Past Physical Activity Research Articles

Risk Factors of Cognitive Impairment in Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract Background Multiple sclerosis is an immune-mediated neuro-inflammatory and neurodegenerative disease. It affects mostly young adults between 20 and 40 years of age and women about 2–3 times more often than men. Disease severity and prognosis are hard to predict, different disease courses are observed in patients. It is the second most common cause of disability in young adults, and it is one of the costliest chronic diseases. Aim of the Study Our study aims to Asses risk factors affecting cognitive impairment (CI) in MS patients, focusing on risk factors including; Body Mass Index (BMI), Vitamin D level, Smoking and Alcohol and Physical activity. Patients and Methods It is a cross-sectional study carried on 50 patients with definite MS from MS unit at Ain-Shams University with inclusion and exclusion criteria was conducted, where the subjects were assessed regarding their basic demographic data, Body Mass Index (BMI), Vitamin D level, Smoking and Alcohol and Physical activity and correlated these data with their cognitive function where patients were classified to cognitive impaired or cognitive preserved using SDMT scale. Results Patients’ weight, height and BMI showed no significant correlation with the cognitive impairment assessed by SDMT. There was no significant correlation between cognitive impairment assessed by SDMT and smoking, Alcohol intake, BMI, vitamin D level, caffeine intake past or current physical activity. Our study showed a significant correlation between the cognitive impairment and the type of treatment of MS, where patients on 1st line DMD showed the majority of Cognitively preserved patients; 15 out of 18 patients with a percentage of 83.3 % while patients on 2nd line DMD showed the majority of Cognitively impaired patients, 17 patients with a percentage of 53.1 %. And thus could be related to disease progression not type of treatment itself as patients who are on 2nd line DMD are mostly the most progressive. Conclusion Cognitive affection of MS could be part of disease progression itself and not related to risk factors. This exploratory study underscores the complexity of physiopathological mechanisms underlying CI in MS and provides a few clues to further research in this area.

Physical activity and exercise motivation of multiple myeloma patients: a prospective cross-sectional study.

Multiple myeloma (MM) is the second most common hematological malignancy with its prevalence increasing. Patients with symptomatic MM can show numerous comorbidities, affecting their quality of life (QoL). Physical activity (PA) may improve QoL but is not a standardized intervention of comprehensive cancer centers (CCCs). Since data on the PA of patients with MM are scarce, we aimed to prospectively assess fitness levels and patients' motivation to join PA-interventions at our CCC. We generated an exercise questionnaire to interview consecutive patients MM. We prospectively collected data on (a) past and current PA, defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations, (b) knowledge on exercise effects, (c) exercise motivation, and (d) willingness to participate in PA-interventions. Demographics, comorbidities, response, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) were assessed in 211 symptomatic patients MM. While our patients were elderly and most showed bone involvement, their PA was similar to healthy individuals. Aerobic PA (≥ 60 minutes/week) was performed by 65%, and 25% exercised ≥ 150 minutes/week. WHO PA recommendations were fulfilled by 17% of patients. No sport activities or complete physical inactivity were observed in 35% and 16%, respectively. Notably, 38% were motivated to join MM-specific sport interventions. Self-reported knowledge of PA-induced benefits for patients cancer was high (82%), but only 27% knew which exercises were safe to perform. This study provides an overview of the PA of patients MM. Our results suggest that the PA of patients MM might not be much lower than in the age-matched general population.

The contribution and interplay of implicit and explicit processes on physical activity behavior: empirical testing of the physical activity adoption and maintenance (PAAM) model

The adoption and maintenance of physical activity (PA) is an important health behavior. This paper presents the first comprehensive empirical test of the Physical Activity Adoption and Maintenance (PAAM) model, which proposes that a combination of explicit (e.g., intention) and implicit (e.g., habit,, affect) self-regulatory processes is involved in PA adoption and maintenance. Data were collected via online questionnaires in English, German, and Italian at two measurement points four weeks apart. The study included 422 participants (Mage= 25.3, SDage= 10.1; 74.2% women) from Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Canada, and the U.S. The study results largely supported the assumptions of the PAAM model, indicating that intentions and habits significantly mediate the effects of past PA on future PA. In addition, the effect of past PA on future PA was shown to be significant through a mediation chain involving affect and habit. Although the hypothesis that trait self-regulation moderates the intention-behavior relationship was not supported, a significant moderating effect of affect on the same relationship was observed. The results suggest that interventions targeting both explicit and implicit processes may be effective in promoting PA adoption and maintenance.

Qualitative study of the association between psychosocial health and physical activity/sleep quality in toddlers

Physical activity and sleep are important factors of mental and physical health in children, with some reports indicating that their effects can persist into adulthood. However, there is limited research on the qualitative aspects of physical activity and sleep in preschool children, particularly in those aged < 3 years. Therefore, to elucidate the association between psychosocial health and physical activity/sleep in early childhood in terms of qualitative aspects, we conducted a retrospective cohort study in 2985 3-year-old children (37.2 ± 0.75 months) in Shanghai, China. An analysis using structural equation modeling indicated that current physical activity had a direct and moderate impact on current psychosocial health evaluated using the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire. In particular, past physical activity had an indirect and mild effect on current psychosocial health via current physical activity in girls. However, regardless of sex, past sleep quality had slight impact on current psychosocial health, not only indirectly via current sleep quality, but also directly. These findings highlight the importance of considering the qualitative aspects of physical activity and sleep quality as significant factors influencing the current and future psychosocial health of children, even at a very early age (< 3 years).

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY TREND DURING COVID-19 MOVEMENT RESTRICTION ORDER AMONG UiTM STUDENTS

The government of Malaysia has implemented a Movement Restriction Order (MCO) curfew on all citizens to prevent the Covid-19 pandemic from spreading. Studies have suggested that a long period of MCO will decrease overall weekly spending on energy for physical exercise in all age groups, ultimately promoting hypokinetic diseases. This study is interested in identifying the trend of physical activity behaviour changes during the Covid-19 MCO among university students. This study is also interested in comparing the mean score of physical activity level (inactive, minimum active, sufficient level) among samples. One hundred sixty-five (n=165) healthy samples age 19 to 23 years old currently enrolled as students from the Faculty of Sports Science and Recreation, University Teknologi Mara (FSR) answered the international physical activity questionnaire short form (IPAQ-SF) during the MCO period. Self-Reported Physical Activity Level has shown entirely contradicted from previous studies. 78.2% were at a sufficient level of physical activity; meanwhile, 20% were minimum, and 1.8% were reportedly inactive during the MCO period among FSR students. In addition, this study also found the differences of mean score in physical activity for sufficient level was (1438.78 SE=314.83), minimum active (-1268.65 SE=942.55), and inactive (-2707.43 SE=973.21). This study result showed that although, in restriction conditions in MCO, samples were still able to maintain their physical activity behaviour. The past physical activity practice can explain this phenomenon by these samples required throughout the lesson course, which has become a behaviour among these students.

Reasons for sports discontinuation: a retrospective analysis of the physical activity in medical students

Objective: to study the prevalence of school sports activities and the reasons of retirement from sport among first-year medical students.Materials and methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 851 students (577 girls and 274 boys) entered Medical School in the period of 2016-2022 using the questionnaire data.Results: 79.9 % boys responded positively on the question about their past physical activities and sport in comparison with 71.1 % girls (р = 0,0064). At the time of the survey 257 students had retired from sport (40,9 % of all young men involving into sport during school time), more frequent among girls compared with boys (46,6 % and 30,1 % respectively, р = 0,0001). Injures and diseases led to early retirement from sport in 13.2 % of students. The most common reason of sports retirement was other reasons (more than 50 % of students), while the lack of sports success occurred 11–18 times rarer, as were physical difficulties in endurance of sport activities. 34,2 % of the respondents retired from sport noted some health disorders at the questioning moment, the rate of them was significantly higher than among students continuing sport trainings. The same results were obtained in the quantity of subjective health complaints (р &lt; 0,05 for both genders). Correlation analysis revealed that both past (r = 0,10) and present (r = 0,12) physical activity increased the health level (р &lt; 0,05) and also reduced the M. Luscher color test index (r = -0,069 и r = -0,098 respectively).Conclusion: Health disorders remain the common problem among first-year students, however sports activity increases the health level and decreases the psychoemotional strain. Sports injury and health disorders were among the most frequent and differential causes of retirement from sport.

Addressing nutrition and physical activity in substance use disorder treatment: Client reports from a wellness-oriented, tobacco-free policy intervention

IntroductionInterest in wellness interventions in substance use disorder (SUD) treatment is growing although evidence remains limited. This study evaluated nutrition, physical activity, nutrition and physical activity counseling, and relationships of counseling with wellness behavior before and after a wellness-oriented, tobacco-free policy intervention in 17 residential SUD programs. MethodsClients completed cross-sectional surveys reporting sugar-sweetened beverage consumption, physical activity, and receipt of nutrition and physical activity counseling before (n= 434) and after (n = 422) an 18-month intervention. Multivariable regression models assessed pre-post-intervention differences in these variables and examined associations of nutrition counseling with sugar-sweetened beverage consumption and physical activity counseling with physical activity. ResultsPost-intervention clients were 83% more likely than pre-intervention clients to report nutrition counseling (p = 0.024). There were no pre-post- differences for other variables. Past week sugar-sweetened beverage consumption was 22% lower among clients reporting nutrition counseling than for those who did not (p = 0.008) and this association did not vary by time (pre/post). There was a significant interaction of physical activity counseling receipt by time on past week physical activity (p = 0.008). Pre-intervention clients reporting physical activity counseling had 22% higher physical activity than those who did not; post-intervention clients reporting physical activity counseling had 47% higher physical activity. ConclusionA wellness policy intervention was associated with increased nutrition counseling. Nutrition counseling predicted lower sugar-sweetened beverage consumption. Physical activity counseling predicted higher physical activity, an association that was greater post-intervention. Adding wellness components to tobacco-related interventions may promote health among SUD clients.

Predicting Adolescents' Physical Activity Intentions: Testing an Integrated Social Cognition Model.

Few adolescents meet guideline levels of physical activity associated with good health, highlighting the need for intervention. Interventions promoting adolescents' physical activity should be guided by research applying behavioral theory to identify potentially modifiable correlates and associated processes. We applied an integrated social cognition model to identify theory-based constructs and processes that relate to physical activity intentions in a secondary analysis of two samples of Finnish adolescents using a correlational design. Participants in the first sample (n = 455) completed self-report measures of social cognition constructs from theory of planned behavior, habit, self-discipline, and past and current physical activities. Participants in the second sample (n = 3878) completed identical measures plus measures of socio-structural and socio-environmental factors. Participants from the first sample also wore accelerometers for 1week. Hypothesized model effects were tested using variance-based structural equation modeling in data from the first sample and subsequently confirmed in a pre-registered analysis of data from the second sample. Across both samples, habit, attitude, perceived behavioral control, and self-reported past behavior were associated with physical activity intention. Effects of self-reported past physical activity on intention were partially mediated by social cognition constructs. Effects of accelerometer-based physical activity were small by comparison. Effects of socio-structural and socio-environmental factors on intention in the second sample were partially mediated by the social cognition constructs. Results corroborate beliefs and habit as consistent correlates of adolescents' physical activity intentions and provide preliminary evidence that social cognition constructs account for effects of socio-structural and socio-environmental factors on intentions.

Special issue adaptive tools for resilient bones: Biostatistical approaches to past physical activity in osteoarchaeology

AbstractIn this introduction to the special issue, Adaptive Tools for Resilient Bones: Biostatistical Approaches to Past Physical Activity in Osteoarchaeology, we discuss the outcome of the workshop held in Leiden (the Netherlands; November 18–19, 2021). We review statistical approaches to entheseal changes and present a series of new contributions to this field. These research, commentary, and review articles present different statistical approaches to entheseal changes and reflect the current state of research in the field.

Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour with Retirement in Maltese Civil Servants: A Dialectical Mixed-Method Study.

(1) Background: Retirement is a life event that can influence physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour (SB) and can be used as an opportunity to promote positive lifestyle choices. The aims of this study were to (a) to identify changes in PA and SB resulting from retirement and (b) to explore predictors of any changes in PA and SB following retirement in Maltese civil servants. (2) Methods: a hybrid mixed-method (MM) study, using first quantitative followed by qualitative methods, of civil servants aged ≥60 years, who were followed during their retirement transition for two years. A proportion of the research participants in the MM study retired while the others remained employed. Questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were used to collect data. (3) Results: there were no changes in total PA and sitting behaviour with retirement in Maltese civil servants. People who retired carried out more domestic PA compared to when they were in employment, which resulted in more moderate-intensity PA behaviour. People perceived that their sitting time increased with retirement in the qualitative interviews, but this was not observed in the quantitative data. Past PA behaviour was an important predictor of future PA behaviour, but not for SB. (4) Conclusions: A change in PA occurs with the retirement transition. However, the uptake of exercise is a personal choice that is dependent on previous experience. Increasing SB is perceived as part of the retirement plan but is not necessarily seen in the measured quantitative data.

Gender Differences In Sport And Physical Activity Participation In Children With Type 1 Diabetes

It is important for children, youth and young adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D) to meet physical activity (PA) recommendations. Research focusing on sport participation and other forms of PA that are formally organized or not formally organized is limited, especially considering there may be gender differences in sport and PA participation. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify gender differences in sport participation in children, youth and young adults with T1D. We further sought to explore the types of sports and PA that they engaged in and were most important to them, and whether these activities were formally organized. METHODS: The study sample consisted of 194 patients with T1D [14.27 years ±3.63; 96 (50.5%) female] who completed a PA and sport participation survey during their regularly scheduled pediatric endocrinology appointment. Survey data assessing number of sports played within the past year, the sport or PA that they participated in most and/or was the most important to them, and whether that sport or PA was organized by a school or community league were linked to their medical records for gender and age. RESULTS: Spearman’s rank order correlation tests indicated that there was not a statistically significant relationship between gender (females, n = 51, 53.1%; males, n = 59, 60.2%) and sport participation of at least one sport in the previous year, r(192) = .06, p = .407. For females, 8 (8.0%) participated in 3 or more sports while 15 (15.3%) of males participated in 3 or more sports. The most frequently reported sports or PA differed for genders. Walking was reported as most participated in and/or most important sport or PA for females (n = 11; opposed to 2 males) with 10 reported as not organized. CONCLUSIONS: Although there was no significant relationship between gender and sport participation, a strength of this study highlighted that the types of sports and PA that females and males participated in differed in organizational status. Practical implications of this study underscore the importance of understanding the types of sports and PA that children, youth and young adults with T1D participate in so that interventions can be tailored to support their preferences. Organized walking clubs or interventions may benefit female participants in the accruing of PA and management of T1D.

Insulin levels are associated with risk of colon adenoma and not nonadenomatous polyps: A retrospective, hospital-based study

Recently, the prevalence of colorectal cancer has been increasing in Korea. Several studies have reported that adenomatous polyps, known as precancerous lesions, are associated with increased blood insulin levels. The principal objective of the present study was to examine the correlation between insulin levels and colon polyps in subjects without a history of diabetes or colorectal cancer. From January 2, 2018 to December 31, 2019, 3277 adults who visited the University Hospital Health Examination Center and underwent colonoscopy were included in this study. Insulin, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and fasting blood glucose levels were measured, and past medical history, alcohol consumption, smoking, and physical activity were assessed using self-administered questionnaires. Among the 3277 subjects, the prevalence of adenomatous and nonadenomatous lesions were 22.2% and 11.5%, respectively. The mean values of insulin, HbA1c, and fasting blood glucose were significantly increased in the adenomatous and nonadenomatous polyp groups compared to the normal group. Logistic regression analysis showed that the risk of adenoma (odds ratio [OR] 1.483; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.170–1.878) and nonadenomatous polyps (OR 1.415; 95% CI, 1.038–1.929) were increased in the high insulin level group (≥7.36 uIU/mL), and only the risk of adenoma (OR 1.312; 95% CI, 1.003–1.718) was significantly higher after adjustment for disturbance variables. This study suggests that an increase in insulin levels is a significant risk factor for colon adenoma.

A machine learning investigation into the temporal dynamics of physical activity-mediated emotional regulation in adolescents with anorexia nervosa and healthy controls.

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is commonly experienced alongside difficulties of emotion regulation (ER). Previous works identified physical activity (PA) as a mechanism for AN sufferers to achieve desired affective states, with evidence towards mitigation of negative affect. However, temporal associations of PA with specific emotional state outcomes are unknown. Using lag-ensemble machine learning and feature importance analyses, 888 affect-based ecological momentary assessments across N = 75 adolescents with AN (N = 44) and healthy controls (N = 31) were analysed to explore significance of past PA, measured through passively collected wrist-worn actigraphy, with subsequent self-report momentary affect change across 9 affect constructs. Among AN adolescents, later lags (≥2.5h) were important in predicting change across negative emotions (hostility, sadness, fear, guilt). AN-specific model performance on held-out test data revealed the holistic "negative affect" construct as significantly predictable. Only joviality and self-assurance, both positively-valenced constructs, were significantly predictable among healthy-control-specific models. Results recapitulated previous findings regarding the importance of PA in negative ER for AN individuals. Moreover, PA was found to play a uniquely prominent role in predicting negative affect 4.5-6h later among AN adolescents. Future research into the PA-ER dynamic will benefit from targeting specific negative emotions across greater temporal scales.

A Protection Motivation Theory Approach to Understanding How Fear of Falling Affects Physical Activity Determinants in Older Adults.

This study applied an extended Protection Motivation Theory to investigate the relative importance of fear of falling (FoF) among motivational and intentional determinants of physical activity (PA) behavior. Older U.S. adults (N = 667, 65+) were surveyed using online research panels and completed measures of self-efficacy and response efficacy (coping appraisal), perceived vulnerability and perceived severity (threat appraisal), FoF, autonomous motivation, intention, physical health, and past PA level. Our structural equation model showed that past PA level and health predicted intention via cognitive constructs. PA and health predicted FoF and motivation via threat and coping appraisal. FoF did not directly predict intention. Results from this sample provide support for the predictive effects of threat appraisal on fear. However, findings suggest that FoF may not be of great importance for the formation of PA intention compared with an established habit of being physically active and a subsequently fostered coping appraisal and motivation.

CRITERION, CONSTRUCT AND FACTORIAL VALIDITY OF THE GREEK VERSION OF THE INTERNATIONAL PHYSICAL ACTIVITY QUESTIONNAIRE-SHORT FORM (IPAQ-SF)

&lt;p&gt;The current study investigated the validity of the Greek version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-short form (IPAQ-SF, seven days recall period, Craig et al., 2003). Specifically, criterion and construct validity were examined in a sample of 120 adults (&lt;em&gt;M&lt;/em&gt; ± &lt;em&gt;SD&lt;/em&gt; = 30.52 ± 14.87 years). In addition, factorial validity and internal consistency were examined in a second sample of 726 physically active adults (&lt;em&gt;M&lt;/em&gt; ± &lt;em&gt;SD&lt;/em&gt; = 38.80 ± 13.64 years). Further, associations were examined among the IPAQ-SF, exercise self-efficacy, body mass index and various socio-demographic variables. The statistical analyses indicated: (a) acceptable validity coefficients and factorial validity of the IPAQ, (b) acceptable internal consistency, (c) higher physical activity values in men compared to women and in athletes compared to non-athletes, (d) positive correlations between physical activity levels, exercise self-efficacy and past physical activity and (e) negative correlations among physical activity, age, number of children and body mass index. The Greek version of the IPAQ-SF was valid and therefore, could be useful for assessing physical activity.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt; Article visualizations:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src="/-counters-/edu_01/0333/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Older adults' physical activity after lockdown: Testing the health action process approach and the moderating role of fear of Covid-19.

The coronavirus pandemic has influenced many lives, particularly older adults'. Although isolation protects from infection, health behaviors like physical activity (PA) are important to reinstate after lockdown. However, fear of Covid‐19 may act as a barrier, for example, by preventing people from going outside. Based on the health action process approach (HAPA), we investigated whether and why older adults' PA changed after lockdown, and whether fear of Covid‐19 moderates the intention–behavior relationship. Participants of this longitudinal study aged 65+ from German‐speaking Europe completed an online questionnaire about their PA, fear of Covid‐19, and HAPA factors in April and May 2020. Data were analyzed using multiple linear regressions. Results showed that moderate to vigorous activity (MVPA) remained stable after lockdown and that self‐efficacy most robustly influenced the intention to be active. PA was not explained by any volitional factor but was strongly related to past PA. Interestingly, the relationship of past and future MVPA was attenuated by fear of Covid‐19, but this finding was not robust when outliers were removed. In conclusion, self‐efficacy is the most important motivator for PA in older adults after an interruption like a lockdown. Strong physical activity habits may facilitate PA after a period of isolation.

Asociación de la actividad física con la funcionalidad de las lipoproteínas de alta densidad en una cohorte de base poblacional: el estudio REGICOR

Introduction and objectivesTo determine the dose-response association between current and past leisure-time physical activity (LTPA), total and at different intensities, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) functionality parameters. MethodsStudy participants (n=642) were randomly drawn from a large population-based survey. Mean age of the participants was 63.2 years and 51.1% were women. The analysis included data from a baseline and a follow-up visit (median follow-up, 4 years). LTPA was assessed using validated questionnaires at both visits. Two main HDL functions were assessed: cholesterol efflux capacity and HDL antioxidant capacity, at the follow-up visit. Linear regression and linear additive models were used to assess the linear and nonlinear association between LTPA and HDL functionality. ResultsTotal LTPA at follow-up showed an inverse and linear relationship between 0 and 400 METs x min/d with HDL antioxidant capacity (regression coefficient [beta]: −0.022; 95%CI, −0.030, −0.013), with a plateau above this threshold. The results were similar for moderate (beta: −0.028; 95%CI, −0.049, −0.007) and vigorous (beta: −0.025; 95%CI, −0.043, −0.007), but not for light-intensity LTPA. LTPA at follow-up was not associated with cholesterol efflux capacity. Baseline LTPA was not associated with any of the HDL functionality parameters analyzed. ConclusionsCurrent moderate and vigorous LTPA showed a nonlinear association with higher HDL antioxidant capacity. Maximal benefit was observed with low-intermediate doses of total LTPA (up to 400 METs x min/d). Our results agree with current recommendations for moderate-vigorous LTPA practice and suggest an association between PA and HDL functionality in the general population.Full English text available from:www.revespcardiol.org/en

Association of physical activity with high-density lipoprotein functionality in a population-based cohort: the REGICOR study

Introduction and objectivesTo determine the dose-response association between current and past leisure-time physical activity (LTPA), total and at different intensities, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) functionality parameters. MethodsStudy participants (n=642) were randomly drawn from a large population-based survey. Mean age of the participants was 63.2 years and 51.1% were women. The analysis included data from a baseline and a follow-up visit (median follow-up, 4 years). LTPA was assessed using validated questionnaires at both visits. Two main HDL functions were assessed: cholesterol efflux capacity and HDL antioxidant capacity, at the follow-up visit. Linear regression and linear additive models were used to assess the linear and nonlinear association between LTPA and HDL functionality. ResultsTotal LTPA at follow-up showed an inverse and linear relationship between 0 and 400 METs x min/d with HDL antioxidant capacity (regression coefficient [beta]: −0.022; 95%CI, −0.030, −0.013), with a plateau above this threshold. The results were similar for moderate (beta: −0.028; 95%CI, −0.049, −0.007) and vigorous (beta: −0.025; 95%CI, −0.043, −0.007), but not for light-intensity LTPA. LTPA at follow-up was not associated with cholesterol efflux capacity. Baseline LTPA was not associated with any of the HDL functionality parameters analyzed. ConclusionsCurrent moderate and vigorous LTPA showed a nonlinear association with higher HDL antioxidant capacity. Maximal benefit was observed with low-intermediate doses of total LTPA (up to 400 METs x min/d). Our results agree with current recommendations for moderate-vigorous LTPA practice and suggest an association between PA and HDL functionality in the general population.

FV 11 Physical activity at youth is associated with the strength of connectivity in subcortical locomotor and motor networks: A resting-state fMRI study

Background: In the face of aging and neurological disease some people show better motor function than others despite similar structural preconditions of the nervous system, suggesting the existence of a reserve that enables them to compensate for damages. Previous work in stroke patients has identified connections between regions of the subcortical locomotor and motor networks that are strongly linked to better motor outcome. Objective: To identify associations between resting-state functional connectivity (rs-FC) between regions of the subcortical locomotor and motor networks, performance in a visuomotor adaptation task, and current as well as past physical activity. Methods: In this preliminary study, 11 neurologically healthy individuals (mean age: 43 [21-63]; 55% female) were included. High-resolution T1-weighted MRI was acquired to quantify brain atrophy, and resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) of the motor network was assessed. A visuomotor adaptation task (VAT) was used as a measure of current adaptive performance. The main measure of adaptive performance were the rates of adaptation and deadaptation. This was measured as the rate of change in error between the start of the adaptation/deadaptation phase and the plateau. The plateau range was determined as the mean ± standard deviation of the last 32 trials. Plateaus were defined as the trial in which subsequent 5 trials fell within the plateau range. Additionally, subjects reported their current and past physical activity. Relationships between regional brain volumes, rsFC values, VAT measures, and reported physical activity were evaluated using Spearman’s partial correlations with age as a covariate. Results: Physical activity between ages 14 and 21 was strongly correlated with connectivity between right premotor area (PMA) and left supplementary motor area (SMA) (r=0.89, p=0.001), right PMA and left M1 (r=0.85, p=0.004), left SMA and left PMA (r=0.85, p<0.001), and pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN) and right superior frontal gyrus (SFG) (r=0.85, p<0.001). The rate of deadaptation positively correlated with the volume of the right M1 and right SMA (r=0.70, p=0.023; r=0.69, p=0.027). Conclusion: The present pilot study indicates that physical activity at ages 14-21 may turn out to be an important determinant of individual motor network efficiency. Further steps of analysis will be done to investigate the link between locomotor adaptation rates and motor adaptive capacity. This may ultimately enable us to assess quantitative aspects of the individual motor reserve and to further understand its contribution to successful adaptation to ageing and disease.

The importance of prototype similarity for physical activity: Cross-sectional and longitudinal associations in a large sample of young adolescents.

ObjectivesPhysical activity declines during adolescence. The Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) is a useful framework for investigating activity but leaves variance unexplained. We explored the utility of a dual‐process approach using the TPB and the Prototype Willingness Model (PWM) to investigate correlates of physical activity, and 1‐year change in physical activity, among a large sample of adolescents.DesignA cross‐sectional and longitudinal analysis of baseline and follow‐up data from the Fit to Study cluster‐randomized trial.MethodsA total of 9,699 secondary school pupils at baseline and 4,632 at follow‐up (mean age = 12.5 years) completed measures of past week physical activity and constructs from both behaviour‐change models, at time‐points 1 year apart. Cross‐sectional analyses used multilevel, stepwise regression models to measure the strength of associations between model constructs and physical activity, and variance in behaviour explained by PWM over and above TPB. In longitudinal analyses, change scores were calculated by subtracting follow‐up from baseline scores. Models controlling for trial treatment status measured the strength of associations between change scores, and variance explained.ResultsAt baseline, after controlling for past behaviour, physically active prototype similarity had the strongest relationship with activity after the intention to be active. Change in prototype similarity had the strongest relationship with change in activity after the change in intention and attitudes. Prototype perceptions and willingness explained additional variance in behaviour.ConclusionA dual‐process model incorporating prototype perceptions could more usefully predict physical activity than models based on rational expectations alone. Behaviour‐change interventions promoting an active self‐image could be tested for effects on physical activity.