Meeting Moderate-to-vigorous Physical Activity Guidelines Research Articles

The Role of the Perceived Neighborhood Social Environment on Adolescent Sedentary Behavior and Physical Activity: Findings from Add Health.

Few studies have examined the role of perceived neighborhood characteristics such as neighborhood safety, social cohesion, and contentedness on sedentary behavior (SB) and physical activity (PA) among adolescents. Furthermore, no studies have investigated how these associations are moderated by gender and race. This study aimed to examine the associations of the perceived neighborhood social environment with (SB) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Data from 6504 adolescents (aged 15.4 ± 0.03 years) who participated in the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health was used. SB and PA were considered continuously and dichotomously. PNSE variables include safety, social cohesion, and contentedness, where higher values of PNSE indicate a more favorable neighborhood perception. Weighted linear and logistic regression models were used to examine the association of PNSE with continuous total SB (hours/week) and MVPA (bouts/week), and binary excessive SB (14h/week) and meeting MVPA guidelines (≥ 5 bouts/week), respectively. Associations were stratified by gender and race to test moderation effects. Models were adjusted for demographic, health, parental, and neighborhood covariates. This study found that neighborhood safety and contentedness were negatively associated with SB, whereas neighborhood social cohesion and contentedness were positively associated with PA. Gender-specific and race-specific results remained somewhat consistent with overall findings; however, neighborhood safety was not associated with SB among female and non-White adolescents, respectively. Similarly, neighborhood safety and contentedness were not associated with MVPA for non-White adolescents. Findings suggest that an adolescent's neighborhood environment, gender, and race should be considered when implementing strategies to reduce SB and increase PA.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, SEDENTARY BEHAVIORS AND MYOSTEATOSIS IN AFRICAN CARIBBEANS

Abstract Skeletal muscle fat infiltration (myosteatosis) leads to poorer muscle quality and function with aging, and is emerging as a predictor of skeletal muscle strength, mobility, and metabolic disorders. Few studies investigated the association of physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) with myosteatosis, especially in African Caribbeans, a vastly under-studied, rapidly growing population. We examined the associations of objectively measured PA and SB (Bodymedia SenseWear Armbands) worn over 7 days with calf muscle density (mg/cm3), a marker of intra-muscular fat (Stratec XCT-2000), in older adult African Caribbean men (N=355, mean age 62 years) and women (N=682, mean age 59 years) of the Tobago Health Study. Compared to men, women were younger with higher BMI, more SB, less light (LPA) and moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA), and lower muscle density (p< 0.05, age-adjusted). Meeting MVPA guidelines (150 min MVPA/week) was associated with greater muscle density in obese men and women (p=0.03, p=0.09 respectively, age-adjusted). Adjusting for age, BMI, smoking, diabetes, hypertension, and lipid-lowering treatment, we assessed sex stratified partial spearman correlations between PA and SB and muscle density. MVPA was more strongly correlated with greater muscle density in men (r=0.15, p=0.01) than in women (r=0.07, p=0.09), while SB was associated with lower muscle density in women (r=-0.08, p=.044), but not significantly in men (r=-0.10, p=0.12). Our novel findings indicate that the association between PA and SB with myosteatosis may differ by sex. These findings may have important implications for sex specific activity guidelines related to skeletal muscle health in African Caribbeans.

Multidimensional school features associated with physical activity among youth at risk of obesity: an exploratory principal component and generalized estimating equation analysis

BackgroundSchools may be high-leverage points for the promotion of physical activity (PA), yet little is known about school built and social environments among youth at high risk of obesity.PurposeTo characterise school built and social environments that may be salient for PA and to examine associations between school PA environments and PA in youth at risk of obesity.MethodsData from youth attending 206 schools (314 youth in 2005–2008, and 129 youth in 2008–2010) within the QUALITY cohort study, a longitudinal investigation of youth at high risk of obesity were used. Features of schools, based on built, policy/programming and social environments were identified using principal components (PC) analysis. Gender-stratified generalized estimating equation (GEE) models were used to explore associations between school features and accelerometer measured mean counts per minute (MCPM), mean daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and the odds of meeting MVPA guidelines cross-sectionally and prospectively using 90% confidence intervals.ResultsNine PCs were identified. Associations were observed between PA and 7 of the 9 PCs. The social environment seemed to be particularly important. Social Norms to Promote PA was associated with an increase in girls’ baseline MCPM and MVPA. High Willingness to Promote PA was associated with boys’ MCPM, MVPA, and odds of meeting MVPA guidelines, at both baseline and follow-up.ConclusionSchool built and social contexts may be associated with PA cross-sectionally and over time. Further studies are necessary to confirm the direction and magnitude of effects and to establish their relevance to school-based health promotion efforts.

Characterizing longitudinal change in accelerometry-based moderate-to-vigorous physical activity in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos and the Framingham Heart Study

BackgroundPhysical activity promotes health and is particularly important during middle and older age for decreasing morbidity and mortality. We assessed the correlates of changes over time in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in Hispanic/Latino adults from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL: mean [SD] age 49.2 y [11.5]) and compared them to a cohort of primarily White adults from the Framingham Heart Study (FHS: mean [SD] 46.9 y [9.2]).MethodsBetween 2008 and 2019, we assessed accelerometry-based MVPA at two time points with an average follow-up of: 7.6 y, SD 1.3 for HCHS/SOL, and 7.8 y, SD 0.7 for FHS. We used multinomial logistic regression to relate socio-demographic and health behaviors with changes in compliance with 2018 US recommendations for MVPA from time 1 to time 2 (remained active or inactive; became active or inactive) across the two cohorts.ResultsIn HCHS/SOL mean MVPA was 22.6 (SD, 23.8) minutes at time 1 and dropped to 16.7 (19.0) minutes at time 2. In FHS Mean MVPA was 21.7 min (SD, 17.7) at time 1 and dropped to 21.3 min (SD, 19.2) at time 2. Across both cohorts, odds of meeting MVPA guidelines over time were about 6% lower in individuals who had lower quality diets vs. higher, about half in older vs. younger adults, about three times lower in women vs. men, and 9% lower in individuals who had a higher vs. lower BMI at baseline. Cohorts differed in how age, gender, income, education, depressive symptoms, marital status and perception of general health and pain associated with changes in physical activity. High income older Hispanics/Latino adults were more likely to become inactive at the follow-up visit as were HCHS/SOL women who were retired and FHS participants who had lower levels of education and income. Higher depressive symptomology was associated with becoming active only in HCHS/SOL women. Being male and married was associated with becoming inactive in both cohorts. Higher perception of general health and lower perception of pain were associated with remaining active only in FHS adults.ConclusionsThese findings highlight potentially high-risk groups for targeted MVPA intervention.

The Change in Exergaming From Before to During the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Young Adults: Longitudinal Study.

Exergaming may be an important option to support an active lifestyle, especially during pandemics. Our objectives were (1) to explore whether change in exergaming status (stopped, started or sustained exergaming, or never exergamed) from before to during the COVID-19 pandemic was related to changes in walking, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) or meeting MVPA guidelines and (2) to describe changes among past-year exergamers in minutes per week exergaming from before to during the pandemic. A total of 681 participants (mean age 33.6; SD 0.5 years; n=280, 41% male) from the 22-year Nicotine Dependence in Teens (NDIT) study provided data on walking, MVPA, and exergaming before (2017 to 2020) and during (2021) the COVID-19 pandemic. Physical activity (PA) change scores were described by change in exergaming status. We found that 62.4% (n=425) of the 681 participants never exergamed, 8.2% (n=56) started exergaming during the pandemic, 19.7% (n=134) stopped exergaming, and 9.7% (n=66) sustained exergaming. Declines were observed in all 3 PA indicators in all 4 exergaming groups. The more salient findings were that (1) participants who started exergaming during COVID-19 reported the highest MVPA levels before and during the pandemic and declined the least (mean -35 minutes/week), (2) sustained exergamers reported the lowest MVPA levels during the pandemic (median 66 minutes/week) and declined the most in MVPA (mean change of -92 minutes/week) and in meeting MVPA guidelines (-23.6%). During the pandemic, starting exergamers reported 85 minutes of exergaming per week and sustained exergamers increased exergaming by a median 60 minutes per week. Although starting and sustaining exergaming did not appear to help exergamers maintain prepandemic PA levels, exergaming can contribute a substantial proportion of total PA in young adults and may still represent a useful option to promote PA during pandemics.

Following Insufficiently Active Adolescents: What Predicts Whether They Meet Adult Activity Guidelines When They Grow Up?

We investigated the percentage of insufficiently active adolescents who became young adults meeting moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) guidelines. We also explored adolescent psychosocial and environmental factors that predicted MVPA guideline adherence in young adulthood. Participants included N = 1001 adolescents (mean age = 14.1y) reporting < 7 hours per week of MVPA and followed (8y later) into young adulthood through Project EAT. We examined mean weekly hours of MVPA, MVPA change between adolescence and young adulthood, and the proportion of participants meeting MVPA guidelines in young adulthood. With sex-stratified logistic regression, we tested 11 adolescent psychosocial and environmental factors predicting meeting MVPA guidelines in young adulthood. Overall, 55% of insufficiently active adolescents became young adults meeting MVPA guidelines. On average, participants reported 3.0 hours per week of MVPA, which improved to 3.8 hours per week in young adulthood. Among female participants, higher MVPA in adolescence and stronger feelings of exercise compulsion predicted greater odds of meeting adult MVPA guidelines (odds ratioMVPA = 1.18; odds ratiocompulsion = 1.13). Among female and male participants, perceived friend support for activity in adolescence predicted greater odds of meeting adult MVPA guidelines (odds ratiofemale = 1.12; odds ratiomale = 1.26). Insufficiently active adolescents can later meet adult guidelines. Interventions that increase perceived friend support for activity may benefit individuals across development.

Physical activity and substance use among Canadian adolescents: Examining the moderating role of school connectedness.

Physical activity may play a role in promoting or preventing substance use among youth. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between different types of physical activity [i.e., non-competitive school sport, competitive school sport, outside of school sport and minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) per day] and substance use (i.e., current smoking, e-cigarette, cannabis, binge drinking) among Canadian youth. Interaction effects between physical activity and school connectedness were also examined. Using data from the COMPASS study (2018-19; n = 73,672), four multi-level logistic regression models were developed to investigate whether physical activity lessened or worsened the odds of (1) smoking; (2) e-cigarette use; (3) cannabis use; and (4) binge drinking. Models were stratified by gender to reflect the inherent differences between genders. Models were adjusted for demographic factors and other covariates. Sport participation was consistently associated with substance use, whereas less evidence was found for meeting MVPA guidelines. Non-competitive school sport lessened the odds of cannabis use for males and females. However, non-competitive school sport only lessened the odds of e-cigarette use for females but increased the odds of binge drinking for males. Participation in competitive school sport lessened the odds of cigarette smoking but increased the odds of e-cigarette use and binge drinking for males and females. Outside of school sport lessened the odds of cigarette smoking and cannabis use but increased the odds of e-cigarette use and binge drinking for males and females. A significant moderation effect was found for males participating in sport outside of school and meeting MVPA guidelines who were at a lower risk of e-cigarette use in the presence of high levels of school connectedness. Our study provides evidence for further consideration and provision of extracurricular activities, specifically non-competitive sport, in protecting against substance use. Caution is required in claiming that sport participation or physical activity, in general, is negatively associated with substance use among youth.

Stable physical activity patterns predominate in a longitudinal study of physical activity among young adults in Canada from before to during the COVID-19 pandemic

We examined change in walking, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and meeting MVPA guidelines from before to during the COVID-19 pandemic, and identified factors associated with newly meeting and no longer meeting MVPA guidelines during the pandemic. Complete data were available for 614 young adults participating in the ongoing Nicotine Dependence in Teens (NDIT) study pre-pandemically in 2010–12 and 2017–20, and during the pandemic in 2020–21. Change in physical activity was examined in four sub-groups (i.e., stable inactive, newly met MVPA guidelines, no longer met MVPA guidelines, stable active). Factors associated with newly and no longer met MVPA guidelines were identified in multivariable logistic regression. While walking and MVPA changed little from 2010-2 to 2017–20, both declined during the pandemic (median for both = -30 min/week). 63.3% of participants reported no change in meeting MVPA guidelines during the pandemic, 11.4% newly met MVPA guidelines and 25.2% no longer met MVPA guidelines. Male sex, not university-educated, amotivated to engage in physical activity reported pre-pandemic, and endorsing physical activity as a COVID-19 coping strategy were associated with newly met MVPA guidelines. Male sex, not university-educated, higher problem-focused coping scores and endorsing physical activity as a COVID-19 coping strategy were protective of no longer met MVPA guidelines. Increased understanding of why some participants increased or decreased MVPA during the pandemic is needed to inform physical activity-related policy during pandemics.

Optimization of a technology-supported physical activity promotion intervention for breast cancer survivors: Results from Fit2Thrive.

The benefits of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) for breast cancer survivors are well established. However, most are insufficiently active. Fit2Thrive used the Multiphase Optimization Strategy methodology to determine the effect of 5 intervention components on MVPA in this population. Two hundred sixty-nine participants (mean age, 52.5 years; SD, 9.9 years) received a core intervention (the Fit2Thrive self-monitoring app and Fitbit) and were randomly assigned to 5 intervention components set to on/off in a full factorial experiment: support calls, deluxe app, buddy, online gym, and text messages. The intervention was delivered over 12 weeks with a 12-week follow-up. MVPA was measured via accelerometry at the baseline (T1), at 12 weeks (T2), and at 24 weeks (T3). The main effects and interaction effects at each time point were examined for all components. Trial retention was high: 91.8% had valid accelerometer data at T2 or T3. Across all conditions, there were significant increases in MVPA (+53.6 min/wk; P < .001) and in the proportion of survivors meeting MVPA guidelines (+22.3%; P < .001) at T2 that were maintained but attenuated at T3 (MVPA, +24.6 min/wk; P < .001; meeting guidelines, +12.6%; P < .001). No individual components significantly improved MVPA, although increases were greater for the on level versus the off level for support calls, buddy, and text messages at T2 and T3. The Fit2Thrive core intervention (the self-monitoring app and Fitbit) is promising for increasing MVPA in breast cancer survivors, but the components provided no additional increases in MVPA. Future research should evaluate the core intervention in a randomized trial and determine what components optimize MVPA behaviors in breast cancer survivors.

Association between Active Transportation and Public Transport with an Objectively Measured Meeting of Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity and Daily Steps Guidelines in Adults by Sex from Eight Latin American Countries.

This study aimed to examine the associations between active transportation and public transport and the objectively measured meeting of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and steps per day guidelines in adults by sex from eight Latin American countries. As part of the Latin American Study of Nutrition and Health (ELANS), data were collected from 2524 participants aged 18–65 years. MVPA and steps per day were evaluated using Actigraph GT3X accelerometers. The mode of transportation, its frequency and duration were collected using a self-reported questionnaire. The average time dedicated to active transportation was 12.8 min/day in men (IQR: 2.8–30.0) and 12.9 min/day in women (IQR: 4.3–25.7). A logistic regression analysis was conducted, showing that active transportation (≥10 min) was associated with higher odds of meeting MVPA guidelines (men: OR: 2.01; 95%CI: 1.58–2.54; women: OR: 1.57; 95%CI: 1.25–1.96). These results show a greater association when considering active transportation plus public transport (men: OR: 2.98; 95%CI: 2.31–3.91; women: OR: 1.82; 95%CI: 1.45–2.29). Active transportation plus public transport was positively associated with meeting steps per day guidelines only in men (OR: 1.55; 95%CI: 1.15–2.10). This study supports the suggestion that active transportation plus public transport is significantly associated with meeting the MVPA and daily steps recommendations.

The Impact of Changes in Physical Education Class Enrollment on Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity Among a Large Sample of Canadian Youth.

Few youth engage in sufficient daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and the likelihood of meeting guidelines declines through secondary school. Physical education (PE) can afford youth with opportunities for MVPA. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of changes in PE enrollment on MVPA and MVPA guideline adherence in Ontario and Alberta secondary students. Linked survey data was used from 1514 students who participated in year 3 (2014/2015 baseline) and year 6 (2017/2018 follow-up) of the COMPASS Study. Regression models tested whether changes in PE enrollment predicted changes in self-reported MVPA (minutes) and MVPA guideline adherence from grade 9 (baseline) to grade 12 (follow-up), controlling for sports participation and sociodemographic variables. Students who remained enrolled in PE in grade 12 reported a daily average of 30 minutes more MVPA. Among students meeting MVPA guidelines and enrolled in PE in grade 9, students not taking PE in the current term in grade 12 were less likely to continue to meet guidelines than students currently enrolled in PE (adjusted odds ratio 0.53; 95% confidence interval: 0.36, 0.78; p < .0013). Findings from this study could inform the future implementation of a mandatory PE credit for upper year secondary students.

Physical Activity Behavior and Mental Health Among University Students During COVID-19 Lockdown.

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic placed social, travel, school access, and learning restrictions on University students. Excessive restriction measures have been shown to have negative impacts on mental health. Physical activity preserves mental health, and may be useful during quarantines.Purpose: Explore physical activity and sedentary behavior and associations with depression and anxiety symptoms among University students during COVID-19 restrictions in the Fall 2020 semester.Methods: Six hundred and ninety-seven undergraduates (18–25 years) from a U.S. public University completed a cross-sectional survey in fall 2020. The survey included demographic questions, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale 7 (GAD-7), the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9), and questions about meeting moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) recommendations and sedentary behavior.Results: Forty-nine percent did not meet MVPA guidelines. Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (p = 0.002) and GAD-7 (p = 0.024) scores were higher among those who did not achieve MVPA. Sitting time (h/day) was a significant associated with depression (B = 0.29 (0.06), p < 0.05, 95% CI = 0.18, 0.41) and anxiety (B = 0.24 (0.05), p < 0.05, 95% CI = 0.13, 0.34) severity.Conclusion: Physical activity was associated with mental health among University students during COVID-19 lockdowns.

Flourishing or physical activity?: Identifying temporal precedence in supporting the transition to university

Objective: Flourishing is a mental health indicator that helps students function optimally, which may be important for first-year university students. Physical activity (PA) also contributes to optimal functioning, yet the flourishing and PA relationship has received little attention. The bidirectional relationships between flourishing and meeting moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) guidelines were assessed during the first year of university. Methods: First-year university students completed surveys (September [T1], March [T2]). Reciprocal effects were examined in a cross-lagged path model. Results: Over 40% of the sample was not meeting MVPA guidelines at T1 or T2. Controlling for sex, higher T1 flourishing was associated with higher odds of meeting T2 MVPA guidelines. T1 MVPA did not predict T2 flourishing. Conclusions: The findings provide preliminary evidence that flourishing may support meeting MVPA guidelines for first-year students. Given low rates of meeting guidelines, flourishing and PA could be targeted to foster MVPA, supporting a healthy university transition.

Motor Competence and Attainment of Global Physical Activity Guidelines among a Statewide Sample of Preschoolers.

Global physical activity guidelines for preschoolers include 60 min of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) daily. This study, based on the developmental model of motor skill competence, examines how motor competence relates to preschoolers’ likelihood of meeting global guidelines using ankle accelerometry. We measured physical activity using 24-h ankle-placement accelerometry (Actical) for at least two consecutive days (87% with six-seven days), motor competence using the Test of Gross Motor Development-2 (TGMD-2), and BMI-for-age z-scores (BMIz) using anthropometry and age- and sex-specific CDC norms. Caregivers provided demographic characteristics of children’s age, sex, and race. We used multivariable logistic regression to examine how motor competence, BMIz weight status, and demographic characteristics related to meeting global physical activity guidelines. The sample included 588 preschoolers, age 3–5 years; 55% male; 60% white; and 28% overweight/obese; 75% attained the recommended 60 min of MVPA per day. The odds of meeting MVPA guidelines were associated with higher gross motor quotient, higher object control scores, sex (male), age (older), and race (white), but not with BMIz weight status. Findings support the use of 24-h ankle accelerometry among preschoolers and are consistent with the developmental model of motor competence applied to preschoolers, whereby object control competence relates positively to attaining global physical activity guidelines.

Daily Physical Activity And Affect In Preschoolers

PURPOSE: Physical activity is vital to mental health yet relatively little is known about the temporal dynamics of this relation, particularly in young children. This study examined whether one marker of mental health, daily positive affect was higher among preschoolers meeting recommended guidelines for physical activity. METHODS: Participants included 72 preschoolers (3-5 yrs) enrolled in a study of physical activity and mental health recruited from the general community. Preschoolers wore an accelerometer (ActiGraph wGT3X-BT) for one week, obtaining objective counts of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Preschoolers engaged in >60 minutes of daily MVPA were compared to those who did not. Caregivers completed a week-long cell-phone based ecological momentary assessment protocol. Caregivers responded to four prompts each day (28 total) about their child’s affect and behavior. RESULTS: The dataset consisted 2,016 observations. 38% (n=27) of the sample failed to meet the minimum recommended guidelines (<60 minutes) for MVPA. Linear growth models for positive affect allowed each preschooler to have his/her own initial level of positive affect and rate of change in positive affect. Models also accounted for child age, sex, and psychopathology. Initial positive affect was higher among preschoolers meeting MVPA guidelines (Est= 0.37, SE= 0.15, t=2.51, p=.01). Across the week, active preschoolers maintained positive affect (Figure 1), whereas less-active preschoolers reported a significant decrease in positive affect (Est= -0.01, SE= 0.01, t=2.10, p=.04). CONCLUSION: Initial levels of positive affect and the maintenance of positive affect were higher among children meeting MVPA guidelines. Although only small changes were evident across the week, this finding indicates that physical activity may sustain positive affect in young children and over time, potentially buffer against the onset of psychological disorders such as depression.

Are one-year changes in adherence to the 24-hour movement guidelines associated with flourishing among Canadian youth?

Movement behaviours (e.g., physical inactivity, short sleep duration, high screen time) are associated with mental illness but less is known about the relationship between health behaviours and positive mental health constructs such as flourishing. This study examines if changes in adherence to the Canadian 24-Hour Movement Behaviour Guidelines for Children and Youth (moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), total screen time (ST), sleep) are associated with changes in youth flourishing over one year.Students (N = 2292) were recruited from 12 secondary schools in Canada participating in the COMPASS study. Conditional change models were used to analyze two waves of longitudinal questionnaire data from 2016–17 to 2017–18. One-year change in adherence to the MVPA, ST, and sleep duration guidelines were modeled as predictors of flourishing adjusting for covariates. Models were stratified by sex.For males only, meeting MVPA guidelines both years was associated with higher flourishing compared to males not meeting guidelines (Est:0.87, SE:0.36, p = .01). Reducing ST was associated with higher flourishing for males only relative to other males who continued to exceed the ST guidelines (Est:2.23, SE:1.04, p < .03). Longer sleep duration had the most consistent association with greater flourishing among females (Est:1.02, SE:0.3, p < .001) and males (Est:0.93, SE:0.34, p < .006), highlighting sleep as a public health priority in the context of 24-hour movement behaviours. These findings contribute to increasing calls for research examining positive mental health constructs independent of mental illness.

Factors of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior in Elderly Koreans.

Objectives: In this study, we examined factors of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary behavior (SB) in elderly Koreans. Methods: We used 2015 data from the Sixth National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. To analyze physical activity (PA), we categorized participants were into those who met MVPA recommendations (150 minutes/week of moderate PA or 75 minutes/week of vigorous PA) or those who did not. We also categorized them into high SB (620-1200 minutes/day of sitting) and low SB (30-600 minutes/day). Results: Final analyses included 1501 adults over 60 years old (mean: 69.2 ± 6.2). We performed multiple logistic regressions examining impacts of grip strength and body mass index, along with self-reports of perceived health, sleep duration, and demographics on PA and SB. We found positive associations between meeting MVPA guidelines and self-perceived health and urban living, but negative associations with sleep duration and education. A strong grip, high self-perceived health, long sleep duration (8-14 hours), and living with a partner were factors of being less sedentary. High annual income was a factor of being more sedentary. Conclusion: Our findings support efforts that develop interventions promoting active lifestyles among elderly Koreans.

Sensor-measured Physical Activity In Overweight And Obese Women In Early Pregnancy

Overweight and obese pregnant women may benefit from physical activity (PA) in pregnancy, yet few studies have examined sensor-measured PA in pregnancy. PURPOSE: To evaluate sensor-measured PA in overweight and obese pregnant women and its sociodemographic and psychological correlates. METHODS: We analyzed baseline data from an ongoing behavioral lifestyle intervention trial in Columbia, SC (n=202). PA was measured with the SenseWear Armband; compliance was set at wearing for 20+ hrs/d, 5+ days (including 1+ weekend day). PA measures were daily duration of light PA (LPA), moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA), daily steps, and meeting MVPA guidelines (≥150 min/wk of MVPA in ≥10 min bouts). PA was presented as median (interquartile range). Subgroup differences in medians were examined with quantile regression models. Correlations of PA measures with perceived stress, depressive symptoms, PA social support, PA self-efficacy, and PA self-regulation were studied. A logistic regression model was used to examine correlates of meeting MVPA guidelines. RESULTS: Participants (mean of 12.4 weeks gestation) had a median of 203 (154, 258) min/d LPA, 34 (20, 49) min/d MVPA, and 4,870 (3768, 6590) steps/d. LPA, MVPA, and steps were lower in African American and obese women (p<.05). LPA was lower in nulliparous women (p<.05). Participants with less than college education had lower MVPA and steps (p<0.05). Further, LPA, MVPA, and steps were positively associated with PA self-efficacy (r’s ranging from 0.13 to 0.16, p≤.05) and PA goal setting (r’s ranging from 0.16 to 0.21, p<.05). MVPA was positively associated with PA planning (r=0.16, p<.05). Only 10.4% of participants met MVPA guidelines, which was more prevalent in white (17.1%) vs African American (2.2%) women and in overweight (17.9%) vs obese women (3.7%) (p<0.05). After adjusting for age, parity, and marital status, white women and overweight women had higher odds of meeting MVPA recommendation than their counterparts: white: 5.8 (1.2-28.6); overweight: 5.2 (1.6, 16.9). CONCLUSION: Sensor-measured PA was low in overweight and obese pregnant women in early pregnancy with significant differences by race, education, parity, and pre-pregnancy weight status. Programs targeting PA are needed for this population. Funded by NIH/NICHD.

Association Between Physical Activity and Cognitive Function Among a National Sample of Adults With Diabetes

Purpose: The cardiometabolic consequences associated with diabetes increase the risk of cognitive dysfunction. Physical activity is favorably associated with diabetes incidence and executive function, but surprisingly, there is limited research evaluating the effects of physical activity on cognitive function among adults with diabetes, which was the purpose of this study. Methods: Data from the 1999 to 2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were used. A national sample of older adults with diabetes was evaluated (N = 503; 60–85 yrs). The digit symbol substitution test (DSST) was used to assess executive function, with physical activity assessed through a valid questionnaire. Results: In an unadjusted weighted multivariable linear regression model, those meeting moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) guidelines (vs not) had a DSST score 5.7 units higher (β = 5.7; 95% CI [1.46, 9.95]; P = .01). After adjusting for age, sex, race-ethnicity, smoking status, energy intake, weight status, and hypertension, those meeting MVPA guidelines (vs not) had a DSST score 3.8 units higher (β = 3.8; 95% CI [0.25, 7.32]; P = .03). Discussion: Physical activity is favorably associated with executive function among older adults with diabetes, but this association was attenuated after controlling for physical function and chronic illness.

Independent Associations and Interactions of Perceived Neighborhood and Psychosocial Constructs on Adults' Physical Activity.

Neighborhood and psychosocial variables are related to physical activity (PA), yet interactions between these factors in predicting PA are infrequently studied. This analysis examines the independent associations and interactions between self-reported neighborhood and psychosocial variables in relation to moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) among adults from a US panel sample. In adjusted models, neighborhood social capital was positively associated with meeting MVPA guidelines. Fewer barriers, greater self-efficacy, and greater autonomous motivation also corresponded with greater odds of meeting MVPA guidelines. An interaction between social capital and autonomous motivation showed that social capital was only associated with MVPA when autonomous motivation was high. Participants who reported both high autonomous motivation and high social capital were most likely to meet MVPA guidelines. Neighborhood social capital, barriers, self-efficacy, and autonomous motivation may be important correlates in promoting adults' PA. Future directions include using objective neighborhood and PA data in similar analyses and investigating associations of neighborhood and psychosocial variables with multiple PA activities. Intervention research to promote PA should also examine whether effects of interventions targeting psychosocial constructs are moderated by features of an individual's neighborhood or whether perceived social capital can be addressed in interventions in conjunction with psychosocial variables.