Lifetime Physical Activity Research Articles

Lifetime physical activity influences Parkinson's disease progression

IntroductionPast studies suggested that Parkinson's disease (PD) patients who engage in physical activity (PA) after diagnosis have slower motor progression. Here, we examine the influence of lifetime PA prior to PD onset on motor, cognitive, and overall functional decline among PD patients. MethodsFor 495 participants in the Parkinson's Environment and Gene (PEG) studies, we collected PA-related measures through interviews and quantified these using metabolic equivalents (MET) scores. PD progression was defined as time to a Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale Part III (UPDRS-III) conversion to ≥ 35 points, Hoehn and Yahr (H&Y) ≥ 3, and a 4-point decline in Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE). We used Cox frailty models to estimate hazard ratios and inverse probability weights to account for heterogeneity by enrollment wave and censoring. ResultsFor PD patients reporting the highest lifetime strenuous MET-h/wk (highest quartile), we estimated a lower HR for time-to-UPDRS-III-conversion (Q4 vs. Q1: HR = 0.56, 95 % CI = [0.36, 0.87]). Additionally, having engaged in any competitive sport also reduced the risk of reaching a UPDRS-III ≥ 35 points (low vs. none: HR = 0.61, 95 % CI = [0.44, 0.86]; high vs. none: HR = 0.63; 95 % CI = [0.44,0.86]); high levels of sports activities also affected progression on the H&Y scale (high vs. none: HR = 0.73; 95 % CI = [0.46,1.00]). Lifetime PA measures did not affect time-to-MMSE decline. ConclusionOur study suggests that PD patients who engaged in higher levels of lifetime strenuous PA and competitive sports prior to PD diagnosis experience slower motor and overall functional decline, suggesting that lifetime PA may contribute to a physical reserve advantageous for PD patients.

Physical Literacy Levels in the Croatian Adult Population; Gender Differences and Associations with Participation in Organized Physical Activity

Physical literacy (PL) is the foundation for lifelong participation in physical activity. Most previous research concentrated on PL examinations in younger groups, while such research is scarce in the adult population. This study aimed to determine the PL levels of the Croatian adult population. Also, the aim was to investigate whether individuals with longer participation in organized physical activity have higher PL levels and do males and females differ in PL levels. The sample comprised 561 individuals (321 females, 240 males) aged 27.65±12.13 years. PL levels were assessed by the Croatian version of the Perceived Physical Activity Questionnaire (PPLQ-Cro). Demographic characteristics included age, gender, and years of involvement in organized physical activity. Gender differences were calculated using the Mann-Whitney U test and effect sizes. Spearman correlation coefficients were used to determine associations between study variables. Males had significantly higher PL levels compared to females (83.10±16.17 for males and 74.27±20.07 for females, Z=-6.88, p=0.001). Years of organized physical activity were associated with PL levels (R=0.48, p=0.001) in the total sample as well in males (R=0.55, p<0.001) and females (R=0.24, p<0.01) separately. The finding that years of organized physical activity are associated with total PL supports the theory that PL is the cornerstone for participating in lifetime physical activity. The results of this study emphasize the importance of introducing the concept of PL in numerous institutions and organizations connected with organized physical activity.

Evaluating the association between lifetime physical activity and oral squamous cell carcinoma: A case-control study.

Oral cancers are the 6th most common malignancy worldwide and oral squamous cell carcinoma, comprises over 90% of oral cancers. This study investigates the relationship between physical activity level during the lifetime and oral squamous cell carcinoma risk. 100 oral squamous cell carcinoma patients and 200 healthy individuals participated in this case-control study. Physical activity level was evaluated via the Lifetime Physical Activity Questionnaire. The occupational, household, and sports domains of lifetime physical activity were determined. Case and control groups' participants were matched in terms of sex, age, smoking, and alcohol consumption by the Frequency Matching Method. Mann-Whitney U Test was applied to compare physical activity levels between groups. The Body Mass Index was higher among cases compared with controls. The average amounts of lifetime physical activity among cases and controls were approximately identical. However, only a statistically significant difference between time spent on total lifetime physical activities and the oral squamous cell carcinoma risk was discovered. Moreover, there were no statistically significant odds ratios in examining the risk associated with each domain of activities. The total time spent on lifetime physical activity may decrease the risk of oral squamous cell carcinoma; However, the total level and intensity of lifetime physical activity are not significantly associated with the oral squamous cell carcinoma risk. Further studies are required in this field.

Riding for Focus as a Pathway to Improved Mental Health in Middle School Students

Youth mental health remains in a critical state even in a post-COVID pandemic world. Exercise is a well-regarded method to boost mental health and well-being in all age groups. The Riding 4 Focus (R4F) program is a cycling education program designed to equip students with basic cycling handling skills and introduce students to the lifetime physical activity of cycling. A secondary outcome of this program is to improve the behavioral health and well-being of adolescents in middle schools, primarily aged 10-14. The current study examined associations between participating in the R4F program and mental health and well-being in those with specific unmodifiable risk factors including gender, socioeconomic, and racial identity. Anonymous online surveys were collected from 3924 adolescent participants before the R4F program and 3289 students after the cycling program across 31 schools during the fall 2021 and spring 2022 semesters. Psychosocial well-being was quantified using the WHO-5 and PSC-17-Y metrics. Using non-parametric test statistics, the data shows a significant increase in the mental health and well-being of participants after the program. Further analysis revealed that participation in the R4F program was associated with improved psychological health and well-being of minority and low-income adolescents, as well as protective associations for both genders. Although these findings are encouraging, the effcacy of the program depends on a number of factors, and future studies are needed to assess causality. Outride, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, University of Redlands Summer Research Program, P20MD006988. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

The Exergame Roles in Physical Activity Adherence among Pre-Service Teachers: A Follow-Up Study

This study is designed to determine students’ use of exergame and physical activity (PA) adherence levels using the PA Adherence Questionnaire. Specifically, this study focuses on the exergame’s role in promoting higher PA levels among participants. Additionally, this study would also attempt to identify the main factors in exergame that influence PA adherence as well as using several modifiable factors to propose practical strategies to improve and maintain lifetime PA. This follow-up study involves a quantitative approach with the same students in the initial study (i.e., 33 participants, mix-genders with an age range between 20-25 years old) comprising undergraduate-level physical and health education (PHE), biology, and chemistry students at a local university in central peninsular Malaysia. The researcher used a questionnaire as the instrument to evaluate this follow-up study. Furthermore, the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) (version 28.0) was utilised to analyse the variables in this study. The majority of participants fall into the “adherence possible” with the minority falling into the “adherence likely” categories in the PA adherence ratings. Specifically, participants tend to associate exergame with space and freedom when engaging in PA. Although social support values were generally high, receiving support from the lecturers was rated the highest followed by friends and family respectively. Nonetheless, knowledge, skills, and self-esteem were interdependent factors which could also determine the likelihood of PA adherence.

The Peculiarities of Physical Literacy Assessment in Primary School Students

Over the last decade, academics, professionals, and politicians have become increasingly interested in the assessment of children’s and adolescents' physical literacy in physical education. Physical literacy has been measured and quantified as a multidimensional term comprising behavioral, psychological, and physical components. The majority of this research was conducted on children and adolescents in educational settings, emphasizing the importance of this age group in establishing the foundations of physical literacy, which will influence lifetime physical activity, health, and well-being. Since there are no studies in the population of Lithuanian primary school students, evaluating children's physical literacy or the validity and reliability of individual physical literacy assessment instruments, the current overview may be useful in guiding the development of future research in this area in our country.
 The objective of this study is to review the assessment of physical literacy in primary school children from a theoretical standpoint.
 Methods: analysis of scientific literature and assessment instruments for physical literacy.
 Conclusions:1. There is no consensus on the assessment of children's physical literacy. Representatives of the idealistic approach suggest using subjective, qualitative, and interpretive methods to monitor a student’s progress on their individual path to physical literacy. Supporters of the pragmatic approach view physical literacy as the result of practical activities that must be measured and assessed using instruments to evaluate fundamental movement skills, physical fitness, motivation, etc.
 
 Physical literacy in primary school students could be assessed across four domains: affective, behavioral, cognitive, and physical. The affective part of the assessment tools for elementary school children is indicated by the child's motivation and self-confidence. The behavioral part is reflected by the child's objective physical activity, subjective physical activity, variety and frequency of physical activities, and participation in physical activities in different places and at different times of the year. The cognitive part is shown by the child's knowledge of physical activity and the benefits of taking part in physical activities, as well as by the child's understanding of how to plan and carry out physical activities. The physical part is demonstrated by physical fitness, movement skills, and self-perceived competence.
 
 Keywords: physical literacy, primary school students, assessment.

Lifetime physical activity and the cognitive condition of adults. Research of three independent groups of Polish adults

One of the typical symptoms of aging is the deterioration of the functioning level in specific cognitive areas. A significant number of research reports suggest that physical activity over the life course may be conducive to maintaining cognitive efficiency in late adulthood and old age. Aim: Research was undertaken to investigate whether the level of the reported physical activity over the life span can determine cognitive performance in the selected areas in adults. Material and methods: The material was collected from 2019. Individuals aged 40+ were invited to participate in the study. Three independent assessments were carried out in separate groups of subjects (Group 1: N = 120; Group 2: N = 90; Group 3: N = 60). A total of 270 individuals participated in the study. A questionnaire designed by the authors was used to assess the intensity of physical activity. The MoCA test, WAIS-R PL subtests, verbal fluency tests, BDI-II and DEX-S were applied to assess cognitive and emotional functions. In Group 3 the Trail Making Test was also used. Results: Linear regression analyses showed significant similarities across groups. Higher age was associated with lower cognitive performance, whereas higher level of physical activity reported by the subjects corresponded to better efficiency in the specific cognitive competencies. Physical activity was the main determinant of cognitive performance in the youngest study group (aged between 45 and 60 years). Conclusions: Older age promotes cognitive decline. Higher level of the reported lifetime physical activity positively affects cognitive functioning at later stages of life. Physical activity may play a compensatory role and support cognitive competencies in older adults, especially in operations involving executive functions. However, the relation between physical activity and cognitive performance varies depending on the age of the subjects. The older a person gets, the more important the age factor becomes for the level of cognitive functioning, and the observed impact of physical activity decreases.

Https://www.asianinstituteofresearch.org/EQRarchives/Development-of-the-Physical-Activity-Plan-for-Physical-Education-Instruction-in-Public-Senior-High-Schools%3A-An-Exploratory-Sequential-Mixed-Method-Inquiry

Physical education (PE) develops students’ motor skills, knowledge, and behaviors for active living. As such, individuals need to participate in various physical activities (PA) which contribute to a healthy lifestyle. But many PE programs fail to bring the actual value of a lifetime PA and fitness. Therefore, there should be extended scientific research that promotes participation level as a health intervention that will promote health and wellness. Through this, an exploratory- sequential mixed method inquiry was utilized to gather insights of senior high school PE teachers towards the development of physical activity plan (PAP). Likewise, the remaining senior high school PE teachers in the province assessed the degree of alignment of the PAP in the most essential learning competencies in PE, and the degree of the practical application of the developed PAP in PE instruction. The qualitative results summarized the general ideas of PE teachers regarding the PAP. They have specific suggestions on what topics, PA, and classroom assessment tools should be included in the plan related to the competencies in PE 1, PE 2, PE 3, and PE 4. As such, a series of performance rubrics have been attached to the plan. Moreover, the quantitative results revealed that the developed PAP has a high degree of alignment with the current competencies in the senior high school PE curriculum. Likewise, the developed PAP has a high degree of practical application in PE instruction. Integrating the data in the two phases of the data collection, showed that the developed PAP can be implemented in the senior high school PE curriculum. As such, the PAP may be utilized as the baseline for PE teachers for implementation. Moreover, future researchers may address the limitations of the conducted study.

Effect of Parental Involvement on Perceptions of Physical Education

This study sought to address the large gap in the literature regarding parents’ roles and views about physical education programs. Guided by Epstein’s model of parental involvement, this study investigated the effect of increased parental involvement in a child’s physical education program on parents’ perceptions of that program. Participants included 31 parents (28 female, 3 male) of students enrolled in fifth- through eighth-grade physical education classes at a school in the Southwestern United States. The design employed was a pre–post mixed-methods design. Over 6 weeks, the physical education teacher increased communication with parents through twice-weekly newsletters, weekly emails, family homework assignments, and family physical activities. Parents completed three validated surveys and open-ended questions, while the teacher kept field notes across the intervention. Parents increased their positive views of physical education, communication with teachers, and ideas about the importance of the field as well as their perceptions of their connections with physical education and ability to support their students in developing healthy lifestyle behaviors. Four themes emerged from the data including (a) lifetime physical activity, (b) socialization, (c) immediate benefits of physical education, and (d) parental support. The results of this study suggest that regular, open parent–teacher communication regarding physical education programming plays an important role in promoting the field. Extra effort by teachers in facilitating opportunities for parental engagement led to more positive perceptions and value of the physical education program by parents. This investment of teacher time is essential for maintaining positive parents’ and students’ perceptions of quality physical education programming and creating more partners and advocates for the field.

Teaching Efficiency or Inefficiency in Elementary Physical Education

The school curriculum clearly defines that the main purpose of elementary physical education is to help students develop positive attitudes towards physical education, engage in lifetime physical activity through the development of knowledge and skills, develop an integrated personality and cultivate moral and social values. How close are elementary children to the above purpose? Is this achieved through elementary physical education class? The purpose of the study was to examine the teaching efficiency or inefficiency of classroom teachers when teaching physical education, from the perspective of time. For that purpose, 30 elementary school teachers (18 female and 12 male) from public schools all over Cyprus were randomly selected to participate in this study. Participating teachers were assigned to teach physical education in their schools. Teachers were asked to give 2 dates on which school visits to schools were scheduled to attend their courses and collect data related to their teaching, such as time management, presentation of activities, organization of children and equipment, feedback provided and others. For data collection purposes a previously validated recording instrument designed by Silverman, Subramaniam, & Woods (1998) was used. The teacher behavior instrument required the coder to collect data on both instructional behaviors (e.g., explanation, demonstration, and monitoring) and organizational behaviors (e.g., children organization and equipment organization). In addition, informal semi-structured interviews with the teachers were also conducted, in order to learn about their beliefs about teachers’ behaviors in class and the value they give to them, such as organizational behaviors and others. The descriptive statistical analysis revealed data that show in principle the diversity, from class to class, in the variables that have been studied. The most important factor, however, is the ineffective use of the available class time, which negatively affected the components of a physical education course, such as the consumption of a large part of the time in organizational or other processes while deducting time that could be offered to the children for more physical activity, more efforts, and probably better learning. Data analysis revealed four important themes that should be of concern to those involved with physical education: 1) The need for better time management, 2) The need to improve the teaching and organizational factors of the class, 3) The need for feedback to students during practice time, and 4) The need for final assessment when at the end of the class.

Basic mobility, accidental falls, and lifetime physical activity among rural and urban community-dwelling older adults: a population-based study in Northern Iceland

ABSTRACT The objective of this research was to investigate late-life physical functioning and lifetime history of physical activity (PA) among older adults in rural and urban Arctic communities. Data was collected in a cross-sectional, population-based study among 65 to 92-year-old community-dwelling Icelanders (N = 175, 41% ≥75-year-old, 43% women, 40% rural). Late-life physical functioning was operationalised as: basic mobility (Timed Up and Go in seconds, TUG); fall risk (TUG≥12 sec); a fall (≥1 fall/year); and recurrent falls (≥2 falls/year). PA history was based on a self-assessment. Compared to urban participants, rural participants were more likely to have fallen recently, be at fall risk, and describe more PA history. Among urban participants, no fall in the past year was independently associated with more PA in middle adulthood; and worse basic mobility and late-life fall risk were independently associated with being in the ≥75-year-old group. Among rural participants, recurrent falls were independently associated with being a man; and better basic mobility was independently associated with more PA in late adulthood. To conclude, this evidence supports an important association between better late-life physical functioning and more mid- and late-life PA and encourages further research to understand high fall risk among older men in Arctic rural areas.

Exercise And The Development Of Transthyretin Amyloid Cardiomyopathy - Is There An Association?

Introduction Cardiac amyloidosis is an infiltrative heart disease that is associated with multi-organ dysfunction as a result of systemic misfolded protein deposition. Transthyretin (ATTR) amyloidosis is a type of amyloidosis that is increasingly being recognized as a cause of heart failure. Novel pharmacologic treatments for ATTR amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) have recently become available sparking a renewed interest in the pathophysiology of this disease. Other than certain genetic mutations, risk factors for the development of ATTR-CM are largely unknown. In the experience of our heart failure clinic, we have empirically observed that ATTR-CM patients frequently have a substantial history of vigorous athletic activity. We sought to identify a novel association between exercise and ATTR-CM. Hypothesis Cumulative lifetime strenuous physical activity is a novel risk factor for the development of ATTR-CM. Methods In this single-center observational study, we recruited adults diagnosed with ATTR-CM and control subjects diagnosed with heart failure from non-amyloid cause. 50 ATTR-CM subjects and 22 controls were administered an in-depth lifetime physical activity survey. The survey identified type and quantity of physical activity from age 20 years until present day. Cumulative lifetime strenuous physical activity was quantified in metabolic equivalents of task (MET-minutes) of strenuous physical activity per active decade. Clinical and biochemical data were obtained retrospectively from the time of initial heart failure diagnosis. Results Wild-type ATTR amyloidosis was present in 82% (N=41) of ATTR-CM subjects, and 18% (N=9) of ATTR-CM subjects had genotype-confirmed hereditary ATTR amyloidosis. Both the ATTR-CM group and control group were male predominant (94% [N=47] vs 90.9% [N=20], p=0.63). ATTR-CM subjects were older at the time of diagnosis than controls (75.7 ±8.8 years vs. 63.6 ±9.4 years, p<0.0001). Left ventricular ejection fraction at the time of diagnosis was higher in ATTR-CM subjects than controls (49 ±14% vs. 32 ±15%, p<0.0001). Cumulative lifetime strenuous physical activity was higher in the ATTR-CM subjects than controls (1.44 × 106 MET-minutes per active decade vs. 0.751 × 106 MET-minutes per active decade, p=0.04). Conclusions Findings from this study suggest that increased cumulative lifetime strenuous physical activity per active decade is associated with ATTR-CM compared to other types of CM. Though larger prospective studies are needed to confirm this association, identifying strenuous exercise as a novel risk factor for ATTR-CM may offer new insight into the pathophysiology of this disease. Cardiac amyloidosis is an infiltrative heart disease that is associated with multi-organ dysfunction as a result of systemic misfolded protein deposition. Transthyretin (ATTR) amyloidosis is a type of amyloidosis that is increasingly being recognized as a cause of heart failure. Novel pharmacologic treatments for ATTR amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) have recently become available sparking a renewed interest in the pathophysiology of this disease. Other than certain genetic mutations, risk factors for the development of ATTR-CM are largely unknown. In the experience of our heart failure clinic, we have empirically observed that ATTR-CM patients frequently have a substantial history of vigorous athletic activity. We sought to identify a novel association between exercise and ATTR-CM. Cumulative lifetime strenuous physical activity is a novel risk factor for the development of ATTR-CM. In this single-center observational study, we recruited adults diagnosed with ATTR-CM and control subjects diagnosed with heart failure from non-amyloid cause. 50 ATTR-CM subjects and 22 controls were administered an in-depth lifetime physical activity survey. The survey identified type and quantity of physical activity from age 20 years until present day. Cumulative lifetime strenuous physical activity was quantified in metabolic equivalents of task (MET-minutes) of strenuous physical activity per active decade. Clinical and biochemical data were obtained retrospectively from the time of initial heart failure diagnosis. Wild-type ATTR amyloidosis was present in 82% (N=41) of ATTR-CM subjects, and 18% (N=9) of ATTR-CM subjects had genotype-confirmed hereditary ATTR amyloidosis. Both the ATTR-CM group and control group were male predominant (94% [N=47] vs 90.9% [N=20], p=0.63). ATTR-CM subjects were older at the time of diagnosis than controls (75.7 ±8.8 years vs. 63.6 ±9.4 years, p<0.0001). Left ventricular ejection fraction at the time of diagnosis was higher in ATTR-CM subjects than controls (49 ±14% vs. 32 ±15%, p<0.0001). Cumulative lifetime strenuous physical activity was higher in the ATTR-CM subjects than controls (1.44 × 106 MET-minutes per active decade vs. 0.751 × 106 MET-minutes per active decade, p=0.04). Findings from this study suggest that increased cumulative lifetime strenuous physical activity per active decade is associated with ATTR-CM compared to other types of CM. Though larger prospective studies are needed to confirm this association, identifying strenuous exercise as a novel risk factor for ATTR-CM may offer new insight into the pathophysiology of this disease.

Staying active after rehab: Physical activity perspectives with a spinal cord injury beyond functional gains.

Lifestyle physical activity following spinal cord injury (SCI) is critical for functional independence, mental wellness, and social participation, yet nearly 50% of individuals with SCI report no regular exercise. The objective of this study was to better understand factors leading to this participation gap by capturing the physical activity perspectives of individuals living with SCI. We completed small group interviews with nine individuals living with SCI across the United States. Iterative thematic analysis systematically revealed meaningful core concepts related to physical activity engagement with SCI. Emergent themes revealed challenges to lifestyle physical activity behavior including gaps in physical activity education, isolation during psychological adjustment, and knowledge limitations in community exercise settings. A secondary theme related to the COVID-19 pandemic emerged, highlighting additional environmental constraints affecting participation. Our findings suggest that most physical activity education is delivered during inpatient rehabilitation and is related to physical function. Lifetime physical activity strategies are achieved through self-education and peer networking. Personal motivators for physical activity include secondary condition prevention, while social and emotional barriers prevent regular adherence. These findings can inform the development and delivery of physical activity programs to maximize physical activity engagement in individuals living with chronic SCI.

Physical activity and glioma: a case\u2013control study with follow-up for survival

PurposeHigh-grade disease accounts for ~ 70% of all glioma, and has a high mortality rate. Few modifiable exposures are known to be related to glioma risk or mortality.MethodsWe examined associations between lifetime physical activity and physical activity at different ages (15–18 years, 19–29 years, 30–39 years, last 10 years) with the risk of glioma diagnosis, using data from a hospital-based family case–control study (495 cases; 371 controls). We followed up cases over a median of 25 months to examine whether physical activity was associated with all-cause mortality. Physical activity and potential confounders were assessed by self-administered questionnaire. We examined associations between physical activity (metabolic equivalent [MET]-h/wk) and glioma risk using unconditional logistic regression and with all-cause mortality in cases using Cox regression.ResultsWe noted a reduced risk of glioma for the highest (≥ 47 MET-h/wk) versus lowest (< 24 METh/wk) category of physical activity for lifetime activity (OR = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.38–0.89) and at 15–18 years (OR = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.39–0.83). We did not observe any association between physical activity and all-cause mortality (HR for lifetime physical activity = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.64–1.29).ConclusionOur findings are consistent with previous research that suggested physical activity during adolescence might be protective against glioma. Engaging in physical activity during adolescence has many health benefits; this health behavior may also offer protection against glioma.

Lifetime physical activity is associated with gut bacteria and brain health in people with multiple sclerosis: Focus on physical activity intensity

BackgroundPhysical activity can improve brain health in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). One of the underlying mechanisms can be the modulation of gut bacteria. The association of different intensity of physical activity in a lifetime; and brain volume, lesion volume, and number, and gut bacteria counts were investigated in the current study. MethodsForty-five PwMS were recruited, and magnetic resonance imagining was used to evaluate brain volume, lesion volume, and number. Also, stool samples were taken for evaluation faecalibacterium prausnitzii, akkermansia muciniphila, prevotella, and bacteroides count. Moreover, lifetime physical activity was assessed using the adapted version of the historical activity questionnaire. ResultsData revealed a significant association of physical activity with brain volume (r = 0.41), lesion volume (r=-0.35), lesion number (r=-0.37), akkermansia muciniphila (r=-0.34), prevotella (r = 0.52) and bacteroides (r=-0.32) count (p<0.05). Moderate-intensity of physical activity was associated with brain volume (r = 0.33), lesion volume (r=-0.38), prevotella (r = 0.35) and bacteroides (r=-0.40) count (p<0.05). Moreover, vigorous-intensity of physical activity was associated with brain volume (r = 0.38), lesion number (r=-0.39), akkermansia muciniphila (r=-0.30) and prevotella (r = 0.56) count (p<0.05). ConclusionOur results suggest that lifetime physical activity is associated with brain health and gut bacteria count in PwMS. Additionally, the heterogeneity of the association of the physical activity intensities with the studied variables indicates the importance of using different intensities of physical activity to greater benefit from physical activity.

Mortality risk and physical activity across the lifespan in endometrial cancer survivors.

Physical activity (pre- and post-diagnosis) has been studied in prevention and survivorship contexts for endometrial cancer. However, the association of physical activity (PA) across the lifespan on mortality risk among endometrial cancer survivors is understudied. The study's objective was to identify the association of lifetime PA on mortality risk in endometrial cancer survivors. Seven hundred forty-five endometrial cancer survivors drawn from a population-based cancer registry (diagnosed between 1991 and 1994) reported the frequency (sessions/week) of moderate- and vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) at age 12, age 20, and 5years pre-interview (post-diagnosis). Cox proportional hazards were used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals for the association between PA, all-cause, and cardiovascular disease mortality as assessed in 2016. MVPA was modeled using natural cubic splines. Diagnosis age, body mass index, and smoking (pack-years) were each positively associated with increased all-cause mortality risk. Those who did one session of MVPA 5years pre-interview had a lower mortality risk (HR 0.61; 95% CI 0.41-0.92) compared to those with no MVPA. Those reporting one session of MVPA was similarly observed at age 12 (HR 0.95; 95% CI 0.86-1.06) and at age 20 (HR 0.87; 95% CI 0.65-1.16). Those who participated in PA, compared to those who did not, in the 5years before diagnosis had a lower mortality risk. While PA was not independently protective against mortality risk at ages 12 or 20, PA is still important for endometrial cancer survivors for other non-mortality outcomes.

Constructing Health and Physical Activity Knowledge in Practice: Teachers’ and Students’ Experiences

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine teacher and student experiences in physical education when taught by teachers with high health-related fitness knowledge (HRFK): How did they construct this knowledge for students and share it with students in their teaching? Method: Four teachers and 16 of their students were interviewed. Results: Three themes emerged from the data: (a) HRFK sources of teachers and students, (b) teacher- and student-constructed HRFK in the instructional setting, and (c) students’ transfer of physical activity and HRFK to their daily lives and to those around them. Conclusion: The study showed that when teachers had ample health and physical activity knowledge and transfer this knowledge to their students by designing holistic learning experiences using effective pedagogical approaches, students tended to value lifetime physical activity participation. These students were also able to influence those around them (coaches, family, and friends) to be conscious of their own health and physical activity behaviors.

The Benefits of Group Aquatic Therapy for Young Children With Down syndrome

Background and Purpose: To describe the implementation of an aquatic-based exercise program for young children with Down syndrome (DS). The aquatic setting is particularly motivating for children with DS. Swimming can be a safe and effective way to promote lifetime physical activity for individuals with DS. Caregivers often feel unprepared to assist their children in swimming activities, limiting participation in community programs. Case Series: Twenty children with DS participated in an aquatic-based program to facilitate transition to a community swim programs. Intervention: The Trisomy 21 Aquatic Group, an 8-week group-based exercise program, was developed that included aquatic skills, water acclimation, fitness activities, and caregiver instruction. A pre- and postparticipation evaluation included the establishment of goals and standardized assessments including the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM), a parent questionnaire, and the Water Orientation Test Alyn (WOTA-1). The aquatic-based exercise program was piloted with 20 children between the ages of 1 and 5 years and included caregiver participation. Interventions consisted of respiratory control, water orientation, swim skills, balance and strengthening activities, and functional skills. Instruction promoted caregiver confidence and carryover in the community with consistent routines, repetition, and scaffolding of skills. Outcomes: Both WOTA and GMFM were analyzed using pre- and postgroup paired t tests. Statistically significant changes from pre- to postgroup tests were noted. The mean GMFM improved from 154 to 179.45 or 24.65 points (P &lt; .00001 ± 18.93) and the mean WOTA improved from 25.53 to 37.33 or 12.2 points (P &lt; .00001 ± 8.13). The parent questionnaire revealed significant changes in the child's ability to follow simple directions and take turns (Z = 2.157, P = .030) and blow bubbles (Z = 2.50, P = .0124) and an increase in the number of signs (mean change of 6.8 signs). Parents reported having confidence supporting their children in the water, improvements in strength, improved respiratory control, and readiness for swim lessons. Discussion: A standardized aquatics program for individuals with DS is presented. This is a step toward the establishment of effective treatment strategies regarding aquatic therapy for those with DS.

The Relationship Between Cricket Participation, Health, and Wellbeing: A Systematic Scoping Review.

Summarising and synthesising the evidence on cricket health and wellbeing can help inform cricket stakeholders and navigate future research directions. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between cricket participation, health and wellbeing at all ages and playing standards, and identify research gaps in the existing literature. A scoping review was performed from inception to March, 2020. Studies were included if they assessed a construct related to health and/or wellbeing in cricketers, available in English. 219 articles were eligible. Injury incidence per 1,000 player exposures ranged from 1.8-5.7 injuries. 48% of former cricketers experienced persistent joint pain. However, former cricketers reported greater physical activity levels and mental-components of quality of life compared to the general population. Heat injury/illness and skin cancer are concerns and require further research. Cricket participation is associated with an inherent injury risk, which may have negative implications for musculoskeletal health in later life. However, cricket participation is associated with high quality of life which can persist after retirement. Gaps in the literature include prospective studies on health and wellbeing of cricketers, female cricketers, injury prevention strategies, and the impact of cricket participation on metabolic health and lifetime physical activity.

The Impact of Lifetime Work and Non-work Physical Activity on Physical Fitness Among White - and Blue - Collar Retirees: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Objective: The literature offers significant amount of data on the effects of occupational activity on health, with a distinct link between retirement and health among the most frequently tackled topics. Studies on the relationship between past occupational activity and physical fitness among older retirees remain scarce. The aim of the study was to assess the effects of physical activity on physical fitness in white- and blue-collar retirees.Methods: A total of 200 participants (aged ≥60) were included in the study. Lifetime physical activity was assessed using the Lifetime Physical Activity Questionnaire. Mean MET/week/year values of total Physical Activity and for each domain separately (occupational, sports, household) were calculated. Participants were stratified to blue- or white- collar group. Physical performance, hand-grip strength (HGS) and pulmonary function were assessed.Results: Mean total MET/week/year values for the blue- and the white-collar workers were 140.48 ± 55.13 and 100.75 ± 35.98, respectively. No statistically significant differences in physical performance scores were found between the white- and blue- collar groups. Adjustment for age, sex weight and height revealed a statistically significant association between work-related PA FEV*1 in the blue-collar group. White – collar workers presented higher odds ratio for membership in highest quartile in regard to short physical performance battery test score.Conclusion: Only minimal association of type of occupation on physical fitness were found despite statistically significant differences between mean intensity and duration of sports- and work-related lifetime physical activity. These findings may indicate that the type of past work is not an independent factor influencing the state of a person in old age. Large-scale investigations with physically fit and unfit participants, are necessary.