PA Level Research Articles

The Effect of Weight Loss by Acupuncture Therapy on Fecal Microbiota Composition in Obese Female Patients

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the possible effects of acupuncture therapy on anthropometric and biochemical parameters, as well as on gut microbiota in obese females and to describe any changes that occurred. Method: This prospectively designed study was approved by the xxx Faculty of Medicine Ethics Committee for Research on Medicine and Non-Medical Devices, dated 11.04.2019 and numbered 2019/1820. This study was performed on voluntary obese female individuals who applied to xxx Center between May 2019 and December 2019 to lose weight. The study was conducted with 15 individuals who displayed the following inclusion criteria: aged 34–45, female gender, body mass index (BMI)≥30 kg/m2, not taking antibiotic medication in the last six months, no known systemic disease (diabetes mellitus, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, etc.), no smoking or alcohol use, not pregnant, not using supplements such as probiotics, antioxidants, vitamins, etc., and not using systemic drugs. Results: The ages and anthropometric and biochemical measurements of a total of 15 individuals (acupuncture group, n=9; diet group, n=6) included in the study as a consequence of two different treatment methods are summarized in Table 1. There was no significant difference observed in pre-treatment (0 month) levels of age, body weight, BMI, waist circumference, glucose, insulin, and HOMA-IR of the groups (p>0.05). Conclusion: Considering the detected results of relationship between PA level sleep quality and well-being in the present study, we suggest that regular and adequate PA in every period of life, especially such a sedentary life process may have positive impacts on the sleep quality, energy and well-being, and reduce conditions such as depression and anxiety for individuals with DM.

Association of daily physical activity with hypertension, depressive symptoms, loneliness, and poor sleep quality in aged 60–79 older adults

This study aimed to assess its relationship between physical activity with health-related indicators in older population of the China. Cross-sectional data of 1,327 individuals aged 60–79 years were analyzed. Based on the Fifth National Physical Fitness Monitoring Program, depressive symptom and loneliness were measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and Emotional versus Social Loneliness Scales, respectively. Sleep quality was evaluated through self-designed questionnaire and hypertension was defined as blood pressure > 140/90 mmHg. International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Long Form was conducted to assess the physical activity (minutes and frequency) in different domains (domestic, transport, work, and leisure). Multivariable-adjusted binary logistic regression models estimated for the prevalence of health-related indicators, considering PA level, duration, frequency, and combinations of different domains of PA. In the study, favorable associations were observed between moderate to high level PA and reductions in 4 health-related indicators, especially for active frequency. Moreover, a combination of transport, domestic, and leisure PA was found to be a general protective factor for health-related indicators. In summary, this study highlights the positive impact of PA on older adults’ health and provides valuable insights into the role of different PA patterns, offering a theoretical basis for developing PA guidelines, policies, and health interventions.

Obesity and Metabolic Disease Impair the Anabolic Response to Protein Supplementation and Resistance Exercise: A Retrospective Analysis of a Randomized Clinical Trial with Implications for Aging, Sarcopenic Obesity, and Weight Management.

Anabolic resistance accelerates muscle loss in aging and obesity, thus predisposing to sarcopenic obesity. In this retrospective analysis of a randomized clinical trial, we examined baseline predictors of the adaptive response to three months of home-based resistance exercise, daily physical activity, and protein-based, multi-ingredient supplementation (MIS) in a cohort of free-living, older males (n = 32). Multiple linear regression analyses revealed that obesity and a Global Risk Index for metabolic syndrome (MetS) were the strongest predictors of Δ% gains in lean mass (TLM and ASM), LM/body fat ratios (TLM/%BF, ASM/FM, and ASM/%BF), and allometric LM (ASMI, TLM/BW, TLM/BMI, ASM/BW), with moderately strong, negative correlations to the adaptive response to polytherapy r = -0.36 to -0.68 (p < 0.05). Kidney function, PA level, and chronological age were only weakly associated with treatment outcomes (p > 0.05). Next, we performed a subgroup analysis in overweight/obese participants with at least one other MetS risk factor and examined their adaptive response to polytherapy with two types of protein-based MIS (PLA; collagen peptides and safflower oil, n = 8, M5; whey/casein, creatine, calcium, vitamin D3, and fish oil, n = 12). The M5 group showed greater improvements in LM (ASM; +2% vs. -0.8%), LM/body fat ratios (ASM/FM; +3.8% vs. -5.1%), allometric LM (ASM/BMI; +1.2% vs. -2.5%), strength (leg press; +17% vs. -1.4%), and performance (4-Step-Stair-Climb time; -10.5% vs. +1.1%) vs. the PLA group (p < 0.05). Bone turnover markers, indicative of bone accretion, were increased pre-to-post intervention in the M5 group only (P1NP; p = 0.036, P1NP/CTX ratio; p = 0.088). The overall anabolic response, as indicated by ranking low-to-high responders for Δ% LM (p = 0.0079), strength (p = 0.097), and performance (p = 0.19), was therefore significantly higher in the M5 vs. PLA group (p = 0.013). Our findings confirm that obesity/MetS is a key driver of anabolic resistance in old age and that a high-quality, whey/casein-based MIS is more effective than a collagen-based alternative for maintaining musculoskeletal health in individuals at risk for sarcopenic obesity, even when total daily protein intake exceeds current treatment guidelines.

The relationship between serum phenylalanine levels, genotype, and developmental assessment test results in non-phenylketonuria mild hyperphenylalaninemia patients.

Our findings indicate that children with untreated PA levels above 240µmol/L are particularly susceptible to fine motor skill impairments, suggesting a need to reassess the PA level thresholds for initiating treatment. This study highlights the potential requirement for amending current guidelines to ensure early and appropriate intervention in non-PKU mild HPA patients, thereby mitigating the risk of developmental delays. • It is known that phenylalanine levels between 120 and 360μmol/L typically do not require intervention in non-PKU mild HPA patients, but outcomes for levels near this threshold remain unclear. • Children with PA levels exceeding 240µmol/L are at a higher risk of fine motor skill impairment, requiring a reassessment of safe PA levels to prevent developmental delays. • In addition, the Denver Developmental Screening Test II reveals developmental delays in multiple areas in children with non-PKU mild HPA, particularly in males, highlighting the need for gender-specific monitoring and intervention strategies.

Parents' income has influence on levels of physical activity and sedentary behaviour of junior high school student

This study aims to determine physical activity (PA level) and sedentary behavior (SB level) in students with various parents' income levels. This study used a cross-sectional design. The subjects used in this study were 900 students from 10 schools and ten cities in East Java, Indonesia. Data on students' parents' income were grouped into five categories based on their income level (very low: n = 360; low: n = 231; medium: n = 123; high: n = 79; very high: n = 107). The research instruments used were the Children’s Physical Activity Questionnaire (CPAQ) to measure the level of physical activity (PA level) and the Adolescent Sedentary Activity Questionnaire (ASAQ) to measure the level of sedentary behavior (SB level). The results of the Mann-Whitney statistical test showed significant differences in PA level and SB level between the very low-income group of parents and the low, medium, high, and very high-income groups (p&lt;0.05). In conclusion, the higher the level of parental income, the better the students' physical activity, and the lower their sedentary behaviour. Keywords: Family monthly income, physical activity, sedentary behavior, junior high school student

Ultralow Dark Current and High‐Detectivity Infrared Phototransistors Enabled by Small‐Diameter Semiconducting Carbon Nanotubes

AbstractDue to their internal gain mechanism, emerging nanomaterial‐based infrared phototransistors show significant promise for highly sensitive detection; however, they usually suffer from high dark current (Idark) and thus high noise, which restricts the actual detection capability of the detector. Here, a semiconducting carbon nanotube (CNT) film‐based phototransistor is proposed with an ultralow Idark and a high response through the adoption of stacked ZnO/PbS colloidal quantum dot heterojunctions as the photogate to absorb the infrared photons and generate a photovoltage. Solution‐derived semiconducting CNTs with diameters ranging from 0.8 to 1.1 nm are utilized to create a network film that serves as the active channel of the transistor and provides an off‐state current as low as ≈50 fA; this enables an ultralow dark current (pA level) in the infrared phototransistor. By tuning the back‐gate bias, the synergistic modulation is demonstrated of the sensor response and electronic noise and achieve a high detectivity of 5.7 × 1013 Jones under an incident power density of 0.81 nW cm−2 and 1300 nm infrared radiation. These findings provide a promising approach for attaining weak light infrared detection based on nanomaterial‐based photodetectors.

Association between physical activity and cardiovascular parameters in 7-year-old children: a Chinese cross-sectional study

IntroductionPhysical activity (PA) is believed to play an important part in many aspects during childhood and adolescence, especially cardiorespiratory fitness and cardiometabolic health. However, whether different levels of PA in daily life influence the structure or function of heart in school-aged children remains unknown. We aimed to investigate the association between PA and cardiovascular parameters in 7-year-old children.MethodsFollow-up data from the Shanghai Prenatal Cohort Study and the Shanghai Birth Cohort was analyzed. Perinatal information including both maternal and offspring datum was recorded. A refined questionnaire was used to evaluate the frequency and duration of children’s PA levels. Blood pressure, echocardiography, and anthropometry assessment were conducted during the follow-up of 7-year-old children.ResultsOverall, high PA level was associated with higher left ventricle posterior wall thickness in diastole (LVPWd, β coefficient: 0.36, 95% CI: 0.12, 0.61), higher left ventricle mass index (LVMI, β = 0.28, 95% CI: 0.07, 0.48), mitral E/a ratio (β = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.22, 0.71) and slower heart rate (β = -0.32, 95% CI: -0.57, -0.07), compared to low PA level. Medium PA level was associated with lower diastolic blood pressure (DBP, β = -0.18, 95% CI: -0.35, -0.01). In subgroup analysis, increased relative wall thickness (RWT) was found in high PA level boys (β = 0.36, 95% CI: 0.05, 0.67), and systolic blood pressure (SBP) showed a significant decrease in high PA level girls (β = -0.42, 95% CI: -0.78, -0.06).ConclusionsThis study suggested non-athlete children having higher PA level were associated with thicker left ventricle (LV) walls and better LV diastolic function, as well as slower heart rate and DBP at the age of 7. Furthermore, disparity in the association between PA level with morphological heart patterns and blood pressure existed in different sex category.

Investigation of respiratory muscle strength and its influence on exercise capacity and quality of life in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Adequate respiratory muscle strength is required to meet the increased ventilatory demand during physical activities. However, it is not well known whether respiratory muscle strength is impaired in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). This study aimed to investigate the relationship between respiratory muscle strength and exercise capacity, quality of life, physical activity level, and fatigue in IPF patients. The study comprised 30 individuals with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and 30 healthy controls. Maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP) were measured to assess respiratory muscle strength. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form, 6-minute walk test distance (6MWD), St George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), and Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) were employed to evaluate physical activity level, exercise capacity, quality of life, and fatigue severity, respectively. MIP (81±29 vs.73±20 cmH2O) and MEP (93±31 vs. 93±34 cmH2O) did not differ significantly between IPF patients and controls (p>0.05). In patients with IPF, MIP was significantly correlated with 6MWD (r=0.533), SGRQ (r=-0.428), and FSS (r=-0.433). Multivariate models including MIP, MEP, FEV1, FVC, and PA level explained 74% of the variance in the 6MWD (p<0.001), and MIP, FEV1, and PA level were independent predictors of the 6MWD, with FEV1 being the strongest predictor (β=0.659). Multivariate models predicting SGRQ revealed none of MIP, FEV1 or PA level was directly influencing the SGRQ score. This study suggests that patients with IPF do not have respiratory muscle weakness. Inspiratory muscle strength has a direct influence on exercise capacity but an indirect effect on quality of life, probably by influencing exercise capacity.

Extremely sensitive mechanochromic photonic hydrogels with ultrahigh mechanical properties for multicolor displays by naked eyes

Photonic soft materials, especially responsive photonic hydrogels (RPHs) with periodic permittivity on the submicroscale, have been garnering interest as colorimetric indicators and mechanochromic sensors. However, the fabrication of RPHs with both bright discoloration, satisfactory mechanical properties, and excellent mechanochromic sensitivity to meet the practical applications is still a great challenge. Herein, we develop a novel photonic crystal material using a Fe3O4 array embedded poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-acrylamide)/ laponite-XLS (PNA-XLS) hydrogel, which is dual-cross-linked by chemical and physical cross-linkers. Due to the interaction of sparse chemical links and apposite physical links between the polymeric networks, the PNA-XLS exhibits a significant energy dissipation and high deformation capacity, with an enhanced tensile strength above 819 kPa and elongation above 1015 %. It almost has a full-color tunable range and shows bright discoloration that can be reversibly actuated by bending, stretching, and small pressures (Pa level), with extremely high sensitivities of pressure (161 nm kPa−1) and tension (1.52 nm %−1). Moreover, its self-adhesion (133 kPa) would make it be an appealing candidate to develop portable sensors or wearable devices without auxiliary adhesive tools. Besides, elastic hydrogels with programmable and multicolor patterns can be designed by the mask-assisted UV photopolymerization of regional pregel solution. Therefore, such hydrogel has a great application potential in colorimetric indicators, mechanochromic sensors, anti-counterfeiting and wearable devices.

Physical activity and depressive symptoms during the fifth wave of COVID-19 pandemic: Implication for public policy and administrators.

Depression is a public mental health problem that can progress to suicidal ideation, literature suggests regular physical activity may ameliorate it. The study assessed the link between physical activity and depression symptoms during the fifth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Academic Staff Union (ASU) strike among undergraduates. Four hundred and eighteen undergraduates were recruited and participated in the study. Participants completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF) and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) to measure depression severity. The result on PA showed that about one-third of the participants were inactive, above half were moderately active, while a few achieved high PA levels. Above one-fifth of the participants experienced minimal or no depression while a good percent had mild, moderate, moderately severe, and severe depression. Non-parametric tests between PA total score and depression total score with demographic variables were not significant. Spearman's correlation showed a strong negative relationship between PHQ-9 scores and IPAQ-SF scores. This suggests that a high PA level is associated with lower depression symptoms. The COVID-19 pandemic and the ASU strike experiences resulted in increased depression among undergraduates. The university administration needs to formulate an urgent policy to promote PA among undergraduates and provide treatment for the affected students.

Gate‐Tunable Spectral Response in β‐Ga2O3/Te Hybrid Photogating Structure for Ultrasensitive Broadband Detection

AbstractThe increasing demand for multispectral information acquisition and the complexity of application environments have sparked a growing interest in broadband detection. However, achieving a high level of responsivity across a wide response range remains a significant challenge. Herein, an ultrasensitive broadband phototransistor based on hybrid photogating (HPG) structure is demonstrated, which consisted of a quasi‐2D beta‐phase gallium oxide (β‐Ga2O3) nanoflake as the carrier transport channel and a tellurium (Te) nanoflake as the photogating layer. Attributed to the strong doping influence of the Te nanoflake, a low off‐state current of pA level and a high on/off current ratio of ≈108 are obtained. Upon 255 nm wavelength illumination, the device exhibited an ultrahigh responsivity up to 3.82 × 106 A W−1 and a detectivity as high as 1.59 × 1014 Jones across a large gate voltage range. Notably, an exciting infrared response is obtained with a responsivity of 138 A W−1 and a detectivity of 3.70 × 109 Jones under the 1550 nm wavelength illumination, exclusively achievable when the gate voltage exceeded 4 V. Leveraging the gate‐tunable spectral response, an innovative model for secure optical communication was proposed. This work presents an efficient and feasible strategy for fabricating multifunctional optoelectronic devices.

Improving movement behavior in office workers: effects of two multi-level cluster-RCT interventions on mental health

BackgroundWe have previously reported on the design and efficacy of two cluster-randomized multi-level workplace interventions, attempting to decrease sedentary behavior (SED) or increase moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) among office workers to improve mental health outcomes. The aim of this study was to investigate intervention effects on mental health outcomes, i.e., mental wellbeing, depression or anxiety symptoms, and stress immediately after the 6-month intervention period.MethodsTeams of 263 office workers were cluster-randomized to one of two interventions or a waitlist control group. The PA intervention (iPA) focused on increasing MVPA and the SED intervention (iSED) on reducing SED. Both multi-level interventions targeted individual office workers and their social, physical, and organizational work environment, incorporating counseling based on cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing. Mental health outcomes were assessed using validated questionnaires before and immediately after the intervention. Intervention effects were analyzed using linear mixed effects models.ResultsParticipants were mostly female and highly educated, with a mean age of 42 years and had favorable levels of mental health at baseline. Mental wellbeing improved for the iSED group (β = 8, 95% CI 1 to 15, p = 0.030) but not for the iPA group (β = 6, 95% CI -1 to 12, p = 0.072) compared to the control group. No effects were found for depression or anxiety symptoms or stress.ConclusionsThe multi-level interventions improved mental wellbeing among this population of office workers, reaching statistical significance in the iSED group. The size of the effect can be regarded meaningful, considering favorable mental health and high PA level at baseline. Thus, workplace interventions that provide support on multiple levels appear to have potential for improving mental wellbeing, but not reducing ill-health variables, among healthy office workers. More research is needed to understand the mechanisms through which such improvements can be achieved and to identify the most effective intervention components.Trial registrationISRCTN92968402 (27 February 2018).

Navigating Pregnancy: Information Sources and Lifestyle Behavior Choices-A Narrative Review.

Background: Accessible health information during pregnancy is important to positively affect maternal and fetal health. However, the quality and accuracy of health information can greatly vary across numerous sources. This narrative review is aimed at summarizing the literature on pregnant individuals' information sources and how these sources influence their habits toward GWG, PA, and nutrition. Such data will highlight preferences and needs, reveal challenges, and identify opportunities for improvement. Methods: We searched PubMed for studies published in the last decade. Out of 299 studies initially identified, 20 (16 quantitative and four qualitative) met the eligibility criteria (investigating information sources and their influence on health habits toward GWG, PA, nutrition, pregnant participants, adequate data reporting, and being available in full text). Results: Primary sources of health information varied. The Internet (26%-97%) and healthcare providers (HCPs) (14%-74%) predominated, followed by family/friends (12%71%), books/magazines (49%-65%), and guidelines/brochures (25%-53%). Despite the widespread use of the Internet, HCPs were considered the most reliable source. The use of the Internet to retrieve health information was reported to be 2-4 h a week, and < 50% discussed the online information with their HCP. The Internet was also used as a supplementary resource on topics raised by HCPs. Regarding the influence on health habits, the Internet, HCPs, media, and family positively influenced GWG and promoted adherence to recommended guidelines (OR = 0.55-15.5). Only one study showed a positive association between Internet use and PA level. The Internet, media, HCPs, and information brochures were associated with better adherence to nutritional recommendations. Conclusions: Pregnant individuals relied on the Internet and HCP, with a preference for the Internet despite trust in midwives. Several sources of health information were positively associated with adherence to GWG and nutrition recommendations. Improving the quality of online information should be a priority for policymakers and health authorities.

Belgian general practitioners’ perception and use of physical activity on prescription

Abstract Background Physical activity (PA) reduces 19.5% of the attributable burden of chronic diseases (CDs), i.e. healthy life years lost due to morbidity and mortality. In addition, 29.5% of Belgians self-declared having at least one chronic disease. Moreover, almost 30% of the population above 15 years old is at health risk due to physical inactivity. Evidence shows physical activity on prescription (PAP) has a positive impact on PA level and metabolic health. General Practitioners (GPs) can use PAP as a prevention intervention. In Belgium, overall 94,1% of citizens have a referring General Practitioner (GP) or are affiliated with a general practice. There is no national policy on PAP, only a regional policy in Flanders. Therefore, the aim of the study is to investigate the perception and the (potential) provision of PAP by Belgian GPs. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Belgian GPs between January and end of March 2023. The survey has 41 (ordinal or multiple choice) questions. Descriptive statistics were performed. Results 134 GPs completed the survey of which 56% were female. 66.4% work in Flanders, 19.4% in Wallonia and 14.2% in Brussels-Capital region. Among respondents, 44% only discuss the benefits of PA with patients with a CD. Interestingly, less than 2% never discuss PA. 86.8% (would) prescribe if patients’ health status would be remedied by increasing PA, while 35.8% (would) use PAP if patients are inactive, regardless of their health status. About 75% identified chronic disease and exercise initiation as incentives for PAP. 41% would refer to PA (motivational) coaches, 55.2% to (adapted) PA courses. Lack of training (12.7%), time (49.3%), and knowledge of local PA offer (74%) were cited as barriers to using PAP. Conclusions The majority of responding GPs linked PAP with CD. Although there is no national implementation and regulation of PAP, GPs used (were ready to use) PAP in their practice. However, several barriers still hinder the use of PAP. Key messages • PAP is identified by Belgian GPs as a non-medical therapeutic strategy to counter health risks due to inactivity. • There is a need to harmonise and facilitate PAP in Belgian primary care.

Mobility outcomes and associated factors of acute geriatric care in hospitalized older patients: results from the PAGER study

Key summary pointsAimTo examine different mobility outcomes of acute geriatric care in acutely hospitalized older adults and identify associated factors.FindingsPatients showed significant increases in locomotor capacity, physical activity, and life-space mobility from hospital admission to discharge, for which frailty was consistently identified as a negative independent predictor. A higher mean daily physical activity level was independently predictive of improvements in locomotor capacity.MessageOlder hospitalized patients benefit from acute geriatric care in terms of distinct mobility outcomes; however, frailty-specific adaptations may be needed for frail patients to optimize their mobility outcomes.

Perceptions of physical activity levels after a diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome and in the context of cardiac rehabilitation

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Physical activity [PA] is a core component of cardiac rehabilitation [CR] but those who consider themselves active are less likely to participate. It is unclear how CR services can better engage with this group and what support they should offer to encourage a return to PA at appropriate levels. Purpose We aimed to identify individuals from four UK CR services who considered themselves active prior to acute coronary syndrome [ACS] diagnosis and understand their PA support requirements. Methods A sequential mixed methods study, with data collected between October 2019 and April 2020. A quantitative survey examined self-reported PA levels, illness perceptions, and physical self-concept of ACS patients using validated questionniaires after their event but before the start of CR. Data were analysed via descriptive, correlational, and multiple regression analysis. Qualitative individual semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with participants who self-reported to be at least moderately active. Data were thematically analysed. Data were integrated during study design and discussion stage. Results Sixty-seven participants (male n=53, 79.1%) with a median age of 63 (IQR = 56-71) completed the survey. Of these, 50 (74.6%) self-reported being at least moderately active before starting CR. During regression analysis, only physical self-concept for being physically active (F (9,56)=3.59, p&amp;lt;.005, adjusted R2 0.26) was significantly associated with PA level. Twenty-six participants completed qualitative interviews. Participants who perceived that they were active prior to their event based this on recollections of past PA, and step count monitoring. They made decisions about whether to engage with CR based on pre-CR information and comparison with peers. Despite considering themselves to be active, this group still required support to return to PA at appropriate intensity levels to gain secondary prevention benefits. This included information about how to self-monitor intensity effectively. Conclusions CR services should recognise that ACS survivors who consider themselves to be active prior to their event require support to return to PA at appropriate levels. Support should include exploring what patients mean when they say they are active so that CR professionals are better informed to provide indivualised advice.

Parental support for physical activity and children’s physical activities: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundPhysical activity (PA) in school-aged children is imperative for physical and mental development. However, there has been reduced PA among children in recent years owing to environmental changes, resulting in declining physical strength and athletic ability. Although parents’ and children’s PA has been found to be correlated, the specific parental caregiving attitudes associated with children’s actual levels of PA during school-age years remain unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the relationship between parental support for PA and children’s levels of PA.MethodsIn 2017, a self-reported questionnaire survey was administered to 1,515 third-grade students (8–9 years old) and their caregivers in Nagoya, Aichi, a major metropolitan area in Japan. The main items surveyed included the attitudes of children and parents towards PA and the children’s actual PA level. Multiple regression analysis was conducted with parental involvement related to PA as the explanatory variable and children’s PA as the objective variable.ResultsIn total, 717 children with valid responses were included in the analysis. The mean age of the children was 9.08 ± 0.33 years; 366 (51.0%) were boys, and 351 (49.0%) were girls. For moderate-to-vigorous and vigorous PA, PA levels tended to be significantly higher in children whose parents provided logistic support such as enrolling their children in a sports club. However, for moderate PA and walking, PA levels tended to be significantly higher in children whose parents used community resources. Modeling and limiting sedentary activities were not associated with children’s PA.ConclusionsThe results of this study suggest that direct parental assistance for PA such as logistic support encourages children to engage in moderate-to-vigorous PA; in addition, parental use of community resources may encourage children to engage in moderate and light PA such as walking. Conversely, indirect and negative involvement such as modeling and limiting sedentary activities were not associated with children’s PA. Therefore, logistic support may need to be strengthened to encourage moderate-to-vigorous and vigorous PA, which is important for children’s health.

Assessment and Identification of water potential area for fodder production through irrigation techniques in Borana and Guji Zones, Oromia, Southern Ethiopia

The project entitled, “Assessment and identification of water potential areas in Borana and Guji zone” to assess and identify the water potential with enough catchment and suitable command area that can improve the sustainable fodder production of the land and livestock supporting the Borana and Guji Pastoral and agro pastoral System. The Borana and Guji rangelands were well-known for fodder production potential, However, this production is declined from year to year due to different factors such as; Physical factors namely; grazing pressure, human activity, bush encroachment and climate variability as well as Policy attention and good government are the others most important factors. The land use change and climate variability are the key factor for affecting pastoralists’ and agro pastoralists’ livelihoods that cause food and feed insecurity both Borana and Guji zone. Therefore, the main objectives of assessment confidential into three classes, firstly, to assess the water potential areas of Borana and Guji rangelands, secondly, to identify and classify water potential sources and their limitations both zones that thematic areas of mercy corps, Thirdly, to improve communities’ livelihoods and increasing adaptive capacity of societies to climate variability and environmental and others social negative events in study areas. The assessment was conducted two zones of Borana and Guji Zones. During the assessment four main offices were selected for interview at zonal, woreda and PA level, those offices were Irrigation office, Land use office, Pastoral Development office and Water office, these cascaded to woredas accordingly. After selected and discussed with those main offices, we had been observed two main important offices that could play a crucial role of arranging and facilitation for the assessments. We assessed twelve woredas and identified thirty nine water potential sites from Borana zone while four woredas of Guji zone were assessed and eleven sites were identified as irrigation potential. The result indicated 50 sites were identified as water potential in Both Borana and Guji Zones for fodder production through irrigation techniques. Our result showed that 78% of water potential sites were found in Borana zone, while 22% of irrigation potential sites were found in Guji zone. We identified four water potential or sources through different reservoir construction techniques such as micro earthen dams 22 sites, rivers 8 sites, ponds 15 sites and depth wells 5 sites. Our Result showed that 44% of water potential sources were MEDs, 16% were river streams, while 30% shows pond and 10 % shows depth well respectively. The total of 13272 household head can serviced from more than 6636 hectares, while 18280 household heads can be benefited from 9140 hectares from studied sites’ in Guji zone. Totally, about 31552 household head could be diversify and improve their livelihood through irrigation from 15776 hectares of land. We identified 50 sites, from the selected site 78% found in Borana zone, while 22% found in Guji zone. In Borana Zone, the micro earthen dam is the major source of water, than pond water and river water sources respectively. Finally, depth well is ranked fourth. We concluded that there are water potential sources for irrigation for forage /fodder and others purpose production in Borana and Guji Zone in studied areas. Therefore, we recommended that the different development agencies, NGOs, Government and private should involve in fodders and others production purpose through irrigation support to improve pastoralists’ and agro pastoralists’ livelihoods in Borana and Guji zone. Due to time limitation and security issues, assessment was not cover each of potential sites of Borana and Guji Zones. Further study will be recommended to cover each potential site of Borana and Guji zones.

Examination of physical activity development in early childhood: protocol for a longitudinal cohort study of mother-toddler dyads

BackgroundPhysical activity (PA) development in toddlers (age 1 and 2 years) is not well understood, partly because of a lack of analytic tools for accelerometer-based data processing that can accurately evaluate PA among toddlers. This has led to a knowledge gap regarding how parenting practices around PA, mothers’ PA level, mothers’ parenting stress, and child developmental and behavioral problems influence PA development in early childhood.MethodsThe Child and Mother Physical Activity Study is a longitudinal study to observe PA development in toddlerhood and examine the influence of personal and parental characteristics on PA development. The study is designed to refine and validate an accelerometer-based machine learning algorithm for toddler activity recognition (Aim 1), apply the algorithm to compare the trajectories of toddler PA levels in males and females age 1–3 years (Aim 2), and explore the association between gross motor development and PA development in toddlerhood, as well as how parenting practices around PA, mothers’ PA, mothers’ parenting stress, and child developmental and behavioral problems are associated with toddlerhood PA development (Exploratory Aims 3a-c).DiscussionThis study will be one of the first to use longitudinal data to validate a machine learning activity recognition algorithm and apply the algorithm to quantify free-living ambulatory movement in toddlers. The study findings will help fill a significant methodological gap in toddler PA measurement and expand the body of knowledge on the factors influencing early childhood PA development.

Physical Activity Level amongst University Students and Lecturers across Majors and Programs in Indonesia

Background. Physical inactivity is the fourth leading risk factor contributing to the rapid increase in global mortality. The number is increasing in all sectors, with higher education institutions no exception. As university lecturers and students’ issues related to health and well-being are becoming more prevalent, the need to engage more time in doing physical activity becomes more important. The purpose of this study is to estimate the current physical activity level of students and lecturers across faculties and majors. Materials and methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 2698 students and 355 lecturers in November 2021. They completed an online Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) and reported the number of days and duration of activities they spent on studying or working, travelling, and recreational activities. All responses as to the duration were converted from hours into METs. Statistical analysis and data entry was performed using SPSS version 21. Results. A significant difference was found in METs scores between lecturers and students in three majors: Economics, Sports Science, and Science Education (p &lt; 0.05). Other findings showed that the PA level among students and lecturers was found in the moderate category, although the low level of physical activity was also higher. Lack of physical activity is a major risk factor for non-communicable diseases and has a negative effect on the quality of life and mental health. Conclusions. Therefore, the university needs to carefully design policies and strategies to promote and enhance the physical activity and well-being of students, lecturers, staff, and all people involved.