Vigorous Physical Activity Levels Research Articles

Association of physical activity with quality of life in patients with chronic kidney disease

Physical activity may improve quality of life in patients with chronic kidney disease. To assess the relationship between physical activity and quality of life in patients with Chronic Kidney Disease. The Kidney Disease Quality of Life-36 (KDQOL-36) and the International Physical Activity questionnaire were answered by 130 patients with chronic kidney disease (74 women, 80 receiving renal substitution therapy). Sociodemographic variables were recorded. Patients on renal substitution therapy with a time lapse since diagnosis of 0 to 6 months had higher levels of physical activity than those with longer time lapses (51.4 ± 12.5 and 34.6 ± 8.1 minutes respectively). Disease burden scores were lower among patients with renal substitution therapy. There was a direct correlation between levels of vigorous and moderate physical activity and the physical functioning dimension in the quality of life questionnaire for patients with more than 19 months of disease. The dimension general physical health was significantly associated with physical activity in women and patients with 7 to 18 months of diagnosis. The dimension disease burden was associated with physical activity in women, patients not receiving substitution therapy and those with 7 to 18 months of diagnosis. Moderate and vigorous physical activity is directly related to the dimensions physical functioning, the general perception of physical health and inversely related with the dimension burden of disease.

Cancer treatment effects on cognition and depression: The moderating role of physical activity

ObjectivesBreast cancer survivors report significant cognitive impairments post treatment, particularly following chemotherapy. Depression may also occur post treatment and may partially mediate the effects of cancer treatment on cognition. Additionally, physical activity has been shown to mitigate treatment effects on cognition and depression. This study examined the role of depression in mediating the effects of cancer treatment on cognitive function (perceived cognitive impairment, PCI; perceived cognitive ability, PCA) in breast cancer survivors and explored the role of physical activity in moderating these effects. Materials and methods317 breast cancer survivors were recruited via Army of Women. Participants were 40–75 years old and had stage 0 (in situ) to IIIc breast cancer and were less than 10 years post treatment. Participants completed a demographic and treatment questionnaire, as well as the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Cognitive Function, and Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. ResultsDepressive symptoms significantly contributed to cognitive function in all models. Moderate and vigorous levels of physical activity moderated breast cancer treatment effects on depression and cognition. Chemotherapy, tamoxifen, and anastrozole all demonstrated negative effects on cognition. ConclusionThe results from this study support the importance of examining mediating factors in the effects of cancer treatment on cognition, particularly depression, following cancer treatment. Effects of treatment on cognition in breast cancer survivors are partially explained by changes in depressive symptoms, although chemotherapy may impact cognition independent of depression. Importantly, physical activity may reduce the risk of depression and cognitive impairment in breast cancer survivors.

The association between the level of physical activity with spinal posture and physical fitness parameters in early adolescence

Background/Aim. A low level of physical activity and sedentary lifestyle affects the body posture in adolescents. The aim of this study was to assess the core relation between the level of physical activity and spinal posture as well as physical fitness parameters in 11?14 years old teenagers. Methods. The cross-sectional study included 532 children, aged from 11 to 14 years. The study was carried out at three Lithuanian schools in 2011?2013. The Youth Physical Activity Questionnaire (YPAQ) was used to assess physical activity. Spinal posture was assessed according to the Hoeger visual posture assessment method. Physical capacity was evaluated using a 6-min walking test (6 MWT) and by calculating maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max). Other physical fitness such as the general balance, flexibility, explosive leg power and abdominal muscle endurance were evaluated by applying the European Fitness Test (Eurofit). According to time spent doing moderate to vigorous intensity physical activities (MVPA), the sample was divided into 2 groups ? a low activity level group and moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity level group. We compared the spinal posture evaluation results and physical fitness parameters between groups as well as correlations between the duration of MVPA, spinal posture evaluation results and physical fitness parameters. Results. The study showed that 22.2% of teenagers had a low physical activity level and 16% of teenagers had an incorrect posture. The teenagers of low physical activity group were less physically fit and had the poorer posture than teenagers in the MVPA group. During the 6MWT, the teenagers in the low physical activity group walked on average 63.2 m less (p = 0.002), and their VO2max was 0.8 mL/kg/min lower (p = 0.006) than that of teenagers in the MVPA group. The teenagers in the low physical activity group also did not perform as well in the explosive leg power and abdominal muscle endurance tests compared to teenagers in the MVPA group. Correlations between the duration of MVPA and spinal posture evaluation results as well as some physical fitness parameters were very weak. Conclusion. The teenagers of low physical activity were less physically capable and had poorer posture than the teenagers in the MVPA group.

Accuracy of Children's Perceived Skill Competence and its Association With Physical Activity.

Perceived movement competence is important in the relationship between actual competence and physical activity (PA). This study examines the accuracy of children's perceptions and investigates the relationship between perceived competence (PC) and PA. Data collected were part of Project Spraoi, a PA and nutrition-based intervention. Participants (N = 419) were senior infant/first class (n = 202, mean age: 6.5 [0.6]y) and fourth/fifth class (n = 217, mean age: 10.4 [0.6]y) children from 3 schools in Cork, Ireland. The Test of Gross Motor Development-2 and Pictorial Scale of Perceived Movement Skill Competence for Young Children assessed actual and PC in 6 locomotor and 6 object-control fundamental movement skills. Moderate to vigorous PA levels were measured by accelerometry. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests assessed the accuracy of PC. Hierarchical regression analysis investigated relationships between PC and both actual competence and moderate to vigorous PA. Children had greater perceived overall and object-control competence than actual. Among younger children, there was no difference between perceived locomotor and actual, while older children had lower perceived locomotor competence than actual. PC did not predict actual competence. Perceived object-control and total PC were significant predictors of moderate to vigorous PA. Children have inflated perceptions of their overall and object-control movement skill competency. Perceived object-control and total FMS is associated with PA and thus, interventions aimed at increasing PA among children should target PC.

Movement behaviors and cardiometabolic risk in schoolchildren.

Growing evidence has accumulated in recent years showing that movement behaviors have important implications for health in children, especially for cardiovascular health, whose risk factors could track from childhood to adulthood. However, these findings are mixed and inconsistent in children. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between different movement behaviors (sedentary behavior, physical activity and sleep duration) and cardiometabolic risk in schoolchildren. The study shows cross-sectional results of baseline measurement from 146 Spanish schoolchildren, aged 8-to-11 years old, participating in the MOVI-2 study. Movement behaviors were determined using accelerometry combined with self-reported sleep time. Cardiometabolic risk was assessed using a validated metabolic syndrome index. Logistic regression analysis showed that higher levels of vigorous physical activity (OR = 0.110, p = 0.004) and sleeping more than 9 hours (OR = 0.269, p = 0.015) could be protective factors against metabolic syndrome risk in children. ANCOVA analysis showed associations between vigorous physical activity and waist circumference (p < 0.001), and sleep time with insulin resistance (p = 0.017) and lipid profile (p = 0.035). No association was observed between light and moderate physical activity, sedentary behavior and metabolic syndrome (index and components). No statistically significant differences were found for blood pressure and any of the movement behaviors. Our data suggest that both the amount of vigorous physical activity accumulated and sleep duration are independently associated with higher cardiometabolic risk in children.

Vigorous physical activity patterns affect bone growth during early puberty in boys.

The main purpose of the study was to analyze the effects of different patterns of vigorous physical activity (VPA) on bone development. One-week accelerometry registers and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scans at the whole body, hip, and lumbar spine of 140 healthy male adolescents (11-13years, at baseline) were performed twice with a 1-year interval between measurements. Four patterns of VPA evolution ("low-low," "low-high," "high-low," and "high-high") and three patterns of bone growth ("optimal," "mean," and "reduced") were defined according to the median participation in VPA and a cluster analysis of the longitudinal changes in BMC and BMD in all sites measured, respectively. Bone mineral parameters were adjusted for skeletal age and body weight prior to statistical comparison among groups. Participants in the "low-high" group had greater adjusted BMD increases at both the femoral neck and lumbar spine when compared to the "low-low" group (estimated mean (95% CI) 0.066 (0.047-0.085) vs. 0.034 (0.021-0.047) g/cm2 and 0.074 (0.054-0.093) vs. 0.049 (0.035-0.062) g/cm2 respectively, both p < 0.05). Femoral neck BMD adjusted increase was also different between the "high-high" and the "high-low" groups (0.053 (0.041-0.066) vs. 0.030 (0.011-0.049) g/cm2, p < 0.05). Additionally, a higher percentage of "optimal" growth was found in the "low-high" group than in the "low-low" and "high-low" categories (36.3, 12.5 and 13.6% respectively, p < 0.05). Engaging in VPA as well as maintaining high levels of VPA during puberty is associated with greater gains in bone mass, which can have an impact in future bone health.

The effect of social network on the physical activity-cognitive function nexus in late life.

The sample included respondents aged 65 years and older who participated in both the fourth and sixth waves of Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (n = 17,104). Cognitive functioning in Wave 6, measured as the average of standardized scores for recall, fluency, and numeracy, was regressed on the extent of vigorous physical activity, social network size, and several confounders in Wave 4 (including the corresponding cognition score at baseline). Interaction terms for physical activity and network size were also considered. Moderate and high levels of vigorous physical activity, as well as social network size, were related to the cognition outcome after controlling for the confounders. Introduction of the interaction terms showed a direct and positive association of both moderate and high physical activity with the cognition outcome scores as social network size increased. However, among respondents in small- (0-1 members) and moderate-sized networks (2-3 members), greater physical activity was unrelated to the cognition score at follow-up. Only the interaction of high social connectedness (4-7 network members) and vigorous physical activity was significant. Vigorous physical activity is, indeed, related to subsequent cognitive functioning. However, the relationship is tempered by social network size. Therefore, interventions that increase both social connectedness and physical activity, especially among older people who are isolated and sedentary, are warranted.

Neuropathy-Related Unsteadiness and Psychosocial Outcomes in Diabetes—Preliminary Findings

Diabetes is a well-established risk factor for psychological distress and reduced quality of life (QoL). This may be part due to biomechanical challenges posed by diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN)-related unsteadiness leading to increased risk of falling and reduced physical activity (PA). This cross-sectional study explores relationships between physical (DPN-unsteadiness and PA) and psychosocial outcomes (depression, fear of falling [FoF], and QoL). The preliminary results of 15 type 2 DM people with DPN (age: 67 years; 13M; VPT 24V) indicate that quality of life (NeuroQoL) and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) are strongly associated with objective DPN-unsteadiness (Berg Balance test: r=-.64, p=.01 and r=.63, p=.01; respectively) and FoF (Falls Self-Efficacy Scale: r=.61, p=.02 and r=-.55 p=.03; respectively). Moreover, DPN-unsteadiness (Berg balance score: 47 ±6) and FoF are associated with reduced vigorous exercise PA levels (r=.53, p=.04 and r=-.51, p=.05; respectively), as well as total moderate PA levels (r=-.45, p=.09 and r=.45, p=.09; respectively); measured by General Practice Assessment Questionnaire. Finally, FoF correlates strongly with DPN-unsteadiness (r=-0.79, p&amp;lt;0.001), demonstrating a potential reason why balance impairment may have the negative impact upon PA and QoL. Whilst prospective data are needed to solidify these findings, the preliminary results are robust and support the strong links between the biomechanical impact of DPN and psychosocial outcomes, including depression and fear of falling, and reduced QoL. These data indicate that there is an unmet need for the development of multifaceted interventions that address both psychological distress and biomechanical challenges experienced by patients with this debilitating complication of diabetes. Disclosure S.J. Brown: None. A.J. Boulton: None. L. Vileikyte: None. N.D. Reeves: None.

Comparing self-reported physical activity and sedentary time to objective fitness measures in a military cohort

ObjectivesRegular vigorous physical activity (PA) and high levels of physical fitness (PF) confer health benefits. Conversely, sedentary time is a risk factor for chronic illness, independent of PA. We evaluated associations between self-reported PA, sedentary time, and objective PF measures in military Service members. DesignCross-sectional study including 10,105 Air Force Millennium Cohort participants with a valid physical fitness assessment (PFA). MethodsLinear regression assessed associations between self-report PA, screen time, and usual activity and abdominal circumference (AC) and VO2 max; logistic regression was used for PFA failure. We stratified by age and sex. ResultsMen who self-reported high versus low levels of PA had greater AC (19–29 years: β=0.23in., 95% CI 0.07, 0.39; 30–39 years: β=0.45in., 95% CI 0.17, 0.72). High versus low self-reported PA was also associated with greater VO2Max (β=:0.81–1.41mL/kg/min). Self-reported strength training for ≥2days/week was associated with greater VO2Max in 19–29year old men (β=0.84mL/kg/min, 95% CI 0.09, 0.60) and 30–39year old women (β=0.74mL/kg/min, 95% CI 0.02, 1.46). For younger men and women,<2h of screen time/day was associated with greater VO2Max (Males 19–29years: β=0.23mL/kg/min, 95% CI 0.44, 1.26; Females 19–29years: β=0.83mL/kg/min, 95% CI 0.25, 1.42). PA was not associated with PFA failure, while screen time was (Males OR: 0.32–0.65, 95% CI 0.17–0.92, p<0.001–0.016). ConclusionsSelf-reported PA and screen time were associated with some objective PF measures, including VO2Max and AC. However, screen time alone was associated with PFA failure.

Stability of Mental Toughness, Sleep Disturbances, and Physical Activity in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis (MS)-A Longitudinal and Pilot Study.

Background: Previous research of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) focused prevalently on fatigue, depression, and cognitive dysfunction during the clinical course. By contrast, research on the longer-term characteristics of physical activity (PA), psychological functioning, and sleep problems is scarce. The aims of the present study were therefore to examine changes in PA, mental toughness (MT) as a proxy of psychological functioning, and sleep disturbances over a 2-year period of time after disease onset.Methods: A total of 18 patients with diagnosed MS (mean age: M = 34.29 years) took part in this longitudinal study. First, 1–4 weeks after the first symptoms, a neurologist diagnosed the MS. Second, they completed a series of questionnaires covering socio-demographic data, PA, MT, and sleep disturbances. Third, the same questionnaires were completed again 2 years later (follow-up). Last, a neurologist assessed the degree of disability with the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS).Results: Two years after MS onset, patients had lower levels of vigorous PA, but no statistically significant changes in moderate PA were observed. Further, walking time increased and sedentary time decreased. Patients with sleep disturbances at disease onset also reported poor sleep 2 years later. MT scores remained stable over time. EDSS scores worsened, though, change in EDSS was not associated with PA, MT, or sleep.Conclusions: Two years after disease onset, patients with MS reported similar MT levels and sleep disturbances. PA shifted from vigorous PA toward walking and a less sedentary lifestyle, while moderate PA remained unchanged. The pattern of results of the present pilot study suggests that at the early stage of the MS course, there is no obstacle for being physically active, nor did sleep and MT as a proxy of psychological functioning decrease in a substantial way.

Teaching Styles in Physical Education

PURPOSE: Self-determination theory (SDT) has been widely investigated as a powerful theoretical framework to understand and change an individual’s physical activity behavior in different settings (Deci & Ryan, 1985; De Meyer et al., 2016). However, there is a limited understanding on how entire SDT explains objectively measured moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) levels of adolescents in physical education lessons. To examine if physical educators’ teaching style influences student needs that affect student motivation, which in turn predict objectively measured student MVPA levels (i.e., a serial mediator model). METHODS: A total of 313 students from three middle schools in Wisconsin completed Learning Climate Questionnaire modified from Williams and Deci (1996), Psychological Need Scale and Need Frustration Scale adopted from Chen et al. (2015), and Physical Education Questionnaire modified from (Aelterman et al., 2012) to assess perceptions of autonomy-supportive teaching, experience of need satisfaction and need frustration, and motivational outcomes, respectively. After a week of the survey administration, participants’ MVPA levels were recorded using a GT3X+ accelerometer for four consecutive physical education lessons. PROCESS, a regression-based computational procedure program designed for mediation analyses in SPSS, was used to examine the mediating relationships. RESULTS: Bootstrapping with 10000 samples showed that autonomous teaching behavior significantly influence MVPA levels through relatedness satisfaction and intrinsic motivation (b = .79; 95% CI: .29 - 1.35), autonomous teaching behavior significantly influence MVPA levels through competence satisfaction and intrinsic motivation (b = 1.17; 95% CI: .69 - 1.77), and autonomous teaching behavior significantly influence MVPA levels through competence satisfaction and identified regulation (b = 1.33; 95% CI: .83 - 1.99). In addition, bootstrapping with 10000 samples revealed that controlling teaching behavior significantly affects MVPA levels through autonomy frustration and amotivation (b = -.49; 95% CI: -1.03 - -.08). CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicates that an autonomy-supportive teaching style may promote MVPA levels of middle school students during physical education lessons.

Independent but Not Alone - A Physical Activity Intervention for Military Spouses

In comparison to the general population, military spouses face additional daily challenges to engaging in self-care behaviors like physical activity (PA). PURPOSE: To evaluate the impact of an online intervention specifically designed to address the unique challenges of being a military spouse on spousal PA and mental health. METHODS: A 10-week program entitled Independent but not alone (IBNA) was developed specifically for this population using information from focus groups and through partnerships with individuals in the health/fitness field that are also military spouses. The intervention consisted of weekly podcasts and team challenges designed to facilitate PA, stress management, and social connection among participants. A total of 119 participants (M age = 31.9) for IBNA were recruited from Fort Riley (Junction City, KS). Control group participants were recruited from other military bases around the United States. A total of 112 participants (M age = 33.1) in the control group received links to existing content on the Operation Live Well website. Data were analyzed using mixed design 2 (group) X 2 (time) repeated measures ANOVAs. RESULTS: Participants in both groups reported an increase in total overall PA levels [F(1,152)=12.29, p=.001)], including moderate PA [F(1,152)=14.98, p<.001)], household PA [F(1,152)=15.18, p<.001)], and PA for transport [F(1,152)=4.17, p=0.04)]. Participants also reported positive mental health impacts, including reduced feelings of stress [F(1,149)=52.38, p<.001)], anxiety [F(1,150)=58.29, p<.001)], and depression [F(1,152)=56.94, p<.001)]. The only significant difference between the two conditions was that those in the IBNA group reported a greater level of vigorous PA [F(1,152)=3.98, p=.048)] than those in the control condition. CONCLUSION: Despite few significant differences between groups, there were significant individual level improvements in multiple health outcome measures. These findings suggest that there can be a positive impact on the health of military spouses from tailoring a program to their unique challenges. Future interventions with this population should continue to emphasize the importance of prioritizing self-care and show an interest in meeting the needs of spouses that are often overlooked.

Erratum: Impacts of low or vigorous levels of physical activity on body composition, hemodynamics and autonomic modulation in Down syndrome subjects

Erratum: Impacts of low or vigorous levels of physical activity on body composition, hemodynamics and autonomic modulation in Down syndrome subjects

Physical activity, sedentary time and sleep duration: associations with body composition in 10\u201312-year-old Estonian schoolchildren

BackgroundPhysical activity, sedentary time, and sleep duration have been associated with body composition among children. The purpose of the present study was to assess the associations of objectively determined daily physical activity, sedentary time, sleep duration and body composition indices in 10–12-year-old children.MethodsTwo hundred and eleven schoolchildren (96 boys and 115 girls) aged 10.9 ± 0.7 years participated in this study. Objective physical activity intensity and sedentary levels were measured for seven days by accelerometry. Sleep duration was self-reported. Percentage of body fat, waist-to-height ratio and fat free mass were calculated from measured anthropometric parameters. Multiple linear regression models were used to examine the associations between sleep duration, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), vigorous physical activity (VPA) level and body composition indices.ResultsBoys exceeded girls (p < 0.05) in time spent in MVPA and VPA levels. Only 4.3% of the children met the current daily recommendation of at least 60 min MVPA per day. Sleep duration, MVPA and VPA had a negative association with percentage of body fat and waist-to-height ratio. Vigorous physical activity had a positive association with fat-free mass. Sedentary time had a positive association with percentage of body fat and negative association with fat-free mass.ConclusionsThe present study suggests that both sleep duration and MVPA are associated with body composition parameters. Higher levels of MVPA are associated with lower percentage of body fat and waist-to-height ratio regardless of sleep duration. Sedentary time is associated with higher values of percentage of body fat and lower fat-free mass independently of sleep duration.

Impacts of low or vigorous levels of physical activity on body composition, hemodynamics and autonomic modulation in Down syndrome subjects

Abstract Aim We aimed to evaluate the effect of low and vigorous levels of physical activity in body composition, hemodynamics and autonomic modulation in subjects with Down syndrome (DS). METHODS We evaluated 13 healthy subjects without DS (control group), 15 sedentary subjects with DS, (SED DS group), nine with DS with low intensity levels of physical activity (LIDS) and 12 with DS with vigorous levels of physical activity (VIDS). The physical activity level was measured using the IPAQ questionnaire. Body composition, hemodynamics and autonomic modulation were also evaluated. RESULTS The VIDS showed lower BMI than the control and SED DS group. Body fat (%) was lower in LIDS and VIDS than in the control and SED DS group. The systolic and diastolic arterial pressure values were similar among the groups. When normalized, the frequency domain showed higher LF/HF, higher LF (nu) and lower HF (nu) component of heart rate variability in sedentary DS than in the control group. However, LIDS and VIDS groups showed similar values in LF (nu), HF (nu) and LF/HF than the control group. The symbolic analysis showed greater 0V and lower values in 2LV in sedentary DS group when compared to the control group. However, the LIDS and VIDS did not show difference in 0V when compared to the control group. The 2LV was lower in LIDS and VIDS than in the control group, but 2UV was higher in VIDS than in the control group. CONCLUSION We conclude that, regardless of the intensity, exercise can promote positive adaptations in the autonomic modulation of DS patients.

Association between physical activity and walking capacity with cognitive function in peripheral artery disease patients

To identify the association between objectively measured physical activity and walking capacity with cognitive function in patients with symptomatic peripheral artery disease. This was an observational, cross sectional study. One hundred and thirty patients (age 67±8 years) were recruited at a tertiary centre specializing in vascular disease. Cognitive function (global, memory, executive function and attention) was evaluated using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment tool. Physical activity levels (total, light, and moderate-vigorous) were obtained using an accelerometer. A 6min and 4mwalk test were undertaken to assess walking capacity. Crude and covariate adjusted, linear regression analyses confirmed significant associations between physical activity levels and walking capacity with cognitive function. Positive and significant associations were observed between moderate to vigorous physical activity (p=.039) and walking capacity (p=.030) with memory after adjusting for covariates. No significant association was identified between light physical activity and usual gait speed with any cognitive function outcome. Greater memory performance was associated with greater moderate to vigorous physical activity levels and walking capacity in patients with symptomatic peripheral artery disease. Clinical interventions focused on improving moderate to vigorous physical activity levels and walking capacity may provide important therapies to potentially enhance cognitive health in patients with peripheral artery disease.

Cardiorespiratory fitness and adiposity in breast cancer survivors: is meeting current physical activity recommendations really enough?

Breast cancer (BC) survivors are becoming increasingly predisposed to cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality. Low cardiorespiratory fitness and physical activity (PA) levels, as well as high values of adiposity indices, contribute to CVD risk. We evaluated adiposity, cardiorespiratory profile, and PA levels in two independent cohorts of BC survivors. Data were collected from two groups (99% women) from different areas of Madrid (Spain): group 1, n = 110, age 51.4 ± 9.7years, median time from diagnosis 365days (95% confidence interval [CI], 354-401), and group 2, n = 93, age 54.7 ± 8.9years, 1714days (95% CI, 1502-1938). We estimated peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) and measured body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip index, and accelerometry-determined PA. Both groups had values of BMI in the overweight range (25.3 ± 4.3 and 27.1 ± 5.1kg/m2, p = 0.003). Estimated VO2peak levels were lower in group 2 than in group 1 (28.1 ± 9.1 and 23.7 ± 8.8ml/kg/min, p < 0.001), although levels in both groups were low. Yet, the majority of participants in both groups (81 and 88%, p = 0.234) met international PA recommendations (235 ± 196 and 351 ± 173min/week of moderate-vigorous PA, p < 0.001). Both groups had very low levels of vigorous PA. These results were essentially independent of type of treatment (anthracycline/radiotherapy). We found a poor cardiorespiratory profile in two independent BC cohorts that differed in median time from diagnosis (as well in socioeconomic status), supporting the notion that implementation of PA (possibly focusing on vigorous PA) and dietary intervention is urgently needed in this patient population.

Gender differences in the relationship of weight-based stigmatisation with motivation to exercise and physical activity in overweight individuals.

Weight stigma is related to lower levels of motivation to exercise in overweight and obesity. This study explored the nature of the relationship between stigma, motivation to exercise and physical activity while accounting for gender differences. Participants were 439 adults with overweight and obesity (mean body mass index = 32.18 kg/m2, standard deviation = 4.09 kg/m2). Females reported significantly more frequent stigma experiences than males. Mediation models found a conditional direct effect of weight stigma for males, with higher frequency of stigma experiences related to higher levels of walking and vigorous physical activity. A conditional indirect effect was found for females for walking, moderate and vigorous levels of physical activity, with higher weight stigma related to lower autonomous motivation, and lower levels of physical activity. Findings suggest that males and females are affected differently by weight-stigma experiences.

Interaction between physical activity and television time on blood pressure level: cross-sectional data from 45 000 individuals.

The aim was to investigate if there is an interaction between sitting time and leisure time physical activity on blood pressure and if there are age differences and sex differences in this respect. Linear regression analysis on cross-sectional data was performed in more than 45 000 men and women from two Swedish cohort studies, EpiHealth (45-75 years) and LifeGene (18-45 years). Self-reported leisure time physical activity was given in five levels from low (level 1) to vigorous physical activity (level 5) and television time was used as a proxy measure of sitting time. High physical activity was associated with lower DBP (P = 0.001), but not SBP. Active middle-aged men had lower DBP (-1.1 mmHg; 95% CI -1.7 to -0.4) compared with inactive participants. Prolonged television time was associated with higher SBP (P < 0.001) and DBP (P = 0.011) in both sexes and in most age groups. Watching 3 h instead of 1 h television per day was associated with higher SBP in middle-aged women (SBP: 1.1 mmHg; 95% CI 0.7-1.4) and men (SBP: 1.2 mmHg; 95% CI 0.8-1.6). Only in young men, a high physical activity (level 4 instead of level 1) could compensate for a prolonged television time (3 h per day) in terms of DBP. Prolonged television time was associated with higher SBP and DBP in both sexes and at most ages, whereas an increased physical activity was mainly associated with a lower DBP. Only in young men, a high physical activity could compensate for prolonged television time regarding DBP.

The Impact of Physical Activity on Serum Inflammatory Markers in Overweight Pubertal Boys: 24-Month Follow-Up Study.

To investigate the differences in the pattern of changes in serum inflammatory cytokines measured annually over a 24-month period, between less active and more active overweight boys. In total, 25 pubertal overweight boys were divided by their moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) levels into 2 groups: less active group (LAG; n = 10; MVPA < 60min/d) and more active group (MAG; n = 15; MVPA > 60min/d). Physical activity was measured by 7-day accelerometry. Serum concentration of 13 inflammatory cytokines [interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-1α, IL-1β, vascular endothelial growth factor, interferon-γ, tumor necrosis factor-α, monocyte chemotactic protein-1, epidermal growth factor, and C-reactive protein] was measured at baseline (T0), after 12 months (T1), and after 24 months (T2) from fasting blood samples. Serum IL-6 level was significantly higher [LAG: 1.27 (0.86, 1.98) pg/mL; MAG: 0.80 (0.52, 0.84) pg/mL] at T0 and IL-8 level [LAG: 10.26 (8.80, 11.64) pg/mL; MAG: 7.42 (6.10, 9.54) pg/mL] at T2 in LAG compared with MAG. The changes over the study period varied between different inflammatory markers. None of the slopes of any measured markers were statistically different between the LAG and MAG, although the slopes of interferon-γ and IL-10 tended to be different between the groups. The pattern of changes over the study period varied between different inflammatory markers, but these changes were not different between the MVPA groups. More longitudinal studies are needed to investigate whether IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and interferon-γ would be the choice of inflammatory markers to study the associations between obesity and physical activity in future.