Light-intensity Physical Activity Research Articles

Association between accelerometer-measured light-intensity physical activity and tumor regression for male patients with esophageal cancer receiving neoadjuvant therapy: a retrospective cohort study.

Physical activity has the potential to promote tumor regression in patients with esophageal cancer receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC); however, the benefits of light-intensity physical activity (LIPA) are unclear. This study aimed to investigate the impact of LIPA on tumor regression in male patients with esophageal cancer during NAC and its optimal cutoff value. This retrospective single-center observational study included all male patients who underwent NAC or curative esophagectomy. We assessed the physical activity of patients using an accelerometer and calculated the time spent on LIPA. Tumor regression was defined as grade ≥ 1b according to the Japanese classification of esophageal cancer. The impact of LIPA on tumor regression was analyzed using multivariate analysis, and the optimal cutoff value was identified using the receiver operating characteristic curve. Sixty-nine male patients with esophageal cancer who underwent NAC were analyzed. The mean age was 68years, mean body mass index was 22.4, and 80% of the patients were diagnosed with clinical stage 3 or 4 disease. Every extra 30-min increase in LIPA during the treatment phase was associated with tumor regression (adjusted OR 1.41 [1.02-2.04]). The optimal cutoff value of LIPA was 156.11min/day, and patients with rich LIPA (≥ 156.11min/day) were less likely to suffer from anorexia and malnutrition during NAC. This study demonstrated that LIPA during NAC has a potential of promoting tumor regression with a cutoff value of 156.5min/day. Further clinical research is required to determine the prognostic benefits of LIPA in patients receiving NAC.

Associations between physical activities and self-harm behaviour in depression across the genotype: findings from the UK biobank.

Physical activities are widely implemented for non-pharmacological intervention to alleviate depressive symptoms. However, there is little evidence supporting their genotype-specific effectiveness in reducing the risk of self-harm in patients with depression. To assess the associations between physical activity and self-harm behaviour and determine the recommended level of physical activity across the genotypes. We developed the bidirectional analytical model to investigate the genotype-specific effectiveness on UK Biobank. After the genetic stratification of the depression phenotype cohort using hierarchical clustering, multivariable logistic regression models and Cox proportional hazards models were built to investigate the associations between physical activity and the risk of self-harm behaviour. A total of 28 923 subjects with depression phenotypes were included in the study. In retrospective cohort analysis, the moderate and highly active groups were at lower risk of self-harm behaviour. In the followed prospective cohort analysis, light-intensity physical activity was associated with a lower risk of hospitalisations due to self-harm behaviour in one genetic cluster (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.28 [95% CI, 0.08-0.96]), which was distinguished by three genetic variants: rs1432639, rs4543289 and rs11209948. Compliance with the guideline-level moderate-to-vigorous physical activities was not significantly related to the risk of self-harm behaviour. A genotype-specific dose of light-intensity physical activity reduces the risk of self-harm by around a fourth in depressive patients.

Changes in physical activity since cancer diagnosis and associations with health-related quality of life: a study of adults living with advanced cancer.

Physical activity (PA) is associated with better quality of life for cancer survivors; however, less is known about this association among individuals with advanced cancer. This study assesses whether changes in PA following an advanced cancer diagnosis are associated with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) outcomes. Data were collected from 247 participants in a survey of adults with advanced cancer who visited the University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center (January 2021-2023). PA since cancer diagnosis was assessed using a validated, self-reported tool. HRQoL was assessed using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - General and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System measures of physical function, fatigue, and pain interference. We used generalized linear models to assess relationships between PA and HRQoL. Most adults with advanced cancer were insufficiently active (53%), and reported a lot less activity (41%) after diagnosis, followed by a little less activity (33%), and the same/more activity (26%). Compared to the other activity groups, those who reported a lot less activity had the worst HRQoL scores, including lower HRQoL (x̄ = 70.3 vs. x̄ = 82.6, 90.7) and physical function (x̄ = 40.3 vs. x̄ = 47.3, 52.5), and higher fatigue (x̄ = 59.3 vs. x̄ = 51.4, 42.3) and pain interference (x̄ = 55.5 vs. x̄ = 48.8, 45.6). Adults with advanced cancer who report PA reductions have worse HRQoL, higher pain and fatigue, and lower physical function than those engaging in the same/more PA since their diagnosis. Future interventions focused on improving HRQoL among adults with advanced cancer should incorporate light-intensity PA to reduce declines following diagnosis.

The Role of Virtual Reality in Childhood Obesity Treatment: A Narrative Review

Childhood obesity is a critical public health issue linked to long-term complications like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. This narrative review aimed to examine the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR)-based interventions in supporting key components of obesity treatment—physical activity (PA), nutrition education, and behavior change—particularly in children under 12. Using the intensive health behavior and lifestyle treatment (IHBLT) approach, we synthesized findings from studies published between 2014 and 2024. Of the studies reviewed, only one study met inclusion criteria, showing that VR-based interventions effectively increased light-intensity PA and reduced sedentary behavior in children, though these effects were not sustained long-term. The scarcity of studies limits the generalizability of these findings, emphasizing the need for caution in interpretation. Our review highlights a significant gap in the literature regarding VR’s role in childhood obesity treatment. Future research should explore the efficacy of VR in promoting PA, enhancing nutrition education, and supporting sustained behavior changes. Expanding this evidence base is vital for developing accessible and engaging interventions tailored to young children. Addressing this gap could enhance obesity treatment options, offering innovative and effective strategies to improve health outcomes in this vulnerable population.

Sedentary Behavior and Physical Activity Assessment Following Botulinum Toxin A Treatment in Stroke Patients: A Comparative Pilot Study

Background In most patients with stroke, sedentary behaviors (SED) increase, and physical activity (PA) decreases over time. This has cumulative effects on the efficacy of physical rehabilitation interventions. This study aimed to determine the effects of botulinum toxin injections (BoNT-A) on SED and PA, and to determine the agreement between device-measured and self-report methods in stroke survivors with spasticity. Methods SED and PA were assessed in 17 chronic stroke survivors (mean age 49.7 years) with upper or lower limb spasticity following BoNT-A injections. Clinical assessments included spasticity, neurological impairment, functional ambulation, independence, and quality of life. SED and PA were also measured at baseline (T0), 6 weeks (T1), and 12 weeks (T2) using accelerometry and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), categorizing activity into SED, low [light intensity physical activity (LIPA)], and moderate physical activity (MPA)-to-vigorous physical activity (VPA) levels. Multilevel mixed-effects linear regression models were used to determine the effects of BoNT-A on time spent in SED and PA. Bland–Altman plots were used to determine the agreement between the device measured and self-report methods. Results Accelerometry revealed a significant reduction in sedentary time and an increase in low-LIPA times at T2 only, whereas IPAQ-reported SED significantly decreased and LIPA increased at T1 and T2. Substantial increases in LIPA, MPA, and VPA times were also found with IPAQ at T2 only. IPAQ significantly underestimated the time spent in SED and overestimated VPA compared to accelerometry. Conclusions BoNT-A injections reduced SED time and increased light-intensity PA in stroke survivors with spasticity. Self-report measures, such as the IPAQ, may not measure the true impact of interventions, such as BoNT-A, on PA in patients with stroke.

Association between 24-hour movement behaviors and adiposity in children and adolescents: A compositional data meta-analysis.

To quantitatively synthesize published evidence on the association between 24-hour movement behavior composition with adiposity in children and adolescents aged 3-18 years. Systematic literature searches were conducted in five electronic databases to identify papers published between January 2015 and January 2024. A machine learning-assisted systematic review was conducted to identify studies applying compositional data analysis to examine the association between 24-hour movement behaviors and adiposity in children and youth. Random effect meta-analyses were estimated to examine the relative association between each component of the 24-hour movement behavior composition and body mass index z-score (zBMI), waist circumference, fat mass percentage, and fat mass index (FMI). A total of 16 studies reporting on 15,230 children and youth were included in the review. Most studies reported on zBMI (k = 14), followed by waist circumference (k = 5), body fat percentage (k = 3), and FMI (k = 2). Spending more time sleeping and engaged in moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) relative to other behaviors was associated with lower adiposity, while spending more time sedentary and engaged in light-intensity physical activity was associated with higher adiposity. These results provide support for most recommendations of the 24-hour movement behavior guidelines, including getting an adequate amount of sleep, limiting sedentary time, and engaging in MVPA, to improve adiposity outcomes.

Maintaining physical activity in older adults: The importance of health-specific control strategies

The Lines-of-Defense model postulates that older adults should engage in important health goals and behaviors for as long as possible and adjust them downwardly only when they become impossible to pursue. This process is thought to be supported by goal engagement and self-protective control strategies. We tested this model in a 4-year longitudinal study of 236 older adults by predicting the maintenance of physical activity using accelerometers. We hypothesized that older adults would exert shifts from more strenuous (e.g., vigorous and moderate intensity) to less strenuous (e.g., light intensity) physical activity over time. In addition, we expected that these processes would be supported by the use of health-specific control strategies. Multilevel modeling revealed that older adults experienced declines in moderate and vigorous physical activity but increases in light physical activity. Health engagement predicted an accelerated increase in light physical activity, and exerted substantial, but longitudinally decreasing, benefits for moderate physical activity. Health-related self-protection, by contrast, predicted the maintenance of vigorous physical activity over time. These results support the Lines-of-Defense model by demonstrating that control strategies can predict the maintenance of older adults’ physical activity levels.

Physical activity and content in a variety of physically active learning: an observational case study of real-world practices.

Research on physically active learning (PAL) has mainly been investigated experimentally, where interventions have been introduced to study effects on, for example, physical activity (PA) levels. This might undermine real-world contexts and realistic PA levels when teachers have sustained PAL in their regular teaching practice for several years. The purpose of this study was to observe and describe the organization and content of a variety of teaching where PAL was enacted by experienced teachers and to describe the corresponding PA levels and PA intensity in real-world practices. Fifty-eight pupils and four teachers from one primary school and one secondary school were enrolled across the first, sixth, and eighth grades. The pupils' physical activity (PA) levels were assessed during 37 enacted physically active learning (PAL) segments within longer teaching lessons using waist-worn triaxial accelerometers. Evenson cut-off points were employed to define PA intensities. All enacted PAL were passively observed by the same observer regarding primary bodily movement, duration, subject, location, collaborative or individual work, and task orientation. On average, PAL consisted of 57.8% ± 15.7% sedentary time, 22.9% ± 7.5% light intensity PA, and 19.3% ± 10.8% moderate-to-vigorous intensity PA, displaying a large variety in different PAL segments. More intensive and higher volumes of PA were evident when PAL was facilitated outdoors, in gyms, or in large stairways, while lower PA volumes and intensity were assessed when PAL was enacted inside the classroom. The primary movement in PAL was mainly running and/or walking (78.3%), while the PAL activity was mainly organized as group work (83.7%) in non-competitive tasks (97.3%). This study provides novel insights by being the first to investigate the organization and content of PAL enacted by experienced teachers in their teaching and the corresponding PA levels in their real-world practices. The results displayed a large diversity in PA levels and intensities and may serve as a starting point to further investigate the coherency of PA levels and PAL content in schools with sustained PAL teaching.

Associations of physical activity and mental health in pregnant women: A cross-sectional isotemporal substitution analysis.

Prenatal mental health is an increasing public concern. At present, it has been shown that increasing physical activity (PA) is effective in promoting mental health of pregnant women. However, mental health may depend not only on the amount of time spent on a specific activity, but also on the intensity and type of the activity that it replaces. This study is aimed to explore the impact of replacing 60min of one health behavior with another on the mental health of pregnant women. The cross-sectional study recruited 983 pregnant women from Chongqing, China between June and December 2021. The pregnant women self-reported their movement behaviors using the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire-Chinese version (PPAQ-C). Participants also completed three measures of mental health: Childbirth Attitudes Questionnaire (CAQ), 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and the Positive affect sub-scale. An Isotemporal Substitution Model was used to evaluate mental health after replacing one movement behavior. The analysis showed that replacing 60min of sedentary behavior (SB) with moderate-to-vigorous intensity PA (MVPA) promoted positive emotions, and replacing SB with light intensity PA (LPA) reduced childbirth fear. Regarding PA types, replacing inactivity with household, occupational, or transport PA could reduce fear, and replacing inactivity, occupational, household or transport PA with sport PA could improve positive emotions and alleviate depression. An active pregnancy lifestyle with higher levels of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and light physical activity and less sedentary behavior time and other inactive states may improve mental health. Future health promotion for pregnant women should consider the flexibility of physical activity types and intensities.

Seasonal and sex differences in instrumental activities of daily living and objective physical activity among older adults residing in rural areas with snow and cold regions

To determine the seasonal differences in instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) and objective physical activity among older adults residing in non-urban areas in snowy and cold regions according to sex. Fifty older adults aged ≥65 years were included in the present study. IADL was assessed using the revised Frenchay Activities Index (FAI), and physical activity was measured using a triaxial accelerometer. Comparisons were made between the snowy and non-snowy seasons based on sex. Compared to the non-snowy season, the female participants exhibited significantly lower scores for outdoor housework, outdoor activity, and overall scores on the FAI during the snowy season. In terms of physical activity, a decrease in the number of steps and light-intensity physical activity, accompanied by an increase in sedentary behavior, was observed in both sexes. High light-intensity physical activity decreased in the snowy season, especially in the female participants. In addition, the total moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and short-bout MVPA (intermittent and lasting <10 minutes) also decreased. Considering the significant changes in lifestyle and physical activity during the cold snowy season, women should consider performing alternative physical activities other than indoor household chores. Furthermore, men should be encouraged to participate in indoor household chores they typically do not engage in, irrespective of the season.

The Impacts of Engagement in Men's Sheds on Incidental Physical Activity and Wellbeing Outcomes.

As a large proportion of older adults are insufficiently active, it is imperative to identify ways to increase incidental physical activity. Men's Sheds, a mutual-aid, community-based organisation appear to be a promising approach for optimising wellbeing outcomes. To investigate whether Men's Sheds attendance is associated with higher levels of physical activity, and the relationships between physical activity, health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and wellbeing in Men's Shed members. Participants (N = 45) wore a hip accelerometer (Actigraph GTX-9) for 11 days. The majority (n = 30, Mage = 72.3 ± 9.4) also consented to complete an online questionnaire investigating HRQOL and wellbeing. Linear mixed models revealed members, on average, spent an additional 34 min in light physical activity, had an extra six breaks in sedentary behaviour, and took an extra 1193 steps on days they attended Men's Sheds, though, these effects were small. Physical activity was not significantly associated with HRQOL and wellbeing. Men's Sheds appear to be a valuable approach for increasing light intensity physical activity, breaks in sedentary behaviours, and step count in older adults. However, additional Men's Shed activities specifically targeting increased movement may be required to realise greater impacts on health-related quality of life and wellbeing. SO WHAT?: Men's Sheds may provide a valuable opportunity to increase some indices of physical activity, which may contribute to better overall health. While these effects may be small for active Men's Shed members, these effects may be more appreciable for more sedentary individuals.

ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN 10-YEAR PHYSICAL FUNCTION TRAJECTORIES AND 24-HOUR ACTIVITY CYCLE BEHAVIORS IN OLDER ADULTS

Abstract Physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior (SB), and sleep comprise an individual’s 24-hour activity cycle, which is likely bidirectionally associated with physical function over the life course. To explore how function predicts activity, we examined whether self-reported (activities of daily living [ADLs]) and objective (short Performance-based Physical Function [sPPF]) measures of physical function predicted PA, SB, and sleep in the Adult Changes in Thought (ACT) cohort. We fit linear mixed effects models to define trajectory slopes for each functional measure over the prior 10 years. We used multivariable linear regression to investigate the relationship between trajectories and device-measured PA and SB and self-reported sleep. Participants (N=905) were 77.6 (SD=6.9) years old, 55% female, 91% White, and reported impairment on a median of 1 ADL (IQR=[0,2]) with a median score of 9 (IQR=[8,11], higher=better functioning) on the sPPF at activity measurement. A steeper increasing slope of ADL impairment was associated with more sitting time (35.0 mins/day [4.3,65.0] per 0.4-unit increase in slope), longer mean sitting bout duration (3.5 min/bout [0.8,6.2]), fewer steps (-1372 [-2223,-638]), less MVPA (-13 min/day [-22.6,-5.0]), and more time in bed (25.5 min/day [6.5,43.5]). More steeply decreasing sPPF slope was associated only with steps and MVPA (-1180 steps [-2853,-185] and -15.7 min/day [-35.6,-2.3] per 0.3-unit decrease in slope). Standing time, Light-intensity PA, and self-reported sleep quality were not associated with either measure. Combined with prior literature suggesting associations with future function, these findings support the bidirectional nature of the relationship between the late-life 24-hour activity cycle and physical function.

Evaluation of Respiratory Function, Respiratory Muscle Strength, Physical Activity, and Functionality in Patients with Lower Extremity Lymphedema.

Background: Lymphedema is a chronic, progressive condition that has major physical and psychological consequences. It was aimed to examine the respiratory functions, respiratory muscle strength, physical activity level, and functionality of patients with lower extremity lymphedema and to compare them with healthy controls. Methods and Results: A total of 82 individuals (29.3% male, 70.7% female, with a mean age of 49.89 ± 15.07 years) with lower extremity lymphedema (Group 1) and healthy individuals (Group 2) were included. Respiratory functions of the participants were evaluated by spirometry, respiratory muscle strength by maximum oral pressure measurements, physical activity levels using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF), functionality by Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) and Timed Up and Go test (TUG test). All respiratory function test measurements were lower in mean Group 1 than in Group 2 (p < 0.05). While inspiratory muscle strength did not differ between the groups (p > 0.05), expiratory muscle strength was lower in Group 1 than Group 2 (p < 0.05). Although spent time and energy for sitting were higher in Group 1 (p < 0.05), IPAQ vigorous-, moderate-, and light-intensity physical activity (MET-min/week) and IPAQ-total score did not differ between groups (p > 0.05). In Group 1, mean of LEFS score was lower and TUG test (seconds) in Group 1 was longer compared to Group 2 (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Respiratory functions, expiratory muscle strength, and functionality in patients with lower extremity lymphedema were adversely affected; however, inspiratory muscle strength and physical activity levels were similar to those of healthy controls.

Reallocating Time Between 24-h Movement Behaviors for Obesity Management Across the Lifespan: A Pooled Data Meta-Analysis of More Than 9800 Participants from Seven Countries.

The distribution of time across physical activity, sedentary behaviors, and sleep appears to be essential for the management of obesity. However, the impact of reallocating time among these behaviors, collectively known as 24-h movement behaviors, remains underexplored. This study examines the theoretical effects of reallocating time between 24-h movement behaviors on obesity indicators across different age groups. We performed a pooled data meta-analysis of 9818 participants from 11 observational and experimental studies. To estimate the time spent in movement behaviors, we reprocessed and harmonized individual-level raw accelerometer-derived data. Isotemporal substitution models estimated theoretical changes in body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) associated with time reallocation between movement behaviors. We performed the analysis separately for children, adolescents, adults, and older adults. Even minor reallocations of 10min led to significant changes in obesity indicators, with pronounced effects observed when 30min were reallocated. The most substantial adverse effects on BMI and WC occurred when moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was reallocated to other movement behaviors. For 30-min reallocations, the largest increase in BMI (or BMI z-score for children) occurred when MVPA was reallocated to light-intensity physical activity (LPA) in children (0.26 units, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.15, 0.37) and to sedentary behavior (SB) in adults (0.72kg/m2, 95% CI 0.47, 0.96) and older adults (0.73kg/m2, 95% CI 0.59, 0.87). The largest increase in WC was observed when MVPA was substituted with LPA in adults (2.66cm, 95% CI 1.42, 3.90) and with SB in older adults (2.43cm, 95% CI 2.07, 2.79). Conversely, the highest magnitude of the decrease in obesity indicators was observed when SB was substituted with MVPA. Specifically, substituting 30min of SB with MVPA was associated with a decrease in BMI z-score by - 0.15 units (95% CI - 0.21, - 0.10) in children and lower BMI by - 0.56kg/m2 (95% CI - 0.74, - 0.39) in adults and by - 0.52kg/m2 (95% CI - 0.61, - 0.43) in older adults. Reallocating time away from sleep and LPA showed several significant changes but lacked a consistent pattern. While the predicted changes in obesity indicators were generally consistent across age groups, inconsistent findings were observed in adolescents, particularly for reallocations between MVPA and other behaviors. This investigation emphasizes the crucial role of MVPA in mitigating obesity risk across the lifespan, and the benefit of substituting SB with low-intensity movement behaviors. The distinct patterns observed in adolescents suggest a need for age-specific lifestyle interventions to effectively address obesity. Emphasizing manageable shifts, such as 10-min reallocations, could have significant public health implications, promoting sustainable lifestyle changes that accommodate individuals with diverse needs, including those with severe obesity.

Cognitive function and its longitudinal predictability by intensity of physical activity in Chinese middle-aged and older adults.

The aging population faces several health problems, including cognitive decline that can progress to Alzheimer's disease. Regular physical activity is widely recognized for its extensive benefits, including physical and mental health improvements especially for older adults. This study aimed to examine the prediction of physical activity intensities on cognitive function of older adults. Data from 8 years prospective survey among Chinese population aged 45 years and older is used. Cognitive function was measured by word recall, orientation, numeric subtraction, and copying a picture. Physical activity was assessed with three intensity levels. General estimating equations (GEE) with unstructured correlation matrix is used to test the prediction of physical activity intensity on cognitive function. Cognitive function of participants significantly declined from 9.81 at baseline to 8.81 after 8 years. Moderate-intensity physical activity for 3 days/week was strongest positive predictor of cognitive function with a betta coefficient of 0.64. Light-intensity physical activity also positively predicted cognitive function, however vigorous physical activity for more than 3 days/week negatively predicted cognitive function. Cognitive function of the Chinese population is found to continuously decline after 60 years old age. Fortunately, this decline can be delayed with age-tolerable light to moderate-intensity physical activities.

Diet, physical activity, and sleep in relation to postprandial glucose responses under free-living conditions: an intensive longitudinal observational study

BackgroundIt remains unclear what lifestyle behaviors are optimal for controlling postprandial glucose responses under real-world circumstances in persons without diabetes. We aimed to assess associations of diet, physical activity, and sleep with postprandial glucose responses in Asian adults without diabetes under free-living conditions.MethodsWe conducted an observational study collecting intensive longitudinal data using smartphone-based ecological momentary assessments, accelerometers, and continuous glucose monitors over nine free-living days in Singaporean men and women aged 21–69 years without diabetes. The outcome was the 2-h postprandial glucose incremental area under the curve (mmol/l*min). Associations were estimated using linear mixed-effect models.ResultsThe analyses included 11,333 meals in 789 participants. Greater variations in glucose and lifestyle measures were observed within individuals than between individuals. Higher consumption of carbohydrate-rich and deep-fried foods and lower consumption of protein-rich foods were significantly associated with higher postprandial glucose levels (incremental area under the curve). The strongest association was observed for including refined grains (46.2 [95% CI: 40.3, 52.1]) in meals. Longer postprandial light-intensity physical activity (-24.7 [(-39.5, -9.9] per h) and moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity (-58.0 [-73.8, -42.3]) were associated with substantially lower postprandial glucose levels. Longer daily light-intensity physical activity (-7.5 [-10.7, -4.2]) and sleep duration (-2.7 [-4.4, -1.0]) were also associated with lower postprandial glucose levels. Furthermore, postprandial glucose levels were the lowest in the morning and the highest in the afternoon. The results were largely consistent for males and females and for participants with and without prediabetes.ConclusionsConsuming less refined grains and more protein-rich foods, getting more physical activity (particularly during the postprandial period), and having a longer sleep duration were associated with lower postprandial glucose levels in Asian adults without diabetes. Our findings support multi-component lifestyle modifications for postprandial glucose control and highlight the importance of the timing of eating and physical activity.

Associations of adiposity and device-measured physical activity with cancer incidence: UK Biobank prospective cohort study.

High adiposity and low physical activity are associated with cancer risk. Whether different amounts and intensities of physical activity can mitigate this association is unclear. We aimed to examine the independent and combined associations of adiposity and device-measured physical activity levels of different intensities with cancer incidence and mortality. This prospective cohort study included data from 70,747 UK Biobank participants (mean age 61.6 ± 7.9 years, 56.4% women) with wrist-worn accelerometer measurements of physical activity and without chronic diseases or mobility limitations. Physical activity exposures included min per week of light (LPA), moderate-to-vigorous (MVPA), and vigorous (VPA) intensity physical activity, along with total weekly volume. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated from anthropometric measurements. Participants were categorized into 9 groups based on joint tertiles of physical activity and BMI categories (normal weight, overweight, and obesity). Secondary analyses included adiposity using bio-impedance and waist circumference measurements. The outcome was incidence and death from cancer retrieved from national registries. Associations between adiposity, physical activity, and cancer hazard were calculated as subdistribution hazard ratios. A secondary analysis focused on cancer types strongly associated with physical activity. We observed 2625 events (2572 non-fatal and 53 fatal) during a median follow-up of 6.1 years. Compared with the referent (normal weight and high physical activity), overweight and obesity were associated with a 6% to 36% higher cancer hazard across physical activity intensities. However, high MVPA and VPA (approximately 500 min and 32 min per week in the top tertiles, respectively) attenuated the hazard associated with overweight and obesity. Being normal weight was not associated with a higher cancer hazard regardless of physical activity level. The results were similar, although more pronounced, when modeling cancer types strongly associated with physical activity as the outcome. High MVPA and VPA levels may attenuate the association of overweight and obesity with cancer hazard, but maintaining a normal weight seems comparatively more important than physical activity to reduce the hazard. Maintaining a healthy body weight and engaging in physical activity is needed to minimize risk of some cancer types.

A Remotely Delivered Light-Intensity Physical Activity Intervention for Older Cancer Survivors: Protocol for a Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial.

Older cancer survivors face age- and treatment-related comorbidities, including physical functional impairment, which are exacerbated by physical inactivity and sedentary behavior. Regular physical activity can reduce this risk, yet less than 30% of older cancer survivors meet the recommended guidelines for physical activity. This study aims to describe the design, methods, and rationale for a remotely delivered intervention that uses a whole-of-day approach to physical activity in older cancer survivors. This approach focuses on the accumulation of intermittent bouts of light-intensity activity throughout the entire day by disrupting and reducing sedentary activity. The intervention was guided by social cognitive and self-determination theories and incorporated motivational interviewing. The 12-week Move for Your Health trial randomly assigned 64 older cancer survivors to a theory-based physical activity intervention or a waitlist control. A Fitbit (Google) activity tracker and smartphone app were used to promote awareness of activity levels and enable self-monitoring of both activity and inactivity in tandem with health coaching phone calls. Motivational interviewing was used to engage participants and tailor strategies to achieve goals during the 12-week intervention. Data were collected at baseline, immediately after the intervention, and at longer-term follow-up (3 months thereafter). Feasibility outcomes included recruitment, retention, adherence, adverse events, and acceptability. Other outcomes included obtaining the parameter estimates for changes in physical function, physical performance, physical activity, sedentary behavior, and quality of life. Recruitment for the Move for Your Health randomized controlled trial was completed in June 2023. Data collection was completed in March 2024. Data analyses are ongoing. The results of this trial will provide information on the feasibility of implementing this intervention in the target patient population, as well as data that will provide information about the potential impact of the intervention on the outcomes. Both of these outcomes will inform the design of a larger randomized controlled trial to more fully test a physical activity intervention in an older cancer survivor population. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05582889; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05582889. DERR1-10.2196/59504.

Reassessing the Association of Sedentary Behavior and Physical Activity with Ischemic Stroke: A Mendelian Randomization Study.

Findings from previous Mendelian randomization (MR) studies disagreed with the current scientific consensus regarding the role of physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior in ischemic stroke (IS). We reassessed these associations with a focus on etiological subtypes of IS and the potential mediating roles of cardiometabolic traits and brain imaging-derived phenotypes (IDPs). We performed MR analyses using summary statistics from genome-wide association studies of sedentary behavior and PA (n = 88,411~608,595), cardiometabolic traits (n = 393,193~694,649), brain IDPs (n = 33,224) and the latest IS data (62,100 cases and 1,234,808 controls). Inverse-variance weighted regression was used as the primary method, complemented by several sensitivity analyses. A two-step MR approach was employed to assess the mediating effects of cardiometabolic traits and brain IDPs. Genetic liability to leisure-time moderate-to-vigorous PA (LTMVPA) and higher overall PA (OPA) were associated with reduced risks of IS and small vessel stroke (Benjamini-Hochberg adjusted P < 0.05). Suggestive associations were observed between longer leisure-screen time and higher IS risk and between higher OPA and lower cardioembolic stroke risk (P < 0.05). The isotropic volume fraction in the anterior limb of the left internal capsule (ALIC), as well as some cardiometabolic metrics, partially mediated these associations. There was no evidence for causal effects of overall MVPA, overall light-intensity PA or overall sedentary duration on IS. Longer LST, less OPA and not engaging in moderate-to-vigorous PA during leisure time were associated with higher risk of ischemic stroke. The associations between PA and ischemic stroke depended on different subtypes and were mediated by changes in ALIC and cardiometabolic biomarkers.

Differences in physical activity, sedentary time, and anthropometric variables among children and adolescents: The TUBON project.

Although physical inactivity may lead to increasing obesity prevalence, research on anthropometric variables changes based on physical activity (PA) in children and adolescents is limited. PA decreases with age, while sedentary behavior increases. The study aimed to examine differences in objectively measured sedentary time, light-intensity physical activity (LPA), and moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) between children and adolescents, and the differences in the percentiles of anthropometric variables between physically active and inactive groups according to World Health Organization PA recommendations. A total of 759 participants aged 6-17 years (boys, n=358; girls, n=401) were included in the study. The ActiGraph wGT3x-BT accelerometer was used to measure sedentary time, LPA, and MVPA. Height, weight, waist circumference (WC), triceps skinfold thickness (T-SFT), and medial-calf skinfold thickness (M-SFT) were measured. Body fat percentage (BF%) and body mass index (BMI) were calculated, and the percentiles of anthropometric variables were categorized. The findings showed that children had less sedentary time and a higher LPA than adolescents for both genders (p<0.05). Children had a higher MVPA than adolescents in girls (p<0.05), but the difference was insignificant in boys (p>0.05). In boys, physically active children were in lower percentiles for T-SFT and BF% than those who did not (p<0.05). In boys, adolescents who were physically inactive were in higher percentiles for BMI, T-SFT, M-SFT, and BF% (p<0.05). In addition, in girls, adolescents who were physically active were in lower percentiles of BMI, M-SFT, and BF%, whereas children who were physically active were in lower percentiles of M-SFT and BF% (p<0.05). Sedentary time increases while PA decreases with age. Children and adolescents who met the WHO PA recommendation had lower percentiles of anthropometric variables, indicating the importance of PA in preventing obesity in these age groups.