International Physical Activity Questionnaire Research Articles

The Impact of Physical Activity on Thyroid Health: Insights From Representative Data in Korea.

Thyroid hormones are essential for energy metabolism related to thermogenesis and oxygen consumption. This study evaluated the potential association of thyroid function including thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb) with physical activity in nationally representative data. This retrospective cohort study used data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 2013 and 2015. Physical activity (PA) was assessed using metabolic equivalents based on the validated Korean version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form. PA level was categorized into 3 groups of high, moderate, and low. Participants with abnormal thyroid function test, restricted activity, or previous history of thyroid disease were excluded in the study. A total of 5372 participants was finally selected. The free T4 level was lowest in the low PA group, while TSH was not significantly different among the groups. TPOAb titers increased in the following order: moderate PA, low PA, and high PA. After adjustment for confounding factors, moderate PA was associated with a high T4 level and a decrease in TSH and TPOAb with significance. However, there were no significant changes in free T4, TSH, or TPOAb titer in the high PA group. In a subanalysis, females with moderate PA showed a significant decrease in TSH and TPOAb. In both males and females, insulin sensitivity was increased with moderate PA. In obese participants, TSH negatively correlated with PA, and free T4 levels decreased in the low PA. The sensitivity to thyroid hormone did not differ in our study. The present study found an association between thyroid function and moderate PA. Therefore, moderate-intensity PA should be recommended to improve thyroid function.

The influencing factors of changes in physical activity levels of pregnant women during pregnancy: From the perspective of continuous care.

A comprehensive understanding of physical activity levels (PAL) among Chinese pregnant women and an exploration, from a continuous care perspective, of various factors influencing these activity levels. Investigating the correlations between adverse habits, psychological factors, and PAL in prenatal health management. This study aims to provide substantial guidance for prenatal health management and personalized care, offering recommendations to healthcare professionals and policymakers to enhance the overall health and well-being of pregnant women. This study enrolled 1256 pregnant women as research subjects. Baseline information was collected through a personal information collection form. Subsequently, continuous care was provided during the early, middle, and late stages of pregnancy, documenting the respective influencing factors. Simultaneously, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was utilized to assess the PAL of pregnant women across different trimesters. Finally, using the SPSS software version 25.0, a combined approach of generalized linear mixed effects (GLME) models and multivariate logistic regression was used to statistically analyze the collected data, comprehensively exploring the influencing factors of PAL during pregnancy. The proportion of research subjects engaged in low-level physical activity decreased from 60.80% to 40.34% across various stages of pregnancy, while the proportion engaged in moderate-level physical activity ranged from 25.32% to 40.75%. Meanwhile, the proportion engaged in high-level physical activity accounted for 13.88% to 18.91%.There was P = .021 and β = -0.276 for smoking before pregnancy. The P-value of pregnant women who smoke in the second trimester was.035, the Odds Ratio (OR) value was 0.638, and the 95% confidence interval (CI) was (0.406, 0.972). The difference was statistically significant (all P < .05). In China, the physical activity level of pregnant women is generally low, which is related to factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, sleep disorders, and depression during pregnancy. Medical personnel should improve the living habits of pregnant women and enhance their PAL through measures such as health education and psychological counseling.

Exploring Lifestyle Factors and Treatment Adherence among Older Adults with Hypertension Attending a Mobile Health Unit (MHU) in a Rural Area of Central Portugal

This cross-sectional and analytical study aimed to characterize a sample of hypertensive older adults attending a Mobile Health Unit (MHU) in a rural area of central Portugal according to their lifestyle and to analyze the impact of lifestyles on treatment adherence. The sample comprised 235 Portuguese hypertense patients, mainly females (63.8%) with a mean age of 75 years (±8.14 years) and low level of education. The data collection was carried out through a questionnaire consisting of sociodemographic questions, dietary variables, an Alcohol Dependence Questionnaire, an International Physical Activity Questionnaire (Short Version), a Nutrition Health Determination Questionnaire, a Self-Care with Hypertension Scale, and an Adherence to Treatments Measurement Scale. Only 34.5% of the hypertensive patients have controlled blood pressure values (28.2% men and 38% women). However, more than half (56.2%) of the hypertensive patients are classified as adherent to therapeutic measures. The hypertensive individuals, who present higher levels of adherence to the treatment, do not present alcohol dependence, are frequent consumers of aromatic herbs, sporadically consume salt, present good nutritional health, and practice moderate physical activity. The predictor variables for treatment adherence are the self-care dimensions general dietary (p = 0.001), specific dietary (p = 0.034), physical activity (p = 0.031), and antihypertensive medication intake (p &lt; 0.001). Hypertensive patients with healthier lifestyles present better levels of treatment adherence. Therefore, promoting physical activity and healthy dietary practices is necessary to improve treatment adherence and increase antihypertensive treatment’s effectiveness.

Stress symptoms occur in patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment independently of the level of physical activity.

The cancer patient is undergoing a set of procedures that affect the physical and psychological balance, which can generate stressful situations in the organism. In turn, physical activity helps to treat stress, promoting well-being and reducing anxiety. Our study aimed to verify the influence of physical activity practice on stress symptoms in patients undergoing oncological chemotherapy treatment. For this, we used Lipp's Inventory of Stress Symptoms (ISSL) and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) in 56 patients with cancer. Our data show that 45.4% of the participants exhibited stress scores, of which, 21.8% were at near to exhaustion, and 23.6% at exhaustion. We observed that 30% of them are considered sufficiently active, 25% insufficiently active, 45% sedentary. No association was observed between physical activity and stress. These findings indicate that stress symptoms occur in patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment regardless of the level of physical activity.

Comparison of Attitudes Towards Sports, Physical Activity Levels and Sleep Quality of University Students in Different Departments After the COVID-19 Pandemic

ABSTRACT&#x0D; &#x0D; Purpose: Aim of this study is to compare attitudes towards sports, physical activity levels and sleep quality of students of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Department and Coaching Department.&#x0D; &#x0D; Material and Methods: 25 Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation and 25 Coaching students participated in our study. Demographic information of participants was recorded in form prepared by researchers. Attitudes towards sports were evaluated with “Spora Yönelik Tutum Ölçeği” (Attitude Towards Sports Scale) developed by Şentürk (2015), physical activity levels were evaluated with International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and sleep quality was evaluated with Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. SPSS 24.0 program was used for statistical analysis and significance value was accepted as p

A Cross-Sectional Study to Assess the Physical Activity, Eating Behaviour and Correlation of Overweight and Obesity among College Students of Various Colleges in Indore District

Background: Overweight and obesity are the fifth greatest risk of global deaths. Over 1.9 billion persons aged 18 and older were overweight in 2016. Over 650 million of these men and women were obese. Instead of changes in dietary intake or other causes, it has been suggested that the increase in body weight in industrialized nations is mostly the result of decreased levels of physical activity.Aim and Objectives: To assess the eating behaviour/pattern and type of physical activity/duration of physicalactivity among college students in Indore city, and to determine correlation of eating behaviour &amp; physical activity with overweight /obesity.Materials and Methods: A cross–sectional study conducted between January to June 2023 among 200 randomly selected students of age 17 to 25 years of various colleges of Central India in Indore district who gave consent, using a pre-designed, semi-structured, pre-tested questionnaire. Data entered in Microsoft excel was analysed using SPSS software25.0 (trial version).Results: 46% had Body Mass Index (BMI) in normal range and 42.5% were overweight. 60% male participantshad their BMI in normal range and 30.4% were overweight whereas 58.8% female participants were overweight.Majority (75.3%) of female participants had low Metabolic Equivalent of Task(MET) score whereas only 48.7% of male participants had low MET score. Both the Three Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ) Scores and International Physical Activity Questionnaire(IPAQ) Scores were found to be statistically significant (p-value &lt;0.05) among BMI categories.100% of obese participants, 91.8% of overweight participants and 32.6% of participants with BMI in normal range had low MET score, found to be statistically significant (p-value&lt;0.001).&#x0D; Conclusion: TFEQ and MET scores were found to be statistically significant (p-value&lt;0.001) among BMI categories suggesting that, both eating behaviour and physical activity were associated with overweight and obesity.

The levels of physical activity and fatigue among teachers in Poland and the United Kingdom in the first year after the COVID-19 pandemic.

The COVID-19 disease has a negative impact on the psychophysiological health of populations worldwide, including a decrease in overall physical performance and an increase in fatigue. Fatigue was one of the main symptoms reported by patients and persisted for several weeks after infection with COVID-19. Although the phenomenon of fatigue is still poorly understood, physical activity can be a supportive factor in combating feelings of fatigue and lack of energy. The purpose of this research was to assess the physical activity (PA) and fatigue levels of teachers in Poland and the United Kingdom in the first year after the COVID-19 pandemic. The online research was carried out among 410 teachers from Poland and the United Kingdom. The PA level was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). The level of fatigue was measured using the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS). Polish teachers, regardless of sex, are more physically active (the differences relate mainly to walking and moderate activity). When assessing the level of fatigue, there is a significant difference between men and women - the former indicate a higher degree of fatigue, with the difference between the sexes being particularly large in the Polish community. Quite clearly, there is an association between less activity (except walking) and more fatigue. All models show a statistically significant effect of total fatigue on total effort. Physical activity is not very strongly correlated with age but the level of fatigue increases with age. The problem of teacher fatigue is unfortunately widespread. They should be encouraged to engage in as much PA as possible during the day. When planning and targeting fatigue reduction campaigns, PA should be encouraged and variables such as age, sex should be taken into account.

Relationship between Psychosocial Factors and Physical Activity among Undergraduate Students from a South African University

Psychosocial factors such as mental health, motivation, and social support are key determinants of behavior that play a significant role in physical activity participation. Limited studies have investigated the relationship between psychosocial factors and physical activity among university students in Africa. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between psychosocial factors and physical activity participation among undergraduate university students at a historically disadvantaged university (HDU) in South Africa. This was a cross-sectional study that used convenience sampling (n = 534, majority female, 53.6% with a mean age of 20.69). The study was conducted through an online, self-administered, and hard-copy, valid questionnaire in September 2022. Data on sociodemographic information were collected. Psychosocial factors were assessed using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress-21 Scale for mental health, the Physical Activity and Leisure Motivation Scale for motivation, and the Perceived Social Support Scale for social support. Physical activity (calculated as MET-min/week) was assessed using the international physical activity questionnaire in short form. Results revealed that almost a third (29%) of undergraduate students were physically inactive, 31.1% were minimally active, and 39.9% were in the health-enhancing category. Physical activity was positively related to stress (r = 0.11, p &lt; 0.05) and anxiety (r = 0.10, p &lt; 0.05). Motivational factors were positively related to psychological condition and others’ expectations (r = 0.10, p &lt; 0.05), and depression and others’ expectations (r = 0.11, p &lt; 0.05). Results from this study highlighted that psychosocial factors were related to physical activity participation among undergraduate university students. Psychosocial factors should be considered a coping mechanism when implementing health-promoting strategies.

Nutrition knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of Greek menopausal women.

Nutritional guidelines for postmenopausal women differ. This study aimed to assess postmenopausal women's knowledge, beliefs, and practices regarding nutrition during menopause and their dietary habits. This cross-sectional study was conducted in a menopause clinic, and data from 105 women were analyzed. A nutrition knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions (KAP) questionnaire was designed, structured, and piloted before implementation, based on the Hellenic dietary guidelines. International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Greek version, MedDietScore, and Menopause-specific Quality of Life questionnaires were administered. The mean ± SD age of the women was 56.9 ± 4.6 years. The mean ± SD KAP score was 12.2 ± 3.5. Those who lived in rural areas had lower KAP scores than those who lived in urban areas (P = 0.004). Of all the women, 74.5% knew the Mediterranean diet pyramid, whereas 9.8% knew the Hellenic dietary guidelines. Women who had read the guidelines showed better knowledge of Mediterranean diet food groups (Pearson, 0.309; P = 0.039). Knowledge of dairy services was correlated with consumption of dairy products (P = 0.002). Furthermore, 76.4% were willing to participate in nutrition education programs. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire score was positively correlated with years of smoking (P = 0.002). Physical activity correlated with adherence to the Mediterranean diet (P = 0.044). The majority of postmenopausal Greek women in this study were unaware of the Hellenic dietary guidelines. In general, women's knowledge of nutrition during menopause was moderate. Greek postmenopausal women are willing to participate in nutrition education programs, which should raise awareness of healthy lifestyles through nutrition, exercise, and smoking cessation.

Patterns of Physical Activity and Its Association with Gender and Academic Year Among Undergraduate Medical Students

Aim: This study aimed to determine the patterns of physical activity (PA) and its association with gender and academic year among undergraduate medical students of a tertiary care hospital in South India. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among undergraduate medical students from August to October 2022 at a tertiary care teaching hospital in South India. PA was determined using the self-administered long form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software. Results: A total of 223 students aged 18 to 25 years completed the questionnaire, with the majority being females (59.2%). Their median total PA (metabolic equivalent [MET] minutes/week) was 1320, with 2073 and 771 MET minutes/week among male and female students, respectively. Fourth-year students were the most physically active, with higher energy expenditure per week, followed by second-year, third-year, and first-year students ( p = .007). Out of the total 223 students, 141 (63.2%), 62 (27.8%), and 20 (9%) students belonged to low, moderate, and high PA levels, respectively. There was a greater proportion of students with low PA among females (70.5%) compared to male (52.7%) participants ( p &lt; .001). Conclusion: Most undergraduate medical students had a low level of PA, especially females and students in the first academic year. To increase the PA levels among medical students, curricular reforms by incorporating sports/exercise training, and ensuring the availability of adequate facilities and trainers for sports in every college/university is warranted. Future research focusing on the exploration of barriers to PA and designing innovative strategies to promote PA among medical students is the need of the hour.

Associations of Anxiety, Insomnia, and Physical Activity during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Purpose: Anxiety, insomnia, and physical activity (PA) are interrelated, but the bi-directional relationships between these three variables are not well understood. Less is known of these relationships in settings of disrupted daily activities and acute stress. This study aimed to characterize and examine relationships between insomnia, anxiety, and PA throughout the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, when many lifestyle behaviors were disrupted. Methods: Participants comprised a convenience sample of 204 adults (55.4% female; 43.85 ± 15.85 years old) who completed the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire (GAD-7), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) at three time points through the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-lagged panel model was used to evaluate these variables’ concurrent, autoregressive, and cross-lagged relationships across time. Follow-up dynamic panel modeling using maximum likelihood and structural equation modeling was employed. Results: Approximately 64% of participants reported their work/occupation as affected by the pandemic. At baseline, associations between anxiety and insomnia were observed (β-coefficient: 15.87; p &lt; 0.001). Insomnia was a positive future predictor of anxiety (ISI time point 2: 7.9 ± 5.6 points; GAD-7 at time point 3: 4.1 ± 4.2 points; β-coefficient: 0.16; p &lt; 0.01). No associations were observed between PA and anxiety or insomnia (all p &gt; 0.05). Conclusions: Insomnia and anxiety were interrelated, and effects were cross-lagged. These data can inform future work focused on improving anxiety in settings of acute stress and disruptions to daily life, such as changes in occupational structure and stability. Specifically, targeting sleep parameters may be of interest to elicit downstream positive health behaviors.

Age-specific association of physical activity on visceral obesity: Cross-sectional study

AimsObesity is a chronic disease that needs to be managed worldwide. High-intensity physical activity has a positive effect on the improvement and prevention of metabolic diseases. The purpose of this study was to investigate the age-specific association of physical activity on abdominal and visceral obesity. MethodsThe study involved 456 health check-up participants who underwent abdominal computed tomography scans for the assessment of visceral fat area from January 2017 to December 2017. Physical activity levels were categorized as none-to-low-intensity or moderate-to-vigorous-intensity based on the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Logistic regression analysis, adjusted for covariates, assessed the association of physical activity with abdominal and visceral obesity across 10-year age intervals. ResultsThe moderate-to-vigorous physical activity group showed 56.5% visceral obesity, while the none-to-low-intensity physical activity group had 63.2%. Most age groups exhibited no significant differences in abdominal or visceral obesity according to physical activity. However, the 50 to 59 age group demonstrated a noteworthy association between visceral obesity and none-to-low-intensity physical activity (odds ratio 3.79, 95% confidence interval 1.12–12.84). ConclusionsThis study highlights a distinct age-related response to physical activity, emphasizing the 50 to 59 age group's significant association between visceral obesity and none-to-low-intensity 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.

Physical Activity and Knowledge about Nutrition Among Adolescents at Madrasah Aliyah Negeri (MAN) Surabaya City

Background: Adolescents are a window of opportunity for future development, so it is necessary to invest in the health and welfare of adolescents in accordance with the Adolescent Nutrition Program launched by the Indonesian government to adjust the Sustainable Development Goal at the UN meeting with a communication strategy for social change and adolescent behavior. Methods: This study used a quantitative design with 196 respondents whose samples were taken with probability sampling techniques in the form of simple random sampling. Physical activity data was taken from the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), data on knowledge of nutrients obtained from the Self Administere Qustionnaire (QuesCa) and intensity of fast food consumption obtained from the Food Frequency Questionnaire while nutritional intake through 24-hour food recall form. Data analysis used multiple linear regression with SPSS 25 statistical tools. Results: Based on the t test, it was concluded that there was an effect of physical activity and knowledge of nutrients with a significance value of 0.000 for each of the two variables. While the intensity of fast food consumption has a significance value of 0.968 (more than 0.05) which concludes that there is no effect of the intensity of fast food consumption on nutritional intake. Nutrient knowledge is the factor that most influences nutrient intake with a t-statistic of 5.941. Conclusions: In this study, it was concluded that there was an effect of physical activity and nutritional knowledge on nutritional intake, while the intensity of fast food consumption did not affect nutritional intake. The dominant factor affecting nutritional intake in this study was nutritional knowledge.

Examination of the Relationship Between Physical Activity, Perceived Stress and Sleep Quality of Nursıng Students: A Cross-Sectional and Correlational Study

Nursing students often experience challenges related to sleep quality, which can have implications for their overall well-being and academic performance. The aim of this study is to examine the relationships between physical activity, perceived stress, and sleep quality among senior nursing students. This study employed a cross-sectional and correlational design. The study was conducted between September and Ocober 2021, involving senior nursing students who were undergoing practical training in a state hospital. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using the "Introductory Information Form," "International Physical Activity Questionnaire (Short)/IPAQ" "Perceived Stress Scale/PSS" and "Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index/PSQI". Out of 42 students, 40 students participated in the study. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage, minimum and maximum scores, mean scores, standard deviation, and Pearson correlation test. The mean score for physical activity assessed using the IPAQ was 1051.38±890.17 MET (metabolic equivalent), the average score on the PSS was 27.88±8.72, and the average score on the PSQI was 14.10±2.38. The correlation analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between sleep quality and physical activity levels (p≤0.05). Furthermore, a positive and moderate relationship was observed between sleep quality and perceived stress levels (p≤0.05). The findings indicate that nursing students have moderate levels of physical activity and perceived stress, and their sleep quality is considerably low.

Effect of anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy on the efficacy of aerobic exercise in patients with ankylosing spondylitis

Background: This study aims to evaluate the effects of aerobic exercise on ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients' clinical outcomes when combined with anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) treatments. Methods: Fifty patients diagnosed with AS participate in the study, with 25 on anti-TNF treatment and 25 off anti-TNF treatment. Patients' age, education, body mass index, smoking habits, symptom duration, date of diagnosis, medication use, comorbidities, and surgical history were assessed. Patients receive instructions to walk for 30 minutes, three times per week for twelve weeks and receive evaluation at weeks 0, 6, and 12. Disease activity is evaluated using Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), while sleep quality is assessed by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). The Ankylosing Spondylitis Life Quality (ASQoL) is used to measure the quality of life and physical activity is measured by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Results: During week 6, VAS, BASDAI, PSQI, and IPAQ scores were significantly lower in both groups, one taking anti-TNF and the other anti-TNF-free, in comparison to baseline and week 12 scores. After undergoing six weeks of aerobic exercise treatment, those taking anti-TNF displayed greater improvements in ASQoL scores in contrast to those who were not taking anti-TNF. Conclusion: Aerobic exercise is an effective intervention for enhancing disease activity, quality of life, sleep quality, and physical activity in patients with AS. Additionally, anti-TNF treatment appears to amplify the clinical benefits associated with exercise and facilitate patients' physical activity.

Associations of Sleep Quality and Physical Activity with Diabetes Quality of Life in Korean Americans with Type 2 Diabetes: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The cross-sectional study aimed to examine the associations of sleep quality and physical activity with diabetes quality of life in Korean Americans with type 2 diabetes. A total of 119 Korean American adults with type 2 diabetes were recruited from Korean communities in Arizona, USA. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index for sleep quality, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire for physical activity, and the Diabetes Quality of Life (DQOL) for quality of life were assessed. Descriptive statistics, bivariate correlations, and multiple linear regressions were conducted. The mean score of the total DQOL was 1.85 (SD = 0.28). Approximately 70% of those had poor sleep quality and a third showed low physical activity. The findings demonstrated that both sleep quality and low physical activity were independent predictors of overall DQOL scores, indicating that poor sleep quality and low physical activity are associated with reduced Diabetes Quality of Life in this demographic. Specifically, the satisfaction subscale of DQOL showed significant associations with low physical activity levels, suggesting that enhancing physical activity could potentially improve satisfaction within DQOL. Furthermore, the impact subscale was positively related to sleep quality, suggesting that better sleep quality might significantly lower the perceived negative impact of diabetes on daily life. No significant associations were found between sleep quality, physical activity, and the worry subscale of DQOL in the adjusted models. The study indicates that addressing sleep quality and promoting physical activity are essential components of diabetes management strategies aimed at improving the quality of life for Korean Americans with type 2 diabetes. This underlines the need for tailored interventions that consider cultural preferences and individual needs to enhance diabetes outcomes and quality of life in this population.

Serial mediation effect of physical activity and sleep quality between dietary behaviour and depression symptoms: A nationwide cross-sectional survey.

Substantial studies have revealed the potential mechanisms underlying the link between dietary behaviour and depression symptoms. This study investigated the relationship between depression symptoms and dietary behaviour, physical activity, and sleep quality in a nationwide sample of Chinese residents. A total of 18 819 Chinese Residents completed the dietary behaviour, patient health questionnaire, international physical activity questionnaire, and Pittsburgh sleep quality index. We used the Hayes' serial mediation model to investigate the correlation between the variables. Among the participants, 85.5% were aged between 18 and 59, 41.2% were male, and 73.8% were urban residents. There is a negative correlation between dietary behaviour and physical activity (r = -0.038, P < 0.001), while there is a positive correlation with depression symptoms (r = 0.238, P < 0.001) and sleep quality (r = 0.115, P < 0.001). Additionally, depression shows a positive correlation with physical activity (r = 0.024, P < 0.001) and sleep quality (r = 0.298, P < 0.001), while there is a negative correlation between physical activity and sleep quality (r = -0.035, P < 0.001). Dietary behaviour was found to be connected with depression symptoms via three mediation pathways: (1) physical activity (B = -0.003, 95% confidence interval (CI) = -0.016, -0.007), (2) sleep quality (B = 0.034, 95% CI = 0.126, 0.164), and (3) physical activity and sleep quality (B = 0.001, 95% CI = 0.001, 0.003). These findings highlight the significance of psychological and physical factors in exploring the mechanisms through which dietary behaviour is related to depression symptoms. Overall, this study showed the important role of lifestyle factors in depression symptoms, suggesting that appropriate dietary behaviours, appropriate physical activity, and good sleep quality are necessary for the avoidance or improvement of depression symptoms.

Association of Fatigue Level and Physical Activity among University Students: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Background: Fatigue is a common complaint among adults worldwide, with an estimated 20% experiencing persistent symptoms. Physical activity is recognized as a beneficial behavior with the potential to alleviate feelings of fatigue and enhance energy levels. However, the relationship between physical activity and fatigue among university students remains underexplored. Objective: This study aimed to assess the association between physical activity levels and fatigue among university students, providing insights into the potential of physical activity as a non-pharmacological intervention for fatigue mitigation. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the University of Lahore's Islamabad campus, involving 206 participants aged 17 to 25 years. After securing approval from the Institutional Review Committee (IRC)/Ethical Review Board (ERB), data were collected using the Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS) and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). The sample size was determined using the Slovin formula, with a confidence interval of 95% and a margin of error of 0.05. Non-probability convenience sampling was employed. Data analysis utilized SPSS version 25, employing Chi-square tests to examine the association between physical activity levels and fatigue. Results: The study comprised 41.3% male and 58.7% female participants. Results indicated that higher levels of physical activity were associated with lower levels of fatigue. Specifically, 38.8% of participants reported no fatigue, 54.9% reported mild to moderate fatigue, and 6.3% reported severe fatigue. Physical activity status revealed that 18.9% of participants had low, 48.1% had moderate, and 33% had high levels of physical activity. The Chi-square test demonstrated a significant association between physical activity levels and fatigue (X² = 23.13, P = 0.00). Conclusion: The findings underscore a significant inverse relationship between physical activity levels and fatigue among university students, suggesting that engaging in higher levels of physical activity may reduce fatigue levels. This study contributes to the understanding of physical activity as a viable approach to fatigue management in young adults.

The effect of anthropometric measurements and muscle endurance of the trunk and lower extremities on anatomic body awareness in healthy individuals with different levels of physical activity.

The interaction between anthropometric measurements and muscular endurance and how these factors manifest in anatomical body awareness have not yet been fully investigated. It was aimed to examine the relationship between physical activity, body anthropometric measurements and endurance and anatomical body awareness in healthy individuals. A total of 217 individuals aged 19-40 participated in the study. Participants were categorized into inactive (n = 65), minimally active (n = 80), and sufficiently active (n = 72) groups based on the international physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ). Anthropometric measurements including shoulder, abdomen, waist, and hip circumferences were taken. Participants' trunk muscle endurance and lower extremity endurance was assessed through various tests. Anatomic body awareness was evaluated using the Body Awareness Questionnaire (BAQ) with established validity. While no significant difference in shoulder circumference measurements was found between the inactive and minimally active groups (p > 0.05), the sufficiently active group showed significantly higher shoulder circumference measurements compared to the other groups (p < 0.05). Significant differences were observed among all endurance tests between the groups (p < 0.05). Participants' body endurance increased significantly with higher activity levels. Moreover, anatomic body awareness exhibited significant variation among the three groups (p < 0.05), with the sufficiently active group having the highest level of anatomic body awareness. Positive correlations were found between all endurance tests and anatomic body awareness (p < 0.05), as well as a positive correlation between physical activity levels and anatomic body awareness (p < 0.05). It is suggested that physical performance and endurance increase anatomical body awareness when applied with appropriate treatment methods, can be applied for a healthier life and can be an additional application in the clinical environment.