Physical Activity In Males Research Articles

Differential Roles of Neural Integrity, Physical Activity and Depression in Frailty: Sex-Related Differences.

The frailty sex paradox has recently gained attention. At all ages, females are more likely to be frail and show a more severe phenotype but have a higher survival rate compared to males. The main aim was to test sex-specific differences in frailty syndrome using a multimodal evaluation from clinical and imaging data to deepen the understanding of different underlying mechanisms involved in the two sexes, and thus understand the association with different risk factors. Ninety-six community-dwelling older adults were characterized by clinical underpinnings (Fried's frailty indicators: comorbidity, depression, global cognitive level, physical activity, autonomy), and neural integrity (T1-weighted brain 3T MRI). The frailty × sex interaction in clinical and neural profiles was tested. Additionally, frailty risk factors were identified in the two sexes separately. Results showed that fragility was associated with an increment of depressive symptomatology in females, while a decrement in physical activity was observed already in the pre-frail stage in males. Finally, different risk factors were observed in the two groups: significant frailty predictors were neural integrity and physical activity in males, and age and depression in females. These data support the starting hypothesis of at least partially different mechanisms involved in the frailty phenotype between men and women.

Effect of androgen replacement therapy on erectile function through histological recovery in castrated rats

ABSTRACT Introduction Androgens are essential for physical activity in males and normal erectile function. Reportedly, androgen deficiency causes erectile dysfunction through tissue damage in the corpus cavernosum. We previously reported that delayed androgen replacement therapy improved erectile function in rats through histological recovery. Objective To investigate the mechanism of the recovery process by androgen replacement therapy in rats. Methods Twelve-week-old male Wistar ST rats were used in this study. The rats were assigned to the following groups: castrated (Cast), castrated with subcutaneous administration of testosterone undecanoate (25 mg/kg; Cast+T), and sham (Sham). Cast+T rats received subcutaneous doses of testosterone, beginning from 4 weeks after castration, whereas Sham and Cast rats received only the vehicle. Erectile function was assessed by evaluating intracavernosal pressure (ICP) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) after electrical stimulation of the cavernous nerve at 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks after testosterone administration. mRNA expression of histological factors (Cavin-1, Cavin-2, Cavin-3, α-SMA, VEGF-R, ICAM-1, and TGF-β1) was tested using real-time PCR. Results The ratio of ICP to MAP was 0.26 ± 0.04 in the 4th week for the Cast group, and the erectile function was significantly lower than that of the Sham group (0.61 ± 0.03; p <0.05). On the other hand, in the Cast+T group, it changed over time from 0.41 ± 0.06 in the 1st week, 0.44 ± 0.04 in the 2nd week, 0.48 ± 0.04 in the 4th week, to 0.70 ± 0.03 in the 8th week, and erectile function was significantly improved 8 weeks after the testosterone administration (p <0.05). The Cavin-1 and Cavin-2 mRNA expressions were increased in the Cast+T group compared to the Cast group at all times (P <0.01). α-SMA, VEGF-R, ICAM-1, and TGF-β1 mRNA expressions were also increased in the Cast+T group, as compared to the Cast group (P <0.01). Conclusions In this study, we identified that androgen replacement therapy in rats would improve ED. This may be because the administration of testosterone improved histological recovery. It has been reported that these caveolae-related factors control the invagination structure of the cell membrane, and that caveolae in endothelial cells are also involved in the production of nitric oxide (NO), which might contribute to the therapeutic effect of androgen replacement therapy. Increase in the expression of these caveolae-related factors may regenerate smooth muscle and corpus cavernosum structures. Disclosure Work supported by industry: no.

CORRELATION OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND PULMONARY FUNCTION TEST IN FIRST YEAR MEDICAL STUDENTS IN A TERTIARY CARE CENTRE.

BACKGROUND: Measurements of the ventilatory adaptations to physical activity provide useful information about the functional conserve capacity of the lungs in study participants with respiratory diseases. AIM: The present study aimed to study the correlation of physical activity and pulmonary function test in rst year MBBS medical students MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study conducted in a medical college. A total of 80 participated students comprising of 40 males and 40 females in the age group of 18-21 years were divided into four groups based on their body mass index as underweight, normal, overweight and obese group. Respiratory parameters (VC, FVC, FEV1, FEV1% and PEF) measured before and after acute physical activity in the bicycle ergometer. RESULTS: No signicant changes found in all the four groups before and after physical activity in males. The values of FVC & VC after exercise reduced than the baseline values in overweight and obese females (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Acute exercise not signicantly affect the respiratory parameters. The body fat distribution of the participated signicantly affect the ventilatory response to acute physical activity in otherwise healthy individuals

Accelerometer-measured physical activity and its impact on sleep quality in patients suffering from restless legs syndrome

BackgroundThe primary symptoms of restless legs syndrome (RLS) are sleep onset insomnia and difficulty to maintain sleep. Previous studies have shown that regular physical activity can reduce the risk of developing RLS. However, the relationship between physical activity and sleep quality parameters in individuals suffering from RLS has not yet been investigated by applying accelerometry. Thus, the present study investigates the impact of physical activity (measuring both intensity levels and duration of physical activity) during the day (7–12 h, 12–18 h, 18–23 h) on sleep quality in patients suffering from idiopathic RLS by applying a real-time approach.MethodsIn a sample of 47 participants suffering from idiopathic RLS, physical activity and sleep quality were measured over one week using accelerometers. For data analysis, physical activity levels and step counts during three periods of the day (morning, afternoon, evening) were correlated with sleep quality parameters of the subsequent night.ResultsThis observational study revealed that in most instances physical activity was not correlated with sleep parameters (two exceptions exist: steps taken in the morning were negatively correlated with periodic leg movements during sleep, and physical activity in the evening was negatively correlated with total sleep time). The physical activity levels of the participants in this study, however, were unexpectedly high compared to population-level data and variance in physical activity was low. The average activity was 13,817 (SD = 4086) steps and 347 (SD = 117) minutes of moderate physical activity per day in females, and 10,636 (SD = 3748) steps and 269 (SD = 69) minutes of moderate physical activity in males, respectively. Participants did not engage in any vigorous physical activity.ConclusionsFurther interventional studies are needed to investigate the daily effects of different intensities of physical activity on RLS symptoms.

Physical Activity and Smartphone Use in University Students

Smartphone addiction and physical inactivity are often a major public health problem across the world. This research was aimed to determine the smartphone addiction status, physical activity levels and related factors of university students. Using convenience sampling, university students in Isparta/Turkey completed two questionnaires in Spring semester assessing smartphone addiction and physical activity levels. A total of 147 participants attended in this study. The participants included in the scope of the research; the questionnaire including the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and the Smartphone Addiction Questionnaire, which were considered to be related to socio-demographic characteristics, smartphone use and physical activity habits were applied under direct observation. The physical activity for males was higher than females. There was a significant relationship between age and smart phone use. Whereas the age of the participants increased, a decrease in the number of smartphone usage was observed. The differences of between educational groups are related to the lower level of smartphone addiction of the graduate students compared to the associate degree students. Finally, there was no significant difference between the level of physical activity and the score of smartphone usage as the main aim of this study.

Effect of Physical Activity on Self-Concept: Theoretical Model on the Mediation of Body Image and Physical Self-Concept in Adolescents.

Objective: The aim of this research was to study the mediation of body dissatisfaction, physical self-concept, and body mass index (BMI) on the relationship between physical activity and self-concept in adolescents.Materials and Methods: A sample of 652 Spanish students between 12 and 17 years participated in a cross-sectional study. Physical self-concept and general self-concept were assessed with the Physical Self-Concept Questionnaire (CAF), body dissatisfaction with the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ), and physical activity was estimated with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-SF). BMI was utilized as a measurement of body composition. Structural equation modeling was used to assess the results.Results: The resulting models showed good fit indexes. Final model for all participants explained the 17% of the variance of body dissatisfaction, 57% of physical self-concept, and 60% of general self-concept. Physical activity had a positive and indirect effect on self-concept (β = 0.29, p < 0.01) and direct effects on body dissatisfaction (β = −0.26, p < 0.01) and physical self-concept (β = 0.20, p < 0.01). BMI had a direct effect on body dissatisfaction (β = 0.31, p < 0.01) and on physical self-concept (β = −0.10, p < 0.01) and an indirect effect on general self-concept (β = −0.24, p < 0.01). However, it was only associated with physical activity in males, playing a mediating role between physical activity and body dissatisfaction.Conclusion: Physical activity can help individuals to achieve a positive self-concept and promote psychological well-being in adolescents through the improvement of physical perceptions and body satisfaction. The importance of BMI, body dissatisfaction, and physical self-concept on the configuration of the self-concept is also emphasized. Educational policymakers and Physical Education teachers should implement strategies to promote physical activity in the schools and provide a Quality Physical Education programs to increase physical activity during adolescence.

Effects of urbanization on metabolic syndrome via dietary intake and physical activity in Chinese adults: Multilevel mediation analysis with latent centering

RationaleChina has undergone rapid urbanization in the past decades. Metabolic syndrome refers to a cluster of cardiometabolic risk factors such as abdominal obesity, raised blood pressure, and elevated glucose. Existing studies have not explicitly examined the urbanization effect on metabolic syndrome. ObjectiveThe present study aims to examine the temporal effects of urbanization on metabolic syndrome in the Chinese context and evaluate dietary intake and physical activity as potential mediating factors. MethodThe study sample comprised 6,217 Chinese adults aged between 30 and 65 recruited in 218 communities from 2000 to 2009 waves of the China Health and Nutrition Survey. Growth in urbanization of the communities was derived using latent growth modeling on continuous urbanization index from 2000 to 2009. The participants reported their physical activity and dietary intake. Body mass index and biomarkers were measured at 2009 for diagnosis of metabolic syndrome. Multilevel mediation analysis with novel latent centering approach was conducted across gender to evaluate direct and indirect effects of urbanization on metabolic syndrome via changes in dietary intake and physical activity. ResultsThe sample displayed linear increasing trends in urbanization, intakes of red meat, dairy products and fast food and declining cereal intake and physical activity with significant inter-individual variations. Controlling for individual-level and community-level covariates, urbanization showed a positive but non-significant direct effect on metabolic syndrome across gender. There were significant and positive indirect effects from urbanization to metabolic syndrome via changes in physical activity in males and via changes in fast food intake in females. ConclusionsThe present results highlight the health impact of urbanization as a dynamic process at the community level on metabolic syndrome via different indirect pathways of lifestyle factors across gender. Methodological and practical implications are discussed in relation to these modifiable lifestyle factors in the urbanizing Chinese society.

Impact of physical activity on semen quality among men from infertile couples

ObjectiveTo determine the implication of general physical activity and some specific sports in semen quality in men from infertile couples. Study designThis is an observational study performed in men from infertile couples (n = 454). The interventions performed involved analyzing semen quality parameters according to 2010 WHO criteria and assessing physical activity by means of an International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Result(s)There was no association between different levels of general physical activity and semen parameters. We neither found association with running, cycling and racquet sports. Interestingly, people who practice weightlifting more than two hours per week presented significantly lower sperm concentration (linear coefficient = −24.80) and lower total sperm count (linear coefficient = −70.87) in comparison with participants that did not practice regular exercise. Conclusion(s)From a reproductive point of view, there does not seem to be any reason to recommend the increase or the decrease in general physical activity in males from infertile couples. However, additional studies are needed to investigate the relationship between weightlifting and sperm quality.

Differences in physical activity and nutritionand silhouette-related behaviours in male and female students in selected European countries.

As indicated by the WHO, lifestyle plays a unique role in human health, which in turn is determined to a great extent by physical activity and nutrition. It must be borne in mind that physical activity should be systematic and regulated by an age-appropriate exercise intensity. All this indicates that learning about students' lifestyle, with a particular focus on physical activity is vital as it these young people who aspire to the role of the future elites. The aim of the study is to evaluate the level of physical activity, nutrition- and silhouette-related behaviours of male and female students to assess the relationships between these variables in students from the Visegrad Group countries. The study was conducted in 2015 and involved 2,497 students attending three undergraduate levels aged - x - 21,76, (SD-1,80) - 1,211 males (48.5%) and 1,286 females (51.5%). The IPAQ long-form and a questionnaire by the Polish Chief Sanitary Inspector were used. Physical activity was significantly higher in male than female students. An important relationship was observed among the larger number of consumed meals, level of physical activity, and silhouette-related behaviours in male students, which was not the case with females. However, there was an important correlation between physical activity in males and females who exercised to increase or decrease body weight (musculature), and took medications to increase body weight (musculature). Both males and females showed pro-health attitudes related to the level of physical activity and nutrition- and silhouette-related behaviours.

Daily activities of working individuals with hearing and speech disabilities

Introduction&#x0D; Disability is one of the factors that can lead to social exclusion and poverty of individuals with hearing and speech impairment. This is due to the fact that individuals with disabilities are often underestimated, in terms of their work and social skills. The employment of people with disabilities represents a powerful mechanism for achieving full participation of the marginalized groups in all spheres of society.&#x0D; Methods&#x0D; The study included a total of 40 people with hearing and speech disabilities, out of which 16 individuals were employed at DES d.o.o. Sarajevo and 24 at SINKRO d.o.o. Sarajevo. A combination of three questionnaires was used for assessing daily activities and their impact on the quality of life (QoL) of the individuals with hearing and speech disabilities.&#x0D; Results&#x0D; In the total sample, there were 35% males and 65% females. Complete deafness was observed in the majority of participants (90%), while the rest had either moderate (7.5%) or mild (2.5%) hearing impairment. A higher number of participants used sign language as the means of communication, compared to manual alphabet. About 17.5% of the participants used a cochlear implant or a hearing aid. Most of the individuals lived with a spouse (70%), 20% lived with their parents, 7.5% lived independently, and 2.5% lived with a guardian. The majority of the participants who were married had a child (57.5%). The average Ferrans and Powers' Quality of Life Index (QLI) was 19.33, and the average value for total daily activities was 11.700 MET. The average value for the level of physical activity in males was M = 13716.5 and in females M = 10613.56 (p &gt; 0.05).&#x0D; Conclusions&#x0D; Overall, we showed that daily activities have a positive effect on the QoL of working individuals with hearing and speech disabilities, i.e., the individuals who had a higher level of physical activity also had a higher QoL.

Relationship between sports experience and executive function in 6-12-year-old children: independence from physical fitness and moderation by gender.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between sports experience (i.e., tennis experience) and executive function in children while controlling for physical activity and physical fitness. Sixty-eight participants (6-12years old, 34 males and 34 females) were enrolled in regular tennis lessons (mean=2.4years, range=0.1-7.3years) prior to the study. Executive functions, including inhibitory control (the Stroop Color-Word Test), working memory (the 2-back Task), and cognitive flexibility (the Local-global Task) were evaluated. Participants' levels of daily physical activity, ranging from moderate to vigorous, were evaluated using triaxial accelerometers. The total score for physical fitness was assessed using the Tennis Field Test. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses revealed interaction effects between gender and tennis experience on participants' reaction time (RT) on the switch cost of the Local-global Task after controlling for age, BMI, gender, physical activity, physical fitness, and tennis experience. Longer tennis experience was associated with shorter switch cost in males but not in females. Higher scores on physical fitness were positively associated with lower interference scores on the Stroop Color-Word Test, RT on the 2-back Task, and RT in the switching condition of the Local-global Task, after controlling for age, BMI, gender, and physical activity. In conclusion, all three foundational components of executive function (i.e., inhibitory control, working memory, and cognitive flexibility) were more strongly related to physical fitness than to physical activity in males and females, whereas greater cognitive flexibility was related to tennis experience only in the males.

Effect of Two month Intervention to Improve Physical Activity of Evacuees in Temporary Housing after the Great East Japan Earthquake: Pilot Study

Objective: This study aims to clarify effects of intervention to improve the physical activity of elderly evacuees in temporary housing after The Great East Japan Earthquake, which occurred on March 11, 2011. Methods: A total of 15 subjects (5 men and 10 women) underwent a two-month intervention program, which consisted of multiple techniques including education, practice, and feedback, all of which were aimed to increase patients’ physical activity levels. Changes in physical activity levels were gauged according to the number of walking steps recorded with a triaxial accelerometer, or pedometer. Age, gender, and stage of self-efficacy were analyzed to determine which characteristics made it more likely for respondents to add more than 10% to their number of steps in the first 2 weeks and in the last 2 weeks of the study. Results: Three out of fifteen subjects (20.0%) increased their number of steps by more than 10% in postintervention. Males, and those who had smaller levels of physical activity pre-intervention were more likely to improve their number of steps (p<0.05). Conclusion: Multiple-strategy intervention for elderly evacuees in temporary housing is effective at improving the level of physical activity for males and individuals with low initial levels of physical activity.

The Effects of Physical Activity and Fitness in Adolescence on Cognition in Adulthood and the Role of Insulin-Like Growth Factor I.

Physical activity and fitness in adolescence may improve cognition in adulthood by increasing insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I). As part of the Amsterdam Growth and Health Longitudinal Study, following subjects from age 13 to 42 years, physical activity and fitness of 303 subjects were assessed annually between the ages 13 to 16. At mean age 36, physical activity, fitness and IGF-I were measured. At mean age 42, IGF-I and cognitive factors (ie, executive functioning and visual-spatial memory) were measured. The linear regression of physical activity and fitness in adolescence and IGF-I in adulthood on cognitive scores in adulthood was investigated. A significant association was found in males between physical activity in adolescence and executive function in adulthood (Spatial Working Memory Between Errors: β = -.18, B = -.13, 95% CI = -.259 to -.010; Spatial Working Memory Strategy: β = -.20, B = -.08, 95% CI = -.147 to -.014). No association between physical activity or fitness in adolescence and cognitive function in adulthood was found in females, nor any intermediate role for IGF-I in either sex. The results suggest a stimulating effect of adolescent physical activity in males on executive functions in adulthood, emphasizing the importance of an active lifestyle among adolescent males.

Gender differences in the relation of personality traits and self-presentation with physical activity

Summary Objectives The purpose of this study was to examine the relation of physical activity with personality traits and self-presentation and gender differences in this relation. Methods Two hundred thirteen female (M age = 21.73 ± 1.63), 247 male (M age = 22.37 ± 2.19) exercisers voluntarily participated in this study. The Five Factor Personality Inventory (short version), Self Presentation in Exercise Questionnaire and The short version of International Physical Activity Questionnaire was administered to participants. Results Regression analysis indicated that openness to experience was a significant predictor of moderate physical activity in females. On the other hand, agreeableness, emotional stability and conscientiousness were related to vigorous physical activity in males. Analysis also revealed significant relationship between vigorous physical activity and impression motivation in both males and females. Furthermore, impression construction was also associated with vigorous physical activity in females. Conclusion This study extended the previous studies on Western culture to non-western culture of Turkey and also provided some explanation for inconclusive results about the gender differences in the relationship of personality and physical activity. The study also examined the relationship between self-presentation and physical activity in terms of gender, which is less frequently studied. The findings of this study indicated that the pattern of relation of physical activity with personality traits differed with regard to gender. For males, personality characteristic were related with vigorous physical activity but for females personality is predictor of moderate physical activity. The patterns of relation of physical activity with self-presentation are similar for males and females and self-presentation is related with the vigorous physical activity for both gender.

Body composition and physical activity in Italian university students.

BackgroundIncreased sedentary lifestyle and prevalence of overweight/obesity are common in western countries. The purposes of this study were (i) to assess the main health-related anthropometric characteristics in a sample of students in relation to sex, amount of physical activity and sport discipline, and (ii) to investigate the accuracy of the Body Mass Index (BMI) and Waist-to-Stature Ratio (WSR) as indicators of body fat percentage (%F) in young adults.Methods734 university students, both sexes, participated in the present research. A self-administered questionnaire acquired socio-demographic information (sex, age) and sport participation (hours/week, sport discipline). Anthropometric measurements and grip strength values were acquired according to standardized procedures. Body composition was assessed by means of the skinfold method.ResultsMost students had normal BMI, WSR and %F. There were significant statistical differences in all anthropometric traits between the two sexes. One-way ANOVAs within sex showed statistically significant differences in biceps skinfold, waist circumference (WC), WSR, body density (BD), %F and fat mass (FM) among different levels of physical activity in males; and in weight, BMI, arm girths and fat free mass (FFM) in females. One-way ANOVAs within sex showed statistically significant differences in arm girths, grip strength and FFM among different sport disciplines in males, and in height, weight, BMI, WC, relaxed arm girth, grip strength, FM and FFM in females. Despite the significant and positive correlation of BMI and WSR with %F both indices had poor sensitivity.ConclusionsPhysical activity plays an important role in body composition parameters: the most active males had the least amount of FM and the most active females had the greatest amount of FFM. BMI and WSR are not accurate indices of adiposity in young adults.

Daily physical function and frailty in persons with Parkinson's disease : a focus on females

Persons with Parkinson's disease (PD) are often excluded from frailty studies, and thus little is known about how frailty influences decline in physiological capacity in persons with PD. Impaired physiological capacity impacts the ability to remain physically active, which reduces physical function that is necessary for independent living. The overall purpose of this dissertation was to examine physiological capacity (i.e., muscle activation patterns) and physical activity in males and females with PD during routine daily activities to determine whether they influence physical function and frailty. An extensive literature review of sex differences in PD highlighted that greater declines in gait speed, balance, and motor function occur in females compared with males. This dissertation demonstrated persons with PD, especially females with PD, were weaker and have less muscle quiescence, as measured with gaps in the electromyography, compared with controls and males with PD. These results provide insight int...

Daily physical function and frailty in persons with Parkinson's disease: a focus on females

Persons with Parkinson's disease (PD) are often excluded from frailty studies, and thus little is known about how frailty influences decline in physiological capacity in persons with PD. Impaired physiological capacity impacts the ability to remain physically active, which reduces physical function that is necessary for independent living. The overall purpose of this dissertation was to examine physiological capacity (i.e., muscle activation patterns) and physical activity in males and females with PD during routine daily activities to determine whether they influence physical function and frailty. An extensive literature review of sex differences in PD highlighted that greater declines in gait speed, balance, and motor function occur in females compared with males. This dissertation demonstrated persons with PD, especially females with PD, were weaker and have less muscle quiescence, as measured with gaps in the electromyography, compared with controls and males with PD. These results provide insight into mechanisms (i.e., physiological capacity) that determine PD and sex-related declines in functional performance. In addition, greater muscle activity and less quiescence in females with PD may perpetuate frailty through increased muscle fatigue and slowness of movement. Females with PD are more vulnerable to prefrailty than males and factors that are associated with frailty are quality of life (QoL) and self-reported exhaustion. The neuromuscular changes associated with frailty exacerbate PD, which may create greater muscle fatigue that results in self-reported exhaustion. In conclusion, research presented within this dissertation demonstrates that addressing frailty in PD is important, especially in females who are at greater risk for functional decline. This research presents new knowledge by suggesting that frail females with PD remain physically active during daily life and that disease management may better reflect frailty than disease severity or duration. Understanding how frailty concurrently exists with PD and how these conditions progress within the aging adult may enhance identification and implementation of management strategies aimed at improving functional independence and QoL.

Prevalence and risk factors of obesity and hypertension among students at a central university in the West Bank

Objectives: We aimed to determine the prevalence and correlates of obesity and hypertension (HTN) among students at a central university in the West Bank.Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study targeted a cohort of 553 students (59.5% males, 40.5% females) aged 17–26 years (median = 21) from Al-Quds University. Body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure (BP) were measured. Participants completed a questionnaire on physical activity, sedentary behavior, dietary factors, smoking and family history of obesity, HTN, and coronary artery disease. The magnitude of correlation was assessed by Spearman's rho (rs) and Chi-square tests.Results: The prevalence of overweight was 25% (31.1% males, 15.6% females) and obesity 7.2% (9.4% males, 4% females). Obesity and overweight were associated with family history of obesity in both genders (p<0.001) and physical activity in males (rs= − 0.162, p<0.005). No correlation was demonstrated between participants’ BMI and sedentary lifestyle or consumption of fast food. Pre-HTN was detected in 27.1% (38% males, 11.2% females) and HTN in 2.2% (3.3% males, 0.4% females). Pre-HTN and HTN were associated with obesity (rs=0.252, p<0.001) and smoking (p<0.05). No relationship was detected between students’ BP and sedentary behavior, family history of HTN/CAD, or consumption of fast food. The prevalence of increased BMI and BP among males was significantly higher than females (p<0.001).Conclusions: We detected a high prevalence of elevated BP and excess weight gain among students at Al-Quds University. An interventional program is urgently needed to control these cardiovascular risk factors in this community.

An ecological momentary assessment of the physical activity and sedentary behaviour patterns of university students

Objective We used ecological momentary assessment to understand the physical activity and sedentary behaviour patterns of university students. Study design Cross sectional, opportunistic sample from a university in the English midlands. Methods Ecological momentary assessment diaries were completed every 15 minutes across two days. The sample comprised 46 males (mean age 20.2 years) and 38 females (mean age 19.5 years). The majority of participants were undergraduates (96.5 per cent) and white European (85 per cent). Results Although ‘studying’ was the predominant behaviour (280 minutes), students spent time conducting a range of behaviours including ‘watching television’ (79.9 minutes), ‘sitting and talking’ (72.1 minutes) and ‘hanging out’ (64.0 minutes). Repeated measure ANOVAs revealed a significant gender effect for some behaviours with ‘studying’ [ F(1,82) = 10.50, p &lt; .006] and ‘computer game playing’ [ F(1,82) = 7.97, p &lt; .006] being higher in males, and ‘sitting and talking’ [ F(1,82) = 24.49, p &lt; .006] higher in females. Pearson correlations suggested that sedentary behaviours compete with each other for students’ time. A significant small negative relationship existed between sedentary technology behaviours and physical activity for males ( r = -.217) but not for females ( r = -.182). Conclusions Students participate in a range of sedentary behaviours that differ by gender. Results question public perception that selected sedentary behaviours, such as ‘watching television’, are responsible for declining levels of sport and exercise participation in this age group. Implications for interventions are considered.

Determinants of university students physical exercise: a study from Lebanon

Studies to assess the patterns of physical exercise among University students in Lebanon are lacking. The current study looks at the prevalence of physical exercise among university students in Beirut and predictors of performing physical exercise. In a cross-sectional study, a proportionate random sample of university students selected from five major universities were asked to complete a self-administered questionnaire related to physical exercise, demographic, scholastic, and health risk behavioral characteristics. Physical exercise was divided into: "No"" (< 0.5 h) and "Yes" (> 0.5 h) per week. Chi-square tests and binary regression were conducted to determine the predictors of performing physical exercise. Of 2,013 students, only 26.4% engaged in physical exercise. Predictors of performing physical exercise for males, were adoption of exercise as the method of weight control, while for females, they were living abroad, drinking excessive alcohol, and adopting exercise for weight control. The prevalence of physical exercise among Lebanese university students is low. Weight control remains the most important predictor of physical activity in males and females.