PA Participation Research Articles

Epidemiology of engagement in physical activity behaviors in people with epilepsy from National Health Interview Survey 2017

ObjectivePhysical activity (PA) participation may be beneficial for people with epilepsy (PWE) but has been discouraged due to a fear that it may induce seizures. Using data from the 2017 National Health Interview Survey, we aimed to describe current rates of PA sufficient to meet US PA Aerobic and Strength Training Guidelines (Aim #1), compare the average time PWE spend on aerobic activity and strength training activity (Aim #2), and compare rates of engagement with various types of PA (e.g., moderate, vigorous, strength training, and mind–body activities) among PWE to the general population (Aim #3). MethodsCross-sectional data (n = 26,728) were analyzed via logistic and zero-inflated Poisson regression models. PA participation was analyzed based on the US PA Guidelines (neither, strength training [≥2 times/wk], moderate to vigorous physical activity [MVPA; ≥ 150 min/wk], or both; Aim #1), time spent on activity/week (Aim #2), and activity participation (yes/no; Aim #3). Epilepsy status was coded as active epilepsy (doctor-diagnosed and either taking antiepileptic medication or had at least one seizure in 12 months; n = 335), inactive epilepsy (doctor-diagnosed, not taking antiepileptic medication nor had a seizure in 12 months; n = 213), and no history of epilepsy (n = 26,180). ResultsPeople with active epilepsy were more likely to report meeting neither (68 %, 95 % CI = 63–74 %) of the PA Guidelines compared to people with no history of epilepsy (59 %, 58–60 %). The mean duration of time reported on vigorous activity for people with inactive epilepsy was significantly higher than people with no history of epilepsy (p = 0.01). People with active epilepsy were 32–39 % less likely to report participating in any moderate or vigorous activity compared to people with no history of epilepsy. SignificanceThis study highlights activity disparities among PWE and the general population, indicating substantially lower activity and higher likelihood of inactivity in PWE, particularly active epilepsy.

Joint associations of leisure-time physical activity and sitting time with emotional wellbeing, physical functioning and work ability: an occupational study among young and early midlife Finnish municipal employees

BackgroundPhysical inactivity and sedentary behaviour are major public health problems. We examined the individual and joint associations of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) and total sitting time with emotional wellbeing, physical functioning and work ability in young and early midlife employees.MethodsCross-sectional questionnaire survey data were collected in 2017 among 19–39-year-old employees of the City of Helsinki (response rate 51.5%). LTPA (including commuting PA) was converted into a metabolic equivalent (MET) index. We classified the participants into four groups according to PA recommendations and participation in vigorous intensity activities. Total sitting time was classified into three groups using tertile cut-points (5.5 and 8.5 h/day). For joint analyses, we truncated LTPA into three groups and sitting time into two groups yielding a six-category variable. Emotional wellbeing and physical functioning were measured using the RAND-36 questionnaire and work ability with a scale ranging from 0 to 100. Linear regression analysis was used to estimate adjusted means and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The analytical sample included 4544 participants (80% females).ResultsAdjusting for age and sex, high sitting time (> 8.5 h/day) was associated only with poorer emotional wellbeing. LTPA, especially vigorous activity, showed clear positive associations with emotional wellbeing, physical functioning and work ability. For emotional wellbeing, the low activity groups with low (70.51, 95% CI 69.1–71.9) and high (67.5, 65.5–69.5) sitting time and the moderate activity groups with low (72.5, 71.3–73.7) and high (70.4, 68.6–72.1) sitting time had statistically significantly lower mean scores than the corresponding vigorous activity groups with low (74.9, 74.2–75.7) and high (72.7, 71.6–73.9) sitting time. For physical functioning, the vigorous activity groups with low (96.3, 95.8–96.7) and high (96.2, 95.5–96.9) sitting time had significantly higher scores than the other groups. For work ability, the vigorous activity groups with low (82.0, 81.3–82.6) and high (80.8, 79.8–81.8) sitting time had significantly higher scores than the other groups. Adjusting for covariates only slightly attenuated these associations.ConclusionsPromoting PA among employees can contribute to better physical and mental health as well as better work ability.

O.1.1-11 Are stress symptoms associated to health-enhancing physical activity levels in university students? The case of a Belgian French-speaking university in 2022

Abstract Purpose Starting university is often associated with a decrease in physical activity and an increase in stress levels. In students, higher levels of stress have been associated with lower PA participation. During the pandemic, students’ levels of PA seem to have decreased whilst stress symptoms (SS) have increased. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between health-enhancing physical activity (HEPA) and SS in students attending a French-speaking university in Brussels in spring 2022. Methods Data was collected using an online questionnaire in 1,754 voluntary students. HEPA was measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF) and SS were assessed using the Stress single item measure. Binary logistic regressions were used to investigate how much HEPA (yes/no) was associated to SS in three categories: minimally to not at all; very stressed; and highly stressed. Models were adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics. All analyses were weighed to calibrate estimates to the entire university population. Results Among the study population (females: 59.3%), over a third of students (35.3%) were classified as HEPA active. This prevalence was the lowest amongst those who were “highly” stressed (28.8%), intermediate in those who were “very” stressed (34.0%) and the highest amongst those who were “minimally or not at all” stressed (39.6%) (p = 0.0005). After adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, compared to those who were “highly” stressed, those who were “minimally or not at all” stressed were more likely to be HEPA active (aOR: 1.30; 95%CI: 1.00-1.70). There was no difference in the likelihood of being HEPA active for those who were “very” stressed (vs. highly stressed: aOR: 1.16; 95%CI: 0.87-1.56). Among the sociodemographic characteristics, sex and year of study were associated to HEPA. Females were less likely to be HEPA active compared to males (aOR: 0.38; 95%CI: 0.30-0.47), whereas undergraduate students were more likely to undertake HEPA than master’s students (1st year: aOR: 1.30; 95%CI: 1.00-1.69, 2nd-3rd year: aOR: 1.33; 95%CI: 1.03-1.72). Conclusions These findings indicate an association between HEPA and SS in students attending a French-speaking university in Belgium in 2022. They will enable to inform health promotion initiatives encouraging HEPA at the university.

Use of a Novel Theory-Based Pragmatic Tool to Evaluate the Quality of Instructor-Led Exercise Videos to Promote Youth Physical Activity at Home: Preliminary Findings.

Exercise videos that work to minimize cognitive load (the amount of information that working memory can hold at one time) are hypothesized to be more engaging, leading to increased PA participation. To use a theory-based pragmatic tool to evaluate the cognitive load of instructor-led exercise videos associated with the Interrupting Prolonged Sitting with ACTivity (InPACT) program. Exercise videos were created by physical education teachers and fitness professionals. An evaluation rubric was created to identify elements each video must contain to reduce cognitive load, which included three domains with four components each [technical (visual quality, audio quality, matching modality, signaling), content (instructional objective, met objective, call-to-action, bias), and instructional (learner engagement, content organization, segmenting, weeding)]. Each category was scored on a 3-point scale from 0 (absent) to 2 (proficient). A video scoring 20-24 points induced low cognitive load, 13-19 points induced moderate cognitive load, and less than 13 points induced high cognitive load. Three reviewers independently evaluated the videos and then agreed on scores and feedback. All 132 videos were evaluated. Mean video total score was 20.1 ± 0.7 points out of 24. Eighty-five percent of videos were rated low cognitive load, 15% were rated moderate cognitive load, and 0% were rated high cognitive load. The following components scored the highest: audio quality and matching modality. The following components scored the lowest: signaling and call-to-action. Understanding the use of a pragmatic tool is a first step in the evaluation of InPACT at Home exercise videos. Our preliminary findings suggest that the InPACT at Home videos had low cognitive load. If future research confirms our findings, using a more rigorous study design, then developing a collection of instructor-led exercise videos that induce low cognitive load may help to enhance youth physical activity participation in the home environment.

International fitness scale (IFIS): association with motor performance in children with obesity.

Overweight and obesity are defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health; and compared with their normal-weight peers, these individuals tend to have a lower level of self-confidence, and consequently lower physical activity adherence. Due to these self-perceived barriers, the aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of an online training program on self-reported physical fitness (SRPF) in children with obesity (OB). A total of 32 children with OB carried out physical fitness (PF) tests and were asked to complete the International Fitness Enjoyment Scale (IFIS) questionnaire. The physical fitness tests were the Standing Broad Jump (SBJ), the 6-Min Walking Test (6MWT) and the 4 × 10 m sprint test. Children participated in a 3-weekly 60-min training session through Zoom platform. Before the beginning of the training protocol, OB children were compared with normal weight (NW) ones for PF batteries and the IFIS questionnaire. Changes in performances after the training were assessed by paired Student t and Wilcoxon tests. After the online training program children increased their performance in 6MWT (mean difference (MD) = 54.93; p < 0.0001) in SBJ (MD = 10.00; p = 0.0001) and in 4 × 10 m sprint test (MD = -0.78; p < 0.0001). No differences were found in children's physical fitness perception. Our study highlighted how a structured online training program can lead to improvements in PF of children with OB. Instead, the lack of differences in SRPF after the training suggests interesting questions to be explored on the aspects linked to self-perception. Therefore, even if our training protocol could not directly improve SRPF in children with obesity, the enhancement of their PF could be a starting point for achieving this result with a longer training period and consequently improve PA participation for children with OB.

Exploring Trends and Barriers to Physical Activity in Adolescents/ School Going Children of Rawalpindi

Adolescent’s active participation in PA may reduce the risk of chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in adulthood. Barriers to PA and the association among these barriers were examined. Objective: To explore barriers to PA in the adolescent of public school of Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Methods: A Descriptive cross-sectional design, multistage cluster sample of adolescents (N = 400) with 214 (53.5%) male and 186 (46.5%) females was conducted. Independent variables such as sociodemographic, (i.e., education, age, gender, socioeconomic level), the discernment of barriers which did not permit to take part in PA, (i.e., fear of harm, lack of time, resources, social support, energy, and motivation, inaccessibility of recreational sports near residence and lacking skills); and adolescent’s physical activity participation was evaluated using WHO tool, international physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ). To investigate the connection between perceived barriers and PA participation, multiple regression analysis was used. Results: Of the 400 adolescents females are more likely to perceive a lack of time as a barrier to engaging in PA [OR 2.17 (95% CI (1.45---3.23)]. In a similar vein, those from lower socioeconomic levels are more likely to perceive a lack of motivation. [OR 2.17 (95% CI (1.42---3.32]. Regarding poor /fair Self-perception of health have a high chance of perceiving scarcity of resource [OR 4.25 (95% CI (2.72---7.43)] were viewed as obstacles to PA. Conclusions: Low socioeconomic status, lack and standard of education, and self-perception of health are indicators of are indicators of potential obstacles to physical activity

Relationships between personality traits, high school sports participation, and physical activity of college students in the United States

Objective: The study aimed to 1) examine relationships between contexts of PA, personality traits, and high school sports participation (sports) and 2) determine significant PA correlates in a college population. Participants: 237 undergraduates at a university in the United States between September 2020 and May 2021 participated. Methods: Participants completed a survey evaluating PA, personality traits, sports, and demographic variables. Pearson partial correlations assessed correlations between different PA domains, personality traits, and sports. Conscientiousness was positively associated with all PA measures (r = .14-.30), except for active transport PA. Sports were related to vigorous and leisure PA. Conscientiousness is related to PA measures and is a significant PA correlate. However, more research is necessary to understand if leisure time PA can enhance Conscientiousness.

Natural patterns of social support for physical activity participation in newly matched breast cancer survivor dyads

BackgroundPhysical activity (PA) can be a beneficial strategy to mitigate physical, emotional, and social-related challenges in women living beyond breast cancer treatment (WBC). However, PA levels among WBC remain low. Optimizing social support provided in a peer-matched setting may increase PA behavior. Unfortunately, factors that lead to an ideal peer-match among WBC are not well understood. The purpose of this study was to contextualize the natural social support environment and PA behavior in newly formed peer WBC dyads participating in an ecological momentary assessment study.MethodsWBC were matched with a partner and provided with a Fitbit activity tracker. Social support was measured using 21-daily surveys, and a 3-week follow-up survey. Descriptive statistics were calculated. Open-ended survey questions were analyzed using content analysis. Data were analyzed based on (i) social support types (informational, tangible, esteem, and emotional support); and (ii) WBC’ reports of being in a good, neutral, or poor match at the end of the study.ResultsWomen (n = 46; Mage = 42.4 ± 7.6 years; 89.2% stage I-III breast cancer) connected with their partner (58.1%) and participated in moderate-vigorous PA (MVPA)(77.1%) on most days over the 21-day study period. Women were identified as being in good (63%), neutral (20%), or poor (17%) dyad matches. The most frequently documented social support received by WBC was esteem support. Participants in a good match were more likely to report receiving all types of social support compared to neutral or poor matches.Conclusion & clinical implicationsFindings describe the social support characteristics important to WBC for facilitating their PA participation in a partner-based setting. This study provides valuable insight that can inform the development of partner-based PA interventions for WBC.

Sustaining youth physical activity in times of challenge and change: lessons from COVID-19.

Physical activity (PA) is recognized as essential for positive physical and mental well-being in young people. However, participation in PA is known to decline as adolescents emerge into adulthood under the influence of complex social and structural factors. Globally, COVID-19 restrictions resulted in changes to PA and PA participation levels in youth populations, providing a unique opportunity for gaining insight into PA barriers and enablers in circumstances of challenge, limitation and change. This article details young people's self-reported PA behaviours during the 4-week 2020 COVID-19 lockdown in New Zealand. Taking a strengths-based view and drawing on the COM-B (capabilities, opportunity and motivation behaviour) model for behaviour change, the study explores factors enabling young people to sustain or increase PA during lockdown. Findings are drawn from qualitative-dominant mixed-methods analyses of responses to an online questionnaire: New Zealand Youth Voices Matter (16-24 years; N = 2014). Key insights included the importance of habit and routine, time and flexibility, social connections, incidental exercise and awareness of links between PA and well-being. Of note were the positive attitudes, creativity and resiliency demonstrated as young people substituted or invented alternatives to their usual PA. PA needs to change to adapt to new circumstances over the life course, and youth understanding and knowledge of modifiable factors may provide support for this. Thus these findings have implications for sustaining PA during late adolescence and emerging adulthood, a life phase that can be associated with significant challenge and change.

Dance on: a mixed-method study into the feasibility and effectiveness of a dance programme to increase physical activity levels and wellbeing in adults and older adults

BackgroundPhysical activity (PA) has beneficial effects on physical and mental health outcomes in older adults. However, a consistent decline in PA participation has been noted with increasing age, with older adults consistently being reported as the least physically active population. Previous evidence showed that dance is an appropriate form of PA in older adults as it integrates the body’s movement with physical, cognitive, and social elements. This study investigated the feasibility and efficacy of a weekly dance programme over a 12-month period on PA levels and wellbeing.MethodsA mixed-method intervention design was used. Community-dwelling older adults aged 55 + years were recruited from local community groups in Yorkshire (UK). The programme comprised of a 60-min mixed genre dance class per week. Changes with carried forward data in self-reported measures of PA (min/week) and wellbeing with EuroQol visual analogue scale (EQ VAS) across four different time points (baseline, 3, 6 and 12 months) were assessed using the Friedman test. Feasibility was also assessed through class attendance and focus groups (N = 6–9) with participants. A thematic analysis of qualitative data was conducted.ResultsA total of 685 participants (589–89.1% females and 72–10.9% males) took part in the study. The mean age was 75 ± 10 years, and 38% of the participants were classed as highly deprived as per the index of multiple deprivation. There was a statistically significant increase in both PA (X2(3) = 192.42, P < 0.001) and EQ VAS scores across the four time points (X2(3) = 19.66, P < 0.001). The mean adherence rate was consistent across the 12-month period of intervention (70%). Themes from the focus groups included reasons for participating in the programme, perceptions of how the dance programme affected the participants, and facilitators to participation in the programme.ConclusionsThe good adherence and favourability indicate that the dance programme is feasible as an intervention in community-dwelling participants from socially economically diverse communities. The dance intervention showed a positive effect on PA levels and wellbeing. A randomised-controlled trial with a control group is required to test this intervention further.

Adolescents’ Perceived Barriers to Physical Activity during the COVID-19 Pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, adolescents' routines were deeply affected, which negatively impacted their level of PA. Knowing the barriers to PA in adolescence is relevant, because the perception of more barriers is one of the most consistent negative correlates of PA participation. The purpose of this study was to analyze and compare the barriers perceived by adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic by sex, education level, PA level, and BMI. A total of 1369 students (621 boys and 748 girls; mean age: 14.4 years; SD: 1.74) participated in the study. The chi-square test was used to analyze the differences between groups. Only 3.1% of the adolescents complied with the international guidelines for PA. In general, the barriers with the highest prevalence were the COVID-19 pandemic, lack of time, and taking time away from study. The number of perceived barriers to PA was higher among girls, younger, and inactive participants. Boys selected more the barriers due to COVID-19 than girls, and students with normal weight chose more barriers than those with overweight. This study provides information on adolescents' PA barriers during the COVID-19 pandemic and draws attention to the negative effects that restrictive measures have had on adolescents' PA levels.

Physical activities and risk of neurodegenerative diseases: A two-sample Mendelian randomization study.

ObjectivesPhysical activity (PA) is considered beneficial in slowing the progression and improving the neurodegenerative disease prognosis. However, the association between PA and neurodegenerative diseases remains unknown. In this study, we conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to estimate the causal association between PA phenotypes and neurodegenerative diseases.Materials and methodsGenetic variants robustly associated with PA phenotypes, used as instrumental variables, were extracted from public genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics. Neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson’s disease (PD), and Alzheimer’s disease (AD), were considered outcomes. GWAS information was also obtained from the most recent large population study of individuals with European ancestry. Multiple MR methods, pleiotropy tests and sensitivity analyses were performed to obtain a robust and valid estimation.ResultsWe found a positive association between moderate-to-vigorous physical activities and ALS based on the inverse variance weighted MR analysis method (OR: 2.507, 95% CI: 1.218–5.160, p = 0.013). The pleiotropy test and sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness and validity of these MR results. No causal effects of PA phenotypes were found on PD and AD.ConclusionOur study indicates a causal effect of PA on the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Genetically predicted increases in self-reported moderate-to-vigorous PA participation could increase the risk of ALS in individuals of European ancestry. Precise and individualized prescriptions of physical activity should be provided to the elderly population.

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

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

P05-11 Motor Competence Assessment of Czech School-Age Children: Lack of Movement or Developmental Coordination Disorder?

BackgroundPhysical activity (PA) in Czech children is insufficient. In the last two decades, the prevalence of physical inactivity and excessive time spent in sedentary activities has increased (Gába et al. 2019). The determinants of PA are complex and wide-ranging: individual, socio-demographic, interpersonal, environmental. Motor skill acquisition in early childhood may be an important prerequisite for child PA participation and engagement in PA later in life (Loprinzi et al. 2012).The aim of this study was to estimate motor competence (MC) level in a Czech school children, identify children with motor impairments and analyze the possible causes.MethodsThe research sample was made from Czech school children (n = 195, 110 girls, and 85 boys) of average age 11.96±1.96 years. To estimate an MC, we used the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency, Second Edition, a complete form. We evaluated total motor composite (TMC) and four subcategories: fine manual control, manual coordination, body coordination, and strength and agility.ResultsOur TMC results correspond to a secular reduction in MC. The results show that the group's MC is in the lower part of the average level (TMC standard score 45.4±11.7). The overall percentage of children whose TMC is above the 15th percentile is 64.6%. Conversely, 35.4% of children do not meet the criterion in TMC.On average, the weakest performance was recorded in the area of fine manual control (standard score 38.2±11.6). More in-depth analysis showed that the weakest subcomponent of fine manual control was fine motor precision (scale score 9.3±5.8) and fine motor integration (scale score 10.7±6.1).Conclusion24 children (12.3%) had well-below average results (TMC<5th percentile). These children are highly likely to develop a developmental coordination disorder. It is a significantly higher result than in the literature reported around 5 - 6% in school-age children.69 children (35.4%) had below-average result of TMC (TMC<15th percentile). The poor results in the fine manual control without the accompanying other motor components point to a low exercise experience rather than a neurodevelopmental disorder.

Stable physical activity tracking during children's guided active play.

ObjectivePhysical activity (PA) decreases during childhood with PA tracking statistics showing moderate coefficients in early childhood moving to poor coefficients in late childhood. The age-related instability of PA tracking is attributed to variations in age-related PA behaviors when quantifying PA in different settings (in/out of school, sports camps, and habitual PA). This study has examined the stability of age-related PA for children (from 7 to 11 years) during self-paced guided active play (GAP) sessions separated by 12 months.MethodsChildren (n = 65) recruited from community camps in two consecutive years were assessed for growth and PA participation during GAP sessions (1 h.d−1 on 2 d.wk−1) using cooperative games. Accelerometer outputs were used to quantify PA and estimate energy expenditure (EE) and moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA). Tracking statistics were assessed by Spearman coefficients (r) and agreement scores for percentile rankings (Kappa (k)) after a 1-year interval.ResultsGrouped data for PA tracking (EE) over the 1-year interval showed strong coefficients (r = 0.88, p = 0.001) and moderate agreement scores (k = 0.54). Boys and girls showed similar results. During the 1-year interval, the MVPA tracking coefficient was r = 0.54 (p = 0.01) with a moderate k score of 0.47. Age-related PA (EE) tracking coefficients at 7 (r = 0.90), 8 (r = 0.88), 10 (r = 0.82), and 11 (r = 0.83) years showed strong coefficients except at 9 years (r = 0.51).ConclusionChildren's age-related PA tracking (EE and MVPA) is stable during self-paced GAP assessed over a 1-year interval. Since PA tracking is stable in self-paced GAP, GAP should be included in children's PA intervention strategies to improve health and fitness.

Factors Associated With Physical Activity Levels in Patients With Breast Cancer.

Physical activity (PA) is associated with improvement in breast cancer treatment-related symptoms and survival, yet most breast cancer survivors do not meet national PA guidelines. This study aimed to identify characteristics of participants that were associated with an increased likelihood of meeting PA guidelines. Adults with breast cancer seen at Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN) were surveyed regarding their PA participation, and those who self-reported at least 150 minutes of moderate and/or strenuous aerobic PA weekly on average were considered to be “meeting guidelines”. Three thousand participants returned PA data. Younger age, completion of the survey 7-12 years after diagnosis, absence of recurrence, no bilateral mastectomy, absence of metastatic disease, and lower BMI at the time of survey completion were associated with PA participation (P < .05 in univariate and multivariate analyses). Findings were similar when a threshold of 90 minutes was applied. These results may inform the development of targeted PA-facilitating interventions.

Associations of financial inclusion with physical activity participation in later life

BackgroundPhysical activity (PA) is a vital modifiable psychosocial intervention for promoting healthy longevity but problematically decreases with age. Innovative community-based strategies are recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) to improve PA but prior research has seldom considered the interactive effect of financial inclusion, social networks, and sex differences on PA. In this study, we examine the role of sex differences and resourceful social networks in relation to the association of financial inclusion with PA among older Ghanaian people. MethodsThe sample included 1201 adults aged ≥50 years who participated in the 2016-17 AgeHeaPsyWel-HeaSeeB study. We assessed financial inclusion with an eight-item Financial Instrument Questionnaire Scale and PA with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF). Linear regressions and moderation analysis were used to test the hypothesized associations. ResultsThe mean financial inclusion and PA scores were 1.9(±1.8) and 9.0(±4.4) respectively. After full adjustment for potential confounders, a unit increase in financial inclusion was significantly and positively associated with increases in PA participation (β = .308, p < .005) and also notable among those aged ≥65 years (β = .413, p = .023). Crucially, the positive association between financial inclusion and PA was significantly modified by social networks (β = .151, p < .001). However, the role of sex in this association was not robust. ConclusionsFindings emphasize the effect of financial inclusion on PA in old age, particularly when considering social networks. Programs to improve financial inclusion and social integration may benefit the acceptance and participation of PA among older adults.

An Investigation into the Physical Activity Experiences of People Living with and beyond Cancer during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

This study investigated the physical activity experiences of people living with and beyond cancer (PLWBC) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants attended the cancer and rehabilitation exercise (CARE) programme delivered by a football community trust. Staff (n = 2) and participants (n = 9) attended semi-structured interviews investigating the PA participation and experiences of attending/delivering different modes of CARE, including exercise classes delivered outdoors and delivered online. Interviews also investigated participant aspirations for returning to CARE sessions delivered in person indoors. The findings show that the COVID-19 pandemic and government restrictions impacted on PA participation, yet exercise sessions provided via CARE offered participants an important opportunity to arrest their inactivity, keep active and maintain their fitness and functionality. Barriers to participation of CARE online included access to IT infrastructure, internet connectivity and IT skills and comfort using IT. Regarding CARE outdoors, the weather, range of equipment, variety of exercises and the lack of toilets and seats were barriers. In the different CARE modes, the skills of delivery staff who were sensitive to the needs of participants, social support, and the need for participants to maintain good mental and social health were important facilitators for engagement and are considerations for programme delivery. CARE helped PLWBC to keep physically active.

Gender differences in physical activity status and knowledge of Irish University staff and students

ObjectivesThe aim of this study is to examine gender differences in physical activity status and knowledge of physical activity guidelines in University staff and students.Methods820 survey respondents, 419 males and 401 females (Age: mean 30 ± 12, median 24 years; Weight: mean 73.4 ± 15.8 kg; Stature: mean 172.1 ± 10.2 cm) were recruited via internal email. All participants completed a self-administered online format of the Global Physical activity Questionnaire.ResultsLess females were regularly active than males in students (p ≤ 0.001; Cramer’s V = 0.232 [small]), and staff (p = 0.003; Cramer’s V = 0.249 [small]). Overweight BMI incidence was greater among male students (p = 0.014; Cramer’s V = 0.13 [small]), and staff (p = 0.007; Cramer’s V = 0.31 [large]). A total of 43% of males and 29% of females were overweight or obese. No significant difference between genders for PA recommendations knowledge was observed (students; p = 0.174; Cramer’s V = 0.054 [trivial], staff; p = 0.691; Cramer’s V = 0.035 [trivial]). No significant difference between genders for disease incidence was observed (students; p = 0.894; Cramer’s V = 0.005 [trivial], staff; p = 0.237, Cramer's V = 0.101 [small]).ConclusionsMales had greater levels of PA participation and incidence of overweight BMI compared to females. These findings suggest PA status alone does not determine BMI status. Further investigation is needed to determine factors related to BMI status.

Teaming up in primary care: Membership boundaries, interdependence, and coordination.

Increased demand for quality primary care and value-based payment has prompted interest in implementing primary care teams. Evidence-based recommendations for implementing teams will be critical to successful PA participation. This study sought to describe how primary care providers (PCPs) define team membership boundaries and coordinate tasks. This mixed-methods study included 28 PCPs from a primary care network. We analyzed survey data using descriptive statistics and interview data using content analysis. Ninety-six percent of PCPs reported team membership. Team models fell into one of five categories. The predominant coordination mechanism differed by whether coordination was required in a visit or between visits. Team-based primary care is a strategy for improving access to quality primary care. Most PCPs define team membership based on within-visit task interdependencies. Our findings suggest that team-based interventions can focus on clarifying team membership, increasing interaction between clinicians, and enhancing the electronic health record to facilitate between-visit coordination.