Physical Activity Levels Research Articles

Associations of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior With Mental Distress According to Caregiver Status: Analysis of the Health Information National Trends Survey, 2022.

To (1) examine how physical activity and sedentary behavior are related to mental distress and (2) identify and compare how various levels of sedentary behaviors may differentially predict mental distress after accounting for physical activity, among caregivers vs non-caregivers. Cross-sectional secondary data. National Cancer Institute's Health Information National Trends Survey Cycle 6 fielded online from March-November 2022. U.S. adults aged 18 and older. The Patient Health Questionnaire-4 was administered along with caregiving status, moderate weekly physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sociodemographic characteristics. After applying population weights, we conducted multiple adjusted logistic regression models and estimated predictive margins to understand whether a specific dose of sedentary behavior (hours/day) is associated with risk of mental distress, at different levels of physical activity. Caregivers (15.41% of sample) reporting 10-hour of daily sedentary behavior were significantly more likely to experience mental distress, than those reporting lower amounts of sedentary behavior (OR = 3.372, 95%CI = 1.968, 5.776, P < 0.001). Regardless of physical activity amount, 10 hours of sedentary behavior may be a risk factor for mental distress among non-caregivers. Just 6 hours of sedentary behavior may be related to mental distress among caregivers. Physical activity interventions tailored to caregivers' needs, responsibilities, and circumstances are required. Innovative methodologies are needed to understand caregivers' daily behaviors and the intensity of their caregiving activities.

Physical Activity and Fitness Level of Healthcare Workers in a Tertiary Teaching Hospital

Background and Objectives. Physical activity (PA) and fitness level are considered key factors in public health promotion, and as such, healthcare workers (HCW) need to be physically well because they are not only responsible for themselves, but of their clients as well. Therefore, we aim to determine the PA and health-related fitness (HRF) level of HCW in a tertiary hospital, disaggregated to age, sex, work assignments, and job tenure. Methods. A cross-sectional research design was utilized to assess HCW from the administrative, medical, nursing, and paramedical cohorts. ALPHA-FIT Test Battery was used to assess cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, lower extremity power and strength, upper body muscle endurance, balance, and body composition. Results. Our study concurred with the results of previous studies on HCW yielding lower PA levels compared with the general population. We tested 282 participants (administrative: 97; medical: 36; nursing: 55; paramedical: 94), mean age 37.4 years, 64.54% females, 52.13% perceived average health status. Ninety percent of the HCW had PA levels below the World Health Organization’s recommended levels. The ALPHA-FIT mean score per category revealed: one-legged stance, 2.67/3; figure-of-8 run, 2.45/3; shoulder-neck mobility, 4.58/5; modified push-up, 2.05/4; hand-grip strength, 2.5/5; jump and reach, 4/4; dynamic sit-up, 2.62/3; six-minute walk test, 475.38 meters covered. There were no significant differences in PA and HRF levels across cohorts except for modified sit-ups (p&lt;0.001) and figure-of-8 run (p=0.012). The results showed significant inverse correlation between balance and shoulder-neck mobility and age (p&lt;0.001), and modified push ups (p=0.004). Males had significantly higher sit-up scores (p&lt;0.001), one-legged stance scores (p=0.001), and faster figure-of-8 run (p=0.011), while females had better jump and reach scores (p&lt;0.001). Conclusion. Physical activity levels of HCW did not meet the World Health Organization’s recommended PA levels. Healthcare professionals who are expected to be aware of the benefits of PA and HRF have shown low to midfit levels of grip strength, upper extremity endurance, core strength, and cardiorespiratory endurance. Information on PA and HRF may aid in policy making on employee wellness that could highly impact health service delivery.

Physical Activity Level among Physicians of the Philippine General Hospital during the COVID-19 Pandemic Crisis: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction. COVID-19 is a pandemic that shut down businesses and industries worldwide. The spread of the disease changed social behavior as residents around the world were obliged to endure lockdown and quarantine measures, reducing their physical activity. Objective. To determine the level of physical activity before and during the pandemic among physicians. Methods. A cross-sectional study was carried out on 422 qualified physicians of the Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manila. The data was obtained from a self-administered questionnaire. Results. Results of the study revealed a shift of lifestyle from physically active to sedentary in 42.4-57.11% of the respondents during the pandemic. There was no change between the activity levels at work before and during COVID while there was a change in the travel and recreational activities. The results also showed that significant factors including lack of energy, fear of injury, lack of skill, resources, social influences, support seeking activities, and positive alternatives affected their activity levels. Conclusion. During the pandemic, overall physical activity level decreased. Similarly, factors that motivate health workers to be physically active or sedentary during the COVID-19 pandemic can affect their physical activity levels. Based on this study, the hospital can create guidelines to ensure physical activity among its doctors, especially during a pandemic.

Measuring energy expenditure in narcolepsy using doubly-labelled water and respiration chamber calorimetry.

Hypocretin deficiency causes type 1 narcolepsy, a condition characterised by excessive daytime sleepiness, cataplexy, and fragmented nocturnal sleep. Two-thirds of people with narcolepsy are also overweight, of which half are obese. The pathophysiology behind weight gain in people with narcolepsy remains unknown. We assessed a possible decrease in energy expenditure as a cause for overweight in narcolepsy using respiration chamber calorimetry and doubly labelled water. Ten males with type I narcolepsy and nine matched (for age, sex, and BMI) healthy controls were enrolled. Subjects stayed in a respiration chamber for 24 hours. They subsequently received doubly labelled water and wore an accelerometer for two weeks to assess energy expenditure and physical activity under daily living conditions. Total daily energy expenditure, resting energy expenditure, overnight metabolic rate, physical activity level and activity-induced energy expenditure were measured. No significant differences were found in resting energy expenditure, mean 24-hour respiration chamber energy expenditure, overnight metabolic rate and activity-induced energy expenditure when comparing people with narcolepsy type 1 to controls. Physical activity was also comparable between groups. Energy expenditure in narcolepsy type 1 is similar to matched controls, suggesting comparable metabolism and physical activity rates. It remains possible that metabolic changes are most pronounced around disease onset. In addition, patients had to discontinue their medication which may have influenced the results. Still, our findings suggest that other factors may also play a role in weight gain in narcolepsy, such as differences in dietary behaviour.

Preoperative determinants of normative postoperative recovery rate following minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum.

Recovery after minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum (MIRPE) is prolonged. The purpose of this prospective study was to enhance our understanding of post-MIRPE recovery by following patients' recovery through postoperative day (POD) 60 using wearable devices and determine if recovery rate is impacted by PE severity and preoperative physical activity (PA) level. Children ≤ 18years who underwent MIRPE with cryoablation between 8/2023 and 1/2024 wore a Fitbit™ for ≥ 3days preoperatively to determine preoperative PA and through POD 60. The recovery trajectory, defined by postoperative daily step count divided by mean preoperative daily step count, was fit by power function through POD 60 among patients with uncomplicated recovery. Subgroup analyses were performed to compare recovery by PE severity and preoperative PA level. Sixteen patients met criteria (68.8% male, mean [SD] age 15.4 [1.6] years). Recovery trajectory analysis demonstrated recovery on POD 60 was 84.8% (95CI 79.0-90.6%). On subgroup analysis, patients with Correction Index > 40% and preoperative mean steps/day ≥ 10,000 had faster recovery. Patients undergoing MIRPE with cryotherapy who are more active preoperatively or have higher Correction Indices were found to have accelerated recovery trajectories. These results may provide insight for preoperative counselling and interventions to optimize post-MIRPE recovery.

The Safety, Feasibility, and Efficacy of a Structured Individual Exercise Program for Community-Dwelling Stroke Patients

Introduction: Stroke is a leading cause of mortality and long-term disability worldwide, often resulting in low levels of physical activity post-discharge. A comprehensive exercise program could be a safe method to increase stroke patients’ physical activity and exercise volume. This pilot study examines the effectiveness, safety, and feasibility of a comprehensive exercise regimen for stroke patients residing in the community after discharge. Methods: This single-group pilot study included patients who received inpatient rehabilitation for motor impairment following a stroke. Community-dwelling participants engaged in a comprehensive exercise program, which was structured and individualized, consisting of stretching, aerobic exercise, strength training, and balance exercises, conducted under the supervision of a health exercise specialist in a dedicated living lab within the hospital. The program involved 20 sessions, each lasting 50 min, conducted three to five times weekly. The pre- and post-intervention evaluations were comprehensive, including safety and validity assessments, along with physical function tests such as cardiopulmonary exercise testing and various fitness tests (6 min walk test, timed up and go test, chair stand test, figure-of-8 walk test, grip strength test, and sit-and-reach test). Depression levels were assessed using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Results: A total of 22 subjects were recruited, with 21 completing the study after one dropout due to fatigue and visiting distance. Among the 21 completers, one subject experienced a mild adverse event (hypoglycemia), which was not serious, confirming the program’s safety. The exercise participation rate was 95.5%, and the adherence rate averaged 95.2%, with all completers achieving over 80% adherence. Significant improvements were observed in VO2 peak (p = 0.000), 6 min walk test (p = 0.000), timed up and go test (p = 0.000), chair stand test (p = 0.000), figure-of-8 walk test (p = 0.000), and grip strength (p = 0.001). However, changes in the peak respiratory exchange ratio (p = 0.078), sit-and-reach test (p = 0.228) and GDS scores (p = 0.275) were not significant. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that the comprehensive exercise program is sufficiently safe and valid for stroke rehabilitation patients. The program significantly enhances cardiopulmonary endurance, walking ability, balance, muscle strength, muscle endurance, and coordination. Further research with larger sample sizes and control groups is needed to confirm these findings and explore additional benefits.

The long-term effects of different telerehabilitation programs on respiratory, exercise, and activity-related parameters in COVID-19 survivors: a randomized controlled trial in Türkiye.

The long-term outcomes of different telerehabilitation gains for discharged COVID-19 patients are largely uncertain, and this point needs to be explored. This study aimed to research the effectiveness of telerehabilitation and compare the long-term results of videoconferencing-guided synchronous telerehabilitation and mobile application-guided asynchronous telerehabilitation programs, as well as determine the correlation between clinical and hemodynamic parameters. Exercise programs including aerobic exercises, strengthening exercises, and pulmonary exercises were given to COVID-19 patients discharged from the Kartal Dr. L&uuml;tfi Kirdar City Hospital in Istanbul, T&uuml;rkiye between August 2021 and January 2022, by videoconferencing or mobile application telerehabilitation. All patients underwent programs three times per week for 8 weeks. Lower extremity strength and functional status were assessed using a 30-second sit-to-stand test (30 s STS); physical activity level was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire short form (IPAQ); pulse oximetry was used to determine oxygen saturation and heart rate; and dyspnea and fatigue were assessed using a modified Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion Scale. Baseline, post-treatment, and long-term data were analyzed. A total of 27 patients completed the study. Significant improvement was seen in all parameters in long-term results with telerehabilitation programs (p<0.05). Especially in the between-group effect at rest (p=0.031) and post-exertion oxygen saturation (p=0.004), there were significant differences in favor of videoconferencing. Oxygen saturation was negatively correlated with dyspnea and fatigue (p<0.05). Post-exercise, dyspnea showed a moderate positive correlation with fatigue (r=0.582, p=0.001) and heart rate (r=0.412, p=0.033), while it exhibited a moderate negative correlation with 30 s STS (r=-0.424, p=0.027) and IPAQ (r=-0.401, p=0.038). Both methods generally provide positive gains in clinical and hemodynamic parameters, but the videoconferencing results were slightly better. Saturation at rest and dyspnea after exertion can provide a brief prediction about the cardiopulmonary system. Our findings are important for individuals who have access problems to the clinic and city center, and can be used for follow-up and treatment approaches.

Cross-sectional analysis of blood leukocyte responsiveness to interleukin-10 and interleukin-6 across age and physical activity level

Cross-sectional analysis of blood leukocyte responsiveness to interleukin-10 and interleukin-6 across age and physical activity level

Optimal levels of sleep, sedentary behaviour, and physical activity needed to support cognitive function in children of the early years.

Sleep, sedentary behaviour, physical activity, and the composition of these movement behaviours across the 24-h day are associated with cognitive function in early years children. This study used a Goldilocks day compositional data analysis approach to identify the optimal duration of sleep, sedentary behaviour, light physical activity, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity associated with desired cognitive function outcomes in early years children. This cross-sectional study included 858 children aged 2.8-5.5 years from the Sleep and Activity Database for the Early Years. 24-h movement behaviours (sleep, sedentary behaviour, light physical activity, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity) were measured using ActiGraph accelerometers. Cognitive function was measured using three tasks from the Early Years Toolbox: visual-spatial working memory, response inhibition, and expressive vocabulary. A Goldilocks day compositional data analysis approach was used in R software to identify the optimal time-use compositions associated with the best 10% of the cognitive function scores. The movement behaviour composition and the relative time spent in sleep and sedentary behaviour but not different intensities of physical activity were significantly associated with working memory (P ≤ 0.01). The movement behaviour composition and relative time spent in sleep, sedentary behaviour, and different intensities of physical activity were not significantly associated with response inhibition or expressive vocabulary (P > 0.2). Therefore, optimal time use was only determined for working memory. Optimal daily durations for working memory were observed with 11:00 (hr:min) of sleep, 5:42 of sedentary behaviour, 5:06 of light physical activity, and 2:12 of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Working memory was the only cognitive function outcome related to the 24-h movement behaviour composition. Optimal sleep for working memory was consistent with current recommended durations, while optimal moderate-to-vigorous physical activity greatly exceeded minimal recommended levels. Optimal sedentary behaviour was longer and light physical activity was shorter than the sample average.

"Behavioural and metabolic risk factors of cardiovascular diseases among post-menopausal women: A cross-sectional study in Itahari sub-metropolitan city of Nepal".

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are main cause of mortality and morbidity among women globally. Menopause, aging and different factors in collaboration leads to increased risk for CVDs among postmenopausal women but study on risk factors of CVDs among postmenopausal women is limited in Nepal. Therefore, we aimed to assess prevalence of behavioural and metabolic risk factors of cardiovascular disease among post-menopausal women. Community based cross-sectional study was carried among 390 post-menopausal women of the Itahari sub-metropolitan city. Multistage simple random sampling technique was used to collect data. Modified semi structured questionnaire STEP I, STEP II and STEP III was used as data collection tool. SPSS version 11.5 used for data analysis. Chi-square test and logistic regressions were performed at 95% confidence interval to find predictors of raised blood pressure and overweight/obesity. The mean age of respondents was 63.37 years. The prevalence of current smokers, current alcohol use, less than 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day, low level of physical activity, overweight/obesity and raised blood pressure was 9.2%, 18.2%, 86.4%, 52.3%, 56.2% and 44.4% respectively. On multivariate analysis strong predictors of overweight obesity were age ≤59 years (AOR: 3.21, CI 1.49-6.89), poor economic status (AOR: 1.764, CI: 1.120-2.779) and low physical activity (AOR: 2.132, CI: 1.350-3.370). Predictors of raised blood pressure were age ≥75 years (AOR: 2.04, CI: 1.01-4.11), unmarried and widow (AOR: 1.815, CI: 1.108-2.971), higher economic status (AOR: 1.752, CI: 1.119-2.740) and smoking (AOR: 4.109, CI: 1.737-9.718). Prevalence of behavioural and metabolic risk factors among postmenopausal women in Itahari sub-metropolitan city were alarmingly high. This calls for an early need of intervention and policies at local, provincial and institutional level to address risk factors of CVDs.

The motivational impact of sport education model on daily physical activity levels among university students: a mediation analysis.

This study investigates the effects of the sport education model on physical literacy and its subsequent impact on daily physical activity levels among university students. Through mediation analysis, this study seeks to uncover the role of situational motivation in these effects. The participants in this study consist of 188 university students (male n = 132, female n = 70; mean age: 18.53 years) who were exposed to an 8-class, 10-lesson season as part of their physical education curriculum. Self-report measures were collected at baseline (1st lesson), post-intervention (10th lesson), and follow-up phases (5 weeks after). The results reveal significant mediation effects at the post-intervention (β = 0.201, t = 3.576, p < .001) and follow-up (β = 0.187, t = 3.069, p < .01) phases. Additionally, significant direct effects of physical literacy on physical activity metabolic minutes were found in the post-intervention phase (β = 0.293, t = 1.807, p < .05). Gender differences were also observed in the multigroup analysis. These findings demonstrated the motivation mediates the impact of the sport education model on promoting physical activity and highlight the multidimensional nature of physical literacy. Future research is recommended to explore the application of this pedagogical model in different educational contexts and populations, utilising robust analytical methods.

A comparative study of university training of sports and physical activity kinesiologist.

In Italy, Legislative Decree No. 36/2021 and Ministerial Decree (MD) No. 1649/2023 have redefined the professional landscape of the physical activity and health sectors, emphasizing interdisciplinary and wellness-oriented education. The current disparity in the weighting of formative elements among the biomedical, psycho-pedagogical, and Exercise and Sport Sciences (ESS) fields in the configuration of degree courses in ESS has led to a need for reform. MD No. 1649/2023 offers an opportunity to reform these courses to emphasize interdisciplinary and wellness-oriented objectives, including at least 20 ECTS credits of practical activities in ESS disciplines. However, the impact of practical and laboratory activities on future kinesiologists has never been studied. This study aims to evaluate the impact of physical activity habits on the performance and self-assessment of ESS students. A sample of 56 students enrolled in the Master of Science in Sport Science and Techniques at the University of Salerno was divided into "active" and "inactive" groups based on their physical activity levels, according to WHO guidelines. Both groups underwent anthropometric and functional tests, including the Squat Jump (SJ) and Countermovement Jump (CMJ). Descriptive statistics and t-tests assessed the differences between and within groups. The "active" group exhibited significantly higher performance in SJ (15.7% higher) and CMJ (18.5% higher) compared to the "inactive" group. Both groups showed significant improvements in jump height from SJ to CMJ, with the "active" group improving by 11.04% and the 'non-active' group by 7.38%. Continuous physical activity enhances functional efficiency, with significant gains in explosive and reactive strength. Practical, evidence-based training is crucial for future kinesiologists to provide specialized services and promote health, underscoring the importance of integrating substantial practical activities in ESS degree courses.

Comparing the economic burden of disease by physical activity levels among persons with and without disabilities in the Republic of Korea

IntroductionThe World Health Organization recommends at least 150 min of physical activity per week for persons with and without disabilities. This study compared the differences in the economic burden of diseases between persons with and without disabilities based on their physical activity. What is known in the field is that physical activity is beneficial to health, but there is a disparity between persons without disabilities and persons with disabilities, and our research aims to increase physical activity among persons with disabilities.MethodsEconomic burden of disease includes service costs such as outpatient, hospitalization, and pharmaceutical expenses for disease treatment, and persons with disabilities are those who have received a disability classification legally registered by the Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare, and there are 15 types of disabilities. For exercise records, we calculated the cost in 2020 for people with exercise records in 2018 so that they can have at least 1 year of exercise records, as health checkups are available from January to December of the year. Physical activity attainment is defined as 150 min or more of physical activity per week based on World Health Organization guidelines.ResultsCalculating the economic burden of disease by physical activity for persons with and without disabilities, both experienced a difference in hospitalization costs owing to fewer hospital days with physical activity achievement, with the difference being greater for persons with disabilities. Regarding disability type, achievers showed a 41.1% difference in total costs for mental class disorders, 16.7% for external bodily function disorders, and 11.1% for internal organ disorders.DiscussionPhysical inactivity has a significant impact on the economic burden of persons with disabilities compared to persons without disabilities, with 11.8% fewer persons without disabilities who were physically active for 150 min or more per week compared to 21.4% fewer persons with disabilities. In terms of healthcare spending, exercise can help keep persons with disabilities healthy. Therefore, there is a need for exercise programs tailored to persons with disabilities to increase physical activity in line with World Health Organization recommendations to reduce health inequalities between persons with and without disabilities.

Feasibility, safety and preliminary efficacy of telehealth-delivered group exercise for people with type 2 diabetes: A pilot trial.

Several barriers can preclude people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) from in-person exercise session participation. Telehealth may be an alternative mode of service delivery to increase uptake. We evaluated the feasibility, safety and preliminary efficacy of delivering group exercise via telehealth for people with T2D. Sixteen people with T2D (age 59.9 ± 12.7 years, 63% male, duration of T2D 11.5 ± 11.1 years) underwent an 8-week telehealth-delivered group exercise intervention. Weekly supervised sessions incorporated whole-body aerobic and resistance exercises, followed by education. Feasibility was evaluated by recruitment, enrolment, attendance and attrition rates, the practicality of telehealth delivery, and participant feedback. Adverse events were monitored throughout (safety). Preliminary efficacy was determined from changes in glycaemic control, body composition, blood pressure, exercise capacity, neuromuscular strength/fitness, quality of life and physical activity levels. The agreement/reliability of in-person clinician-measured versus telehealth-supervised participant-self-measured assessments was also evaluated. Feasibility was supported by high attendance (97.1%) and low attrition (81%). All (100%) participants reported they would participate in telehealth-delivered exercise interventions in the future and would recommend them to other people with T2D. No serious adverse events were reported. There were improvements in hip circumference (Cohen's d -0.50), diastolic blood pressure (-0.75), exercise capacity (1.72), upper body strength (1.14), grip strength (0.58), health-related quality of life (0.76-0.81) and self-reported physical activity (1.14). Participant-self-measured assessment of body weight, 2-min step test and 30-sec sit-to-stand test were deemed acceptable. Telehealth-delivered group exercise appears feasible, safe and efficacious for people with T2D. These findings warrant further exploration in a powered trial. Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12622000379718).

How Are Physical Activity and Mindfulness Associated with Psychological Symptoms Among Chinese University Students: The Independent and Joint Role

Prevalence of psychological symptoms among Chinese university students is relatively high globally, and most students cannot receive timely treatment. Therefore, exploring protective factors for these symptoms is crucial. In this study, the aim was to examine the independent and joint associations of physical activity (PA) and mindfulness with symptoms of depression, anxiety, and internet addiction. Due to the simplicity of implementation in a university context, a cross-sectional survey was conducted in China in 2022. Participants were recruited through online advertisements, in which 710 Chinese university students met the eligibility criteria and were included in the analysis. Participants were then classified into four groups according to their PA and mindfulness levels. Adjusted nominal logistic regression models controlled for age and sex were fitted to examine the independent and joint associations of PA and mindfulness with symptoms of depression, anxiety, and internet addiction. When examined independently, high PA was associated with lower odds of depressive, anxiety, and internet addiction symptoms, while high mindfulness was associated with lower odds of depressive symptoms. When examining the joint effect, compared to students with low PA and low mindfulness, those with high PA and low mindfulness had a lower risk of depressive and internet addiction symptoms, while students with high PA and high mindfulness reported the lowest odds of depressive, anxiety, and internet addiction symptoms. The current study found that a combination of PA and mindfulness was associated with a lower risk of psychological symptoms. Future studies are suggested to confirm the joint effects of PA and mindfulness on mental health using experiment design.

Understanding the Relationship between Sleep Quality and Physical Activity: Implications for Healthy Aging

Background: Understanding the general health and well-being of the aged population requires an understanding of several factors, among which the interplay between physical activity and sleep quality are the most efficient determinants. There is still much to learn about the precise ways that different components of sleep quality affect different kinds of physical activity in older persons, accordingly, the study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the interaction between these variables. Methods: An online questionnaire-based investigation was conducted between August and September 2023. This cross-sectional study analyzed data from 1,437 participants aged 50 to 89 years. The questionnaire evaluated levels of physical activity, sleep satisfaction, and demographic data. We used cluster analysis, regression analysis, and factor analysis to investigate the connections between these variables. Results: Factor analysis revealed a single factor that accounted for 51.95% of the variance in all variables linked to sleep, and this factor represented overall quality of sleep. Regression analysis revealed that gender significantly predicted sleep quality, with females reporting lower sleep satisfaction. While strenuous exercise did not significantly affect sleep quality, moderate exercise was a positive predictor of sleep quality that neared statistical significance. Furthermore, cluster analysis revealed that those who engaged in more physical activity had higher-quality sleep. Conclusion: These results highlight the significance of encouraging physical activity to improve older adults' sleep quality. Specific programs that promote moderate exercise may enhance this population's general health and sleep quality. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies to create causality and modify intervention strategies aimed at promoting healthy aging.

Physical activity, leisure-time management, perceived barriers to physical activity and mental well-being among Turkish university students.

This study examined the relationship between physical activity (PA) level, free time management, mental well-being, and perceptions of barriers to PA among university students. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 723 Turkish university students, which included four questionnaires to assess participants' PA levels, conditions of mental well-being, free time management, and perceived barriers to PA. Multivariate linear regression was performed to identify factors associated with the participants' PA level. The study found that 216 (29.9%) of participants were inactive, 325 (45%) were minimally active, and 182 (25.1%) were health-enhancing active. While 25.23% of males were inactive, 42.02% were minimally active, and 31.45% were health-enhancing active, these rates were 31.4, 45.98, and 22.62% for females, respectively. These findings highlight that 3/4 of university students have inadequate PA levels. Changes in barriers to PA (p < 0.001), free time management (p = 0.040), and mental well-being (p < 0.001) were associated with PA levels. According to the regression analysis, only increased barriers to PA was a significant predictor of PA (p < 0.001). Given the role of health science students in public health, this study could help policymakers develop new strategies to promote healthy living and address barriers to PA, such as students' free time and mental health.

Physical activity and life expectancy: a life-table analysis

ObjectiveLow physical activity (PA) levels are associated with increased mortality. Improved measurement has resulted in stronger proven associations between PA and mortality, but this has not yet translated to improved...

Personality traits and physical activity in patients with gambling disorder attending a rehabilitation center. An observational study

ObjectiveProblem gambling is associated with various negative health behaviors, such as physical inactivity. However, physical activity may also be used as a coping mechanism to manage stress and anxiety. This study aimed to investigate whether personality traits are associated with physical activity levels in individuals attending a rehabilitation center for gambling disorder (GD).MethodsAn observational study was conducted in 71 patients belonging to a Gamblers’ Recovery Association. All of them completed a socio-demographic questionnaire, the Exploratory Personality Questionnaire-III (CEPER-III) and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Comparisons with general population and association between personality traits and physical activity were analyzed.ResultsThe study sample predominantly consisted of male participants (91.5%), with the majority having an educational attainment of compulsory schooling or less (70.4%). Additionally, a substantial proportion of participants exhibited school-related problems (43.7%) and had a history of mental health issues (33.8%). Compared to the general population, individuals in the CEPER-III cohort demonstrated significantly lower scores in the following personality traits: paranoid (p &amp;lt; 0.05), histrionic (p &amp;lt; 0.001), narcissistic (p &amp;lt; 0.001), passive-aggressive (p &amp;lt; 0.05), and sadistic (p &amp;lt; 0.01). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that the antisocial, borderline, obsessive-compulsive, and self-destructive personality traits were significantly associated (p &amp;lt; 0.05) with the level of physical activity.ConclusionThis study found a link between personality traits and physical activity levels in patients with GD. Gamblers with higher scores on obsessive-compulsive and self-destructive personality traits were more likely to fall into the moderate-high physical activity group. In contrast, those with higher scores on antisocial and borderline personality traits were more likely to be classified in the low physical activity group.

Abstract 4128698: Mental Health and Sleep Quality as Determinants of Physical Activity Levels in Depressed Rural Patients with Coronary Heart Disease

Background: Disparities in coronary heart disease (CHD) and other chronic related conditions, such as poor sleep quality and psychological distress, have been observed in rural areas. Both conditions can negatively affect disease progression, possibly through their impact on physical activity. The relationships, however, among sleep quality, psychological distress, and physical activity among depressed rural CHD patients have not been examined. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the association of sleep quality (i.e., sleep fragmentation [frequent sleep interruption] and nocturnal/sleep movement [increased rates of movement, ‘tossing and turning’ during sleep]) and psychological distress (i.e., anxiety and perceived stress) with levels of physical activity (i.e., sedentary, light, and moderate to vigorous) in depressed rural patients with CHD. Methods: A total of 142 depressed rural CHD patients (aged 57.0±11.9 years, 97% White) completed surveys on demographic characteristics, anxiety (Brief Symptom Inventory), and stress (Perceived Stress Scale-4). Participants also wore accelerometer activity monitors for seven days (ActiGraph GT9X Link) to capture physical activity levels and sleep quality. Three different hierarchical regression models were conducted to predict each level of physical activity (sedentary, light, and moderate-vigorous) with predictor variables entered in blocks. Block 1 included demographic variables (i.e., age, sex, marital status, employment status). Block 2 included sleep quality measures, and Block 3 included psychological distress. Results: Participants spent 466±126.0 min/day while awake being sedentary, 483±119.9 min/day in light activity, and 90±65.9 min/day in moderate to vigorous activity. We found that stress was significantly associated with greater sedentary time (B = 6.56, p = .043) and less time in light activity (B = -7.99, p = .024). Nocturnal/sleep movement was significantly associated with increased sedentary time (B = 3.14, p &lt; .001) and decreased time in light (B = -5.29, p =.002) and moderate-vigorous activity (B = -2.58, p = .003). Anxiety was not associated with physical activity. Conclusions: Poor sleep quality and greater perceived stress are associated with a more sedentary lifestyle, a major risk factor for CHD. Addressing both stress and sleep management may play a role in reducing CHD risks associated with inactivity among depressed rural patients with CHD.