Lifestyle Physical Activity Research Articles

Prevalence, severity, and risk factors of eczema among young children and adolescents in Saudi Arabia: A national cross-sectional study, 2019

BackgroundEczema is a common inflammatory skin disease with a significant global health burden. Eczema has a significant impact on quality of life. ObjectiveWe aimed to estimate the prevalence, severity, and risk factors associated with eczema among schoolchildren in Saudi Arabia. MethodsUsing the standardized Global Asthma Network questionnaires and methodology, a nationwide cross-sectional study was carried out across 20 regions in Saudi Arabia between March and April 2019. Data were collected from 137 primary schools and 140 intermediate schools using a multistage stratified cluster sampling method. ResultsThe study included 3614 young children aged 6-7 years and 4068 adolescents aged 13-14 years. Current eczema was prevalent among 4.5% of children and 5.1% of adolescents. Severe eczema was reported in 0.8% and 0.9% of young children and adolescents, respectively. Several factors showed significant association with eczema. Among children, eczema was linked positively to having a history of chest infections and wheezing in early life as well as ever attending day care and current exposure to cats. Among adolescents, the main potential risk factors included paracetamol use in the previous year, adherence to a lifestyle of vigorous physical activity, and current exposure to cats. Conversely, high consumption of nuts was found to be negatively associated with eczema. ConclusionThe prevalence of eczema in schoolchildren in Saudi Arabia is lower than the global average but within the average range for the Eastern Mediterranean region. Further studies should be conducted in Saudi Arabia to identify variation among different regions.

THE INTERACTION BETWEEN EXERCISE ADDICTION AND NUTRITIONAL LEVELS AMONG STUDENTS OF THE FACULTY OF HEALTH SCIENCES: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Physical exercise is a voluntary, planned, structured, continuous activity aimed at developing and improving body and physical fitness. While nutrition constitutes one dimension of healthy lifestyle behaviors, exercise and physical activity constitute the other dimension. We aimed to examine the relationship between healthy nutrition levels and exercise addiction levels of students studying at the faculty of health sciences. Our study was performed on 133 students studying at Sakarya University of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences. The nutrition levels of the participants were assessed with the Nutrition Exercise Behavior Scale (NEBS) and exercise dependence levels were assessed with the Exercise Dependence Scale (EDS). The mean values of age and body mass index of the subjects were 21.83±4.21 and 18.13±3.09, respectively. There were statistically significant and weak correlations between participants' healthy eating habits and exercise dependence level (r=0.386 - p

Examining the Potential of Community-Based Interventions in Promoting Physical Activity and Healthy Lifestyles in Rural China

Background: In recent years, community-based health programs and policies are adopted for the prevention of major diseases in population. Aim: This study aims to examine the potential of community-based interventions in promoting physical activity as well as healthy lifestyles within the context of rural China. Method: A non-RCT was carried out in comparison as well as intervention areas, in the form of a two-year intervention program from the mid of 2019 until 2021. A sociological framework was considered for building the intervention area, which took place in different settings including workplaces, community health centers, schools, and neighborhoods. The data was collected through two cross-sectional surveys from respondents aged between 18 to 64 years, which were conducted during 2019 to 2021, and completed by 2015 respondents. Results: The results showed a decrease in smoking in nine areas within a month after the implication of intervention (p < 0.0011), indicating an awareness of healthy lifestyle among the associated individuals. Moreover, the physical activity among the individuals also increased after intervention (p < 0.0011), as revealed in the increase in its metabolic equivalent. Conclusion: In conclusion, a two-year community-based intervention helps in reducing smoking and promoting healthier lifestyles. Implications: The current study also presented important implications within the context of community-based interventions.

The Role of Family Intergenerational Dynamic Transmission in Shaping Health Behaviors and Outcomes among Chinese Adolescents

Objectives: Family intergenerational dynamic transmission is considered to play an important role in influencing the overall lifestyle of an individual. Therefore, the current study also aims to determine the role of family intergenerational dynamic transmission in influencing the health behaviors and other associated outcomes among Chinese adolescents. Methods: For this purpose, the main focus was given on the eating health behaviors of the associated adolescents. For this study, data was collected from "Eating and Activity in Teens" (EAT) 2018. It was population-based research which focused on the physical activity and eating outcomes among different adolescents, focusing on their family intergenerational dynamic transmission (ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and family meal patterns). For this study, a total of 2,700 participants were considered (girl adolescents=1,400, boy adolescents=1,300). Linear regression analysis was used for determining the association between the associated health behaviors among adolescents and family intergenerational dynamic transmission. Results: The results obtained from this study show that meal patters, family meals, breakfast consumption and fruits and vegetables intake improved among the adolescent girls (p < 0.05). However, no significant association was observed within fast food intake. Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was found to be insignificant (p > 0.05), while sedentary lifestyle was significant (p < 0.05). Moreover, BMI of the adolescent girls also provided significant outcomes (p < 0.05). It has also been observed that meal patters, family meals, breakfast consumption and fast-food intake improved among the adolescent boys (p < 0.05). Conclusion: However, no significant association was observed within the context of fruits and vegetables intake. Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and sedentary lifestyle, also found to be significant (p < 0.05). Finally, BMI of the adolescent boys did not improve, showing insignificant outcomes (p > 0.05). In conclusion, family intergenerational dynamic transmission plays an important role in influencing health behaviors among adolescents.

Analysis of physical activity in psoriatic arthritis: relationship with clinical and analytical parameters and comorbidity-description of the sedentary patient.

This study aimed to relate physical activity and a sedentary lifestyle to clinical, biological, functional, and comorbid parameters in a cohort of patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA). A cross-sectional study was conducted with 232 PsA patients. Physical activity and sedentary lifestyle were obtained using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) questionnaire. The demographic, clinical, and biological variables measured were age, time since PsA diagnosis, smoking, type of treatment used, clinical form, presence of enthesitis, dactylitis (present or past), fatigue, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, and interleukin 6 (IL-6). Activity and functionality were measured using the Disease Activity Index for Psoriatic Arthritis (DAPSA) and Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) in peripheral forms, while the Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS-PCR) and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI) were measured in axial forms. Disease impact was assessed using the Psoriatic Arthritis Impact of Disease (PsAID) questionnaire. Alongside comorbidities, obesity, anxiety, depression [Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)], and sleep quality [Insomnia Severity Index (ISI)] were assessed. The mean age was 54.6 (SD: 11.4) years, with 54.3% being male. A total of 25.6% of patients were sedentary. Physical activity and sedentary lifestyle were inversely correlated with fatigue, activity, functionality, and disease impact. Within comorbidities, they correlated with anxiety, depression, and insomnia. In addition, physical activity was inversely correlated with obesity. In linear regression analysis, physical activity was found to be related to body mass index (BMI) with a ß coefficient of -0.1 (p < 0.04; 95%CI: -194.1--4.5), and an R2 value of 0.11. In logistic regression analysis, a sedentary lifestyle was found to be related to pain, with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.5 (p < 0.001; 95%CI:1.1-1.8) and an R2 Nagelkerke value of 0.36. A quarter of the patients were sedentary. Lack of physical activity correlated with worse parameters of clinical activity, functionality, disease impact, and the presence of comorbidities.

Living with axial spondyloarthritis: a cross-sectional survey of patient knowledge and perceptions

Diagnosis and effective treatment of axial spondyloarthritis (AxSpA) are often delayed due to inadequate awareness and poor patient-physician communication. Some AxSpA patients fail to maintain an active lifestyle by exercising regularly, further worsening their disease management. The evolving concept of patient-centred care necessitates better understanding of patient awareness and their needs. We aimed to survey AxSpA patients to reflect on healthcare planning and management perspectives. Our self-administered questionnaire focused on perceptions of AxSpA diagnosis and management, particularly exploring issues of physical activity and active lifestyle. Satisfaction with AxSpA medical care and its accessibility, diagnostic delays, patient-physician communication, and support for disease management were also explored. This offline survey was arranged at the Department of Rheumatology, Immunology, and Internal Medicine of Jagiellonian University Medical College and Krakow University Hospital. We surveyed patients with AxSpA attending outpatient clinics between December 1st, 2023 and April 22nd, 2024. The questionnaire included questions on types of physical activities, barriers to exercising, satisfaction with medical care, patient-physician interactions, diagnostic delays, and use of teleconsultations. A total of 117 patients with AxSpA were enrolled (mean age 41.62 years). The majority (n = 93, 79.5%) were employed. There was a male predominance (69, 59%). The average diagnostic delay was 5.5 years. Notably, 104 (88.9%) responders perceived physical activity as a factor influencing their disease course. However, only 32 (27.35%) managed to exercise regularly (≥ 30 min, 2–3 times a week). The majority (70, 59.83%) were irregularly engaged in some form of physical activity, with 15 (12.8%) not exercising at all, and nearly half (48%) reported at least one barrier to maintaining a physically active lifestyle. Pain (32, 27.35%), fatigue (27, 23.08%), lack of motivation (17, 14.53%), and lack of time (12, 10.26%) were noted as barriers to exercising. The respondents preferred to exercise at home. The survey identified critical areas where patient dissatisfaction or uncertainty were notably prevalent: 38 (32.5%) were uncertain and 35 (30%) were dissatisfied with rehabilitation access. For spa therapy, 63 (53.85%) reported uncertainty and 23 (19.7%) expressed dissatisfaction. Only 48 (41%) were treated by a rehabilitation specialist last year. Only 23% of AxSpA patients took part in teleconsultations last year, and 65% preferred in-person visits. While AxSpA patients recognize the importance of physical activity, significant barriers exist to engaging them regularly in exercising. Addressing these barriers through personalized, motivational, and educational strategies could improve patient outcomes. Improving patient satisfaction with healthcare services, particularly in areas of rehabilitation and physician-patient communication, is crucial for improving the overall care of AxSpA patients.

Modifiable risk factors for cancer among people with lynch syndrome: an international, cross-sectional survey

BackgroundLynch syndrome is the most common cause of hereditary colorectal and endometrial cancer. Lifestyle modification may provide an opportunity for adjunctive cancer prevention. In this study, we aimed to characterise modifiable risk factors in people with Lynch syndrome and compare this with international guidelines for cancer prevention.MethodsA cross-sectional study was carried out utilizing survey methodology. Following public and patient involvement, the survey was disseminated through patient advocacy groups and by social media. Self-reported demographic and health behaviours were collected in April 2023. Guidelines from the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) were used to compare percentage adherence to 9 lifestyle recommendations, including diet, physical activity, weight, and alcohol intake. Median adherence scores, as a surrogate for lifestyle risk, were calculated and compared between groups.Results156 individuals with Lynch syndrome participated from 13 countries. The median age was 51, and 54% were cancer survivors. The mean BMI was 26.7 and the mean weekly duration of moderate to vigorous physical activity was 90 min. Median weekly consumption of ethanol was 60 g, and 3% reported current smoking. Adherence to WCRF recommendations for cancer prevention ranged from 9 to 73%, with all but one recommendation having < 50% adherence. The median adherence score was 2.5 out of 7. There was no significant association between median adherence scores and age (p = 0.27), sex (p = 0.31), or cancer history (p = 0.75).ConclusionsWe have characterised the modifiable risk profile of people living with Lynch syndrome, outlining targets for intervention based on lifestyle guidelines for the general population. As evidence supporting the relevance of modifiable factors in Lynch syndrome emerges, behavioural modification may prove an impactful means of cancer prevention.

Cohort Profile: Guangzhou Nutrition and Health Study (GNHS): A Population-based Multi-omics Study.

The Guangzhou Nutrition and Health Study (GNHS) aims to assess the determinants of metabolic disease in nutritional aspects, as well as other environmental and genetic factors, and explore possible biomarkers and mechanisms with multi-omics integration. The population-based sample of adults in Guangzhou, China (baseline: 40-83 years old; n = 5,118) was followed up about every 3 years. All are tracked via on-site follow-up and health information systems. We assessed detailed information on lifestyle factors, physical activities, dietary assessments, psychological health, cognitive function, body measurements, and muscle function. Instrument tests included dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scanning, carotid artery and liver ultrasonography evaluations, vascular endothelial function evaluation, upper-abdomen and brain magnetic resonance imaging, and 14-day real-time continuous glucose monitoring tests. We also measured multi-omics, including host genome-wide genotyping, serum metabolome and proteome, gut microbiome (16S rRNA sequencing, metagenome, and internal transcribed spacer 2 sequencing), and fecal metabolome and proteome. The baseline surveys were conducted from 2008 to 2015. Now, we have completed 3 waves. The 3rd and 4th follow-ups have started but have yet to end. A total of 5,118 participants aged 40-83 took part in the study. The median age at baseline was approximately 59.0 years and the proportion of female participants was about 69.4%. Among all the participants, 3,628 (71%) completed at least one on-site follow-up, with a median duration of 9.48 years. The cohort will provide data that will be influential in establishing the role of nutrition in metabolic diseases with multi-omics.

Factors associated with intrinsic capacity impairment in hospitalized older adults: a latent class analysis

BackgroundIntrinsic capacity (IC) is proposed by the World Health Organization (WHO) to promote healthy aging. Although some studies have examined the factors influencing IC, few studies have comprehensively confirmed lifestyle factors on IC, especially IC impairment patterns. The present study aimed to identify the patterns of IC impairment and explore the lifestyle and other factors associated with different patterns of IC impairment.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted in a Chinese geriatric hospital. IC was evaluated in five domains according to the recommendations of WHO: cognition, locomotion, vitality, sensory and psychological domains. The sociodemographic and health-related characteristics of participants were assessed.The health promoting lifestyle was evaluated using the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile-II scale, including nutrition, health responsibility, interpersonal relationships, physical activity, spiritual growth and stress management. We applied latent class analysis to identify IC impairment patterns and compared basic activities of daily living, instrumental activities of daily living, frailty, quality of life and falls among different IC impairment patterns. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify factors influencing the IC impairment patterns.ResultsAmong 237 participants included, the latent class analysis identified three patterns of IC impairment: 44.7% high IC (Class 1), 31.2% intermediate IC mainly locomotor impairment (Class 2) and 24.1% low IC mainly cognitive impairment (Class 3). Older adults in class 1 had the best function ability and quality of life, while class 3 had the highest levels of disability and frailty, the poorest quality of life and a higher prevalence of falls. Compared with class 1, older adults with advanced age (OR = 22.046, 95%CI:1.735-280.149), osteoporosis (OR = 3.377, 95%CI:1.161–9.825), and lower scores in physical activity (OR = 0.842, 95%CI:0.749–0.945), stress management (OR = 0.762, 95%CI:0.585–0.993) and social support (OR = 0.897, 95%CI:0.833–0.965) were more likely to belong to the class 2. Simultaneously, compared with class 1, older adults with advanced age (OR = 104.435, 95%CI:6.038-1806.410), stroke (OR = 3.877, 95%CI:1.172–12.823) and lower scores in physical activity (OR = 0.784, 95%CI:0.667–0.922) and social support (OR = 0.909, 95%CI:0.828–0.998) were more likely to be class 3. In addition, compared with class 2, older adults with a lower score in nutrition (OR = 0.764, 95%CI:0.615–0.950) were more likely to belong to the class 3.ConclusionsThis study provides evidence that there are heterogeneous IC impairment patterns in older adults and identifies various associated factors in each pattern, including age, stroke, osteoporosis, social support and lifestyle behaviors such as nutrition, physical activity and stress management. It informs stakeholders on which modifiable factors should be targeted through public health policy or early intervention to promote IC and healthy aging in older adults.

Association of a Healthy Lifestyle With Ambulatory 24-Hour Blood Pressure Among Chinese Youths: A Cross-Sectional Study.

This study aims to explore the association between a healthy lifestyle and abnormal ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) in Chinese youths. A school-based sample of 1,296 college students was investigated. A lifestyle score was calculated by synthesizing 5 lifestyle factors, including smoking, alcohol consumption, diet, physical activity, and sleeping. The total score ranged from 0 to 5, with a higher score indicating a healthier lifestyle. This score was then divided into 3 categories representing low adherence to a healthy lifestyle (0-2), medium adherence (3), and high adherence (4-5). Abnormal 24-hour blood pressure (BP) was defined as systolic BP (SBP) ≥ 130 mm Hg and/or diastolic BP (DBP) ≥ 80 mm Hg. Abnormal daytime BP was determined as daytime SBP ≥ 135 mm Hg and/or DBP ≥ 85 mm Hg, while abnormal nighttime BP was characterized as nighttime SBP ≥ 120 mm Hg and/or DBP ≥ 70 mm Hg. We assessed the associations using the binomial regression model. Mean age was 18.81 years, and 74.5% were women. The prevalence of abnormal 24-hour BP, daytime BP, and nighttime BP are 4.2%, 3.7%, and 9.0%, respectively. We found that participants with a high level of adherence to a healthy lifestyle had a significantly lower prevalence of abnormal 24-hour BP [prevalence ratios (PR) = 0.15, 95% CI: 0.05, 0.48] and abnormal daytime BP (PR = 0.16, 95%CI: 0.05, 0.52), when compared to those with a low level of adherence and after adjusting for the potential covariates. A healthier lifestyle is associated with a better ambulatory BP profile among youths.

Prevention of Parkinson's Disease: From Risk Factors to Early Interventions.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a debilitating neurological disorder characterized by progressively worsening motor dysfunction. Currently, available therapies merely alleviate symptoms, and there are no cures. Consequently, some researchers have now shifted their attention to identifying the modifiable risk factors of PD, with the intention of possibly implementing early interventions to prevent the development of PD. Four primary risk factors for PD are discussed including environmental factors (pesticides and heavy metals), lifestyle (physical activity and dietary intake), drug abuse, and individual comorbidities. Additionally, clinical biomarkers, neuroimaging, biochemical biomarkers, and genetic biomarkers could also help to detect prodromal PD. This review compiled available evidence that illustrates the relationship between modifiable risk factors, biomarkers, and PD. In summary, we raise the distinct possibility of preventing PD via early interventions of the modifiable risk factors and early diagnosis.

Information and prevention needs among germline TP53(gTP53m)pathogenic variants carriers.

10551 Background: Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS) and more generally g TP53m situations increase the risk of many malignancies. A modifier role of several attributable factors has been recently suggested on LFS-carcinogenesis, including reproductive and lifestyle factors, obesity, physical activity (PA) and diet. However, among g TP53m carriers, prevention approaches have yet primarily focused on intensive cancer screening, with very little emphasis put on primary prevention measures. Methods: As part of the construction of a multicenter, national, multidisciplinary intervention delivering multimodal cancer prevention to g TP53m carriers, we designed a specific patient survey that aimed to analyze potential participants’ needs and wishes. The online questionnaire was sent to g TP53m adult carriers already followed in two national reference centers (n=120). Participants were asked to rate their personal perception of importance and need for each item from 0 to 100 (0=not interested, 100=very interested). The questionnaire contained no identifying data and was approved by the local ethics and data protection committee. Results: The response rate was 61%. 18% were aged &lt; 30, 71% between 30 and 60. g TP53m had been diagnosed in the past 10 years in 29% of patients, and 11% for &lt; 2 years. 58% had a personal history of cancer, and 18% were still receiving a treatment. The median perceived risk of new cancer was 79% for all, and 65% for those w/o a previous history of cancer. 19% did not feel comfortable to participate in information workshops with people they do not know. The median score of the main question on devoting a day to cancer risk information and primary and secondary prevention measures was 88 (95%CI 78 -96). The main desired topics (median score 69-92) were information on research programs, personal cancer risk, well-being measures, psychological aspects, and other cancer risk factors (diet, PA, etc). Wished supports were individual consultation for nutrition (score 81.5 (95%CI 59 -87.5), group workshop for risk factors (score 76 (95%CI 64 -86) and individual coaching for PA (score 76 (95%CI 71 -88.5). Demand for addictologist was low. Conclusions: This study could identify major unmet needs and very strong information-seeking behaviors among g TP53m carriers. It enables us to co-construct a coordinated multi-professional intervention focused on proactive shared cancer prevention. In a second phase, we will assess the effectiveness and feasibility of this new personalized cancer prevention intervention.

Mapping 15-year depressive symptom transitions in late life: population-based cohort study.

The longitudinal course of late-life depression remains under-studied. To describe transitions along the depression continuum in old age and to identify factors associated with specific transition patterns. We analysed 15-year longitudinal data on 2745 dementia-free persons aged 60+ from the population-based Swedish National Study on Aging and Care in Kungsholmen. Depression (minor and major) was diagnosed according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision; subsyndromal depression (SSD) was operationalised as the presence of ≥2 symptoms without depression. Multistate survival models were used to map depression transitions, including death, and to examine the association of psychosocial (social network, connection and support), lifestyle (smoking, alcohol consumption and physical activity) and clinical (somatic disease count) factors with transition patterns. Over the follow-up, 19.1% had ≥1 transitions across depressive states, while 6.5% had ≥2. Each additional somatic disease was associated with a higher hazard of progression from no depression (No Dep) to SSD (hazard ratio 1.09; 1.07-1.10) and depression (Dep) (hazard ratio 1.06; 1.04-1.08), but also with a lower recovery (HRSSD-No Dep 0.95; 0.93-0.97 [where 'HR' refers to 'hazard ratio']; HRDep-No Dep 0.96; 0.93-0.99). Physical activity was associated with an increased hazard of recovery to no depression from SSD (hazard ratio 1.49; 1.28-1.73) and depression (hazard ratio 1.20; 1.00-1.44), while a richer social network was associated with both higher recovery from (HRSSD-No Dep 1.44; 1.26-1.66; HRDep-No Dep 1.51; 1.34-1.71) and lower progression hazards to a worse depressive state (HRNo Dep-SSD 0.81; 0.70-0.94; HRNo Dep-Dep 0.58; 0.46-0.73; HRSSD-Dep 0.66; 0.44-0.98). Older people may present with heterogeneous depressive trajectories. Targeting the accumulation of somatic diseases and enhancing social interactions may be appropriate for both depression prevention and burden reduction, while promoting physical activity may primarily benefit recovery from depressive disorders.

Effect of sustained decreases in sedentary time and increases in physical activity on liver enzymes and indices in type 2 diabetes.

Current guidelines for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) recommend high volumes and/or intensities of physical activity (PA), the achievement of which generally requires participation in supervised exercise training programs that however are difficult to implement in routine clinical practice. Conversely, counselling interventions may be more suitable, but result in only modest increases in moderate-to-vigorous-intensity PA (MVPA). This study assessed whether a counseling intervention for increasing PA and decreasing sedentary time (SED-time) is effective in improving NAFLD markers in people with type 2 diabetes. Three-hundred physically inactive and sedentary patients were randomized 1:1 to receive one-month theoretical and practical counseling once-a-year (intervention group) or standard care (control group) for 3 years. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and γ-glutamyltranspeptidase (γGT) levels were measured and fatty liver index (FLI), hepatic steatosis index (HSI), and visceral adiposity index (VAI) were calculated. Total PA volume, light-intensity PA (LPA), moderate-to-vigorous-intensity PA (MVPA), and SED-time were objectively measured by an accelerometer. Throughout the 3-year period, NAFLD markers did not change in the control group, whereas ALT, γGT, FLI, and HSI decreased in the intervention group, with significant between-group differences, despite modest MVPA increases, which however were associated with larger decrements in SED-time and reciprocal increments in LPA. Mean changes in NAFLD markers varied according to quartiles of (and correlated with) changes in MVPA (all markers) and SED-time, LPA, and PA volume (ALT, γGT, and HSI). Mean changes in MVPA or PA volume were independent predictors of changes in NAFLD markers. When included in the models, change in cardiorespiratory fitness and lower body muscle strength were independently associated with some NAFLD markers. A behavior change involving all domains of PA lifestyle, even if insufficient to achieve the recommended MVPA target, may provide beneficial effects on NAFLD markers in people with type 2 diabetes.

Comparative analysis of aggravating risk factors for systemic arterial hypertension between men and women

Objective: To evaluate the influence of risk factors on the exacerbation of systemic arterial hypertension through a principal component analysis between male and female genders in the Brazilian city of Propriá. Methods: Cross-sectional study on risk factors that worsen blood pressure in hypertensive individuals of both genders, using Principal Component Analysis, where 29 variables present in the Brazilian Survey on Surveillance of Risk Factors for Chronic Diseases were aggregated into 11 principal components. Among these variables, information on social determinants, lifestyle (nutrition, physical activity, and deleterious habits), clinical condition, anthropometric measures, medication use, and family history were collected. Data collection was conducted in the homes of the respondents between November 2022 and November 2023, in the morning. Relative and cumulative frequencies, Mann-Whitney test, Principal Component Analysis, and Polynomial Regression were used. Results: 350 hypertensive individuals were interviewed. Men, and especially women, were sensitive to socioeconomic issues as aggravating factors for hypertension 1.53 (95% CI, 1.04-2.26, p=0.003) and 2.3 (95% CI, 1.48-3.57; p=0.000), respectively. Physical inactivity affected women more 1.88 (95% CI, 1.32-2.68; p&gt;0.001). While a diet low in vegetables, legumes, and fruits and high in ultraprocessed foods affected men more 1.56 (95% CI, 1.09-2.23; p=0.014) times more. Conclusion: Social determinants were the main drivers of increased blood pressure, followed by lifestyle, where a lower frequency of physical exercise practice was observed among women and a higher alcohol consumption among men.

Moderate intensity intermittent lifestyle physical activity is associated with better executive function in older adults.

Executive functions are among the first cognitive abilities to decline with age and age-related executive function slowing predisposes older adults to cognitive disorders and disease. Intermittent Lifestyle Physical Activity (ILPA) reflects brief, unplanned activity that occurs during routine daily activities and is operationalized as activity bouts <60s. Our understanding of short bouts of habitual physical activity and executive functions is limited. We tested the hypothesis that greater amounts of ILPA in moderate and vigorous intensity domains would be associated with better executive function in older adults. Forty older adults (26 females, 68 ± 6, >55 years; body mass index: 26.6 ± 4.3 kg/m2) completed a Trail-Making-Task and wore an activPAL 24-hr/day for 6.2 ± 1.8-days. For each intensity, total time and time spent in bouts <60 s were determined. Trail A (processing speed) and Trail B (cognitive flexibility) were completed in 25.8 ± 8.2 s and 63.2 ± 26.2 s, respectively. Non-parametric Spearman's rank correlations report that moderate ILPA (3.2 ± 3.2 min/day) and total-moderate physical activity (20.1 ± 16.0 min/day) were associated with faster Trail A (total-moderate physical activity: ρ=-0.48; moderate-ILPA: ρ = -0.50; both, p < 0.003) and Trail B time (total-moderate physical activity: ρ = 0.36; moderate-ILPA: ρ = -0.46; both, p < 0.020). However, the results show no evidence of an association with either vigorous physical activity or light physical activity (total time or ILPA bouts: all, p > 0.180). Moderate physical activity accumulated in longer bouts (>60 s) was not associated with Trail B time (p = 0.201). Therefore, more total moderate physical activity and shorter bouts (<60 s) may result in better executive functions in older adults.

Level of sedentary lifestyle of workers in a higher education institution in Mexico

Currently, the workload and strict schedules lead employees to neglect their physical and mental health, which leads them to have a more sedentary life, which can become a risk factor for work-related diseases and mortality. The objective of this research is to determine the level of sedentary lifestyle by analyzing the variables associated with this behavior, in administrative and academic workers of a higher education institution in Mexico. The research followed a descriptive design and correlational, applying the Deming cycle methodology, for which information was collected through a direct survey and data analysis with a statistical program, on physical activity and sedentary lifestyle, in the in which a total of 108 respondents participated. A high prevalence of sedentary lifestyle was observed, present in 66.6% of the population studied and it was verified that 47,2% of the workers did not comply with the minimum recommendations for physical activity. The study revealed a high prevalence of sedentary behavior in workers. In addition, a dependency relationship of sedentary lifestyle with physical activity, gender and glucose levels was identified, these being the variables that explain this behavior in a significant way.

A lifestyle physical activity intervention for women in alcohol treatment: A pilot randomized controlled trial

IntroductionCompared to men, women with alcohol use disorder (AUD) are more likely to drink to manage stress and negative affect. Given women's risk for poor drinking outcomes, it is critical to develop and test interventions that target these affective factors. Physical activity improves negative affect and has emerged as a promising adjunct to AUD treatment and, thus, may be especially valuable for women. MethodsFifty women with AUD (49.9 ± 12.0 years of age) participated in either a 12-week telephone-delivered lifestyle physical activity plus Fitbit (LPA + Fitbit) or a health education contact (HEC) control intervention following a partial hospital addictions treatment program. The study examined changes in drinking behaviors, mental health outcomes, and physical activity engagement post-intervention using both conventional test statistics and standard effect sizes. ResultsHigher rates of continuous abstinence during the 12-week period were observed in the LPA + Fitbit condition (55.6 %) than in the HEC condition (33.6 %); odds ratio = 2.97. However, among women who drank any alcohol during the 12-weeks, slightly higher rates of heavy drinking and drinks/day were observed among women in the LPA + Fitbit condition. Significant differences for improved mental health outcomes (including depression, anxiety, negative affect, positive affect, perceived stress, and behavioral activation) and increased self-reported physical activity were consistently observed among participants in the LPA + Fitbit condition, relative to HEC. ConclusionsThe LPA + Fitbit program had a positive impact on alcohol abstinence, mental health, and physical activity in adult women receiving treatment for AUD. Future research should continue to investigate the optimal implementation strategies, duration, and intensity of LPA interventions in the context of a fully-powered RCT.

Psychosocial Outcomes Associated With Types and Intensities of Physical Activity in People With Spinal Cord Injury: The Mediating Role of Self-Efficacy and Functionality.

Low rates of participation and quality of life (QoL) and high rates of psychological distress are common in spinal cord injury (SCI) population. Research has supported the mediating role of self-efficacy and functionality in improving psychosocial outcomes. Furthermore, evidence supports the impact of physical activity (PA) on psychosocial variables, but little is known about the types and intensities of PA. The objective of this study was to determine whether functionality and/or general self-efficacy (GSE) mediate the relationships between the various types of PA: (1) lifestyle and (2) leisure-time physical activity(LTPA); and various intensitiesof PA: (1) mild, (2) moderate, and (3) heavy PA with participation, psychological distress, and perception of QoL. The Physical Activity Recall Assessment for SCI, and measures of functionality, GSE, participation, psychological distress, and perception of QoL were administered to 159 participants. Path analysis was performed using Jeffrey's Amazing Statistics Program. GSE significantly mediated, and functionality partially significantly mediated, the relationship between LTPA and psychosocial outcomes. GSE and functionality did not mediate the relationship between lifestyle activity and psychosocial outcomes. It is recommended that people with SCI perform LTPA on a regular basis to achieve psychosocial benefits. These programs should be accompanied by strategies to improve GSE.

HEALTH STATUS, PHYSICAL FITNESS AND CORRELATES TO PHYSICAL ACTIVITY OF CHILDREN IN SOUTH ITALY

The inverse relationship between sedentary habits, physical fitness, self-perception, and enjoyment during physical activity (PA) has been widely demonstrated by international literature. Furthermore, according to recent epidemiological report, Italy is one of the European countries with the highest prevalence of overweight and obese children and adolescents. The present study aims to assess physical fitness levels, self-perception and enjoyment in a sample of 3676 primary school children (M = 1861, F = 1815, mean age = 9-10 years) attending the SBAM! project in Apulia, Southern Italy. The objective is to provide epidemiological data of the health status of children through the assessment of BMI Z-scores, physical fitness and factors related to the practice of PA. The following physical fitness test were proposed: standing long jump, (SLJ), shuttle run 10x4, (10x4), and 6 minutes walk test (6MWT), to assess lower limb explosive strength, agility and coordination, and aerobic endurance, respectively. Two validated questionnaires were used to assess self-perception and enjoyment. Results showed a large percentage of children that were overweight/obese or underweight, and a negative relation with physical fitness test and questionnaires. Moreover, normal weight sample had better motor performance, self-perception, and enjoyment during PA than underweight or overweight/obese groups. These results confirm the needs to promote and develop projects and institutional interventions aimed at enhancing physical activity and healthy lifestyles in Southern Italy.