Moderate-to-vigorous Intensity Physical Activity Research Articles

Abstract 15184: Moderate-to-Vigorous Intensity Physical Activity and Incident Left-Sided Degenerative Valvular Heart Disease

Hypothesis: This study aimed to examine the impact of moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) on the prevention of left-sided degenerative valvular heart disease (VHD) among middle-aged adults. Methods: In the UK biobank study, data from wrist-worn accelerometer and physical activity questionnaires were utilized to assess the role of MVPA volume on the incidence of aortic valve stenosis (AS), aortic valve regurgitation (AR), and mitral valve regurgitation (MR). The primary cohort involved 90,865 participants ( median 8.1-year follow-up period) without prevalent VHD and heart failure, who wore accelerometers for one week. The validation cohort included 397,335 participants (median 13.8-year follow-up period) who completed physical activity questionnaires. MVPA volume was categorized according to the American Heart Association’s recommendation. Results: Accelerometer-measured MVPA showed a curvilinear relationship with reduced AS risk, with the risk reduction plateauing above 300 min/week. Compared to no MVPA, those engaging in 150-299 minutes of MVPA per week showed the most significant risk reduction [1-149 min/week: adjusted hazard ratio (HR), 0.79 (0.58, 1.08); 150-299 min/week: HR, 0.52 (0.36, 0.75); ≥300 min/week: HR, 0.57 (0.39, 0.83)]. Similar results were found when repeating the above analyses in self-reported MVPA cohort, with a relatively smaller reduction in HR ratio [150-299 min/week: HR, 0.81 (0.73, 0.91)]. No significant association was found between the MVPA volume and the risk of AR and MR in both cohorts. Conclusions: Meeting current MVPA recommendations (150-300 min/week) was associated with the lowest AS risk. Targeting adherence to accelerometer-measured MVPA thresholds may enhance AS risk reduction. Additionally, MVPA showed limited effectiveness in preventing valvular regurgitation, indicating distinct mechanisms between stenotic lesions and regurgitation lesions in degenerative VHD.

Abstract 12491: Impact of Augmented Treatments on Physical Activity Outcomes in a Sequential Multiple Assignment Randomized Trial

Background: Nearly half of women do not meet aerobic physical activity (PA) guidelines. Despite proven efficacy of PA interventions, response varies. Little is known about when treatment should be augmented. The Working Women Walking Program is a Sequential Multiple Assignment Randomized Trial testing two initial treatments (Fitbit vs. Fitbit+text messages) for eight weeks and two augmented treatments (personal calls vs. group meetings) added at eight weeks for non-responders to the initial treatments. Aims: We aim to compare the two augmented treatments among non-responders to the initial treatments on PA after 34 weeks of the program. Methods: Participants ( N = 301; women ages 18-70) were randomly assigned to an initial treatment of either Fitbit ( n = 149) or Fitbit+text messages ( n = 152). Both groups received a Fitbit and PA prescription (increase daily steps by ≥600 above baseline). Response to treatment was defined as (a) wearing the Fitbit 10 hours per day 3 of 7 days weekly in weeks 6-8 and (b) reaching a step goal ≥600 steps above baseline for 2-3 weeks in weeks 6-8. Non-responders were randomly assigned to an augmented treatment with personal calls ( n = 72; 50.7%) or group meetings ( n = 70; 49.3%). Objective PA was assessed with the waist-worn ActiGraph accelerometer (≥4 days with one weekend day and ≥10 hours daily wear time) at baseline and 34 weeks to assess daily steps and minutes of light and moderate-vigorous intensity PA (MVPA). Self-report PA was measured with the International PA Questionnaire to assess daily MVPA and walking. Results: Across all PA measures, there were no significant differences between augmented treatments (personal calls vs. group meetings). Overall, both treatments showed non-significant increases in objective PA, including steps ( d = .15; p = .30), light PA ( d = .11; p = .39), and MVPA ( d = .22; p = .15), but showed significant increases in self-report PA, including ( d = 1.02; p < .001) and walking ( d = .73; p = .30). Conclusion: In this sample of working women who were non-responsive to an initial PA treatment (Fitbit or Fitbit+texts), augmenting with personal calls or group meetings did not yield a difference in PA outcomes. Next, we will explore participant characteristics that may differentiate response to augmented treatments.

Are reallocations of time between physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep associated with low back pain? A compositional data analysis

ObjectivesThe aim of this cross-sectional study was to explore the associations of reallocating time between moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA), light-intensity physical activity (LPA), sedentary behaviour (SB) and sleep...

Accelerometer derived physical activity and subclinical coronary and carotid atherosclerosis: cross-sectional analyses in 22 703 middle-aged men and women in the SCAPIS study

ObjectivesThe aim included investigation of the associations between sedentary (SED), low-intensity physical activity (LIPA), moderate-to-vigorous intensity PA (MVPA) and the prevalence of subclinical atherosclerosis in both coronaries and carotids and...

Evaluation of a pilot physical activity intervention for children with ADHD symptoms and reading difficulties

AbstractPhysical activity (PA) benefits children's cognition, in particular executive functions (EF). Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Reading Difficulties (RD) and co‐occurring ADHD/RD have low levels of PA and difficulties with EF. This study evaluated a PA programme to determine recruitment, attrition, feasibility (e.g. in‐school or after‐school hours), intensity of PA during the programme and effect sizes. Outcomes evaluated were EF, academic attainment and social and emotional behaviour. Sixty‐nine children (35 males) aged 7–13 years participated in a delayed control design. The sample comprised 15 children with RD, 15 with high levels of ADHD symptoms, 15 with co‐occurring RD and ADHD symptoms and 24 typically developing children. Thirty‐one of the participants took part in a 12 week PA intervention designed to enhance cognition and 38 acted as a control group. The control group subsequently received the intervention and data was combined for analysis. The study was successful in recruiting participants for the intervention; more success was observed for in‐school than after‐school hours. Participants spent 46% (SD = 14) of the intervention in Moderate‐to‐Vigorous intensity PA (MVPA). A significant effect of time‐point (pre‐ vs. post‐intervention) was found for inhibition and visuospatial working memory (η2 = 0.11 and 0.18 respectively). There was no interaction with symptomatology though; all groups had higher scores on EF tasks after the intervention. It is possible to recruit and retain participants with ADHD symptoms and reading difficulties to a school‐based PA programme and adherence to measurements was good. Taking part in the programme may improve inhibition and visuospatial working memory and reduce symptomatology suggesting this is a potential source of remediation which should be explored.

How does relative time in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity correspond to the 2020 guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behaviour?

BackgroundMore and more researchers have started to analyse device-measured physical activity data using compositional data analysis (CoDA), which has led to that the effect of relative time in different behaviours can be explored. However, there are challenges related to the interpretation of the results based on CoDA. This is partly related to that CoDA provides estimates based on the relative time that is difficult to interpret relative to the 2020 guidelines of physical activity and sedentary behaviour. Since many data cohorts do not have data on sleep, the proportion of time in physical activity may vary depending on accelerometer wear time. Therefore, there is a need to explore cut-points for relative time to distinguish between individuals that do and do not reach 150–300 min of moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) per week. The aim was to establish a ratio of MVPA to awaken time that corresponds to meeting the 2020 guidelines of physical activity and sedentary behaviour in adults.MethodTo estimate the cut-off points of relative time in MVPA, the publicly available data from NHANES 2003–2004 was used and cut-off points were explored in different subsets of the total population. Values for sensitivity, specificity and cut-off values were explored; i) in total sample, ii) by tertiles of wear time, iii) in individuals with ± 5 min from 150 to 300 min of MVPA, iiii) in individuals with ± 5 min from 150 to 300 min of MVPA in the middle tertile of wear time.ResultsOverall, the analyses show high values for sensitivity (88–100%) and specificity (66–99%) for different cut-off values associated with 150–300 min of MVPA. Spending 2.4–4.7% of the time awake in MVPA was found to correspond to the 2020 guidelines of physical activity and sedentary behaviour.ConclusionBased on publicly available data from NHANES 2003–2004, spending 2.4–4.7% of time awake in MVPA corresponds to meeting the 2020 guidelines of physical activity and sedentary behaviour.

A network analysis involving mental difficulties, cognition, physical fitness, 24-hour movement components, fatness, and sociodemographic factors in children

BackgroundEvidence supports the beneficial linear influence of diverse lifestyle behaviors on brain health since childhood; however, multiple behaviors -and not only one-simultaneously affect such outcomes. Therefore, the aim was to explore the multivariate relationship through a network analysis among mental difficulty and cognitive function with physical fitness (PF), 24-h movement components, fatness, and sociodemographic factors in children. MethodsCross-sectional study involved 226 children (52.2 % boys) aged between six and 11 years. Mental difficulties were evaluated through the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire and cognitive function by the Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices Test. The body mass index and PF were assessed according to the procedures suggested by the Proesp-Br, while moderate-to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA) using accelerometry. The socioeconomic level, sleep, and screen time were evaluated by questionnaires. A network analysis was carried out to evaluate the associations among variables and establish centrality measures. ResultsAge and PF moderated the negative relationship between cognitive function and MVPA. Furthermore, the direct and inverse relationship between cognitive function and mental difficulties appears to be affected by the 24-h movement components. Finally, age, PF, and screen time are the nodes with higher values of expected influence, indicating more sensitivity to interventions for decreasing mental difficulty and improving cognitive function. ConclusionMental health and cognitive function were moderated by the multivariate interaction among age, PF, and the three 24-h movement components. Nonetheless, centrality measures from the network analysis suggest that PF, MVPA, and screen time are crucial nodes in order to implement future interventions.

The Bidirectional Correlation between Fundamental Motor Skill and Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activities: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Physical activity in early life has positive health effects, but few children meet the physical activity recommendations. Fundamental motor skills (FMS) are related to physical activity and according to the theory, physical activity drives them in the early years and vice versa. However, no study has conducted a meta-analysis of the association between moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) and early FMS. This meta-analysis examined the bidirectional correlation between MVPA and domain-specific FMS in preschool children. We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases for articles published up to August 2023. Cross-sectional and longitudinal studies were included if they targeted children (3-6 years old) as the study population. The association between objectively measured MVPA and FMS was evaluated. We found 445 titles and abstracts. A total of ten studies (eleven datasets) and 2514 children met the inclusion criteria, including eight cross-sectional studies and three longitudinal studies. When using MVPA as the exposure, no associations were found with locomotor skills (β = 0.83, 95% CI: -0.08, 1.74, p = 0.07) and gross motor skills (β = 2.72, 95% CI: -0.28, 5.72, p = 0.08), but an association with object management skills was found (β = 0.18, 95% CI: 0.06, 0.30, p = 0.001). When MVPA was used as the outcome, no associations were observed between locomotor skills (β = 0.06, 95% CI: -0.35, 0.47, p = 0.79), but associations with object management skills (β = 0.15, 95% CI: 0.02, 0.27, p = 0.02) and gross motor skill were found (β = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.38, 0.75, p = 0.001). The sensitivity analysis showed that the results must be treated with caution. We found that gross motor skill (exposure) was positively associated with MVPA (outcome) in preschoolers. Object management skills were positively associated with MVPA (exposure) and MVPA (outcome) in preschoolers. In contrast, MVPA as an exposure was not associated with locomotor skills and gross motor skills. The results may suggest that promoting FMS is important for preschool children's MVPA.

What Is the Contribution of Community Programs to the Physical Activity of Women? A Study Based on Public Open Spaces in Brazil.

Community programs can facilitate the access of vulnerable subgroups to physical activity (PA). This study analyzed the relationship between sociodemographic characteristics, health conditions, public open spaces (POS) usage, and women's PA. The 155 participants were assiduous in taking part in PA classes in POS in São José dos Pinhais, Brazil. The accelerometer-based PA measures identified four outcomes: (1) daily light-intensity PA (LPA), (2) daily moderate-to-vigorous intensity PA (MVPA), (3) LPA in POS, and (4) MVPA in POS. Linear regression, and the Durbin-Watson and Mann-Whitney U tests were used for data analysis in STATA software. The main results showed that the weekly frequency (β: 10.9, p < 0.01) and intensity of the main activity in the POS (β: 22.4, p < 0.05) were related to daily MVPA. Economic level and length of stay in the POS were positively related to the LPA performed (p < 0.05). Weekly frequency (β: 2.4, p < 0.01), length of stay (β: 11.0, p < 0.01), and intensity of PA practiced in the POS (β: 5.9, p < 0.05) showed a positive relationship with MVPA in the POS. In conclusion, there was a positive relationship between some analyzed variables and PA of different intensities, especially the consistent relationship between weekly frequency of POS usage and MVPA. Participation in structured PA classes in a community program can contribute to an increase of 47 min of daily MVPA.

Physical activity and health-related fitness among Chinese older women: A test of self-determination theory

Regular physical activity (PA) contributes to maintaining health and improving the quality of life among older people. This cross-sectional study investigates the associations between motivations derived from self-determination theory (SDT) and physical activity levels, as well as health-related fitness indices, in older Chinese women. We recruited 92 retired older women (range: 60–85 years; mean age ± SD: 71.74 ± 5.39 years) from Hong Kong, China. We assessed participants' motivations (autonomous motivation, controlled motivation, and amotivation) using the Treatment Self-Regulation Questionnaire, and measured their moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) and weekly walking using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. We also evaluated body fat (fat mass, fat percentage, and visceral fat) using the Tanita SC240MA, flexibility with the Back Scratch Test and Chair Sit-and-Reach Test, and muscle strength using the Five-Times Sit-to-Stand Test and "Timed Up and Go" Test. We analyzed the data using partial-least squares structural equation modeling with Warp PLS 8.0 software. The results showed that autonomous motivation was significantly and positively related to walking (β = .24, p < .01) and MVPA (β = .23, p < .01); controlled motivation was negatively associated with walking (β = -.26, p < .01) and positively associated with MVPA (β = .21, p < .05); and amotivation was significantly and negatively associated with walking and MVPA (β = -.17, p <.05; β = -.16, p < .05). The results also generally suggest that a higher PA level is linked to better health-related fitness. However, the expected indirect effects of motivation on health-related fitness outcomes were not statistically significant. Our results support SDT in explaining older women's participation in physical activity. Although physically active older women were more likely to be physically fitter, motivation in physical activity did not exert significant indirect effects on all health-related fitness outcomes.

Association of physical activity with psychological distress and happiness in mothers of children with autism spectrum disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic

BackgroundThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may have severely impacted the psychological status of mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Although a previous study reported that physical activity (PA) moderated psychological distress in parents of children with ASD during the COVID-19 pandemic, the effect of PA on the happiness levels of such parents during the pandemic remains unclear. This study investigated the associations among PA, psychological distress, and happiness in mothers of children with ASD during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was designed to evaluate mothers of children with disabilities. Questionnaires were collected from mothers living in Yamaguchi and Okayama Prefectures, Japan, between February and December 2022. During this period, three large waves of the COVID-19 pandemic occurred in Japan. Of the 601 respondents, 334 mothers had children with ASD and offered valid data. PA was assessed using the short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Psychological distress and happiness were assessed using the six-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6) and the Subjective Happiness Scale (SHS).ResultsThe mothers had markedly higher K6 scores (6.49) and more than half of them had moderate-to-severe psychological distress, whereas the SHS scores (4.46) were similar to that of the general Japanese population. In a multivariable-adjusted model based on the analysis of covariance, the K6 score was not associated with any PA items. In contrast, SHS scores were positively associated with moderate-intensity PA (MPA) and total moderate- to vigorous-intensity PA (MVPA), independent of K6. In the post-hoc test, mothers who did some (4.52) or enough (≥ 150 min/week) MPA (4.56) had a higher SHS score than those who did not (4.09). Similarly, mothers who engaged in sufficient (≥ 600 MET-min/week) total MVPA had higher SHS scores (4.57) than those who did not engage in MVPA (4.12).ConclusionsThe mothers of children with ASD during the COVID-19 pandemic had markedly higher psychological distress, though none of the PA items were associated with stress levels. However, PA was positively associated with happiness in mothers of children with ASD independent of their stress levels.

Long-term efficacy of a computer-tailored physical activity intervention for prostate and colorectal cancer patients and survivors: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundPhysical activity (PA) can improve the physical and psychological health of prostate and colorectal cancer survivors, but PA behavior change maintenance is necessary for long-term health benefits. OncoActive is a print- and web-based intervention in which prostate and colorectal cancer patients and survivors receive automatically generated, personalized feedback aimed at integrating PA into daily life to increase and maintain PA. We evaluated the long-term outcomes of OncoActive by examining the 12-month follow-up differences between OncoActive and a control group, and we explored whether PA was maintained during a 6-month non-intervention follow-up period. MethodsProstate or colorectal cancer patients were randomly assigned to an OncoActive (n = 249) or a usual care waitlist control group (n = 229). OncoActive participants received PA advice and a pedometer. PA outcomes (i.e., ActiGraph and self-report moderate-to-vigorous intensity PA (MVPA) min/week and days with ≥30 min PA) and health-related outcomes (i.e., fatigue, depression, physical functioning) were assessed at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. Differences between groups and changes over time were assessed with multilevel linear regressions for the primary outcome (ActiGraph MVPA min/week) and all additional outcomes. ResultsAt 12 months, OncoActive participants did not perform better than control group participants at ActiGraph MVPA min/week, self-report MVPA min/week, or ActiGraph days with PA. Only self-report days with PA were significantly higher in OncoActive compared to the control group. For health-related outcomes only long-term fatigue was significantly lower in OncoActive. When exploratively examining PA within OncoActive, the previously found PA effects at the end of the intervention (6 months follow-up) were maintained at 12 months. Furthermore, all PA outcomes improved significantly from baseline to 12 months. The control group showed small but non-significant improvements from 6 months to 12 months (and from baseline to 12 months), resulting in a decline of differences between groups. ConclusionThe majority of previously reported significant between-group differences at 6 months follow-up were no longer present at long-term follow-up, possibly because of natural improvement in the control group. At long-term follow-up, fatigue was significantly lower in OncoActive compared to control group participants. Computer-tailored PA advice may give participants an early start toward recovery and potentially contributes to improving long-term health.

Association of Parkinson’s disease status with accelerometer-derived physical activity and sedentary behavior in older women: The Women’s Health Study (WHS)

Evidence suggests that individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) spend less time in moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) compared to those without PD. However, prior studies primarily included men and did not consider movement across the entire intensity spectrum. To address these gaps, the association of PD status with total volume physical activity and time spent in sedentary, low light-intensity physical activity (LLPA), high light-intensity physical activity (HLPA), and MVPA among older women was examined. This is a cross-sectional analysis of 17,466 ambulatory women enrolled in the Women’s Health Study (WHS) with a median (IQR) age of 70 (67–75) years who were asked to wear an accelerometer for 7 days from 2011 to 2015 for the ancillary study. Reported PD status was assessed via annual mail-in questionnaires prior to device wear. Compared to those without PD (n = 16,661), PD (n = 80) was associated with 98,400 fewer vector magnitude (VM) counts per day and with spending an average of 23.2 more minutes per day sedentary and 10.5 more minutes per day in LLPA. Further, PD was associated with spending 6.4 and 27.3 fewer minutes per day in HLPA and MVPA, respectively, compared to women without PD. PD in women is associated with more daily sedentary time and less time spent in health-enhancing physical activity. Prevention strategies to promote physical activity should be emphasized to enhance health and limit progression of disability in women living with PD.

Accelerometer-measured sedentary behavior and risk of functional disability in older Japanese adults: a 9-year prospective cohort study

BackgroundThe associations of sedentary time and patterns with functional disability among older adults remain unclear, and few studies have accounted for the co-dependency of sedentary behavior and physical activities when modeling sedentary behavior with risk of functional disability. We aimed to examine the associations between sedentary time and patterns and risk of incident functional disability, and assess whether replacing sedentary time with light physical activity (LPA) or moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) is associated with reduced risk of functional disability in community-dwelling older adults.MethodsA total of 1,687 Japanese adults aged ≥ 65 years without functional disability at baseline were prospectively followed-up for 9 years (2011–2020). Functional disability was ascertained using the national database of Japan’s Long-term Care Insurance System. Sedentary time and patterns, LPA, and MVPA were measured using a tri-axial accelerometer secured to participants’ waists.ResultsDuring follow-up, 466 participants developed functional disability. Compared with the lowest quartile of total sedentary time, the multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) of functional disability for the second, third, and top quartiles were 1.21 (0.91‒1.62), 1.45 (1.10‒1.92), and 1.40 (1.05‒1.88) (p for trend = 0.01). After further adjusting for MVPA, total sedentary time was no longer significantly associated with the risk of functional disability (p for trend = 0.41). Replacing 10 min/day of sedentary time with the same amount of MVPA (but not LPA) was significantly associated with a 12% reduced risk of functional disability (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval]: 0.88 [0.84‒0.92]). No significant association was observed between sedentary bout length and functional disability.ConclusionHigher levels of total sedentary time were associated with an increased risk of incident functional disability. However, this association was not independent of MVPA. Replacing sedentary time with MVPA, but not LPA, was associated with reduced risk of functional disability in older adults.

Objectively-measured movement behaviors, systemic low-grade inflammation, and plasma neurofilament light chain in older adults: a population-based study

BackgroundEvidence has linked self-reported sedentary behavior (SB) and physical activity (PA) with cognitive impairment; however, the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. We examined the associations of the accelerometer-measured movement behaviors with plasma neurofilament light chain (NfL) among older adults and the role of systemic low-grade inflammation in the associations.ResultsThis population-based study included 1,029 dementia-free older adults (age ≥ 60 years, range 60–88 years; 59.48% women) who undertook the ActiGraph substudy (March 2018-December 2020) in MIND-China. There were nonlinear relationships of daily SB and PA time with plasma NfL concentration, such that more daily SB time or less time spent in daily light-intensity physical activity (LPA) and moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA) was significantly associated with increased plasma NfL only when SB time ≥ 8.00 h/day or LPA time < 5.00 h/day or MVPA time < 2.00 h/day. Furthermore, more daily SB time or less daily LPA and MVPA time was significantly associated with higher serum low-grade inflammation score, a composite measure generated from serum IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, and ICAM-1 (P < 0.05). Finally, low-grade inflammation score accounted for 14.5% to 17.8% of the associations between movement behaviors and plasma NfL.ConclusionsMore daily SB and less PA time are associated with neurodegeneration and systemic low-grade inflammation in older adults. The association of movement behaviors with neurodegeneration is partially mediated by low-grade inflammation.

Association of perceived and objective neighborhood walkability with accelerometer-measured physical activity and sedentary time in the Maastricht Study.

We investigated the association of neighborhood walkability with accelerometer-measured physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) and examined whether objective and subjective measures of walkability resulted in similar findings. PA and SB from the first 7689 Maastricht Study participants ages 40-75 from 2010 to 2017 were measured using accelerometers for 7 days. Mean daily step count, light-intensity PA, moderate- to vigorous- intensity PA (MVPA), and SB were calculated. Objective walkability was measured by the 7-component Dutch Walkability Index within 500 m Euclidean buffers around residential addresses of participants. Subjective walkability was obtained from the Abbreviated Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale. Linear regression models analyzed the associations of walkability with PA and SB, controlling for potential confounders. Objective walkability was negatively associated with light intensity PA in the most walkable quartile (b = -14.58, 95% CI = -20.94, -8.23). Compared to participants living in the least walkable neighborhoods, those in the most walkable quartile had statistically significantly higher SB levels (b = 11.64, 95% CI = 4.95, 18.32). For subjective walkability, mean daily step count was significantly higher in the most walkable quartile (b = 509.60, 95% CI = 243.38, 775.81). Higher subjective walkability was positively associated with MVPA (b = 4.40, 95% CI = 2.56, 6.23). Living in a neighborhood with higher objective walkability was associated with lower levels of PA and higher SB levels while higher subjective walkability was associated with higher levels of PA. These results show discordant findings and thus, the effect of walkability on participant PA and SB within our sample is to be determined.

Moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity among U.S. adolescents before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: Findings from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study

Only 16.1% percent of U.S. adolescents meet the recommendation of at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) per day. Studies report declined levels of adolescent MVPA in early stages of the pandemic, but gaps remain in understanding changes beyond the initial three months of the pandemic. This study aims to describe and compare self-reported adolescent MVPA levels at multiple timepoints before and during the COVID-19 pandemic among 11,865 9-11-year-old U.S. adolescents from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study, including pre-pandemic (September 2016-October 2018), early (May, June, and August 2020), and later (October and December 2020, March 2021) stages of the pandemic. Poisson regression models with robust error variance were used to estimate crude and adjusted prevalence ratios (APRs) of the proportion of adolescents meeting national MVPA guidelines during early and later stages of the pandemic compared to pre-pandemic. The proportion of adolescents meeting MVPA guidelines decreased from pre (16.4%), early (11.0%), and later (4.7%) COVID-19 pandemic timepoints. Adolescent MVPA guideline adherence at early- and later-pandemic stages was 24% lower (APR 0.76, 95% CI 0.62, 0.93) and 68% lower (APR 0.32, 95% CI 0.24, 0.43) than pre-pandemic adherence, respectively. Weekly MVPA duration decreased throughout May 2020 to March 2021 (χ2 = 488.9, p < 0.0001). Study findings build upon existing evidence that the low achievement of national MVPA guidelines before the pandemic became even lower during the pandemic, demonstrating the need to support and improve access to adolescent MVPA opportunities during COVID-19 pandemic recovery efforts and in future pandemics.

Age and school-segment difference in daily sedentary behavior and physical activity among student (9-23 years): a cross-sectional accelerometer-based survey.

This study is cross-sectional in nature and aims to investigate and track sedentary behavior (SB) and physical activity among student (aged 9-23 years) for seven consecutive days using an accelerometer. It also intends to analyze the current status of the daily activities of students using age and school-segment differences. The study recruits a total of 384 students [age: 14.41 ± 3.52 years; body mass index (BMI): 19.66 ± 3.67] from four schools out of which 180 (46.88%) were male. The study uses the means and standard deviations for statistical analysis and independent sample t-tests to determine gender differences. Analysis of covariance is used to determine whether or not daily SB and physical activity were statistically significant students according to gender and school segment followed by LSD post hoc tests for multiple comparisons. The results demonstrate that students were less physically active [moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA):60.4 ± 23.48 min/day] and more sedentary (598.47 ± 162.63 min/day). The sedentary time of the students displays an inverted U-trend, and their participation in MVPA exhibits a W-shape. After controlling for BMI, the results of ANCOVA point to a significant school-segment effect (p < 0.001) for SB (F = 83, ηp2 = 0.4) and physical activity (low-intensity physical activity: F = 108.61, ηp2 = 0.47; MPA: F = 401.65, ηp2 = 0.76; high-intensity physical activity: F = 88.43, ηp2 = 0.42; MVPA: F = 118.42, ηp2 = 0.49). Based on the behavioral characteristics of students across school segments, this study concluded that interventions targeting students' physical activity and physical health should be school segment specific. The results of the study provide a basis for future analysis of factors influencing students' physical activity behaviors across school segments and for proposing targeted intervention strategies for the future.

Trends in insufficient physical activity among adults in China 2010–18: a population-based study

BackgroundThe global prevalence of insufficient physical activity (PA) was reported to be 27.5% in 2016, and there were stable levels of insufficient PA worldwide between 2001 and 2016. The global target of a 10% reduction in insufficient PA by 2025 will not be met if the trends remain. The relevant data for trends in China were still scarce. This study aimed to determine nationwide temporal trends in insufficient PA among adults in China from 2010 to 2018.Methods645 903 adults aged 18 years or older were randomly selected from four nationally representative cross-sectional surveys of the China Chronic Disease and Risk Factor Surveillance conducted in 2010, 2013, 2015, and 2018. PA was measured using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. Temporal changes in insufficient PA prevalence and participation of domain-specific moderate- to vigorous-intensity PA (MVPA) were analyzed using logistic regression.ResultsFrom 2010 to 2018, the age-adjusted prevalence of insufficient PA in China increased from 17.9% (95% confidence interval 16.3% to 19.5%) in 2010 to 22.3% (20.9% to 23.8%) in 2018 (P for trend < 0.001). By age group, with a significant increase in insufficient PA in adults aged 18–34 years (P for trend < 0.001), which rose more rapidly than in adults aged ≥ 35 years (P for interaction < 0.001). Insufficient PA has increased significantly among adults engaged in agriculture-related work, non-manual work, and other manual work (all P for trend < 0.05). And among the occupational groups, those engaged in agriculture-related work had the fastest increase (P for interaction = 0.01). The percentage of adults participating in work-related MVPA decreased from 79.6% (77.8% to 81.5%) to 66.8% (64.9% to 68.7%) along with a decrease in time spent on work-related MVPA, while percentages of adults participating in recreation-related MVPA increased from 14.2% (12.5% to 15.9%) to 17.2% (16.0% to 18.4%) (all P for trend < 0.05).ConclusionsAmong Chinese adults, an increasing trend was found in insufficient PA from 2010 to 2018, with more than one-fifth of adults failing to achieve the recommendation of adequate PA. More targeted PA promotion strategies should be developed to improve population health.

Associations between physical activity, screen time, sleep time and selected academic skills in 8/9-year-old children

BackgroundHigh levels of physical activity (PA), low levels of screen time, combined with sufficient sleep time, provide better health benefits. However, few studies have examined the association of these behaviours with academic skills. Therefore, this study aims to determine how PA, screen time, and sleep time are related to selected academic skills of 8/9-year-old children while examining compliance with the guidelines on PA, sedentary behaviour, and sleep among this population group.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 114 primary school children (50% girls) aged 8–9years old from 2nd grade. The levels of PA, screen time, and sleep were assessed using self-reported questionnaires. The selected academic skills (based on reading and writing) were assessed by a battery of methods designed to diagnose the causes of school failure in students aged 7–9. Non-linear regression was applied to build multivariate models aimed at finding the most significant predictors for the selected academic skills separately.ResultsSixty-seven percent of children met the sleep guidelines, 22% met the screen time guidelines, and only 8% met PA guidelines. In terms of screen time, boys spent more time playing games than girls (p = .008). Moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) was associated with higher/better scores of the visual-auditory integration (B = -0.07, p = .040). Not meeting the sleep guidelines was associated with lower scores in visual-auditory integration among children (B = 0.12, p = .042). Children who did not meet the screen time guidelines had lower scores in perceptual-motor integration (B = -0.09, p = .040).ConclusionsParticipating in PA, limiting screen time and sufficient sleep time may benefit/support academic skills in children.