Measured Moderate-to-vigorous Physical Activity Research Articles

Physical activity in pediatric onset multiple sclerosis: Validating a questionnaire for clinical practice and research

BackgroundKnowledge regarding physical activity (PA) and its benefits in pediatric onset multiple sclerosis (POMS) is growing and suggests high levels of inactivity. The utility of a validated screening tool for clinical settings is unknown. This study evaluated the Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire (GLTEQ) as a measure of PA in POMS. MethodsPOMS patients (n=27) and healthy controls (n=45) wore an accelerometer over a 7-day period and then completed the GLTEQ. ResultsThe GLTEQ captured expected group differences in PA for vigorous, moderate, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), confirmed by accelerometry. There was a large, positive correlation between GLTEQ and accelerometry scores for vigorous PA in POMS (r=0.736, p=0.001), and a nearly significant and moderate, positive correlation between MVPA scores (r=0.319, p=.053). ConclusionWe provide evidence that supports the validity of GLTEQ scores as measures of vigorous and MVPA in POMS. Researchers and clinicians might adopt this scale for measuring PA.

Correlates of Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity in Brazilian Children.

Few studies have used ecological models to study multiple levels of association with objectively measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in young children from middle-income countries. The purpose of this study was to examine potential correlates of objectively measured MVPA in Brazilian children. The sample consisted of 328 children. An Actigraph GT3X+ accelerometer was used to monitor MVPA over 7 days. Body mass index and body fat percentage were measured using a bioelectrical impedance scale. Questionnaires completed by the children, their parents, and school personnel queried individual, family and home, and school-level environmental correlates. Children averaged 59.3 min/d in MVPA (44.5% met MVPA guidelines), and 51.8% were overweight/obese. For boys and girls combined, significant correlates (P < .05) of MVPA were waist circumference (β = -.007), travel mode to school (β = .140), maternal employment status (β = -.119) and TV in bedroom (β -.107). In boys, significant correlates of MVPA were waist circumference (β = -.011), travel mode to school (β = .133), and maternal employment status (β = -.195). In girls, the only significant correlate of MVPA was travel mode to school (β = .143). Several factors were identified as correlates of MVPA in Brazilian children; however, only travel mode to school was common for both boys and girls.

New insights into discrepancies between self-reported and accelerometer-measured moderate to vigorous physical activity among women - the mPED trial.

BackgroundThe aims of this report were 1) to describe the duration of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and the proportion of participants meeting the recommended criterion of at least 150 min of MVPA per week as measured by the 7 Day Physical Activity Recall Questionnaire (7D-PAR) and accelerometer among women who were enrolled in the mPED trial; 2) to assess the level of agreement of the two measures using a Bland-Altman plot; and 3) to describe the positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV, respectively) of meeting the guidelines by calculating the percentage of women meeting the physical activity recommendation by the 7D-PAR who also met this recommendation based on data from the accelerometer.MethodsBaseline data on duration of MVPA from the mPED trial were analyzed for 215 women. Among the women who met the recommended criterion by the 7D-PAR (self-report), we calculated the proportion of individuals who also met it by the accelerometer (objective measure). A Bland Altman Plot was used to assess concordance between the two measures.ResultsThe mean age was 52.4 (±11.2) years; 54.4 % were white; and 48.8 % were single or divorced. While median MVPA was 160 min/week by the 7D-PAR, it was only 24 min/week in the accelerometer. A total of 117 women met the 150-min criterion by the 7D-PAR. Of these, only 18 also met the criterion by the objective measure (PPV 15.4 %, 95 % CI 9.4–23.2 %). Among the 98 women who did not meet the criterion by the 7D-PAR, none met it by the accelerometer (NPV 100 %). A Bland Altman plot showed the mean difference of +145 min between the two measures with a 95 % limit of agreement at + 471 to −181 min.ConclusionsThe large discrepancy between the self-reported and objective measures of MVPA meeting the 150-min criterion suggests that self-reported physical activity measures should be used with caution in intervention studies. While our data suggest that self-report could be used to identify a physically inactive sample, it would be likely to over-estimate the proportions of women who become active in one or both arms of trials of interventions promoting MVPA.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT01280812

Associations of objectively measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and sedentary behavior with quality of life and psychological well-being in prostate cancer survivors.

PurposeAlthough evidence is building on the positive effects of physical activity for prostate cancer survivors, less is known about the possible independent effects of sedentary behavior on quality of life and psychological well-being in this population. We determined the extent to which objectively measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary behavior were independently associated with quality of life, anxiety, and depressive symptoms in prostate cancer survivors.MethodsAn exploratory cross-sectional analysis was undertaken on baseline data from a multicenter, cluster randomized controlled trial on the efficacy of a clinician referral and 12-week exercise program for men who had completed active treatment for prostate cancer. Multiple regression analyses were performed using data from 98 prostate cancer survivors who wore hip-mounted accelerometers (time spent sedentary defined as <100 counts per minute [CPM]; MVPA defined as >1,951 CPM) and completed self-report instruments on their quality of life, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. Results were compared with minimal clinically important differences for the quality of life scales.ResultsIndependent of sedentary behavior, increases in MVPA of between 15 and 33 min/day were associated with clinically important (but not statistically significant) improvements in three quality of life scales (insomnia, diarrhea, and financial difficulties). Independent of MVPA, decreases in sedentary behavior of 119 and 107 min/day were associated with clinically important (but not statistically significant) improvements in physical functioning and role functioning, respectively.ConclusionWithin our exploratory study, modest increases in MVPA and more substantive decreases in sedentary behavior were independently associated with clinically important improvements in several quality of life scales. Further research, including prospective studies, is required to understand sedentary behavior across larger and more representative samples (in terms of their physical, psychological, and social functioning and their engagement in physical activity) of prostate cancer survivors.Trial registrationAustralia and New Zealand Clinical Trials Register (ANZCTR): ACTRN12610000609055

Aerobic fitness and academic achievement

There has been considerable interest in the relationship between physical activity and academic performance. This has been especially true as schools have adopted increased classroom time in response to the perceived need to improve scores on standardized tests. Often, opportunities for physical activity have been decreased in the process of increasing class time. This may have contributed to the increased prevalence of obesity among children and adolescents. There also has been concern that this approach may be short-sighted because physical activity may improve academic performance.In this issue of The Journal, Pindus et al report on the results of a study to evaluate the relationship of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and academic achievement. They evaluated this while also including physical fitness measured using a standard exercise test as a covariable, which has not been done in many previous studies. They found that aerobic fitness, rather than daily physical activity, was associated with measures of academic achievement.Although aerobic fitness is related to genetics, it is also related to physical activity. As the authors point out, future research needs to examine these inter-relationships more closely to determine the type and amount of regular physical activity needed to improve aerobic fitness and, ultimately, cognitive function.Article page 136▶ There has been considerable interest in the relationship between physical activity and academic performance. This has been especially true as schools have adopted increased classroom time in response to the perceived need to improve scores on standardized tests. Often, opportunities for physical activity have been decreased in the process of increasing class time. This may have contributed to the increased prevalence of obesity among children and adolescents. There also has been concern that this approach may be short-sighted because physical activity may improve academic performance. In this issue of The Journal, Pindus et al report on the results of a study to evaluate the relationship of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and academic achievement. They evaluated this while also including physical fitness measured using a standard exercise test as a covariable, which has not been done in many previous studies. They found that aerobic fitness, rather than daily physical activity, was associated with measures of academic achievement. Although aerobic fitness is related to genetics, it is also related to physical activity. As the authors point out, future research needs to examine these inter-relationships more closely to determine the type and amount of regular physical activity needed to improve aerobic fitness and, ultimately, cognitive function. Article page 136▶ Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity, Indices of Cognitive Control, and Academic Achievement in PreadolescentsThe Journal of PediatricsVol. 173PreviewTo assess whether preadolescents' objectively measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) is associated with cognitive control and academic achievement, independent of aerobic fitness. Full-Text PDF

Affect and Subsequent Physical Activity: An Ambulatory Assessment Study Examining the Affect-Activity Association in a Real-Life Context.

Traditionally, cognitive, motivational, and volitional determinants have been used to explain and predict health behaviors such as physical activity. Recently, the role of affect in influencing and regulating health behaviors received more attention. Affects as internal cues may automatically activate unconscious processes of behavior regulation. The aim of our study was to examine the association between affect and physical activity in daily life. In addition, we studied the influence of the habit of being physically active on this relationship. An ambulatory assessment study in 89 persons (33.7% male, 25 to 65 years, M = 45.2, SD = 8.1) was conducted. Affect was assessed in the afternoon on 5 weekdays using smartphones. Physical activity was measured continuously objectively using accelerometers and subjectively using smartphones in the evening. Habit strength was assessed at the beginning of the diary period. The outcomes were objectively and subjectively measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) performed after work. Multilevel regression models were used to analyze the association between affect and after work MVPA. In addition, the cross-level interaction of habit strength and affect on after work MVPA was tested. Positive affect was positively related to objectively measured and self-reported after work MVPA: the greater the positive affect the more time persons subsequently spent on MVPA. An inverse relationship was found for negative affect: the greater the negative affect the less time persons spent on MVPA. The cross-level interaction effect was significant only for objectively measured MVPA. A strong habit seems to strengthen both the positive influence of positive affect and the negative influence of negative affect. The results of this study confirm previous results and indicate that affect plays an important role for the regulation of physical activity behavior in daily life. The results for positive affect were consistent. However, in contrast to previous reports of no or an inverse association, negative affect decreased subsequent MVPA. These inconsistencies may be—in part—explained by the different measurements of affect in our and other studies. Therefore, further research is warranted to gain more insight into the association between affect and physical activity.

Correlates Of Moderate-to-vigorous Physical Activity In Brazilian Children

BACKGROUND: Few studies have studied ecological models of objectively measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in young children from middle-income countries. The purpose of this study was to examine potential correlates of objec¬tively measured MVPA in a sample of 9-11 year old Brazilian children. METHODS: Data from the Brazilian site of the International Study of Childhood Obesity, Lifestyle and the Environment (ISCOLE) were included in the analysis. An Actigraph GT3X+ accelerometer was used to monitor MVPA over 7 days. BMI and body fat percentage (BF%) were measured using a bioelectrical impedance scale. Questionnaires completed by the participants, their parents, and school personnel queried behavioral, family and home environment, and school environment correlates. Twenty two potential correlates of MVPA were examined using multi-level linear regression. All explanatory variables associated (p<0.10) with MVPA in univariate analyses were included in the final models. Variables that remained significant in the final models (p<0.05) were considered correlates of MVPA. Sex, ethnicity, school, number of siblings, and total annual household income were used as covariates in all multivariable models. RESULTS: A total of 328 participants (51.5% boys) were included in the analyses. Children averaged 59.3 min/day in MVPA (44.5% met MVPA guidelines: 63.9% boys; 25.1% girls: p<0.001). For boys and girls combined, significant correlates (p<0.05) of MVPA were waist circumference (β-.007), travel mode to school (β.140), maternal employment status (β-.119) and TVs in bedroom (β-.107). In boys, significant correlates of MVPA were waist circumference (β-.011), travel mode to school (β.133) and maternal employment status (β-.195). In girls, the only significant correlate of MVPA was travel mode to school (β.143). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides evidence for a high prevalence of physical inactivity. Several factors were identified as correlates of MVPA in Brazilian children; however, only travel mode to school was common for both boys and girls.

Process evaluation of the Bristol girls dance project.

BackgroundThe Bristol Girls Dance Project was a cluster randomised controlled trial that aimed to increase objectively measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) levels of Year 7 (age 11–12) girls through a dance-based after-school intervention. The intervention was delivered in nine schools and consisted of up to forty after-school dance sessions. This paper reports on the main findings from the detailed process evaluation that was conducted.MethodsQuantitative and qualitative data were collected from intervention schools. Dose and fidelity were reported by dance instructors at every session. Intervention dose was defined as attending two thirds of sessions and was measured by attendance registers. Fidelity to the intervention manual was reported by dance instructors. On four randomly-selected occasions, participants reported their perceived level of exertion and enjoyment. Reasons for non-attendance were self-reported at the end of the intervention. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with all dance instructors who delivered the intervention (n = 10) and school contacts (n = 9) in intervention schools. A focus group was conducted with girls who participated in each intervention school (n = 9).ResultsThe study did not affect girls’ MVPA. An average of 31.7 girls participated in each school, with 9.1 per school receiving the intervention dose. Mean attendance and instructors’ fidelity to the intervention manual decreased over time. The decline in attendance was largely attributed to extraneous factors common to after-school activities. Qualitative data suggest that the training and intervention manual were helpful to most instructors. Participant ratings of session enjoyment were high but perceived exertion was low, however, girls found parts of the intervention challenging.ConclusionsThe intervention was enjoyed by participants. Attendance at the intervention sessions was low but typical of after-school activities. Participants reported that the intervention brought about numerous health and social benefits and improved their dance-based knowledge and skills. The intervention could be improved by reducing the number of girls allowed to participate in each school and providing longer and more in-depth training to those delivering the intervention.Trial registrationISRCTN52882523 Registered 25th April 2013.

Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity, Indices of Cognitive Control, and Academic Achievement in Preadolescents

To assess whether preadolescents' objectively measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) is associated with cognitive control and academic achievement, independent of aerobic fitness. A sample of 74 children (Meanage=8.64years, SD=.58, 46% girls) were included in the analyses. Daily MVPA (min/d) was measured over 7days using ActiGraph wGT3X+accelerometer. Aerobic fitness was measured using a maximal graded exercise test and expressed as maximal oxygen uptake (mL*kg(-1)*min(-1)). Inhibitory control was measured with a modified Eriksen flanker task (reaction time and accuracy), and working memory with an Operation Span Task (accuracy scores). Academic achievement (in reading, mathematics, and spelling) was expressed as standardized scores on the Kaufman Test of Educational Achievement. The relationships were assessed using hierarchical regression models adjusting for aerobic fitness and other covariates. No significant associations were found between MVPA and inhibition, working memory, or academic achievement. Aerobic fitness was positively associated with inhibitory control (P=.02) and spelling (P=.04) but not with other cognitive or academic variables (all P>.05). Aerobic fitness, rather than daily MVPA, is positively associated with childhood ability to manage perceptual interference and spelling. Further research into the associations between objectively measured MVPA and cognitive and academic outcomes in children while controlling for important covariates is needed.

Validation of Interviewer-Assisted Recall for Measuring Minutes of Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity in Elementary School Children, Grades 3 and 5

ObjectiveTo test the validity of interviewer-administered recall for measuring moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in third- and fifth-grade children who reported physical activity (PA) only or both PA and diet, using a short (same-day recall in the afternoon) or long (previous-day recall in the morning) retention interval. MethodsRandomly selected children (n = 95) wore an accelerometer 1 day in school. Interviews occurred in the afternoon of the day on which the accelerometer was worn or on the next morning. Assignment to interview content was random. Spearman correlations were calculated between MVPA interview and MVPA accelerometer minutes. ResultsThe MVPA interview minutes were positively associated with the MVPA accelerometer minutes when the interview focused on PA only (r = .34; P = .02) but not when children recalled PA and diet (r = .12; P = .40). The MVPA interview minutes for the previous day was associated with the MVPA accelerometer minutes (r = .33; P = .02), but not for the same day (r = .17; P = .26). ConclusionsA recall interview method that focuses solely on PA is a promising approach to assessing children's school-day PA.

A tale of two models: Changes in psychological need satisfaction and physical activity over 3 years.

(a) Examine longitudinal measurement invariance of scores from psychological need satisfaction (PNS) scales, and (b) examine if changes in PNS were associated with change in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Adolescents (N = 842, Mage = 10.8, SD = .6) enrolled in the Monitoring Activities of Teenagers to Comprehend their Habits (MATCH) study completed measures of PNS and MVPA every 4 months over a 3-year period (2011-14) for a total of 9 times. PNS scores demonstrated strong longitudinal measurement invariance (i.e., invariant factor loadings and intercepts). Latent growth curve modeling indicated that a factor representing perceptions of all 3 PNS variables was positively associated with MVPA at Time 1 (β = .562, p < .05), and that increases in the common PNS factor were associated with increases in MVPA (β = .545, p < .05) with a large effect size (Rinitial MVPA2 = .316; Rchange in MVPA2 = .301). In an alternative model, MVPA at Time 1 was associated with perceived common PNS at Time 1 (β = .602, p < .001), and increases in MVPA were associated with increases in common PNS (β = .667, p < .001) with a large effect size (Rinitial PNS2 = .363 of the Rchange in PNS2 = .426). Longitudinal measurement invariance was supported, and therefore PNS scores could be used to study change over time. Further, 2 equally well fitting models were found suggesting that change in PNS can be both an antecedent and an outcome of MVPA. As such, both PNS and MVPA could be targeted in interventions aimed at increasing need satisfaction or MVPA.

In-school and Out-of-school Physical Activity in Preschool Children.

Little is known about the relationship between children's physical activity (PA) in preschool (in-school) and outside of preschool (out-of-school). This study described this relationship. Participants were 341 children (4.6 ± 0.3 years) in 16 preschools. Accelerometers measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and total physical activity (TPA) in-school and out-of-school. In the full sample, Pearson correlation was used to describe associations between in-school and out-of-school PA. In addition, children were categorized as meeting or not meeting a PA guideline during school. MVPA and TPA were compared between the 2 groups and in-school and out-of-school using 2-way repeated-measures analysis of variance. In the full sample, in-school and out-of-school PA were positively correlated for MVPA (r = .13, P = .02) and TPA (r = .15, P = .01). Children who met the guideline in-school remained comparably active out-of-school. However, those who did not meet the guideline were more active out-of-school than in-school. The groups were active at comparable levels while out-of-school. Identical patterns were seen for MVPA and TPA. Children's in-school PA was positively associated with out-of-school PA. Children who did not meet the guideline in-school were more active out-of-school than in-school, suggesting preschool and classroom factors may reduce some children's PA in-school.

Effects of a Physical Activity Intervention in Preschool Children.

This study aimed to evaluate a multicomponent, child-appropriate preschool intervention program led by preschool teachers to enhance physical activity (PA) and motor skill performance (MS) in 4- and 5-yr-old children. Evaluation involved 709 children (mean age, 4.7 ± 0.6 yr; 49.5% girls) from 41 preschools (intervention group, n = 21; control group, n = 20) in the rural and urban surroundings of two German cities. Children in the intervention group received a daily PA intervention lasting 30 min and PA homework over one academic year, which was designed by professionals but led by preschool teachers. The intervention included educational components for parents and teachers. Primary outcomes were MS (composite MS score) and objectively measured moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) by accelerometry. Measurements were performed at baseline, midintervention, and postintervention as well as 2-4 months after the end of intervention. Intervention effects were analyzed by repeated measurement analysis adjusted for group, sex, age, baseline outcomes, urban/rural location of the preschool, and cluster (preschool). Compared with controls, children in the intervention group showed positive effects in MS at postintervention (estimate effect, 0.625 z-score points; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.276-0.975; P = 0.001) and at follow-up (estimate effect, 0.590 z-score points; 95% CI, 0.109-1.011; P = 0.007) and an increase in MVPA from baseline to postintervention by 0.5% of total wearing time (95% CI, 0.002%-1.01%; P = 0.049) at borderline significance. There was no benefit on MVPA for the intervention group between baseline and follow-up. A child-appropriate, multidimensional PA intervention could sustainably improve MS but not PA. Findings suggest that a change in health-related behaviors is difficult. Future research should implement participatory intervention components in preschool setting and better integrate the families of the children.

Examining a conceptual model of parental nurturance, parenting practices and physical activity among 5–6 year olds

RationaleParenting is an often-studied correlate of children's physical activity, however there is little research examining the associations between parenting styles, practices and the physical activity of younger children. ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate whether physical activity-based parenting practices mediate the association between parenting styles and 5–6 year-old children's objectively-assessed physical activity. Methods770 parents self-reported parenting style (nurturance and control) and physical activity-based parenting practices (logistic and modeling support). Their 5–6 year old child wore an accelerometer for five days to measure moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Linear regression was used to examine direct and indirect (mediation) associations. Data were collected in the United Kingdom in 2012/13 and analyzed in 2014. ResultsParent nurturance was positively associated with provision of modeling (adjusted unstandardized coefficient, β = 0.11; 95% CI = 0.02, 0.21) and logistic support (β = 0.14; 0.07, 0.21). Modeling support was associated with greater child MVPA (β = 2.41; 0.23, 4.60) and a small indirect path from parent nurturance to child's MVPA was identified (β = 0.27; 0.04, 0.70). ConclusionsPhysical activity-based parenting practices are more strongly associated with 5–6 year old children's MVPA than parenting styles. Further research examining conceptual models of parenting is needed to understand in more depth the possible antecedents to adaptive parenting practices beyond parenting styles.

ASSOCIATION OF SUBJECTIVE RATINGS TO OBJECTIVELY ASSESSED PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN PUBERTAL BOYS WITH DIFFERING BMI.

The associations between subjective ratings and objectively measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) were examined in normal, and overweight and obese, pubertal boys and compared with their parents' reports. In total, 224 boys (M age=12.2 yr.) completed the self-report questionnaire and wore an accelerometer for 7 consecutive days. Questionnaire-based indexes of physical activity (PA) were weakly associated with the accelerometer PA data. Correlations between subjective and objective assessments were significantly higher in overweight and obese groups. Parent reports predicted sedentary time better than boys' self-reports but no difference was found for MVPA. Future studies must consider that the source of rating, season, and weight status may be possible sources of confounding when using subjective assessments of PA.

PREDICTORS AND TRENDS OF GROSS MOTOR SKILL PERFORMANCE IN AT-RISK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN.

-The purpose of this study was to examine the predictors and trends of gross motor skills in children from low-income families. The participants were 1,460 children (M age=8.39 yr., SD=1.83; K-6th grade) recruited from three Title I schools. The Test of Gross Motor Development-2nd Edition (TGMD-2) assessed motor skills, FITNESSGRAM assessed health-related fitness, and pedometers and accelerometers measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Multi-level modeling revealed that TGMD-2 scores predicted aerobic capacity, but no other relationships were found with other Healthy Fitness Zone parameters or MVPA. TGMD-2 performance was 4.8 and 4.7% greater in successively higher grade levels for girls and boys, respectively. In conclusion, TGMD-2 scores predict aerobic capacity and TGMD-2 scores improved between 4 and 5% in older grade cohorts separated by 1 year.

Correlates of physical activity among colorectal cancer survivors: results from the longitudinal population-based profiles registry.

PurposePhysical activity can improve health of cancer survivors. To increase physical activity levels among colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors, we need to understand which factors affect physical activity. Therefore, this study examined the longitudinal relationship between symptom-related, functioning-related, and psychological barriers and socio-demographic and clinical factors with physical activity among CRC survivors.MethodsCRC survivors identified from the population-based Eindhoven Cancer Registry (ECR) diagnosed between 2000 and 2009 were included. Survivors completed validated questionnaires measuring moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and barriers in 2010(T1), 2011(T2), and 2012(T3). Linear-mixed models and linear regression techniques were used.ResultsResponse rates were 74 % (N = 2451, T1); 47 % (N = 1547, T2); and 41 % (N = 1375, T3). Several factors were negatively associated with MVPA: symptom-related barriers (e.g., fatigue, dyspnea, chemotherapy side effects, pain, appetite loss, and weight loss); psychological barriers (i.e., depressive symptoms and anxiety); functioning-related barriers (e.g., low physical or role functioning, unfavorable future perspective); socio-demographic (i.e., older age, female, no partner); and clinical factors (i.e., obesity). However, no within-subject effects were significantly associated with MVPA. Groups of functioning-related barriers, socio-demographic factors, symptom-related barriers, psychological barriers, and clinical factors explained 11, 3.9, 3.8, 2.4, and 2.2 % of the variance in MVPA at T1, respectively.ConclusionsSeveral functioning-related and symptom-related barriers and few socio-demographic factors were associated with physical activity among CRC survivors. Future interventions to promote physical activity among CRC survivors could benefit by taking into account functioning aspects and symptoms of cancer and its treatment, and assess the causal direction of these associations.

Joint associations of objectively-measured sedentary behavior and physical activity with health-related quality of life.

No studies, to my knowledge, have examined the joint effects of physical activity and sedentary behavior on health-related quality of life (HRQOL), which was the purpose of this study. Data from the 2003–2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were used (N = 5,536). Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary behavior were assessed using an ActiGraph 7164 accelerometer, with HRQOL assessed using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 4-item HRQOL index. MVPA (βadjusted = − 0.01; 95% CI: − 0.01 to − 0.004; P < 0.001), but not sedentary behavior (βadjusted = − 0.0003; 95% CI: − 0.001–0.0001; P = 0.37), was associated with HRQOL. MVPA was associated with HRQOL among those above the median (≥ 487.5 min/day) level of sedentary behavior (βadjusted = − 0.02; 95% CI: − 0.03 to − 0.01; P = 0.006; N = 2769). The results of this brief report do not demonstrate that sedentary behavior, independent of MVPA, is associated with HRQOL. The independent association of MVPA on HRQOL confirms previous work that used self-report measures of MVPA.

Impact of physical activity on psychological distress: a prospective analysis of an Australian national sample.

We analyzed the individual-level associations between participation in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and psychological distress levels using a large, nationally representative, longitudinal sample and multivariable panel regression models. We used 3 waves of panel data from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia Survey, consisting of 34 000 observations from 17 000 individuals and covering 2007, 2009, and 2011. We used fixed-effects panel regression models accounting for observable and unobservable confounders to examine the relationships between the weekly frequency of MVPA and summary measures of psychological distress based on the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale. We found substantial and highly statistically significant associations between the frequency of MVPA and different indicators of psychological distress. Frequent participation in MVPA reduces psychological distress and decreases the likelihood of falling into a high-risk category. Our findings underscore the importance of placing physical activity at the core of health promotion initiatives aimed at preventing and remedying psychological discomfort.

Independent mobility and its relationship with moderate-to-vigorous physical activity in middle-school Portuguese boys and girls.

The exact relation between objectively measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and independent mobility in children has yet to be fully defined. The objective of this study was to determine whether independent mobility is associated with level of MVPA. Data were collected from 9 middle schools in Porto (Portugal) area. A total of 636 children in the 6th grade (340 girls and 296 boys) with a mean age of 11.64 years old participated in the study. PA was measured in 636 participants using an accelerometer. Multinomial logistic regression was applied to assess the odds for belonging to quartiles of MVPA. After controlling for age, gender, body mass index, meeting PA recommendations, and participation in structured exercise, the odds of having a higher level of MVPA when children have higher independent mobility increase through the MVPA quartiles. A positive associations were found between independent mobility and quartiles of physical activity.