Daily Moderate Physical Activity Research Articles

Optical Coherence Tomography Measurements in Type 1 Diabetic Subjects with Low and Moderate Daily Physical Activity.

Background: Physical activity is nowadays recognized as a protective factor against cardiovascular conditions, being cost-effective and easy to implement. Through its positive effects on hemodynamic and oxidative stress, different intensities in daily physical activity could influence diabetic macular edema (DME) in type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (DM). Methods: With the help of a spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) device, we studied the macular thickness and ETDRS map parameters in type 1 DM patients who were classified into two groups: low and moderate intensity routine physical activity status, using the international physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ). All subjects received comparable anti-VEGF treatment. Results: Having a long disease evolution, patients with type 1 DM (T1DM) with moderate physical activity displayed better OCT measurements in specific retinal sectors than their counterparts with low physical activity. Variables such as age and body mass index (BMI) can influence the level of physical activity in T1DM patients. Conclusions: This study showed a lower prevalence of DME in T1DM subjects with moderate physical activity levels, revealing lower values for ETDRS OCT parameters in specific retinal sectors. The macular volumes (mm3) were significantly lower in the right eye for this group of subjects. Abbreviations: BMI = body mass index, CMT = central macular thickness, DM = diabetes mellitus, DME = diabetic macular edema, DR = diabetic retinopathy, FT = foveal thickness, II = inferior inner thickness, IO = inferior outer thickness, IPAQ = international physical activity questionnaire, LE = left eye, OCT = optical coherence tomography, MMT = maximal macular thickness, mMT = minimal macular thickness, MV = macular volume, NI = nasal inner thickness, NO = nasal outer thickness, QoL = quality of life, RE = right eye, SI = superior inner thickness, SO = superior outer thickness, T1DM = type 1 diabetes mellitus, T2DM = type 2 diabetes mellitus, TI = temporal inner thickness, TO = temporal outer thickness.

Knowledge of Primary Care Patients Living in the Urban Areas about Risk Factors of Arterial Hypertension.

Arterial hypertension (AH), one of the most common diseases of civilization, is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. This disease is the second, after lipid disorders, the most common cardiovascular risk factor and a significant cause of premature death. In Poland, one in three adults (approximately 11 million people) suffers from it. The aim of our survey was to determine patients’ knowledge of the factors (e.g., age, smoking cigarettes, drinking coffee, shift work) that may influence the development of hypertension. The survey was conducted among 205 adult primary care patients living in urban areas. There was a high correlation between patients’ education and risk factors of AH, such: as excess salt in the diet (p = 0.038), smoking electronic cigarettes (p = 0.005), moderate alcohol consumption (p = 0.028), moderate daily physical activity (p = 0.011), female and male sex (p = 0.032 and p = 0.012), air pollution (p < 0.001) and others. In addition, a statistically significant factor shaping patients’ attitudes toward hypertension prevention was the correlation between the respondents’ education and their parents’ prevalence of hypertension (p = 0.40). This study increases the knowledge of patients’ awareness of hypertension. It may serve as guidance for primary care providers to pay special attention to environmental interviews with patients and the patient’s family history for the prevention of hypertension incidence.

Impact of peptic ulcer disease on the quality of life: A Cross Sectional Study

Background: Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is a serious chronic medical condition. It is considered one of the most common illnesses worldwide. PUD has its own impact on the patients’ quality of life (QOL). Objectives: This study aimed to assess the QOL in patients with peptic ulcer disease in Mosul city, Iraq. Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out among 385 patients in a public general hospital and 5 local pharmacies in Mosul city during the period from 10th May to 5th August 2021. Data collection was performed using a face-validated SF-12v2 questionnaire assessing the patients’ physical, mental, and overall health. All the data were subjected to descriptive and inferential analyses. Results: Overall, only 8.6% of the participants reported that their general health is poor. The majority (40.8% and 38.4%) stated that peptic ulcer disease has no or little impact on their moderate daily physical activity. Significant differences were found in the physical, mental and overall QOL scores with socio-demographic characteristics. Conclusion: Quality of life assessment indicated that there are some negative impacts in the patients’ daily life caused either by the patients’ environmental aspects or peptic ulcer related symptoms.

Successful Treatment Of Type 2 Diabetes In Older Black And Hispanic Community Members

PURPOSE: As the seventh leading cause of death in the United States, diabetes continues to have a major impact on morbidity and mortality. Diabetes is significantly more prevalent in Black (18.7%) and Hispanic Americans (11.8%) compared to non-Hispanic white populations (7.1%). Specific daily physical activities (PA) guidelines for people with chronic diseases, particularly for ethnic minorities, is lacking. Our hypothesis is that lower levels (moderate or low, rather than high intensity) of physical activities can reduce HbA1c in older Black and Hispanic Americans with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: Seventeen participants were conveniently recruited from UConn Health outpatient clinics and surrounding communities for JUMP in 2019-2020. Participants completed four face-to-face interviews, established SMART goals, and wore an activity tracker to measure their daily PA for three months. The activity tracker classifies PA into high, moderate and low intensity levels. HbA1c was measured through a fingerstick at each visit. Change scores for minutes engaged in each PA level and HbA1c values were created. A linear mixed model for longitudinal data was used to analyze these relationships over time. The study protocol was approved by the university IRB. RESULTS: Eleven Black and six Hispanic individuals (mean age 56) completed the study. At baseline, mean HbA1c was 8.58 mmol/mol, mean BMI was 34.8, and mean systolic/diastolic blood pressure was 135/81. Over three months, HbA1c linearly declined from 8.58 at baseline to 8.21 at Month 1, 8.19 at Month 2, and 7.96 at Month 3 (p < 0.05). Average daily minutes of moderate intensity PA increased from 15.8 (Month 1) to 20.3 (Month 2) (p = 0.045) to 20.8 (Month 3) (p = 0.022). These changes were significantly associated with the reduction of HbA1c. Lastly, average daily minutes of high intensity PA increased from 12.1 (Month 1) to 13.6 (Month 2) (p = 0.075) to 15.2 (Month 3) (p = 0.051). CONCLUSION: Over time, increases of 4 to 5 minutes to moderate daily PA were associated with decreased HbA1c in Black and Hispanic Americans with type 2 diabetes. Increasing moderate daily physical activity may be a manageable guideline for glycemic control.

Habitual Physical Activity and Diabetes Control in Young and Older Adults with Type II Diabetes: A Longitudinal Correlational Study.

This study aimed to determine whether daily physical activity in young and older adults with T2DM is associated with diabetes control. A prospective correlational study involving 206 young (≤65 years) and older (>65 years) adults was conducted. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to assess their daily physical activity levels. Patients’ mean HbA1c level was 7.8% (±1.4), and 95.9% of patients had unsatisfactory diabetes control. Performing more minutes per week of moderate-intensity daily physical activity was associated with a lower risk of glycemia in both young and older adults. Furthermore, moderate daily physical activity significantly lowered the risk of glycemia. Health personnel must encourage patients to engage in moderate daily physical activities to improve diabetes control.

The effect of short-term pulmonary rehabilitation on the exercise ability and life quality of male patients with acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Objective To investigate the effects of short-term pulmonary rehabilitation on the exercise ability and life quality of men with acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods Thirty-eight male COPD patients with acute exacerbation were selected and randomly divided into a rehabilitation group (n=20) and a control group (n=18). Both groups were given routine health education and medication, while the rehabilitation group was additionally provided with a 7-day, three-stage rehabilitation intervention, including the respiratory training, resistance training using a resistance band and gradual low-intensity walking training, all under remote electrocardiographic monitoring. Before and after the intervention, both groups′ exercise ability was evaluated using the 30-second chair sitting test (30-STS) and a 30-second forearm load flexion test (30-ACT). Each subject′s quality of life and ability in the activities of daily living were evaluated by two qualified rehabilitation therapists. The subjects′ level of daily physical activity was assessed 2 months after discharge. Results After the intervention the average 30-STS and 30-ACT results of the rehabilitation group had improved significantly. The 30-ACT results of the control group were also significantly improved. After the intervention the average 30-STS and 30-ACT results of the rehabilitation group were significantly better than the control group′s averages. The average CAT and MBI scores of both groups were significantly better after the intervention, with the rehabilitation group′s averages significantly better than those of the control group. Two months after discharge, the number of patients with at least moderate daily physical activity increased from 6 to 19 in the rehabilitation group and from 4 to in the control group, a significant difference between the two groups. Conclusion The three-stage pulmonary rehabilitation program is helpful for improving the exercise ability and quality of life of COPD sufferers, and their ability in the activities of daily living. Their level of daily physical activity is higher 2 months after discharge. Key words: Obstructive pulmonary disease; Exercise ability; Quality of life; Activities of daily living

Cheilectomy as a First-Line Surgical Treatment Option Yields Good Functional Results in Grade III Hallux Rigidus.

This study aimed to analyze the functional results of cheilectomy in the surgical treatment of grade III hallux rigidus and to evaluate whether cheilectomy is a preferable first-line treatment over other surgical methods. Of 29 patients with moderate daily physical activity who underwent cheilectomy between 2009 and 2012 on being diagnosed as having grade III hallux rigidus according to the Coughlin-Shurnas grading system, 21 patients (14 women and 7 men; mean age, 59.2 years; age range, 52-67 years) (22 feet) with regular follow-up and complete medical records were included in the study. The patients were evaluated in the preoperative and postoperative periods using a visual analog scale for pain and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society metatarsophalangeal assessment forms. The preoperative mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score of 53 (range, 29-67) improved to 78 (range, 57-92) postoperatively (Wilcoxon test P = .001). The preoperative mean visual analog scale score of 89 (range, 60-100) improved to 29 (range, 0-70) in the postoperative period (Wilcoxon test P = .001). As a simple and repeatable procedure that allows for further joint-sacrificing surgical procedures when required, cheilectomy is a preferable method to be applied as a first-line option for the surgical treatment of grade III hallux rigidus.

Predicting childhood obesity prevention behaviors using social cognitive theory for elementary school students in Taiwan

Childhood obesity and overweight are among the most serious public health challenges in Taiwan. Moderate daily physical activity, limiting screen viewing, drinking more water, and consuming adequate fruits and vegetables are modifiable and particularly important for preventing childhood obesity. Self-efficacy, expectations, and self-control were used to predict each of the four behaviors. A valid and reliable instrument was administered to 222 upper elementary students. Minutes of physical activity were predicted by self-efficacy and self-control to exercise (R2 = 0.111). Hours of TV watching were predicted by self-efficacy of watching less than 2 hour of TV (R2 = 0.136). Glasses of water consumed were predicted by self-efficacy for drinking water and age (R2 = 0.093). Servings of fruits and vegetables consumed were predicted by self-efficacy of eating fruits and vegetables (R2 = 0.089). This research provided useful guidance based on social cognitive theory for building prevention programs specific to this group.

A Daily Glass of Red Wine and Lifestyle Changes Do Not Affect Arterial Blood Pressure and Heart Rate in Patients with Carotid Arteriosclerosis after 4 and 20 Weeks

Background: Regular consumption of small amounts of red wine improves blood lipids. However, there is concern whether this beneficial effect might be counterbalanced by an increase in blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR), which are risk factors for cerebro-cardiovascular disease. In particular, we studied whether regular consumption of red wine with and without lifestyle changes (LC; healthy diet and physical activity advice) results in an increase in BP and HR. Methods: A prospective, unblinded randomized trial was performed in 108 patients (67% men) with carotid atherosclerosis documented by ultrasound, a mean BP of 122/79 mm Hg and a mean HR of 71 bpm at inclusion in the study. Sixty-eight percent were known and treated hypertensives. The mean 24-hour BP at baseline was 122/79 mm Hg. Half of the study participants, the control group, was seen by a nurse at baseline, after 4 and after 20 weeks, and was instructed not to change their eating and physical activity habits. In the other half, a dietician performed five sessions of 30 min each (at baseline, after 1 week and after 2, 3 and 4 weeks) giving advice on healthy eating based on a Mediterranean diet and physical exercise. The recommendations given were the following: 5 portions of fruit/vegetables per day, a diet low in absolute fat, a preference of vegetable oil (olive or rapeseed oil), whole-grain products, poultry, low-fat dairy products, 1 fat and 1 lean fish meal per week, reduced consumption of red meat, and avoidance of pork, ready-made meals, sugar and excessive salt intake. In addition, regular consumption of 1 bar of dark chocolate (25 g, >70% of cacao), 1-2 tomatoes, and 3-5 walnuts as well as at least 30 min of moderate daily physical activity were recommended. Within these two groups, half of the patients were randomized either to avoid alcohol completely or to drink 100 ml (women) or 200 ml of red wine (men) daily. Results: Neither LC nor red wine had an effect on the mean systolic and diastolic 24-hour BP and HR after 4 and 20 weeks, as analyzed by general linear modeling. No difference was found for diurnal and nocturnal values. Conclusions: The possible beneficial effect of regular consumption of small amounts of red wine is not counterbalanced in the long term by an increase in the mean BP or HR in mainly normotensive and well-treated hypertensive patients with carotid atherosclerosis, neither in the patients given healthy lifestyle advice nor in those with a standard lifestyle. Yet, we remain cautious about actively advice patients to drink alcohol regularly given the well-known risks.

Correlation between moderate daily physical activity and neurocognitive variability in healthy elderly people

Recent studies have reported that moderate physical activity in daily life contributes to maintenance of a proper state of cognitive function in elderly individuals. The present study investigated the validity of correlations between moderate physical activity and cognitive function using more objective and detailed assessments of both physical activity and neurocognitive function. Participants comprised 72 healthy elderly individuals who wore an electronic accelerometer during waking hours for 3 months. This device recorded the number of steps per day as well as the duration of each intensity level in daily life; levels 1–3 were the equivalent of easy-paced walking (light activity), while levels 4–6 corresponded to brisk walking (moderate activity). To estimate executive cognitive ability in healthy elderly individuals, performance variability of executive control was examined with a task-switching reaction time (RT) test measuring intra-individual variability (IIV) in RTs. In 43 consenting participants, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) during the task-switching RT trial was analyzed to assess differences in brain activity patterns as a function of daily physical activity. Daily duration of level 4 physical activity correlated negatively with and significantly predicted IIV. Moreover, fMRI analysis confirmed that the higher physical activity group (duration of level 4 activity≥26.4min/day) showed significantly reduced age-related functional attenuation of prefrontal activations during the task-switching RT trial. The study discusses the possibility that enhancing the moderate daily physical activity could be helpful for lowering the rate of neurocognitive degradations in healthy elderly individuals.

Design of FitFor2 study: the effects of an exercise program on insulin sensitivity and plasma glucose levels in pregnant women at high risk for gestational diabetes

BackgroundPregnancy is a period in the life of women that is often associated with decreased daily physical activity and/or exercise. However, maintaining adequate levels of daily physical activity during pregnancy is important for mother and child. Studies suggest that moderate daily physical activity and exercise during pregnancy are associated with reductions in the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). However, at present, physical activity is not routinely advised to pregnant women at risk for gestational diabetes in the Netherlands. In FitFor2-study we aim to assess whether an exercise program can improve insulin sensitivity and fasting plasma glucose levels of women at high risk for gestational diabetes, assuming that this will lower their risk of gestational diabetes.MethodsThe FitFor2-study is a randomised controlled trial. Women who visit one of the participating hospitals or midwifery practices and who are at risk for gestational diabetes are eligible to participate. After baseline measurement they are randomly allocated to in the intervention or control group. The intervention group receives an exercise program twice a week in addition to usual care. The exercise program consist of aerobic and strength exercises and takes place under close supervision of a physiotherapist. Data are collected at 15, 24 and 32 weeks of pregnancy and 12 weeks after delivery. Primary maternal outcome measures are fasting plasma glucose and relative increase in insulin resistance. Primary neonatal outcome is birth weight. Secondary outcome measures are: maternal serum triglycerides, HDL, cholesterol, HbA1c, maternal weight gain during pregnancy, maternal physical activity level, foetal growth.DiscussionIf the FitFor2 intervention program proves to be effective, obstetricians and midwives should refer women at risk for GDM to a special exercise program. Exercise programs for pregnant women under supervision of an experienced trainer are already available in the Netherlands, and these programs could be adjusted easily for this target group. Furthermore, the costs of these programs should be refunded by including them in the basic health care cost reimbursement schemes.Trial registrationNTR1139

Effect of Free-Living Daily Physical Activity on Salivary Secretory IgA in Elderly

The aim of this work was to assess the relationship in elderly subjects between free-living daily physical activity and mucosal immunity, especially salivary secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA). Elderly volunteers (114 men and 170 women) aged 71.3 +/- 0.3 yr (range: 65-86 yr) participated in this study. Resting saliva samples were collected in the morning. Saliva samples stimulated by chewing a sterile cotton ball at a frequency of 60/60 s were collected. The SIgA concentration was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the SIgA secretion rate was calculated. Free-living step count (steps per day), energy expenditure (kJ x kg(-1) x d(-1)), and activity durations (min x d(-1)) at specific intensity levels (inactive, light, moderate, and vigorous) were evaluated using an electric pedometer. The data obtained were stratified by pedometer-determined steps per day using quartiles (Q1-Q4) for distribution. Elderly in quartiles showed step counts of 2962 +/- 94, 5118 +/- 62, 6832 +/- 59, and 9951 +/- 264 steps per day. Significant differences were found in the mean step count (P<0.0001), energy expenditure (P<0.0001), and activity duration (P<0.0001) with increasing pedometer-determined activity quartiles. Both SIgA concentration and SIgA-secretion rate were significantly higher for Q3 than for Q1 (P<0.05). Meanwhile, saliva flow rates showed no significant differences across quartiles. These results suggest that a free-living daily physical activity level of approximately 7000 steps per day might be regarded as a moderate daily physical activity target for elderly people to improve mucosal immune function.

Does physical activity enhance health?

This paper provides the justification of physical activity promotion for health by critically reviewing the recent US Surgeon General's Report. Evidence is summarized of the effects of physical activity on physiological responses, overall mortality, a number of diseases and disabilities, overall functional capacity, and mental health and quality of life. Cumulating evidence suggests that the effects be applicable to both genders and to a wide age range. The adverse effects of physical activity on health are shown to be small and mostly preventable. It is emphasized that substantial health effects can be gained by moderate daily physical activity which does not require high skill level nor specialized equipment or facilities. It is concluded that the health potential of physical activity is substantial due to the high prevalence of inactive lifestyle in the populations, the great number of health conditions being affected by physical activity, and the feasibility and safety of physical activity as a health measure.

EFFECT OF MODERATE EXERCISE UNASSOCIATED WITH IMPROVEMENT IN FITNESS ON BMD AND FALL RISK IN POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN 578

The role of exercise in the prevention and treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis has been attracting attention. However, neither the nature of the exercise, especially its intensity, nor its the efficacy has yet been established. In 1996, NIH published a new consensus development on physical activity and cardiovascular health. It states that moderate, not vigorous, daily physical activity unassociated with improvement in physical fitness can confer a significant health benefit on the cardiovascular system. In this study, we investigated the effect of such a moderate daily physical activity on the musculoskeletal system of postmenopausal women. Sixteen subjects who had been referred to our sports clinic with no evidence of fractures on X-ray films and were in the habit of walking 10-30 minutes every day without engaging in any other sports, were defined as the exercised group (EX). Sixteen age-and body-weight-matched sedentary postmenopausal women served as the control group (CON). In EX, mean age was 59.4±6.5 years (range: 49 to 71), mean body height 156.1±5.3cm and mean body weight 55.0±5.8kg. Mean bone mineral density (BMD) was determined in anterior lumbar spine (L2-4) by using Lunar DPX-L. An all-out test was conducted by gradually increasing the load by 25 watts every two minutes using a bicycle ergometer, and sequential changes in pulse rate were observed. Body balance was evaluated by the duration time the subject could stand on one foot with eyes closed. Isometric grip strength, and isometric muscle contraction strength of quadricepts and tibialis-anterior were measured using a MicroFett. Flexibilities of muscle and jount were also measured. The following results were obtained: (1) Exercise duration and heart rate at 50 watts in terms of work capacity did not differ in EX and CON. Grip strength and isometric strength of quadricepts also did not differ. (2) Lumbar BMD was revealed significantly higher in EX than CON. (3) EX had significantly better body balance than CON. (5) Flexibility in EX was also significantly better than in CON. (6) The isometric strength of the tibialis-anterior muscle in EX was higher than in CON. The results of this study indicate that moderate daily physical activity, even when unassociated with improvement in physical fitness, has a positive effect on BMD and reduce fall risk.