Physical Activity Levels In Women Research Articles

The Relationship between Physical Activity and Quality of Life in Postmenopausal Women: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Postmenopausal women frequently encounter a range of symptoms, including fatigue, diminished physical strength, reduced energy levels, vasomotor symptoms such as hot flushes, and vaginal atrophy, all of which adversely affect their overall quality of life. Engaging in physical activity and structured exercise may effectively alleviate these symptoms and enhance overall well-being. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between physical activity and quality of life in postmenopausal Greek women. This cross-sectional clinical study included 219 postmenopausal women. Women with natural menopause for at least 12 consecutive months were enrolled in this descriptive, cross-sectional study. The female participants were asked to fill out the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-short form (IPAQ), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and the EuroQol (EQ-5D-5L) instrument. Anthropometric measurements included weight, height, and waist circumference measurements. A total of 219 postmenopausal women with an age of 61.4 ± 6.1 years and body mass index (BMI) of 25.6 ± 3.7 kg/m2 were studied. Out of the total postmenopausal women studied, 64.8% were physically active. The mean value of MET-min/week was M = 1383.46 ± 1030.12. Physical activity among postmenopausal Greek women showed a strong correlation of PA with quality of life (r = 0.5; p ≤ 0.001) and age (r = 0.55; p ≤ 0.001) and a medium correlation with the HADS (r = 0.4; p ≤ 0.05). There was a 64.8% prevalence of physically active postmenopausal Greek women. The findings underscore the significance of fostering physical activity and quality of life among postmenopausal women to formulate efficacious therapeutic interventions. The results demonstrate a correlation between physical activity and the age of female participants, quality of life, and the HADS and can be used to improve postmenopausal women's physical activity levels, which is recommended as a strategy for improving the quality of life in postmenopausal women.

Influence of Pain, Risk Factors, and Functional Ability on Physical Activity Levels in Women with Anterior Knee Pain: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background and Objectives: Anterior knee pain (AKP) refers to chronic prepatellar pain and is one of the most common knee complaints in physically active women. This condition can significantly affect daily activities and overall quality of life. This study aims to assess the impact of pain, risk factors, and functional ability on different levels of physical activity (comparing low versus moderate activity) in women with AKP. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study involved fifty-six women diagnosed with AKP (aged 20-45 years) who were equally allocated into low and moderate physical activity groups. Their AKP and functional ability were assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS) and double squats and step-down tests, respectively. Possible risk factors were assessed using the Q-angle, modified Thomas test, sit and reach test, and patellar glide test. A person's correlation coefficient and independent t-tests were used to determine the relationship and the differences between these variables while keeping the confidence interval level at 95%. Result: Women with moderate activity levels showed significantly higher scores on the VAS than those with low activity levels (p = 0.040). However, both groups had no significant difference in their functional ability or potential risk factors (p > 0.05). Additionally, their functional ability (double squat) showed a positive association with hamstring flexibility (Pearson correlation coefficient [r]:0.3; p = 0.006). Conclusions: Women with AKP who were engaged in moderate physical activity experienced higher levels of pain compared to those with low activity levels. These findings underscore the urgent need for further investigation into different levels of physical activity to develop appropriate prevention and treatment strategies for women with AKP.

Trimester-specific association between fetal growth and physical activity in pregnant women: total physical activity vs moderate-to-vigorous exercise.

To investigate the trimester-specific associations between maternal total physical activity level vs moderate-to-vigorous exercise and fetal growth disorders. We analyzed 2062 mother-neonate pairs participating in the longitudinal China Medical University Birth Cohort Study. The Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to assess the physical activity level of women during the three trimesters. A higher level of total physical activity was defined as meeting or exceeding the cohort-specific 75th percentile, and a higher level of exercise was defined according to the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. Fetal growth disorder was defined as small-for-gestational age (SGA) or large-for-gestational age (LGA) at birth. Of the neonates included in this study, 7.1% were SGA and 15.5% were LGA. A higher level of total physical activity during the first trimester (adjusted relative risk (aRR), 0.62 (95% CI, 0.42-0.91)) and second trimester (aRR, 0.62 (95% CI, 0.41-0.95)) was associated with a lower risk of SGA, and a higher level of total physical activity during the third trimester was associated with a lower risk of LGA (aRR, 0.73 (95% CI, 0.54-0.97)). When analyzing physical activity by subtype, a higher level of occupational physical activity during the first and second trimesters was associated negatively with SGA risk, and higher levels of occupational and low-intensity physical activity during the first trimester were associated negatively with LGA risk. No significant association was found between maternal adherence to the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans and risk of fetal growth disorders. A higher total physical activity level during the first and second trimesters was associated with a decreased risk of SGA, whereas a higher total physical activity level in the third trimester was associated with a decreased risk of LGA. Pregnant women should be advised to increase their total physical activity levels instead of focusing on engaging in only moderate-to-vigorous exercise. © 2024 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Measurement of Physical Activity Using Fitness Trackers Before and After Midurethral Sling.

Urinary incontinence can be a barrier to performing physical activities for many women. A midurethral sling (MUS) has shown symptom improvement for women experiencing stress urinary incontinence (SUI), suggesting the hypothesis that physical activity rates should increase after treatment. The aim of this study was to determine the change in objectively measured physical activity levels in women following placement of MUS for SUI. In this prospective cohort study, patients undergoing MUS placement, with or without concomitant pelvic reconstructive surgery, were provided a commercial activity tracker. Physical activity was tracked for at least 1 week preoperatively and up to 6 months postoperatively. Participants were required to wear the tracker for at least 2 weeks in the postoperative period. The primary outcome, mean caloric daily expenditure (MCDE), was compared preoperatively and postoperatively. Seventy-two patients met criteria for data inclusion. The device was worn for a mean of 18.4 ± 12.1 days preoperatively and 91.7 ± 53.3 days postoperatively. Mean participant age was 51.9 ± 9.4 years. The MCDE was significantly higher postoperatively (preoperatively: 1,673 kcal/d vs postoperatively: 2,018 kcal/d; P < 0.01). There were no significant differences in postoperative MCDE in participants who had only MUS as the primary procedure versus participants who also had a concomitant procedure (2,020 ± 216 kcal/d vs 2,015 ± 431 kcal/d; P = 0.95). Of participants with class II/III obesity, 45% had at least a 500 kcal/d increase postoperatively. Treatment of SUI with MUS is associated with a significantly greater caloric expenditure in the postoperative period.

Long COVID Symptoms vs. Back Pain and Physical Activity among Students in Poland-Cross-Sectional Study.

Back pain (BP) is a common condition that affects people of all ages. Moderate- and vigorous-intensity physical activity (PA) is a key element in maintaining health. The purpose of this research was to determine the level of physical activity and back pain (BP) in students with long COVID symptoms and to determine the relationship between the level of PA and BP in students with and without long COVID. A survey was carried out among 402 students from Poland. The inclusion criteria were as follows: student status, age of over 18 years, history of COVID-19, and consent to participate in the study. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used to determine the level of PA. The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and the Neck Disability Index (NDI) were used to assess BP. We found that at least half of the students surveyed did not experience any lumbosacral or cervical spine pain. The authors found no association between the level of PA in women and a history of long COVID symptoms, while there were statistically significant differences in intense PA in men (p = 0.0263), with those who did not report long COVID symptoms being more active. With regard to cervical and lumbar spine pain complaints, in our study, these were statistically significantly stronger in students who were observed to have long COVID symptoms. The difference was not significant only for lumbosacral complaints among men. No strong correlations were found between PA level and the severity of BP. Additional investigation is required to comprehend the complex interaction between long COVID symptoms and levels of PA and BP. Special attention should be paid to the prevention of back pain mainly in the COVID-19 group of students.

Running women or women runners: Does identity salience affect intention to exercise outside and feelings of safety?

AbstractSafety concerns for women are prevalent and influence their likelihood to exercise outside. While some women modify their exercise behaviour due to safety concerns, others exercise outside more freely. In this paper, two experiments are reported with women runners to examine whether making their identity as a runner or a woman salient changed their self‐reported likelihood of exercising outside, sense of safety and personal safety anxiety. While study 1 (n = 153) found no significant experimental effect, it revealed a trend: women whose runner identity was made salient were more likely to self‐report their willingness to exercise outside than those in the gender identity condition. Study 2 (n = 236) was conducted to examine this trend further. The second study employed a larger sample size and a more robust manipulation of social identity salience. A significant effect of the experimental condition on women's sense of safety was observed. Specifically, women in the runner identity salience condition had significantly greater feelings of safety than women in the gender identity salience condition. A similar trend emerged for self‐reported likelihood to exercise outside. These findings corroborate prior research on the impact of identity salience on intention to engage in health behaviours. They contribute to the existing body of literature on the intricate interplay between women's physical activity intentions and safety concerns. Furthermore, these findings could aid in the development of interventions to increase women's physical activity levels. Please refer to the Supplementary Material section to find this article's Community and Social Impact Statement.

Level of Physical Activity among Working Females Wearing High Heels

Background: Previous studies have indicated that wearing high-heeled shoes (HHS) may be associated with foot and low back pain and could potentially affect the physical activity levels of women. The impact of HHS on musculoskeletal discomfort, fatigue, and biomechanical alterations has been substantiated, albeit with varying conclusions regarding their influence on physical activity and health. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the level of physical activity among working females who regularly wear HHS and to determine any associations with musculoskeletal discomfort. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 125 participants recruited from various malls in Lahore using non-probability convenience sampling. The inclusion criteria encompassed adult females aged between 19 to 44 years, wearing heels of varying types and heights for a minimum of six hours per day. Exclusion criteria included a history of ankle dislocation, foot surgery, orthopedic or neurological anomalies, systemic illness affecting physical activity, or flat feet. Physical activity levels were assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire short-form (IPAQ-sf), and data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. Results: The average age of participants was 25.14 years with a standard deviation of 4.509. The mean physical activity level was 1615.33 METs with a standard deviation of 1065.15. The majority of participants (54.4%) displayed a moderate level of physical activity, while 29.6% were categorized with low and 16% with high levels of physical activity. No significant correlation was found between heel height and physical activity levels or musculoskeletal discomfort. Conclusion: Working females wearing high heels predominantly exhibit moderate levels of physical activity. The lack of significant associations suggests that heel height does not directly correlate with reduced physical activity or increased musculoskeletal discomfort in this sample. These findings highlight the complexity of factors influencing physical activity and musculoskeletal health in the context of HHS use.

Barriers and facilitators of physical activity among Latina immigrant and Mexican mothers living in the US and Mexico: A qualitative study.

Latina immigrant women are among the least physically active when compared with women in other racial/ethnic groups in the US. Similarly, Mexican mothers in Mexico have low rates of physical activity. Motherhood and immigration experiences are recognized barriers to engage in physical activity among Latina immigrant mothers. Less is known about the factors that promote and limit physical activity engagement among Mexican mothers in Mexico, and how their experiences compare with their immigrant counterparts. This transnational qualitative study aimed to investigate the barriers and facilitators of physical activity of 25 Latina mothers in Mexico and the US. Low-income Mexican mothers of kindergarten aged children and Latino mothers of similar aged children were recruited in San Luis Potosí, Mexico and central Illinois, US. Semi-structured interviews were administered by two bilingual and bicultural researchers in participants language of preference. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using a thematic network approach and multi-stage coding analysis guided by the Socio-Ecological Model framework. We found that at the macro-level: 1) familial obligations, and 2) cold weather after migrating; at the mezzo-level: 1) changes in walking patterns, and 2) social cohesion (e.g., lack of an invitation to engage in activities); and at the micro-level: 1) individual perceptions, particularly unattainable perceptions of physical activity and 2) shift exhaustion were perceived as barriers and occasionally facilitators of physical activity by mothers in both countries. Context-specific interventions are needed to increase women's physical activity levels in the US and Mexico.

Cross-sectional survey assessment of physical activity level and frequency of performing pelvic floor muscle exercises

Pelvic floor muscle (PFM) exercises are a non-invasive and effective treatment option for female pelvic floor disorders, but patient adherence is often poor, and predictors of adherence are limited. Our objective was to evaluate the relationship between physical activity level in women and self-reported frequency of performing PFM exercises. Women who responded to a cross-sectional survey through Research Match, a national online volunteer registry, were stratified into low, moderate, and high activity categories based on the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) Short Form. The Pearson Chi-square test was used to evaluate the association between activity level and the self-reported frequency of performing Kegels or PFM exercises. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the impact of physical activity level, demographic characteristics (including age, race, ethnicity, insurance status), and urinary symptoms (assessed by the Lower Urinary Tract Research Network-Symptom Index, LURN-SI 29) on performing PFM exercises several times a month or more. A total of 1,720 women were classified as having low (47.4%), moderate (26.3%), and high (26.3%) activity. More women in the high IPAQ category reported performing PFM exercises several times a month or more (17.0%, vs. 10.7% for moderate activity and 12.0% for low activity; P < 0.01). Women most commonly reported doing PFM exercises to improve sex (25.9%), to prevent getting a problem (17.8%), and because they were instructed to start doing them after childbirth (18.0%). Of women who provided a reason for not doing PFM exercises, those in the low and moderate activity groups were more likely to cite laziness as a reason compared to women in the high activity group (47.6% and 51.2%, respectively, vs. 38.7%; P = 0.02). On multivariable logistic regression, physical activity level and lacking insurance coverage were significant predictors of performing PFM exercises several times a week or more. Interventions aimed at increasing PFM exercise participation may benefit from linking to motivation, self-efficacy, and physical activity. The relationship between insurance coverage and frequency of performing PFM exercises warrants further exploration.

Üreme Çağındaki Kadınların Fiziksel Aktivite Düzeyi, Obezite Sıklığı ve Egzersiz Engel/Yarar Algısı Arasındaki İlişkinin Değerlendirilmesi

Amaç: Bu çalışmada üreme çağındaki kadınların fiziksel aktivite düzeyi, obezite sıklığı ve egzersiz engel/yarar algısı arasındaki ilişkinin değerlendirilmesi amaçlanmıştır. Gereç ve Yöntem: Ocak 2021- Nisan 2021 tarihleri arasında üçüncü basamak bir sağlık kuruluşunda Aile Hekimliği Polikliniklerine başvuran kadınlarla gözlemsel kesitsel bir çalışma yapılmıştır. GODIN Boş Zaman Aktivitesi Ölçeğini kullanarak fiziksel aktivite düzeyini, Egzersiz Faydaları/Engelleri Ölçeğini kullanarak egzersiz algı inançlarını ve beden kitle indeks ölçümü ile obezitenin varlığını sorgulayan yüz yüze görüşmeler yapılmıştır. Bulgular: Çalışmada yaş ortalaması 34,00±9,04 yıl olan 529 kadın incelenmiştir. Olguların %75,6’sının (n= 400) spor yapmak için bireysel imkanlarını kullandığı, %24,4’ünün (n= 129) bir spor salonuna giderek spor yaptığı saptanmıştır. Obezite sıklığı %19,5, sedanter aktivite düzeyi %39,0 bulunmuştur. Obez kadınlarda egzersiz engel ve egzersiz yarar algısı puanları obez olmayan kadınlara göre anlamlı düzeyde daha yüksek bulunmuştur (sırasıyla; p= 0.037; p= 0.038). GODİN Boş Zaman Aktivite düzeyi obez olanlarda olmayanlara göre anlamlı olarak daha düşük saptanmıştır (p= 0.029). Yapılan lineer regresyon analizinde; olguların tümünde fiziksel aktivite düzeyine egzersiz engel algısının, egzersiz yarar algısının ve VKİ’nin istatistiksel olarak anlamlı bir etkisinin olduğu (sırasıyla p= 0.039, p= 0.000; p= 0,002), yaşın istatistiksel olarak anlamlı bir etkisinin olmadığı (p= 0,282) belirlenmiştir (F= 10,974 p &amp;lt; 0.001, R²= 0,27). Sonuç: Obez kadınlar arasında daha yüksek egzersiz yararı inancına karşı daha düşük fiziksel aktivite seviyelerinin gözlenmesi, gelecek çalışmalar için bir müdahale olmadıkça egzersiz yarar algısının fiziksel aktiviteyi artırmak için yeterli olmayacağını göstermiştir.

MP37-17 PHYSICAL ACTIVITY LEVEL AND PERFORMANCE OF PELVIC FLOOR MUSCLE EXERCISES

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 Apr 2023MP37-17 PHYSICAL ACTIVITY LEVEL AND PERFORMANCE OF PELVIC FLOOR MUSCLE EXERCISES Zoe Gan, Diane Newman, and Ariana Smith Zoe GanZoe Gan More articles by this author , Diane NewmanDiane Newman More articles by this author , and Ariana SmithAriana Smith More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000003275.17AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Pelvic floor muscle (PFM) exercises are a non-invasive and effective treatment option for female pelvic floor disorders, but patient adherence is often poor, and predictors of adherence are limited. Our objective was to evaluate the relationship between physical activity level in women and performance of PFM exercises. METHODS: Women administered a cross-sectional survey through Research Match, a national online volunteer registry, were stratified into low, moderate, and high activity categories based on the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) Short Form. The Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test was used to evaluate the association between activity level and the self-reported frequency of performing Kegels or PFM exercises. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the impact of physical activity level, demographic characteristics (including age, race, ethnicity, insurance status), and urinary symptoms (assessed by the Lower Urinary Tract Research Network-Symptom Index, LURN-SI 29) on performing PFM exercises several times a month or more. RESULTS: A total of 1,748 women were classified as having low (48%), moderate (26%), and high (26%) activity. Few performed PFM exercises several times a month or more (13%), but more women in the high IPAQ category reported doing so (18%, vs. 11% for moderate activity and 12% for low activity; p<0.01, Figure 1). Of women who provided a reason for not doing PFM exercises, those in the low and moderate activity groups were more likely to cite lack of motivation as a reason compared to women in the high activity group (63% vs. 39%). Most women were familiar with PFM exercises (90%) and learned about them from a variety of sources, most commonly from a doctor, nurse or therapist (37%), followed by a book/magazine (31%) and a friend or family member (28%). On multivariable logistic regression, physical activity level and having insurance coverage were significant predictors of performing PFM exercises several times a week or more. CONCLUSIONS: Higher physical activity level in women is associated with performing PFM exercises. Interventions aimed at increasing PFM exercise participation may benefit from linking to physical activity and motivational tactics. Access to preventative health care through medical insurance may facilitate knowledge on the importance of physical activity and PFM exercises. Source of Funding: The Smith Bladder Health Fund © 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 209Issue Supplement 4April 2023Page: e521 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Zoe Gan More articles by this author Diane Newman More articles by this author Ariana Smith More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Investigation of the effects of physical activity level on functionality level and quality of life in the postpartum period

BackgroundPhysical activity, known to have positive effects in every period of life, may decrease due to anatomical and physiological changes and increased responsibilities in the postpartum period. This study aimed to understand how women's physical activity levels, functional levels, and quality of life are affected in the postpartum period and to emphasize the importance of physical activity levels in the postpartum period.MethodsThe population of our study was planned as a cross-sectional study of postpartum women who applied to a private center. The sample consists of 101 volunteer postpartum women participating in the study. Physical activity levels; with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), postpartum functional levels; with the Inventory of Functional Status After Childbirth (IFSAC), postpartum quality of life level; with Maternal Postpartum Quality of Life (MAPP-QOL) were evaluated.ResultsIt was determined that the amount of physical activity of postpartum women was 928.347 ± 281.27 MET-min/week, which means low physical activity level, and 35.64% were not physically active. The mean total score of IFSAC was 2.13 ± 0.79, and the mean total score of MAPP-QOL was 16.93 ± 6.87. It was determined that there was a positive and significant correlation (p < 0.05) between IPAQ and IFSAC (r = 0.034) and MAPP-QOL (r = 0.214). A significant difference was found when the IFSAC and MAPP-QOL scores were compared between the three groups with different physical activity levels (p < 0.05).ConclusionsAs a result, it was observed that the physical activity levels of women in the postpartum period were low, negatively affecting their functionality and quality of life.

COVID-19 in the Community: Changes to Women's Mental Health, Financial Security, and Physical Activity

This study describes changes in the mental health, financial security, and physical activity levels of women in North Carolina during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were collected from women aged 20-40 years receiving primary care at 2 health centers in North Carolina during 2020-2022. Surveys (N=127) evaluated changes in mental health, financial security, and physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic. These outcomes were analyzed both descriptively and for association with sociodemographic factors using logistic regression. A subset of participants (n=46) participated in semistructured interviews. Interview transcripts were reviewed and evaluated for recurring themes by primary and secondary coders using a rapid-coding technique. Analysis was conducted in 2022. Women surveyed were 28.4% non-Hispanic White, 38.6% non-Hispanic Black, and 33.1% Hispanic/Latina. Compared with reports before the pandemic, participants reported increased frustration or boredom (69.1%), loneliness (51.6%), anxiety (64.3%), depression (52.4%), and changed sleep patterns (68.3%). Increased alcohol and other recreational substance use were associated with race and ethnicity (p<0.05) after adjustment for other sociodemographic factors. Participants reported difficulty in paying for basic expenses (44.0%). Financial difficulties during COVID-19 were associated with non-Hispanic Black race and ethnicity, less education, and lower prepandemic household income. Data showed pandemic-associated reductions in mild (32.8%), moderate (39.5%), and strenuous (43.3%) exercise, with a correlation between increased depression and reduced mild exercise. Interviews identified themes including reduced activity while working remotely, lack of gym access, and reduced motivation for exercise. This mixed-methods study is one of the first to evaluate the mental health, financial security, and physical activity challenges women aged between 20 and 40 years in the southern U.S. faced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Role of Self-Efficacy and Activity Patterns in the Physical Activity Levels of Women with Fibromyalgia.

Keeping high levels of physical activity is a challenge among chronic patients. In this regard, self-efficacy has been identified as a crucial variable to reduce sedentarism and physical inactivity in women with fibromyalgia. The current study aimed to evaluate the associations among objective physical activity levels, self-efficacy, activity patterns, and the impact of the disease, as well as to compare those variables between women with fibromyalgia with different self-efficacy levels. For this purpose, in this cross-sectional study, the physical activity levels of 123 women with fibromyalgia were assessed by accelerometers, together with self-efficacy, the impact of the disease, and activity patterns. Results revealed that self-efficacy for light or moderate physical activity was directly related to light (p &lt; 0.01), moderate (p &lt; 0.01), and vigorous physical activity (p &lt; 0.05), as well as inversely related to sedentary time (p &lt; 0.01). Moreover, the main differences were observed between those with low self-efficacy levels and the rest of the sample, while there were no differences between the high and the medium self-efficacy groups (p &gt; 0.05). Thus, self-efficacy for walking and light physical activity seems to be more relevant than self-efficacy for moderate and vigorous physical activity to achieve higher levels of physical activity.

Physical activity and mental health in Brazilian university students: An analysis in different sexes during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract Study aim: To identify symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress in Brazilian university students of both sexes and the association of physical activity parameters during the COVID-19 pandemic. Material and methods: An online cross-sectional study was conducted from March to April 2021. Data on occupational and social variables and mental health symptoms were investigated using the Beck Anxiety Inventory, Hamilton depression rating scale, and Perceived Stress Scale questionnaires. Physical activity levels were assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Results: In total, 277 college students over eighteen years old participated in the study (66% female; 46.7% brown race). Higher scores and symptoms of anxiety and depression were observed in women (p &lt; 0.0001). Anxiety symptoms were negatively associated with physical activity levels in women. Sedentary time, including sitting correlated with depression scores in women (r = 0.171; p &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: University students are a risk group for the appearance of symptoms related to mental health. In addition, these disorders occur more frequently in females, and sedentary habits, such as more time sitting, were related to higher scores in depression and anxiety.

Physical activity, fear avoidance beliefs and level of disability in a multi-ethnic female population with chronic low back pain in Suriname: A population-based study.

Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is an important cause for reduced daily physical activity (PA) and loss of quality of life, especially in women. In Suriname, a middle-income country in South America, the relationship between PA and CLBP is still unknown. To assess the level of PA in women with CLBP of different ethnicity, and to identify whether fear avoidance beliefs (FAB), disability, co-occurring musculoskeletal pain sites and various sociodemographic and lifestyle factors were associated with self-reported PA. A cross-sectional community-based house-to-house survey was conducted between April 2016 and July 2017. The survey followed the Community Oriented Program for Control of Rheumatic Diseases methodology. Selection criteria were being female of Asian-Surinamese, African-Surinamese or of Mixed ethnicity and aged 18 or older, living in an urban area, and reporting CLBP. Data was collected on PA, FAB, disability, co-occurring musculoskeletal pain sites, CLBP intensity and sociodemographic and lifestyle factors. Urban adult women with current CLBP (N = 210) were selected. Nearly 57% of the population met the WHO recommendation on PA, with work-related PA as the largest contributor to total self-reported PA. Most women showed low FAB scores (FABQ-Work ≤34 (96.2%) and FABQ-PA ≤14 (57.6%)) and low disability levels (Oswestry Disability Index ≤20 (62.4%)). An inverse association between total PA and FABQ-Work (OR = 0.132, CI: 0.023; 0.750) was found. In contrast, total PA had a significant, positive association with disability (OR = 2.154, CI: 1.044; 4.447) and workload (OR = 2.224, CI: 1.561; 3.167). All other variables showed no association with total PA. This was the first study in Suriname reporting that 43.3% of urban adult women with CLBP were physically inactive. Total self-reported PA is influenced by FABQ-Work, average to heavy workload and moderate to severe disability. In this study, PA-Work was the major contributor to total PA. Therefore, future longitudinal studies should evaluate different types and aspects of PA in relation to CLBP management.

Associação entre discriminação percebida e atividade física entre adolescentes

Abstract Perceived discrimination is a major producer of stress and social trauma and can have negative effects on the physical and mental health of those exposed to it. This study aims to analyze the direct and indirect association between perceived discrimination and physical activity, mediated by common mental disorders in adolescents. This is a cross-sectional study with 2,484 adolescents (aged 18 and 19 years old) from a cohort in São Luís, Maranhão. Structural equation models were used to verify the direct effect of perceived discrimination on physical activity (PA) and its indirect effect mediated by common mental disorders (CMD). The potential of sex to act as an effect-modifying variable was also tested. Discrimination was associated with higher levels of PA in women (SC - Standardized Coefficient direct =0.105, p-value=0.005), and indirectly associated with lower PA via CMT among men (SCindirect =-0.024, p-value=0.017) and women (SCindirect =-0.024, p-value=0.015). Our findings show the association between perceived discrimination and PA in this population of adolescents, attesting that its effects can alter health behaviors and that gender can modify the relation between these variables.

Association between perceived discrimination and physical activity among adolescents.

Perceived discrimination is a major producer of stress and social trauma and can have negative effects on the physical and mental health of those exposed to it. This study aims to analyze the direct and indirect association between perceived discrimination and physical activity, mediated by common mental disorders in adolescents. This is a cross-sectional study with 2,484 adolescents (aged 18 and 19 years old) from a cohort in São Luís, Maranhão. Structural equation models were used to verify the direct effect of perceived discrimination on physical activity (PA) and its indirect effect mediated by common mental disorders (CMD). The potential of sex to act as an effect-modifying variable was also tested. Discrimination was associated with higher levels of PA in women (SC - Standardized Coefficient direct =0.105, p-value=0.005), and indirectly associated with lower PA via CMT among men (SCindirect =-0.024, p-value=0.017) and women (SCindirect =-0.024, p-value=0.015). Our findings show the association between perceived discrimination and PA in this population of adolescents, attesting that its effects can alter health behaviors and that gender can modify the relation between these variables.

Association of mild cognitive impairment and physical activity level in older persons in Chile

BackgroundUnderstanding the association between cognitive impairment and low physical activity is a useful way to proactively prevent MCI or delay the onset of dementia. This study aims to explore the association between MCI and physical activity (PA) levels in Chilean persons aged 60 and over. MethodsData came from the 2016–17 Chilean National Health Survey data. MCI was evaluated with Mini-Mental State Examination and Pfeffer Functional Activities Questionnaire, excluding individuals with suspected dementia. The Global Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to assess PA levels. The association between MCI and PA levels was examined using logistic regression analysis, including overall and sex stratified models. ResultsA total of 1981 participants were analysed. The mean age was 70.7 years (SD: 7.77), and 63% were women. The MCI prevalence was 10%, increasing with age. The overall MCI model for low PA level showed an Odds Ratio (OR): 1.95 (95% Confidence Interval (95% CI): 1.18; 3.20, p = 0.009), meaning that a low PA level has a significant association with the risk of having MCI. The MCI model for PA levels in women was not statistically significant; however, the model for men showed an OR of 2.44 (95% CI: 1.17; 5.11, p = 0.018). ConclusionsA low PA level significantly increases the likelihood of developing MCI, and the risk was significantly higher among men. Therefore, promoting PA for older persons should be considered as a valuable prevention strategy among healthy older adults or those with initial symptoms of MCI.

Not only diet quality and physical activity but also snacking and skipping meals could be related with menstrual disorders in PCOS

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to clarify the associations between menstrual cycle disorders, food frequency intake, dietary habits, and physical activity levels in women with and without Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). 114 women with PCOS and 341 without PCOS (CONTROL) participated in the study. They were also divided into women with menstrual disorders(MD), and those with regular cycle (RC). Each of them completed a medical and Kompan questionnaires. In women with PCOS and menstrual disorders (PCOS-MD), intake of wholemeal products, meat and meat products, fats and alcoholic beverages was higher in comparison to those in the control group with menstrual disorders (CONTROL-MD). Women in the PCOS-MD group also reported significantly more frequent snacking between meals, higher Pro-Healthy Diet Index (pHDI-14), and a lower level of physical activity at leisure time than CONTROL-MD. Women with PCOS differed from those in CONTROL due to a higher consumption of meat and meat products, fats, fruits and vegetables, juices and alcoholic beverages, and a lower intake of whitemeal products, sweets, and fruits. Women with PCOS more frequently snacked, but the number of their meals was also lower. In women with PCOS, menstrual disorders may be related not only with diet quality and physical activity but also with snacking and skipping meals.