Minutes Of Moderate-intensity Research Articles

Does clinically measured walking capacity contribute to real-world walking performance in Parkinson's disease?

ObjectiveThe study examined how clinically measured walking capacity contributes to real-world walking performance in persons with Parkinson's disease (PD). MethodsCross-sectional baseline data (n = 82) from a PD clinical trial were analyzed. The 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) and 10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT) were used to generate capacity metrics of walking endurance and fast gait speed, respectively. An activity monitor worn for seven days was used to generate performance metrics of mean daily steps and weekly moderate intensity walking minutes. Univariate linear regression analyses were used to examine associations between each capacity and performance measure in the full sample and less and more active subgroups. ResultsWalking capacity significantly contributed to daily steps in the full sample (endurance: R2=.13, p < .001; fast gait speed: R2=.07, p = .017) and in the less active subgroup (endurance: R2 =.09, p = .045). Similarly, walking capacity significantly contributed to weekly moderate intensity minutes in the full sample (endurance: R2=.13, p < .001; fast gait speed: R2=.09, p = .007) and less active subgroup (endurance: R2 = .25, p < .001; fast gait speed: R2 =.21, p = .007). Walking capacity did not significantly contribute to daily steps or moderate intensity minutes in the more active subgroup. ConclusionsWalking capacity contributed to, but explained a relatively small portion of the variance in, real-world walking performance. The contribution was somewhat greater in less active individuals. The study adds support to the idea that clinically measured walking capacity may have limited benefit for understanding real-world walking performance in PD. Factors beyond walking capacity may better account for actual walking behavior.

Physical activity counseling knowledge, attitudes and practices of healthcare providers in Kumasi, Ghana

Obesity, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, diabetes, musculoskeletal pain and cancer mainly contribute to hospital admissions in Ghana. Although the significant effects of physical activity (PA) to ameliorate the burdens of these health conditions have been established, evidence of PA counseling knowledge, attitude and practice of Ghanaian healthcare providers (HCPs), who are mostly consulted, remain elusive. This cross-sectional survey examined PA counseling knowledge, attitudes and practices of 88 HCPs [doctors, nurses, and others; 37(42.0%) male and 51(58.0%) female, mean age = 34.36±9.91years] from tertiary, regional and district hospitals. PA counseling knowledge, attitude and practice questionnaire administered yielded the following findings: A significant proportion (59.2%, p <0.05) routinely counseled clients to accumulate 30 minutes of moderate-intensity of PA per session, while 92.1% (p <0.05) counseled clients on health benefits of PA at least once per year. The results further indicated that the HPCs had low (n=10, 11.36%), were somewhat knowledgeable (n=62, 70.45%), and had high knowledge and confidence (n=16; 18.18%) about clients’ PA and exercise assessment and counseling. A total of 58 (65.9%) doctors, nurses, and other HCPs received formal training related to PA benefits. A significant proportion of doctors, nurses, and others (n=78, 90.7%; p <0.05) were interested in obtaining training related to PA and exercise counseling. Thirty-six (40.9%) had light PA <3 METS/week and 47(53.4%) had received personal additional educational preparation in the field of counseling clients on PA. HCPs engage in some PA counseling within appreciable knowledge, attitude and practice. Policy-based PA and exercise counseling incorporated into existing medical education programmes is advocated.

Contributors To Percent Body Fat In Career Firefighters

Firefighters have substandard levels of fitness and a high prevalence of overweight and obesity. Understanding exercise status and barriers to exercise may be important factors regarding body composition. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of exercise status and barriers to exercise on percent body fat (%BF) in career firefighters. METHODS: Fifty-eight male career firefighters [age: 31.3±7.0 yrs; stature: 178.9±7.6 cm; body mass: 90.0±17.6 kg; %BF: 23.5±7.5%] volunteered for this investigation. Participants self-reported exercise status and rated sixteen barriers to exercise (e.g., too busy) on a Likert-type scale (1-7). Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was used to assess %BF. Aerobic exercise time [AER = moderate intensity minutes + (vigorous intensity minutes × 2)] and resistance training workload [RT = days × minutes × intensity] were calculated. Pearson’s correlation coefficients were used to determine the relationships between %BF and potential predictor variables including AER, RT, and the sixteen barriers. The significant exercise barriers were averaged into one construct (BAR). The internal consistency of BAR was measured using Cronbach’s alpha. Multicollinearity was monitored using the variance inflation factor (VIF). Stepwise regression analysis was conducted. An alpha level was set a priori at 0.05 for all analyses. RESULTS: %BF was related to AER (r = -0.364;P = 0.005) and RT (r = -0.400;P = 0.002). Seven of the sixteen barriers (i.e., too busy, not enough time, irregular work hours, family obligations, interferes with work, too tired, lack of support from officers) were significantly related with greater %BF (r = 0.270-0.354;P = 0.006-0.042) and were included in the final construct BAR. The Cronbach’s alpha for BAR was 0.80. The stepwise analysis suggests that AER and BAR were significant predictors of %BF (R2 = 0.306, P < 0.001; maximum VIF = 1.98). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that firefighters with poorer body composition likely partake in less aerobic exercise and experience greater perceived barriers to exercise. Interventions aiming to mitigate barriers to exercise, specifically aerobic exercise, may be helpful in improving body composition.

Association between Duration of Exercise (MET Hours per Week) and the Risk of Decreased eGFR: A Cross-Sectional Study Based on a Large Chinese Population.

Background Physical activity is effective in preventing chronic diseases. However, the impact of different durations of exercise on human health is unknown, especially among people with diabetes or prediabetes. Objective To explore the relationship between high MET hours per week and the change in glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in the total population and different subgroups. Methods A total of 43767 individuals from eight provinces, in China, were recruited. Logistic analysis was used to investigate the association. Participants were divided into 3 groups based on MET hours per week. The primary outcome was an eGFR ≤ 90 mL/min/1.73 m2. Results The average eGFR was 100.10 (92.43-106.43) mL/min/1.732. Logistic regression analysis revealed that more than 7.5 MET hours per week (equivalent to more than 150 minutes of moderate-intensity of exercise) was associated with the higher risk of the decreased eGFR even after adjusting for confounding factors (7.5 to <21: OR = 1.18, 95% CI [1.09, 1.29]; ≥21: OR = 1.12, 95% CI [1.05, 1.19], p for trend: 0.0047). After adjusting for confounding factors, in stratified analyses, there still existed a significant relationship among participants aged from 55 to less than 65 years, but not among participants younger than 55 or older than 65 years. Similarly, there existed a positive association between high MET hours per week and the decreased eGFR in participants without diabetes and prediabetes, but not in participants with diabetes or prediabetes, and the interactions of age and diabetic states were found. However, there was no significant difference in women or men. Conclusions More than 7.5 MET hours per week (equivalent to more than 150 minutes per week or 60 minutes per day of moderate-intensity exercise) was associated with decreased eGFR among participants aged from 55 to less than 65 years and participants without diabetes and prediabetes, but not among participants aged younger than 55 years and older than 65 years and participants with diabetes or prediabetes. The importance of planning individualized physical activities is highlighted.

Comparative Effectiveness of mHealth-Supported Exercise Compared With Exercise Alone for People With Parkinson Disease: Randomized Controlled Pilot Study

Declining physical activity commonly occurs in people with Parkinson disease (PD) and contributes to reduced functional capacity and quality of life. The purpose of this study was to explore the preliminary effectiveness, safety, and acceptability of a mobile health (mHealth)-mediated exercise program designed to promote sustained physical activity in people with PD. This was a 12-month single-blind (assessor), pilot, comparative-effectiveness, randomized controlled study. An mHealth-mediated exercise program (walking with a pedometer plus engagement in planned exercise supported by a mobile health application) was compared over 1 year with an active control condition (walking with a pedometer and exercise only). There were 51 participants in a community setting with mild-to-moderately severe (Hoehn and Yahr stages 1-3) idiopathic PD. Daily steps and moderate-intensity minutes were measured using a step activity monitor for 1 week at baseline and again at 12 months. Secondary outcomes included the 6-Minute Walk Test, Parkinson Disease Questionnaire 39 mobility domain, safety, acceptability, and adherence. Both groups increased daily steps, moderate-intensity minutes, and 6-Minute Walk Test, with no statistically significant between-group differences observed. In the less active subgroup, changes in daily steps and moderate-intensity minutes were clinically meaningful. An improvement in the Parkinson Disease Questionnaire 39 mobility score favored mHealth in the overall comparison and was statistically and clinically meaningful in the less active subgroup. The limitation of the current study was the small sample size. Both groups improved physical activity compared with expected activity decline over 1 year. The addition of the mHealth app to the exercise intervention appeared to differentially benefit the more sedentary participants. Further study in a larger group of people with low activity at baseline is needed.

Obstructive sleep apnea negatively impacts objectively measured physical activity.

Obesity and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are frequent comorbid conditions. The impact of OSA on objectively measured physical activity (PA), independent of obesity, is not clear. The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of OSA on PA measured via accelerometer. Overweight-to-obese individuals were recruited and screened for the presence of OSA via portable diagnostic device and divided into an OSA (n = 35) and control group (n = 24). Daytime sleepiness was assessed with the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Body composition was assessed with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Subjects wore an accelerometer (Actigraph GT3X+, Actigraph Corp., Pensacola, FL) for a minimum of 4 and maximum of 7days, including at least one weekend day. There were no group differences in body mass index (BMI) or daytime sleepiness. Waist and neck circumference were higher in the OSA group. The OSA group was significantly older than the control group. The OSA group had fewer steps, moderate intensity minutes, moderate-to-vigorous minutes, number of PA bouts per day (≥ moderate intensity PA for ≥ 10 consecutive minutes), and total number of PA bouts. When adjusted for age, the PA bout data was no longer significant. Individuals screened as likely possessing OSA were less physically active than individuals without OSA when measured through objective means. We found no group differences in daytime sleepiness, BMI, or percent fat, suggesting other mechanisms than obesity and sleepiness for this difference.

A Bout of High-Intensity Interval Training Increases Seric Musclin in Adults with Metabolic Syndrome

Musclin is a myokine which induces insulin resistance (IR) in vitro, also proposed to favor aerobic capacity in murine models, which seems contradictory. Because of that, and since exercise contributes to improve IR in metabolic syndrome (MS) probably by regulating myokines, it is necessary to understand exercise´s role in regulating musclin in humans. PURPOSE: to study the effect of a bout of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on seric musclin in adults with MS and IR. METHODS: 11 men and 4 women with MS and IR were evaluated in an experimental, pilot study. Musclin was measured by ELISA, and both glycemia and insulin by standard methods, at: 1) fasting conditions, 2) 60 minutes after a breakfast of 408 Kcal (55.1 g carbohydrates, 17.4 g fat, 9.2 g proteins), and 3) immediately after a session of HIIT (100 min after breakfast). Homeostatic model assessment (HOMA-IR) was used as indicator of IR. The HIIT session lasted 19 minutes and consisted of 5 cycles, each of them with one minute of high intensity (85% of VO2max) and two minutes of moderate intensity (50% of VO2max). Three minutes of warming up and cooling down at 3 MET intensity was always done. Data are presented as median (interquartile range). Comparisons were done with Friedman test. RESULTS: patients had an age of 52 years (45-59), a body mass index (BMI) of 26.8 kg·m-2 (24.9- 30.1), oxygen consumption (VO2max) of 34.6 ml·kg-1·min-1 (30.2-38.2) and HOMA-IR of 3.3 (2.6-4.3). Musclin values post-HIIT (709.6 pg·ml-1 (585.2-833.9)) showed a trend to be higher than fasting (599.1 pg·ml-1 (506.2-724.5), P=0.088) and refeeding (593.0 pg·ml-1 (466.4-918.2), P=0.061) conditions. Fasting musclin correlated with diastolic blood pressure during the HIIT bout (r=0.62, P<0.05). Insulin of 13.9 μU mL-1 (10.4-16.6), 59.4 μU mL-1 (23.1-159.8) and 30.8 μU mL-1 (22.4-41.5) and glycemia of 102.4 mg dl-1 (89.9-108), 111 mg dl-1 (84.4-127.4) and 97.1 mg dl-1 (87.3-110.3), were measured at conditions 1 to 3, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: a bout of HIIT trend to increase circulating musclin in humans with MS and IR, which does not support the idea of a myokine that induces IR. Future experiments will test if the increase in musclin could be explained by an increase in insulin. Colciencias 111562638757. CODI 2605. Interinstitucional 2016-1341. Colciencias Doctoral scholarships 727-2015.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Negatively Impacts Objectively Measured Physical Activity

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a disorder that results daytime sleepiness and fatigue. Additionally, OSA increases the risk for cardiovascular disease and diabetes, which is exacerbated by sedentary behavior. Obesity and OSA are frequent co-morbid conditions, so the impact of OSA, independent of obesity, on physical activity (PA) is not clear. PURPOSE: To examine the effect of OSA on objectively measured PA via accelerometer. METHODS: Overweight-to-obese individuals were recruited and screened for the presence of OSA via portable diagnostic device and divided into an OSA group [n = 35; Age = 45.2 ± 12.0; body mass index (BMI) = 33.0 ± 5.7 kg/m2] and a Control group (n = 24; Age = 35.0 ± 11.7; BMI = 30.5 ± 4.3 kg/m2). Daytime sleepiness was assessed with the Epworth Sleepiness Scale questionnaire. Body composition was assessed with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Subjects wore an accelerometer for a minimum of 4 and maximum of 7 days, including at least 1 weekend day. RESULTS: The OSA group’s mean OSA severity (Apnea-Hypopnea Index = 20.4 ± 17.6) classifies as “moderate OSA”. There were no group differences in BMI, percent fat, or daytime sleepiness. Waist (106.4 ± 11.7 vs. 98.6 ± 9.1) and neck circumference (41.9 ± 3.3 vs. 38.8 ± 2.7) were higher in the OSA group. The OSA group was significantly older than the control group. Pearson correlation analysis showed that age was not related to any PA variable except for the total number of moderate or greater PA bouts (PA for > 10 consecutive minutes) and the average number of bouts per day. The OSA group had fewer steps (6409.0 ± 2317.6 vs. 7856.8 ± 2942.7, P = 0.04), moderate intensity minutes (29.9 ± 15.1 vs. 44.2 ± 25.4, P < 0.01), moderate-to-vigorous minutes (33.0 ± 3.0 vs. 46.0 ± 5.4, P = 0.03), total number of bouts (3.2 ± 3.4 vs. 5.9 ± 5.0, P = 0.02), and number of bouts per day (0.5 ± 0.5 vs. 1.0 ± 0.8, P = 0.01). When adjusted for age, the PA bout data was no longer significant. CONCLUSION: Individuals screened as likely possessing OSA were less physically active than individuals without OSA when measured through objective means. We found no group differences in daytime sleepiness, BMI or percent fat, suggesting other mechanisms than obesity and sleepiness for this difference.

Preventable Incidence and Mortality of Carcinoma Associated With Lifestyle Factors Among White Adults in the United States.

Lifestyle factors are important for cancer development. However, a recent study has been interpreted to suggest that random mutations during stem cell divisions are the major contributor to human cancer. To estimate the proportion of cases and deaths of carcinoma (all cancers except skin, brain, lymphatic, hematologic, and nonfatal prostate malignancies) among whites in the United States that can be potentially prevented by lifestyle modification. This prospective cohort study analyzes cancer and lifestyle data from the Nurses' Health Study, the Health Professionals Follow-up Study, and US national cancer statistics to evaluate associations between lifestyle and cancer incidence and mortality. A healthy lifestyle pattern was defined as never or past smoking (pack-years <5), no or moderate alcohol drinking (≤1 drink/d for women, ≤2 drinks/d for men), BMI of at least 18.5 but lower than 27.5, and weekly aerobic physical activity of at least 75 vigorous-intensity or 150 moderate-intensity minutes. Participants meeting all 4 of these criteria made up the low-risk group; all others, the high-risk group. We calculated the population-attributable risk (PAR) by comparing incidence and mortality of total and major individual carcinomas between the low- and high-risk groups. We further assessed the PAR at the national scale by comparing the low-risk group with the US population. A total of 89 571 women and 46 339 men from 2 cohorts were included in the study: 16 531 women and 11 731 men had a healthy lifestyle pattern (low-risk group), and the remaining 73 040 women and 34 608 men made up the high-risk group. Within the 2 cohorts, the PARs for incidence and mortality of total carcinoma were 25% and 48% in women, and 33% and 44% in men, respectively. For individual cancers, the respective PARs in women and men were 82% and 78% for lung, 29% and 20% for colon and rectum, 30% and 29% for pancreas, and 36% and 44% for bladder. Similar estimates were obtained for mortality. The PARs were 4% and 12% for breast cancer incidence and mortality, and 21% for fatal prostate cancer. Substantially higher PARs were obtained when the low-risk group was compared with the US population. For example, the PARs in women and men were 41% and 63% for incidence of total carcinoma, and 60% and 59% for colorectal cancer, respectively. A substantial cancer burden may be prevented through lifestyle modification. Primary prevention should remain a priority for cancer control.

Baseline Demographic, Anthropometric, Psychosocial, and Behavioral Characteristics of Rural, Southern Women in Early Pregnancy.

Objectives Beginning life in a healthy uterine environment is essential for future well-being, particularly as it relates to chronic disease risk. Baseline (early pregnancy) demographic, anthropometric (height and weight), psychosocial (depression and perceived stress), and behavioral (diet and exercise) characteristics of rural, Southern, pregnant women enrolled in a maternal, infant, and early childhood home visiting program are described. Methods Participants included 82 women early in their second trimester of pregnancy and residing in three Lower Mississippi Delta counties in the United States. Baseline data were collected through direct measurement and surveys. Results Participants were primarily African American (96%), young (mean age=23years), single (93%), and received Medicaid (92%). Mean gestational age was 18weeks, 67% of participants were overweight or obese before becoming pregnant, and 16% tested positive for major depression. Participants were sedentary (mean minutes of moderate intensity physical activity/week=30), had low diet quality (mean Healthy Eating Index-2010 total score=43 points), with only 38, 4, and 7% meeting recommendations for saturated fat, fiber, and sodium intakes, respectively. Conclusions for Practice In the Lower Mississippi Delta, there is a need for interventions that are designed to help women achieve optimal GWG by improving their diet quality and increasing the amount of physical activity performed during pregnancy. Researchers also should consider addressing barriers to changing health behaviors during pregnancy that may be unique to this region of the United States.

The impact of cell phone texting on the amount of time spent exercising at different intensities

This study assessed the effect of cell phone texting during a 30-min bout of treadmill exercise on the amount of time spent exercising at different intensities. Thirty-two college students participated in two conditions (cell phone and control). During the cell phone condition participants could use their cell phone only for texting purposes. During the control condition participants did not have access to their cell phone nor any interaction with other individuals or electronics. Heart rate was measured continuously and was used to determine how much time was spent exercising at different intensities. Vigorous intensity minutes was significantly greater (p = 0.001) in the control condition (12.94 ± 8.76 min) than the cell phone condition (7.09 ± 8.38 min). Low intensity minutes was significantly greater (p = 0.001) in the cell phone condition (9.47 ± 9.73) than the control condition (3.44 ± 6.52). Moderate intensity minutes in the cell phone (13.44 ± 8.43) and control (13.69 ± 8.13) conditions were not significantly (p = 0.89) different. In conclusion, using a cell phone for texting can interfere with treadmill exercise by promoting greater participation in low intensity exercise and less participation in vigorous intensity exercise due to a possible dual-tasking effect.

Leisure time physical activity and mortality: a detailed pooled analysis of the dose-response relationship.

The 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommended a minimum of 75 vigorous-intensity or 150 moderate-intensity minutes per week (7.5 metabolic-equivalent hours per week) of aerobic activity for substantial health benefit and suggested additional benefits by doing more than double this amount. However, the upper limit of longevity benefit or possible harm with more physical activity is unclear. To quantify the dose-response association between leisure time physical activity and mortality and define the upper limit of benefit or harm associated with increased levels of physical activity. We pooled data from 6 studies in the National Cancer Institute Cohort Consortium (baseline 1992-2003). Population-based prospective cohorts in the United States and Europe with self-reported physical activity were analyzed in 2014. A total of 661,137 men and women (median age, 62 years; range, 21-98 years) and 116,686 deaths were included. We used Cox proportional hazards regression with cohort stratification to generate multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs. Median follow-up time was 14.2 years. Leisure time moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity. The upper limit of mortality benefit from high levels of leisure time physical activity. Compared with individuals reporting no leisure time physical activity, we observed a 20% lower mortality risk among those performing less than the recommended minimum of 7.5 metabolic-equivalent hours per week (HR, 0.80 [95% CI, 0.78-0.82]), a 31% lower risk at 1 to 2 times the recommended minimum (HR, 0.69 [95% CI, 0.67-0.70]), and a 37% lower risk at 2 to 3 times the minimum (HR, 0.63 [95% CI, 0.62-0.65]). An upper threshold for mortality benefit occurred at 3 to 5 times the physical activity recommendation (HR, 0.61 [95% CI, 0.59-0.62]); however, compared with the recommended minimum, the additional benefit was modest (31% vs 39%). There was no evidence of harm at 10 or more times the recommended minimum (HR, 0.69 [95% CI, 0.59-0.78]). A similar dose-response relationship was observed for mortality due to cardiovascular disease and to cancer. Meeting the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans minimum by either moderate- or vigorous-intensity activities was associated with nearly the maximum longevity benefit. We observed a benefit threshold at approximately 3 to 5 times the recommended leisure time physical activity minimum and no excess risk at 10 or more times the minimum. In regard to mortality, health care professionals should encourage inactive adults to perform leisure time physical activity and do not need to discourage adults who already participate in high-activity levels.

Impact of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Severity on Objective Measures of Physical Activity

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a disorder that increases the risk for several chronic diseases, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Obesity and OSA are frequent co-morbid conditions, and likely lead to sedentary behavior. A common symptom of OSA is excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), which may further exacerbate sedentary behavior. Whether severity of OSA impacts physical activity (PA) habits has not been examined. PURPOSE: To compare objectively measured PA in individuals with mild OSA to those with moderate-to-severe OSA. METHODS: Twenty men and women (Age: Mean ± SD = 42.5 ± 12.2; BMI = 34.9 ± 6.1 kg/m2) underwent PA assessment through accelerometer (Actigraph GT3X+, Actigraph Corp., Pensacola, FL). Basic body composition measures were also obtained. A validated questionnaire was used to assess EDS. Subjects were divided into a mild OSA group (MOSA) (n = 10; 5 men and 5 women) and a moderate-to-severe OSA group (MSOSA) (n = 10; 10 men and 0 women) based on results from an at-home sleep screening device (ApneaLink Plus, ResMed, San Diego, CA). RESULTS: Groups did not differ in age, BMI or EDS. There was no difference in average number of sedentary bouts (18.1 ± 5.1 and 21.2 ± 7.2 for MSOSA and MOSA, respectively), average time per sedentary bout (30.8 ± 21.1 and 23.1 ± 3.7) sedentary minutes (620.3 ± 152.3 and 732.2 ± 261.9), moderate intensity minutes (26.2 ± 17.6 and 31.8 ± 16.2), vigorous intensity minutes (1.8 ± 3.7 and 1.0 ± 1.2) or average steps per day (5390.7 ± 1458.9 and 5629.2 ± 2602.6). The MSOSA group had significantly fewer minutes in light intensity PA (118.7 ± 51.5 vs. 206.2 ± 50.4; P = 0.001) and lifestyle PA (51.8 ± 21.3 vs. 92.7 ± 46.3; P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Results show that neither group performed substantial amounts of moderate or vigorous intensity PA, and would be considered “low active” based on average steps per day. Those with more severe OSA, however, performed significantly less overall PA per day, suggesting that OSA may impact PA habits, and could contribute to the link between OSA and chronic disease.

MINDFULNESS TRAINING: A NOVEL APPROACH TO INTERVENING IN OLDER ADULTS WITH SUBJECTIVE COGNITIVE DECLINE

guided by Social Cognitive Theory, maintained treatment integrity. Separate co-investigators listened to taped conversations for each interventionist and provided ongoing feedback. The self-report Community Healthy Activities Model Program for Seniors (CHAMPS) and an objective Actical accelerometer assessed physical activity. Generalized estimating equations examined changes in physical activity over time by intervention using intentto-treat analyses. Caregivers most frequently participated in physical activities such as light housework (93%), pleasurable walking (43%), light gardening (41%), errands (39%) and stretching (39%). Compared to CSBI participants, EPAI participants had significant improvement in: (a) total physical activity as measured by CHAMPS (p1⁄4 0.03) and Actical (p 1⁄40.05); and (b) CHAMPS estimated caloric expenditures (MET) due to total (p1⁄4 0.0004) and moderate-intensity physical activity (p1⁄4 0.0005). More than 70% of caregivers adhered to the pre-established intervention goal of > 150 moderate-intensity minutes of physical activity/week across 12months. The EPAI is an intervention that helps family caregivers increase their physical activity and adopting and sustaining a more active lifestyle. It has implications for caregivers to improve their energy, stamina, strength and balance, and mental and physical health.

Self-Reported Physical Activity Patterns and Plans for Future Physical Activity in University Students

Physical activity recommendations for health include muscular conditioning exercises and regular moderate- to vigorous-intensity activities of an aerobic nature. However, it is unclear how times spent in these activities differ from each other and track over time. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences among past, current and projected future physical activity patterns in undergraduate students at a private university in the Pacific Northwest. METHODS: Volunteers (77 females and 42 males aged 19.94 ± 3.32 y and registered in non-majors biology courses), anonymously reported typical weekly minutes of mo derate-intensity, vigorous-intensity, and muscular fitness activities in the 6 months previously, during the past month, and projected 6 months in the future. resULt s: To determine if activity reports varied from past, present, and future projections, a series of within subject ANOVAs were performed for each intensity level. The multivariate analyses for mo derate-intensity indicated a significant effect of time, Wilks' · = .93, F (2, 117) = 4.50, p = .013, multivariate n2 = .071. RESULTS: from the follow up planned comparisons indicated that this omnibus finding was accounted for by the significant difference between current time reports and future time projections, t (118) = −2.99, p = .003, n2 = .07 when family wise error was controlled for at the .02 level. Similar results were observed with vigorous activity reports with a significant omnibus result (Wilks' · = .841, F (2, 117) = 11.03, p <.001, multivariate n2 = .16) accounted for by the difference between current and future activity projections (t (118) = −4.58, p < .001, n2 = .15) with family wise error accounted for. When these same analyses were run on muscle strengthening activity reports, the omnibus test was again significant (Wilks' · = .712, F (2, 117) = 23.68, p <.001, multivariate n2 = .29). However, pairwise comparisons were significant between future projections with past and current reports (P < .01 for both comparisons). Recall accounts of time in moderate-intensity and vigorous activity significantly differed from projected future accounts of these activities. A “J” relationship appeared with more time reported for past and future then current activity irrespective of activity type. CONCLUSION: In this sample, we found that students were more likely to report being active in the past than at present. Furthermore, for each measure of activity assessed, students give their highest time endorsement to future activity – there hopes for the future being greater than either current realities or recollections of the past.

Comparison of Four Actigraph Cutpoints for Physical Activity

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to examine four different equations for calculating moderate-intensity physical activity as well as to validate each against the 7 day Physical Activity Recall interview (PAR). Participants were healthy sedentary women (n=201). Characteristics of the sample include: mean age=47.5 (SD=10.5); 93.4% Caucasian; minutes of moderate intensity (and above) physical activity as reported on the PAR = 43.3 (SD=65.3); BMI=28.5 (SD=5.2). METHODS: Assessments were conducted prior to participants being enrolled in a 12-month intervention trial, with participants wearing the monitor for 3 days. A subsample of participants (n=83) were randomly selected to have a 3 day PAR conducted on the same days on which they wore the monitor. The 4 equations used were: Freedson et al. (1998), Hendelman et al. (2000), Swartz et al., (2000) and Nichols et al. (2000). RESULTS: Each equation produced the following amount of moderate intensity minutes (and above) of physical activity: Freedson: 9.15 minutes (SD=21.6); Hendelman: 313.3 (SD=210.3); Swartz: 62.5 (SD=73.1); Nichols: 9.05 (SD=21.2). The table below illustrates the correlations between each method. The correlations between the 3 day PAR and each of the four equations were: Freedson (r=0.24;p<.05); Hendelman (r=0.05;p=.67); Swartz (r=0.13;p=.25); Nichols (r=0.23;p<.05). CoNCLUsIoNs: Many of the equations established for the Actigraph were established using treadmill walking versus walking in free-living environments; therefore it is possible that there may be error introduced when accelerometers are used in free-living situations. Future directions, including the importance of establishing cut-points for free-living activity will be discussed.Table: Correlations Between Each Method.