Moderate Or Vigorous Physical Activity Research Articles

Associations between Sleep and Physical Activity Behavior Clusters and Epigenetic Age Acceleration in Mexican Adolescents.

Epigenetic aging, a marker of biological aging measured by DNA methylation, may be affected by behaviors, including sleep and physical activity. However, investigations of physical activity and sleep with epigenetic aging among pediatric populations are scant and have not accounted for correlated behaviors. The study population included 472 Mexico City adolescents (52% female). Blood collection and 7-day wrist actigraphy (Actigraph GTX-BT) occurred during a follow-up visit when participants were 14.5 (2.09) years. Leukocyte DNA methylation was measured with the Infinium MethylationEPIC array after bisulfite conversion, and 9 epigenetic clocks were calculated. Sleep vs wake time was identified through a pruned dynamic programing algorithm, and physical activity was processed with Chandler cut-offs. Kmeans clustering was used to select actigraphy-assessed physical activity and sleep behavior clusters. Linear regression analyses were used to evaluate adjusted associations between the clusters and epigenetic aging. There were 3 unique clusters: "Short sleep/high sedentary behavior", "Adequate sleep duration and late timing/low moderate or vigorous physical activity (MVPA)", and "Adequate sleep duration/high MVPA". Compared to the "Adequate duration/high MVPA", adolescents with "Adequate duration and late sleep timing/low MVPA" had more accelerated aging for the GrimAge clock (β = 0.63;95% CI 0.07, 1.19). In pubertal-stratified analyses, more mature adolescents in the "Adequate duration and late sleep timing/low MVPA group" had accelerated epigenetic aging. In contrast, females in the "Short sleep/high sedentary" group had decelerated epigenetic aging for the Wu pediatric clock. Associations between behavior clusters and epigenetic aging varied by pubertal status and sex. Contrary results in the Wu clock suggest the need for future research on pediatric-specific clocks.

Joint association of sedentary behavior and physical activity with pulmonary function

BackgroundSedentary behavior may influence the respiratory health, but the joint effects of sedentary behavior and physical activity on pulmonary function remains poorly elucidated. We aimed to estimate the association between sedentary behavior and physical activity with pulmonary function.MethodsA total of 12,343 participants aged 12–79 years were analyzed from the U.S. NHANES 2007–2012. Participants were categorized into 16 groups according to the cross-tabulation of sedentary behavior time (0–4.0, 4.1–8.0, 8.1–12.0, and > 12.0 h/day) and moderate or vigorous physical activity (MVPA) (0, 1–149, 150–299, and ≥ 300 min/week). Generalized linear models were used to test the association of sedentary behavior and MVPA with pulmonary function.ResultsParticipants with sedentary behavior > 4.0 h/day were negatively related to FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in 1 s) (β ranging from -0.015 to -0.009, p < 0.05). Compared with the reference group (0 min of MVPA and > 12.0 h/day of sedentary behavior), the negative association of sedentary behavior ≤ 8.0 h/day with FEV1 may be reduced through appropriate MVPA (β ranging from 0.019 to 0.030, p < 0.05). For sedentary behavior > 8.0 h/day, even MVPA ≥ 300 min/week may not decrease the negative relationships. Similar results were also observed in FVC (forced vital capacity) (β ranging from 0.018 to 0.030, p < 0.05). In participants aged ≥ 45 years, the associations were more notable.ConclusionThis study indicated the sedentary behavior ≤ 4.0 h/day was a relatively healthy lifestyle for pulmonary function. Only below 8.0 h/day of sedentary behavior, the negative association with pulmonary function may be reduced through appropriate MVPA.

Validation of the 24-h perceived exertion recall survey in women in rural Tigray, Ethiopia

BackgroundPhysical activity affects nutritional status and health. Currently, there are few validated survey tools for estimating physical activity in rural areas of low-income countries, including Ethiopia, which limits the ability of researchers to assess how physical activity affects nutritional status. ObjectivesThis study used accelerometry to validate 2 in-person questionnaires, the global physical activity questionnaire (GPAQ) and the 24-h perceived exertion recall survey (PERS). MethodsThis study recruited 180 women aged between 18 and 45 y living in rural Tigray, Ethiopia. Participants had previously participated in an impact evaluation of a public work safety net. They wore an accelerometer for 8 d and responded to perceived exertion questionnaires twice. Data were collected on 89 women during the short rainy period and 91 women during the main rainy season. A survey method was considered valid if the proportion of time spent in moderate or vigorous physical activity (MVPA) levels had a Pearson’s correlation coefficient of >0.40 to the proportion of time spent in MVPA recorded by accelerometry. ResultsThe GPAQ had high reliability, but the overall validity was poorer than accelerometry. The proportion of time spent in MVPA according to the accelerometer was associated with discordance between GPAQ and accelerometry. MVPA levels, as measured by the 24-h PERS, had a fair agreement with accelerometry. The agreement increased to moderate/acceptable when adjusted for season and BMI. ConclusionsThe 24-h PERS is a valid tool for estimating the physical activity of women living in rural highland Ethiopia. It can be used in future research to understand the physical activity demands of living in rural highland Ethiopia, enabling more targeted programs to address undernutrition.

Physical Activity in Functionally Monocular Persons in the United States, 2003-2006.

Real-world physical activity patterns in monocular persons have not been previously characterized. This study uses a nationally representative sample to compare the physical activity levels of functionally monocular to binocularly sighted persons in the United States. This cross-sectional study uses data from the 2003-2004 and 2005-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) to compare differences in physical activity between functionally monocular and binocular participants. The main outcome measures were accelerometer-measured mean steps per day and mean daily minutes of moderate or vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Statistical analysis was conducted using multivariable negative binomial regression models adjusted for age. In total, 7967 NHANES participants had complete visual acuity and accelerometer data. The mean age at baseline was 44.5 years, and a majority were Caucasian (73%) and female (51%). In models adjusted for age only, functionally monocular participants (n = 172) took fewer steps (9277 with 95% confidence interval [CI], 8800-9753 vs. 10,057 with 95% CI, 9832-10,281) and engaged in similar minutes of MVPA (26.75 with 95% CI, 22.0-31.5 vs. 26.70 with 95% CI, 25.6-27.7) per day compared to binocularly sighted participants (n = 7758). In our final model, functionally monocular participants took 16% fewer steps per day (P < 0.01) and engaged in 26% fewer minutes per day of MVPA (P = 0.01). Poorer visual acuity, older age, female gender, obesity, congestive heart failure, and arthritis were also associated with a statistically significant decrease in physical activity in both models. Functionally monocular persons have lower physical activity levels compared to those with binocular eyesight in the United States, even after adjusting for better-eye visual acuity. Our translational study provides insight into the epidemiology of physical activity and its impact on population health. We quantify real-world physical activity in two at-risk populations, monocular and blind individuals.

The positive impact of informal spousal caregiving on the physical activity of older adults.

Although physical activity (PA) is crucial for health, the literature is mixed about how individuals' PA decisions are affected by their spouses. To fill this gap, we examined the extent to which providing care for one spouse affects the PA of the other spouse among those aged 50 or older in the United States. We analyzed 9,173 older adults living with their spouses or partners from the 2004 to 2016 waves of the Health and Retirement Study. To identify the causal effect of spousal caregiving on the PA of older adults, we estimated individual-fixed effects models using a two-stage least squared instrumental variable approach with spousal falls as our instrument. We also estimated the models by splitting the sample by gender and race/ethnicity to identify heterogeneous impacts of spousal caregiving on PA decisions among subgroups. We found that a one percentage point increase in the probability of providing care to spouses led to an increase in the probability of initiating moderate or vigorous PA (MVPA) by 0.34-0.52 percentage points. This effect was salient, especially among female and non-Hispanic white older adults. Caregiving experience might provide opportunities to learn about caregiving burdens and trigger an emotional response about the salience of an event (i.e., they need care in the future). Older caregivers might start MVPA in an effort to improve or maintain their health and avoid burdening their families for caregiving in the future. This study demonstrated spousal influence on PA. Instead of delivering PA-promotion information (e.g., the harm of sedentary lifestyle and benefits of regular PA) to individuals, risk communication and education efforts on PA promotion might be more effective considering the family context. Family events such as health shocks or the emergence of caregiving needs from family members provide windows of opportunities for intervening. Subgroup differences should also be considered in targeted interventions.

Ratings Of Perceived Exertion During Moderate And Vigorous Physical Activity While Mask Wearing

BACKGROUND: On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 to be a global pandemic. Many countries, including the United States, entered a lockdown. When gyms and fitness centers re-opened, many regions required a facemask. In healthy individuals, there is a minimal physiological impact of wearing a facemask during moderate or vigorous physical activity (MVPA). However, limited research exists regarding the perception of exertion during exercise while wearing a facemask. PURPOSE: To examine if masks impact the ratings of perception of exertion (RPE) of individuals participating in MVPA. A secondary purpose of this study was to determine if individuals exercised less than before the COVID-19 pandemic and explore if this was associated with wearing a mask. METHODS: Seventy-three adults who were regularly physically active before March 2020 completed a questionnaire that assessed exercise habits and perceptions of mask wearing during MVPA. Paired t-tests were used to determine the impact of RPE with and without a facemask during exercise and to determine PA participation pre- and post-COVID-19. RESULTS: Ninety-eight percent of the participants lived in the United States. Participants were primarily (72%) female and 89% were Caucasian. Before the COVID-19 pandemic the participants self-reported participating in 3.1 ± 0.3 hr./week of moderate PA and 4.6 ± 0.4 hr./week of vigorous PA. Forty-one percent of participants stopped exercising in an indoor/public setting because of a mask mandate in their region. Additionally, participants reported participating in less vigorous activity (4.6 ± 0.4 vs. 4.0 ± 0.4 hr./week; p = 0.036) and total PA (7.7 ± 0.6 vs. 6.9 ± 0.6 hr./week; p = 0.048), but not less moderate PA (3.1 ± 0.3 vs. 2.9 ± 0.3 hr./week; p = 0.286) pre vs post pandemic. During vigorous PA, individuals indicated that RPE (on scale of 1-10) while exercising and wearing a mask was higher than with no mask (8.4 ± 0.2 vs. 7.4 ± 0.1; p < 0.001). During moderate PA, RPE while wearing a mask was also higher than with no mask (6.5 ± 0.2 vs. 5.6 ± 0.3; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: During the COVID-19 pandemic regular exercisers participated in less vigorous PA. Facemask usage during both moderate and vigorous PA caused an increase in RPE and may be one reason for a decrease in vigorous PA during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Longitudinal changes and correlates of meeting WHO recommended levels of physical activity in the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic: Findings from the HEBECO study.

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has seen repeated government enforced restrictions on movement. This study aimed to evaluate longitudinal trends in physical activity (PA) in a self-selected UK-based sample and identify the key correlates of these trends.MethodsFrom 23 April 2020 to 30 January 2021, measures of PA engagement were collected in a sample of 1,947 UK-based adults. Generalised estimating equations (GEE) explored trends in PA engagement over time, and how sociodemographic, health and contextual factors impacted participant’s attainment of World Health Organization (WHO) recommended levels of PA (constituting muscle strengthening activity (MSA), and moderate or vigorous PA (MVPA)).ResultsWhile one in five achieved the recommended levels of PA in the first UK lockdown in April-June 2020 (19.5%, 95%CI: 17.8–21.3%) and a similar proportion in June-July 2020 (17.7%, 95%CI: 16.1–19.5%), this reduced during the period of eased restrictions in August-September 2020 (15.2%, 95%CI: 13.7–16.9%) and the second UK lockdown in November 2020-January 2021 (14.1%, 95%CI: 12.6–15.9%). Similar trends were observed for MSA and MVPA individually. Better quality of life, higher socioeconomic position and pre-COVID-19 PA levels were associated with meeting the WHO recommended levels of PA, while those living with overweight or obesity, a limiting health condition, or isolating showed the inverse associations. Time-specific associations with MSA or MVPA were observed for gender and age.ConclusionReductions in PA levels throughout the first strict lockdown continued without reversal during the ensuing period. The association of negative change with socioeconomic and health-related indices points towards deepening health inequities during the pandemic.

Perceived Exertion during Moderate and Vigorous Physical Activity While Mask Wearing: A Quantitative and Qualitative Pilot Study.

There is limited research examining the perception of exertion during exercise while wearing a facemask. The current study examined if mask usage during moderate or vigorous physical activity (MVPA) changed the self-reported perception of exertion. Seventy-two adults (18 years and older) who were physically active before the COVID-19 pandemic completed a questionnaire that assessed exercise habits and perceptions of mask wearing during MVPA. Participants reported their ratings of perceived exertion (RPE, on a scale of 1–10) while exercising. Wearing a mask resulted in higher RPE vs. no mask during both vigorous (8.4 ± 0.2 vs. 7.4 ± 0.1; p < 0.001) and moderate PA (6.6 ± 0.2 vs. 5.6 ± 0.2; p < 0.001). Qualitative analysis revealed mostly negative perceptions of exercising while wearing a mask, including respiratory issues, detriments to cardiovascular endurance, and general discomfort. A total of 40% of participants reported that they stopped exercising in an indoor/public setting because of a mask mandate in their region. Participants reported participating in less vigorous PA (4.7 ± 0.4 vs. 4.0 ± 0.4 h/week; p = 0.046), but not less moderate PA (3.3 ± 0.3 vs. 3.0 ± 0.3 h/week; p = 0.443) pre vs. during the pandemic. Our study suggests that facemask usage during MVPA causes an increase in RPE and may be one reason for a decrease in vigorous PA during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Modifying effects of race and ethnicity and APOE on the association of physical activity with risk of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.

We investigated whether the protective association of physical activity with risk of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) has genetic or behavioral variations. In the Multiethnic Cohort, we analyzed moderate or vigorous physical activity (MVPA) reported at ages 45 to 75 among 88,047 participants in relation to 13,039 incident diagnoses of late-onset ADRD identified in Medicare claims (1999 to 2014), by five racial and ethnic groups, hours sitting, and in a subset (16%), apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype. MVPA was inversely associated with ADRD (hazard ratio for ≥14 vs <2.5 hours/week: 0.83, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.76 to 0.90 in men; 0.88, 5% CI: 0.81 to 0.95 in women). The association was inverse in all racial and ethnic groups except Black participants (P-heterogeneity = 0.52), but stronger in individuals with lower levels of sitting duration or those who do not carry the APOE e4 risk allele. The different effects of physical activity by sitting duration and APOE genotype warrant further research.

Effect of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture on Physical Activity, Sports Participation, Patient-Reported Health Outcomes, and Physical Function in Young Female Athletes

Background: Return to sports (RTS) is frequently considered an indicator of successful recovery after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). However, despite the well-recognized health benefits of physical activity (PA), little is known about objectively measured PA in the 1 to 2 years after ACLR. Given that young female athletes have a high prevalence of ACLR and lower RTS rates as compared with their male counterparts, an in-depth examination of PA in this subgroup is warranted. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that female youth and young adults who have had ACLR in the previous 1 to 2 years would have less moderate or vigorous PA (MVPA) compared with healthy matched controls. We also hypothesized that the ACLR group would report lower levels of sports participation, patient-reported health outcomes, and physical function. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Participants included 51 female athletes with primary unilateral ACLR for a sports-related injury in the previous 1 to 2 years and 51 age- and sports-matched controls. Outcomes included objectively measured PA (GT3X accelerometers), previous and current sports participation and RTS, body mass index, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), triple single-leg hop, and one-leg rise. Mean within-pair differences with 95% CIs were used to assess differences between groups across all outcomes. Multivariable linear regression (clustered by pair) was used to examine whether the ACLR group had less MVPA than did the age- and sports-matched control group, adjusting for total wear time, age, time since injury, and body mass index. Results: Median age was 17.8 years (range, 14.6-22.6 years). There was no significant difference between groups in MVPA. However, the injury group had fewer mean minutes per day of vigorous PA (–1.22; 95% CI, −2.40 to −0.04), poorer KOOS values on all subscales, and shorter triple single-leg hop distance. In the injury group, 28 (55%) returned to sports, including 14 (27.5%) who returned at preinjury performance level. Across both groups, over one-third changed their most important sport, shifting toward an individual-based sport. Conclusion: At 1 to 2 years after ACLR, female athletes demonstrated no differences in combined MVPA and only a very small reduction in vigorous PA, yet they had higher levels of self-reported knee pain and symptoms, reduced knee function in sports, lower quality of life, and poorer objective knee function compared with matched controls.

Association of Asian/Asian-American Immigrants' Physical Activity Behavior and Length of Residence in the U.S.

Background. The aim of this study was to examine the potential relationship between Asian/Asian-American immigrants’ length of residence in the U.S. and their leisure-time physical activity behavior. Method. Data were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, 2013–2014). Among 1,074 Non-Hispanic Asian/Asian-American participants, 541 (Female = 287, Male = 254) were > 20 years of age (M = 48.51, SD = 15.22), not born in the U.S., and they reported their physical activity data. Results. Binary logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals of reporting participation in leisure-time, moderate or vigorous physical activity (MVPA). After adjusting for age, gender, income, and education level, those living in the U.S. increased their odds of participating in MVPA. Specifically, compared to those who had been in the U.S. for 20 increased their odds of MVPA participation by 145%, 139%, 189% and 293%, respectively, with p values being marginally significant for 10-20 years p=0.06, and significant for more than 20 years, p=0.02. Conclusions. This set of observations implies that there may be positive features in American culture in terms of facilitating Asian/Asian-American adults’ MVPA as their length of residence in America increased. Gaining deeper insights into precisely what those features are and design targeted physical activity promotion program should be the focus of future research.

Accelerometer-Measured Daily Activity Levels and Related Factors in Patients With Heart Failure.

Few studies report objective accelerometer-measured daily physical activity levels in patients with heart failure (HF). We examined baseline accelerometer-measured physical activity from the Heart Failure Exercise and Resistance Training Camp trial, a federally funded (R01-HL112979) 18-month intervention study to promote adherence to exercise in patients with HF. Factors associated with physical activity levels were also explored. Patients with diagnosed HF (stage C chronic HF confirmed by echocardiography and clinical evaluation) were recruited from 2 urban medical centers. Physical activity energy expenditure and the number of minutes of moderate or vigorous physical activity (MVPA) were obtained from 7 full days of measurement with the accelerometer (Actigraph Model GT3X, Pensacola, Florida) for 182 subjects who met minimum valid wear time parameters. Additional measures of health-related factors were included to explore the association with physical activity levels. Subjects had 10.2 ± 10.5 minutes of MVPA per day. Total physical activity energy expenditure was 304 ± 173 kcal on average per day. There were 23 individuals (12.6%) who met the recommended goal of 150 minutes of MVPA per week. Men, whites, New York Heart Association class II, and subjects with better physical function had significantly higher levels of activity. Consistent with previous research, patients with HF are not meeting recommended guidelines for 150 minutes of MVPA per week.

Correlates of Achieving the Guidelines of Four Forms of Physical Activity, and the Relationship between Guidelines Achievement and Academic Performance: Undergraduate Students in Finland.

We surveyed and compared, by gender, the levels and correlates of achieving the international guidelines of four forms of physical activity (PA): moderate PA (MPA), vigorous PA (VPA), moderate or vigorous PA (MVPA), and muscle strengthening PA (MSPA). The study assessed the associations between achieving the guidelines of the four PA forms and a range of socio-demographic, health and academic performance variables. Data was collected across the seven faculties of the University of Turku (2013-2014 from a representative sample of 1,189 undergraduates). An English language online self-administered questionnaire assessed frequency and duration of PA/week for each form of PA. We employed cut-offs for the guidelines in accordance with the American Heart Association. Chi-square statistic tested the differences in PA, socio-demographic variables and academic performance between males and females. Binary logistic regression examined the factors associated with achieving the four PA guidelines and linear regression examined the association between the frequency of PA and academic performance. Achievement of PA guidelines was relatively low across the sample. Female students were less likely to achieve the VPA or MSPA guidelines, but were more health conscious and in generally exhibited better academic performace than males. High health awareness and excellent/very good self-rated health were the strongest predictors of achieving all forms of PA. Parents' education level was positively related to likelihood of achieving the VPA, MVPA and MSPA guidelines. Achieving the MPA guidelines (but not VPA or MSPA) was positively associated with subjective perceptions of better academic performance. Achievement of PA guidelines was generally low for this sample of Finnish students, and was associated with positive health status and high health awareness. Universities need a holistic approach to improve awareness of health and promote PA in students' lifestyles.

Cross-sectional and prospective relationship between physical activity and chronic diseases in European older adults.

This study examined the relationship between physical activity (PA) and chronic diseases in European older adults, using a prospective analysis with data from 2011 and 2013. Participants were 37,524 older adults (16,204 men) who responded to the fourth (in 2011) and fifth (in 2013) wave of SHARE project, from 13 European countries. Participants' answers to interview questions about the presence of chronic conditions and PA. The cross-sectional and prospective association between PA and the number of chronic diseases was assessed using general linear models. Among men and women, moderate or vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in 2011 was associated with fewer reported chronic diseases in 2011 and 2013. In prospective analysis, MVPA in 2011 was inversely associated with the number of chronic diseases in 2013 in the unadjusted model. In the adjusted model MVPA more than once a week remained as a significant predictor of fewer chronic diseases. PA should be prescribed to older adults in order to prevent and reduce the number of chronic diseases, and, when possible, vigorous intensity PA should be recommended.

군 지역 성인의 신체활동 실천에 미치는 영향요인에 대한 다수준 분석

Purpose: This study was conducted to examine the individual and community level factors associated with physical activity and to identify its relative effects using a multilevel analysis among Korean adults in certain counties. Methods: A cross-sectional data of 39,547 adults (age range of 19~64 years) living in 82 counties from the 2013 Korean Community Health Survey (KCHS) was analyzed. Individual and social correlates from KCHS and physical environmental data from the Korean Statistical Information Service were collected. A multilevel logistic regression was performed using Stata 10.0 IC. Results: Multilevel analyses showed that the effect of social and physical environmental on engaging in moderate or vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was significant in comparison to the influence of individual correlates. The individual factors that were associated with participating in MVPA included gender, marital status, education, job, and household income. In the community level, social environmental factors associated with engagement in MVPA were higher satisfaction with healthcare service (OR=3.410, 95% CI=1.109~11.269), a high level of social support (OR=5.920, 95% CI=1.459~22.657) and social network (OR=1.025, 95% CI= 1.017~1.032). Conclusion: To promote moderate or vigorous physical activity in Korean adults in some counties, social environmental factors should be considered along with individual correlates.

Can adding web-based support to UK primary care exercise referral schemes improve patients’ physical activity levels? Intervention development for the e-coachER study.

Can adding web-based support to UK primary care exercise referral schemes improve patients’ physical activity levels? Intervention development for the e-coachER study.

Age-related comparisons by sex in the domains of aerobic physical activity for adults in Scotland

ObjectiveTo investigate the age-related differences in the contributions of the domains of physical activity (PA) for men and women in Scotland who met the current PA guidelines or who were insufficiently active.MethodsWe analysed data from the 2013 Scottish Health Survey (4885 adults (≥ 16 years)). Average weekly minutes of moderate or vigorous PA (MVPA) and the relative contributions to total MVPA were calculated for the domains of: walking, cycling, domestic, leisure, occupational, outdoor, non-team sport, team sport, and exercise & fitness. We performed linear regression analyses to assess differences by 10-year age group, stratified by sex and activity status (1–149 or ≥ 150 min of MVPA per week). These were repeated excluding occupational activity due to concerns with its measurement.ResultsFor the 64.3% of the sample that met the guidelines, occupational activity was the most prevalent domain accounting for 18–26% of all MVPA for those under 65 years. When excluded, there was no age-related decline in total MVPA (p > 0.05). For the 18.6% of the sample that reported 1–149 min of MVPA per week, domestic activity was the most prevalent domain. Across both sexes and activity statuses, exercise & fitness declined with age and walking was most prevalent in the oldest age group.ConclusionThe domains in which adults in Scotland undertake MVPA vary by age group. Policies designed to increase PA should take this into account. Our findings challenge current thinking on age-related changes in activity, with the exclusion of occupational activity mitigating any age-related decline in MVPA.

Sleep Disorders, Physical Activity, and Sedentary Behavior Among U.S. Adults: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Disruptive sleeping patterns have been linked to serious medical conditions. Regular physical activity (PA) has a positive impact on health; however, few research have investigated the relationships between PA, body mass index (BMI), sedentary behaviors (SB), and sleep disorders (SD). Data from the 2005-2006 NHANES were analyzed for this study. Participants (N = 2989; mean age = 50.44 years) were grouped based upon responses to SD questions. Accelerometers were used to measure the average time spent in moderate or vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and SB. Multinomial logistic regression analyses were used to examine the associations between PA, SB, and SD after controlling for covariates and to explore potential moderation effects among common risk factors and the main study variables. Among middle-aged adults, PA was significantly associated with SD [Wald χ2 (8) = 22.21; P < .001]. Furthermore, among adults in the highest tertile of SB, PA was significantly associated with SD [Wald χ2 (8) = 32.29; P < .001]. These results indicate that middle-aged adults who are less active may have increased likelihoods of SD. It is important for health care professionals to continue developing methods for increasing PA to decrease the risk of SD.

Associations between Physical Activity and 30-Day Readmission Risk in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Efforts to reduce 30-day readmission have mostly concentrated on addressing deficiencies in care transitions and outpatient management after discharge. There is growing evidence to suggest that physical inactivity is associated with increased hospitalizations. We examined whether or not a potentially modifiable factor such as regular physical activity at baseline was associated with lower risk of 30-day readmission in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Patients from a large integrated health system were included in this retrospective cohort study if they were hospitalized for COPD (following the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and National Quality Forum proposed criteria) and discharged between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2012, aged 40 years or older, on a bronchodilator or steroid inhaler, alive at discharge, and continuously enrolled in the health plan 12 months before the index admission and at least 30 days post discharge. Our main outcome was 30-day all-cause readmission. Regular physical activity was routinely assessed at the time of all outpatient visits and expressed as the total minutes of moderate or vigorous physical activity (MVPA) per week. The sample included a total of 4,596 patients (5,862 index admissions) with a mean age of 72.3 ± 11 years. The 30-day readmission rate was 18%, with 59% of readmissions occurring in the first 15 days. Multivariate adjusted analyses showed that patients reporting any level of MPVA had a significantly lower risk of 30-day readmission compared with inactive patients (1-149 min/wk of MVPA: relative risk, 0.67; 95% confidence interval, 0.55-0.81; ≥150 min/wk of MVPA: relative risk, 0.66; 95% confidence interval, 0.51-0.87). Other significant independent predictors of increased readmission included anemia, prior hospitalizations, longer lengths of stay, more comorbidities, receipt of a new oxygen prescription at discharge, use of the emergency department or observational stay before the readmission (all, P < 0.05), and being unpartnered (P = 0.08). Our findings further support the importance of physical activity in the management of COPD across the care continuum. Although it is possible that lower physical activity is a reflection of worse disease, promoting and supporting physical activity is a promising strategy to reduce the risk of readmission.

Adherence to physical activity guidelines in older adults, using objectively measured physical activity in a population-based study.

BackgroundPhysical activity (PA) levels in older adults decline with age. The prevalence and correlates of adherence to current UK PA guidelines in older adults has not been studied using objectively measured PA, which can examine precisely whether PA is carried out in bouts of specified length and intensity.MethodsFree living men and women aged 70–93 years from 25 towns in the United Kingdom, participating in parallel on-going population based cohort studies were invited (by post) to wear a GT3x accelerometer over the hip for one week in 2010–12. Adherence to UK PA guidelines was defined as ≥150 minutes/week of moderate or vigorous PA (MVPA) in bouts of ≥10 minutes; the effect of different intensities and durations were examined.Results1593 men and 857 women participated (responses 51% and 29% respectively). 15% men and 10% women achieved ≥150 minutes/week of MVPA (defined as >1040 cpm) in bouts lasting ≥10 minutes. With MVPA defined as >1952 cpm, prevalences were 7% and 3% respectively. Those adhering to guidelines were younger, had fewer chronic health conditions, less depression, less severe mobility limitations, but higher exercise self-efficacy and exercise outcomes expectations. They rated their local environment more highly for social activities and leisure facilities, having somewhere nice to go for a walk and feeling safe after dark, They left the house on more days per week, were more likely to use active transport (cycle or walk) and to walk a dog regularly.ConclusionsFew older adults attain current PA guidelines. Health promotion to extend the duration of moderate-intensity activity episodes to 10 minutes or more could yield important health gains among older adults. However future studies will need to clarify whether attaining guideline amounts of PA in spells lasting 10 minutes or more is critical for reducing chronic disease risks as well as improving cardiometabolic risk factors.