Measured Moderate-to-vigorous Physical Activity Research Articles

Physical activity and peak oxygen consumption are associated with walking in multiple sclerosis

IntroductionMultiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system with a prevalence of nearly 1 million adults in the United States. MS results in declines in physical activity and peak oxygen consumption that might be independently associated with declines in walking performance. Therefore our purpose was to evaluate the association between physical activity and peak oxygen consumption with walking performance in individuals with MS. MethodsFifty individuals with MS between the ages of 18–70 yrs. (Female: 38; 46 ± 12 yrs.; BMI: 28.5 ± 6.4; EDSS: 3.3 [IQR: 2.5–4]) performed a maximal incremental cycle test to assess peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak), and wore an accelerometer for one week to measure moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Subjects further completed a timed 25-foot walk test (T25FW) and 6-minute walk (6MW) to measure walking performance. ResultsMVPA and VO2peak were correlated with 6MW and T25FW (p < 0.05). When combined in multivariate regression analyses, VO2peak and MVPA were both significant contributors of T25FW speed and 6MW, but after controlling for sex and age, MVPA was the only significant contributor (β = 0.32 and β = 0.44, respectively). ConclusionBoth higher MVPA and VO2peak were associated with better walking performance and in a combined model physical activity, but not peak oxygen consumption, remained an independent contributor to walking performance in individuals with MS. These results suggest that improving MVPA is a potential target for interventions to improve walking performance in persons with MS.

Physical activity, sedentary time and cardiometabolic health indicators among Mexican children.

We examined the independent associations of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary time (ST) with cardiometabolic indicators in Mexican children (4-6 years of age). We conducted a cross-sectional study (n = 400) using the measures of MVPA and ST (7-day accelerometry) and the following indicators: % body fat, waist circumference, body mass index (BMI) z-score, glycated haemoglobin, blood glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, leptin, adiponectin and resting blood pressure. We examined the independent associations of MVPA and ST with cardiometabolic indicators through confounder-adjusted and mutually adjusted (including both MVPA and ST) linear regression models. Confounder-adjusted models showed that MVPA was associated with higher BMI z-scores and lower adiponectin levels in girls and lower body fat among boys. ST was associated with higher body fat, in the full sample, and lower LDL cholesterol among boys. After mutually adjusting for MVPA and ST, MVPA (10-minute increase) remained significantly associated with BMI z-score in girls (β = 0.187, 95% CI: 0.019, 0.356) and ST (60-minute increase) remained significantly associated with higher body fat (β = 1.11%, 95% CI: 0.019, 2.203) among boys and higher glycated haemoglobin (β = 0.047% points, 95% CI: 0.000, 0.094) in the full sample. In preschool-aged children, the objective measures of ST and MVPA were associated with small differences in cardiometabolic health indicators. ST was unfavourably associated with some cardiometabolic indicators even after adjusting for MVPA, and thus appeared to have a more significant role than MVPA, especially in boys. Future longitudinal studies should confirm these results.

Concurrent agreement between ActiGraphⓇ and activPALⓇ in measuring moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity for adults

This study aimed to assess the ability of the activPALⓇ monitor (commonly used for measuring Sedentary Behaviour (SB), sitting or reclining with low energy expenditure while awake) to measure moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), by assessing its agreement with the concurrent measurement by ActiGraphⓇ monitor (commonly used for measuring MVPA) to identify if a single monitor could be used to measure both MVPA and SB. A convenience sample of 24 adults (79% female; aged 23–60) wore an ActiGraphⓇ GT3X+ and an activPAL3Ⓡ concurrently for one day during free-living activities. Time spent in MVPA was calculated as an outcome measure using published methods (ActiGraphⓇ, n = 6; activPALⓇn = 4). Agreement was assessed between pairs of outcomes using the Bland & Altman method. Participants engaged in between 60 and 145 min of MVPA. The activPALⓇ method summing time walking with a cadence ≥100 steps/min underestimated MVPA compared with the ActiGraphⓇ but had the lowest aggregate bias (−16 min). Other activPALⓇ methods, based on acceleration counts and the embedded MET algorithm, overestimated MVPA compared to the ActiGraphⓇ. The study was limited by the lack of activPALⓇ acceleration count methods developed for adults. With the recommended methods, the activPALⓇ could be suitable for use as a single monitor to measure both SB and MVPA.

Healthy for Life Pilot Study: A Multicomponent School and Home Based Physical Activity Intervention for Disadvantaged Children.

The study aimed to develop and evaluate a multicomponent school and home based physical activity (PA) intervention in children in grades 3–7 (aged 8–13 years) and determine the psychological variables that influence PA; 10 × 1 h school-based training sessions, a home-based activity program and 4 × 1 h lifestyle workshops for parents. PA was assessed at an intervention and nearby control school using accelerometers and self-report at 3-time points: baseline, post intervention and 10-week follow-up. Self-efficacy, self-management strategies, enjoyment, perceived barriers to PA, outcome-expectancy and social support were evaluated. The study showed 73% of the children with complete data sets at the intervention school (n = 27) did not increase device measured moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) in the after-school period (3 p.m. to 6 p.m.) or over the whole day or during school break time immediately following the intervention or at follow-up, as compared to 70% of children with complete data sets at the control school (n = 35; p > 0.05 for all). Overall, 59% of boys attained more than double the recommended 120 min of MVPA each day compared to 42% of girls (p = 0.013). At the baseline, children’s self-reported PA in the intervention school positively correlated with: outcome expectancy (R = 0.240, p = 0.015), enjoyment (R = 0.339, p < 0.001), self-efficacy (R = 0.399, p < 0.001), self-management (R = 0.617, p < 0.001), social support at home (R = 0.406, p < 0.001), and social support at school (R = 0.407, p < 0.001). Similar relationships were observed after the intervention and at follow-up. Focus groups with the children, parents and interviews with teachers identified areas for improvement of the intervention. In conclusion, while the multifaceted approach to improve PA was ineffective over the time span of the study, important predictors of PA in this sample of disadvantaged children were identified.

Use of Compositional Data Analysis to Show Estimated Changes in Cardiometabolic Health by Reallocating Time to Light-Intensity Physical Activity in Older Adults.

All physical activity (PA) behaviours undertaken over the day, including sleep, sedentary time, standing time, light-intensity PA (LIPA) and moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) have the potential to influence cardiometabolic health. Since these behaviours are mutually exclusive, standard statistical approaches are unable to account for the impact on time spent in other behaviours. By employing a compositional data analysis (CoDA) approach, this study examined the associations of objectively measured time spent in sleep, sedentary time, standing time, LIPA and MVPA over a 24-hday on markers of cardiometabolic health in older adults. Participants (n =366; 64.6years [5.3]; 46% female) from the Mitchelstown Cohort Rescreen Study provided measures of body composition, blood lipid and markers of glucose control. An activPAL3 Micro was used to obtain objective measures of sleep, sedentary time, standing time, LIPA and MVPA, using a 7-day continuous wear protocol. Regression analysis, using geometric means derived from CoDA (based on isometric log-ratio transformed data), was used to examine the relationship between the aforementioned behaviours and markers of cardiometabolic health. Standing time and LIPA showed diverging associations with markers of body composition. Body mass index (BMI), body mass and fat mass were negatively associated with LIPA (all p <0.05) and positively associated with standing time (all p <0.05). Sedentary time was also associated with higher BMI (p <0.05). No associations between blood markers and any PA behaviours were observed, except for triglycerides, which were negatively associated with standing time (p < 0.05). Reallocating 30min from sleep, sedentary time or standing time, to LIPA, was associated with significant decreases in BMI, body fat and fat mass. This is the first study to employ CoDA in older adults that has accounted for sleep, sedentary time, standing time, LIPA and MVPA in a 24-h cycle. The findings support engagement in LIPA to improve body composition in older adults. Increased standing time was associated with higher levels of adiposity, with increased LIPA associated with reduced adiposity; therefore, these findings indicate that replacing standing time with LIPA is a strategy to lower adiposity.

Associations of neighborhood walkability with intensity- and bout-specific physical activity and sedentary behavior of older adults in Japan.

We examined the relationships of objectively-measured walkability with accelerometer-measured activity patterns including bout-specific moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), light-intensity physical activity (LPA) and sedentary behavior in older Japanese adults. This cross-sectional study included 450 men and women (mean age 74 years) who were randomly selected from a resident registry of each municipality (Bunkyo, Fuchu and Oyama city). Neighborhood walkability was assessed using geographic information system data and activity patterns by a validated accelerometer (Active style Pro HJA-350IT). MVPA was assessed as overall (all minutes), short-bout (<10 min) and long-bout (≥10 min). We used analysis of covariance to examine environmental relationships with the three MVPA measures, LPA and sedentary behavior by quartiles of walkability, adjusting for accelerometer wear time and sociodemographic, behavioral and health-related factors. In total, 27% of participants achieved ≥150 min/week of long-bout MVPA. Walkability was not associated with overall MVPA (Q1 = 35.0, Q2 = 31.9, Q3 = 31.4, Q4 = 34.2 min/day) Older adults living in low-walkability areas significantly accumulated more short-bout MVPA (Q1 = 27.2, Q2 = 22.1, Q3 = 20.1, Q4 = 20.5 min/day) and LPA (Q1 = 346, Q2 = 311, Q3 = 289, Q4 = 284 min/day), but less sedentary behavior (Q1 = 479, Q2 = 520, Q3 = 544, Q4 = 544 min/day) than those living in high-walkability areas. Those living in low-walkability areas accumulated more LPA and short-bout MVPA. These activities might be helpful targets for initiatives to promote physical activity among older adult residents of low-walkability areas. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 861-867.

How many days are needed to estimate wrist-worn accelerometry-assessed physical activity during the second trimester in pregnancy?

BackgroundObjective methods to measure physical activity (PA) can lead to better cross-cultural comparisons, monitoring temporal PA trends, and measuring the effect of interventions. However, when applying this technology in field-work, the accelerometer data processing is prone to methodological issues. One of the most challenging issues relates to standardizing total wear time to provide reliable data across participants. It is generally accepted that at least 4 complete days of accelerometer wear represent a week for adults. It is not known if this same assumption holds true for pregnant women.AimWe assessed the optimal number of days needed to obtain reliable estimates of overall PA and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) during the 2nd trimester in pregnancy using a raw triaxial wrist-worn accelerometer.MethodsCross-sectional analyses were carried out in the antenatal wave of the 2015 Pelotas (Brazil) Birth Cohort Study. Participants wore the wrist ActiGraph wGT3X-BT accelerometer for seven consecutive days. The daily average acceleration, which indicated overall PA, was measured as milli-g (mg), and time spent in MVPA (minutes/day) was analyzed in 5-minute bouts. ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to compare variability across days of the week. Bland-Altman plots and the Spearman-Brown Prophecy Formula were applied to determine the reliability coefficient associated with one to seven days of measurement.ResultsAmong 2,082 pregnant women who wore the accelerometer for seven complete days, overall and MVPA were lower on Sundays compared to other days of the week. Reliability of > = 0.80 to evaluate overall PA was reached with at least three monitoring days, whereas seven days were needed to estimate reliable measures of MVPA.ConclusionsOur findings indicate that obtaining one week of accelerometry in adults is appropriate for pregnant women, particularly to obtain differences on weekend days and reliably estimate overall PA and MVPA.

Motivational processes in physical education and objectively measured physical activity among adolescents

PurposeGrounded in self-determination theory (SDT), the present study tested how students’ perceptions of autonomy support from physical education teachers predicts objectively measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) of adolescents. According to SDT, it was expected that psychological needs and autonomous and controlled forms of motivation would mediate these relationships. MethodsStudents (n = 397) aged from 11 to 15 years in 17 different schools filled in questionnaires regarding SDT variables. In addition, objective MVPA was measured using an accelerometer (ActiGraph GT3X; ActiGraph, Pensacola, FL, USA) for 7 days. Structural equation modelling was used to examine the hypothesized relationships among the study variables. ResultsThe theory-based model showed a good fit with the data: χ2 = 642.464, df = 257; comparative fit index = 0.932; non-normed fit index = 0.921; root mean square error of approximation = 0.062; root mean square error of approximation 90% confidence interval: 0.054–0.067. As hypothesized, there was a significant and positive direct relationship between autonomy support and need satisfaction (β = 0.81, p = 0.001). In turn, need satisfaction positively predicted intrinsic motivation (β = 0.86, p = 0.001). Intrinsic motivation was positively related to MVPA (β = 0.29, p = 0.009). A significant indirect effect (β = 0.20, p = 0.004) supported the mediating role of psychological need satisfaction and intrinsic motivation in the relationship between perceived autonomy support and objectively measured MVPA. ConclusionThe findings of the current study support the applicability of the SDT-based model in explaining the antecedents of objectively measured MVPA of adolescents. To enhance adolescents’ daily MVPA, special focus should be put on increasing their intrinsic motivation toward physical education.

Association Between Parenting Style And Adherence To The 24-hour Movement Guidelines In Adolescents

Previous studies have examined the influence of parental style on children’s physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior, and sleep in isolation. It is largely unknown how parenting style affect these movement behaviors as a whole within a 24-hour period. PURPOSE: To examine the association between parenting style and adherence to the 24-hour movement guidelines among adolescents in Hong Kong. METHODS: 1,039 adolescents aged 11-18 years and their parents participated in this study. The adolescents wore an activPALTM for 7 consecutive days to measure moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA), SB and sleep duration. Meeting the overall 24-hour movement guidelines was defined as: ≥ 60 minutes of MVPA, ≤ 2 hours of screen time (ST), and 8-10 hours of sleep a day. Parenting style was reported by the adolescents using the Parenting Styles and Dimensions Questionnaire (PSDQ) which assessed three domains (authoritarian, authoritative, and permissive). Linear mixed models were performed to assess the association between parenting styles from both parents and the numbers of recommendations met by the adolescents, adjusting for educational attainment of parents, number of siblings, and school clustering effects. The models were performed for boys and girls separately. RESULTS: 278 adolescents (14.6 ± 1.6 years, 48% girls) provided valid activPALTM data and reported the perceived parental style pertaining to their mothers and fathers. Only 1.1 % of the adolescents met the overall 24-hour guidelines. The percentage of meeting the PA, ST and sleep duration recommendations was 9.4%, 27.3%, and 37.8%, respectively. Permissive parenting style of the mothers was associated with a higher number of recommendations met by their sons (b = 0.07, 95% CI = 0.01 to 0.14, p < 0.05). There was no relationship between fathers’ parental style and adherence to the guidelines for adolescents. CONCLUSIONS: Adolescent boys were more likely to adhere to the 24-hour movement guidelines when their mothers had a more permissive parenting style. This study was supported by the General Research Fund (GRF) of the Research Grants Council (RGC) of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China (#14501415).

Associations between self-reported and objectively measured physical activity and overweight/obesity among adults in Kota Bharu and Penang, Malaysia

BackgroundFor the past decades, Malaysia has seen an increased prevalence of overweight and obesity which leads to significant health threats. Physical activity is beneficial in maintaining healthy body weight. The objective of this study was to measure physical activity of adults in Malaysia using objective measurement (accelerometer) and self-reported methods, as well as to determine their associations with (body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) measurements.MethodsFour-hundred and ninety Malaysian adults (n = 490) aged 20 to 65 years old participated in this cross-sectional study. Their body weight, height, and WC measurements were measured according to standard procedures. Physical activity was assessed objectively with accelerometers for five to seven consecutive days. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used to estimate the amount of time spent on various domains of physical activity. Mixed models were used to determine the associations between physical activity variables and both BMI and WC.ResultsThe mean value of objectively measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was 13.5 min per day, in which male participants recorded a significantly higher amount of time compared to females. On the other hand, the mean self-reported total physical activity was 380 min per week; male participants reported a significantly higher amount of time on physical activity in the occupation/work and leisure/recreation domains while female participants spent significantly more time in the domestic/household chores domain. We also observed that the mean values of objectively measured total MVPA, self-reported time spent on walking for leisure/recreation, and total time amount of time spent on MVPA for leisure/recreation were significantly higher among participants with BMI of less than 25 kg/m2. The final statistical model yielded a significant negative association between objectively measured total MVPA and BMI, but not with WC measurement. No significant association was reported between self-reported total physical activity with BMI and WC measurement.ConclusionsObjectively measured MVPA was inversely associated with BMI, but not WC measurement. No significant association was observed between self-reported total physical activity and physical activity time measures across domains with both BMI and WC measurement.

Feasibility study of perceived exertion and heart rate of children with ASD during swimming

This study explored the feasibility of manual heart rate and the Pictorial Children’s Effort Rating Table (PCERT) to measure moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Sixteen children with ASD participated in weekly, 30-minute Sensory Enhanced Aquatics swimming lessons. Swim instructors measured heart rate, and swimmers rated their physical activity levels using the PCERT. Results showed swimmers’ heart rate and perceived exertion significantly increased from the beginning to the end of lessons. However, both measures were difficult to implement, indicating they may not be feasible for this population. Future research should investigate alternative objective measures to quantify MVPA with the ASD population with use of devices such as the Garmin Swim, Fit Bit, or Actigraph.

A source of systematic bias in self-reported physical activity: The cutpoint bias hypothesis

ObjectivesEstimates of adults’ moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) based on self-report are generally higher than estimates derived from criterion measures. This study examines a possible explanation for part of this discrepancy: the cutpoint bias hypothesis. This hypothesis proposes that inter- and intra-individual variability in energy expenditure, combined with the fact that adults perform a high proportion of daily activities at or just above the traditional 3 MET cutpoint, result in systematic over-estimates of MVPA. DesignCross-sectional. MethodsTime-use recalls (n = 6862) were collected using the Multimedia Activity Recall for Children and Adults from 2210 adults (1215 female, age 16–93 years) from 16 studies conducted in Australia and New Zealand between 2008-2017. Minutes spent in MVPA were estimated using models with varying levels of intra- and inter-individual (total variability) Unadjusted (0% total variability), Low (11.9%), Best Guess (20.7%), and High (30.0%). ResultsIn the Unadjusted model, participants accumulated an average of 129 (standard deviation 127) min/day of MVPA. Estimated MVPA was 98 (110), 99 (107) and 108 (107) min/day in the Low, Best Guess and High variability models, respectively, with intra-class correlation coefficients with the Unadjusted model ranging from 0.78 to 0.83. ConclusionsThese findings support the hypothesis of a cutpoint bias, which probably contributes to the large disparities seen between self-reported and criterion measures of MVPA. Future studies are needed to confirm these findings using other self-report instruments and in other populations.

Motor competence, perceived physical competence, physical fitness, and physical activity within Finnish children.

The purpose of this study was to investigate reciprocal relationships among students' motor competence (MC) (leaping, throwing, catching, jumping skills), perceived physical competence, health-related fitness (HRF) (20m shuttle run, push-up, abdominal muscles endurance tests) and objectively measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Participants included 422 Grade 5 Finnish children (246 girls). Two separate structural equation models investigated paths (a) from MC through both perceived physical competence and HRF to MVPA, and (b) from MVPA through both perceived physical competence and HRF to MC. Model 1 demonstrated an indirect path from MC through HRF to MVPA and a direct path from MC to perceived physical competence for both boys and girls. Additionally, model 1 revealed a direct path from perceived physical competence to MVPA for the girls and from MC to MVPA for the boys. MC, perceived physical competence, and HRF explained 13% of variance in MVPA for the girls and 25% for the boys. Model 2 indicated indirect paths from MVPA through perceived physical competence to MC and from MVPA through HRF to MC for both boys and girls. Additionally, a direct path from MVPA to MC was found in the boys' group. MVPA, perceived physical competence, and HRF explained 48% of variance in MC for the girls and 53% for the boys. Results of this study provide preliminary support for the reciprocal nature of relationships among MC development, perceived physical competence, HRF and MVPA.

Joint associations between weekday and weekend physical activity or sedentary time and childhood obesity.

To evaluate the single and joint associations of objectively measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary time on week and weekend days with obesity in children from 12 countries across all inhabited continents. A multinational, 12-country cross-sectional study of 5779 children aged 9-11 years was conducted. Time spent in MVPA and sedentary behaviors was assessed by waist-worn accelerometry. Logistic regression was used to examine the independent and joint associations of MVPA and sedentary time on weekdays and weekend with the odds of obesity. After adjustment for all confounding factors, the odds ratios (ORs) of childhood obesity were the highest among children with a low level of MVPA on both weekdays and weekend (OR 4.67), high among children with a high level of MVPA on weekdays and a low level of MVPA on weekend (OR 1.99) and high among children with a low level of MVPA on weekdays and a high levels of MVPA on weekend (OR 2.20), compared to those with a high level of MVPA on both weekdays and weekend. Similarly, the ORs of childhood obesity were significantly higher among children with a high level of sedentary time on both weekdays and weekend (OR 1.87) compared with those with low levels of sedentary time on both weekdays and weekend. Lower levels of MVPA or higher levels of sedentary time on either weekdays or weekend were associated with increased odds of obesity in 9-11 year old children in 12 countries.

Within-Subject Associations of Maternal Physical Activity Parenting Practices on Children's Objectively Measured Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity.

Longitudinal within-subject (WS) associations of mothers' momentary assessed physical activity (PA) parenting practices were examined with children's objectively measured PA during the same 2-hr time frame. Mother-child dyads (n = 189) completed five ecological momentary assessment (EMA) measurement bursts over 3 years. During each 7-day burst, mothers EMA-reported their past 2 hr PA parenting practices (i.e., encouraging their child to be physically active, taking their child someplace to be physically active), and children (Mage=9.6 years, SD = 0.9) wore an accelerometer to measure moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA). Two-part multilevel models were used, with zero portions representing not meeting MVPA and positive portions representing any MVPA, controlling for demographic covariates. Cross-level interaction terms of child sex and age with parenting were created to test moderation effects. When mothers reported taking their child to be physically active, children were more likely to get some MVPA (b = -0.56, p < .001). When mothers reported taking their child to be physically active more, children had higher levels of MVPA (b = 0.24, p < .001). When mothers reported encouraging their child to be physically active, children were less likely to get any MVPA (b = 0.27, p < .05). However, when mothers reported encouraging their child to be physically active more, children had higher levels of MVPA (b = 0.29, p < .001). These effects were not moderated by child sex or age. WS variations of mothers' support for PA across the day were associated with changes in children's MVPA. Future research should consider promoting mothers' provision of support for increasing children's PA.

Sex differences in physical activity engagement after ACL reconstruction

ObjectivesTo investigate the effects of sex as an effect modifier of objectively measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in individuals following ACLR and healthy controls. DesignCross-sectional research study. SettingUniversity community. Participants59 participants (42.4% male) with a history of ACLR and 55 healthy control participants (40.0% male). Main outcome measuresParticipants were outfitted with an ActiGraph wGT3X-BT accelerometer for a period of 7 days to assess MVPA. Weekly time engaged in MVPA (in bouts≥ 10 min), % of total time engaged in MVPA, and odds of meeting national physical activity guidelines (MVPA≥ 150 min/wk) were compared between males and females with a history of ACLR and healthy controls. ResultsThere were significant sex X group interactions for weekly MVPA (p = 0.02) and % total time in MVPA (p = 0.01). The odds of a female ACLR participant meeting national physical activity guidelines were significantly worse (X2 = 4.18, OR = 2.54, CI95 = 1.03–6.27) when compared to participants without ACLR. ConclusionsFemale participants with ACLR were found to be less active than healthy control participants and their odds of meeting national MVPA guidelines were also 2.54 times worse than healthy participants.

Reliability and validity of a self-administered Arabic version of the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ-A).

The primary objective of this study was to assess the test-retest reliability of the Arabic language version of the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ-A). Additionally, the study assessed criterion validity of the instrument. Emirati university students (N.=93) were asked to complete the GPAQ-A on two occasions (7 days apart). A subset of 48 participants wore an accelerometer for 7 days after which they completed the GPAQ-A. Test-retest reliability of the GPAQ-A was acceptable for moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) (ρ=0.78; 95% CI: 0.69 to 0.86), moderate physical activity (MPA) (ρ=0.73; 95% CI: 0.61 to 0.82) and vigorous physical activity (VPA) (ρ=0.62; 95% CI: 0.44 to 0.76). Test-retest reliability of the single item sedentary behavior (SB) measure was less promising (ρ=0.44; 95% CI: 0.22 to 0.64). Criterion validity of the MVPA measure was fair (ρ=0.23; 95% CI: -0.13 to 0.57). Test-retest reliability for the GPAQ-A was acceptable to assess physical activity (PA) but less promising for SB. Criterion validity of the PA measures was fair. Additional work is needed to develop robust measures of PA and SB in this population.

Changes in Objectively Measured Activity Behavior Among Women Undergoing Breast Cancer Treatment: Longitudinal Cohort Study

Purpose: Activity behaviors of breast cancer survivors (BCSs) during treatment are unlikely to be at levels sufficient enough to gain health benefits. Previous activity research among BCSs has been mainly posttreatment and generally cross-sectional. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and changes in objectively measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), light physical activity (LPA), and sedentary behavior (SED) among BCSs undergoing adjuvant/palliative therapy. Methods: Participants completed baseline surveys and wore accelerometers to measure activity during waking hours during treatment and again 6 months later. Hierarchal linear modeling (HLM) was used to determine changes. Results: In total, 77 BCSs participated. Ninety-one percent provided physical activity (PA) data for 3 or more valid days at baseline (T 1) and 72% at 6 months (T 2); 29% met PA guidelines at T 1 and 41% at T 2. Daily LPA and SED did not change from T 1 to T 2 (133 vs 138 minutes; 595 vs 597 minutes). Controlling for body mass index at the intercept, HLM revealed that MVPA significantly increased from T 1 to T 2 (+5.62; P = .015). Conclusion: An increase in objectively measured total daily MVPA over 6 months was found, at which time, fewer BCSs were currently receiving chemo- or radiotherapy and may theoretically be feeling better. However, fewer T 2 measures may bias and artificially inflate the results. Although total MVPA minutes increased at T 2, less than half BCSs were meeting guidelines and had high amounts of LPA/SED during treatment, with insignificant change over time (71% at T 1; 59% at T 2). Practitioner intervention may help reduce SED while increasing LPA and MVPA behavior among those currently undergoing treatment.

Body pride and physical activity: Differential associations between fitness- and appearance-related pride in young adult Canadians

Body-related pride has been associated with health behaviors such as physical activity; however, researchers have overlooked distinctions between different domains of pride (appearance/fitness) and the two facets of pride (authentic/hubristic). The objective of the present research was to examine relationships between fitness- and appearance-related authentic and hubristic pride and physical activity. In Study 1, participants (N = 115) completed measures of fitness-related pride and participation in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Both authentic and hubristic pride were positively associated with MVPA. In Study 2, participants (N = 173) completed measures of appearance-related pride and MVPA. Neither facet of pride predicted engagement in MVPA. In Study 3, participants (N = 401) completed measures of both fitness-related pride and appearance-related pride as well as MVPA. Authentic and hubristic fitness-related pride were associated with MVPA, while appearance-related hubristic pride was negatively associated with MVPA. Results support the adaptive nature of pride in motivating engagement in health behaviors when it is experienced around the body’s functionality rather than appearance.

Longitudinal associations of fundamental movement skills with objectively measured physical activity and sedentariness during school transition from primary to lower secondary school

ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate cross-lagged associations of leaping skill and throwing–catching skills with objectively measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary time (ST) during school transition from upper primary (Grade 6) to lower secondary school (Grade 7). DesignThis study is a one-year prospective follow-up study within Finnish school settings. Students’ MVPA, ST, leaping skill and throwing–catching skills were measured at Grade 6 and subsequently at Grade 7. MethodsA sample of 336 students (163 girls, 173 boys; M age=12.0 years, SD=0.4 at Grade 6 participated in the study. Students’ MVPA and ST were measured objectively by hip-worn accelerometers. Leaping skill was measured by 5-leaps test. Throwing and catching skills were measured by throwing–catching combination test. Cross-lagged structural equation modeling was conducted to evaluate the associations between MVPA, ST, leaping skill, and throwing–catching skills at Grade 6 and Grade 7. ResultsResults demonstrated three significant cross-lagged associations among girls: (1) leaping skill measured at Grade 6 was negatively associated with ST at Grade 7; (2) objectively measured MVPA at Grade 6 associated positively with leaping skill at Grade 7; and (3) throwing–catching skills measured at Grade 6 associated positively with leaping skill measured at Grade 7. There were no statistically significant cross-lagged associations between the study variables for the sample of boys. ConclusionsThe results of this study indicated that supporting opportunities for girls’ engagement in both MVPA and leaping skill development activities during their primary school education is strongly recommended.