Participation In Regular Exercise Research Articles

Response to Comment Letter: Muscle Metabolomics and Exercise Effects on Cardiometabolic Risk.

We appreciate Dr. Astrada's interest in our recent article (1). Although he raised concern around using BMI as a screening parameter for our study, BMI was not the only "defining parameter" screening criteria in our study. Fasting glucose > 110mg/dL was also a critical exclusion criterion for the study which limits variation in metabolic characteristics in our study cohort. These and other criteria for participation in the study were reported in the original manuscript (2) from which the samples in our current study (1) were obtained. Furthermore, after participants were screened and included in the study, DEXA scans provide information on body composition, which we reported in the online supplemental material. Within a given age group, we found no differences in body composition (Fat %) between treatment groups at baseline. As for the participants' daily activities, we did not collect occupation information, but an exclusion criteria for the study was participation in regular exercise (>20 minutes more than twice per week), which was reported in the original manuscript (2). Thus, all participants were not regular exercisers, further limiting baseline metabolic variability.

“Ten Bucks for yoga and a beer in a cool vibey spot”: exploring motivations for LTPA at craft breweries

ABSTRACT To attract consumers in an increasingly competitive marketplace, many breweries are now offering leisure time physical activity (LTPA) equipment, clubs, and events on-site. Given the growing number of craft beer entities in the U.S. opportunities may thus exist to capitalise on the popular phenomena as a means of encouraging participation in regular exercise amongst the general public. To promote engagement however, a clear understanding of motivations for participation is needed. Therefore, this paper explores why people participating in LTPA at breweries chose to engage in the experience; what they enjoyed (or did not enjoy) about the activity; and their intentions to return or not return for a future experience at the same location. Findings from interviews conducted during LTPA events at breweries in three U.S. cities revealed that people were prompted to participate by social aspects, atmosphere, timing, free beer and/or the low/no costs involved, and an overall interest in beer/breweries. Together data suggests craft breweries serve an important role in their communities; ones that extends far beyond economic impacts. Suggestions for the practical application of these findings are also discussed.

Capturing Exercise Psychological Need Satisfaction Among Older Adults: The BPNES

ABSTRACT Regular exercise participation which is a component of promoting health and healthy aging among older adults necessitates the creation of environments that fulfill participants’ needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness, thus, providing opportunities to promote authentic interest in the activities and meaningful social engagement. Appropriate tools to capture satisfaction of these needs may prove invaluable to gain an understanding of the effectiveness of exercise programs from participants’ perspective. The aim of the study was to examine psychometric aspects of the Basic Psychological Needs in Exercise Scale (BPNES) scores based on responses of 675 older adult Greek exercise participants, men and women, aged 65 to 80 years, attending indoor group-based exercise programs. The data supported the factorial validity, internal reliability, nomological validity, and equivalent item interpretation of BPNES scores between groups differing in demographic characteristics. Older adults with exercise experience greater than three years reported higher exercise needs satisfaction for all three needs compared to those exercising less than three years. The favorable psychometric characteristics of the BPNES in this population make it a valuable tool for the assessment of the extent to which older adults’ needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness are fulfilled in group-based exercise settings.

Korean Adolescents before and after COVID-19: Changes in Physical Activity, Mental Health, and Hygiene Management.

Adolescence is when health behaviors, namely, physical activity (PA), mental health, and hygiene management, are established. As the young represent our future societal welfare, their health requires attention, particularly in the face of a pandemic. We explored changes in Korean adolescent PA, mental health, and hygiene management before and after the COVID-19 pandemic to identify recommendations for improving adolescent health. We collected 2019-2021 data from the Korea Youth Risk Behavior Surveys from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency for 166,590 middle and high school students (2019: 57,069; 2020: 54,809; 2021: 54,712). We analyzed seven variables (regular PA, high-intensity PA, and strength exercise participation, stress recognition, sleep-time satisfaction, brushing practice, and handwashing practice) to examine changes in adolescent behavior during these years. The findings indicated statistically significant differences in all seven variables over the three years (P<0.05). Specifically, regular PA was higher in 2019 and 2021 than in 2020; high-intensity PAs were highest in 2019, followed by 2021 and 2020; strength exercises were the highest in 2020, followed by 2021 and 2019; stress recognition was higher in 2019 and 2021 than in 2020; sleep-time satisfaction was the highest in 2020, followed by 2021 and 2019; brushing practice was the highest in 2019, followed by 2020 and 2021; and handwashing practice was the highest in 2020, followed by 2021 and 2019. The results recommend the need to encourage structured moderate-to-vigorous adolescent PA and systematic health education to improve Korean adolescent health behavior after COVID-19.

Towards integrated sustainability for China's rural revitalization: an analysis of income inequality and public health.

Ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being are paramount among the priorities outlined in the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established by the United Nations. In China, rural revitalization stands as a pivotal national strategy aimed at fostering prosperity and sustainable development in rural areas. Despite its comprehensive evaluation system, which encompasses industry, ecology, culture, organization, and livelihood, the current index system overlooks the critical dimension of public health in rural areas. The existing body of literature predominantly focuses on the correlation between income and health, leaving a gap in understanding the relationship between income inequality and health from the perspective of villagers. This study addresses this gap by utilizing data from 3,771 villager samples and 302 village samples obtained from the 2019 China Rural Revitalization Survey (CRRS) to explore the correlation between income inequality and public health in China's rural areas. We employ the Ordered Logistic Regression (Ologit) model in the baseline regression and heterogeneity analysis. Additionally, a mediating effect analysis, using the Sobel test, examines the role of villagers' health awareness as a mediating variable in the correlation between income inequality and villagers' health. The empirical findings of this study unveil a statistically significant adverse influence of income inequality on public health in China's rural areas. Furthermore, the research identifies that participation in regular exercise and the attainment of higher education levels serve as effective measures to alleviate the detrimental impact of income inequality on the health of rural residents. Additionally, income inequality is observed to shape villagers' health awareness, thereby influencing their overall health status. The study's outcomes have significant implications for policymakers and governmental authorities, providing valuable insights into some pathways for enhancing public health in rural China. Ultimately, these insights contribute to the broader objective of achieving integrated sustainability in rural China.

Exercise prescription for persons with spinal cord injury: a review of physiological considerations and evidence-based guidelines.

Persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) experience gains in fitness, physical and mental health from regular participation in exercise and physical activity. Due to changes in physiological function of the cardiovascular, nervous, and muscular systems, general population physical activity guidelines and traditional exercise prescription methods are not appropriate for the SCI population. Exercise guidelines specific to persons with SCI recommend progressive training beginning at 20min of moderate to vigorous intensity aerobic exercise twice per week transitioning to 30min three times per week, with strength training of the major muscle groups two times per week. These population-specific guidelines were designed considering the substantial barriers to physical activity for persons with SCI and can be used to frame an individual exercise prescription. Rating of perceived exertion (i.e., perceptually regulated exercise) is a practical way to indicate moderate to vigorous intensity exercise in community settings. Adapted exercise modes include arm cycle ergometry, hybrid arm-leg cycling, and recumbent elliptical equipment. Body weight-supported treadmill training and other rehabilitation modalities may improve some aspects of health and fitness for people with SCI if completed at sufficient intensity. Disability-specific community programs offer beneficial opportunities for persons with SCI to experience quality exercise opportunities but are not universally available.

Characteristics and Factors Associated with Cognitive Decline of Elderly with Mild Cognitive Impairment

Objectives: To identify the factors related to cognitive function decline by comparing the characteristics of the cognitive function maintenance and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) groups using data from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (KLoSA). Methods: Individuals were divided into a cognitive function maintenance group and an MCI group based on changes in cognitive function, and their general characteristics were compared. In the next step, we selected the same number of samples from both groups and then compared the characteristics related to MCI. Finally, factors related to cognitive decline were identified in the MCI group. Results: At the time of the 8th survey, when cognitive function changes occurred, the Activities of Daily Living (ADL), Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL), and CES-D-10 scores in the MCI group were significantly higher than those in the cognitive function maintenance group. In addition, participation in social activities, regular exercise practice, and drinking were significantly less frequent in the MCI group than in the cognitive function maintenance group. Therefore, ADL, CES-D-10 (Center of Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, 10-item version), quality of life (QoL) score, social activity participation, regular exercise, and drinking were derived as factors highly related to MCI. Conclusions: Because the factors related to MCI presented in this study mainly affect cognitive decline over a long period, not only older individuals but also middle-aged subjects should be managed as a precaution. In addition, among the identified factors related to MCI, participation in social activities and regular exercise have a positive effect on improving cognitive function and reducing dementia risk factors in older individuals. Therefore, dementia prevention education and rules that include these two elements should be promoted.

Cannabis use for exercise recovery in trained individuals: a survey study

BackgroundCannabis use, be it either cannabidiol (CBD) use and/or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) use, shows promise to enhance exercise recovery. The present study aimed to determine if individuals are using CBD and/or THC as a means of recovery from aerobic and/or resistance exercise, as well as additional modalities that might be used to aid in recovery.MethodsFollowing consent, 111 participants (Mean ± SD: Age: 31 ± 13 years) completed an anonymous survey. All participants were regularly using cannabis (CBD and/or THC) as well as were currently exercising. Questions pertained to level of cannabis use, methods used for consumption of cannabis, exercise habits, exercise recovery strategies, and demographics.ResultsEighty-five percent of participants reported participating in aerobic training. In addition, 85% of participants also reported regular participation in resistance exercise. Seventy-two percent of participants participated in both aerobic and resistance exercise. Ninety-three percent of participants felt that CBD use assisted them with recovery from exercise, while 87% of participants felt the same regarding THC use.ConclusionsIndividuals who habitually use cannabis, CBD or THC, and regularly engage in exercise do feel that cannabis assists them with exercise recovery. More data are necessary to understand the role of cannabis in exercise recovery as well as perceived ergogenic benefits of cannabis by individuals who both regularly participate in exercise and habitually use cannabis.

The interplay of ADHD symptoms and exercise in youth

Open AccessThe interplay of ADHD symptoms and exercise in youthSebastian Ludyga, Peter Weber, and Alain di GalloSebastian LudygaDr. Sebastian Ludyga, Department of Sport, Exercise, and Health, Sport Science Section, University of Basel, Grosse Allee 6, 4052 Basel, Switzerlandsebastian.ludyga@unibas.chhttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-3905-7894 Department of Sport, Exercise, and Health, University of Basel, Switzerland Search for more papers by this author, Peter Weber Division of Neuropediatrics and Developmental Medicine, University Children’s Hospital, University of Basel, Switzerland Search for more papers by this author, and Alain di Gallo Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychiatric University Hospitals, University of Basel, Switzerland Search for more papers by this authorPublished Online:May 19, 2023https://doi.org/10.1024/2674-0052/a000047PDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack Citations ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInReddit SectionsMoreSports psychiatry is concerned with Neurodevelopmental Disorders as they usually occur when the development of motor and cognitive abilities is still ongoing. Although deviations from the typical development can be compensated, this is not necessarily the case for all individuals that have a history of Neurodevelopmental Disorders [1]. The consequences of delayed maturation of motor and cognitive abilities during adolescence can encompass problems with the planning of and the engagement in healthy behaviors and physical exercise in particular [2, 3].With a global prevalence rate estimated to be 5 to 11%, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the most common Neurodevelopment Disorder and therefore serves as a topic of high interest for sports psychiatry among youth [4]. Research in this area has mainly focused on the interplay of ADHD symptoms and physical exercise from two different directions.On the one hand, the influence of this Neurodevelopmental Disorder on regular participation in exercise and performance in sport has received considerable attention. Children and adolescents with ADHD show more difficulties with adherence to health-promoting behaviors in general and this also applies to exercise [5]. While the problem is well-known, tackling its cause is difficult as the underlying reasons are not fully understood. ADHD-related impairments in motor skills and functions [6] lead to greater challenges in sports and exercise as it can be viewed as a lack of a solid foundation for further development of skills, thus affecting the long-term learning progress. An article in this issue implies that children with ADHD undergoing pharmacotherapy still show a low engagement in sports, but that motor functions can only partly account for this [7]. Consequently, psychological factors, such as differing sport experiences (e.g. reduced acceptance in team sports) and attitudes [8], may further contribute to fewer engagement in sports compared to healthy peers. Researchers are therefore encouraged to develop and evaluate interventions targeting both the physical and psychological domain to promote exercise and sports behavior in children and adolescents with ADHD.The potential of exercise to reduce behavioral and cognitive problems associated with ADHD has just recently developed as a second major focus of ADHD research in sports psychiatry. Experimental evidence indicates that exercise alone or in combination with cognitive behavioral therapy or pharmacotherapy reduces ADHD-related symptoms and cognitive impairments among children and adolescents [9]. However, exercise and sport are not considered as therapy components based on international treatment guidelines, even though behavioral interventions are considered as first-line treatments, particularly in children [10]. This may be due to a disproportionate increase of reviews and meta-analyses (relying on the same evidence) in relation to primary studies on the effects of sport and exercise on behavioral and cognitive symptoms of ADHD, which has slowed down the accumulation of evidence.For exercise to become recognized as evidence-based treatment option for ADHD, future primary studies on effectiveness must be complemented by research on how long-term adherence can be secured despite the challenges individuals with ADHD generally face regarding the engagement in health-promoting behaviors. Consequently, we need to broaden our understanding of the bidirectional relation between ADHD symptoms and sport as well as exercise during childhood and adolescence.References1 Thapar A, Cooper M, Rutter M. Neurodevelopmental disorders. Lancet Psychiatry. 2017;4(4):339–46. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2215-0366(16)30376-5 First citation in articleGoogle Scholar2 Gray-Burrows K, Taylor N, O’Connor D, Sutherland E, Stoet G, Conner M. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the executive function-health behaviour relationship. Health Psychol Behav Med. 2019;7(1):253–68. https://doi.org/10.1080/21642850.2019.1637740 First citation in articleGoogle Scholar3 Robinson LE, Stodden DF, Barnett LM, Lopes VT, Logan SW, Rodrigues LP, D’Hondt E. Motor competence and its effect on positive developmental trajectories of health. Sports Med. 2015;45(9):1273–84. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-015-0351-6 First citation in articleGoogle Scholar4 Francés L, Quintero J, Fernández A, Ruiz A, Caules J, Fillon G, et al. Current state of knowledge on the prevalence of neurodevelopmental disorders in childhood according to the DSM-5: a systematic review in accordance with the PRISMA criteria. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health. 2022;16(1):27. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13034-022-00462-1 First citation in articleGoogle Scholar5 Schoenfelder EN, Kollins SH. Topical review: ADHD and health-risk behaviors: toward prevention and health promotion. J Pediatr Psychol. 2016;41(7):735–40. https://doi.org/10.1093/jpepsy/jsv162 First citation in articleGoogle Scholar6 Kaiser ML, Schoemaker MM, Albaret JM, Geuze RH. What is the evidence of impaired motor skills and motor control among children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)? Systematic review of the literature. Res Dev Disabil. 2015;36C:338–57. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2014.09.023 First citation in articleGoogle Scholar7 Ludyga S, Leuenberger R, Bruggisser F, Pühse U, Gerber M, Keutler C, et al. Comparison of physical activity and sports engagement between children with ADHD undergoing pharmacotherapy and healthy peers. Sports Psychiatry. 2023;2:65–72. https://doi.org/10.1024/2674-0052/a000043 First citation in articleAbstract, Google Scholar8 Lee H, Causgrove Dunn J, Holt NL. Youth sport experiences of individuals with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Adapt Phys Activ Q. 2014;31(4):343–61. https://doi.org/10.1123/apaq.2014-0142 First citation in articleGoogle Scholar9 Sun W, Yu M, Zhou X. Effects of physical exercise on attention deficit and other major symptoms in children with ADHD: A meta-analysis. Psychiatry Res. 2022;311:114509. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2022.114509 First citation in articleGoogle Scholar10 Cortese S. Pharmacologic treatment of attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder. N Engl J Med. 2020;383(11):1050–6. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMra1917069 First citation in articleGoogle ScholarFiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Special Section: Physical Activity and Sport in Child and Adolescent PsychiatryVolume 2Issue 2May 2023ISSN: 2674-0052eISSN: 2674-0052 InformationSports Psychiatry (2023), 2, pp. 49-50 https://doi.org/10.1024/2674-0052/a000047.© 2023The Author(s)LicensesDistributed as a Hogrefe OpenMind article under the license CC BY 4.0 ( https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0)PDF download

Determinants, Inequalities and Geographical Differences in Cognitive Performance Amongst the Elderly Population in South Korea

Using the most recent 2018 Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (KLoSA) survey data, this study aimed to examine the key determinants of cognitive impairment (CI) and to explore the inequalities and geographic differences of CI amongst the South Korean elderly population. The findings show that being super-aged, poor general health, and lack of exercise are positively associated with CI, while household wealth, educational level, participation in social activities and regular exercise all have a significant negative effect on CI. Compared to males, female respondents are more likely to experience CI. We found little difference between the specific determinates for the two subsamples. Inequalities in the prevalence of cognitive impairment were greatest in rural areas as well as amongst the respondents living in the Chungcheong region, Seoul Metropolitan Area and the Kangwan region. The results are helpful for the early intervention and prevention strategies to tackle the cognitive impairment problems of the elderly.

THE EFFECT OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY ON THE PREVENTION AND NUMBER OF FALLS IN ELDERLY PEOPLE

Regular physical activity can bring significant health benefits to people of all ages, and the need for physical activity does not decrease with age, but it has been proven that it can prolong a healthier and more independent life, prevent disability and significantly contribute to improving the lives of the elderly. In addition to the fact that each type of physical activity to a certain extent improves motor skills (strength, coordination, balance, agility, ...), mental health (self-esteem, quality of life) and reduces the risk of cardiovascular and all other causes of death, regular participation in exercise promotes mobility and functional independence in adults. A fall is an event in which a participant without their own intention comes to a lying position on the ground or at a lower level. Regardless of the health status of the individual, falls are associated with insufficient movement, reduced opportunities to perform daily activities (dressing, bathing, housework, ...) and the risk of being admitted to institutions where the care of dependent persons is taken. Arthritis, depression, cognitive impairment, vision, problems with balance and unbalanced gait, decreased muscle mass, as well as excessive use of medication increase the risk of falling. The total volume and type of physical activity needed by the elderly is not very well defined. However, it can be concluded that the combination of physical activity (strength training, endurance training, exercises for the development of balance and mobility, ...) and adequate nutrition (sufficient intake of essential amino acids/protein sources) is of crucial importance for preserving physical condition, motor skills and the health status of persons of the third age, and thus also in the prevention of falls. The aim of this study is to describe and find the best training programs for the prevention of falls in the elderly.

The health benefit of physical exercise on COVID-19 pandemic: Evidence from mainland China.

ObjectivesOur study aims to investigate the health benefit of regular physical exercise participation on a series of COVID-19 outcomes including COVID-19 morbidity, mortality, and cure rate.MethodsPrefecture-level panel data related to physical exercise and the COVID-19 pandemic in China were collected from January 1 to March 17, 2020, (N = 21379). Multiple linear regression was conducted, and the ordinary least squares technique was used to estimate the coefficient.ResultsIt was shown that regular sports participation significantly negatively affected COVID-19 morbidity (estimate = -1.1061, p<0.01) and mortality (estimate = -0.3836, p<0.01), and positively affected cure rate (estimate = 0.0448, p<0.01), implying that engaging in physical exercise regularly does have a significant positive effect on COVID-19 outcomes. Then, we explored the heterogeneity of the effect of physical exercise on areas with different risk levels and it was revealed that the effect of physical exercise was more pronounced in high-risk areas in terms of morbidity (estimate = -1.8776, p<0.01 in high-risk areas; estimate = -0.0037, p<0.01 in low-risk areas), mortality (estimate = -0.3982, p<0.01 in high-risk areas; estimate = -0.3492, p<0.01 in low-risk areas), and cure rate (estimate = 0.0807, p<0.01 in high-risk areas; 0.0193 = -0.0037, p<0.05 in low-risk areas).ConclusionsOur results suggest that regularly engaging in physical exercise before the pandemic has positive health effects, especially in the case of a more severe epidemic. Therefore, we urge readers to actively engage in physical exercise so that we can reduce the risks in the event of a pandemic.

Motor cortex plasticity is greater in endurance-trained cyclists following acute exercise.

Previous research using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has shown that plasticity within primary motor cortex (M1) is greater in people who undertake regular exercise, and a single session of aerobic exercise can increase M1 plasticity in untrained participants. This study aimed to examine the effect of an acute bout of exercise on M1 plasticity in endurance-trained (cyclists) and untrained individuals. Fourteen endurance-trained cyclists (mean ± SD; 23 ± 3.8 yr) and 14 untrained individuals (22 ± 1.8 yr) performed two experimental sessions. One session included an acute bout of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) exercise involving stationary cycling, whereas another session involved no-exercise (control). Following exercise (or control), I-wave periodicity repetitive TMS (iTMS) was used (1.5-ms interval, 180 pairs) to induce plasticity within M1. Motor evoked potentials (MEPs) induced by single and paired-pulse TMS over M1 were recorded from a hand muscle at baseline, after HIIT (or control) exercise and after iTMS. Corticospinal and intracortical excitability was not influenced by HIIT exercise in either group (all P > 0.05). There was an increase in MEP amplitude after iTMS, and this was greater after HIIT exercise (compared with control) for all subjects (P < 0.001). However, the magnitude of this response was larger in endurance cyclists compared with the untrained group (P = 0.049). These findings indicate that M1 plasticity induced by iTMS was greater in endurance-trained cyclists following HIIT. Prior history of exercise training is, therefore, an important consideration for understanding factors that contribute to exercise-induced plasticity.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We use a novel form of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation to show that motor cortex plasticity is increased after acute exercise and that this effect is bolstered in endurance-trained cyclists. These findings indicate that participation in regular endurance exercise (involving lower limb muscles) has widespread effects on cortical plasticity (assessed in unexercised upper limb muscles) following acute lower-limb cycling exercise. It also highlights that exercise history is an important factor in exercise-induced cortical plasticity.

The Effect of Autonomy and Self-Control on Changes in Healthy Lifestyles of Inactive College Students through Regular Exercise.

This study aimed to verify the influence of autonomy and self-control as psychological factors on the changes in lifestyles of inactive college students by participating in regular exercise. A total of 188 university students in Seoul, Korea, taking physical fitness classes for 5 weeks held three times a week participated in the surveys. Surveys were conducted in the first session (T1) and 15th session (T2) of the classes. Autonomy in exercise participation and self-control were measured at T1, and healthy lifestyle was measured at both T1 and T2. A paired t-test was used to measure the changes in healthy lifestyle between two time points, and hierarchical regression analysis was conducted to determine the effect of autonomy in exercise participation and self-control measured at T1 on the healthy lifestyle score at T2. According to the analysis, participants’ healthy lifestyles were improved with a statistically significant difference between pre- and post-exercise. Furthermore, the levels of autonomy and self-control before the fitness classes positively influenced the participants’ healthy lifestyle after the classes even when the influence of healthy lifestyle measured before the classes was controlled. Thus, it was confirmed that autonomy for participation and self-control are important to change one’s healthy lifestyle through regular exercise participation.

The Effects of Acute Exercise and Virtual Reality Tasks on Children’s Memory Function and Exercise Preference

Background: It is well established that regular participation in exercise and virtual reality (VR) environments are important tools for improving or maintaining human health and cognitive function. Objectives: This study examined the effects of acute exercise and VR environments on children’s memory function and exercise preference (i.e. cycling with or without the use of VR technology). Methods: Α 2×3 factorial design was adopted with two measures (pre, post) and three study groups. Forty-five healthy children aged 9 to 13 years (Mage = 10.91±1.24 years) voluntarily participated in the study. Participants were randomly assigned into three groups receiving different treatment: (1) an exercise+VR group that cycled for 15 min in a VR environment (forest path) combined with basic mathematical problem-solving tasks, (2) an exercise group that cycled for 15 min, and (3) a no-exercise group that sat in a specific place in a lab for 15 min (the control group). Before and after the acute exercise, all the groups completed the Sternberg Memory Task. Upon completion of the intervention, the two exercise groups completed measures of enjoyment, intention and attitudes towards cycling. The exercise+VR group also completed a scale capturing the VR’s usability. Results: The results show that the exercise group scored higher on Sternberg’s Memory Task (p .05) after the acute exercise treatment (post) than before it (pre). Similarly, the exercise+VR participants scored higher on the post-intervention memory task than did the exercise and control groups (p .05). Moreover, the exercise+VR group reported higher scores on enjoyment, intention and attitude towards cycling than the exercise group, but this difference was not statistically significant (p .05). Finally, the exercise+VR participants recorded high scores on the usability of the VR system during the acute exercise programme. Conclusions: These findings are in line with those of previous studies, underlining the important roles of exercise and VR environments on youths’ cognitive function.

The effect of the 12-week judo physical activity program on the self-esteem of secondary school students during the COVID-19 period

Background and Study Aim. During the COVID-19 period, participation in physical activity decreased, and at the same time, many psychological problems occurred in children and adolescents. Therefore, this study examines the impact of secondary school students’ participation in regular exercise on their self-esteem.&#x0D; Material and Methods. The research was carried out with an experimental method and sequential design. The study, carried out in 2 sessions, started with the first measurement in November 2021 and ended with the last measurement in January 2022. 46 volunteer students forming the study sample were divided into experimental and control groups. Students in both groups completed the ‘Personal Information Form’ and the ‘Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory’ in the first week and the end of the 12th week. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 17.0 was used for data analysis. First, a descriptive statistical test was conducted to indicate the socio-demographic characteristics of the participants. Then, normality tests (Skewness and Kurtosis) were applied to determine whether the data showed normal distribution, and it was determined that the data showed normal distribution. Finally, the independent sample t-test and Paired Samples t-test were applied because the data met the assumption of normal distribution. The significance level was determined as p&lt;0.05.&#x0D; Results. A statistically significant difference was found between the self-esteem values of the experimental group before the physical activity program and after the exercise sessions. There was no significant difference in the self-esteem levels of the control group pre-test and post-test.&#x0D; Conclusions. In conclusion, this study reveals that participation in 12 weeks of regular exercise significantly increases middle school students’ self-esteem.

Frailty trajectory among community-dwelling middle-aged and older adults in Korea: evidence from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging

BackgroundThere is no study on the frailty trajectory including both middle-aged and older people, and the understanding of the long-term frailty trajectory is insufficient. This study aimed to identify the frailty trajectory, subgroups of the frailty trajectory, and the predictors that differentiate these subgroups among community-dwelling middle-aged and older adults.MethodsThe participants were 9,775 individuals aged 45 years and older who participated in the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (2006–2018). Frailty was measured using a frailty instrument comprising three items: grip strength weakness, exhaustion, and social isolation. Latent growth curve modeling and latent class growth modeling were performed to identify the frailty trajectory and latent classes of the trajectory. Multinomial logistic regression was used to confirm the predictors that classified the latent classes.ResultsOver 12 years, the slope of the frailty trajectory among the participants showed a gradual increase. In addition, there was a difference in the latent class of frailty trajectories among middle-aged and older adults. The middle-aged participants were divided into two groups: maintaining robustness and changing from pre-frailty to robustness. The older adults were divided into three groups: maintaining robustness, maintaining pre-frailty, and changing from the frailty to pre-frailty group. Regular exercise, cognitive dysfunction, and social participation were significant predictors that differentiated each latent class in both middle-aged and older adults; additionally, current smoking and the number of chronic diseases were significant predictors in middle-aged people.ConclusionsVarious subgroups within the frailty trajectory existed among community-dwelling middle-aged and older adults. To reduce frailty, it is necessary to intervene with modifiable factors appropriate for each age group.

Association Between Exercise Self-Efficacy and Health-Related Quality of Life Among Dialysis Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BackgroundExercise self-efficacy is a vital determinant of an individual’s active participation in regular exercise, and exercise is a critical component of improving health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in dialysis patients. This study aimed to describe the relationship between exercise self-efficacy and HRQOL in dialysis patients.Materials and MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in Shanghai, China. Structured questionnaires distributed to the patients collected socio-demographic and disease-related information. Physical activity was assessed by a self-administered questionnaire, and the exercise self-efficacy scale (ESES) was used to measure exercise self-efficacy. HRQOL was evaluated by the kidney disease quality of life instrument-short form version 1.3 (KDQOL-SF™ v1.3). Data were analyzed using a univariate generalized linear model, Spearman correlation, and hierarchical multiple regression.ResultsA positive association was observed between exercise self-efficacy and HRQOL (r = 0.310, p < 0.001). Physical activity as a predictor variable explained 9.8% of the variance in overall HRQOL (p < 0.001). Exercise self-efficacy explained an additional 7.1% of the HRQOL variance. In total, 24.6% of the variation in the HRQOL was explained by the socio-demographic variables, disease-related factors, physical activity, and exercise self-efficacy.ConclusionOverall, only 16.9% of the change in HRQOL was explained by physical activity and exercise self-efficacy. Future research is still needed to further explore the factors influencing the HRQOL in dialysis patients. However, this finding suggests the need to consider the importance of HRQOL and physical activity as well as exercise self-efficacy when developing intervention programs.

Effects of Sex, Training, and Maturity Status on the Cardiopulmonary and Muscle Deoxygenation Responses during Incremental Ramp Exercise.

Whilst participation in regular exercise and sport has generally increased over recent decades globally, fundamental questions remain regarding the influence of growth, maturation, and sex on the magnitude of training response throughout adolescence. Trained (108 participants, 43 girls; age: 14.3 ± 1.8 years) and untrained (108 participants, 43 girls; age: 14.7 ± 1.7 years) adolescents completed an incremental ramp test to exhaustion during which breath by gas exchange, beat-by-beat heart rate (HR), stroke volume (SV) and cardiac output () and muscle deoxygenation were assessed. Device-based physical activity was also assessed over seven consecutive days. Boys, irrespective of training status, had a significantly higher absolute (2.65 ± 0.70 L min−1 vs. 2.01 ± 0.45 L min−1, p < 0.01) and allometrically scaled (183.8 ± 31.4 mL·kg−b min−1 vs. 146.5 ± 28.5 mL·kg−b min−1, p < 0.01) peak oxygen uptake () than girls. There were no sex differences in peak HR, SV or but boys had a higher muscle deoxygenation plateau when expressed against absolute work rate and (p < 0.05). Muscle deoxygenation appears to be more important in determining the sex differences in peak in youth. Future research should examine the effects of sex on the response to different training methodologies in youth.

Association Between Long-Term Regular Exercise and Gut Microbiota Among Middle-Aged and Older Urban Chinese.

Increasing evidence has suggested that physical activity may modulate gut microbiome composition. We investigated associations of long-term regular exercise with gut microbiota among middle-aged and older urban Chinese individuals. Gut microbiota was assessed using 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid gene sequencing of stool samples from 2,151 participants from the Shanghai Women's Health Study and Shanghai Men's Health Study. Participants were free of cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases at the time of stool sample collection. Physical activity was assessed in repeat surveys between 1996 and 2015 using validated questionnaires. Regular exercise was defined as any type of leisure-time physical activity with a standard metabolic equivalent score >3.0. Stool samples were collected using the 95% ethanol method between 2015 and 2018 with an average of 3.0 years (SD = 0.9) after the latest exposure assessment. General linear regression and permutational multivariate analysis of variance were carried out to evaluate associations of microbial α- and β-diversity with regular exercise participation. Logistic regression and linear regression models were used to evaluate the prevalence and relative abundance of individual taxa in association with regular exercise. Regular exercise was significantly associated with β-diversity (Bray-Curtis and Jaccard dissimilarities, both false discovery rates = 0.03%, 0.12% and 0.09% variance explained, respectively) but not with α-diversity. Relative abundance of genus Ruminococcus was significantly lower among regular exercisers compared with nonexercisers (median relative abundance: 0.64% vs. 0.81%, false discovery rate <0.10). Further studies are needed to validate the findings from this study and evaluate health benefits of regular exercise on gut microbiota.