Meeting Physical Activity Guidelines Research Articles

Comparison of Self-Reported Physical Activity with Objectively Measured Physical Activity in Undergraduate Students

The short-form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) is widely used to assess physical activity (PA), however, research suggests the validity of the IPAQ is inconsistent across studies. PURPOSE: To investigate differences between estimates of sedentary behavior and PA from the IPAQ and accelerometry in undergraduate students. METHODS: 56 students (mean ± SD: age 20.6 ± 1.4 y; BMI 24.4 ± 3.6 kg/m2; and VO2peak 45.7 ± 7.7 mL/kg/min) participated in the study. Step counts and time spent in sedentary behavior, light, moderate, and vigorous PA were measured by an Actigraph GT3X+ for 7 days during waking hours. Following accelerometer wear, students self-reported their time spent sitting and in PA with the IPAQ. Partial correlations were used to assess associations among time spent sitting and in PA between the IPAQ and accelerometer while controlling for age, sex, and accelerometer wear time. The agreement between methods was assessed via Bland-Altman plots using 95% limits of agreement. The ability of the IPAQ to correctly classify students as meeting the PA guidelines was analyzed with McNemar’s test. RESULTS: IPAQ sitting time was associated with accelerometer sedentary time (r=0.38, p<0.01). IPAQ walking time was associated with accelerometer light PA (r=0.33, p=0.02) but not step counts (r=0.20, p=0.16). Although IPAQ moderate (r=0.34, p=0.02) and vigorous PA (r=0.47, p<0.01) were associated with accelerometer values, minutes spent in moderate-to-vigorous PA were underestimated by the IPAQ (409.1±50.1 vs. 520.4±29.6 min/week, respectively). Bland-Altman plots revealed acceptable agreement between methods. However, bias was evident for all PA intensities, with students tending to under-report moderate and over-report vigorous PA. Proportional bias existed for vigorous PA, indicating as the amount of vigorous PA increased, so did the error between methods. The IPAQ indicated that 71% of participants met PA guidelines compared with 55% for the accelerometer (p=0.09). CONCLUSIONS: Researchers should exercise caution when interpreting PA assessed via the IPAQ in undergraduate students. Although correlations appear acceptable, significant bias may be present. However, the IPAQ may be a viable tool for assessing whether students meet current PA guidelines.Funded by NIH 1U54GM104944

Comparison Of Hip And Wrist Accelerometers In Pre-adolescents During Free-living And Semi-structured Physical Activity

The dose-response relationship between physical activity (PA) and health is not well understood. The development of accelerometer-based motion sensors make it possible to objectively measure several dimensions of PA in free-living contexts. These devices have traditionally been worn on the hip, however there has been a recent trend to place these monitors on the wrist. PURPOSE: 1) To examine the accuracy of a hip (Evenson algorithm) and wrist-worn (Crouter algorithm) accelerometer for categorizing PA intensity in pre-adolescent girls during dance classes using direct observation (D.O.) as the criterion measure. 2) To compare the validity of the hip and wrist-worn accelerometer algorithms for classifying girls as meeting or not meeting PA guidelines. METHODS: For aim 1, participants (N = 6; Age = 10.22 ± 2.38) were video recorded while wearing hip and wrist accelerometers during a dance class. Data was analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis Test. For aim 2, participants (N = 20; Age = 8.6 ± 1.6) wore a hip and wrist accelerometer concurrently for seven consecutive days. Fisher Exact Test was used to compare similarity between wrist and hip accelerometry data. RESULTS: For aim 1, compared to D.O., the wrist-worn accelerometer was inaccurate in measuring time spent in light PA (D.O. = 44.77 ± 6.82; wrist = 5.27 ± 4.98), vigorous PA (D.O. = 0.50 ± 1.01; wrist = 27.65 ± 22.87) and MVPA (D.O. = 6.59 ± 5.34; wrist = 44.14 ± 7.57). The hip-worn accelerometer was inaccurate in measuring time spent in sedentary time (D.O. = 1.39 ± 2.18; hip = 12.38 ± 8.25), light PA (D.O. = 44.77 ± 6.82; hip = 30.23 ± 5.47), vigorous PA (D.O. = 0.50 ± 1.01; hip = 4.05 ± 3.56) and total PA (D.O. = 51.36 ± 2.19; hip = 40.46 ± 8.25). For aim 2, there was no location differences for meeting PA guidelines for 1-2 days. However, there was a significant difference for 3-4 days (OR = 7.01) and ≥5 days (OR = 7.01). CONCLUSION: Both the hip and wrist-worn accelerometer algorithms provided poor classification accuracy for PA during dance class. Relative to the hip-worn accelerometer, the wrist-worn accelerometer was more likely to classify girls as meeting guidelines for PA. Future research should move away from cut-point methods and use pattern recognition algorithms that leverage the rich data available in the acceleration signal.

Do New Zealand Women’s Age and Ethnicity Contribute to Achieving Physical Activity Guidelines?

Regular participation in physical activity (PA) has overwhelming positive implications on long-term health and on disease prevention. Despite established government guidelines to improve health through PA, over half of New Zealand women reportedly fail to meet these criteria. Barriers to achieving minimum physical activity levels may include demographic characteristics (i.e. age, ethnicity), but the contribution of each factor is unclear. PURPOSE: To understand how age and ethnicity affect a New Zealand woman’s ability to meet PA guidelines. METHODS: Healthy New Zealand women (n = 350) of three ethnicities (Māori, Pacific, European) aged 16-45y (stratified as 16-25y, 26-35y, 36-45y) wore triaxial accelerometers for 7 days. Levels of moderate-vigorous PA (MVPA; ≥2020 counts.min-1) were assessed. Participants were categorised as achieving or not achieving PA guidelines. PA guidelines are commonly reported as either ≥150 min.wk-1 MVPA (Basic) or ≥150 min.wk-1 MVPA in bouts of 10+ min (Basic10+), therefore both of these classifications were considered. RESULTS: Basic10+ guidelines were met by only 32% of New Zealand women; a further 34% of women (66% in total) met Basic guidelines. There were no significant differences between the three age groups when ethnicity was not also considered. Achievement of Basic guidelines was lower in Pacific women (37%) than Maori (65%; p=0.001) or European (75%; p<0.001) women. Specifically, fewer Pacific women in the 16-25y and 36-45y age groups achieved Basic PA guidelines than women of the same age but different ethnicity. More European women (38%) met Basic10+ guidelines than Maori (22%; p=0.011) or Pacific (22%; p=0.012) women. These differences between ethnicity were not specific to any age group. CONCLUSION: Although only two-thirds of New Zealand women achieved Basic PA guidelines, the prevalence was substantially higher than overall national statistics (48%). Given the extremely low rates of PA for periods of 10 or more minutes, a strategy is needed to increase the length of time women spend in bouts of MVPA. The findings further suggest that ethnicity, more so than age, is a contributing factor to achieving PA guidelines. Funding Sources: Nutricia Research Foundation

Socio-demographic correlates of physical activity among European older people.

From a public health perspective, identifying factors related to attaining the physical activity (PA) recommendations is important in order to identify subgroups for intervention programs. The aim of this study is to identify the socio-demographic correlates of attaining the recommended levels of PA in the older European population. Using data from the European Social Survey round 6, PA and socio-demographic characteristics were collected from 10,148 participants (4556 men, 5592 women), aged 65years and over, from 28 countries in 2012. PA was accessed using the question "On how many of the last seven days did you walk quickly, do sports, or other PA for 30min or longer?" and meeting PA guidelines was assessed using World Health Organization criteria. Overall, 59.7% of the participants attained the PA-recommended levels. The likelihood of attaining PA recommendations was higher among older people with higher education levels (p<0.05; p<0.01; p<0.001). Men who lived in a town or small city (p<0.05) and lived in a rural area (p<0.001) were more likely to attain the PA recommendations. Women who lived with a partner were more likely to attain the PA recommendations (p<0.001). Promotion of PA is critical to health among older people; therefore, intervention programs must consider these socio-demographic factors when planning an increase in PA.

Objectively Assessed Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour During Pregnancy in Portuguese Women: Differences Between Trimesters and Weekdays and Weekends

Background: Engaging in physical activity (PA) and reducing sedentary behaviour (SB) are important for health during pregnancy, yet relatively few studies have examined these variables using objective measures and across trimesters during pregnancy. Objective: To determine the amount of objectively assessed PA and SB engaged in whether there was any weekday to weekend day variation in PA and SB during the first and second trimester of pregnancy. Method: PA and SB were determined using accelerometry worn over 7 consecutive days during each trimester in 137 Portuguese females (mean age ± SD = 29.6 ± 5.7). Results: In regard to the proportion of participants meeting the ACSM guidelines for PA, 37.5% of the participants in the first trimester and 29.6% of participants in the second trimester met the cut off of 30min or more of any type of moderate intensity activity on most (5) days of the week. Moderate intensity PA was significantly lower in trimester 2 compared to trimester 1 (P = 0.003). Moderate intensity PA was also significantly lower during weekends compared to weekdays irrespective of trimester (P = 0.003). SB, light and vigorous intensity PA were relatively stable from trimester 1 to trimester 2 and between weekdays and weekends (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The present study suggests that the majority of women do not meet PA guidelines for health during pregnancy and that moderate intensity PA declines form trimester 1 to 2 and is lower at weekends.

A comparative effectiveness education trial for lifestyle health behavior change in African Americans.

Obesity and excess weight are significant clinical and public health issues that disproportionately affect African Americans because of physical inactivity and unhealthy eating. We compared the effects of alternate behavioral interventions on obesity-related health behaviors. We conducted a comparative effectiveness education trial in a community-based sample of 530 adult African Americans. Outcomes variables were physical activity (PA) and fruit and vegetable intake. Outcomes were evaluated at baseline and 1-month following interventions about shared risk factors for cancer and cardiovascular disease (CVD) (integrated, INT) or CVD only (disease-specific). Significant increases were found in the proportion of participants who met PA guidelines from baseline (47.4%) to follow-up (52.4%) (P = 0.005). In the stratified analysis that were conducted to examine interaction between education and intervention group assignment, this effect was most apparent among participants who had ≤high school education and were randomized to INT (OR = 2.28, 95% CI = 1.04, 5.00, P = 0.04). Completing the intervention was associated with a 1.78 odds of meeting PA guidelines (95% CI = 1.02, 3.10, P = 0.04). Education about risk factors for chronic disease and evidence-based strategies for health behavior change may be useful for addressing obesity-related behaviors among African Americans.

Sitting Time, Physical Activity and Sleep by Work Type and Pattern-The Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health.

Data from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health were used to examine how work was associated with time spent sleeping, sitting and in physical activity (PA), in working women. Young (31–36 years; 2009) and mid-aged (59–64 years; 2010) women reported sleep (categorised as shorter ≤6 h/day and longer ≥8 h/day) and sitting time (work, transport, television, non-work computer, and other; summed for total sitting time) on the most recent work and non-work day; and moderate and vigorous PA (categorised as meeting/not meeting guidelines) in the previous week. Participants reported occupation (manager/professional; clerical/sales; trades/transport/labourer), work hours (part-time; full-time) and work pattern (shift/night; not shift/night). The odds of shorter sleep on work days was higher in both cohorts for women who worked shift or night hours. Longer sitting time on work days, made up primarily of sitting for work, was found for managers/professionals, clerical/sales and full-time workers. In the young cohort, clerical/sales workers and in the mid-aged cohort, full-time workers were less likely to meet PA guidelines. These results suggest multiple behaviour interventions tailored to work patterns and occupational category may be useful to improve the sleep, sitting and activity of working women.

Time to \u2018re-think\u2019 physical activity promotion for young people? Results from a repeated cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between knowledge of the current UK physical activity (PA) guidelines and amount of daily PA using a sample population of 11–16 year olds in Northern Ireland.MethodsCross-sectional survey data from the 2010 and 2013 Young Persons’ Behaviour and Attitudes Survey of 10,790 young people provided information on PA, knowledge of guidelines and socio-demographic characteristics. Multinomial logistic regression was used to investigate the associations between knowledge and amount of daily PA.ResultsResults from 2013 showed 67.0% of respondents were aware of PA guidelines with 15.4% reporting meeting them. Males were more likely to meet PA guidelines than females (OR 3.36, 95% CI 2.47, 4.59). Males who were active for 60 min or more, 7 days per week were less likely to be aware of guidelines (OR = 1.51, 95% CI 1.02, 2.24). For females, knowledge of PA guidelines had no significant association with amount of daily PA (OR = 1.74, 95% CI 0.99, 3.07). Those who did not enjoy being active were less likely to meet the guidelines (OR = 0.05, 95% CI 0.02, 0.12).ConclusionsKnowledge did not appear to be an important predictor of PA in young people. Consequently, threshold based messaging containing recommended minimum PA guideline information may not be appropriate for this age group. Re-branding PA promotion to include the use of humour may offer a new direction for public health messaging based around fun and enjoyment.

Factors associated with meeting physical activity guidelines by adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities

BackgroundMany individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) have sedentary lifestyles. Aims(a) compare adults with IDD with the general adult population on adherence to U.S. physical activity (PA) guidelines, and (b) determine what factors predict adherence to PA guidelines by adults with IDD. MethodsWe compared adults with IDD from the 2011–2012 National Core Indicators Adult Consumer Survey (NCI-ACS) with the general U.S. population on meeting PA guidelines. We examined the association of demographic, diagnostic, mobility, health and community participation variables with meeting PA guidelines by adults with IDD. ResultsThe rate for adults with IDD meeting PA guidelines (13.5%) was less than half that of the general population (30.8%). Among adults with IDD, at-risk groups included those with more severe disability, Down syndrome, mobility impairments, obesity, poor health, mental illness, no independent access to community exercise, and less frequent participation in community exercise. Going out for exercise was the only form of community participation associated with meeting PA guidelines. People who accessed the community for exercise independently (i.e., alone) were more likely to meet PA guidelines. ConclusionsInterventions aimed at increasing PA for people with IDD should consider these factors in their design.

Meeting Recommended Levels of Physical Activity in Relation to Preventive Health Behavior and Health Status Among Adults.

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to examine the relationship of meeting the recommended levels of physical activity (PA) with health status and preventive health behavior in adults.MethodsA total of 5630 adults 18 years of age or older were included in this study. PA was assessed using a series of questions that categorized activities based on their metabolic equivalent values and then categorized individuals based on the reported frequency and duration of such activities. Participants reporting 150 minutes or more of moderate-intensity PA per week were considered to have met the PA guidelines. Multiple logistic regression was used to model the relationships between meeting PA guidelines and health status and preventive health behavior, while controlling for confounding variables.ResultsOverall, 53.9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 51.9 to 55.9%) of adults reported meeting the recommended levels of PA. Among adults with good general health, 56.9% (95% CI, 54.7 to 59.1%) reported meeting the recommended levels of PA versus 43.1% (95% CI, 40.9 to 45.3%) who did not. Adults who met the PA guidelines were significantly more likely not to report high cholesterol, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, arthritis, asthma, depression, or overweight. Furthermore, adults meeting the PA guidelines were significantly more likely to report having health insurance, consuming fruits daily, consuming vegetables daily, and not being a current cigarette smoker.ConclusionsIn this study, we found meeting the current guidelines for PA to have a protective relationship with both health status and health behavior in adults. Health promotion programs should focus on strategies that help individuals meet the current guidelines of at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity PA.

Obesity, diet quality, physical activity, and the built environment: the need for behavioral pathways.

BackgroundThe built environment (BE) is said to influence local obesity rates. Few studies have explored causal pathways between home-neighborhood BE variables and health outcomes such as obesity. Such pathways are likely to involve both physical activity and diet.MethodsThe Seattle Obesity Study (SOS II) was a longitudinal cohort of 440 adult residents of King Co, WA. Home addresses were geocoded. Home-neighborhood BE measures were framed as counts and densities of food sources and physical activity locations. Tax parcel property values were obtained from County tax assessor. Healthy Eating Index (HEI 2010) scores were constructed using data from food frequency questionnaires. Physical activity (PA) was obtained by self-report. Weights and heights were measured at baseline and following 12 months’ exposure. Multivariable regressions examined the associations among BE measures at baseline, health behaviors (HEI-2010 and physical activity) at baseline, and health outcome both cross-sectionally and longitudinally.ResultsNone of the conventional neighborhood BE metrics were associated either with diet quality, or with meeting PA guidelines. Only higher property values did predict better diets and more physical activity. Better diets and more physical activity were associated with lower obesity prevalence at baseline and 12 mo, but did not predict weight change.ConclusionAny links between the BE and health outcomes critically depend on establishing appropriate behavioral pathways. In this study, home-centric BE measures, were not related to physical activity or to diet. Further studies will need to consider a broader range of BE attributes that may be related to diets and health.

An analysis of weight perception and physical activity and dietary behaviours among youth in the COMPASS study

PurposeWeight misperceptions appear common among youth, potentially influencing their motivation to engage in health-related behaviours; however, the direction of impact remains unclear. The current study examined how weight perception influences physical activity (PA) and diet among youth. MethodsThis study used 2-year linked data of 19,322 grade 9–12 students from Year 2 (Y2:2013-2014) and 3 (Y3:2014-2015) of the COMPASS study. Generalized Estimating Equation models tested the effect of Y3 weight perception on the various Y3 PA and dietary behaviour measures, adjusting for Y3 covariates (grade, race/ethnicity, weekly spending money), school cluster, school area median household income, and the Y2 outcome. Models were stratified by gender and body mass index (BMI) classification. ResultsRegardless of BMI status, overweight perceptions among boys and girls were associated with lower likelihoods of playing school sports, physical education class enrollment, meeting resistance exercise recommendations, eating breakfast regularly, and less vigorous-intensity PA, and among boys only, lower odds of meeting PA guidelines, compared to their peers who perceived their weight as “about right”. In boys with normal-weight BMIs, underweight perceptions predicted less vigorous-intensity PA, and lower odds of physical education class enrollment, and of meeting PA and resistance exercise recommendations, than “about right” perceptions. Among girls, underweight perceptions predicted lower likelihoods of engaging in adequate resistance exercise and playing intramurals, and greater odds of eating fast food on weekends, purchasing snacks, and drinking energy drinks and sugar-sweetened beverages. Girls with overweight/obese BMIs who perceived their weight as such were less likely to consume adequate fruits and vegetables relative to their counterparts with “about right” weight perceptions. ConclusionsOverall, weight perceptions of “about right” appear more favourable for health behaviours among youth across the weight range. Results suggest obesity prevention strategies aiming to increase awareness of weight status may have unintended effects.

A STUDY OF THE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY OF SUPPORTERS OF PROFESSIONAL SPORTS

Physical inactivity has been identified as the 4th leading cause of global mortality (http://www.who.int/topics/physical_activity/en). UK physical activity (PA) guidelines advise adults should achieve a weekly minimum of 150 minutes moderate...

Study protocol: the Fueling Learning through Exercise (FLEX) study - a randomized controlled trial of the impact of school-based physical activity programs on children's physical activity, cognitive function, and academic achievement.

BackgroundPhysical activity (PA) is critical to preventing childhood obesity and contributes to children’s overall physical and cognitive health, yet fewer than half of all children achieve the recommended 60 min per day of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Schools are an ideal setting to meeting PA guidelines, but competing demands and limited resources have impacted PA opportunities. The Fueling Learning through Exercise (FLEX) Study is a randomized controlled trial that will evaluate the impact of two innovative school-based PA programs on children’s MVPA, cognitive function, and academic outcomes.MethodsTwenty-four public elementary schools from low-income, ethnically diverse communities around Massachusetts were recruited and randomized to receive either 100 Mile Club® (walking/running program) or Just Move™ (classroom-based PA program) intervention, or control. Schoolchildren (grades 3–4, approximately 50 per school) were recruited to participate in evaluation. Primary outcome measures include PA via 7-day accelerometry (Actigraph GT3X+ and wGT3X-BT), cognitive assessments, and academic achievement via state standardized test scores. Additional measures include height and weight, surveys assessing psycho-social factors related to PA, and dietary intake. School-level surveys assess PA infrastructure and resources and intervention implementation. Data are collected at baseline, mid-point (5–6 months post-baseline), and post-intervention (approximately 1.5 years post-baseline). Demographic data were collected by parents/caregivers at baseline. Mixed-effect models will test the short- and long-term effects of both programs on minutes spent in MVPA, as well as secondary outcomes including cognitive and academic outcomes.DiscussionThe FLEX study will evaluate strategies for increasing children’s MVPA through two innovative, low-cost, school-based PA programs as well as their impact on children’s cognitive functioning and academic success. Demonstration of a relationship between school-based MVPA with neutral or improved, rather than diminished, academic outcomes in a naturalistic environment has the potential to positively influence investment in school PA programs and initiatives.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02810834. Registered May 11, 2015. (Retrospectively registered)

Longitudinal Relationships of Fitness, Physical Activity, and Weight Status With Academic Achievement in Adolescents.

To examine associations of cardiorespiratory fitness, physical activity (PA) and weight status with academic achievement 1 year later. In addition, the mediating role of psychological variables was tested. Longitudinal analyses included 1011 German students (M = 14.1 years, SD = 0.6 years). Cardiorespiratory fitness was determined with the 20 m shuttle run test. Compliance with PA guidelines was assessed through questionnaire. Weight status was based on body mass index percentiles. As proxy of academic achievement students' self-reported grades in Mathematics and German in their midterm report were averaged. Mediation analyses were conducted at follow-up testing general self-efficacy, depressed affect, and attention/hyperactivity problems. High levels of cardiorespiratory fitness predicted higher educational attainment (p = .007), while we found no longitudinal association for PA and weight status (p > .253). However, students being insufficiently physically active at baseline but meet PA guidelines at follow-up showed a significant improvement in educational attainment. The cross-sectional association between PA and academic achievement was mediated by students' general self-efficacy. High fitness in adolescence is associated with higher subsequent academic achievement. The promotion of PA might benefit school performance because of enhanced fitness levels in the long-term and positive influences of PA in the shortterm. The association between weight status and educational attainment remains controversial.

Acculturation and activity behaviors in Chinese American immigrants in New York City.

Asian Americans have lower levels of physical activity (PA) compared to other racial/ethnic groups; however, there is little understanding of the social and cultural determinants of PA in this population. Few analyses describe specific PA domains (occupation-, transportation-, recreation-related), focus on one Asian subgroup, or use validated scales. The study objective was to assess the association between acculturation and activity behaviors (meeting 2008 PA guidelines, activity minutes by PA domain, sitting time) in a cross-sectional sample of urban-dwelling, Chinese American immigrants. Data were from the Chinese American Cardiovascular Health Assessment (CHA CHA) 2010–11 among participants with valid reports of PA minutes, assessed by the WHO Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (n = 1772). Acculturation was assessed using the Stephenson Multigroup Acculturation Scale, a 32-item instrument which characterizes two acculturative dimensions: ethnic society (Chinese) immersion and dominant society (American) immersion (maximum possible scores = 4). Multivariable models regressing activity behaviors on acculturation were run, adjusting for age, sex, household income, education, and age at immigration. Ethnic society immersion was high (mean = 3.64) while dominant society immersion was moderate (mean = 2.23). Higher ethnic society immersion was associated with less recreation-related PA (− 40.7 min/week); higher dominant society immersion was associated with a higher odds of meeting PA guidelines (OR: 1.66 (1.25, 2.20), p < 0.001) and more recreation-related PA (+ 36.5 min/week). Given low PA levels in Chinese adults in China, results suggest that PA for leisure may increase and become a more normative behavior among Chinese American immigrants with acculturation. Understanding acculturation level may inform strategies to increase PA in Chinese Americans.

Prevalence of Physical Activity and Sitting Time Among South Korean Adolescents: Results From the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2013.

This study aimed to describe physical activity (PA) and sitting time, and to examine associations between sociodemographic factors, weight status, PA, and sitting time among South Korean adolescents (12-18 years). Findings are based on self-report data from 638 participants in the 2013 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Only 4.9% of adolescents accumulated 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous PA daily. Adolescents spent 532.4 ± 9.3 mins/d sitting. After controlling for age and sex, individuals in higher income groups compared with the lowest income group, living in nonmetro Seoul compared with metro Seoul, and who were overweight compared with nonoverweight were more likely to meet PA guidelines. Participants in the highest income group compared with lowest income group, and residing in nonmetro Seoul compared with metro Seoul were more likely to be in the high sitting time group (>720 min/d) (P < .05). Increasing PA and reducing sitting should be a public health priority in South Korea.

Household Air Pollution Exposure and Influence of Lifestyle on Respiratory Health and Lung Function in Belizean Adults and Children: A Field Study.

Household air pollution (HAP) contributes to the global burden of disease. Our primary purpose was to determine whether HAP exposure was associated with reduced lung function and respiratory and non-respiratory symptoms in Belizean adults and children. Our secondary purpose was to investigate whether lifestyle (physical activity (PA) and fruit and vegetable consumption (FV)) is associated with reported symptoms. Belizean adults (n = 67, 19 Male) and children (n = 23, 6 Male) from San Ignacio Belize and surrounding areas participated in this cross-sectional study. Data collection took place at free walk-in clinics. Investigators performed initial screenings and administered questionnaires on (1) sources of HAP exposure; (2) reported respiratory and non-respiratory symptoms and (3) validated lifestyle questionnaires. Participants then performed pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and exhaled breath carbon monoxide (CO). There were no significant associations between HAP exposure and pulmonary function in adults. Increased exhaled CO was associated with a significantly lower forced expiratory volume in 1-s divided by forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) in children. Exposed adults experienced headaches, burning eyes, wheezing and phlegm production more frequently than unexposed adults. Adults who met PA guidelines were less likely to experience tightness and pressure in the chest compared to those not meeting guidelines. In conclusion, adults exposed to HAP experienced greater respiratory and non-respiratory symptoms, which may be attenuated by lifestyle modifications.

Canadian physical activity guidelines for adults: are Canadians aware?

The present study evaluated awareness of the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology's 2011 Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines for Adults and assessed correlates. Reported awareness of the physical activity (PA) guidelines was 12.9% (204/1586) of the total sample surveyed. More than half (55%) self-reported meeting PA guidelines of ≥ 150 min of moderate to vigorous PA per week. Awareness of PA guidelines was significantly related to participants' level of PA (χ(2) (1) = 30.63, p < 0.001, φ = -0.14), but not to any demographic variables.

A cross-sectional study examining predictors of visit frequency to local green space and the impact this has on physical activity levels.

BackgroundLack of physical activity (PA) is a growing public health concern. There is a growing body of literature that suggests a positive relationship may exist between the amount of local green space near one’s home and PA levels. For instance, park proximity has been shown to predict PA levels amongst certain populations. However, there is little evidence for the role of relatedness towards nature and perceptions of local green space on this relationship. The aim of this study was to examine, in a National UK sample, whether subjective indices associated with local green space were better predictors of visit frequency to local green space and PA levels compared to objectively measured quantity of local green space.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was designed. From a random sample, 2079 working age adults responded to an online survey in September 2011. Demographics, self-reported PA, objective measures of the local environment (including local green space, road coverage, and environmental deprivation), were assessed in conjunction with perceptions of local green space and nature relatedness. Quantity of local green space was assessed by cross-referencing respondents’ home postcodes with general land use databases. Regression models were conducted to assess which of our independent variables best predicted visit frequency to local green space and/or meeting PA guidelines. In addition, an ordinal regression was run to examine the relationship between visit frequency to local green space and the likelihood of meeting national PA guidelines.ResultsNature relatedness was the strongest predictor for both visit frequency to local green space and meeting PA guidelines. Results show that perceived quality is a better predictor of visit frequency to local green space than objective quantity of local green space. The odds of achieving the recommended amount of PA was over four times greater for people who visited local green space once per week compared to never going (OR 4.151; 95 % CI, 2.40 to 7.17).ConclusionsThese results suggest that perceptions of local green space and nature relatedness play an important role in the relationship between local green space and PA. Considering the known health benefits of PA, our results are potentially important for public health interventions, policy making and environmental planning.