Lifetime Physical Activity Research Articles

Risk factors for dementia in the ninth decade of life and beyond: a study of the Lothian birth cohort 1921

BackgroundWith increasing numbers of people surviving beyond eighty years, this section of the population demands attention to reduce the impact of dementia. In order to develop effective preventative strategies, it is essential to understand age-specific risk factor profiles for dementia: do risk factors for dementia in those in their sixties and seventies persist into oldest age? The aims of this study were to determine incident dementia and to investigate the risk profile for dementia from age 79 to 95 years in a well-characterised cohort.MethodsParticipants underwent intelligence testing at age 11 and were followed-up from at 79 years of age. Variables included: age, sex, age 11 IQ, APOE ɛ4, education, diabetes, hypertension, statin use, physical activity at leisure and in occupation, symptoms of depression, height, number of teeth, body mass index, blood pressure, cholesterol and HbA1c. Dementia cases were ascertained from death certificates, electronic patient records and clinical reviews. Logistic regression analysis determined the degree of risk for dementia associated with each variable. Analyses were completed both with and without the physical activity variables due to the significant number of missing data for these variables.ResultsOf the eligible cohort, n = 410 participants remained dementia-free and n = 110 had developed probable dementia. When logistic regression analyses contained all variables, complete data was available for n = 234 (n = 48 with dementia). Results demonstrated that positive APOE ɛ4 carrier status (OR: 2.15, 95% CI: 1.04, 4.42) and greater lifetime physical activity (OR: 1.14, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.28) increased the risk for dementia. A reduction in risk for dementia was seen for hypertension (OR: 0.47, 95% CI: 0.23, 0.98). When physical activity variables were excluded, the number with complete data increased to n = 377 (n = 80 with dementia). APOE ɛ4 remained significant (OR: 2.37; 95% CI: 1.37, 4.07), as did hypertension (OR: 0.55; 95% CI: 0.32, 0.93).ConclusionsDementia incidence was consistent with expected rates. The risk profile for dementia in this cohort of participants aged 79–95 confirmed previous findings that risk factors differ for those over 79 years. Further evidence is recommended in order that the risk profile for this age group can be accurately determined.

Bone Quality in Weight and Non-Weight Bearing Sports in Male Collegiate Athletes

Bone quality has been correlated with lifetime physical activity. The accrual and maintenance of bone has been shown to be related to the type of sport, length of participation, weight bearing (WB) or non-weight bearing (NWB) activity, and the multidirectional forces applied. PURPOSE: To determine if there are differences between weight bearing and non-weight bearing sports on bone quality in male collegiate athletes. METHODS: Ten male collegiate athletes (20.8+1.2yrs), with no history of musculoskeletal injuries within the last 12 months, were selected from each NCAA Division II men’s soccer, football, cross country, swimming, and USA cycling Division I teams (n=50). For analyses, men’s soccer, football, and cross country were considered WB, and swimming and USA cycling were considered NWB. A bone specific physical activity questionnaire (BPAQ) and a general demographic health questionnaire were collected for each athlete to determine eligibility for the study, as well as their history of physical activity and general demographic information that was relative to bone health. Using the Achilles InSight Ultrasonometer, broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA), speed of sound (SOS), and stiffness index (SI) were measured on both heels for each athlete. The BUA, SOS, and SI were compared between sport, WB vs. NWB activities, and foot dominance using a two-way ANOVA with repeated measures. RESULTS: No significant differences were found between dominant and non-dominant foot for sports or WB vs. NWB activities. There were significant differences between BUA scores for sports and WB vs. NWB activities p=0.026 and p=0.015, respectively. The SOS scores were significant for sports and WB vs. NWB activities (p<0.001). SI scores were found to have a significant difference between sports type and WB vs. NWB activities (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Weight bearing vs. non-weight bearing sports have significant effects on bone health in male collegiate athletes.

Association between Bone-Specific Physical Activity Scores and Measures of Areal and Volumetric Bone Mineral Density and Bone Markers in Middle-Aged Premenopausal Women

The bone-specific physical activity questionnaire (BPAQ) has been shown to be related to areal bone mineral density (aBMD), but its relation to bone architecture and bone markers has not been well studied. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between a total BPAQ score (tBPAQ), aBMD, volumetric BMD (vBMD, mg/cm3), and bone markers in middle-aged premenopausal women. METHODS: Thirty-four premenopausal women (44.4 ± 4.1 years; 161.7 ± 5.4 cm; 69.9 ± 11.1 kg) were recruited for this study. aBMD of L1-L4 and dual proximal femur (TH; total hip, FN; femoral neck) were measured using Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry. We assessed vBMD of tibia 4% (ToD; total vBMD, trabecular vBMD), 38% (ToD, CoD; cortical vBMD, SSI; strength strain index), and 66% (ToD, CoD, SSI) by peripheral quantitative computed tomography. Bone formation (Bone ALP) and bone resorption (TRAP5b) markers were assessed. The tBPAQ was used to obtain a comprehensive account of lifetime physical activity related to bone health. RESULTS: Spearman’s correlation showed significant (p<0.05) positive relationships between tBPAQ and aBMD of right FN(r=.370) and left femur (TH, r=.373; FN, r=.372) and L1-L4 (r=.371), but no significant relationship was found for the right TH (p>0.05). There were no significant correlations between vBMD variables and tBPAQ. Also, no relationships were found between tBPAQ and bone ALP and TRAP5b (p>0.05). When tBPAQ, bone free lean body mass (BFLBM), calcium intake, and age were included in a stepwise multiple linear regression analysis, BFLBM was the only predictor of tibia 38% and 66% SSI, accounting for 16% (p=0.012) and 27% of the variance (p=0.001), respectively. CONCLUSION: The tBPAQ score-derived physical activity had positive relationships with FN, TH, and L1-L4 aBMD in healthy middle-aged premenopausal women, but no significant associations were found between tBPAQ and both vBMD and bone markers. Table 1. tBPAQ and aBMD (g/cm2).Table: No title available.

Lifespan Physical Activity Profile, Cognitive Function And Brain Metabolism In Old Age

PURPOSE: Physical activity during adulthood is discussed as a major preventive factor against loss of cognitive function in old age. The present study aims at analyzing the effects of lifetime physical activity (PA) on cognitive function and brain metabolism. METHODS: Data were obtained from 50 cognitively unimpaired elderly subjects (72±5yrs, 27♀). Lifetime leisure PA was assessed by a validated questionnaire investigating five epochs across the lifespan (age in years: 14-21, 22-34, 35-50, 51-65, 66-80). Data were analyzed as average energy consumption (MET-h/wk) per epoch. Participants individual lifespan activity profile was defined as the behavior they engaged in for at least 60% of their lifetime (≥3 epochs). Referring to current activity guidelines (7.5 MET-h/wk ≈ 75’ vigorous or 150’ moderate PA-min/wk) and based on the individual activity profiles, subjects were stratified in 3 groups of lifetime activity behavior (MET-h/wk: <7.5/7.5-15/>15). Cognitive assessment included testing of executive function (stroop interference test), verbal and non-verbal declarative memory and crystallized intelligence (MWT-B). Brain metabolism was recorded from a transversal slice just above the corpus callosum via magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI), and analyzed as the ratio of N-Acetylaspartate to choline (NAA/tCho). RESULTS: Compared to individuals reporting less than the recommended minimum of 7.5 MET-h/wk (460ms), ANCOVA revealed significantly (p<.05) higher NAA/Cho values and shorter mean response times for stroop word test among those performing the recommended minimum (-50ms) and those performing ≥2 times the minimum (-60ms). Stroop interference scores were solely higher in participants performing ≥2 times the minimum recommendation. Correlation analysis showed significant associations of overall and vigorous mean lifetime PA with stroop performance (r=.408; r=.410; p<.05) and NAA/Cho (r=.303; r=.310; p<.05). CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that lifelong adherence to the minimum recommended amount of health enhancing PA results in positive effects on executive function and neuronal metabolism in old age. Exceeding minimum guideline recommendations in terms of intensity and duration might lead to additional benefits.

학교스포츠클럽의 서비스가치가 교사신뢰, 구전의도, 평생체육 연계의도에 미치는 영향

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships among service value, teacher trust, word-of-mouth, intention to participate in lifetime physical activity in school sport club. For this, a research hypothesis was suggested based on prior research. The sample of this study was selected from students who participated in school sport club. A total of 377 usable data were used to conduct final data analysis. SPSS 18.0 and AMOS 18.0 were used for descriptive statistics, confirmatory factor analysis, and structural equation model.BR To summarize the results of research is as the following. First of all, service value had a positive effect on teacher trust. Secondly, service value positively influenced word-of-mouth. Thirdly, service value had a positive effect on intention to participate in lifetime physical activity. Fourthly, teacher trust was positively related to word-of-moth. Lastly, teacher trust did not influenced the intention to participate in physical activity.

A transition program to help student-athletes move on to lifetime physical activity

ABSTRACTMaintaining healthy levels of physical activity after competitive sports careers end can be challenging. Evidence-based programs are needed to prepare athletes for the transition from highly structured, competitive athletics to lifetime physical activity. In this article, we describe the development of our Moving On! program, which is designed to help student-athletes make healthy transitions to life after college sports. By outlining our experiences with this program, we offer a blueprint that may serve as a useful guide for sport and exercise psychology practitioners who wish to implement sport transition programs that foster the long-term health and well-being of student-athletes.

Outdoor Pursuits in Physical Education: Lessons from the Trenches

Most agree that school-based physical education is one of the few settings responsible for promoting lifetime physical activity for all children. However, physical education teachers' reliance on traditional team sports does not match adult activity habits and therefore may not increase the chances that children will pursue a lifetime of physical activity participation. This article offers insights and lessons from 10 teachers who offer outdoor pursuits (OP). These teachers found OP activities to be beneficial for students and believe they have more realistic connections to lifetime activity habits than traditional team sport. They also find teaching OP to be both personally and professionally rewarding. That said, this article also presents some of the challenges these teachers face when delivering an OP curriculum.

Relationship between physical activity and hip pain in persons with and without cam or pincer morphology: a population-based case-control study.

The purpose of the study was to determine if physical activity (PA) is a risk factor for persistent or recurrent hip pain in young and middle-aged persons with and without radiographic findings of cam or pincer morphology (CPM). A population sample of persons aged 20-49 with (cases) and without (controls) hip pain in Metro Vancouver, Canada, was selected through random digit dialing (RDD). Self-reported PA was expressed as average energy expenditure (MET-hours) per year, over lifetime. CPM was defined as alpha angle >55°, lateral centre edge angle (LCE) >40°, or positive cross-over sign. Data were obtained for 500 subjects, 269 cases and 231 controls. Prevalence of radiographic CPM was 49% in the cases and 44% in the controls. In a logistic regression model adjusted for age, gender and CPM, total lifetime PA, including occupational, domestic and recreational activities, was significantly associated with hip pain (Odds ratio (OR) 1.30 per 1000 MET-hours, 95% CI 1.15-1.38). The effect of total PA was observed in those with CPM (1.44, 1.17-1.78) and without CPM (1.23, 1.04-1.45). For domestic activities, the association was seen only in those with CPM (significant interaction). When PA was categorized into quartiles, higher levels of PA were associated with a greater risk of pain. PA, as measured by average energy expenditure over lifetime is a risk factor for hip pain in young and middle-aged persons. For some activities, the risk is likely increased in persons with radiographic evidence of CPM.

Physical activity and survival of colorectal cancer patients: Population-based study from Germany.

Increasing evidence shows physical activity to be associated with improved colorectal cancer (CRC) prognosis. However, large-scale prospective patient cohorts, comprehensively ascertaining physical activity, comprehensively considering potential variation by CRC stage and considering specific outcome measures, are sparse. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the association of lifetime and latest prediagnostic leisure time physical activity with relevant prognostic outcomes in a large population-based cohort of CRC patients. 3,121 patients, diagnosed with CRC in 2003-2010 (median age: 69 years), were interviewed on sociodemographic and lifestyle factors, medication and comorbidities. Cancer recurrence, vital status and cause of death were documented over a median follow-up time of 4.8 years. Associations between lifetime and latest prediagnostic leisure time physical activity and overall, CRC-specific, recurrence-free and disease-free survival were evaluated with Cox regression. Latest but not lifetime leisure time physical activity [in metabolic task hours per week (MET-h/wk)] was associated with decreased overall and CRC-specific mortality (>56.2 vs. ≤13.2 MET-h/wk: adjusted hazard ratio (aHR)Overall/latest = 0.75; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.61-0.91; aHRCRC-specific/latest = 0.81; 95% CI = 0.64-1.02). In particular lifetime and latest walking were associated with decreased mortality (>20 vs. 0-10 MET-h/wk of walking: aHROverall/latest = 0.66; 95% CI = 0.56-0.77; aHRCRC-specific/latest = 0.72; 95% CI = 0.60-0.87; aHROverall/lifetime = 0.78; 95% CI = 0.66-0.93; aHRCRC-specific/lifetime = 0.71; 95% CI = 0.58-0.86). Associations were particularly pronounced for lifetime walking in metastatic (stage IV) and for latest walking in nonmetastatic disease patients. Prediagnostic physical activity was associated with improved CRC prognosis. Associations might be restricted to certain activities or depend on (non)metastatic disease state. Further optimization of activity recommendations and increase of recommendation adherence may help to improve patients' prognosis.

Is There an Association Between a History of Running and Symptomatic Knee Osteoarthritis? A Cross-Sectional Study From the Osteoarthritis Initiative.

Regular physical activity, including running, is recommended based on known cardiovascular and mortality benefits. However, controversy exists regarding whether running can be harmful to knees. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship of running with knee pain, radiographic osteoarthritis (OA), and symptomatic OA. This was a retrospective cross-sectional study of Osteoarthritis Initiative participants (2004-2014) with knee radiograph readings, symptom assessments, and completed lifetime physical activity surveys. Using logistic regression, we evaluated the association of history of leisure running with the outcomes of frequent knee pain, radiographic OA, and symptomatic OA. Symptomatic OA required at least 1 knee with both radiographic OA and pain. Of 2,637 participants, 55.8% were female, the mean ± SD age was 64.3 ± 8.9 years, and the mean ± SD body mass index was 28.5 ± 4.9 kg/m2 ; 29.5% of these participants ran at some time in their lives. Unadjusted odds ratios of pain, radiographic OA, and symptomatic OA for those prior runners and current runners compared to those who never ran were 0.83 and 0.71 (P for trend = 0.002), 0.83 and 0.78 (P for trend = 0.01), and 0.81 and 0.64 (P for trend = 0.0006), respectively. Adjusted models were similar, except radiographic OA results were attenuated. There is no increased risk of symptomatic knee OA among self-selected runners compared with nonrunners in a cohort recruited from the community. In those without OA, running does not appear to be detrimental to the knees.

Teaching an Old Dog New Tricks: Past, Present, and Future Priorities For Higher Education Physical Activity Programs

ABSTRACTPhysical education programs in colleges/universities have been called on to provide students with opportunities to develop an appreciation for, and increase participation in, lifetime physical activity. Higher Education Physical Activity Programs (HEPAPs) have evolved over the past 100 years in response to changing societal and institutional expectations. The purpose of this article is to celebrate the long history of HEPAPs and recommend innovative strategies for program development that will maintain their position as a valued aspect of campus life. After tracing the historical roots and trends of HEPAPs, the authors suggest (a) adopting a public health perspective, (b) applying theoretical models as a framework for program development, (c) focusing on meaningful learner engagement, and (d) employing learner-centered instructional approaches. Within these overall themes, specific recommendations for program improvement are provided, including the use of alternative content areas, model-based instruction, universal design, instructional technology, and professional development for faculty/staff.

Effects of Weight Bearing and Non-Weight Bearing Sports on Bone Quality in Male Collegiate Athletes

Introduction Bone quality has been correlated with lifetime physical activity. The bone quality of male collegiate athletes was measured to investigate the effect of weight bearing load in sports on bone health. For the purpose of this study, soccer, football, and cross-country were considered weight bearing sports (WB), while cycling and swimming were non-weight bearing (NWB) sports.  Methods Bone scans were completed with an Achilles InSight Ultrasonometer device (Figure 1). Male collegiate athletes (n=50); ten subjects from each sport received a calcaneal bone scan on both feet. All tests were performed in the fall sports season when subjects were in-season training for competition. Strength training regimens differed for each sport. The subjects had no history of musculoskeletal injuries within 12 months prior to the bone scans. This device provided three values used for analysis of bone health: Broadband Ultrasound Attenuation (BUA: dB/MHz), Speed of Sound (SOS: m/sec), and Stiffness Index (SI). Stiffness index is calculated from combining the BUA and SOS values. The BUA, SOS, and SI were compared between sport, weight bearing vs. non-weight bearing activities, and foot dominance using a two-way ANOVA with repeated measures, with significance at p<0.05.  Results Bone quality among weight bearing sports was significantly (p<0.01) greater than non-weight bearing sports based on the stiffness index (Figure 2a). There were significant differences (p<0.01) in SI values for dominate foot between cycling and all WB sports (soccer, football, cross-country), but swimming was only significantly different (p<0.01) from soccer (Figure 2b). These results could be attributed to increased impact load, multi-directional movement patterns and increased strength training in WB sports. Energy balance, nutrition, hormone mediated bone turnover and genetic factors may also contribute to these results.  Conclusions Collegiate male athletes in weight bearing sports have greater bone quality than athletes in non-weight bearing sports. Health professionals and coaches should educate athletes on developing behavioral strategies to optimize bone health through proper diet and weight bearing exercise as a preventative measure.

Origins of perceived physical education ability and worth among English adolescents

Predisposing factors of perceived physical education (PE) ability and perceived PE worth within the Youth Physical Activity Promotion Model are positively associated with young people’s daily physical activity. The aim of this study was to qualitatively investigate the origins of students’ perceived PE ability (perceived competence and self-esteem) and perceived PE worth (attitude and enjoyment). Fifty-three PE students, aged 12–14 years (mean = 13.18), participated in semi-structured focus group interviews, which were recorded, transcribed and analysed inductively and deductively and represented as pen profiles. Analysis revealed three higher order themes relating to perceived PE ability (external feedback, perceptions of (in)competence and comparison against peers), and three higher order themes underpinning perceived PE worth (PE teachers, expectancy–value relationship and the physical experience of PE). PE should be perceived as interesting, relevant and meaningful by students and provide appropriate opportunities for success so as to influence lifetime physical activity habits.

The sociopolitics of sport, physical education, and school health in the United States

ABSTRACTEvidence from global sources indicate that physical education (PE) has an integral role to play in the development of behaviours supporting lifetime physical activity. However, PE programmes in many countries fall short of accomplishing this charge. The marginality of PE in comparison to school-based athletic programmes, and inter-role conflict arising from concurrent performance of teaching and coaching roles contribute to this phenomenon. Grounded in role socialisation theory and drawing primarily from the United States context, we explore the social construction of PE teaching and athletic coaching roles in school environments. Different priorities and time demands can lead to conflict, and teachers/coaches often prioritise the role for which they are rewarded and held most accountable. These reward and accountability structures favour coaching in many schools, leading teachers/coaches to focus on coaching to the detriment of their teaching performance. Formal accountability and reward structures are reinforced by administrators, colleagues, children and community members who praise coaching prowess, but fail to acknowledge successes in teaching environments. Since only a small percentage of school children engage in interscholastic athletics, the complex relationship between teaching and coaching can inhibit physical activity and public health agendas that seek to enhance children’s health through school-based programming. The content of PE at the secondary level, which replicates team sport environments and reinforces athletic achievement, also marginalises children who are not interested in traditional forms of sport. It is against this backdrop that we discuss opportunities and challenges for the future of PE as a public health intervention.

Relationship between Bone-Specific Physical Activity Scores and Measures for Body Composition and Bone Mineral Density in Healthy Young College Women.

ObjectiveThe purpose of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the relationship between bone-specific physical activity (BPAQ) scores, body composition, and bone mineral density (BMD) in healthy young college women.MethodsSeventy-three college women (21.7 ± 1.8 years; 162.1 ± 4.6 cm; 53.9 ± 5.8 kg) between the ages of 19 and 26 years were recruited from the universities in Seoul and Gyeonggi province, South Korea. We used dual energy X-ray absorptiometry to measure the lumbar spine (L2-L4) and proximal femur BMD (left side; total hip, femoral neck). The BPAQ scores (past, pBPAQ; current, cBPAQ; total, tBPAQ) were used to obtain a comprehensive account of lifetime physical activity related to bone health. We used X-scan plus II instrumentation to measure height (cm), weight (kg), fat free mass (FFM, kg), percent body fat (%), and body mass index (BMI). Participants were asked to record their 24-hour food intake in a questionnaire.ResultsThere were positive correlations between BPAQ scores and total hip (pBPAQ r = 0.308, p = 0.008; tBPAQ, r = 0.286, p = 0.014) and FN BMD (pBPAQ r = 0.309, p = 0.008; tBPAQ, r = 0.311, p = 0.007), while no significant relationships were found in cBPAQ (p > 0.05). When FFM, Vitamin D intake, cBPAQ, pBPAQ, and tBPAQ were included in a stepwise multiple linear regression analysis, FFM and pBPAQ were predictors of total hip, accounting for 16% (p = 0.024), while FFM and tBPAQ predicted 14% of the variance in FN (p = 0.015). Only FFM predicted 15% of the variance in L2-L4 (p = 0.004). There was a positive correlation between Vitamin D intake and L2-L4 (p = 0.025), but other dietary intakes variables were not significant (p > 0.05).ConclusionsBPAQ-derived physical activity scores and FFM were positively associated with total hip and FN BMD in healthy young college women. Our study suggests that osteoporosis awareness and effective bone healthy behaviors for college women are required to prevent serious bone diseases later in life.

Early Menarche and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus at First Live Birth.

To examine the association between early menarche and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007-2012 were used to investigate the association between age at menarche and the risk of GDM at first birth among 5914 women. A growth mixture model was used to detect distinctive menarche onset patterns based on self-reported age at menarche. Logistic regression models were then used to examine the associations between menarche initiation patterns and GDM after adjusting for sociodemographic factors, family history of diabetes mellitus, lifetime greatest Body Mass Index, smoking status, and physical activity level. Among the 5914 first-time mothers, 3.4% had self-reported GDM. We detected three groups with heterogeneous menarche onset patterns, the Early, Normal, and Late Menarche Groups. The regression model shows that compared to the Normal Menarche Group, the Early Menarche Group had 1.75 (95% CI 1.10, 2.79) times the odds of having GDM. No statistically significant difference was observed between the Normal and the Late Menarche Group. This study suggests that early menarche may be a risk factor of GDM. Future studies are warranted to examine and confirm this finding.

Physical activity patterns in healthy middle-aged women

ABSTRACTExercise in healthy female adults around the menopausal transition has been routinely examined in leisure activities alone, potentially discounting the physical activity (PA) that is accumulated in household and outdoor domains. The purpose of this study was to quantify PA in healthy middle-aged women and to examine the extent to which the Center for Disease Control (CDC) PA guidelines were met through leisure, household, and outdoor activities. Methods: 440 healthy women, 51–64 years old, BMI ≥18.5 or < 40 kg/m2, participated in the study using the Lifetime Physical Activity Questionnaire (LPAQ) to quantify PA. Results: 25.91% met the CDC PA guidelines if leisure time alone was examined. When multiple domains were included, 73.41% of the women met the PA guidelines. This percentage is much higher than the reported 20.6% of U.S. adults who met the guidelines in 2011. PA in women may be underrepresented in data limited to leisure time PA.

Self-reported Lifetime Physical Activity and Body Mass Index among Hispanic Women with and without Breast Cancer

Physical activity (PA) behavior is beneficial for the prevention and control of breast cancer (BC), the most prevalent and mortal type of cancer among Hispanic woman in Puerto Rico (PR). PURPOSE: To evaluate and compare self-reported lifetime PA behavior and its relation with body mass index (BMI). METHODS: This study is part of a larger on-going population-based case-control study of BC in PR with 146 Hispanic women: 51 with and 95 without BC (age range 30-79 years). Lifetime PA questionnaire inquired about PA in different stages (6-11, 12-13, 14-22, 23-50, 51-64, and 65+ years of age), the duration/day, and intensity. Present PA behavior was also evaluated with one question inquiring about minutes/day of brisk walking. Participants were classified as active or inactive based on the estimated MET-min/week (<600 = inactive, >600 = active). Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare the proportion of participants in each category of PA, and an independent t-test to compare BMI between groups. Association between PA behavior and BMI was evaluated with Spearman correlations. RESULTS: The majority of cases (98.7%) and controls (99.5%) were classified as active, with no between stage differences. Domestic PA was the most prevalent and leisure time PA the least prevalent type of PA in both groups; however, cases appear to engage more in leisure time and less in domestic type of PA compared with controls. BMI was higher in the older stages of life (>50 years). No significant association was observed between PA behavior and BMI; however, there was also a tendency for higher BMI among those extremely active based on present walking behavior. CONCLUSION: Results suggest a high level of self-reported PA behavior not associated with BMI among women with and without BC in PR. Self-reported PA behavior must be interpreted with caution.

The Relationship Between A Bone-specific Physical Activity Score, Body Composition, And Bone Mineral Density In Korean College Females

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between a bone-specific physical activity (BPAQ) score, body composition, and bone mineral density (BMD) in Korean college females. METHODS: Seventy three college females (21.7 ± 1.8 years; 162.1 ± 4.6 cm; 53.9 ± 5.8 kg) between the ages of 19 and 26 years were recruited from the Universities in Seoul and Gyeonggi areas, South Korea. We used Dual Energy X-ray to measure the BMD of AP lumbar spine (L2-L4) and proximal femur (non-dominant side; total hip, femoral neck, trochanter). We used X-scan plus II (Hospital body Composition Analyzer, Jawon Medical Korea) to measure height (cm), weight (kg), fat free mass (kg), percent body fat (%), and body mass index (BMI). Participants were asked to record 24-hour food intake recall questionnaire. We analyzed total caloric intake (kcal), protein (g), carbohydrate (g), fat (g), vitamin D (μg), calcium (mg), and magnesium (mg) using the Computer Aided Nutritional analysis program (CAN-Pro 4.0). The BPAQ current (previous 12 months) and past (from one year of age) scores were used to obtain a comprehensive account of lifetime physical activity. RESULTS: Weight (p<0.01), BMI (p<0.05), and fat free mass (p<0.001) were positively related to the BMD of L2-L4. Also, weight (p<0.05) and BMI (p<0.05) were positively related to the BMD of femoral neck. Pearson’s correlation showed a positive relationship between vitamin D and spine L2-L4, but there were no linear relationships between other dietary intake variables (p>0.05). There were no significant correlations between BMD variables and BPAQ scores (p>0.05). When fat free mass, BPAQ past score, and vitamin D were included in a multiple linear regression analysis, fat free mass and BPAQ past score were the only remaining predictors of L2-L4 BMD and femoral neck BMD, accounting for 26.4% and 11.8%, respectively. CONCLUSION: It is recommended that healthy body composition and active lifestyle are important to maintain bone health in college females. This work was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea Grant funded by the Korean Government (NRF-2013S1A5B5A07046267)

How Undergraduates’ Attitudes toward Fitness Testing Is Related to Their Performance on Physical Assessments

INTRODUCTION: Fitness testing is an important component of physical education (PE) and is intended to encourage students to develop lifetime physical activity (Graser et al., 2011). Previous research has found that male and female students have different attitudes toward PE, but limited information is available about their attitudes toward fitness testing (Mercier & Silverman, 2014). PURPOSE: To determine how students’ attitudes toward fitness testing is related to their performance on physical assessments. METHOD: College students from seven health-related fitness courses (Mage = 19.79, SD = 2.99; N = 322) completed fitness tests that assessed body composition (i.e., body fat %), aerobic capacity (i.e., step test and 20m shuttle run), and muscular strength (i.e., handgrip) and endurance (i.e., pushups, curl-ups, plank). They also completed a questionnaire that measured the following attitudes toward fitness testing (Mercier & Silverman, 2014): cognition (e.g., usefulness of fitness testing), enjoyment, and feelings, as well as the influence of teachers on these attitudes. Responses ranged from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). RESULTS: A descriptive discriminant analysis investigated if males and females differed on a composite of the attitudes toward fitness testing subscales. Sex differences were primarily due to enjoyment (r2s = .93), feelings (r2s = .36), and the teachers’ effect (r2s = .32). Males had significantly higher scores (p < .01) on enjoyment (MF= 3.25, MM= 3.87), feelings (MF = 3.50, MM = 3.95), and teachers’ effect (MF = 3.54, MM = 3.76), but not cognition (p > .05). Follow-up canonical correlation analyses associating the four attitudes with the seven fitness variables were also statistically significant (p < .01) for males (R2s = .25) and for females (R2s = .25). CONCLUSION: Males had significantly more positive attitudes toward fitness testing than females. Students’ attitudes accounted for the same amount of variance in their performance regardless of sex. This provided evidence for the importance of promoting a positive view of fitness testing to maximize student performance, especially for females. Future research should examine the extent that students’ attitudes toward fitness testing can be improved and if different strategies are needed for males and females.