Physical Activity In Adults Research Articles

Motivation and Hesitation Factors associated with Physical Activity (PA) among Adults in Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia

Introduction: Physical inactivity is among the highest contributor to obesity and mortality in adults worldwide. On the other hand, increased physical activity is likely associated with body fitness and reduced risk of cardiometabolic diseases. Limited evidence on the understanding of factors associated with motivation and hesitation towards PA in a specific community of adults. Hence, this study aimed to determine the level of physical activity and the factors associated with motivation and hesitation factors towards physical activity among adults in Kuantan.
 Methods: A cross-sectional study with 217 adults in Kuantan, Pahang, completed the online questionnaires. The questionnaires include three parts; sociodemographic, International Physical Activity Questionnaires-short form (IPAQ-SF) and perceived factors associated with physical activity scale among adults in Kuantan. Data analysis was done by using SPSS version 20.0. Independent sample T-test and One-way ANOVA test were used to analyze the data.
 Results: The majority of adults in Kuantan, Pahang were physically inactive (47%), while 33.6% of the respondents engaged in moderate physical activity and only 19.4% were physically active. Reducing stress was perceived to be the key motivating factor for PA, while lack of time was perceived to be the major hesitation factor towards PA among adults in Kuantan. The findings also revealed that there is a significant association between age and motivating factors elements which are having fun and relaxing the mind (p<0.05).
 Conclusion: This study concludes that knowing the motivation and hesitation factors towards PA in adults may benefit the relevant authorities in planning fitness activities and programs. A future study with larger sample size and gender-specific is recommended.

Effects of a Modern Virtual Reality 3D Head-Mounted Display Exergame on Simulator Sickness and Immersion Under Specific Conditions in Young Women and Men: Experimental Study.

Many young adults do not reach the World Health Organization's minimum recommendations for the amount of weekly physical activity. The virtual reality 3D head-mounted display (VR 3D HMD) exergame is a technology that is more immersive than a typical exercise session. Our study considers gender differences in the experience of using VR games for increasing physical activity. The aim of this study was to examine the differences in the effects of VR 3D HMD gaming in terms of immersion, simulator sickness, heart rate, breathing rate, and energy expenditure during two 30-minute sessions of playing an exergame of increasing intensity on males and females. To examine the effects of the VR 3D HMD exergame, we experimented with 45 participants (23 males and 22 females) exercising with VR 3D HMD Oculus Quest 1, hand controllers, and Zephyr BioHarness 3.0. Players exercised according to the Audio Trip exergame. We evaluated the immersion levels and monitored the average heart rate, maximum heart rate, average breathing rate, maximum breathing rate, and energy expenditure in addition to simulator sickness during two 30-minute exergame sessions of increasing intensity. Audio Trip was well-tolerated, as there were no dropouts due to simulator sickness. Significant differences between genders were observed in the simulator sickness questionnaire for nausea (F2,86=0.80; P=.046), oculomotor disorders (F2,86=2.37; P=.010), disorientation (F2,86=0.92; P=.040), and total of all these symptoms (F2,86=3.33; P=.04). The measurements after the first 30-minute VR 3D HMD exergame session for all the participants showed no significant change compared to the measurements before the first 30-minute exergame session according to the total score. There were no gender differences in the immersion (F1,43=0.02; P=.90), but the measurements after the second 30-minute exergame session showed an increase in the average points for immersion in women and men. The increase in the level of immersion in the female group was higher than that in the male group. A significant difference between genders was observed in the average breathing rate (F2,86=1.44; P=.04), maximum breathing rate (F2,86=1.15; P=.047), and energy expenditure (F2,86=10.51; P=.001) measurements. No gender differences were observed in the average heart rate and maximum heart rate measurements in the two 30-minute sessions. Our 30-minute VR 3D HMD exergame session does not cause simulator sickness and is a very immersive type of exercise for men and women users. This exergame allows reaching the minimum recommendations for the amount of weekly physical activity for adults. The second exergame session resulted in simulator sickness in both groups, more noticeably in women, as reflected in the responses in the simulator sickness questionnaire. The gender differences observed in the breathing rates and energy expenditure measurements can be helpful when programming VR exergame intensity in future research.

Wearable Activity Tracker Use and Physical Activity Among Informal Caregivers in the United States: Quantitative Study.

With an increase in aging population and chronic medical conditions in the United States, the role of informal caregivers has become paramount as they engage in the care of their loved ones. Mounting evidence suggests that such responsibilities place substantial burden on informal caregivers and can negatively impact their health. New wearable health and activity trackers (wearables) are increasingly being used to facilitate and monitor healthy behaviors and to improve health outcomes. Although prior studies have examined the efficacy of wearables in improving health and well-being in the general population, little is known about their benefits among informal caregivers. This study aimed to examine the association between use of wearables and levels of physical activity (PA) among informal caregivers in the United States. We used data from the National Cancer Institute's Health Information National Trends Survey 5 (cycle 3, 2019 and cycle 4, 2020) for a nationally representative sample of 1273 community-dwelling informal caregivers-aged ≥18 years, 60% (757/1273) female, 75.7% (990/1273) had some college or more in education, and 67.3% (885/1273) had ≥1 chronic medical condition-in the United States. Using jackknife replicate weights, a multivariable logistic regression was fit to assess an independent association between the use of wearables and a binary outcome: meeting or not meeting the current World Health Organization's recommendation of PA for adults (≥150 minutes of at least moderate-intensity PA per week). More than one-third (466/1273, 37.8%) of the informal caregivers met the recommendations for adult PA. However, those who reported using wearables (390/1273, 31.7%) had slightly higher odds of meeting PA recommendations (adjusted odds ratios 1.1, 95% CI 1.04-1.77; P=.04) compared with those who did not use wearables. The results demonstrated a positive association between the use of wearables and levels of PA among informal caregivers in the United States. Therefore, efforts to incorporate wearable technology into the development of health-promoting programs or interventions for informal caregivers could potentially improve their health and well-being. However, any such effort should address the disparities in access to innovative digital technologies, including wearables, to promote health equity. Future longitudinal studies are required to further support the current findings of this study.

The Impact of Consumer Wearable Devices on Physical Activity and Adherence to Physical Activity in Patients with Cardiovascular Disease: A Systematic Review of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses.

Objective: Consumer wearable devices allow physical activity to be measured objectively, which can be useful in remote cardiovascular disease management. This review aimed to summarize the effects of using wearable devices to monitor physical activity/adherence to physical activity in adults with cardiovascular disease. Methods: The review used The Cochrane Overview of Reviews Methodology. The databases searched were PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, the date of the last search was October 12, 2021. Risk of bias was assessed using the AMSTAR-2® tool. Results: Of the 767 records, we identified 6 systematic reviews (SRs) and meta-analyses (MA) that met our inclusion criteria. The individual SRs did not consistently favor the use of wearables, but the MA syntheses each found significant effects, favoring wearable devices in measures, including mean steps per day and mean time spent completing moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. The MA on adherence to cardiac rehabilitation (CR) found greater adherence to CR with the use of a mobile app than with no app support. Summary: Within this review, there were SRs demonstrating no difference and reviews indicating a positive impact with the use of wearables for physical activity/adherence measures in individuals with cardiovascular conditions, with no studies demonstrating a negative impact. The six SR/MAs included had methodological flaws, which introduced potential biases. Additionally, the MAs included a small number of studies, which limits their generalizability. The protocol for this review was registered on PROSPERO, the international prospective register of systematic reviews (#CRD42021286699).

Steps Ahead: Optimising physical activity in adults with cystic fibrosis: A pilot randomised trial using wearable technology, goal setting and text message feedback

BackgroundRegular participation in physical activity (PA) is encouraged for people with Cystic Fibrosis (CF). This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of an intervention using wearable technology, goal setting and text message feedback on PA and health outcomes in people with CF. MethodsThis was a pilot randomised trial conducted at University Hospital Limerick. Participants were randomly assigned to the intervention (INT) or active comparator (AC). The 12-week intervention consisted of wearable technology (Fitbit Charge 2) which was remotely monitored, and participants set step count goals. Participants were sent a one-way text message once a week over 12 weeks to positively reinforce and encourage PA participation. The AC group received the wearable technology alone. Follow up was assessed at 24 weeks. Outcomes assessed were PA, aerobic capacity, lung function, sleep, quality of life and wellbeing. ResultsStep count increased significantly for the INT group over 12 weeks when compared to the AC group (p=0.019). The INT group had a 28% week-to-week percentage change (Weeks 1-12), while the AC group reduced by 1%, p=0.023. Within group changes demonstrated that VO2 peak (ml/kg/min) significantly increased for the INT group at 12 weeks (24.4 ±7.65 to 26.13 ±7.79, p=0.003) but not at 24 weeks (24.45 ±7.05, p=0.776). There were no significant differences observed for VO2 peak (ml/kg/min) for the AC group. There was no significant effect on lung function, sleep, well-being, or quality of life for either group. ConclusionsA personalised PA intervention using wearable technology, goal setting and text message feedback increased PA and aerobic capacity in people with CF. Integration of this intervention into usual care may encourage regular PA participation for people with CF.

FREQUENCY OF ATRIAL FIBRILLATION AMONG PATIENTS WITH ISCHEMIC HEART DISEASE

Objectives: Although improvements seen in mortality during the last four decades, Coronary Artery Disease (or Ischemic Heart Disease) remains to be the first & foremost cause of death among adults in United States, rising the toll of death to one-third of the population aged more than 35 years'. Increased body mass index (BMI) in child-hood, adolescence, or adult-hood, and decreased aerobic (cardiorespiratory) fitness in adolescence or adult-hood, Diabetes mellitus & positive family history are known risk factors for CAD/IHD later in life'. Different studies have shown that increased exercise and physical activity in adults upto certain level reduces the amount of risks of CAD/IHD or mortality from cardio-vascular causes related with obesity, but without important interactions between these risk factors. To Determine the Frequency of Atrial Fibrillation among patients with Coronary Artery Disease.
 Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at department of Cardiology, MTI-KTH, Peshawar from 31 Jan, 2020 to 31 July, 2020. All patients matching the inclusion criteria presented to OPD of Cardiology Department were enrolled in the study. All patients had subjected to detailed history & clinical/physical examination. ECG and Echocardiography were done on all enrolled patients. Cardiac biomarker (Troponin) levels were done. Compliance with medications and treatment was asked and assured.
 Results: Mean and SDs for age was 60.51+7.826. Mean and SDs for duration of IHD was 15.66+5.884. 141 (48.3%) patients were recorded in 45-60 years age group while 151 (51.7%) patients were recorded in 61-72 years age group. 197 (67.5%) patients were male while 95 (32.5%) female patients were recorded. As per frequencies and percentages for atrial fibrillation, only 14 (4.8%) patients were recorded with atrial fibrillation.
 Conclusion: We have come to the conclusion that patients suffering from IHD or CAD, Atrial fibrillation occurs but in rare cases, as explained in this study, which occurred as a result of ischemia therefore causing Atrial fibrillation.

Joint Association of Diabetes and Physical Activity With Falls Among Midlife and Older Adults: 2018 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.

We examined joint associations of diabetes and physical activity (PA) with falls. Complex survey (cross-sectional) design using the 2018 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (Response rate was 53% (landline phones) and 46% (cellular phones)). National survey in the U.S. Adults ≥45years who self-reported diabetes status, PA, and falls (n = 295,282; 98.5% of eligible samples; N = 130,103,093) were classified into 4 groups: no diabetes-PA, no diabetes-no PA, diabetes-PA, diabetes-no PA. Self-reported PA, diabetes, falls, and major health characteristics. Poisson regression models were used to estimate the association of groups with any (≥1 fall) falls. Compared to no diabetes-active groups, no diabetes-inactive (Relative Risk (RR) = 1.22; 95% CI: 1.18, 1.26), diabetes-active (RR = 1.25; 95% CI: 1.20, 1.30), and diabetes-inactive (RR = 1.46; 95% CI: 1.41, 1.51) groups were more likely to report falls, independent of tested covariates. Leisure-time PA may mitigate the likelihood of falls in adults with and without diabetes. Our findings could be useful for healthcare providers or clinicians to promote the importance of PA in midlife and older adults who are at risk of falls and/or diabetes. More detailed longitudinal information on objectively-estimated PA and a more frequent fall calendar are warranted to prevent recall bias and temporal ambiguity (causality between PA and falls).

The Dialogue Between Neuroinflammation and Adult Neurogenesis: Mechanisms Involved and Alterations in Neurological Diseases.

Adult neurogenesis occurs mainly in the subgranular zone of the hippocampal dentate gyrus and the subventricular zone of the lateral ventricles. Evidence supports the critical role of adult neurogenesis in various conditions, including cognitive dysfunction, Alzheimer's disease (AD), and Parkinson's disease (PD). Several factors can alter adult neurogenesis, including genetic, epigenetic, age, physical activity, diet, sleep status, sex hormones, and central nervous system (CNS) disorders, exerting either pro-neurogenic or anti-neurogenic effects. Compelling evidence suggests that any insult or injury to the CNS, such as traumatic brain injury (TBI), infectious diseases, or neurodegenerative disorders, can provoke an inflammatory response in the CNS. This inflammation could either promote or inhibit neurogenesis, depending on various factors, such as chronicity and severity of the inflammation and underlying neurological disorders. Notably, neuroinflammation, driven by different immune components such as activated glia, cytokines, chemokines, and reactive oxygen species, can regulate every step of adult neurogenesis, including cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, survival of newborn neurons, maturation, synaptogenesis, and neuritogenesis. Therefore, this review aims to present recent findings regarding the effects of various components of the immune system on adult neurogenesis and to provide a better understanding of the role of neuroinflammation and neurogenesis in the context of neurological disorders, including AD, PD, ischemic stroke (IS), seizure/epilepsy, TBI, sleep deprivation, cognitive impairment, and anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors. For each disorder, some of the most recent therapeutic candidates, such as curcumin, ginseng, astragaloside, boswellic acids, andrographolide, caffeine, royal jelly, estrogen, metformin, and minocycline, have been discussed based on the available preclinical and clinical evidence.

Measuring Physical Activity in Younger and Older Adults with Sickle Cell Disease Using Accelerometers

Background Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic disorder of hemoglobin with hemolysis and vaso-occlusion that leads to pain, joint damage, and impairment in physical function. Advancements in care have increased the lifespan of individuals with SCD. Even with improvements in care, there is limited knowledge regarding how to measure and maintain physical activity in adults with SCD. Wearable devices can remotely track physiologic markers of pain in people with SCD and are used in older adults in the general population to track physical activity and health-related outcomes. Despite the popularity of wearable devices, the feasibility of using accelerometers to measure physical activity in older adults with SCD is unknown. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of the Actigraph accelerometer to objectively measure physical activity in adults with SCD. Methods We enrolled younger adults (age 18-39) and older adults (age ≥ 40 years) with SCD in a prospective cohort study of physical activity using an Actigraph accelerometer. We instructed participants to wear the Actigraph wGT3X-BT or GT9X Link device on their non-dominant wrist for 7 consecutive days during waking hours and to remove it when they showered. If they missed a day of wearing the accelerometer, we asked them to add an additional day to complete 7 days. Activity data was processed in ActiLife Software 6 (ActiGraph, LLC). We defined feasibility endpoints by the percent of participants who returned the accelerometer and percent of participants who wore it for ≥ 3 days for a least 10 hours/day. We analyzed physical activity by measuring steps per day and proportion of wear time spent being sedentary, doing light activity, and doing moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). We assessed relationships between physical activity (steps per day), physical performance measures (six-minute walk distance (6MWD), usual gait speed, Timed-Up and Go (TUG), seated grip strength, and 30-second chair stands), and the 36-item Short Form (SF-36) physical functioning. Results Sixty participants received an accelerometer. Out of these 60 participants, 90% (n=54) returned the accelerometer after 7 days. Among those who returned accelerometers, the mean age was 43 years (range 19 - 71). The mean age was 26 (range 19-36) for younger adults and 54 (range 40- 71) for older adults. The majority (61%) of participants were older adults. Most (56%) participants were female. Most (56%) had HbSS, 6% HbSβ0-thalassemia, 30% HbSC, and 9% HbSβ+-thalassemia. On wear time validation, 83% (n=50) of participants wore the monitor for at least 3 days for at least 10 hours per day. The mean wear time was 7 days (range 0-15 days). The median steps per day for all participants was 7235 (range 0-14916; IQR 5892-9406). The median steps per day for younger adults was 9397 (IQR 6739 - 10578) and 6678 (IQR 5621-8268) for older adults. There was a significant difference in steps per day between younger and older adults (p-value = 0.021). On average, participants were sedentary 39% (±15%) of the time, doing light activity 45% (±14%) of the time, and MVPA 11% (±6%) of the time. The average daily time spent doing MVPA was 111 minutes (± 66 minutes). Physical activity (median steps per day) had moderate correlations with the TUG (rs = -0.3; p=0.03), 6MWD (rs = 0.29; p=0.04), 30-second chair stands (rs = 0.32; p=0.02), and SF-36 (rs = 0.34; p=0.036). When we controlled for age, there no longer was a relationship between steps per day and 6MWD (p=0.99) and TUG (p=0.12); however, the positive correlation between step per day and 30-second chair stands remained (p=0.047). Usual gait speed (rs = 0.056; p=0.69) and seated grip strength (rs =0.17; p=0.23) did not correlate with physical activity. Conclusion The results of the study support accelerometers as a feasible measure of physical activity in younger and older adults with SCD. Most participants wore and were able to return their activity monitors without difficulty. There was a moderate positive correlation between steps per day and physical function that was mostly driven by age. There remained a significant relationship between steps per day and number of chair stands when we controlled for age, which suggests that consistent physical activity may play a role in maintaining lower body strength in adults with SCD. In future studies we will use accelerometers to monitor physical activity in response to geriatric-based interventions for older adults with SCD. Figure 1View largeDownload PPTFigure 1View largeDownload PPT Close modal

Correlations of Accelerometer-Measured Physical Activity with Body Image and Quality of Life among Young and Older Adults: A Pilot Study.

Significant evidence suggests that regular physical activity (PA) is correlated with numerous psychological benefits in adults such as improving body image and quality of life. However, this issue has not been differentiated between young and older adults. In addition, most previous studies used a self-reported questionnaire for measuring PA, the objectivity of which is limited in several ways. Hence, by using accelerometer technology for monitoring PA, this study was designed to examine the correlations of PA with body image and quality of life in young and older adults. In this cross-sectional study, we used objective actigraphy and survey data from 147 young and older adults, including 77 young and 70 older adults from Tehran, Iran. To examine our variables and hypothesis, the following instruments were implemented: the Persian version of the Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire (MBSRQ), the Persian version of the Quality-of-Life Questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF), and the ActiGraph wGT3X-BT for measuring PA. An independent t-test and a multivariate regression analysis were used to analyze the data. The weekly PA of both young and older adults was found to be lower than the recommended amount. Young adults engaged in significantly more weekly PA than older adults. For young adults, PA (including MPA, VPA, and MVPA) was generally found to be significantly correlated with body image and quality of life. For older adults, however, we found only significant correlations between VPA and quality of life. These findings indicated that PA is a critical concern in adults, particularly older adults. Accordingly, it is necessary to adopt appropriate strategies to promote an active lifestyle among adults.

Can Sports Practice in Childhood and Adolescence Be Associated with Higher Intensities of Physical Activity in Adult Life? A Retrospective Study in Community-Dwelling Adults.

Investigating the determinants of physical activity (PA) is an important strategy for the promotion of healthy lifestyles, mainly with PA of a moderate-to-vigorous intensity, which provides several health benefits in adulthood. In this sense, it is not clear whether early sports practice (ESP) during childhood and adolescence could be associated with the habitual practice of PA of higher intensities in adulthood. This study aimed to analyze the association of ESP in childhood and adolescence with different intensities of habitual PA in adulthood. A sample of 264 community-dwelling adults were randomly selected (42.2 ± 17.0 years, 57.5% of women). ESP during childhood and adolescence was evaluated using retrospective questions. Weekly minutes of PA were assessed using accelerometry and classified according to intensity as light, moderate, moderate-to-vigorous, vigorous and very vigorous. The association of ESP with a high level of PA (above median) in each intensity was analyzed using binary regression models. The prevalence of ESP was 42.8% in childhood and 49.2% in adolescence. ESP in childhood was associated with a high level of very vigorous (OR: 2.48, p < 0.001) and vigorous PA (OR: 2.91, p < 0.001) in adulthood, but lost significance after adjustments by sex and age. ESP in adolescence was associated with a high level of very vigorous PA (OR: 1.99, p = 0.013) in the crude model and vigorous PA (OR: 2.21, p = 0.006), even after adjustments by age, sex and socioeconomic status. Engagement in sports practice during adolescence was associated with high levels of vigorous PA in adulthood and is an important period for healthy lifestyle promotion.

Abstract 11906: Association Between Neighborhood Environment and Physical Activity in Adults With Cardiovascular Disease in the United States

Introduction: Identifying attributes of the built environment that influence an individual’s adherence to recommended physical activity (PA) levels can inform cardiovascular-healthy urban-planning policies. However, no research has examined whether perceived neighborhood environment characteristics are associated with this among adults with CVD. Methods: Cross-sectional study using 2020 data from the National Health Interview Survey, which included 3191 adults with CVD. Perceived walkability and safety barriers were captured from 9 questions on participants’ feelings about the neighborhood’s safety and amenities to allow for walking. Meeting PA recommendation was evaluated based on 2012 ACC/AHA guidelines for individuals with stable CVD based on the self-reported measures of activity (Figure). Adjusted logistic models were created to evaluate the association of perceived walkability and safety with the odds of achieving PA goals. Results: In the study population, 36.8% met the overall PA guideline, of whom 7% met only strength activity, 19.5% met only aerobic activity, and 10.3% met both. Men were more likely to meet PA guidelines (42.5% vs. 29.2%) than women. In adjusted weighted analysis, having roads for a walk (OR 1.70, 95%CI 1.23-2.36), fun places such as parks, theatres, and libraries to walk near the living area (OR 1.43, 95%CI 1.08-1.89), and places to walk for relaxing and reducing stress (OR 1.46, 95%CI 1.10-1.95) were strongly associated with meeting PA recommendations. Conclusions: In adults with CVD, the neighborhood environment characteristics strongly associated with adherence to PA recommendations were the presence of places to walk for fun and relaxation. Although residual confounding is a possibility, our findings suggest that investing in social determinants by developing communities with amenities such as parks might help encourage physical activity for cardiovascular health.

Interventions Including Smart Technology Compared With Face-to-face Physical Activity Interventions in Older Adults: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

This is a systematic review of randomized controlled trials and a meta-analysis comparing smart technology with face-to-face physical activity (PA) interventions in community-dwelling older adults (mean age 60 years). This study aims to determine the effect of interventions including smart technology components compared with face-to-face PA interventions on PA and physical function in older adults. The secondary outcomes are depression, anxiety, and health-related quality of life. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and AMED electronic databases from inception to February 2021. Two independent reviewers screened titles, abstracts, and full texts and performed data extraction and risk of bias assessments using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation was used to evaluate the quality of the evidence. We provided a narrative synthesis on all included studies and, where possible, performed meta-analyses for similar outcomes. This review included 19 studies with a total of 3455 participants. Random effects meta-analyses showed that interventions with smart technology components resulted in improved step count (mean difference 1440 steps, 95% CI 500-2390) and total PA (standardized mean difference 0.17, 95% CI 0.02-0.32) compared with face-to-face alone. There was no difference between groups in terms of the measures of physical function. Smart technology alone did not show significant differences between groups in any outcome. The quality of the evidence was very low based on the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation criteria. Interventions that include smart technology may improve daily step counts by an average of 1440 steps in community-dwelling older adults; however, the quality of the evidence was very low. Future studies are needed to improve the certainty of these results. PROSPERO CRD42020135232; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=135232.

Successful Practices in Performing and Maintaining Physical Activity in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Qualitative Study.

Physical activity has proven to be greatly beneficial in patients with DM2. However, few adhere to physical activity recommendations and are motivated to engage in regular physical activity and the numerous interventions conducted to change their habits tend to be unsuccessful in the long term. The objective in this research is to study patients who adhere to physical activity in order to guide patients who have not succeeded in making this change, assisted by the successful tools in the context of community nursing. A qualitative descriptive study was conducted. The sample included 10 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who adhered to physical activity in Catalonia, Spain, having been selected using intentional sampling. We recorded semi-structured interviews with the participants and conducted a thematic analysis. Five categories were identified and grouped into two themes: (1) Integrate physical activity as a lifestyle (meaning of DM2 and physical activity, adaptation to change and strategies on a day-to-day basis, physical activity) and (2) Find support to change physical activity (company and personal motivational strategies). In conclusion, a good adherence to physical activity was achieved thanks to motivation maintained over time related to autonomous motivation and the psychological and physiological benefits that physical activity provides patients, external support and encouragement, and the allocation of time to adhere without making great lifestyle changes.

Associations between Active Mobility Index and objectively measured physical activity among older adults

BackgroundActive mobility index (AMI) is a questionnaire to assess going-out behavior with physical and social activity. The association between AMI scores and objectively measured physical activity (PA) in older adults is unknown.MethodsCommunity-dwelling older adults aged ≥ 70 years participated in an examination and wore a triaxial accelerometer for seven or more days. The accelerometer measured the time of moderate-to-vigorous intensity PA (MVPA) and light intensity PA (LPA), and step counts. The AMI assessed life space (distance from the respondent’s home: < 1, 1–10, or > 10 km) and related activities during the previous month. The AMI total, physical, and social scores were calculated.ResultsThe analyzed data were 2499 participants (mean age: 75.5 ± 4.0 years; 54.4% female). Comparing PA among quartile groups of each AMI score, higher AMI total and physical score groups were associated with higher MVPA, LPA, and step counts (all P < 0.01). The Q4 group of AMI social scores showed significantly higher LPA and step counts than the Q1 and Q2 groups (P < 0.01). The logistic regression model showed higher score groups of AMI total and physical scores associated with increased adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of meeting recommended PA, ≥ 150 min/week of MVPA.ConclusionsOlder adults with higher AMI total and physical scores, engaged in more PA. Future studies can use the present findings when estimating PA in older adults from AMI scores and examining the association between AMI scores and health outcomes.

Impact of Social Support on Physical Activity in Adults With Heart Failure: The Mediating Effect of Resilience.

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of resilience and social support on physical activity in adults with heart failure (HF) and to explore the mediating effect of resilience on the relationship between social support and physical activity. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 197 adults with HF (n = 197) from two outpatient departments for cardiovascular diseases. Resilience was assessed using the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, social support using the Social Support Rating Scale, and physical activity using the short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Social support and resilience were significantly associated with physical activity in adults with HF. Resilience partially mediated the relationship between social support and physical activity, and the mediating effect accounted for 25.93% of the total effect of social support on physical activity. These findings contribute to the development of tailored interventions by targeting these two factors to increase physical activity levels in adults with HF.

Physical activity and body mass index were interactively related to health-related quality of life among older adults

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to examine how meeting physical activity (PA) guidelines (i.e., moderate-to-vigorous aerobic activity, muscle strengthening activity) and weight status were interactively related to health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among older adults. MethodsA cross-sectional analysis was conducted using data from 87,495 older adults aged 65+ years who participated in the U.S. 2019 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. PA, weight status, and HRQoL were assessed by validated questionnaires via phone interviews. Binomial logistic regression models were used to examine the interactive effects of meeting PA guidelines and weight status on the odds of having poor HRQoL after controlling for key confounders. ResultsCompared to participants meeting both PA guidelines and with normal weight, both underweight and obese older adults had significantly higher odds of having poor general health (OR= 1.55–6.16) regardless of meeting PA guideline status, and those meeting muscle strengthening activities only or meeting neither PA guideline reported higher odds of poor physical health (OR= 1.83–6.22) regardless of weight status. Similarly, those meeting neither PA guideline had significantly higher odds of having poor mental health (OR= 1.69–2.78) regardless of weight status, and those meeting muscle strengthening activities only or meeting neither PA guideline reported higher odds of having frequent activity limitation days (OR= 2.18–7.05). ConclusionsThe positive associations between moderate-to-vigorous aerobic PA and HRQoL indicate the need to promote aerobic PA in older adults. Both sex and weight status should be considered when designing PA interventions to improve HRQoL among older adults.

The association between food insecurity and physical activity in adults with serious mental illness living in supportive housing

Rates of food insecurity are high among adults with serious mental illness (SMI); this population also engages in less physical activity than the general population. However, the relationship between food insecurity and physical activity in this group has not been explored. We examined food insecurity prevalence and its association with physical activity in 314 adults with SMI living in supportive housing in New York City and Philadelphia and enrolled in an institutional review board-approved randomized controlled trial of a Peer Group Lifestyle Balance (PGLB) program. We analyzed 2014 baseline survey data, including demographic data and self-reported food security, and four self-reported physical activity outcomes: any physical activity per week (yes/no) and 2) total, 3) moderate, or 4) vigorous physical activity minutes per week. A logistic regression model examined food security as a predictor of any physical activity; zero-inflated negative binomial regression models were used for the other three physical activity outcomes; demographic and clinical predictors were assessed for inclusion in models. Over half of participants (51.7%) reported low or very low levels of food security. Relationships between food insecurity and three physical activity measures (any physical activity, total weekly minutes, and moderate weekly minutes) were non-significant; those with lower food security were more likely to engage in vigorous physical activity. The high food insecurity prevalence highlights the importance of measuring and addressing food security in populations experiencing SMI; measuring physical activity is also important for tailored lifestyle recommendations. Future studies should examine longitudinal changes in food security and physical activity.

Effects of early-life voluntary exercise and fructose on adult activity levels, body composition, aerobic capacity, and organ masses in mice bred for high voluntary wheel-running behavior.

Fructose (C6H12O6) is acutely obesogenic and is a risk factor for hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. However, the possible long-lasting effects of early-life fructose consumption have not been studied. We tested for effects of early-life fructose and/or wheel access (voluntary exercise) in a line of selectively bred High Runner (HR) mice and a non-selected Control (C) line. Exposures began at weaning and continued for 3 weeks to sexual maturity, followed by a 23-week "washout" period (equivalent to ∼17 human years). Fructose increased total caloric intake, body mass, and body fat during juvenile exposure, but had no effect on juvenile wheel running and no important lasting effects on adult physical activity or body weight/composition. Interestingly, adult maximal aerobic capacity (VO2max) was reduced in mice that had early-life fructose and wheel access. Consistent with previous studies, early-life exercise promoted adult wheel running. In a 3-way interaction, C mice that had early-life fructose and no wheel access gained body mass in response to 2 weeks of adult wheel access, while all other groups lost mass. Overall, we found some long-lasting positive effects of early-life exercise, but minimal effects of early-life fructose, regardless of the mouse line.

Factors affecting the physical activity of healthcare workers of Iran University of Medical Sciences: a qualitative study

BackgroundLow physical activity in adulthood is a major public health challenge. The majority of adults spend many hours each week at work, and workplace thus becomes a suitable location in which to promote health and implement physical activity programs. This qualitative study was conducted to identify the barriers and facilitators of worksite physical activity from the perspective of the employees of Iran University of Medical Sciences.MethodsIn this qualitative thematic analysis, five focus group discussions were held with the participation of 68 staff members of Iran University of Medical Sciences who had been selected by purposive sampling with maximum diversity.ResultsThe analysis of the data led to the identification of three general themes, including challenges and barriers, strategies, and incentives (facilitators). The four main categories of challenges and barriers included policy-making and legislation, organizational factors, structural factors, and personal factors. Most barriers identified by the participants were placed in the personal factors and organizational factors categories. The strategies for increasing physical activity were identified in the following three categories: Policy-making and legislation, organizational factors, and environmental factors. The majority of the strategies proposed were placed in the organizational factors and policy-making and legislation categories.ConclusionsIncreasing physical activity in the workplace as a strategy for the general promotion of physical activity in people requires interventions in different areas, especially with regard to organizational factors and policy-making and legislation.