Physical Activity Intensity Levels Research Articles

Socio-Economic Determinants of the Physical Activity Intensity in Russia

The study examines the socioeconomic, demographic and health determinants of physical activity intensity in Russia. Using RLMS-HSE (the Russia Longitudinal Monitoring Survey – Higher School of Economics) data for 2021 and indicators of six levels of physical activity intensity, the authors built ordered probit models and calculated average marginal effects for a set of covariates. The independent variables were selected based on the SLOTH microeconomic model describing individual preferences towards physical activity.The ordered probit regression provided empirical support for Meltzer and Jena's theoretical framework, stating that as income increases, with the pronounced substitution effect, the time spent on physical activity decreases, and the intensity of physical activity rises. In our study, the thesis about an increase in intensity with rising income was confirmed for a subsample of men but not women. For women, the intensity was determined by factors such as multiple morbidity and residing outside of Moscow or Saint Petersburg, which were not significant in the regressions for men.The study resulted in several important conclusions. The intensity analysis showed that physician recommendations regarding the type of physical activity should consider patients' workload. For individuals with a busy schedule, recommended types of exercise that require a long time (for example, walking) are not suitable. At the same time, intense workouts (such as tennis or gym classes) can be built into the schedule. There is a need to develop sports infrastructure at workplaces, allowing individuals to allocate time for classes without bearing additional time and monetary costs associated with travel to the location of workouts. As income increases, exercising near the workplace allows an individual to increase the intensity of physical activity without incurring additional time costs

Moderating effects of clock genes DNA methylation on the relationship between physical activity trajectories and depressive symptoms among Chinese college students.

To explore the 2-year physical activity trajectory of Chinese college students and further examine the longitudinal relationship between physical activity trajectory and depressive symptoms. Furthermore, our study aimed to clarify the potential role of clock genes deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) methylation in the association between physical activity and depressive symptoms. From April 2019 to May 2021, College Student Behavior and Health Cohort Study was conducted among 1,179 students from two universities in Anhui and Jiangxi provinces. Latent Class Growth Model was applied to simulate and group physical activity in a total of five surveys. The PROCESS macro for SPSS was used to analyze the moderating effects of clock genes DNA methylation on the association between physical activity and depressive symptoms. Two physical activity trajectories were identified: "continued high level" and "gradual low level." Multinomial logistic regression analysis showed that the "gradual low level" of physical activity trajectory was independently associated with moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms. Furthermore, DNA methylation of the PER2 and CRY1 genes had negatively moderating effects between physical activity and depressive symptoms, and there was sex-specific effect for CRY1 gene. Our findings suggests that long-term low physical activity was connected to more severe depressive symptoms among college students, and clock genes DNA methylation may play a negative moderating role, attenuating the positive effect of high intensity physical activity levels on depressive symptoms. In this regard, intervention programs regarding depressive symptoms among Chinese college students should consider multiple approaches such as increasing the duration and intensity of physical activity. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

The concurrent validity of the physical activity vital sign and online physical activity logbook in adolescents with autism

Background and aimsThere is an urgent need for valid assessment tools to assess physical activity (PA) levels in adolescents with autism. This study examines the concurrent validity of the Physical Activity Vital Sign (PAVS) and Online Physical Activity Logbook (OPAL) with accelerometry in adolescents with autism. A secondary aim was to explore the association and agreement between self-perceived and objectively measured PA intensity levels. MethodsForty-five adolescents with autism (71% males, Mdn = 14.0 (IQR = 13.0–15.5) years) completed the PAVS and OPAL and wore a wGT3X-BT ActiGraph accelerometer twice for seven consecutive days. Concurrent validity was assessed with Spearman correlations (ρ) and Wilcoxon Signed Rank/Paired Sample T-tests. ResultsA poor association was found between the PAVS and accelerometry (ρ = .37). The PAVS overestimated moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) levels [Mdn = 152.1 min (IQR = 76.8–283.9), p < .001]. Poor associations (ρ = −.06 up to −.45) were observed between the OPAL and accelerometry for time spent in sedentary behavior (SB), light PA (LPA), moderate PA (MPA), vigorous PA (VPA) and MVPA. No significant mean and median differences were found for SB and VPA between the two methods respectively. A moderate association was found between self-perceived (OPAL) and objectively measured (accelerometry) VPA (ρ = .60) and MVPA (ρ = .51), while those for LPA and MPA were poor (ρ < .50). No significant median differences were found between self-perceived and objectively measured VPA. ConclusionClinicians and researchers should be very cautious in using the PAVS to assess MVPA levels in adolescents with autism, while the utility of the OPAL, in its current form, is questionable. Adolescents with autism may estimate PA at a vigorous intensity accurately. Future research should further focus on examining the psychometric properties of self-report PA instruments, as well as the ability of adolescents with autism to accurately estimate the intensity of performed PA's.

Accelerometer Thresholds for Estimating Physical Activity Intensity Levels in Infants: A Preliminary Study.

Lack of physical activity (PA) at a young age can result in health issues. Thus, monitoring PA is important. Wearable accelerometers are the preferred tool to monitor PA in children. Validated thresholds are used to classify activity intensity levels, e.g., sedentary, light, and moderate-to-vigorous, in ambulatory children. No previous work has developed accelerometer thresholds for infancy (pre-ambulatory children). Therefore, this work aims to develop accelerometer thresholds for PA intensity levels in pre-ambulatory infants. Infants (n = 10) were placed in a supine position and allowed free movement. Their movements were synchronously captured using video cameras and accelerometers worn on each ankle. The video data were labeled by activity intensity level (sedentary, light, and moderate-to-vigorous) in two-second epochs using observational rating (gold standard). Accelerometer thresholds were developed for acceleration and jerk using two optimization approaches. Four sets of thresholds were developed for dual (two ankles) and for single-worn (one ankle) accelerometers. Of these, for a typical use case, we recommend using acceleration-based thresholds of 1.00 m/s to distinguish sedentary and light activity and 2.60 m/s to distinguish light and moderate-to-vigorous activity. Acceleration and jerk are both suitable for measuring PA.

Effects of coach-delivered verbal encouragement on the physiological and psychological responses of adolescent players in small-sided basketball games.

The confluence of physiological and psychological dynamics is fundamental to athletic performance, particularly in basketball, where physical skill and mental resilience are imperative. While the role of verbal encouragement (VE) as a catalyst for enhancing performance has been explored in various sports disciplines, its specific effects within the basketball have not been adequately examined. Addressing this gap, the current study zeroes in on the influence of coach-delivered VE on the physiological and psychological responses of adolescent basketball players engaged in small-sided games (SSG), providing a focused analysis of how directed encouragement can modulate performance and experience in young athletes. This study aimed to investigate the effects of coach-delivered verbal encouragement on the psychological and physiological responses of adolescent basketball players. Sixteen male participants (age: 16.93 ± 0.36 years; height: 176.8 ± 0.8 cm; body mass: 73.43 ± 12.57 kg; BMI: 21.70 ± 3.55) were allocated to a Verbal Encouragement Group (VEG, n = 8, mean age: 16.80 ± 0.44) and a Control Group (CG, n = 8, mean age: 17.06 ± 0.26). Each participant engaged in four sessions of small-sided games (SSGs) consisting of four players per side in a 14 × 10 m pitch. The findings revealed significant benefits of coach-delivered verbal encouragement on both the physical and psychophysiological responses of the players (p < 0.05), including increased physical enjoyment, positive mood state, lower heart rate, and higher physical activity intensity level. Coaches should incorporate verbal encouragement strategies during SSGs to enhance player performance and optimize both psychological and physiological adaptations.

Evaluation of a High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) Program for Military Personnel Receiving Inpatient Treatment for a Substance Use Disorder

This study aimed to evaluate a high intensity interval training (HIIT) program delivered in an inpatient treatment setting serving military personnel. This recreational therapy (RT) program assessed the impact of a single session (60-minute) HIIT program on participant affect and state-anxiety. Using a single-group pretest-posttest design, 58 data sets were collected from participants (N = 20). Results indicated an increase in positive affect (z = -.6.52, p &lt; .001), a decrease in negative affect (z = -2.64, p &lt; .01), and a significant reduction in anxiety, t (57) = 1.99, p = .05 following the intervention. The program also resulted in a significant elevation in heart rate, t (57) = -25.89, p &lt; .001 with most participants reaching moderate to high intensity physical activity levels. On a scale of 1–10, participants rated their likelihood of participating in HIIT post-discharge at 6.28 (SD = 2.43). Additional qualitative data provides valuable insight on the perceived benefits to participants and offers suggestions for future program development and research in this area.

The effect of Ashtanga-Vinyasa Yoga method on air force pilots' operational performance.

In today's military landscape, optimizing performance and bolstering physical health and mental resilience are critical objectives. Introducing a 12-week Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga Supta Method (AVYSM) to the training protocol of military trained Airforce pilots, we aim to assesses the feasibility and impact of the method. Borg Scale assesses the intensity level of physical activity during the intervention. Flight simulator data gauges operational performance responses. Postural control responses are measured using a force platform, stress responses are monitored via heart monitor, and handgrip dynamometry will measure strength. Respiratory capacity is assessed using a spirometer, body composition is evaluated using impedance balance, and aviation-related questionnaires are administered before and after the intervention period. In a randomized controlled trial, the totality of pilots from the "Masters in Military Aeronautics: aviator pilot specialist" course at the Portuguese Air Force Academy (PAA) were randomly assigned to the yoga intervention or the waiting list control groups, with participants providing written informed consent. The control group followed protocolized course classes for 12 weeks, while the intervention group integrated two weekly one-hour yoga sessions into their course. The PAA has approved the implementation of this intervention protocol at Airbase 11 in Beja, highlighting its significance for the organization's policy makers. We hypothesize that this method will enhance operational performance and, subsequently, elevate flight safety. This research's potential extends beyond the PAA, as it can be adapted for use in Airforce departments of other nations and various military contexts. Évora University research ethics committee-approval number 21050. Study registered on ClinicalTrials.gov under identifier NCT05821270, registered on April 19, 2023.

Promoting public playgrounds usage and children's physical activity with sports activities: A quasi-experimental study

This study aimed to evaluate the children's usage and their physical activity levels at playgrounds with (N = 4) and without (N = 4) organized sports activities, following a quasi-experimental study design. Direct observations were used to assess the playground usage and estimate the playground users' age category, sex, and physical activity intensity level. The results indicated that playgrounds with sports activities were associated with 53% more users at the time of the activities. However, this increase was only seen in boys. Furthermore, playgrounds with sport activities were not associated with different physical activity levels in children as compared to children on regular playgrounds.

Examining the association between delay discounting, delay aversion and physical activity in Chinese adults with type-2 diabetes mellitus.

The role of physical activity in diabetes is critical, influencing this disease's development, man-agement, and overall outcomes. In China, 22.3% of adults do not meet the minimum level of physical activity recommended by the World Health Organization. Therefore, it is imperative to identify the factors that contributing to lack of physical activity must be identified. To investigate the relationship among delay discounting, delay aversion, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and various levels of physical activity in Chinese adults diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In 2023, 400 adults with T2DM were recruited from the People's Hospital of Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture of Gansu Province. A face-to-face questionnaire was used to gather demographic data and details on physical activity, delay discounting, and delay aversion. In addition, HbA1c levels were measured in all 400 participants. The primary independent variables considered were delay discounting and delay aversion. The outcome variables included HbA1c levels and different intensity levels of physical activity, including walking, moderate physical activity, and vigorous physical activity. Multiple linear regression models were utilized to assess the relationship between delay discounting, delay aversion, and HbA1c levels, along with the intensity of different physical activity measured in met-hours per week. After controlling for the sample characteristics, delay discounting was negatively associated with moderate physical activity (β = -2.386, 95%CI: -4.370 to -0.401). Meanwhile, delay aversion was negatively associated with the level of moderate physical activity (β = -3.527, 95% CI: -5.578 to -1.476) in the multiple linear regression model, with statistically significant differences. Elevated delay discounting and increased delay aversion correlated with reduced levels of moderate physical activity. Result suggests that delay discounting and aversion may influence engagement in moderate physical activity. This study recommends that health administration and government consider delay discounting and delay aversion when formulating behavioral intervention strategies and treatment guidelines involving physical activity for patients with T2DM, which may increase participation in physical activity. This study contributes a novel perspective to the research on physical activity in adults with T2DM by examining the significance of future health considerations and the role of emotional responses to delays.

Impacts of active mobility on individual health mediated by physical activities

Active mobility, encompassing walking and cycling for transportation, is a potential solution to health issues arising from inadequate physical activity in modern society. However, the extent of active mobility's impact on individual physical activity levels, and its association with health as mediated by physical activities, is not fully quantified. This study aims to clarify the direct relationship between active mobility usage and individual health, as well as the indirect relationship mediated by physical activity, with a focus on varying levels of physical activity intensity. Utilizing data from the 2017 U.S. National Household Travel Survey (NHTS), we employed Poisson regression to predict active mobility usage based on socio-demographic and household socio-economic characteristics. A Structural Equation Model (SEM) was then used to investigate the direct and indirect effects of active mobility on individual health, mediated by physical activity. We further segmented individuals according to their intensity of physical activity to examine how such effect differs between different levels of physical activity. The study demonstrates that active mobility usage positively correlates with both the amount and intensity of physical activity. The effect of active mobility on individual health includes a direct positive effect (29% for intensity, 67.7% for amount) and an indirect effect mediated by physical activity (71% for intensity, 32.3% for amount). Notably, the mediation effect of active mobility on health is more substantial in the context of vigorous physical activities compared to light or moderate activities. Our findings reveal a significant positive influence of active mobility on individual health, encompassing both direct and indirect effects mediated by physical activities. These results quantitatively underscore the health benefits of active mobility and suggest the importance of promoting active mobility as a strategy to improve public health.

The relationship between physical activity intensity, sleep quality and stress levels in adolescent physical fitness

Physical activity, sleep quality, and stress levels on physical fitness in adolescence can increase the positive value of adolescent students' development in doing all activities. At the same time, previous research has shown that physical activity, stress levels and sleep quality strongly influence each of these activities in the context of positive influences. Because adolescent activity is so high, the study examined this relationship in everyday life. The design and method used in this study were correlational, with 200 adolescent students involved in this study who selected purposive sampling. Data collection techniques are questionnaires, among which IPAQ is a questionnaire with a physical activity measurement scale. Sleep quality using PSQI (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index). Stress rating scale using DASS (Depression Anxiety Stress Scales). Physical fitness is measured using the Indonesian Physical Fitness Test for 16-19 years. Data analysis using Spearman's rho correlation test using SPSS application version 26. This study found that in physical activity with adolescent physical fitness, Sig. 0.714 &gt; 0.05 was obtained, which shows a significant relationship between physical activity and physical fitness. Sleep quality with physical fitness in adolescents obtained Sig. Value 0.826 &gt; 0.05, so there is a significant relationship between sleep quality and physical fitness in adolescents. At the level of stress related to physical fitness, they obtained Sig. Values of 0.000 &lt; 0.05 mean that no significant relationship exists between adolescents' stress levels and physical fitness.

Survey on Physical Activity Among Adolescents in Pune City

The main aim of the study was to assess the physical activity among adolescents of Pune City. For this study total 500 students were randomly selected from Pune city. The subject’s age was ranged in between 13-17 years. For the purpose of collecting the data the researcher used and selected International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) is a widely used instrument for assessing physical activity levels in various populations by (Craig et al., 2003). The questionnaire is divided into four domains. These are Leisure-Time Physical Activity: Activities during discretionary time, such as sports, exercise, and recreational activities. Occupational Physical Activity: Activities related to work or employment. Transportation Physical Activity: Activities related to commuting, such as walking or cycling. Household and Garden Physical Activity: Activities related to household chores and gardening. Data were measured by IPAQ questionnaire which is used to calculate the total metabolic equivalent of task (MET) minutes per week. MET is a unit that represents the energy expenditure of an activity relative to resting metabolic rate. MET values are assigned to different levels of physical activity intensity (e.g., walking, moderate-intensity activities, vigorous-intensity activities), and the total MET minutes per week are calculated by multiplying the duration and frequency of each activity. Percentage was used as a statistical tool analyses the data. The result of the study revealed that students 57.6% (288) are less involved in physical activity, where as 23.4% (117) students are moderately involved in physical activity and 19% (95) students are highly involved in physical activity.

Increasing the Level of Physical Activity Intensity with Child-Designed Games and Creativity of 6-8 Year-Olds during Gymnastics Lessons in Physical Education

Higher levels of physical activity (PA) during physical education (PE) are important for 6- to 8-year-old children because it can improve their physical health, cognitive skills, academic performance, and social development. The purpose of the study conducted was to determine the effects of incorporating child-designed games and student creativity while waiting for teacher supervision during gymnastics lessons in PE on the quantity and intensity of PA among 1st and 2nd grade students. The sample included 91 1st and 2nd grade students (53 boys) from a Slovenian school. The sample included 91 1st and 2nd grade students (53 boys) from a Slovenian elementary school, of whom 48 (age = 6.8 ± 0.7) participated in the experimental teaching program that included child-designed games and student creativity, while 43 (age = 7.0 ± 0.6) belonged to the control group where traditional teaching continued. They were taught three gymnastics elements that had to be supervised by the teacher: the squat jump on the vault box, the backward roll, and the cartwheel. The results of the nonparametric Mann-Whitney test showed statistically significant differences between groups (EXP vs. CON) in terms of light PA (LPA) and moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) for all three gymnastics elements taught: the squat jump on the vault box (LPA: p=0.001; MVPA: p=0.001), the backward roll (LPA: p=0.001; MVPA: p=0.001), and the cartwheel (LPA: p=0.002; MVPA: p=0.001). Statistically significant differences between groups in terms of vigorous PA (VPA) did not occur for any gymnastics element: the squat jump on the vault box (p=0.462), the backward roll (p=0.833), and the cartwheel (p=0.636). The results show the effectiveness of incorporating child-designed games and student creativity to reduce inactivity while waiting for teacher supervision and to increase the amount of LPA and MVPA in 1st and 2nd grade elementary school during gymnastics lessons in PE.

Factors associated with physical activity following total knee arthroplasty for knee osteoarthritis: a longitudinal study.

After total knee arthroplasty (TKA), patients' physical activity (PA) levels at 6 months are lower than those of healthy subjects. Few studies have investigated the factors associated with PA at 6 months after TKA by objectively measuring preoperative and postoperative PA intensity using an accelerometer and knee function using a goniometer and dynamometer. The purpose of this study was to determine the factors associated with PA levels at 6 months after TKA based on objective data. Eighty-two patients (mean [SD] age 74.5 [6.4] years) with moderate-to-severe knee osteoarthritis (OA) who were scheduled for TKA at the Nagoya Orthopaedic and Joint Replacement Clinic from July 2018 to July 2019 were enrolled in this longitudinal study. All patients underwent evaluations of knee function, including range-of-motion and knee-extension muscle strength; knee pain; performance in the timed up-and-go test; and accelerometer-measured PA both preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively. Factors associated with PA at 6 months after TKA were assessed using a hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, and presence of diabetes mellitus. A higher average daily step count at 6 months after TKA was significantly associated with greater preoperative knee-extension muscle strength on the operated side (β = 0.155, p = 0.028) as well as a higher preoperative average daily step count (β = 0.834, p < 0.001). Furthermore, average daily time spent in moderate-to-vigorous-intensity PA postoperatively was significantly associated only with time spent in moderate-to-vigorous-intensity PA preoperatively (β = 0.723, p < 0.001). These findings indicate that a higher preoperative daily step count and greater preoperative knee-extension muscle strength on the operated side may be associated with a higher daily step count at 6 months after TKA. Factors associated with PA differed by the PA intensity level. Rehabilitation and interventions for psychosocial factors before TKA beginning when mild knee OA first occurs are expected to lead to increased PA in TKA patients.

Exploring actual and perceived levels of physical activity intensity during virtual reality active games.

Research suggests that engaging in active virtual reality (VR) video games can elicit light to moderate levels of physical activity (PA), making it a novel and fun mode of exercise. Further research is needed to understand the influence of VR on perceptions of exertion and enjoyment during PA. The objectives of this study are (1) to compare actual and perceived exertion within and between active VR games with varying levels of difficulty and (2) to determine how playing active VR games influences PA enjoyment during gameplay. A total of 18 participants completed four separate study sessions, during which they engaged in either a 15-min bout of traditional exercise (stationary cycling) or played one VR game. Heart rate (HR) and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) using the Borg CR10 scale were assessed during VR gameplay and cycling. Enjoyment was measured after gameplay. VR games included playing Holopoint at level 2 and level 3 and Hot Squat. Repeated measures ANOVAs were used to examine (1) changes in HR and RPE across time within games and (2) differences in actual and perceived levels of intensity and enjoyment between games. Bivariate correlations examined the relationship between the degree of change in actual intensity and the degree of change in perceived intensity during each VR game and cycling. The analyses revealed that RPE and HR significantly increased from baseline during each condition and generally increased across the 15-min of gameplay. Hot Squat and cycling elicited a significantly higher percentage of heart rate reserve (%HRR) than Holopoint at levels 2 and 3. Holopoint level 3 elicited a higher %HRR than Holopoint level 2. The participants reported greater average and max RPE during Hot Squat and cycling compared with Holopoint at levels 2 and 3. The correlations revealed a significant positive correlation between the degree of change in HR and RPE for cycling, but no significant correlations were observed for any of the VR conditions. The physical activity during Holopoint at both levels was rated as more enjoyable than Hot Squat and cycling. Our data support the notion that VR has the potential to alter individuals' perceptions of exertion during PA and, in particular, may reduce their awareness of increases in actual exertion.

A111: Relationship Between Physical Activity and Mental Toughness

Purpose: Physical activity has favorable impacts on exercisers' stress levels, psychological distress and anxiety, emotional regulation, and mental wellness. In recent years, the global outbreak of COVID-19 has subtly altered college students' lifestyles. Studies have shown that the physical and mental health of students has deteriorated dramatically, which is alarming. Mental toughness refers to the ability to adapt well in the face of major pressures, setbacks, and adversity in life. The purpose of the present study was to examine variations in mental toughness depending on the intensity, length, and frequency of physical activity. Methods: A total of 3,120 Chinese college students participated in this study. In the spring semester of 2022, participants were given the demographic questionnaire, the Physical Activity Rating Scale (PARS-3), and the Chinese version of the Mental Resilience Scale (CD-RISC). 3049 students completed the survey. Independent sample t test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), correlation analysis, and regression analysis were performed using SPSS 25.0 statistical software. Results: The physical activity level differed significantly across sex (t = 14.37, p &lt; 0.001), grade (F=3.72, p &lt; 0.05), and monthly living expenses (F = 5.70, p &lt; 0.001). The mental toughness had significant differences across sex (t = 4.55, p &lt; 0.001), grade (F = 3.35, p &lt; 0.05), and monthly living expenses (F = 5.41, p &lt; 0.001). There were significant differences in mental toughness across different levels of physical activity intensity (F = 39.28, p &lt; 0.001), different length of physical activity (F = 33.35, p &lt; 0.001), different frequency of physical activity (F = 30.14, p &lt; 0.001), and different levels of physical activity (F = 91.55, p &lt; 0.001). Physical activity was significantly and positively correlated with mental toughness (r = 0.26, p &lt; 0.01). Conclusion: Male students exhibited significantly higher levels of physical activity than their female counterparts, and freshmen demonstrated greater physical activity than students in other grades. Additionally, the amount of physical activity among college students was influenced by their monthly living expenses. The mental toughness score of male students was notably higher than that of female students, with freshmen scoring significantly higher than students in other grades. In comparison to other levels of physical activity, engaging in a high quantity of exercise, high-intensity short-duration exercise, more than 60 minutes of activity time, and a daily activity frequency had the most pronounced impact on enhancing mental toughness. Moreover, there was a positive correlation between physical activity and mental toughness.

Electrophysiological investigation of active-assisted vs recumbent cycling: A pilot study in healthy older adults.

There is a relationship between acute bouts of aerobic exercise and cognition in adults, yet the exact nature of this relationship remains unclear. The current pilot study aims to investigate how different modes of cycling (active-assisted cycling vs recumbent cycling) at different moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) intensity levels (prescribed 65-70% Heart Rate Max and self-selected 12-13 Rate of Perceived Exertion) modulate neurocognitive, and behavioral markers of cognition in healthy older adults. A sample of 10 adults (aged 50-74years) participated in baseline (no exercise), active-assisted, and recumbent cycling interventions at different intensity levels. The P3 event-related potential (ERP), a neural index of executive functions, was recorded at baseline and following each exercise condition during an auditory odd-ball paradigm. Results revealed that greater amplitudes within the P3 ERP component were associated with post-exercise recumbent bike cycling compared to baseline and active-assisted cycling. Further, post-exercise behavioral cognitive measures (i.e., button press accuracy) were significantly greater than baseline for both active-assisted and recumbent bikes at both intensity levels. These findings suggest that exercise modulated both neurocognitive and behavioral measures of executive functions in older healthy adults, and that exercise modalities and intensity levels differentially modulate neurocognitive measures.

Whole-of-school physical activity implementation in the context of the Dubai Fitness Challenge.

Physical activity (PA) promotion among school-aged youth is a global health priority. Recommendations for such promotion include implementing whole-of-school approaches that maximize resources across the school environment. This study examined schools' participation in an annual, government-led, and emirate-wide initiative in Dubai, called the Dubai Fitness Challenge, in which the goal is to accrue 30 minutes of PA every day for 30 days (as such, the initiative is colloquially referred to as "Dubai 30x30"). A mixed-methods design was employed for this study. Three schools were recruited using convenience sampling. Participants were 18 physical education teachers, 20 classroom teachers, 2 principals and 45 students. Data sources included surveys, focus groups, and interviews. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, multinomial logistic regression, and open and axial coding to develop themes. School staff reported that most Dubai 30x30 activities were provided in physical education, at break times during school, and before and after school. Students reported that they mainly participated in Dubai 30x30 activities during physical education and occasionally participated in activities after school and on weekends. During school, students were more likely to reach higher PA intensity levels when they were in contexts other than the regular classroom setting. Among school staff, physical education teachers were most involved and classroom teachers were least involved in promoting Dubai 30x30. Parent engagement was high. Staff perceived that Dubai 30x30 brought the community together, but physical education teachers also indicated there was a lack of implementation guidance and they felt burdened. Participants believed Dubai 30x30 increased PA participation and helped to promote their schools. This study provides an initial glimpse into schools' participation in Dubai 30x30 and suggests that a whole-of-school PA lens is useful in gleaning information that could help to increase and optimize PA opportunities for students.

Association of Basic Psychological Need Fulfillment and School Happiness with Obesity Levels and Intensity of Physical Activity during Physical Education Classes in South Korean Adolescents.

This study examined the relationship between basic psychological need fulfillment (BPNF) and school happiness in relation to the intensity of physical activity exhibited by adolescents during physical education (PE) classes and their obesity levels. We measured BPNF and school happiness using a questionnaire administered to 600 junior high school students. After exclusion, 532 questionnaires were analyzed. A 3D accelerometer (GT3X model) from Actigraph and the body mass index were used to measure physical activity intensity and obesity, respectively. The findings of this study indicate that BPNF and school happiness were significantly associated with physical activity intensity. Specifically, students who engaged in high-intensity physical activity exhibited higher levels of BPNF and school happiness. Additionally, BPNF and school happiness were not significantly related to obesity, whereas a significant relationship was observed between BPNF, school happiness, and the interaction between physical activity intensity and obesity level. This finding implies that adolescents with higher physical activity intensity and lower obesity reported higher levels of BPNF and school happiness. These findings suggest that physical activity intensity during PE classes significantly influences emotional development. Therefore, incorporating moderate-to-vigorous physical activity into PE may serve as a strategy for promoting emotional development in adolescents.

Intensity of Physical Activity and Quality of Life Among Older Adults

Abstract Introduction. Low physical activity, transition to retirement and unfavorable socio-economic changes may significantly reduce the quality of life of older people. The increasing average life expectancy of the population requires measures intended to promote physical activity among the elderly in order to improve their quality of life. The aim of the research was to determine the relationship between exercise intensity and the quality of life in U3A students over 60 years of age. Material and methods. A diagnostic survey was applied in the research. The following research tools were used: WHOQOL-BREF Questionnaire to assess the quality of life, Minnesota Questionnaire (MLTPAQ) to test the intensity level of physical activity, and the authors’ own questionnaire. The study involved 673 individuals over 60 years of age from the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Region in Poland. Results. People who took low-intensity exercise more often were more satisfied with life and health. Likewise, they had higher quality of life assessments in the physical, psychological and environmental context in comparison with those who were not sporty. Individuals who went in for moderate physical effort more often assessed their quality of life better in the social area. Respondents who engaged in intense physical activities valued the quality of life in physical, psychological and environmental domains higher. Conclusions. The positive influence of regular exercise on the quality of life requires further promotion of this activity, health education, and extension, diversification and adjustment of the offer of sports activities to the needs and capabilities of the elderly.