Physical Activity Levels In Individuals Research Articles

Physical Activity Levels of Individuals Employed in the Sports Directorate

The aim of this study is to examine the physical activity levels of civil servants employed in a sports-related state institution, with a focus on individual factors and their attitudes toward physical exercise. The research cohort comprised 160 individuals, randomly selected from employees working in the sports directorate, consisting of 79 women and 81 men. Data collection was conducted through an online questionnaire encompassing a personal information form and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square analyses were employed for data analysis, supplemented by calculations of Cohen's d effect sizes to assess the relationship between variables. Results from the analysis revealed that 19.40% of sports directorate employees were categorized as inactive, 20.60% as minimally active, and 60.0% as sufficiently active. Furthermore, significant disparities in physical activity levels were observed concerning gender, age, marital status, and sports history (p

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.

Abstract P448: Urban Trail Infrastructure and Physical Activity Levels: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Natural Experiments

Background: In response to climate change, cities across Canada are investing over $1B in new cycling infrastructure to support more active transportation. Little empirical evidence exists describing the effectiveness of adding protected cycling trails on changes in cycling or physical activity (PA) levels. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that areas with new infrastructure would experience increased PA and trail use by cyclists and pedestrians compared to areas without new infrastructure. Design and Methods: We searched CINAHL, EMBASE (Ovid), MEDLINE (Ovid), SPORTDiscus, TRD/Transportation Research Information Services (TRIS), Web of Science and Google Scholar for articles published from 2010 to 2023. We included studies with an experimental pre-post design that reported a PA outcome or trail counts for an intervention and control area. The interventions were limited to protected and/or separated bike lanes, including cycle tracks, multi-use trails, greenways, and bike lanes with concrete barriers. Our primary outcomes were individual level physical activity (PA) and trail use counts (cyclists and pedestrians). A modified risk of bias tool will be employed to assess the methodological quality of each selected study. We followed PRISMA reporting guidelines and the review was pre-registered with Prospero (CRD42023438891) Results: Three independent reviewers screened abstracts from 3936 articles, of which 58 were included in a full text review. After resolving conflicts, 28 articles describing natural experiments of new cycling infrastructure met eligibility criteria were included for data extraction. We extracted data for population characteristics in both intervention and control areas, such as socioeconomic status, mean age, race, and the percentage of females, as well as outcomes related to physical activity. 1/28 papers used accelerometer data, 12/28 used survey data, 3/28 used eco counter data, 2/28 used manual counters. Of the 15 studies that reported it, sample size ranged from 70 to 21,488. Due to high variance in data reporting style, not all studies could be meta-analyzed. We found a high risk of bias for all natural experiments studies and very few adhered to TREND reporting guidelines for quasi-experimental studies. Conclusions: Changes in built environment preliminarily appear to increase cycling and pedestrian counts. Reporting style varies too greatly across research studies for an effective meta-analysis. As a scientific community, we need to work together to follow reporting standards.

Mobile Health-Based Just-In-Time Adaptive Intervention to Improve Physical Activity Levels of Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)

Mobile Health-Based Just-In-Time Adaptive Intervention to Improve Physical Activity Levels of Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)

Relationship between Physical Activity Level and Sleep Quality in Mothers of Individuals with Special Needs

Purpose: The study aimed to investigate the relationship between physical activity level and sleep quality in mothers of individuals with special needs.
 Material and Methods: Three hundred twenty-one mothers (average age: 41.92±9.53 years) with a disabled child participated in the study from Osmangazi county of Bursa province in Türkiye. Demographic characteristics of the mothers were collected through a personal information form prepared by the researchers. The mothers’ physical activity level was determined using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-short form (IPAQ-SF). The mothers’ sleep quality was determined using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). The physical activity level of the disabled individuals was determined based on their mothers’ statements. 
 Results: The mean IPAQ-SF score of the mothers was found to be 1080.58±986.88 MET-min/week, and their mean PSQI score was determined to be 7.46±3.62. The disabled individuals’ physical activity level was evaluated as a)15.9% (n=51) of the disabled individuals regularly participated in a sporting activity, b) 32.4% (n=104) did not participate in sports but made efforts to stay active, and c) 51.7% (n=166) were considered inactive. Pearson correlation analysis revealed that a) there was no relationship between IPAQ-SF and PSQI scores (r: -0.056, p=0.313), b) the physical activity level of individuals with special needs did not correlate with PSQI scores of the mothers (r: -0.95, p=0.089), and c) no relationship was determined between the age of individuals with special needs and mothers' sleep quality and physical activity level.
 Conclusion: It can be concluded that increasing the physical activity level of mothers cannot be an effective intervention to improve sleep quality in mothers of individuals with special needs. Further research is needed to explore the relationship between physical activity level and sleep quality in mothers of individuals with special needs.

Video-Based Physical Exercise Effects on Young Adults in Social Isolation During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of video-based exercises on the physical activity levels of individuals between the ages of 18-40 in social isolation to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: 64 volunteers participated as the control and 64 study groups were divided randomly and equally into two groups, the video-based exercise group (VEG) and the control group (CG). The video-based exercise group was included in an exercise program for 20 minutes, 7 days a week for 6 weeks. The primary outcome measure was the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (Short Form) (IPAQ-SF). Secondary outcome measures were the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Distress Tolerance Scale (DTS), sit and reach test, shoulder flexibility test, squat test, plank test, lateral bridge test (LBT), crunch test and single leg stance test (SLST). Tests were applied to the groups at the beginning and the end of the study. Results: There was a statistically significant difference in all parameters in the study group before and after the application (p<0.05). According to the intergroup comparisons, there was a statistically significant increase between the groups in IPAQ-SF, Sit and Reach Test, Push Up Test, Plank Test, LBT, and SLST Tests; there was a statistically significant decrease between the groups in DTS, BAI, PSQI, and NHP scores (except for pain and social isolation scores) (p<0.05). Conclusion: Our findings will shed light on the management of the physiotherapy and rehabilitation process by contributing to the increasing evidence in the literature on the effectiveness of video-based exercises and improving health-related multifaceted parameters in various post-pandemic situations where access to health services and preventive rehabilitation is restricted.

Dose-response association between physical activity and blood pressure among Chinese adults: a nationwide cross-sectional study.

The aim of this study was to examine the dose-response associations of physical activity with blood pressure (BP) and hypertension risk among Chinese adults. Derived from the national community-based China Hypertension Survey database during 2012--2015, a total of 203 108 residents aged at least 18 years were included. Individual-level physical activity was evaluated using a standardized questionnaire, and minutes of metabolic equivalent tasks per week (MET-min/week) were calculated, integrating domain, intensity, frequency, and duration. Multivariable linear and logistic regressions were used to estimate associations of physical activity with BP and hypertension risk, and restricted cubic spline regressions were performed for their nonlinear dose-response relationships. Overall, the median total physical activity (TPA) was 3213.0 MET-min/week and the prevalence of physical inactivity was 14.8%. TPA was negatively associated with BP. Increasing TPA levels was related to a steep decrease in systolic BP, up to approximately 2500 MET-min/week, with more modest benefits above that level of TPA. Higher levels of domain-specific and intensity-specific physical activity were found to be associated with lower BP levels and hypertension risk, except for the association between vigorous-intensity physical activity and systolic BP. We found that TPA within the range of 2000--4000 MET-min/week, a higher frequency and shorter duration were inversely associated with diastolic BP levels. Total, domain-specific, and intensity-specific physical activity were inversely related to BP levels, respectively, in a dose-response fashion. Of a given amount, higher-frequency, shorter-duration, and lower-intensity physical activity produced more beneficial effects.

Physical Activity Characteristics and Barriers of University Students during the COVİD-19 Pandemic in Turkey

Background: Physical activity is an important factor for maintaining health and preventing many diseases. However, it is known that the physical activity level of individuals has decreased considerably due to the pandemic and mandatory restrictions. Purpose of the study: to investigate the physical activity characteristics and physical activity types of university students during the Covid-19 pandemic, the factors that facilitate and complicate their participation, and their sources of information about the subject. Material and Method: Students completed the sociodemographic information and data recording form online. The data enrollment form included questions about participation characteristics of students in physical activity before and during the COVİD-19 pandemic. Results: A total of 518 physiotherapy and rehabilitation undergraduate students (76.25% female and 23.75% male) were included in the study. During the pandemic period, 44.42% of the students had moderate physical activity. The daily sitting time of the students was 8.3±3.1 hours. During the pandemic period, walking was the most preferred activity except for weekends. Motivation and time from physical activity facilitors had changed during the pandemic period. Conclusion: As a result of our study, it was found that university students continued walking as a physical activity type, despite restrictions during the pandemic period. While time was not a significant factor that facilitates the participation in physical activity before the pandemic, it became the most important factor during the period of the pandemic. Motivation has lost its importance as a facilitator. We think that it would be a good idea to re-investigate physical activity levels, barriers and facilitators in order to see the effects of the pandemic in the future. KEYWORDS: Physical Activity, COVID-19, Students.

Objectively and subjectively measured physical activity levels in individuals with whiplash associated disorder and aged-matched healthy controls.

Whiplash associated disorders (WAD) are the most common non-hospitalised injuries resulting from a motor vehicle crash. Half of individuals with WAD experience ongoing pain and disability. Furthermore, individuals with persistent WAD have lower levels of aerobic capacity and isometric strength compared with age-matched controls. It is not known whether these differences are associated with increased levels of pain and disability, or with reduced physical activity (PA) participation. Our primary aim was to compare PA levels in individuals with persistent WAD with healthy controls. Secondary aims were to: compare objective and subjective measurements of PA; explore factors that may influence PA; and describe proportions of these populations meeting World Health Organisation PA guidelines. Objective (ActiGraph accelerometer; seven days) and subjective (International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ)) PA data were collected for n = 53 age-matched participants (WAD n = 28; controls n = 25). Independent sample t-tests showed no significant difference in objectively measured PA (p>0.05) between WAD and controls. For the subjective measure (IPAQ), controls reported more overall weekly PA (t = 0.219, p<0.05), while WAD participants reported more weekly walking minutes (t = -0.712, p<0.05). Linear regression showed mental health quality-of-life predicted objectively measured moderate intensity PA (R2 = 0.225, F (2, 44) = 6.379, p<0.004) and subjectively reported overall PA (R2 = 0.132, F (1, 41) = 6.226, p<0.017). Bland-Altman analyses indicated that subjects over-reported MVPA and under-reported sedentary time using the IPAQ. Individuals with WAD had levels of physical and mental health quality-of-life significantly lower than controls and below population norms yet participated in similar levels of PA. Given that increased perceptions of mental health quality-of-life were positively associated with objectively measured MVPA and subjectively reported overall PA, strategies to help people with WAD achieve adequate doses of MVPA may be beneficial. ActiGraph-measured and IPAQ-reported PA were discordant. Hence, IPAQ may not be a reliable measure of habitual PA in WAD.

The effect of metformin treatment on volumes of free-living physical activity and sedentary behaviour: A post-hoc analysis of the PRE-D trial

ABSTRACT Perceived physical exertion is increased when exercise is performed on metformin treatment, but the clinical relevance of this is unknown. In this post hoc analysis of a randomized, controlled trial, we investigated whether metformin treatment was associated with lower levels of free-living physical activity. Ninety individuals with overweight/obesity (BMI>25 m2/kg) and HbA1c-defined prediabetes (39-47 mmol/mol) were randomized to treatment with dapagliflozin (SGLT2-inhibitor; 10 mg once daily, n=30), metformin (850 mg twice daily, n=30) or no treatment (control, n=30) for 13 weeks in a parallel-group, open-label trial. Before (baseline), during (6 weeks) and immediately after (13 weeks) cessation of treatment, a 6-day assessment of physical activity and sedentary behaviour was performed using accelerometer-based physical activity monitors. Intention-to-treat analyses revealed no within-group changes or differences in change between the groups for any measures of physical activity or sedentary behaviour at neither 6 nor 13 weeks. Short-term metformin treatment does not reduce free-living physical activity level in individuals with overweight/obesity and HbA1c-defined prediabetes.

Investigation of factors influencing low physical activity levels in community-dwelling older adults with chronic pain: a cross-sectional study

Low levels of physical activity in individuals with chronic pain can lead to additional functional impairment and disability. This study aims to investigate the predictors of low physical activity levels in individuals with chronic pain, and to determine the accuracy of the artificial neural network used to analyze these predictors. Community-dwelling older adults with chronic pain (n = 103) were surveyed for their physical activity levels and classified into low, moderate, or high physical activity level groups. Chronic pain-related measurements, physical function assessment, and clinical history, which all influence physical activity, were also taken at the same time. Logistic regression analysis and analysis of multilayer perceptron, an artificial neural network algorithm, were performed. Both analyses revealed that history of falls was a predictor of low levels of physical activity in community-dwelling older adults. Multilayer perceptron analysis was shown to have excellent accuracy. Our results emphasize the importance of fall prevention in improving the physical activity levels of community-dwelling older adults with chronic pain. Future cross-sectional studies should compare multiple analysis methods to show results with improved accuracy.

Air pollution attenuated the benefits of physical activity on blood pressure: Evidence from a nationwide cross-sectional study

IntroductionAlthough physical activity (PA) has multiple health benefits, the inhaled dose of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) during PA may increase. The trade-off between harmful effects of PM2.5 exposure and protective effects of PA remain unclear. Our study aims to examine the joint effects of PA and PM2.5 exposure on blood pressure (BP) in Chinese adults. MethodsA total of 203,108 adults aged ≥ 18 years from the China Hypertension Survey study (2012–2015) were included. Individual-level PA was assessed as minutes of metabolic equivalent tasks per week (MET-min/week). The average weekly PM2.5 exposures were estimated by using a spatial resolution of 10 km, integrating multiple data sources, including monitoring values, satellite measurements and model simulations. BP was measured with a professional portable BP monitor. Generalized linear regressions were used to estimate joint associations and to further explore two-dimensional nonlinear associations. ResultsThe median PA and 4-week PM2.5 average exposures were 3213.0 MET-min/week and 47.8 μg/m3, respectively. PA was negatively associated with BP, while PM2.5 exposure was positively with BP. The associations between PA and systolic BP were significantly modified by PM2.5 exposure (Pinteraction < 0.001). Compared with inactive participants under low PM2.5 exposure, those with highest level of PA under low PM2.5 exposure had a 0.90 (95 % CI: 0.53, 1.26) mmHg decrease in systolic BP, whereas they had a 0.48 (95 % CI: 0.07, 0.89) mmHg increase under high PM2.5 exposure. When PM2.5 exposure was approximately > 25 μg/m3, the joint exposure to total PA and PM2.5 was associated with an increase in systolic BP. ConclusionsThe benefits of PA on BP were counteracted by high PM2.5 levels.

The association of adolescents' smoking with the physical activity levels of their friends

BackgroundSmoking is inversely related to people's Physical Activity Level (PAL). As the behavior of friends may affect the choices and behavior of adolescents, having friends with a high PAL may potentially protect against adolescent smoking. This study aims to assess whether adolescents' smoking is associated with the PAL of their friends. MethodsSILNE-R survey data of 11.918 adolescents from 55 different schools in 7 European cities was used to determine weekly smoking, individual PAL, PAL of friends, school PAL, and smoking of friends. Multilevel, multivariable logistic regression analysis were used to assess the association between the PAL of friends and weekly smoking. Several socio-demographic variables were included as covariates in the analysis. ResultsOur results indicated that 10.8% of the respondents was smoking weekly. Weekly smoking was most common among adolescents whose friends had a PAL of 0–42.0 min per day (14.5%). Respondents were significantly more likely to be smoking weekly if their friends were on average 0–42 min vs. 80–180 min physically active (OR 1.27 [95% CI 1.04–1.55]). This association existed independently of the individual PAL of respondents. Stratification for smoking of friends yielded equal results, although the association appeared to be somewhat stronger for those with smoking friends (OR 1.38 [95% CI 1.06–1.82]). ConclusionAdolescents are less likely to smoke weekly if they associate with friends who spend >80 min per day on physical activity. Initiatives aimed at the prevention of smoking among adolescents may benefit from organizing group-based physical activity programs.

The role of physical activity in obesity: let's actively manage obesity

Obesity, physical inactivity and sedentary behaviour are major public health concerns. A complex interaction of many factors leads to obesity, which requires an individualised multicomponent management strategy. As new interventions become available to help individuals manage obesity, it is essential that physical activity remains a core part of the approach. Here, we summarise current evidence regarding the benefits of physical activity as part of a management strategy of obesity. Additionally, we discuss current methods for increasing physical activity levels in individuals with obesity and outline the role of sport and exercise medicine physicians as part of the multidisciplinary team.

Determining the Relationship Between Sleep Quality and Physical Activity in Adults

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between sleep quality and physical activity. This study was planned as a descriptive relational study. The study was carried out with 317 adult individuals registered in a Family Health Center located in Selçuklu district of Konya province. A personal information form, prepared by researchers and questioning socio - demographic characteristics, International Physical Activity Questionnaire and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index were used. Two independent samples ttest and one-way Anova were used for normally distributed data. It was observed that as the physical activity score averages of the individuals increased, the sleep quality score averages decreased. In line with the results of the study, it was found that there is asignificant relationship between the physical activity levels of individuals and their sleep quality. It has been concluded that individuals get better quality sleep with the increase in their physical activity level.

Physical Activity and Fitness Levels of Individuals With Ataxia: A Cross-Sectional Study

ObjectiveTo investigate physical activity levels of individuals with ataxia and correlate fitness to ataxia severity. DesignAn observational study SettingAn outpatient ataxia clinic in a large, tertiary, urban hospital in the US. ParticipantsIndividuals with cerebellar ataxia (N=42). InterventionNot applicable. Main Outcome MeasureParticipants were classified as sedentary or physically active using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF). Maximal oxygen consumption (V̇o2max) as an indicator of fitness level was measured, and ataxia severity was determined by the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA). Mixed effect models were used to correlate ataxia severity to fitness levels. ResultsMost participants (28 out of 42) lived sedentary lifestyles, and these individuals had poor fitness levels (only 67.3% of their predicted measure). The main barriers to physical activity included lack of energy, lack of time, and fear of falling. There were no differences in age, sex, disease type, disease duration, ataxia severity, fatigue level, and medication use between sedentary and active groups. Measures of V̇o2max, maximal work, maximal heart rate, and anerobic threshold demonstrated statistically significant differences between groups whereas maximal respiratory rate and expired ventilation/carbon dioxide production were similar between groups. When adjusting for age, sex, functional mobility status, and disease duration, ataxia severity was inversely correlated with fitness level in the sedentary group. There was no relationship between ataxia severity and fitness level in the 14 individuals who were physically active. ConclusionsLower fitness levels were associated with more ataxia symptoms in the sedentary group. This relationship was not seen in individuals who were more active. Given the poor health outcomes associated with low fitness, physical activity should be encouraged in this population.

Níveis de atividade física em pessoas internadas com Acidente Vascular Cerebral: revisão sistemática

Introduction: Stroke presents multiple associated consequences. Due to diminished functionality, post-stroke individuals often exhibit low engagement in moderate to vigorous physical activity (PA), not reaching recommended minimum levels. PA, apart from its additional benefits, is crucial as a non-pharmacological preventative strategy, providing neuroprotective effects against neurological diseases, mitigating their impact, delaying their progression, and potentially preventing recurrences. Objective: To review and analyse studies assessing PA levels in hospitalized individuals diagnosed with stroke, via either interval or continuous monitoring for a minimum duration of six hours during the most active periods of the day. Methodology: A literature search was conducted in PubMed, PEDro, and CENTRAL databases using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology. We included any types of studies that monitored PA levels in individuals aged over 18 years with stroke, who were hospitalized, and whose outcomes were not related to specific intervention effects. Results: After applying the inclusion criteria, 27 studies were included. Of these, 14 monitored PA via device-based methods, and 13 used behavioural mapping. Due to the methodological heterogeneity of the studies, it was not feasible to conduct a meta-analysis. Conclusion: Hospitalized post-stroke individuals spend large periods of time inactive and sedentary, potentially not meeting the established recommendations for PA levels in this condition.

Pain, kinesiophobia, functional status, and physical activity among patients with knee osteoarthritis

Aims: The present study attempted to investigate the relationship between pain, kinesiophobia, functionality, and physical activity among patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Methods: We recruited 88 patients aged 40-70 years with OA, 21 males and 67 females, who applied to Gebze Fatih State Hospital, Department of Physical Therapy and Orthopedic Clinic between February 2022 and January 2023. We evaluated the patients’ pain status with the Visual Pain Scale (VAS), their functional status with the WOMAC Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), their kinesiophobia with the TAMPA Scale for Kinesiophobia (TKS), and their physical activity levels with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF). We performed all statistical analyses using SPSS 25.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, ABD) and p-value &lt; 0.05 was accepted as statistically significant. Results: The majority of the participants were females (76.1%, n=67), and the mean body mass index (BMI) was found to be 30.33. The findings revealed low positive correlations between the patients’ BMI and their VAS (p=0.029) and WOMAC scores (p=0.017). While we found a moderate positive relationship between the patients’ VAS and WOMAC scores (p=0.001), it was low between their TAMPA and WOMAC scores (p=0.001). Conclusion: As a result of the study, the relationship between pain, kinesiophobia, functional status and physical activity levels of individuals with knee OA was revealed; The necessity of planning applications to increase the physical activity level of these individuals and to reduce their body mass index has been underlined.

Physical activity levels of individuals with chronic musculoskeletal disorders: Their relationship with barriers and facilitators.

Individuals with chronic musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) often avoid physical activity (PA) and exercise although these are the key factors in managing their condition and pain. To determine the PA levels of individuals with chronic MSD and their relationship with barriers and facilitators. Three hundred and five subjects with five MSD groups; fibromyalgia, myofascial pain, osteoarthritis, periarticular regional pain and degenerative spine problems were included in the study. The visual analogue scale was used to assess pain, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale to assess emotional impact, and the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) to assess quality of life. PA levels were categorised by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form. Perceived barriers and facilitators for PA/exercise were determined by questionnaire. 66 (21.6%) were male, 239 (78.4%) were female. 196 (64.3%) of the subjects were physically inactive, 94 (31.1%) low-active, and 15 (4.6%) sufficiently active. The most frequently reported barriers for PA/exercise were fatigue/feeling too tired (72.1%), pain (66.2%), and lack of motivation/willingness (54.4%). The most frequently reported facilitators were the desire to be in good health (72.8%), enjoying exercise (59.7%), and the desire to keep fit and lose weight (59%). The level of PA in individuals with MSD was quite low. Identifying the underlying causes of PA is important since PA/exercise is beneficial for musculoskeletal health. Yet, barriers and facilitators for PA were revealed for this study population. Identifying and understanding these barriers and facilitators would facilitate the individualised PA/exercise programs for both clinical practice and research.

Community Health Improvement Plans and Physical Activity Implementation Strategies: Findings From a Cross-Sectional Survey of US Local Health Departments.

Community Health Improvement Plans (CHIPs) are a foundational public health practice conducted by every accredited health department in the United States. Community Health Improvement Plans may impact community-wide physical activity (PA) by implementing large-scale interventions. However, no studies have evaluated whether, or how, CHIP goals focusing on increasing PA are implemented. This study aims to understand CHIP PA goals, implementation strategies, and implementation outcomes of CHIP nationally. This study was a cross-sectional online survey of CHIP implementation. A random sample of accredited local health departments nationally. Local health departments (N = 44) were invited to participate in this study. Constructs from Proctor's Model of Implementation Research and implementation strategies were the main outcomes assessed. Most CHIPs included PA goals (72.7%). Goals most commonly focused on changing built environment and infrastructure (25.9%), increasing education and awareness (22.2%), increasing PA programming (18.5%), and partnering with health care (18.5%). Common implementation strategies used were designing and evaluating their CHIPs (72.7%) and developing relationships with stakeholders (72.7%). Respondents reported that CHIPS were able to be adopted, acceptable for the community, and feasible. Community Health Improvement Plans were also reported to be safe, yet respondents reported effectiveness lower than other constructs. Participants reported that individual-level PA was unlikely to change due to their CHIP (mean = 3.39, SD = 1.12). Overall, it seems that communities are choosing easily adopted, appropriate, feasible, and safe interventions that may be less effective over those that may produce large-scale improvement in PA behavior. Future research needs to be conducted on the process of CHIP implementation and the potential long-term outcomes. Community Health Improvement Plans may serve as a powerful tool to improve population health if implemented effectively.