Intensity Physical Activity Research Articles

The intensive physical activity causes changes in the composition of gut and oral microbiota

This study aimed to compare the gut and oral microbiota composition of professional male football players and amateurs. Environmental and behavioral factors are well known to modulate intestinal microbiota composition. Active lifestyle behaviors are involved in the improvement of metabolic and inflammatory parameters. Exercise promotes adaptational changes in human metabolic capacities affecting microbial homeostasis. Twenty professional football players and twelve amateurs were invited to the study groups. Fecal and oral microbiota were analyzed using next-generation sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. Diversity in the oral microbiota composition was similar in amateurs and professionals, while the increase in training intensity reduced the number of bacterial species. In contrast, the analysis of the intestinal microbiota showed the greatest differentiation between professional football players and amateurs, especially during intensive training. Firmicutes were characterized by the largest population in all the studied groups. Intensive physical activity increases the abundance of butyrate and succinate-producing bacteria affecting host metabolic homeostasis, suggesting a very beneficial role for the host immune system's microbiome homeostasis and providing a proper function of the host immune system.

Is Micronutrient Supplementation Helpful in Supporting the Immune System during Prolonged, High-Intensity Physical Training?

It is well known that during prolonged, high-intensity physical training, athletes experience a state of immunosuppression and that balanced nutrition can help maintain immunity. This review summarizes the effects (amplified by virus infection) of high-intensity, long-term exercise on immunity, critically presenting key micronutrients and supplementation strategies that can influence athletes' performance and their immune system. The main conclusion is that micronutrient supplementation with diet could help to protect the immune system from the stress effects induced by intense physical activities. The importance of personalized supplementation has been also recommended.

Dietary and Lifestyle Management of Functional Hypothalamic Amenorrhea: A Comprehensive Review.

Functional Hypothalamic Amenorrhea (FHA) is a condition characterized by the absence of menstruation, which is increasingly affecting young women. However, specific recommendations for treating and preventing this condition are lacking. Based on a review of the available literature, this article provides practical and feasible dietary management recommendations for healthcare professionals and researchers in women's health and nutrition. It answers the question of what interventions and nutritional recommendations are necessary to restore menstrual function in women struggling with FHA. Physicians recommend an energy availability threshold of 30 kcal/kg FFM/day to prevent FHA. Also, energy availability below and above this threshold can inhibit LH pulsation and cause menstrual disorders. In addition, the risk of menstrual disorders increases with a decrease in the caloric content of the diet and the duration of the energy deficit, and women with FHA have significantly lower energy availability than healthy women. It is essential to ensure that adequate kilocalories are provided throughout the day (regular meals that are a source of proper glucose) to avoid a negative energy balance, as glucose has been proven to affect LH pulses and T3 and cortisol concentrations in the body. Dietary intervention should focus on increasing the caloric content of the diet, thus increasing energy availability and restoring energy balance in the body. Treatment and diagnosis should also focus on body composition, not just body weight. An increase in body fat percentage above 22% may be required to restore menstrual function. In women with FHA, even an increase in body fat mass of one kilogram (kg) increases the likelihood of menstruation by 8%. It is advisable to reduce the intensity of physical activity or training volume, while it is not advisable to give up physical activity altogether. It is also important to ensure adequate intake of micronutrients, reduce stress, and incorporate cognitive-behavioral therapy.

Commentary on “Association of accelerometer-measured sleep duration and different intensities of physical activity with incident type 2 diabetes in a population-based cohort study”

Commentary on “Association of accelerometer-measured sleep duration and different intensities of physical activity with incident type 2 diabetes in a population-based cohort study”

Serum Biochemistry and Haematology Alterations in Sled Dogs Before and After a Race

Abstract Long-distance sled dogs are known for their great endurance and ability to run several hundred kilometres over the course of a few days. There are several factors to consider when selecting a team of high-performing sled dogs, including their physique, body score condition, appetite, paws, and ability to adapt to unknown environments and situations. The most common breed used in sled dog racing, Alaska Huskies, are known for their great work diligence, and determined mindset. It has previously been researched how well these dogs endure such intense physical activity using observation of behavioural patterns, physical examinations, and the analysis of alterations in blood parameters. This study aimed to evaluate serum chemistry and haematology alterations in dogs before and after completing a 300 km race in Norway. Changes were observed in haematology and serum chemistry between pre- and post-race blood sampling. Significant increases were observed in the white blood cell count, haemoglobin in blood and creatine phosphokine activity in serum (CK), and significant decreases were seen in the electrolytes (e.g., chlorides, potassium), cholesterol levels, liver (e.g., alkaline phosphatase) and pancreatic enzymes (α-amylase, lipase), and total red blood cell count. Several other parameters were measured, and resulted in insignificant changes. Our results indicated that long-distance racing, in fact, has an impact on the physiology of the dog, influencing muscular system, the gastrointestinal tract, electrolyte balance and haematopoiesis among others.

Hybrid and on-site working: correlation between working modality and psychophysical health.

This study investigates the psychophysical health implications of hybrid and on-site working modalities among desk workers. It focuses on how hybrid work, integrating remote and on-site elements, influences physical activity, efficiency, and overall health. The research involved 57 desk workers, evaluated using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and accelerometers for physical activity, the Cubo Fitness Test for physical efficiency, and blood sample analyses for clinical parameters. Psychosocial traits were assessed through the General Self-Efficacy Scale, the Psychological General Well-being Index, and the Job Content Questionnaire. We analyzed: 1) the correlation between physical activity, physical efficiency, and health parameters in the entire sample of desk workers (composed both by hybrid and on-site workers); 2) differences between hybrid and on-site workers; and 3) correlations between hybrid work composition (the percentage of remote working per week) and health-related parameters. Statistical analysis showed relationships between physical efficiency, amount of physical activity, and clinical health parameters in line with the literature. Moreover, hybrid workers engaged in significantly more intense physical activities outside work hours than on-site workers. In addition, hybrid working showed better results in some components of psychosocial well-being. Despite that, no significant differences were found in clinical health parameters. A correlation analysis between hybrid work composition and all considered health-related parameters highlighted that the higher the remote working, the higher the vigorous physical activity, but the worse the psychosocial status and clinical parameters. The findings suggest that a hybrid working model could effectively support the health of desk workers if adequately balanced.

Comparing Cadence vs. Machine Learning Based Physical Activity Intensity Classifications: Variations in the Associations of Physical Activity With Mortality.

Step cadence-based and machine-learning (ML) methods have been used to classify physical activity (PA) intensity in health-related research. This study examined the association of intensity-specific PA duration with all-cause (ACM) and CVD mortality using the cadence-based and ML methods in 68 561 UK Biobank participants wearing wrist-worn accelerometers. The two-stage-ML method categorized activity type and then intensity. The one-level-cadence-method (1LC) derived intensity-specific duration using all detected steps (including standing utilitarian steps) and cadence thresholds of ≥100 steps/min (moderate intensity) and ≥130 steps/min (vigorous intensity). The two-level-cadence-method (2LC) detected ambulatory steps (i.e., walking and running) and then applied the same cadence thresholds. The 2LC exhibited the most pronounced association at the lower end of duration spectrum. For example, the 2LC showed the smallest minimum moderate-to-vigorous-PA (MVPA) duration (amount associated with 50% of optimal risk reduction) with similar corresponding ACM hazard ratio (HR) to other methods (2LC: 2.8 min/day [95%CI: 2.6, 2.8], HR: 0.83 [95% CI: 0.78, 0.88]; 1LC, 11.1[10.8, 11.4], 0.80 [0.76, 0.85]; ML, 14.9 [14.6, 15.2], 0.82 [0.76, 0.87]). The ML elicited the greatest mortality risk reduction. For example, the medians and corresponding HR in VPA-ACM association: 2LC, 2.0 min/day [95% CI: 2.0, 2.0], HR, 0.69 [95% CI: 0.61, 0.79]; 1LC, 6.9 [6.9, 7.0], 0.68 [0.60, 0.77]; ML, 3.2 [3.2, 3.2], 0.53 [0.44, 0.64]. After standardizing durations, the ML exhibited the most pronounced associations. For example, the standardized minimum durations in MPA-CVD mortality association were: 2LC, -0.77; 1LC, -0.85; ML, -0.94; with corresponding HR of 0.82 [0.72, 0.92], 0.79 [0.69, 0.90], and 0.77 [0.69, 0.85], respectively. The 2LC exhibited the most pronounced association with all-cause and CVD mortality at the lower end of the duration spectrum. The ML method provided the most pronounced association with all-cause and CVD mortality, thus might be appropriate for estimating health benefits of moderate and vigorous intensity PA in observational studies.

Association between endothelial microparticles and objectively measured physical activity in adults with obesity

BackgroundCardiovascular disease (CVD) is a serious global public health concern that often originates from endothelial dysfunction. Microparticles (MPs) can reflect alterations in tissue or cell function phenotype and responsiveness under various physiological and pathological conditions. MPs derived from endothelial cells may serve as potential biomarkers for CVD. We investigated the association between endothelial-derived MPs (EMPs) and objectively measured physical activity (PA) in adults with obesity and their potential correlation with inflammatory and cardiometabolic biomarkers. MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 50 participants, whose daily movement behaviors were evaluated using activPAL™, which measures moderate-to-vigorous intensity PA (MVPA), light PA (LPA), and standing time. The MP sub-populations were separated from platelet-poor plasma, incubated with multiple antibodies, and analyzed using multi-color flow cytometry. Cytokines, interleukin (IL)−1β, IL-8, E-selectin, P-selectin, and intercellular adhesion molecules (ICAMs), were measured using a customized Luminex® assay kit. Pearson’s correlation coefficients were used to examine associations. ResultsMVPA was associated with lower expressions of ICAM and E-selectin in EMPs, whereas standing time was associated with a higher expression of E-selectin. A positive association exists between leukocyte-derived MP percentage and P-selectin levels in EMPs and E-selectin levels in the plasma. In addition, higher plasma P-selectin level was associated with higher P- and E-selectin levels in EMPs, as was higher inflammation (IL-1β and IL-8). ConclusionThe MPs were negatively associated with MVPA and positively associated with standing time in the participants with obesity. These results underscore the importance of promoting PA interventions, especially at moderate-to-vigorous intensities. Further longitudinal and interventional studies are warranted to elucidate the dynamic interplay among PA, MPs, and endothelial function.

Preschool-aged children 24-hour movement behaviours before and during COVID-19

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) affected health, economies, and lifestyles, but little is known about its impact on children. We aimed to investigate changes in 24-hour (h) movement behaviours of pre-school children before and during COVID-19, and factors that influenced these. Children aged 3–6 years were recruited in Beijing in 2019, and their movement behaviours over 24 ​h assessed by questionnaire, as part of the International Study of Movement Behaviors in the Early Years (SUNRISE) study. We conducted the survey again during COVID-19, and compared the children’s movement behaviours before and during COVID-19 and associated factors. Overall, 196 parents completed the survey at both time points. The percentage of children meeting movement guidelines decreased during the pandemic (p ​< ​0.01). Total physical activity decreased less among children getting good quality sleep or with more adults in the household (p ​< ​0.01). Children who were not cared for primarily by their mother had a greater decrease in moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity (p ​= ​0.02), but the decrease was smaller among children whose parents used the internet to support their physical activity and/or screen time (p ​< ​0.05). Children who used electronic screen devices in the 2 ​h before bedtime or whose parents reported body temperature in webchats had a greater increase in sedentary screen time (p ​< ​0.05). Children spending more time outdoors showed a smaller decrease in sleep (p ​< ​0.01). Overall, children’s movement behaviours changed significantly during the pandemic.

Relationship between Physical Activity Levels and Sleep Quality in College Students

Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between physical activity levels and sleep quality in college students. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: The study showed that students who engage in regular physical activity tend to experience better sleep quality compared to their less active peers. Regular exercise appears to enhance various aspects of sleep, including sleep duration, sleep onset latency (the time it takes to fall asleep), and sleep efficiency (the percentage of time spent asleep while in bed). Additionally, physically active students often report fewer sleep disturbances and improved overall restfulness. The type and intensity of physical activity also play crucial roles. Moderate to vigorous physical activities, such as aerobic exercises and strength training, have been particularly effective in promoting better sleep quality. These activities help regulate circadian rhythms, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and alleviate stress, all of which contribute to more restful and uninterrupted sleep. Conversely, a lack of physical activity is associated with poorer sleep outcomes. Sedentary behavior, common among college students due to academic pressures and lifestyle choices, can lead to sleep problems such as insomnia and excessive daytime sleepiness. Furthermore, inadequate sleep can negatively impact academic performance, mental health, and overall well-being, creating a cyclical problem where poor sleep and inactivity reinforce each other. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: Self-determination theory (SDT), stress and coping theory and circadian rhythm theory may be used to anchor future studies on assessing the relationship between physical activity levels and sleep quality in college students. Colleges and universities should create and promote structured physical activity programs tailored for students. Universities should develop health-integrated policies that promote physical activity as a fundamental component of student life.

The impact of MIND diet consumption and physical activity on cognitive functioning in healthy aging older adults

Objective: Modifiable lifestyle factors evidence great promise in reducing cognitive decline in older adults. Greater consumption to the MIND diet (Morris et al.) and increased daily physical activity (Buchman et al.) are associated with higher cognitive functioning. The interactive effects of lifestyle factors on cognition in older adults has not been investigated extensively. The present study examined the interaction between MIND diet consumption and intensity of physical activity on cognition in community-dwelling older adults. Methods: The sample included 215 older adults (159 female, Mage=79.8; Medu =15.5) from the Memory and Aging Project (Bennet et al.). The measures included the food frequency questionnaire (FFQ, MIND diet consumption), a portable actigraph worn 24 h a day for ten days (activity intensity), and a neuropsychological battery (cognitive variables). Results: Controlling for age and education, multiple regression analyses revealed that MIND diet consumption significantly predicted global cognition (ps< .05). Physical activity significantly predicted global cognition (ps< .05), and processing speed (ps< .01). Interaction effects were significant in global cognition (ps< .05), and episodic memory (ps< .01) revealing a pattern that those with the lowest MIND diet consumption may experience greater cognitive benefits from physical activity in than those with higher diet consumption. Conclusions: Findings suggest that older adults who do not consume the MIND diet closely may experience greater benefit in cognitive functioning from exercise than individuals who more greatly consume the diet.

The Effect of Dapagliflozin on Accelerometer-Based Measures of Physical Activity in Patients with Heart Failure: An Analysis of the DETERMINE Trials.

Background: Wearable accelerometers can quantify the frequency and intensity of physical activity during everyday life and may provide complementary data to established functional outcome measures on the effect of heart failure therapies on functional limitations. Methods: In a voluntary substudy of the DETERMINE (Dapagliflozin EffecT on ExeRcise capacity using a 6-MINutE walk test in patients with HF) trials, patients wore a waist-worn tri-axial accelerometer for as long as possible (ideally for 24 hours/day for 7 days) at 3 points during the trial; between the screening visit and randomization (baseline data), and during weeks 8 and 14-16. Accelerometer outcomes included the change from baseline to week 16 in the total number of steps, time spent in light-to-vigorous physical activity (LVPA), time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), movement intensity during walking, number of vector magnitude units (VMUs)' and total activity counts. Results: Adequate baseline and week 16 accelerometer data were available for 211 of 817 (26%) randomized patients (defined as ≥10 hours of wear-time for ≥3 days). Dapagliflozin had a favorable effect on the mean change from baseline at 16 weeks in the number of steps (between-group difference 778 [95%CI 240, 1315]), time spent in MVPA (0.16 hours [95%CI 0.03, 0.29]) and in the mean VMUs (25 counts per minute [95%CI 0.1, 49]). There were no between-group differences in the other accelerometer outcomes of interest. Conclusions: In this exploratory analysis of the DETERMINE trials, dapagliflozin had a beneficial effect on selected accelerometer-based measures of physical activity in patients with HF across the entire left ventricular ejection fraction spectrum, yet did not improve 6MWD, as previously reported. These data suggest that accelerometer-based measurements of everyday activity may provide complementary information to 6MWD and identify beneficial effects of treatment not detected by 6MWD. Trial Registration: URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov Unique Identifier: NCT03877237 and NCT03877224.

The pleasure of moving: A compositional data analysis of the association between replacing sedentary time with physical activity on affective valence in daily life

Although the independent within-person association between physical activity and sedentary behaviour with valence in daily life has been extensively studied, few studies have used compositional data analysis to examine how different movement behaviour compositions are related to valence in daily life. This study aimed to examine the within-person association between wake-time movement behaviour compositions with affective valence and the extent to which replacing time spent sedentary with physical activity was associated with valence within individuals in daily life. A 7-day ecological momentary study design was used whereby 94 Canadian university students (Mage = 19.45, SD = 2.21, 78.7 % female) reported on affective valence using an adapted version of the Feeling Scale at 7 randomly timed prompts each day. In addition, activPAL accelerometers were worn continuously by participants on their right thigh for the duration of the study to determine time spent engaging in sedentary behaviours and physical activity. Compositional data analysis with isotemporal substitution models were used to examine the within-person association between movement behaviour compositions and affective valence. The within-person association between movement behaviours and affective valence was weak (r2 = 0.013). Nevertheless, engaging in less sedentary time than usual and instead engaging in physical activity was significantly related to more positive affective valence. Considering light intensity physical activity (LPA) and moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) separately, replacing time spent sedentary with time engaged in MVPA and LPA both had a significant positive association on affective valence, although the association with MVPA was stronger than the association with LPA. The results provide unique insights into how replacing sedentary time with physical activity in daily life, especially MVPA, may be associated with more feelings of pleasure. These results may be useful to help inform the development of just-in-time adaptive interventions.

Atherosclerosis Prevalence among Different Physical Activity Patterns in Adult Men.

Background: Physical activity (PA) intensity could play a key role in atherosclerosis risk, but the existing literature shows controversial results. The aim of this study was to analyze the association of different PA levels with the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis in femoral and carotid arteries. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted of 449 middle-aged men belonging to the Aragon Workers' Health Study. Demographic, anthropometric, and clinical data were obtained during the annual medical examination. Ultrasonography was used to assess the presence of atheroma plaques in femoral and carotid territories. Accelerometry was used to assess habitual PA. Participants were categorized into vigorous PA (VPA) groups (0 min/week, >0-60 min/week, >60 min/week), and into moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) groups using terciles as cut-offs. Results: Compared with participants who completed 0 min/week of VPA, those participants who completed >60 min/week of VPA had fully adjusted odds of subclinical atherosclerosis of 0.47 (95%CI: 0.22, 0.99, p < 0.05) and 0.35 (95%CI: 0.17, 0.73, p < 0.05) for femoral and any territory (femoral and/or carotid) respectively. No significant differences were observed in the prevalence of atheroma plaques in any vascular territory between the different MVPA groups. Conclusions: Performing more than 60 min/week of VPA is associated with reduced odds for subclinical atherosclerosis in femoral or any vascular territory in adult men.

Interplay between physical activity volume and intensity with modeled life expectancy in women and men: A prospective cohort analysis

BackgroundThere is a lack of research examining the interplay between objectively measured physical activity volume and intensity with life expectancy. MethodsIndividuals from UK Biobank with wrist-worn accelerometer data were included. The average acceleration and intensity gradient were extracted to describe the physical activity volume and intensity profile. Mortality data were obtained from national registries. Adjusted life expectancies were estimated using parametric flexible survival models. Results40,953 (57.1%) women (median age = 61.9 years) and 30,820 (42.9%) men (63.1 years) were included. Over a median follow-up of 6.9 years, there were 1719 (2.4%) deaths (733 in women; 986 in men). At 60 years, life expectancy was progressively longer for higher physical activity volume and intensity profiles, reaching 95.6 years in women and 94.5 years in men at the 90th centile for both volume and intensity, corresponding to 3.4 (95% confidence interval (95%CI): 2.4–4.4) additional years in women and 4.6 (95%CI: 3.6–5.6) additional years in men compared to those at the 10th centiles. An additional 10-min or 30-min daily brisk walk was associated with 0.9 (95%CI: 0.5–1.3) and 1.4 (95%CI: 0.9–1.9) years longer life expectancy, respectively, in inactive women; and 1.4 (95%CI: 1.0–1.8) and 2.5 (95%CI: 1.9–3.1) years in inactive men. ConclusionHigher physical activity volumes were associated with longer life expectancy, with a higher physical activity intensity profile further adding to a longer life. Adding as little as a 10-min brisk walk to daily activity patterns may result in a meaningful benefit to life expectancy.

Public Perceptions on the Use of the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire.

Self-administered pre-participation screening for physical activity (PA) requires an instrument that should be easily used and identify individuals at high risk. The Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q+) has been used for many years. Its ease of use and ability to identify those not fit to undergo PA has not been assessed. This study was to determine the rates of the PAR-Q+ in identifying adults who may not be fit for moderate or intense PA and obtain feedback on the use of this tool. A randomized, cross-sectional study involving a wide spectrum of members of the public was carried out. Participants were asked to provide their bio-characteristics, complete the PARQ+, and provide feedback on the questionnaire. With 1019 participants, about 33.1% of the participants using the PARQ+ would have required further medical evaluation. Except for those patients with respiratory illness, there was no difference in levels of PA in those who answered yes or no to the seven PARQ+ questions. Only 4 of the 7 main PAR-Q+ questions were perceived by the public as easily understood. Difficulties were encountered with 21 of the 45 follow-up questions, especially amongst those with co-morbidities. The wordiness of the questions and the large number of technical terms were also sources of concern. Suggestions were provided by participants on areas where improvements may be made to the wording of the questions. The study suggests that the PAR-Q+ probably over-identified those who require further medical evaluation. In addition, the wordiness of the questions and frequent use of medical jargon made the PARQ+ challenging to understand and use. The suggestions provide opportunities to review areas for possible improvements.

Exploring factors associated with postoperative physical activity and sedentary behavior in newly diagnosed lung cancer patients: a cross-sectional study.

To comprehensively analyze the factors associated with different intensities of physical activity and sedentary behavior in newly diagnosed lung cancer patients in the early postoperative period, providing a basis for clinically tailored personalized intervention measures. A cross-sectional study design was employed, and 915 patients newly diagnosed with lung cancer completed a questionnaire survey on demographics, disease, health-related fitness, and psychosocial factors. Physical activity levels and sedentary behaviors were assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS 25.0. The physical activity level of walking amounted to 1265.4 ± 1025.8 MET-min/week, potentially influenced by factors such as region, depression, health behavior capacity, and lactate dehydrogenase. The moderate-intensity physical activity level stood at 529.8 ± 976.5 MET-min/week, subject to influences like regional lymph node staging, body mass index, and albumin levels, among other factors. The high-intensity physical activity level was 111.1 ± 731.0 MET-min/week, potentially affected by region, grip strength, health behavior capacity, and other factors. Sedentary time averaged 5 ± 3h/day, potentially influenced by work conditions, red blood cell values, and other factors. In patients newly diagnosed with lung cancer, early postoperative walking activities predominate, with less engagement in high-intensity physical activity and prolonged sedentary time. Physical activity and sedentary behavior may be influenced by various factors such as geography, physiology, psychology, and health-related fitness. To enhance the quality of life of patients with lung cancer in the early postoperative period, tailored intervention measures should be devised based on the circumstances of the individual patients.

Effects of Sedentary Behavior Reduction on Blood Pressure in Desk Workers: Results From the RESET-BP Randomized Clinical Trial.

Sedentary behavior (SB) is observationally associated with cardiovascular disease risk. However, randomized clinical trials testing causation are limited. We hypothesized that reducing SB would decrease blood pressure (BP) and pulse wave velocity (PWV) in sedentary adults. This parallel-arm, 3-month randomized clinical trial recruited desk workers, age 18 to 65 years, with systolic BP 120 to 159 or diastolic BP (DBP) 80 to 99 mm Hg, off antihypertensive medications, and reporting <150 min/wk of moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity. Participants were randomized to a SB reduction intervention or a no-contact control group. The intervention sought to replace 2 to 4 h/d of SB with standing and stepping through coaching, a wrist-worn activity prompter, and a sit-stand desk. SB and physical activity were measured with a thigh-worn accelerometer and quantified during all waking hours and separately during work and nonwork times. Clinic-based resting systolic BP (primary outcome) and DBP, 24-hour ambulatory BP, and PWV were assessed by blinded technicians at baseline and 3 months. Participants (n=271) had a mean age of 45 years and systolic BP/DBP 129/83 mm Hg. Compared with controls, intervention participants had reduced SB (-1.15±0.17 h/d), increased standing (0.94±0.14 h/d), and increased stepping (5.4±2.4 min/d; all P<0.05). SB and activity changes mainly occurred during work time and were below the goal. The intervention did not reduce BP or PWV in the intervention group compared with controls. Between-group differences in resting systolic BP and DBP changes were -0.22±0.90 (P=0.808) and 0.13±0.61 mm Hg (P=0.827), respectively. The findings were similarly null for ambulatory BP and PWV. Decreases in work-time SB were associated with favorable reductions in resting DBP (r=0.15, P=0.017). Contrary to our hypotheses, reductions in work-time SB (r=-0.19, P=0.006) and increases in work-time standing (r=0.17, P=0.011) were associated with unfavorable increases in carotid-femoral PWV. As expected, increases in non-work-time standing were favorably associated with carotid-femoral PWV (r=-0.14, P=0.038). A 3-month intervention that decreased SB and increased standing by ≈1 hour during the work day was not effective for reducing BP. Future directions include examining effects of interventions reducing SB through activity other than work-time standing and clarifying association between standing and PWV in opposite directions for work and nonwork time. URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT03307343.

Sex differences in physical activity of US children at age 13 months: child and Mother Physical Activity Study (CAMPAS)

BackgroundLower physical activity (PA) has been observed in females compared to males among preschool-aged and older children. However, the timing of when the sex gap emerges is unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether females have lower PA levels than males in the early toddler age and to explore whether gross motor competency and PA parenting practices might explain a sex difference in PA.MethodsThe study design was cross-sectional. Participants were a community-based sample of 137 children aged 10–16 months residing in US Midwest urban/suburban area. Participants’ mothers completed a survey that contained a demographic questionnaire, the Ages and Stages Questionnaire gross motor competency subscale, and a PA parenting practices questionnaire. Participating children wore an ActiGraph accelerometer on their hip for 7 days. Accelerometer-measured time spent in moderate- and vigorous intensity PA (MVPA; minutes/day) and in total PA (minutes/day) were calculated. Multivariable linear regression analysis was conducted to predict MVPA and total PA by sex, gross motor competency, PA parenting practices, and socioeconomic status.ResultsAmong 137 participants (54.0% female), average age was 13.6 months (SD = 1.7). MVPA was 72 ± 25 and 79 ± 26 min/day for females and males, respectively (p = 0.14). Total PA was 221 ± 48 and 238 ± 47 min/day for females and males, respectively (p = 0.04). Both gross motor competency and PA-encouraging parenting practices were positively associated MVPA (p = 0.01 and p = 0.02, respectively) and total PA (p = 0.02 and p = 0.01, respectively); however, these relationships did not differ by sex (p = 0.11 and p = 0.89, respectively). After accounting for gross motor competency and PA parenting practices, total PA was 15 min/day lower among females than males (p = 0.04).ConclusionsThis cross-sectional study of US children observed a sex gap in total PA at 10–16 months of age. Gross motor development and PA parenting practices did not differ by child sex nor explain the sex difference in PA. A longitudinal investigation should follow to further narrow down when sex differences in PA emerge and to determine the factors that lead to this difference.

Associations of family socioeconomic indicators and physical activity of primary school-aged children: a systematic review

BackgroundFamily socioeconomic indicators (education, occupation, and household income) are key determinants influencing children’s physical activity (PA). This study aims to systematically review the current research about the association between family socioeconomic indicators and PA among primary school-aged children and to quantify the distribution of reported associations by childs’ and parents’ sex and according to analysis and assessment methods.MethodsA systematic literature research in multiple scientific databases (MEDLINE via PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, SPORTDiscus and ERIC) was performed for literature published between 1st January 2010 and 31st March 2022. Only studies reporting statistical associations between an SES indicator of at least one parent (education, occupation, income, or an SES index) and different types and intensities of PA in primary school-aged children (6 to 12 years) were included in the analysis. The distributions of the reported associations were evaluated across and differentiated by sub-group analysis of assessment methods (objectively measured vs. self-reported PA) and analysis methods (univariate vs. multivariate models).ResultsOverall, 93 studies reported in 77 publications were included in this review. Most of the studies were conducted in Europe and used self-reports (questionnaires) to assess PA. Most studies used only a single SES indicator (commonly maternal education), and only two studies calculated an SES index. The majority of the studies focused on moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), total physical activity (TPA), and organized physical activity (OPA). Results showed predominantly positive associations between SES indicators and OPA. In contrast, results regarding different intensities of daily PA (TPA, LPA, MPA, MVPA, VPA, LTPA) were heterogeneous, with overwhelmingly no associations.ConclusionOverall, the results expand the knowledge about the association between family socioeconomic indicators and children’s PA and disprove the hypothesis of a clear positive association. However, large multicenter studies are lacking using a real SES index as a predictor and analyzing gender-specific multivariate models.