International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form Research Articles

EXPLORING PSYCHOLOGICAL NEED SATISFACTION AND MOTIVATION TO EXERCISE AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN AN ARAB CONTEXT

INTRODUCTION & AIMS Promoting physical activity (PA) requires an understanding of PA behavior, its correlates, and its determinants. This study aimed to assess self-reported PA behavior of adults in Qatar and understand the associations between self-determination theory (SDT) based motivational processes and PA behavior. METHODS This cross-sectional study used an anonymous online questionnaire within Qatar comprising demographic questions, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF), the Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire (BREQ-3), and the Psychological Need Satisfaction in Exercise (PNSE) scale. RESULTS Respondents (N = 347; nfemales=246, nmales=101) were 21.6% non-Arab expats, 63.7% Arab expats, and 14.7% Qatari nationals. The prevalence of sufficient PA (minimum of 600 MET·min per week according to the IPAQ-SF criteria) was 66%, while 34% of participants were insufficiently active. Males (x¯ = 1808.16±2517.47 MET·min·wk-1) were significantly more active than females (x¯ = 1049.40±1717.31 MET·min·wk-1; P=0.001), and reported more autonomous forms of regulation (x¯ identified=2.86, x¯ integrated=2.33, x¯ intrinsic=2.64) than females (x¯ identified=2.58, x¯ integrated=2.01, x¯ intrinsic=2.36; P<0.05), as well as higher perceived competence satisfaction (x¯ =3.89) than females (x¯ = 3.49; P=0.025). A bivariate correlation showed that total PA and moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) were positively and significantly (P<0.01) associated with autonomous forms of regulation, namely, identified (rtotal_PA=0.16, rMVPA=0.15) integrated (rtotal_PA=0.26, rMVPA=0.25), and intrinsic (rtotal_PA=0.20, rMVPA=0.18) regulation, as well as perceived competence in exercise (rtotal_PA=0.21, rMVPA=0.18; P<0.01). CONCLUSION The bivariate correlation results were consistent with the theoretical tenets of SDT, supporting the application of SDT to advance the understanding of psychological associations of PA in predominantly Arab populations. The observed gender gap in physical activity levels is consistent with previous research in Arab populations. Future research could target SDT constructs to promote PA behavior in Arab women through culturally sensitive interventions.

Correlation between Physical Activity Time Reported by the IPAQ and Accelerometer in Syrian Adults

Background: The accelerometer and self-report questionnaires have been recommended as efficient methods to measure physical activity (PA). The aim of this work is to investigate issues associated with PA assessment using the ActiGraph WGT3X-BT (AG) accelerometer and the Syrian version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-short form (IPAQ-SF-SY) in adults living in Damascus city.Methods: A sample of 52 (age 18- 60 years) Syrian men (17) and women (35) in a cross-sectional study wore the AG accelerometer for seven days and completed the IPAQ-SF-SY on the seventh day. Total PA, time spends in standing and sitting assessed by IPAQ-SF-SY and AG accelerometer were compared.Results: The IPAQ-SF-SY overestimates PA time among Syrian adults. IPAQ-SF-SY reported more time of total PA [763(660) vs 607(149) min, p=0.003], vigorous PA [29(1) vs 1(0.2) min, p=0.524], moderate PA [94(76) vs 42(22) min, p=0.032], MVPA [122(106) vs 43(22) min, p=0.019], and significantly less sedentary time than AG accelerometer [447(180) vs 643(93) min, p=0.728], mean (SD) respectively. Some differences were noticed in the correlations by gender, age, BMI, education statues, and smoking for PA and sedentary behavior (SB). For all correlations, there were no significant differences between sub groups.Conclusions: Data suggest that it is important to improve the specificity and sensitivity of the IPAQ-SF-SY with Arabic-speaking subjects and further study is needed to approve the utilization of PA self-report in Arabic.

A decision tree algorithm to identify predictors of post-stroke complex regional pain syndrome

This prospective cohort study aimed to identify the risk factors for post-stroke complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) using a decision tree algorithm while comprehensively assessing upper limb and lower limb disuse and physical inactivity. Upper limb disuse (Fugl-Meyer assessment of upper extremity [FMA-UE], Action Research Arm Test, Motor Activity Log), lower limb disuse (Fugl-Meyer Assessment of lower extremity [FMA-LE]), balance performance (Berg balance scale), and physical inactivity time (International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form [IPAQ-SF]) of 195 stroke patients who visited the Kishiwada Rehabilitation Hospital were assessed at admission. The incidence of post-stroke CRPS was 15.4% in all stroke patients 3 months after admission. The IPAQ, FMA-UE, and FMA-LE were extracted as risk factors for post-stroke CRPS. According to the decision tree algorithm, the incidence of post-stroke CRPS was 1.5% in patients with a short physical inactivity time (IPAQ-SF < 635), while it increased to 84.6% in patients with a long inactivity time (IPAQ-SF ≥ 635) and severe disuse of upper and lower limbs (FMA-UE score < 19.5; FMA-LE score < 16.5). The incidence of post-stroke CRPS may increase with lower-limb disuse and physical inactivity, in addition to upper-limb disuse. Increasing physical activity and addressing lower- and upper-limb motor paralysis may reduce post-stroke CRPS.

The mediating role of resilience and interaction anxiousness in the effects of physical activity on mobile phone addiction among Chinese college students.

Recent studies have shown that regular physical activity (PA) can positively influence mobile phone addiction (MPA) behaviors in college students. However, it remains unknown whether this effect is mediated by other factors. Evidence suggests that resilience and interaction anxiousness may be candidate mediators that partly explain the positive effect of PA on MPA. This study aims to explore the impact of PA on MPA through a mediation model, and the role of resilience and interaction anxiousness in this relationship. The participants were 590 college students (272 males; mean age = 19.67) who completed a psychosocial battery, including the international physical activity questionnaire-short form (IPAQ-SF), the connor - davidson resilience scale (CD-RISC), the interaction anxiousness scale (IAS), and the mobile phone addiction index (MPAI). Correlations of variables were computed using Pearson's test. Mediation models were tested using SPSSS PROCESS macro with the regression bootstrapping method. PA were negatively associated with MPA behavior (r=-.21, p < 0.01). Resilience and interaction anxiousness moderated the relationship between PA and MPA. More importantly, PA could also influence MPA through the chain-mediating effects of resilience and interaction anxiousness. It is essential to improve resilience and reduce interaction anxiousness to reduce MPA problems through regular engagement in PA among college students.

Dose-response associations between physical activity and sedentary time with functional disability in older adults with or without frailty: a prospective cohort study.

Evidence regarding the dose-response curve shapes of physical activity (PA) and sedentary time (ST) in older adults with functional disability (FD) is extremely limited. Moreover, these associations may differ depending on with/without frailty. We examined the dose-response associations between moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) and ST with FD among older adults with/without frailty. We included 7,480 initially nondisabled adults (3,795 men and 3,685 women) aged 65-84 years in Ota City, Tokyo, Japan. MVPA and ST were evaluated using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form. FD was prospectively identified using a nationally unified database of the long-term care insurance system. Frailty was determined using Check-List 15, validated against Fried's frailty criteria. Multivariate-adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of MVPA and ST for FD were calculated, and dose-response curves were examined using restricted cubic splines. During 3.6 years of follow-up, 1,001 (13.4%) participants had FD. Among all participants, compared with no MVPA, the HRs for FD reduced linearly up to approximately 2000 metabolic equivalents (METs)■min/week of MVPA, and the lowest HR (HR: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.51-0.74) was reached at around 3,000-4,000 METs■min/week. Although the shape of this association was consistent regardless of with/without frailty, the magnitude of the association tended to be stronger in frail older adults than in non-frail older adults. Compared with those for the median (300 min/day) of ST, the HRs for FD increased linearly as ST reached approximately 600 min/day or more, independent of MVPA, with a maximum HR of 1.31 (95% CI: 1.01-1.71) for 1,080 min/day among all participants. This association was more pronounced among non-frail older adults but not statistically significant among frail older adults. Higher MVPA levels consistently reduced the incidence of FD regardless of frailty in a significant inverse nonlinear dose-response manner. A significant positive nonlinear dose-response association between ST and FD risk was identified among non-frail older adults but not among frail older adults. Increasing MVPA and reducing prolonged ST are important for preventing FD among non-frail older adults. However, reducing ST alone may be insufficient; increasing MVPA, even if by only small increments, is highly recommended for frail older adults.

The Effect of Physical Activity and ACE Scores on Psychological vs. Physiological Addiction

Brianna N. Hendershot, Chelsea L. Robertson, Ryan T. Koenig, Jason W. Metz West Liberty University, West Liberty WV. Abstract Addiction is a growing problem in the United States. Rehabilitation facilities have exercise as a component of their program, yet these facilities are not always within reach of every addict. Understanding that addiction is a chronic disease that is treatable with integrated treatment methods, it’s imperative to find the root of addictive tendencies. PURPOSE: To determine if there is a triangular relationship between addiction, physical activity, and adverse childhood experience (ACE) scores, looking specifically at psychological and physiological addiction types. METHODS: Data was collected from 25 females and 6 males, recruited from West Liberty University via email. Subjects completed a self-reported online anonymous 4-section survey including basic demographics, The International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF), The Health-Resiliency-Stress Questionnaire Part D (HRSQ), and addictive tendencies through questions regarding the criteria for psychological and physiological addiction from the DSM. A moderation analysis was used to triangulate the relationship between vigorous exercise, ACE scores, and addiction scores. RESULTS: The moderation variable was vigorous exercise from the past 7 days and ACE scores. Psychological and physiological addiction were correlated at .477, p=0.835, and .590, p=0.097, respectively. Total addiction produced a correlation of .574, p=0.241. CONCLUSION: A moderation analysis revealed no significant data when looking at vigorous exercise, ACE scores, physiological addiction, psychological addiction, and total addiction, showing the need for future research in this field. Looking at specific addictive behaviors objectively may aid in finding the root of addictive tendencies.

Reliability and Validity of the Turkish Version of the State Mindfulness Scale for Physical Activity in Young Adult Athletes

ABSTRACT Mindfulness is growing in popularity with the potential to improve many favorable health outcomes. Physical activity (PA) is crucial for improving health, however, there is no Turkish scale to measure mindfulness during PA. The purpose of this study was to translate, culturally adapt, and validate the Turkish version of The State Mindfulness Scale for Physical Activity (SMS-PA-T). One hundred thirty-seven young adult athletes were included. The validity was determined using the Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire-2 (BREQ-2) and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form. The SMS-PA-T had a high-level internal consistency (α = 0.80) and test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.61 to 0.72 for subscales). The SMS-PA-T subscales were correlated with the BREQ-2 (r = 0.65 to 0.77, p < .005) indicating a good concurrent validity. The results show that the SMS-PA-T proved to be a valid and reliable scale for young adult athletes. The SMS-PA-T provides an easy-to-administer and useful tool to assess.

Can Dance Improve Turning in People With Parkinson's Disease?

Objective: To investigate the effects of a dance intervention on selected functional parameters during the 180° turning phase of the Timed Up & Go (TUG) test in people with Parkinson's Disease (PwPD). Methods: Fifteen adults clinically diagnosed with idiopathic PD were allocated into dance intervention (DIG; n = 7 ; age 73 ± 2 years) and control (CG; n = 8; age 64 ± 5 years) groups. The dance intervention lasted for 3 months (1 hour, twice a week). At baseline, all participants completed the Unified PD Rating Scale-part III, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-short form, and the Hoehn & Yahr scale. Pre- and post-intervention, the primary outcomes were measured (number of steps and time to complete the 180° turning phase of the TUG test) at 2 speeds (comfortable walking and as quickly and safely speed) while using the Xsens® 3D motion suit. The secondary outcome (girdle dissociation) was assessed by calculating the difference between pelvis and affected shoulder orientation in the transverse plane (dissociation angles) at each data point during the TUG test's 180° turning phase. Results: At participant's comfortable walking speed, the functionality during the 180° turning remained unaffected following the dance intervention. However, at participant's fast speed, the dance intervention group significantly reduced the number of steps with a large effect size, and the total time taken to complete the 180° turning with a medium effect size. Post-intervention, most participants in the dance intervention group reduced the affected shoulder and pelvic girdle dissociation and turned more "en bloc." Conclusion: Dance can improve selected functional parameters during the 180° turning at fast speed in PwPD. The current results should be considered in rehabilitation programs.

Exercise identity and physical activity behavior during late adolescence: A four wave cross-lagged panel model

Research has shown that physical activity behavior tends to decline across adolescence before stabilizing in adulthood. Identifying salient factors underlying these behavioral changes is therefore imperative for informing intervention development. This study explored the temporal nature of the relationship between exercise identity and physical activity behavior during the transition out of high school. An analysis of data from the Application of integrated Approaches to understanding Physical activity during the Transition to emerging adulthood (ADAPT) prospective cohort study was conducted, involving 1451 Canadian adolescents (Mage = 15.93 ± 0.53 years; 52.4% female). Participants completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form to report weekly moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and an abbreviated version of the Exercise Identity Scale yearly for four years beginning in Grade 11. A four-wave cross-lagged panel model was used to test bi-directional associations between exercise identity and physical activity behavior. Significant auto-regressive effects for exercise identity and physical activity were observed across all four time points. Significant positive cross-lagged paths were observed for exercise identity predicting future physical activity at all time points; however, none of the cross-lagged paths with physical activity predicting future exercise identity were significant. Collectively, these findings support existing theory that emphasizes the role that identity plays in physical activity behavior. Interventions seeking to attenuate the physical activity declines typically observed during the transition to emerging adulthood should therefore consider adopting behavior change techniques that target identity, as it appears to be an important psychological determinant underlying future physical activity engagement.

IJCM_357A: Smartphone addiction and physical activity among students of a Medical College in Bengaluru-a cross-sectional study

Background: Smartphones have become an indispensable necessity for medical students because of their various demands and comforts. The excessive use of smartphones may lead to addiction which can negatively affect physical and mental health including physical activity. The relationship between smartphone addiction and physical activity needs exploration. Hence this study was undertaken to assess the magnitude of smartphone addiction and to explore its association with physical activity among students of a medical college in Bengaluru. Objective: To assess smartphone addiction and its association with physical activity among students of a medical college in Bengaluru. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among students of Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute. Based on a study done in Maharashtra(p=46.15%), the sample size was calculated as 382. Study subjects were recruited by stratified random sampling and probability-proportional to size sampling was used to select study participants across various strata. Data was collected using a pretested semi-structured questionnaire. Smartphone addiction was assessed by smartphone addiction scale-short version (SAS-SV) and physical activity by international physical activity questionnaire-short form (IPAQ-SF). The data collected was entered in MS Excel and analyzed using SPSS 21.0. Results: Among 382 students 164(43%) were found to have smartphone addiction. The primary use of smartphones was for social networking. Physical activity, duration of smartphone usage, and use of the smartphone right before sleeping were associated significantly with smartphone addiction. Conclusion: The problem of smartphone addiction has reached an alarming level. There is a need to create awareness about the problem and plan effective strategies to address it.

Identification of distinct symptom profiles in prostate cancer patients with cancer-related cognitive impairment undergoing androgen deprivation therapy: A latent class analysis

ObjectiveTo identify latent classes of cognitive impairment and co-occurring symptoms (fatigue, pain, sleep disturbance, depression) as clusters in patients with prostate cancer undergoing androgen deprivation therapy and to explore the predictors among distinct latent classes. Methods228 patients with prostate cancer were recruited in this cross-sectional study. The assessment instrument included the Perceived cognitive impairment scale, the Fatigue severity scale, the Athens insomnia scale, the Brief pain inventory, the Patient health questionnaire-9, the UCLA loneliness scale, the International physical activity questionnaire-short form, the Charlson comorbidity index and General information questionnaire. The identification of different patient subgroups was conducted by the latent class analysis. ResultsThe study identified three distinct latent classes: all low (class 1, 32%), high depression symptoms (class 2, 37.7%), and high physical symptoms (fatigue, sleep disturbance, and pain) with high cognitive impairment (class 3, 30.3%). Patients who had higher Charlson comorbidity index (P = 0.003) scores were more likely to be classified in class 3. Patients with higher loneliness scores (P < 0.001; P < 0.001) were significantly more likely to fall into class 2 or 3 than in class 1. However, having a higher level of physical activity (P = 0.014; P < 0.001) increased the likelihood of being in class 1. ConclusionThis study exhibited the inter-individual variability of symptom experience in prostate cancer patients with cognitive impairment undergoing androgen deprivation therapy. The result suggests that more emphasis should be placed on screening for fatigue, sleep disturbance, and pain, and future interventions should focus on loneliness and physical activity.

Meeting the WHO Physical Activity Guidelines is Associated With Lower Odds of Depression in Older Adults: Potential Psychosomatic Mechanisms

ObjectivesLimited data exist on the association between physical activity (PA) and depression in older adults from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In this study, we examine the association between meeting the World Health Organization (WHO) PA guidelines and depression in adults aged ≥50 years in Ghana and investigate the psychosomatic factors explaining this association. MethodsCross-sectional data from the Aging, Health, Psychological Well-being, and Health-seeking Behavior Study in Ghana (2016–18) were analyzed. Depression was assessed with the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D-10). PA was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF). Multivariable logistic regression and Hayes PROCESS macro with bootstrapping mediation analyses were performed to evaluate the hypothesized associations. ResultsThe study included 1201 individuals (mean [SD] age 66.1 [11.9] years; 63.3% women). The prevalence of meeting PA guidelines and depression was 36.7% and 29.5%, respectively. Meeting the WHO-recommended PA guidelines was associated with a 16% lower rate of developing depression even after adjusting for potential confounders (OR = 0.84, p <0.001). This association was much stronger among men and those aged 50–64 years. Loneliness, social isolation, sleep problems, functional limitations, and pain characteristics largely mediated the association of PA with depression. ConclusionsPA was negatively associated with depression among older adults in Ghana, and psychosocial and physical factors partially explained the association. The promotion of PA in old age may aid in the prevention of depression, especially in men and those aged 50–64 years. Longitudinal data may confirm our findings.

Eating behaviour and lifestyle changes among college students in Malaysia during the Movement Control Order (MCO)

Introduction: COVID-19 lockdown has been linked to alterations in eating behaviour and a sedentary lifestyle. As human-to-human transmission rapidly increased, the Movement Control Order (MCO) was put in place as an attempt to minimise the risk of the virus spreading in the community. This study aimed to determine whether eating behaviour was associated with sleep quality and physical activity among college students in Malaysia during MCO. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study among Malaysian students aged between 20 to 34 years old. A simple random sampling method was applied and the participants had to complete an online survey consisting of a validated Dutch Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (DEBQ), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and International Physical Activity Questionnaire–Short Form (IPAQ-SF), distributed via an online platform. Results: A total of 370 students participated, with 22.4% emotional eaters, 58.6% external eaters, and 23.0% restrained eaters. In addition, 64.3% had poor sleep quality, while 57.6% claimed to be physically active. However, no correlations were found between all eating behaviour subscales with sleep quality and physical activity. Conclusion: More than half of college students presented with external eating behaviours. Early screening and further investigations should be done, especially with the high rate of poor sleepers, to promote and sustain a healthy lifestyle during and beyond COVID-19.

The amount of lower leg muscle and physical activity in patients with postural tachycardia syndrome

Background: Resistance training for leg muscles is recommended for patients with postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS). However, no study has characterized the relationships between orthostatic symptoms, heart rate (HR) increase, and the mass of the lower leg muscle in patients with POTS. We sought to determine the relationships between the mass of the lower leg muscle, HR increase during the head-up tilt (HUT) test, and orthostatic symptoms in patients with POTS.Methods: We prospectively enrolled 42 patients with POTS who were older than 16 years. The muscle mass was estimated using bioelectrical impedance analysis. We used the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form to measure self-reported physical activity. All patients were asked to complete the Korean version of the Orthostatic Grading Scale (KOGS).Results: The HR increased during the HUT test by 38.7±7.88 beats/minutes. Both the HR increase during the HUT test and the total KOGS score were negatively correlated with the total metabolic equivalent of the task. The leg circumference and muscle mass were not correlated with the HR increase during the HUT test or the KOGS score.Conclusions: The leg circumference and muscle mass were not related to orthostatic symptoms in patients with POTS. Cardiac remodeling or blood volume increase may be responsible for improvement in POTS after physical activity.

Overweight and Obesity among University Student: Cross Sectional Study Exposes Association with Food Habit and Physical Activity

This study aims to investigate the association between food habit, physical activity, and nutritional status in university students. Cross sectional study was conducted on 62 undergraduate university students (22 males, 40 females, 20.82 ± 2.52 years) enrolled from five departments. International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF) was used to measure physical activity level. Evaluation of food habit was collected through a validated Recommended Foods Score which has been adapted to measure diet quality in general with a focus on healthy food intake. Independent sample t-test and Mann-Whitney test were done to compare the measured variables between sport major and non-sport major student. Spearman correlation was performed to examine the association between measured variables. The results showed that more than one-fifth of total subjects (21%) were overweight. Food habit is associated with body mass index (p=0.005) and METs score (p=0.032). Lastly, physical activity was positively associated with BMI (p=0.004). From the findings it can be conclude that balance amount of healthy food and actively engage in physical activity can contribute to lower BMI, as well as maintain health and well-being. This also happens to adolescent population, include university students an age group which could be addressed to prevent several health problems.

Analysis of Types of Physical Activity on Active Elderly Community in Bandung City

Physical activity can improve health and reduce the risk of some diseases, and most importantly it can improve the quality of life of the elderly. The purpose of this study was to determine the level of physical activity and the type of physical activity carried out by the elderly daily in the elderly community in Bandung City. The method used is descriptive with a quantitative approach. This data collection technique used a purposive sampling technique, and the level of physical activity was measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF) questionnaire. The sample of this study was 40 people consisting of the Pasir Layung Elderly Community 20 people and the Setiabudhi Healthy Heart Community 20 people. The results of this study are that the majority of the elderly do physical activity every day, namely gymnastics as much as 75% and the majority of the elderly in this community have a high level of physical activity as much as 52%. It is proven that the elderly here have a high level of physical activity and have good physical activity.

Lifestyle and eating habits changes among adults during COVID-19 era in Egypt: a population-based study

BackgroundThe 2019 recent Coronavirus is without a doubt one of the most complicated viruses to ever pose a threat to humanity. Numerous viral containment strategies forced sedentary behaviors and dietary changes that would–otherwise- increase the chances of acquiring non-communicable diseases.ObjectivesThe objectives of the current study are to identify any changes in eating behaviors through the Mediterranean Diet Adherence in a sample of Egyptians throughout the COVID-19 era.MethodsA cross-sectional study was done on a sample of 205 Egyptians by an online self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire included socio-demographic factors, self-reported weights and heights, a validated Arabic form of the well-known International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF), a validated Arabic version of 14-items Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS), in addition to a section assessing dietetic changes. The data was then analyzed using the SPSS version 20 (Statistical Package for Social Sciences).ResultsThe majority of the study sample were females (74.6%); had a high level of education (93.2%); and about 75% were married. Most of the participants were non-smokers, with around a 7% increased frequency of smoking after the COVID-19 pandemic. Fast food consumption was also reported by a major percentage of study participants (60%). Low Mediterranean Diet Adherence was found in 52.7%. Moreover, Physical Activity (PA) decreased to 61%. Moreover, there was a statistically significant increase seen in the participants’ BMI as well as the number of sleeping hours (p = 0.001 and 0.043 respectively) after the pandemic. Both changed hunger sensation and any changes in physical activity were significantly associated with increased BMI (p < 0.001).Conclusion and recommendationsA substantial proportion of the participants showed unhealthy changes in their dietary habits as well as physical activity. Consequently, this calls for urgent public health policies and interventions to guard against the consequences of such unhealthy behaviors.

Physical activity in Parkinson's disease: examining prescription sources, patterns, and the influence of quality of life and disease severity.

Limited research has explored the influence of quality of life (QoL) and disease severity on physical activity (PA) in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients, and the sources of PA prescription and advice for this population. This study aims to expand scientific knowledge on these topics. Two-hundred eleven PD patients were personally interviewed to collect data on PA levels using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form and QoL using the Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire-8. An ad hoc questionnaire gathered information on disease severity (Hoehn and Yahr stages), PA behaviors, and PA recommendations. Weak but significant associations were found between PA levels, disease severity (r: -0.218; p = 0.004), and QoL (r: -0.244; p = 0.001). Most participants (85%) received PA counselling, predominantly from neurologists, either at diagnosis (52%) or shortly after (28%). Before PD onset, ~86% engaged in PA, decreasing to 66% post-diagnosis. Approximately 78% reported changes in PA, including reduced frequency (18.4%) and duration (32.8%), with walking as the primary activity. Disease severity and QoL significantly affect PA levels in PD patients. Diagnosis is associated with decreased PA frequency and duration, and walking is the preferred activity. Neurologists primarily provide PA advice.

Physical Activity Levels of Individuals Employed in the Sports Directorate

The aim of this study is to examine the physical activity levels of civil servants employed in a sports-related state institution, with a focus on individual factors and their attitudes toward physical exercise. The research cohort comprised 160 individuals, randomly selected from employees working in the sports directorate, consisting of 79 women and 81 men. Data collection was conducted through an online questionnaire encompassing a personal information form and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square analyses were employed for data analysis, supplemented by calculations of Cohen's d effect sizes to assess the relationship between variables. Results from the analysis revealed that 19.40% of sports directorate employees were categorized as inactive, 20.60% as minimally active, and 60.0% as sufficiently active. Furthermore, significant disparities in physical activity levels were observed concerning gender, age, marital status, and sports history (p

Evaluating the effect of daytime sleepiness and sleep quality on balance, fatigue and life quality of shift workers.

Changes in the sleep-wake cycle in shift workers can cause many health problems. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between daytime sleepiness and sleep quality on balance, physical activity level, fatigue and quality of life in shift and non-shift workers. A total of 58 employees, 29 shifts and 29 non-shifts, were included in the study. Data were collected using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Tandem Posture Test, the One-Foot Stand Test, the Ten-Step Tandem Walking Test, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form, the Fatigue Severity Scale, and the Nottingham Health Profile. Individuals working in shifts had higher fatigue severity and daytime sleepiness levels (p < 0.05), while physical activity levels and sleep quality were lower than those working without shifts (p < 0.05). It was determined that as the daytime sleepiness of individuals working in shifts and non-shifts increased, their quality of life decreased (p < 0.05). According to the data obtained from the study, individuals working in shifts compared to individuals working without shifts experienced higher levels of daytime sleepiness and fatigue severity level while sleep quality and physical activity level were lower.