Physical Activity Levels In Women Research Articles

The relationship between total energy expenditure and physical activity level in women living in an impoverished Brazilian urban area.

This study aimed to describe how strong is the relationship between TEE and PAL in women living in an impoverished Brazilian urban area. Anthropometric, hormonal (insulin, TSH, FT4 , and FT3 ), body composition (deuterium), TEE (doubly labeled water) and PAL (metabolic equivalent task [MET]-7-day triaxial accelerometer, ActivPAL®) data were collected from 55 women (mean age: 31y, mean BMI: 27.4kg/m2 ). Adjusted-TEE models were calculated incorporating the residuals of anthropometric, hormonal, and body composition variables in the TEE, to assess the relation between MET and adjusted-TEE, through three different analyzes: linear regression, nonlinear regression and change-point regression. Most participants (89.1%, n=49) were classified as low-active. There was no association between crude TEE and MET.h/d (R2 =0.05; p=0.09). There was a positive, although weak, linear relationship between adjusted-TEE and MET.h/d (β=2705.26 kcal; 95% CI: 436.25; 4974.27; adj-R2 =0.08). A change point of this relationship was identified in the MET.h/d value of 1.53 (SD=0.02; adj-R2 = 0.13). The association between adjusted-TEE and MET.h/d before the change point (β=5101.46 kcal; 95%CI: 978.84; 9224.08; adj-R2 =0.11) was stronger than the association in the full linear model, nevertheless, it was still weak. This association stop existing when it is assessed in individuals after the change point (β=-6609.92 kcal; 95%CI: -16773.24; 3553.40; adj-R2 =0.08). These results suggest that the relationship between TEE and PAL is weak and it is not completely linear in women living in an impoverished Brazilian urban area.

Habitual physical activity levels in women attending the one stop infertility clinic: A prospective cross-sectional observational study.

Optimisation of lifestyle factors such as smoking and alcohol is encouraged to improve fecundability rates in the fertility setting. Currently, routine fertility consultations do not involve counselling or imparting advice regarding habitual physical activity (PA) and/or structured exercise, despite data showing that vigorous PA can be associated with delayed time to pregnancy. Therefore, this study aimed to determine habitual PA in a sample of women attending the one-stop infertility (OSI) clinic. In total, 250 women attending a large tertiary level NHS fertility unit prospectively completed a questionnaire anonymously over a period of 9 months. The participants (mean age: 34 ± 5 years, mean BMI: 29 ± 7 kg/m2) habitual PA levels varied from vigorous exercise on ≥5 days/week (8%, n = 17) to no moderate or high-intensity activities across the whole week (66%, n = 29). A majority of women reported no structured exercise (72%, n = 179). No association was identified between any domain of PA and BMI, age, alcohol units, regular periods, or time spent trying to conceive (P > 0.05). The participants habitual PA levels varied widely and no association between any domain of PA and background of the women was identified. No existing evidence and/or guidelines to explicitly inform women attempting to conceive regarding recommended PA levels are available, despite PA being a modifiable, affordable, and feasible lifestyle choice with the possible potential to improve fertility. A large-scale, clinical trial assessing the effects of PA on fecundability is warranted to gain insight into the potential of this lifestyle factor to improve fertility outcomes and to explore the underlying biological mechanisms involved.Lay summaryInfertility affects approximately one in seven couples with many and varied causes, including lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol, and diet. Lifestyle changes are low-cost unimposing options to implement in routine fertility care. Information on regular physical activity is not currently enquired from women and no agreement regarding the best levels of exercise exists for fertility patients. In this study, we aimed to determine the exercise habits of women attending the OSI clinic. In total. 250 women attending OSI clinic over a period of 9 months completed a questionnaire collecting data on their exercise habits. The levels of physical activity performed varied widely from vigorous exercise on ≥5 days/week to no moderate or high-intensity activities across the whole week. A majority of women did no structured exercise (72%). These novel data highlight the variations in form, type and intensity of exercise women who attend OSI clinics perform. Currently, there is no existing evidence and/or guidelines to explicitly inform women attempting to conceive regarding the recommended physical activity levels. Physical activity is a modifiable, affordable, and feasible lifestyle choice that is not currently acknowledged in the fertility setting and has the potential to improve fertility.

1060-P: Exploring Differences in the 24-Hour Glucose Cycle by Physical Activity Level in Women with Pregnancy Hyperglycemia

Physical activity (PA) improves glucose levels. PA’s impact on the 24-hour glucose cycle in pregnancy hyperglycemia is unknown. This study examined baseline data from women participating in a small pilot feasibility randomized controlled trial. At baseline, they completed a survey which included the Stanford Leisure-Time Activity Categorical Item (L-Cat) for comparison to national PA recommendations. PA over the past month was assessed. Dexcom G6 CGMs linked to blinded receivers were worn for 7 days. Typical 24-hour glucose functions were estimated with B-splines and generalized regression analyses controlling for gestational diabetes (GDM) conducted in JMP. CGM was available for 14 participants; 4 (29%) had GDM and 3 (21%) reported meeting PA recommendations. Mean glucose was 91.5 mg/dl (SD 17) for sufficient PA and 93.6 mg/dl (SD 20) for insufficient PA. Figure 1 displays the 24-hour glucose functions (3rd degree polynomials with 17 knots) for sufficient PA (red) versus insufficient PA (blue) . Lower glucose was observed in the early morning, i.e., from midnight through approximately 6am and likely fasted, in sufficient versus insufficient PA, but the difference did not attain statistical significance. Glucose was higher in those with GDM, controlling for PA (P < .05) . Findings in a small sample of women with pregnancy hyperglycemia suggest that PA may improve early morning glucose. Disclosure S.F.Ehrlich: None. B.G.Rand: None. N.Zite: None. K.B.Fortner: Other Relationship; Pfizer Inc. A.M.Paudel: None. C.Peterson: None. J.M.Maples: None. Funding K01DK105106

A Mixed-apprOach program To help women wIth breast cancer stay actiVE (MOTIVE program): A pilot-controlled study

Given the benefits of physical activity for breast cancer survivals, this pilot study aims to assess the feasibility of the MOTIVE program at achieving and maintaining the recommended physical activity level in women diagnosed and treated breast cancer, over 16 weeks. We conduct a pilot-controlled study of 20 women diagnosed with breast cancer stage I, II or IIIa. In this study, women of Intervention Arm (n = 10) received the MOTIVE program. This group was compared to women of Control Arm (n = 10) who received only counselling. Health-related fitness measures, and quality of life were assessed at baseline (t0) and after 4 (t1), 8 (t2) and 16 (t3) weeks. Intervention Arm women reached the recommended physical activity guidelines at t1 and t2 (eff.size = 1.9 [1.0–3.1]), and 90% continued to be active, autonomously, at t3 (eff.size = 1.12 [0.21–2.12]). Intervention Arm participants’ arm strength, fitness levels and quality of life also improved over time. No significant improvements in outcome measures were observed in Control Arm participants. These results are encouraging and suggest that the MOTIVE program may be a viable, well tolerated and effective option to help breast cancer women reaching a stable physical activity level over time, which meets prevention-related goals.

Evaluation of the Effect of Physical Activity on Sleep Quality and Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Women in the Postmenoposal Period in Turkey

Objective: Menopause is a period of life in which women are at increased risk of cardiovascular diseases and sleep problems. In this study, we aimed to determine the effect of physical activity on CVR and sleep quality in women in this period. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted with 342 postmenopausal women (PMW) who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria who applied to the outpatient clinic between August and December 2018 at Health Sciences University Dışkapı Yıldırım Beyazıt Training and Research Hospital. Women were given sociodemographic data form, International Physical Activity Questionnaire short form(IPAQ-SF), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) , calculated CVR estimation with Framingham formulation. The data were evaluated with SPSS 23 program. Results: In our study the mean age of women was 60.77 ± 9.2 years. The rate of patients with a 10-year CVR was 66.1%. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality (PSQI) scorewas 9.05 ± 4.33 and the rate of good sleep quality (PSQI ≤5) was 24.6%. Physical activity (PA) level was found to be 848.68 ± 1213.08 MET-min /week. It was observed that the state of being physically inactive was associated with the presence of a diagnosis of hypertension (p = 0.026). It was observed that those with severe PA levels in women had low body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.035), and increased CVD as the BMI and daytime dysfunction increased. Cardiovascular risk (CVR), sleep quality score and subparameters did not change according to physical activity. While there was a significant difference between the severity of PA level and Framingham risk score (FRS) (p = 0.032), those with high PA levels had the lowest FRS. Sleep quality and subparameters did not change according to PA level. In the presence of obesity, CVR, habitual sleep afficiency and sleep disorder component scores were shown to increase. Conclusion: From the pre-menopausal period, women should be directed to perform appropriate PA to reduce obesity and prevent the onset or progression of CVD. Sleep hygiene trainings can be given to improve sleep quality in the postmenopausal period.

Young adults’ physical activity and physical function: 12 months follow up

BACKGROUND: The knowledge about university students generally demonstrates that they do not meet current recommendations for Physical Activity (PA). However, PA and Physical Fitness are not an indicator for Physical Function (PFn), being PFn a separate construct that is related to movement skill proficiency. AIM: To analyze the rate of changes in PFn accessed by the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) and PA levels (sports and leisure) in a group of Sport Science university students after one year. METHOD: 41 men (22.3±5.7years) and 22 women (20.7±0.9years) participated in this research. The data were collected in the first month of the academic year and after 12 months in the following order: Baecke Habitual Physical Activity Questionnaire, anthropometrics, and FMS. RESULTS: PFn assessment, from baseline to second assessment, revealed significant changes in Trunk Stability Push-up (p=0.003; ES=0.656) and total score (p=0.026; ES=0.497) for women and in Deep Squat (p=0.003; ES=0.334) for men. No significant changes were found in women PA levels. Men decreased in leisure PA (p=0.002; ES=0.538) and total PA (p=0.003; ES=0.519). CONCLUSION: Sports Science university students’ daily routines may mediate physical activity patterns with following physical function improvements or decrements, occurring due to contextual environments that over-or under-produce the stimulation required to develop those skills.

Can physical activity levels and relationships with energy expenditure change the clinical aspects of sarcopenia and perceptions of falls among elderly women? Observational cross-sectional study.

Physical activity (PA) is an effective strategy for managing sarcopenia in the elderly, but few studies have addressed PA levels regarding age-related changes. To ascertain the effects of elderly women's PA levels on sarcopenia, physical performance, handgrip strength and perception of the risk of falling, and their relationship with energy expenditure. Observational cross-sectional study conducted in the southern region of the city of São Paulo, Brazil. Forty-seven elderly women were evaluated and divided into three groups: low PA (n = 13); moderate PA (n = 16); and high PA (n = 18). Their PA levels were investigated through the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ); sarcopenia index, through dual-energy radiological absorptiometry; physical performance through the Timed Up & Go test; handgrip strength, using a digital dynamometer; and perception of the risk of falling, through the Fall Risk Awareness Questionnaire. High PA level indicated higher skeletal muscle mass index, physical performance and IPAQ score, compared with low and moderate PA levels. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that higher IPAQ energy expenditure at high and moderate PA levels was a good predictor of higher physical performance and increased perception of the risk of falling. Elderly women classified as having high PA level showed improvements in sarcopenia, handgrip strength, physical performance and perception of the risk of falling. The IPAQ energy expenditure of the elderly women with high and moderate PA levels was a good predictor of physical performance and improved perception of the risk of falling.

Physical activity levels in women with stage II or higher breast cancer: Association, difference and agreement between self-report and objective measurement methods

To help women with breast cancer (BC) be sufficiently active, accurate assessment of physical activity (PA) is important. This study compared self-reported and objectively-assessed PA in women with stage II+ BC. Moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA) was assessed objectively using accelerometery (Actigraph® GT3X+) and using self-report (Active Australia Survey) and reported in weekly metabolic equivalent minutes (MET.min/wk). Associations, difference and agreement between methods were evaluated using Spearman's correlation, Wilcoxon signed-rank test and Bland-Altman analyses, respectively. Women were also categorised as being insufficiently (≤ 450 MET.min/wk) or sufficiently active (> 450 MET.min/wk) and compared using Cohen's Kappa. Participants ( n = 50) were 51 ± 9 years, with a mean body mass index of 29 ± 6 kg/m 2 . Self-reported and objectively-assessed MVPA were moderately correlated (r = 0.46, P < 0.01). Median MVPA was similar across methods (self-reported: median = 1085.1 [Interquartile range, IQR = 1032.2] MET.min/wk; objectively-assessed: median = 888.4 [IQR = 1218.5] MET.min/wk; P = 0.74), with wide limits of agreement (±2588.6 MET.min/wk). Self-reported MVPA using the Active Australia survey is comparable with objective assessments. For most who self-reported PA levels consistent with national guidelines, their objectively-assessed PA confirmed this to be true. Self-report methods can be used to identify women who need encouragement to stay active versus those who need targeted advice. Pour aider les femmes atteintes d’un cancer du sein (CS) à être suffisamment actives, une évaluation précise de l’activité physique (AP) est importante. Cette étude a pour objectif de comparer l’AP auto-déclarée et objectivement évaluée chez les femmes au stade II + CS. L’AP d’intensité modérée à vigoureuse (APMV) a été évaluée objectivement par accélérométrie (Actigraph® GT3X+) et par auto-déclaration (Active Australia Survey), et rapportée en minutes équivalentes métaboliques hebdomadaires (MET.min/semaine). Les associations, les différences et la concordance entre les méthodes ont été respectivement évaluées à l’aide de la corrélation de Spearman, du test du rang de Wilcoxon et des analyses de Bland-Altman. Les femmes ont également été classées comme étant insuffisamment (< 450 MET.min/semaine) ou suffisamment actives (> 450 MET.min/semaine) et comparées en utilisant le Kappa de Cohen. Les participantes ( n = 50 ; 51 ± 9 ans; indice de masse corporelle: 29 ± 6 kg/m 2 ) ont rapporté des APMV auto-déclarées et objectivement évaluées modérément corrélées ( r = 0,46, p < 0,01). L’APMV médiane était similaire d’une méthode à l’autre (auto-déclarée: médiane = 1085,1 [intervalle interquartile, IQR = 1032,2] MET.min/semaine; évaluée objectivement : médiane = 888,4 [IQR = 1218,5] MET.min/semaine; p = 0,74), avec de larges limites d’accord (±2588,6 MET.min/semaine). L’APMV auto-déclarée à l’aide de l’enquête Active Australia est comparable aux évaluations objectives. Pour la plupart des personnes ayant déclaré des niveaux d’AP conformes aux directives nationales, leur AP objectivement évaluée a confirmé que c’était le cas. Les méthodes d’auto-évaluation peuvent être utilisées pour identifier les femmes qui auraient besoin d’encouragements afin de rester physiquement actives par rapport à celles qui auraient besoin de conseils ciblés.

Physical activity levels among ovarian cancer survivors: a prospective longitudinal cohort study

ObjectivePhysical activity following cancer diagnosis is associated with improved outcomes, including potential survival benefits, yet physical activity levels among common cancer types tend to decrease following diagnosis and remain low....

Changes in physical activity and mortality risk among an adult Lithuanian urban population: results from a cohort study

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to investigate changes in physical activity and the association of these changes with the risk of all-cause mortality and mortality from cardiovascular disease (CVD) among an adult and elderly Lithuanian urban population. Study designProspective cohort study. MethodsData from four surveys are presented. In total, there were 2416 participants (1071 men and 1345 women) who took part in one of the initial three surveys in the framework of the Multinational Monitoring of Trends and Determinants in Cardiovascular Disease (MONICA) study since 1986 and also in the follow-up survey in 2006 (with follow-up over 15 years). Study participants were followed-up for mortality events from 2006 until 31 December 2017. The mean duration of the follow-up for endpoints period was 10.55 (standard deviation 2.33) years. ResultsOver 15 years of follow-up, 50.9% of men and 56.7% of women were physically active at initial and follow-up surveys, and approximately 10.0% of respondents were physically inactive. Over this period, 22.8% of men and 24.8% of women increased their physical activity level, and 14.1% of men and 10.1% of women decreased their physical activity level. The findings from the Cox proportional hazards regression multivariable analysis showed that a decrease in physical activity level during the follow-up period was related to a higher risk for all-cause mortality and mortality from CVD risk in women (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.82, P = 0.039; and HR = 5.40, P = 0.014, respectively). In men, a clear association of physical inactivity was ascertained only to all-cause mortality risk and only for non-smokers (HR = 2.07, P = 0.013). ConclusionsA decrease in physical activity levels in women is a strong predictor for all-cause mortality risk and mortality from CVD risk. Physical inactivity in male non-smokers is a strong predictor for all-cause mortality risk.

Infertility and physical activity: A cross-sectional study of women living in Yazd aged 20-49 yr, 2014-2015.

BackgroundChanges in the state of energy balance owing to changes in physical activity (PA) may affect the reproductive system.Objectivethe aim of this study was to assess the association between PA and infertility of women living in Yazd 2014 - 2015.Materials and Methods The study method was analytical cross-sectional on the Yazd Health Study (YaHS) data which was conducted on 10,000 people. We studied 2,611 women (20 and 49 yrs old), living in Greater Yazd area. PA information was collected using a physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ) short form. The standardized instruments were used for anthropometrics measurement.ResultsTotally 135 cases of infertility were documented. The overall prevalence of infertility was 4.73% (95% CI: 3.94-5.59%). The median of PA scores (METs) in women was 746.66 and 25-75% interquartile range was 361.25-1277.25. The relationship according to the Chi-square test between infertility and PA, as categorized variables, was significant (p = 0.015). It showed over 90% of those who suffered from infertility had a low or moderate PA.ConclusionThe results of our study showed that there is a significant relationship between infertility and PA level in women living in Greater Yazd area. Also, women with infertility had lower activity levels, consistent with most previous studies.

Personal, Social, and Environmental Mediators Associated With Increased Recreational Physical Activity in Women and Girls in the Kingdom of Tonga.

The purpose of this paper was to identify personal, social, and environmental mediators of recreational physical activity (PA) in a 6-month netball-based intervention for women and girls in Tonga. Tonga Netball's "low-engagement village program" was implemented in 10 villages and aimed to increase the recreational PA levels in women and girls through a comprehensive, structured community-level netball program addressing key barriers to participation. In a mixed-methods approach, these mediating barriers were identified through qualitative interviews based on the socioecological model. Quantitative measures for mediators and recreational PA were then developed, and data from 301 women and girls were collected. Standard mediation analyses methods were then applied. Program participation appeared to significantly increase PA levels. Statistically significant personal mediators were body issues, preferring competitions, and clothing. Social mediators were support from sports council, community leaders, friends, and church. Environmental mediators were travel time and access to balls, bibs, and umpires. A comprehensive community-level program addressing key participation barriers can increase recreational PA among women and girls in Tonga. Triangulating these results with mediation analyses of variables on the causal pathway can strengthen our understanding of causation and inform funding prioritization for critical program components in similar contexts.

Accelerometer-measured versus self-reported physical activity levels in women before and up to 48\u2009months after Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

BackgroundRoux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) patients overestimate their time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) to a greater extent post-surgery than pre-surgery. However, there is no data on discrepancy between self-reported and accelerometer-measured MVPA beyond nine months post-RYGB. The aim was to investigate how the duration of MVPA (main outcome) differs when comparing a self-administered questionnaire to accelerometer-data from pre-surgery and up to 48 months post-RYGB.MethodsTwenty-six (38%) RYGB-treated women with complete data from the original cohort (N = 69) were included. Participants were recruited from five Swedish hospitals. Mean pre-surgery BMI was 38.9 (standard deviation (SD) = 3.4) kg/m2 and mean age 39.9 (SD = 6.5) years. MVPA was subjectively measured by a self-administered questionnaire and objectively measured by the ActiGraph GT3X+ accelerometer at 3 months pre-RYGB and 9- and 48 months post-RYGB. Means and SD were calculated at 3 months pre- and 9- and 48 months post-RYGB. We calculated the P-values of the differences with Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test. For correlations between the self-administered questionnaire and the accelerometers, Spearman’s rank correlation was used.ResultsParticipants significantly overestimated (i.e. self-reported more time spent in MVPA compared to accelerometry) their MVPA in a higher degree post- compared to pre-RYGB surgery. Compared to pre-surgery, self-reported MVPA increased with 46.9 and 36.5% from pre- to 9- and 48 months, respectively, whereas changes were a 6.1% increase and 3.5% decrease with accelerometers. Correlations between self-reported and accelerometer-measured MVPA-assessments were poor at all measurement points (r = 0.21–0.42) and only significant at 48 months post-RYGB (P = 0.032).ConclusionsThe discrepancy between self-reported and objectively assessed MVPA within the same individual is greater up to 48 months post-RYGB compared to before surgery. To help bariatric patients understand and hopefully increase their physical activity behaviors post-surgery, objective measures of physical activity should be used.

How can we best use opportunities provided by routine maternity care to engage women in improving their diets and health?

Pregnancy provides motivation for women to improve their diets and increase their physical activity. Opportunistic brief interventions delivered as part of routine primary care have produced improvements in patients' health behaviour. Consequently, there have been calls for midwives to use contacts during pregnancy in this way. This study explored the experiences of pregnant women and research midwives/nurses of a brief intervention called Healthy Conversation Skills (HCS) being delivered as part of a randomised control trial, assessing the acceptability and feasibility of including this intervention in routine maternity care. Three research questions were addressed using mixed methods to produce four datasets: face‐to‐face interviews with participants, a focus group with the HCS‐trained midwives/nurses, case reports of participants receiving HCS and audio‐recordings of mid‐pregnancy telephone calls to the women which produced midwife/nurse HCS competency scores. Midwives/nurses used their HCS to support women to make plans for change and set goals. Women welcomed the opportunity to address their own health and well‐being as distinct from that of their baby. Midwives/nurses were competent in using the skills and saw healthy conversations as an effective means of raising issues of diet and physical activity. Recent extension of maternity appointment times provides ideal opportunities to incorporate a brief intervention to support behaviour change. Incorporating HCS training into midwifery education and continuing professional development would facilitate this. HCS is a scalable, brief intervention with the potential to improve the diets and physical activity levels of women during pregnancy, and hence the health of themselves and their babies.

Sitting time and depression in young women over 12-years: The effect of physical activity

ObjectivesLack of physical activity (PA) and prolonged sitting time (ST) are associated with increased risk of mortality and chronic illnesses, including depression. While there have been claims that the two risks are ‘independent’, their joint and stratified effects are unclear. The aim of this study was to explore the combined effects of physical activity and sitting time on the 12year risk of depressive symptoms (DS) in young women. DesignCohort-9061 young participants in the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health completed triennial surveys from 2000 (age 22–27), to 2012. MethodsGeneralised Estimating Equation models were used to calculate the joint effects of PA and ST on DS, with <4h/day of ST and the highest PA quartile as the reference categories. Relationships between PA and DS, and between ST and DS, were also examined after stratification by ST and PA respectively. ResultsIn the adjusted joint effects model, compared with the reference category (low sitting, high PA), odds for DS were significantly higher in women who sat for >4, 6 and 8h/day and reported doing no PA. In every physical activity category, women who sat for ≥10h/day were at highest risk of DS (OR for lowest physical activity quartile, 1.72 [95% CI=1.38–2.14]; OR for highest physical activity quartile, 1.49 [95% CI=1.16–1.91]). After stratification by ST, odds of DS were reduced in women who reported any physical activity (compared with none), except when ST was >10h/day. After stratification by physical activity, the increased risk of sitting 8–10h/day was attenuated by any physical activity, but there was no reduction in risk of depressive symptoms with increasing PA levels in women who sat for ≥10h per day. ConclusionsThese data suggest that there are both joint and stratified effects of too little activity and too much sitting on the risk of depressive symptoms in young women. High levels of PA are protective against the hazards of high ST at this life stage, except in women with very high levels of sitting.

Physical activity levels of women with breast cancer during and after treatment, a comparison with the Dutch female population

Background: Physical activity has been shown to reduce side-effects of breast cancer and its treatment. As physical activity levels of patients with breast cancer are largely unknown, we investigated these levels and compared them to women from the general population.Methods: In this prospective cohort study, physical activity levels of women with breast cancer participating in the UMBRELLA cohort were assessed at radiotherapy intake and thereafter every 6 months up to 3 years with the SQUASH questionnaire, which was also used in a random sample of the Dutch population. We compared physical activity levels (no activity, low, moderate or high levels of sports, leisure time or total activity) between patients and the Dutch female population using multinomial logistic regression. Standardized Prevalence Ratios (SPR) were calculated to compare adherence to Dutch physical activity guidelines.Results: Women with breast cancer (nbaseline = 1655, n6 months = 1414, n12 months = 1186, n18 months = 957, n24 months = 744, n30 months = 555, and n36 months = 377) were less likely to spend time in physical activity compared to the general population (n = 11,710) until 3 years post-diagnosis, especially after 6 months (ORhigh-vs.-no activity = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.28–0.41). From 12 months onwards, patients were more likely to perform sports compared to the general population, especially patients who underwent systemic therapy. Guideline adherence was significantly lower in patients at baseline and 6 months (SPRbaseline = 89, 95% CI: 82–97; SPR6 months = 88, 95% CI: 81–96), and comparable to the general population at 12–36 months, especially in older women.Conclusions: Physical activity levels in women with breast cancer during and after treatment were lower compared to the Dutch female population. Three years post-treatment, they were still less physically active, although they spend more time in sport activities. As about half of the patients did not perform any sports, physical activity needs to be stimulated during and after treatment.

Physical activity level in women with gestational diabetes mellitus: Lifestyle INtervention for Diabetes prevention After pregnancy (LINDA-Brasil) study.

The aim of this study was to investigate physical activity and associated factors in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). This cross-sectional study was performed on 2706 women as part of the Lifestyle INtervention for Diabetes prevention After pregnancy (LINDA-Brasil) study, recruited between 2012 and 2016 in Brazil. A structured questionnaire was used to assess physical activity. Descriptive and Poisson regression analyses were used to investigate physical activity and associated factors. Counseling regarding physical activity practices was reported by 47.4% and 34.3% of women before and after a diagnosis of GDM, respectively. During pregnancy, 26% of women were classified as inactive, 39.7% were classified as insufficiently active, and 34.3% were classified as active. Compared with prepregnancy, 63.1% of women reported a decrease in physical activity levels during pregnancy. The prevalence of being inactive during pregnancy was higher among women who did not live with a partner (P = 0.003), had a lower household income (P = 0.01), were employed (P < 0.001), and who had four or more children (P < 0.001). Among Brazilian women with GDM, physical activity levels and practices were low, with most women reporting decreased physical activity during pregnancy. A low socioeconomic status was associated with lower physical activity. These findings indicate the need to reinforce the importance of physical activity in the management of GDM in Brazil.

Treatment effects on compulsive exercise and physical activity in eating disorders

BackgroundDysfunctional thoughts- and use of physical activity (PA) are core symptoms of the eating disorders (ED) bulimia nervosa (BN) and binge eating disorder (BED). The compulsive desire for PA complicates a favourable treatment outcome; hence, regular, adapted PA led by personnel with competence in exercise science is rarely part of treatment of BN and BED. The present study compared cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) with a new treatment combining physical exercise and dietary therapy (PED-t) with respect to the short- and long-term changes in the level of compulsive exercise and actual level of PA in women with BN or BED.MethodsWe enrolled 187 women with BN or BED, aged 18–40 years, with BMI 17.5–35, in an outpatient randomised controlled therapy trial. Participants were randomised to PED-t or CBT, while waitlist participants served as a control group during the treatment period. The treatment covered 16 weeks, with 6- and 12 months follow-up, and outcomes included self-reported compulsive exercise (CE) and objectively measured PA, analysed by linear mixed regression models.ResultsBoth CBT and PED-t reduced CE from baseline (P < 0.01, Hedges g ~ 0.4), but with no difference to control group. Compared to baseline, only PED-t significantly reduced the number of patients who scored above cut-off rating for CE, but with no between-group differences. The proportion of participants complying with the official recommendation for PA neither changed following treatment, nor emerged different between the treatment arms.ConclusionBoth therapies resulted in significant improvements in compulsive exercise, a change not found in the control group, however there were no between-group differences. The findings are tempered by the low statistical power due to a small control group size. The number of participants complying with the recommendation for PA were stable throughout the study, and no change in total PA was found. Presence and intensity of CE decline with treatment, but a need to increase PA towards healthy levels remains unsolved.Trial registrationApproved by the Norwegian Regional Committee for Medical and Health Research Ethics (ID: 2013/1871, 16th of December 2013); registered in Clinical Trials (ID: NCT02079935, 17th of February 2014).

Self-efficacy and planning strategies can improve physical activity levels in women with a recent history of gestational diabetes mellitus

Introduction: Regular physical activity can reduce the risk of developing diabetes in high risk populations including in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). This study applied the Health Action Process Approach (HAPA) to determine the motivational and volitional factors important in increasing physical activity among women with previous GDM.Methods: Women with GDM receiving obstetric care at a teaching hospital in Sri Lanka were invited to participate in a survey 6–36 months post-delivery. At baseline and 8 weeks later, 152 women completed postal and telephone surveys that collected socio-cognitive and physical activity data. The study hypotheses were tested using structural equation modelling.Results: The modified model fit the data well (CFI = .95, TLI = .94, RMSEA = .057) and explained 11% of the variance in behaviour. Action self-efficacy was the only important predictor of intention to be physically active. Intention as well as maintenance self-efficacy predicted planning, which, in turn, predicted physical activity. Planning mediated the effect of intention and self-efficacy (maintenance and recovery) on physical activity.Conclusion: This study has identified predictors of physical activity among women with previous GDM that can inform intervention studies. Interventions targeting this population need to include planning strategies and enhance self-efficacy.

Breast cancer: relation between quality of life and physical activity level

The objective was to investigate the relation between quality of life and physical activity level in women with breast cancer undergoing treatment at the Oncologic Research Center (CEPON). A total of 158 women (56±9 years) answered a structured questionnaire, at a standardized interview, about sociodemographic and clinical information; economic situation (IBGE – Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística); physical activity (IPAQ – International Physical Activity Questionnaire); and quality of life (QLQ-C30 – Quality of Life Questionnaire; QLQ-BR23). Most of the women was not sufficiently active (71.5%) and reported better global quality of life, with a score of 73±25. There was a significant difference on the functional scale for the items physical function (p=0.007) and role performance (p=0.048), with better quality of life values for active women, as well as on the symptom scale for the items loss of appetite (p=0.005) and pain (p=0.040). There was a positive association between total physical activity and quality of life in physical function (r=0.23; p=0.01) and role performance (r=0.023; p=0.01) and a negative association in the symptom scale (r=-0.24; p=0.01) and item loss of appetite (r=- 0.25; p=0.01). We conclude that women with breast cancer were not sufficiently active and showed good global quality of life scores, being that the actives presented better physical function, role performance and less loss of appetite and pain.