Physical Activity Participation Research Articles

The association between hip adductor and extensor strength, and hip-related patient-reported outcomes in patients with longstanding hip and groin pain: an exploratory cross-sectional study

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to assess the association between hip muscle strength and hip-related patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in patients with longstanding hip and groin pain (LHGP). DesignCross-sectional design SettingOrthopedic care ParticipantsEighty-one patients with LHGP were consecutively recruited Main Outcome MeasuresHip muscle strength was measured in adduction and extension. Hip-related PROMs was measured with the Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS) which includes six subscales (Symptoms, Pain, Activity in Daily Living (ADL), Physical Function in Sports and Recreation (Sport/Rec), Participation in Physical Activities (PA), and Quality of Life (QoL). Linear regression examined the association between hip muscle strength and each HAGOS subscale. ResultsGreater isometric hip muscle strength in adduction was associated with better HAGOS score for Pain and ADL (p≤0.037), but not for Symptoms, Sport/Rec, PA, or QoL (p≥0.154). Greater isometric hip muscle strength in extension was associated with better HAGOS score for Symptoms, Pain, and ADL (p ≤0.034), but not for Sport/Rec, PA, or QoL (p ≥0.084). ConclusionsIn patients with LHGP, greater isometric hip muscle strength seems to be associated with less symptoms and pain, and better function in ADL. No association was found for Sport/Rec, PA, or QoL.

Youth Health Trends in Northern Portugal: Analyzing Diet, Physical Activity, and Body Image

(1) Background: In the face of global concerns regarding unhealthy lifestyles among youths, understanding dietary habits, physical activity, and weight management strategies among third-cycle students in Portugal becomes essential. This study aims to evaluate the extent to which middle school students adhere to the Mediterranean diet and assess their physical activity habits and overall weight perceptions. (2) Methods: This study is a cross-sectional observational study. Using self-reported data from a sample of 232 students aged between 12 and 18, this study delved into their dietary patterns, engagement in physical activities, perceptions of weight, and weight management approaches, measured by the KIDMED and YRB questionnaires. (3) The results demonstrated that adolescents engaged in a varied diet, and 65.5% had recently engaged in physical activity. However, 25% reported exercise-related injuries, suggesting potential safety gaps. Extreme weight management practices were minimal, but a disparity in weight perception and weight loss desire emerged, hinting at underlying societal and media influences. Gender differences in certain habits were minimal. (4) Conclusions: While students were generally inclined towards healthy habits, there are evident areas of concern, particularly regarding safety in physical activities and weight perceptions. In the future, interventions should be implemented to increase students’ literacy and raise awareness of the Mediterranean diet and physical well-being.

The Impact of Sports Participation on College Students' Learning Outcomes: A Mixed Methods Study based on Multiple Campuses

Plato said: In order for humans to have a successful life, God provides two channels-education and sports. We are increasingly seeing that these two channels are complementary and indispensable. Modern neuroscience research shows that sports can have beneficial effects on brain structure and function, epigenetic regulation of brain tissue, cerebral cortex activity patterns and learning-related psychological factors, thereby improving students' cognitive abilities and academic performance. This study aims to explore the multifaceted effects of sports participation on college students' learning outcomes. A mixed research method was used to collect data in three different types of universities, including a questionnaire survey of 500 students and in-depth interviews with 20 students and 10 faculty members. Quantitative analysis showed that moderate sports participation was significantly related to better academic performance, higher mental health and stronger time management skills. However, excessive participation in physical activities may have a negative impact on study time. Qualitative data further revealed how sport participation enhanced students' self-confidence, teamwork and stress management skills. The study also found that the impact of sports participation varies depending on students' personal backgrounds and the characteristics of their universities. Based on the research results, this article puts forward practical suggestions to promote the balanced development of college students, providing a basis for higher education institutions to formulate relevant policies.

Is being a physically active parent related to having a physically active son/daughter?

Abstract Background Engaging in physical activity (PA) during childhood and adolescence can promote lifelong healthy habits and improve overall health. Physically active parents could play a key role in influencing the sons’ and daughters’ PA. The study aimed to evaluate the levels of PA among children and adolescents and to investigate the possible relationship with PA levels of parents. Methods This cross-sectional study involved a random sample of parents of a son/daughter aged 5 to 17 years in the Southern part of Italy. Data were collected through an anonymous self-administered questionnaire designed to retrieve i) sociodemographic characteristics and anthropometric data, ii) parent’s knowledge about the World Health Organization’s (WHO) guidelines (GL) about PA, iii) levels of PA of son/daughter and parent. Results Preliminary findings refer to a sample of 230 parents, of whom, 52.2% were women with a mean age of 38.6 (SD ± 6.8) years. The vast majority of the sample was employed (79.6%) and married (89.1%). Less than half (48.7%) were knowledgeable about WHO’s GLs for PA both in adults (52.6%) and children/adolescents (74.8%). Almost two-thirds (63%) of parents practised PA according to WHO’s GLs. Among sons/daughters, 44.4% practised PA according to WHO’s GLs. The results of the multivariate analysis showed that sons/daughters of physically active parents had higher odds of practising PA according to WHO’s GLs (OR:6.48, 95%CI:3.29-12.79). Similarly, those with parents knowledgeable about WHO’s GLs for PA (OR:3.19, 95%CI:1.75-5.83) were more likely to practise PA according to WHO’s GLs. Conclusions Preliminary results reveal a lack of compliance with WHO’s GL on PA, especially among children and adolescents. This is of concern since it is linked to negative health outcomes in the future. The figure that sons/daughters of active parents had a higher likelihood of being active highlights that public health organizations should prioritise family-based interventions for PA. Key messages • Almost one-third of adults and more than half of the children and adolescents in the sample did not comply with WHO’s recommendations for physical activity. • Sons and daughters of physically active parents are more likely to be active, prompting the need for family-based public health intervention to promote physical activity.

Impact of retirement on physical activity in older adults: a longitudinal analysis from SHARE

Abstract Background With ageing populations experiencing longer post-retirement years, understanding the influence of major life transitions on health behaviours such as physical activity (PA) is crucial. This study assesses how retirement affects PA levels by analysing longitudinal data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE). Methods This analysis utilised longitudinal data from 2004 to 2020, categorising PA according to WHO guidelines adapted to individual-level data from successive waves of SHARE. The study examined the relative risks (RR) of being physically active, using generalised estimating equation models to compare periods before and after retirement. Results The cohort consisted of 8,998 individuals aged 50 and older who were employed at baseline and retired during the study period. Initially, 83.6% of participants were categorised as physically active. A noticeable decline in PA was observed post-retirement, with RR decreasing from 1.08 (95%CI 1.07-1.10) more than 10 years before retirement to 0.90 (95%CI 0.88-0.93) more than 10 years after retirement, compared to the year of retirement. Previously inactive individuals often increased their PA levels, peaking 3 to 4 years post-retirement (RR increased from 0.79, 95%CI 0.70-0.88, to 1.49, 95%CI 1.36-1.63), suggesting a temporary boost in moderate-intensity PA during the so-called “honeymoon phase”. Conclusions Retirement can serve as a window of opportunity for enhancing leisure-time PA, particularly among those previously inactive. Sustained increases in PA are less common, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to support continued engagement in PA among retirees. The variations in PA trends suggest that interventions should be tailored to individual characteristics such as age at retirement, previous job type, and educational background to maximise public health impact. This study underscores the challenges of ensuring long-term health benefits through PA. Key messages • Retirement significantly alters physical activity patterns, highlighting an opportunity for targeted health interventions. • Longitudinal data reveals critical periods post-retirement that could benefit from public health strategies to maintain or increase physical activity among older adults.

Applying the FRAME for Systematic Adaptation of a State Health Curriculum to Enhance Physical Activity and Family Engagement.

A systematic adaptation of an evidence-based state health curriculum (Michigan Model for Health™, MMH) was created to enhance physical activity and family engagement materials but retain the core functional elements of the curriculum. The Framework for Reporting Adaptations and Modifications-Enhanced (FRAME) was used to document the adaptation, which used materials from an evidence-informed physical activityprogram (Interrupting Prolonged sitting with ACTivity, InPACT). Acceptability, appropriateness, feasibility, and perceived value of the adaptation were assessed by key stakeholders, regional school health coordinators (HCs). A planned, fidelity-consistent adaptation was created in which InPACT resources were integrated into the MMH curriculum, with recommended integrations packaged in a supplemental guide. Training was modified as appropriate. The guide had high acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility among HCs (n = 17), and 71% of HCs (n = 24) indicated that it had really strong value. Next steps involve implementing the adapted curriculum and evaluating its effects on family engagement, youth physical activity levels, and overall curriculum effectiveness.

Lifestyle factors associated with episodic memory in middle-aged and older adults: evidence from a 9-year longitudinal study

BackgroundEpisodic memory naturally deteriorates with age, and its deficits are widely recognized as the most significant feature and the most sensitive indicator of cognitive decline. It has been suggested that adopting a healthy lifestyle can play a protective role in preserving episodic memory. This study aimed to systematically examine the relationship between lifestyle factors (social activities, leisure activities, physical activities, internet use, smoking, alcohol drinking, and sleep quality) and episodic memory in middle-aged and older adults.MethodsThe current study included 10,392 participants from the Chinese Health and Retirement Longitudinal Survey. A linear mixed model was used to explore the associations between lifestyle factors and episodic memory performance and the age- and sex-specific effects of the association.ResultsLow-frequency alcohol drinking, higher engagement in social, leisure, and physical activities, increased internet use, and improved sleep quality were associated with better episodic memory performance in middle-aged and older adults. Stratified analyses demonstrated that internet use significantly correlated with episodic memory performance in middle-aged adults but not in older adults. On the other hand, sleep quality showed a significant association with episodic memory performance in women but not in men.ConclusionsThis study highlights the association between various lifestyle factors and episodic memory performance, with variations observed based on age and sex. Adopting healthy lifestyle factors can have positive effects on episodic memory in middle-aged adults, emphasizing the importance of adhering to healthy lifestyles from middle age onwards to counteract episodic memory decline.

Culturally-relevant physical activity for public health promotion: global evidence synthesis

Abstract Background The WHO has noted the importance of cultural insights for health. Culturally-relevant physical activity has a growing evidence base in many regions and specific populations, but the scope and scale for global health promotion is underexplored. Methods A multinational expert team used a critical literature review method to: (1) define culturally-relevant physical activity; (2) delineate relevant characteristics supporting inclusion in population-level health promotion and surveillance; and (3) provide agenda setting in research, policy, and practice from a global public health promotion perspective. The critical review method, which evaluates rather than summarizes literature, was chosen as the research evidence is complex, broad, and has not been synthesized previously from this perspective. Results Culturally-relevant physical activity was defined as practices that include physical activity based on a population’s cultural customs. These can be Indigenous (e.g., hula, an Indigenous dance of Native Hawaiians) or regional (e.g., Shota (Shotë), an Albanian folk dance). Practices have shared characteristics that support multi-dimensional value for health, engagement, and healing. These include a collectivist, intergenerational component, passed from elders and shared forward with children as part of a community. Many have foundations in nature, a strength for health and wellbeing in green and blue spaces. Many include traditional art, clothing, accessories, and music with deep significance, including care for the tools and location of practice (e.g, drums, boats, land). Many practices would not be captured in harmonized public health surveillance systems despite their value. From this synthesis, research hypotheses were created and next steps proposed. Conclusions This evidence synthesis supports engagement, planning, uptake, policy, surveillance, and study of culturally-relevant physical activity for public health promotion locally and globally. Key messages • An important strength of culturally-relevant physical activity is that it is context and population specific. However, this may hide the scope and scale of the existing evidence supporting this work. • This evidence synthesis confirms how culturally-relevant physical activity is valuable globally across shared assets in research and practice, supporting next steps for public health promotion.

Unveiling the association between 24-hour movement guidelines and academic engagement in adolescents.

The aim of this research is to examine the relationship between adherence to different possible combinations of the 24-hour movement guidelines and academic engagement in adolescents. The cross-sectional study involved 742 students (median = 15.00; interquartile range = 3.00), aged 12 to 17 years (422 girls; 56.9%). Physical activity, screen time, sleep duration, and academic engagement were measured using self-report measurements. A generalized additive mixed model and a generalized linear mixed model were used to examine the association between adherence to 24-hour movement guidelines and academic engagement. Age, sex, socioeconomic status, body mass index, and school were considered as covariates. Students who met all three guidelines showed the highest levels of academic engagement. Conversely, the lowest levels of academic engagement were observed in those who did not meet any of the guidelines. In addition, students' academic engagement was higher as more 24-hour movement guidelines were met. Our results suggest the importance of jointly promoting 24-hour movement guidelines, as it appears to have greater benefits on adolescent academic outcomes. Not meeting any of the three 24-hour movement guidelines was associated with lower academic engagement. Meeting all three 24-hour movement guidelines was related to higher academic engagement. Previous research has focused on the association between the three 24-hour movement guidelines and academic performance. However, the relationships of these behaviors on academic engagement have been little studied. The results of this study highlight the importance of promoting these three behaviors in adolescent academic outcomes.

A Multi-Modal Approach for A Healthier Weight and More Active Lifestyle

Abstract Background Obesity and overweight has been increasing globally and in the UK over the last few years, bringing along a wide array of challenges in health and wellbeing. Not only do they take a heavy toll on those affected, but obesity and overweight-related ill-health is costing the UK National Health Service £6.1 with projected costs to run up to £9.7 billion in 2050. This project aimed to apply artificial intelligence to identify the predictive indicators for obesity and co-create an intervention with public health practitioners and stakeholders. Methods Using health and wellbeing public health population data from the 2015, 2018 and 2022 from a city in the East Midlands, we applied artificial intelligence that uses machine learning techniques to discover insights, find hidden patterns and discover relationships in the data about engaging in physical activity and a healthy diet. The data on dietary choices and physical activity preferences were further analysed using advanced machine learning techniques. Results The outcomes from our machine learning process revealed patterns of physical activity engagement and diet from specific locations, along with a range of demographic variables that influence individuals’ patterns of physical ability and dietary practices. These findings, which will be presented in detail, have been integrated into a comprehensive city map. This map not only showcases opportunities for engaging in a healthy lifestyle but also aids in prioritising interventions in areas of greatest need. Conclusions The AI technology we employed allowed us to parameterise and generalise our findings with the possibility of scaling up the machine learning approach to other similar datasets. The findings facilitated the development of bespoke training for public health officers working with underserved communities, further demonstrating the impact of applying AI to inform the design of public health interventions. Key messages • Applying Artificial Intelligence to public health data has the potential to inform the development of effective interventions and increase precision. • Using AI in public health data can generate new insights into population health and well-being and inform public health policy.

A Call for the Implementation of Physical Activity as a Vital Sign (PAVS) During Pregnancy

Despite decades of research and clinical insights on the importance of physical activity during pregnancy for maternal and infant health, over 75% of pregnant individuals do not meet general physical activity guidelines of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical each week. This may be due to several barriers that restrict engagement in physical activity during pregnancy. Without providing individualized facilitators to overcome these respective barriers, physical activity engagement during pregnancy may be severely limited and/or reduced. This literary review presents the challenges specific populations face and strategies to facilitate the inclusion of physical activity as a vital sign (PAVS) during pregnancy to assist individuals to engage in and maintain physical activity throughout pregnancy. Additionally, the Exercise is Medicine’s global initiative’s ability to assist in implementing PAVS during pregnancy is discussed. We conclude by defining recommendations for routine prenatal care to consider PAVS to aid pregnant individuals in meeting physical activity guidelines.

Living with COPD and its psychological effects on participating in community-based physical activity in Brazil: a qualitative study. Findings from the Breathe Well group

Physical activity (PA) improves dyspnoea, psychological wellbeing and quality of life (QoL) for people with COPD reducing their risk of exacerbation. However, engagement in PA is low especially amongst those with anxiety and depression, and PA programmes are limited in countries with limited resources such as Brazil. We explored perceptions of 21 people with COPD about the impact of their disease on taking part in community-based PA programmes in Sao Paulo, Brazil through semi-structured telephone interviews from October 2020 to April 2021. Discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analysed using the Framework method. Five themes were identified: Knowledge about COPD and its management; Self-perception of life with COPD; Knowledge and experiences of depression and anxiety; Opinions on PA and repercussions of COVID-19. PA was considered to be important in bringing physical and mental health benefits but there were barriers in accessibility of formal PR programmes and therefore local community PA programmes were considered to be important. People with mental health conditions tended to view PA more negatively. COVID-19 had reduced PA opportunities, access to COPD treatment and social interaction, and was associated with more exacerbations and emotional suffering. In general, this study showed an urgent need to improve knowledge about COPD and its risk factors and management among both patients, the public and primary healthcare professionals. We provide important content for the formulation of public policies for the implementation of specific activity programmes for people with COPD in community spaces using local resources and intersectoral partnerships.

Evaluating the Psychometric Properties of a Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Identity Scale: Survey Study With Two Independent Samples of Adults in the United States.

Emerging evidence suggests a positive association between relevant aspects of one's psychological identity and physical activity engagement, but the current understanding of this relationship is primarily based on scales designed to assess identity as a person who exercises, leaving out essential aspects of physical activities (eg, incidental and occupational physical activity) and sedentary behavior. The goal of this study is to evaluate the validity of a new physical activity and sedentary behavior (PA/SB) identity scale using 2 independent samples of US adults. In study 1, participants answered 21 candidate items for the PA/SB identity scale and completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF). Study 2 participants completed the same PA/SB identity items twice over a 1-week interval and completed the IPAQ-SF at the end. We performed factor analyses to evaluate the structure of the PA/SB identity scale, evaluated convergent validity and test-retest reliability (in study 2) of the final scale scores, and examined their discriminant validity using tests for differences in dependent correlations. The final PA/SB identity measure was comprised of 3 scales: physical activity role identity (F1), physical activity belief (F2), and sedentary behavior role identity (F3). The scales had high test-retest reliability (Pearson correlation coefficient: F1, r=0.87; F2, r=0.75; F3, r=0.84; intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC]: F1: ICC=0.85; F2: ICC=0.75; F3: ICC=0.84). F1 and F2 were positively correlated with each other (study 1, r=0.76; study 2, r=0.69), while both were negatively correlated with F3 (Pearson correlation coefficient between F1 and F3: r=-0.58 for study 1 and r=-0.73 for study 2; F2 and F3: r=-0.46 for studies 1 and 2). Data from both studies also demonstrated adequate discriminant validity of the scale developed. Significantly larger correlations with time in vigorous and moderate activities and time walking and sitting assessed by IPAQ-SF with F1, compared with F2, were observed. Significantly larger correlations with time in vigorous and moderate activities with F1, compared with F3, were also observed. Similarly, a larger correlation with time in vigorous activities and a smaller correlation with time walking were observed with F2, compared with F3. This study provided initial empirical evidence from 2 independent studies on the reliability and validity of the PA/SB identity scales for adults.

Using Qualitative Geospatial Methods to Explore Physical Activity in Children with Developmental Disabilities: A Feasibility Study

Children with developmental disabilities (DDs) experience barriers to physical activity (PA) participation. Greater contextual information regarding their PA behaviors is needed for effective PA promotion. We investigated the feasibility of using activity trackers and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) devices with follow-up interviews to explore PA behaviors in children with DDs. Fifteen children with DDs (aged 10 ± 2 years) wore an activity tracker and GPS device for 7 days. Data were time-aligned to measure PA and identify PA locations. Maps were created to guide follow-up semi-structured interviews with the children and their parents/guardians to understand PA contexts and perceptions of daily PA. The children took 8680 ± 4267 steps/day across 6 ± 1 days. The children provided preferences for PA locations and the parents/guardians gave context by expressing how DDs affect PA and identifying environmental factors in PA locations. The children with DDs who lived near parks, participated in PA that leveraged the strengths of their individual skillsets, and had parents/guardians who provided social support had more positive PA experiences. Combining activity tracking and GPS data with follow-up map-based interviews is feasible to explore PA behaviors and the experiences of children with DDs. This methodology may provide novel insight into daily PA in children with DDs, which can inform how future interventions can support them to be more active and have positive experiences while being active.

Telehealth-delivered physical activity interventions provided by maternal healthcare services influence postpartum women’s engagement in physical activity: a systematic review

The benefits of physical activity in the postpartum population are well documented, and regarded as being vitally important to the recovery process. Psychological health, musculoskeletal conditions, cardiorespiratory fitness and weight retention are among the postpartum health issues that physical activity can positively influence. Although international guidelines for physical activity postpartum have been published, there is a lack of current research into the effectiveness of, and patient compliance with, physical activity programmes in this population. Physiotherapists are well placed to deliver physical activity interventions for these women because of the multidisciplinary maternal healthcare services that are provided for them. The focus of this paper is to examine the available evidence regarding how the delivery and accessibility of physical activity programmes have changed with the exponential growth of telehealth. A detailed systematic literature search limited to randomized controlled trials published in English was performed for the period from 2014 to 2022. Four relevant publications were identified that utilized an element of telehealth physical activity in the postpartum population, although the timescale and definition of postpartum was not standardized across the papers. The findings of this literature review indicate that there is tentative support for the use of remote intervention as a means of improving physical activity in postpartum patients. The literature does not provide a consensus on the most appropriate length, type or duration of telehealth-delivered postpartum physical activity intervention for this population. There is a need for future high-quality research to investigate the effect of remote physical activity delivery on cost-effectiveness and patient satisfaction.

The relevance of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals in the promotion of sport, physical activity, and recreation in Canada.

Canada is unique in that it has established four national strategies in support of sport, physical activity, and/or recreation (SPAR). Though some of these strategies identify potential social and environmental correlates of SPAR, and articulate societal outcomes such as changes in behaviour and health, there are no explicit links to larger global initiatives such as the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Given that countries are expected to propose a plan for addressing the 17 SDGs, and that obvious overlap exists between several of the proposed development goals and SPAR, Canada should consider whether common indicators can be identified across these strategies and the SDGs simultaneously to facilitate more efficient and effective action. To date, the only SPAR-related indicator proposed in the Canadian plan for SDGs is the health benefit(s) associated with engagement in daily physical activity under Goal 3. Taking an evidence-informed approach for identifying those SDGs for which there are synergies with existing SPAR strategies, we suggest that other goals addressing gender equality, sustainable communities, climate action, life on the land, and peace and justice also share co-benefits with SPAR in Canada. Thus, any revisions to the existing SPAR strategies should identify linkages to the SDGs and indicators.

'You have to make it accessible and it's really not': priority actions to support disabled people to be physically active.

Disabled people are more likely than non-disabled people to be physically inactive, placing them at increased risk of ill-health. Many disabled people want to be more physically active yet feel there is inadequate support to do so. Evidence on the tangible actions that would support disabled people to be active is limited. The aim of this study was to explore the key actions that would best support disabled people's participation in physical activity. Twenty-one disabled people (62% >45 years, 48% male) were purposively sampled to take part in online focus groups (2-6 participants per group). Six focus groups were undertaken using a semi-structured guide, with transcripts thematically analysed. Thirteen themes were identified across four levels of the ecological model - interpersonal, institutional, community, and policy. Priority actions include mandatory training on how to support disabled people, improvements to the accessibility of facilities and equipment, improved frequency of public transport to activity centres, and actions to improve societal attitudes towards disabled people. A systems-based approach is needed, combining actions across levels of the ecological model, to ensure equitable access to physical activity for disabled people.

Acne-Related Quality of Life and Mental Health Among Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Analysis.

Acne vulgaris is one of the most common skin conditions worldwide among adolescents. Beyond its physical manifestations, acne can leave invisible psychological scars. We aimed to examine the protective and risk factors of acne-related quality of life, and its association with mental health outcomes. The analysis included data collected in 2023 from adolescents enrolled in the SEROCoV-KIDS population-based cohort. By combining the Acne Severity and Acne-Quality of Life (Acne-QoL) scales, three groups were established: Acne-LowAQoL (adolescents with acne and low Acne-related Quality of Life), Acne-HighAQoL, and NoAcne-HighAQoL. We used multinomial and logistic regression to assess the association between health behaviours, these groups, and mental health outcomes. Among 335 adolescents (mean age 16.1 years [SD 1.8], 56% female), 65 (19.4%) reported experiencing acne while maintaining a high Acne-QoL, 26 (7.7%) reported having acne and a low Acne-QoL and 244 (72.9%) reported having nearly no acne. Low engagement in physical activity (aOR: 0.30, 95% CI: 0.12-0.77), addictive use of social media (aOR: 3.78, 95%CI: 1.60-8.96), and prolonged screen time (aOR: 2.99, 95%CI: 1.26-7.08) were independently associated with Acne-LowAQoL. Conversely, those from the group Acne-HighAQoL reported higher social support (aOR: 1.95, 95%CI: 1.07-3.54). Adolescents with Acne-LowAQoL showed lower levels of self-esteem, resilience, and increased psychological distress. Among adolescents with acne, physical activity and social support were positively associated with good acne-related quality of life, which translated into better mental health. In contrast, screen time and social media use notably reduced it. Dermatologists should incorporate these considerations into clinical practice to ensure effective patient care.

Self-compassion improves barrier self-efficacy and subsequently physical activity: A test of longitudinal mediation using a representative sample of the United Kingdom.

Self-compassion, which directs the awareness of suffering, sympathetic concerns and caring motives towards oneself, is an important psychological quality and resource for health and well-being. In the context of physical activity, self-compassion can help individuals overcome obstacles, recuperate from a setback or a lapse and engage in regular physical activity. The present research was the first to examine the longitudinal effects of self-compassion on physical activity and the mediation role of barrier self-efficacy of such effects. We recruited a national representative sample of 654 UK adults and followed them over three timepoints across 9 months. At each time point, participants completed an online survey assessing levels of state self-compassion, barrier self-efficacy and physical activity behaviours. We examined the longitudinal effects of self-compassion on physical activity and the mediation role of barrier self-efficacy. Baseline state self-compassion consistently correlated with physical activity levels at Times 2 and 3. Barrier self-efficacy at Time 2 mediated the longitudinal effect of baseline state self-compassion on Time 3 physical activity, after controlling for within- (e.g., Time 1 on Time 2 self-compassion) and between-person variations (e.g., covariance of self-compassion and physical activity within a timepoint). Adopting a self-compassionate mind facilitates engagement and maintenance of physical activity. Future studies could consider accelerometer-based physical activity measures and develop and validate a more context-specific state self-compassion measure tailored for physical activity contexts. Researchers and practitioners should consider incorporating self-compassion to future interventions and education programmes for promoting physical activity.

Association of depressive symptoms and engagement in physical activity with event-free survival in patients with heart failure

BackgroundHeart failure (HF) subtype, depressive symptoms, and physical inactivity independently contribute to survival outcomes, but the effect of the interaction of these variables on survival outcomes remains unknown. ObjectivesWe aimed to determine whether depressive symptoms and engagement in physical activity differentially interact to predict the combined endpoint of all-cause death or rehospitalization among patients with HF and reduced (HFrEF) or preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). MethodsThis study was a secondary analysis. The sample was categorized by the presence or absence of depressive symptoms, and engagement or non-engagement in physical activity. Cox proportional hazard modeling was used to predict the combined endpoint of all-cause death or rehospitalization. ResultsA total of 1002 patients with HF were included (mean age 64.3 ± 12.7 years; 637 males [64 %]; 844 White [84 %]). Among them, 35.3 % did not engage in physical activity, while 64.7 % engaged in any level of physical activity, and 29.7 % had depressive symptoms. In both subtypes, depressive symptoms were associated with the highest risk of all-cause death or rehospitalization. Among patients with HFrEF, those with depressive symptoms who did not engage in physical activity were associated with a 136 % higher risk of the combined endpoint, while among those with HFpEF, depressive symptoms and engagement in physical activity were associated with a 78 % higher risk. ConclusionsDepressive symptoms and lack of physical activity predicted the combined endpoint of all-cause death or rehospitalization among patients with HFrEF, while depressive symptoms alone were the strongest predictor among patients with HFpEF.