Moderate-to-vigorous Physical Activity Engagement Research Articles

The role of fundamental movement skills on children’s physical activity during different segments of the school day

BackgroundAlthough prior studies have demonstrated that children with high levels of fundamental movement skill (FMS) are more active throughout the day, little is known about children’s FMS and their physical activity (PA) during different segments of the school day (e.g., recess, lunch break, and physical education). The present study focused on FMS and moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) during school day and identifies the association between children’s FMS and MVPA during different segments of the school day in China.MethodsA total of 322 children (boys n = 163, girls n = 159; Mage = 8.12, SD = 1.22 years) from four elementary schools involved in this study. Children’s FMS and MVPA were measured using the Test of Gross Motor Development-2nd edition (TGMD-2) and hip-mounted accelerometers. Data such as height, weight, and socio-economic status (SES) were also obtained. Multilevel mixed regression models were used to examine the cross-sectional associations between FMS and MVPA. Models were adjusted for gender, age, standardized body mass index, and SES.ResultsChildren engaged in 32.19 min of MVPA during the whole school day. Boys were more active than girls and had higher object-control skills competency. Locomotor skills were positively associated with children’s long recess (B = 1.063) and short recess time (B = 1.502) MVPA. Object-control skills were positively correlated with children’s MVPA time during long recess (B = 1.244) and physical education (PE) lessons (B = 1.171).ConclusionThe findings highlight the importance of developing both locomotor and object-control skills in elementary schools to lead more MVPA engagement during different segments of the school day.

Accelerometer-measured 24-hour movement behaviours over 7 days in Malaysian children and adolescents: A cross-sectional study.

Quantifying movement behaviours over 24-hours enables the combined effects of and inter-relations between sleep, sedentary time and physical activity (PA) to be understood. This is the first study describing 24-hour movement behaviours in school-aged children and adolescents in South-East Asia. Further aims were to investigate between-participant differences in movement behaviours by demographic characteristics and timing of data collection during Ramadan and COVID-19 restrictions. Data came from the South-East Asia Community Observatory health surveillance cohort, 2021-2022. Children aged 7-18 years within selected households in Segamat, Malaysia wore an Axivity AX6 accelerometer on their wrist for 24 hours/day over 7 days, completed the PAQ-C questionnaire, and demographic information was obtained. Accelerometer data was processed using GGIR to determine time spent asleep, inactive, in light-intensity PA (LPA) and moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA). Differences in accelerometer-measured PA by demographic characteristics (sex, age, ethnicity, socioeconomic group) were explored using univariate linear regression. Differences between data collected during vs outside Ramadan or during vs after COVID-19 restrictions, were investigated through univariate and multiple linear regressions, adjusted for age, sex and ethnicity. The 491 participants providing accelerometer data spent 8.2 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 7.9-8.4) hours/day asleep, 12.4 (95% CI = 12.2-12.7) hours/day inactive, 2.8 (95% CI = 2.7-2.9) hours/day in LPA, and 33.0 (95% CI = 31.0-35.1) minutes/day in MVPA. Greater PA and less time inactive were observed in boys vs girls, children vs adolescents, Indian and Chinese vs Malay children and higher income vs lower income households. Data collection during Ramadan or during COVID-19 restrictions were not associated with MVPA engagement after adjustment for demographic characteristics. Demographic characteristics remained the strongest correlates of accelerometer-measured 24-hour movement behaviours in Malaysian children and adolescents. Future studies should seek to understand why predominantly girls, adolescents and children from Malay ethnicities have particularly low movement behaviours within Malaysia.

Participation in youth sports influences sarcopenia parameters in older adults.

The degree of deterioration in sarcopenia parameters may be affected by a person's level of physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB). Our study focused on examining the PA and SB of active older adults including those with and without history of sports in youth. Forty-four participants (20 men and 24 women, mean age of total sample 76.1 ± 5.2 years) were included in analysis of PA, SB habits and sarcopenia parameters, determined by skeletal muscle index, hand-grip strength, gait speed, Timed Up and Go tests (TUG). PA and SB were recorded with accelerometers. Our primary aim was to compare participants with (AH) or without a sport history in youth (NAH), in their sarcopenia parameters and PA and SB habits. When divided participants in two groups (AH and NAH) and adjusting for age, we have detected the differences for skeletal muscle index (p = 0.007) and hand-grip strength (p = 0.004) in favor of participants who were engaged in sports in youth. We did not find any differences in PA and SB habits between the AH and NAH groups. After adjusting for age, participants with a higher number of daily steps, longer moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) bouts, a higher number of MVPA bouts in a day and higher overall MVPA engagement achieved better results in hand-grip strength and TUG. Participants with lower SB had better TUG and gait speed results. Our findings suggest that engaging in sports activities in youth can make a difference with sarcopenia parameters. Although we found no differences in PA and SB habits between participants with AH and NAH, participants with an athlete history performed better results in sarcopenia parameters.

How do the year’s seasons and specific weather indices affect physical activity and the patterns of use of public open spaces in the Brazilian context?

BackgroundPublic open spaces (POS) can offer various resources to promote visitation and engagement in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). However, the influence of seasonal variations and specific meteorological conditions on this relationship remains unclear. Thus, this study aims to investigate the effect of seasonal variations and specific meteorological elements on different days of the week and times of day on POS use and POS-based MVPA in the Brazilian context.MethodsIn 2018, repeated measurements carried out in Southern Brazil used a systematic observation to identify the presence of users in the POS and their engagement in MVPA. The meteorological elements (temperature, thermal sensation, and relative humidity), as well as seasonality (summer, autumn, winter, and spring), were aggregated into the observations.ResultsA total of 19,712 systematic observations were conducted across nine POS. During these observations, a total of 59,354 users were identified. Out of theses, 39,153 (66.0%) were engaged in POS-based MVPA. The presence of users was found to be more frequent during the spring season (38.7%) and on weekends (ranging from 37.6 to 50.1% across seasons). Additionally, user presence was higher in the late afternoon (ranging from 36.4 to 58.2% across seasons) and at higher temperatures with lower relative humidity (p-value < 0.001). Regarding POS-based MVPA, it was more frequent during the winter season (36.4%) and on weekdays (ranging from 73.2 to 79.9% across seasons). Similarly, MVPA was higher in the late afternoon (ranging from 58.3 to 67.5% across seasons) and at lower temperatures and thermal sensations (p-value < 0.005).ConclusionsHigher presence of users in POS, as well as their visiting, to practice POS-based MVPA, depending on the seasons and specific meteorological elements. By creating infrastructure and conducive conditions, cities can encourage individuals to adopt more active and healthy behaviors. These findings emphasize the importance of designing urban spaces that promote physical activity and contribute to overall well-being.

Is overall and timing-specific physical activity associated with depression in older adults?

Regarding the circadian rhythm regulating an individual's response to external stimulation, it remains unclear whether older adults engaged in physical activity at different times of day may be differently related to depression symptoms. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the association between overall and timing-specific physical activity and depressive symptoms in older Taiwanese adults. This cross-sectional study was conducted at a medical center in Taipei City, Taiwan, between September 2020 and December 2021. The participants were community-dwelling older adults aged ≥65 who could walk independently and were not at high risk of cognitive dysfunction. Physical activity was measured using a triaxial accelerometer (GT3X+, ActiGraph) and categorized into timing-specific periods (morning: 06:01-12:00; afternoon: 12:01-18:00; evening: 18:01-24:00) as well as overall physical activity, which included both light physical activity (LPA) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). A 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale was utilized to assess and measure depressive symptoms. Multivariate linear regression models were estimated for data analysis. A total of 180 older adults (55.0% female; 80.5 ± 7.1 years old; 18.3% at risk of depression) were included. On average, the participants spent 237.3 (± 85.7) minutes in LPA per day and 12.8 (± 17.0) minutes in MVPA per day. The results showed that overall MVPA engagement was associated with lower depressive-symptom scores [B = -1.357, 95% CI (-2.561, -0.153)] in older adults. However, no significant associations were observed between overall LPA, timing-specific MVPA and LPA, and depression in older adults. To prevent depression in older adults, it is advisable to accumulate a higher amount of MVPA throughout the entire day rather than engage in LPA. Further studies employing a prospective design are necessary to validate and strengthen our findings.

Perceived importance of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity as a weight control strategy in behavioral weight loss.

Previous research has established the importance of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) for weight control. One area of unexplored investigation is the relationship between individuals' perceptions of the importance of MVPA for weight control and MVPA engagement. This study examined the associations between the perceived importance of MVPA and MVPA engagement, weight loss, barriers to PA, and exercise enjoyment in adults enrolled in a long-term behavioral weight loss (BWL) intervention. Adults (N=301) with overweight/obesity (BMI=27-45kg/m2) completed an 18-month BWL intervention, followed by a no-intervention 18-month follow-up. At baseline, 6months, 18months (i.e., post-treatment), and 36months (i.e., follow-up), participants ranked the importance of six strategies for weight control: keeping a food record, MVPA, light PA, self-weighing, small portions, and low-calorie diet. Observed MVPA (measured by accelerometer), percent weight loss, perceived barriers to PA, and exercise enjoyment were also measured at each assessment. Results showed that most participants perceived MVPA as a primary weight control strategy (first, second, or third most important) throughout the intervention, regardless of the weight control goal (weight loss vs. maintenance). Individuals who ranked MVPA as a primary strategy for weight control at concurrent time points, compared to those who did not, engaged in significantly more MVPA at post-treatment, had greater weight loss at follow-up, endorsed fewer barriers to PA at post-treatment and follow-up, and reported greater exercise enjoyment at baseline and post-treatment. Perceived importance of MVPA was related to subjective experiences of MVPA, MVPA adherence, and weight loss in a long-term BWL intervention.

Compositional association of 24-h movement behavior with incident major adverse cardiac events and all-cause mortality.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) causes a high disease burden. Physical activity (PA) reduces CVD morbidity and mortality. We aimed to determine the relationship between the composition of moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA), light PA (LPA), sedentary behavior (SB), and sleep during midlife to the incidence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) and all-cause mortality at a 7-year follow-up. The study population consisted of Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 members who participated in the 46-year follow-up in 2012 and were free of MACE (N= 4147). Time spent in MVPA, LPA, and SB was determined from accelerometer data. Sleep time was self-reported. Hospital visits and deaths were obtained from national registers. Participants were followed until December 31, 2019, or first MACE occurrence (acute myocardial infarction, unstable angina pectoris, stroke, hospitalization due to heart failure, or death due to CVD), death from another cause, or censoring. Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate hazard ratios of MACE incidence and all-cause mortality. Isotemporal time reallocations were used to demonstrate the dose-response association between time spent in behaviors and outcome. The 24-h time composition was significantly associated with incident MACE and all-cause mortality. More time in MVPA relative to other behaviors was associated with a lower risk of events. Isotemporal time reallocations indicated that the greatest risk reduction occurred when MVPA replaced sleep. Higher MVPA associates with a reduced risk of incident MACE and all-cause mortality after accounting for the 24-h movement composition and confounders. Regular engagement in MVPA should be encouraged in midlife.

Ambivalence is associated with decreased physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness among adolescents with critical congenital heart disease

BackgroundAdolescents with congenital heart disease (CHD) are insufficiently physically active. Given that increasing physical activity may reduce their cardiovascular risk, it is important to identify correlates of this behavior. Perceived benefits of and barriers to physical activity are associated with physical activity engagement. Existing research has only considered these constructs separately. This population may be ambivalent toward physical activity (i.e., perceive both strong benefits and barriers). The association of ambivalence and physical activity related outcomes is unknown among this at-risk population. ObjectiveDetermine the association of ambivalence and sedentary behavior, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2Peak) among adolescents with CHD. MethodsThe present study is an analysis of data from an eligibility assessment for a randomized clinical trial of an intervention to promote MVPA among adolescents aged 15 to 18 years with moderate or complex CHD. Participants (N = 84) completed a survey assessing perceived benefits and barriers from which ambivalence toward physical activity was calculated, an exercise stress test to measure VO2Peak, and wore an accelerometer for one week to determine their engagement in sedentary behavior and MVPA. Linear regression analyses determined associations between ambivalence and physical activity related outcomes. ResultsGreater ambivalence toward physical activity was associated with increased sedentary behavior, decreased MVPA, and reduced VO2Peak, adjusting for demographic and clinical covariates. ConclusionsAmbivalence is associated with objectively measured physical activity (sedentary behavior, MVPA) and a biomarker of cardiovascular health (VO2Peak). Screening for ambivalence may help clinicians identify those most likely to benefit from physical activity-related education.

Flipping the Script: An Initial Exploration of Flipped Learning as an Enhanced Alternative to Traditional Physical Education Lessons.

Physical activity (PA) is related to a variety of positive outcomes for youth and physical education (PE) represents a primary school-based environment where students can engage in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Limitations exist in secondary schools with low socio-economic status, where MVPA engagement is generally below the recommended 50% of lesson time. Growing evidence suggests that using a flipped learning approach (FLA) may naturally enhance PE lessons as outlined by The Theory of Expanded, Extended, and Enhanced Opportunities for Youth Physical Activity Promotion. The purpose of this study was to compare the impact of the FLA to traditional instruction on student MVPA, lesson context, and teacher involvement during middle school PE lessons. Participants were 56 male students from two 7th-grade classes from a low-SES, suburban school. This study employed the System for Observing Fitness Instruction Time (SOFIT). Data were examined through descriptive statistics. Linear regression models were used to predict SOFIT outcomes as a function of FLA versus traditional instruction. Students in the FLA class spent significantly more class time in MVPA (p < 0.01). Regression models predicted participants in FLA classes would spend 55% more class time in MVPA (p < 0.01). After adjusting for covariates, models showed students in FLA classes would spend almost 18 more minutes in MVPA than students in traditional classes (p < 0.01). The FLA may be a practical lesson enhancement strategy to increase student MVPA and improve PE opportunities for students in low SES schools when compared to the use of traditional instruction. The results of this study demonstrated positive potential of using FLA in PE but should be considered within the context of their limitations. Further examination of the FLA is warranted.

Is Self-Efficacy for Exercise Predictive of Leisure-Time Physical Activity among Police Officers? A Pilot Study

Leisure-time moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) is an essential indicator of overall health. Given the physical nature of police work, it is critical to understand variables that predict officers’ engagement in MVPA. Self-efficacy for exercise (SEE) may be a variable directly related to officer engagement in MVPA. This study aims to examine the relationship between SEE and MVPA among police officers in two departments in a small urban midwestern city. A cross-sectional survey was completed by 32 officers (male = 26, female = 6; aged 35.9 ± 7.1 years). Regression analysis was performed to explore how anthropometric and demographic variables affected SEE’s ability to predict MVPA. When combined with SEE, the model containing age had the highest predictive ability of officers’ engagement in MVPA (p = 0.011; adjusted R2 = 0.2145). Adding other predictor variables reduced the model’s ability to predict MVPA. SEE significantly predicted officers’ engagement in MVPA when age was added as a predictor variable. SEE alone could not predict officers’ engagement in MVPA, but adding other variables besides age to the model did not improve its predictive ability in our study. Police organizations should explore wellness initiatives that increase officers’ SEE and promote MVPA, particularly as officers age.

Catch me if you can! How French adolescents seize social occasions and opportunities to be active

BackgroundFollowing an ecological framework, the aim of this study was to highlight the way adolescents invested their time in opportunities to engage in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) according to whether they were profiled as more or less active. This study’s innovation lies in the analysis of MVPA according to social occasions which are understood as opportunities to be active throughout the day (e.g. home, school, transport).MethodsPA data measured by accelerometry (ActiGraph GT3X) for seven consecutive days were compiled, with adolescents’ social occasions during the week recorded in a daily digital diary (n = 135). The opportunity ratio of MVPA at each social time is the ratio between time spent in MVPA and the duration of a corresponding social occasion. Following the literature, participants were categorised into three profiles according to their reported amount of MVPA: HEPA active, minimally active and inactive. Non-parametric Wilcoxon signed rank and Kruskal Wallis tests were performed to determine the relative intensity of PA performed at different social occasions, and to investigate whether intensities differed between adolescents with various activity profiles.ResultsResults showed that engagement in MVPA at different social occasions differed according to participant profiles. Mismatch was noticed between the opportunity ratio and the duration of the most and least favorable social occasions for MVPA. For all three profiles, the social occasion “physical education lesson” revealed an opportunity ratio of MVPA (23.6% vs 17.0% vs 13.8%) significantly higher than the overall opportunity ratio of the week (6.9% vs 2.9% vs 1.2%), but of lower duration. Conversely, “home” (5.3% vs 0.0% vs 0.0%) and “school” (outside of PE time) (2.4% vs 0.0% vs 0.0%) represented the two least opportune social occasions for PA in an adolescent’s week.ConclusionsRethinking engagement with MVPA in the context of temporal opportunities would allow potential ways to intervene within an educational supervised setting to help young people adopt a physically active lifestyle at the end of the key period of adolescence. These results reinforced the importance of context in interventions for PA promotion, opening for “time education” in people.

Reallocating Time Spent in Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior and Its Association with Fear of Falling: Isotemporal Substitution Model.

The aim of the current study was to provide new evidence for the associations between physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior (SB), and fear of falling (FOF) by investigating the impact of replacing 30 min SB with both light-intensity PA (LPA) and moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) on FOF in older Chinese women. Cross-sectional data from a Physical Activity and Health in Older Women Study (PAHIOWS) were analyzed for 1114 Chinese community-dwelling older women. Variables of focus were demographics, FOF, objectively measured PA and SB. Three different logistic models were used to examine the associations between PA, SB, and FOF (a single parameter model, a partition model and an isotemporal substitution). The results showed that reallocating 30 min/day of MVPA by SB was significantly associated with higher FOF (OR = 1.37; 95%CI: 1.04–1.79; p = 0.024), reallocating 30 min/day of SB by MVPA was significantly associated with a reduction of FOF (OR = 0.73; 95%CI: 0.56–0.96; p = 0.024). No significant associations were found between FOF with reallocating other activities by LPA and vice versa (p > 0.05). Subgroup analysis showed the isotemporal-substituted effects of MVPA and SB on FOF were stronger in older women with fall experience. In conclusion, the current findings showed that the increase of MVPA engagement and reduction of SB engagement may be most beneficial for FOF management and should be involved in public health guidelines, especially for older women with fall experience.

Association Between Change in Accelerometer-Measured and Self-Reported Physical Activity and Cardiovascular Disease in the Look AHEAD Trial.

To conduct post hoc secondary analysis examining the association between change in physical activity. Measured with self-report and accelerometry, from baseline to 1 and 4 years and cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes in the Look AHEAD Trial. Participants were adults with overweight/obesity and type 2 diabetes with physical activity. Data at baseline and year 1 or 4 (n = 1,978). Participants were randomized to diabetes support and education or intensive lifestyle intervention. Measures included accelerometry-measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), self-reported physical activity, and composite (morbidity and mortality) CVD outcomes. In pooled analyses of all participants, using Cox proportional hazards models, each 100 MET-min/week increase in accelerometry-measured MVPA from baseline to 4 years was associated with decreased risk of the subsequent primary composite outcome of CVD. Results were consistent for changes in total MVPA (hazard ratio 0.97 [95% CI 0.95, 0.99]) and MVPA accumulated in ≥10-min bouts (hazard ratio 0.95 [95% CI 0.91, 0.98]), with a similar pattern for secondary CVD outcomes. Change in accelerometry-measured MVPA at 1 year and self-reported change in physical activity at 1 and 4 years were not associated with CVD outcomes. Increased accelerometry-measured MVPA from baseline to year 4 is associated with decreased risk of CVD outcomes. This suggests the need for long-term engagement in MVPA to reduce the risk of CVD in adults with overweight/obesity and type 2 diabetes.

The Associations between Physical Activity and Body-Esteem in 15-Year-Old Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study from Finland

<strong>Purpose:</strong> Physical activity promotes a positive physical self-image, but less is known about whether the positive effect covers the general self-evaluation of adolescent appearance. This study aimed to further explore the associations between physical activity and body-esteem in Finnish adolescents, via a country-representative cross-sectional study design. <strong>Methods:</strong> The data for the study were drawn from the Finnish component of the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study (2014), using surveys from 15-year-old adolescents (n=1956, mean age 15.8 years) from 122 schools. Self-evaluations of body or appearance were measured by the Body-Esteem Scale for Adolescents and Adults (BESAA). A mixed effects linear regression analysis for body-esteem was conducted separately for boys and girls. The explanatory variables were (i) self-reported moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), (ii) weight status, (iii) self-esteem, and (iv) socioeconomic status. The covariates used in the models were maturation state and ethnic background. <strong>Results:</strong> The body-esteem score was highest among adolescents who reported engagement in MVPA corresponding to the international recommendation for adolescents’ physical activity. The positive association between MVPA and body-esteem was found even when it was considered in conjunction with other body image-related factors, but only among boys. The variance in MVPA explained 5.0% of the body-esteem variance in the model for boys (Model R² = 26.3%). <strong>Conclusions:</strong> The physical activity of young people should be further promoted for a variety of health reasons, including its positive association with higher body-esteem. However, consideration should be given to gender differences and other factors related in this complex association.

Psychological Correlates of Perceived Physical Activity Engagement During the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Previously Active Individuals

The COVID-19 pandemic altered daily life in the United States and disrupted how people engage in routine health behaviors, such as physical activity (PA). This study investigates factors that may have helped people sustain recommended levels of moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) during this time. Using a cross-sectional design, we recruited from Amazon’s Mechanical Turk in April/May 2020 a sample of individuals who reported that they had met recommended PA guidelines (≥ 150 weekly MVPA minutes; N = 397) prior to structural changes brought about by COVID-19. We assessed via self-report whether these individuals were meeting recommended levels of MVPA during the COVID-19 pandemic, their intrinsic motivation and identified regulation for exercise, exercise self-efficacy, perceived disruption to their exercise routine, and access to resources for PA. Higher identified regulation, self-efficacy, access to PA resources, and lower perceived disruption were associated with meeting PA guidelines during COVID-19. These findings provide insight into factors that may be important for continued engagement in MVPA when one experiences major disruptions to their exercise routine. Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/08964289.2021.1929811 .

Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity duration is more important than timing for physical function in older adults

The positive association between the total duration of physical activity and performances of physical function may vary at different times of the day as circadian rhythm regulates individuals in response to external stimulations. We aimed to examine the association of timing-specific and overall moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) with performances of physical function in older adults. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted among 118 older adults (mean age = 70.0 ± 5.0 years). We assessed and identified timing-specific (morning: 06:01–12:00; afternoon: 12:01–18:00; evening: 18:01–24:00) and overall MVPA using a triaxial accelerometer. Different measures of physical function were evaluated including handgrip strength (by grip dynamometer), gait speed (5-m walk test), basic functional mobility (timed up and go test), and lower limb strength (five times sit-to-stand test). Multivariate linear regression models adjusting for covariates were used to investigate the associations. Participants spent 25.0 (± 26.2) minutes in MVPA per day on average, half the time spent during the morning (47.7%), followed by during the afternoon (29.9%) and evening (21.6%). The time spent on overall MVPA was generally associated with better physical function performances. There was statistical evidence for the percentages of MVPA engagement during the morning [B = 0.214, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.001 to 0.428] and afternoon (B = − 0.273, 95% CI − 0.518 to − 0.027) associated with basic functional mobility but with contrary directions; the percentage of MVPA engagement during the evening was associated with less time spent in gait speed performance (B = − 0.237, 95% CI − 0.468 to − 0.006). Our findings inform implications that the overall MVPA engagement was more important than timing-specific MVPA to older adults’ physical function performances. Strategies for accumulating time of MVPA is more practical and effective than encouraging to engage MVPA in specific timing for the enhancement of functional ability and therefore prevent disability among older adults.

A one-year follow-up of basic psychological need satisfactions in physical education and associated in-class and total physical activity

This study examined basic psychological need satisfactions for competence, autonomy, and social relatedness in physical education (PE) and their contributions to accelerometer-based in-class and total moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) across a one-year follow-up (T1). Participants were 523 students (girls 280, boys 243; mean age = 11.26 ± 0.31) and the data were collected using self-reports and waist-worn accelerometers. The key findings were: (a) competence and social relatedness need satisfaction at baseline (T0) predicted total MVPA at T1 via total MVPA at T0; (b) in-class MVPA at T0 predicted total MVPA at T1 via total MVPA at T0; (c) in-class MVPA was directly associated with total MVPA at T0 and T1; and (d) boys scored higher than girls on competence and relatedness need satisfaction at T0. These findings indicate that the need satisfactions for competence and social relatedness in PE are central components facilitating the greatest increases in total MVPA participation. To improve student outcomes, it is essential that all children receive positive and satisfying PE experiences. Enhancing the readiness and capability of pre- and in-service teachers through teacher training programmes is vital to raising awareness of the basic psychological need satisfactions behind autonomous motivation and greater MVPA engagement.

Exercise Interests, Identity, And Motivations Across Levels Of Activity And Exercise Preferences: What Moves You?

Despite numerous benefits of engaging in adequate moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), nearly half of US adults do not meet activity guidelines. Exercise motivations have been positively associated with MVPA; however, little research has investigated exercise interests and identity across levels of MVPA and exercise mode preferences. PURPOSE: To determine differences in exercise identity, interests, and motivations across levels of MVPA and exercise mode preferences. METHODS: US adults (n=170; age 34.1±13.9 y) completed a survey consisting of the Exercise Identity Scale, Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire, and Exercise Interest Scale. Demographic information, MVPA and exercise preferences were also reported. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA to determine differences across quartiles of MVPA and exercise mode preferences. RESULTS: Exercise identity was significantly lower in Q1 (35.3±12.6) than Q3 (48.8±10.5, p<0.001) and Q4 (53.2±10.7, p<0.001). Exercise interests were different across quartiles with Q1 reporting lower scores in the challenge (p<0.01) and creativity (p<0.05) subscales. Intrinsic motivations (p≤0.001) were different across quartiles of MVPA with higher motivations with increased MVPA. Exercise interests differed across exercise preference, specifically in the outdoor (p<0.001), competition (p=0.001), social (p=0.04), and challenge (p=0.02) subscales. People who prefer outdoor exercise had significantly higher outdoor interest scores (14.1±1.9) compared to those who prefer group (11.3±3.0), individual (11.4±2.9), or sport activities (11.8±2.7; p≤0.005 for all). Further, people who prefer sports had higher competition interest (11.1±2.9) than group (8.1±3.0), individual (8.6±2.9), or outdoor activities (8.4±3.4; p≤0.006 for all). There were no differences in exercise motivation or identity across exercise mode preferences (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest exercise identity, interests, and intrinsic motivations may play an important role in MVPA engagement. Further, exercise preference could be determined using the Exercise Interest Scale. Future research should investigate the association between exercise interests, identity and motivations and long-term adherence to MVPA in previously inactive individuals.

Testing a self-determination theory-based process model of physical activity behavior change in rheumatoid arthritis: results of a randomized controlled trial.

Physical inactivity is prevalent in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, increasing the risk of poor physical health and compromised well-being. Interventions are therefore required to support physical activity (PA) behavior change in this population. This study examined whether a self-determination theory (SDT) based exercise intervention for people with RA, increased autonomous motivation for PA and in turn, moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) and subjective vitality RA patients (n = 115) were randomized to a 3-month SDT-based psychological intervention + RA-tailored exercise program (experimental group, n = 59) or a RA-tailored exercise program only (control group, n = 56). During the program, the SDT-based intervention group received one-on-one consultations with a PA advisor trained in delivering strategies to promote autonomous motivation for PA. Well-established questionnaires assessed autonomous and controlled motivation for PA, MVPA (min/week), and subjective vitality at baseline (T1) and 3 months (T2). Path analysis examined the hypothesized theoretical process model. The model demonstrated an excellent fit to the data (n = 70, χ2 (26) = 28.69, p = .33, comparative fit index = 0.99, root square mean error of approximation = 0.04). The intervention corresponded to higher autonomous motivation and lower controlled motivation for PA at T2, after controlling for T1 autonomous and controlled motivation. In turn, changes in autonomous motivation from T1 to T2 significantly positively predicted changes in MVPA and subjective vitality. Results suggest an SDT based psychological intervention comprising autonomy-supportive strategies for PA predicted greater reported autonomous reasons for PA in RA patients participating in a tailored 3-month exercise program. Increased autonomous motivation linked to increased engagement in MVPA and feelings of vitality in these patients.

EXAMINING SEX DIFFERENCES WITHIN THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND EXECUTIVE FUNCTION IN OLDER ADULTS

Research has demonstrated sex-associated differences in physical activity and its benefits on cognition in older adults. The present study explored differential associations between moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and executive function, which is known to decline with aging. N = 53 older adults without cognitive impairment (M = 73.19 years, SD = 6.53) wore accelerometers (Actigraph GT3X+) during 7 consecutive days. Activity intensity was categorized as light, moderate, or vigorous based on Freedson Adult Vector Magnitude cutpoints. Participants completed a battery of executive function tests: Digit Symbol Substitution Test, Verbal Fluency, Trail Making Test, and Stroop Color-Word Test. A cognitive composite score was created using confirmatory factor analysis. Women had a higher mean MVPA (4.57%) than men (2.64%, t (19.04) = -2.49, p = .022). However, executive function performance did not differ by sex (t (26.20) = 1.67, p =.107). The interaction between sex and time in MVPA did not predict performance on executive function, adjusting for age and education. Older age was the only significant predictor of poorer executive function (β = -0.038, p = .003). The current sample had limited engagement in MVPA (range 0.18-10.87%). These findings suggest that the amount of engagement in MVPA in a free-living environment may not be sufficient to demonstrate sex-associated differences in executive function performance. Future studies should explore executive function performance with other intensity levels and examine other areas of cognition.