Metabolic Equivalent Minutes Research Articles

Psychosocial and Physical Activity Outcomes Among Group Lifestyle Balance Program Participants With Arthritis

Background: Weight loss and physical activity (PA) are recommended for arthritis management. The Group Lifestyle Balance (GLB) Program(TM) is an evidence-based, lifestyle change program for weight loss in individuals with prediabetes, but hasn’t been evaluated in people with arthritis. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an adapted version of the GLB program on PA and psychosocial outcomes related to weight loss among overweight (Body Mass Index >27) individuals with arthritis. Methods: A single-group, quasi-experimental design was used to examine the effects of the adapted GLB program on measures of PA and psychosocial outcomes. All participants (N=15) received the GLB program and completed the following surveys: CHAMPS PA, Self-Efficacy for PA (SE), Social Support for PA (SS), Weight Loss Efficacy (WEL) and Barriers to Healthy Eating (BHE) at baseline, 12-weeks, 6 months, and 12 months. Repeated measures ANOVA and the Friedman Test were used to examine changes over time. Results: Participants (aged 53-79 years) were primarily female (82%), white (94%), and college educated (94%). Significant improvements were found in BHE subsections of self-control and motivation (p=0.002), daily mechanics (p=0.042), and WEL subsections of availability (p=0.049), social pressure (p=0.010), physical discomfort (p=0.011), and positive activities (p=0.007). Weekly caloric expenditure (p=0.004), metabolic equivalent minutes (p=0.022) for all activities, and moderate-intensity activities (p=0.019) also showed significant improvements. However, most improvements were seen in the short-term. Conclusions: The GLB program should be further evaluated for its effectiveness in people with arthritis.

The importance of physical activity in diabetes

<p>Introduction. Obesity is becoming a global urgent issue that is considered a health problem in developed and developing countries. Obesity is a major risk factor for many non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2), hypertension, coronary heart disease, or certain types of cancer. Physical activity is crucial for a healthy lifestyle. The aim of this study was to determine whether there is a difference in the physical activity of obese people with type 2 diabetes and obese people without type 2 diabetes. Methods. This cross-sectional study included 50 obese patients with type 2 diabetes and 57 obese patients without type 2 diabetes. All patients went through the questionnaire, anthropometric measurements and laboratory tests. Type 2 diabetes was diagnosed in accordance with the American Diabetes Association. Data on physical activity were collected using the IPAQ (International Physical Activity Questionnaire), which was composed of questions on various physical activities in the previous 7 days. Results. Activities at work and on the way to work in patients with type 2 diabetes were significantly lower compared to these activities in patients without type 2 diabetes (p <0.001). Also, leisure time physical activities were lower in people with DM2 (p = 0.001). Just in case of household chores, subjects with DM2 had more utilized metabolic equivalent (MET) minutes whose utilization rate was close to 1700 MET minutes compared to 1500 MET minutes in subjects without DM2. Conclusion. The results of this study indicate that obese subjects with DM2 are less active than obese subjects without DM2. Therefore, they should be recommended regular physical activities for at least 150 minutes per week to overcome the problem of obesity and the problem of DM2.</p>

Abstract 13203: Exercise Decreases Stress-Associated Neural Activity Predominantly by Upregulating Regulatory Medial Prefrontal Cortical Activity

Introduction: Exercise associates with dose-dependent decreases in stress-associated neural activity (SNA) which, in part, mediate exercise’s beneficial impact on major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) risk. SNA can be assessed as a ratio of the resting metabolic activity of the brain’s fear centers (i.e., the amygdala [Amyg]), to that of regulatory centers (i.e., the medial prefrontal cortex [PFC]). However, it is unknown whether exercise reduces SNA by impacting the activity of Amyg, mPFC, or both. Hypothesis: We tested whether exercise reduces SNA primarily through enhancing the activity of the mPFC. We further hypothesize that it is the regulatory effect of the mPFC on SNA that contributes to MACE risk reduction. Methods: Self-reported physical activity data were obtained from Partners Biobank participants and total metabolic equivalents-minutes per week (MET-min/wk) were calculated. In a subset with clinical 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography imaging, Amyg and mPFC activity were measured and corrected by whole cerebrum activity. SNA was calculated (Amyg/mPFC activity). MACE and cardiovascular risk factors were obtained using International Classification of Diseases codes. Results: Out of 684 subjects with both physical activity and imaging data (median age 68 years [IQR 60,75]), 275 (40.2%) developed MACE. Physical activity (as tertiles) associated with a dose-dependent increase in mPFC activity (Figure 1A; standardized β [95% CI]: 0.087 [0.002,0.036], p=0.025). Moreover, while SNA predicted MACE in adjusted analysis, the activities of the Amyg or PFC alone did not (Figure 1B). Conclusions: Exercise associates with dose dependent increases in mPFC activity. This effect does not directly reduce MACE risk; however, it may reduce MACE risk via its regulatory action on SNA. These observations may also have relevance in the impact of exercise on depression/anxiety disorders and cognitive function.

Genetic susceptibility, family history of diabetes and healthy lifestyle factors in relation to diabetes: A gene-environment interaction analysis in Chinese adults.

Aims/IntroductionTo analyze the associations and interactions of the genetic susceptibility and family history of diabetes with lifestyle factors in relation to diabetes among Chinese adults.Materials and MethodsWe constructed a genetic risk score of 34 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms in 11,596 participants from Songnan and Youyi communities, Baoshan District, Shanghai, China. We determined a healthy lifestyle by a normal body mass index (<24 kg/m2), adequate fruit and vegetable intake (≥4.5 cups/day), never smoked or quit smoking >1 year prior, sufficient physical activity (≥600 metabolic equivalent minutes per week), and a sleep duration of ≥6 to ≤8 h/day. Logistic regression models were used to examine the associations and interactions between heritability and lifestyle on diabetes.ResultsA healthier lifestyle was associated with a lower prevalence of diabetes within any heritable risk groups categorized by the genetic risk score and family history of diabetes. In the combined communities, the odds ratio (95% confidence interval) for diabetes associated with each additional healthy lifestyle factor was 0.83 (0.77–0.89) among participants with a low genetic risk score and 0.86 (0.81–0.91) among participants with a high genetic risk score (P interaction = 0.66). Similar interaction patterns of family history (P interaction = 0.15) and the combination of family history and the genetic risk score with healthy lifestyle (P interaction = 0.55) on diabetes were observed.ConclusionsA healthier lifestyle was associated with a significantly lower prevalence of diabetes regardless of heritable risk groups, highlighting the importance of adhering to a healthy lifestyle for diabetes prevention among the entire population.

227-OR: Physical Activity and Glucose Control among Youth with T1D

Background: Challenges with exercise related glucose control in type 1 diabetes (T1D) may impact adherence to guidelines which recommend 60 minutes daily of moderate to vigorous intensity aerobic activity for youth ages 6-17 years. We examined the association between physical activity and glucose control in youth with T1D. Methods: Interstitial glucose data from flash continuous glucose monitors (CGM, Abbott Diabetes Care’s Freestyle Libre Pro Flash Glucose Monitor) and physical activity data (Metria IH1 activity patch) were objectively measured. Data from 52 youth 9-17 years old with a median diabetes duration of 6 years (IQR: 3 to 8) and mean (±SD) HbA1c of 9.1 ± 1.5% were analyzed. Partial Pearson’s correlation coefficients adjusting for age, gender, and baseline HbA1c were used to assess the association between daily physical activity and glucose control; the primary analysis used a linear regression model adjusted for age, gender, and baseline HbA1c. Results: Participants with higher average energy expenditure, as measured by metabolic equivalent minutes (MET-min), on their active days had higher average % time in range (TIR: 70-180 mg/dL) in the 24 hours after exercise than participants with lower average MET-min on active days (p&amp;lt;0.001). For individuals with &amp;lt;200 average daily MET-min, TIR was 26% ± 21%, while TIR was 34% ± 14% for those with 200 to &amp;lt;600 average MET-min, and 49% ± 14% for those with ≥600 average MET-min. Percent time &amp;gt;180 mg/dL decreased with increased activity (p=0.002). Activity was significantly associated with lower mean glucose (p=0.02) without an increase in % time &amp;lt;70 mg/dL or % time &amp;lt;54 mg/dL. Conclusions: Among youth with T1D, objectively measured physical activity levels are associated with improved glucose control and decreased hyperglycemia. Use of biometric technology, such as activity trackers, may motivate youth to be more physically active, but integration with other diabetes-specific technologies, such as CGM and insulin pumps, may offer solutions for improved blood sugar management. Disclosure J. Gal: None. Z. Li: None. S. M. Willi: Advisory Panel; Self; Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Medtronic, Other Relationship; Self; National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. M. Riddell: Advisory Panel; Self; Zealand Pharma A/S, Consultant; Self; Lilly Diabetes, Research Support; Self; Dexcom, Inc., Insulet Corporation, Speaker’s Bureau; Self; Novo Nordisk Inc., Sanofi, Stock/Shareholder; Self; Zucara Therapeutics Inc. Funding The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust

Abstract P150: Association Of Leisure Time Physical Activity (LTPA) With Left Atrial Function In Older Adults: The Atherosclerosis Risk In Communities (ARIC) Study

Introduction: Prior research indicates that higher LTPA is associated with better left ventricular (LV) diastolic function, but not with left atrial volume index (LAVI). Left atrial (LA) strain is a more sensitive marker of LA pathology. Hence, we evaluated association of LTPA with LA strain in the ARIC study, a community-based cohort study. Hypothesis: Higher LTPA is associated with better LA reservoir, conduit and contractile function. Methods: We included 4005 participants (mean age 75 years, 63% female, 21% black) with 2D echocardiographic (2DE) LA % strain data, LTPA data, and without prevalent coronary heart disease, valvular heart disease, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and stroke at Visit 5 (V5, 2011-13). We estimated LTPA as metabolic equivalent-minutes per week from validated Baecke questionnaire and categorized it as poor, intermediate, or ideal as per AHA recommendation. We categorized change in LTPA from V3 (1993-95) to V5 as persistently poor (referent), decreasing, increasing, or persistently active. LA reservoir, conduit, and contractile % strain were measured from speckle-tracking 2DE. Linear regression was used to evaluate association of LTPA with LA function. We modeled LTPA (1) cross-sectionally at V5 as a continuous variable and (2) change from V3 to V5, as continuous and categorical variables (referent- persistently poor). Results: Higher LTPA at V5 (Table) and persistently high (vs poor) LTPA from V3 to 5 (β estimate -0.89, 95% CI -1.40, -0.38) were significantly associated with better LA conduit function after adjusting for CV risk factors, LV function, and LAVI. The same associations with LA reservoir function were no longer significant after adjusting for CV risk factors. LTPA was not associated with LA contractile function (Table). Conclusions: Consistent with LTPA’s salutary effect on LV diastolic function, higher LTPA is associated with better LA conduit function. Maintaining high LTPA from midlife to late-life may be beneficial in mitigating age-related changes in cardiac function.

Can remotely supervised exercise positively affect self-reported depressive symptoms and physical activity levels during social distancing?

The main objective of this cross-sectional study was to compare the self-reported depressive symptoms and physical activity (PA) levels among participants who performed self- nonexercising (NE), guided exercise (SGE), remotely supervised exercise (RSE), and face-to-face supervised exercise (FFE) during social distancing. Three hundred and forty-four individuals (≥18 years and 67% women) answered a self-reported online survey that included questions related to the physical exercise practice (e.g., supervised and remote) during social distancing and questions about perceptions of depressive symptoms (Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale-Self Rated [MADRS-S] scores) and metabolic equivalent task minutes per week (METs min•wk-1) of moderate- and vigorous-intensity PA, and total PA scores (International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form) before and during social distancing. The RSE group (n=45) showed higher METs of vigorous-intensity PA than the SGE (n=146) and NE (n=109) groups. The RSE and FFE (n=44) groups showed higher METs of the total PA scores than the SGE and NE groups. The NE group showed higher MADRS-S scores than the other groups. Lower MADRS-S scores depend on the exercise practice and higher METs of vigorous-intensity PA depend on the supervised exercise practice. Thus, telehealth interventions can be implemented during the pandemic to enhance vigorous PA.

Changes in Compliance With Physical Activity Guidelines and Cardiovascular Disease Mortality.

The effects of compliance with the US Physical Activity (PA) Guidelines and changes in compliance over time on cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality are unknown. Male participants in the Aerobics Center Longitudinal Study (n = 15,411; 18-100y) reported leisure-time PA between 1970 and 2002. The frequency of and time spent in PA were converted into metabolic equivalent minutes per week. The participants were classified into remained inactive, became active, became inactive, or remained active groups according to their achievement of the PA guidelines along the follow-up, equivalent here to at least 500 metabolic equivalent minutes of PA per week. Cox regression adjusted for different models was used for the analyses, using age, body mass index, smoking and drinking status, hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, and parental history of CVD. Over a mean follow-up of 6.2 years, 439 CVD deaths occurred. Consistently meeting the PA guidelines, compared with not meeting, was associated with a 54% (95% confidence interval, 0.32-0.67) decreased risk of CVD mortality. After controlling for all potential confounders, the risk reduction was 47% (95% confidence interval, 0.36-0.77). Maintaining adherence to the PA guidelines produces substantial reductions in the risk of CVD deaths in men. Furthermore, discontinuing compliance with the guidelines may offset the beneficial effects on longevity.

Physical activity levels in women with stage II or higher breast cancer: Association, difference and agreement between self-report and objective measurement methods

To help women with breast cancer (BC) be sufficiently active, accurate assessment of physical activity (PA) is important. This study compared self-reported and objectively-assessed PA in women with stage II+ BC. Moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA) was assessed objectively using accelerometery (Actigraph® GT3X+) and using self-report (Active Australia Survey) and reported in weekly metabolic equivalent minutes (MET.min/wk). Associations, difference and agreement between methods were evaluated using Spearman's correlation, Wilcoxon signed-rank test and Bland-Altman analyses, respectively. Women were also categorised as being insufficiently (≤ 450 MET.min/wk) or sufficiently active (> 450 MET.min/wk) and compared using Cohen's Kappa. Participants ( n = 50) were 51 ± 9 years, with a mean body mass index of 29 ± 6 kg/m 2 . Self-reported and objectively-assessed MVPA were moderately correlated (r = 0.46, P < 0.01). Median MVPA was similar across methods (self-reported: median = 1085.1 [Interquartile range, IQR = 1032.2] MET.min/wk; objectively-assessed: median = 888.4 [IQR = 1218.5] MET.min/wk; P = 0.74), with wide limits of agreement (±2588.6 MET.min/wk). Self-reported MVPA using the Active Australia survey is comparable with objective assessments. For most who self-reported PA levels consistent with national guidelines, their objectively-assessed PA confirmed this to be true. Self-report methods can be used to identify women who need encouragement to stay active versus those who need targeted advice. Pour aider les femmes atteintes d’un cancer du sein (CS) à être suffisamment actives, une évaluation précise de l’activité physique (AP) est importante. Cette étude a pour objectif de comparer l’AP auto-déclarée et objectivement évaluée chez les femmes au stade II + CS. L’AP d’intensité modérée à vigoureuse (APMV) a été évaluée objectivement par accélérométrie (Actigraph® GT3X+) et par auto-déclaration (Active Australia Survey), et rapportée en minutes équivalentes métaboliques hebdomadaires (MET.min/semaine). Les associations, les différences et la concordance entre les méthodes ont été respectivement évaluées à l’aide de la corrélation de Spearman, du test du rang de Wilcoxon et des analyses de Bland-Altman. Les femmes ont également été classées comme étant insuffisamment (< 450 MET.min/semaine) ou suffisamment actives (> 450 MET.min/semaine) et comparées en utilisant le Kappa de Cohen. Les participantes ( n = 50 ; 51 ± 9 ans; indice de masse corporelle: 29 ± 6 kg/m 2 ) ont rapporté des APMV auto-déclarées et objectivement évaluées modérément corrélées ( r = 0,46, p < 0,01). L’APMV médiane était similaire d’une méthode à l’autre (auto-déclarée: médiane = 1085,1 [intervalle interquartile, IQR = 1032,2] MET.min/semaine; évaluée objectivement : médiane = 888,4 [IQR = 1218,5] MET.min/semaine; p = 0,74), avec de larges limites d’accord (±2588,6 MET.min/semaine). L’APMV auto-déclarée à l’aide de l’enquête Active Australia est comparable aux évaluations objectives. Pour la plupart des personnes ayant déclaré des niveaux d’AP conformes aux directives nationales, leur AP objectivement évaluée a confirmé que c’était le cas. Les méthodes d’auto-évaluation peuvent être utilisées pour identifier les femmes qui auraient besoin d’encouragements afin de rester physiquement actives par rapport à celles qui auraient besoin de conseils ciblés.

Association between Levels of Physical Activity, Sarcopenia, Type 2 Diabetes and the Quality of Life of Elderly People in Community Dwellings in Lebanon.

There is a lack of data from developing countries on the link between physical activity (PA) on health outcomes. This study examines the association between the level of PA and sarcopenia, cardiovascular risk factors (i.e., dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes (T2D), and cardiovascular diseases), and the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among elderly people, in community dwellings in Lebanon. In this cross-sectional, observational study, body composition, levels of PA, and the HRQoL of 243 elderly people living in community dwellings, are obtained. The participants are then categorized based on a PA cut-off point of 600 metabolic equivalent task minutes per week (MET-min/week). In our sample, the prevalence of physical inactivity, defined as performing less than 600 MET-min/week, is 51.44% (125/243 participants).They displayed a higher prevalence of sarcopenia (36.0% vs. 18.6%), T2D (39.6% vs. 21.1%), as well as a lower physical (65.67 ± 20.72 vs. 75.08 ± 17.29) and mental (67.58 ± 21.51 vs. 76.95 ± 17.16) HRQoL. On the other hand, regression analysis shows that an increased rate of PA to ≥600 MET-min/week is associated with a lower risk of T2D (OR = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.22–0.84, p = 0.013) and sarcopenia (OR= 0.40, 95% CI: 0.22–0.73, p = 0.003) by 60%, and higher scores of the physical (β = −7.65; −11.87, −3.43, p = 0.0004) and mental (β = −8.47; −13.08, −3.85, p = 0.0004) HRQoL by nearly eight points. Our results show a high prevalence of physical inactivity in Lebanese adults over the age of 60; however, an adequate level of PA among this population seemed to be associated with a lower risk of sarcopenia and T2D, as well as a better HRQoL. However, future longitudinal studies are still needed to clarify if intervention based on increasing levels of PA can determine improvement in these clinical outcomes. If this is shown to be the case, it emphasizes the importance of implementing strategies to increase physical activity within this population.

UK university staff experience high levels of sedentary behaviour during work and leisure time

Objective. Reducing sedentary behaviours at work is imperative. Before effective strategies can be developed there is a need to understand profiles of activity within particular roles and organizations. This study aimed to determine activity profiles of staff by job title at a UK university. Methods. Three-hundred and seventeen participants completed the international physical activity questionnaire – short form to determine physical activity profiles. Fifty-one participants also wore a wrist-worn GENEActiv accelerometer for 7 days and completed a self-report diary denoting work and leisure hours. Results. Twenty-one per cent of respondents were categorized as inactive and achieved 298 ± 178 metabolic equivalent minutes (MET-min)/week. Those in administrative roles were most sedentary (501 ± 161 min/day). Accelerometer data highlighted that sedentary time was identical between job roles (pooled mean 8746 ± 823 counts) and equated to 84 ± 9% of total time. During working hours, management, professional and specialist job roles had the highest level of sedentary time (2066 ± 416 counts). Conclusion. Time spent undertaking sedentary activities during working hours contributes to reduced overall activity and can impede productivity, performance and health. Interventions encouraging regular movement and preventing sedentary behaviours at work are therefore required.

Sixteen Weeks of Supplementation with a Nutritional Quantity of a Diversity of Polyphenols from Foodstuff Extracts Improves the Health-Related Quality of Life of Overweight and Obese Volunteers: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Parallel Clinical Trial

Overweight and obesity adversely affect health-related quality of life (HRQOL) through day-to-day impairments of both mental and physical functioning. It is assumed that polyphenols within the Mediterranean diet may contribute to improving HRQOL. This investigation aimed at studying the effects of a polyphenol-rich ingredient on HRQOL in overweight and obese but otherwise healthy individuals. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study including 72 volunteers was conducted. Subjects were randomly assigned to receive for a 16-week period either 900 mg/day of the supplement or a placebo. Dietary recommendations were individually determined and intakes were recorded. Daily physical mobility was also monitored. Improvement of HRQOL was set as the primary outcome and assessed at baseline and at the end of the investigation using the Short-Form 36 (SF-36) health survey. Body composition was analyzed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Physical activity was calculated using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). After 16 weeks, despite there being no adherence to the Mediterranean Diet Serving Score (MDSS), supplemented individuals experienced significant HRQOL improvement (+5.3%; p = 0.001), including enhanced perceived physical (+11.2%; p = 0.002) and mental health (+4.1%; p = 0.021) components, with bodily pain, vitality, and general health being the greatest contributors. Body fat mass significantly decreased (−1.2 kg; p = 0.033), mainly within the trunk area (−1.0 kg; p = 0.002). Engagement in physical activity significantly increased (+1308 Met-min (Metabolic Equivalent Task minutes)/week; p = 0.050). Hence, chronic supplementation with nutritional diversity and dosing of a Mediterranean diet-inspired, polyphenol-rich ingredient resulted in significant amelioration in both perceived physical and mental health, concomitant with the improvement of body composition, in healthy subjects with excessive adiposity.

Physical activity and healthy eating behavior changes among rural women: an exploratory mediation analysis of a randomized multilevel intervention trial.

Rural women experience disproportionately higher levels of obesity in comparison to their non-rural counterparts. The present exploratory mediation analysis sought to identify mechanisms that might have contributed to rural women's physical activity and diet changes after participating in a 6-month multilevel community-randomized trial: Strong Hearts, Healthy Communities (SHHC). SHHC was conducted in 16 rural towns in Montana and New York, between 2015 and 2016; 194 overweight, sedentary midlife, and older women (mean age 59; 26.8% overweight; 73.2% obese) participated. Participants in eight towns received the SHHC intervention (n = 101), which focused on healthy behavior change at the individual level as well as creating supportive social and built environments for physical activity and healthy eating. Participants in the other eight towns received an education-only control intervention (n = 93). We investigated the direct and indirect effects of the SHHC intervention through changes to self-efficacy, social support, and built environment perception, on changes in participants' physical activity and diet. Compared to the controls, SHHC intervention participants increased their social support from friends for physical activity (p = 0.009) and healthy eating (p = 0.032). Participants' improved social support from friends marginally mediated the intervention effects for walking metabolic equivalent minutes per week, explaining 40.5% of the total effect (indirect effect = +45.24, 95% CI: -1.51, +91.99; p = 0.059). Increasing social support from friends appears to be helpful in encouraging rural women to become more active. Further investigations are needed to better understand how multilevel interventions work in rural communities.

Physical activity levels among ovarian cancer survivors: a prospective longitudinal cohort study

ObjectivePhysical activity following cancer diagnosis is associated with improved outcomes, including potential survival benefits, yet physical activity levels among common cancer types tend to decrease following diagnosis and remain low....

Energy Expenditure and Physical Activity in a University Population in the Coastal Region of Ecuador

Background: Variations in physical activity greatly affect total energy expenditure, and therefore its examination contributes to the prevention of systemic disease. We sought to evaluate energy expenditure and physical activity within a university population from the coastal region of Ecuador. Methods: A descriptive and observational research study was developed to compare 1038 university students. Weight, height, resting metabolic rate and estimated energy needs were estimated. A 24 h recall questionnaire was administered to examine the relationship between total energy expenditure and physical activity. The “IPAQ” (international physical activity questionnaire) was employed to classify the type of physical activity performed and weekly metabolic equivalent (MET) minutes were calculated. Results: Male and female participants showed total energy expenditures of 2571.26 ± 321.26 and 1924.75 ± 112.78 kcal/day, respectively, with resting metabolic rates of 1864.12 ± 206.67 and 1373.96 ± 178.28 kcal/day, respectively. A total of 81.88% of the population reported being sedentary. With regards to time distribution between activities, insignificant time was dedicated to sport and health-related activities. Weekly MET minute expenditure was classified as low in 45.37% of individuals, moderate in 52.2%, and high in 3% of individuals. Conclusions: We conclude that the studied population led a notably sedentary lifestyle, which was contingent on voluntary behavioural states including the avoidance of certain exercises. Such tendencies are harmful to health.

Depression is Associated with Moderate-Intensity Physical Activity Among College Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Differs by Activity Level, Gender and Gender Role.

PurposeThe novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and associated restrictive measures have implications for depressive symptoms (henceforth depression) of young people and risk may be associated with their reduced physical activity (PA) level. Therefore, we aimed to examine the association between depressive symptoms and PA among college students with different gender and gender role (masculinity traits and femininity traits) during the COVID-19 pandemic.Participants and MethodsCross-sectional study included 628 healthy college students from nineteen different locations. The Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scales (CES-D), the International Physical Activity Questionnaire - Short Form (IPAQ-SF), and the 50-item Chinese Sex-Role Inventory (CSRI-50) were used to measure depressive symptoms, PA continuous (weekly metabolic equivalent minutes, MET-minutes/week) and categorical indicators (activity level category) and gender role, respectively. The statistical analyses were used in partial correlation analysis, t-test, one-way ANOVA, moderation model tests, and linear regression model tests.ResultsTotal of 34.72% participants had clinically relevant depression (16, CES-D scale). Total of 58.6% participants were classified as a “low” activity level for spending less time on PA. Depression significantly negatively correlated with MET-minutes/week in moderate-intensity PA but not vigorous and walking scores. Of note, the depression-PA association was only moderated by the “low” activity level group in terms of categorical scores across gender groups. Participants with higher masculinity traits were less likely to have depression among all participants. Moreover, more recovered cases and fewer deaths could also predict the lower depression risk in the “high” activity level group.ConclusionModerate-intensity PA is beneficial for reducing depression risk among college students at a low activity level. College students with fewer masculinity traits (regardless of gender) are highly vulnerable to depression during the outbreak of COVID-19. Effective control of the COVID-19 pandemic seems critical to alleviating the burden of mental disorders of the public including depression.

The Effect of Physical Activity Enjoyment on Physical Activity in Parents of Young Children with Disabilities

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to examine the physical activity of parents of young children with disabilities and the effect of physical activity enjoyment on those physical activity behaviors. 135 participants completed an online survey which included the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form and the physical activity enjoyment questionnaire. Mean metabolic equivalent-minutes per week for moderate physical activity was 747.00 (SD: 747.25) and for vigorous physical activity was 654.68 (SD: 992.84). 33% of participants reported zero minutes per week of both moderate and vigorous physical activity. Two separate multiple linear regressions indicated that physical activity enjoyment was a significant predictor for both moderate physical activity (β = 0.26, p = 0.002) and vigorous physical activity (β = 0.31, p < 0.001) after controlling for the ages of parent and child. The results of this study suggest that parents of young children with disabilities who participated in physical activity were moderately physically active, but a considerable number of parents of young children with disabilities did not participate in moderate and vigorous physical activity at all. Fortunately, targeting physical activity enjoyment may be a way to promote physical activity in parents of young children with disabilities.

Personality traits and physical functioning: a cross-sectional multimethod facet-level analysis

BackgroundThis study aimed to investigate whether personality traits and their facets are associated with a multi-methods assessment of physical activity and walking performance and whether they explain the discrepancy between self-reported and accelerometer-assessed physical activity.MethodsThe participants were community-dwelling, 70–85-year-old men and women from Finland (n = 239) who were part of a clinical trial. Personality traits and their facets were measured using the 240-item NEO Personality Inventory-3. Physical activity was assessed using questions about frequency, intensity and duration of exercise (self-reported metabolic equivalent minutes (MET)) and by tri-axial accelerometers (light and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and total MET-minutes). Walking performance was measured by 6-min walking distance and 10-m walking speed. Linear regression analyses were controlled for age, sex, education, body mass index, disease burden, and intervention group.ResultsThe activity facet of extraversion was positively associated with self-reported MET-minutes, accelerometer-assessed light physical activity and walking performance. The positive emotions facet of extraversion was positively associated with self-reported MET-minutes and walking performance. Openness and its facets and the excitement seeking facet of extraversion were positively associated with walking performance. Conscientiousness and most of its facets were associated with both physical activity and walking performance, but these associations were not statistically significant after accounting for all control variables. The impulsiveness facet of neuroticism was negatively associated with accelerometer-assessed light physical activity and walking performance, but the associations with walking performance attenuated after accounting for all control variables. Accelerometer-assessed moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was not associated with personality traits or facets. Discrepancy analyses suggest that openness and the excitement-seeking facet of extraversion were associated with higher self-reported than accelerometer-assessed physical activity.ConclusionsConsistently across methods, older adults who scored higher on facets of extraversion and conscientiousness tended to be more active and outperformed peers on walking performance. Older adults who scored higher in the facets of openness and the excitement-seeking facet of extraversion had better walking performance but also overestimated their self-reported physical activity compared to the accelerometers.

Physical activity patterns six weeks after delivery in postpartum women with prior gestational diabetes mellitus

Objectives: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a world health concern. Women with a history of GDM have a high prevalence of developing type two diabetes mellitus, recurrence of GDM, and impaired glucose intolerance in their future life. Physical activity (PA) is a key component to attenuate the development of these complications. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the PA patterns of GDM women at 6 weeks postpartum. Material and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional component of a large quasi-experimental study was conducted in three selected districts of Sri Lanka in 100 postpartum mothers. Anthropometric and glycemic parameters were assessed at 6 weeks postpartum. Pre-tested International PA Questionnaire (short-version) was used to assess PA. The PA level and intensity were calculated in metabolic equivalent task minutes per week (METminutes/week). Data were analyzed by SPSS 21 version. Both continuous and categorical data were analyzed. Ethical clearance was obtained from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura. Results: Mean HbA1c value was 6.64 ± 1.95. Median truncated PA was 3250 MET-minutes/week. The main contributors to energy expenditure in the study sample were moderate intensity household activities and walking with 58% of mothers walking more than 150 min/week. Although in the categorical analysis, 52% of mothers reported high level of PA, only 10% participated in at least one vigorous intensity activity continuously for more than 10 min to achieve reduced metabolic risks. Average sitting time of mothers was about 3 h/day which is in par with the breast-feeding recommendation. None of the PA MET values significantly correlated with the glycemic parameter, HbA1c. Conclusion: Although it appears that majority of mothers are physically active, these activities are not optimum in terms of reducing the metabolic risk. We suggest designing exercise protocols incorporating day-to-day moderate intensity activities and walking in a structured and scientific manner to achieve maximum benefits for this special group of women.

Association Between Physical Activity and Odds of Chronic Conditions Among Workers in Spain.

IntroductionPrevention of chronic conditions is a major public health challenge, and achieving minimum recommended levels of physical activity aids in reaching this objective. The aim of our study was to investigate whether levels of physical activity were associated with the prevalence of common chronic conditions among the Spanish workforce.MethodsWe retrieved data from the Spanish National Health Survey 2017 (N = 9,695) in which the mean age of participants was 44.4 (standard deviation, 10.4 y), and 47.4% were women. Workers self-reported a set of 6 chronic conditions (ie, chronic low-back pain, chronic neck pain, diabetes, hypertension, depression, and anxiety), and we used the International Physical Activity Questionnaire short form to estimate physical activity. We performed multivariable logistic regression adjusted for possible confounders to assess associations between physical activity and chronic conditions.ResultsThe final adjusted model showed that performing less than 600 metabolic equivalent-minutes per week of physical activity was associated with significantly increased odds for chronic conditions (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.18; 95% CI, 1.07–1.30). Of the sex and age subgroups analyzed, this association was significant in men aged 17 to 44 (aOR = 1.21; 95% CI, 1.00–1.46). Among chronic conditions, low-back pain and anxiety were associated with low levels of physical activity, whereas covariates such as body mass index, smoking habits, education level, and occupational class had an important influence on the association between physical activity and chronic conditions.ConclusionResults suggest that achieving sufficient physical activity could reduce chronic conditions among Spanish workers.