Lower Physical Activity Participation Research Articles

Short-term recovery of physical activity and knee function after an acute knee injury

ObjectivesTo describe self-reported knee function, participation in physical activity and the number of knee surgeries at 3 and 6 months following acute knee injury.MethodsProspective cohort study. Participants, aged 15–40 years...

Global trends in insufficient physical activity among adolescents: A pooled analysis of 298 population-based surveys with 1.6 million participants

Summary Background Physical activity has many health benefits for young people. In 2018, WHO launched More Active People for a Healthier World, a new global action on physical activity, including new targets of a 15% relative reduction of global prevalence of insufficient physical activity by 2030 among adolescents and adults. We describe current prevalence and trends of insufficient physical activity among school-going adolescents aged 11–17 years by country, region, and globally. Methods We did a pooled analysis of cross-sectional survey data that were collected through random sampling with a sample size of at least 100 individuals, were representative of a national or defined subnational population, and reported prevalence of of insufficient physical activity by sex in adolescents. Prevalence had to be reported for at least three of the years of age within the 10–19-year age range. We estimated the prevalence of insufficient physical activity in school-going adolescents aged 11–17 years (combined and by sex) for individual countries, for four World Bank income groups, nine regions, and globally for the years 2001–16. To derive a standard definition of insufficient physical activity and to adjust for urban-only survey coverage, we used regression models. We estimated time trends using multilevel mixed-effects modelling. Findings We used data from 298 school-based surveys from 146 countries, territories, and areas including 1·6 million students aged 11–17 years. Globally, in 2016, 81·0% (95% uncertainty interval 77·8–87·7) of students aged 11–17 years were insufficiently physically active (77·6% [76·1–80·4] of boys and 84·7% [83·0–88·2] of girls). Although prevalence of insufficient physical activity significantly decreased between 2001 and 2016 for boys (from 80·1% [78·3–81·6] in 2001), there was no significant change for girls (from 85·1% [83·1–88·0] in 2001). There was no clear pattern according to country income group: insufficient activity prevalence in 2016 was 84·9% (82·6–88·2) in low-income countries, 79·3% (77·2–87·5) in lower–middle-income countries, 83·9% (79·5–89·2) in upper–middle-income countries, and 79·4% (74·0–86·2) in high-income countries. The region with the highest prevalence of insufficient activity in 2016 was high-income Asia Pacific for both boys (89·0%, 62·8–92·2) and girls (95·6%, 73·7–97·9). The regions with the lowest prevalence were high-income western countries for boys (72·1%, 71·1–73·6), and south Asia for girls (77·5%, 72·8–89·3). In 2016, 27 countries had a prevalence of insufficient activity of 90% or more for girls, whereas this was the case for two countries for boys. Interpretation The majority of adolescents do not meet current physical activity guidelines. Urgent scaling up of implementation of known effective policies and programmes is needed to increase activity in adolescents. Investment and leadership at all levels to intervene on the multiple causes and inequities that might perpetuate the low participation in physical activity and sex differences, as well as engagement of youth themselves, will be vital to strengthen the opportunities for physical activity in all communities. Such action will improve the health of this and future young generations and support achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Funding WHO.

Perceptual Responses To Reduced Exertion High Intensity Interval Training (REHIT) In Adults Differing In Cardiorespiratory Fitness

Participation in physical activity (PA) in the US is low, as less than 50% of adults achieve at least 150 min/wk of moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) or 75% of vigorous-intensity exercise (CDC, 2017). Low participation in PA is a problem because inactivity is one of the leading causes of premature mortality (Mokdad et al., 2004). The current recommendations including high volume MICT and resistance training require about 4 h/wk which is unrealistic for adults, as “lack of time” is cited as the primary reason for low PA (Trost et al., 2002). REHIT is a form of sprint interval training that requires only 10 minutes per session and elicits similar health related adaptations as chronic MICT (Cuddy et al., 2019). However, there are concerns that it may be too aversive (Ekkekakis et al., 2011). PURPOSE: To compare changes in affective valence and enjoyment to a single session of REHIT in adults with varying fitness level. METHODS: 85 healthy non-obese subjects participated in the study. Baseline testing consisted of incremental cycling to assess VO2max during which participants were familiarized with reporting Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) and affective valence. The VO2max results were used to group subjects into above and below average cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF). Subsequently, they completed a REHIT session consisting of two 20-second sprints interspersed with 3 minutes of active recovery. During the session, heart rate (HR), RPE, affective valence, blood lactate concentration (BLa), and enjoyment were assessed. RESULTS: RPE increased and was highest after sprint 2 (p < 0.001), but there was no significant group X time interaction (p = 0.41). Affective valence decreased but remained positive in both groups (p < 0.001), and there was no significant difference between groups (p = 0.86). Enjoyment was high in both groups (93.2 ± 20.8 vs. 91.1 ± 16.4 in above and below average CRF, respectively), and there was no significant difference between groups (p = 0.64). BLa increased 9-fold during REHIT (p = 0.001); however, there was no significant difference between groups (p = 0.64). CONCLUSION: There was no effect of CRF on perceptual changes in response to REHIT, indicating that low-volume SIT may be suitable for individuals with below average CRF.

Active Women over 50 online information and support to promote physical activity behaviour change: study protocol for a pilot trial

BackgroundPhysical activity has many physical and mental health benefits and can delay the development of disability in older age. However, uptake of this health behaviour is sub-optimal in women in their middle and older age. This trial aims to establish the acceptability and feasibility of the Active Women over 50 programme involving online information, telephone health coaching and email or SMS support to promote physical activity behaviour change among women aged 50 years and over.MethodsSixty community-dwelling women who are insufficiently active according to national guidelines, will be recruited and randomised to 1) receive the Active Women over 50 programme or 2) a wait-list control. Active Women over 50 is a 3-month physical activity programme guided by behaviour change science, providing access to a website, one telephone-delivered health coaching session from a physiotherapist and 8 email or 24 SMS messages. The primary outcome is the proportion of participants at 3 months post-randomisation who would recommend participation in the programme to another person like themselves. Secondary outcomes are feasibility measures: rates of recruitment, retention, completeness of outcome data and uptake of telephone support; and intervention impact measures: accelerometer-assessed average steps/day, proportion of participants meeting national guidelines on moderate to vigorous physical activity; and questionnaire-assessed quality of life, exercise perceptions, mood, physical functioning and self-reported physical activity. Intervention participants will also complete a follow-up survey to assess impressions of the intervention and adoption of strategies for physical activity participation. Data will be analysed descriptively to guide the design of a larger trial. Between-group differences in secondary outcomes will be used to estimate effect sizes for sample size calculations for a fully powered randomised controlled trial.DiscussionThis feasibility pilot trial of an efficient eHealth and health coaching intervention guided by user input and behaviour change theory, will inform future interventions to address low physical activity participation among an under-active group at risk of future disability.Trial registrationANZCTR, ACTRN12619000490178, registered 26 March 2019

Physical activity and sedentary behaviour in the Middle East and North Africa: An overview of systematic reviews and meta-analysis

To support the global strategy to reduce risk factors for obesity, we synthesized the evidence on physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Our systematic overview included seven systematic reviews reporting 229 primary studies. The meta-analysis included 125 prevalence measures from 20 MENA countries. After 2000, 50.8% of adults (ranging from 13.2% in Sudan to 94.9% in Jordan) and 25.6% of youth (ranging from 8.3% in Egypt to 51.0% in Lebanon) were sufficiently active. Limited data on PA behaviours is available for MENA countries, with the exception of Gulf Cooperation Council countries. The meta-regression identified gender and geographical coverage among youth, and the PA measurement as predictors of PA prevalence for both adults and youth. Our analysis suggests a significant PA prevalence increase among adults over the last two decades. The inconsistency in sedentary behaviour measurement is related to the absence of standardized guidelines for its quantification and interpretation. The global epidemic of insufficient PA is prevalent in MENA. Lower PA participation among youth and specifically females should be addressed by focused lifestyle interventions. The recognition of sedentary behaviour as a public health issue in the region remains unclear. Additional data on PA behaviours is needed from low- and middle-income countries in the region.

Investigating the barriers preventing adolescents from physical activities in urban green spaces

Globally physical inactivity is one of the significant public health issues. Low and/or insufficient participation in physical activity (PA) of adolescents during leisure time and increase sedentary behavior among them is worrisome. This paper investigates (i) associations between barriers (i.e., UGS-based and internal/social) and adolescents' PA in urban green spaces (UGSs), (ii) mediating effects of Body Mass Index (BMI) and screen time on associations between adolescents` PA and UGSs distance, and (iii) sex (boys and girls) and age (13–15, 16–17, and 18–19 years old) differences among these relationships. Data (n = 384) were collected though surveys in 2018 in Aydın, Turkey. Multivariate regression, mediation, and stratified analyses were conducted to examine associations controlling for confounding factors. Findings revealed that distance to UGSs, lack of greenness, and parents` restriction due to safety concerns were negatively associated with frequency of PA, whereas unattractive UGSs, playgrounds design for younger children, and preference and popularity of online communication with peers were negatively correlated with duration of PA. The relationship between UGSs distance and adolescents` frequency of PA was mediated by screen time. Stratified analyses revealed that lack of greenness was found to be the most significant barrier for all groups. While boys were concerned about characteristic features and design of UGSs, girls were concerned about accessibility and safety. Younger adolescents were concerned about safety related issues while older adolescents were concerned about quality, time pressure, and peers related issues. Findings of this study suggest that if barriers are properly eliminated, it is likely that adolescents will be more physically active.

Global trends in insufficient physical activity among adolescents: a pooled analysis of 298 population-based surveys with 1·6 million participants

SummaryBackgroundPhysical activity has many health benefits for young people. In 2018, WHO launched More Active People for a Healthier World, a new global action on physical activity, including new targets of a 15% relative reduction of global prevalence of insufficient physical activity by 2030 among adolescents and adults. We describe current prevalence and trends of insufficient physical activity among school-going adolescents aged 11–17 years by country, region, and globally.MethodsWe did a pooled analysis of cross-sectional survey data that were collected through random sampling with a sample size of at least 100 individuals, were representative of a national or defined subnational population, and reported prevalence of of insufficient physical activity by sex in adolescents. Prevalence had to be reported for at least three of the years of age within the 10–19-year age range. We estimated the prevalence of insufficient physical activity in school-going adolescents aged 11–17 years (combined and by sex) for individual countries, for four World Bank income groups, nine regions, and globally for the years 2001–16. To derive a standard definition of insufficient physical activity and to adjust for urban-only survey coverage, we used regression models. We estimated time trends using multilevel mixed-effects modelling.FindingsWe used data from 298 school-based surveys from 146 countries, territories, and areas including 1·6 million students aged 11–17 years. Globally, in 2016, 81·0% (95% uncertainty interval 77·8–87·7) of students aged 11–17 years were insufficiently physically active (77·6% [76·1–80·4] of boys and 84·7% [83·0–88·2] of girls). Although prevalence of insufficient physical activity significantly decreased between 2001 and 2016 for boys (from 80·1% [78·3–81·6] in 2001), there was no significant change for girls (from 85·1% [83·1–88·0] in 2001). There was no clear pattern according to country income group: insufficient activity prevalence in 2016 was 84·9% (82·6–88·2) in low-income countries, 79·3% (77·2–87·5) in lower–middle-income countries, 83·9% (79·5–89·2) in upper–middle-income countries, and 79·4% (74·0–86·2) in high-income countries. The region with the highest prevalence of insufficient activity in 2016 was high-income Asia Pacific for both boys (89·0%, 62·8–92·2) and girls (95·6%, 73·7–97·9). The regions with the lowest prevalence were high-income western countries for boys (72·1%, 71·1–73·6), and south Asia for girls (77·5%, 72·8–89·3). In 2016, 27 countries had a prevalence of insufficient activity of 90% or more for girls, whereas this was the case for two countries for boys.InterpretationThe majority of adolescents do not meet current physical activity guidelines. Urgent scaling up of implementation of known effective policies and programmes is needed to increase activity in adolescents. Investment and leadership at all levels to intervene on the multiple causes and inequities that might perpetuate the low participation in physical activity and sex differences, as well as engagement of youth themselves, will be vital to strengthen the opportunities for physical activity in all communities. Such action will improve the health of this and future young generations and support achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.FundingWHO.

Achieving the Physical Activity Guidelines during the Wintertime While Engaging in MyWinter and MyWinterHoliday Activity

Despite decades of research on the benefits of physical activity (PA) and exercise, many Americans and Canadians still do not engage in the recommended levels of PA. Only 15% of Canadian adults obtain the recommended 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) per week according to the Canadian Health Measures Survey. The purpose of this study was to examine adults’ physical barriers to PA and exercise to ultimately improve PA participation. In phase I, facilitated focus group discussions were conducted with 234 adults from 13 diverse groups in Guelph, Ontario, Canada regarding their physical barriers to PA and exercise. Among the physical barrier questions asked were: i) is winter weather a hindrance to engaging in PA?; ii) are you less likely to feel motivated to partake in PA in cold weather? Using the transcriptions from phase I, a survey was designed and administered to participants of the same community groups in phase II of the study to quantify feedback. Questionnaire responses were provided by 277 adults. Winter weather was the only significant physical barrier from the all respondents group, particularly among females. Recommendations for overcoming the barriers that contribute to low participation in PA in cold weather are discussed. To help incorporate a culture and environment of being active during the winter months, promotional and marketing strategies are identified through the introduction of MyWinter and MyWinterHoliday Activity graphics. Incorporating realistic, doable and even enjoyable daily indoor and outdoor PA strategies during winter are advocated.

Physical Activity Maintenance Following Home-Based, Individually Tailored Print Interventions for African American Women.

African American women report low participation in physical activity and are disproportionately burdened by related conditions (obesity, breast, and colon cancer). Physical activity interventions have shown promising results among African American women, but most studies in this area have focused on short-term increases. More enduring changes in health behavior will be needed to eliminate existing health disparities. Thus, the current study examined 12-month physical activity and psychosocial outcomes from a pilot randomized controlled trial (N = 84) of a Home-based Individually tailored Physical activity Print (HIPP) intervention for African American women in the Deep South. Retention was 77.4% at 12 months. HIPP participants increased self-reported moderate-to-vigorous physical activity from 35.1 minutes/week (standard deviation [SD] = 47.8) at baseline to 124 minutes/week (SD = 95.5) at 12 months, compared with the wellness contact control participants who reported increases from 48.2 minutes/week (SD = 51.3) to 102.5 minutes/week (SD = 94.5) over 12 months (between-group p > .05). Results indicate that modest improvements in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and related psychosocial variables occurred during the active intervention phase (months 0-6) and were sustained during the tapered maintenance period (months 6-12). Low-cost, high-reach, home-based strategies have great potential for supporting sustained participation in physical activity and achieving long-term health benefits among African American women in the Deep South.

Relationship of Physical Activity Behavior with Insulin Sensitivity over Five Years after Diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes

Regular physical activity is a key element of lifestyle recommendations for patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), yet adherence to physical activity (PA) and its association with insulin sensitivity in newly diagnosed T2D is less known. This study assessed PA behavior during the first year after diagnosis and 5 years later by the validated Baecke questionnaire, which comprises sports-, leisure- and work-related activities, in recent-onset T2D (n=215) and healthy individuals (CON; n=84), adjusted for age, sex and body mass index. Insulin sensitivity was assessed from hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps and maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) from spiroergometry at baseline and after 5 years. Patients with T2D had a lower total Baecke (8.1±1.4) and sports index (2.7±0.8) than CON (8.8±1.4; 3.2±0.8; all p&amp;lt;0.05; mean±standard deviation). Compared to CON, VO2max was 28% lower in T2D (p&amp;lt;0.05). Whole-body insulin sensitivity was 41% lower in T2D than in CON (p&amp;lt;0.01). At baseline, sports index correlated positively with insulin sensitivity (T2D r=0.17; CON r=0.32, both p&amp;lt;0.05) and VO2max (T2D r=0.38; CON r=0.32, both p&amp;lt;0.01). Of note, higher PA participation at 5 years after diagnosis associated with decreased body weight (r=-0.30; p&amp;lt;0.01) and improved physical performance (r=0.32; p&amp;lt;0.05) in T2D. Although at 5 years changes in PA did not impact hemoglobin A1c as a parameter for glycemic control, higher PA participation associated positively with changes in whole-body insulin sensitivity in T2D (r=0.26; p&amp;lt;0.05). In conclusion, lower PA participation contributes to worsening of body weight, physical fitness and insulin resistance in T2D, even during the initial course of disease. Disclosure D. Pesta: None. P. Bobrov: None. O.P. Zaharia: None. K. Bódis: None. Y. Karusheva: None. D.F. Markgraf: None. V. Burkart: None. K. Müssig: None. K. Strassburger: None. J. Szendroedi: None. M. Roden: Speaker's Bureau; Self; Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH. Research Support; Self; Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH. Consultant; Self; Poxel SA. Research Support; Self; Danone Nutricia Early Life Nutrition, GlaxoSmithKline plc., Nutricia Advanced Medical Nutrition, Sanofi.

Trajectory of physical activity after hip fracture: An analysis of community-dwelling individuals from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing

IntroductionTo analyse physical activity participation in a community-dwelling people in England with hip fracture the interval prior to fracture, in the fracture recovery period, and a minimum of two years post-fracture. Materials and methods215 individuals were identified from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing cohort (2002–2014) who sustained a hip fracture following a fall and for whom data were available on physical activity participation relating to the period pre-fracture, within-fracture recovery phase and post-fracture (minimum of two years). Physical activity was assessed using the validated ELSA physical activity questionnaire. Prevalence of ‘low’ physical activity participation was calculated and multi-level modelling analyses were performed to explore physical activity trajectories over the follow-up phase, and whether age, depression, gender and frailty were associated with physical activity participation. ResultsPrevalence of low physical activity participation within two years prior to hip fracture was 16.7% (95% Confidence Intervals (CI): 11.6% to 21.8%). This increased at the final follow-up phase to 21.3% (95% CI: 15.1% to 27.6%). This was not a statistically significant change (P = 0.100). Age (P = 0.005) and frailty (P < 0.001) were statistically significant explanatory variables (P = 0.005) where older age and greater frailty equated to lower physical activity participation. Neither gender (P = 0.288) nor depression (P = 0.121) were significant explanatory variables. ConclusionPhysical activity levels do not significantly change between pre-fracture to a minimum of two years post-hip fracture for community-dwelling individuals. This contrasts with previous reports of reduced mobility post-hip fracture, suggesting that ‘physical activity’ and ‘mobility’ should be considered as separate outcomes in this population.

Barriers to Women Participation in Sports and Physical Activity in Southern Rajasthan

Women in sport can shape women's capabilities as leaders especially in traditional male areas. Women's participation in sport can create a substantial contribution to social life and overall development. Sports for women represent a fast growing area in India and it can be used as tool to empower women. Recent trends show that the knowledge and awareness among female towards sport participation is increasing. But as compare to other country and per ration of male and female, there is need to increase participation of female in sport and physical activities. Females of all ages generally have lower physical activity participation rates than males. Increasing physical activity levels for females is important for health and mental wellbeing. This Paper proposes to examine the situation of woman sports statuses in Southern Rajasthan.There are many factors which become barriers in women participation in sports activities. This paper highlights the barriers to women in participation in sports and physical activities. The paper is attempted to examine which barrier create more hurdle for females participation. The paper objective is also to find out the overall opinion of women toward sports activity. Final the researchers try to give recommendation to increase or motivate the women participation in sports and physical activities

Promoting Physical Activity Using the Internet: Is It Feasible and Acceptable for Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Bronchiectasis?

Older people with chronic lung diseases and with low physical activity participation rates are at higher risk of morbidity and mortality. This study assessed the feasibility and acceptability of a purpose-designed Internet-based program (ActivOnline) to monitor and encourage exercise and physical activity. Twelve participants with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or bronchiectasis were recruited (54-84 years). Primary outcome measures were feasibility measured by frequency of program access, and acceptability measured by semistructured interview, system usability scores, and participant perception of benefit. The results suggest regular participation in physical activity and exercise during the 8-week study period and high usability scores (mean = 90% ± 9%). Major themes were the importance of regular exercise and how sustained lifestyle changes were essential to be physically active, regular contact with clinicians assisted with motivation, and aspects of ActivOnline facilitated individual behavior change and confidence to continue exercising. Most participants (82%) reported a benefit from using ActivOnline, and 55% wished to remain on the program indefinitely.

Correlates of Physical Functioning and Performance Across the Spectrum of Kidney Function.

The aim of this study was to determine the extent to which poor physical functioning, low participation in physical activity, and muscle atrophy observed among patients on hemodialysis are evident in the earlier stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD). We enrolled adults in three groups: no CKD, Stages 3 to 4 CKD, and hemodialysis. Outcomes measured were physical activity, muscle size, thigh muscle strength, physical performance, and self-reported physical function. Patients with CKD had muscle area intermediate between the no CKD and hemodialysis groups, but they had low levels of physical activity that were similar to the hemodialysis group. Physical activity and muscle size were significantly associated with all outcomes. Kidney function was not significantly associated with muscle strength or physical performance after adjustment for physical activity and muscle size. In conclusion, interventions aimed to increase muscle mass and energy expenditure might have an impact on improving physical function of CKD patients.

Physical Activity in People With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Systematic Review of Correlates.

People with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are more likely than the general population to be physically inactive. The present review systematically evaluated correlates of physical activity across the socioecological model for people with PTSD. Two independent reviewers searched Embase, PubMed, PsycARTICLES, and CINAHL from inception until June 2015, combining the medical subject heading "posttraumatic stress disorder" or "PTSD," with "physical activity" or "exercise." Data were extracted by the same independent researchers and summarized according to the socioecological model. Eight papers involving 1368 (994 men) participants (age range = 18-70 years) were eligible and enabled evaluation of 21 correlates. The only correlate (n ≥ 4) consistently associated with lower physical activity participation in people with PTSD was symptoms of hyperarousal. No consistent facilitators were identified. Hyperarousal symptoms are associated with lower physical activity participation among people with PTSD and should be considered in the design and delivery of individualized exercise programs targeting this population. The role of social, environmental, and policy factors on physical activity participation among people with PTSD is unknown and should be addressed by future research.

PARCS: A Safety Net Community-Based Fitness Center for Low-Income Adults.

Physical activity (PA) and fitness are critical to maintaining health and avoiding chronic disease. Limited access to fitness facilities in low-income urban areas has been identified as a contributor to low PA participation and poor fitness. This research describes community-based fitness centers established for adults living in low-income, urban communities and characterizes a sample of its members. The community identified a need for physical fitness opportunities to improve residents' health. Three community high schools were host sites. Resources were combined to renovate and staff facilities, acquire equipment, and refer patients to exercise. The study sample included 170 members older than age 18 who completed demographic, exercise self-efficacy, and quality of life surveys and a fitness evaluation. Neighborhood-level U.S. Census data were obtained for comparison. The community-based fitness centers resulted from university, public school, and hospital partnerships offering safe, accessible, and affordable exercise opportunities. The study sample mean body mass index was 35 + 7.6 kg/m(2) (class II obesity), mean age was 50 ± 12.5 years, 66% were Black, 72% were female, 66% completed some college or greater, and 71% had an annual household income of less than $25,000 and supported 2.2 dependents. Participants had moderate confidence for exercise participation and low fitness levels. When compared with census data, participants were representative of their communities. This observational study reveals a need for affordable fitness centers for low-income adults. We demonstrate a model where communities and organizations strategically leverage resources to address disparities in physical fitness and health.

PARCS: A Safety Net Community-Based Fitness Center for Low-Income Adults

Background : Physical activity (PA) and fitness are critical to maintaining health and avoiding chronic disease. Limited access to fitness facilities in low-income urban areas has been identified as a contributor to low PA participation and poor fitness. Objectives : This research describes community-based fitness centers established for adults living in low-income, urban communities and characterizes a sample of its members. Methods : The community identified a need for physical fitness opportunities to improve residents’ health. Three community high schools were host sites. Resources were combined to renovate and staff facilities, acquire equipment, and refer patients to exercise. The study sample included 170 members older than age 18 who completed demographic, exercise self-efficacy, and quality of life surveys and a fitness evaluation. Neighborhood-level U.S. Census data were obtained for comparison. Results : The community-based fitness centers resulted from university, public school, and hospital partnerships offering safe, accessible, and affordable exercise opportunities. The study sample mean body mass index was 35 + 7.6 kg/m2 (class II obesity), mean age was 50 ± 12.5 years, 66% were Black, 72% were female, 66% completed some college or greater, and 71% had an annual household income of less than $25,000 and supported 2.2 dependents. Participants had moderate confidence for exercise participation and low fitness levels. When compared with census data, participants were representative of their communities. Conclusion : This observational study reveals a need for affordable fitness centers for low-income adults. We demonstrate a model where communities and organizations strategically leverage resources to address disparities in physical fitness and health.

Factors influencing female teacher-trainees’ non-participation in physical activity and sports in colleges of education in Ashanti region of Ghana

The main purpose of this study was to examine the factors that influence female teacher-trainees’ non-participation in physical activity and sports in Colleges of Education in Ashanti Region of Ghana. Descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. A sample size of 351 was randomly selected from a population of 2,911 for the study. Questionnaire was the main instrument used for data collection. Descriptive statistics (Frequency, percentages, mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (multiple regressions) were used in analysing and discussing the results. The study revealed that female teacher-trainees’ have a strong negative attitude (M=2.78, SD=1.43) towards participation in the physical activities and sports. Female teachertrainees’ have low participation in Physical Activity (78%). Religion (59.8%), misconception (98.8%), social role (98.8%), facilities and equipment (60.1%), sport skills foundation (99.1%), Motivation (96.6%) and academic loads (98.6%) are significant factors influencing female teacher-trainees’ non-participation in physical activities and sport in the colleges of education in the Ashanti Region, Ghana. It is recommended that Ministry of Education (MOE) and Curriculum Research Development Division (CRDD) should ensure that Physical education curriculum in Ghana is reorganised to enable students obtain necessary knowledge, skills and attitudes towards participation in physical activities and sports. The government and other stakeholders need to provide and supply modern facilities and equipment for physical activities and sports in the colleges.

Prevalence and factors associated with obesity amongst employees of open-cast diamond mine in Namibia

The study investigated the prevalence and factors associated with obesity amongst employees of Pocket Beaches mine. Obesity rates are increasing at an alarming rate worldwide; 1.2 billion people worldwide are overweight of which 300 million are clinically obese. Of concern, is that obesity is a risk factor for many diseases, including hypertension, diabetes and other forms of cancers. Although there are several mine workers who on reporting to occupational health services for minor ailment are found to be overweight or obese, we are not certain about the extent with the problem. The health risk associated with obesity could cause a big loss to NAMDEB in terms of care cost, low productivity and absenteeism.The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and determinants of obesity amongst NAMDEB employees working at Pocket Beaches diamond mine.a descriptive; cross-sectional study measured the prevalence of obesity and describes the factors that are associated with obesity and overweight.Study population: NAMDEB employees who were working at Pocket Beaches mine. A simple random sampling technique was used to select participants. Eighty seven employees were selected from 188 total NAMDEB employees working at Pocket Beaches mine. Data was collected through interviews. Anthropometric measurements namely, weight, height and abdominal circumference were collected using a standard protocol.Data was analyzed using Epi Info 2002. Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated as kg/m2. Overweight was defined as BMI = 25 to 29.9 kg/m2 and obesity as BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2. Waist Circumference ≥80 cm was used to identify central obesity in women and ≥90 cm in men. The frequency of participation in physical activity, barriers to physical activity and food consumption is reported in percent and means.The study found prevalence 42% overweight and 32% obesity among employees of NAMDEB. A significant number of participants 48% never participate in moderate exercise per week. 71% of participants reported lack of motivation exercising and too tired after work as the major barriers to physical activity. The consumption of fatty foods such as fried chicken and fried meat was common among study subjects. A large number of respondents 79% eat fried chicken regularly while 74% eat fried meat regularly. 79% of participants consumed inadequate fruits and vegetable (one fruit and vegetable per day). The two most mentioned reasons for low fruits and vegetables consumption were lacked of fruits and vegetables in hostel food menu, and 14% don’t like fruits.This study results revealed a high prevalence of overweight and obesity among employees. There is also low participation in physical activity and inadequate intake of fruits and vegetables among employees. Lack of motivation to exercise and unavailability of fruits and vegetable contributed to unhealthy lifestyles. Appropriate interventions are necessary in order to reduce the high obesity prevalence. Wellness program to promote physical activity should be introduced at Pocket Beaches mine. Management should engage Sodexho (catering company) to increase fruits and vegetables in the employees’ menu.

Cardiorespiratory fitness and brain diffusion tensor imaging in adults over 80 years of age

A positive association between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and white matter integrity has been consistently reported in older adults. However, it is unknown whether this association exists in adults over 80 with a range of chronic disease conditions and low physical activity participation, which can influence both CRF and brain health. This study examined whether higher CRF was associated with greater microstructural integrity of gray and white matter in areas related to memory and information processing in adults over 80 and examined moderating effects of chronic diseases and physical activity. CRF was measured as time to walk 400m as quickly as possible with concurrent 3T diffusion tensor imaging in 164 participants (57.1% female, 40.3% black). Fractional anisotropy (FA) was computed for cingulum, uncinate and superior longitudinal fasciculi. Mean diffusivity (MD) was computed for dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, parahippocampus, and entorhinal cortex. Moderating effects were tested using hierarchical regression models. Higher CRF was associated with higher FA in cingulum and lower MD in hippocampus and entorhinal cortex (β, sex-adjusted p: −0.182, 0.019; 0.165, 0.035; and 0.220, 0.006, respectively). Hypertension attenuated the association with MD in entorhinal cortex. Moderating effects of chronic diseases and physical activity in walking and climbing stairs on these associations were not significant. The association of higher CRF with greater microstructural integrity in selected subcortical areas appears robust, even among very old adults with a range of chronic diseases. Intervention studies should investigate whether increasing CRF can preserve memory and information processing by improving microstructure and potential effects of hypertension management.