Meeting Physical Activity Recommendations Research Articles

O.4.6-11 MOVEOUT: a cluster randomised wait list design to investigate the effect of education outside the classroom on pupil’s physical activity

Abstract Purpose Education outside the classroom (EOtC) is a physical activity (PA)-integrating pedagogical approach that aligns PA with the primary goals of schools and is therefore thought to present an acceptable, feasible, and efficacious model for school-based PA. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of an EOtC intervention that aims to increase adolescents’ (ages 10-16 years) school-based and overall PA by providing a course on the pedagogical and didactic methods of EOtC to teachers across 30 Danish schools, and subsequently the teachers implementing EOTC in their classes > 5 hours weekly over the course of one school year. We expect that pupils in the intervention group will retain higher PA intensities compared to the control group, specifically 1a) more MVPA, 1b) more LPA, 1c) less SED time. Further, we hypothesise that pupils in the intervention group will retain 2a) more running, 2b) more walking, 2c) more standing, 2d) less sitting time compared to the control group. Methods The intervention was evaluated using a cluster randomised wait list study comparing PA behaviours amongst pupils in the intervention group with pupils in the waitlist control group. Results In this presentation, we will present novel results from data that is currently underway. Data collection is expected to be finalised in June 2023. Conclusions Almost 20% of Danish schools practice some form of EOtC, and the findings of this study will inform whether such practice should be further encouraged in Denmark and elsewhere, or whether alterations are required to support more pupils in meeting PA recommendations. The findings have important implications for school-based PA promotion. Novo Nordisk Foundation (grant no. 0062703), ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT number: NCT05237674). Peter Elsborg and Lærke Mygind share first-authorship.

Physical Activity among Colorectal Cancer Patients and Survivors in Egypt.

Understanding physical activity (PA) levels is important when developing tertiary cancer prevention interventions, especially in Egypt where colorectal cancer (CRC) is more often diagnosed at later stages and at a younger age of onset (≤40 years). We assessed PA levels among CRC patients and survivors in Alexandria, Egypt. All participants completed two self-reported PA assessments: Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) and Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire (GLTEQ). Participants could opt to wear an accelerometer for seven days. Results were compared against WHO recommendations of ≥150 minutes or ≥600 metabolic equivalents of tasks (METs) of moderate-to-vigorous PA weekly. Of 86 participants enrolled, all completed the surveys and 29 agreed to accelerometer use. Prevalence of meeting PA recommendations was 62.8% based on the GPAQ, 14.0% based on GLTEQ, and 41% based on accelerometer. Based on the GPAQ, very few respondents reported vigorous occupational, vigorous recreational, or moderate recreational activity (median = 0 with interquartile range [IQR] of 0 - 0 weekly minutes for all three) while most activity resulted from moderate occupational and transportation (median [IQR] of 60 [0-840] and 60 [0-187.5] weekly minutes, respectively). Participants meeting PA recommendations were less likely to be married (p = 0.043) according to GPAQ and more likely to be female (p=0.047) and early cancer stage (p=0.007) by GLTEQ. Non-leisure free-living PA is a major contributor to meeting PA recommendations while leisure-time PA is a potential target for future interventions that increase PA in this population.

Intramural sports social networks and implications for college student physical activity, sense of community, and retention

Objective: This study examines associations between social networks developed through intramural sports and physical activity (PA), sense of community, and retention. Participants: College students participating in intramural sports at a large public university in the Southern United States (n = 250). Methods: Students self-reported PA, sense of community, retention, and social networks developed through intramural sports in Fall 2022. Logistic and linear regression determined significant individual and network factors associated with PA, sense of community, and retention. Results: Participants were significantly more likely to meet PA recommendations (Nagelkerke R2=.24) if they were younger, male, and reported more people in their networks were physically active often. Participants reported a greater sense of community (R2 =.28) and retention intention (R2 =.26) if they reported meeting PA recommendations, feeling closer to network members, and more relationships improving through intramurals. Conclusion: Results underline the importance of creating quality intramural experiences for college students.

Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior in Adults from Penafiel, Portugal: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The aim of this study was to compare the physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) levels of young and middle-aged adults living in and around the municipality of Penafiel and to determine whether they meet PA recommendations. The researchers used the "International Physical Activity Questionnaire" (IPAQ) to measure moderate to vigorous PA and time spent on sedentary behavior (high vs. low). A prospective observational cross-sectional sample of 1105 adults aged 18-63 years, living in the municipality of Penafiel and its surroundings (45% women, 55% men), was used. The results indicated that more than half of the population was inactive (53.8%) and sedentary (54.0%). Men were more likely to be sedentary (59.2%) and inactive (55.6%) than women (inactive: 51.7%, high SB: 47.7%). Regarding daily PA and SB levels, women had higher levels of walks (3.8 ± 2.3; p = 0.034) and vigorous PA (2.2 ± 1.8 min; p = 0.005) per days/week, as well as vigorous PA per minutes/week (75.4 ± 82.1 min; p = 0.034). The time spent on vigorous PA per day was also higher in women (26.2 ± 22.8 min; p = 0.030). However, men had higher values in walking minutes per day (26.3 ± 17.1 min; p = 0.030), SB for weekdays (429.2 ± 141.2 min; p = 0.001), SB for weekends (324.7 ± 163.7 min; p = 0.033) and time spent on SB per minutes/week (2795.6 ± 882.0 min; p = 0.001). The results also showed that the older the adults, the lower the frequency and total time of vigorous PA per week. Young adults (18-28 years) had higher levels of vigorous PA (p = 0.005) than the other age groups (29-39; 40-50 and 51-63 years). Finally, the study found no significant correlation between individual level factors, such as number of children, marital status and monthly income, and PA or SB. Conversely, a significant and negative correlation between SB and levels of PA was found, indicating that the higher the level of PA practice, the lower the SB level. The authors suggest that promoting new PA habits and healthy lifestyles is an important future challenge for sustainability and improving the quality of life in public health.

Factors associated with physical activity in young people with haemophilia A on prophylaxis.

Physical activity (PA) is influenced by numerous factors, and the literature describing why people with haemophilia (PWH) are physically active or not is inconclusive. To investigate factors associated with PA (mean min/day in light (LPA), moderate (MPA), vigorous (VPA) and total PA, and proportion meeting World Health Organization (WHO) weekly moderate-to-vigorous (MVPA) recommendations) among young PWH A. Forty PWH A on prophylaxis from the HemFitbit study were included. PA was measured using Fitbit devices and participant characteristics were collected. Potential factors associated with PA were investigated by univariable linear regression models for continuous PA outcomes, and descriptively for teenagers meeting/not meeting WHO MVPA recommendations only, because all except one adult met PA recommendations. Mean age (n=40) was 19.5 years (SD 5.7). Annual bleeding rate was nearly zero and joint scores were low. We found an increase of four min/day in LPA (95% confidence interval (CI) 1-7) per year increase in age. Participants with 'Haemophilia Early Arthropathy Detection with Ultrasound' (HEAD-US) score ≥1 engaged in mean 14 min/day less MPA (95% CI -23.2 to -3.8), and 8 min less VPA (95% CI -15.0 to -0.4) compared to participants with HEAD-US score 0. Teenagers who met PA recommendations had slightly better joint status compared to those who did not meet recommendations. These findings indicate that presence of mild arthropathy does not affect LPA but may have a negative impact on PA of higher intensities. Early start of prophylaxis may be an important determinant of PA.

The combined effect of motivational interviewing and wearable fitness trackers on motivation and physical activity in inactive adults: A randomized controlled trial

ABSTRACT Despite overwhelming adoption of wearable fitness trackers (WFT), it is unclear if they affect physical activity (PA) engagement or PA motivation. We hypothesized that combining a WFT with an effective intervention, motivational interviewing (MI), would positively influence both motivation and PA. A 12-week randomized controlled trial was conducted in 40 adults who did not meet PA recommendations. The four conditions were: a PA education (Educational control, n = 10), a WFT (WFT, n = 10), bi-weekly MI sessions (MI, n = 10), or both interventions (WFT+, n = 10). Motivation and PA were measured through an online survey and actigraphy pre- and post-intervention. Both the WFT+ and MI groups improved autonomous forms and decreased controlled forms of motivation. They also had higher basic psychological needs scores when compared to the Education group post-intervention. We detected no changes in PA. High autonomous motivation at baseline predicted higher post-intervention PA in the WFT+ group but predicted lower post-intervention PA in the WFT group. Results suggests that MI alone or with a WFT can improve basic psychological needs and autonomous forms of motivation for PA, but not PA participation. Individual differences in motivation at baseline may moderate the effect of a WFT on PA. This study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT490014).

Associations between Accelerometer-Measured Physical Activity and Fecal Microbiota in Adults with Overweight and Obesity.

We aimed to assess whether total daily physical activity (PA), PA intensities, sedentary time (ST), and prolonged ST are associated with differences in the gut microbiota composition or short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) profile of adults with overweight or obesity. Cross-sectional associations between total daily PA (counts per minute), PA intensities (light and moderate-to-vigorous (MVPA)), ST, prolonged ST, and fecal microbiota composition were assessed in adults ( n = 124) between 25 and 45 yr of age with body mass index ≥25 kg·m -2 . Fecal microbiota composition was assessed with 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Daily PA and ST were measured with a hip-worn ActiGraph wGT3X-BT accelerometer. Daily PA volume and intensity were positively associated with relative abundance of Faecalibacterium ( P = 0.04) and negatively associated with the abundances of Alistipes , Parabacteroides , and Gemmiger ( P = 0.003-0.04) as well as the concentrations of acetate, butyrate, and total SCFA (all P = 0.04). Conversely, ST was negatively associated with abundance of Faecalibacterium but positively associated with the abundances of taxa, including Ruminococcaceae, Parabacteroides , Alistipes , and Gemmiger . Clustering of participants based on whether they met PA recommendations suggested that SCFA profiles differed between individuals who did and did not meet PA recommendations. K-means clustering based on percent of time spent in MVPA and ST also identified differences in fecal microbiota composition between cluster 1 (lower MVPA, higher ST) and cluster 2 (higher MVPA, lower ST), including a higher abundance of Alistipes in cluster 1. The current analysis suggests a beneficial association of daily PA on the fecal microbiota and a negative association of ST, particularly with respect to the associations of these variables with the genera Faecalibacterium , a butyrate-producing taxon.

MIDLIFE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND HEARING IMPAIRMENT IN LATE LIFE: ATHEROSCLEROSIS RISK IN COMMUNITIES (ARIC) STUDY

Abstract Background Cardiovascular risk factors are associated with worse hearing, but the role of mid-life physical activity (PA) on hearing loss at older ages is yet to be investigated. Methods Among 3,198 participants of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study, we investigated the association between self-reported mid-life PA (meets PA recommendations [≥150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous PA/week] vs. not) and hearing loss (audiometric battery [pure-tone and speech-in-noise]) at older ages. We estimated differences in hearing between those who met and did not meet PA recommendations at mid-life and at late life adjusting for demographics, medical conditions, and noise exposure. Results 43.3% participants met PA recommendations at mid-life. These participants, compared to those who did not meet recommendations, had lower better hearing by 1.51 (0.46, 2.55) decibels, and 0.37 (0.01, 0.74) more words identified in the speech-in-noise test. Conclusions Meeting PA recommendations in mid-life was associated with better hearing at older ages.

COVID-19 and Physical Activity in University of Florida Students: A Survey Study

Background: COVID-19 disruptions may have impacted physical activity (PA) levels, especially among undergraduates relying on campus resources. The objectives of this project were to investigate how COVID-19 disruptions impacted PA in University of Florida (UF) undergraduates and to assess interest in digital PA interventions. Design: Full-time, residential UF students ages 18-24 without physical limitations to PA were eligible to participate. An online survey asked about PA levels at three timepoints: before COVID-19 (February 2020; T1), during initial disruptions (June 2020; T2), and at the time of the survey (December 2020; T3). Participants reported PA enjoyment, interest in digital PA interventions, and demographics. Data are summarized descriptively, and chi-square tests explore the relationship between PA enjoyment and meeting PA recommendations. Results: Participants with complete data (n=200) are included in analyses. On average, they were 19.8 years old with a BMI of 22.9 kg/m2; 71.0% female, 70.0% white, and 77.0% non-Hispanic. More participants met PA guidelines at T1 (52.0%) than at T2 (49.5%) or T3 (43.5%); >50% maintained similar PA levels across all timepoints. At T2, most participants transitioned to independent (89.0%), at-home (82.5%) workouts. Participants reporting high PA enjoyment were more likely to meet PA guidelines than those with low enjoyment at each timepoint (ps<0.05). Participants preferred app-based (78.2%) digital PA interventions containing workout ideas (71.9%) and maps of local trails (76.1%). Conclusions: Given changes in PA characteristics, additional research could explore the impacts of vaccination and COVID-19 variants on PA levels and the implementation of digital PA interventions.

Associations between preference and participation in team sports: Physical activity promotion among adolescents.

The level of physical activity (PA) in adolescents is highly dependent on their PA preferences. PA preferences among adolescents are dominated by team PA, mostly team sports (TS). The aim of this study is to identify (a) the status and trends in the preferences of TS among Czech and Polish boys and girls in different educational and sports environments, and (b) the impact of the agreement between the preferred and simultaneously pursued TS on the structure of weekly PA and on the meeting of PA recommendations. The research was carried out between 2009 and 2022 in the Czech Republic and Poland and included 2,939 boys and 4,427 girls aged 15-19 years. Preferences and participation in TS were identified using a PA preference questionnaire and weekly PA using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Long Form. Trends in TS preferences were analyzed over 27-year periods. The participants were divided into groups by agreement and disagreement between the preferred and pursued TS, and by agreement and disagreement between the preferences of TS and participation in organized TS. Throughout the 14-year study period, boys in both countries preferred soccer, whereas girls favored volleyball. Agreement between preferences and participation in TS increased vigorous PA in Czech and Polish boys and girls. The agreement between the preferences for TS and participation in organized TS had the most significant effect on increasing vigorous PA in Czech and Polish boys and girls and on total PA in boys in both countries. Those who preferred and participated in TS were more likely to meet PA recommendations. Respecting the status and trends of TS preferences in supporting participation in TS increases adolescents' PA and their achievement of PA recommendations. Increasing active participation in organized TS among boys and girls may support regular PA and help eliminate the negative effects of the pandemic on adolescents' PA.

Wearable Activity Tracker Use and Physical Activity Among Informal Caregivers in the United States: Quantitative Study.

With an increase in aging population and chronic medical conditions in the United States, the role of informal caregivers has become paramount as they engage in the care of their loved ones. Mounting evidence suggests that such responsibilities place substantial burden on informal caregivers and can negatively impact their health. New wearable health and activity trackers (wearables) are increasingly being used to facilitate and monitor healthy behaviors and to improve health outcomes. Although prior studies have examined the efficacy of wearables in improving health and well-being in the general population, little is known about their benefits among informal caregivers. This study aimed to examine the association between use of wearables and levels of physical activity (PA) among informal caregivers in the United States. We used data from the National Cancer Institute's Health Information National Trends Survey 5 (cycle 3, 2019 and cycle 4, 2020) for a nationally representative sample of 1273 community-dwelling informal caregivers-aged ≥18 years, 60% (757/1273) female, 75.7% (990/1273) had some college or more in education, and 67.3% (885/1273) had ≥1 chronic medical condition-in the United States. Using jackknife replicate weights, a multivariable logistic regression was fit to assess an independent association between the use of wearables and a binary outcome: meeting or not meeting the current World Health Organization's recommendation of PA for adults (≥150 minutes of at least moderate-intensity PA per week). More than one-third (466/1273, 37.8%) of the informal caregivers met the recommendations for adult PA. However, those who reported using wearables (390/1273, 31.7%) had slightly higher odds of meeting PA recommendations (adjusted odds ratios 1.1, 95% CI 1.04-1.77; P=.04) compared with those who did not use wearables. The results demonstrated a positive association between the use of wearables and levels of PA among informal caregivers in the United States. Therefore, efforts to incorporate wearable technology into the development of health-promoting programs or interventions for informal caregivers could potentially improve their health and well-being. However, any such effort should address the disparities in access to innovative digital technologies, including wearables, to promote health equity. Future longitudinal studies are required to further support the current findings of this study.

Factors associated with meeting the WHO physical activity recommendations in pregnant Colombian women

In the absence of medical contraindications, physical activity (PA) can offer health maternal and fetal health outcomes during pregnancy. However, most pregnant women may not consider PA to be feasible, suitable and safe. Hence, it is essential to determine the prevalence of pregnant women who meet the PA recommendations and the possible factors associated with that meeting, since it might be important from the perspective of pregnant women's health. The aim of the present study was to establish the prevalence of meeting the World Health Organization PA recommendations for Colombian pregnant women, as well as possible factors that may be associated with meeting that recommendations. A cross-sectional study including representative data from the National Nutritional Situation Survey (2015) in Colombia was performed. Data were collected in 2015–2016. From an initial sample of 1140 Colombian pregnant women, 702 participants with complete data were included in the final analysis. PA was assessed by self-reported information through the long version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Several potential factors were analysed according to four levels of the socioecological model: the individual, interpersonal, organizational and community levels. The prevalence of Colombian pregnant women who met with the PA recommendations was 7.5%. Indigenous and Mestizo pregnant women showed lower probabilities of meeting the PA recommendations [Indigenous: OR 0.05, 95% CI (0.01–0.18); Mestizo: OR 0.12, 95% CI (0.06–0.22)] than Afro-Colombian participants. Additionally, participants who lived near green and safe spaces for PA were more likely to meet the PA recommendations [OR 2.30, 95% CI (1.06–4.79)] than those who did not live near green areas. In conclusion, a low percentage of Colombian pregnant women met the new PA recommendations. The associations found according to race/ethnicity and living near green and safe areas underline the presence of fundamental disparities associated with meeting PA recommendations.

Abstract 11906: Association Between Neighborhood Environment and Physical Activity in Adults With Cardiovascular Disease in the United States

Introduction: Identifying attributes of the built environment that influence an individual’s adherence to recommended physical activity (PA) levels can inform cardiovascular-healthy urban-planning policies. However, no research has examined whether perceived neighborhood environment characteristics are associated with this among adults with CVD. Methods: Cross-sectional study using 2020 data from the National Health Interview Survey, which included 3191 adults with CVD. Perceived walkability and safety barriers were captured from 9 questions on participants’ feelings about the neighborhood’s safety and amenities to allow for walking. Meeting PA recommendation was evaluated based on 2012 ACC/AHA guidelines for individuals with stable CVD based on the self-reported measures of activity (Figure). Adjusted logistic models were created to evaluate the association of perceived walkability and safety with the odds of achieving PA goals. Results: In the study population, 36.8% met the overall PA guideline, of whom 7% met only strength activity, 19.5% met only aerobic activity, and 10.3% met both. Men were more likely to meet PA guidelines (42.5% vs. 29.2%) than women. In adjusted weighted analysis, having roads for a walk (OR 1.70, 95%CI 1.23-2.36), fun places such as parks, theatres, and libraries to walk near the living area (OR 1.43, 95%CI 1.08-1.89), and places to walk for relaxing and reducing stress (OR 1.46, 95%CI 1.10-1.95) were strongly associated with meeting PA recommendations. Conclusions: In adults with CVD, the neighborhood environment characteristics strongly associated with adherence to PA recommendations were the presence of places to walk for fun and relaxation. Although residual confounding is a possibility, our findings suggest that investing in social determinants by developing communities with amenities such as parks might help encourage physical activity for cardiovascular health.

Motivations and barriers towards optimal physical activity level: A community-based assessment of 28 EU countries

Regular physical activity (PA) is one of the most important determinants of a healthy lifestyle and improved physical and mental well-being. Despite the health benefits of regular PA, the studies show low levels of PA among European adolescents and adults. An increase in physical inactivity has been associated with different personal and environmental factors. This study aimed to investigate positive motivation and barriers to community-based PA. Face-to-face interviews were conducted to collect data on PA, positive motivation and barriers to PA, demographic, and socioeconomic factors. Moderate and vigorous levels of PA were assessed. Regression analysis was applied to estimate the associations for positive and negative reasons for meeting PA recommendations. Data were available for 28,031 adults with a mean age of 48.3 (SD = 18.8) and 51.8% women. Significant variations in individual characteristics were seen between different types of communities. The percentage of participants who reported achieving recommended levels of PA was the lowest in rural areas (44.3%). Regression models showed that most motivational factors had a strong positive association with meeting PA recommendations. We observed the effects of interactions between making acquaintances, having fun and the type of community on meeting PA recommendations. The effects of interactions between the type of community and barriers to PA such as price, risk of injury, disability / illness, and a lack of motivation on PA recommendations were observed. In conclusion, the motivational factors and barriers to PA are associated with the physical environment, and community-based programs and policies for encouraging PA participation are needed.

복합만성질환이 있는 한국 노인의 신체활동이 주관적 건강인식 및 건강관련 삶의 질에 미치는 영향

The purpose of this study was to identify the effect of physical activity (PA) on self-rated health (SRH) and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among korean older adults with multimorbidity. Data has been derived from the 8th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2019-2020). Multimorbidity was defined as the co-existence of two or more chronic diseases. The PA level was evaluated to meet WHO recommendations on PA for health (≥ 600 metabolic equivalents [METs]–minutes per week). As a result of the study, a sub-sample of 1,953 older adults with multimorbidity were the study participants. Overall, 31.6% of the participants met the recommended levels of PA. PA had a positive effect on SRH (OR = 1.80, 95% CI: 1.31~2.46) and HRQOL (B = 0.04, p ＜ .001) in older adults with multimorbidity. The results of this study indicate the importance of meeting PA recommendations for better SRH and HRQOL promotion. The findings can be used to design policies, programs, and interventions for the healthier life of older adults with multimorbidity.

Physical activity and gestational weight gain: a systematic review of observational studies

BackgroundNow that excessive weight gain during pregnancy is recognized as leading to complications during pregnancy that affect foetal growth, limiting weight gain during pregnancy has become a public health concern. Our aim was to perform a systematic review to assess whether observational studies reported associations between Physical Activity (PA) and Gestational Weight Gain (GWG). We were particularly interested in whether insufficient PA might be associated with high GWG.MethodsUsing Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we searched the MEDLINE ® databases for articles published up to February 2020 concerning case-control, cohort, and ecological studies assessing the association between PA during pregnancy and the risk of excessive and/or inadequate GWG.Results21 observational studies on the PA of pregnant women were screened. 11 of these focused on excessive GWG, and of these a majority tend to show a significant association between various aspects of PA and excessive GWG. However, the results were more mitigated when it came to rate of GWG: three studies found that neither meeting PA recommendations nor high levels of total PA nor time spent in moderate vigorous physical activity (MVPA) or engaged in sedentary behaviour were associated with weekly GWG, while two others suggested that pregnant women not meeting PA guidelines in late pregnancy did have a higher rate of GWG. Of the seven studies investigating total GWG, only one found no association with PA. All studies suggested an inverse association between PA and total GWG – yet not all studies are statistically significant.ConclusionDespite the small number of observational studies selected for our research, our findings support the main international findings, suggesting that active pregnant women gained less weight than inactive women; a lack of PA may therefore contribute to excessive GWG. The limitations of this body of evidence impede the formulation of firm conclusions. Further studies focusing clearly on the general PA assessment classification scheme are called for, to address limitations capable of affecting the strength of association.

Physical Activity and Weight Gain Throughout Pregnancy Are Associated With Umbilical Cord Markers

ObjectiveMaternal serum and umbilical cord (UC) lipid and glucose levels are influenced by a variety of maternal factors over the course of pregnancy, including maternal physical activity (PA) levels and gestational weight gain (GWG). However, previous research has not assessed the interaction of these 2 variables. This study investigated mid-gestation (24–28 weeks) and late gestation (34–38 weeks) maternal and UC serum lipid and glucose profiles in relation to maternal PA status and GWG, independently and in combination. MethodsThis study had a longitudinal design. Pregnant participants (n = 40) were categorized as active or inactive based on the 2019 Canadian Guideline for Physical Activity throughout Pregnancy, and GWG was categorized as insufficient, appropriate, or excessive based on 2009 Institute of Medicine recommendations. Fasting maternal serum was taken in mid- and late gestation, and venous UC serum was taken at birth. ResultsNo relationship was found between maternal serum values and PA and/or GWG. Infants born to individuals who were physically active across pregnancy, or who were active in mid-pregnancy and had their activity status drop in late gestation, had lower UC total cholesterol levels than those who were inactive throughout pregnancy (P < 0.0001). Participants who had gained weight appropriately at mid-gestation had significantly lower UC glucose levels than those who gained weight insufficiently (P = 0.040) or excessively (P = 0.021). ConclusionIn our study, PA, and GWG (independently and in combination) may not have affected maternal serum; however, meeting PA recommendations at mid-gestation may provide prophylactic effects on UC serum, potentially providing long-term health benefits to the newborn.

The Association Between Midlife Leisure-Time Physical Activity and Hearing Loss in Late Life in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study.

Hearing loss is highly prevalent in older ages and has several health consequences. Some cardiovascular risk factors are associated with worse hearing at older ages. Still, the role of midlife leisure-time physical activity (PA) as a risk factor for hearing loss is yet to be investigated. Among 3198 participants of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study, we investigated the associations of midlife and change from mid- to late-life PA (assessed via modified Baecke questionnaire) with hearing loss (audiometric battery [worse-ear pure-tone average, and speech-in-noise test]) at older ages. We used regression analyses, adjusted for demographics, medical conditions, and noise exposure, to estimate differences in hearing between those who met and did not meet PA recommendations at midlife and at late life. A total of 1386 (43.3%) participants met PA recommendations at midlife. These participants, compared to those who did not meet recommendations, had lower (better) pure-tone average by 1.51 (0.46, 2.55) decibels, identified 0.37 (0.01, 0.74) more words (better score) in the speech-in-noise test, and had a lower relative risk of having hearing loss at older ages (eg, relative risk ratio for severe hearing loss vs normal hearing=0.70 [0.52, 0.95]). Similarly, those who persistently met PA recommendations from mid- to late life had, compared with those who did not, a better hearing at older ages. Meeting PA public health recommendations in midlife and mid- to late life was associated with better hearing at older ages and reduced risk of hearing loss. Promoting adequate levels of PA may be an essential component of hearing care.

Half Of Adolescents Never Met Physical Activity Guidelines Over A Nine Week Period

PURPOSE: Consistency in physical activity is crucial to acquire maximum health benefits. The current physical activity (PA) recommendation for adolescents is to accrue 420 minutes of PA a week. The purpose of this study was to examine proximal changes in adolescent physical activity. METHODS: Adolescents in a freshman high school health class answered Exercise Vital Sign (EVS) questions over the course of nine weeks. Minutes of PA per week was calculated by multiplying days of PA by minutes of PA. Participants were then categorized as meeting (≥420 minutes/week) or not meeting (<420 minutes per week) current PA guidelines. An alluvial diagram was created to perform exploratory visual analysis of the magnitude and variability in meeting and not meeting PA trajectories across the four time points. RESULTS: Of the twenty-five who participated, 21 had EVS data at four points in time. The average PA across all time points was 312 ± 272 minutes per week. PA between the time points ranged from 245-355 minutes per week. 14% of adolescents always met PA recommendations and 48% never met PA recommendations. 10% of adolescents missed the recommended PA only once, 24% missed twice, and 5% missed PA recommendations three times. From Time Point 1 to Time Point 4 the percentage of adolescents who did not meet PA recommendations were 57%, 71%, 71%, and 62%, respectfully. DISCUSSION: The benefits of regular, consistent exercise include improved mood, physical fitness and sleep quality as well as a decreased risk of chronic diseases. Adolescence is a key developmental stage because developed health behaviors often translate into adulthood. A large majority (86%) did not meet PA guidelines at least once during the study. There may be differences between those who never meet and those who sometimes meet the recommended PA levels. Individual Trajectories of Meeting and Not Meeting PA Guidelines over Four points in Time

Site And Unit: Two Flaws Of Physical Activity Assessment In NHANES National Youth Fitness Survey

PURPOSE: To explore possible flaws in physical activity (PA) assessment in the 2012 NHANES National Youth Fitness Survey (NNYFS 2012) that led to a very high PA passing rate. METHOD: The weighted physical activity data (N = 11,223,647, 51% boys, for 3-5 yr. old) collected using ActiGraph in NNYFS 2012 were analyzed to determine the prevalence of meeting the recommendation of the PA guidelines. Specifically, after the released data in Monitor-Independent Movement Summary (MIMS) unit were converted to the MIMS-EQ-Count, an equivalent of ActiGraph count, based on the results of a test equating study by Qin et al. (2021), the prevalence was computed using the cutoff scores by Johansson et al. (2016) for 3-5 yr. old. RESULTS: Unexpected, very high pass rates (%) were observed based on the daily 120 min (SHAPE America, 2020) moderate and vigorous PA (MVPA) and 180 min PA, including 60 min MVPA (WHO, 2019) cutoffs (Boys, Girls, Total):The higher passing rates observed were likely caused by the wrist site, where ActiGraph was worn, employed in NNYFS 2012 and the noise movements by hands (e.g., playing the computer games) that were mistakenly classified as MVPA. Using MIMS, rather than ActiGraph counts, as the unit of the data was another problem since MIMS’ PA intensity cutoff scores have not been established and validated. Together, due to failing to create trustful MVPA data, these two flaws made PA data from NNYFS 2012 less meaningful and useful. CONCLUSION: The very high prevalence of US children meeting PA recommendations was likely caused by two major flaws when collecting PA by wearing ActiGraph on wrist and releasing the data in MIMS unit.