Total Minutes Of Physical Activity Research Articles

Adherence to 24-hour integrated activity guidelines among infants, toddlers and preschool children in Singapore.

This study examined children's adherence to the Singapore Integrated 24-Hour Activity Guidelines for Early Childhood in infants, toddlers and preschoolers aged 0-6 years. A total of 901 caregivers, comprising 219 infants, 379 toddlers, and 303 preschoolers, provided information regarding their children's physical activity (PA), screen viewing time (SVT), and sleep durations on both weekdays and weekends. Meeting the 24-hour integrated activity guidelines was defined as follows: for infants ≥ 30 minutes per day of tummy time or floor-based play; zero SVT; total sleep of 14-17 hours per day for ages 0-3 months, 12-16 hours per day for ages 4-11 months; for toddlers ≥ 180 minutes of total PA per day; zero SVT under 2 years; <1 hour for ages 2 to less than 3 years; and a total sleep of 11-14 hours per day; for preschoolers ≥ 180 minutes of total PA per day; SVT <1 hour per day; total sleep of 10-13 hours per day for those aged 3-5 years, and 10-11 hours per day for 6-year-olds. Chi-squared tests were used to examine the differences in guideline adherence between weekdays and weekends. Compared to weekdays, during weekends there was a higher proportion of toddlers and preschoolers adhering to the PA guidelines (68.9% vs 50.1%; 78.9% vs 55.4%, respectively, p<0.05), and a lower proportion of toddlers adhering to SVT (38.8% vs 21.8%; p = 0.001). There was a declining adherence to all three activity guidelines as age groups progressed from infants (44.7%) to toddlers (15.8%) and then to preschoolers (9.4%). Concurrently, there was a decrease in adherence to SVT recommendations across the age groups, with adherence rates being highest among infants (83.1%), followed by toddlers (15.8%), and preschoolers (9.4%). Decreasing compliance with all three guidelines, coupled with a corresponding decline in adherence to SVT guidelines as children transition from toddlerhood to preschool age, is a cause for concern. This underscores the need for proactive efforts to educate caregivers about reducing or eliminating SVT among infants and young children.

Physical activity, organized sport participation and active transportation to school among Canadian youth by gender identity and sexual attraction.

Regular physical activity is associated with a wide range of health benefits in youth. While previous studies have identified disparities in physical activity among youth by gender identity and sexual attraction, these have seldom been explored in Canadian youth. Data from the 2019 Canadian Health Survey on Children and Youth were used to assess prevalence of and time spent in organized sports participation, total physical activity and active transportation by gender identity (non-cisgender vs. cisgender) among youth aged 12 to 17, and by sexual attraction (nonheterosexual attraction vs. heterosexual attraction) among youth aged 15 to 17. There was no difference in average minutes of total physical activity per week between non-cisgender and cisgender Canadian youth. Non-cisgender youth (which represent 0.5% of the population) averaged significantly fewer minutes of organized sports per week than their cisgender counterparts. There was some evidence of increased active transportation to school among non-cisgender youth, but insufficient power to detect significant differences. Canadian youth reporting any nonheterosexual attraction (which represent 21.2% of the population, including mostly heterosexual youth) were less likely to be regularly physically active and participate in organized sports than youth reporting exclusive heterosexual attraction. Differences were larger among males than females. Males reporting nonheterosexual attraction were more likely to use active transportation to get to school than their heterosexual counterparts. Non-cisgender youth and youth reporting nonheterosexual attraction tended to participate less in organized sports than their counterparts, but may have engaged in more active transportation. Mitigating the barriers associated with sport participation could increase physical activity among these groups.

Course of objectively measured physical activity and sleep in postmenopausal breast cancer survivors during the COVID-19 pandemic: A 1-year follow-up.

As physical inactivity and poor sleep quality may impose additional risk for cancer recurrence and overall mortality in postmenopausal breast cancer (PMBC) survivors, it is important to gain insight into the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on their physical activity (PA) and sleep level. This study aimed to assess the course of their physical activity (PA) and sleep throughout governmental measures against COVID-19 during 12 months of the COVID-19 pandemic. PMBC survivors (n = 96) wore an ActiGraph wGT3X-BT for seven consecutive days at 12 and 18 months after diagnosis and additional measurements were taken after onset of the second (partial) COVID-19 lockdown. Longitudinal data was categorized into four timepoints: before onset of COVID-19 (T1), during the initial lockdown (T2), in between initial and second lockdown (T3), and during the second lockdown (T4). General linear mixed effects models assessed differences in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) per day, total minutes of PA per day, average acceleration, intensity gradient, sleep efficiency, and sleep duration over time. Levels of MVPA per day before COVID-19 were low (Median = 20.9min/day (IQR = 10.8;36.2)), and time spent physically active was most often in light intensity, which remained stable throughout the pandemic. Sleep duration (Median = 442.8min/night (IQR = 418.3;478.0)) and efficiency (85.9% (IQR = 79.6;88.4)) was sufficient before COVID-19 and showed stability over time. Low levels of PA with mostly light intensity, and adequate sleep efficiency and duration were observed before COVID in PMBC survivors. This was not further affected by COVID-19 governmental measures.

O.4.1-1 Impact of a pre-pandemic, tele-exercise, fall-prevention intervention on outcomes in older adults

Abstract Purpose This pre-pandemic study used an alternative delivery mode to provide an evidence-based, fall-prevention exercise intervention to older adults. We delivered Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance® (TJQMBB) via tele-exercise and determined its impact on self-reported and performance-based outcomes in older adults. Methods Five community sites (3 urban, 2 rural) held 6, 1-hour, synchronous TJQMBB classes, over the internet, twice weekly for 16 weeks (32 hours). Baseline and 16-week self-reported data included fear of falling (Falls Efficacy Scale), depression (Geriatric Depression Scale-Short), physical and mental health-related quality of life (HRQOL) (SF-12 PCS and MCS), and total minutes of physical activity per week. Performance-based outcomes included a 5-Meter Walk Test (gait speed), the Timed Up-and-Go Test (mobility), the 4-Square Step Test (balance), and the 5-Times Sit-to-Stand Test (leg strength). Height and weight were used to calculate body mass index (BMI). Paired t-tests and Friedman 2-Way ANOVA tests examined changes in outcomes between baseline and 16 weeks. Results Sixty-three (79.7%) of 79 people were eligible, of which 52 (82.5%) enrolled. Participants were a mean ± SD age of 68.5 ± 7.7 years old, primarily white (96.2%), and female (80.8%). There were no significant improvements in fear of falling (X2r =3.8, p = 0.15), depression (X2r =0.19, p = 0.91), physical (X2r =1.2, p = 0.56) or mental (X2r =0.31, p = 0.86) HRQOL, or physical activity (X2r =3.7, p = 0.16). Gait speed (meters/second) significantly improved from baseline (1.1 ± 0.2) to 16 weeks (1.2 ± 0.2) (p = 0.02). Balance, leg strength, and BMI also improved significantly (balance [seconds]: baseline 10.9 ± 2.4, 16 weeks 10.2 ± 2.5, p = 0.045; strength [seconds]: baseline 14.7 ± 5.7, 16 weeks 12.4 ± 2.9, p = 0.01; BMI [kg/m2]: baseline 30.8 ± 6.3, 16 weeks 30.2 ± 5.6, p &amp;lt; 0.01). There were no changes in mobility (p = 0.16). Conclusions This tele-TJQMBB intervention improved physical function (gait speed, balance, leg strength) and BMI in older adults. Tele-TJQMBB provided an alternative delivery mode that could help overcome the barrier of identifying experienced instructors in rural areas, and could expand TJQMBB’s reach into the older adult population. Future comparative effectiveness studies could establish if outcomes are equivalent between in-person and tele-exercise delivery modes.

The prevalence and distribution of health risk factors in airline pilots: a cross‐sectional comparison with the general population

ObjectiveTo explore the prevalence and distribution of health risk factors in airline pilots and compare these with the general population. MethodsHealth risk measures: age, sex, weight, height, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, sleep, physical activity (PA) and fruit and vegetable intake (FV) were analysed to determine the prevalence and distribution of health risk. ResultsObesity prevalence and BMI was lower in pilots (p=<0.001, −17.5%, d=−0.41, and p=<0.05, −1.8, d=−0.37, respectively), yet overall overweight and obesity prevalence did not differ between groups (p=0.20). No difference was observed between groups for hypertension (p=0.79, h=−0.01), yet a higher proportion of pilots were ‘at risk’ for hypertension (p=<0.001, h=−0.34). The general population had longer sleep duration (p=<0.001, d=0.12), achieved more total PA minutes (p=<0.001, d=0.75), and had a higher prevalence of positive self‐rated health (p=<0.001, h=0.31). More pilots achieved >5 servings of FV daily (p=0.002, h=0.16). ConclusionPilots had lower obesity prevalence, higher FV, yet lower positive self‐health ratings and total PA minutes, and shorter sleep duration overall. Implications for public healthThe results indicate notable health risk factor prevalence in airline pilots and the general population. Based on present findings, aviation health researchers should further examine targeted, cost‐effective intervention methods for promoting healthy bodyweight, managing blood pressure, and enhancing health behaviours to mitigate the risks of occupational morbidity, medical conditions causing loss of licence, medical incapacity, and to support flight safety.

P04-07 Factors associated with maintenance of physical activity in older adults undertaking a strength and balance programme for falls prevention

BackgroundFalls are a major cause of mortality and morbidity in older adults worldwide, yet those who are more physically active have a lower risk of falling. There is little information on which participants are most likely to complete falls prevention exercise programmes and increase their levels of physical activity (PA). This study aims to identify factors associated with completion of, and PA levels, at the end of the Falls Management Exercise (FaME) falls prevention exercise programme, a programme designed to increase balance and functional capacity, increase bone and muscle mass and reduce fear of falling.Methods356 community-dwelling adults provided routine data. Characteristics of participants were compared at baseline. Comparison of activity levels between completers and non-completers were carried out, and a regression analysis performed to identify factors associated with programme completion and achievement of 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) per week.Results143 participants completed the FaME programme. This group was significantly younger (range 50-96; mean=75.3, SD=8.1 in completers vs. mean=77.8, SD=8.3 in non-completers) and had significantly lower scores on the FRAT (median=1, IQR=0-2 in completers vs. median=2, IQR=1-3 in non-completers) and FES-I risk assessments (median=10, IQR=7-13 in completers vs. median=11, IQR=8-16 in non-completers) at baseline, and a significantly higher level of physical activity (PA) per week (median=673 minutes, IQR=252-1252 in completers vs. median=558, IQR=120-1127 in non-completers). Completers significantly increased their total minutes of PA per week, and the converse was true for non-completers. Multivariate regression analyses showed that FRAT score was significantly associated with completion of FaME, and 180 degree turn and FES-I score were significantly associated with achieving the recommended 150 minutes of MVPA per week.ConclusionsThis study has shown that a significant increase in PA levels is only demonstrated in those who complete the FaME programme. Scores from selected functional measures and risk assessments are associated with FaME completion and achievement of 150 minutes of MVPA. This information can be used to provide targeted support to improve completion rates and physical activity levels of participants.

Technology-Enhanced 4Active Intervention Impacting Psychological Well-Being and Physical Activity among Older Adults: A Pilot Study.

Background: To increase psychological well-being and physical activity (PA) behaviors, our pilot study used the social ecological model as the framework to design the 4Active intervention, focusing on multicomponent exercise group lessons at the interpersonal level and self exercise enhanced by activity trackers at the individual level. The purpose of this pilot study was to examine the effectiveness of the two-level 4Active intervention in improving psychological well-being and PA participation in older adults living in retirement communities. Methods: Participants were 27 older adults with a mean age of 85.9 ± 9.3 years. Based on the two-arm, quasi-experimental study design, fourteen older adults (2 men, 12 women) living in one retirement community (RC) were assigned into the intervention group receiving the two-level 4Active intervention, whereas 13 older adults (1 man, 12 women) living in another RC were allocated to the active control group receiving group exercise intervention alone for eight weeks. One week before and after the interventions, the participants were pre-tested and post-tested in psychological well-being (i.e., life satisfaction, subjective happiness, positive affect, and negative affect) and weekly PA minutes (i.e., weekly walking, vigorous, moderate, and total PA minutes). The data were analyzed be means of descriptive statistics, independent sample t-tests, and ANCOVA repeated measures. Results: The results of ANCOVA repeated measures indicated that both groups maintained their slightly high or very high levels of life satisfaction, happiness, and positive affect over times. However, the two-level 4Active intervention group showed significant decreases in negative affect (F = 4.78, p = 0.04, η2 = 0.23) and significance increases in weekly moderate PA (F = 10.355, p = 0.004, η2 = 0.310) compared with the active control group over time. Conclusion: It is concluded that engaging in the two-level 4Active intervention including group-based multicomponent exercises and technology-enhanced self-exercises is more effective in decreasing negative affect and increasing weekly moderate PA METS-min in physically and cognitively frail older adults over time, compared with attending the group exercises alone.

Predictors of Physical Activity Among Older Breast Cancer Survivors: Findings From the WHI LILAC Study

We examined the factors associated with physical activity following cancer treatment among older breast cancer survivors from the WHI LILAC study. The majority of participants (n=3,710, mean age=78.8±5.9) were white (86%), and had in situ/localized breast cancer (79%). Women who received radiation therapy, were underweight/normal weight, had fewer reported cancer-related symptoms, no lymphedema, higher self-rated health, higher physical functioning, no pain, no depressive symptoms, and higher social support had significantly greater participation and duration of physical activity (all p<0.05). Women aged <75 who received radiation had longer duration of total minutes of physical activity (β=19.7, p<0.05), while women aged 75-85 who received radiation had shorter duration of total minutes of physical activity (β=-3.2, p<0.05). These results indicate that multiple health and social factors are associated with physical activity in this cohort. Interventions to facilitate physical activity among this group should consider body weight, symptom burden, comorbidity status, and social support.

Influence of the Home Environment on Physical Activity Behaviors in African American Youth.

Background: This study examined the relationships between components of the home environment and physical activity (PA) behaviors among African American adolescents. Methods: A community-based sample of 99 African American parent-child dyads (62% girls; 42% overweight/obese, 15.0 ± 0.2 years) were included in this analysis. The home environment (PA equipment, family support for PA, and internet access) was evaluated using the Health and Environment Survey. Child PA was measured objectively using accelerometry. Data collection occurred between 2014 and 2016. Results: Internet access was associated with 29 fewer minutes of light physical activity [p = 0.011, β = -29.25 ± 11.28 (95% confidence interval: -51.65 to -6.86)], 9 fewer minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity [p = 0.045, β = -9.10 ± 4.48 (-17.98 to -0.21)], and 38 fewer minutes of total PA (TPA) [p = 0.006, β = -38.35 ± 13.38 (-65.62 to -11.08)]. Family support was associated with 2 minutes of TPA [p = 0.044, β = 2.25 ± 1.10 (-1.97 to 3.19)]. PA equipment was not significantly associated with greater PA (all p's > 0.05). Conclusions: These findings suggest that home internet access may hinder participation in PA among African American adolescents. Future research should continue to identify barriers in the home environment that contribute to physical inactivity among African American adolescents.

Domain-Specific Active and Sedentary Behaviors in Relation to Workers' Presenteeism and Absenteeism.

Objectives:To examine the associations between domain-specific sedentary and active behaviors and workers’ presenteeism and absenteeism in a sample of company employees.Methods:This study recruited participants (n = 2466) from a nationwide online survey database (Japan, 2019). Participants completed a questionnaire that captured data on relative and absolute presenteeism and absenteeism and domain-specific physical activity and sedentary behaviors.Results:Daily minutes of work-related physical activity were negatively associated with relative absenteeism. Daily minutes of leisure-related physical activity were positively associated with absolute presenteeism (ie, better productivity). Daily minutes of total physical activity were negatively and positively associated with relative absenteeism and absolute presenteeism (ie, better productivity). There was also a positive association between car sitting time and absolute absenteeism.Conclusions:A change in work culture and practices that support active behaviors at work and outside of work may improve employee's productivity indices.

The Effects of Exergaming in Dementia

The Effects of Exergaming in Dementia

Associations among physical activity tracking, physical activity motivation and level of physical activity in young adults.

Whether physical activity (PA) tracking devices are associated with PA motivation in young adults is largely unknown. We compared total PA minutes per week, total minutes walking/week, meeting moderate-to vigorous PA guidelines, and past-year activity tracking across motivation cluster profiles among 799 young adults. Participants with "self-determined" profiles reported the highest total PA minutes/week followed by participants with "low intrinsic," "controlled self-determined," and "high external" profiles. A behavior regulation profile X activity tracking frequency interaction was not significant. Behavior regulation profiles may need to be considered in PA interventions using activity trackers.

Impact of COVID-19 Restrictions on Western Australian Children's Physical Activity and Screen Time.

Physical activity is essential for children’s healthy development, yet COVID-19 physical distancing restrictions such as school closures and staying at home, playground closures, and the cancelling of organised community sport have dramatically altered children’s opportunities to be physically active. This study describes changes in levels of physical activity and screen time from February 2020 (i.e., before COVID-19 restrictions were introduced in Western Australia) to May 2020 (i.e., when COVID-19 restrictions were in place). Parents of children aged 5 to 9 years from Western Australia were eligible to participate and recruited through convenience sampling. An online survey instrument that included validated measures of their children’s physical activity (unstructured, organized, home-based, indoor/outdoor active play, dog play/walking), sociodemographic, and other potential confounders was administered to parents. Paired t-tests and mixed ANOVA models assessed changes in physical activity outcomes. The analytic sample comprised parents of 157 children who were 6.9 years of age (SD = 1.7) on average. Overall, weekly minutes of total physical activity (PA) did not change from before to during COVID-19. However, frequency and duration (total and home-based) of unstructured physical activity significantly increased. Outdoor play in the yard or street around the house, outdoor play in the park or playground or outdoor recreation area, and active indoor play at home all significantly increased. Frequency and total duration of organised physical activity significantly declined during COVID-19 distancing. During Western Australian COVID-19 restrictions, there was an increase in young children’s unstructured physical activity and outdoor play and a decrease in organised physical activity. It remains to be seen whether children’s increased physical activity has been sustained with the easing of physical distancing restrictions.

Understanding sex differences in physical activity behavior: The role of anxiety sensitivity

ProblemThere is a well-evidenced sex-disparity in physical activity (PA), such that females are significantly less active than males. Anxiety sensitivity, the fear of anxiety-related bodily sensations, is a cognitive-affective vulnerability associated with increased negative affect during PA and lower levels of PA. The current study examined anxiety sensitivity as a potential sex-specific, psychological factor related to sex differences in past-week PA behavior in daily cigarette smokers. MethodParticipants (n = 527; 53.3% female) completed an anonymous online survey on emotion and health. Anxiety sensitivity was assessed with the Anxiety Sensitivity Index-3. Past-week, self-reported PA minutes were measured across four intensities (e.g., walking, moderate, vigorous, and total PA) using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short. Four zero-inflated negative binomial regression models were constructed to test the main and interactive effects of sex and anxiety sensitivity on PA outcomes. ResultsFemales reported significantly fewer past-week PA minutes relative to males across all domains. At higher levels of anxiety sensitivity, males reported significantly fewer total PA minutes; whereas, total PA levels in females were not dependent on anxiety sensitivity level. Additionally, females with elevated anxiety sensitivity reported significantly more past-week walking minutes relative to females with low anxiety sensitivity, whereas the opposite pattern was observed in males. ConclusionThis is the first study to our knowledge to examine sex differences in anxiety sensitivity and PA, at varying PA intensities, among smokers. These data have the potential to inform sex-specific models of anxiety, PA, and smoking.

'Real world' effectiveness of the Falls Management Exercise (FaME) programme: an implementation study.

Falls incidence increases with age alongside declines in strength and balance. Clinical trials show that the Falls Management Exercise (FaME) programme improves strength and balance, which can reduce falls and improve physical functioning. To determine if the clinical trial efficacy of FaME translates into effectiveness in non-research settings. An implementation study of FaME in 10 local authorities across the East Midlands region of England. Adults aged 65 and over enrolled on a FaME programme. Anonymised outcome data collected by the FaME providers were compared at baseline, end of programme and 6 months follow-up using univariate and multivariate analyses. For 348 adults enrolled in programmes and analysed, the mean age was 76.8, 73% were female and 143 (41%) completed ≥75% of classes. Overall confidence in balance, fear of falling, functional reach and timed-up-and-go (all P< 0.001), and turn 180° (P= 0.008) improved significantly at programme completion versus baseline, but improvements were not maintained 6months later. Falls risk (FRAT score) and total minutes of physical activity did not change significantly though minutes of strength and balance activity increased by 55% at programme completion and was maintained at 6months. The falls incidence rate ratio (IRR) was non-significantly lower at programme completion (IRR 0.76, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.48,1.21) and follow-up (IRR 0.82 95% CI 0.48,1.39) versus baseline. There is modest translation of FaME efficacy into effectiveness, but not all effects persist after completion. Strategies to aid adherence and exercise maintenance are important to maximise benefits.

University Students' Motives-for-Physical-Activity Profiles: Why They Practise and What They Get in Terms of Psychological Need Satisfaction.

Physical activity (PA) is an important habit for overall health and quality of life, but it tends to recede as young adults transition from high school into university. The present study sought to understand, in the case of university students that still practice PA, their motives for PA and their relationships with psychological need satisfaction (PNS) and characteristics of practice regularity (frequency, duration, team, competitive, coach, league, federation, and type of day of the week for PA). Participants were 423 university students who reported to practice PA (203 identified as men, 191 as women, 29 did not report gender), with ages ranging from 18 to 30 years old (M = 19.91, SD = 1.97). Measures assessing motives for PA, PNS, and PA characteristics were completed. Hierarchical, followed by iterative, cluster analysis was used and four naturally occurring groupings of university students were identified based on their motives for PA: one extrinsic-motives cluster (with both extrinsic motives—fitness and appearance—above the mean), one all-motives cluster (with all five motives above the mean), one intrinsic-motives cluster (with all three intrinsic motives—enjoyment, competence, social—above the mean), and one low-motives cluster (with all motives below the mean). Groupings were compared in terms of the characteristics of their practice regularity (frequency, duration, competition, team, coach, league, federation, type of day of the week used for PA) and their levels of PNS (of the needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness in PA). Significant between-group differences were observed in the duration of single principal PA sessions, minutes per week practicing main PA, total PA minutes per week, and type of day of the week used for PA. The number of days per week devoted to the principal PA and the number of total PAs practiced were similar across all four clusters. With regard to between-group differences in psychological need satisfaction in PA by cluster, these analyses showed the existence of four clearly distinguishable naturally occurring groupings based on motives for PA, which gives researchers and practitioners the possibility to analyze and implement tailored interventions aimed at promoting PA among university students.

Self-compassion training within a workplace physical activity program: A pilot study.

Desire2Move (D2M) is an 8-week team-based, workplace program that incorporates competition and self-monitoring to encourage physical activity (PA). The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a self-compassion (SC) intervention within the existing workplace PA program. University employees (n = 20) were assigned to a SC treatment group or an attention control group. Participants logged their PA minutes using MapMyRun. Treatment group. participants received a 7-week, SC podcast intervention. Participants self-reported PA, SC, and demographic information at pre- and post-intervention. Separate ANOVAs were used to determine group differences. There was not a statistically significant group x time interaction for SC, F(1, 18) = 0.02, p = 0.90, or main effects for time, F(1, 18) = 0.28, p = 0.61, or group, F(1, 18) = 1.70, p = 0.21, g = -0.42 [95%CI = -3.13, 2.29]. There were not significant differences between groups for total PA minutes during D2M, F(1, 18) = 2.15, p = 0.16, g = -0.63 [-1.53,0.27]. Overall, participants engaged in more than the recommended levels of PA each week. This pilot study provided feedback and guidance for future online SC training within a workplace PA intervention.

The Behavioral Intervention with Technology for E-Weight Loss Study (BITES): Incorporating Energy Balance Models and the Bite Counter into an Online Behavioral Weight Loss Program

This study evaluated feasibility and acceptability of adding energy balance modeling displayed on weight graphs combined with a wrist-worn bite counting sensor against a traditional online behavioral weight loss program. Adults with a BMI of 27–45 kg/m2 (83.3% women) were randomized to receive a 12-week online behavioral weight loss program with 12 weeks of continued contact (n = 9; base program), the base program plus a graph of their actual and predicted weight change based on individualized physiological parameters (n = 7), or the base program, graph, and a Bite Counter device for monitoring and limiting eating (n = 8). Participants attended weekly clinic weigh-ins plus baseline, midway (12 weeks), and study culmination (24 weeks) assessments of feasibility, acceptability, weight, and behavioral outcomes. In terms of feasibility, participants completed online lessons (M = 7.04 of 12 possible lessons, SD = 4.02) and attended weigh-ins (M = 16.81 visits, SD = 7.24). Six-month retention appears highest among nomogram participants, and weigh-in attendance and lesson completion appear highest in Bite Counter participants. Acceptability was sufficient across groups. Bite Counter use (days with ≥ 2 eating episodes) was moderate (47.8%) and comparable to other studies. Participants lost 4.6% ± 4.5 of their initial body weight at 12 weeks and 4.5% ± 5.8 at 24 weeks. All conditions increased their total physical activity minutes and use of weight control strategies (behavioral outcomes). Although all groups lost weight and the study procedures were feasible, acceptability can be improved with advances in the technology. Participants were satisfied with the online program and nomograms, and future research on engagement, adherence, and integration with other owned devices is needed. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02857595

Association Between Brain Volumes and Patterns of Physical Activity in Community-Dwelling Older Adults.

Larger brain volumes are often associated with more free-living physical activity (PA) in cognitively normal older adults. Yet, whether greater brain volumes are associated with more favorable (less fragmented) PA patterns, and whether this association is stronger than with total PA, remains unknown. Brain magnetic resonance imaging and wrist-worn accelerometer data were collected in 301 participants (mean age = 77 [SD = 7] years, 59% women) enrolled in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging. Linear regression models were fit to examine whether brain volumes (cc) were cross-sectionally associated with: (a) total daily PA minutes and (b) activity fragmentation (mean number of PA bouts / total PA minutes × 100). Sensitivity analyses were conducted by adjusting for counterpart PA variables (eg, fragmentation covariate included in the PA minutes model). Greater white matter volumes in the parietal and temporal lobes were associated with higher daily PA minutes (2.6 [SE = 1.0] and 3.8 [0.9] min/day, respectively; p < .009 for both) after adjusting for demographics, behavioral factors, medical conditions, gait speed, apolipoprotein E e4 status, and intracranial volume. Greater temporal white matter volume was associated with lower fragmentation (-0.16% [0.05], p = .003). In sensitivity analyses, observed associations between brain volumes and daily PA minutes remained significant while associations with fragmentation no longer remained significant. Our results suggest white matter brain structure in cognitively normal older adults is associated with the total amount of PA and, to a lesser extent, the PA accumulation patterns. More work is needed to elucidate the longitudinal relationship between brain structure and function and PA patterns with aging.

Lifestyle intervention for Latina cancer survivors and caregivers: the Nuestra Salud randomized pilot trial.

Assess feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of an integrated symptom management and lifestyle intervention (SMLI) to improve adherence to the American Cancer Society's (ACS) Guidelines on Nutrition and Physical Activity in Latina cancer survivors and their informal caregivers (dyads). Forty-five dyads were randomized to a 12-week telephone-delivered intervention or attention control. Intervention effects on nutrition, physical activity, symptom burden, and self-efficacy for symptom management were estimated using Cohen's ds. Mean age was 64 for survivors and 53 for caregivers. Feasibility was demonstrated by the 63% consent rate out of approached dyads. The SMLI was acceptable for 98% of dyads. Among survivors, medium-to-large effect sizes were found for increased servings of total fruits and vegetables (d= 0.55), vegetables (d= 0.72), and decreased sugar intake (d= - 0.51) and medium clinically significant effect sizes for total minutes of physical activity per week (d= 0.42) and grams of fiber intake per day (d= 0.40) for intervention versus attention control. Additionally, medium-to-large intervention effects were found for the reduction of symptom burden (d= 0.74). For caregivers, medium-to-large intervention effects were found for reduced total sugar intake (d= - 0.60) and sugar intake from sugar-sweetened beverages (d= - 0.65); vegetable intake was increased with a medium effect size (d= 0.41). SMLI was feasible and acceptable for both dyadic members. A larger, well-powered trial is needed to formally evaluate SMLI effectiveness. Integrating symptom management with lifestyle behavior interventions may increase adherence to the ACS guidelines on nutrition and physical activity to prevent new and recurrent cancers.