Physical Activity Levels Research Articles

Lifestyle aspects are associated with common mental disorders in women over 40 years older in a population-based study

Background & AimsCommon mental disorders (CMD) are more prevalent in women, as well as noncommunicable diseases. Diet and physical activity are lifestyle modifiable factors that might help on managing these conditions. MethodsThis study aimed to investigate the association between lifestyle aspects (diet and physical activity) and common mental disorders in women aged 40+ years. Methods: This is a cross-sectional, population-based study (2015 ISA-Nutrition) with a representative sample of São Paulo-SP-Brazil urban residents. The present study was conducted with data from 467 women aged 40+ years old. Common Mental Disorders (dependent variable) were investigated by the Self-Reporting Questionnaire-20 (SRQ-20); the independent variables of interest were: the inflammatory potential of the diet was evaluated by dietary inflammatory index (DII), and physical activity level (evaluated by IPAQ) adopting the leisure dimension of physical activity. We considered as adjusting variables the presence of self-reported Noncommunicable Diseases (NCD), the age intervals (defined as 40-45, 46-50, 51-55, 56-60, 61+ years old), schooling, (according to years of formal education), Body Mass Index (BMI); and ethnicity (self-declared skin color). Simple and multi-adjusted logistic regression models were performed to investigate the associations. ConclusionsThe main findings indicate that the prevalence of CMD was 32.2%, and the frequency of having one or more NCD was 67.2%. In the final regression model, CMD was associated with the highest tertile of the DII (OR=2.215; p=0.003) and having three, and four or more NCD (OR= 6. 735; p<0.001, and OR= 3.874; p=0.033, respectively). Altogether, our results indicate that dietary inflammatory characteristics, and physical activity, along with NCD, are associated with CMD, in women aged 40+ years old, in different dimensions.

PRÁTICA DE ATIVIDADE FÍSICA E SOBRECARGA PERCEBIDA POR MÃES DE JOVENS COM TRANSTORNO DO ESPECTRO AUTISTA

Atypical motherhood can place a great burden on women, who often end up neglecting self-care due to the attention required for their child. This study aimed to verify the level of physical activity and the burden perceived by mothers of young people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). 20 mothers with children diagnosed with ASD were interviewed, who answered questionnaires with sociodemographic information, habitual physical activity (Baecke) and perceived burden (Burden Interview). The results showed a higher prevalence of divorced women, with an income of less than two minimum wages, without medical insurance or a support network and whose children were diagnosed with ASD support 3. The burden perceived by women was generally high and showed a negative correlation with practice of physical activity. It is concluded that physical activity can be a beneficial factor in reducing perceived burden among women with children with ASD. Received: 2024/06/25 Reformulated: 2024/08/30 Accepted: 2024/08/30

A randomized pragmatic feasibility trial to promote student perspective-taking on client physical activity level: a collaborative project

BackgroundHealth-care practitioners have opportunities to talk with clients about unhealthy behaviors. How practitioners approach these conversations involves skill to be effective. Thus, teaching health-care students to communicate empathetically with clients should promote effective client-practitioner conversations about health behavior change. The primary objective of this pilot trial was to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and appropriateness of a theoretically informed intervention designed to improve perspective-taking.MethodsFor inclusion in this randomized mixed-methods parallel two-arm trial, participants needed to be a student at the investigators’ Canadian university and have completed course content on behavior change communication. Using a 1:1 allocation ratio, participants in Respiratory, Physical, and Occupational Therapy; Nurse Practitioner; and Kinesiology programs were randomly assigned to full or partial intervention conditions. Full intervention participants completed a perspective-taking workshop and practiced perspective-taking prior to an in-lab dialogue with a client-actor (masked to condition) about physical activity. Partial intervention participants received the workshop after the dialogue. We assessed feasibility and appropriateness by comparing recruitment rates, protocol, and psychometric outcomes to criteria. We assessed acceptability (secondary outcome) by analyzing exit interviews.ResultsWe screened and randomized 163 participants (82 = full intervention; 81 = partial intervention). We fell slightly short of our recruitment success criteria (10–15 participants per program) when 2/50 Occupational Therapy students participated. We met some but not all of our protocol criteria: Some full intervention participants did not practice perspective-taking before the dialogue, because they did not see anyone during the practice period or did not have a practice opportunity. Psychometric outcomes met the criteria, except for one measure that demonstrated ceiling effects and low reliability (Cronbach’s alpha < .70). There were no adverse events related to participation.ConclusionsThe intervention should be largely feasible, appropriate, and acceptable to deliver. We suggest changes that are large enough to warrant conducting another pilot study. We outline recommended improvements that are applicable to researchers and educators interested in recruitment, adherence to home practice, and online uptake of the intervention.Trial registrationThis trial was registered retrospectively on November 8, 2023, at https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06123507.

The relationship between cognitive function and physical activity, functional status and social participation in older adults: a cross-sectional study

Aims: Cognitive function in older adults has been a topic of growing interest in recent years. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between cognitive function and physical activity, functional status, and social participation in older adults. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 123 older adults aged 65 years and older who met the study’s inclusion criteria. The inclusion criteria for the study were as follows: who were aged 65 years or older, literate, volunteering to participate in the study, had no hearing or vision defects that prevented the measurement of the scales used in the study, had no chronic disease that prevented the scales used in the study. The data in the study were collected with sociodemographic form, Montreal cognitive assessment, international physical activity questionnaire, timed-up-and-go test, 10-meter walk test, and Keele assessment of participation. Results: The average age of the participants was 69.5±4.6. The study included 46.3% women and, 57.7% primary school graduates. A positive and moderate relationship was found between cognitive functions and physical activity level, functional status, and social participation in older adults. Additionally, there was a moderate positive relationship found between the level of physical activity, functional status, and social participation. In the cognitive function risk model, it was found that age, education level, and social participation significantly impact cognitive functions in older adults. Conclusion: Increasing physical activity, functionality, and especially social participation in older adults can be considered an important intervention to protect and improve the cognitive functions of older adults.

Effect of physical activity on risk reduction of infective endocarditis among patients with diabetes: a nationwide cohort study.

Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) are at a higher risk of infectious diseases, and exercise is an important treatment modality for DM. Despite their susceptibility to infection in diabetic patients, the association between the amount of physical activity and the incidence of infective endocarditis (IE) is unclear. We attempted to demonstrate risk reduction by physical activity in diabetic patients with IE. From the National Health Insurance database, patients with DM were verified, and the incidence of IE was investigated. The level of physical activity was categorized into < 500, 500-999, 1,000-1,499, and ≥ 1,500 metabolic equivalent task (METs) minutes/week. Cox proportional hazard models were used to analyze the relationship between incident IE and physical activity. A total of 2,603,012 patients were included in this study. The incidence rate of IE was 10.06, 9.45, 7.78, and 8.84 in < 500, 500-999, 1,000-1,499, and ≥ 1,500 METs-minutes/week groups, respectively (100,000 person/year). A significant risk reduction of incident IE was observed in the 1,000-1499 and ≥ 1,500 METs-min/week groups compared to the < 500 METs-min/week group (Hazard ratio = 0.82, 95% confidence interval [0.690-0.976], HR = 0.831, 95% CI [0.704-0.981]). An analysis of a large national cohort database demonstrated that physical exercise reduced the risk of IE in patients with DM.

Assessing the Relationships between Physical Activity, a Healthy Life, and Personal Happiness in European Union Countries.

Background: Maintaining a physically active lifestyle is a determinant factor of a healthy life and personal happiness. Meanwhile, physical inactivity remains a significant issue, resulting in negative consequences for public health. Objectives: This paper investigates the relationships between physical activity, physical inactivity, a healthy life, life expectancy, and personal happiness in European Union (EU) countries. Methods: This empirical study uses an artificial neural network and cluster analysis to analyze and interpret data from 27 EU countries. Artificial neural network analysis enables the assessment of the relationships between physical activity and inactivity, a healthy life, and personal happiness, while cluster analysis identifies groups of EU countries based on physical activity, healthy life, and personal happiness indicators. Results: The results show significant positive links between physical activity and improvements in healthy living and personal happiness. Conclusions: This study highlights considerable variations among EU countries regarding the levels of physical activity, healthy living, and personal happiness, emphasizing the importance of promoting physical activity to enhance public health and overall well-being. The findings suggest the need to develop customized policies that address country-specific factors and promote an active lifestyle.

The effect of parental pain, disability benefits and education on risk of long-term sick leave due to musculoskeletal disorders and the modifying effect of sleep and physical activity: the HUNT study

BackgroundFamily factors, sleep, and physical activity have previously been associated with risk of sick leave and disability benefits due to musculoskeletal disorders. However, how these factors act during adolescence and young adulthood is unclear. The aim of this study was to (i) examine if chronic pain, disability benefits and education in parents influence the risk of long-term sick leave due to musculoskeletal disorders in young adulthood, and (ii) to explore if offspring sleep problems and physical activity modify these effects.MethodsA population-based prospective study of 18,552 adolescents and young adults (≤ 30 years) in the Norwegian HUNT Study. Survey data was linked to national registry data on sick leave, disability benefits, family relations and educational attainment. We used Cox regression to estimate hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) for long-term (≥ 31 days) sick leave due to a musculoskeletal disorder in offspring associated with parental factors and the joint effect of parental factors and offspring lifestyle factors.ResultsParental chronic pain (HR 1.36, 95% CI 1.27–1.45), disability benefits (HR 1.41, 95% CI 1.33–1.48) and low educational attainment (HR 1.78, 95% CI 1.67–1.90) increased the risk of long-term sick leave due to musculoskeletal disorders among offspring. There was no strong evidence that sleep and physical activity modified these effects.ConclusionChronic pain, disability benefit and low education in parents increased the risk of long-term sick leave due to musculoskeletal disorders among offspring, but these effects were not modified by offspring sleep problems or physical activity level. The findings suggest that efforts beyond individual lifestyle factors might be important as preventive measures.

The Impact of Physical Activity on Adolescent Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review.

Background: The relationship between physical activity and low back pain (LBP) in adolescents is complex, with conflicting evidence on whether activity is protective or a risk factor. The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced new challenges, increasing sedentary behaviors among adolescents. This systematic review updates the evidence on the association between physical activity and LBP in this population, focusing on the impact of the pandemic. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Medline, and SCOPUS identified observational studies published between January 2011 and December 2023. This review focused on adolescents aged 10 to 19 years, examining the effects of various physical activity levels and types on LBP incidence. Quality assessment was conducted using the ROBINS-I tool. Results: Twelve studies were included, with a total of 78,850 adolescents. The findings suggest a U-shaped relationship between physical activity and LBP, where low and high activity levels increase LBP risk, while moderate activity appears protective. The pandemic exacerbated LBP prevalence, likely due to increased sedentary behavior. Gender differences were noted, with females more likely to report LBP, particularly related to sports participation. Conclusions: Moderate physical activity may protect against LBP in adolescents, whereas both inactivity and excessive activity heighten risk. The pandemic's impact highlights the need for balanced physical activity to prevent LBP. Further research should explore the long-term effects of these changes.

Barriers to physical activity in the Iranian population: findings from the STEPwise surveillance 2021

BackgroundPhysical inactivity is a critical predictor of all-cause mortality and many non-communicable diseases (NCD) including coronary heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, dementia, and several cancers. The main objective of this study was to determine the main barriers to physical activity based on the STEPwise Surveillance in Iran in 2021, to guide policymakers in developing the most effective physical activity increasing strategies.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted on 27,515 female and male individuals aged over 18 years from the STEPwise Surveillance 2021. The barriers to physical activity according to the modified version of barriers questionnaire and intrapersonal, interpersonal, economic, cultural, and environmental domains based on social-ecological models were determined. Association between barriers domain and physical activity level was assessed.ResultsLack of time due to job commitments (31.4%) and family (19.3%) and inappropriate physical conditions including illness, pain, injury, disability, and fatigue (30.4%) were the most frequent barriers to physical activity. Interest in sedentary leisure time activities including virtual space, computer games and watching TV were the next frequent barriers to physical activity (10.01%). Intrapersonal domain had the highest frequency (62.9%) and cultural domain had the lowest frequency (2.3%). Intrapersonal and interpersonal barriers reduced the odds of engaging in physical activity (OR: 0.62, P value < 0.001, OR: 0.76, P value < 0.001).ConclusionIntra- and inter-personal domain barriers might reduce the odds of being active. Developing action plans addressing these factors is suggested to increase physical activity levels.

The association between dietary quality, sleep duration, and depression symptoms in the general population: findings from cross-sectional NHANES study

BackgroundUnhealthy lifestyles, which include unhealthy diet and unhealthy sleep duration, have been widely recognized as modifiable risk factors for depressive symptoms. This study aims to explore the associations between dietary quality, sleep duration, and depression symptoms, as well as their combined effects.MethodsThe NHANES 2007 to 2014 cycles provided the data for this study, in which 19,134 adults aged 20 years and older were included. Unhealthy diet, measured using an average Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2015 score below the 60th percentile, and unhealthy sleep duration, measured as sleep duration at night less than 7 h or greater than/equal to 9 h, were the primary exposures. Then participants were divided into four different lifestyles. A weighted-multivariable logistic regression was employed, controlling for relevant variables. Furthermore, stratified analyses were conducted to assess the robustness of the findings and identify potential high-risk groups.ResultsThe overall prevalence of depressive symptoms among all participants was 8.44%. Among the participants, 56.58% met the criteria for healthy sleep duration, and 24.83% scored at or above the 60th percentile on the HEI-2015. Unhealthy diet (OR: 1.40, 95% CI: 1.18–1.67, p < 0.001) and unhealthy sleep duration (OR: 1.94, 95% CI: 1.63–2.31, p < 0.001) exhibited positive associations with depression symptoms. Individuals who maintained an unhealthy diet but healthy sleep duration (OR: 1.60, 95% CI: 1.20–2.13, p = 0.002), healthy diet but unhealthy sleep duration (OR: 2.50, 95% CI: 1.64–3.80, p < 0.001), or an unhealthy diet and unhealthy sleep duration (OR: 2.91, 95% CI: 2.16–3.92, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with depressive symptoms compared to those with a healthy diet and healthy sleep duration, respectively. In stratified analyses, females, middle-aged individuals, those with a college degree or higher education, and individuals who do not meet the recommended level of physical activity exhibit heightened susceptibility to depressive symptoms when exposed to unhealthy diet and unhealthy sleep duration.ConclusionIn summary, our study suggests that individuals affected by the individual and synergistic effect of an unhealthy diet and unhealthy sleep duration are more susceptible to experiencing depressive symptoms.

Role of physical activity and sedentary behavior in venous thromboembolism: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis

Increasing studies have investigated the link between physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior with venous thromboembolism (VTE) but the existing findings are not consistent and the independent relationship is uncertain. This meta-analysis aimed to comprehensively assess the shape of dose-response relationship between PA and sedentary behavior with VTE and further explore whether the relationship is independent after mutual adjustment. We systematically searched PubMed, Embase and Web of Science from inception to August 1, 2024. PA exposures were converted into MET-h/wk. Categorical meta-analyses and a cubic spline model were performed to evaluate the association between PA, sedentary behavior and VTE. Twenty-five articles including 31 studies were included. A curvilinear dose-response relationship between PA and VTE was observed, with steeper gradients even at lower PA levels. After adjustment for sedentary behavior, higher level of PA was independently associated with a reduced VTE risk (OR = 0.83, 95%CI:0.77–0.89). Based on population attributable fraction analyses, 2.37% (95%CI: 1.90-2.85%) of incident VTE could have been prevented if all adults had achieved half the PA minimum recommended level. A linear dose-response relationship between sedentary behavior and VTE risk was found, and there was a 2% higher risk of VTE (OR = 1.02, 95%CI: 1.00-1.03) for 1 h increment of sedentary behavior per day. After adjustment for PA, sedentary behavior was independently associated with an increased VTE risk (OR = 1.19, 95CI%:1.01–1.39). Our analyses demonstrated PA and sedentary time were indeed independently associated with the risk of VTE after mutually adjusting for sedentary time or PA, highlighting a unique perspective on their individual contributions. Further studies assessing the effects of different combinations of PA and sedentary time for assessing joint effects on VTE are needed.

Network Activeoncokids - Centralized Physical Activity Counseling for Children, adolescents, and Young Adults Across German-Speaking Countries Throughout All Oncological Treatment Phases.

Reaching age-appropriate physical activity levels is a significant challenge for many children, adolescents, and young adults (CAYAs) with and following an oncological disease. Many CAYAs require support in addressing physical activity-specific questions and need assistance in accessing sports and exercise offers in their local area. Since many clinics cannot provide such time-intensive counseling, the nationwide operating network ActiveOncoKids (NAOK), funded by the German Cancer Aid, offers individualized support to participate in physical activity (PA). This paper describes the NAOK-Physical-Activity-Counseling (-PAC) concept and evaluates the initial 200 consultations, focusing on recruitment, objectives, and oncology-specific parameters. Ultimately, dimensions of barriers and facilitators and intervention options are discussed.

Evaluating Weight Status, Snacking Patterns, and Physical Activity Levels Among Primary Schoolchildren in Relizane, Algeria: A Comprehensive Analysis.

This study aimed to comprehensively assess the weight status, snack consumption, and physical activity levels among primary schoolchildren, with a focus on both rural and urban areas. This cross-sectional study surveyed 557 primary schoolchildren aged 6 to 12 years, covering general identification (age, gender), anthropometric measurements (body weight, height, waist, and hip circumference), food patterns (frequency of food consumption), and sports activities. Using CDC body mass index thresholds, we identified a 25% prevalence of obesity and over 17% for overweight, revealing a significant urban-rural disparity. In urban areas, boys had a higher obesity rate (32.58%), while girls had a higher overweight rate (15%). Conversely, in rural regions, girls had a higher obesity rate (24.82%), and boys had a higher overweight rate (22.3%). Dietary analysis showed that over 86% consumed three daily meals, but distinctions in snack choices, such as chips, wafers, and biscuits, were noted between urban and rural areas. Additionally, urban schoolchildren were more likely to participate in sports activities compared to their rural counterparts, with rates of 70.22% versus 55.08%, respectively. Findings provide valuable insights into the health and food behaviors of primary schoolchildren and can inform interventions and strategies to promote healthier lifestyles.

Physical activity levels are associated with depressive symptoms: A cross-sectional study of 58,445 adults

IntroductionDepression is the leading cause of mental health-related illnesses and disabilities. Physical activity (PA) has been included as part of therapeutic approaches for patients with depression. This study aimed to investigate the associations between depressive symptoms and PA levels in a large representative cohort of Brazilian adults and older individuals. MethodsData from 58,445 Brazilian adults (68.6 % males and 31.4 % females) aged 18 years or older (42.2 ± 10 years) who participated in health screening initiatives between 2008 and 2022 at the Center for Preventive Medicine at a quaternary hospital in Sao Paulo, Brazil were analyzed. Standardized health data (anthropometric, laboratory, clinical, and behavioral) were collected. A hierarchical regression model was used to examine the associations based on the presence and absence of depressive symptoms. ResultsIn the final model, age, gender (female), body mass index (BMI) (each kg/m2), presence of hypertension, presence of diabetes mellitus, risk of alcohol consumption, smoking status, and perceived stress were associated with higher odds of depressive symptoms. However, PA levels were associated with lower odds of depressive symptoms. ConclusionThe findings revealed that any level of PA was independently and significantly associated reduced risk of depressive symptoms.

Comparative Study of Physical Activity, Leisure Preferences, and Sedentary Behavior among Portuguese, Italian, and Spanish University Students.

The objective of this study is to describe and compare the levels of physical activity, preferences for leisure-time physical activity, and the frequency of non-sedentary behaviors of Portuguese, Italian, and Spanish students attending higher education. A total of 1354 students (21.2 ± 2.9 years) participated in the study, with data collected through an online questionnaire for 6 months. The highest levels of sedentary behavior are found among Spanish students, followed by the Portuguese, and lastly the Italians. In relation to physical activity levels, Spanish students perform more low and moderate physical activity, while Italian students perform more vigorous activities and naturally have a lower level of sedentary behavior. However, it is worth highlighting that students from all three countries reach the minimum levels of physical activity recommended by the WHO.

Associations of "Weekend Warrior" Physical Activity With Incident Disease and Cardiometabolic Health.

Achievement of guideline-recommended levels of physical activity (≥150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per week) is associated with lower risk of adverse cardiovascular events and represents an important public health priority. Although physical activity commonly follows a "weekend warrior" pattern, in which most moderate-to-vigorous physical activity is concentrated in 1 or 2 days rather than spread more evenly across the week (regular), the effects of physical activity pattern across a range of incident diseases, including cardiometabolic conditions, are unknown. We tested associations between physical activity pattern and incidence of 678 conditions in 89 573 participants (62±8 years of age; 56% women) of the UK Biobank prospective cohort study who wore an accelerometer for 1 week between June 2013 and December 2015. Models were adjusted for multiple baseline clinical factors, and P value thresholds were corrected for multiplicity. When compared to inactive (<150 minutes moderate-to-vigorous physical activity/week), both weekend warrior (267 total associations; 264 [99%] with lower disease risk; hazard ratio [HR] range, 0.35-0.89) and regular activity (209 associations; 205 [98%] with lower disease risk; HR range, 0.41-0.88) were broadly associated with lower risk of incident disease. The strongest associations were observed for cardiometabolic conditions such as incident hypertension (weekend warrior: HR, 0.77 [95% CI, 0.73-0.80]; P=1.2×10-27; regular: HR, 0.72 [95% CI, 0.68-0.77]; P=4.5×10-28), diabetes (weekend warrior: HR, 0.57 [95% CI, 0.51-0.62]; P=3.9×10-32; regular: HR, 0.54 [95% CI, 0.48-0.60]; P=8.7×10-26), obesity (weekend warrior: HR, 0.55 [95% CI, 0.50-0.60]; P=2.4×10-43, regular: HR, 0.44 [95% CI, 0.40-0.50]; P=9.6×10-47), and sleep apnea (weekend warrior: HR, 0.57 [95% CI, 0.48-0.69]; P=1.6×10-9; regular: HR, 0.49 [95% CI, 0.39-0.62]; P=7.4×10-10). When weekend warrior and regular activity were compared directly, there were no conditions for which effects differed significantly. Observations were similar when activity was thresholded at the sample median (≥230.4 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity/week). Achievement of measured physical activity volumes consistent with guideline recommendations is associated with lower risk for >200 diseases, with prominent effects on cardiometabolic conditions. Associations appear similar whether physical activity follows a weekend warrior pattern or is spread more evenly throughout the week.

Running toward substance use recovery: Does delay discounting mediate the relationship between physical activity and quality of life?

BackgroundRecovery from substance use disorders is multifactorial with psychosocial functioning, such as quality of life (QOL), playing a particularly important role. Delay discounting, the degree to which individuals devaluate a reinforcer as a function of the delay to its receipt, is associated with QOL. Moreover, evidence shows that physical activity may decrease delay discounting rates. The present study aims to examine associations among physical activity, delay discounting, and QOL, and investigate the mediating role of delay discounting in the relationship between physical activity and QOL domains. MethodsData was collected from the International Quit & Recovery Registry (IQRR), and comprised of 267 participants (67% women) who reported being in recovery from substance use disorders. Participants completed the Health Behaviors Questionnaire (physical activity was measured using the fitness domain), a delay discounting minute task (higher delay discounting rates indicate a preference for smaller, sooner rewards), the World Health Organization QOL questionnaire, as well as demographics and substance use disorders-related questions. Multivariate linear regression was used to test associations between physical activity with delay discounting, and physical activity with each QOL domain. Mediation analyses were conducted to evaluate the mediating role of delay discounting in the relationship between physical activity and QOL domain. ResultsHigher levels of physical activity were associated with greater valuation of the future (lower delay discounting rates; p < .001) and higher levels of physical (p < .001), and environmental (p = .001) QOL. Delay discounting mediated the relationship between physical activity and physical (p = .004), and environmental (p < .001) QOL. ConclusionPhysical activity can be an important tool in the treatment and recovery of substance use disorders, as it is associated with future-oriented choices, which in turn contributes to improving the QOL of those individuals.

Immune status of students with different levels of physical activity

The nature of changes in the immune system during physical work is a complex process involving many different mechanisms. Research in this direction is an urgent problem. The purpose of the research was to study the indicators of cellular and humoral immunity in students with different levels of physical activity. A total of 77 male students were examined, consisting of 3 groups: 1) with a low level of physical activity (n = 32) – students who were not involved in sports activities on a regular basis; 2) students with an average level of physical activity (n = 22) – beginner sambo wrestlers without sports categories; and 3) students with a high level of physical activity (n = 23) – highly qualified sambo wrestlers – first-class athletes, candidates for masters and masters of sports. In students of all groups, the quantitative content of various phenotypes of lymphocytes in the blood was studied by flow cytometry; serum immunoglobulin levels by laser nephelometry; phagocytic parameters by traditional methods; and oxygen-dependent metabolism of neutrophils by chemiluminescence. In students with a high level of physical activity, the content of T and B lymphocytes in the blood was significantly increased compared to similar indicators of the group with a low level of physical activity and the group of students who did not participate in sports. The concentration of class G immunoglobulin in the blood serum of students with a high level of physical activity significantly exceeded the corresponding values in students with an average level and students not engaged in sports. The highest concentration of class M immunoglobulin was observed in students with high levels of physical activity. Phagocytic activity and phagocytic count in individuals with high levels of physical activity and neutrophils were significantly higher than those of students with medium and low levels of physical activity. The rates of spontaneous and induced chemiluminescence in the groups with high and medium levels of physical activity were significantly higher than in students with low levels. The studies carried out indicate the positive effect of regular training physical activity on the factors of humoral and cellular links of immunity in students in the conditions of the educational environment of a higher educational institution.

Association between physical activity performed at different intensities and cardiovascular health in patients with peripheral artery disease: an observational study.

We examined the sedentary behavior and physical activity of 260 patients with peripheral artery disease. Women engaged in more light physical activity than men did. Light physical activity was associated with lower arterial stiffness in men only, while no significant associations were found between sedentary behavior, moderate-vigorous physical activity, and cardiovascular outcomes. ◼ Women with peripheral artery disease exhibited higher blood pressure and arterial stiffness than men. ◼ Low levels of physical activity, particularly moderate to vigorous activity, were observed in individuals with peripheral artery disease. To analyze the association between the time spent in sedentary behavior and physical activity of different intensities with cardiovascular health in men and women with peripheral artery disease. Two hundred and sixty patients with peripheral artery disease and claudication symptoms (65.7% men; 66±1 years; ankle brachial index 0.57±0.18) were evaluated. Physical activity and sedentary behavior were assessed using an accelerometer. Physical activity was classified into light and moderate-vigorous intensities. The cardiovascular outcomes included blood pressure (oscillometric method), cardiac autonomic modulation (heart rate variability), and arterial stiffness (pulse wave velocity). Women spent more time engaged in light physical activity than men (341±14 min/day versus 306±9 min/day; p=0.040, respectively). There was no significant difference in the time spent on sedentary behavior and moderate-vigorous physical activity. Women had a higher systolic blood pressure (p=0.025), higher augmentation index (p<0.001), and lower sympathovagal balance (p=0.047) than men. Pulse wave velocity was only negatively associated with light physical activity (β= -4.66; 95%CI= -8.57; -0.76) in men. Light and moderate-vigorous physical activity and sedentary behavior were not associated with other cardiovascular outcomes. Higher levels of light physical activity were associated with lower arterial stiffness in men with peripheral artery disease.

Individual Characteristics Associated with Fears and Prevention Behaviors Related to Respiratory Infectious Disease among South Korean Adults Using Complex Sample Design.

This study aimed to identify the relationships among individual characteristics, COVID-19-related fears, and infection-prevention behaviors using data from 228,932 adults (weighted to 43,583,798.71) aged 19 and older who participated in the 2021 Community Health Survey conducted by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. The complex sample design analysis using SPSS 20.0 revealed the following. Women had statistically significantly higher COVID-19-related fears and a higher level of preventive behaviors compared to men. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the level of physical activity among men was higher than that of women. Compared to the period before COVID-19, the frequency of smoking and drinking decreased for both men and women, with the reduction being more pronounced in men than in women. The high-exercise group had a lower level of COVID-19-related fears. Self-perceived health status was inversely and significantly related to COVID-19-related fears. The low-exercise group had a lower score for self-perceived health status than the high-exercise group. This study demonstrated that maintaining sufficient physical activity positively influences self-perceived health and reduces anxieties related to COVID-19 infection and fatalities. The results highlight the importance of physical activity and the need to identify strategies that effectively maintain regular exercise while adhering to infection-prevention measures during pandemics.