Metabolic Equivalent Task Minutes Research Articles

Comparison of a guided assessment and an app-based assessment of physical activity using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ)

Introduction & Purpose The Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ; Armstrong & Bull, 2006) is commonly used to assess frequency, duration and intensity of physical activity (PA) in three domains: work, travel and recreation. It is frequently used as a self-administered questionnaire; however, the execution was originally designed for an interviewer. With the continuous development of app-based technology, the evaluation of PA online-assessment is relevant (Mosa et al., 2012). The objective of the study was to compare an online self-administered version of the GPAQ with the original version administered by an interviewer. Methods The physical activity behaviour of 533 participants (70% female, average age 44, ± 13.9) from the LIFE-Tirol Study (Lasting Health through Intermittent Fasting, Emotional Firmness and Exercise) was assessed by an interviewer using the GPAQ. The interviewer used generic show cards for explaining different levels of exercise intensities as recommended in the analysis guidelines (Armstrong & Bull, 2006). After two months, participants were asked to fill in the GPAQ via online app without show cards. Participant were advised not to change their usual physical activity levels during the two months. The movement domains and intensities of the two versions were compared with Jamovi v2.3 using a series of Wilcoxon W-tests and a series of 2 × 2 mixed ANOVAs to analyse gender- and age-specific aspects. Results Total metabolic equivalent task (MET) minutes were significantly different between interview and self-assessed online version (1,971 ± 2,590 vs. 4,143 ± 4,370 MET minutes; p < .001, d = 0.670). Significantly more MET minutes were reported in the online version compared to the interview version across all three PA-domains and both vigorous and moderate intensities (F(1, 552) = 167, p < .001, ƞ² = .232). This difference was not influenced by gender. 18–34-year-old participants reported significantly less MET minutes during recreational PA than participants older than 55 years in both versions (F(1, 551) = 113, p < .001, ƞ²= .170). No further gender/age × assessment interaction effects were found. Male participants tend to report higher intensity minutes more likely than females in both assessment versions (F(1, 551) = 4.43, p = 0.360, ƞ²= .008). Discussion The amount of PA as well as its intensities seem to differ between the self-assessed online version compared to the interview assessment of the GPAQ, although the interview was conducted as the first measurement and PA as well as intensities were explained in detail to participants using generic show cards. It was previously reported that show cards have no significant impact on the results of the self-administered version of the GPAQ (Rudolf et al., 2020). Therefore, the authors suggest that the main differences between both assessments were caused by the presence of the interviewer independent of age or gender. Conclusion Regardless of the use of show cards and detailed explanations of PA, the main difference between guided and self-administered PA-assessments may result from the presence or absence of an interviewer. Therefore, it is important to interpret self-administered app-based GPAQ evaluations with caution. Future studies should validate app-based GPAQ data by using objective PA measurements, such as accelerometers.

Cost-effectiveness of reducing children’s sedentary time and increasing physical activity at school: the Transform-Us! intervention

BackgroundImproving physical activity and reducing sedentary behavior represent important areas for intervention in childhood in order to reduce the burden of chronic disease related to obesity and physical inactivity in later life. This paper aims to determine the cost-effectiveness of a multi-arm primary school-based intervention to increase physical activity and/or reduce sedentary time in 8–9 year old children (Transform-Us!).MethodsModelled cost-utility analysis, using costs and effects from a cluster randomized controlled trial of a 30-month intervention that used pedagogical and environmental strategies to reduce and break up sedentary behaviour (SB-I), promote physical activity (PA-I), or a combined approach (PA + SB-I), compared to current practice. A validated multiple-cohort lifetable model (ACE-Obesity Policy model) estimated the obesity and physical activity-related health outcomes (measured as change in body mass index and change in metabolic equivalent task minutes respectively) and healthcare cost-savings over the cohort’s lifetime from the public-payer perspective, assuming the intervention was delivered to all 8–9 year old children attending Australian Government primary schools. Sensitivity analyses tested the impact on cost-effectiveness of varying key input parameters, including maintenance of intervention effect assumptions.ResultsCost-effectiveness results demonstrated that, when compared to control schools, the PA-I and SB-I intervention arms were “dominant”, meaning that they resulted in net health benefits and healthcare cost-savings if the intervention effects were maintained. When the costs and effects of these intervention arms were extrapolated to the Australian population, results suggested significant potential as obesity prevention measures (PA-I: 60,780 HALYs saved (95% UI 15,007-109,413), healthcare cost-savings AUD641M (95% UI AUD165M-$1.1B); SB-I: 61,126 HALYs saved (95% UI 11,770 − 111,249), healthcare cost-savings AUD654M (95% UI AUD126M-1.2B)). The PA-I and SB-I interventions remained cost-effective in sensitivity analysis, assuming the full decay of intervention effect after 10 years.ConclusionsThe PA-I and SB-I Transform-Us! intervention arms represent good value for money and could lead to health benefits and healthcare cost-savings arising from the prevention of chronic disease in later life if intervention effects are sustained.Trial registrationInternational Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number (ISRCTN83725066). Australia and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry Number (ACTRN12609000715279).

Circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorders and the risk of dyslipidemia among railway workers in southwest China: A cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT Railway workers are more likely to have an irregular work schedule, which had an effect on their circadian rhythm of sleep, and may lead to circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorders (CRSWDs). The association between CRSWDs and dyslipidemia in railway workers is poorly understood. The objective of this research is to study the association between CRSWDs and the risk of dyslipidemia. This cross-sectional study was conducted among railway workers in Southwest China. CRSWDs were assessed by the morningness-eveningness questionnaire self-assessment version (MEQ-SA). The blood samples were collected in the morning and the lipids of participants were measured. Associations of CRSWDs with dyslipidemia and its components were analyzed. A total of 8079 participants were enrolled in this study, and the results revealed that shift work sleep disorder (SWD) and advanced sleep-wake phase disorder (ASWPD) were associated with a higher risk of dyslipidemia (OR 1.17, 95%CI 1.06–1.29, P < 0.01; OR 1.68, 95%CI 1.09–2.64, P < 0.05) after adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics and lifestyles, in comparison with the control group. As for its components, the SWD group was associated with a higher risk of elevated total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein than the control group, while the ASWPD group was associated with a higher risk of elevated total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein (P < 0.05). In summary, SWD and ASWPD participants were associated with a higher risk of dyslipidemia in railway workers in Southwest China. Abbreviation: TG: triglyceride; TC: Total cholesterol; LDL-C: low-density lipoprotein cholesterol; HDL-C: high-density lipoprotein cholesterol; FPG: fasting plasma glucose. MEQ-SA: morningness-eveningness questionnaire self-assessment version; IPW: inverse-probability weighting; HDS: healthy diet scores; FFQ: food frequency; PA: physical activity; IQAP-SF: international physical activity questionnaire short form; MET-min/wk: metabolic equivalent task minutes per week; BMI: body mass index; SBP: systolic blood pressure; DBP: diastolic blood pressure; HBP: hypertension; DM: diabetes; CVD: cerebrovascular disease; OR: odds ratios; CI: confidence intervals.

EVALUATION OF THE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY LEVELS OF COVID-19 PATIENTS IN TURKEY

Purpose: Covid-19 is a viral infection that affects either the respiratory system or the other systems. Studies about the effects of Covid-19 on physical activity are still scarce. This study aims to compare the changes in the physical activity levels of patients before and six months after Covid-19 in Turkey.&#x0D; Methods: One hundred and six participants that have been six months after Covid-19 contraction were included in the study. Along with the Patient Assessment Questionnaire, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form was used to assess physical activity energy consumption (vigorous-intensity physical activities, moderate-intensity physical activities, walking, and total physical activities).&#x0D; Results: Participants became either less physically active or more sedentary six months after Covid-19 (p=0.019). Vigorous-intensity physical activity levels were significantly decreased (Mean±SD: 341±854 vs. 109±331 Metabolic Equivalent Task minutes/week, p=0.015), and perceived fatigue during exercise was significantly increased between before and six month after infection (Mean±SD: 4.76±2.17 vs 6.17±2.27, p=0.001). Participants who had dyspnea (n=12) during the period of Covid-19, did more moderate-intensity physical activity (p=0.020) and walking (p =0.021) after Covid-19, compared to those who had not.&#x0D; Conclusion: Particularly changes in vigorous-intensity physical activity levels and perceived fatigue during exercise were seen in Covid-19 infected patients. We recommend supporting gradually increased tailor-based exercise programs by health professionals in public health agencies, not only for protecting the individuals from Covid-19 outcomes, but also for returning to their preinfection fitness levels.

Lifestyle and Quality of Life Among Overweight University Employees

Lifestyle is an environmental factor responsible for 60% of epigenetic factors related to the appearance of noncommunicable diseases, with a high impact on health-related quality of life (HrQoL). This observational study aimed to analyze the lifestyle and its impact on HrQoL in overweight/obese university employees. The following variables were analyzed in overweight/obese employees: lifestyle, physical activity, sedentary behavior, diet, body composition, and HrQoL. To analyze the associations between these variables, the Spearman and Pearson correlation tests were carried out. A total of 36 participants (69% female; aged 43.88 ± 7.14 years; body mass index 27.45 ± 2.99 kg/m2) were analyzed. The Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener score was 6.83 ± 1.38. Physical activity levels were 213.33 ± 251.97 metabolic equivalent tasks–minutes per week, and sitting time was 561.67 ± 188.19 minutes per day. Health-related quality-of-life levels were very poor, according to the Short-Form 36 Health Survey Questionnaire v2. Nutrition and stress management showed moderate positive correlations with HrQoL, whereas negative moderate correlations were found between sitting time and HrQoL. Finally, waist circumference and body mass index showed negative large-moderate correlations with physical function. These findings highlight the need to promote healthy lifestyle habits in the workplace to prevent noncommunicable diseases and improve HrQoL. Physical exercise and nutrition interventions should be performed within the workplace, especially among overweight/obese employees.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY CHANGES OF SPORT SCIENCES STUDENTS IN TERMS OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC

This study aimed to examine changes in physical activity levels of sport sciences students during COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey. A total of 264 subjects completed the online survey, but only 225 (164 females, 61 males) subjects resulted eligible for the study. The questionnaire measured the total weekly physical activity energy expenditure before and during quarantine (i.e. the sum of walking, moderate-intensity physical activities, and vigorous-intensity physical activities) in Metabolic Equivalent Task minutes per week (MET–min/wk) using an adapted version of International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-S). When the averages of weekly physical activity durations and frequencies in terms of MET were compared according to the physical activity levels of the students, it was seen that there was significant decrease in both walking, moderate intensity, high intensity and total physical activity participation during the pandemic compared to the pre-pandemic period (*p

Using Personal Activity Intelligence With Patients in a Clinic Setting: A Feasibility Study.

Personal Activity Intelligence (PAI) is a novel heart-rate-based metric used to assess cardiorespiratory fitness and quantify physical activity. The aim of this study was to examine the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of PAI with patients in a clinic setting. Patients (n = 25) from 2 clinics underwent 12 weeks of heart-rate-monitored physical activity interfaced with aPAI Health phone app. We used a pre-post design with the Physical Activity Vital Sign and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Feasibility, acceptability, and PAI measures were used to evaluate the objectives. Twenty-two patients (88%) completed the study. There were significant improvements in International Physical Activity Questionnaire metabolic equivalent task minutes per week ( P = .046) and a decrease in sitting hours ( P = .0001). The Physical Activity Vital Sign activity increase in minutes per week was not significant ( P = .214). Patients achieved a mean PAI score of 116 ± 81.1 and 100 or greater 71% of the days. Most patients (81%) expressed satisfaction with PAI. Personal Activity Intelligence is feasible, acceptable, and effective when used with patients in a clinic setting.

Effects of a Dietitian-Led, Telehealth Lifestyle Intervention on Blood Pressure: Results of a Randomized, Controlled Trial.

Background Limited data exist on the benefits of lifestyle behavior change delivered using telehealth and web-based applications with varied support on blood pressure (BP). Methods and Results We conducted a 2-site randomized controlled trial at Geisinger (January 2019-March 2021) to compare the efficacy of 2 remotely delivered strategies using web-based applications in participants with 24-hour systolic BP 120-160 mm Hg and body mass index ≥25 kg/m2. Both arms received access to web-based applications and the same lifestyle guidance per American Heart Association guidelines. One arm received minimal nonclinical staff support, and the other arm received dietitian support with motivational interviewing during weekly calls. The primary outcome was 12-week change in 24-hour systolic BP. A total of 187 participants were randomly assigned, with 156 (83.4%) completing the trial. In both arms, 24-hour systolic BP was reduced at follow-up, but the difference in BP change was not significant (dietitian-led arm, -6.73 mm Hg [95% CI, -8.64 to -4.82]; minimal-support arm, -4.92 [95% CI, -7.01 to -2.77]; P comparing groups=0.2). The dietitian-support arm had greater 12-week improvements in the secondary outcomes sleep systolic BP (mean, -6.92 versus -1.45; P=0.004), sleep diastolic BP (-3.31 versus 0.73; P=0.001), and self-reported physical activity (866 versus -243 metabolic equivalent task minutes per week; P=0.01) and tended to have improvements in weight loss (-5.11 versus -3.89 kg; P=0.1) and Healthy Eating Index-2015 score (9.23 versus 6.43 units; P=0.09). Conclusions Both the dietitian- and minimal-support interventions reduced 24-hour systolic BP similarly, although the dietitian-led intervention led to greater improvements in several secondary cardiometabolic outcomes. Registration URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT03700710.

Association between Physical Activity and the Risk of Mortality and Hospitalization in Older Korean Adults with Heart Failure.

Regular exercise improves the functional ability and quality of life of patients with heart failure (HF). However, studies on the results of intensity of exercise in the older population are scarce, especially in the Asian population. A total of 8982 older people (age 65 years) with HF were selected from the Korean National Health Insurance Service-Senior database (2005-2012). Participants were stratified according to the levels of physical activity per week as follows: (1) inactive group; (2) insufficiently active group: 1-499 metabolic equivalent task minutes (MET-min)/week; (3) active group: 500-999 MET-min/week; and (4) highly active group: 1000 MET-min/week. During a median follow-up period of 3.2 years, the incidence and risk of mortality were reduced in the insufficiently active (6.7 vs. 4.2 per 100 person-years, adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 0.82; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.71-0.94; p 0.001), active (3.8 per 100 person-years; HR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.70-0.95; p = 0.010), and highly active (2.4 per 100 person-years; HR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.41-0.67; p 0.001) groups compared to inactive patients. In older Asians with HF, increased physical activity reduced the risk of all-cause mortality. The mortality-reducing benefit started at a lower physical activity compared to the World Health Organization guideline (500-999 MET-min/week), and the risk decreased with more physical activity.

Temporal and Spatial Trends From Counterfactual Scenarios of Physical Activity on Mortality, Years of Life Lost, and Life Expectancy Due to Noncommunicable Diseases in Argentina.

This study estimates the spatial distribution and trends in preventable deaths, years of life lost (YLL), and life expectancy (LE), associated with noncommunicable diseases under alternative distributions of physical activity in Argentina. Potential impact fractions were used to calculate the preventable deaths and YLL attributable to various scenarios of physical activity. Cause-eliminated life tables were used to estimate LE gains, and Monte Carlo simulations were performed for uncertainty analysis. From 2005 to 2018, physical activity could have prevented up to 7544 to 8220 potential deaths (≈4.27% of major noncommunicable diseases and ≈2.66% of all causes) and about 221 to 219 YLL per 100,000 inhabitants; between 0.67 and 0.71years of LE could have been gained. If the World Health Organization recommendations (at least 600 metabolic equivalent tasks minutes per week) had been achieved, between 2813 and 3111 potential deaths could have been prevented, about 80 fewer years of life (per 100,000 inhabitants) would have been lost, and 0.23years of LE could have been gained. A 15% reduction in insufficient physical activity has shown a small impact on outcomes. Public health initiatives aimed at increasing population-wide physical activity could reduce noncommunicable disease deaths in Argentina.

Physical Activity and Successful Pregnancy in 6 Months: A Finding from the Pregnancy and Urban Environment Study

Purpose: This study aimed to assess the association between physical activity and pregnancy in 6 months among infertile women who underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF).Methods: The participants included in this study were infertile women who underwent IVF at Cha Fertility Center in Seoul Station from October 2019 to February 2020. Of 132 women who agreed to participate in the study, one was eliminated for omitting the exercise questionnaire. A survey assessing the level of physical activity of infertile women was conducted using the Korean version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaires. We calculated metabolic equivalent task-minutes (MET-min) scores and obtained their IVF results after 6 months of the survey. Participants with less than 3,000 MET-min were classified into the minimally active group, and those with ≥3,000 MET-min were classified as the healthenhancing group. The 2 groups were compared based on age, anti-Müllerian hormone levels, body mass index, infertility duration, nulliparity, harmful alcohol drinking, history of smoking, obesity, male factors, and pregnancy rates. Adjusted relative risk for pregnancy was calculated using log-binomial regression analysis.Results: There was no significant difference in basal characteristics between the less active and health-enhancing groups. When controlling for all covariates, the relative risk for pregnancy was close to null with health-enhancing activity. The adjusted pregnancy rate decreased with increasing MET-min in the generalized additive model.Conclusion: We observed no positive association between physical activity and pregnancy rate among interfile women undergoing IVF. To confirm our findings, subsequent interventional studies would be needed.

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.

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.

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 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.

The impact of physical activity on psychological health during Covid-19 pandemic in Italy

The worldwide spread of COVID-19 has upset the normality of Italian daily life, forcing population to social distancing and self-isolation. Since the containment precautions also concern sport-related activities, home workout remained the only possibility to play sports and stay active during the pandemic.The present study aimed to examine changes in the physical activity levels during self-quarantine in Italy, and the impact of exercise on psychological health.A total of 2974 Italian subjects has completed an online survey, but only 2524 subjects resulted eligible for this study. The questionnaire measured the total weekly physical activity energy expenditure before and during quarantine (i.e. the sum of walking, moderate-intensity physical activities, and vigorous-intensity physical activities) in Metabolic Equivalent Task minutes per week (MET–min/wk) using an adapted version of International Physical Activity Questionnaire and their psychological well-being using the Psychological General Well Being Index. Of the 2524 Italian subjects included in the study, 1426 were females (56.4%) and 1098 males (43.6%). Total physical activity significantly decreased between before and during COVID-19 pandemic (Mean: 2429 vs. 1577 MET–min/wk, ∗∗∗∗p < 0.0001), in all age groups and especially in men (Female, mean: 1994 vs. 1443 MET–min/wk, ∗∗∗∗p < 0.0001; Male, mean: 2998 vs. 1754 MET–min/wk, ∗∗∗∗p < 0.0001). Furthermore, a significant positive correlation was found between the variation of physical activity and mental well-being (r = 0.07541, ∗∗∗p = 0.0002), suggesting that the reduction of total physical activity had a profoundly negative impact on psychological health and well-being of population.Based on this scientific evidence, maintaining a regular exercise routine is a key strategy for physical and mental health during a forced rest period like the current coronavirus emergency.

The association of physical function and quality of life on physical activity for non-small cell lung cancer survivors.

Our study aimed to assess the association between physical function and quality of life (QOL) with physical activity among non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) survivors. Participants were 92 NSCLC survivors. Physical activity was assessed by a self-report with physiatrist's interview and the Korean version of the short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-SF). All participants were required to perform three standardized fitness tests. The Korean version of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) was used to assess QOL. Factors associated with physical functioning and QOL were determined using multiple linear regression. A significant correlation between metabolic equivalent task minutes per week (MET-min/wk) and aerobic fitness was found (r = 0.277, p = 0.008). Factors associated with aerobic fitness include gender, age, and MET-min/wk. The meeting physical activity guideline group was also a factor associated with aerobic fitness. In the QOL aspect, a significant correlation between MET-min/wk and some QOL score was found. The meeting physical activity guideline group was a factor associated with QOL (global health status, physical function, and role function), not total MET-min/wk. Increased physical activity was associated with higher aerobic fitness and QOL. Engagement in physical activity that met physical activity guidelines was a factor related to aerobic fitness and better QOL in some domains. To improve aspects of aerobic fitness and QOL, we may consider the pattern of physical activity, including regular participation and intensity, rather than total physical activity including basal activity.

Physical activity of electric bicycle users compared to conventional bicycle users and non-cyclists: Insights based on health and transport data from an online survey in seven European cities

Physical activity has been widely associated with beneficial health effects. The use of electric-assist bicycles (e-bikes) can lead to increased or decreased physical activity, depending on the transport mode substituted.This study aimed to compare physical activity levels of e-bikers and conventional bicycle users (cyclists) as well as across e-bike user groups based on the transport mode substituted by e-bike. Physical activity, transport and user related parameters were analysed. Data from the longitudinal on-line survey of the PASTA project were used. The survey recruited over 10,000 participants in seven European cities.Physical activity levels, measured in Metabolic Equivalent Task minutes per week (MET min/wk), were similar among e-bikers and cyclists (4463 vs. 4085). E-bikers reported significantly longer trip distances for both e-bike (9.4 km) and bicycle trips (8.4 km) compared to cyclists for bicycle trips (4.8 km), as well as longer daily travel distances for e-bike than cyclists for bicycle (8.0 vs. 5.3 km per person, per day, respectively). Travel-related activities of e-bikers who switched from cycling decreased by around 200 MET min/wk., while those switching from private motorized vehicle and public transport gained around 550 and 800 MET min/wk. respectively.Therefore, this data suggests that e-bike use leads to substantial increases in physical activity in e-bikers switching from private motorized vehicle and public transport, while net losses in physical activity in e-bikers switching from cycling were much less due to increases in overall travel distance.

Effects of multidomain lifestyle intervention, omega-3 supplementation or their combination on physical activity levels in older adults: secondary analysis of the Multidomain Alzheimer Preventive Trial (MAPT) randomised controlled trial.

to investigate the effects of a 3-year multidomain lifestyle intervention, omega-3 supplementation or both on physical activity (PA) in older adults with subjective memory complaints. the Multidomain Alzheimer Preventive Trial was a 3-year randomised controlled trial that enroled 1,680 community-dwelling adults aged 70 years or over, with subjective memory complaints. Participants were randomised to omega-3 supplementation (total daily dose of 800 mg docosahexanoic acid and up to 225 mg eicosapentanoic acid), multidomain intervention (nutritional and exercise counselling and cognitive training), omega-3 plus multidomain intervention or placebo with usual care. PA was assessed using a self-reported questionnaire. From this, global moderate-to-vigorous PA, leisure-time PA, non-leisure-time PA and light PA were measured in metabolic equivalent tasks-minutes per week (MET-min/week). in the multidomain groups, participants significantly increased their moderate-to-vigorous and leisure-time PA at 6 months (≥300 MET-min/week for both in the multidomain groups; P ≤ 0.002) before returning to baseline by the end of the trial. Activity in the placebo/usual care and omega-3/usual care groups declined overtime. Between-group differences remained significant for both multidomain groups for leisure-time physical activity at 2- and 3-year follow-ups. Compared to placebo/usual care, interventions had no significant effects on non-leisure-time PA and light PA. Omega-3 supplementation alone had no effects on PA. a multidomain intervention focused on cognitive training, and nutritional and PA counselling increased PA in the short-term and limited its decline in the long-term among older adults with memory complaints. ClinicalTrials.gov-Registration number: NCT0067268.

Is Physical Activity Causally Associated With Symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder?

Emerging evidence suggests that physical activity (PA) enhances cognition and may be a protective factor for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Yet the impact of PA on ADHD symptoms has been investigated only in a few undersized, nonrandomized, and retrospective studies. We examined the effect of PA during late adolescence on ADHD symptoms in early adulthood while controlling for unmeasured genetic and shared environmental confounding. The effect of PA at age 16 to 17 years (baseline) on ADHD symptoms at age 19 to 20 years (follow-up) was examined using a within-monozygotic (MZ) twins fixed-effects model in 232 MZ twin pairs born in Sweden between May 1985 and December 1986. Parents rated their children's DSM ADHD symptoms at baseline and follow-up. Participants' weekly energy expenditure (in metabolic equivalent task minutes per week) was based on self-reports at baseline of PA frequency, intensity, and duration. Greater weekly energy expenditure in adolescence was significantly associated with reduced ADHD symptom levels in early adulthood, even when controlling for unmeasured confounding (all genetic and environmental factors shared within MZ twin pairs) as well as ADHD symptoms and body mass index (BMI) at baseline, β=-0.21, p= .013 (95% CI=-0.38 to-0.05). Similar results were observed for the 2 ADHD subcomponents: hyperactivity/impulsivity, β=-0.21, p= .022 (95% CI=-0.39 to-0.03), and inattention, β=-0.19, p= .049 (95% CI=-0.36 to-0.0005). In line with a causal hypothesis, PA was inversely associated with ADHD symptoms, even after adjusting for unmeasured confounding. These findings suggest that PA in adolescence might decrease ADHD symptoms in early adulthood. However, given the size of the effect, the clinical value of this intervention needs to be explored further.