Physical Activity Guidelines For Adults Research Articles

Enhancing Awareness of Physical Activity Guidelines among Saudi College Students: The 150 Minutes Program

Objective. This study evaluates the effectiveness of the “150 Minutes Program” in increasing awareness and fostering positive behavior changes regarding recommended physical activity guidelines among Saudi college students. Initiated as part of the national “Sports for All Challenge,” this program targets college students to improve their understanding of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ physical activity guidelines. Methods. Engaging over 250 Saudi college students from 17 student groups across the United States, the program employs two intervention strategies: a general awareness campaign and the application of physical activity guidelines tailored to the Saudi student community. The study assesses the program’s impact through pre-/post-surveys, evaluating changes in participants’ awareness levels and physical activity behaviors. Results. A total of 110 participants completed either the presurvey (n = 35) or postsurvey (n = 75). Results indicate a significant rise in participants’ awareness of recommended physical activity guidelines, increasing from an initial 4% to 22.9%. Postprogram surveys reveal positive shifts in physical activity behaviors, with 51.4% of participants meeting adult physical activity guidelines, compared to 40% before the program. The average physical activity levels also demonstrated an increase. Conclusion. The 150 Minutes Program proves effective not only in enhancing awareness but also in instigating positive physical activity behavior changes among Saudi college students. The study contributes valuable insights to the evolving landscape of physical activity interventions within college populations, emphasizing the need for targeted programs, and collaborations with student organizations to ensure sustained impact and scalability.

Obesity Concerns and the Future of a Nation's Health: A Cross-Sectional Study of Physical Activity and Related Awareness of Doctors-in-The-Making, Staff, and Faculty in a Saudi Arabian Medical College.

Saudi Arabian population has amongst the highest prevalence of obesity globally. Apart from nutritional measures, physical activity is considered a major modifiable risk factor for the prevention of obesity and its consequences. An insight into the physical activity and awareness parameters of healthcare professionals and those in the making can provide an insight into how prepared we are to deal with the epidemic of non-communicable diseases. The aim of this study is to find out about the degree of physical activity undertaken by the medical students, faculty and staff at the College of Medicine, King Khalid University, as well as their awareness regarding physical activity guidelines. This study surveyed 300 adult participants - medical students, faculty and staff - in the College of Medicine, King Khalid University. An international validated questionnaire was used to assess the physical activity profile of participants as well as BMI parameters. Moreover, awareness and knowledge of the recommended physical activity guidelines for adults were also assessed. The study participants comprised around 83% students, 9% faculty members, and 7% staff members. Around 55% of the participants were male, while the rest were female. More than 65% of participants across all categories reported low levels of physical activity, with only about 4.5% of participants across various age groups reporting high levels of physical activity. There was no significant difference by gender across the group (P value = 0.227). Only 17% of the study participants were knowledgeable of the recommended physical activity guidelines for adults. We found a low level of physical activity as well as inadequate awareness about the physical activity guidelines amongst our study participants. This study reiterates the urgent need for well-researched and well-funded health promoting interventions to promote physical activity, especially in the context of health professions' education.

Longitudinal change in physical activity and adiposity in the transition from adolescence to early adulthood: the 1993 Pelotas cohort study

BackgroundIn the current Physical Activity Guidelines (PAG) for moderate- and vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA), abrupt transition from ≥ 60 min/day [youth PAG] to ≥ 150 min/week (≥ 22 min/day on average) [adult PAG] during emerging adulthood is poorly justified. The aim of this study was to examine body fat mass changes according to whether meeting the youth and adult PAGs in late adolescence (age 18 years) to early adulthood (age 22 years).MethodsThe study sample included 2,099 participants (1,113 females) from the 1993 Pelotas (Brazil) Study. At ages 18 and 22 years, MVPA was measured using wrist-worn accelerometry and fat mass was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. MVPA at age 18 was categorized into two groups: 0–59 or ≥ 60 min/day (no [N] or yes [Y] for meeting the youth recommendation, respectively). MVPA at age 22 was categorized into three groups: 0–21, 22–59, or ≥ 60 min/day (N, Y22, or Y60 for not meeting the adult recommendation, meeting the adult recommendation, or meeting the youth recommendation, respectively). The combination of these groups created six MVPA groups (N&N, N&Y22, N&Y60, Y&N, Y&Y22, and Y&Y60). Sex-specific multivariable linear regression analyses were conducted to estimate change in fat mass index (FMI) from age 18 to 22 years in the six MVPA groups.ResultsAmong males, compared to Y&Y60 (FMI increase = 1.2 kg/m2 [95% CI = 1.0, 1.4]), Y&Y22 and Y&N had larger FMI increases (1.9 [1.6, 2.1] and 1.9 [1.2, 2.5], respectively). Among females, Y&Y60 and Y&Y22 had an equal FMI increase (1.6 [1.4, 1.9] for both groups), while Y&N had a larger FMI increase (2.4 [1.8, 3.0]).ConclusionsThese findings suggest that among those who were active in late adolescence, engaging in ≥ 22 min/day of MVPA in adulthood is associated with lower body fat gain for females, but not for males.

Use of a novel flipped classroom intervention to increase medical students’ knowledge of physical activity guidelines

Background: It is important medical students, as tomorrow’s doctors, have knowledge of physical activity (PA) guidelines. Previous data suggests only 14.9% of medical students knew adult PA guidelines. This study aimed to assess how a novel flipped classroom intervention impacted undergraduate medical students’ knowledge of PA guidelines and their confidence applying these in clinical practice. Methods and Results: This study utilised a prospective repeat measures quantitative design to evaluate the educational intervention. Survey results of the intervention group were compared to the comparison group. 45% of students who received the intervention knew adult guidelines, compared to 12% of students who did not receive the intervention (χ²(2, N = 244) = 33.07, p < 0.001). 39% of the intervention group knew child guidelines, compared to 20% who did not receive the intervention (χ²(2, N = 244) = 10.59, p = 0.001). The intervention group felt more confident in PA training and asked for less PA training in the future. Conclusion: The results suggest a flipped classroom intervention had a positive impact on medical students’ knowledge of PA guidelines, and confidence in PA training. Further research is required to assess longer-term impacts of this teaching and follow-up the same year group pre- and post-intervention.

Experiences and perceived outcomes of persons with multiple sclerosis from participating in a randomized controlled trial testing implementation of the Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines for Adults with MS: an embedded qualitative study

Purpose To describe the experiences and outcomes of participants who enrolled in a randomized controlled trial testing implementation of the Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines for Adults with Multiple Sclerosis. Materials and methods Fifty-six persons with MS who enrolled in the trial participated in the current study which involved a semi-structured interview at 16-week follow-up. Interview data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results Of the 56 participants, 26 ended up enrolling in a community-based exercise program specialized for persons with multiple sclerosis (MS), 7 joined another gym, 4 trained at home, and 17 took part in no specific program. Across all study participants, positive outcomes were reported across a number of domains including mental function, knowledge about the physical activity (PA) and MS, physical function, advocacy of PA to peers, daily participation, and body awareness. For those who enrolled in the community-based program, having a supportive and inclusive environment was critical to their PA experiences. Furthermore, environmental supports, particularly knowledgeable and supportive trainers and similar peers, contributed largely to the positive mental changes and increased knowledge gained. Conclusions Our study provides support for the promotion of PA in persons with MS and the development of community-based programs adapted for people with MS. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION Engaging in regular physical activity is associated with many positive benefits and outcomes for people with MS. Supportive elements such as a community of peers who also have MS, adaptive equipment, and trainers who are knowledgeable about MS are especially important for creating positive experiences including enjoyment from and desire to engage in regular physical activity. This study provides support for further advocacy (e.g., by persons with MS directly) and referral to community-based exercise programs adapted for people with MS.

Many physiotherapists lack preparedness to prescribe physical activity and exercise to people with musculoskeletal pain: A multi-national survey

ObjectivesDetermine physiotherapists’ (i) awareness of physical activity, and exercise prescription guidelines; (ii) perceived role, knowledge, confidence, skills and training in prescribing and progressing aerobic exercise and resistance training to people with musculoskeletal pain; (iii) professional development preferences; and (iv) perceived influences of external factors on exercise prescription for people with musculoskeletal pain. DesignMulti-national cross-sectional survey. MethodsAn open online survey was developed specifically for this study. Results1,352 physiotherapists from 56 countries participated. The majority of respondents correctly stated physical activity guidelines for adults (60%) and children (53%), but only 37% correctly stated guidelines for older adults. Eleven percent and 16% could name an accepted guideline for aerobic exercise and resistance training, respectively. Most agreed their role included prescribing aerobic exercise (75%) and resistance training (89%). Fewer reported they had the confidence, training or skills to prescribe aerobic exercise (38–50%) and resistance training (49–70%). Workshops were the most preferred (44%) professional development option. Most respondents believed appointment scheduling and access to equipment and professional development (62–79%) affected their ability to prescribe effective exercise. ConclusionMany physiotherapists lack knowledge and training to provide physical activity advice, and to prescribe aerobic exercise and resistance training to people with musculoskeletal pain.

"How Come You Sent Me the Canadian One?" Application and Uptake of the Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines for Adults With Multiple Sclerosis in the United States.

The uptake and benefits of the Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines for Adults with Multiple Sclerosis (PAGs) have been validated, but there is limited understanding regarding the knowledge, needs, and preferences of people with multiple sclerosis (MS) for implementing the PAGs outside of clinical research. The authors conducted online, semistructured interviews with 40 persons with MS from across the United States seeking information on awareness of and potential approaches for increasing the uptake of the PAGs. They identified first impressions and potential approaches for increasing the uptake of the PAGs through inductive, semantic thematic analysis. Participants perceived the PAGs as a good introduction for structured exercise but desired more information on how to meet the PAGs. Participants further believed that modifying the PAGs for inclusivity and applying a multifaceted approach for dissemination and implementation may increase uptake of exercise behavior. Physical activity research in MS should include both analyzing the effects of exercise and the unique challenges faced by persons with MS in putting the PAGs into practice.

Perception and promotion of physical activity by clinical and academic physical therapists among patients and students

Aim: Physiotherapists are well-positioned to promote physically active lifestyles as primary health-care providers, but their function and practice in this regard among patients and students have yet to be thoroughly examined. The aim of this study was to determine the knowledge and practice of promoting physical activity by both clinical and academic physiotherapists among patients and students. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from Jan to March 2020 in different tertiary care hospitals of Karachi and University of Karachi using nonprobability convenience sampling technique. A total of 100 sample data were collected. Questionnaire was based on knowledge, perception, promotion, and barriers of recommended physical activity. Findings: A total number of 100 participants enrolled in the study; academician (n = 19), clinician physiotherapist (n = 48) and both (n = 33). Total 84.2% of academic physiotherapists, 66% clinical therapists, and 69.7% of both were aware of physical activity guidelines for adults. Brief counseling sessions were preferred as highly feasible by 36.8% of academic therapists and 35.4% by clinical physiotherapists. Clinician physiotherapists were found to be feeling more confident in suggesting specific physical activity programs among others (P = 0.02). Conclusion: It was concluded that academic therapists, clinical therapists who worked at both sites had knowledge of standard physical therapist guidelines whereas clinical and both categories physical therapists were found to be promoting physical activity the most.

Physical Activity Recommendations for Adults in Yemen

Background: Physical inactivity is one of the most crucial global problems in spite of the approved impact of physical activity in enhancing health and preventing NCDs, osteoporosis and many other diseases. Thus, WHO encouraged the countries to set their own physical activity guidelines based on the international physical activity recommendations, however, many countries do not have their national Physical activity recommendations such as Yemen in Eastern Mediterranean Region.Objectives: To suggest proper physical activity recommendations for adults in Yemen based on physical activity recommendations in different countries in WHO regions particularly the Eastern Mediterranean Region.Discussion: Prevalence of national physical activity guidelines and physical activity factors vary among WHO regions. The absence of physical activity recommendations and statistical data in Yemen is obvious and surveillance using validated tools should be done to assess the recent PA and related factors. However, although Yemen has its own issues such as Khat chewing habit and conflict, it shares many factors with other Eastern Mediterranean Region countries in general and Qatar in particular such as unsupportive physical activity environment and limited outdoor activities for women. Conclusion: Qatar national physical activity guidelines can be suggested as applicable and affordable guidelines for adults in Yemen. According to Qatar guidelines, adults should do (30–60) min of moderate exercise ≥ 5 days per week or (20–60) min of vigorous exercise for ≥3 days per week and in case of promoting or maintaining weight loss, they should do (50-60) minutes daily exercise. Many studies should be done to assess recent physical activity and related barriers to draw evidence-based physical activity guidelines for adults in Yemen.Background: Physical inactivity is one of the most crucial global problems in spite of the approved impact of physical activity in enhancing health and preventing NCDs, osteoporosis and many other diseases. Thus, WHO encouraged the countries to set their own physical activity guidelines based on the international physical activity recommendations, however, many countries do not have their national Physical activity recommendations such as Yemen in Eastern Mediterranean Region.Objectives: To suggest proper physical activity recommendations for adults in Yemen based on physical activity recommendations in different countries in WHO regions particularly the Eastern Mediterranean Region.Discussion: Prevalence of national physical activity guidelines and physical activity factors vary among WHO regions. The absence of physical activity recommendations and statistical data in Yemen is obvious and surveillance using validated tools should be done to assess the recent PA and related factors. However, although Yemen has its own issues such as Khat chewing habit and conflict, it shares many factors with other Eastern Mediterranean Region countries in general and Qatar in particular such as unsupportive physical activity environment and limited outdoor activities for women. Conclusion: Qatar national physical activity guidelines can be suggested as applicable and affordable guidelines for adults in Yemen. According to Qatar guidelines, adults should do (30–60) min of moderate exercise ≥ 5 days per week or (20–60) min of vigorous exercise for ≥3 days per week and in case of promoting or maintaining weight loss, they should do (50-60) minutes daily exercise. Many studies should be done to assess recent physical activity and related barriers to draw evidence-based physical activity guidelines for adults in Yemen.

Effects of an Activity Tracker and App Intervention to Increase Physical Activity in Whole Families-The Step It Up Family Feasibility Study.

(1) Background: Interventions using activity trackers and smartphone apps have demonstrated their ability to increase physical activity in children and adults. However, they have not been tested in whole families. Further, few family-centered interventions have actively involved both parents and assessed physical activity effects separately for children, mothers and fathers. Objective: To examine the feasibility and short-term effects of an activity tracker and app intervention to increase physical activity in the whole family (children, mothers and fathers). (2) Methods: This was a single-arm feasibility study with pre-post intervention measures. Between 2017–2018, 40 families (58 children aged 6–10 years, 39 mothers, 33 fathers) participated in the 6-week Step it Up Family program in Queensland, Australia. Using commercial activity trackers combined with apps (Garmin Vivofit Jr for children, Vivofit 3 for adults; Garmin Australasia Pty Ltd., Sydney, Australia), the intervention included individual and family-level goal-setting, self-monitoring, performance feedback, family step challenges, family social support and modelling, weekly motivational text messages and an introductory session. Parent surveys were used to assess physical activity effects measured as pre-post intervention changes in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in children, mothers and fathers. Objective Garmin activity tracker data was recorded to assess physical activity levels (steps, active minutes) during the intervention. (3) Results: Thirty-eight families completed the post intervention survey (95% retention). At post intervention, MVPA had increased in children by 58 min/day (boys: 54 min/day, girls: 62 min/day; all p < 0.001). In mothers, MVPA increased by 27 min/day (p < 0.001) and in fathers, it increased by 31 min/day (p < 0.001). The percentage of children meeting Australia’s physical activity guidelines for children (≥60 MVPA min/day) increased from 34% to 89% (p < 0.001). The percentage of mothers and fathers meeting Australia’s physical activity guidelines for adults (≥150 MVPA min/week) increased from 8% to 57% (p < 0.001) in mothers and from 21% to 68% (p < 0.001) in fathers. The percentage of families with ‘at least one child and both parents’ meeting the physical activity guidelines increased from 0% to 41% (p < 0.001). Objective activity tracker data recorded during the intervention showed that the mean (SD) number of active minutes per day in children was 82.1 (17.1). Further, the mean (SD) steps per day was 9590.7 (2425.3) in children, 7397.5 (1954.2) in mothers and 8161.7 (3370.3) in fathers. (4) Conclusions: Acknowledging the uncontrolled study design, the large pre-post changes in MVPA and rather high step counts recorded during the intervention suggest that an activity tracker and app intervention can increase physical activity in whole families. The Step it Up Family program warrants further efficacy testing in a larger, randomized controlled trial.

Austrian Physical Activity Guidelines for Adults and Older Adults with and without Physical, Sensory, or Mental Disabilities, as well as for Adults with Chronic Diseases

ZusammenfassungEs ist wissenschaftlich überzeugend belegt, dass durch regelmäßige Bewegung die körperliche, psychische und geistige Gesundheit positiv beeinflusst wird. Zielgruppenspezifisch formulierte Empfehlungen sind ein erster wesentlicher Baustein zur Förderung von Bewegung in der Bevölkerung. In diesem Beitrag werden die aktualisierten Österreichischen Bewegungsempfehlungen für Erwachsene und ältere Erwachsene ohne und mit Körper-, Sinnes- oder Mentalbehinderung sowie für erwachsene Menschen mit chronischen Erkrankungen vorgestellt und deren Inhalte kommentiert. Als wissenschaftliche Grundlage und Vorlage dafür wurden die umfangreiche Literaturaufbereitung aus den USA sowie die daraus resultierenden Bewegungsempfehlungen verwendet. Neu in Österreich wurden Bewegungsempfehlungen für die Zielgruppe „Menschen mit chronischen Erkrankungen“ erstellt. Weiter werden keine separaten Bewegungsempfehlungen für Menschen mit Behinderung verfasst, sondern die Bewegungsempfehlungen wurden für Erwachsene und ältere Erwachsene ohne und mit Behinderung formuliert. Statt der Nennung eines Schwellenwertes zur Unterscheidung zwischen Bewegungsempfehlungen erfüllt/nicht erfüllt, wird neu empfohlen, zwischen 150 bis 300 Minuten Bewegung mit mittlerer Intensität auszuüben. Mit der Nennung der Empfehlungen für muskelkräftigende Übungen vor den ausdauerorientierten Bewegungsempfehlungen wird auf die Wichtigkeit muskelkräftigender Aktivitäten aufmerksam gemacht. Nachdrücklich wird darauf hingewiesen, sitzende Tätigkeiten immer wieder zu unterbrechen. Die Veröffentlichung von Bewegungsempfehlungen ist eine von vielen Strategien zur Gesundheitsförderung durch Bewegung. In der Umsetzung erfolgreich werden wir nur sein, wenn alle Bevölkerungsgruppen faire Möglichkeiten bekommen, Bewegungskompetenz zu erwerben und bewegungsfreundliche Rahmenbedingungen zur regelmäßigen Ausübung von Bewegung geschaffen werden.

Integrating physical activity promotion into UK medical school curricula: testing the feasibility of an educational tool developed by the Faculty of Sports and Exercise Medicine

BackgroundAt present education on exercise medicine and physical activity (PA) promotion does not feature heavily within the medical curriculum.ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to test the feasibility of a...

Benefits of Adhering to the Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines for Adults with Multiple Sclerosis Beyond Aerobic Fitness and Strength.

The Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines for Adults with Multiple Sclerosis (PAGs) were released in 2013 but have yet to be validated. We aimed to test the effectiveness of the PAGs in improving fitness, mobility, fatigue symptoms, and quality of life (QOL) in a large cohort of adults with multiple sclerosis (MS). As part of an ongoing randomized controlled trial examining implementation of the PAGs, participants were randomized to either a direct referral group (physician referral to an exercise program following the PAGs; n = 42) or a control group (provided a print copy of the PAGs; n = 37). Physical activity behavior was assessed through weekly physical activity logs. Fitness, mobility, fatigue symptoms, and QOL were assessed at baseline and after 16 weeks. Participants were categorized as either PAG adherers (n = 30) or nonadherers (n = 49) to the PAGs based on achieving the weekly exercise recommendations at least 75% of the time. Adherence to the PAGs was twice as high in the referral group compared with the control group. Adherers experienced significantly greater improvements in peak oxygen consumption (29%), strength (7%-18%), mobility (16%), fatigue symptoms (-36%), and QOL (17%-22%) compared with nonadherers (P < .05). Following the PAGs for at least 12 of 16 weeks results in improvements in fitness, mobility, fatigue symptoms, and QOL, confirming their effectiveness for improving health in people with MS.

Physician referral improves adherence to the physical activity guidelines for adults with MS: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundCommitment and adherence to community-based physical activity can be a challenge for clinical populations. The aim of this study was to explore the effectiveness of physician referral on adherence to the Physical Activity Guidelines (PAGs) for adults with MS. MethodsNinety-one participants with MS (age: 47.9 ± 10.4 years, EDSS score: 3.5 ± 1.8) were randomized into a direct referral to PAGs from a physician (REF) or control (CON) group (given a print copy of PAGs). After 16 weeks participants were categorized as either PAG “Adherers” (n = =30) or “Non-Adherers” (n = =49), based on achieving an adherence rate of ≥ 75%. ResultsAdherence to the PAGs was significantly higher in REF (68.0 ± 28.6%) compared with CON (35.1 ± 35.0%) (p < 0.05). There were no differences in EDSS scores, time since diagnosis, fitness, fatigue, mobility or QOL between those who adhered or did not adhere to the PAGs (p > 0.05), but greater self-efficacy for exercise at baseline was associated with higher adherence (p < 0.0001). InterpretationDirect referral to physical activity from a physician is twice as effective as simply providing information about physical activity for adherence to the PAG in people with MS. As physical activity is recognized as an effective therapeutic option for adults with MS it is important that physicians play a role in prescribing it to their patients. Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02100020

Testing compliance to WHO guidelines for physical activity in Flanders: insights from time-use diaries

BackgroundRegular physical activity decreases the risk for numerous non-communicable diseases. The World Health Organization has suggested physical activity (PA) guidelines that, based on previous research, would provide health benefits to those who comply. The first guideline for health benefits suggests 150 min of moderate PA or equivalent per week. The guideline for additional health benefits suggests 300 min of PA or equivalent per week. The objective of this paper is to analyze to what extent these two WHO PA guidelines for adults are met in the Belgian region of Flanders. Furthermore, we are interested to see which groups are more or less likely to meet the PA guidelines.MethodsCrosstables and logistic regressions are used on a sample of 3028 adults in the Belgian region of Flanders. All respondents filled in a 7-day time-diary in which they continuously recorded all their activities.ResultsFirstly, men are more likely than women to comply to both PA guidelines. Secondly, living with a partner increases the odds to comply to the guidelines. For men, this is the case for both guidelines, while for women, this only applies to the first guideline. Thirdly, women with a young child have lower odds to comply to the guidelines, while having a young child doesn’t have an effect for men.ConclusionPrevious research on meeting PA guidelines in Flanders shows diverging results. Time-diary data allows researchers to strictly follow the WHO definition when operationalizing compliance to PA guidelines. There is a need for future research that combines time-diaries with a PA questionnaire and accelerometer data to gain more insights on the benefits and pitfalls of both methodologies.

Black Seventh-Day Adventists’ Adherence to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s 1995 and 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Adults

A lack of physical activity is associated with many chronic and metabolic diseases and decreased life expectancy. This study assessed the physical activity practices of Black Seventh-day Adventists to determine adherence to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s 1995 and 2008 guidelines for adult physical activity. Data from 16,547 Black participants of the Adventist Health Study-2 prospective cohort were analyzed. Data about dietary practices, medication usage, and physical activity were collected and analyzed. Only 11.3% of Black Adventists met 1995 recommended guidelines and 22.8% met 2008 guidelines. Gender, age, educational level, and body mass index were associated with adherence to 1995 guidelines while gender, educational level, and body mass index were associated with adherence to 2008 guidelines. Compared to respondents 18-44 years (reference), 45-64 and 65+ years and older were most likely to adhere to 1995 guidelines (OR=1.22, 95% CI: 1.07, 1.39) and (OR=1.51, 95% CI: 1.27, 1.79) respectively. Most likely to adhere to 2008 guidelines were respondents aged 45-64 and 65+ years and older (OR=1.12, 95% CI: 1.03, 1.22) and (OR=1.25, 95% CI: 1.10, 1.41) respectively, and those educated at bachelor’s level and higher (OR=1.27, 95% CI: 1.16, 1.43), compared to grades K-12 (reference). Differences in 1995 and 2008 physical activity criteria resulted in differences in adherence, with greater adherence to the 2008 guidelines. Adults should be encouraged to participate in at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise weekly to meet recommended physical activity guidelines.

Community-wide physical activity intervention based on the Japanese physical activity guidelines for adults: A non-randomized controlled trial

Very few community intervention studies that promote physical activity (PA) using guidelines and its dissemination and implementation have been conducted. Consequently, we evaluated the effectiveness of a community-wide intervention (CWI) of PA with adults based on the Japanese guidelines for promoting PA.This was a non-randomized controlled trial, with four administrative districts in Fujisawa city assigned to the intervention group and nine to the control group. The CWI, conducted from 2013 to 2015, comprised information dissemination, education, and community support. The primary outcome was change in PA participation. Secondary outcomes were CWI awareness and PA guideline knowledge. Outcomes were assessed using questionnaires distributed to two independent, random samples of 3000 community-based adults (aged ≥20years).Two separate samples—1230 adults at baseline and 1393 at the two-year follow-up—responded to the survey. The median time spent in PA did not differ between intervention and control groups after adjusting for potential confounders (adjusted difference between groups=−0.02min/day [95% confidence interval (CI): −0.11, 0.10]). However, intervention group participants were more aware of the CWI (33.8%) than were control group participants (25.2%) at the two-year follow-up (odds ratio=1.44 [95% CI: 1.06, 1.95]). A significant difference was also observed in participants' PA guideline knowledge (adjusted difference between groups=0.82% [95% CI: 0.33, 1.31]).Although significant differences in awareness and knowledge were observed between groups, this CWI did not change PA levels over two years. Future studies should investigate the long-term effects of CWIs beyond two years.Trial registration number: UMIN-CTR UMIN000018389.

A randomized controlled trial to test the efficacy of the SCI Get Fit Toolkit on leisure-time physical activity behaviour and social-cognitive processes in adults with spinal cord injury.

Single blind, two-group randomized controlled trial. To evaluate the efficacy of the SCI Get Fit Toolkit delivered online on theoretical constructs and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) among adults with SCI. Ontario and Quebec, Canada. Inactive, English- and French-speaking Canadian adults with traumatic SCI with Internet access, and no self-reported cognitive or memory impairments. Participants (N=90 Mage=48.12±11.29 years; 79% male) were randomized to view the SCI Get Fit Toolkit or the Physical Activity Guidelines for adults with SCI (PAG-SCI) online. Primary (intentions) and secondary (outcome expectancies, self-efficacy, planning and MVPA behaviour) outcomes were assessed over a 1-month period. Of the 90 participants randomized, 77 were included in the analyses. Participants viewed the experimental stimuli only briefly, reading the 4-page toolkit for approximately 2.5 min longer than the 1-page guideline document. No condition effects were found for intentions, outcome expectancies, self-efficacy, and planning (ΔR2⩽0.03). Individuals in the toolkit condition were more likely to participate in at least one bout of 20 min of MVPA behaviour at 1-week post-intervention compared to individuals in the guidelines condition (OR=3.54, 95% CI=0.95, 13.17). However, no differences were found when examining change in weekly minutes of MVPA or comparing whether participants met the PAG-SCI. No firm conclusions can be made regarding the impact of the SCI Get Fit Toolkit in comparison to the PAG-SCI on social cognitions and MVPA behaviour. The limited online access to this resource may partially explain these null findings.

Lace up for May: National Walking Month 2017

Nursing and Residential CareVol. 19, No. 5 EditorialLace up for May: National Walking Month 2017Kathryn ShawKathryn ShawSearch for more papers by this authorKathryn ShawPublished Online:12 Apr 2017https://doi.org/10.12968/nrec.2017.19.5.252AboutSectionsView articleView Full TextPDF/EPUB ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissions ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail View article References Age UK (2016) No one should have no one at Christmas. http://bit.ly/1BdFmhJ (accessed 17 March 2017) Google ScholarCridland J (2016) Independent review of the state pension age: interim report, October 2016. http://bit.ly/2dOIhJ8 (accessed 17 March 2017) Google ScholarDepartment of Health (2011) Physical activity guidelines for adults (19–64 years). http://bit.ly/2n6dbTe (accessed 17 March 2017) Google ScholarEuropean Lung Foundation (2016) Your lungs and exercise. http://bit.ly/2hy2d6N (accessed 21 March 2017) Google ScholarJang SH (2010) The recovery of walking in stroke patients: a review. Int J Rehabil Res 33(4): 285–9. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1097/MRR.0b013e32833f0500 Crossref, Google ScholarLiving Streets (2016) Walking with older people. http://bit.ly/2mAiPcA (accessed 17 March 2017) Google ScholarLiving Streets (2017) National Walking Month. http://bit.ly/24lCyAW (accessed 23 March 2017) Google ScholarMind (2007) Ecotherapy: the green agenda for mental health. http://bit.ly/1TPd9Gu (accessed 17 March 2017) Google ScholarRobertson R, Robertson ARR, Jepson R, Maxwell M (2012) Walking for depression or depressive symptoms: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Mental Health and Physical Activity 5(1): 66–75. https://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.mhpa.2012.03.002 Crossref, Google ScholarSample I (2014) Taking your brain for a walk: the secret to delaying dementia. http://bit.ly/2nzLNL4 (accessed 17 March 2017) Google Scholar FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails 2 May 2017Volume 19Issue 5ISSN (print): 1465-9301ISSN (online): 2052-2932 Metrics History Published online 12 April 2017 Published in print 2 May 2017 Information© MA Healthcare LimitedPDF download

An investigation into gender variations in the risk factors for cardiovascular disease amongst ‘desk-based’ professional workers aged 30–65 years old

Evidence shows that sedentary behaviour including excessive sitting in adults is independently associated with CVD and other metabolic complications, regardless of whether individuals’ meeting the physical activity guidelines for adults (1). The aim of the study was to investigate gender differences in CVD risk factors amongst a group of ‘desk-based’ professional workers residing in the North West of England. 35 self-reported ‘desk-based’ professional workers (M 13, F 22) aged 30-65 years old were recruited via random selection and word of mouth from Liverpool and its surrounding areas. Information on occupation and working hours per day was collected using a sociodemographic questionnaire. Laboratory and anthropometric measures of CVD risk were assessed including blood pressure, measures of central obesity and biomarkers of fasting capillary blood glucose and lipid profile. Energy and nutrient intakes were recorded using a validated 3-day diet diary and analysed using a dietary assessment software Microdiet (v3.0). Variation in CVD risk factors between male and female groups was assessed using an Independent-Samples T-test. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS 22 with statistical significance set at 0.05. The occupations of participants comprised manager, director, psychologist, academics, counsellor, librarian and office workers. Their average working time was 7 h per day (SD 1.68). Significant variations were found within the gender group in a few CVD risk factors including blood pressure, measures of central obesity, blood glucose and lipid profiles. The male group had a noticeably increased CVD risk as indicated from the comparison of their levels of BMI, waist circumference, waist-hip ratio (WHR), whole blood glucose and lipid profiles with the corresponding reference values set by WHO (2) and National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (3) respectively. Some dietary variations between the two gender groups were also identified. In conclusion, significant gender variations were identified in the CVD risk factors amongst a group of ‘desk-based’ professional workers with a higher risk predisposed to the male group.