Lifestyle Appraisal Research Articles

A Descriptive Study to Assess the Unhealthy Lifestyle among Perimenopausal Women in a Selected Medical College Hospital, Mangaluru

Abstract Introduction The perimenopausal phase, also known as the menopausal transition, marks a crucial period in a woman's life, characterized by hormonal fluctuations and physiological changes. During this transitory period, lifestyle factors are critical in influencing health outcomes. Lifestyle Appraisal focuses on identifying the lifestyle factors and habits that may affect a woman's health throughout the perimenopausal period. Methods and Materials The objective of the study was to identify perimenopausal women with unhealthy lifestyle practices using a lifestyle appraisal questionnaire. The study used descriptive design to determine the unhealthy lifestyle among perimenopausal women in the age group of 45 to 55 years. A complete enumerative sampling was used to select the 148 participants who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Every participant completed the self-reported lifestyle assessment questionnaire (LAQ), except for the questions where the researcher measured blood pressure, height, and weight (body mass index [BMI]) with standard protocol. Results Unhealthy lifestyle habits persist in women. The average lifestyle appraisal score was 19.17 ± 6.88, ranging from 8 to 35. The higher the score, the unhealthy their lifestyle. The tool's highest possible score is 73. The majority of the subjects did not engage in regular exercise (43.9%), recreational activities (62.8%), or relaxation exercises (81.1%). A substantial number (54.1%) of women had encountered one to two stressful events in the last 6 months, with friends and family occasionally available for support (64.7%). None of them received love and affection every day, but rather on an occasional basis (69.6%). Most (81.1%) reported consuming meals with fruits and vegetables only two to three times a week, while fatty foods or sweets were ingested daily (60.1%). Furthermore, most (45.3%) participants were classified as overweight, with a BMI falling between 23 and 24.9. Conclusion Simple screening methods can be used to evaluate health and lay the groundwork for understanding a person's lifestyle, which helps preserve and encourage a healthy way of life.

Development and Reliability of the Physical Therapy Healthy Lifestyle Appraisal: A New Assessment Tool to Guide Behavior Change

Purpose: Physical therapists are well positioned to encourage their patients to live a healthy lifestyle. Physical therapists report barriers that limit their ability to practice health promotion counseling with their patients including the availability of a brief tool to gather information about their patient's current level of activity related to specific health behaviors. The purpose of this study was to describe the development and testing of the Physical Therapy Healthy Lifestyle Appraisal (PTHLA). Methods: The PTHLA is a patient self-report questionnaire that assesses stage of change, importance of changing, and confidence in engaging in 6 health behaviors. Physical Therapy Healthy Lifestyle Appraisal version 1 (106 items) was designed to compare different constructs for measuring stage of change and confidence in engaging in health behaviors. After pilot testing, 3 versions were tested to arrive at the 18 item PTHLA-version 3. Physical therapy patients in outpatient clinics in Michigan, Minnesota, and Texas were recruited for this multiphase study (version 1 n = 60, version 2 n = 65, and version 3 n = 28). Results: Physical Therapy Healthy Lifestyle Appraisal version 3 consists of 3 questions for each of 6 health behavior domains; a 3-option ordinal question for assessing stage of change and 11-point rulers for assessing importance of engaging in the behavior and confidence in engaging in the behavior. Unique items from version 1 and version 2 were retained in PTHLA-version 3, whereas those items that were somewhat redundant were excluded. Behavioral definitions for the “sleep” and “stress” domains were the only changes made from the first to the second versions. Across samples and behavioral domains, scores for the 18 items generally displayed satisfactory-to-high test–retest reliabilities (Cohen κ w = 0.56–1.00, mean = 0.76; Spearman ρ = 0.53–1.00, mean = 0.77; intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.39–1.00, mean = 0.74). Confidence in behavior ruler scores displayed satisfactory-to-high convergent correlations with scores from lengthier multiple-item confidence in behavior measures (Pearson r validity coefficients = 0.33–0.90, mean = 0.63). The three-option stage of change items demonstrated satisfactory convergent validity with scores on the stage of change ruler (Pearson r validity coefficients = 0.16–0.86, mean = 0.61). Conclusions: The PTHLA-version 3 is a reliable and efficient tool for PT practice developed by physical therapists with expertise in prevention, health promotion, and wellness. Physical therapists can use the information provided from the PTHLA to initiate conversations about behavior change with their patients. Understanding the patient's current stage of change, level of interest in changing the behavior, and confidence for changing the behavior is important information for the PT to ensure a productive and respectful conversation about behavior change.

Stress and its Impact on the Neurocognitive Performance of Australian Nurses.

Nurses function inside a particularly stressful occupation that requires the provision of continuous care to individuals who are often in great need. Stress has been shown to impair performance and specifically shown to impair nursing quality. However, we do not yet know how stress influences the cognitive performance of nurses, and hence, the present study investigated the associations between stress and cognitive performance in nurses using electroencephalography and administered cognitive assessments. Thirty-six nurses (34 women) of mean age 37.77 ± 11.40 years were recruited. Stress was examined using the Lifestyle Appraisal Questionnaire. Broad spectrum electroencephalogram activity at positions Fp1, Fp2, C3 and C4 was recorded for a 5-min baseline and active phase to physiologically assess cognitive performance. Additionally, the Mini-Mental State Exam and Cognistat were also used to measure cognitive performance. Assessed cognitive performance was not associated to stress, however, lifestyle factors, as well as a number of the examined cognitive electroencephalographic variables including changes in theta, alpha activity and gamma reactivity were. Definitively determining how stress affects the cognitive performance of nurses requires additional research; the present study forms a foundation from which future research can further expand the examination of stress exposure in nurses. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Blood Pressure, Sleep Quality and Fatigue in Shift Working Police Officers: Effects of a Twelve Hour Roster System on Cardiovascular and Sleep Health.

Background: Police officers have been reported to exhibit a high incidence of pathologies, which present prematurely in an otherwise healthy population. Shift work has also been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular and sleep disorders, attributable to its propensity for circadian rhythm dysfunction. However, contention exists as to whether shift work has a direct effect upon blood pressure (BP) regulation. Methods: This cross-sectional study sought to determine changes in BP and associations with the overall sleep quality and fatigue in 206 general duties police officers (n = 140 males) of the New South Wales Police Force in Australia. The subjects’ BP was assessed before and after their twelve hour shift, during which time they also completed the Lifestyle Appraisal Questionnaire, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Epworth Sleepiness Scale and Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). Results: Poor sleep quality (PSQI) and fatigue severity (FSS) were found to predominate in the sample (69% and 51% respectively). Although there was no change in BP for male participants, female officers’ systolic blood pressure (SBP) was found to increase significantly across the shift (p < 0.001), but with no change found in females’ diastolic blood pressure (DBP). Finally, higher pre and post-shift SBP (r = −0.26, p = 0.001; r = −0.25, p = 0.001, respectively) and DBP (r = −0.26, p = 0.001; r = −0.26, p = 0.001, respectively) were significantly correlated with lower FSS scores after accounting for age, waist-hip ratio and lifestyle risk factors. Conclusions: Based on these preliminary findings, there was a significant increase in SBP of female police officers after shift work, while BP and fatigue levels in all police officers were strongly related. Moreover, the predominating poor sleep quality and impact of fatigue in this sample remain a concern. Further research is required to ensure the physiological welfare of police officers, while strategies must be implemented to manage the detrimental effects shift work may be having upon their cardiovascular and sleep health.

Aerobic Capacity, Strength, Flexibility, and Activity Level in Unimpaired Extremely Low Birth Weight (≤800 g) Survivors at 17 Years of Age Compared With Term-Born Control Subjects

To compare aerobic capacity, strength, flexibility, and activity level in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) adolescents at 17 years of age with term-born control subjects. Fifty-three ELBW teens of birth weight <or=800 g were assessed at 17.3 years (16.3-19.7 years; birth weight: 720 g [520-800 g]; gestation: 26 weeks [23-29 weeks]) along with term-born control subjects (n = 31) at age 17.8 years (16.5-19.0 years; birth weight: 3506 g [3068-4196 g]; gestation: weeks 40 [39-42 weeks]). ELBW and control teens were assessed by a pediatric physiotherapist and completed components of the Canadian Physical Activity, Fitness and Lifestyle Appraisal and a self-assessment fitness and activity questionnaire. Continuous data were analyzed using MANOVA (group, gender) followed by t tests; categorical data were analyzed using the chi(2) test. ELBW teens had lower aerobic capacity, grip strength, leg power, and vertical jump; could do fewer push-ups; had less abdominal strength as measured by curl-ups; had less lower back flexibility; and had tighter hamstrings. ELBW teens reported less previous and current sports participation, lower physical activity level, and poorer coordination compared with term-born control subjects. ELBW teens were also found to have more difficulty with maintenance of rhythm and cadence. Although ELBW teens rated themselves lower on all measures of sporting activity, they were as happy with their level of fitness as the control subjects. Compared with term-born control subjects, there are significant differences in motor performance in unimpaired ELBW survivors in late adolescence, reflected in aerobic capacity, strength, endurance, flexibility, and activity level. We conclude that these differences in fitness and physical activity are related to the interaction of effects of premature birth on the motor system together with a more inactive lifestyle. These findings have potential implications for later adult health problems.

Relationships between lumbar flexibility, sit-and-reach test, and a previous history of low back discomfort in industrial workers.

The sit-and-reach (S&R) test is often included in standard fitness tests (e.g., Canadian Physical Activity, Fitness and Lifestyle Appraisal [CPAFLA]), justified on the assumption that it is an indicator of low back health. Two issues were examined here: Is low back flexibility linked to having a history of low back disorders? And is the S&R test an indicator of low back flexibility? The relationship between S&R test scores, lumbar range of motion, and having a history of low back discomfort was examined in 72 asymptomatic (at test time) industrial workers (70 M, 2 F; mean age 35 ys; height 1.79 m; mass 84.7 kg). The S&R test, among many collected, was performed according to the CPAFLA guidelines. History of low back discomfort (LBD) was categorized based on whether or not time was lost from work. The S&R test was unable to distinguish between those with a history of LBD and those without. Specific lumbar sagittal range of motion could make this distinction. A moderate correlation (r = 0.42) surfaced between S&R and lumbar flexibility. This study suggests that the value of S&R as an indicator of previous back discomfort is questionable and there may be better indicators for inclusion in the CPAFLA.

Application of simple anthropometry in the assessment of health risk: implications for the Canadian Physical Activity, Fitness and Lifestyle Appraisal.

Incremental improvements in our knowledge of the associations between human body composition and disease have been facilitated by advances in research technology. Magnetic resonance imaging and computerized tomography are among the technological advances that have helped unravel the mechanisms that link body composition and disease. However, because the use of these methods in large-scale studies and field settings is impractical, the potential relationships between body composition and health risk rely on the use of anthropometric tools. Indeed, the application of simple anthropometry to identify relationships between body composition and health risk in clinical practice is no less valuable than the use of advanced technologies to gain insight into the mechanistic links between body composition and disease in the laboratory. Accordingly, the purpose of this review is to summarize current knowledge regarding the ability of anthropometry to predict health risk and to act as surrogate measures of total and abdominal fat distribution. Because the ultimate objective is to make recommendations for revision to the Healthy Body Composition section of the Canadian Physical Activity, Fitness and Lifestyle Appraisal (CPAFLA) manual, we focus on those anthropometric methods specific to CPAFLA. Consistent with this objective, when necessary we present original data to reinforce important concepts not suitably addressed in the literature.

Physical activity assessment options within the context of the Canadian Physical Activity, Fitness, and Lifestyle Appraisal.

The Canadian Physical Activity, Fitness, and Lifestyle Appraisal (CPAFLA) is a standardized battery of tests that is commonly used to assess asymptomatic individuals. This paper reviews evidence concerning the reliability, validity, and utility of the procedure currently used to assess habitual physical activity in the CPAFLA and surveys available physical activity assessment options. Special considerations related to age, gender, ethnicity, seasonal variations, and within-week variance are discussed. The potential assessment options are discussed with consideration given to the logistical and pragmatic constraints inherent in the CPAFLA. New technologies for future assessment of physical activity are briefly presented and recommendations for future research forwarded.

Back fitness and back health assessment considerations for the Canadian Physical Activity, Fitness and Lifestyle Appraisal.

The Canadian Physical Activity, Fitness, and Lifestyle Appraisal (CPAFLA) is used as a measure for the health-related fitness of the general population. The CPAFLA includes an evaluation of back health, which is comprised of abdominal muscular endurance (partial curl-ups) and trunk flexion (sit and reach). This paper reviews the occupational, lifestyle, and physical risks associated with back pain and examines the measurement techniques used to assess health-related fitness components of back health in fitness assessments, such as the CPAFLA. Recommendations for future revisions of the CPACFLA's back health assessment and future research needs are presented.

Introduction to the review papers pertaining to components of the Canadian Physical Activity, Fitness and Lifestyle Appraisal.

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COMPARISON OF RESTING STEROID HORMONE LEVELS IN RESISTANCE TRAINED AND UNTRAINED POST-MENOPAUSAL WOMEN

1310 Aging is accompanied by a decline in some hormones which coincides with the many undesirable side effects of increasing age. The goal of this study was to determine if resistance trained postmenopausal females had elevated resting steroid hormone levels compared to untrained subjects. Twelve volunteer subjects were recruited; six who had been resistance training for a minimum of one year and six untrained control subjects. Subjects were matched for age and use of hormone replacement therapy. All subjects completed the Canadian Physical Activity, Fitness and Lifestyle Appraisal and a blood sample was taken in order to measure resting levels of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), DHEA-sulphate, testosterone, and cortisol. The conditions for blood sampling were standardized and matched between pairs. Subjects in the trained group scored significantly higher on lifestyle assessment (p<.01), physical activity habits (p<.05), and upper body strength (p<.05). There were no significant differences or trends in hormone levels between the two groups. The hypothesis that elevated resting androgen levels result from resistance training in postmenopausal females is not supported by this preliminary evidence.

The lifestyle appraisal questionnaire: A comprehensive assessment of health and stress

Abstract Lifestyle risk factors and perceived stress have been shown to have a significant impact on an individual's health. Interventions designed to minimise the negative effects of such risks which also reliably measure long-term health outcomes are therefore desirable. However, there is a lack of reliable and sensitive measures of lifestyle risks and stress. This paper presents initial research on the development of the Lifestyle Appraisal Questionnaire (LAQ), an instrument designed to assess lifestyle from a multifactorial perspective, that is, cumulative risks and perceived stress of life. Two samples were selected to test the LAQ. The first group was a randomly selected community sample. The second was a university sample of randomly selected staff. From the first group (n=600), the reliability, validity and factor structure were determined. From the second group (n=143), the clinical usefulness of the scale was demonstrated. Both groups provided adult norms. Implications of such a measure are disc...

A study of preventive medicine in relation to mental health among middle-management employees (Part 2)--effects of long working hours on lifestyles, perceived stress and working-life satisfaction among white-collar middle-management employees

Recently, we have introduced the holistic method into health care of workers and aimed at improvement of Quality of Life (QOL). It has been made clear that primary prevention of diseases needs lifestyle appraisal. Therefore, we studied the daily working hours and the effects of long working hours on lifestyles, perceived stress and working-life satisfaction, which we used as a subjective index of Quality of Life (QOL), based on data obtained from a survey of 1,026 department chiefs and 2,902 section chiefs in 110 large companies in Japan in 1990. The results are summarized as follows. (1) The percentage of those working 10 hours per day was 41.6% for department chiefs and 40.4% for section chiefs, and for 11 or more working hours it was 24.1% in department chiefs and 30.9% in section chiefs. The younger both department and section chiefs, the longer their working hours. (2) Both department and section chiefs had a significant relationship between long working hours and poor sleeping habits, poor physical exercise, feeling busy, irregularity of daily life and irregularity of daily meals. The department chiefs had a significant relationship between long working hours and unbalanced nutrition or no hobbies. The section chiefs had a significant relationship between long working hours and drinking many cups of tea or coffee, taking a lot of salt or ill physical condition during the past six months.