Vigorous-intensity Physical Activity Levels Research Articles

Joint associations of device-measured physical activity and abdominal obesity with incident cardiovascular disease: a prospective cohort study

ObjectiveTo examine the joint associations between physical activity and abdominal obesity with the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) events.MethodsWe included 70 830 UK Biobank participants (mean age±SD=61.6 ± 7.9 years;...

Young Adult Physical Activity Trajectories and Midlife Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Physical activity (PA) is recommended for preventing and treating nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Yet, how long-term patterns of intensity-based physical activity, including moderate-intensity PA (MPA) and vigorous-intensity PA (VPA), might affect the prevalence of NAFLD in middle age remains unclear. To identify distinct intensity-based PA trajectories from young to middle adulthood and examine the associations between PA trajectories and NAFLD prevalence in midlife. This population-based cohort of 2833 participants used the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults study data. The setting included field clinics in Birmingham, Alabama; Chicago, Illinois; Minneapolis, Minnesota; and Oakland, California. Data analysis was completed in March 2023. PA was self-reported at 8 examinations over 25 years (1985-1986 to 2010-2011) and separately scored for MPA and VPA. NAFLD was defined as liver attenuation values less than 51 Hounsfield units after exclusion of other causes of liver fat, measured using computed tomography in year 25 (2010-2011). Among a total of 2833 participants included in the sample, 1379 (48.7%) self-identified as Black, 1454 (51.3%) as White, 1206 (42.6%) as male, and 1627 (57.4%) as female from baseline (1985-1986) (mean [SD] age, 25.0 [3.6] years) to year 25 (2010-2011) (mean [SD] age, 50.1 [3.6] years). Three MPA trajectories were identified: very low stable (1514 participants [53.4%]), low increasing (1096 [38.7%]), and moderate increasing (223 [7.9%]); and 3 VPA trajectories: low stable (1649 [58.2%]), moderate decreasing (1015 [35.8%]), and high decreasing (169 [6.0%]). After adjustment for covariates (sex, age, race, study center, education, smoking status, and alcohol consumption), participants in the moderate decreasing (risk ratio [RR], 0.74; 95% CI, 0.54-0.85) and the high decreasing (RR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.44-0.80) VPA trajectories had a lower risk of NAFLD in middle age, relative to participants in the low stable VPA trajectory. Adjustments for baseline body mass index and waist circumference attenuated these estimates, but the results remained statistically significant. The adjusted RRs across the MPA trajectories were close to null and not statistically significant. This cohort study of Black and White participants found a reduced risk of NAFLD in middle age for individuals with higher levels of VPA throughout young to middle adulthood compared with those with lower VPA levels. These results suggest the need for promoting sustainable and equitable prevention programs focused on VPA over the life course to aid in lowering NAFLD risk.

Association of Device-Measured Physical Activity With Cardiovascular Outcomes in Individuals With Hypertension.

There is insufficient evidence to show that the guidelines' recommendations of physical activity (PA) are associated with long-term benefits in individuals with hypertension. This prospective cohort study included UK Biobank participants with hypertension. Time spent on vigorous-intensity PA (VPA), moderate-intensity PA (MPA), and light-intensity PA (LPA) measured by wrist-worn accelerometer were extracted. The primary outcomes were major adverse cardiovascular events (including cardiovascular death, stroke, and myocardial infarction) and all-cause mortality. The secondary outcomes were cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, and stroke, respectively. The relationships of PA with outcomes were analyzed using Cox regression models. This study included 49 060 eligible participants with a median follow-up of 7.0 years. MPA was inversely associated with risks of major adverse cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality. Modest amounts of LPA or VPA were likely to be more beneficial than higher amounts of either in all-cause death or cardiovascular outcomes. Compared with the least active group, 150 to 300 min/wk of MPA or more was significantly associated with decreased risk of all-cause death (by 34%-54%) and major adverse cardiovascular events (by 23%-41%), but 75 to 150 min/wk of VPA or more was associated with few further benefits, even weakening the cardiovascular benefits. MPA had an inverse dose-response association with the risk of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular outcomes in individuals with hypertension. Modest amounts of LPA or VPA are also beneficial, but higher amounts may be not. MPA may be the optimal PA intensity for individuals with hypertension. Further researches are required to determine whether high levels of VPA should be recommended.

Accelerometer-derived physical activity and sedentary time and cardiac biomarkers: The Maastricht Study.

Cardiac troponins and NT-proBNP are biomarkers of cardiac injury that are used clinically in the diagnosis of myocardial infarction and heart failure. It is not known whether the amount, types and patterns of physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour are associated with levels of cardiac biomarkers. In the population-based Maastricht Study (n = 2,370, 51.3% male, 28.3% T2D) we determined cardiac biomarkers hs-cTnI, hs-cTnT, and NT-proBNP. PA and sedentary time were measured by activPAL and divided into quartiles [quartile 1 (Q1) served as reference]. The weekly pattern of moderate-to-vigorous PA (insufficiently active; regularly actives; weekend warriors) and coefficient of variation (CV) was calculated. Linear regression analyses were conducted with adjustment for demographic, lifestyle, and cardiovascular risk factors. There was no consistent pattern between physical activity (different intensities: total, light, moderate-to-vigorous and vigorous) and sedentary time on the one hand and hs-cTnI and hs-cTnT on the other. Those with the highest levels of vigorous intensity PA had significantly lower levels of NT-proBNP. With regard to PA patterns, weekend warriors and regularly actives had lower levels of NT-proBNP but not with hs-cTnI and hs-cTnT (reference:insufficiently actives). A higher weekly moderate-to-vigorous PA CV (indicating more irregular activity) was associated with lower levels of hs-cTnI and higher levels of NT-proBNP, but not with hs-cTnT. In general, there was no consistent association between PA and sedentary time and cardiac troponins. In contrast, vigorous and possibly moderate-to-vigorous intensity PA, especially if done regularly, were associated with lower levels of NT-proBNP.

EVALUATION OF THE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY LEVELS OF COVID-19 PATIENTS IN TURKEY

Purpose: Covid-19 is a viral infection that affects either the respiratory system or the other systems. Studies about the effects of Covid-19 on physical activity are still scarce. This study aims to compare the changes in the physical activity levels of patients before and six months after Covid-19 in Turkey.
 Methods: One hundred and six participants that have been six months after Covid-19 contraction were included in the study. Along with the Patient Assessment Questionnaire, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form was used to assess physical activity energy consumption (vigorous-intensity physical activities, moderate-intensity physical activities, walking, and total physical activities).
 Results: Participants became either less physically active or more sedentary six months after Covid-19 (p=0.019). Vigorous-intensity physical activity levels were significantly decreased (Mean±SD: 341±854 vs. 109±331 Metabolic Equivalent Task minutes/week, p=0.015), and perceived fatigue during exercise was significantly increased between before and six month after infection (Mean±SD: 4.76±2.17 vs 6.17±2.27, p=0.001). Participants who had dyspnea (n=12) during the period of Covid-19, did more moderate-intensity physical activity (p=0.020) and walking (p =0.021) after Covid-19, compared to those who had not.
 Conclusion: Particularly changes in vigorous-intensity physical activity levels and perceived fatigue during exercise were seen in Covid-19 infected patients. We recommend supporting gradually increased tailor-based exercise programs by health professionals in public health agencies, not only for protecting the individuals from Covid-19 outcomes, but also for returning to their preinfection fitness levels.

Nutrition Education Program and Physical Activity Improve the Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet: Impact on Inflammatory Biomarker Levels in Healthy Adolescents From the DIMENU Longitudinal Study.

Adherence to Mediterranean diet (MD) and physical activity (PA) in adolescence represent powerful indicators of healthy lifestyles in adulthood. The aim of this longitudinal study was to investigate the impact of nutrition education program (NEP) on the adherence to the MD and on the inflammatory status in healthy adolescents, categorized into three groups according to their level of PA (inactivity, moderate intensity, and vigorous intensity). As a part of the DIMENU (Dieta Mediterranea & Nuoto) study, 85 adolescents (aged 14–17 years) participated in the nutrition education sessions provided by a team of nutritionists and endocrinologists at T0. All participants underwent anthropometric measurements, bio-impedentiometric analysis (BIA), and measurements of inflammatory biomarkers such as ferritin, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. Data were collected at baseline (T0) and 6 months after NEP (T1). To assess the adherence to the MD, we used KIDMED score. In our adolescents, we found an average MD adherence, which was increased at T1 compared with T0 (T0: 6.03 ± 2.33 vs. T1: 6.96 ± 2.03, p = 0.002), with an enhanced percentage of adolescents with optimal (≥8 score) MD adherence over the study period (T0: 24.71% vs. T1: 43.52%, p = 0.001). Interestingly, in linear mixed-effects models, we found that NEP and vigorous-intensity PA levels independently influenced KIDMED score (β = 0.868, p < 0.0001 and β = 1.567, p = 0.009, respectively). Using ANOVA, NEP had significant effects on serum ferritin levels (p < 0.001), while either NEP or PA influenced ESR (p = 0.035 and 0.002, respectively). We also observed in linear mixed-effects models that NEP had a negative effect on ferritin and CRP (β = −14.763, p < 0.001 and β = −0.714, p = 0.02, respectively). Our results suggest the usefulness to promote healthy lifestyle, including either nutrition education interventions, or PA to improve MD adherence and to impact the inflammatory status in adolescence as a strategy for the prevention of chronic non-communicable diseases over the entire lifespan.

Associations of physical activity at work and household income with obesity: a cross-sectional study among rural adults in Korea.

OBJECTIVESThis study was performed to identify the effect of physical activity at work on obesity and to analyze the contribution of socioeconomic factors and health behaviors to this association, which has been relatively little studied.METHODSFrom the Korean National Cancer Center Community Cohort, a total of 5,587 adults (2,125 men; 3,462 women) aged more than 30 years living in rural areas were enrolled. Information on socio-demographic factors, health behaviors, and body mass index was gathered using face-to-face interviews and measurements of height and weight.RESULTSInverse associations were identified between vigorous-intensity physical activity at work and obesity in both men and women, while no association was found between vigorous-intensity physical activity during leisure time and obesity. High household income was independently associated with a lower risk of obesity among those who had low levels of vigorous-intensity physical activity at work. Vigorous physical activity at work showed an inverse association with obesity in rural areas where heavy manual labor is common.CONCLUSIONSOur findings indicate the necessity to account for various types of physical activity to improve the assessment and prevention of obesity.

Comparison of physical activity levels in Spanish adults with chronic conditions before and during COVID-19 quarantine.

BackgroundThis is the first study analysing levels of physical activity in a sample of quarantined adults with chronic conditions. The aim of this study was to compare moderate-intensity and vigorous-intensity physical activity levels in Spanish adults with chronic conditions before and during COVID-19 quarantine.MethodsA cross-sectional online survey was administered during the COVID-19 quarantine in Spain. A total of 163 participants with chronic conditions (113 females and 47 males; age range 18-64 years) completed the survey. A total of 26 chronic conditions were included. Participants self-reported average minutes/day of moderate and vigorous physical activity before and during quarantine. Differences in moderate-intensity physical activity and vigorous-intensity physical activity levels before and during COVID-19 quarantine (overall, by gender, by age, by number of chronic conditions and by each chronic condition) were assessed by Wilcoxon signed-rank test.ResultsDuring COVID-19 quarantine, there was a significant decrease of moderate-intensity physical activity in Spanish people with chronic conditions (in both males and females, in those aged 18-24, 25-34, 35-44 and 55-64 years, in those with multimorbidity, in those with one/two chronic condition/s, and in those diagnosed with asthma/hypercholesterolemia/chronic skin disease/hemorrhoids). Also, there was a significant decrease of vigorous-intensity physical activity in Spanish males with chronic conditions and in those with multimorbidity.ConclusionsThese results should be considered to develop effective strategies of physical activity promotion targeting these specific groups when new quarantine or restriction measures are implemented, in order to avoid new significant decreases of physical activity in these vulnerable populations.

Investigation of the Effect of COVID-19 Outbreak on Physical Activity, Perceived Stress, Physical Activity Awareness and Exercise Barriers: A National Study

Background: The new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) seems to have had a major impact on physical activity behavior globally. Therefore, it was aimed to investigate the effect of COVID-19 on physical activity, perceived stress, awareness of physical activity, and exercise barriers nationally. Methods: The survey was sent on-line and data were collected between May 8 and May 31, 2020. The physical activity levels of the respondents were evaluated with the Physical Activity (PA) Questionnaire - Short Form and stress levels with the Perceived Stress Scale. The awareness of exercise and barriers to exercise were questioned with qualitative questions. One-way ANOVA, the Chi-squared test, and Pearson Correlation analysis were used to evaluate the data. Findings: Evaluation was made of 1087 participants aged 18-76 years. During the COVID-19 outbreak, 70% of Turkish adults had inadequate physical activity, which was a higher rate than national and global prevalence. It was observed that the perceived stress level was different in terms of PA levels (F: 23·948, p Interpretation: The precautions taken during the COVID-19 outbreak in Turkey were seen to have a negative effect on physical activity and stress levels, and the most affected groups in this outbreak were females and young adults. Home-based exercises can support the protection of physical and mental health, and avoid the risk of inactivity-related health problems during the COVID-19 outbreak. Funding: There is no funding support for the study.Declaration of Interests: The authors have no conflict of interests to declare.Ethics Approval Statement: The study was approved by the IRB and was conducted in compliance with the Helsinki Declaration.

Anthropometry, dietary intake, physical activity and sitting time patterns in adolescents aged 15\u201317\u2009years: an international comparison in eight Latin American\xa0countries

BackgroundAlthough there is high prevalence of obesity and other cardiovascular risk factors among Latin American adolescents, there is limited evidence on dietary intake and physical activity (PA) patterns in this population. Therefore, we characterized anthropometry, dietary intake, PA and sitting time (ST) in adolescents aged 15–17 years from eight Latin American countries.MethodsSix hundred seventy-one adolescents (41.4% girls) from the Latin American Study of Nutrition and Health (ELANS) were included. Nutritional status was classified by four BMI (kg/m2) categories. Waist circumference (WC) was categorized as above or below thresholds. Dietary intake was assessed through two non-consecutive 24-h dietary recalls. PA and ST were measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). We calculated overall and country-specific estimates by sex and tested for differences between boys and girls.ResultsDifferences in the prevalence of overweightness (15.1 and 21.6%) and obesity (8.5 and 6.5%) between boys and girls, respectively, were statistically insignificant (p = 0.059). Average energy intake was 2289.7 kcal/day (95% CI: 2231–2350) for boys and 1904.2 kcal/day (95% CI: 1840–1963) for girls (p < 0.001). In relation to macronutrient intake for boys and girls, respectively, the average intake (expressed as percentage of total energy) was 15.0 and 14.9% for protein; 55.4 and 54.9% for carbohydrates; 14.1 and 14.5% for added sugar; 29.5 and 30.1% for total fat; and 9.6 and 9.9% for saturated fat (p > 0.05 for all outcomes). There was no statistically significant difference in the prevalence of total energy (TE) saturated fat and added sugar (>10% of TE) between girls and boys (49.6% versus 44.8 and 81.7% versus 76.1%, respectively). Prevalence of physical inactivity was 19% in boys and 43.7% in girls (p < 0.001). Median levels of vigorous-intensity PA and total PA were significantly higher for boys than for girls (p < 0.05 for both outcomes); whereas levels of ST were similar (273.7 versus 220.0 min/day for boys and girls, respectively; p > 0.05).ConclusionsThese findings highlight the high prevalence of poor dietary intake and physical inactivity in adolescents from Latin American countries. Therefore, effective and sustainable strategies and programmes are needed that promote healthier diets, regular PA and reduce ST among Latin American adolescents.Trial registrationClinical Trials NCT02226627. Retrospectively registered on August 27, 2014.

Exercise participation, barriers, and preferences in Korean prostate cancer survivors

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify patterns of physical activity (PA) participation, exercise preference, and barriers of stage 2–3 prostate cancer survivors across cancer trajectories based on selected demographic and medical variables. Design: The current study is a descriptive cross-sectional study which included data from a total of 111 prostate cancer survivors, at Shinchon Severance Hospital, Seoul, Korea. The survey includes PA levels before and after prostate cancer diagnosis, exercise barriers, and preferences. Results: Moderate- to vigorous-intensity PA levels were significantly lower after cancer diagnosis (vigorous PA:41.9 ± 123.1 min/week vs. 4.6 ± 29.8 min/week, p < 0.001; moderate PA: 159.9 ± 240.0 min/week vs. 56.8 ± 129.7 min/week, p < .001) compared to their PA level before cancer diagnosis. Perceived exercise barriers were distinctly different according to participants’ age and time since surgery. The two most prevalent exercise barriers among prostate cancer survivors <65 years were lack of time (28.6%) and poor health (26.5%), whereas the exercise barriers for prostate cancer survivors aged ≥65 years were lack of exercise facilities (21.4%) and lack of exercise information (17.9%). Furthermore, within 6 months after surgery, prostate cancer survivors perceived poor health (29.5%) and pain at the surgery site (29.5%) to be the two most prevalent exercise barriers. 6 months after surgery, prostate cancer survivors perceived lack of time (21.3%) and poor health (14.8%) to be the two most prevalent exercise barriers. Walking, pelvic floor and Kegel exercises were three most preferred exercises among prostate cancer survivors in our study, which uniquely differ according to time since surgery. Conclusion: This study showed significant reduction in PA levels among prostate cancer survivors and their perceived exercise barriers were distinct according to their age and time since surgery. Therefore, PA and exercise recommendation should be specific to their personal characteristics such as age and time since surgery.

A Cross-Sectional Examination of Physical Activity Levels and Their Socio-Demographic Determinants in Southern Tanzania.

Physical activity is essential for healthy aging. Evidence suggests that vigorous-intensity physical activity (VPA) may be more beneficial than moderate-intensity physical activity (MPA). We examined physical activity levels (MPA, VPA and total physical activity), and their socio-demographic determinants in 2311 participants (15–93 years; 68% women) of the MZIMA Open Community Cohort, who had complete relevant data. Physical activity levels were estimated in minutes per week across three domains—work, leisure and transport. We created three outcome variables: low MPA (<150 min per week of MPA), low VPA (<75 min per week of VPA) and insufficient physical activity (IPA: <150 min per week of total physical activity) and applied sample-weighted multivariable logistic regression to assess associations with potential socio-demographic determinants. Prevalence of IPA, low MPA and low VPA were 25%, 26% and 65% respectively. IPA and low MPA were correlated (Spearman R = 0.98; p < 0.001). Work, leisure and transport contributed 54%, 25% and 21% to total physical activity respectively. IPA and low VPA were significantly associated with female sex, lower education, non-manual occupation and frequent fruit consumption. We observed significant differences by sex (Pheterogeneity < 0.001), on the associations between education and IPA, and between age, occupation and low VPA. In conclusion, low levels of VPA, which were more pronounced in women, support the monitoring and promotion of VPA alongside overall physical activity. Leisure-related activities should also be promoted towards gains in vigorous-intensity and total physical activity in this setting.

Physical activity levels of adults with various physical disabilities.

This study examined the physical activity (PA) levels of people with specific disabilities, using health care registration data. Data of 321,656 adults (83%) from the Dutch Public Health Monitor 2012 were used to assess adherence to the World Health Organization (WHO) PA guidelines (%) and the time (min/week) spent on moderate-to-vigorous-intensity and vigorous-intensity PA. Specific physical and sensory (i.e. vision and hearing) disabilities were identified by means of two health claims registries that include reimbursement of functional aids and long-term care. Generalized estimated equations were used to determine the association of PA with disabilities, adjusted for confounders (model 1) and additionally for self-reported activity limitations (model 2). Adults with disabilities had lower levels of WHO PA guidelines adherence (range: −49.8% to −11.9%, p < 0.01) and of moderate-to-vigorous-intensity PA (range: −691 to −200 min/week, p < 0.01) than adults without physical and sensory disabilities. Adults with physical disabilities had the lowest levels. The difference in levels of vigorous-intensity PA between adults with and without physical and sensory disabilities ranged from −12 to 8 min/week Only adults receiving long-term care due to physical disabilities had significantly lower vigorous-intensity PA levels (−12 min/week, p < 0.01). After adjustment for self-reported activity limitations, the difference in PA levels between adults with and without physical and sensory disabilities attenuated, especially among those with physical disabilities, but PA levels were still lower for adults with physical disabilities (−34.5% to −9.8% and −466 to −172 min/week, p < 0.01, respectively). Regardless of self-reported activity limitations, adults with objectively measured disabilities, especially those with physical disabilities, had lower PA levels compared to adults without physical and sensory disabilities.

Intentional avoidance of physical activity in women with migraine

Given the benefits of habitual physical activity for migraine management and overall health, it is important to understand the reasons for low physical activity levels in those with migraine. Beliefs that physical activity can trigger and/or worsen migraine pain may contribute to low physical activity levels via intentional avoidance of physical activity, particularly of higher intensities. This study evaluated intentional avoidance of physical activity at varying intensity levels and its association with (a) leisure-time physical activity levels, (b) beliefs that physical activity will trigger and/or worsen migraine, and (c) migraine characteristics. Participants were women ( n = 100) who screened positive for migraine on the IDMigraine and completed an online survey on physical activity and migraine. The majority of the sample (78%) reported avoiding physical activity to manage migraine attacks at least once in the past month, and most reported avoidance of both moderate- and vigorous-intensity activity. Among those who reported avoidance, moderate- and vigorous-intensity physical activity was avoided on an average of 4.0 ± 2.0 and 4.1 ± 2.2 days/week, respectively. More frequent avoidance of vigorous-intensity physical activity (but not moderate-intensity) was significantly correlated with lower vigorous-intensity physical activity indicated by fewer days/week ( r = −0.28, p = 0.016) and fewer minutes/day ( r = −0.29, p = 0.011). The frequency of physical activity avoidance was significantly correlated with stronger expected likelihood that physical activity, at both intensity levels, will both trigger ( r = 0.39–0.43, p &lt; 0.01) and worsen ( r = 0.24–0.25, p &lt; 0.05) migraine attacks. Individuals who avoided physical activity reported a significantly higher number of migraine attacks in the past month and were more likely to have chronic migraine, compared to those who did not report avoidance. Intentional avoidance of moderate- and vigorous-intensity physical activity is a common migraine management strategy that is associated with lower levels of vigorous-intensity physical activity, stronger beliefs that physical activity will trigger or worsen migraine, and more frequent migraine attacks. Individuals with migraine who avoid physical activity may benefit from targeted intervention to address beliefs about physical activity and migraine, which has the strong potential to improve both migraine and health outcomes.

The relationship between physical activity and work ability - A cross-sectional study of teachers.

To assess relationship between physical activity (PA) and perceived work ability amongst teachers from the Upper Silesia, Poland. The study involved 171 teachers (129 women, 42 men) of primary and secondary schools of the Upper Silesia, Poland. Physical education teachers were excluded from the study. The level of PA was estimated using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire short version, and perceived work ability was estimated using Work Ability Index (WAI). Male teachers had significantly higher levels of vigorous-intensity PA, moderateintensity PA, and total weekly PA than female teachers. The recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO) met 46% of studied women and 74% of men. Work ability did not differ between male and female teachers. Work ability was related to age, body mass index (BMI), and PA (vigorous-intensity PA, moderate-intensity PA, total weekly PA). The female teachers with excellent or good WAI had significantly higher levels of vigorous-intensity PA, moderate-intensity PA and total weekly PA than female teachers with moderate or poor WAI. The teachers involving in high or moderate intensity PA could improve their work ability. Further studies should focus on relation between physical activity and work ability among teachers of various age and seniority, from both, urban and rural schools. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2018;31(1):1-9.

Associations of Vigorous-Intensity Physical Activity with Biomarkers in Youth.

Physical activity (PA) conveys known cardiometabolic benefits to youth, but the contribution of vigorous-intensity PA (VPA) to these benefits is unknown. Therefore, we sought to determine (a) the associations between VPA and cardiometabolic biomarkers independent of moderate-intensity PA (MPA) and time sedentary and (b) the accelerometer cut point that best represents the threshold for health-promoting VPA in youth. Data from the International Children's Accelerometry Database (ICAD) were analyzed in 2015. The relationship between cardiometabolic biomarkers and four categories of VPA estimated via three sets of cut points were examined using isotemporal substitution quantile regression modeling at the 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, and 90th percentile of the distribution of each biomarker, separately. Age, sex, accelerometer wear time, sedentary time, and MPA were controlled for while allowing substitution for light-intensity PA. Data from 11,588 youth (4-18 yr) from 11 ICAD studies (collected 1998-2009) were analyzed. Only 32 of 360 significant associations were observed. Significant, negative relationships were observed for VPA with waist circumference and insulin. Replacing light-intensity PA with VPA (corresponding to at the 25th to 90th percentiles of VPA) was associated with 0.67 (-1.33 to -0.01; P = 0.048) to 7.30 cm (-11.01 to -3.58; P < 0.001) lower waist circumference using Evenson and ICAD cut points (i.e., higher counts per minute). VPA levels were associated with 12.60 (-21.28 to -3.92; P = 0.004) to 27.03 pmol·L (-45.03 to -9.03; P = 0.003) lower insulin levels at the 75th to 90th percentiles using Evenson and ICAD cut points when substituted for light PA. Substituting light PA with VPA was inversely associated with waist circumference and insulin. However, VPA was inconsistently related to the remaining biomarkers after controlling for time sedentary and MPA.

ICT USE Influence on Activity Pattern &amp; Body Composition Of University Students In Kwara State

The use of ICT is a prominent aspect of students’ lifestyle in tertiary institutions. ICT creates efficiency in performing tasks but encourages sedentariness, alters body composition and may affect health. PURPOSE: To determine influence of ICT use on physical activity pattern and body composition of tertiary institution students. METHODS: The study design was Ex-post facto. Multistage sampling was used to select 2,442 students with mean age 22.8 years from three tertiary institutions in Kwara state, Nigeria. Body composition was determined using height scale, body fat/hydration monitor scale (brand number 7032497) and two birds non-elastic tape rule. Validated ICT Use and Physical Activity Questionnaire (IUPAQ) (Rho of .71) was used to assess level of ICT use and physical activity pattern. Approved Ethical Clearance from University of Ilorin and informed consent were dully obtained. Inclusion criteria were penultimate and final year students. Percentage, Mean, and Standard Deviation described the data. Hypotheses were tested at 0.05 alpha level using PPMC, ANOVA and Multiple Regression. RESULTS: Many of the students did not perform the recommended physical activity (n = 1,065; 43.6%) and their physical activity pattern was sedentary-based (14 hours per day). Average ICT time per day was 9 hours (65%) of which mobile phone time was 4 hours (25%). Strong positive relationship existed between ICT use and sedentariness r = .84, p = .001; physical activity pattern and ICT use p = .001, r2 = 15%; and ICT use and body composition p = .001. Sedentariness was the highest predictor of excessive ICT use Beta =.120, p = .001 & BMI predictor of risk factor Beta = .156 . However, light to vigorous intensity physical activity levels indicated low predictive ability of ICT use p>.05;. Significant difference in the level of ICT use based on age range, p = .001 and type of institution of participants p = .001 existed. CONCLUSION: Prolonged ICT use causes sedentariness and alters body composition with BMI as the highest predictor of risk. This study advocates for institutional physical activity awareness for regulated ICT use campaign.

The Musician as (In)Active Athlete?: Exploring the Association Between Physical Activity and Musculoskeletal Complaints in Music Students.

Musicians are often compared to athletes because of the physical exertion required to play music. The aim of this study was to explore the physical activity level of music students and to study its relationship with musculoskeletal complaints. A second goal was to assess associations between physical activity and pain, quality of life, and disability. This cross-sectional study among third- and fourth-year music students used an electronic survey including measures for physical activity (SQUASH-Short Questionnaire to Assess Health-enhancing physical activity), musculoskeletal complaints (DMQ-Dutch Musculoskeletal Questionnaire), disability (DASH-Disability Arm, Shoulder, Hand questionnaire) and quality of life (Short Form-12). Students were classified as compliers or non-compliers with moderate- and vigorous-intensity physical activity recommendations. Statistical analysis was done using (non)parametric tests (t-test, Pearson chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U-test) and correlational testing. Participants were 132 students, 63.6% female, with a median age of 23 yrs (range 21.3-25.0). 67% reported musculoskeletal complaints in the past 7 days. Their median physical activity level was 6,390 MET-min/wk, and 62% and 10% of the students accomplished recommendations for moderate-intensity and vigorous-intensity physical activity levels, respectively. No significant differences were found in prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints between students who met moderate- or vigorous-intensity physical activity recommendations and students who did not. Physical activity level was not associated with musculoskeletal complaints (r=0.12, p=0.26). Higher pain intensity was associated with a lower quality of life (r=-0.53 p<0.01) and higher disability (r=0.43, p<0.01). Music students are mainly involved in light- to moderate-intensity physical activities and rarely in vigorous-intensity activities. No correlation was found between physical activity level in the past months and musculoskeletal complaints in music students.

Overweight Perception: Associations with Weight Control Goals, Attempts, and Practices among Chinese Female College Students

BackgroundConcurrent with the dramatic cultural and economic shifts occurring as mainland China becomes increasingly “Westernized,” the weight perceptions, ideal body weight, and weight management goals and practices of Chinese females have also undergone significant changes. ObjectiveTo investigate relationships between overweight status, weight perception patterns, and weight management goals and practices in Chinese female college students. Design/participants/settingA cross-sectional analysis was conducted with data from 902 female subjects aged 18 to 25 years participating in the China Seven Cities Study, a health promotion and smoking prevention study conducted in mainland China in 2003. Main outcome measures/statistical analysesLogistic regression models were used to explore associations between overweight status, weight perception, specific weight management goals and practices, and current levels of vigorous-intensity physical activity and food consumption. ResultsBased on World Health Organization standards for Asian adults, 16.7% of college females were overweight or obese, although 50.8% considered themselves to be “too heavy.” Among participants perceiving themselves as overweight (n=458), 69.2% (n=371) were inaccurate and did not meet criteria for overweight or obese. The percentage of participants attempting weight loss was 48.2%, and 33.1% wanted to maintain their current weight. Attempts to lose or maintain weight were related to actual and perceived weight status, but not to increased vigorous-intensity physical activity or fruit and vegetable intake, nor to decreased consumption of sweets, soda, Western fast foods, and fried foods. Only 21.5% of participants desiring weight loss or maintenance reported using a combination of vigorous-intensity physical activity and a reduced-fat and -calorie diet, whereas 20.2% tried extreme methods such as fasting, using diet pills, vomiting, or smoking. ConclusionsOur findings underscore the need to promote healthy weight management practices among Chinese female college students, with an emphasis on diet and physical activity strategies that encourage balance rather than extremes.

Vigorous Physical Activity is Positively Correlated With Grade Point Average in College-Age Females

A growing body of evidence suggests that regular physical activity is positively correlated to academic achievement in children and adolescents. Among college students, few studies have examined the relationship between overall physical activity levels and academic achievement - generally reflected in grade point average. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine if typical weekly physical activity (PA) levels were correlated with academic performance among full-time college-aged females during the spring semester. METHODS: Thirty full-time, female (18-23 years) students enrolled in one of several upper Midwest universities, and who did not participate in a varsity sport, were recruited for the study. Walking and moderate and vigorous intensity PA (METs/week) were assessed by the validated International Physical Activity Questionnaire short form (IPAQ). Grade point average (GPA) was obtained by self-report questionnaire, along with age, year in school, number of classes in spring semester, class hours per day, study hours per day, and working (employment) hours per week. RESULTS: The participants reported a mean GPA of 3.2 (±0.4), were enrolled in 4.2 (±0.5) semester courses and studied 2.8 (±1.0) hours per day. The participants reported the following METs per week of activity: 1436.1 (±739.2) walking, 244.7 (±695.6) moderate intensity PA, 1877.3 (±1438.6) vigorous intensity PA, and 3566.7 (±2005.1) total PA. After controlling for hours studying, there was a significant positive bivariate correlation between GPA and total physical activity METs (r=0.802; p =0.00), as well as GPA and vigorous-intensity PA METs (r=0.783; p=0.00). However, there was no significant correlation between GPA and walking or moderate intensity PA METs. These correlations were present before controlling for study time. CONCLUSIONS: We showed that typical weekly total and vigorous-intensity physical activity levels were positively associated with GPA among full-time female college students. In addition to the positive health benefits, these results suggest that vigorous intensity physical activity may be an important component in higher academic achievement among female college students. The underpinnings of this relationship should be further examined in future studies.