International Physical Activity Questionnaire Research Articles

Associations of residential greenness with behavioural, physical, and mental health: a Hong Kong study during the fifth wave of COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT Exposure to greenspace is protective of physical and mental health, but its role during the COVID-19 pandemic is unclear. We examined cross-sectional associations of residential greenness with behavioural, physical, and mental health outcomes during the fifth wave of COVID-19 in Hong Kong. A questionnaire of n = 160 participants assessed frequency of greenspace visits, physical activity from the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and physical and mental health based on the 12-item Short-Form Health Survey. Residential greenspace was measured in terms of number of greenspace within a 400-m buffer, proximity to greenspace, and Landsat-derived Normalised Difference Vegetation Index as a metric of quality. Residing in higher greenness tertiles within 400 m was associated with higher odds of at least weekly visits to greenspace (OR = 3.23, 95% CI: 1.20-8.69 for the middle and OR = 5.62; 95% CI: 2.08-15.21 for highest tertiles) relative to the lowest exposure tertile. The count of residential greenspace was protectively associated with physical and mental health outcomes. The beneficial association between greenness and weekly usage remained robust at 500 m and was significant only among private housing residents. Policies towards scaling up and optimising residential greenness may constitute important public health interventions for enhancing population-level health and resilience during societal shocks

Chronic Illness Perceptions and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Behaviors in Black and Latinx Sexual Minority Men with HIV: A Cross-Sectional Analysis.

Ethnic and racial sexual minority men with HIV have a disproportionately higher risk of HIV-related cardiovascular disease (CVD). There is a lack of tailored and culturally salient behavioral interventions to address HIV-related chronic illness in ethnic and racial sexual minority men, and literature on their understanding and awareness of modifiable behavioral risks is limited. The purpose of this study was to assess illness perceptions about HIV and HTN, and describe physical activity, tobacco, and e-cigarette use in Black and Latinx sexual minority men living with HIV. We used the validated Illness Perception Questionnaire-Revised (IPQ-R) to assess perceptions about two interrelated chronic diseases, HIV and CVD. To assess CVD behavioral risk, we assessed physical activity using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Tobacco and e-cigarette use were assessed using items from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Sleep difficulties were the most prevalent symptom attributed to HIV, and were statistically associated with fatigue, upset stomach, and loss of strength. Anxiety was reported to be caused by HIV (57%) and HTN (39%). Half of the participants engaged in vigorous activity for 128 min (SD = 135) daily, and 63% engaged in moderate activity for 94 min (SD = 88) daily. Over a third reported current tobacco use and 20% reported current e-cigarette use. This study provides formative data to better understand how Black and Latinx sexual minority men with HIV perceive intersecting chronic illnesses and their engagement in modifiable CVD risk behaviors. Sleep, mental health disparities, and financial hardships were commonly reported. More research is needed to address intersecting chronic illnesses and mental health conditions that are influenced by social positioning over the life course, and impact CVD risk factors. This study was not registered.

Perceived benefits and barriers to exercise and associated factors among Zimbabwean undergraduate students: a cross-sectional study.

Despite the well-documented benefits of regular physical activity (PA), many university students are physically inactive. Personal, socio-economic, and environmental factors predict PA engagement behaviours in university students. There is a need to understand context-specific perceived barriers and benefits to exercise engagement and physical activity levels amongst university students from low-income settings. This study primarily evaluated the barriers and facilitators to PA engagement in Zimbabwean undergraduate students. We also assessed the correlates of perceived barriers and benefits to PA engagement, risk of common mental disorders (CMDs) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). We used a cross-sectional study to recruit 465 university undergraduate students. The Exercise Benefits and Barriers Scale, International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), Shona Symptoms Questionnaire (SSQ-8) and EuroQol 5 Dimension (EQ5D-5l) were used to measure barriers and facilitators, physical activity level, risk of depression and anxiety and HRQoL, respectively. Data were analysed through descriptive statistics and logistic regression. Most participants were male (58.5%) with a mean age of 21.7 (SD 1.6) years. Majority of the participants were first year students (37.2%), consumed alcohol (66.5%), did not smoke (88.2%) and had a normal BMI (64.7%). The prevalence of low PA levels was 17.4%, with 33.5% of students at risk of CMDs. The most perceived benefits were in the physical performance (e.g., exercise improves my level of physical fitness) and life enhancement (e.g., exercise improves my self-concept) domains, while the most perceived barriers were lack of exercise infrastructure (e.g., exercise facilities do not have convenient schedules) and physical exertion (e.g., exercise tires me). Food insecurity (AOR 2.51: 95% CI 1.62-3.88) and the risk of CMDs (AOR 0.49: 95% CI 0.32-0.76) were associated with increased odds of experiencing barriers to exercise. Not using substances (AOR = 2.14: 95% CI 1.11-4.14) and a higher self-rated HRQoL (AOR 24.34: 95% CI 1.77-335.13) were associated with increased odds of a high perception of exercise benefits. Improving access to community and on-campus exercise facilities and campus-wide health promotional interventions is necessary to enhance PA amongst university students.

Assessment of lifestyle factors, stress levels, and quality of life among people with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

BackgroundIndia is deemed the “Diabetes Capital,” with over 100 million people suffering from this deadly disease. The disease is a lifestyle disorder and significantly impacts the quality of life. Thus, the study assesses the lifestyle factors and quality of life (QoL) among people suffering from Type 2 Diabetes (T2D).Materials and methodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 T2DM participants aged 18–65. Data were collected from Diabetic Clinics across Pune City using the Modified Diabetes Quality of Life Questionnaire, having seven domains with 17 questions. Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) were used to assess Stress and Physical Activity. Purposive and snowball sampling techniques were used to collect data. The data was entered and cleaned in Microsoft Excel and analysis was done using SPSS v23. Descriptive and inferential analysis was computed.Results60% of the participants were males with a mean age of 43.30 ± 10.89 years. The mean age of women was 50.17 ± 10.13 years. The mean HbA1c of males and females was 7.98 ± 1.41 and 7.83 ± 1.25, respectively. 83% have moderate stress, while 11% have low stress. Only 11% were found to be physically active. The average QoL score of the participants was 63.4 ± 11.2, non-significantly higher in males than in females (64.9 ± 11.03 vs 61.0 ± 11.22). Domain assessment of QoL showed statistical significance among general health (p = 0.002) and energy fatigue (p = 0.015), with males having better general health than women, and energy levels were better in females than males. However, no significance was seen between the genders in physical function, emotional well-being, and role limitation. A statistical significance for energy fatigue (p = 0.031) was observed when QoL was assessed across the disease duration.ConclusionDue to a sedentary lifestyle and increased stress, the glycemic profile of the participants was uncontrolled, which negatively impacted their quality of life. Thus, a holistic approach to managing diabetes will be more beneficial in improving the quality of life.

Obesity prevalence, nutritional status, and physical activity levels in Turkish adults during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Although nutritional status is influenced by multidimensional aspects encompassing physical factors, there is limited research on this complex relationship. This study aimed to examine the interaction between physical activity level indicators and the nutritional status of adults in Türkiye. A total of 3,970 individuals aged 18 years or older, residing in Afyonkarahisar (Türkiye), participated in this study. Data were obtained through face-to-face interviews with a questionnaire, using simple random sampling among adults. One-day food consumption was recorded using a 24-h dietary recall (24HDR). Physical activity levels were assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). This study comprised 3,970 participants: 2,087 (52.57%) men and 1,883 (47.42%) women. Among them, 32.64% smoked cigarettes, and 8.72% consumed alcohol. About 40% of adults were overweight, and 16.33% were obese. All participants had inadequate intake levels of potassium, calcium, and iron when compared to the recommended amounts. Physical activity levels showed a weak positive correlation with dietary energy, carbohydrates, protein, fat, and cholesterol, and a weak negative correlation with age, waist-to-hip ratio, and BMI of participants. This study provides insights into the importance of addressing both physical activity and nutritional status. It was found that the weekly duration of physical activity for women was lower than for men. As a result of the nutritional status evaluation, it was found that the daily energy intake of men was higher than that of women.

Physical activity levels during COVID-19 pandemic and its associated factors in patients with Chagas disease.

A better understanding of the consequences of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on lifestyle of patients with Chagas disease (ChD) is of paramount importance to facilitate the implementation of intervention strategies tailored to this specific population. The present study aimed to evaluate the level of physical activity (PA) in Chagas disease (ChD) patients during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and its main associated factors. This is a cross-sectional study with 187 patients of both sexes, aged ≥18 years, followed in a national infectious disease center (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). The level of PA was determined by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire short version and expressed in terms of total volume of physical activity (PA) (MET-minutes per week). Individuals were classified as physically active following the 2020 World Health Organization PA guideline. The exposure variables were age, sex, race, marital status, schooling, income per capita, number of rooms per domicile, number of residents per domicile, body mass index, clinical form of ChD, COVID-19 antibodies, comorbidities, self-reported anxiety, self-reported depression, self-reported fear, and self-reported sadness. The association between the exposure variables with total PA (as a continuous variable) was determined using univariate and multivariate linear regression models. Mean age was 61.1 ± 11.6 years. Most (62%) were women and self-declared their race as mixed (50.8%). The percentage of physically active individuals according to was 52%. The variables independently associated with total PA levels were non-white race (Exp β = 1.39; 95% CI 1.02 to 1.90), dyslipidemia (Exp β = 0.73; 95% CI 0.56 to 0.95) and self-reported depression during quarantine (Exp β = 0.71; 95% CI 0.52 to 0.96). Non-white race was positively associated with total levels of PA, while dyslipidemia, and self-reported depression during quarantine were negatively associated with total levels of PA. The identification of associated factors can facilitate the development of tailored strategies to increase PA levels ChD patients.

Exploring the associations between chronotype, meal frequency, and physical activity: A population-based study in adults

ABSTRACT Chronotype is an established concept designed to capture the internal clock’s phase in real-life conditions. It is vital in many aspects of daily life and can interfere considerably with numerous factors in a given population. Recognizing nonmodifiable and modifiable factors is crucial for identifying covariates of interest when studying the link between chronotype and health status. To date, chronotype and its related factors have not been extensively investigated. The present study aimed to explore the association of chronotypes with meal frequency, physical activity, and demographic factors among the Saudi population. This cross-sectional web-based questionnaire involved 1369 adults (aged 18 years and above) from the general public in Saudi Arabia and was conducted between March and May 2019. Chronotype was assessed using the reduced version of the original Horne and Ostberg morningness-eveningness questionnaire (MEQ). Meal frequencies and demographics data (age, gender, marital status, place of residence, educational level, employment status, income) were obtained. Physical activity level was also obtained using the international physical activity questionnaire. The MEQ scores group individuals into three categories: morning-type, neither-type, and evening-type. The neither-type individuals represented 41.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 37.5% − 45.6%) of the study population, followed by the morning-type (34.1%; 95% [CI], 29.8% − 38.4%), then the evening-type (24.3%, 95% [CI], 19.6% − 28.9%). Chronotype was significantly associated with age, marital status, employment status and monthly income (All p < 0.05). Significant associations between chronotype with meal frequencies (number of meals per day, breakfast frequency, lunch frequency, and dinner frequency) and physical activity were also observed (All p < 0.05). This study highlights that meal frequencies and physical activity levels are associated with chronotype distribution. Furthermore, demographics, including age, marital status, employment status, and income, were associated with chronotype distribution.

Correlation of anthropometric characteristics and movement behavior with lower extremity muscle power and dynamic knee valgus in adolescent basketball athletes.

The anthropometric characteristics of adolescent basketball athletes can determine their ability to produce muscle power. Lack of physical activity (PA) level or an increased sedentary life seem to be associated with the overall health status and the occurrence of knee injuries. The aim of this paper was to identify possible correlations between anthropometric characteristics, body composition, exposure time to electronic devices or screen time (ST), and PA level along with muscle power and dynamic knee valgus (DKV) in young basketball athletes. Anthropometric and demographic characteristics were recorded. PA level was assessed through the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and ST was assessed through a single question from the HELENA study. The Counter Movement Jump test was used for the evaluation of the lower limb muscle power, while the Single Leg Drop Jump test was used for the evaluation of the DKV via two-dimensional (2D) kinematic analysis. One hundred twenty-five adolescent basketball athletes (66.4% boys), 12 to 17 years old (13.94±1.58 years) participated. The Pearson index showed a statistically significant positive correlation between muscle power and height (r=0.788, P<0.001), while the Spearman Index showed a more minor but equally statistically significant positive correlation with Body Mass Index (rs=0.651, P<0.001) and age (rs=0.579, P<0.001). The ST (rs= -0.194, P=0.03) showed a weak negative correlation with DKV, while PA (r=0.85, P<0.001) showed a high, statistically significant, positive correlation. A high level of PA could play a key role in compensating and thus reducing the negative effects of high exposure to ST on the DKV.

Normative values of neck extensor endurance test in young adults

BackgroundNeck extensor muscles frequently exhibit poor performance in individuals with neck pain. The Deep Neck Extensor Endurance Test (NEET) is commonly used to assess the isometric holding time of the neck extensor muscles. Establishing normative values for this test may assist clinicians in the development of rehabilitation programs. ObjectivesTo identify the average holding time of the NEET in healthy young adults without neck pain. DesignNormative research. Methods440 young adults (172 males and 268 females; age: 18–28 yrs) satisfied eligibility criteria were recruited for participation in this study. The average of hold-time scores for 2 attempts was recorded and used for data analysis. ResultsThe data were not normally distributed; therefore, descriptive data were expressed in terms of median and interquartile range. Demographic data including age, gender, height, weight, Body Mass Index, International Physical Activity Questionnaire expressed as the mean with 95% confidence interval (CI) and range. The average holding time of healthy young adults for NEET was 43.1 (95% CI 38.8 to 46.6), men produced an average hold time of 47.1 (95% CI 46.1 to 51.9) and women produced 40.7 (95% CI 39.9 to 44.0). ConclusionThe holding time of NEET for healthy young adults was 43 seconds. Forty-seven seconds was average hold time for males and for females, it was 40 seconds.

Health Locus of Control and Physical Activity in Liver Transplant Recipients.

Health locus of controlhas the potential to influence health behavior among individuals with chronic diseases. However, little is known regarding the relationship between locus of control and physical activity in transplant recipients. The aim of the study was to investigate health locus of control and physical activity in liver transplant recipients. Seventy-six liver transplant recipients were enrolled. The Multidimensional Health Locus of Control - Form C, including internal, chance, doctors, and powerful others subdimensions, was used to evaluate the health locus of control. Physical activity was assessed with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire - Short Form. The median internal health locus of control score was 28.54. Thirty-six participants had low, 35 participants had moderate, and five participants had high physical activity. Internal health locus of control was higher in patients having moderate activity compared to patients with low activity (p=0.04). "Doctors" subdimension of health locus of control was negatively correlated with walking (r=-0.38, p=0.02) and total activity scores among patients with low activity (r=-0.37, p=0.02). Liver transplant recipients with moderate activity present higher internal health locus of control scores, suggesting a possible influence of physically active behavior on the beliefs of one's own control over disease management. As the activity level increases, the belief that health outcomes are largely the responsibility of health professionals decreases among liver transplant recipients with low activity. Promoting physical activity will help develop the control of one's own actions on health after liver transplantation.

Translation, cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the brazilian version of physical activity scale for individuals with physical disabilities (PASIPD) in people with lower limb amputation

ObjectiveTo perform the translation, cross-cultural adaptation and validation the Physical Activity Scale for Individuals with Physical Disabilities (PASIPD) for the Brazilian Portuguese in a sample of people with lower limb amputation. MethodsThis is a methodological study with cross-sectional design. Translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the scale were initially carried out in accordance with international guidelines. After its psychometric properties were evaluated, in addition to the presence of floor and ceiling effect, the standard error of measurement and the minimal detectable change. ResultsThe Brazilian version of PASIPD presented face and content validity and correlated significantly with International Physical Activity Questionnaire (rs: 0.71/p = 0.001). The degree of inter-examiner agreement ranged from 0.29 to 0.75, and the intra-examiner from 0.13 to 0.72. The inter-examiner was 0.71, and the intra-examiner was 0.78. The internal consistency measure (Cronbach's α) was 0.75. No floor or ceiling effect were observed. The standard error of measurement was 0.36 and the minimal detectable change was 1.66. ConclusionsThe Brazilian version of PASIPD is valid, reliable and has internal consistency among its items, and can be used by researchers and health professionals to evaluate the physical activity of Brazilians with lower limb amputation.

Assessment of Physical Activity and Sleep Quality Among Doctors and Medical Students: A Cross-Sectional Study From South India.

Sleep quality is critical for medical professionals and students, who often face sleep disturbances due to demanding schedules. This study explores the association between physical activity and sleep quality among doctors and medical students in Tamil Nadu, India, addressing a notable gap in existing research. This cross-sectional study was conducted in Tamil Nadu, India, targeting doctors and medical students. Participants were recruited through an online Google Forms (Google LLC,Mountain View, California, United States) questionnaire distributed via social media platforms, which included the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) which provided measures of physical activity in MET (Metabolic Equivalent of Tasks) minutes/week and comprehensive sleep quality assessments, respectively, with a PSQI score above 5 indicating poor sleep quality. Data analysis was performed using jamovi version 2.2.2. In this study of 222 participants, predominantly young adults (80% were aged 18-40) and medical students (68.6%), we found a high prevalence of poor sleep quality (74.9%). Physical activity levels varied, with only 5.4% engaging in high levels of activity and no significant association between physical activity level and sleep quality (p=0.659). Additionally, while males showed significantly higher MET scores than females (p < 0.001), there was no significant correlation between MET scores and PSQI scores (p=0.205, r=-0.075). This study highlights a high prevalence of poor sleep quality and a low prevalence of high physical activity among medical professionals and students in South India. The study findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to enhance sleep quality and overall well-being in this demographic.

Type 2 Diabetes and Risk Factors in an Adult Population in Oujda, Eastern Morocco: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study.

Objectives The rapidly increasing prevalence of diabetes makes it a public health concern. Adopting a healthier lifestyle can prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes (T2D), the most common type of diabetes, and its complications. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of diabetes at the level of local health centers in the prefecture of Oujda, Morocco, and its relationship with obesity, physical activity, and sociodemographic factors. Methodology In a cross-sectional study in first-line health centers, sociodemographic and bioclinical data were collected through convenient purposive sampling using anthropometric and blood glucose measurements and structured, comprehensible interview questionnaires. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) questionnaire was used to measure the physical activity of the patients. The association of T2D with age, gender, education, occupation, obesity, and physical activity was analyzed. Results Out of 535 observed patients, 510 were included, mostly female with a minimum age of 18 years, with a prevalence of T2D of 16%. More than half of the patients were illiterate (56%) and 83% had no occupation. Obesity was prevalent, especially among diabetics, and only a minority were physically active according to WHO targets. Thirty-six percent of all patients and 46% of diabetics reported low levels of physical activity. Age and obesity were the main factors associated with T2D. Conclusion Obesity and T2D have a high prevalence in the Oujda region. A balanced diet and regular physical activity remain our best recommendations for preventing this disease. Special attention should be paid to women with diabetes in Arab countriesso that they can actively participate in prevention activities.

Role of dietary intake and physical activity in reducing weight social inequalities among adolescents: an application of G-formula to PRALIMAP-INÈS trial.

Interventions aiming to reduce social inequalities of weight status in adolescents usually focus on lifestyle behaviours, but their effectiveness is limited. This study analysed the effect of achieving levels of dietary intake (DI) and/or physical activity (PA) guidelines on reducing social inequalities in weight status among adolescents. We included adolescents from the PRomotion de l'ALIMentation et de l'Activité Physique - INÉgalité de Santé (PRALIMAP-INÈS) trial with weight status data available at baseline and 1-year follow-up (n 1130). PA and DI were measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and a validated FFQ, respectively. We estimated the likelihood of a 1-year reduction in BMI z-score (BMIz) and population risk difference (PRD) under hypothetical DI and PA levels and socio-economic status using the parametric G-formula. When advantaged and less advantaged adolescents maintained their baseline DI and PA, we found social inequalities in weight status, with a PRD of a 1-year reduction in BMIz of -1·6 % (-3·0 %, -0·5 %). These inequalities were not observed when less advantaged adolescents increased their proportion of achieving DI guidelines by 30 % (PRD = 2·2 % (-0·5 %, 5·0 %)) unlike the same increase in PA (PRD = -3·9 % (-6·8 %, -1·3 %)). Finally, social inequalities of weight status were not observed when levels of achievement of both PA and DI guidelines increased by 30 % (PRD = 2·2 % (-0·5 %, 4·0 %)). Enhancing DI rather than PA could be effective in reducing social inequalities in weight status among adolescents. Future interventions aiming to reduce these inequalities should mostly target DI to be effective.

STRESS, PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, AND DIETARY INTAKE ARE ASSOCIATED WITH DYSMENORRHEA AMONG FEMALE STUDENTS

Background: The estimated prevalence of dysmenorrhea ranges from 45% to 93% of women of reproductive age. Approximately 10–15% of women complain about severe pain, resulting in a negative impact on their daily activities. Factors that cause dysmenorrhea are physical activity, nutritional status, dietary intake, stress, and body mass index. This study explores the prevalence of dysmenorrhea and investigates its correlation with physical activity, stress, and Dietary Intake among female students studying nutrition in Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Indonesia. Method: This research was cross sectional analytic descriptive study with minimum sample size of 114 female students. Primary data was collected using a set of questionnaires. Dysmenorrhea pain was assessed using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). Stress levels were measured by employing the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales 42 (DASS 42). Physical activity using The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Dietary data including intakes of energy, iron, folate, and B12 was assessed using non-consecutive 3x24 hours food records, representing 2 weekdays and a weekend. The data were analyzed using chi-square for category data and one-way anova for continuous data. Result: Dietary intake especially vitamin B12 (p=0.02) were associated to the level of dysmenorrhea, whereas stress (p=0.36) and physical activity (p=0.82) was not associated of dysmenorrhea. Conclusion: This study emphasized the high prevalence of dysmenorrhea among female college students studying Nutrition, revealing important connections between stress, physical activity and dietary intake. Additionally, the research revealed a significant relationship between dietary intake (vitamin B12) and dysmenorrhea.

The association between physical activity levels and quality of life among patients with chronic kidney Disease receiving hemodialysis treatment

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) undergoing hemodialysis face significant challenges in engaging in physical activity. Yet, the ability to perform daily activities is essential for improving quality of life. This study aimed to assess the relationship between quality of life and physical activity levels among CKD patients on hemodialysis. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 85 CKD patients receiving hemodialysis treatment. Quality of life was assessed using the Kidney Disease Quality of Life (KD-QoL), while physical activity was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). The statistical descriptive, followed by the assessment of association using the Spearman Correlation, was then conducted. The study found that a higher proportion of CKD patients were men, married, unemployed and with comorbidities. The physical activity was mostly conducted in ‘home-based/domestic’ domains. Low KDQoL scores were observed in areas involving ‘work’, ‘emotional’, and ‘physical health’. Occupational activity correlated with symptoms, social interaction, support, and staff encouragement (r=0.414-0.871). Domestic activity strongly correlated with ‘kidney disease effects’, ‘work status’, sleep, ‘physical functioning’, pain, ‘general health’, emotional well-being, and SF-12 scores (r=0.674-0.917). Leisure activity correlated with ‘cognitive and sexual function’, ‘general health’, and ‘emotional well-being’ (r=0.669-0.930). Transport activity correlated with symptoms, ‘kidney disease effects’, ‘cognitive and sexual function’, sleep, pain, and ‘social function; (r=0.302-0.999). Total physical activity was also associated with various quality-of-life components (r=0.611-0.985). These findings suggest the importance of supportive environments to improve physical activity and the quality of life of CKD patients on hemodialysis. Keywords: chronic kidney disease, hemodialysis, physical activity, sports medicine, quality of life

Transarterial Embolization of Geniculate Arteries Reduces Pain and Improves Physical Function in Knee Osteoarthritis-A Prospective Cohort Study.

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) affects millions worldwide, leading to pain and reduced quality of life. Conventional treatments often fail to provide adequate relief, necessitating new therapeutic approaches. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of genicular artery embolization (GAE) using permanent microspheres in patients with mild-to-moderate knee OA. In this prospective, single-center study, 17 participants underwent GAE. KOOS (Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score), WOMAC (The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index), and IPAQ (International Physical Activity Questionnaire) scores, along with physical performance tests, medication use, and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scans, were assessed at baseline and at multiple follow-up points over six months. The primary endpoint, VAS at six months, showed significant improvement (median reduction from 66 mm to 40 mm, p = 0.0004). All pain and function scores, as well as physical performance tests, improved significantly. No clinically relevant changes in medication use or DEXA parameters were observed after six months. Only minor, self-limiting adverse events occurred. This study indicates that GAE is a promising minimally invasive treatment for knee OA, providing significant pain relief and functional improvement. However, further long-term, randomized trials are needed to confirm these findings and establish optimal patient selection criteria.

Physical activity and sedentary lifestyle: changes during confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic according to age and non-communicable disease

Objective: To analyze the changes in physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic, in the adult population according to age and non-communicable disease. Method. A cross-sectional study including n=1,334 subjects 18-55-year-old was carried out. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-SF) was applied through an online survey to estimate the time (minutes/week) at each PA intensity and the total amount of METs/week before and during the COVID-19 confinement period. Results. The total METs/week [median (interquartile range, IQR)] decreased from 3657 (1977, 5466) to 1059 (396, 2225); sedentary behavior increased from 840 (0, 2100) to 2520 (1680, 4200) [p &lt;0.001]. PA decrease was mainly observed in those with a previously active lifestyle (≥3000 METs/week). Age was negatively related to this change. Conclusion. During the confinement, PA decreased, and sedentary behavior increased, mainly in subjects physically active before the confinement who were younger and regardless of suffering from non-communicable diseases. Keywords: guidelines physical activity, sedentary behavior, SARS-CoV-2, IPAQ.

Examining the interplay between physical activity, problematic internet use and the negative emotional state of depression, anxiety and stress: insights from a moderated mediation path model in university students

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between Problematic Internet Use (PIU), emotional states of stress, anxiety and depression, and the practice of physical activity among Tunisian students.MethodsCross-sectional data were collected from 976 university students aged 20.76 ± 1.63 years (46.8% female). They filled out an online survey comprised of a socio-demographic questionnaire, the depression, anxiety and stress scale– 21 items (DASS-21), the international physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ) and the compulsive internet use scale (CIUS). Students were divided, based on their economic levels, into three groups: low (n = 256, 26.23%), medium (n = 523, 53.59%) and high (n = 197, 20.18%).ResultsMediation analysis: Indirect effects of IPAQ and gender on DASS-21 were highlighted: β= -0.18 (p < 0.01) and β= -0.04, P < 0.01) respectively. In addition, a significant and negative effect of IPAQ on CIUS was demonstrated (β = -0.45, P < 0.01). In addition, the effect of CIUS on DASS-21 was significant (β = 0.39, P < 0.01). Also, the effect of gender on CIUS was significant (β=-0.10, P < 0.01) However, its effect on DASS-21 was not significant (β = 0.05, p = 0.078). The total effect of IPAQ on DASS21 was significant (β= -0.52, p < 0.01) but the effect of Gender on DASS-21 was not significant (β = 0.01, p = 0.817). Moderation analysis: the results showed a significant moderation effect of the interaction between IPAQ and Gender on CIUS (β = 0.07, p < 0.01). However, it was not significant between Gender and CIUS on DASS-21 (β = 0.09, p = 0.390) and between IPAQ and Gender on DASS21 (β = 0.01, p = 0.736) Also, the interaction between IPAQ and CIUS did not have a significant moderation effect on DASS-21 (β = 0.15, p = 0.115).ConclusionsFindings suggest that relationships between PIU and negative emotional state of depression, anxiety and stress are mediated via physical exercise. These results underscore the importance of the physical activity factor in the studies analyzing longitudinal effects of PIU on mental health outcomes.

Investigation of the Relationship Between Kinesiophobia, Foot and Ankle Function and Physical Activity of Athletes with Chronic Ankle Instability

Lateral ankle sprains (LAS) are common in athletes and 40% lead to chronic ankle instability (CAI). CAI is characterised by recurrent sprains and limitation of motion. Our study investigated the relationship between kinesiophobia, foot-ankle function, and physical activity in athletes with chronic ankle instability. In our study, 112 individuals with CAI who have been doing regular sports for at least 5 years were included. Tampa kinesiophobia test, Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM), and International Physical Activity Questionnaire (Short Version) were administered to the included individuals via Google form. IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences Version 26.0 (SPSS inc, Chicago, IL, USA) was used. Pearson's test analysis was used in the study, and statistical significance was taken as p ≤ 0.05 for all measurements in two directions. 115 participants (75 males and 40 females) were included in the study. The participants were 20.43±3.921(years) years old, 176.14±9.288(cm) tall, and 67.88±11.571(kg) weight. In addition, the subjects' International Physical Activity Score (Short Version) showed that 34 were inactive, 54 were minimally active, and 27 were very active. There was a moderate negative correlation between the Tampa Kinesiophobia score and FAAM sport and DLA subscores (p&amp;lt;.001). Individuals with increased kinesiophobia scores had decreased Foot and Ankle Ability Measure scores. According to the studies, studies on foot and ankle range of motion, position perception, and balance in individuals with CAI may decrease kinesiophobia.