Habitual Physical Activity Levels Research Articles

Functional Capacity Of Young Adults After Covid-19 Infection And Immunization: Observational Prospective Study

<h3>Research Objectives</h3> To prospectively analyze functional capacity of young adults in relation to after COVID-19 infection and follow up these individuals after COVID-19 immunization. <h3>Design</h3> Observational prospective cohort study (partial results from FIT-COVID Study). After a minimum of 6 weeks from the second shot of COVID-19 vaccine participants were once again recruited to follow up evaluations. <h3>Setting</h3> Evaluations were performed at a public Physical Therapy outpatient clinic in Brazil. <h3>Participants</h3> We included male and female participants, aged 20–40 years after mild or moderate clinical COVID-19 with a previous positive PCR test that were not admitted to intensive care unit (COV). Participants were recruited after a minimum of 15 and maximum of 180 days of diagnosis by positive PCR test. An age-matched healthy control group (CT) that was negative for COVID-19 was also recruited. <h3>Interventions</h3> At baseline and follow up evaluation, functional capacity was assessed using the six-minute walk test (6MWT) and the 30-second stand from chair test (SC). Next, habitual physical activity (HPA) levels were assessed using accelerometry data. Finally, body composition (BC) was assessed using bioelectric impedance. <h3>Main Outcome Measures</h3> Meters walked during 6MWT, repetitions during SC. Secondarily, sedentary time in minutes, and body composition (lean mass in kilograms). <h3>Results</h3> Evaluations included Control Group (n=39) and Post-COVID-19 group (n=32). At baseline Post-COVID-19 group presented 626.69±100.68 meters and during the follow-up analysis (626.69±100.685 meters) with no significant difference between moments (p=0.698). No significant differences were observed between groups for 6MWT (p=0.698). In SC, there were no differences between moments (p=0.333) or groups (p=0.26). In the Post-COVID-19 group there was a significant reduction in sedentary time over the follow-up period (4070.36±1524.614 vs 3298.82±786.085; p=0.044). However, no differences were observed between groups (p=0.928). Finally, no differences were observed in body composition between groups or moments (p>0.05). <h3>Conclusions</h3> Functional capacity in young adults was not affected Post-COVID-19 infection and no changes were observed following immunization. Similar results, were observed for physical activity levels and body composition. <h3>Author(s) Disclosures</h3> None of the authors have any conflicts of interests.

Physical Activity and Quality of Life among Patients with Cystic Fibrosis.

Physical activity (PA) improves exercise capacity, slows the decline in lung function, and enhances Quality of Life (QoL) in patients with cystic fibrosis (pwCF). The study aimed to evaluate PA and QoL among children with CF compared to healthy controls; the secondary aim was to assess the correlation between PA, QoL, and lung function (FEV1). Forty-five children and adolescents with CF and 45 age-matched controls completed two self-administered validated questionnaires: The Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire (GLTEQ) and the DISABKIDS for QoL. Moreover, pwCF performed spirometry and multiple breath washout tests (MBW). In addition, weight, height, and BMI were recorded. The Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire was used to evaluate physical activity; QOL was assessed using the DISABKIDS Questionnaire. The correlation of PA with QOL was assessed as well. Mean age of the CF population was 13.22 (±4.6) years, mean BMI 19.58 (±4.1) kg/m2, mean FEV1% 91.15 ± 20.46%, and mean LCI 10.68 ± 4.08. 68% of the CF group were active, 27% were medium active, 5% were sedentary, while 83% of the control group were active and 17% were medium active. PwCF with higher PA scores showed significantly higher emotional health (r2: 0.414, p: 0.006) and total QOL score (r2: 0.372; p: 0.014). The PA score showed no significant correlation with FEV1% or LCI. The children with CF showed satisfactory PA levels, which positively correlated to their QoL. More research is needed on the effect of increased levels of habitual physical activity to establish the decline in pulmonary function among pwCF.

Body composition, physical fitness and physical activity in Mozambican children and adolescents living with HIV.

As a result of the effectiveness of antiretroviral drugs (ART), HIV/AIDS has become a chronic disease, which has enabled children living with HIV to reach adolescence and adulthood. However, the long exposure to both the disease and ART has caused undesirable effects that compromise the physiological functioning and the quality of life of the subjects. To determine the body composition, physical fitness and habitual physical activity of children and adolescents living with HIV on ART. A total of 79 subjects of both genders aged 8-14 years, living with HIV in ART, selected by convenience participated in the study. The subjects underwent anthropometric assessment, physical fitness assessment and physical activity assessment. Relative to reference norms, the values of the anthropometric indicators fell below 50th percentile (height/age = 92.4%; BMI/age 72.2%; sum of skinfolds = 51.9%; arm circumference = 63.3%). The prevalence of "low height/age" and "low weight/age" was 34.9% and 9.3%, respectively for boys, and 27.9% and 11.1%, respectively for girls. With the exception of trunk flexibility (12.3%), most subjects were considered unfit in the physical fitness tests (abdominal resistance = 76.4%; handgrip strength = 75.4%; lower limb power = 66.4%). The percentage of subjects with insufficient physical activity was 45.5% for boys and 77.8% for girls. The values for all variables were consistently and significantly lower when compared with studies done in Mozambicans boys and girls without HIV+ from both urban and rural areas. The subjects participants in the study living with HIV and undergoing ART had impaired growth, low physical fitness and low levels of habitual physical activity in relation to the reference values of their peers without HIV, which compromised their physiological functioning and their quality of life.

Physically active men present a healthier cardiometabolic profile in response to a balanced meal compared to inactive men.

Post-meal cardiometabolic responses are critical for health, and may be influenced by physical activity. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of habitual physical activity level on the metabolic, autonomic nervous system and cardiovascular responses to a balanced meal in healthy men. 12 active and 12 inactive healthy males, matched for age and body composition, attended the laboratory in fasting condition. Participants were asked to sit quietly and comfortably in an armchair for the whole duration of the experiment (~ 2h30). Metabolic, autonomic nervous system and cardiovascular measurements were performed in fasting conditions, and at regular intervals until one hour after the end of a balanced breakfast. No significant difference was observed between groups in glycaemia or energy expenditure throughout the experiment. Fat oxidation rate was significantly higher one-hour post-meal in active vs inactive men (Respiratory Quotient: 0.78 ± 0.04 vs 0.88 ± 0.03; p < 0.01). Heart rate was significantly lower in active compared to inactive individuals (p < 0.001) throughout the experiment and active participants displayed significantly enhanced vagal tone one-hour post-meal (square root of the sum of successive differences between adjacent normal R-R intervals squared: 72.4 ± 27.9 vs 46.4 ± 14.1ms; p < 0.05). In healthy men, habitual physical activity level seems discriminant to decipher specific profiles in terms of cardiometabolic responses to a meal. Overall, it may suggest pre-signal cardiometabolic impairments in healthy inactive individuals and highlight the need to consider primary prevention in inactive subjects as a key factor for health management.

LEVELS OF FLEXIBILITY AND HABITUAL PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN HIGH SCHOOL SCHOOLS

The objective of this study was to evaluate the level of flexibility and the level of habitual physical activity in high school students in the cities of Teresina and União, Piauí. A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out, consisting of a sample of 105 schoolchildren aged 15 to 17 years of age in both genders, 55 high school students from Zacarias de Góis state college (Piauí high school) in Teresina-pi and 50 Filinto Rêgo school unit, located in the center of the city of Union-Piauí. To verify the flexibility of the students, the sit-and-reach flexibility test of the Brazilian sport project test and evaluation manual (2016) was applied. To verify the habitual physical activity level, the questionnaire in order to verify the economic class, it was used the questionnaire determined by the Brazilian economic classification criterion, proposed by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics by the national association of research companies. Analyzing the results, it is possible to verify that, 83 students are considered in the healthy zone, being 47% female and 53% male. Of the 22 students who are in the risk zone, 72.7% are female and only 27.3% are males, indicating that as the level of physical activity increases, the level of flexibility of the students is improved. significant difference (p &lt;0.05). Most high school students presented levels of flexibility within the healthy zone and are moderately physically active.

Levels of Flexibility and Habitual Physical Activity in High School Schools

Levels of Flexibility and Habitual Physical Activity in High School Schools

Levels of Flexibility and Habitual Physical Activity in High School Schools

Levels of Flexibility and Habitual Physical Activity in High School Schools

Do Older Brazilian Women Who Participate in a Regular Physical Exercise Program Have Higher Habitual Physical Activity Levels? A Cross-Sectional Study Based on Accelerometer Data.

A cross-sectional study was conducted to compare the habitual physical activity level, measured by accelerometry, gait performance, assessed by the GAITRite® system, handgrip strength, and static balance between older Brazilian women who participate (n = 50; 70.7 ± 5.5years) and do not participate (n = 50; 70.1 ± 5.6years) in a regular physical exercise program, and to investigate whether participation in a regular exercise program ensures compliance with physical activity recommendations. Older women who participated in a regular physical exercise program had significantly shorter sedentary activity time (effect size [ES] = 0.54), longer moderate activity time (ES = 0.85), and higher energy expenditure (ES = 0.64), number of steps (ES = 0.82), gait speed (ES = 0.49), and step length (ES = 0.45). However, regular participation in an exercise program did not guarantee compliance with physical activity recommendations. Behavioral changes to increase physical activity levels among older women who do and do not participate in a regular exercise program are necessary.

Feasibility, acceptability, and fidelity of Physical Activity Routines After Stroke (PARAS): a multifaceted behaviour change intervention targeting free-living physical activity and sedentary behaviour in community-dwelling adult stroke survivors

BackgroundLow levels of habitual physical activity and high levels of sedentary behaviour are commonly observed post-stroke. We aimed to assess the feasibility, acceptability and fidelity of a multifaceted, theory- and evidence-informed supported self-management intervention targeting physical activity and sedentary behaviour after stroke: Physical Activity Routines After Stroke (PARAS).MethodsAdult stroke survivors and healthcare professionals were recruited from North East England stroke services. Stroke survivor physical activity and sedentary behaviour were targeted by a self-management behavioural intervention supported by healthcare professionals trained in intervention delivery. The main outcomes were protocol and intervention acceptability and feasibility and fidelity of intervention delivery.ResultsEleven healthcare professionals (9 physiotherapists; 2 occupational therapists) participated in the study. Stroke survivor recruitment was lower than anticipated (19 versus target of up to 35). The healthcare professional training programme was feasible, with fidelity assessment of delivery supporting this finding. Data completeness was acceptable according to a priori criteria (>60%), except for stroke survivor questionnaire return rate (59%) and interview uptake (52%). No serious adverse events occurred. Healthcare professionals and stroke survivors perceived intervention delivery to be feasible and acceptable with minor modifications highlighted including the potential for earlier delivery in the stroke pathway.ConclusionsThe study protocol and intervention delivery were feasible and acceptable to stroke survivors and healthcare professionals with modifications required before large-scale evaluation.Trial registrationISRCTN35516780. Registered on October 24, 2018

Interaction Between Automatic And Reflective Processes In The Prediction Of Accelerometer-derived PA Behaviors

Grounded in dual process theories related to physical activity (PA) behavior, both reflective and automatic processes have been shown to predict PA. However, relatively little is known about the interaction or relative contributions of these two processing systems in relation to PA behavior, and even less is known about how individual factors alter these relationships. PURPOSE: To examine the relationships among automatic and reflective processes (i.e., PA intentions) across four different PA domains (i.e., exercise [EX], light [LPA] and moderate-to-vigorous intensity non-leisure time PA [MVPA], and sedentary behavior [SED]), and explore how individual factors modulate these associations. METHODS: Participants (≥18 years old) completed a computerized Single Category Implicit Association Test (SCIAT) measuring implicit attitudes towards PA and SED behaviors using images depicting the four different PA domains. Positive SCIAT scores indicated positive affective evaluation (AE) toward the target behavior. PA intention and PA self-efficacy (SES) were measured using questionnaires. Habitual PA was measured using an accelerometer. Multiple regression analysis was used to examine whether AE predicted unique variance in habitual PA levels after controlling for PA intentions and SES. RESULTS: Sixty-six participants (63% women; 92% students) were included in our final sample (M±SD: 23±8 y, 26.2±19.1 kg/m2, 53.4±13.0 min/d and 505.3±315.1 min/d of MVPA and SED, respectively; 80% met current PA recommendations). AE of the different PA domains did not differ: EX=0.00±0.67, LPA=0.00±0.89, MVPA=-0.08±0.46, SED=-0.08±0.72. AE of EX was strongly and positively correlated with LPA (r=0.53, p<0.001). AE of EX and SES interacted to predict min/d of MVPA (β=-0.21; p=0.04) and total activity counts per day (a measure of total PA) (β=-0.26; p=0.01). Simple slope analysis revealed that at high SES, AE of EX was negatively correlated with both MVPA (β=-0.29, p=0.05) and total PA (β=-0.31, p=0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Our results, although somewhat unexpected, support the role of AE in relation to PA behavior and suggest that its effect may depend on self-regulatory resources such as SES. Caution is warranted in generalizing our findings to other samples as ours was comprised of young, healthy, and active adults.

Level Of Physical Activity, States Of Change And Adherence, In Two Physical Activity Programs Face-to-face And Virtual 2019-2020

PORPUSE: Identify differences and similarities related to adherence, level of physical activity and behavioral states between two a face-to-face vs. virtual modality program developed in 2019 and 2020, before and during the pandemic. METHOD: observational study that compares 2 intervention groups in the periods of 2019 and 2020. As it was a natural experiment, the information was provided by the entity in charge of offering the program, who recorded adherence to the program through percentages of attendance, and the level of physical activity and stages of change with the BESS MARCUS test. The data analysis was carried out with R program RESULTS: the adherence results show that no user is fully adhered to the activities, the partially adhered people are 1.88% in 2019 and 3.73% in 2020, those who were partially adhered were regular active persons under 6 months, in a state of behavior in action. Although, no differences were found when comparing the interventions in 2019 and 2020 (p-value = 0.322), the level of physical activity and state of behavior in 2019 of n = 1,785 users who responded to the survey, 40% are in a level of habitual active physical activity and state of maintenance behavior; However, it is observed that the sum of inactive people in a state of pre-contemplative and contemplative behavior adds up to 34%. In 2020, within the framework of the pandemic, of n = 1,523 users who responded to the survey, 39% found themselves in an inactive level of physical activity and contemplative behavior, and an increase of 5% is observed compared to as of 2019 of the percentage of inactive people. The results related to the levels of physical activity in men and women did not show differences. There are no differences in adherence between the activities of 2019 and 2020 in the Fisher´s test (p-value = 1.00). CONCLUSIONS: The face-to-face and virtual activities do not generate differences and are equally valid when promoting physical activity.

Barriers to physical activity and associated factors in public school teachers – an transversal epidemiological study

Introduction: Teachers have a high prevalence of insufficient physical activity (PA) levels. However, the barriers to the practice of PA in this population and their associated factors are still not established in the literature. Objective: To describe the barriers to PA and identify associated factors in public school teachers. Methods: The sample was composed of 246 teachers (45.2 ± 10.4 years, 76% women). Barriers to PA, socioeconomic status, work-related factors, and habitual level of PA were assessed by questionnaire. The PA level according to each reported barrier was compared by analysis of variance and the association between barriers for PA and the categories of independent variables was analyzed by binary logistic regression. Results: Lack of Time (LT) and laziness, tiredness, or discouragement (LTD) were the most widely reported barriers (36.2% and 35.0%, respectively). Obese teachers were more likely to report LTD (OR = 2.34, p &lt; 0.05) and less likely to report no barrier to PA (OR = 0.07, p &lt; 0.05), when compared with teachers with normal weight. Teachers who reported working 21-30 hours per week were more likely to report LTD than those who worked 20 hours or less per week (OR = 4.12, p &lt; 0.05). Teachers with a moderate-to-low PA level in leisure-time and sports practice were more likely to report LTD as the main barrier to PA (OR = 2.53, p &lt; 0.05 and OR = 2.29, p &lt; 0.05; respectively). Conclusion: LT and LTD were the most frequently reported barriers to PA by teachers. LTD was associated with obesity, higher hours worked, and lower levels of PA in leisure-time and sports practice.

Habitual physical activity levels in women attending the one stop infertility clinic: A prospective cross-sectional observational study.

Optimisation of lifestyle factors such as smoking and alcohol is encouraged to improve fecundability rates in the fertility setting. Currently, routine fertility consultations do not involve counselling or imparting advice regarding habitual physical activity (PA) and/or structured exercise, despite data showing that vigorous PA can be associated with delayed time to pregnancy. Therefore, this study aimed to determine habitual PA in a sample of women attending the one-stop infertility (OSI) clinic. In total, 250 women attending a large tertiary level NHS fertility unit prospectively completed a questionnaire anonymously over a period of 9 months. The participants (mean age: 34 ± 5 years, mean BMI: 29 ± 7 kg/m2) habitual PA levels varied from vigorous exercise on ≥5 days/week (8%, n = 17) to no moderate or high-intensity activities across the whole week (66%, n = 29). A majority of women reported no structured exercise (72%, n = 179). No association was identified between any domain of PA and BMI, age, alcohol units, regular periods, or time spent trying to conceive (P > 0.05). The participants habitual PA levels varied widely and no association between any domain of PA and background of the women was identified. No existing evidence and/or guidelines to explicitly inform women attempting to conceive regarding recommended PA levels are available, despite PA being a modifiable, affordable, and feasible lifestyle choice with the possible potential to improve fertility. A large-scale, clinical trial assessing the effects of PA on fecundability is warranted to gain insight into the potential of this lifestyle factor to improve fertility outcomes and to explore the underlying biological mechanisms involved.Lay summaryInfertility affects approximately one in seven couples with many and varied causes, including lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol, and diet. Lifestyle changes are low-cost unimposing options to implement in routine fertility care. Information on regular physical activity is not currently enquired from women and no agreement regarding the best levels of exercise exists for fertility patients. In this study, we aimed to determine the exercise habits of women attending the OSI clinic. In total. 250 women attending OSI clinic over a period of 9 months completed a questionnaire collecting data on their exercise habits. The levels of physical activity performed varied widely from vigorous exercise on ≥5 days/week to no moderate or high-intensity activities across the whole week. A majority of women did no structured exercise (72%). These novel data highlight the variations in form, type and intensity of exercise women who attend OSI clinics perform. Currently, there is no existing evidence and/or guidelines to explicitly inform women attempting to conceive regarding the recommended physical activity levels. Physical activity is a modifiable, affordable, and feasible lifestyle choice that is not currently acknowledged in the fertility setting and has the potential to improve fertility.

Influence of an energy deficient and low carbohydrate acute dietary manipulation on iron regulation in young females.

Hepcidin is a liver‐derived hormone that regulates iron metabolism. Recent studies suggest that an energy‐deficient diet or low carbohydrate (CHO) availability may increase hepcidin in the absence of inflammation. The purpose of the present study was to examine the impact of either an energy‐deficient diet or an ED diet with low CHO intake during three consecutive days on hepcidin responses, hematological variables, and energy metabolism in young Japanese women. Twenty‐two young females were divided into two different groups, either an energy‐deficient with low CHO intake group (ED + LCHO; 2.0 ± 0.3 g/kg/day CHO, 39%CHO, 1123 kcal/day) or an energy deficient with moderate CHO intake group (ED; 3.4 ± 0.3 g/kg/day CHO, 63%CHO, 1162 kcal/day). During the three consecutive days of the dietary intervention program, participants consumed only the prescribed diet and maintained their habitual physical activity levels. Body composition, substrate oxidation, iron metabolism, and inflammation were evaluated pre‐ and post‐intervention. Serum iron and ferritin levels were significantly elevated following the intervention (p < 0.001, p = 0.003, respectively). Plasma interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) levels did not change following the intervention. Serum hepcidin levels significantly increased after the intervention (p = 0.002). Relative change in hepcidin levels was significantly higher in the ED + LCHO (264.3 ± 87.2%) than in the ED group (68.9 ± 22.1%, p = 0.048). Three consecutive days of an energy‐deficient diet increased fasting hepcidin levels. Moreover, elevated hepcidin levels were further augmented when an energy‐deficient diet was combined with a lower CHO intake.

Association of Habitual Physical Activity With the Risk of All-Cause Mortality Among Chinese Adults: A Prospective Cohort Study.

ObjectiveThis study was conducted to evaluate the association of the risk of all-cause mortality with habitual physical activity (HPA) and its different domains among Chinese adults.MethodsA total of 11,994 participants from the Guangzhou Heart Study were followed up until 1 January 2020. Information on HPA, including leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) and commute activity, was collected using a modified Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. Individual cause of death was obtained from the National Death Registry of China. Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to estimate hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) after adjustment for covariates.ResultsDuring 37,715 person-years of follow-up, 208 deaths (1.73%) were observed. When compared with the highest with the lowest exposure tertiles, HPA and LTPA were associated with 34% (HR: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.46–0.95) and 30% (HR: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.49–0.99) reduced risk of all-cause mortality after adjustment for covariates. Commute activity was not associated with mortality risk. For the specific component of LTPA, we found that every 1 MET-h/week increment of the housework was associated with a 1% (HR: 0.99, 95% CI: 0.98–0.99) decreased mortality risk, and performing brisk walking/health exercises/Yangko was associated with a 46% reduced mortality risk (HR: 0.54, 95% CI: 0.29–0.99).ConclusionThis study suggests that a higher level of HPA and LTPA was associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality. Our findings suggest people to perform HPA, especially LTPA, as a strategy for mortality reduction and health promotion.

Objectively Measured Physical Activity and Sedentary Time of Suburban Toddlers Aged 12-36 Months.

Low levels of physical activity may predispose children to the development of obesity and related chronic diseases in later life. The aims of this study were as follows: (1) quantitatively describe the levels of habitual physical activity in a contemporary sample of suburban children aged 12 to 36 months; (2) assess for gender differences in physical activity and sedentary behavior; (3) examine the specific effects of ethnicity, gender and overweight status on the objectively measured physical activity; and (4) quantify the tracking of physical activity in a subset of children over 1 year. During year one, 142 participants wore the GT3X Actigraph for 3 days. At a 1-year follow-up, a subset of 25 participants wore the Actigraph for 7 consecutive days. GLM and t-tests as appropriate were carried out to assess the influence of gender on the physical activity level. Spearman rank correlations, percentage agreement and kappa statistics assessed the tracking of physical activity. The results showed no significant gender differences in any anthropometric measurements, sedentary behavior or MVPA (p > 0.05). There were also no significant gender, ethnicity or overweight interaction for sedentary behavior, time spent in light PA and time spent in MVPA (p > 0.05). For tracking, there was a moderate strength of agreement for MVPA. Considering the disproportionate effects of obesity in minority groups, culturally appropriate interventions targeting the reduction in sedentary behavior are urgently required.

The Role of Exercise Training in Delaying Kidney Function Decline in Non-Dialysis-Dependent Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a progressive condition characterised by declining eGFR and associated, particularly in advanced stages, with increased morbidity and cardiovascular mortality. Current treatment options for delaying disease progression are limited to a small number of pharmacological agents. Considering that rates of kidney function decline are greater in patients with lower levels of habitual physical activity, there is interest in the potential benefits of structured exercise training in delaying CKD progression. This discursive review summarises the current state-of-play in this field of research by critically analysing the published systematic reviews of randomised controlled trials of structured exercise training in the non-dialysis CKD population. Several issues are highlighted that hamper definite conclusions as to the therapeutic effectiveness of exercise training for this purpose. However, following an overview of the pathophysiology and risk factors for kidney function decline, several potential mechanisms explaining how exercise training may benefit CKD progression are offered. Finally, suggestions for future research in this area are made. The review concludes that there is a need for further research on the effectiveness of exercise before it can be recommended as part of routine care for the purpose of delaying CKD progression. Exercise can be recommended, however, to individual patients because of a potential benefit to kidney function, and definite benefits to other outcomes such as quality of life, with no apparent evidence of harm.

Long-term cardiovascular health and physical functioning of non-hospitalised ex-COVID-19 patients: a case-control study

Funding AcknowledgementsType of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): Dutch Heart Foundation (Nederlandse Hartstichting)Background/IntroductionSARS-CoV-2 and the associated coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has substantial acute effects on cardiovascular health and physical functioning, but the long-term effects are less clear, especially in individuals that recover from COVID-19 at home, representing ~95% of all cases.PurposeWe compared cardiovascular health and physical functioning of non-hospitalised ex-COVID-19 patients versus age- and sex-matched healthy peers.MethodsWe recruited non-hospitalised adults with PCR-proven COVID-19 and age- and sex-matched controls for this case-control study. Duration of COVID-19 illness and presence of residual complaints were inquired. Cardiovascular health status and physical functioning were assessed through a series of measurements: blood pressure, blood biomarkers (NT-proBNP, high-sensitive cardiac troponin I, C-reactive protein), carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (ARTSENS), handgrip strength, 4-metre gait speed, habitual physical activity (days per week with at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity) and quality of life based on the 12-item short form.ResultsWe included 101 ex-COVID-19 patients (median age 59.0 [54.5-65.5], 59 (58.4%) male) at a median of 5.0 [4.0-7.0] months post-infection and 101 age- and sex-matched controls (median age 58.0 [54.0-64.5], 58 (57.4%) male). Median duration of COVID-19 illness was 8.0 days [6.0-14.0] and 32.3% of the cases reported residual complaints at the time of inclusion. We found no differences between ex-COVID-19 patients and controls in blood pressure (134-81 vs. 133-81 mmHg, p=0.40 and p=0.30 for systolic and diastolic pressures respectively), concentrations of NT-proBNP (8.50 vs. 7.00 pmol/L, p=0.22), high-sensitive cardiac troponin I (4.11 vs. 3.38 ng/L, p=0.06), C-reactive protein (4.00 vs. 4.00 mg/L, p=0.93) and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (6.63 vs. 7.01 m/s, p=0.30). Ex-COVID-19 patients showed higher handgrip strength compared to controls (43 kg vs. 38 kg, p=0.004), but 4-metre gait speed (2.62 vs. 2.56 s, p=0.33), habitual physical activity levels (6.0 vs. 6.0 days, p=0.16) and reported quality of life (86.4% vs. 88.6%, p=0.10) were not different between groups.Conclusion(s)Cardiovascular health and physical functioning parameters were not different between non-hospitalised ex-COVID-19 patients and age- and sex-matched controls at five months post-infection. This suggests that individuals who recovered from COVID-19 at home do not have an increased cardiovascular risk or impaired physical functioning in the long-term.

Associations Among Physical Activity, Skeletal Related Events, and Patient Reported Outcomes in Patients with Bone Metastases.

Emerging evidence supports exercise as a therapeutic intervention for patients with bone metastases. However, exercise prescription in practice is limited by concerns regarding skeletal-related events (SREs). This study examined associations among habitual physical activity levels, history of SREs, and patient reported outcomes in patients with bone metastases. A total of 58 patients with bone metastases (n = 45 breast cancer; n = 13 prostate cancer; mean time since cancer diagnosis 5.8 [4.7] years) were assessed. Habitual physical activity levels were collected by accelerometry. Standardized subjective assessment collected history of SREs, quality of life (EORTC-QLQ-C30 and EORTC-BM22), pain (Brief Pain Inventory), sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Questionnaire), and perceptions about exercise (Exercise Benefits/Barriers Scale). Participants spent a mean of 77.37% (standard deviation 14.3)% of waking hours sedentary and a mean of 20.14% (standard deviation 13.4)% of waking hours in light intensity activity. Almost half (n = 28) completed ≥150 min/wk moderate-to-vigorous intensity activity. Higher levels of moderate-to-vigorous intensity activity were associated with lower pain scores, better perceived physical function, lower functional interference scores, and better quality of life. Patients with a history of fracture since diagnosis spent more time sedentary and in light intensity activity in comparison to those with no fracture history (P < .05). Moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity may have multiple benefits for patients with bone metastases. Reducing sedentary behavior may be a key target for patients with a history of fracture. Oncology nurses play a key role in providing education on the benefits of exercise, overcoming barriers to physical activity and timely referrals.

The Association Between Alzheimer's Disease-Related Markers and Physical Activity in Cognitively Normal Older Adults.

Previous studies have indicated that physical activity may be beneficial in reducing the risk for Alzheimer's disease (AD), although the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. The goal of this study was to evaluate the relationship between habitual physical activity levels and brain amyloid deposition and AD-related blood biomarkers (i.e., measured using a novel high-performance mass spectrometry-based assay), in apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 carriers and noncarriers. We evaluated 143 cognitively normal older adults, all of whom had brain amyloid deposition assessed using positron emission tomography and had their physical activity levels measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). We observed an inverse correlation between brain amyloidosis and plasma beta-amyloid (Aβ)1−42 but found no association between brain amyloid and plasma Aβ1−40 and amyloid precursor protein (APP)669−711. Additionally, higher levels of physical activity were associated with lower plasma Aβ1−40, Aβ1−42, and APP669−711 levels in APOE ε4 noncarriers. The ratios of Aβ1−40/Aβ1−42 and APP669−711/Aβ1−42, which have been associated with higher brain amyloidosis in previous studies, differed between APOE ε4 carriers and non-carriers. Taken together, these data indicate a complex relationship between physical activity and brain amyloid deposition and potential blood-based AD biomarkers in cognitively normal older adults. In addition, the role of APOE ε4 is still unclear, and more studies are necessary to bring further clarification.