Measured Physical Activity Levels Research Articles

Determinants and Factors of Physical Activity After Oncology Treatments (DEFACTO) in Metropolitan France: Protocol of a Mixed Methods Study and Intervention.

While the scientific community widely recognizes the benefits of physical activity (PA) in oncology supportive care, cancer survivors who have undergone chemo- or radio-immunotherapy treatments struggle to meet PA recommendations. This underscores the importance of identifying factors influencing active lifestyle adoption and maintenance and proposing a multilevel model (micro-, meso-, and macrolevel) to better understand facilitators and barriers. Currently, no socioecological model explains an active lifestyle in the posttreatment phase of breast, colorectal, prostate, and lung cancers. The objective is to identify factors influencing an active lifestyle in cancer survivorship and assess the feasibility of an individualized program targeting an active lifestyle. The objectives will be addressed in 3 stages. Stage 1 aims to elucidate factors associated with the active lifestyle of cancer survivors. Stage 2 involves developing an explanatory model based on previously identified factors to create a tailored health education program for an active lifestyle after oncology treatments. Stage 3 aims to evaluate the feasibility and potential effects of this personalized health education program after its national implementation. First, the exploration of factors influencing PA (stage 1) will be based on a mixed methods approach, using an explanatory sequential design and multilevel analysis. The quantitative phase involves completing a questionnaire from a socioecological perspective. Subsequently, a subset of respondents will engage in semistructured interviews to aid in interpreting the quantitative results. This phase aims to construct a model of the factors influencing an active lifestyle and develop an individualized 12-week program based on our earlier findings (stage 2). In stage 3, we will implement our multicenter, multimodal program for 150 physically inactive and sedentary cancer survivors across metropolitan France. Program feasibility will be evaluated. Measured PA level by connected device and multidimensional variables such as declared PA and sedentary behaviors, PA readiness, motivation, PA preferences, PA knowledge and skills, and barriers and facilitators will be assessed before and during the program and 52 weeks afterward. The institutional review board approved the mixed methods study (phase 1) in April 2020, and the intervention (phase 3) was approved in March 2022. Recruitment and data collection commenced in April 2022, with intervention implementation concluded in May 2023. Data collection and full analysis are expected to be finalized by July 2024. The Determinants and Factors of Physical Activity After Oncology Treatments (DEFACTO) study seeks to enhance our understanding, within our socioecological model, of factors influencing an active lifestyle among cancer survivors and to assess whether a tailored intervention based on this model can support an active lifestyle. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05354882; https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05354882. DERR1-10.2196/52274.

A self-directed digital exercise program for hip osteoarthritis (“My Hip Exercise”): protocol for a randomised controlled trial

BackgroundHip osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading global cause of chronic pain and disability. Given there is no cure for OA, patient self management is vital with education and exercise being core recommended treatments. However, there is under-utilisation of these treatments due to a range of clinician and patient factors. Innovative service models that increase patient accessibility to such treatments and provide support to engage are needed. This study primarily aims to determine the effects of a self-directed digital exercise intervention comprising online education and exercise supported by a mobile app to facilitate adherence on the primary outcomes of changes in hip pain during walking and patient-reported physical function at 24-weeks when compared to online education control for people with hip OA.MethodsWe will conduct a two-arm, superiority parallel-design, randomised controlled trial involving 182 community volunteers aged 45 years and over, with painful hip OA. After completing the baseline assessment, participants will be randomly assigned to either: i) digital exercise intervention; or ii) digital education (control). Participants randomised to the intervention group will have access to a website that provides information about hip OA and its management, advice about increasing their physical activity levels, a 24-week lower limb strength exercise program to be undertaken at home three times per week, and a mobile app to reinforce home exercise program adherence. Participants in the control group will have access to a website containing only information about hip OA and its management. All participants will be reassessed at 24 weeks after randomisation. Primary outcomes are severity of hip pain while walking using an 11-point numeric rating scale and physical function using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index subscale. Secondary outcomes are the Hip dysfunction and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score subscales of pain, hip-related quality of life, and function, sports and recreational activities; global change in hip condition; health-related quality of life; measures of physical activity levels; fear of movement; self efficacy for pain and for exercise; and use of oral pain medications.DiscussionInnovative and scalable approaches to OA education, physical activity, and exercise are required in order to improve exercise participation/engagement and mitigate physical inactivity in the hip OA population. This will help minimise the burden of this major public health issue on individuals and society.Trial registrationAustralia New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12622001533785).

Using combative and imitative active video games to increase the physical activity levels of university students on campus

This study aimed to investigate the effects of combative and imitative active video games (AVGs) on the physical activity levels of university students on campus. University students (n = 10; mean age: 20.30 ± 1.57 years), participated in this study. Measurements were taken from each participant at two separate time points on a university campus. During these visits, the physiological responses were recorded for two AVGs and resting conditions for measurement of physical activity level. The AVGs were randomly played for 15 minutes using an Xbox One device on the university campus. Physiological responses were measured continuously using the computerized, breath-by-breath analysis system, also the heart rate was recorded continuously. Data were analyzed using a one-way repeated measures ANOVA. The findings demonstrate that active video imitative and combative games significantly increased physiological responses, the energy expenditure from 0.019 ± 0.002 (rest) to 0.102 ± 0.019 and 0.131 ± 0.017 kcal.kg−1.min−1, respectively. The MET values of games (imitative: 5.937 ± 1.03; combative: 7.547 ± 0.94) were significantly higher than the rest (1.120 ± 0.11). The HR values significantly increased from 72.4 ± 9.96 beat.min-1 for rest to 132.2 ± 21.10 beat.min-1 for the imitative game, and 153.1 ± 19.76 beat.min-1 for the combative game. The highest physiological responses were determined for active video combative games which were significantly higher than active video imitative game responses (p < 0.01) and rest (p < 0.001). In conclusion, both combative and imitative AVGs, which can be integrated into campus and physical education classes, could serve as effective tools for increasing the physical activity levels of university students.

O.4.5-11 The association between health literacy and objectively measured physical activity in Norwegian young adult students

Abstract Background Insufficient physical activity (PA) is a significant public health challenge, with a drastic decline in activity levels observed in young adulthood likely contributing to increases in cardiometabolic risk factors with age. Recent research suggests that health literacy (HL) may be an important modifiable factor associated with reduced physical activity levels and poor health outcomes in elderly and disease-prone populations. However, limited research has focused on young adulthood when the drastic decline in PA is observed. Moreover, most previous studies have only assessed self-reported PA, which has limited accuracy. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between HL and objectively measured PA levels in healthy young adults. Method 28 young adult (18-25 years) college students participated in the study (men: n = 7, women: n = 21). PA was measured objectively and subjectively using an accelerometer (Actigraph GT3X+) and the IPAQ questionnaire, respectively. The HLS19 instrument was used to assess HL, which was developed within “HLS19 – the International Health Literacy Population Survey 2019-2021” of M-POHL. Participants were categorized as having low or high health literacy based on the classification defined in the Norwegian HLS-19 report (2021). Additionally, each response was assigned a value (1-4) to calculate a summative health literacy point score, with a higher summative value indicating greater health literacy. Results In our cohort, 60% (n = 17) of the participants were categorized as having low and 39% (n = 11) as having high health literacy. There was no group difference in objective and subjective PA levels between those with low and high HL (all comparisons: p > 0.05). However, we observed a significant positive correlation between health literacy (point score) and objectively measured moderate to high-intensity PA (r = 0.52, p = 0.002). Likewise, there was a significant correlation between health literacy (point score) and self-reported total PA (r = 0.34, p = 0.03). Conclusion This is the first study to show a positive relationship between HL and PA in healthy young adult students, highlighting the potential role of HL in modulating PA in this population. Thus, further research is needed to determine whether targeting HL could effectively increase PA levels in young adults.

A Cross-Sectional Study Exploring the Physical Activity Levels of Afghans and Other South Asian Youth in the UK.

Participating in regular physical activity (PA) has numerous benefits, such as reducing obesity, chronic degenerative conditions, and depression. Despite many health-related benefits, physical inactivity is increasing in young people worldwide, especially in ethnic minority groups, such as British South Asians (BSAs). The aim of this study was to explore the PA levels of BSAs, specifically focusing on youth from Afghan, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, and Indian groups. A total of 191 (Afghans N = 44; Bangladeshi N = 39; Indian N = 56, Pakistani N = 52) youth from the West Midlands (UK) participated in this study (mean age 15.4 ± 0.5). The International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form was used to measure PA levels. Data were modelled using a Bayesian approach to determine differences in PA levels. The results indicated that 88.5% Afghans, 80% Bangladeshi, 78.6% Indians and 63% Pakistani reported engaging in <30 min of PA per day. Additionally, boys were more active than girls across all ethnic groups. This study highlighted an alarmingly low proportion of young people from each BSA ethnic group meeting the PA guidelines. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to explore and compare PA levels of the young British Afghan population, thus contributing novel findings to the area of BSA PA. Overall, the vast majority of BSA young people failed to meet the recommended PA guidelines of 60 min per day. Future research could utilise objective methods, such as Global Positioning System, pedometers and accelerometery to track and monitor PA levels, and could adopt an ecological approach to explore determinants of PA within each ethnic and gender group.

Association of Physical Activity and Physical Performance with Sarcopenia in Elderly Obese Patient in Community

Introduction: Sarcopenic obesity (SO) is a condition in which sarcopenia and obesity occur simultaneously. This condition will lead to risk of higher morbidity, mortality, and reduced quality of life. This study aimed to examine the proportion of SO patients in community and investigate the association between physical activity level and physical performance with sarcopenia in elderly obese patient in community
 Methods: An analytic observation cross-sectional study with consecutive sampling. Inclusion criteria included subjects with age ≥ 60 years old, body mass index ≥ 25 Kg / m2, able to walk at least 10 meters, and has a good cognitive function. Subjects with pacemaker, have metal implants, history of cancer, acute cardiovascular and respiratory disorders, deformities, or pain in extremities and receive regular therapeutic exercise were excluded from this research. Measurement of physical activity level using Physical Activity Scale for Elderly (PASE) questionnaire and physical performance using 6meter walking speed test and timed up and go test (TUG). Sarcopenia is based on criteria from Asian Working Group of Sarcopenia 2019 with body composition assessment using Bioelectric Impedance Analysis (BIA)
 Results: There were 119 subjects in this study. Proportion of sarcopenia obesity in all subjects was 23,5% with 71,4% was female. The results showed that there was no significant association on physical activity level (p > 0,05) and a significant association on walking speed and TUG test (p < 0,05).
 Conclusion: This research concluded that there was a significant association between physical performance with sarcopenia in elderly obese patient in the community.

ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN MEASURES OF SLEEP QUALITY, PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, ANXIETY, AND STRESS AMONG ADULTS

Abstract Good quality sleep is important for physical and mental well-being and plays a vital role in healthy aging. Additionally, sleep quality is influenced by multiple factors associated with aging, such as lifestyle, depression, and physical activity levels. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between self-reported measures of physical activity levels, anxiety, stress, and sleep quality among adults aged 45-75 years. Adults (N = 204) completed the short form International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-Item Scale (GAD-7), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Participants were classified as either good quality sleepers (GQS, n = 65, 67.7% female, M±SD: age: 61.7±8.9 yrs; mass: 82.8±16.7 kg, height: 169.6±10.2 cm, education: 17.3 yrs) or poor quality sleepers (PQS, n = 139, 77.7% female, M±SD: age: 61.9±8.0 yrs; mass: 83.1±16.2 kg, height: 166.4±8.5 cm, education: 18.0 yrs) using their PSQI global score. A score of ≥5 denoted PQS. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Spearman correlation, and Chi-square (p ≤ .05). Sleep quality was negatively associated with the PSS (r = -.17, p = .02) and GAD-7 (r = -.19, p < .01). Adults reporting PQS presented with higher levels of perceived stress and generalized anxiety. The relation between sleep quality and IPAQ was significant (X2 = 8.47, p = .01). These results suggest there was a greater tendency for PQS to report lower levels of physical activity and higher levels of stress and generalized anxiety.

Dopamine D2/3-receptor availability and its association with autonomous motivation to exercise in older adults: An exploratory [11C]-raclopride study.

Autonomous motivation to exercise occurs when the activity is voluntary and with a perceived inherent satisfaction from the activity itself. It has been suggested that autonomous motivation is related to striatal dopamine D2/3-receptor (D2/3R) availability within the brain. In this study, we hypothesized that D2/3R availability in three striatal regions (nucleus accumbens, caudate nucleus, and putamen) would be positively associated with self-reported autonomous motivation to exercise. We also examined this relationship with additional exploratory analyses across a set of a priori extrastriatal regions of interest (ROI). Our sample comprised 49 older adults (28 females) between 64 and 78 years of age. The D2/3R availability was quantified from positron emission tomography using the non-displaceable binding potential of [11C]-raclopride ligand. The exercise-related autonomous motivation was assessed with the Swedish version of the Behavioral Regulations in Exercise Questionnaire-2. No significant associations were observed between self-reported autonomous motivation to exercise and D2/3R availability within the striatum (nucleus accumbens, caudate nucleus, and putamen) using semi-partial correlations controlling for ROI volume on D2/3R availability. For exploratory analyses, positive associations were observed for the superior (r = 0.289, p = 0.023) and middle frontal gyrus (r = 0.330, p = 0.011), but not for the inferior frontal gyrus, orbitofrontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, or anterior insular cortex. This study could not confirm the suggested link between striatal D2/3R availability and subjective autonomous motivation to exercise among older adults. The exploratory findings, however, propose that frontal brain regions may be involved in the intrinsic regulation of exercise-related behaviors, though this has to be confirmed by future studies using a more suitable ligand and objective measures of physical activity levels.

Physical Activity, Cognitive Function And Gut Microbiome Composition: A Cross-sectional Study Of Elderly Korean Women

Several new research has shown that physical activity (PA) and the gut microbiome independently influence cognitive function, in addition to physical activity having an impact on the composition of the gut microbiome. PURPOSE: We performed a cross-sectional analysis to determine the association between the gut microbiome composition, cognitive function and physical activity in elderly Korean women. METHODS: Community-dwelling Korean older adults aged 65 years and older (n = 111, mean age 75.4 ± 5.8) participated in this study. Data, including participants demographics, cognitive function, and objectively measured PA levels, were collected. Cognitive impairment was defined as an MMSE-KC score of <1.5 standard deviations from the age-, sex-, and education-adjusted norm for older Koreans. Physical inactivity was defined as less than two days of moderate and/or vigorous physical activity per week. Fecal samples were obtained from individuals, and bacterial 16S ribosomal RNA genes were analyzed by next-generation sequencing to define the gut microbiota composition. RESULTS: Out of bacterial phyla detected in the fecal samples by taxonomy-based analysis, the three most abundant phylum were found to be Bacteroidetes (58.32 ± 12.15), Firmicutes (32.26 ± 9.49), and Proteobacteria (5.50 ± 4.77). Significant difference in the microbiota composition were found based on PA levels and cognitive function status. At the genus level, Faecalibacterium (10.13 ± 3.83, p = 0.003) and Akkermansia (1.31 ± 1.76, p = 0.020) were highly abundant in active individuals (n = 57), and Bifidobacterium (0.77 ± 0.76, p = 0.038) and Lactobacillus (0.50 ± 0.36, p = 0.047) in participants with normal cognitive function (n = 72). In addition, a significantly higher abundance of Akkermansia (1.55 ± 1.85, p = 0.030) and Lactobacillus (0.62 ± 0.43, p = 0.012) were found in active individuals with normal cognitive function (n = 42). CONCLUSION: This study identified differences in the gut microbiota composition between PA levels and cognitive function status in community-dwelling older women. Our findings suggest that further studies of the elderly women gut microbiota should explore aspects of the lifestyle risk factors included PA. Supported by the National Research Foundation funded by the Korea Government (NRF-2021R1I1A1A01048935).

Increasing Children’s physical Activity by Policy (CAP) in preschools within the Stockholm region: study protocol for a pragmatic cluster-randomized controlled trial

BackgroundSystematic reviews suggest that preschool environmental/organizational changes may be effective in increasing physical activity (PA) levels of preschool children, but evidence is scarce regarding feasible, effective, and equitable interventions that can be scaled up. Specifically, it is essential to understand whether introducing a multicomponent organizational change in terms of policy in the preschool context may be beneficial for children’s PA levels and concomitant health outcomes. To bridge this knowledge gap, our main aim is to examine the feasibility and effectiveness of a policy package in increasing PA levels in preschool children, using a large-scale pragmatic cluster-randomized controlled trial.MethodsThis proposed study is a pragmatic cluster-randomized controlled trial with two conditions (intervention and control with a 1:1 ratio) with preschools as clusters and the unit of randomization. We aim to recruit approximately 4000 3–5-year-old children from 90 preschools and retain more than 2800 children from 85 preschools to provide adequate statistical power for the analyses. The intervention to implement is a co-created, multicomponent policy package running for 6 months in preschools randomized to intervention. Change in accelerometer measured PA levels in children between intervention and control from pre- and post-intervention will be the primary outcome of the study, while secondary outcomes include health outcomes such as musculoskeletal fitness, psychosocial functioning, and absence due to illness in children among others. Implementation will be studied carefully using both quantitative (dose, fidelity) and qualitative (interview) methodologies. The change in primary and secondary outcomes, from pre- to post-intervention, will be analyzed with linear mixed-effect models (to allow both fixed and random effects) nested on a preschool level.DiscussionThis is a large-scale co-creation project involving the City of Stockholm, childcare stakeholders, preschool staff, and the research group with the potential to influence more than 30,000 preschool children within the Stockholm area. The study will add reliable evidence for the implementation of PA policies at the organizational level of preschools and clarify its potential effect on objectively measured PA and health markers in children.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.govNCT04569578. Prospectively registered on September 20, 2020.

Research protocol for a before-during comparison of the Impact of COVID-19 on Physical Activity, sedentary and dietary behaviour of School-going Adolescents in Punjab, India (ICPASA study)

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the already existing pandemic of physical inactivity. In adolescents, the effect of COVID-19 related governmental measures may be even more pronounced, as they experience school closures, home confinement, social distancing and possible mental health issues as a result. The current study uses the COVID-19 pandemic and associated governmental measures as a natural experiment to understand its impact on the lifestyle of adolescents with relation to physical activity, sedentary and dietary behaviour. We also aim to describe the determinants of change in lifestyle behaviours. Methods/Design: A before-during experimental study design will be followed in which baseline measurements have been undertaken in 2018-19 before the COVID-19 pandemic, and the follow-up measurements will be repeated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Twenty schools of Punjab, India form the primary unit of participation from which 1086 adolescents participated in the study. Validated questionnaires are used to measure physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and dietary behaviour. Additionally, objective measures of physical activity will be performed using accelerometer over a 7-day period on a sub-sample. Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference will be assessed objectively as a measure of central obesity. Qualitative interviews and focus group discussions will be conducted to have a better understanding for reasons of change in physical activity, sedentary and dietary behaviour or any possible differences between groups. Discussion: The study aims to reveal the impact of COVID-19 related governmental measures on physical activity, sedentary and dietary behaviour of adolescents. It is one of the first studies to show both subjective and objective measures of physical activity levels and sedentary time of school-going adolescents during COVID-19. Due to the mixed method approach we will be able to identify reasons for changes in lifestyle behaviours and possibly find innovative ways of staying physically active during the era of physical distancing.

Parents' Inadequate Estimate of Their Children's Objectively Physical Activity Level.

This study aimed to investigate parents’ estimation of their preschool children’s leisure-time physical activity (PA) and the correlation between parents’ reported participation in PA with their children in leisure time and their children’s PA levels. A total of 244 Norwegian preschool children aged 4–6 and their parents were enrolled in the study. According to standard protocols, the children’s PA level was measured with Actigraph GT1M accelerometers. The parents completed a questionnaire that provided information about their estimation of their children’s PA and their reported participation in their children’s PA. Correlation analyses and scatter plots showed no significant association between parents’ estimation of their children’s PA level at leisure time and the children’s objectively measured PA level. Only 5% of the parents estimated their children’s PA level correctly. In general, the parents overestimated their children’s PA levels by three times. Furthermore, the results found no significant correlation between children’s PA levels at leisure time and parents’ reported participation in PA with their children. Our findings indicate that parents’ self-estimation of their children’s PA is inaccurate, which is problematic. Considering that the PA levels of many children are too low to fulfill internationally established health recommendations, parents’ ‘wrong’ perception about their children’s PA urgently needs to be addressed and rectified.

Research protocol for a before-after comparison of the Impact of COVID-19 on Physical Activity, sedentary and dietary behaviour of School-going Adolescents in Punjab, India (ICPASA study)

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the already existing pandemic of physical inactivity. In adolescents, the effect of COVID-19 related governmental measures may be even more pronounced, as they experience school closures, home confinement, social distancing and possible mental health issues as a result. The current study uses the COVID-19 pandemic and associated governmental measures as a natural experiment to understand the impact on the lifestyle of adolescents with relation to physical activity, sedentary and dietary behaviour. We also aim to describe the determinants of change in lifestyle behaviours. Methods/Design: A before-after experimental study design will be followed in which baseline measurements have been undertaken in 2018-19 before the COVID-19 pandemic, and the follow-up measurements will be repeated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Twenty schools of Punjab, India form the primary unit of participation from which 1086 adolescents participated in the study. Validated questionnaires are used to measure physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and dietary behaviour. Additionally, objective measures of physical activity will be performed using accelerometer over a 7-day period on a sub-sample. Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference will be assessed objectively as a measure of central obesity. Qualitative interviews and focus group discussions will be conducted to have a better understanding for reasons of change in physical activity, sedentary and dietary behaviour or any possible differences between groups. Discussion: The study aims to reveal the impact of COVID-19 related governmental measures on physical activity, sedentary and dietary behaviour of adolescents. It is one of the first studies to show both subjective and objective measures of physical activity levels and sedentary time of school-going adolescents during COVID-19. Due to the mixed method approach we will be able to identify reasons for changes in lifestyle behaviours and possibly find innovative ways of staying physically active during the era of physical distancing.

The association between objectively measured physical activity and health-related quality of life, life-space mobility and successful ageing in older Indian adults.

BackgroundLongevity is increasing, accompanied by a rise in disability and chronic diseases with physical activity (PA) delaying disability, ensuring successful ageing (SA) and independent living in older adults.AimThis study aimed to determine objectively measure PA levels, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), life-space mobility and SA of older adults as well as their mutual associations.SettingKwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa.MethodsA total of 210 older adults aged 65–92 years were purposively sampled and completed the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey, the Life-Space Mobility, and Successful Ageing questionnaires. Physical activity levels were measured using an Omron Pedometer, which the participants wore for seven consecutive days.ResultsThe average number of steps taken per day for the 7 days was 2025, with 98.6% of the entire study population classified as sedentary. The Vitality domain (one of 8 categorised) reflected the best health status (M = 59.9, s.d. ± 18.8) with a significant 93% of the participants indicating that they had not visited places outside their immediate neighbourhood (p < 0.0005). A significant, negative association between the average number of steps taken in 7 days and all three SA variables, namely, the physical (r = –0.152, p = 0.027), sociological (r = –0.148, p = 0.032) and psychological (r = –0.176, p = 0.010), and a significant, positive association with life-space mobility (r = 0.224, p = 0.001) was noted.ConclusionThe majority of the older adults were sedentary, affecting their HRQoL, life-space mobility, and SA negatively.ContributionIt is imperative to develop effective physical activity programmes to ensure successful ageing by improving older adults’ quality of life and physical activity levels.

Effect of an Inside–Outside School Alternated Teaching Unit of Knowledge of the Environment for Practicing Physical Activity: A Cluster Randomized Control Trial

Purpose: To examine the effect of two physical education–based alternated teaching units on students’ environmental knowledge for practicing out-of-school physical activity (PA), perceived autonomy support, self-determined and controlled motivation toward PA, intention to be physically active, self-reported and objective PA levels, and sedentary behavior. Method: A sample of 179 students (94 females) aged 13–15 years old was cluster randomly assigned to the innovative group (two alternated teaching units for practicing PA, with one lesson inside and one outside the school grounds) or the traditional group (a teaching unit for practicing PA, solely inside the school center). Results: The alternated teaching units improved students’ knowledge of their environment for practicing PA, perceived autonomy, autonomous motivation, intention to be physically active, and self-reported PA during the whole week (p &lt; .05). Discussion/Conclusion: The innovative program improved students’ knowledge about their environment for practicing PA and self-reported PA but did not improve objectively measured PA levels.

Perception and Performance of Physical Activity Behavior after Head and Neck Cancer Treatment: Exploration and Integration of Qualitative and Quantitative Findings.

Maintaining or increasing physical activity (PA) may prevent loss of muscle mass and strength after completion of head and neck cancer (HNC) treatment. However, the exercise level of HNC patients may not meet PA guidelines. We aimed to explore HNC survivors’ views on PA, their report of PA, and to compare these with objectively measured PA. Combined qualitative and quantitative data of HNC survivors were explored post-treatment. Data from semi-structured interviews, questionnaires, and objective measurements of PA were collected, analyzed, and integrated. This resulted in the identification of five themes related to prioritizing, day-to-day life, intention, positive feelings, and social support, respectively, in nine HNC survivors (male: n = 5; age: 52–67 years). Objectively measured PA levels were sedentary to low. The lack of intention to increase PA may be related to HNC survivors’ perception that their current activity level is sufficient, despite low levels of measured PA. While some participants feel they need no help with PA, others are insecure about possible harms. Healthcare professionals may be able to help improve PA in HNC survivors with a tailored approach that reduces fear of harm and helps to incorporate higher intensity PA in daily activities.

Does GPAQ exhibit a higher correlation with the maximum oxygen capacity than IPAQ among young adults?

International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) are the two most widely used to measure physical activity (PA). Yet, their convergent validation with the maximum oxygen capacity (VO2Max) among Indonesian young adults is unknown. This study compared physical activity (PA) assessments using IPAQ and GPAQ and their correlations with the maximal oxygen capacity (VO2Max) in the young adult population. This study was a cross-sectional descriptive study on 63 Sports Science students (84.13% Male age ranged 18-22 years). PA was measured using both the GPAQ and IPAQ to calculate the total PA and PA in each domain (i.e. work-related, transport-related, and leisure). One additional domain which was household-related was assessed exclusively for the IPAQ based on the scoring guideline. The VO2Max was measured using a standard equation based on participants’ performance on a 1-mile run. Paired sample t-test was conducted to compare total PA based on GPAQ and IPAQ while the Wilcoxon sign rank test was conducted to compare GPAQ and IPAQ domains. Pearson or Spearman correlation test assessed the correlations among the VO2Max, total PA, and PA on each GPAQ’s and IPAQ domain. No significant difference in the total PA per week between IPAQ and GPAQ was found. Significant differences, however, were found in work and transport domains, but not in the leisure domains. A moderate correlation among GPAQ and IPAQ (r=0.56, p=0.01), a moderate correlation between GPAQ and VO2Max (r=0.41, p= 0.01) but a weak correlation between IPAQ dan VO2Max (r=0.25, p&lt;0.05) were demonstrated. While, this study has indicated convergent validity of both GPAQ and IPAQ, GPAQ has a higher correlation with VO2Max compared to the IPAQ. Therefore, GPAQ is more recommended to be used to measure PA levels among Indonesian young adults compared to IPAQ.

Relationship between Objectively and Subjectively Measured Physical Activity in Adolescents during and after COVID-19 Restrictions.

Background: Studying the relationship between subjectively and objectively measured physical activity (PA) can provide viable information on youths’ behaviors. However, the restrictions due to COVID-19 pandemic, which reduced children’s possibilities to be active, may negatively affect it. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between subjectively and objectively measured PA levels (light, moderate, vigorous, and moderate-to-vigorous) during COVID-19-based restrictions and after they were lifted, and to determine whether such relationships changed in these two periods. Methods: A total of 26 adolescents (58% girls; mean age = 12.4 ± 0.5) wore accelerometers during public restrictions and after they were removed. Participants also completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire during the same periods. Results: High significant correlations were found at all levels of PA (r = 0.767–0.968) in both time periods, except for moderate PA during restrictions. Comparing the two periods, significantly higher correlations were found for moderate PA (p < 0.001) and moderate-to-vigorous PA (p = 0.003) after restrictions were lifted. Conclusions: In this highly active cohort of adolescents, results emphasize the potential threat of lockdown conditions for youths’ ability to accurately perceive their behaviors, with possible detrimental consequences on the short- and long-term health.

Differences between Norwegian male and female preschool staff physical activity levels and their influence on PA levels of children

ABSTRACT The aim of the study was to examine differences between Norwegian male and female preschool staff according to physical activity (PA) levels during preschool hours. Using a mixed-method design, accelerometers were used to examine objectively measured PA level among male and female preschool staff, while observations, interviews and questionnaires were used to support the accelerometer data, and identify patterns related to preschool staff and children’s PA. The accelerometer data, observations, and interviews pointed towards male preschool staff as more physically active at preschool than female preschool staff. Observation and interview data further indicated that male staff interacted more than female staff in children’s active play. The findings suggest that male preschool staff contribute especially positively according to children’s PA in preschool, and that it is important to educate more male preschool teachers.

Group-based physical activity interventions for postpartum women with children aged 0\u20135\xa0years old: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials

BackgroundIt is estimated that less than one third of women (28%) worldwide, are not sufficiently active, and there is evidence indicating physical activity (PA) participation is lower during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Despite the importance of educating and encouraging postpartum women to engage in PA, existing systematic reviews have only focused on examining the impact of individually tailored PA interventions and on specific postpartum populations such as women who are inactive (i.e., do not meet PA recommendations) or women at risk of gestational diabetes mellitus or postnatal depression. This review aims to fill this gap by examining the impact of group-based PA interventions on postpartum women’s PA levels or other health behavior outcomes.MethodsA systematic literature search was conducted using four electronic databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE and PsychInfo) of published studies between 1st January 2000 and 31st October 2020. Studies were included if they targeted postpartum women with no current health conditions, had children aged 0–5 years, and engaged postpartum women in a group-based PA program that reported PA or other health behavior outcomes. Out of a total of 1091 articles that were initially identified, six were included.ResultsGroup-based PA interventions were moderately successful in changing or increasing postpartum women’s self-reported PA levels and psychological wellbeing in the first 2 years of their offspring’s life. Overall, group-based PA interventions were not successful in changing or increasing postpartum women’s objectively measured PA levels, but only one study objectively measured postpartum women’s PA levels. Narrative synthesis highlights the heterogeneity of the outcomes and methodologies used, and the low to medium risk of bias in the included studies.ConclusionTo strengthen the evidence-base for group-based PA programs with postpartum women there is an on-going need for more rigorous randomised controlled trials of appropriate length (at least 3 months in duration) with an adequate dose of group-based PA sessions per week (to meet PA guidelines), and that utilise objective measures of PA. In addition, future PA interventions for this population should include, at the very least, fidelity and process data to capture the characteristics or design features that appeal most to postpartum women.