted from medical records. The National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) and International Diabetes Federation (IDF) diagnostic criteria were used to define metabolic syndrome. Among 1017 participants aged between 22 and 90 years, the overall prevalence of IDF defined metabolic syndrome was 84.2% (72.5% and 96.2% among males and females, respectively). Using ATP III criteria, overall prevalence was 79.1% (77.4% and 80.8% among males and females, respectively). Advancing age, female gender, nonadherence to a diet regimen, sedentary lifestyle or insufficient physical activity, and duration of diabetes ≥10 years were significantly associated with increased odds of metabolic syndrome, regardless of the definition used. Current smoking status and family history of cardiovascular diseases were significantly associated with increased likelihood of ATP III defined metabolic syndrome. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome among Jordanian patients with T2DM is extremely high. The main modifiable risk factors of metabolic syndrome among these patients include nonadherence to a diet regimen, insufficient physical activity, being overweight/obese and smoking. It is recommended that healthcare providers counsel patients on the importance of maintaining physical activity, smoking cessation, and adherence to a diet regimen.

Convergence of Alcohol Consumption and Dietary Quality in US Adults Who Currently Drink Alcohol: An Analysis of Two Core Risk Factors of Liver Disease.

Alcohol consumption and poor dietary habits are on the rise in the United States, posing significant challenges to public health due to their contribution to chronic diseases such as liver failure. While associations between alcohol consumption patterns and diet quality have been explored, the relationship between specific alcoholic beverage types and diet quality remains underexamined. This study aims to compare diet quality among consumers of different alcoholic beverage types. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 1917 current alcohol drinkers from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) who completed a 24 h dietary recall survey. Diet quality was assessed using the Healthy Eating Index (HEI), with higher scores indicating superior diet quality. Multivariable logistic regression models were employed to assess differences in HEI between consumers of various alcoholic beverage types, using wine-only drinkers as the reference group and controlling for demographic, socioeconomic, lifestyle, and metabolic syndrome variables. Beer-only drinkers were more likely to have lower income, higher rates of cigarette smoking, and insufficient physical activity compared to other alcohol consumers. In the fully adjusted multivariable model, beer-only drinkers had an HEI score that was 3.12 points lower than wine-only drinkers. In contrast, liquor/cocktail-only and multiple-type drinkers had similar HEI scores to wine-only drinkers. Beer-only consumption is associated with poorer diet quality among alcohol drinkers. Targeted patient education and public health campaigns may be effective in addressing the combined impact of alcohol consumption and poor diet quality on chronic disease risk.

Abstract 4124709: Accelerometer-Measured Sedentary Behavior and Future Cardiovascular Disease

Background: Current consensus guidelines emphasize the importance of achieving 150 minutes or more of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) per week to promote cardiovascular health but give little guidance about sedentary behavior. Research Question: Is sedentary behavior associated with cardiovascular (CV) disease in a manner distinct from insufficient physical activity? Aims: Examine associations between accelerometer-measured sedentary behavior with risk of specific CV outcomes, including potential interactions with MVPA. Methods: Using 89,530 individuals providing one week of accelerometer-based physical activity data from the UK Biobank, we fit Cox models adjusted for demographic and lifestyle factors to assess associations between sedentary time (as a spline term) and incident atrial fibrillation (AF), myocardial infarction (MI), heart failure (HF), and CV mortality. We assessed the potential effect of MVPA on these associations by including MVPA as an adjustment variable, as well as performing subgroup analyses stratified at the guideline-recommended MVPA threshold. Results: Among 89,530 individuals (age 62±8 years, 56.4% women) undergoing accelerometry, median sedentary time was 9.4 hours/day (quartile-1: 8.2, quartile-3: 10.6). In multivariable models, using the second quartile (8.2-9.4 hours/day) as a referent, sedentary time in the top quartile (&gt;10.6 hours/day) was associated with greater risk of HF (hazard ratio [HR] 1.45, 95% CI 1.28-1.65), and CV mortality (HR 1.62, 95% CI 1.34-1.96), with evidence of a threshold effect at 10.6 hours/day. Higher sedentary time was also associated with greater risk of incident AF (HR 1.11, 95% CI 1.01-1.21) and MI (HR 1.15, 95% CI 1.00-1.32), with an approximately linear relation. Associations with HF and CV mortality persisted after adjustment for MVPA, as well as among individuals both above and below the guideline-based activity threshold of ≥150 minutes MVPA/week. Conclusions and Relevance: Sedentary behavior is broadly associated with future adverse CV outcomes. For HF and CV mortality, associations appear distinct from insufficient MVPA, and sedentary time in excess of 10.6 hours/day conferred an increased risk.

Accelerometer-Measured Sedentary Behavior and Risk of Future Cardiovascular Disease.

Beyond serving as a marker for insufficient physical activity, sedentary behavior may directly affect future cardiovascular (CV) disease risk. This study sought to examine associations between accelerometer-measured sedentary behavior with risk of specific CV outcomes, including potential relations with moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Among participants of the UK Biobank prospective cohort study, we fit Cox models adjusted for demographic and lifestyle factors to assess associations between accelerometer-measured daily sedentary time with incident atrial fibrillation (AF), myocardial infarction (MI), heart failure (HF), and CV mortality. We assessed the potential effect of MVPA on associations between sedentary time and CV disease by including MVPA as an adjustment variable, as well as performing subgroup analyses stratified at the guideline-recommended MVPA threshold (ie,≥150min/wk). We then performed compositional analyses to estimate the effects of reallocating sedentary time to other activities. Among 89,530 individuals (age 62 ± 8 years, 56.4% women) undergoing 1week of accelerometry, median sedentary time was 9.4 h/d (Q1-Q3: 8.2-10.6). In multivariable models, using the second quartile (8.2-9.4 h/d) as a referent, sedentary time in the top quartile (>10.6 h/d) was associated with greater risks of HF (HR: 1.45; 95%CI: 1.28-1.65) and CV mortality (HR: 1.62; 95%CI: 1.34-1.96), with an inflection of risk at 10.6 h/d. Higher sedentary time was also associated with greater risks of incident AF (HR: 1.11; 95%CI: 1.01-1.21) and MI (HR: 1.15; 95%CI: 1.00-1.32), with an approximately linear relation. Associations with HF and CV mortality persisted among individuals meeting guideline-recommended MVPA levels. Among individuals with >10.6 h/d of sedentary time, reallocating sedentary behavior to other activities substantially reduced the excess CV risk conferred by sedentary behavior (eg, 30-minute decrease in sedentary time for HF: HR: 0.93; 95%CI: 0.90-0.96), even among individuals meeting guideline-recommended MVPA (HR: 0.93; 95%CI: 0.87-0.99). Sedentary behavior is broadly associated with future adverse CV outcomes, with particularly prominent effects on HF and CV mortality, where risk inflected at approximately 10.6 h/d. Although guideline-adherent MVPA partially mitigates excess risk, optimizing sedentary behavior appears to be important even among physically active individuals.

Urban Versus Rural Differences in Meeting 24-h Movement Behaviour Guidelines Among 3-4-Year-Olds: An Analysis of SUNRISE Pilot Study Data From 10 Low- and Middle-Income Countries.

Insufficient physical activity, excessive screen time and short sleep duration among young children are global public health concerns; however, data on prevalence of meeting World Health Organisation 24-h movement behaviour guidelines for 3-4-year-old children in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are limited, and it is unknown whether urbanisation is related to young children's movement behaviours. The present study examined differences in prevalence of meeting 24-h movement behaviour guidelines among 3-4-year-old children living in urban versus rural settings in LMICs. The SUNRISE Study recruited 429, 3-4-year-old child/parent dyads from 10 LMICs. Children wore activPAL accelerometers continuously for at least 48 h to assess their physical activity and sleep duration. Screen time and time spent restrained were assessed via parent questionnaire. Differences in prevalence of meeting guidelines between urban- and rural-dwelling children were examined using chi-square tests. Physical activity guidelines were met by 17% of children (14% urban vs. 18% rural), sleep guidelines by 57% (61% urban vs. 54% rural), screen time guidelines by 50% (50% urban vs. 50% rural), restrained guidelines by 84% (81% urban vs. 86% rural) and all guidelines combined by 4% (4% urban vs.4% rural). We found no significant differences in meeting the guidelines between urban and rural areas. Only a small proportion of children in both rural and urban settings met the WHO 24-h movement guidelines. Strategies to improve movement behaviours in LMICs should consider including both rural and urban settings.

Influence of sedentary behavior and physical activity in leisure and work on sleep duration: data from NHANES 2017–2018

ObjectiveTo evaluate the association between sedentary behavior (SB), moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and sleep duration.MethodsData from the 2017–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) was analyzed. SB was assessed based on the average daily sitting time, while MVPA was estimated by the frequency and duration of leisure and work-related activities. The ratio of time spent in MVPA to time in SB was analyzed, and a thresholds of ≥ 1.0, 2.5 and 10 min of MVPA per sedentary hour was used to determine sufficiency for mitigating the effects of a sedentary lifestyle. Sleep duration was measured by the average hours slept on weekdays and weekends, classified according to National Sleep Foundation guidelines. The measures of SB, MVPA, and sleep were self-reported. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the sample, and multivariate logistic regression was applied to assess the associations between movement behaviors and sleep duration.ResultsThe study included 5,533 participants, with 51.8% women, predominantly aged 26–64 years (66.1%). Insufficient physical activity was reported by 59.6% at work and 62.5% during leisure time. Recommended sleep duration was observed in 84.4% of the sample. Adjusted multivariate analysis revealed that individuals engaging in ≥ 2.5 min of MVPA during leisure-time for each sedentary hour were 38.9% less likely to experience short-term sleep (OR:0.72;95%CI:0.53–0.97). Conversely, those who performed the same amount of MVPA at work were 57.0% more likely to have short-term sleep (OR:1.57;95%CI:1.16–2.12).ConclusionMeeting the MVPA threshold during leisure-time reduces the likelihood of short-term sleep, while higher MVPA levels at work increase the likelihood of short-term sleep.

Alfacalcidol-Induced Kidney Injury in Patients with Severe Motor and Intellectual Disabilities.

Patients with severe motor and intellectual disabilities (SMID) often experience insufficient physical activity, leading to osteoporosis. The active form of vitamin D is commonly prescribed for the prevention or treatment of osteoporosis. We observed four cases of kidney injury believed to be associated with the administration of 1α-OH vitamin D (alfacalcidol) preparations. This study employed a case series design to investigate change in kidney function in SMID patients following administration or discontinuation of alfacalcidol. We retrospectively analyzed data of 23 SMID patients (sex: 10 males, 13 females; age range: 27 to 74 y), and assessed kidney function, serum calcium, and albumin levels. Data was grouped into A: 16 cases collected both before starting alfacalcidol administration and during alfacalcidol administration; and into B: 11 cases collected during alfacalcidol administration and after discontinuation of alfacalcidol administration. Of the 23 patients, four were assigned into both group A and group B. Of the 16 cases in group A, six showed ≥30% decreased kidney function. Of the 11 cases in group B, the median values of modified Cr-eGFR were 43.0 and 65.1 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively (p=0.008), indicating a significant improvement in kidney function. It is essential for practitioners to understand that osteoporosis may ordinarily occur in SMID patients due to reduced bone stimulation. Thus caution must be exercised when administering active vitamin D preparations to this population, as they carry a risk of kidney organ damage despite having no direct effect on bone health.

Comparison of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Patterns by Sex, Geographical Location, and Time of the Week in Mexican Adolescents.

Background: Excess sedentary behaviour (SB) and insufficient physical activity have been identified as risk factors for cardiometabolic diseases in adolescents, and some factors may affect how much time they spend on these activities. This study sought to compare the SB and PA patterns as well as compliance with PA recommendations by sex, geographical location, and time of the week in Mexican adolescents. Methods: In a cross-sectional design, we objectively assessed SB and PA in 106 adolescents (15 to 18 y) through waist-worn accelerometers for one week. The time spent in SB and in PA at different intensities was compared by sex, geographical location and time of the week with two-way and three-way repeated measures MANOVAs, while the compliance with physical activity recommendations (i.e., ≥60 min/day) was compared using chi-squared and McNemar tests. Results: Male participants spent more time in moderate, vigorous, and moderate to vigorous PA than females both during the whole week and on weekdays (all p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in SB nor PA by geographical location (i.e., metropolitan vs. non-metropolitan areas). Moreover, all participants spent more time on moderate, vigorous, and moderate to vigorous PA on weekdays than on weekends (p < 0.05). Compliance with international PA recommendations also showed a sex difference (males > females) and change between weekdays and weekends with no difference by geographical location. Conclusions: While geographical location does not seem to be a relevant factor, sex and time of the week appear to influence the SB and PA patterns in Mexican adolescents.

КОНДИЦІЙНЕ ТРЕНУВАННЯ КІБЕРСПОРТСМЕНІВ З ВИКОРИСТАННЯМ МОБІЛЬНИХ ДОДАТКІВ

The issue of insufficient physical activity among computer game players remains relevant. This study proposes a solution based on the comprehensive use of gaming-oriented mobile applications for the conditioning training of esports athletes. A sequential pedagogical experiment was conducted to determine the effectiveness of esports athletes applying an aerobic-focused conditioning training program (slow running). The program’s unique feature is its implementation in a remote format using mobile applications for planning, execution, control, and performance evaluation. It is based on an original concept of implementing running training in the form of a mobile running application (the so-called “exergame”) with a game-like nature (“Zombies, Run!”). The program was designed for a six-week implementation. Its effectiveness was determined by evaluating the dynamics of indicators: 1600 m run time; calculated maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max); and heart rate (HR). Subjective attitudes towards the program’s physical loads were assessed using the Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale and the Physical Activity Satisfaction Needs scale. It was found that esports athletes significantly (p&lt;0.05) improved their 1600 m run time, VO2 max, and HR indicators under the influence of the slow running program. Along with the volume and intensity increase of the running load, a decrease in RPE scale indicators was observed. The obtained data confirmed the advantages of the comprehensive use of mobile applications for normalizing the motor activity of esports athletes in the form of conditioning training. Both the remote format of planning and accounting and the game format of activities contributed to increasing the engagement of esports athletes in physical activity. The effectiveness of the slow running training program for esports athletes using mobile applications was established in terms of increasing physical activity (regular, organized physical activity), improving physical fitness (duration and volume of slow running), enhancing physical condition (VO2 max, HR), and interest in physical activity (adherence).

Measured obesity and overweight in adults: the Italian Health Examination Survey 2023-CUORE Project

Abstract Background The WHO recommends to halt the rise of obesity by 2025, considering 2010 as baseline. This analysis aims to assess if Italy can meet the WHO target in the general adult population using data measured in the periodic health examination surveys (HESs) conducted within the CUORE Project. Methods In the HES started in 2023, mean level of BMI and prevalence of obesity (BMI &amp;gt; =30 kg/m2) and overweight (25 &amp;lt; =BMI&amp;lt; 30 kg/m2) were assessed in representative random samples of resident population, aged 35-74 years, stratified by age and sex (727 men and 706 women), from 7 (of 20) Italian Regions, in Northern, Central and Southern Italy. Weight and height were measured using standardized methods. Insufficient physical activity was defined as less than 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week, or equivalent. The survey is funded by the Italian Ministry of Health-CCM. Results Prevalence of obesity was 23% (95% C.I. 16-29%) in men and 25% (19-31%) in women; prevalence of overweight was 47% (39-54%) in men and 30% (24-37%) in women. Mean level of BMI was 27.5 kg/m2 (27.2-27.8 kg/m2) in men and 26.9 kg/m2 (26.4-27.3 kg/m2) in women. Obesity resulted tendencially higher in persons with insufficient physical activity (27%, with 95% C.I. 17-36% in men; 28%, 19-37% in women) than among those without (19%, 11-27% in men; 21%, 12-30% in women), and in persons with primary or secondary school education (29%, 17-40% in men; 32%, 20-44% in women) than in those with higher educational level (20%, 12-27% in men; 21%, 14-28% in women). Conclusions Going in the direction of WHO target, preliminary data collected within 2023 showed a prevalence of obesity not statistically different in comparison to HES data of 15 and 5 years ago, both in men and women, however, 70% of men and 55% of women are in the overweight/obesity condition. Preventive actions at national and community level should be still massively implemented. Key messages • Prevalence of obesity and overweight resulted still at epidemic level in the Italian adult general population. • In the Italian adult population stable obesity prevalence trend was observed in comparison to 15 and 5 years ago.

Examining Lifestyle Risk Factor Clusters and Mental Health in Adults

Abstract Background Lifestyle risk factors often cluster, impacting both physical and mental health. Studies reveal bidirectional relationships between lifestyle factors and health. The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between mental health problems, self-reported depression, and lifestyle risk factors in a sample of the adult population in Turkey. Methods 2022 Turkey Health Survey (THS) data were used. The sample group was made using cross-sectional data of approximately 22742 individuals in the adult population over 15 years of age. Two-stage clustering method was used to determine vital risk factor clusters. Regression analysis was used to determine the relationship between vital risk factor clusters and self-reported depression and mental health problems. Results Lifestyle risk factors were grouped into 4 clusters. It was observed that unhealthy diet, inadequate physical activity, and smoking, which are modifiable lifestyle risk factors, were together in the clusters. It was also observed that self-reported depression and mental problems were more associated with clusters with more than one lifestyle risk factor. In addition, women, married individuals, and individuals over 65 years of age were more associated with mental problems. Conclusions As a result of the findings, there was an association between people with mental problems and lifestyle risk factors such as smoking, unhealthy diet, and insufficient physical activity. These findings may help to plan and implement more effective health policies and individual interventions targeting groups with multiple lifestyle risk factors in the future. Key messages • The target group was determined to improve community mental health and to make necessary interventions. • Since inadequate physical activity, which is one of the vital risk factors, and unhealthy nutrition and smoking tend to cluster together, it was determined that these problems should be prioritised

Exploring the perceived dynamic system driving inequities in the community obesogenic environment

Abstract Introduction Persons in socioeconomically disadvantaged situations (PSEDS) are more susceptible and disproportionally exposed to obesogenic environments, resulting in poorer dietary outcomes and lower levels of physical activity. This study aimed to map the complex dynamic system within the community obesogenic environment driving unhealthy eating and insufficient physical activity among PSEDS in Flanders, and to identify potential local actions. Methods Participatory group model building (GMB), a qualitative system dynamics method, was used to engage PSEDS (n = 7), local decision makers (n = 7) and local stakeholders (n = 5) in two Flemish municipalities. A two-day GMB session was held in each municipality during which a causal loop diagram (CLD) was created and potential local actions were identified by considering causal pathways and reinforcing loops in the system. Results The CLD was designed around two main variables (i) healthy eating and (ii) physical activity among PSEDS. Seven sub-systems could be identified: 1) social environment, 2) facilities and activities, 3) mobility options, 4) information, 5) affordability, 6) safety (specifically for physical activity), and 7) industry and advertisement (specifically for eating behaviour). Several actions to improve the local environment to promote eating behaviour and physical activity among PSEDS were identified. Conclusions The CLD illustrates the complex interactions between individual and environmental determinants contributing to inequalities in eating behaviour and physical activity by including multiple perspectives of community members in socioeconomically disadvantaged situations, local decision makers and local stakeholders. Both the participatory GMB approach and the final CLD visualization can provide the basis for planning local actions for promoting healthy eating behaviour and physical activity among PSEDS. Key messages • Group model building is an effective approach to explore and understand a dynamic complex system through a shared understanding among diverse stakeholders. • A systems approach is valuable to provide a more comprehensive and context-specific understanding of the perceived factors contributing to inequities in the obesogenic environment.

Compliance of physical activity among adults with metabolic syndrome with the WHO recommendations

Abstract Introduction Low physical activity is a leading factor in 6% of deaths worldwide. In Bulgaria, it contributes to the deterioration of the health status of the population and determines 4.3% of the global burden of diseases. Over 70% of Bulgarian adults have insufficient physical activity during their free time. The aim of the study is to measure and assess the level of physical activity among adults with metabolic syndrome with the World Health Organization (WHO) Global recommendations. Methods A comparative study of the physical activity of a representative sample of 200 individuals with metabolic syndrome aged 54.7±10.5 from Pleven region was made with the WHO Global recommendations on physical activity for people living with chronic conditions. Modified Physical activity Questionnaire (PAQ) for adults was used for assessment of the physical activity. Data were processed with IBM SPSS v. 25. Results The weekly frequency of the vigorous-intensity physical activity (VIPA) was 1,61 days with a weekly duration of 215 minutes, which met the WHO recommendations on physical activity for people living with chronic conditions, but 64% of the respondents had none and only 26% had VIPA on 2 and more days a week. More than half of the respondents (55%) had none moderate-intensity aerobic PA. From the remaining, 34% had this type of PA on 3 and more days a week with duration of 225 minutes, which met the WHO recommendations. Walking more than 10 minutes a day on 5 and more days a week had 69% of the respondents (40 minutes/day). Only 12% had none walking. Only 2% stated that the physical inactivity is the most important cause for the rise of many non-communicable diseases. Conclusions More than half of the respondents had none vigorous- and moderate-intensity PA but the PA of the remaining met the WHO recommendations. Although physical inactivity is among the risk factors for the rise of many non-communicable diseases, contributing to death, it was not recognised by the respondents. Key messages • Walking is the most important physical activity for the adults with metabolic syndrome. • Increasing the duration of walking should be encouraged and supported to manage the metabolic syndrome.