Moderate-to-vigorous Physical Activity Guidelines Research Articles

Joint association of aerobic physical activity and muscle-strengthening activities with metabolic syndrome : the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2014-2015

OBJECTIVESThe study aimed to examine whether simultaneously meeting the combined guidelines of accelerometer-assessed moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and self-reported muscle-strengthening activity (MSA) was associated with lower odds of metabolic syndrome (MetS) than meeting neither or 1 of the guidelines among the Koreans.METHODSThis cross-sectional analysis included 1,355 participants from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2014-2015). Logistic regression was used to analyze the associations across groups of MVPA-MSA guideline adherence (meeting neither [reference]; meeting MVPA only; meeting MSA only; meeting both MVPS and MSA) with MetS components (abdominal obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C], hypertension, and hyperglycemia). The odds ratios (ORs) were adjusted for covariates (e.g., sex, age, body mass index, and accelerometer wearing time).RESULTSMSA only significantly reduced the OR for abdominal obesity (OR, 0.34; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.13 to 0.91). Meeting both MVPA and MSA reduced the OR for hypertriglyceridemia (OR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.39 to 0.88) and low HDL-C (OR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.31 to 0.68). Compared to meeting neither, MVPA only (OR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.44 to 0.89) and both MVPA and MSA (OR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.28 to 0.76) significantly reduced the OR for MetS.CONCLUSIONSCombined MVPA-MSA was more beneficially associated with MetS prevalence than MVPA only and MSA only. Considering that more than 85% of Korean adults do not meet both the MVPA and MSA guidelines, public health actions to promote adherence should be supported.

The effects of physical activity on arterial stiffness during pregnancy: an observational study.

The objective of the present study was to investigate the relationship between moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and arterial stiffness in pregnancy. Thirty-nine women participated in this study, resulting in 68 measurements in non-pregnant (NP; n = 21), first (TM1; n= 8), second (TM2; n = 20), and third trimesters (TM3; n = 19). Compliance, distensibility, elasticity, β-stiffness, and carotid to femoral (central) and carotid to finger (peripheral) pulse wave velocity (PWV) were assessed. MVPA was measured using accelerometry. Multilevel linear regressions adjusted for multiple tests per participant using random effects to generate β coefficients and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were performed. Distensibility, elasticity, β-stiffness, and central- and peripheral-PWV did not differ between pregnant and non-pregnant assessments. Carotid artery compliance was higher in TM2 compared with NP. Central PWV (β coefficient: -0.14, 95%CI: -0.27, -0.02) decreased from early to mid-pregnancy and increased in late pregnancy. Meeting the MVPA guidelines was significantly associated with central-PWV (adjusted β coefficient: -0.34, 95%CI: -0.62, -0.06, p= 0.016), peripheral-PWV (adjusted β coefficient: -0.54, 95%CI: -0.91, -0.16, p= 0.005), and distensibility (adjusted β coefficient: -0.001, 95%CI: -0.002, -0.0001, p= 0.018), in pregnancy. These results suggest that MVPA may be associated with improved (i.e., reduced) arterial stiffness in pregnancy. Novelty: Central PWV, distensibility, compliance, elasticity, and β-stiffness, but not peripheral PWV, exhibited curvilinear relationships with gestational age Central and peripheral PWV were lower in pregnant women who met the physical activity guidelines of 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per week.

Association between Active Transportation and Public Transport with an Objectively Measured Meeting of Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity and Daily Steps Guidelines in Adults by Sex from Eight Latin American Countries.

This study aimed to examine the associations between active transportation and public transport and the objectively measured meeting of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and steps per day guidelines in adults by sex from eight Latin American countries. As part of the Latin American Study of Nutrition and Health (ELANS), data were collected from 2524 participants aged 18–65 years. MVPA and steps per day were evaluated using Actigraph GT3X accelerometers. The mode of transportation, its frequency and duration were collected using a self-reported questionnaire. The average time dedicated to active transportation was 12.8 min/day in men (IQR: 2.8–30.0) and 12.9 min/day in women (IQR: 4.3–25.7). A logistic regression analysis was conducted, showing that active transportation (≥10 min) was associated with higher odds of meeting MVPA guidelines (men: OR: 2.01; 95%CI: 1.58–2.54; women: OR: 1.57; 95%CI: 1.25–1.96). These results show a greater association when considering active transportation plus public transport (men: OR: 2.98; 95%CI: 2.31–3.91; women: OR: 1.82; 95%CI: 1.45–2.29). Active transportation plus public transport was positively associated with meeting steps per day guidelines only in men (OR: 1.55; 95%CI: 1.15–2.10). This study supports the suggestion that active transportation plus public transport is significantly associated with meeting the MVPA and daily steps recommendations.

The Impact of Changes in Physical Education Class Enrollment on Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity Among a Large Sample of Canadian Youth.

Few youth engage in sufficient daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and the likelihood of meeting guidelines declines through secondary school. Physical education (PE) can afford youth with opportunities for MVPA. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of changes in PE enrollment on MVPA and MVPA guideline adherence in Ontario and Alberta secondary students. Linked survey data was used from 1514 students who participated in year 3 (2014/2015 baseline) and year 6 (2017/2018 follow-up) of the COMPASS Study. Regression models tested whether changes in PE enrollment predicted changes in self-reported MVPA (minutes) and MVPA guideline adherence from grade 9 (baseline) to grade 12 (follow-up), controlling for sports participation and sociodemographic variables. Students who remained enrolled in PE in grade 12 reported a daily average of 30 minutes more MVPA. Among students meeting MVPA guidelines and enrolled in PE in grade 9, students not taking PE in the current term in grade 12 were less likely to continue to meet guidelines than students currently enrolled in PE (adjusted odds ratio 0.53; 95% confidence interval: 0.36, 0.78; p < .0013). Findings from this study could inform the future implementation of a mandatory PE credit for upper year secondary students.

Objectively measured preoperative physical activity is associated with time to functional recovery after hepato-pancreato-biliary cancer surgery: a pilot study

BackgroundSurgical resection is currently the cornerstone of hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) cancer treatment. A low preoperative aerobic fitness level has been identified as a modifiable risk factor associated with complications after major abdominal surgery. A person’s aerobic fitness is influenced by performing moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA). This study aims to determine the activity monitor measured levels of MVPA performed among patients on the waiting list for HPB cancer surgery and their association with postoperative outcomes.MethodsA prospective, observational multi-center cohort pilot study was conducted. Patients enlisted for resection surgery on suspicion of HPB (pre)malignancy were enrolled. Performed MVPA was measured by an Actigraph wGT3X-BT. Additionally, aerobic fitness was measured via the Incremental Shuttle Walk Test, and (post)operative variables were collected from the electronic patient files. The association between MVPA and the pre- and postoperative variables was determined by univariate and multivariable (logistic) robust regression.ResultsA total of 38 participants, median age 66.0 (IQR 58.25–74.75) years, were enrolled. The median daily MVPA was 10.7 (IQR 6.9–18.0) min; only 8 participants met the Dutch MVPA guidelines. Participant’s age and aerobic fitness were associated with MVPA by multivariable statistical analysis. Time to functional recovery was 8 (IQR 5–12) days and was associated with MVPA and type of surgery (major/minor) in multivariable analysis.ConclusionSeventy-six percent of patients enlisted for resection of HPB (pre)malignancy performed insufficient MVPA. A higher level of MVPA was associated with a shorter time to functional recovery.

Sleep as a Priority: 24-Hour Movement Guidelines and Mental Health of Chinese College Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Research on the combined role of 24-hour movement behaviors (sleep, sedentary behavior [SB], and physical activity) in adult mental health, though important, is in its infancy. In the context of Canadian 24-hour movement guidelines integrating quantitative recommendations for sleep, SB, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), this study aimed to examine the associations between meeting guidelines and mental health among college students. The study used a cross-sectional sample of 1846 Chinese college students surveyed online in August 2020. Through network analysis and multivariate analysis of covariance, the individual and combined associations between meeting 24-hour movement guidelines and the levels of depression and anxiety after adjusting sociodemographic factors were analyzed. Results indicated that meeting the sleep guideline had stronger associations with depression and anxiety than meeting the SB or MVPA guideline. Specifically, compared to meeting no guidelines, meeting the sleep guideline (alone or in combination with other guidelines) was associated with significantly lower levels of depression and anxiety; meeting both SB and MVPA guidelines was also associated with a significantly lower level of depression. Hence, meeting more guidelines, especially adhering to a healthy sleep routine, may play an important role in promoting the mental health of young adults.

Post-secondary students' adherence to the Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Adults: Results from the first deployment of the Canadian Campus Wellbeing Survey (CCWS).

New Canadian 24-Hour movement guidelines for adults recommend several hours of light physical activity each day, 150 minutes/week of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) including muscle strengthening activities at least twice a week, no more than 8 hours of sedentary time and 3 hours of recreational screen time each day, and 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. This study examines post-secondary student adherence to the guidelines and its associations with sociodemographic factors and mental health. We analyzed data from a sample of 20 090 post-secondary students in Canada who participated in the 2019-2020 Canadian Campus Wellbeing Survey (CCWS). Prevalence of meeting guidelines for physical activity, sedentary time, recreational screen time and sleep were examined. We conducted logistic regression to examine associations between meeting movement guidelines and sociodemographic factors and mental health outcomes. Only 9.9% of students (females 10.4%; males 9.2%) were currently achieving four components of the 24-hour movement guidelines. Respondents most commonly adhered to MVPA (61.1%) and sleep (59.7%) guidelines. Adherence to sedentary and screen time guidelines was lower (56.3% and 36.2%, respectively). Sociodemographic factors associated with higher odds of meeting the guidelines included being female, older age, self-identifying as White, and living at high socioeconomic status. Students who reported higher psychological well-being were more likely to meet the guidelines. Overall adherence to the new guidelines is low among post-secondary students in Canada. The CCWS provides a mechanism for monitoring the dissemination and implementation of the new Canadian 24-hour movement guidelines for adults.

The Effects of Moderate‐to‐Vigorous Physical Activity on Arterial Stiffness during Pregnancy

Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) is associated with lower arterial stiffness in the general population. The objective of the present study was to investigate the relationship between MVPA and arterial stiffness in pregnancy. Thirty-nine women participated in this study resulting in 68 measurements in non-pregnant (NP; n=21), first (TM1; n=8), second (TM2; n=20), and third trimesters (TM3; n=19). Carotid to femoral (central) and carotid to finger (peripheral) pulse wave velocity (PWV) were assessed using finometer (proper digital artery), tonometer (carotid artery), and ultrasound (femoral artery). Carotid artery distensibility, compliance, elasticity, and ß-stiffness were calculated from carotid artery diameters at diastole and systole from three ultrasound images of the right carotid artery assessed using manual digital calipers. MVPA was measured during the waking hours of 7-consecutive days using accelerometry (Actigraph; model wGT3X-BT). Freedson accelerometer counts for MVPA were ≥ 1,952 cmp. Comparisons between pregnant and non-pregnant participants and according to gestational age (in pregnant participants only) were performed using multilevel linear regression models adjusted for multiple tests per participant during the study period (NP, TM1, TM2, or TM3) using random effects for modelling intra-cluster correlation to generate β coefficients and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Carotid artery distensibility, elasticity, and β-stiffness were not statistically different between the NP, TM1, TM2, and TM3 phases. However, carotid compliance was higher in TM2 compared to NP. Central and peripheral PWV did not differ between pregnant and non-pregnant participants. Though, meeting the MVPA guidelines (≥150minutes per week) was associated with a decrease in both central PWV (Adj. β coef.: -0.30; 95% CI: -0.58, -0.02, p=0.04) and peripheral PWV (Adj. β coef.: -0.54; 95% CI: -0.91, -0.16, p=0.005) in pregnant and non-pregnant assessments. Central PWV (β Coef: -0.14, 95% CI: -0.27, -0.02, p=0.024; n=42), varied according to gestational age with a decrease in mid-pregnancy and subsequent increase to late pregnancy while gestational age was not significantly associated with peripheral PWV. Adjustment for meeting the MVPA guidelines (β Coef: -0.34, 95% CI: -0.62, -0.06, p=0.016) reduced the association between gestational age and central-PWV (Figure 1). These results suggest that there is a relationship between MVPA and arterial stiffness throughout pregnancy. This may explain a proportion of the correlation between increased physical activity and a reduced risk of hypertension-related disorders in pregnancy.

Strange Days: Adult Physical Activity and Mental Health in the First Two Months of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Background: In addition to its physical health benefits, physical activity is increasingly recognized as a means to support mental health. Regular moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) is associated with improved mental well-being, reduced likelihood of developing mental illness, and improved symptom management. Despite these benefits, most people fail to achieve minimum recommended levels of MVPA. Population levels of physical activity have further declined since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and implementation of public health measures (e.g., shelter-in-place protocols). The potential impact of this decline on mental heath outcomes warrants ongoing investigation.Purpose: To investigate associations between changes in MVPA and mental health (depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and life satisfaction) in adults impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.Method: Research followed a cross-sectional design. English-speaking adults were invited to complete an online questionnaire. MVPA was assessed retrospectively (before COVID-19) and currently (during COVID-19) with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Mental health was assessed with the Patient Health Questionnaire, 9-Item (PHQ-9), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder, 7-Item (GAD-7), and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). Regression was used to assess relationships between MVPA and mental health. ANOVA with follow-up tests examined whether participants who differed in mental health status (e.g., no symptoms vs. severe symptoms) differed in their change in MVPA. T-tests were used to examine differences in mental health symptomatology between participants who were sufficiently (i.e., achieving MVPA guidelines of ≥ 150 min/week) vs. insufficiently active.Results: Prior to COVID-19, 68.2% of participants were classified as being sufficiently active, vs. 60.6% during COVID-19. The majority of participants reported experiencing some level of depressive symptoms (62.0%) or anxiety symptoms (53.7%). After controlling for covariates, changes in MVPA accounted for significant variability in the PHQ-9 (7.7%), GAD-7 (2.5%), and SWLS (1.5 %). Participants with clinically significant mental health symptomatology reported greater declines in MVPA than those who reported no symptoms. Conversely, participants who were sufficiently active during COVID-19 reported significantly lower depression and anxiety, and higher life satisfaction.Conclusion: Participants who experienced the greatest declines in MVPA reported relatively greater psychological distress and lower life satisfaction. While preliminary, these findings suggest the importance of maintaining and promoting physical activity during a period of pandemic.

Motor Competence and Attainment of Global Physical Activity Guidelines among a Statewide Sample of Preschoolers.

Global physical activity guidelines for preschoolers include 60 min of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) daily. This study, based on the developmental model of motor skill competence, examines how motor competence relates to preschoolers’ likelihood of meeting global guidelines using ankle accelerometry. We measured physical activity using 24-h ankle-placement accelerometry (Actical) for at least two consecutive days (87% with six-seven days), motor competence using the Test of Gross Motor Development-2 (TGMD-2), and BMI-for-age z-scores (BMIz) using anthropometry and age- and sex-specific CDC norms. Caregivers provided demographic characteristics of children’s age, sex, and race. We used multivariable logistic regression to examine how motor competence, BMIz weight status, and demographic characteristics related to meeting global physical activity guidelines. The sample included 588 preschoolers, age 3–5 years; 55% male; 60% white; and 28% overweight/obese; 75% attained the recommended 60 min of MVPA per day. The odds of meeting MVPA guidelines were associated with higher gross motor quotient, higher object control scores, sex (male), age (older), and race (white), but not with BMIz weight status. Findings support the use of 24-h ankle accelerometry among preschoolers and are consistent with the developmental model of motor competence applied to preschoolers, whereby object control competence relates positively to attaining global physical activity guidelines.

Correlates of Perceived Physical Activity Transitions during the COVID-19 Pandemic among Canadian Adults.

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to explore socio‐ecological predictors of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) as a result of the COVD‐19 pandemic restrictions.MethodA representative sample of 1,055 English‐speaking Canadians (18+ years) completed measures of MVPA during the COVID‐19 restrictions and reflecting on MVPA prior to these restrictions, as well as demographics, COVID‐19‐related cognitions and behavior (i.e. perceived threat, social distancing), psychological factors (e.g. personality traits, habit, identity, strategic planning), social factors (e.g. dependent children, co‐habitation), home environment affordances (exercise equipment, programming) and the neighborhood environment (e.g. access to outdoor recreation, neighborhood safety).ResultsParticipants perceived that they had decreased weekly MVPA (p < .01) and the availability of home equipment and strategic planning were critical predictors (p < .01). Profiles by MVPA guidelines, however, showed that 58 per cent of the sample had not changed and 6 per cent had increased MVPA. Identity was the critical predictor of the different MVPA profiles, followed by habit, extraversion, availability of home equipment, and the age of the participant (p < .01).ConclusionPandemic restrictions have affected the MVPA of many Canadians, and variables across the socio‐ecological spectrum explain who has been able to maintain MVPA during this unprecedented time.

The influence of sleep quality on weight retention in the postpartum period

Poor sleep in the postpartum is often treated as an unavoidable consequence of childbirth. This study aims to compare objective and subjective measures of sleep, explore the relationship between sleep and postpartum weight retention (PPWR), and investigate factors that may contribute to sleep quality in the postpartum period. In this cross-sectional cohort, PPWR, sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)), and objective sleep and physical activity (accelerometry) were assessed in 109 women 0-52weeks postpartum. Anthropometric and demographic data were collected. Gestational weight gain (GWG) was classified as inadequate, appropriate, or excessive according to Institute of Medicine guidelines. Average GWG (33.7 lbs) and PPWR (5.39 lbs) were not different between "good" (PSQI < 6) and "bad" (PSQI ≥ 6) sleepers. Following adjustment, mothers with excessive GWG who were "bad" sleepers had 5.26 higher odds of PPWR ≥ 10 lbs compared with all other combinations of GWG and PSQI. PSQI was not correlated with total sleep time (accelerometer-derived). Light activity and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) were associated with reduced odds of being a "bad" sleeper. The influence of GWG on PPWR was modified by postpartum sleep quality. Both light activity and meeting the MVPA guidelines in the postpartum were associated with higher sleep quality. Novelty Subjectively rated poor sleep may represent the number of awakenings and wake after sleep onset in postpartum women. Poor postpartum sleep quality increases excessive postpartum weight retention in women with excessive GWG. Women doing light-to-vigorous physical activity in the postpartum are less likely to experience poor sleep quality.

Daily Physical Activity And Affect In Preschoolers

PURPOSE: Physical activity is vital to mental health yet relatively little is known about the temporal dynamics of this relation, particularly in young children. This study examined whether one marker of mental health, daily positive affect was higher among preschoolers meeting recommended guidelines for physical activity. METHODS: Participants included 72 preschoolers (3-5 yrs) enrolled in a study of physical activity and mental health recruited from the general community. Preschoolers wore an accelerometer (ActiGraph wGT3X-BT) for one week, obtaining objective counts of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Preschoolers engaged in >60 minutes of daily MVPA were compared to those who did not. Caregivers completed a week-long cell-phone based ecological momentary assessment protocol. Caregivers responded to four prompts each day (28 total) about their child’s affect and behavior. RESULTS: The dataset consisted 2,016 observations. 38% (n=27) of the sample failed to meet the minimum recommended guidelines (<60 minutes) for MVPA. Linear growth models for positive affect allowed each preschooler to have his/her own initial level of positive affect and rate of change in positive affect. Models also accounted for child age, sex, and psychopathology. Initial positive affect was higher among preschoolers meeting MVPA guidelines (Est= 0.37, SE= 0.15, t=2.51, p=.01). Across the week, active preschoolers maintained positive affect (Figure 1), whereas less-active preschoolers reported a significant decrease in positive affect (Est= -0.01, SE= 0.01, t=2.10, p=.04). CONCLUSION: Initial levels of positive affect and the maintenance of positive affect were higher among children meeting MVPA guidelines. Although only small changes were evident across the week, this finding indicates that physical activity may sustain positive affect in young children and over time, potentially buffer against the onset of psychological disorders such as depression.

Are one-year changes in adherence to the 24-hour movement guidelines associated with flourishing among Canadian youth?

Movement behaviours (e.g., physical inactivity, short sleep duration, high screen time) are associated with mental illness but less is known about the relationship between health behaviours and positive mental health constructs such as flourishing. This study examines if changes in adherence to the Canadian 24-Hour Movement Behaviour Guidelines for Children and Youth (moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), total screen time (ST), sleep) are associated with changes in youth flourishing over one year.Students (N = 2292) were recruited from 12 secondary schools in Canada participating in the COMPASS study. Conditional change models were used to analyze two waves of longitudinal questionnaire data from 2016–17 to 2017–18. One-year change in adherence to the MVPA, ST, and sleep duration guidelines were modeled as predictors of flourishing adjusting for covariates. Models were stratified by sex.For males only, meeting MVPA guidelines both years was associated with higher flourishing compared to males not meeting guidelines (Est:0.87, SE:0.36, p = .01). Reducing ST was associated with higher flourishing for males only relative to other males who continued to exceed the ST guidelines (Est:2.23, SE:1.04, p < .03). Longer sleep duration had the most consistent association with greater flourishing among females (Est:1.02, SE:0.3, p < .001) and males (Est:0.93, SE:0.34, p < .006), highlighting sleep as a public health priority in the context of 24-hour movement behaviours. These findings contribute to increasing calls for research examining positive mental health constructs independent of mental illness.

Understanding factors associated with children achieving recommended amount of MVPA on weekdays and weekend days.

Low levels of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) are consistently reported for children from industrialized countries. Perennially inadequate levels of MVPA have been linked to increased chronic disease risks. Very few studies have compared physical activity levels among children from geographically diverse places, and how they differ on weekdays versus weekends. The purpose of this research is to examine the factors that influence whether children achieve 60min of MVPA on weekdays compared to weekend days. Data were analyzed on children (n=532) aged 8-14years from communities in Southern and Northern Ontario, Canada that participated in the study between 2009 and 2016. Children's MVPA was measured using an Actical accelerometer, environmental features measured with a geographic information system, and demographic data came from child/parent surveys. Variables were selected using a least absolute shrinkage and selection operator. The variables were entered into logistic regression models to assess the relationship between children meeting the MVPA guidelines. During the week, boys were more active than girls (OR=4.652 p<0.001) and as age increased children were less likely to reach the MVPA guidelines (OR=0.758 p=0.013). On weekends boys were still more likely to meet the guidelines (OR=1.683 p=0.014) and children living in rural Northern Ontario were more likely to reach the MVPA guidelines compared to all groups in Southern Ontario. The findings indicate that different variables influence whether children meet the MVPA guidelines on weekdays compared to weekends. Comparing weekdays and weekends provides more useful information for creating effective MVPA interventions.

Prevalence and Selected Sociodemographic of Movement Behaviors in Schoolchildren from Low- and Middle-Income Families in Nanjing, China: A Cross-Sectional Questionnaire Survey.

Background: To investigate the prevalence of meeting the 24-h movement guidelines and its sociodemographic correlates in youth from low- and middle-income families (LMIFs) in Nanjing, China. Methods: Cross-sectional data on moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), screen time (ST), and sleep (SLP) were collected using the Chinese version of Health Behavior School-Aged Children questionnaire among grade schoolchildren of 4th–12th (mean age 13.6 years). The prevalence of meeting the 24-h movement guidelines was in line with the recommendations of the Canadian 24-h movement guidelines. Generalized linear models were used to explore the relationships of correlates with the prevalence of meeting the movement guidelines. Results: The prevalence of meeting the MVPA, ST, and SLP guidelines and their combination was 9.9%, 65.2%, 37.2%, and 2.9%, respectively. As for the prevalence of meeting the MVPA guidelines, boys, younger schoolchildren, and those living in urban areas had a higher chance of meeting them. With regards to the prevalence of meeting the ST guidelines, girls, urban schoolchildren, and the oldest participants were more likely to meet the guidelines. Residential areas and grades were two correlates of meeting the SLP guidelines as well as 24-h movement guidelines. Conclusions: The majority of schoolchildren from LMIFs in Nanjing, China had unhealthy movement behaviors. This concerning situation was mainly predicted by schoolchildren’s grades, indicating older schoolchildren exhibited lower levels of movement behavior. Improved studies are encouraged to identify the correlates of movement behaviors in schoolchildren, which in turn designs and implements effective interventions.

Factors of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior in Elderly Koreans.

Objectives: In this study, we examined factors of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary behavior (SB) in elderly Koreans. Methods: We used 2015 data from the Sixth National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. To analyze physical activity (PA), we categorized participants were into those who met MVPA recommendations (150 minutes/week of moderate PA or 75 minutes/week of vigorous PA) or those who did not. We also categorized them into high SB (620-1200 minutes/day of sitting) and low SB (30-600 minutes/day). Results: Final analyses included 1501 adults over 60 years old (mean: 69.2 ± 6.2). We performed multiple logistic regressions examining impacts of grip strength and body mass index, along with self-reports of perceived health, sleep duration, and demographics on PA and SB. We found positive associations between meeting MVPA guidelines and self-perceived health and urban living, but negative associations with sleep duration and education. A strong grip, high self-perceived health, long sleep duration (8-14 hours), and living with a partner were factors of being less sedentary. High annual income was a factor of being more sedentary. Conclusion: Our findings support efforts that develop interventions promoting active lifestyles among elderly Koreans.

Sensor-measured Physical Activity In Overweight And Obese Women In Early Pregnancy

Overweight and obese pregnant women may benefit from physical activity (PA) in pregnancy, yet few studies have examined sensor-measured PA in pregnancy. PURPOSE: To evaluate sensor-measured PA in overweight and obese pregnant women and its sociodemographic and psychological correlates. METHODS: We analyzed baseline data from an ongoing behavioral lifestyle intervention trial in Columbia, SC (n=202). PA was measured with the SenseWear Armband; compliance was set at wearing for 20+ hrs/d, 5+ days (including 1+ weekend day). PA measures were daily duration of light PA (LPA), moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA), daily steps, and meeting MVPA guidelines (≥150 min/wk of MVPA in ≥10 min bouts). PA was presented as median (interquartile range). Subgroup differences in medians were examined with quantile regression models. Correlations of PA measures with perceived stress, depressive symptoms, PA social support, PA self-efficacy, and PA self-regulation were studied. A logistic regression model was used to examine correlates of meeting MVPA guidelines. RESULTS: Participants (mean of 12.4 weeks gestation) had a median of 203 (154, 258) min/d LPA, 34 (20, 49) min/d MVPA, and 4,870 (3768, 6590) steps/d. LPA, MVPA, and steps were lower in African American and obese women (p<.05). LPA was lower in nulliparous women (p<.05). Participants with less than college education had lower MVPA and steps (p<0.05). Further, LPA, MVPA, and steps were positively associated with PA self-efficacy (r’s ranging from 0.13 to 0.16, p≤.05) and PA goal setting (r’s ranging from 0.16 to 0.21, p<.05). MVPA was positively associated with PA planning (r=0.16, p<.05). Only 10.4% of participants met MVPA guidelines, which was more prevalent in white (17.1%) vs African American (2.2%) women and in overweight (17.9%) vs obese women (3.7%) (p<0.05). After adjusting for age, parity, and marital status, white women and overweight women had higher odds of meeting MVPA recommendation than their counterparts: white: 5.8 (1.2-28.6); overweight: 5.2 (1.6, 16.9). CONCLUSION: Sensor-measured PA was low in overweight and obese pregnant women in early pregnancy with significant differences by race, education, parity, and pre-pregnancy weight status. Programs targeting PA are needed for this population. Funded by NIH/NICHD.

International Comparison of the Levels and Potential Correlates of Objectively Measured Sedentary Time and Physical Activity among Three-to-Four-Year-Old Children.

Physical activity (PA) patterns track from childhood through to adulthood. The study aimed to determine the levels and correlates of sedentary time (ST), total PA (TPA), and moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) in preschool-aged children. We conducted cross-sectional analyses of 1052 children aged three-to-four-years-old from six studies included in the International Children’s Accelerometry Database. Multilevel linear regression models adjusting for age, gender, season, minutes of wear time, and study clustering effects were used to estimate associations between age, gender, country, season, ethnicity, parental education, day of the week, time of sunrise, time of sunset, and hours of daylight and the daily minutes spent in ST, TPA, and MVPA. Across the UK, Switzerland, Belgium, and the USA, children in our analysis sample spent 490 min in ST per day and 30.0% and 21.2% of children did not engage in recommended daily TPA (≥180 min) and MVPA (≥60 min) guidelines. There was evidence for an association between all 10 potential correlates analyzed and at least one of the outcome variables; average daily minutes spent in ST, TPA and/or MVPA. These correlates can inform the design of public health interventions internationally to decrease ST and increase PA in preschoolers.

The Patterns of Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity and Physical Education Enjoyment Through a 2‐Year School‐Based Program

In this study, we examined the development of children's moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and physical education (PE) enjoyment through the Physical Activity as Civil Skill Program 2012-2014. Participants were 661 (265 intervention, 396 control) elementary school children in central and northeast Finland. The program was implemented across 2 years with 3 measurement phases using self-reported MVPA and PE enjoyment, and accelerometer-determined MVPA of a random subsample (N = 76). The proportion of children meeting the current MVPA guidelines declined from 38% to 22% (intervention) and 14% to 9% (control), whereas PE enjoyment was stable in both groups. Boys were more physically active than girls only within control group children. Teachers' feedback indicated that violence and bullying among intervention students reduced during the program, which can be considered as an additional benefit. It may be that both MVPA and PE enjoyment may require more tailored actions to be increased across a long-term program. It is important to ensure that school-based physical activity programs, especially including transition from elementary to middle school level, provide all children positive experiences, and thus, may improve their motivation, and MVPA participation during school days and leisure time.