Mean Level Of Physical Activity Research Articles

Development of a goal-directed movement intervention (GOAL) using a movement sensor for hospitalized patients: An intervention mapping approach

Objective To describe the development of a goal-directed movement intervention in two medical wards, including recommendations for implementation and evaluation. Design Implementation Research. Setting Pulmonology and nephrology/gastroenterology wards of the University Medical Centre Utrecht, The Netherlands. Participants Seven focus groups were executed including 28 nurses, 7 physical therapists and 15 medical specialists. Patients’ perceptions were repeatedly assessed during the iterative steps of the intervention development. Intervention Interventions were targeted to each ward's specific character, following an Intervention Mapping approach using literature and research meetings. Main measures: Intervention components were linked to Behavior Change Techniques and implementation strategies will be selected using the Expert Recommendation Implementing Change tool. Evaluation outcomes like number of patients using the movement intervention will be measured, based on the taxonomy of Proctor. Results The developed intervention consists of: insight in patients movement behavior (monitoring & feedback), goal setting (goals & planning) and adjustments to the environment (associations & antecedents). The following implementation strategies are recommended: to conduct educational meetings, prepare & identify champions and audit & provide feedback. To measure service and client outcomes, the mean level of physical activity per ward can be evaluated and the Net Promoter Score can be used. Conclusion(s) This study shows the development of a goal-directed movement intervention aligned with the needs of healthcare professionals. This resulted in an intervention consisting of feedback & monitoring of movement behavior, goal setting and adjustments in the environment. Using a step-by-step iterative implementation model to guide development and implementation is recommended.

Musculoskeletal disorders and the physical activity of territorial army soldiers during the COVID-19 pandemic

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to assess the occurrence of self-reported musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) among Polish territorial army soldiers during the COVID-19 pandemic and to investigate whether there was a relationship between occupational physical activity (OPA), leisure time physical activity (LTPA), and MSD.MethodsThe study used a cross-sectional design with a sample of 373 territorial army soldiers ages 18–55 who had not previously suffered from COVID-19 and were not convalescents. The symptoms prevalence data was collected using the standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. OPA and LTPA data was collected using the Seven-Day Physical Activity Recall (SDPAR).ResultsThe OPA, LTPA, and total physical activity (PA) among the studied soldiers was very diverse and the mean level of PA was relatively high. A total of 56 and 40% of territorial army soldiers had experienced pain or other discomfort in one or more of nine body regions during the past 12 months and during the past 7 days, respectively. The most common MSD among Polish territorial army soldiers were low back pain, followed by pain in the neck and knees.ConclusionsThe study revealed that the OPA of the studied soldiers, especially vigorous-intensity and high vigorous-intensity OPA, was associated with a higher prevalence of MSD in several regions of the body, i.e. the lower back, elbows, wrists or hands, hips or thighs, and ankles or feet. Along with the increase in energy expenditure on total PA, a greater percentage of respondents experienced low back pain. Vigorous and high vigorous-intensity PA may contribute to the occurrence of MSD.

Longitudinal changes in sports activity from pre-diagnosis to first five years post-diagnosis: a prospective Chinese breast cancer cohort study

BackgroundTo compare change in level of physical activity between pre-and post- diagnosis of breast cancer in Chinese women.MethodsBased on an on-going prospective study consisting of a sample of Chinese women with breast cancer, a validated modified Chinese Baecke questionnaire was used to measure physical activity at baseline (12 months before cancer diagnosis), 18-, 36- and 60-months after diagnosis (over the previous 12 months before each interview).ResultsIn our cohort of 1462 Chinese women with a mean age of 52 years, the mean level of physical activity at post-diagnosis was 9.6 metabolic equivalent of task (MET)-hours/week, which was significantly higher than that at pre-diagnosis with mean level of 5.9 MET-hours/week (P < 0.001). The mean levels of physical activity at 18-, 36- and 60-months follow-up were 9.9, 9.8 and 9.3 MET-hours/week, respectively. There was no significant difference between any two of the three follow-ups at post-diagnosis. The proportions of participant who met World Cancer Research Fund/ American Institute for Cancer Research (WCRF/AICR) recommendation before and after cancer diagnosis were both low, being 20.7 and 35.1%, respectively. Compared to pre-diagnosis, most of the patients improved or had no change on level of physical activity at post-diagnosis, with the respective proportion being 48.2 and 43.8%.ConclusionsAdherence to current lifestyle recommendation for cancer survivors, Chinese women with breast cancer significantly increased level of physical activity level after cancer diagnosis, and such improvement was sustained to 5 years post-diagnosis. The proportion of patients who met the exercise recommendation for cancer survivors was still low. Encouraging patients on the importance of durable high level of physical activity in breast cancer survivorship is warranted.

Counselling for physical activity, life-space mobility and falls prevention in old age (COSMOS): protocol of a randomised controlled trial

IntroductionThe most promising way to promote active life years in old age is to promote regular participation in physical activity (PA). Maintaining lower extremity muscle function with good balance has...

Physical activity and common tasks of California farm workers: California Heat Illness Prevention Study (CHIPS)

Farm workers are at risk of heat related illness (HRI), but their work rates that contribute to HRI have not been objectively assessed. The CHIPS study collected accelerometer data and characterized the physical activity of major farm tasks. Demographic information, work characteristics, and accelerometer data were collected from 575 farm workers in California. Each participating worker contributed measurements over one work shift. An Actical accelerometer was attached securely to a belt worn at the hip. Data were collected at one-minute intervals throughout the work shift. A total of 13 major work-task categories were defined. The mean physical activity counts per minute (cpm) and percentage of the shift spent at moderate and/or vigorous levels of activity were described for each task. Multiple linear regression models were constructed to determine the worker and environmental characteristics contributing to the physical activity level. Mean levels of physical activity ranged from 700 cpm (workers who carry produce) to a low of 150 cpm “ground pruners” who tend low-level plants, with an overall mean of 345 cpm or “light” activity (2 to ≤3 metabolic equivalents). The environmental temperature was the major factor associated with physical activity. A 10°C increase in the median temperature reduced the mean cpm by 135 (95% CI = 87, 193). Age and the tasks of sorting, ground pruning, and harvesting low-level crops were also negatively and independently associated with mean cpm. Incentivized (piece rate) pay, multi-task work, and irrigator work were positively associated with cpm. An interaction was found between piece rate and sex. Men’s activity significantly increased (p < 0.001) by a mean of 95 cpm, (95% CI = 38.3, 150.7) if they were paid by the piece, but there was a non-significant association with women’s activity level. Workers conducting multiple tasks, irrigators, men, and those earning incentivized (piece rate) pay had higher adjusted mean physical activity levels and are likely at increased risk of heat-related illness on hot days.

Effects Of An Educational, Nutritional And Recreational Camp Intervention In Health Parameters In Overweight Children

PURPOSE: To investigate the impact of a Health Educational Program for Children (HEPchild) composed by 5 days of Camp Kids (KIDS) and 12-weeks of follow-up (FOU) on the Physical Activity Level (PAL), Sedentary Behavior (SB), Anthropometric data and Food Intake (FI) in overweight children. METHODS: Twelve children attended the HEPchild program which consisted of pre assessments, KIDS and 12 weeks of FOU. The PAL, SB and FI were assessed throughout questionnaires. RESULTS: The anthropometric were reduced (p<0.05) after KIDS which was maintained at the 12 weeks of FOU. After the FOU, children increased (p<0.05) their mean level of physical activity by 344 METs/week. In addition 25% of the children became more active (>1500 and <3000METs/week) after FOU in comparison to pre KIDS. On the other hand, the amount of sedentary children (<600METs/week) decreased by 15% and the insufficiently active (600 at 1500METs per week) increased by 15%. The PAL leisure time increased significantly throughout the weekdays (26.0%) and the weekends (14.1%) after FOU comparing to pre KIDS. The SB showed a significant reduction in 177.14 and 41.43 minutes along the weekdays and the weekends respectively. Before KIDS, the consumption of sugars and candies were out of control (100% inadequate), and, after the intervention, 58.4% started to consume these foods in a balanced way. In addition, the body fat, triciptal and subscapular skinfolds, waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio decreased significantly after KIDS and the results maintained after FOU in comparison to pre KIDS. In addition, it was observed a significant reduction in body fat, triceps and subscapular skinfolds, waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio after KIDS which was maintained after FOU in comparison to pre KIDS. CONCLUSION: The HEPchild (5-days KIDS camp + 12 weeks of FOU) contributed to increase the PAL and to reduce the SB and anthropometric data in overweight children. Financial Support: CNPq, CAPES and FAP-DF.

Parental Support and Objectively Measured Physical Activity in Children: A Yearlong Cluster-Randomized Controlled Efficacy Trial

ABSTRACTPurpose: We studied whether physical activity (PA) counseling for parents influenced the level of parental support of children’s PA and leisure-time PA in children of different levels of initial parental support. We hypothesized that the initial level of parental support would moderate the intervention efficacy. Method: Children (n = 44, Mage = 6.09 ± 1.17 years) and their parents (n = 61) randomly assigned to an intervention group received counseling for 6 months. Children in the control group (n = 47, Mage = 6.12 ± 1.11 years) and their parents (n = 63) did not receive any counseling. Parental support was assessed using the Family Physical Activity Environment Questionnaire, and children’s leisure-time PA was recorded using triaxial accelerometers at baseline, at 6 months, and at 12 months. The efficacy of the intervention was tested by linear mixed-effects modeling adjusted for confounding variables (Model 1) and additionally for children’s participation in organized PA or sports (Model 2). Results: Parents within the lowest initial parental support intervention tertile significantly increased their support, and their children’s mean level of leisure-time PA significantly improved compared with the corresponding controls during the counseling period. On the other hand, intervention was found to have an unfavorable influence especially in the PA of children of initially highly supportive parents. Conclusion: Targeting PA counseling for parents with low support of their children’s PA could contribute to better family-based PA counseling efficacy.

Physical activity and unplanned illness-related work absenteeism: Data from an employee wellness program.

BackgroundIllness-related absenteeism is a major threat to work productivity. Our objective was to assess the relationship between physical activity and unplanned illness-related absenteeism from work.MethodsWe implemented physical activity program for sedentary non-clinician employees of a tertiary medical center. Financial rewards were available for reaching accelerometer-measured ambulatory physical activity goals over a 24-week period. We categorized participants into three groups based on mean levels of physical activity: low (0–74 min/week), medium (75–149 min/week) and meeting CDC guidelines (≥150 min/week). We built a multivariable Poisson regression model to evaluate the relationship between physical activity and rates of unplanned illness-related absenteeism.ResultsThe sample consisted of 292 employees who participated in the program. Their mean age was 38 years (SD 11), 83% were female, and 38% were obese. Over the 24 intervention weeks, participants engaged in a mean of 90 min/week (SD 74) of physical activity and missed a mean of 14 hours of work (SD 38) due to illness. Unplanned absenteeism due to illness was associated with physical activity. As compared to the group meeting CDC guidelines, in multivariable analyses those in the medium physical activity group had a 2.4 (95% CI 1.3–4.5) fold higher rate of illness-related absenteeism and those in the lowest physical activity group had a 3.5 (95% CI 1.7–7.2) fold higher rate of illness-related absenteeism.DiscussionLess physical activity was associated with more illness-related absenteeism. Workforce-based interventions to increase physical activity may thus be a promising vehicle to reduce unplanned illness-related absenteeism.

여자 대학생의 신체활동 정도와 관련요인

Purpose: This study was conducted in order to examine the level of physical activity and influencing factors in female college students. Method: Cross-sectional survey data including physical activity, exercise self-efficacy, social influences on physical activity, and perceived health status were collected from 213 subjects. Data from 204 subjects were analyzed. Results: The mean level of physical activity was 2,750.97 MET-min/week. Physical activity showed a positive association with exercise self-efficacy as well as social influences, and a negative association with age. Stepwise multiple regressions showed that physical activity among female college students was predicted by type of leisure activity, relative health status, social influences, and age. Conclusion: The findings suggest that a program for improvement of physical activity in female college students should include interesting and dynamic leisure activities and strategies for performing together with friends should be developed.

Relationship between habitual physical activity and gross motor skills is multifaceted in 5‐ to 8‐year‐old children

Adequate motor skills are essential for children participating in age-related physical activities, and gross motor skills may play an important role for maintaining sufficient level of physical activity (PA) during life course. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between gross motor skills and PA in children when PA was analyzed by both metabolic- and neuromuscular-based methods. Gross motor skills (KTK--Körperkoordinationstest für Kinder and APM inventory--manipulative skill test) of 84 children aged 5-8 years (53 preschoolers, 28 girls; 31 primary schoolers, 18 girls) were measured, and accelerometer-derived PA was analyzed using in parallel metabolic counts and neuromuscular impact methods. The gross motor skills were associated with moderate-to-high neuromuscular impacts, PA of vigorous metabolic intensity, and mean level of PA in primary school girls (0.5 < r < 0.7, P < 0.05), and with high impacts in preschool girls (0.3 < r < 0.5, P < 0.05). In preschool boys, moderate impacts, light-to-vigorous PA, and mean level of PA were associated with gross motor skills (0.4 < r < 0.7, P < 0.05). In conclusion, the result emphasizes an important relationship between gross motor skills and PA stressing both metabolic and neuromuscular systems in children. Furthermore, PA highly stressing neuromuscular system interacts with gross motor proficiency in girls especially.

Association of physical inactivity with circulatory disease events and hospital treatment costs.

PurposeEpidemiological studies of chronic disorders need to consider more responsive outcomes, particularly those that manifest themselves across a defined population over a shorter time period, to improve our ability to detect the causes of and intervene in the global epidemics of today. We explore the use of hospital episode statistics as a candidate for this role and estimate the strength of the association of circulatory disease-related events with physical inactivity, considered here as an undesirable health behavior.Settings, patients, and methodsThe primary research was set in a mid-sized city in central England. Aggregation was at output area level (comprising ~300 residents); 51 of which were included. A random sample of 761 adults was selected to obtain estimates of the mean level of physical activity within each area. Circulatory disease hospital events were recorded and aggregated by output area over a 2-year period. Hierarchical linear modeling was used to establish the strength of the association between area-level physical activity and circulatory disease events. Sex, age, and reporting quarter were included as additional individual-level explanatory variables.ResultsAreas reporting greater activity were less likely (event rate ratio = 0.855; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.78–0.94) to have a circulatory disease event, as were females (0.593; 95% CI: 0.47–0.75). Areas with older residents (1.578; 95% CI: 1.5–1.66) and later reporting quarters (1.095; 95% CI: 1.04–1.15) were more likely to report circulatory disease events.ConclusionThis study supports the use of hospital episode statistics as an outcome measure in the epidemiology of circulatory disease and reaffirms the potential importance of physical inactivity in the disease process.

Functional Ability, Physical Activity and Self-rated Health in Old Age A Cross Sectional Population-based Study in Norway

Functional ability (FA) is here defined as having no limitations in five questions related to the ICF dimensions Activity and Participation (ICF=International Classification of Functioning). The aim was to explore how individual and contextual factors were associated with FA in each gender, and to explore to what extent physical activity (PA) and this measure of FA used in large multipurpose health surveys seem to measure different constructs, and how close the as- sociation between PA and FA was, and whether it differed within self-rated health (SRH), lifestyle and contextual factors. Methods: All men and women aged 75-77 (N=11684) in five counties in Norway were invited to health surveys in 2000- 2003. 49% participated (2626 men, 3146 women) with answers on the five questions on FA. Data were analysed using lo- gistic regression, factor analysis, and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). Results: Good SRH, no serious pain or stiff- ness in muscles and joints, interest from others, no psychological distress and no weekly use of analgesics, hypnotics, tranquilisers or antidepressants showed the highest positive associations with FA for both men and women. The SEM- estimated correlation of FA and PA items was lowest in healthy elderly (r=0.19 (0.11-0.24)) compared to those with poor health (r=0.40 (0.35-0.45)). FA and PA measured different constructs. Conclusion: According to low correlation between FA and PA in healthy men and women, we suggest that FA and PA did not measure the same construct, and impairments in functional ability did not necessarily mean low level of physical activity if SRH was good.

Body Mass Index and Smoking Predict Lumbar Disk Degeneration Among Young Finnish Males

IntroductionThe role of environmental factors in lumbar intervertebral disk degeneration (DD) in young adults is largely unknown. Therefore, we investigated whether body mass index (BMI), smoking, and physical activity are associated with lumbar DD among young adults.Materials and MethodsThe study population, Oulu Back Study (OBS), belongs to the 1986 Northern Finland Birth Cohort (NFBC 1986), consisting originally of 9479 children. Of 2969 eligible cohort members, 1987 subjects answered to a survey at the mean age of 18. Of these, 874 participated in physical examination at the mean age of 19 and were invited to lumbar MRI study. A total of 558 young adults (325 females and 233 males) underwent MRI that used a 1.5-T scanner at the mean age of 21. Each lumbar intervertebral disk was graded as normal (0), mildly (1), moderately (2), or severely (3) degenerated. We calculated a sum score of the lumbar DD, and analyzed the associations between environmental risk factors and DD using ordinal logistic regression. In the univariate models, the determinants included pack-years of smoking at 19 years, mean level of physical activity in metabolic equivalent hours per week at 16 and 19 years, body mass index (BMI), weight, height and waist circumference (WC) at 16 and 19 years. Because of collinearity, only one weight-related factor was included in the multivariate model. All analyses were stratified by gender.ResultsOf the 558 subjects, 257 (46%) had no DD, 117 (21%) had sum score of one, 93 (17%) sum score of two, 43 (8%) sum score of three, and 49 (8%) sum score of four or higher. In the univariate analyses, BMI, height, weight, and WC at 16 and 19 years were associated with DD among males. Among females, height at 16 and 19 years was associated with DD. Smoking of at least four pack-years was associated with DD among males. In the multivariate model, BMI at 16 years was associated with DD sum score among males (OR 2.35; 95% CI, 1.19–4.65) but not among females (OR 1.29; 95% CI, 0.72–2.32). Smoking of at least four pack-years tended to be associated with DD among males, but not among females (OR 2.41; 95% CI, 0.99–5.86 and 1.59; 95% CI, 0.67–3.76, respectively). Level of physical activity was not associated with DD.ConclusionBMI at 16 years and 19 years predicted lumbar DD at 21 years among young males whereas no associations were found among females. Smoking of at least four pack-years tended to be associated with DD among males. These results suggest that environmental factors are associated with DD among young males.I confirm having declared any potential conflict of interest for all authors listed on this abstractNoDisclosure of InterestNone declared

Body Mass Index and Smoking Predict Lumbar Disk Degeneration among Young Finnish Males

Introduction The role of environmental factors in lumbar intervertebral disk degeneration (DD) in young adults is largely unknown. Therefore, we investigated whether body mass index (BMI), smoking, and physical activity are associated with lumbar DD among young adults. Materials and Methods The study population, Oulu Back Study (OBS), belongs to the 1986 Northern Finland Birth Cohort (NFBC 1986), consisting originally of 9479 children. Of 2969 eligible cohort members, 1987 subjects answered to a survey at the mean age of 18. Of these, 874 participated in physical examination at the mean age of 19 and were invited to lumbar MRI study. A total of 558 young adults (325 females and 233 males) underwent MRI that used a 1.5-T scanner at the mean age of 21. Each lumbar intervertebral disk was graded as normal (0), mildly (1), moderately (2), or severely (3) degenerated. We calculated a sum score of the lumbar DD, and analyzed the associations between environmental risk factors and DD using ordinal logistic regression. In the univariate models, the determinants included pack-years of smoking at 19 years, mean level of physical activity in metabolic equivalent hours per week at 16 and 19 years, body mass index (BMI), weight, height and waist circumference (WC) at 16 and 19 years. Because of collinearity, only one weight-related factor was included in the multivariate model. All analyses were stratified by gender. Results Of the 558 subjects, 257 (46%) had no DD, 117 (21%) had sum score of one, 93 (17%) sum score of two, 43 (8%) sum score of three, and 49 (8%) sum score of four or higher. In the univariate analyses, BMI, height, weight, and WC at 16 and 19 years were associated with DD among males. Among females, height at 16 and 19 years was associated with DD. Smoking of at least four pack-years was associated with DD among males. In the multivariate model, BMI at 16 years was associated with DD sum score among males (OR 2.35; 95% CI, 1.19–4.65) but not among females (OR 1.29; 95% CI, 0.72–2.32). Smoking of at least four pack-years tended to be associated with DD among males, but not among females (OR 2.41; 95% CI, 0.99–5.86 and 1.59; 95% CI, 0.67–3.76, respectively). Level of physical activity was not associated with DD. Conclusion BMI at 16 years and 19 years predicted lumbar DD at 21 years among young males whereas no associations were found among females. Smoking of at least four pack-years tended to be associated with DD among males. These results suggest that environmental factors are associated with DD among young males. I confirm having declared any potential conflict of interest for all authors listed on this abstract No Disclosure of Interest None declared

Travel to School and Physical Activity Levels in 9–10 Year-Old UK Children of Different Ethnic Origin; Child Heart and Health Study in England (CHASE)

BackgroundTravel to school may offer a convenient way to increase physical activity levels in childhood. We examined the association between method of travel to school and physical activity levels in urban multi-ethnic children.Methods and Findings2035 children (aged 9–10 years in 2006–7) provided data on their usual method of travel to school and wore an Actigraph-GT1M activity monitor during waking hours. Associations between method of travel and mean level of physical activity (counts per minute [CPM], steps, time spent in light, moderate or vigorous activity per day) were examined in models adjusted for confounding variables. 1393 children (69%) walked or cycled to school; 161 (8%) used public transport and 481 (24%) travelled by car. White European children were more likely to walk/cycle, black African Caribbeans to travel by public transport and South Asian children to travel by car. Children travelling by car spent less time in moderate to vigorous physical activity (−7 mins, 95%CI-9,-5), and had lower CPM (−32 CPM, 95%CI-44,-19) and steps per day (−813 steps, 95%CI,-1043,-582) than walkers/cyclists. Pupils travelling by public transport had similar activity levels to walkers/cyclists. Lower physical activity levels amongst car travellers' were especially marked at travelling times (school days between 8–9 am, 3–5 pm), but were also evident on weekdays at other times and at weekends; they did not differ by gender or ethnic group.ConclusionActive travel to school is associated with higher levels of objectively measured physical activity, particularly during periods of travel but also at other times. If children travelling by car were to achieve physical activity levels (steps) similar to children using active travel, they would increase their physical activity levels by 9%. However, the population increase would be a modest 2%, because of the low proportion of car travellers in this urban population.

Is spending time in screen-based sedentary behaviors associated with less physical activity: a cross national investigation.

BackgroundIn Australia and the USA, national guidelines exist for limiting children's screen-exposure to two hours per day. This study aims to determine whether exceeding the suggested guidelines for screen-based sedentary behavior is associated with reduced levels of physical activity across different geographical regions.MethodsData material were taken from the 2005/2006 survey of "Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study; A WHO cross-National Survey". Data were collected through questionnaires from 11-,13- and,15- year olds. The final sample included 200,615 adolescents from 39 different countries in Europe and North America. Gender and country stratified analyses regressed time spent in leisure-time vigorous physical activity (VPA) and days of 60 minutes moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) on time spent in screen-based sedentary behaviors. To simplify interpretation, the estimates from each country were pooled using a meta-analytic procedure.ResultsExceeding 2 hrs of daily total screen-time was negatively associated with MVPA for both boys and girls, and with VPA for girls. When investigating the different types of screen-based behaviors separately, exceeding 2 hrs daily of TV viewing was associated with less MVPA for both boys and girls and less VPA for girls. Gaming was associated with less MVPA and VPA for boys, and non-gaming computer use was associated with higher levels of VPA for both genders. Stronger negative associations between physical activity and screen-based sedentary behaviors were found in countries where mean levels of physical activity were relatively high. The association between physical activity and sedentary behavior was not significantly associated with national levels of screen-based sedentary behaviors.ConclusionsThe displacement mechanism does not appear to be universal across countries. On a national level, negative associations between physical activity and screen-based sedentary behaviors are less likely to be found in countries with relatively low levels of physical activity. Consequently, national guidelines for limiting children and adolescents time in screen-based sedentary behavior may not be conducive to increasing levels of physical activity in all countries.

Regular Physical Activity Modifies Smoking-related Lung Function Decline and Reduces Risk of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

We have previously reported that regular physical activity reduces risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbation. We hypothesized that higher levels of regular physical activity could reduce the risk of COPD by modifying smoking-related lung function decline. To estimate the longitudinal association between regular physical activity and FEV(1) and FVC decline and COPD risk. A population-based sample (n = 6,790) was recruited and assessed with respect to physical activity, smoking, lung function, and other covariates, in Copenhagen in 1981-1983, and followed until 1991-1994. Mean level of physical activity between baseline and follow-up was classified into "low," "moderate," and "high." FEV(1) and FVC decline rates were expressed as milliliters per year. COPD was defined as FEV(1)/FVC < or = 70%. Adjusted associations between physical activity and FEV(1) and FVC decline, and COPD incidence, were obtained using linear and logistic regression, respectively. Active smokers with moderate and high physical activity had a reduced FEV(1) and FVC decline compared with those with low physical activity (relative change of +2.6 and +4.8 ml/yr of FEV(1), P-for-trend = 0.006, and +2.6 and +7.7 ml/yr of FVC, P-for-trend < 0.0001, for the moderate and high physical activity group, respectively), after adjusting for all potential confounders and risk factors of lung function decline. Active smokers with moderate to high physical activity had a reduced risk of developing COPD as compared with the low physical activity group (odds ratio, 0.77; p = 0.027). This prospective study shows that moderate to high levels of regular physical activity are associated with reduced lung function decline and COPD risk among smokers.

Increase of physical activity level after successful renal transplantation: a 5 year follow-up study.

Physical activity (PA) level of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients after renal transplantation (TP) is a largely unexplored field, although it is an important component of quality of life. Using the Baecke self-administered and the Five-City Project 7-day PA recall questionnaires, PA level was estimated in 32 consecutive ESRD patients (12 males, 20 females; mean age 45.9+/-13.1 years; mean dialysis duration 23.5+/-21.8 months) admitted for renal TP and to whom no exercise programme of any kind was proposed. PA were recorded 1, 3, 6, 12 and 60 months after TP. Immediate pre-TP PA level of renal transplant candidates was between 18 and 35% less than that of age-matched healthy subjects (P < 0.05), depending on gender and questionnaire. After an immediate decrease in PA level 1 month post-TP, mean PA level increased and reached a plateau 1 year after TP. This gain in PA capacity reached 30%, as compared with pre-TP values (P = 0.06 to P < 0.01). During the fifth year after TP, the mean level of PA was unchanged. A more qualitative analysis, allowed by the sub-score comparisons, showed that although the occupational status of the patients remained the same, they participated significantly more in moderate and even high intensity PA (leisure, sports, household chores) after TP. Most renal graft recipients are spontaneously more active after TP, an observation consistent with a better quality of life. Therefore, they should be advised precisely about how to resume more strenuous activities such as sports in order to avoid cardiac or musculoskeletal disorders in relation to their weakened pre-TP condition.

Habitual physical activity in 10- to 12-year-old Bolivian boys. The relation between altitude and socioeconomic status.

This study describes habitual physical activity (HPA) of Bolivian boys living at different altitudes and from different socioeconomic status. The boys were living at high altitude (HA) in La Paz (4000 m) and at low altitude (LA) in Santa Cruz (400 m). At both altitudes samples of 10- to 12-year-old boys were chosen from a relatively low socioeconomic status (LSES) and a relatively high socioeconomic status (HSES). At HA 19 boys from LSES and 10 boys from HSES were measured and at LA 14 boys from LSES and 13 boys from HSES. HPA was measured by 24-h heart rate (HR) monitoring. Also an interview was completed to recall the HPA. By comparing the registered HR data with the time they were asleep the mean HR during sleep was calculated (HRsleep). The maximal HR (HRmax) was measured from a maximal exercise test on a bicycle ergometer. Heart rate reserve (HRR = HRmax-HRsleep) was used to measure the mean level of physical activity of the subjects. The results show that HRsleep (= HRrest) in HA boys with 70 (+/- 6) beats/min was significantly lower (p < 0.05) than in LA boys with 77 (+/- 10) beats/min. HRmax was also significantly lower (p < 0.05) in HA boys (187 +/- 12 beats/min) compared to LA boys (195 +/- 8 beats/min). Because HA influences HRsleep and HRmax in the same way, HRR is not significantly different between boys of HA and LA. The mean heart rate over 24 h (HRmean) in HA boys (87 +/- 7 beats/min) was significantly lower than in LA boys (93 +/- 8 beats/min).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Energy intake, dietary adequacy, body composition and levels of physical activity among elderly women of different ages

Positive health outcomes for elderly women are believed to partly depend on diet, body composition, and physical activity, yet there is limited data on the interrelationships between these health indicators among women of advanced age. The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences between energy intake, dietary adequacy, body composition, and levels of physical activity among two age groups of elderly women. Sixty-three free-living elderly women volunteers (65–98 years old) were divided into young-old (aged 65–74) and old-old (aged 75–98) subgroups. Subjects kept three, 7-day concurrent diet and activity records at five-week intervals. Mean nutrient intakes and mean level of physical activity (MLPA) were estimated using 9-days of self-maintained records, three predetermined days from each recording period. Dietary adequacy was measured by kcal/day and mean nutrient intake for calcium, iron, and zinc, and 7 vitamins, using the Food Processor II software. A mean adequacy ratio (MAR) was also calculated as the average percent of the Recommended Dietary Allowances for intakes of all 10 nutrients. MLPA was determined from self-reported hours spent in five physical activity categories (resting, very light, light, moderate, and heavy) multiplied by corresponding weighted intensity factors (1.0, 1.5, 2.5, 5.0, 7.0, respectively). Body composition assessment included triplicate measures of body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, and percent body fat estimated from the sum of four skinfolds. The young-old compared to the old-old women consumed more kcal/day (1689 kcal vs. 1457 kcal, p=.01), had greater intakes of 8 of the 10 nutrients, and had higher MAR scores (96.1% vs. 91.0%, p=.00). The young-old compared to the old-old women were overall more physically active as measured by MLPA (p=.02), as a result of reporting more hours spent doing activities of daily living which were of light intensity (p=.04). The two groups had similar body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, and percent body fat values. This study revealed consistently greater dietary adequacy and higher levels of physical activity among the younger compared to the older portions of this sample of senior women, suggesting that nutrition intervention programs for the elderly should encourage daily activeness as a strategy to maintain or improve dietary adequacy with advancing age.