Leisure-time Physical Activity Research Articles

Associations of lifestyle characteristics with circulating immune markers in the general population based on NHANES 1999 to 2014

Lifestyles maybe associated with the immune and inflammatory state of human body. We aimed to comprehensively explore the relationship between lifestyles and circulating immune-inflammatory markers in the general population. Data from NHANES 1999–2014 was used. Lifestyle factors included leisure-time physical activity (LTPA), diet quality (Healthy Eating Index-2015, HEI-2015), alcohol consumption, cigarettes smoking, sleep hour and sedentary time. Immune makers included C-reactive protein (CRP), neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR), systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), platelet–lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and monocyte–lymphocyte ratio (MLR). Generalized linear regression models were used to adjust confounders. Regressions of restricted cubic splines were utilized to evaluate the potentially non-linear relationships between exposures and outcomes. As results, HEI was negatively associated with CRP (P < 0.001), SII (P < 0.001), and NLR (P < 0.001). Cigarettes per day was positively associated with CRP (P < 0.001), SII (P < 0.001), and NLR (P = 0.008). Alcohol consumption was negatively associated with CRP (P < 0.001), but positively associated with PLR (P = 0.012) and MLR (P < 0.001). Physical activity was negatively associated with CRP (P < 0.001), SII (P = 0.005), and NLR (P = 0.002), but positively associated with PLR (P = 0.010). Participants with higher healthy lifestyle score had significantly lower CRP, SII and NLR (all P values < 0.05). Most of the sensitivity analyses found similar results. In conclusion, we found significant associations between lifestyles and immune markers in the general population, which may reflect a systemic inflammatory response to unhealthy lifestyles.

Whether weekend warriors (WWs) achieve equivalent benefits in lipid accumulation products (LAP) reduction as other leisure-time physical activity patterns? -Results from a population-based analysis of NHANES 2007–2018

BackgroundObesity is characterized by excessive fat accumulation in the body. Physical activity (PA) is an effective intervention to combat obesity, but the effectiveness of different PA patterns on controlling obesity is unclear. Lipid accumulation product (LAP), derived from waist circumference and triglycerides, is a novel indicator for obesity evaluation. However, the association between PA patterns (i.e., weekend warriors and regularly active) and LAP remains unexplored. This study aims to elucidate the relationship between PA patterns and LAP in US adult population.MethodsAdult individuals with complete data on LAP, PA patterns, and other covariates from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database (2007–2018) were included in this study. Multivariate linear regression models were utilized to explore the association between PA patterns and LAP. Subgroup analyses, interaction tests, restricted cubic spline (RCS) regression analyses, and threshold and saturation effect analyses were also performed to investigate the stability and nonlinearity of PA-LAP association, respectively.ResultsA total of 11,212 participants were included in this study. After adjusting for all potential covariates, being regularly active (RA) (β=-8.85, P < 0.05) obtained significantly higher LAP reduction as opposed to being weekend warriors (WWs) (β=-4.70, P = 0.3841). Furthermore, subgroup analyses and interaction tests indicated that the PA-LAP association was more pronounced in individuals with higher education levels (P interaction = 0.0084) and diabetes (P interaction = 0.0062). Additionally, a significant, non-linear, and negative correlation between weekly total PA and LAP in non-inactive individuals was identified by RCS analysis (P for overall < 0.001, P for nonlinearity = 0.009). A threshold of 440 min in weekly total PA was found to arouse favorable LAP reduction.ConclusionsBeing regularly active obtained better LAP reduction as opposed to being WWs. For non-inactive adults, engaging in more than 440 min of PA per week helps to reduce LAP effectively.

Adolescent leisure-time physical activity and eating disorders: a longitudinal population-based twin study

PurposeHigh levels of physical activity have been documented in eating disorder patients. Our aim was to examine whether adolescent leisure-time physical activity is prospectively associated with eating disorders in adolescence and young adulthood.MethodsFinnish twins born in 1983–1987 reported their physical activity frequency at ages 12, 14, and 17. A subsample of participants underwent structured, retrospective interviews for eating disorders at the mean age of 22.4 years. Associations between female twins’ physical activity and future eating disorders (571–683 twins/wave) were investigated with the Cox proportional hazards model. To illustrate the physical activity similarity of the co-twins in a twin pair, we used cross-tabulation of eating disorder–discordant twin pairs (13–24 pairs/wave).ResultsAfter adjusting for several covariates, we found no statistically significant longitudinal association between physical activity and eating disorders. This applied when all eating disorders were combined but also when assessed separately as restrictive and non-restrictive eating disorders. Co-twins’ physical activity in adolescence tended to be similar irrespective of their future eating disorder, supporting the results of the regression analysis.ConclusionWe observed no evidence of adolescent physical activity frequency being prospectively associated with eating disorders in female twins. Further longitudinal studies with larger sample sizes and more detailed physical activity data are needed.Level of evidence: III, evidence obtained from cohort or case–control analytic studies.

Leisure time physical activity in middle-aged and older adults aging with long-term spinal cord injury: Changes over six years

BackgroundRegular leisure time physical activity (LTPA) has beneficial health effects in people with spinal cord injury (SCI). Yet, participation in LTPA is low, and little is known about changes many years after injury. ObjectivesTo determine changes in LTPA in middle-aged and older adults with long-term SCI over six years, investigate associations with gender, age, injury characteristics and changes in secondary health conditions and activity limitations, and investigate factors related to being physically active or sedentary. MethodsPart of the Swedish Aging with Spinal Cord Injury Study (SASCIS). LTPA was assessed twice over a six-year period with the Physical Activity Recall Assessment for people with Spinal Cord Injury (n = 75; 32% women, mean age 67 years, mean time since injury 31 years, injury levels C1-L3, AIS A-D). Changes were assessed with paired t-tests, McNemar test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test, associations with multivariable regression and group comparisons with Mann-Whitney U test and Chi Square test. ResultsOn group level participation in LTPA did not change, but the variability was substantial on individual level. There were no significant associations between changes in LTPA and the investigated variables. Among sedentary participants, higher level and severity of injury were overrepresented and the activity limitations were greater. ConclusionOur findings indicate stability in LTPA over time, but with a large individual variation. In many participants LTPA was insufficient to reach positive health effects. Promoting participation in LTPA is therefore an important part of the long-term management of middle-aged and older adults aging with long-term SCI.

The impact of COVID-19 lockdown on physical activity and sedentary behaviour in secondary school teachers: a prospective cohort study

BackgroundMid-March 2020, Belgium went in lockdown to combat the COVID-19-pandemic. Having to provide school-based day care and adapt to online teaching, while all social, cultural and sports events and activities were cancelled, secondary school teachers’ physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour (SB) may have been affected considerably. This study investigates the impact of the first Belgian lockdown on PA and SB in Flemish secondary school teachers.MethodsThis prospective cohort study was conducted throughout the 2019–2020 school year. PA and SB measured in March/April 2020 were compared with a pre-lockdown measurement in January/February 2020. Other pre-lockdown measurements (September/October 2019 and November/December 2019) and one other during-lockdown measurement (May/June 2020) allowed us to control for confounding. Validated questionnaires were used to assess participants’ PA and SB. Generalized linear mixed models were applied in R.ResultsAmong 624 participants (77·2% females, 43·3 ± 10·3 years), increases were observed for total PA (+ 108 min/week; p = 0·047), moderate PA (+ 217 min/week; p = 0·001), domestic and garden PA (+ 308 min/week; p < 0·0001) and leisure-time PA (+ 131 min/week; p < 0·0001), whereas work-related PA (-289 min/week; p < 0·0001) and active transportation (-38 min/week; p =0·005) decreased. No differences were observed for walking (p = 1·0) and vigorous PA (p = 0·570). Increases were found for total SB (+ 972 min/week; p < 0·0001), work-related SB (+ 662 min/week; p < 0·0001) and leisure-time SB (+ 592 min/week; p = 0·0004), whereas transport-related SB (-290 min/week; p < 0·0001) decreased.ConclusionDuring the lockdown, we found in our sample that Flemish secondary school teachers showed an increase in SB that was 9 times as high as their PA increase. As a government, education network or school, it is crucial to sensitize, promote, and facilitate sufficient MVPA and/or walking, but likewise to discourage SB during pandemic-induced lockdowns.

Significant decrease in the incidence of osteoporotic hip fracture in patients with higher leisure-time physical activity: A case-control study

IntroductionThe principal group of people who suffer from fragility hip fractures is the elderly population, gaining relevance given the increase in the average median age of the Chilean and European populations. This fracture risk is associated with a decreased bone density. Physical activity is a protective factor in the risk of falls and a determinant of bone resistance. ObjectivesDetermine the impact of physical activity on the probability of suffering a fragility hip fracture in a population ≥ 60 years of age in a public trauma hospital in Chile. Materials and methodsIt was conducted a relational analytical study of cases and controls. A total of 147 patients participated, the case group with osteoporosis hip fracture formed for 72 patients, and the control group without hip fracture 75 patients formed for 75 patients. To quantify physical activity was applied the instrument Global Physical Activity Questionnaire in the control group, and a designed version to assess pre-fracture physical activity in the case group. ResultsThere is a significant statistical difference between the incidence of hip fractures and physical activity during leisure time, both for vigorous physical activity (p = 0.002, p < 0.05), moderate physical activity (p < 0.001, p < 0.05), and for moderate physical activity at work (p = 0.016, p < 0.05). ConclusionsPhysical activity during leisure time and moderate physical activity at work showed to be factors associated with a significant decrease in the incidence of fragility hip fractures.

Does physical activity and inflammation mediate the job stress-headache relationship? A sequential mediation analysis in the ELSA-Brasil study

BackgroundEvidence indicates that physical activity reduces stress and promote a myriad of health-enhancing effects through anti-inflammatory mechanisms. However, it is unknown whether these mechanisms interfere in the association between psychosocial job stress and headache disorders. ObjectiveTo test whether physical activity and its interplay with the systemic inflammation biomarkers high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and acute phase glycoproteins (GlycA) would mediate the associations between job stress and headache disorders. MethodsWe cross-sectionally evaluated the baseline data from the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil) regarding job stress (higher demand and lower control and support subscales), migraine and tension-type headache (ICHD-2 criteria), self-reported leisure-time physical activity, and plasma hs-CRP and GlycA levels. Conditional process analyses with a sequential mediation approach were employed to compute path coefficients and 95 % confidence intervals (CI) around the indirect effects of physical activity and biomarkers on the job stress-headache relationship. Separate models were adjusted for sex, age, and depression and anxiety. Further adjustments added BMI smoking status, and socioeconomic factors. ResultsIn total, 7,644 people were included in the study. The 1-year prevalence of migraine and tension-type headache were 13.1 % and 49.4 %, respectively. In models adjusted for sex, age, anxiety, and depression, the association between job stress (lower job control) and migraine was mediated by physical activity [effect = −0.039 (95 %CI: −0.074, −0.010)] but not hs-CRP or GlycA. TTH was associated with higher job control and lower job demand, which was mediated by the inverse associations between physical activity and GlycA [Job Control: effect = 0.0005 (95 %CI: 0.0001, 0.0010); Job Demand: effect = 0.0003 (95 %CI: 0.0001, 0.0007]. Only the mediating effect of physical activity in the job stress-migraine link remained after further adjustments including socioeconomic factors, BMI, smoking, and the exclusion of major chronic diseases. ConclusionIn the ELSA-Brasil study, physical activity reversed the link between job stress and migraine independently of systemic inflammation, while the LTPA-mediated downregulation of GlycA was associated with lower job stress-related TTH.

Epidemiology of adverse events related to sports among community people: a scoping review

ObjectivesNumerous reports have described injuries and illnesses in competitive athletes, but studies on leisure-time physical activity and associated adverse events in the general population have not been adequately reviewed. This...

Association between the recommended volume of leisure-time physical activity and erectile dysfunction: A cross-sectional analysis of the national health and nutrition examination survey, 2001–2004

ObjectivePhysical activity-related interventions alleviate the severity of erectile dysfunction (ED), but it is unknown whether the recommended volume of physical activity (PA) or a higher level of physical activity reduces the likelihood of ED in adult males. We aimed to evaluate the association between the recommended volume of PA and ED among US male adults. DesignA nationally representative cross-sectional survey. SettingNational Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2001–2004. ParticipantsA total of 2509 men aged ≥20 years were enrolled. Primary and secondary outcome measuresED and PA were assessed by a standardised self-report questionnaire. Weighted logistic regression analysis and spline fitting were used to assess the relationship between PA volume and the odds of ED. ResultsAmong 2509 US adult males, the mean (standard error) age was 43.7 (0.46) years. A total of 61.1 % of men reached the recommended volume of aerobic PA. Compared with participants not meeting the PA guidelines, individuals who had recommended aerobic activities demonstrated a 34 % reduction in the odds of having ED (OR 0.66, 95 % CI 0.48–0.90; p = 0.011). Notably, according to the restricted cubic spline, we revealed a dose‒response pattern between PA volume and reduced odds of ED, even when exceeding the recommended PA levels. When compared to males with moderate-equivalent PA of less than 150 min/week, the odds of ED in those with moderate-equivalent PA levels of 150–300 min/week and >300 min/week decreased by 22 % and 39 %, respectively. Compared with participants who did not meet the PA guidelines, the multivariable-adjusted ORs (95 % CIs) of ED associated with adequate PA volumes were 0.37 (0.22–0.61) among non-smokers and 0.85 (0.57–1.25) among current smokers (p for interaction = 0.023). Conclusions and RelevanceOur findings supported the benefit of meeting the guideline-recommended PA equivalents or higher volumes for ED prevention. However, PA-related benefit might be significantly diminished by smoking.

Physical activity (PA) impact on metabolome and immunity of oncogene addicted non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): The EXcellenT trial.

e20582 Background: Today patients (pts) with oncogene addicted advanced NSCLC receive molecular targeted therapies as first-line treatment ensuring high compliance to therapy, few side effects and long survival time. These pts are usually young and with a strong wish to regain the pre-diagnosis quality of life (QoL), including the ability to perform PA. It’s known that PA can impact significantly on metabolomic and immunity status, but to date only few studies on its role in NSCLC have been performed. The aim of the EXcellenT trial is to evaluate if a tailored PA program may have an impact on QoL and performances of this homogeneous subgroup of pts. An exploratory objective was to explore the complex interplay between PA and immune status and the influence of PA on metabolome. Methods: EXcellenT (Exercise in Extended oncogene addicted Lung Cancer in Active Treatment - NCT05306652) is an Italian monocentric prospective study enrolling 40 pts with oncogene-addicted advanced NSCLC in active treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI). Pts are randomized in 2 arms: an interventional arm of a personalized supervised PA program or a counselling group of home-based exercise. We explored peripheral variations of T cells subsets during TKI treatment combined with exercise training to better define the immuno-dependence of these tumors. Fatty acid composition (FA) of plasma has been carried out using gas chromatography-flame ionization detection (GC-FID) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Immature and mature neutrophils, monocytes, CD34+ cells and megakaryocytes (MK) precursors have been determined through flow cytometry analysis. Results: A preliminary exploratory analysis on the first patients enrolled with 3 complete time point (baseline; week 4 and 12) was performed. To date 23 out of 40 pts have been enrolled, 46% of them with pre-diagnosis leisure-time physical activity. The oncogene identified are: ALK 52%, EGFR 26%, BRAF 9%, RET 4%, ROS1 9%. 35% had stable brain metastasis (mts) and 39% bone mts not at risk of skeletal-related events. FA analysis (4 pts) showed significant increase of monounsaturated fatty acids (p = 0.0329) during the study. According to immunophenotype, we observed (3 pts) a significant reduction of CD34+ cancer stem cell (p 0.0112) and a consistent increase in mature CD66b+CD10+ neutrophils with a trend of decrease in CD66b+CD10- cells. Conclusions: The ExcellenT trial is showing that PA programs are feasible and well accepted by patients with oncogene-addicted NSCLC. The QoL analysis will be performed at the end of enrolment. The preliminary analysis on metabolomic and immunity status shows an improvement of fatty acid composition and an increase of mature cell precursors compared to immature counterpart suggesting a potential role of PA in hindering tumor immune escape strategies. Clinical trial information: NCT05306652 .

Domain matters: An examination of college student physical activity participation patterns by gender and race/ethnicity

Background Physical activity (PA) consists of multiple domains, including leisure-time PA (LTPA), occupational PA (OPA), and transportation PA (TPA), though limited research has examined these domains among college students. Methods This cross sectional, online survey asked undergraduate students to self-report demographics (gender, race/ethnicity, employment) and PA (LTPA, TPA, and OPA). Participants were categorized as meeting/not meeting current aerobic PA recommendations with only LTPA and with all domains of PA. Analyses examined differences by domain and demographics. Results For participants (n = 3732) when only considering LTPA, 79% met recommendations, while considering all forms of PA resulted in 94% of students meeting recommendations. Gender and race/ethnicity differences in the odds of meeting PA recommendations were present with only LTPA, however when considering all PA domains, some disparities were no longer present. Conclusions These findings highlight how different domains of activity contribute to overall PA and the relationship with gender and race/ethnicity.

Patients with total hip arthroplasty were more physically active 9.6 years after surgery: a case-control study of 429 hip arthroplasty cases and 29,272 participants from a population-based health study.

Few studies report on long-term levels of physical activity after THA compared with a control population. This case-control study aimed to find the long-term habitual level of leisure-time physical activity after THA and compare it with a large control group. A randomized sample of 856 patients, treated with primary THA, were identified from the Norwegian Arthroplasty Register. 429 (50%) responded to a questionnaire with a mean follow-up time of 9.6 years. We compared them with a control group of 29,272 (64%) from a population-based health study. Physical activity was measured with a questionnaire and categorized into groups according to the general recommendations for physical activity. 245 (63%) of the THA cases reported a level of leisure-time physical activity meeting the general recommendations, compared with 10,803 (39%) in the control group. The difference persisted at all ages (50-90 years). In sex, age, and BMI-adjusted regression models the chance of meeting the physical activity recommendations was higher in the THA group than in the control group (OR 2.9, 95% confidence interval 2.4-3.6). The majority of the patients with THA reported a level of leisure-time physical activity meeting the general recommendations for physical activity. THA patients were more physically active in their leisure time than a control group representing a normal population.

Domain-Specific Physical Activity and Stroke in Sweden

Associations of domain-specific physical activity with stroke incidence and poststroke outcomes have not been extensively studied using long-term, population-based data. To investigate associations of leisure time, work time, transport, and household physical activity with stroke incidence and death or dependency in activities of daily living (ADL) 3 months after stroke. The prospective, population-based Interplay Between Genetic Susceptibility and External Factors (INTERGENE) cohort study was conducted among a random sample of individuals from an urban-rural area covering western Sweden; 3614 individuals aged 24 to 77 years were examined in 2001 to 2004, and 1394 individuals were reexamined in 2014 to 2016. The median (range) follow-up was 20.0 years (56 days to 21.9 years). Data were analyzed from September through October 2023. Physical activity levels were self-reported for leisure time, work time, transportation, and household domains. The mean number of steps taken over a 6-day period was collected in a subgroup of participants using a sealed pedometer. Follow-up for stroke incidence and mortality rates continued until December 31, 2022. The composite outcome of death or ADL dependency was assessed at 3 months after stroke. Among 3614 individuals (mean [SD] age, 51.4 [13.1] years; 1910 female [52.9%]); 269 individuals (7.4%) developed stroke, of whom 120 individuals (44.6%) were dead or ADL dependent at 3 months. Intermediate (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 0.54; 95% CI, 0.38-0.77) and high (aHR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.31-0.73) levels of leisure time physical activity were associated with a reduced incidence of stroke compared with low levels, as was an intermediate level of physical activity in transportation (aHR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.52-0.93). High levels of leisure time physical activity were also associated with a reduced risk of poststroke death or ADL dependency (adjusted odds ratio, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.16-0.71) compared with low levels. Work time and household physical activity were not associated with stroke incidence or stroke outcomes. In exploratory subgroup analyses, there were interactions between physical activity and smoking (current smoking or smoking in the past year associated with stroke risk only in participants with low or intermediate physical activity: aHR, 2.33; 95% CI, 1.72-3.15) and family history of stroke (first-degree relative with a history of stroke associated with stroke risk only in participants with low or intermediate physical activity: aHR, 1.73; 95% CI, 1.27-2.38). In this study, leisure time and transport-related physical activities were associated with a reduced risk of stroke. A high level of leisure time physical activity was also associated with a lower risk of death or ADL dependency 3 months after stroke.

Association of different domains of physical activity with diabetic kidney disease: a population-based study.

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to elucidate the associations between various domains of physical activity, such as occupation-related (OPA), transportation-related (TPA), leisure-time (LTPA) and overall physical activity (PA), and diabetic kidney disease. Our study encompassed 2,633 participants, drawn from the cross-sectional surveys of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 2007 and 2018, and employed survey-weighted logistic regression, generalized linear regression, and restricted cubic spline (RCS) analyses to ascertain the relationship between different domains of physical activity and diabetic kidney disease. After controlling for all confounders, multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed a lack of correlation between the various domains of physical activity and the prevalence of diabetic kidney disease. Multiple generalized linear regression analyses showed that durations of PA (β = 0.05, 95% CI, 0.01-0.09, P= 0.012) and TPA (β = 0.32, 95% CI, 0.10-0.55, P = 0.006) were positively associated with eGFR levels; and LTPA durations were inversely associated with UACR levels (β = -5.97, 95% CI, -10.50 - -1.44, P = 0.011). The RCS curves demonstrated a nonlinear relationship between PA, OPA, and eGFR, as well as a nonlinear correlation between PA and ACR. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses largely aligned with the outcomes of the multivariate generalized linear regression, underscoring the robustness of our findings. Our population-based study explored the association between different domains of physical activity and diabetic kidney disease. Contrary to our expectations, we found no significant association between the duration of physical activity across all domains and the prevalence of diabetic nephropathy. Nonetheless, renal function markers, including eGFR and UACR, exhibited significant correlations with the duration of total physical activity (TPA) and leisure-time physical activity (LTPA), respectively, among diabetic patients. Interestingly, our findings suggest that diabetic patients engage in physical activity to preserve renal function, ensuring moderate exercise durations not exceeding 35 hours per week.

Leisure-Time Physical Activity, Time Spent Sitting and Risk of Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study in Puglia.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease in the world. The increasingly sedentary lifestyle in recent years may have accelerated the development of NAFLD, independent of the level of physical activity. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to determine the association between leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) and time spent sitting (TSS) and the likelihood of developing NAFLD in a sample of men and women aged 18-64 years, from southern Italy. The study is based on two cohort studies, a randomized clinical trial and an observational cost-benefit study. A total of 1269 participants (51.5% women) drawn from 3992 eligible subjects were enrolled in this study. Leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) and time spent sitting (TSS) were assessed using the Italian long form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-LF), designed for administration to adults aged 18 to 65 years. The association of exposures with the probability of belonging to a certain NAFLD degree of severity. The probability of having mild, moderate, and severe NAFLD tends to decrease with increasing LTPA and decreasing TSS levels. We selected a combination of participants aged 50 years and older stratified by gender. Men had a statistically significant difference in the probability of developing moderate NAFLD if they spent 70 h per week sitting and had low LTPA, while among women there was a statistically significant difference in the probability of developing mild or moderate NAFLD if they had moderate LPTA and spent 35-70 h/week sitting. The study thus showed that the amount of LTPA and the amount of TSS are associated with development and progression of NAFLD, but this relationship is not a linear one-especially in women aged ≥ 50 years old.

The Mediating Role of Exercise in Depression and Fatigue in Patients with Advanced Cancer.

This study explored the interconnections between sociodemographic elements, depression, fatigue, and exercise in patients suffering from incurable neoplasm, particularly emphasizing the mediating influence of exercise on the relationship between depression and fatigue This was a prospective, multicenter, observational study involving 15 hospitals across Spain. After three months of systemic cancer treatment, participants completed the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI), the Godin-Shephard Leisure-Time Physical Activity Questionnaire (GSLTPAQ) and the Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS) to measure levels of depression, fatigue, and exercise, respectively. A total of 616 subjects participated in this study. Activity levels differed markedly according to educational attainment, marital, and work status. There was a negative correlation between physical activity and depression, and a positive correlation between depression and fatigue (β = -0.18, and β = 0.46, respectively). Additionally, physical activity inversely influenced fatigue levels (β = 0.21). Physical activity served as a partial intermediary in the link between depression and fatigue among patients with advanced, unresectable cancer. Healthcare providers are urged to consider both the physical and emotional dimensions of cancer treatment, implementing physical activity programs to enhance overall patient quality of life and mental health.

Outcomes for breast cancer survivors with metastatic disease in a physical activity program for medically underserved cancer survivors.

This study examined the effectiveness and feasibility of the Active Living After Cancer (ALAC) program for metastatic breast cancer (MBC) survivors. ALAC is a 12-session community-based program to help cancer survivors improve their physical functioning and quality of life through increased physical activity. ALAC participants with MBC (stage IV) were compared to survivors with early-stage breast cancer (stages I and II). The International Physical Activity Questionnaire, Godin Leisure-Time Physical Activity, 30-second sit-to-stand test, and PROMIS Global Health were administered at baseline and follow-up. Program satisfaction and retention were assessed at week 12. Repeated-measures mixed models were used to compare changes in outcomes between survivors with early-stage breast cancer and MBC. A total of 585 women (59.3 y ± 10.6), most of whom were Hispanic (54%) or non-Hispanic Black (22%), were included (early stage, n = 538; MBC, n = 47). After the ALAC program, a significant increase in physical activity (P < 0.001), improved physical and mental health T-scores (P < 0.001), and more sit-to-stand repetitions (P < 0.001) were observed for both survivors with early-stage breast cancer and MBC. Women with MBC showed significantly lower physical health (P = 0.037) and physical function (P = 0.010) compared to early-stage at baseline. The ALAC program increased physical activity and improved health-related quality of life and physical function among breast cancer survivors with both early-stage and metastatic disease. This study emphasizes the importance of incorporating physical activity interventions like the ALAC program into the comprehensive care of cancer survivors, including those with metastatic disease.

Leisure-time physical activity and transitions into and through parenthood

ABSTRACT This study provides a novel figurational sociological examination of transitions into and through parenthood and its impact on leisure time physical activity (LTPA). Drawing on the qualitative findings of an online survey completed by 218 UK parents (n = 186 female, n = 32 male), we show how the initial transition into parenthood was associated with a general decline in LTPA participation. This was typically accompanied by decreases in parents’ capacity to derive the pleasurable excitement, tension, and sociability they previously experienced when being more active. As their offspring got older, many parents were better able to re-engage in LTPA and valued family-based leisure for fun, social activities that provided a site for building family bonds. Our evidence emphasises the continued – but often overlooked – importance of Elias and Dunning’s (2008) work on the quest for excitement in leisure, and how engagement in LTPA can help parents and other participants to meet a socially conditioned psychological need for sociability and mental refreshment through the generation of pleasurable tension or excitement.

The development and validation of the food insecurity physical activity concerns scale

Food insecurity – defined as having limited access to nutritious foods – is linked with obesity. Previous research has also shown that food insecurity is associated with lower levels of leisure-time physical activity (physical activity performed outside of essential activities). This association may occur in part due to concerns about preserving levels of energy during times of food shortage. Currently, no scale exists which measures this construct. Therefore, we aimed to develop and validate such a scale – the food insecurity physical activity concerns scale (FIPACS). Participants (N = 603, individuals with food insecurity = 108) completed an online survey, consisting of the FIPACS, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire short-form (IPAQ), the restraint subscale of the Dutch Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (DEBQ), the amotivation subscale of the Behaviour Regulation In Exercise Questionnaire-2 (BREQ-2), and the Behavioural Inhibition System/Behavioural Approach System Reactivity scale (BIS/BAS) to assess convergent and divergent validity. An exploratory factor analysis revealed a four-factor model of the FIPACS - namely ‘Concerns relating to hunger’, ‘Concerns of replenishment and calories’, ‘Concerns of physiological effects of exercise’ and ‘Compensatory behaviours’ which was verified through a confirmatory factor analysis. To assess test-retest reliability, 100 participants completed the FIPACS again two weeks later. The FIPACS had good internal, test-retest reliability and divergent validity. However, there was limited evidence of convergent validity. Future studies could incorporate this scale when investigating the association between food insecurity and physical activity.

Prospective associations of occupational and leisure-time physical activity with risk of diabetes: a cohort study from the United States.

Leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) can reduce the risk of incident diabetes, whereas the role of occupational physical activity (OPA) in developing diabetes is still unclear due to conflicting evidence. Moreover, the joint associations of OPA and LTPA with incident diabetes among US workers have not yet been systematically examined. The objective of this study was to assess the independent and joint associations of OPA and LTPA with incident diabetes. This prospective cohort study included 1406 workers free from diabetes at baseline (2004-2006) from the national, population-based Mid-life in the United States (MIDUS) study. Associations of OPA and LTPA at baseline with incident diabetes during 9 years of follow-up were examined using Poisson regression models. High OPA was defined based on engagement in physical demands at work, and high LTPA was defined as participation in moderate or vigorous LTPA at least once per week. High OPA was associated with an increased risk of diabetes compared to low OPA (adjusted risk ratios and 95% confidence interval = 1.52 [1.04, 2.22]), while high LTPA was associated with a decreased risk of diabetes compared to low LTPA (0.66 [0.44, 0.97]). Diabetes risk was the highest among workers with high OPA and low LTPA (2.30 [1.30, 4.07]). In a national, population-based prospective cohort study of US workers, high OPA was associated with an elevated risk of diabetes, while high LTPA was associated with a decreased diabetes risk. The combination of high OPA and low LTPA exhibited the greatest risk of diabetes.